An Apple in a Bushel of Peaches

Fluttershy's POV

"Would like to hold him?" Jessica asked.

It was a question that took me back a bit. Sure, I was like any other mare, aware of motherly instincts that would arise as a foal within me grew. And like any other mare, I too, was beholden to maternal instinct to care for foals. It also helped that little Rusty was the cutest foal I had ever seen. Sure, The Cake Twins were cute, but Rusty- Rusty was that perfect blend of Jessica and Big Mac, with her sparkling eyes and button nose and Macintosh's strong arms and powerful legs. I hadn't know that hoomans and ponies could merge themselves like this, but Rusty was proof; in another few months, Pinkie Pie and Andy's foal would be more evidence of this wonderful union of hooman and Equestrian.

"Oh, may I?" I asked, earning a knowing smile from Jessica.

She handed over Rusty to me and I found a hay bale to sit on. It was a little tough, what with Angel Bunny the Second still in my arms, but I still managed it. Angel was more than content to settle at my hooves while I handled little Rusty. Nestling him in the crooks of my arms, I began to sing to him. It was a soft melody that my mother hummed to me when I was but a little foal. I could see Jessica smile wistfully as I sung out the verses. Little Rusty seemed to appreciate it, too; he was smiling even as he eyes began to droop in exhaustion.

"Aww," Applejack cooed, "li'l Rusty is gettin' sleepy!"

AJ then began to poke a finger at Rusty's full belly. Instead of squirming in annoyance, the little foal began to laugh. It was the sweetest sound I ever heard. I began to think about everything that had happened over the last little while. My first real heat with Ark, the way we made love, the excitement we felt when it seemed we would be with foal as well, disappointment when it turned out it was nothing more than a hysterical pregnancy. Even though Ark was unsure if he could really be a good father, given what a piece of work his own father was, I was certain he would love and cherish our foal.

"Wow, Fluttershy," Jessica whispered, so not wake Rusty, "you really do have a way with kids. You're going to be an excellent mother!"

"Thank you," I said, a mild tinge of sadness in my voice, "I would like to be a mother one day. Not that Ark and I haven't tried. I was certain that during my last heat, I was with foal. But..."

"It happens," Jessica said, "sometimes, it's about the right circumstances and the right time. You'll get there. I don't think even a double amputee like Ark is completely sterile."

"No, he isn't," Ark whispered, startling Jessica, Applejack and myself a bit, "but it is a known fact that Visovic's tend to breed very slowly."

"W-what does that mean, Ark?" I asked, still holding firmly but gently to Rusty.

"Well, I'm the youngest of six," Ark explained, "and my oldest brother is already in his fifties. My father is well into his eighties, and my mother only just turned sixty, so, you do the math."

Ark then looked down to the bundle of snowy white that was looking up at him. He peered at Angel Bunny the Second with a look like disgust.

"Okay, hold on," Ark breathed, "Fluttershy, why is this rodent looking up at me like I'm his father?"

"Now, Ark," I said, "Angel Bunny is just getting to know you. He told me he doesn't want to return to the fields and I asked him if he would like to stay with us in New York. He was fine with that, as long as we had plenty of carrots."

"So, wait," Ark continued, "you mean you just- adopted a wild rabbit?"

I nodded and Ark replied, "First Snuggles, now this! You better not poop in my boots, buster, or I'm having you skinned."

"Arkady!"

(Applejack’s POV)

It almost felt like a smaller Apple Family Reunion out in that old barn. Fluttershy gently cooed ta little Rusty, and every once in a while she’d look up at her stallion, Arkady. He dun went and apologized ‘bout sayin’ what he dun did, but Ah’ve known Flutters fer a good long while. She might not look it, but when that gal gets angry yer in a heap of trouble. Ah’ve been on the receiving side of her bein’ all angry ‘fore.

It weren’t ‘bout ‘em bats, but it were ‘bout that rabbit of hers. Ah ain’t one for hurtin’ critters. Ah didn’t want ta hurt ‘em bats, but Ah wanted ‘em away from our trees. That rabbit of hers though… Angel loved ta come over and mess with Winona. He’d go and git her ta barkin’ up a storm, and we’d think it’d be something else. Instead there’d be that darned rabbit, lying on his back, laughin’ his little fluffy white tail off. Ah figure that Ah scared ‘em a bit more than Ah needed ta, but he’d dun went an got Winona all riled up after we dun went ta bed. Ah was tired, gettin’ in bed, and then that little critter started with makin’ ma dog all cagey.

