Fallout Equestria: Dance of the Orthrus

“This is radio 5-0 straight from Club Three Dog. Now I know from recent events it sounds like we will soon be off the air, but fear not, we’ve just been having extra troublemakers as of late. But order has been restored, and there is no sign that the music will ever die.”

“Now on the topic of troublemakers, the equalists seem to have all packed up and left. No seriously, we have not seen hide nor hare of them for half a day. No recruiters about, no protesters being pests, and no fights breaking out between them and members of the trade union. I say take the good with the bad, but what’s the bad side to this, we may just have to wait and see. Personally I hope they are just pulling another stunt, and everything will be back to normal soon.”

“Now for the weather. A tropical storm has made landfall, and it is unknown how long it will take to pass. This storm comes with a hefty dose of radiation, so it’s ill-advised for anypony to venture out at this time. Not that anypony has plans to go anywhere, but damn it makes you wish we still had some control over the weather. Maybe then we could get some clean clouds to help wash away the toxins and radiation.”

“Well that’s it for now. I wish all a good day, and to anypony up there in the storm, stay safe out there, there's ponies down here waiting for you.”

The music turned on, playing a soft, but energetic dance track. It was interesting to listen to, but the boredom of waiting was really starting to grind on me. The gray walls, doors, and ceiling were all starting to blur together into some sort of boring gray haze. If I knew we would be here for so long, I’d have asked for them to let us wait outside their base. At least out there had a lot more going on, even if most of the mirage ponies looked at us with suspicion.

“Hey Hoof-Shiner!” Wild Winds called out. “Hoof-Shiner, get up! Looks like our wait is over.”

Sitting up straight, one of my legs had fallen asleep, so it was all pins and needles. Who knew sitting in a waiting room for hours on end could hurt like this. It was not like I’ve never had to do this before, but clouds were far more comfortable than a steel bench.

“Good, I had almost come up with a plan for us to just break in, steal a vertibird, and fly us home.” I stretched my wings out, and cracked my back. Almost thirty years old, and starting to feel like an old stallion, what I wouldn’t do to be back in my prime again. But then again, I was a sloppy lover at that age, so it’s not all bad.

“You, you, you can’t be serious!” Light Turbulence puffed up.

I waved a hoof at her dismissive words. “Naw, but I bet I could. Grounders tend to have a poor ability to aim up. We’d just need to keep the high ground until we make our escape.”

The door to the waiting room opened, and a mirage pony mare in a very clean security uniform trotted in giving me a smile. Her blue coat and even bluer mane blended into her uniform, making the yellow of the uniform really pop out. Next to her was Mandolin, Orthrus PR pony. And on the other side of the security pony was an older stallion in a white Orthrus uniform marked with a red cross.

He was the first stallion I’d seen we got to charon's stop, other than the old scrapper that helped us with the big feathery monster. It was something I was still getting use to, not that getting all the attention from the mares was displeasing, but the sheer frequency that I got hit on was a bit much. It actually made me feel a bit sad thinking about it, as Warm Gale would have loved it here, aside from being underground.

“This is true; my security has little training with flying opponent’s.” The security mare spoke with confidence in her voice. “But we have other ways to fight that would counter your natural abilities.”

Getting off the bench, I trotted over to the mare and shook her hoof. She too had cyber legs like almost all the mirage ponies I’d seen. “I don’t know; you’ve never fought an enclave strike team before. Names Merit Cross”

She laughed. “Too true. But that fact goes both ways. Captain Djembe Tapper, head of security.” She motioned her hoof to her left, presenting the stallion. “This is Doctor Dizi, he is here on behalf of our medical team. And you already know Mandolin.”

Light and Wild both got up and greeted the mirage pones. I could tell that their spirits were high, though mostly because we were actually doing something and not just sitting around. From what the pipbuck showed me, we had been here for six hours, the mirage ponies having had taken our photos, blood, and a feather each. Before we were mulling around outside the station, were a few shops had been set up for ponies waiting to get in. Mandolin had provided us with some bits to use, but we only had enough to by some MRE’s and soda. Though I had to admit, Metro-cola was some good stuff. It probably had to do with it actually being fresh, and not over two hundred years old.

“Now take these, it will be important that you keep them on you at all times.” Djembe gave us each an envelope Inside was an ID card with a clip attached to it, a second ID card, and a more advanced looking ear bloom. “The ID will allow you in all low security areas, and access the rooms you will be staying at for the time being. The ear bloom has a telepathic talisman built into it, allowing you silently communicate. It has a charge that will last for an hour, so only use it in emergencies.”

Light stepped up, putting the ID and ear bloom on. “Ma'am, why did you take some of our blood and a feather earlier. Not to be rude, but nopony has told us anything.”

Dizi this time spoke up. “Checking for diseases, and other pathogens. We have a few nasty bugs on this island, and we wanted to make sure you didn’t bring some with you.” He pulled out a clipboard, flipping through a few pages on it. “Miss Light, your clean. Mister Merit, you might want to have a physical exam during your stay here.” I didn’t like the sound of that. “As for you miss Wild, why are you even exploring in your condition?”

