Fallout Stalliongrad

(I have ninety nine problems, and raiders are just one)

It had been about two weeks since we first discovered the mystery's in that building; and to be honest we had all but forgotten about it say for the nagging feeling we still had that something needed to be solved. Even Fuse had lost interest in it and instead kept herself busy with her new role as the scavenger team's new tech pony. I kept going out with them as well, but I avoided any more mysteries and kept to plain old scavenging. We had a good thing going to be honest and were raking in the caps. The raiders continued to be a nuisance however and it quickly was becoming apparent to all of us that they soon would have to be dealt with in order to give the city a fighting chance of survival in terms of trade and becoming established.

I kept up my job at the tavern as well and was being trained by Shotglass the basics of becoming a bar-pony, something I wanted to know how to do so that if I ever found myself in a town with a bar or tavern I had something to start a conversation and learn things. As the first month for both me and Fuse in the wasteland came to a close there was an influx of traders from nearby towns and settlements, the Spezneighs had cleared a few roads to the city and kept them open for the little bit of trade that kept not just us, but the city alive. Fuse turned out to be quite the barterer and could trade and buy like the best of them, I chalked it up to her personality to be honest. I had never known her to not be good at bartering, but she really shined in our new home and even impressed Tinker and the rest of the scavenge team with her knowledge of prewar tech as well as being able to set prices on certain items that to the casual eye looked insignificant. The tavern was quite busy with all the new faces and caravan guards wanting to get drunk and have a good rest before going back out in to hell; and Shotglass was all too willing to give them what they wanted...for a price of course. Fuse took it upon herself to clean a few of the unused rooms of our base and turned them in to a motel of sorts; Shotglass had no problem with this seeing as it meant more caps for us, and soon she was the mare in charge of renting the rooms out, Tinker became the pony in charge of repairs that needed to be done to virtually anything under the...clouds, yeah clouds; seeing as the sun was a lie. Center Mass and Shadow squad would escort the caravans through the city all the way to the very outskirts where they would be safe from the Coltchevics and in return would charge a small fee which the caravans had no problem paying; in other words things finally were looking up for Stalliongrad.

...

It was during a particularly good night that we all got a shock; I was behind the bar as was Shotglass when a familiar voice rang in my ears.

"Damn Simareian Forest gets fucking cold in winter; and if you aren't prepared for it...well lets just say hello snow-pony." I knew that gravelly voice anywhere and my head shot up looking for its owner. Looking to Shotglass I could tell he had heard the voice as well. Stepping from behind the bar and in to the crowd I went over to a group of ponies that were gathered around a table; they were just caravan guards..say for one; at least I didn't think he was a guard until I heard him speak again.

"That fucking pass between Vladihaystock and here is a nightmare! Only a suicidal pony with a death wish would dare to take that pass; they don't call it the Ursa Mountain range for nothing you know! Those bears, if you can call them bears at least refuse to allow any pony safe passage through that pass; and we are stuck having to spend an extra half a month traversing the more dangerous mountain pass's IT'S NOT FUCKING FAIR DAMN IT! If only some pony would be reasonable and attempt to talk to them instead of... oh I don't know...shooting at them, then maybe we might get somewhere with them."

"Blaze is it really you! How the fuck have you been, sorry to interrupt you ponies but I haven't seen this son of a bitch in a long fucking time. where's Sweet Shot at? Did you two come here together, or are you alone?"

"Firing Pin! Is it really you? shit, yeah; Sweet Shot is here in fact she might be talking to Fuse about a room for a couple of days. Say Firing Pin; our caravan is short a couple of ponies and...well I was wandering if you two would like to accompany us to St Pinkiesburg? I mean if it'd be alright with Shotglass that is?"

By the time Blaze was done talking Shotglass was there and caught the last bit of our conversation, but knew what it was about and grinned at me. At least I thought he was grinning at me, until he patted Blaze on the back and asked him where he had been over the month.

"Well as you know, both Sweet Shot and I are mercs; and we never pass up a job. So when we heard about a small village having trouble with slavers we couldn't pass up an opportunity to help the folks out by providing a...deterrent, if you catch my drift."

Looking to Shotglass I raised an eyebrow in confusion. This was the first I had ever heard of slavers, and by the way they were talking I needed to learn more.

