Wakey, wakey... Wakey, wakey...
I awoke to a pleasant breeze rustling my mane, it was early morning, not quite dawn, Summer was standing over me, fanning me with his wings.
Mornin' you two, sleep well?
You two? I asked groggily, I looked around, only to realize Gumdrop was pressed against me, smiling lazily in her Med-X assisted sleep. I blushed. It seemed like I've been doing that a lot lately.
Ya seem to have slept well, don't think either of you budged all night, but it's time to get moving. He said shifting his fanning to Gumdrop.
Nah, this is how you gotta wake her up. said Buckshot trotting over.
She leaned over me and bit Gumdrop's ear.
Some ponies might expect her to start awake at such a shock, instead Gumdrop rolls over, giggles "stop it!" and licks my cheek!
I'm not entirely certain how it happened, but suddenly I found myself standing on Summer's head, blushing from nose to tail, Summer and Buckshot were polite enough to contain their laughter to a dull roar. Gumdrop rolled over and stretched before rolling onto her hooves smiling and blinking sleepy-eyed at us, this of course caused the two of them to laugh even harder. I wanted to kill both of them. Gumdrop asked what the joke was.
Nothin, nothin at all, It's time for breakfast.
Why so early? It's not even dawn yet. I asked.
Cuz' Zebras attack at dawn missy, said Summer, still smiling.
Right... I said skeptically, sure it was another joke.
Nah, I mean it, you should always be up and ready before dawn when you're on the trail, so if trouble comes your way with the sunrise, you'll be ready.
Buckshot nodded in agreement.
Hmm... I guess that makes sense.
So what's for breakfast? Gumdrop asked.
Cram and carrots! Buckshot stated with way too much enthusiasm.
I scrunched my nose at that, but ate my share anyway.
The caravan prepared to move just as the sun began to rise in the east, flashing between the horizon and the cloud layer, the bright light hurt my eyes, I felt something flop onto my head, I opened my eyes to find a wide-brimmed hat on my head in the same camouflage pattern as Summer's helmet, Summer landed next to me and adjusted the hat with his wing.
There you go Missy, that should help.
Hmm... I looked him up and down quizzically; he took a step back, looking confused.
What's that look for? He asked nervously.
Your wings... I said.
What about my wings? he asked pressing them close against his body, as though he was afraid I was going to steal them.
I read in my anatomy books that some of those feathers are actually digits, like a Minotaur's fingers... I said, circling around him.
Y... yeah, that's right. he said nervously.
I moved in closer, and sitting on my hind legs I grasped his wing and stretched it out, he watched nervously, but allowed the inspection, looking closely, I could see that the larger "feathers" near the wingtip did in fact contain bones and joints, I moved and bent them gently, testing their range of motion, brushing my hoof against the pinions and contemplating how they could have evolved that way, I was just about to ask a question when I felt myself being watched, I looked up at Summer only to find he was staring quite pointedly in the opposite direction, then I realized that the entire caravan had stopped and was watching us quite intently.
W... What? I asked, trying to fight off the blush forming on my cheeks. Summer pulled his wing from my grasp. Buckshot trotted over.
Uh, Snowbell, I don't think you know but umm, Pegasi are pretty particular about other ponies touching their wings.
I was just examining them; I wasn't going to hurt them.
I doubt you could hurt him hun, but that isn't what I mean, see... She leaned in close, their wings are an erogenous zone, and preening is considered foreplay, so you were just getting REALLY familiar with the poor buck.
Oh, oh gosh... I, I'm sorry, I stuttered.
It's alright missy, you just surprised me is all, Summer said, his back still turned to us.
Umm, Thanks for the hat... I said lamely.
Hehe, you’re welcome. He said. I thought I saw a blush on his cheek.
HEE! Snowbell really likes hats! Gumdrop blurted, grinning ear to ear in her wagon harness.
I pulled my new hat down over my face to hide the blush.