Both Light and I gave Wild a worried look. She herself look worried, but also confused. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her wings dropping.

The doctor raised an eyebrow. “Where do I begin. First your blood chemistry is all off, clear signs of a long standing addiction. Second you have a nasty virus in your bloodstream, It doesn't seem to be able to affect you, but who knows what could happen if it was transmitted to our population. And third, you're pregnant.”

“Wait what!” Wild yelp in surprise. “No, no, no, nooo. I can’t be pregnant, it’s not possible.”

We both Looked at her in shock. Dizi simply cleared his throat, bringing the attention back to him. “If you don’t get yourself treated soon, you won’t be for long. I’ve not seen this strain before, but it looks similar to one that exists in Zebra Lands. It should be easy enough to suppress with medication, maybe even flush out of your system, but left untreated it could harm the unborn foal. If we conduct the treatment before the zygote can be effected, it should be able to resist the virus.”

Wild trotted up to the doctor, her body visibly shaking. “What’s this treatment!”

Dizi looked over at Djembe and she nodded. “It’s the mirage pony treatment.” Dizi explained. “It’s a genome modification to help the unborn to resist radiation and toxins. It should give the foal enough strength to resist the virus, but it will not be born a pegasus. But with your low exposure to the islands toxins, the foal should be healthier than most.”

There was a long pause before Wiled said anything. “My husband and I have been wanting a foal for a long time now. We tried so hard for so long that I’d given up… hope.” Wiled hugged the doctor and cried. We all stood there, silent, waiting for her to let it all out.

When it was all over, Wild left with the doctor, and Light and I stayed with Djembe and Mandolin. It all felt strange at first, but Wild was a smart mare who had learned many of her life lessons the hard way. From firefights to bar brawls, she learned that she wanted a quiet life, something that took me too long to figure out. So I trusted that she was making the right decision, and I hoped that Orthrus didn’t betray ours.

“Did you know Wild was sick?” Light asked quietly.

I sighed. “Ya, we think she picked up something during Operation Cauterize. Our best guess is when we were fighting in the hospital. South also got infected with something. Nearly died from it.”

Light shivered. “Sounds like the old propaganda had some truth to it.”

“You know how it goes.” I responded. “The best lies have some truth to it.”

The four of us walked down a long and wide corridor, passing by mirage ponies riding small vehicles that were hauling crates. The HQ has a busy flow to it, with nopony simply standing around, unless that was their job. From cleaning to hauling, somepony was doing some sort of work.

At the end of the corridor we stopped at yet another checkpoint. “Hello Captain.” The guard greeted Djembe, passing her a clipboard. “Other than a specter rushing through, it’s all quiet here.”

Djembe groaned as she looked over the paper on the clipboard before giving it back. “I swear; those specters never follow protocol.” She passed over her ID card and the guard placed it in a machine for a second before hoofing it back. “We should just discontinue the specter corps, and replace them with recon troopers.”

“Oh they’re not all that bad, at the very least they are good for moral, and the civilians love them.” Mandolin spoke up, adding her opinion. Her ID was taken, scanned, and given back “To them, having a specter come and help is as though the Counsel are personally helping them. Make them think we're personally invested in their station”

Light was next to have her ID scanned. “Aren't you invested in the other stations. From what we were told, Orthrus is the main peacekeeping force here.”

Mandolin chuckled. “True, true. But were more invested in the stability of the metro, not in any station specifically. By keeping control over the tunnels, we keep any conflict in one station, from spreading to the others. But as for the individual stations, if they can’t survive on their own four hooves, we have no obligation to prop them up. We find that a bitter medicine is better than a slow death.”

I hoofed over my ID to the guard. “Back in the enclave, Ideas like that could get you into political office, and a bullet to the head.” The ID was given back to me, and I joined the others at the blast door.

“Isn’t it how it always is with strong political beliefs” Djembe said with pride in her voice. “Mandolin told me a little of what you told her. A fake democracy, to hide a military dictatorship. A brilliant, but overall brittle form of rule. It’s not too dissimilar from what we have, but I like to think we managed a more enlightened form of that.”

“What!” Light blurted out, looking nervous. I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous as well, to step into another Grand Pegasus Enclave after ten years of dissolution.

Djembe laughed. “Don’t worry, Orthrus is not some blotted hound drunk off its own power, we would not have lasted as long as we have if we were.” The blast doors slowly began to open, and Djembe continued. “It’s a mix of a Technocracy and a Stratocracy, all held together by bureaucrats. Simply put, to gain a political office in Orthrus, you need the rank and the education befitting the position.”

It was a bit hard to wrap my head around what she was talking about, but if it involved bureaucrats, I don’t think I wanted to know. The blast doors opened and we all stepped inside. To my surprise, we had entered a large hangar, which was bigger than it had any right to be. In the center, as though it was a trophy, was an airship.