"What is a slaver Blaze? You can`t honestly be saying that there are ponies that own slaves can you?"

"Kid thats exactly what Im saying. While not as bloodthirsty as raiders, slavers are bad news. There are a few places in the wastes where slave labor is used to rebuild old cities; one of those is Maremansk. The city is run by a slaver named Iron Shackle and he is supplied via the Maremansk river and his slaves come from all over the world via transport ships, those ships are guarded by pirates who are paid by him to keep his supply lines open. In return they often get first pick of the new slaves; what can I say, the wasteland is a fucked up place, and getting worse day by day."

"So.... no pony has done anything to oh, I don't know.. stop him and his pirates? Seems kind of odd seeing as there are branches of Spezneighs all throughout Rusha; from what you are telling me, slavery and raiders are looked upon as no big deal is that right so far Blaze? I mean I do understand that the wasteland is a hellhole, but why allow it to just keep getting worse; it doesn't make any since at all."

Blaze looked at me and then to Shotglass and I saw that same look they had when I dealt with the two raiders that attacked the tavern. This time however I was ready for it.

"You know, for a pony that has only been out here for a month you sure seem to talk a lot; has any pony ever told you that? I mean you talk as if you are going to go out and right every wrong, kiss every foal, and solve every mystery there is out there and come back, pour a shot of vodka and retire yourself; but I have only seen you fight once, not saying you suck or anything; but for one who talks a lot you haven't actually done much of anything except discover a two hundred year old mystery which no pony seems to care about. Look I'm not trying to be mean or rude, but you talk the talk; but can you trot the trot? Both me and Sweet Shot are guarding a caravan to St Pinkiesburg and are short two ponies; this will be your proving ground. The wastes between here and there are very dangerous, and the city itself is as well; if you can make it with us then I will look at you as more than just a loud mouth who thinks he has something to prove, but until then just stop talking such big and grandiose talk okay! Your a good friend Pin, but you have a lot to learn, and Sweet Shot and I will teach you. Take it from a pony who has been around a while okay, there are some bad things in this world but not enough good ponies to right the wrongs; I hope one day you will be one of the ponies that help the wastes in the end, but again for now you are just a bullet sponge in the wastes!"

Downing his shot Blaze patted me on the back and then went to look for Sweet Shot. Shotglass just looked at me and sighed.

"You know; for as long as I've known Blaze, he's never been one to be so up front and personal with any pony unless he had to be. The only other times I have seen him like this is when he has something big on his mind. Something that scares him, and that isn't much believe you me. I'll try to find Sweet Shot and see what is going on with him. I think it might have to do with this up coming trip to be honest, something just seems... off about it. Don't let him get to you, he likes you and that is all that matters; even if he's being a total ass right now. I'm sure things will be fine in the morning; now why don't we get back to work, the line to the bar is looking very long."

I quickly turned around and followed Shotglass to the bar and continued my shift. When my shift ended I did what I always did after work and poured myself a shot. Fuse had been off work for about an hour and was just relaxing at the table with me.

"So Fuse; did Sweet Shot say anything to you about what this trip is going to be about, or was she rude like Blaze was to me?"

"Why would she be rude to me; and why would Blaze be rude to you might be the better question, did you say something to him to piss him off or something? Oh and not really, she was rather.... vague about the trip; she only said that we were leaving in a couple of days, nothing more. If I may be honest with you, this doesn't seem like them to be this... stand offish; it almost seems like they are scared of this trip, though why I have no clue."

"Funny you should mention that, because that is exactly what Shotglass said. If I can be honest with you now; I am over mysteries; I would be happy if I never have to face another one in my life. Problem is though, these are our friends and they seem scared; looks like it's up to us to figure out why, and I might have an idea come on."

Taking her hoof I led her to Center Mass's office and knocked at the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Firing Pin and Short Fuse, do you have a moment to talk Center Mass?"

"I don't see why not; what's on your mind you two?"

Having permission to enter we both came in to his office and took a seat on his couch. He looked as though he had just gotten done writing something as we entered and had just put his quill down. To be honest he too looked as though he had something on his mind. Again I am not a very smart pony, but I can tell when something is up with my friends; and something was definitely up with them. He seemed to be agitated for some reason so we tried to act as though what we had to say could wait until the next day. Center Mass looked to us both as we started to get up and leave.