Ah guess dropping an apple catchin’ bucket over ‘im weren’t the nice thing ta do, but Ah was plenty tired of that little critter. Ah still dun’t know what he went and a told ta Fluttershy, but Ah do know that she came over madder than a whole hive of wet hornets. Ah stood there and listened ta Fluttershy chew me out like Ah was a little school filly who decided to go and say ‘Buck it’ in front of the schoolmarm. Ah ain’t never felt so low in all ma life, and Ah had a feelin’ that Arkady was a gonna get a taste of the same thing.

Ah leaned against one of our wagons. Big Mac, ‘Bloom, and me had finished fixing it up, getting it all set to carry our bushels ta the farmer’s market. Ah looked at ‘Bloom who had went back ta workin’. Ah walked toward her as she lifted another bushel of peaches inta the wagon.

“Ya okay ‘Bloom?” Ah asked.

“Ah guess so, jest… Applejack, ya love Anthony right?” she asked.

Ah nodded, “Yeah, Ah love ‘im somethin' fierce. Ta be honest with ya… Ah didn’t know Ah could love somepony like that.”

“Did… When they hurt ‘im… Ya looked like it nearly tore yer heart out. Ah ain’t never seen ya so upset ‘fore,” she said.

Ah looked at ma little sister. She was a changin’, becomin’ a mare of her own, and Ah figured that it was time ta talk ta her like a mare.

“It hurt. Ah can’t lie ‘Bloom, Ah ain’t never hurt like that. Ah ain’t never felt like Ah wanted ta scream, ta cry out, and ta go and do somethin’ stupid cause Ah was a hurtin’. But Ah think that Ah know what yer a tryin’ ta ask me. It’s worth it. Ah got a stallion that can work right ‘side me, and Ah’m a carryin’ his foal. Ah’m gonna be a mama, and Ah got ta tell ya… Ah’m right happy ‘bout it,” Ah said as Ah hugged her, “Ah know that yer sweet on Harold. If’n ya end up tagether then ya’ll understand.”

“Awww… He’s sleeping,” Ah heard Jessica say.

“He’s so precious,” Fluttershy whispered.

“You look beautiful holding him,” Arkady replied.

Ah listened ta the life goin’ on ‘round me, and Ah smiled.

(Anthony’s POV)

“Gonna cry boy?! I’ll give ya a damned good reason ta cry! Ruined my best girl ya little shit!” the memory of my father’s voice rang out as I sat up.

I worried, so often, that I would become the same kind of bastard my father was. Sure, I wasn’t a pimp, but how much of what made my father a right bastard was inside of me? I hated him. I hated him something fierce, and I just couldn’t get around it. The things he did… The fact that he….

I had to breathe. He was gone. Mama, she took care of that. That john of hers did good showin’ her how ta use a gun. I jest wish that he’d shown her how ta do it earlier on. I felt a shooting pain in ma arm. The gift some of my former co-workers had given me as a reminder. I couldn’t help but think about Jeff Davis. That old son of a bitch was the only manager that liked to watch the bruisers mess people up.

“Anthony, Anthony, Anthony… My boy, you ain’t too bright are you? Breaking back in here… And for what? To make that little piece of pre-ordered pussy happy? Guess that explains why you don’t like the tail in here. You want to breed like an animal,” he said before they started.

It was different that time though… He… He walked over and put that enormous weight of his behind that baseball bat. It hurt… I felt my ribs givin’ way.

“So, let me guess. It was special right? Ain’t no girl special Anthony. All of ‘em, all of ‘em are good for one thing, and the same goes for that little piece of ass you’ve settled down with,” he said with a sneer, “I just wish that she ended up in here instead of that old bitch. Because… I’d seen just what it was that made you become the little traitor you are now.”

“You touch her and I’ll…” I started before I felt the bat hit me again.