The airship was as big as a Thunderhead cloud ship, defiantly longer, and more solid. The ship had six cannons on one side, and armor plating alongside it. Painted in bold Dark Pink letters was ‘Scootaloo’s Resolve’

“How?!” Light blurted out, as she pointed at the airship.

Giving us a smirk, Djembe trotted in front of us, and lifted up a hoof, as though to present the airship. “This here is the pride and joy of Typhon Station, the Scootaloo’s Resolve. This baby has been here since the war, stored here for safekeeping.” She took a deep breath, and switched hooves. “She’s a heavy cargo airship, made by and for Stable-Tec for the construction of stables that cannot be access through normal transportation. Over the last hundred years we have been remodeling the ship with the latest of our technology. When in flight it uses a combination of ten cloud talismans in the gas sack, and six levitation thrusters on the hull to swiftly move through the air, and hover in place. Its armor is made up of layers of fiberglass and polymer for strength and lightness. And for offense, the ship is armed with twelve auto rail cannons, to fend off threats above and below.”

I was shocked. The Enclave would have killed to get their hooves on something like this. They’ve killed for less. It didn’t have the same elegance as a Thunderhead, looking a bit like an oversized balloon, but it also looked like it could easily hold it’s own in a fight. “Amazing, to think you have an airship here. Do you ever take it out and fly it?”

Mandolin stepped in before Djembe could answer. “First off, we have two, and second, yes. Once a year we do a trial run for the ships, and test out their weapons.”

Light trotted up to them. “You have two! Two massive airships, and you're still underground?”

Mandolin calmly waved her off. “The topic of sending an expedition is nothing new. But sadly we lack the resources to spare for such an endeavor. There is also a lack of support for venturing out into the unknown, as we have many duties here at home to tend to. Also, cutting our forces thin will only destabilize the metro, possibly sparking a war over our bases. ”

Light scratched her chin, turning her head away from the airship and to Mandolin. “I think I understand. It took over a year to get the approval for our own scouting mission.”

“And we at least knew something would be here, even if all we found were ruins.” I added.

“Well enough gawking, we have places to go.” Djembe said cheerfully as she pushed us along. “you have an appointment with the council, so let's not keep them waiting.”

The hanger was just as busy as the corridor, though far more spread out. With the space the hanger provided, Orthrus used the ground floor for running drills, and the floor above that was a mess hall. It all made me feel like I was back in the Enclave, all it needed was some clouds, and I’d be back home.

The airship itself has a few ponies on it, mostly adding a new coat of paint. As we trotted along, I could see a bridge connecting from the hanger to the airship, and another larger bridge, obviously used for moving cargo.

“HEY CAPTAIN!” the voice came out from above, and a Pegasus swooped down, landing in front of us. It was a relatively short Pegasus mare, light-brown coat, and rust red mane, she also had white dots on her face that looked similar to a mirage pony’s stripes, making her a very unusual looking pegasus. Her blue jumpsuit had a few tools hanging on it, and was covered in grease. She saluted Djembe with a big smile on her face. “Sonnet Trill, Engineering corps. Are these the outsiders everypony’s been talking about?”

“At ease miss Trill.” Djembe didn’t seem upset about being stopped like this, but she didn’t look happy about it either. “Yes they are, but we're busy right now. So unless you have been assigned to assist us, I’d advise that you get back to work.”

“Aww.” The pegasus groaned. “Well when you’re done, send them over to the mess hall, we all want to hear about the outside world.” Sonnet lifted into the air, and gave me a wink before flying off.

“So you have pegasi working for you.” Light asked.

“A few, some earth ponies and unicorns too.” Mandolin answered. “Used to have lots more, but most of them just stick to the orphic kingdom now a days. The deep dwellers give special treatment to non-modified ponies, so there’s less incentive for them to work for us.”

Light looked over the railing, watching Sonnet fly onto the airship. “What about her?”

“She has a mirage pony father, or grandfather. It’s a bit of a coin toss of which parent they take after, but the mirage pony genes still come out.” Mandolin motioned for us to continue moving. “It’s a sad state of affairs really, with tribalism on the rise, ponies like her have no place to go but Orthrus.” She sighed. “But that’s our problem, and you have your own to worry about.”

We arrived at what was called the Mission Hall, not much from the outside, just some steel benches on either side of a wide hallway that had two doors at the end.

Djembe went on ahead, and Mandolin had us stay put. “Sorry, but you’re going to have to wait for a few minutes. Djembe needs to do a security sweep before anything can start, standard operations and all that.”

“What will happen in there?” Light nervously asked.

Mandolin brushed herself off, getting rid of some dust on her uniform. “You’ll be talking directly to the council. Luckily we managed to get them to appear, not physically mind you, but you will have their ears.”

Light nodded. “I see, should we expect anything?”

“Lots of silent judging.” Mandolin responded. “The council members got to where they are for being smart and capable, they’re not going to start stating their opinion until they have all the facts available to them. Your role in this will simply be to clarify any questions they have, so just stay calm, and be a clear as possible.”