"Can I be honest with you two Firing Pin and Short Fuse?"

"I don't see why not sir, what's up"

"First off Pin, fuck the formalities we are all friends here; and besides it is way past duty hours, so Center Mass will do. Second; have a look at this."

He handed me a map of Rusha, specifically Stalliongrad and St pinkiesburg. "Do you see the red shaded areas on that map? Those are known raider bases between here and St pinkiesburg. It may not seem like much but they have been stepping up activity in the wastes in the last few weeks. I didn't want to tell you because I thought Blaze and Sweet were going to be gone for a while longer. I'm sure you have noticed how Blaze is acting, am I right? Well; the reason is this, we have hired them as a guard team to protect a very special caravan headed for St pinkiesburg and our main hub for the Spezneighs. I am the cargo that is going to be taken there; don't think that it was Blaze's idea for you to tag along either, it was mine. There is a meeting of all the ponies in charge of Spezneighs branches throughout the land in a week. This meeting is very important; we are going to see if we have enough forces to be able to actually start doing damage against the slavers, and raiders that continue to make life a living hell in the wastes. That pony you heard on the radio, Mr. Stalliongrad; he is coming as well to broadcast the results of this little meeting live on his show. you will be coming due to the fact that you are relatively new to the wastes and could use some field work; sufficed to say it will be a very dangerous trip and having a weapon like Stalliongrad's Thunder will come in handy in taking out the enemy before they can even be considered a threat. Of course you two do have a say in this, I mean Short Fuse I know you have a good thing going here and are engaged to be married, I don't want you two thinking you are being forced in to something against your will. Why don't you sleep on it and let me know what you decide in the morning; oh, and the reason Blaze is in a bad mood is because he doesn't want you two to go. He thinks it will be too dangerous; but I know better, remember I was there the day we met; I saw the drive to save the one you loved from harm; I just hope that same drive goes for friends as well." As he said that last part it seemed to me as though he was smirking at me, and not in a friendly type of way either; of course it could have been a smile too, I was never too good at reading body language.

As we got up to leave his office I heard Blaze's voice from down the hall. We said our good bye's and left Center Mass's office to catch up with our other friend. As we left the office Short Fuse told Center Mass that we would be joining him on the journey, no questions asked.

"Are you sure you know what you are doing fuse? I don't know if you have noticed but our friends seem to be acting very strange for some reason, it almost seems like they are hiding something from us."

"You heard Center Mass; of course they are acting strange, wouldn't you if you knew you were going to a meeting in another city across the wasteland. To be honest I would be nervous if they weren't acting the way they are right now; I mean did you see all those x's on that map indicating raider nests along the route. Any pony would be nervous at the prospect of being captured and held by raiders wouldn't they?" She had a good point so I decided to drop it all together; besides, maybe I was just reading too much in to things... again.

Closing the door to his office we set off in the direction we heard Blaze's voice, only to be stopped in our tracks when he found us.

"Hey Pin, sorry about earlier; I take it you talked to Center Mass already? Well my feelings on this matter still haven't changed; I.. shit we had better talk in your room some pony is coming."

When we reached our room he made sure to lock the door, and do a quick sweep of the area with some sort of spell.

...

"Good; no bugs. Now Pin and Short Fuse, the real reason I don't want you two going out with us is because of that little secret you two found in that building. Call it coincidence, or call it what you like but while we were helping that town in the Simareian Forest we caught wind of a few pegasi looking for you two. I know you two are new to the wastes so I'll give you the short version okay?. Those pegasi looked to be part of the Enclave; a renegade militaristic bunch of ponies that live in the sky, and only come out when threatened by something. The Enclave are very loyal and will die at the drop of a hat to complete a mission; they are ruthless and will stop at nothing to get what they want. No..."

"You can't be talking about the Grand Pegasus Enclave of Equestria can you? Those pegasi are good and noble, they were lead by a Pony named Rainbow Dash back before the bombs fell. We learn all about history in our stable when we are young, so to tell me that the Enclave is bad and evil; you have got to be joking!"