Alright everypony, time to roll out! Buckshot called.
The rest of the day was uneventful, the caravan rolled along the wasteland road, Summer once again disappearing into the sky for long periods of time, dropping in only momentarily to report conditions to Buckshot, but thankfully, There were no more attacks, it was mid-afternoon when we crested a hill and the settlement of Broken Teeth came into view, it was a singularly unimpressive place. Pre-war it had been a highway rest stop, consisting primarily of a fuel station, convenience store and a saloon. Post-war it had grown into a village, primarily because it had a well with a purifier talisman, but it was still nothing more than tin shacks clustered around the pre-war buildings with barricades erected at either end for defense. I'm not certain how it came to be known as Broken Teeth, but I suspect the saloon had something to do with it.
When we arrived at the barricade a green unicorn with a two-tone orange mane was waiting for us.
You must be the stable caravan, she said, my name is...
HI HOLOCAUST!
Summer appeared, hovering upside-down next to the unicorn.
...Firecracker Burst. She finished. Did you have to bring this featherbrain with you? Couldn't you have left him were you found him?
Aww, you missed me! Why wub woo howocawst! he said pressing his forehooves to his face.
Don't. Call. Me. Holocaust. the unicorn growled pressing her forehead against Summer's, I noticed that though she was pushing against him aggressively, she still was careful not to press her horn into him, I wondered if that was a voluntary or involuntary action.
Summer just beamed at her, still upside down.
She snorted, and turned to face us again.
As I was saying, my name is Firecracker Burst; I'm the closest thing this town has to a sheriff. I'm sorry about what happened to your friends, we did at least give them a proper burial, and we collected the caravan's goods they're in the store waiting for you.
Thank you miss Burst, that means a lot to us. Said Buckshot.
Not at all, you stable ponies are the best thing that has happened to this town, and it's the least we could do. So anyway, welcome to Broken Teeth, please enjoy your stay, she finished, smiling.
Glad to be here, I'll be happy to get out of this harness, Gumdrop said as she trotted into town, the security ponies holstered their weapons as they trotted after her and the other wagon towards the store.
We had some trouble with a couple snipers on the way here, have you seen anything suspicious since the first attack? Buckshot asked.
No, nothing here since Green Gardens left, heading south.
What's south? I asked.
Well the closest thing is a Ministry of Peace hospital in the town of Hopewell, two days journey from here, some group of eggheads took over that place a few years ago and got it mostly up and running again, beyond that is the city of Windy Hills, pre-war it was a city of 10,000 or so souls, then the bombs fell and everypony died, now it's over-run with gangs and tribal. Beyond that you get into the mountains, there's supposed to be a military facility there, but I don't know for sure if it actually exists of not.
It exists, said Summer, Fort Buffalo-town Gap, it was hit pretty hard during the war, but it's believed that most of the facility survived intact. The Enclave sent a recon unit there a few years back, they reported that there wasn't much to be seen above-ground except craters and ghouls, so far as I know they never tried going underground.
Well, I guess the featherbrain is good for something, Firecracker snarked.
I'm good at making you smile, he smirked back at her.
The thought of setting your tail on fire makes me smile.
I'd love to brush your mane, he said, his smirk reaching maximum.
I'm pretty sure Firecracker was about to set his tail on fire, but Buckshot intervened.
So, you think Green Gardens was heading for the hospital?
I only know she was headed south, she said she was going to fix things, kept repeating it like a mantra. I don't know what she was going to fix or how, but she was definitely headed south.
Thank you for that information. I said.
Not at all, you're Snowbell right? Your mother told me about you, she always said she thought we'd make good friends; it's a pleasure to finally meet you. She offered her hoof.
It's a pleasure to meet you too, I said, shaking her hoof.
Summer stood off to the side, smirking.
What's your problem featherbrain?
Nothin'...
That reminds me, a courier delivered a package for you yesterday, it's at the PBE office.