We both nodded, and sat down on the bench. Mandolin left us to go inside, leaving us alone. Members of Orthrus would stare as they passed, but none came near, making me feel like I was a curiosity, which I probably was.

Light looked extra fidgety now, her eyes glancing at the Scootaloo’s Resolve every now and then. I couldn’t blame her, a ship like that could help re-stabilize New Cloudsdale, and Orthrus had two of them. It’s sad to think about it, but ten years ago, if the Grand Pegasus Enclave had known about these ships, we would have abandoned Operation Cauterize and taken them by force. But now, I can see our government groveling for help, willing to throw their dignity away for another few years of survival.

“So that’s when she started to do pushups with her forelegs alone.” A Stallion rounded a corner, and turned in our direction. He was an older mirage pony, younger than Dizi, with a lime green coat, and dark green mane. His dress uniform was more decorated than any other Orthrus Member I’d seen before, making him a high ranking officer if I was guessing right. “She literally had me by the balls for a week, If I hadn’t gotten reassigned to a different Island, she probably would have found a way to get me to marry her. And that’s why I don’t gamble with lonely mares, it never ends well.”

Next to him was Rototom, in her combat armor, and a new pair of the strange goggles she uses on her head. “Tell me about it. Did I ever tell you about the partner I had that went under cyber surgery to give herself a synthetic dick? We she tried to court me after, thinking that because we worked together, we had a more romantic connection. It was cute at first, but eventually she had to be sent away for a physiological evaluation. We stayed in contact, and she’s got herself a cute marefriend, but damn it was an awkward few weeks before she left.”

Laughing, they trotted over to us, the stallion giving me a wink when they stopped. “You must be the Enclave pegasi I’ve heard all about. Though I thought there was three of you?”

“She went with one of your doctors to medical.” Light answered.

“Oh, I hope it’s nothing serious. But we do have the best medical staff here in the islands, so I’m sure she will be okay.” The stallion was very expressive, his hoof moving about with nearly every word. He reached out to give us a hoof shake. “My names Biwa Tablature, council representative of culture and education.”

We both shook his hoof, he shaking my hoof for a bit longer than he did for light. “Sorry, but does that mean you’re on the council, or just represent it?” I asked.

“On the council.” Biwa answered. “I’m most excited to hear about New Cloudsdale. It’s not every day that one can be part of such a historic event. To think, after so long we finally get to find out what happened to the outside world.”

“So mister Biwa.” Light had regained some composure. “What should we expect from the council, we were told only a little?”

The stallion sighed. “Sorry about that. Despite our role of peacekeepers, we of Orthrus can be a bit paranoid. Talking about the organization is often discouraged, so if somepony asks, we didn't talk.” Biwa cleared his throat. “As for the council, including me there are six of us. Miss Kaval is the council representative of Research and Development, she’s a busy body, and only feigns interest to anything that does not benefit her work. Miss Naqara is the council representative of Security and Law, not the friendliest of mares, but is very patient, and unlikely to simply dismiss you as long as the facts are on your side. Miss Dutar who’s the council representative of Treasury and Infrastructure, her main concern is the upkeep of the metro, so it’s a bit toss if she will be supportive. Miss Kakko is the council representative of Health and Safety, she comes across as a bitter old nag much of the time, but she’s saved more lives with her hooves alone than anypony in the metro. Last is mister Phorminx, who is the council representative of Information and Investigation, a real charmer, but also very intimidating.”

Light was listening intently. “So they’re going to help us, right?”

Biwa frowned, and Rototom stepped in. “It’s hard to tell which way the council will go. It’s one thing to allocate resources to assist a tunnel, but helping you three will likely involve sending lives and resources into the unknown. At worst, the situation with the Orphic Kingdom will take priority. But even then, they should be willing to send an expedition team. Becoming the home to a cloud city is not something they're likely to pass up.”

Mandolin came out of the meeting hall, looking at us. “Were ready for… Oh council member Biwa, good to know you’ve arrived in person. Well if you all come in, we can start.

The four of us walked down the wide hall, and entered the room. It was dimly lit, and a table was set up for us. Rototom took what was likely Wilds seat and Biwa sat on a seat on a stage. Four other seats were lit up with a holographic projection, showing four mares, and the last seat was empty,

At the base of councils seats were their names and titles, though it looked like it was only a recent addition, most likely for our convenience. Kakko had a short cut mane, glasses, and seemed disinterested with what was going on as she was reading a book. Kaval had a long braided mane, and was tapping away at some sort of small terminal she held with one hoof, she took a glance at us briefly before returning to what she was doing. Dutar had her mane tied up in the back, her coat was covered in dark smudges, and was currently polishing some metal object. Naqara was the only one of the four paying attention to our arrival, she had a long dark straight mane, and somehow reminded me of my drill Sergeant from when I joined the Enclave.

The atmosphere of the room felt cold, not an unfriendly or threatening cold, not even an emotionless cold. It was more like a controlled cold, the kind used to keep food fresh in storage, but on a sociological level. We were on display, and being sized up for our worth.