“You’ll do what boy? Hmmm? Take it like the bitch you are? Think that I don’t know about you and your daddy do you? The company knows everything boy. The company knows that your daddy sold your little ass to every pedo in the stacks he could. Mr. Toughshit ain’t nothing more than a little bitch…” he said before I finally got an arm loose.

It felt so good hitting that fat bastard, and then I felt pain.

“Hold him down! Okay boy, you want pain! Here’s Pain!”

I felt the bat connect with my arm, and I gotta admit… I screamed. I screamed out as he hit me again, and again, and again. I barely remember being turned over, the punches to my face, to my stomach, but I do remember that fat bastard watching with a gleam in his eyes.

“Let’s hope that little bit of pre-order pussy is as stupid as you are. If she is… Well, I can’t promise she’ll be in the same condition when we send her back. That is if we send her back.” he laughed before I blacked out.

I breathed out hard, shaking the memory from my head. I wasn’t over there anymore, and I would die before that fat son of a bitch laid a hand on my Jackie. I looked out the window at the orchard. Off in the distance I could see the wall of the Corporate farm. I hated that Jackie’s grandma was there. I remember my mama tellin’ me ‘bout my grandma. I think… I think that I would have liked to know her.

I noticed a flash, and then I stood up. It hurt, but I had to git outside! I nearly fell down the stairs, but I needed ta get outside.

I did and I shouted as loud as I could.

“Fire!”

I heard Jackie, and I pointed. There was a smokey haze in the distance, and we both knew what was happening. I went toward the old pump, and she hooked up the large hose to it. We got it goin’ and I watched the girl I’m gonna marry run off with her brother to stop the fire those same bastards tried to set.

(Big Mac’s POV)

Ah ain’t never wanted to hurt no pony. Ain’t no reason fer it, but these folks are gittin’ mighty close. We got down there ta see that they missed the trees. Instead it was a little grass fire they started with half a bottle of whiskey.

“Look… Some horse cock and pussy. Gettin’ all scared up over a little fire?” a voice yelled from above.

Ah looked up at the man standing there. He grinned, at me before givin’ what Rainbow Dash had called ‘the birdy’. Ah snorted and Ah felt AJ’s hand on my arm.

“Better listen to her!” he shouted before he disappeared behind the wall.

“They’re wantin’ us to do somethin’ stupid,” Ah said.

“Eeeeyup,” AJ replied.

“Ah want ta real bad,” I said.

“Ah know. Ah do too,” she replied back as we walked back toward the barn.

[Arkady's Perspective]

The tumult outside quickly resolved but it left Fluttershy and I a little confused. I heard someone yell "fire" but neither she nor I saw any evidence of a blaze outside some smoke. Eventually, AJ, Big Mac, and, as a special surprise, Anthony, returned to the barn. Applejack looked mad, Big Mac was practically seething with rage, and Anthony was doing his best to keep cool and collected, though the sweat on his brow was indication of how much he was holding back. That also could have been the broken ribs of his; he was still on the mend.

"What happened?" Fluttershy asked worriedly.

"Some colt lit a fire out in th' orchard," AJ replied, "dun taunted us while we was out there puttin' it out."

"What'd did he look like?" I asked.

"Big feller," Big Mac answered, "tall as Anthony but-" Mac held out his arms to their fullest, likely showing how wide this dude was, "smelled like a barrel of aged cider, if'n ask me."

"Jeff Davis," Anthony moaned, "that fat, sunuvabitch. Tryin' to provoke us inta climbin' the wall and doing somethin' stupid."

"He that guy that gave you that set of lumps?" I asked of the injured man, to which Anthony nodded.

"Oh, Ark," Fluttershy cried, "what are we going to do?"

"For now," I replied, "we do nothing. Let this Boss Hoss taunt and jeer. When my associates and I infiltrate the compound, he'll be wishing he hadn't messed with a certain family of Equestrians!"

A few minutes after that conversation, I got a call from Winepress. They were going to meet us here at the Orchard before proceeding with the infiltration. They set the time for the meet at oh-eight-hundred. That would leave plenty of time for even to get some sleep. When I ended the call, I got a puzzled look from Applejack and Big Mac. I don't think I explained to them that my associates were former SPETSNAZ operatives working for the Russian Mafioso.

"Just what in the hay was that?" Applejack queried.

