Fallout: Equestria - Titan

Chapters

Chapter 1: Sing Sing Stable
Chapter 3: The Unwelcome Stable Guests
Chapter 4: Data Extraction
Chapter 2: Who Invited the Rangers?

Chapter 1: Sing Sing Stable

Stable 200 was affectionately known the “Jail Bird Shelter” by the various ponies and unicorns who inhabited it and was located in Glascow, built in the middle of Old Appleloosa and Fillydelphia, the closest city being Cowpenhagen. Much like the many other Stable-Tec shelters this had been built to preserve the lives of citizens of Equestria during the zebra war 200 years ago though this particular Stable had initially housed criminals from the harmful effects of the balefire bombs that had rained down and nearly wiped out the pony populace.

The convicts all had varied crimes ranging from something as mundane as shop lifting and fraud to the more severe crimes such as murder and treachery that may sabotage or undermine the war effort though only these higher ranked criminals after being sent to Pinkie Pie’s reform centres and there memories removed were deemed fit for service others were just sent to help Stable-Tec build there fallout stables, in turn they’d be granted a pardon when there service was complete as well as a space guaranteed in a Stable-Tec Stable in the event it was needed.

With their end of the bargain upheld and the balefire bombs falling Stable-Tec honoured there end of the bargain, 300 of the former convicts were housed away with an Overmare to run the facility and guards provided and trained by the Equestrian Military to keep everything in check, of course 200 years later these original inhabitants had long since passed away making away for generation after generation so at worst now a pony who lived in Stable 200 was only likely to have broken a rule and made to apologize.

This meant there was no trait of any actual convict these days which suited Overmare Butter Blitz fine and dandy, Overmare Butter Blitz was the tenth Overmare to take over the mantle after her mother which had been no easy feat given that her mother Summer Blitz had been one of the more popular so it had been disappointing for most when she stepped down passing leadership onto Butter Blitz but of course no pony would rule out and hope that Summer’s daughter was equally as kind.

The Stable itself was reminiscent of every other built to Stable-Tec specifications, the same materials and aging Ministry Mare posters fading due to age almost unreadable now, the water talisman keeping fresh water flowing through the pipes to residents of Stable 200, an artificial orchard that produced apples and various other vegetation which despite their faux food like quality still tasted good when at the hooves of the Stables resident master chef, a stallion unicorn by the name of Gourmet.

Gourmet was white furred and had a dirty blonde coloured mane and tail, he had green eyes and cutie mark of a knife and fork atop a blue plate on his flanks, his horn somewhat comedically poking through a hole in his chef’s hat he wore along with his specially issued light grey Stable barding and chefs apron.

Many a mare had the fancy for him and even a few of the stallions who swung that way to for that matter but Gourmet only had a passion for the food he made and that seemingly couldn’t be spared for something like romance, it was a running joke that his hoof touch was like magic for food making the gag being that he was a unicorn as such magic was second nature to him anyway.

One of the few who had not really shown an interest in him that way was Tran Sketch a mare who was formerly a stallion till the medical pony Rose Aid had used her gender changing spell which was a joint effort between Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy, an age old spell that had amended Tran Sketch’s unease of her stallion body.

Rose Aid was a cute looking medical unicorn mare of standard height who’s fur was yellow and long orange mane streaked with red was tied back in a professional way and her tail kept trimmed neat so that it didn’t drag across the floor, her flanks had a cutie mark of red cross with blue roses intricately entwined around it and the Stable medical barding she wore emphasised her physique well and admittedly even as a stallion Tran Sketch had found her quite fanciable of course this hadn’t really changed much since being made into a mare either, it just felt more natural for her to live and act like she’d always felt no longer pressured to be the stallion everyone perceived her to be, also part of Tran Sketch hoped that Rose Aid was at least bi curious.

It was worth noting that Rose Aid was well versed in some of the lesser known spells studied by Twilight Sparkle, one of the six ministry mares whom had served during the war leading the research in Arcane Sciences which had helped produce spells believed impossible before the war and even during the duration of the zebra war not to mention the ingenuity of the PipBucks E.F.S (Eyes Forward Sparkle) system integrated into the PipBucks which could be used to identify friend or foe, red accordingly showing the life form was hostile, these were worn as standard by Stable citizens.

Terminals were used to store data, message over a network and control arcane technology such as the security systems which tied into the intruder detection function and the ceiling mounted magic turrets used to deter or defend from wrong doing within Stable 200 as well as some of the more important life sustaining functions of keeping the stable in a liveable condition that otherwise would have been repetitive if managed by any actual pony.

Though admittedly some of these items where Stable-Tec’s own devices just updated from a previous model such as the final model of PipBuck that was the 3000 series though it wasn’t unheard of for some of the more mechanically minded ponies to make their own alterations to improve upon the existing models to tailor suit there need with added functions or even something as simple as a unique HUD colour or more comfortable padding so it didn’t chafe there PipBuck leg.

Tran Sketch was a calm and creative pony who loved to draw, she worked in the PipBuck Technician sector overseen by her peer Purple Steel, a wizened and older unicorn stallion who had been in charge of maintaining everyponies PipBuck for at least 15 years before Tran Sketch had been picked to be his apprentice.

Purple Steel had always been adamant he was fine doing the task by himself but Overmare Butter Blitz had decided it was about time he take on an apprentice to carry on his work as and when he retired, as he was reminded in a nice way that he wasn’t getting any younger and it did seem silly to expect ponies with no experience to take on repairing such precious devices.

It made sense at least one pony have the skill set to repair the PipBucks. Secondly when Tran Sketch had got her cutie mark it was a pencil and paper which had tied in to her interest in drawing and art, of course it wasn’t exactly easy finding paints so she had to get creative using food stuffs and other items to create her paints and the colours, they weren’t perfect but they did the job.

Problem was that there was no opening for Stable Artists so with Tran Sketch being a unicorn it was decided she be put forward as Purple Steel’s protégé given that it was usually unicorns picked for such delicate tasks like this that an earth pony may find more tricky to achieve and without a clear role from the cutie mark it was either that or cleaner which would be a waste of unicorn magic.

There was however a problem, Tran Sketch’s levitation magic was not exactly top tier and doing some of the finer tasks required a lot of her concentration otherwise her magic would implode and drop the tools she was using and the PipBuck in which case Purple Steel kindly took over giving her an easier task to focus on instead. Though in all fairness it wasn’t exactly her fault levitating a pencil or quill was easy and second nature, the artist in her made that possible to do without thinking however as soon as she had to concentrate it made her levitation magic weaker.

It also didn’t help that with part of the gender swapping spell her horn once longer as a stallion had been shrunk down with her now smaller body in accordance of keeping it in similarity to her form and to most this sounds like nothing major however the size change had affected her magic somewhat and Rose Aid had warned this may be the case, a smaller horn produced lesser magic supposedly so though Tran Sketch may not have missed her stallion hood the horn had been the sacrifice to get the body her mind insisted she should already have thankfully though to make up for this she was still capable of more than just levitation.