Naqara was first to break the silence, after checking a screen on her cyberleg “If Phorminx is not here, he’s not showing up.” She spoke with authority, and the rest of them dropped what they were doing and looked at us. “Now that this meeting has begun, we shall go over the current situation.”

She pulled up some papers and flipped through them. “As the report goes, Specter Echo and company, has made contact with outsiders. The outsiders are a Light Turbulence, Wild Wind, and Merit Cross… Of only two have shown up.” I went to raise my hoof to explain, but Rototom stopped me, shaking her head. “These three are described as friendly, members of a New Cloudsdale Enclave. Specter Echo had also come in contact with other outsiders, currently called the pirates, they have been reported as a military level threat.” Naqara eyed us once more before looking back down at the paperwork. “As reported, these pirates have three ships off the cost of the island, at least four vertibird type aircraft, and infantry that consists of earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns, gryphons, zebras, donkey’s, and possibly other races.” She put the paperwork down. “Are there any errors in this miss echo?”

Rototom shook her head. “No ma’am , the information is accurate. As you can see in the report, I have included photographic, and audio evidence. Based on what I’ve seen, this threat is armed with great war era weaponry, possibly modified, and improved over the last two hundred years.”

“One more thing.” Biwa spoke up. “The symbol that the pirates decorate themselves with, the green circle of thorns with a red drop, do you know the significance of it.”

Rototom paused for a few seconds, and then shook her head. “Sorry Sir. I do not.”

“Do you know professor Tablature?” Naqara asked, not even looking his way.

He nodded. “This symbol is likely the cutie mark of one Thorn Roseland, a naval war hero during the great war, and was the admiral of Equestria's largest fleet. She’s also the one who likely fired the first shot to bring about the end, and abandoned Marewaii to take the full force of the zebra’s retribution.”

“That’s not right, the zebras stuck first” Light blurted out. “They wiped Cloudsdale off the map.”

Biwa smiled. “If you could, we would like to hear your account of events. We have a good grasp of history, mostly from a few pre war books that slipped pass the ministry of image, but anything from during the great war is marred with propaganda and censorship.” Biwa caught a few glances from the other council members. “But it’s best if you start from more recent events, can you do that for us.”

We both nodded, and started from a week ago. From the problems New Cloudsdale was having, to the order to find the city a new home. It felt like a needle in my heart to go over the loss of two comrades after our crash. Our discovery of the princess, and the how we got separated in a tunnel collapse. I felt a little at ease talking about how Vibraphone aided us in getting reunited, but I skipped over the more personal parts. The council seemed a little confused about our run in with the Sparkle-Lurkers, and that one had left with us, Rototom looked the most worried. When we were done, there was a long pause.

Kakko was the first to speak up. “Your account and the report do line up, mostly. The DNA check we did does not match anypony on this island, so I’m inclined to believe that they are in fact outsiders. They also show no signs of genetic degradation, nor signs of inbreeding.” That last part made me more glad that my grandmother was the sane one among her sisters, then wondering if incest was a problem here.

“At least it’s not another hoax.” Dutar spoke up. “The last one hit our budget with the crowd control alone.”

“We’ve had an extensive examination of their weapons.” Kaval chimed in “Going by their serial number, and a few other tests, the rifles are literally over two hundred years old, but are still in relatively good condition. The same thing can be said about their armor. Sadly, this also means that nothing new can be learned from their technology, but it does add credibility to their story.”

Naqara eyed everypony, and took a deep breath. “So then, about the matter of offering them aid, and establishing contact with this New Cloudsdale?”

“If we do make contact, then we're going to need to re-allocate resources,” Dutar commented. “for both the integration of a new population, and the security for keeping our own population from wreaking havoc from the excitement it will bring.”

“Not only that, but there's the potential for the spreading of new diseases, for both populations.” Kakko added. “Not just that, but if what they were saying is true, their population should be roughly fifty/fifty male and female. I already caught my staff planning on finding a reason to remove the stallion from this group. I had to pull Dizi away from his work to relay the medical information.”

Kaval physically shivered. “It be like being back at a Wild Bunch concert.”

Dutar gasped. “You were a wild bunch fan too!”

Kaval groaned. “Don’t remind me. Who ever thought having an all stallion band was a good idea should be shot. I broke three ribs from the stamped of mares, and somehow lost a leg.”

“Ya, their concerts were the best.” Kaval said as she hugged the metal object she was polishing.

Biwa sighed, shaking his head.

“Are you two done.” Naqara had said sternly, getting every ponies attention. “It’s safe to say that such an event would be taxing to the organization, and would cause unrest within the islands. But the long term benefit is also undeniable, as well as being a huge boost to moral.” She sighed, putting her papers down. “With that all said, I still have to bring up a few more issues before coming to a vote.”