Oh, goody. I'm gonna go check that out; see you gals at the saloon!
And with that he leapt over the barricade into town.
What's gotten into him anyway? Is he always that giddy around here? Asked Buckshot.
Usually, he can only be counted on to be serious when he's working, but he likes to spend his down-time pestering me. Firecracker glared in his direction.
Sounds like you two get along well then, Buckshot grinned.
He gets on my nerves... A lot, but he's not the worst thing to blow in out of the wasteland.
I was about to say something but Buckshot cut me off.
Yeah, he ain't so bad, but enough gossiping, let's head inside, my hooves are killing me!
We made our way inside the barricade and headed to the store, inside Gumdrop was haggling with an old stallion behind the counter while a young filly stacked boxes of ammo on the counter for the security ponies.
Well everything looks in order here. said Buckshot. Why don't you go see what Summer is up to Snowbell?
Alright, where did he go?
The PBE office, it's the second building down from the saloon, you can't miss it. Said Firecracker.
Alright, I made my way across town to the building indicated, it was a large-ish tin shack like the other post-war buildings, the door had "Payback Enterprises" written on it in bright red. The interior was unimpressive, there was a large L-shaped desk in the middle of the room, one wall had some filing cabinets, a work bench and reloading bench the opposite wall had a table and refrigerator, and there was a bunk bed on the back wall. Summer was at the desk going over a battle saddle.
Hey missy! Check this out!
What is it?
This, is an Enclave recon designated markspony battle saddle, based off a closed-bolt light machine gun, it's chambered in 5.56mm, has a heavy, air-cooled barrel with an integral suppressor, fires either semi-automatic or 3 round burst and feeds from 50 round box magazines of which it carries six for a total combat load of 300 rounds of ammo, and it can be mounted to either side of the saddle for maximum flexibility. I paid an arms dealer a BIG pile O' caps for it, no idea where he got it, not sure ah wanna know, but now it's mine.
Interesting...
Ahyep, course, fancy as the weapon itself is, what really makes it special is the site visor...
He pulled out a black, lightweight helmet with a boxy pair of goggles on the front and two small black boxes mounted on either side below the ear holes, a wire extended out the back of one box and a "gunbit" came off the front of the other.
The goggles contain a HUD system similar to, and compatible with Stable-Tec's Eyes Forward Sparkle they also have passive night vision and thermal vision modes for all weather use, selectable 5X and 10X zoom in normal mode and 1X and 3X zoom in night vision and thermal modes. The Helmet contains a microburst infrared laser range finder, atmospheric sensors and a ballistic calculator which automatically adjust the weapons point-of-aim for pinpoint precision out to 500 meters and suppressive fire out to 800. It's only downside is it limits peripheral vision in night vision and thermal modes.
Wow, that's impressive, I said, I wasn't aware guns could be so... Scientific. Summer beamed at that.
If ya think that's impressive you should see the sniper 7.62mm, and anti-machine12.7mm models! With the "big .50" a decent shot can get multiple rapid body shots at 2000 meters! To say nothing of what can be done at closer ranges.
Wow, that is impressive.
Even more so when the shooter can fly huh? Oh, and I got something for ya!
He trotted over to the footlocker at the foot of the bed and came back with a grey/green armored vest.
Here, this'll help keep ya safe while we wander the wasteland, it's only Kevlar so it's really only good against pistol rounds and shrapnel but it's better than just that Stable suit you got.
Oh, Thank you.
Dun' mention it, truth is, your dad paid me extra to kit you out as best I could. He said with a smirk. Not that I blame him, you are his little filly.
Yeah... Thanks anyway. Slipping the barding on, it felt heavy at first, but once it was buttoned up it didn't feel too bad.
Whelp; let's head to the saloon shall we?
Um... Summer?
Hmm?
About earlier, I'm sorry I grabbed your wing like that.
Dun mention it Missy, I knew what you were doing, it's just... it's been ah while since anypony but me's touched my wings and having everypony staring at us didn't help.