She had some grasp of teleportation which sped up travelling between parts of the Stable not to mention it allowed for her to do her side job of delivering goods to other ponies in return for blank paper or spare supplies she could use for her art and Rose Aid had taught Tran Sketch some first aid spells during her time recovering from the change, it had been about a week for her to adapt to walking properly again but thankfully her magic was quicker to come back so at least she knew a few simple cut healing spells and one for numbing pain.

Tran Sketch was sitting demurely in the canteen of the Stable, many ponies queuing up for their daily helping of Gourmet’s “magic” food and talking loudly about whatever it was they deemed worth gossiping whilst many others were already sat down amongst their friends just happy to have a discussion and a break, Tran Sketch was always something of a loner really so it was nothing new for her to stare around the concrete coloured room with beams of entrapped magical light orbs throwing light around the large room behind panes of dusty glass.

As usual Pinkie Pie was sitting over her shoulder technically, an old Ministry of Morale poster of the bright pink mare with the faded words “Always watching” in large font underneath the wide staring eyes of Pinkie Pie, it admittedly creeped out Tran Sketch a little but she was the very epitome of what it meant to be methodical and a follower of repetition seeing as she always sat in the same place and was usually sat there by the same time and ordered the same bowl of tomato and fruit salad drizzled with some sauce concocted by Gourmet which reminded her of vinegar but not so strong, the only thing not so guaranteed was the effectiveness of her work however Purple Steel was pretty laid back and content as long as Tran Sketch put in effort at least for this she was thankful.

Today however her pattern was to broken as one of the new stallions who had been assigned admin duties sat at her table, a shy smile on his face and the tray of food held by his mouth which he tried to set down carefully and instead almost spilled the plate of artificial hay fries and faux grass burger onto his barding and the floor but Tran Sketch caught it in time her magical aura surrounding the tray a neon pink momentarily till it was settled on the table which she then cut off her hold over the tray.

“You should be more careful, almost ended up with your dinner everywhere but your mouth”

She said trying to be sociable as there was plenty of other seats available yet the stallion had sat at this table instead which in her mind implied he was trying to get some form of conversation or a piece of her flank.

The young stallion admired briefly how the silver mane of Tran Sketch’s curtained her face so well, the bangs either side her honey yellow eyes and the fringe cut along straight just above her almond shaped eyes akin to ponies of the eastern Equestrian lands so it was distinctive, the back part of the mane went down her neck and a little past her underbelly so not quite uniform regulation but maintained nicely regardless, her silver tail inches from scraping across the floor and the dark blue of her mane complimenting the mane and eyes nicely, Tran Sketch’s Stable barding form fitting and partly hidden beneath the long mane and complimented by a pink choker with an ornamental hoof hanging from it. He blushed and she noticed as he looked away awkwardly trying to hide his embarrassment somehow though the blush was very visible against his pale blue fur.

“Are you feeling okay? Perhaps you should see Nurse Rose Aid”

Tran Sketch suggested in her silky sounding voice, seeing his bright visage mistaking it for the stallion having a fever maybe.
Sitting back on his haunches and scuffing his front hoof on the floor he looked at the mare again trying not to let his embarrassment win over his ability to actually speak so taking a drink from his carrot flavoured juice he spoke up now.

“Your Tran Sketch right?”

It seemed more of a statement than a question but none the less the blue coloured mare nodded unsure of where this stallion was going with this but he seemed no harm at least.

“Umm… my names Nova Sprocket, it’s kind of funny you should mention Rose Aid as she suggested I speak to you”
He hoofed at the floor a little awkwardly.

Tran Sketch raised a brow in curiosity observing the caramel coloured stallion with a dark brown mane in a short style and a blue siren light across his flanks, his amber eyes looking at her.

“Well this is more than a little surprising, I can at least safely guess it isn’t for medical treatment right?
She may have taught me a few spells granted but nothing on the calibre of hers, not by a long shot”

Nova shook his head, his reply sounding much calmer than he physically seemed to be.
“No, no nothing like that… just that she suggested that after what she done for me that it’d be good to speak to somepony like myself”
He paused a moment thinking how to word what we had to say next.

“You had the gender change spell done as have I though in this case it’s reversed, I wanted to be a stallion for the longest time and well… now I am, just I feel a little awkward speaking to my old friends who knew me as a mare is all so Rose Aid suggested that speaking to you may help me come out of my shell, being that you’ve had the same thing done it’s less awkward”

Tran Sketch pondered what Nova said, she had never been exactly part of the social elite admittedly but she could understand the how awkward it must feel not to mention not all ponies were completely into the love and tolerance that was expected and taught to them, even Tran Sketch had experienced some intolerance and jibes at her “change” as it were but ignored it seeing as it had been her choice to be a mare in the first place, clearly Nova needed a friend on her side right now and frankly Tran Sketch wouldn’t be so cruel to ignore a pony in need.

“Well I guess if Rose Aid sent you then you can’t be too bad, so you want somepony to talk to then who understands what you’re going through right?”
The stallion nodded.

“So if you don’t mind my asking is Tran Sketch really your name, if that’s not too personal?”
Tran Sketch shook her head, her mane shaking a little from the motion before she stood up and then sat by the stallion now.

With a little breath of resignation, she answered.

“I was Doodle Sketch but Tran Sketch seemed to be the nickname everypony called me after, I don’t know if it’s because I was transformed or because Rose Aid had said I was transgendered or something so maybe a play of words is linked to that but in all truth, I don’t care as it rolls off the tongue pretty well don’t you think?”

Nova Sprocket couldn’t help but agree after all it didn’t even sound derogatory, just like any other pony who lived here in fact it also helped he actually found the stallion turned mare pretty cute however Tran Sketch didn’t show any such signs back but at least she was accepting which was more than he could ask for.

“So was Nova Sprocket always your name?”
The mare asked in return, Nova nodded swiftly in response.

“No nicknames as of yet, I don’t think anypony even realises I used to be a mare at the moment but that’ll get around soon enough no doubt, I wonder if they’ll try to at least think of something original… well I guess time will tell right?”
It was a rhetorical question as it was a guarantee in time some ponies would indeed realise the predicament and most likely give the stallion a nickname.

Tran Sketch shrugged and then pointed to his food with her forehoof.

“You going to eat that or let it get cold?”

Seemingly Nova had momentarily forgotten about his food at all but Tran Sketch had reminded him, he started munching at the hay fries and hoped that this would lead to them staying friends from now one as he ate, Tran Sketch waiting patiently for him to finish his meal.

Author's Note

Re-edited with some advising, hopefully it's better for it, apologies if it's not the highest quality but I've been out of practice for the last few years so I suppose I'm taking on a big step really, biting off more than I can chew XD.
I just hope it's enjoyable enough to read.