"What was what?" I answered back.

"That talkin' you was doin'," AJ replied, "sound'd like ya'll was speakin' in fancy."

"It was Russian, actually," I said, "my associates are from The Motherland and don't speak proper English. My family is Russian and I haven't fallen out of practice speaking it, so I speak with them using the shared tongue. Questions?"

"Yeah," wheezed Anthony, his hand raised, "just who are these guys ya brought along? What sort of outfit hires out Ruskies for, well, odd jobs."

"The Russian Mafioso," I answered, earning confused stares from AJ and Mac, but knowing glances from Jessica and Anthony.

"Who do you know in the Mafioso to get heavy hitters like them?" Jessica asked.

"My Uncle," I answered, "he was a high ranking member here in the States before some rivals peppered him with automatic fire. A lot of The Family stateside owe him a lot of favors. Seeing as I'm connected to him by blood, I'm, unofficially, Mafioso-by-blood. It was a fact my Stalin-worshipping father detested about my uncle, but you can't chose your family. That, and I loved my uncle, so a lot of the wealth and prestige he earned in his lifetime passed on to me. Not all of it, but enough. He was the one who got in contact with Pseudopod to replace my legs."

"Damn," Anthony moaned, "are we gonna owe anybody any favors after this?"

I shook my head, "Nope. The Mafioso has been wanting to infiltrate the corporate farms for leverage for decades now. With this raid, they'll have enough to open up the market for their goods and services. Obscenely high-priced good and services, but it would break the monopoly that Wal-mart and McDonald's have on the US market."

"When is this goin' down?" AJ asked.

"Our window is going to be eleven o'clock at night," I said, "we'll be busting in at shift change. That said, I think we should get some sleep. Winepress and his boys will be here at eight, so we can get some quality rest before hand."

Everyone in the barn agreed and Applejack showed us to one of the guest bedrooms of house, seeing as Jessica needed to put Rusty to bed. Everyone hit the sack with a vengeance, although Fluttershy and I were up for a little while longer, doing a passing imitation of rabbits mating. The fact the Flutters new bunny friend was in the room with us was not lost on me.

(~~~~~Applejack’s POV~~~~~)

While Ah’ve been here Ah’ve come to love this old farm house. Ah love the way it feels like home. Although, there are some things ‘bout it Ah ain’t so fond of. One of ‘em things is the walls are a might thin. ‘Blooms’ room is far enough away from ours that Ah ain’t gotta worry ‘bout her hearing what Big Mac and Jessica, Anthony and me, or any guests we got might be a doin’.

But Ah git ta hear it, and Ah hear it right now. One of ma best friends is a gittin’ her plot plowed, and from the sound of it she’s still surprisingly loud. Ah look at Anthony, and Ah see the expression on his face. If’n he wasn’t hurtin’ somethin’ fierce Ah’d gladly take ma stallion in a second. But… Ah jest dun’t wanna make ‘im hurt anymore.

“Jackie, scoot over here,” he said.

Ah did, and Ah felt his good arm wrap around me. His hand gently touching ma stomach, and his cheek against ma mane.

“I’m not made of glass. I won’t break,” he whispered.

“Yer hurtin’ plenty. Ah… What if Ah go and hurt ya worse?” Ah asked.

“You won’t,” he said.

Ah felt his lips on ma neck, his hand moving down ma stomach. Part of me was a wanting ta stop ‘im. Ah wanted ta protect ‘im, but another part of me wanted ta let ‘im take control. Everythin’ that happened over the last few days had been riding roughshod all over ma mind. Ah needed ‘im, and Ah needed his touch.

“Do you want to stop?”

Ah loved ‘im asking like that. Knowin’ that he wanted ta make sure Ah was okay with this.

“No, but dun’t hurt yerself,” Ah said.

Ah felt his hand guiding me, moving me, makin’ me climb up over him. Ah stayed away from his bad arm, and finally was I over his face. Ah wanted ta say somethin’, but instead Ah felt the first lick. Ah let out a breath that was all filled plum up with all of the pent-up emotion Ah’ve been carryin’ ‘round since this started. One of his fingers traced ma tail hole, and Ah didn’t have it in me to say no.