The rest of the council looked uncomfortable as Naqara continued. “We still have the very possible destabilization of the Orphic Kingdom to keep an eye on. There’s the long standing concerns with the republic, and their recent mass pullout. Also we have these pirates now trampling around on the surface, hostile and dangerous.” She looked the both of us in the eye, and I knew I was not going to like what she was about to say. “Do to the current security concerns in the metro, I will have to vote no on establishing negotiations with New Cloudsdale. When more information is available about our current situation, we can reconvene to put this at another vote.”

“Sadly I will have to agree.” Dutar added. “The current environment is not favorable for such a paradigm shift.”

Kakko shook her head. “I understand that your kin are in need of help, but if we can’t properly manage the integration, disease could easily spread through your population, and devastate it. Sorry but I will have to vote no.”

“I vote no.” Kaval said, not giving an explanation.

“Let it be known, I support the negotiations with New Cloudsdale.” Biwa spoke up. “I’ll be constructing an argument in favor of it for our next meeting. I hope the situation improves by then.

The four mares nodded, and one by one their holograms turned off, until only Naqara sat there. She looked at us, her eyes studying our less than pleased reactions. “It’s an interesting time to be in the role of leadership.” She spoke up. “In my youth I’d be first in line to rush out into the unknown, to discover what had happened to equestria. Now that I’m in a position to have that happen, I find myself more concerned with how it could affect my grandchildren. The oldest has just enlisted in Orthrus and is currently in basic training, just as brash and headstrong as I was.” She sighed, shaking her head. “I hate to admit it, but our current situation scares me, with one wrong move I may end up burying my grandchild. I do support establishing negotiations, but until the metro stabilizes, the vote will remain no. Until such time, you three will be confined to the base, and be assigned a guard to ensure your safety and compliance.”

Naqara’s hologram shut off, leaving us in the dim room, feeling shocked, and helpless.

Biwa stepped down from his seat, and up to us. “Sorry. I’ll do my best to get them to support you, but if Naqara says no, the rest are likely to follow her.”

I shook my head. “No need to apologize, it’s just bad timing, that’s all. How long do you think it could take for the situation to improve?”

He sighed. “At best, a month, at worst, years.”

A thud came from my side; Light had let her head hit the table. “We can’t wait even a month; we should have been heading back by now. If we wait any longer, New Cloudsdale could move, and we will never get home.” Her voice started to crack. “I miss my mom.” She was crying, and all I could do was pat her on the back.

Rototom got up. “Here, let’s go to the mess hall and get something to eat. You will feel better with some carrot sticks in your stomach.” She said, helping Light up. “And it’s not like you’re out of options. If I can get in contact with councilor Phorminx, there may still be a way to help you.”

A loud cough draws our attention, and drawing our gaze to Djembe. “I advise you stay out of this specter, Naqara has made her decision, so don’t go getting them in trouble.”

Rototom sighed. “I don’t plan to, so just do your job, and I’ll do mine.”

Following Rototom, we left for the mess hall. Up close, it was no different from a mess hall in the enclave, just without the clouds. We were given extra food, well I was given extra food, and I shared. The fresh fruit and vegetables did make me feel better, if at least physically.

Light didn’t eat much, she held onto her composure, but it was easy to see that she was depressed. I think it was less of a blow to me, Unlike with Light and Wild, I didn’t have anyone to return to, nor did I have much of a life there. But the look on Lights face did remind me how I had felt ten years ago, when I knew that I was never going to go home again.

“ROTOTOM!” a shout came from behind us. We all looked, and a mare in a torn camouflage rain coat, cut through a small crowd, and slammed her hooves on the table. Her face was painted green and brown like her rain coat, except for a long cut on it, that had just missed her eye.

“Tamboril!” Rototom sat up straight in her seat. “What happened to you, you look like a wreck?”

The mare shook her head. “No time for that,Phorminx, your sister. Sorry things got real messed up”

Rototom jumped over the table and to Tamboril’s side. “What happened!”

Tamboril pushed off the table. “No time, just follow me.”

The camouflage covered pony ran off, and we followed, rushing through Orthrus HQ. We arrived at one of the blast doors, where five medical ponies fussed over an old stallion. He was covered in mud, and one of his ears was missing, showing signs that it had been hit with a magical beam rifle. Seeing us, he waved off the medical staff, and motion for Rototom to come closer.

The Specters movements suddenly became that of a nervous pony, all her confidence seemingly drained away. “Council representative Phorminx, what happened, and Tamboril mention my sister?”

Phorminx shook his head. “I’m sorry. We ran into your sister on the surface, and were making our way back to the metro. But we were attacked, got separated. Our rendezvous point was crawling with angry equalists.” He took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. “But I was able to gather some information before I left, and from what I gathered, she was captured by the pirates.” He looked down, and away from Rototom. “Sorry, there was nothing I could do.”

Rototom stood there for what seemed like a minute, and then, collapsed. I was able to catch her in time, keeping her from hurting her head. I cursed under my breath, Having two thoughts. first, if things continue like this, we may never get back to New Cloudsdale. And second, getting some revenge was sounding real nice right now.

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Finding a fine red wine in this era was harder than pulling a sailor out of the sea before a shark pulled them under. It why I savored each drop, letting the vapor tickle my nose, the flavor rolled over my tongue, and i savored the aftertaste. It was a full body experience, of which took discipline to truly enjoy.