Chapter 3: The Unwelcome Stable Guests

Tran Sketch had returned to her quarters like she had been recommended by her colt friend but only after checking up on the maintenance room to see Purple Steel wasn't there meaning he must have already returned his own living quarters if not had already been there prior to the alarm, the alarm itself had been ended about an hour ago however the Overmare had not issued a speech over the Stable broadcast tannoy system nor given permission for the residents to leave there quarters. The windows set into the living quarters of Tran Sketch's revealed a very empty corridor which made sense given the emergency circumstance however Sketch was now concerned after all this time that had passed and no word from the Overmare.

Nova Sprocket was on the way to Sketch's living quarters after the Overmare had asked him to leave her and Senior Paladin Grey Shell to discuss the reasoning for the forced entry of Stable 200, he wasn't too keen on leaving her with the armour clad stallion however the Overmare's word was law and he had to obey her request as much as any occupant of the Stable but at least Nova was reassured that she would be safe between the guards stationed outside the room and a considerably more powerful magically enchanted machine gun turret at her disposal that was there specifically for the safety of the Overmare which would be as simple as a hoof tap on a engage button mocked up as a lamp switch.

Having fetched the cake from his room he had brought it along to Sketch's room, knocking on the metal door with his forehoof and the plate balanced between his teeth balancing the cake carefully, Sketch peered out the window besides the front door and saw it was Nova so she opened the door via the control panel besides the door, her smile subtle.
"Well guess you decided to bring it here then... so what's going on that's keeping the Overmare so preoccupied she hasn't informed everypony its okay now?"

Nova set down the plate on a coffee table as he sat on the Stable Tec issued sofa as he patted the spot next to him with his hoof to gesture for Sketch to join him, she closed the door behind her now and trotted to the sofa making herself comfy, her focus between him and the curiosity as well as the delectable looking cake he had brought along.
"... Seems this place isn't as well hidden as we've been lead to believe, we had unannounced guests who decided to let themselves into the main entrance."

Sketch looked at him confused, understandable considering nopony ever considered much of the outside world beyond their sheltered life let alone the concept other ponies entering their home.
"What do you mean? Somepony from the outside the Stable?"

Nova shifted, somewhat awkward not sure if he should reveal any more than he had however this was the pony whom he loved and he couldn't he couldn't deny her curiosity, had the roles been reversed he'd want to know what was going on to.
"Steel Rangers, that's what the one in charge of them said anyway, they're well-armed and there armour is much better than our guards. Truthfully the leader of them almost seemed disappointed that Overmare Blitz didn't try and resist them so I'm guessing he wanted an excuse to kill us soon as he could."

Sketch shook her head, not sure what to make of this as it seemed so surreal and odd, sure in the past there had been scuffles amongst the Stable dwellers but that was resolved either via argument or the Overmare stepping in and setting straight the guilty party in fact the only time death was a predominant issue was when somepony passed away from sickness or old age so to hear of anypony who seemed like they wanted the justification to kill in cold blood was outlandish.
"No, that can't be right. Why would anypony willingly want to kill another?"

Nova gritted his teeth, the expression on his muzzle showing frustration.
"Because the buckers came in armed to the teeth and with armour which currently only the turret in the Overmare's office has a chance of penetrating vaguely at best, it was the way he spoke and acted but his Luna damned visor hid his face so I couldn't make out his expression but I'm sure as anything he was baiting us”

This was not exactly what Sketch had expected to hear or truthfully wanted, it was easy to complain about the mundanity of their lives in the stable however it was predictable and for the most part drama free which in the end suited everypony despite their muttering so this particular scenario was very much the extreme opposite of Stable life. The simple fact was this threw a wrench in the works and had the potential to ruin what was a very well organised and managed livelihood.
“So umm…. Those Steel Rangers are with the Overmare now, I don’t know how to feel about that if they’re the way you make them sound”

The stallion sighed and looked uneasy as he spoke.
"If you're uneasy then imagine how I feel seeing as I'm one of the few who sees her on a regular basis, I won't lie to you, I'm concerned this "chat" of theirs will end with the Overmare dead and all of us in the Stable next but she insisted I leave her to deal with them herself and that the security would be adequate, it's... not weighing easy on me right now and if there talk goes wrong it's my fault if anything happens to her, isn't it?"

The question caught Sketch off guard, if anything the only time Nova had shown any signs of uncertainty was when they first met but since then he had seemed confident in what he done but now here he was doubting and showing regret for events that may not even occur, she had to play the reassurer at least this one time it seemed, she just hoped to Celestia she done it right.
"The Overmare is capable, she has her security and that turret thing you mentioned ought to be a deterrent in its own right yes? She obviously didn't think you needed to be present and well, we have to trust in her judgement, if she says she's okay then you can be sure she is and besides would the Princess's really allow such a brutal thing?"

Nova snorted a little, he never really bought into the whole Princess Luna and Celestia watching over the ponies, they had died according to history during the mega spell barrage that had made Canterlot nothing more than a large memorial of ruins or so older ponies had said who'd heard the stories from their parents and they from their relatives before. Of course he tried to respect most of the Stable looked to the dead Princess's as Goddesses that had transcended their physical forms and looked out for everypony from above but he just couldn't buy into the horseapples.
"For what it's worth I don't mean to sound rude but if they were looking out for us don't you think they'd have stopped the Steel bastards entering here in the first place?"

His point was valid yes, but still she had faith in her belief it was one of the things that spurred most ponies on so of course she'd have to defend her thoughts at least a little, it's not like the non-believers were shunned but they were sceptical.
"I'd like to think they just hadn't noticed them or did so to late personally, they can't watch over everypony every second, we should just be glad that the Rangers haven't done anything more than enter here from outside so maybe it's their way of looking out for us... or we were just lucky, either way we're still alive and well so that should be good enough shouldn't it?"
She nuzzled him affectionately, she hated trying to be the one on the opposite end of cheering up somepony but this was her coltfriend after all and exceptions could be made when it was your lover.

Sketch's attention and words brought him out of his funk a little, he knew somewhere in his mind she was right, maybe not so much the Goddesses aspect but the fact that everypony was still alive, no warning siren or Steel Rangers going room to room and gunning them down so maybe it was an okay sign, he looked to the cake.
"Hey, thanks, I know it's not your thing as normally I need to be the one to cheer you up but hey you did okay, so you want a slice of that cake then or is it just going to be a centrepiece on the table?"

She smirked as she got a knife with her telekinesis.
"You bet your flank I want a piece of that cake, first ever strawberry I'll have tasted so this moment has to be savoured and afterwards I'll help you try to forget your woes with my own special treat"
She said teasing, her voice suggestive.