"LOOK FIRING PIN; THIS ISN'T YOUR FUCKING SAFE LITTLE HOLE IN THE FUCKING GROUND! This is a different time and place; the Enclave are not and will never be your friends! They send hunting parties after their own who turn their backs on them; The few pegasi you find out here in the wastes are called Dashites and are branded as such with Rainbow Dash's cutie mark. Look I don't know all the specifics, but you two are being hunted down; they have placed a bounty on you as well. They want whatever you found and will kill any and all who stand in their way to get it, including the caravan team you will be with. Look; take my warning or don't, but promise me one thing okay Pin; stay safe out there. Me and Sweet Shot are going as well, and if anything happens we will stick with you in the wastes okay? We both have grown rather fond of you, and.... well we consider you our best friends, and would hate to see anything happen to you especially since you two are now engaged; congratulations by the way. Well enough talk about that; LETS GO GET DRUNK!" With those words we all left my apartment for the tavern.

...

The next day was spent getting ready to go on our journey; the Spezneighs were doing target practice as were Blaze and Sweet Shot, along with Myself and Fuse. She hadn't been able to practice with her pistol and I thought it would be a good idea for her to get some in before we went out in to the wastes. I needed to get accustomed to Stalliongrad's Thunder as well, and used the time to do so. After practice I went with the scav team to sell some stuff we had laying around and try to earn caps for the trip; Fuse went along as our expert barterer. I wanted to buy some rockets and ammo for my Ck-47 and Fuse needed ammo as well so the trip was well worth the time.

After we returned to our home both I and Short Fuse went to the tavern to talk to Shotglass about a few things; namely the Enclave and what he knew about them.

"Well Pin; I'm sure Blaze told you a bit about them, am I right? What I'm sure he hasn't told you is that I sometimes deal with them here in the tavern. They don't like to look the part due to their reputation, but I know them when I see them; they carry themselves in a certain manor and conduct themselves so as to not be noticed. I only bring this up because there is a mare here looking for you; she doesn't seem hostile at all, and she came in while you all were getting drunk; I was going to say something to you but I figured you were too wasted, and Blaze would have flown off the handle at seeing a member of the Enclave here. It isn't that he has something against them; it's just that when you have been around as long as he has... you kind of tend not to trust an organization that sealed the sky up two hundred years ago and refuses to help any pony out. Anyways she is in room ten, and I told her I would send you to her room when I saw you, she's kind of cute too; I may just see if I can get a better look at her....cutiemark.. hint, hint."

"Shotglass; only you would think about getting under a new mare's tail just because she's cute, wouldn't you. I guess I can't blame you because it took me forever to get under Fuse's tail. Don't tell her I said that, she'd kill me. Anyways thanks for the heads up I'll go see her right now; also are you going to need me tonight, because we are leaving early in the morning tomorrow.

"Well when you see her you'll know what I mean by she's very cute; and no, go ahead and take the night off; tonight shouldn't be too bad and I know how early those ponies like to get up. No, no just enjoy tonight with Fuse; I know you two haven't had too much free time to yourselves as of late."

Leaving the bar I found my way to the stairs and then to room ten; knocking at the door I heard hoof steps approach.

"Coming, coming hold your horses. Hello, you must be Firing pin; please come in." Stepping in to the small room I did have to admit, she was very cute. The way her wings were held tight to her body; and her... cutiemark.. damn.

"Okay, so now that I have you here allow me to explain a few things. First off I don't care why the Enclave is looking for you; second I hate them, and third I am here to tell you that you are being hunted along with any and all involved in what transpired two weeks ago in that building. The Enclave was alerted to something in that building shortly after you all left it. That was only the beginning of why you are being hunted though; the main reason is because they are scared of what you might have discovered, and want it for themselves. They will continue hunting you until either you are no longer a threat to them, or your pipbuck and the one of your fiance are in their hooves. Again; I am not interested in any of that, I just came here to warn you, and... maybe join you to help protect you from them. I know what this entails for me and my future, and I don't care anymore; the Enclave killed my brother by sending him in to a battle that was unwinnable, ever since then I have hated them. Shit, listen to me rambling on; I haven't even introduced myself have I? My name is Captain Cold Storm of the hundred and twentieth recon regiment of the Rushan Enclave; I was tasked with the job of spying on you and then reporting my findings to my father; the commander of the brigade but I took it upon myself to come here alone and meet with you. Look; I have abandoned any and all ties with the Enclave and in doing so have put myself in a situation of no longer having a home or family. I will be talking to the leader of this chapter of the Spezneighs and seeing if he might just take me on as air support for this little adventure you all are going on tomorrow; and would like it if you came with me to talk to him, if you want to that is. It would be useful to have a pony he knows and trusts with me to show that I mean no ill will. I was going to talk to your mare friend, but thought it would be better to talk to you instead; so would you come with me to talk to the leader?"