Ah felt the finger move, making me feel more relaxed, and then I felt what had ta be electricity shootin’ through me. He went ta suckin’ on ma little cowgirl like a newborn calf ta its ma. Ah felt that same finger slide inta me. Touchin’ in me while he was a makin’ me feel nothin’ but love fer ‘im. A moment later Ah felt it against ma tailhole and Ah felt it enter. Ah can’t lie… Ah tensed up somethin’ fierce.

Ah’d heard stories of ponies doin’ this, mainly colt cuddlers, but Ah ain’t never dun it. Ah’d always felt that it weren’t right. Ya didn’t have foals from there, and ya did some mighty nasty business there. Slowly, Ah felt his finger movin’ gently going in and almost out, then back in again. It felt… different. Ah can’t explain it, and while Ah wasn’t sure ‘bout it Ah wasn’t completely sold on it being all wrong either.

Ah felt maself buildin’ up to a powerful release. Ma thighs tightened and Ah felt ma stallion workin’ hard on makin’ me go. Ah leaned back and Ah couldn’t help it…

“ANTHONY!” Ah cried out his name.

Ah shakely moved toward his good arm, and collapsed beside ‘im. Ah looked at ma stallion and Ah realized that while he had helped me out, he was still in a state. Ah couldn’t have that.

(Big Mac’s POV)

There are things a stallion can go a thousand years and not feel a bit bad ‘bout not hearin’. Hearin’ yer sister cry out the feller who’s gonna be your brother-in-law’s name… That’s one of ‘em things. Ah knew what was a goin’ on, and Ah was thankful that he was a takin’ care of her. AJ… She dun’t think Ah realize it, but Ah know how much this has been a hurtin’ ‘er. It hurts me too, but Jes ain’t all tore up like Anthony. Ah… Ah dun’t know how bad it’d hurt if’n she was. Ah looked at her, and then at Rusty.

Ah was lucky. Ah found a family, and Ah was with somepony that Ah loved. Ah know that’s what our Mama and Daddy wanted fer us. It’s what Granny wanted fer us too. If’n we’re lucky Granny is a going ta get to meet our special someponies. Ah felt ma Jessica movin’ against me.

“I sure hope that helps her feel better,” she whispered.

“Eeeyup,” Ah whispered back.

“Mac, how have you been holdin’ up?”

“Ah… Ah’m alright, jest worried ‘bout Granny. She ain’t a youngin’ no more. Ah’m hoping that they’re able to git her out and that she’s a gonna be fine,” Ah said.

Ah looked over and saw Rusty a lookin’ back at me. He cried, seeing me move, and Ah got up.

“Ah got ‘im” Ah said.

Ah walked over and lifted up ma son.

“Yer gonna be a good boy ain’t ya?” Ah asked as he quieted down while being held.

[Arkady's Perspective]

Morning came fast and bright, faster than I was used to for sure. Sweet Nectar Acres was nestled in a prairie, far and away from the Pacific Ocean. The sun still rose blindingly, even though the curtains of the guest room diffused them somewhat. Fluttershy had gotten up before me, unaffected by jet lag or the fact the we were now three time zones behind the rising sun. She was still naked, though with her thin coat of golden fur it was hard to tell. She was cuddling her new best friend, Angel Bunny the Second. His eyes were closed in contentment. Given how soft her hands felt on bare skin, I couldn't fault him for the bliss he was reveling in.

"Good morning, Ark," Fluttershy said, "I'm sorry I didn't wake you. I figured you wanted to be well rested for your meeting with Mr. Winepress this morning."

I grunted, nodding my head, then asked, "What time is it?"

"Uh," Fluttershy began, "I think it's six in the morning? I can never really tell time here."

"Damn," I murmured, "only four hours."

"I think I smell coffee," Flutters remarked, "this is an orchard, you know."

"Right," I replied, "well, let's get decent and meet the others downstairs. We can see if they got anything for mess, maybe slug down some coffee, then we shower and change. Winepress should be here at eight, on the dot."