I poured the bottle over Black Spots head.

“You sent one o' our gull's hog huntin', in t' middle o' a storm.” In the grasp of my magic, I brought the bottle down on his head, shattering it on his horn. The stupid unicorns face was covered in shards of green glass, red wine, and I hoped, his own blood. “And you're surprised that it got damaged! We even lost four sailors in a skirmish with t' locals.” He kept his head low, which was good, I’d have the miserable worm’s eyes plucked out if he even dared look back at me.

“I’m sorry admiral, it will never happen again.” I didn’t care much for his groveling, I knew it was all an act, an attempt to lessen his punishment.

“Will it?” I pushed his head down with my hoof, forcing him to kiss the floor. “T' only way t' be sure that it won’t be t' have you walk t' plank, and replace you with somepony better.”

“I’m sure that be true me admiral, but think o' t' time it takes t' find a replacement, and t' damage t' moral that it could cause.” Now he was pleading for his life, that I liked.

“Both minor inconveniences” I pushed down on his head a little harder. “Pawns only become more important when they have met their goal, not before. So don’t go thinking you're any more than that.” I stepped off of Back Spot, and kicked him in the side, sending the pathetic fool rolling away. “Now get back t' your post, and if you give me any more trouble, I’ll just cut me losses.”

Black Spot got u on his hooves, keeping his head low. “Aye me admiral, nothin' but perfection from me, me admiral” He rushed out of the cabin, tail between his legs.

That stallion was a right cock up, easy to manipulate if I was willing to lower myself, but a bit off. He was like the rest of the Corpse Brigade gang, competent enough to keep around, but never quite right in the head. I’ve dealt with my share of invalids, addicts, and the downright insane, but the corpse brigade just felt wrong to me. But that’s a problem for another time, right now I have more pressing matters to attend to.

Trotting over to the back door, I opened them to the balcony, where I had a good view of Marewaii. Carving Doll sat in her seat, looking at the island. A plain mare by all standards, cream coat, brown mane. The only thing she had on was her green hat, decorated with red feathers, and a white frilled collar. Her jacket and shirt were hanging on the hat rack behind her, fluttering in the wind.

The Pegasus mare looked at me, dark rings under her sickly green eyes. “I did tell you before, you know, fuck you.” She leaned forwarded to poke at me, exposing her back. Her wings had been removed, and in their place were cybernetic ports. “Also you’re a bitch, cunt, and overall bitch.”

I swatted away her hoof. “You used bitch twice, you drunk.” Taking a seat, I levitated a bottle of rum that was on the floor, two bottles were already empty, and the one I had was halfway there. “Now about your new wings.”

“ABOUT MY OLD WINGS CUNT!” She yelled as she pointed a hoof at me.

“If you wanted t' keep them, then you shouldn’t have killed me bird. It took a year t' train t' thin' t' insult others on me behalf.” She retracted her hoof, but continued to glare at me. “As for your new wings, they should be delivered shortly, don’t expect t' be doin' any flyin' tricks with them, but I know you will like them”

I took a swig of the rum, and passed it to the captain. She grabbed it, and took a long pull before passing it back to me. “Was t' lack o' pain killers necessary?”

“No” I responded. Taking a pull from the rum bottle myself. “Didn’t feel like wastin' them on you. It also made a good warnin' t' your crew, get them t' understand why I’m above them.”

Carving Doll slumped back in her chair. “Did they even clean their fuckin' hooves; I feel sick as fuck”

I put the bottle of rum back on the ground. “Didn’t care t' check, and you’ll recover, not like we’re goin' t' let you die just yet. So stop whinin' about it.”

“I’m not whinin', I’m com…”.

“I don’t care!” I cut her off. “Now to t' matter at hoof. I have a job for you and your jack tars. I expect t' utmost discretion durin' this operation, and t’ be sure that this happens, I’ll have one o' me most trusted subordinates be a supervisor.”

Carving grumbled for a moment before opening her mouth. “Fine, but I better get those new win's soon, and time t' sleep this fuckin' infection off.”

I lifted a two-way radio from my coat pocket. “That can be arranged, now rest up, for we have plenty o' work t' do.” Turning on the radio, the white noise crackled, and silenced when I pressed the talk button. “Red Steel, meet me in the captain’s cabin.” Letting go of the button, the white noise returned, along with a confirming beep. Turning the two-way off and placing it back in my coat I got up and out of my seat. Carving Doll was already dozing off, understandably, as cybernetic surgery can take a lot out of a pony.

Back inside the cabin, Red Steel teleported inside. A deep red unicorn mare with a silver mane and eyes. She looked like she was ready to go to a ballroom dance, with a frilled red dress accented with silver ribbons weaved into the hem. Her hat was just as ornate, the leather cap dyed red, embroidered with silver thread, and a large poofy green feather adorned the top.