I looked at her straight in the face, and told her that I in deed would go with her; and even told her that I would introduce her to Tinker so that she could get a few things repaired, as well as buy a few necessities for the trip.

"Well Cold Storm, if I may call you that. If you don't mean us any harm I don't see why you wouldn't be allowed to come with us; besides it would be useful to have a Pegasus with us to keep the sky clear and watch ahead for any danger. Before we go see Center Mass I'd like to introduce you to my friends first; maybe they might join us on this meeting with Center. It would help to have as many supporters behind you as you can to sway his mind don't you think? Oh, and please; just call me Pin, all my friends do and I prefer it to be honest."

"You know; I hadn't actually thought about that, thank you Firi....er Pin; now lets get out of here and go to the bar, I don't know about you but I am starving."

Stepping out of the door she made sure to lock it on her way out, and we made our way to the bar to meet Shotglass. I had an ulterior motive for this, and that was introducing her to him; also my friends would be up by now, and this would be the perfect opportunity to introduce her to them as well. Just as I expected I was met as we came down the stairs with a kiss and hug from Fuse; she looked pretty good considering how much she had drank the previous night and was in a particularly good mood. As she turned to head back down the stairs she finally noticed that I wasn't alone.

'Who's your friend Pin? I haven't seen her before; OH MY AND SHE'S A PEGASUS AS WELL! I have only ever seen them in books; she's pretty."

Cold Storm kept her composure even though she was being circled and inspected by Fuse. To her credit Cold Storm didn't even flinch a bit.

"Short Fuse, allow me to introduce you to Cold Storm. She is hoping to join us in our journey to St Pinkiesburg; and is a Captain in the Enclave. Cold Storm, this is Short Fuse; my fiance."

"Nice to meet you Short Fuse, if you two don't mind I would like it if you called me Storm; it would be better due to my leaving the Enclave and them not knowing I have left yet. I was supposed to be leading a team to spy on you two, but I hate the Enclave and all they stand for; so I just left without their knowledge. Also did you say fiance? congratulations you two; when, if I may ask were you engaged?"

"Two weeks ago, you should have seen how he did it too; I nearly killed him. He faked being injured, and proposed to me in the E.R. It was the most romantic thing I think I have ever seen him do to be honest; oh and Storm, please just call me Fuse, I hate Short Fuse; it just sounds... odd. Anyway I hate to leave Blaze and Sweet waiting at our table, your welcome to sit with us if you like Storm. Don't mind Blaze; he's a ghoul but he's actually a real softy once you get to know him. I'll be at the table when you two wish to join us, I'm sure Shotglass would like to get to know you as well; he's the bartender here." Why Fuse winked when she said that last part I'll never know; perhaps Shotglass had already told them about her and Knowing Fuse, she caught on to his...tone, and behavior. Either way, Storm and I made our way to the bar to meet Shotglass.

We made our way to the bar just as Shotglass was pouring me a shot; this was common for him, it almost seemed as though he knew I was coming and would always have a shot ready for me. He quickly gave me said shot and I downed it in one swig; then he noticed that I was with Storm and poured her one as well.

"Ahh I see you two have met; I told you she was cute didn't I?" Her grey coat quickly turned a shade of red I had never seen before, and she chuckled a bit at him. "Real subtle there Shotglass." I thought to myself as they started talking.

"You think I'm cute?" She said with a slight chuckle as she continued to turn red.

Now it was Shotglass who turned red; and I thought it was the funniest thing in the world to watch. He stuttered a few incomprehensible words before pouring another shot and trying to regain his composure. All the time Storm stood there and chuckled at his failed attempts at wooing her. It was the greatest thing ever to watch.

"Well....I uhm.. I mean; shit, I fucked that up didn't I?"

"Oh I don't know; I mean I have never been approached in that way before, I mean I'll give you an E for effort there Shotglass; but an F on execution. But I do have to say; you are pretty handsome yourself, perhaps we could try again. Maybe tonight at dinner, I mean that is if you don't have any plans that is."