"Okay," Flutters said, putting Angel Bunny back in the tiny bassinet Jessica had found earlier in the barn. We both dragged back on what nightwear we took to bed with us, although, given how thin the walls were in this place, I doubt that anyone would believe we slept the whole night through. Slinking off downstairs, we were met with Applebloom, just coming up. She was humming a little to herself, something that sounded a little like "Dixie," crossed with "Camptown Ladies." I'm not even sure that could be a melody, but Bloom was handling it like a boss. She saw us, coming down, gave us a cheeky grin, and sped up that much quicker up the staircase. Word does get out around here...

Back downstairs, and in the combined dining room/kitchen, we edged our way around Jessica, nursing little rusty, Big Mac, and Applejack, a rosy glow on her cheeks. It resembled the sort of look Fluttershy would have after a wild night of passionate love making. That might explain why I heard those howling/hissing noises late at night... That certainly didn't sound like the water heater. Being careful not upset Anthony in his chair with a leg propped on a impromptu ottoman, we took seats opposite Big mac and Jessica. The way tension filled the air was unnerving, more so since food had not yet been served, even though a decanter of coffee sat in the middle of the table. Steam rose invitingly from its spout, so I pulled it toward me while Fluttershy reached for the last two mugs left on the Lazy Susan. I poured us both a cup, watched as Fluttershy added two cubes of sugar and a spoonful of cream, while I sipped down the caffeinated goodness.

After a brief, but terse few minutes, Big Mac spoke up.

"Expectin' them 'ssociates of yers this morning," he stated, less of question, more of a confirmation of fact.

I nodded my head, "Should be here by eight."

"How many of 'em are there?" He asked.

"Five," I answered, "all former SPETSNAZ."

"Figure they'll be hungry when they get here?" He inquired.

"Not likely," I replied, "they'll be living on MREs and vodka, whatever they could smuggle with them into California."

Little known fact about The Sunshine State that I hated: after the Big One of 2032, California had adopted some rather- unorthodox, shall we say sociological changes. In the chaos of the largest recorded earthquake on the planet, the combined populace of San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego had resorted to blanket bans on a number of items that were said to contribute to the riots and insanity San Angelinos sometimes called "The Dark Times." One of those bans included the import/export of alcohol, any alcohol, into or out of the state. Breweries within California's borders were closely monitored and any site that brewed a concoction with more than 5% alcoholic content was shut down. Thus, a booming trade of hard liquor and spirits pervaded the California border with it's neighbors to the East and North.

"I just hope that Dr. Cocteau's goon squad doesn't find them," Jessica added, "they were scary enough dropped in, unannounced, to see if our Peach Cider was 'poisonous.'"

"Looks like 'Demolition Man' wasn't that far off the mark," Anthony quipped, "what a shame."

"I didn't take you for a film buff," I retorted, "that movie is ancient by now..."

"Ya know," Applejack interceded, "eventually, we gotta talk 'bout th' elephant in th' room."

We stared at her, incredulous. I had an idea of what she was talking about, but admitting it would be problematic. It was Big Mac who stilled the oncoming shitstorm.

"Ain't we all adults here?" He asked, "Ain't ya'll possessed of a sound mind an' body?"

I nodded, dully, but Applejack still looked bewildered.

"Come on, AJ," the red stallion continued, "it ya ain't like ya heard Jessica an' me 'fore. You an' Anthony is fully grown; ya can do whatcha want in the priv'cy of your own room. Ah ain't got no say in it. Neither do Ah have a say when it comes to Fluttershy and Ark, what they get up to in the guest room. That there is their business; it t'ain't mine, nor yours. Ya hear?"

Applejack nodded, still looking argumentative, but willing to accept the situation.

"Here's how I figure," I added, "as long as nopony is willing to talk, nopony has a story to tell. Capishe?"

Everyone at the table agreed. There no further arguments as Jessica put Rusty back in his crib and passed out peach fritters and pancakes to all.

(Big Mac’s POV)

Ah watched as everypony began ta eat. The fritters were the first thing ta go, but Ah figured they would be. Despite ever’thing happening Ah was surprised Ah hadn’t forgotten ‘bout the surprise Ah had planned ‘fer ‘Bloom. Robert and Stephanie had decided ta let Harold come on out and visit with us fer a few days.