The Overmare's Office:

Senior Paladin Grey Shell trotted irately back and forth meanwhile in contrast Overmare Blitz was sat behind her desk calm, beneath that metal visor she imagined the Senior Paladin was looking frustrated or annoyed which provided her some amusement though her neutral expression made sure she didn't give that away, she glanced at the wall clock directly ahead of her on the wall adjacent which the Paladin kept pacing back and forth in front of.
"45 minutes... 45 minutes and still you do not explain your reasoning, it's as though you’re stalling for time or otherwise have this foolish concept that I should be denied the knowledge why you entered this Stable at all"

He stopped pacing and his head turning towards the mare who did nothing but cause him irritation, had this been one of his Rangers he'd have been within right to administer punishment for subordination however as it stood despite being his rank it meant nothing to the mare bitch in front of him and truthfully he had no right to dish out said punishment, not for now anyway he reminded himself making this more bearable.
"You really want to know so bad huh? I'll give you something, when you were made Overmare they did something right, you're stubborn as a Tartarus damned mule"

The Overmare smirked, whether it was meant as a compliment or insult made no odds she was glad to be pissing him off, small payback but payback non the less for entering this place when they shouldn't, it was a dangerous game she was playing but she figured she'd win as the Senior Paladin seemed to rely more on force and intimidation than using his brain.
"Why thank you, I learnt from my mother, she was a pretty good example and I was stubborn as a filly anyway so that aspect of me requires no effort"

Tilting his head Senior Paladin Grey Shell didn't know how to take this mare now, part of him wanted to make her learn respect for superior ranking officials and part of him admired her for how gutsy she was, this Overmare was wasted here and would probably make a good Steel Ranger assuming she got her head around using weapons, he took a resigned breath before speaking knowing he'd have to tell her to shut her up or at least part of the overall goal.
"Not too far from here is Fillydelphia, a stallion by the name of Red Eyes has established a major outpost and frankly even with all of our firepower we can't get close to him or the factories he has up and running again, he is also notorious for using slaves for these factories as free workers. We need to establish a foothold but to do so we need a place to set up base close enough to observe but far enough and hidden away to work out a means of attacking with a safe fall-back position"

The Overmare resisted rolling her eyes in exasperation.
"So... if I'm understanding this properly you figured you'd use our Stable as that position yes?"

The Senior Paladin nodded.
"Yes indeed, however we hadn't counted on there being anypony alive in here still, most Stables these days we find are devoid of life so we assumed incorrectly it would be the case for here to"

"So that leads me to my next question, if this place is so hidden how the buck did you find it then?"
Overmare Blitz asked genuinely curious.

"Well we have access to the maneframe that contains all the data on Stables locations, something Red Eyes would kill to have and I do mean literally. It was discovered this Stable provided the best location however you and your ponies inhabiting here have complicated that somewhat so I suppose a new proposal will have to be put together, one which involves a how we say... mutual co-operation, you said you'd consider us threats yet the real enemy of ponykind is Red Eyes slavers and those Alicorns he's sided with. You’re stable if it were ever discovered by him would be nothing more than a whole workforce for him so I'm offering you a chance to aid in our attempt to bring Red Eye's to justice thus stopping any more slavery"

It was a lot to swallow, Overmare Blitz was not all that knowledgeable on the world outside the vault and 200 years was a long time for things to change yet the Steel Ranger may just be saying anything he thought might convince her to agree to the demands, though on the other hoof it would make sense such threats would exist in a broken society now.
"...If I was to agree, what reassurance can you give me that no harm will come to anypony living here and that you won't out stay your welcome for that matter?"

"Well... we only need long enough to uproot Red Eye's hoofhold of Fillydelphia and then we can move our operations there instead and you see for yourself how armed we are, we're no pushovers so any attack on this Stable will dealt with more swiftly than that 200 year old gun you have in the entrance. Though we will also be calling upon some of your food and water supplies to, to keep the troops in healthy order after all the scrounged food is all well and good but freshly grown crop would make a pleasant change for the Steel Rangers" Senior Paladin Grey Shell sat down now.

Overmare Butter Blitz noted how subconsciously her hoof had been near the disguised turret button all this time, as though she had suspected she'd be attacked.
"And what would happen if I so kindly refused your idea? Hypothetically speaking of course"

The mirth that had filled the Senior Paladins voice at the entrance had returned when he replied.
"Well, in that case hypothetically, we couldn't guarantee your safety given how important a place like this would be to those who'd appreciate all the things you ponies have at hoof, fresh food is non-existent and pure water even harder. There's a lot of nasty things in the wastes besides what I mentioned though if Red Eyes lot scouted out here you'd be how they say fucked, without us here you'd be outgunned and outnumbered not to mention either way in the aftermath we'd claim it from the attacking force so it's in your interest for the continued survival of your home, though of course that's hypothetical anyway right?"

No matter how it had been worded it sounded like the threat was aimed in a way that one way or another the Steel Rangers wanted use of Stable 200 and would get it, so it'd be better if at least everypony was alive even if it meant the inconvenience of playing host for the Steel Rangers.
"Yes of course, purely hypothetical, the terms are... agreeable for the time being. I assume you are going to contact your commanding officer assuming you answer to one?"

Grey Shell nodded.
"Yes our Elder, I will have to inform her of this arrangement but that won't be too hard, and naturally I'd prefer to do that in private, I've already indulged you to much as it stands"

"By all means, there are plenty of areas free at this time till I inform the residents they can leave there rooms"
The Overmare said ensuring she made it clear she would not be made to leave her own office just because of this Senior Paladin, this was still a Stable under her control so they'd have to play by her rules to.

"Fine, fine I'm sure I'll find somewhere suitable enough to make contact, now if you'll excuse me I have arrangements to sort as do you no doubt?"
He asked the Overmare, though it was moot as the Paladin knew very well the mare would have to arrange her own issues now added by the Steel Rangers soon to be presence, Grey Shell exited the room and shortly after one of the Security ponies entered just as the Overmare was pulling out a a bottle of aged cider from her desk drawer to calm her nerves as her hoof was now away from the turret release button.

"Well I'll be damned if that brutish foal doesn't leave you shaken at least a little, practically made it clear either we allow them to play house in our Stable or they'd see to it they can get it off us forcefully, I don't believe for a minute that it's beyond there capability to just gun us down if they want the place so badly"
The Overmare said uneasily her nerves shot and not bothered if the security officer saw her moment of weakness right now as she poured some of the cider into a tumbler and drank it one gulp, pouring another as quick as she'd drank it.

The security officer approached concerned, clear from his voice as it was rare to see the Overmare visually shaken.
"Umm are you okay Overmare Butter Blitz?"