Shotglass nearly fainted at those words and it took all he had not to just outright kiss her right there. It kind of reminded me of how Fuse and I first met; and how awkward it was at first. I couldn't help but laugh at him as he continued to try to make up for what had just happened, and to my and Shotglass's shock; she kissed him. I thought it was just to shut him up, but it seemed like a legitimate kiss, most of all Shotglass was a complete gentle stallion about it. After the kiss Storm looked as though she needed another drink, and shotglass was right on it. "Well that's two friends of mine she has been introduced to; now for Blaze and Sweet Shot, let's hope this goes well." I thought to myself as we made our way to where Fuse, Sweet, and Blaze were sitting.

Sweet Shot was the first to speak up as we approached their table and looked cautiously at the newcomer. Blaze followed her to see what she was looking at, and his ears flattened as he saw her.

"What.. the.. fuck is the Enclave doing here! Pin, do you know who you are with by any chance?"

"As a matter of fact Blaze; I do know who she is, her name is Cold Storm and yes I do know what she is. Now before you start yelling and making a scene; let me explain why she is here okay?! Former Captain Cold Storm has left the Enclave, and has informed me that both I and Short Fuse are being hunted by the Enclave due to our uncovering of that mystery we found two weeks ago. She wishes to join us on this trip tomorrow and provide an eye in the sky to watch for any attack by the Enclave, and to provide cover in the event of a possible raider attack as well. She means no harm, and to be honest we were hoping you two along with Fuse would go with us when she goes to talk to Center Mass about her plans."

"But... she's Enclave Pin; she can't be trusted, I have seen what the Enclave does to those who oppose them first hoof and it isn't pretty. Have you ever seen a fucking Raptor, or a thunderhead, or for that matter a sky tank? I have; and I saw no mercy given during the attack on Mosscow a few years ago. But I do suppose that if she were here to capture you, she would have already done so. okay Pin, we're with you."

"Wait; did you just say something about the attack on Mosscow? My brother was killed in that attack; we knew we were out numbered, but the high command told them to keep fighting. Damn Enclave, they just didn't get it and it cost the lives of many good pegasi; including my brother. That is why I wish to help you ponies out; the Enclave is up to something, and it has to do with that secret Pin and Fuse found in that building. Look; I have no home left, I have given up being in the Enclave and will be just as hunted as you all will be. But my fate is much worse if I am captured; Blaze I know you don't trust the Enclave, as well you shouldn't, but I am no longer a part of it. I will lose my cutie mark, and be labeled a Dashite if they capture me; all I ask is that I am able to prove to you that I am telling you the truth okay?"

With that all said, Blaze actually looked happy. His ears returned to normal and he even pulled up a chair for Storm so she could eat with us. Sweet Shot and Fuse looked satisfied as well.

"Well then Storm, if I may call you that; welcome to the group. I apologize for my introduction, but I am just looking out for my friends; you do understand don't you? Allow me to introduce myself properly; I am Blaze, and this is my mare friend Sweet Shot. Now then, can we please order something to fucking eat; I am very hungry, and we have a lot to do today to prepare for tomorrow. Oh; and Storm, of course we will be there for you when you talk to Center Mass."

After we all ate it was time to go and see Center Mass; luckily for us he was actually in the tavern and was just getting done eating, thank the wasteland for small favors right? We asked him if he could take a seat, and told him we had some pony to introduce him to; he agreed and we stepped aside for Storm to take a seat with him. Now I'm no expert on things; but I can tell when a pony is just barely trying to stay calm and not murder another pony. "Oh joy; this is going to be fun." I thought to myself as the two ponies looked at each other waiting for the other to either speak, or draw a weapon. It was Storm who finally broke the stale mate between them.

"Look; I can see that this was a very bad idea, and if you don't mind I should be..."

"You have no clue as to who I am do you second lieutenant Cold Storm? Your coat is what gave you away to me; I remember it very well, you came in with your brother when he was wounded in Mosscow. I.. am sorry about your loss; I could see he meant a lot to you, I also know why you are here. I over heard you last night when you came in to the tavern and talked to Shotglass; look, I don't exactly know why you are here, but we don't want any trouble from the Enclave, okay?"