‘Course Ah was a gonna have to put some ground rules down. Ah didn’t want ma little sister ta go and do nuthin’ foolish without athinkin’ ‘bout it. Ah got ta figure that the two of ‘em are a gonna be closer applebutter and jelly on a sandwich. Ah know Harold’s a good colt, but Ah also know that ‘Bloom is gittin’ a might more interested in bein’ grown than Ah wanna admit.

Ah still remember helpin’ ta put her ta bed, and givin’ her baths. She won’t admit it, but Ah remember her callin’ AJ mama, and callin’ me Daddy on a few occasions. Ah guess that’s part of the reason Ah want ta see her doin’ more with her life. Ah know that Granny does too, and if’n we’re lucky, after all of this, Ah might be able to help make sure that she can. Ain’t nothing wrong with workin’ a farm, but Ah want ta see her be her own mare. Ah think that Harold would help her do that.

The sound of gravel crunchin’ under somethin’ got ma attention, and Ah stood up. Ah looked out ta see several more stallions, and one human mare walkin’ toward the house. Now… Ah’ve seen several folks, but that mare… There was somethin’... Somethin’ dark in her eyes. Ah got the feelin’ that out of the lot of ‘em… She was the one that was a gonna be the most dangerous.

[Arkady's Perspective]

The following conversation was difficult, to say the least. I spoke with Winepress and his fellows, then translated the Russian (and occasionally Cyrillic) into English for those not born of or from the Motherland. Then I interpreted the "Yank speak" for my Russian comrades, that way there'd be a constant flow of information.

Now, according to Winepress, the pie factory was one of the most secure buildings in the compound. Guards in constant rotation, no more than hour apart in patrol. Our window at eleven o'clock was looking rather slim. Winepress did have a plan, though. They had another operative with them, code named Jumper Cable, who had hacked into the communications grid of The Farm. At the right moment, he was gonna knock out power to the place, but only for forty-five seconds. He had overridden the back generators for only that long. A fail safe installed in their core programming mean they automatically kick on after that, although they were originally set for five seconds. Windepress explained that the point in the perimeter we were breaching was the least secure, well away from patrols. The cafeteria building, which was erected on the Southernmost side of the complex, has no guard patrols, even though there were motion sensors set up there. Jumper Cable's intrusion to their security would knock out those sensors, but we need to move fast.

Winepress, myself, Cavalier, Saber, Bolshevik, and Bear would breach, take out the guards and any intruding personnel en route, secure our target(s) and egress out the way we came. The South wall was well away from Sweet Nectar Acres, so the Management could assume whomever they liked about who committed the intrusion. The girl on the team, I learned, was a precaution, a little insurance if anything went pear shaped. She would cover our sixes from the hilltop beyond, with a Dragunov M2033 rifle. The M2033 was an answer to the Chinese variant of the Barrett .50 cal rifle. Unlike it's progenitor, the Model 1963, the M2033 was of a bullpup design chambered in 7.92x55mm rounds. The rounds themselves are fin stabilized with polycarbonate bonded tips. They'll penetrate through body armor almost as well a green tip 5.56 round or a Black Talon coated bullet. According to Winepress, Arkangel was the best sniper in the modern history of SPETSNAZ.

With planning and explanation done, our group broke up for lunch. My associates retreated outside for borsche and coffee. Meanwhile, Jessica and Applejack had made us some delicious apple brown betties. AJ admitted she had bought some apples from Robert and Stephanie's store; they didn't taste like anything she grew, but she put the seeds in a part of the orchard Jessica had declared "barren." The results: two dozen red delicious apple trees that were as good as any found on Sweet Apple Acres. And I have to say, they were mighty fine to eat!

(Apple Bloom’s POV)

Sweet Celesita Ah sure hope nopony heard that. Ah… Ah ain’t sure if’n Ah like this part of bein’ all grown up. Ah mean Ah came upstairs ta go ta ma room for a moment and the next thing Ah know Ah’m a feelin’ all hot all over. Ah ain’t dumb, and Ah know what’s goin’ on. Thing is… Ah ain’t got nopony to help me this time. Plum didn’t help that Ah was a moanin’ Harold’s name either. Oh Lawd… If’n Applejack heard me Ah ain’t never gonna hear the end of it.