Why is that?
Well, like Buckshot said, usually that's something that's done behind closed doors, and I don't think my wife would appreciate it if I let just anypony play with my wings, medics and doctors excluded of course.
You're married?
Ahyep, near ten years now.
Where is she?
Up there. he said, nodding upwards.
Oh, I'm sorry...
Hmm? Oh no, that ain't what I meant, I mean she's up there in the Enclave, along with our little one.
Oh... alright. I said sheepishly. What are their names?
My wife's name is Shadow Swift. the little one is either Summer Jr. or Laurel.
You don't know?
Nope, I was exiled before Shadow gave birth, that was seven years ago now.
I'm sorry.
Ain't nothing for you to be sorry about. You didn't have nothing to do with it.
I'm still sorry...
Heh, that's cuz you're kind soul Snowbell, but come on, enough jawin' about me, let's go have a drink.
We left the PBE office and made our way to the saloon, just inside there was a counter behind heavy iron bars, an older unicorn mare sat at it.
Well, come in! Don't stand there! And be sure to check your weapons if you're going to be drinking. That means you Summer Winds.
Afternoon Maybell, you'll take good care of my babies won't you?
Oh honestly, I've never seen a buck that frets over his guns like you. She said, her horn lighting up to unstrap Summer's battle-saddle and carry it through the opening between the bars.
Well they're my babies, I love 'em.
Yes, yes, I'll take good care of them, as always. And how about you red-eyes? You drinkin?
Oh, um... I don't think so.
Say that again?
I... Don't think I'm going to drink?
Oh sweetie, I'd kiss you if'n these bars weren't in the way, it's so rare to see a young pony with some sense of self-respect.
Oh, umm. Thank you?
No, thank you sweetie. You gonna help me keep an eye on these ruffians tonight?
I suppose.
Wonderful! And don't let any of these fools talk you into drinking either, alcohol ain't nothing but trouble believe you me.
Alright, I won't.
Funny how much Maybell hates booze when she works in a saloon.
You'd hate it too if'n you were sober to see what it does to ponies ya over-sized featherbrain, and someponies gotta keep y'all from killin' yerselves.
Eh, we kill ourselves just fine sober too.
Yes, yes, quit botherin' me and go drink yerself into a coma. But you'd better not go and infect Ms. Red-eyes with your disease; there'll be hell to pay if I catch you trying to get her to drink.
Alrighty Maybell, I'll talk to ya later.
With that we went inside, Summer headed to the bar, I found Buckshot and Gumdrop at a table.
Hey Snowbell! Nice jacket!
It's not a jacket Gumdrop, it's a Kevlar vest. Snarked Buckshot over her drink.
Well... Whatever it is, it looks snazzy!
Don't mind her Snowbell; she's been hitting the sauce.
I'd hit it! Gumdrop declared pointing at me.
Why would you wanna hit me? I asked.
Gumdrop gawked at me for a second then smacked her head on the table and started laughing hysterically.
I looked at Buckshot.
Don't worry about it Snowbell, just Gumdrop being Gumdrop.
Ok...
What's so funny y'all? Summer trotted over, a bottle of whiskey tucked under his wing.
Hey Summer! Come to join the fun?
Yeah, I figure so.
With that we all sat down to relax, we ate and drank and were merry, of course I had a Sparkle Cola rather than beer or liquor, Gumdrop eventually had to be cut off, Summer and Buckshot made her start drinking water while they themselves continued to drink. The afternoon wore on into the evening. The first sign of trouble was multiple, near-simultaneous gunshots in the twilight hour.
Summer and Buckshot leapt to their hooves as soon as they heard the shots and ran over to where their guns were held...
But they didn't make it.
Three raiders came through the door, guns at the ready and blocked their path, one pointed his weapon at Maybell, the other two at Summer and Buckshot, they skidded to a halt and I just watched, expecting them to get shot any moment.