"Actually Center Mass; it's now Captain, and a rank that no longer matters to me. Now that I can see you up close, it is you isn't it? You were the pony that helped bring my brother in for medical attention in Mosscow. Why; I mean we were enemy's, why didn't you kill me or take me captive?"

"Because at the time, I had no real authority; and to be honest, I felt for you. Losing family is part of war in the wastes; but I could see that he meant the world to you; so I convinced my commander to allow both you and your brother to get medical treatment. Again, I am sorry about your brother; he seemed like quite the pony. Also, about that promotion to Captain; congratulations on that; though why you said your rank no longer matters I have no clue. Wait... you didn't.. did you? Did you abandon the Enclave like I heard you say you would do if he died? Wow; that takes guts kid, oh and welcome to Spezneighs; go see Tinker for your uniform issue; having a Pegasus with us will be a tremendous help in spotting enemy's, and Enclave threats."

All of our jaws collectively hit the ground at this turn of events. Short Fuse looked like she was; and I mean no pun here, but she looked as though her brain was short circuiting. Blaze and Sweet Shot looked as though they too were going through a short circuit, and I just sat there dumbfounded. Storm was the only one who didn't seem too shocked at what had just happened; and simply shook Center Mass's hoof, and asked if he could use a drink. She then looked to all of us, and offered to buy us all a round. Blaze's composure became somewhat normal again at the mere mention of booze, as did Fuse and Sweet Shot's.

...

"What; you don't honestly think I have no idea who enters our compound, or why? How dumb do you think I am; I mean yeah, we get some Enclave in here every now and then, so I take notice of pegasi entering our base to make sure they behave themselves, and don't start trouble. When I saw Storm last night I couldn't be sure, so I asked Shotglass about her intentions and what her name was. It took a couple of minuets for it to click, but I remembered her from Mosscow; and how she had just lost her brother. I also thought back to that day and her saying to him as he died, that she would leave the Enclave if he did die. Well, I guess we can see that honesty is a trait she holds dear because here she is."

"I can never thank you enough Center Mass; had it not been for you, I would have just been told to suck up the loss of Bolt, and move on with my life. My father and sister both blamed me already for the death of our mother due to her dying during my birth, and to be honest; I was the black sheep of the family, so I am glad to be away from everything that reminded me constantly of the hate and loathing my father and sister had for me; sure he didn't act like he hated me, but I knew in my heart he did. I took away the mare he loved; and the mare my sister looked up to for support when she was younger, so I don't blame them per-say; but after my father told me about what this mission would entail, I took it upon myself to meet this pony for myself. I instead found something more; true friendship, friendship that wasn't barred due to my being a pegasus, and in the Enclave; so thank you Center Mass, and thank you all. Now about the routes you all plan on taking for this little trip; do you have a map, because I have been flying around the wastes before during missions and I could help you in avoiding... certain obstacles that may cause you trouble."

"You know what Storm; your right, maybe you should plan our little trip, I mean sure maps are good but having a pony that has seen exactly what we will be going in to with her own eyes would help out a lot. Tell you what; meet me in my office later this after noon okay? We'll discuss the possible routes to take; oh and Pin, don't forget; we have to be up early so get a lot of sleep."

With that Center Mass went to go check on some things for the trip; we sat and talked a bit, but soon it became obvious that we all had prep work to do, so we all went our separate ways; except for Storm. She would be coming with us to the firing range to get some time in with her energy weapons as well as her side arm.

When we had finished our target practice, I was quite confident in my firing of Stalliongrad's Thunder and had found an easy way to fire it as well; if I used just a touch of magic to lighten the weight of it I could mount it on my back via straps to hold it in place. Fuse had become quite good at using her weapon as well, and in fact almost rivaled me in small arms firing; I also took the time to practice with my old CK-47 only to find that I had become a bit... rusty from not using it a lot, I made a mental note to fire it more often.... if only to become as good as I once had been with it. Cold Storm's energy weapon fired fast, but accuracy was a small factor; sure it could fire fast, but that meant nothing if she couldn't keep it on target; lucky for her she had years of practice with it, and though it fired fast she was able to control her fire on one area long enough to be deadly. We sat back and also watched Sweet Shot and Blaze practice as well, and I thought to myself with a slight chuckle that if any pony really wanted to mess with us; they would be in for quite a shock.