Ah sighed and laid against the bed. Somethin’ wrong with me. Ah know there is. Granny’s in that awful place, and Ah’m… Ah’m thinkin’ ‘bout sneakin’ out and headin’ out ta see ma coltfriend. Thing is Ah ain’t sure Ah’d make it. Not that Ah’m worried ‘bout anypony, or anythin’, but Ah’ve heard stories ‘bout mares who didn’t care if’n it was their special somepony or not. Ah dun’t think that Ah’d be like that… ‘Cause Ah really want Harold ta be the one ta make a mare of me.

“‘Bloom, ya okay in there?”

The sound of ma sister’s voice was a blessin’.

“Yeah… Jest… Applejack… Can Ah talk ta ya fer a minute?”

She opened the door and Ah saw her muzzle scrunch up. She looked at me and Ah saw a small smile cross her face.

“Guessin’ this was why ya didn’t want ta stay downstairs,” she said.

“What’s wrong with me? Ah’m… Ah’m all wantin’ ta do stuff with Harold, and Ah ain’t hardly thought ‘bout Granny t’all,” Ah said.

She pulled me inta a hug and Ah hugged her back.

“Ain’t nuthin’ wrong with ya lil’ sis. Yer jest in heat. Ah know what it’s like,” she said.

“Ah… Ah feel so bad that Ah was thinkin’ ‘bout gittin’ rutted ‘stead of gittin’ Granny out of there,” Ah replied.

She shook her head and smiled.

“‘Bloom, that’s normal. Ah can promise ya Ah went through the same thing ‘fore,” Ah said.

“Ya did?”

She nodded and looked at the wall.

“It were after Mama and Daddy died. Ah… Ah was goin’ through ma second heat. Ah knew Ah shoulda been sad, and Ah knew that Ah shoulda wanted to make sure that everythin’ on the farm was fine. But instead Ah kept thinkin’ about a colt that were in class with me. Ah… lawd… Ah wanted ta bend over fer ‘im so bad. Fer days that’s all Ah could think ‘bout. Luckily Granny knew what was a goin’ on and she had me stay in the house. Ah’m glad she did,” she said.

“So… Ain’t nuthin’ really wrong with me?” Ah asked.

“Naw, ain’t nuthin’ wrong with ya ‘Bloom. Yer just goin’ through yer heat. It’s a gonna be a few bad days, but yer gonna be fine,” she said.

Ah watched her get up and walk ta the door. Outside of it… I smelled so many stallions. Fer a moment Ah thought ‘bout all of ‘em, and then they all turned ta Harold. Ah slammed ma head against ma pillow.

“Why couldn’t this happens to colts instead?!” Ah yelled out.

(Jessica’s POV)

When I heard Apple Bloom I thought it best to ask Applejack what might be going on. She let me know, and instantly I felt terrible for my little sister in law. Here she was, dealing with the fact that her body was telling her that she was hornier than a nymphomaniac at a virgin and proud convention, and there wasn’t a thing she could do about it.

I considered getting online and ordering her something, but between the actual delivery date, not to mention being given a form of relief from a sister-in-law… I decided against it. Still, I felt so bad about the poor girl. I know that my granny always used to say that girl’s were sweeter than boys, but we were just as dirty. She was right. I’m usually just as horny as Big Mac. I hated to think like this, but it might be an idea to introduce her to a cucumber and a condom. If nothing else it should help ease things. Maybe I could let Applejack tell her about it.

I thought about that for a second. Did Applejack really want to tell her little sister about how she could use a cucumber, and a condom, to help ease her estrus? There’s also the fact that talking about it might really embarrass the poor girl. I held my son, silently thanking God, Celestia, any other deity that Big Mac and I had a boy instead of a girl. Would he go through something similar? Sure, but he wouldn’t go through that week of barely controlled urges.

I usually wished that my granny was here, but I really, really wished that she was here so that she could have a talk with ‘Bloom. She was always pretty direct about things, and I know that she would be able to tell her that what she was going through was normal, and that there’s no shame in trying to ease it by using something. Just not to ever, ever use a person unless you loved them. She would place a big emphasis on use. It confused me for a long time why she said that. Then, as I began high school, I saw the meaning in her wisdom.

“Yeah, she’d do that… Granny, maybe I get it across without embarrassing the poor girl,” I thought.