She laughed hollowly as she faced the security officer.
"I've been better but hey I'm alive at least, I spent that entire time thinking he'd shoot me dead, the bastards want control over this Stable, our home no less and my hoof has been forced behind my back. Honestly never thought I'd see the day a pony manages it but that day has come"
She downed the second glass of alcohol.
"Do me a favour and this applies to all security from now on, keep a close eye on our guests, I don't trust them and their intentions but for now I have to act on the interest of everypony that calls here home which means at least pretending to agree to be helpful, it goes without saying don't make it obvious your observing them but I suspect he trusts me as much as I do him”

The security officer saluted with his front right hoof.
"Yes ma'am, I'll notify the other security and leave you to regain your composure, we won't let you down nor the other ponies depending on us"

"Thank you, for being understanding of the circumstances, we're to play a dangerous game and as much as I hate to bring all our little ponies into this I suppose it was inevitable that everypony would be drawn into this as a pawn, difference is I will not use them as sacrificial pieces but rather keep them safe from harm’s way within my power. We will not be used by some armour wearing ponies as a hideout for their little war games raids, this is our home and nopony is going to take that from us if I can avoid it..."
Pouring a third glass she remained silent now and the security guard took this as his hint to leave her be.

Author's Note

And another Chapter bites the dust, if folks feel this is going to slow please tell me however I prefer a slow and detailed build up but I appreciate others may not so I apologize to those who prefer stories that get to the point at a more speedier pace.

Chapter 4: Data Extraction

Since the Steel Rangers had forcefully entered Stable 200 it had only taken them a mere two weeks to bring over reinforcements to bolster their numbers as well as equipment, weaponry and any spare parts they’d need to repair their Power Armour in a pinch and all this was stored away in the old Holding Cells that had once been used to lock away the very first Stable inhabitants when their behavior got out of hoof of course over the generations the need for the room dwindled to the point of being just a reminder of what sort of ponies this place homed but it had been a pretty vast space.

Two Steel Rangers were stationed outside the doorway ensuring only authorized personnel could enter, this meant only fellow soldiers or their Commanding Officer Senior Paladin Grey Shell, any Stable ponies who showed an inclination of trying to enter or even looked for a second to long were issued warnings or a fairly firm shove given how the Power Armour amplified the wearers strength to beyond an earth ponies usual capability. Understandably neither the Steel Rangers nor the Stable dwellers were keen on eithers presence and there had been initially protest at the armored pony’s presence till Overmare Butter Blitz smoothed things over best she could.

The old Holding Cell had been left to rot in a grim way, the walls were damp ridden and the power to the lighting was questionable at best, the floor itself was a mix of stains nopony dared think about how it got there or what it was after all it didn’t take a genius to know the rougher history of this Stable, not even the Jail Cell doors could close over from how rusted they were but of course once the Steel Rangers had made it apparent this was to be there area they had amended this or otherwise insisted some of these faults be sorted.

The lighting had been fixed at the request of the Senior Paladin and so to had the cell doors, now greased up and for the most part usable if not a little stubborn but nothing a little brute force couldn’t sort, the lock mechanism thankfully worked after all this time which was hooked up to the terminals the reinforcement of Steel Rangers had brought with them which meant the Overmare had no control over them whatsoever seeing as they opted to set up their own private interface with the cage doors. The stockpile of ammo and weapons were kept in one cell the other housed the spare parts for the Power Amour and lastly a third cell was Senior Paladin Grey Shells office.

The remaining seven cells had bunk beds in with hoof lockers as well as a curtained off private sleeping quarters for the Senior Paladin, in all the area housed 57 comfortably, the hallway that separated the cells in a five by five set up equally housed the desks which had terminals on and a communication system set against the back wall and for added security there was three turrets placed around the room as a deterrent, one on the ceiling just before the entrance and respectively one in each the Armory and Power Armour area.

It was unfortunate to Tran Sketch that she had to pass this area for her daily duties in the Pip-Buck Maintenance room, she had learnt to just not look at the guards posted outside and tried to ignore the very presence of the room period though her thoughts occasionally dwindled as to what was going on in there like anypony denied such things would wonder, Sketch was grateful for all the advancements that the Power Armour had they could not penetrate somepony’s thoughts at least.

She had just about passed the door when it hissed open with a reluctant noise like a pained squeal, a Steel Ranger exited the room causing Sketch involuntarily to look at the source of the noise which then panned to the visor of the armour wearing pony before Sketch remembered that even looking at them would be considered wrong but when the Steel Ranger walked forward there seemed to be a delay in the front left leg that seemed unnatural whilst the other three moved in sync, Sketch couldn’t help but say something.

“Umm if you don’t mind my saying something seems off with your armour movement”
The steel Ranger looked at Tran Sketch as they approached her, the helmet tilted was the only give away really given the visor blocked the pony’s eyes from sight, stopping by Sketch.

“You’re the Pip-Buck repair mare here aren’t you civilian?”
The voice had an artificial sound to it due to the armour having to translate the dialect outwardly rather than merely a muffled sound, it sounded feminine even with the magically artificial enhancement.

Sketch furrowed her brows a little not really approving of the way the Steel Rangers referred to the Stable residents as civilians as though they were something unpleasant they had stepped in but she kept her cool.
“Well yes, I’m still learning as I go along but I am mostly good at what I do”

“Well then, I shall give you the honour of being the first civilian technician pony to lay hoof on this armour with permission, the leg seems to be seizing up on me and our Power Armour technician has his hooves full so it looks like you’ll have to do it in his steed”
It was hard to tell if it was truly an order or a request, the voice distortion made it hard to define the true tone of voice for Sketch but with that said it would be an experience to, it wasn’t everyday a pony got there hooves on such a thing and Pip-Bucks were becoming too much of the same thing for her.

Sketch nodded in agreeance.
“Very well, if you follow me to the maintenance room I’ll see what I can do”
She did however look at the armour again.
“Just don’t expect me to repair it outright as this is the first time I’ll have done it, you can probably imagine there is a difference between fixing up a Pip-Buck and what you’re wearing”

“If you can’t fix it then our Technician can when he finds time, it’s not like you’ll break it so easy anyway so I’m not worried”
The Steel Ranger shrugged.
The metal covered hoof tapped on the concrete floor.
“So then lead the way repair pony”

The walk to the Maintenance Department only took a minute or so longer even with the suit causing that weird delay limp but Stable ponies and Steel Rangers all looked curiously at the pair given it was uncommon to see two opposing ponies by another, even Purple Steel was taken aback at the presence of the Steel Ranger following Tran Sketch but he didn’t say anything even if his old gaze was filled with some confusion.