She looked about the less then clean cabin, and shivered. “How dreadful, if Captain Storm was still alive, thar be plenty o' hangin's over lettin' his ship become like this.” Her eyes darted around, locking onto me. Trotting over she gave me a hug. “Mother why must you be among these low class jack tars, t' Queen o' Knives be a much better ship, and Captain Razor Coral be far better company then t' captain o' this ship.”

With one hoof, I pushed her off of me. “Are you tryin' t' hook me up with t' old stallion.”

Red Steel shifted her eye away and sighed. “Father’s been gone for nearly ten years now, and you still haven’t found a new somepony. I’m not tellin' you t' forget him, just t' move on.”

“Fine, I’ll spend some time with t' captain, I’m aye he will at least be charmin'. But let’s not talk about t' past right now, okay?” Red Steel gave me a smile and nod. “Good, as I have a job for you.”

My daughter's face beamed. “Please tell me that you’re finally purgin' t' corpse brigade, that Blackwater scum been gettin' the way for too long.”

I sighed. “There will be no purgin', not as o' yet. As long as they have the support o' t' Followers o' Thorn, it be our head at t' gallows if we ever make a move on them. We must bide our time, and wait for them t' loos favor.” Fishing out a broch from a pocket, I pined it to Read Steels dress. It was an ornate symbol of Saint Roseland, the green of the broch was striking on the red dress. “What I want you t' do is supervise an important operation.”

“Me! supervising an important operation!” Red Steel looked around the room, and frowned. “Wait, on this ship, no, no way, never”

I grabbed her face and pulled it to mine, forcing her to look me in the eye. “This is an order, not a request.” She nodded, and I let her go, patting her on the cheek. “Now, Carvin' Doll and her crew will be infiltratin' t' islands metro. From t' intel weave gathard thar be three factions capable o' fightin' us off, so simply forcin' our way in be ill advised.”

“So subterfuge, mother?”

I chuckled a little. “Yes and no my dear.” I trotted past her, and to the front door. “I have something better in mind.”

“Like what, tactical megaspell. Dose t' fleet have any left?” Red Steel followed me out of the cabin.

The deck was busy with ponies at work, and unlike the cabin, everything had been scrubbed down clean. By my orders. The ship had also managed to replace some of the lost sailors with the Mirage ponies our raids had been picking up. They made poor sailors, but were far better than raiders, if only by a stone’s throw. At least they had gotten rid of the ghastly black jackets and spiky manes for a more proper look.

“A megaspell would be nice, but t' monarchy be unlikely t' let go o' their precious hoard” Stepping out onto the deck, the crew quickly got out of our way. “But truth be told, I doubt they have one, and if they did, if you think it be worth two shits, you’re pissin' in t' wind.”

“Shame.” Red Steel daintily stepped next to me. “Then what’s t' plan, because if it just becomes a firefight, this crew needs no supervision for that.”

We made our way to the front of the ship, were the landing pad was. On it was my personal Gull, the vertabuck being looked over by the ship's mechanic, and its floats getting a fresh coat of paint. Next to the landing pad was a white unicorn stallion with a silvery gray mane. He was well dressed and groomed, making him easy to spot among the rough around the edges crew.

I turned my direction to the stallion, giving him a grin. “Sir Silver Relief, good t' see you in good health.”

Silver bowed his head, tipping his top hat. “It’s good to feel better. And is this gorgeous lady the daughter you’ve spoken of?”

Red Steel gave me a concerned look. “Mother, what’s this?”

“Sir Silver, this be Red Steel. She will be t' advisor for t' operation.” I gave my daughter a stern look. “Red Steel, this be Silver Relief, he will be your guide, and a keystone for t' operation.”

My daughter took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled before putting on a smile and speaking. “A pleasure t' meet you Sir Silver, I’m sure we will work wonderfully together.” She reached out to shake hooves.

“No, no. The pleasure is all mine.” Silver took the hoof and gave it a kiss. “To think that not only civilization had survived outside the metro, but it has maidens such high quality leading it. My Mistress will most pleased to meet you.”

I left the two, trotting my way to my Gull. The mechanic stepping away, signaling to the pilot that my aircraft was all green. “Mother Wait!” Red called out to me. “If were only usin' this one ship for t' operation, what about t' rest o' t' fleet?”

I stepped into the gull, looking back to give my daughter a smile. “I’m taking them cloud hunting.” Closing the door, I took my seat. The sound of the engines roared to life, and in seconds I was lifted into the air. Looking out the window, I could see Red and Silver making their way back to the cabin.

There were two things I knew my daughter could do hooves down, that was politics, and killing those she didn’t like. If all things go down well, we will have a hoof hold in the islands, and she will have found a way to have all the corpse brigadiers killed off discreetly.

Opening up a cooler across from me, I pulled out a bottle of red wine, and a wine glass. The wine was from a fifteen-year-old stock, from a dried out vineyard in Prance. It’s dry metallic taste paired well with a pungent cheese, and dried fruit. One bottle was around two Doubloons in cost, but worth it for the satisfaction of being the one who drinks it.

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