There was a hiss of sorts as the armour seemed to unlock itself from the mare, the first thing to come off was the helmet now in the mares hoof before setting it down on the work station, her body color was charcoal black with a short cropped mane style which was grey, a scar across her left eye and much to Sketch’s shock, a stump of a horn that had been cut off, the soldier mare noticed Sketch’s eyes fixated on the mutilated horn.
“I wouldn’t get so caught up on the fact my horn is missing, can’t wear these helmets with it and the Steel Rangers wont adapt the armour by drilling a hole in it as it compromises the defense and may otherwise ruin the helmets function so had to cut it off”

Sketch could only imagine how painful it was, she had banged her horn as a filly many times and it hurt so to cut it off, the thought made her cringe, subconsciously putting a hoof to her own horn as though checking it to hadn’t been lopped off.
“Sorry, just looks like it was painful is all, I curse something rotten when I just whack my horn so to cut it off… just doesn’t bare thinking about to me really”

The rest of the armour unsealed allowing the mare to step out of it, her tail to had been cut to a shorter style, more practical and military like and her cutie mark was of a ink bottle and quill atop a piece of scroll.
“Oh believe me it hurt like hell, you know as well as I do a horn is connected physically and magically so you have to deal with the sheer physical pain and the forced separation from your magic to boot, it’s not pleasant but to be a Steel Ranger you have to give up your horn”

Collecting the tools usually used for Pip-Bucks maintenance Sketch hoped that they’d work the armour if she could find the panel for access, a look around more closely at it revealed the access panel which she began to unscrew.
“So… do you miss your magic, I mean I’m not amazing adept at it but I couldn’t imagine just not having it either, doing things by hoof alone would just be to unnatural for me, by the way do you have a name to call you by?”

The mare mulled over what Sketch had said.
“The names Ink Blot, used to be a Scribe for the Steel Rangers till I found I was pretty adept at soldiering, about that time I still needed my magic to record my findings and such as writing by hoof is a hassle. As for your other question yes I did miss my magic for a little while, it was weird not being able to do the little things, even something like drinking and eating I needed to retrain my brain to do”

The panel now open Sketch connected her Pip-Buck to the Power Armour accessing the interface to run a system check.
“These days I don’t really think about it, I’m still a unicorn just a magicless one but the Armour compensates for my magical failings so it balances out so I suppose in that respect I’m more akin to an earth pony in some ways. So what’s the deal with your cutie mark, it’s not like I’d expect an artist to be doing something like this”

Sketch was keeping an eye on the Pip-Buck screen as she spoke.
“Well this Stable is all about the practical assets you can provide, art is low down the agenda here so it’s more of a hobby for me than my actual strong point, I sneak the odd bit of drawing or painting in here or there but honestly it’s hard when art supplies aren’t that abundant. For the most part I have to improvise my paints and most of my brushes are using my tail hairs cut down to size, it’s not rough just a lot of DIY methods”
Sketch faced Ink Blot briefly.
“My names Tran Sketch by the way, figured it only fair seeing as you told me yours”

“Well improvisation is a sign of ingenuity as it’s the sort of thing that keeps you alive above ground if you can think outside the box, just be glad you only have to apply it to more civil things here like your paint brushes”
As Ink Blot was talking Sketch noticed there were a few encrypted files, a few hoof taps and she was copying them over as the schematics ran, finally the source of the problem revealed was the Spell Core Matrix was a little out of alignment with the systems, a simple fix by just rebooting the system the Power Armour worked off and thankfully the files had transferred over to unknown to the Charcoal mare so Tran Sketch could reboot the system.

A few moments passed before the Power Armour system restarted, the readout on the Pip-Buck showed no faults this time, Ink Blot trotted over.
“So is it good to go now? You seem to have stopped what you’re doing so either it’s operational or you’re stumped”

Sketch nodded disconnecting her Pip-Buck from the armour and sealing the panel.
“You should be good to go, surprisingly there similar to Pip-Bucks in how they operate minus the additional factor of weapon systems and a kick flank defense”

Ink Blot smiled a little before stepping back into the Power Armour hiding the mares frame in the bulky metal covering.
“You did good Tran Sketch, I’ll be sure to remember who to come to when our techie is up to his hooves in work of his own. Thanks for this”
Putting on the helmet again it sealed into place with a locking hiss sound as it pressurized for the air filters, doing a mock salute Ink Blot turned round and headed out the Maintenance Room, Sketch’s Mentor and stand in parent waiting till he was sure Ink Blot was gone before talking to Sketch.

“What in the name of Princess Celestia are you doing copying data? If she’d have spotted you doing that who knows what would’ve happened to you”
Sketch shook her mane out a little before answering.

“No need to worry I did it knowing I could get away with it otherwise I just wouldn’t risk it, surely your curious of the outside world to and I’d bet a pre-war bit on it that at least one of these files has information about the outside world”
Purple Steel glared at her with that look a parent gives there child when disappointed in them.

“We have books telling of Equestria before the bombs fell, most ponies are content with that but you however want to play risk and steal data not meant for us to see, do you know how stupid that is, especially if you had been found out how do you think I’d feel if they took you away”
Sketch hadn’t really thought about it like that, and was made to feel guilty by her mentor.

“I know, and I’m sorry… but they’re two centuries out of date, I doubt Equestria is anything like those books show now otherwise why would we be down here still, I just wanted to know what the outside is like now even if I never go out there for myself is being ignorant of the situation really so good”
Sketch hoofed at the floor like a filly caught doing wrong, Purple Steel couldn’t stay mad at her even if he wanted.

Purple Steel sighed and put a hoof on Sketch’s back comfortingly.
“Look I know it must be frustrating, I was young and rambunctious to once and wanted to know about beyond the Stable but sometimes ignorance is bliss. I’m not getting younger and I’ve had the fortune to raise you not only as a Maintenance Technician but also I feel as the daughter my wife and I wanted but couldn’t have… I was infertile and could never give my wife the foal she wanted to raise but she stuck by me… I’d like to think you were sent in place of the young one we couldn’t have and I know my wife would’ve loved you just as much”

His voice was serious and his gaze focused on the silver maned mare.
“All I’m saying is if something happened to you I’d feel guilty as all heck, your parents gave no damn about you when you decided to be a mare, called you all sorts of horrible things, tolerance is more than lacking these days and honestly I feel like I’ve had to be the parental figure you lacked and hope I have done that as well as this old fool can manage”

Sketch hugged Purple Steel, tears in her eyes.
“You have and still are good to me, I’ve no bad word to say against you and how accepting you were even when most of the Stable and my parents shunned me for what I became you still cared and showed compassion… if it means so much to you I’ll never take a risk like that again but only because it’s you”

Purple Steel nodded, breaking from the hug, a soft smile on his wizened old muzzle.
“I’d very much like that, you’re meant to take over from me one day and you can’t do that if those Steel Brutes lock you away… well you earned the right of a break from today seeing how you fixed that Armour up which not even I’ve done before, aaand I reckon your eager to see what you copied so I’ll let it slide this one time okay?”

Tran Sketch was jumping on the spot in excitement, much to Purple Steels delight to see the that despite how she had matured there was still a little of the young mare lurking about in Sketch’s emotions.
“Thank you, I guess I’ll be heading back to my quarters then”

“You do that young’un before I change my mind”
He said with a chuckle before shooing her away with his front hoof.

Author's Note

Well this is a long overdue Chapter, I'll see how it goes over with you readers but here's hoping that it's an enjoyable enough Chapter, within the next Chapter or two I do plan to get this story focused on the Wasteland aspect alas I'm a sucker for build up details.

Chapter 2: Who Invited the Rangers?

5 years had passed since Nova Sprocket had introduced himself to Tran Sketch, the blue mare in question was no longer an apprentice PipBuck technician but her levitation magic was still questionable at best so she still required concentration but at least her magic was less prone to imploding during precise repairs and Purple Steel figured another year or two then he’d be able to step down passing the pedestal to Tran Sketch, she herself had come to regard Purple Steel as more than her mentor and more like the kindly grandfather she never had and he himself was guilty of some favouritism for her having feelings of proudness for her every time she improved as even a little improvement should be encouraged.

The walls were as grey and monotonous in the maintenance room as they had been five years ago and no doubt long before that even, would it hurt just to add a poster or two the place to brighten it up even a little but from what Purple Steel had said once upon a time he had actually a pin up poster of a mare, one Tran Sketch assumed was questionable in appearance till stumbling upon it tucked away in a drawer next to tools a little while back, her curiosity had been piqued and so she looked at the earth pony mare in quite a provocative position, blushing hard she had put it back and understood why it was no longer on the wall.

Naturally Nova to had worked his way up the ranks overtime too becoming the Personal Assistant directly to the Overmare and his previous role delegated to the pony who was at that time the Overmare’s Personal Assistant but wanted an easier role, this had been agreeable terms to Overmare Butter Blitz as long as the replacement was capable and it so happened Nova Sprocket had excelled in his Admin role so he was given a shot at being the Overmare’s PA.

The job came with a few more perks to such as a less crowded living area designated for more official type ponies whose roles and jobs demanded the need to be more at direct hoof of Overmare Butter Blitz, en suite bathrooms and a treat each month within reasonable means so in Nova’s case he always got a cake each month to split between himself and Tran Sketch, his figure was more masculine defined now as opposed to 5 years ago but that was thanks to the training regime imposed on all Stable dwellers which meant mandatory exercise in the gym, everypony was assigned a time to attend to ensure there was no overcrowding and they all got a fair chance at the equipment.

Another thing that had developed in the last 5 years was the closeness between Tran Sketch and Nova Sprocket, they were still friends granted but after the compulsory mating 3 years ago that was initiated when new foals where needed to replace occupants who had passed away, an estrous cycle was artificially started by pheromones being released through the air circulation vents in the locked off area, air tight area designated for copulation between the pony populace controlled by the Overmare from a sealed area with a terminal which allowed for a more controlled approach to breeding to ensure that the birth rate was manageable.

The estrous had indeed affected Tran Sketch as well as the other mares however in Tran Sketch’s case it had had the desired effect of her not bearing a foal which admittedly had made her and Nova somewhat relieved. The Overmare had admitted that she was curious to see if two gender swapped ponies could produce a foal so this was more of a test to see if the effect of the magical and physical changes done to their bodies allowed such a thing.

Of course the pair now had somewhat of a taste for it after that experience so had advanced their friendship to something of a more intimate nature, the two had been clumsy and inexperienced with such a deed seeing as neither had been intimate prior to their “change” but Tran Sketch had openly admitted to him if she had to deal with those urges she’d rather it have been him rather than a random stallion taking her, they both decided it was probably best they try out the whole couple thing and it was going quite well.
It was the end of the month and today Nova Sprocket was collecting a strawberry drizzle cake from Gourmet and he’d messaged Tran Sketch via the terminal in the PipBuck maintenance room’s terminal, she’d always said that she wanted to try strawberries but never had, so after pulling some strings with one of the food gatherers Nova had finally come across the fabled sweet fruit and he found himself recalling the conversation that followed after he asked Gourmet to make a cake with them.

Previous Day:

The unicorn chef’s eyes had lit up, a dusty book of desserts levitated before Gourmet as he looked at the index, a triumphant “aha” escaping the muzzle.
“I’ve got just the thing, never thought I’d get the chance in my lifetime to actually make any treat with strawberries so this is quite a rare occasion, is it for your marefriend? Tran Sketch I believe?”

Nova nodded.
“That obvious huh?”

Gourmet chuckled in amusement as he set down the book.
“Don’t think it’s escaped my attention you spend a lot of time with her during meals, not to mention I heard from somepony that you and she were paired by the Overmare, not unheard for couples to be formed from that.”

Nova was unsure how to respond.
“For what it’s worth I aint saying it’s a bad thing, she always seemed to sit by herself and never spoke to the others all that much, same food, same seat and same quiet meals you’ve come along and added some variety. Granted she still orders the same meals and sits in the same spot but at least she has someone to talk to now”

Nova's head turned slightly to the right eyeing Gourmet, surprised by how observant the chef was.
"Honestly, just keep at it up, some ponies like myself are glad when there’s a happy ending. I'll whip up that Strawberry drizzle for you in a jiffy as long as you keep that mare happy."

At that point, Nova had eased a little knowing Gourmet knows his feelings for Sketch.

Present Time:

Tran Sketch was on her way to meeting Nova outside the reserved quarter’s area only security ponies, the Overmare and anyone who had a high standing title in the Stable had access to these parts unless invited by an occupant anyway or for official business but if a PipBuck needed repair it was normally carried out in the maintenance room specifically to avoid any dust or foreign contaminants sabotaging the effort and secondly the tools were all there anyway so it saved on having to go back and forth if a tool was needed or not adequate for the job.

As Sketch neared the entrance to the quarter’s she spotted Nova, a small smile on her muzzle at the sight of him.
“Treat time so soon, seems to come by even quicker every time wouldn’t you say?”
She said with a playful tone to her voice.

The Stallion nodded in agreeance.
“Truthfully it’s a treat seeing a cutie like you anyway so I have a treat every day I’d say, the cakes just a bonus really.”
Sketch blushed and scuffed her hoof on the floor awkwardly.

“H-Hey why do you always say something to embarrass me like that, you know how I feel about anypony knowing about us, what if they talk and say nasty things about us…”

Nova smirked and waved a forehoof nonchalantly before approaching the blue coloured mare nuzzling her affectionately.
“Why? Because we happen to be opposite sides of the same coins, a mare who was a stallion and vice versa? Freaks? Who gives a buck, if anypony has a problem with it then let them actually dare to say it to my face and we’ll see how much of a problem it is then wont we?”
He said trying to reassure her, his voice sounding confident.

Sketch eased up a little, Nova knew how to calm his marefriend when she got like this, their relationship was not exactly conventional but they still had average couple issues so what should it matter what they were prior. It needn’t have been an issue but Sketch found it hard to think that sometimes it seemed whereas Nova found it easy to bypass to niggling doubt.
“Now my dear marefriend, we have a cake waiting in my room and it aint going to eat itself now is it? Shall I escort you to it madam?”
He asked in a mock gentlestallion accent causing Tran Sketch to laugh.

“Fine, fine. You do have a way with words don’t you”
She said seeming okay again, they were about to head inside when the alarm sounded overhead through the Stable followed by the Overmare’s voice with a severe tone to it a little louder than the warning alarm.

“All security personnel report to the main entrance of the stable fully armed, this is not a drill, I repeat this is not a drill, all security personnel are to assemble at the main entrance and all residents are to return and remain in their quarters whilst the Stable is on lockdown security and are not to leave, only essential personnel are authorised to be in the corridors till such times it is deemed safe, this is the Overmare and my word is absolute right now.”
The voice cut off now and the corridors were now just full of the alarm echoing and the sounds of confused voices and hoof steps hastily heading to wherever was required, this of course put a damper on the lovers plans as chances are Nova would be needed to see to the Overmare now.

Nova of course sighed in exasperation.
“Well that ends our plan, you’ll have to head back to your quarters… sorry”
His voice sounded genuinely apologetic, this had not been the intent of their meet up but whatever was causing the alarm to sound and to make the Overmare of all things act more authoritative than her usual self was a warning sign in itself, Nova knew he had to be there alongside the Overmare assuming she was at the entrance to which would be a fair assumption.

Sketch flicked back her mane when she stepped from him.
“It’s fine, you have an important role and it’s pretty much expected of you, you go and do what you do best I’ll see if Purple Steel is not still in the PipBuck maintenance room and then head on from there to my own quarters, the cake will be okay for a little while longer will it not?”

Nova smiled kissing his marefriend on the cheek, glad of her support.
“I’ll be quick as I can, don’t know what’s going down but if the guards are given authority to use weapons it’s pretty serious so you get yourself locked away safe to just in case. With some luck it’s nothing we can’t deal with… that is to say the guards anyway, me and the Overmare well, were diplomats first and foremost so talking is our only weapon really”
With that he gave her a hug and headed off to the entrance leaving Sketch by herself.

At the entrance of Stable 200:

The large cog shaped doorway was making a squealing metallic noise at it protested from being made to open, the gap opening more little by little as seven of the Stable guards had 10mm pistols aimed at the entrance way and five others armed with hunting rifles, behind the armour barding covered protectors was Overmare Blitz and her PA Nova Sprocket. The door was rarely if never opened except for someponie’s being sent out to gather Intel on the conditions outside and this had to be approved by the Overmare yet some outside force had operated the control panel the opposite side of the cog like door and had begun the opening sequence.

Once the door had finally opened up completely the guards found themselves facing heavily armoured ponies in Power Armour known as the Steel Rangers, if there armour wasn’t daunting enough the battle saddles they wore easily overpowered the Stable’s own paltry weapons but the security ponies stood their ground regardless as they were sworn to protect the Stable and its occupants and this sort of thing counted as a threat to the lives of said occupants. Likewise the Steel Rangers had their weapons trained on the security to.

One of the Steel Rangers stepped forward likewise Overmare Blitz did so to and though the two groups were aiming weapons at one another neither seemed to be firing just yet.
“I am Senior Paladin Grey Shell of the Steel Rangers, am I to assume you are the current Overmare of this Stable?”
He asked with his slightly altered voice courtesy of the Power Armour he wore, his question aimed at Overmare Blitz.

“I am Overmare Butter Blitz, tenth Overmare of this Stable and I demand to know your reasoning for opening the entrance without my authority this instant!”
Her tone was sharp and demanding, it wasn’t as though she was unaware of the fact she could be gunned down anytime but showing fear wouldn’t get her anywhere either so she mentally brokered herself to play the resilient and uncowering Overmare.

The helmet of Senior Paladin Grey Shell hid his expression on his muzzle and the eyes of his but he looked the mare up and down in what seemed in indignant way as though she dare answer back to him let alone demand anything of somepony of his ranking, had it been his way he’d have gunned her down and all those present in the entrance chamber given the fact he and his group were armed more than enough to kill them. However Elder Blueberry Sabre had asked him to at least try and be civil with the Stable unless it came to an impasse in which case they would gun them down.

Overmare Blitz stomped her Yellow hoof against the concrete impatiently.
“I asked what your reasoning for entering this Stable is, do not make me repeat myself so answer me…”

One of the guards nearest to the control panel pushed a button as two panels in the ceiling overhead slid open and two mini gun turrets lowered with a hissing sound as the multi barrelled chambers pointed at the intruders but didn’t fire yet, in turn the Steel Rangers got into their own battle stance now energy weapons making a whirring sound as they charged up ready and safety releases being unlocked on the more conventional weapons, it was a Mexican standoff with a major handicap to Stable side.

“If you don’t answer I’m afraid this will be seen as a hostile effort and we will be forced to make you leave alternately”
The Overmare said sounding braver than she felt, she knew even with these ceiling mounted turrets chances where the Steel Rangers would probably come out of this better than herself and the guards but this was one of their only ace in the holes, previously they would have been used to threaten unarmoured convicts not these Power Armoured wearing soldiers.

Senior Paladin Grey Shell seemed to chuckle, finding it somewhat amusing the foolish mare thought the mini gun turrets would actually do much against their armour but played it cool.
“My, oh my, so quick to assume were a threat when you fail to realise since this precious Stable of yours was sealed away that things have… changed so much, believe me when I say that we’re the closest thing to allies you’ll find in Equestria now. At least compared to the other ponies and… things even we couldn’t even begin to fathom.”

The Overmare tossed back her mane.
“If we are to do anything we will discuss this properly like adult ponies, not brutes wielding guns whilst at an impasse, lower your arms and we will do the same, then we shall discuss this in my office were you will explain your actions Grey Shell and I will not take no for answer”
She said determinedly being certain she’d get the answer one way or another, Nova Sprocket was more than concerned but the Overmare had decided this for herself.

The Steel Ranger nodded at his troops.
“Stand down, seems we’ll have some civility after all”
He said though his voice sounded a little bitter, the troops disengaged there weapons remaining ominously silent and in turn the guards lowered their own weapons.

“Well then if you’d be so kind as to follow me to my office, so we can work out what in the name of Luna you’re doing here”
The guards surrounded the Overmare and the Steel Rangers flanked around Grey Shell as they headed towards the office of Overmare Blitz.

Author's Note

Long overdue chapter, sorry for the wait but inspiration was hit and miss, in any case I hope this chapter is enjoyable to read for everypony. As per the norm critiques are appreciated and I may make edits tot he story at some point if people feel it's to rushed or not detailed enough etc so by all means inform me of such things.