Hello! Every Pony!
A sly looking stallion in a suit trotted in behind the raiders.
My name is Just Business and I am looking for somepony... Oh, perhaps you two could help me? he asked looking at Summer and Buckshot. I'm looking for Green Gardens, have you seen her?
Summer stuck his nose in the air and didn't say anything, Buckshot glared at the suited stallion for a moment before saying:
No, we haven't we don't know where she went.
Well, that's too bad, I know Mr. Winds here was the last pony to talk to her before she left town, but that's alright, I don't really need her, I'm really looking for some information she has, an alpha-numeric password specifically. Perhaps she mentioned it to you?
Summer continued to staring at the ceiling, not saying anything.
Not feeling chatty are we? What about you Ms. Security?
I don't know anything about any password.
No? Well, perhaps YOU do. He asked, looking at me.
Me?
Yes, you. You are Ms. Garden's daughter are you not? I doubt there are too many albinos in your little stable, barring some genetic defect from inbreeding or something of course...
I... I am, but I don't know about any password, I'm just trying to find my mom.
How sweet... So am I, perhaps you'd like to travel with me? We could look for her together.
Fuck off you rat bastard! Buckshot growled.
Now, now. No need for profanity, it's a fair proposal, we both want to find Green Gardens, albeit for different reasons, and besides, you're not exactly in a position to dictate terms now are you?
This password you keep going on about, it's for Fort Buffalo-town Gap?
Well well, the Pegasus can speak. Yes, my feathered friend I do believe it is.
There ain't nothin' there but craters and ghouls; you're wasting your time.
That may be, but I was paid a lot of caps to re-acquire that password, and so that is what I shall do. It's... Just Business. he said with a smile.
Take these three outside! he ordered. the two raiders covering Summer and Buckshot waved them past, keeping their distance while the one covering Maybell backed out the door, the mare covering Summer called for me to move, I did, fortunately my 10mm SMG was concealed on the other side of my body from her and she didn't think to search me.
We were moved outside, the raider covering Maybell stayed at the door to watch the ponies inside, out in the street Firecracker Burst and two other ponies were being covered by the rest of the raiders. Firecracker's head was bowed and her eyes closed.
So what's the plan boss? asked one of the raiders.
Well my buck, we have our prisoners, it's still possible one of them knows the password; we need only get it out of them.
We gonna torture them boss?
No, I don't think so. Torture is terribly unreliable, they'll say anything to make the pain stop after all, and I think perhaps we'll get better results if we make an ultimatum.
Now hear this, if you do not give me the password, I will burn this town to the ground along with everypony in it. And it had better be the right password, I will know if it isn't.
We don't know no damn password! Shouted Buckshot.
Oh? I wonder... What does our intrepid town sheriff think of this? Tell me Ms. Burst, would you let your town burn because these ponies refuse to tell the truth?
No...
No?
No. I'd burn it down myself before I let you have it!
Firecracker's head snapped up, her eye's glowed orange along with her horn, bright yellow sparks appeared in the air all around us; the raiders looked on in fear at the display their weapons drooping downward.
Just Business however seemed nonchalant. You would would you? I doubt your friends here want you to burn them to death. He said, looking at Summer.
That's where you'd be wrong. I'd rather die by her fire than let you have your way! Summer shouted.
Enough! Shoot her!
The Raider took aim at Firecracker with a large rifle, he fired, the bullet struck Summer in the chest as he dove in front of Firecracker, I drew my SMG and fired a burst into the raider just like Buckshot had taught me, he collapsed, just as Summer had. For a long moment nothing happened...
Then there was a flash of light and screaming, as a raider burst into flames.
How dare you?! How dare you?! You think you can come into my town, threaten and harm my friends? I'LL SEE YOU ALL BURN FOR THIS! Firecracker was standing over Summer, her coat had turned white, her mane and tail were ablaze in orange flames, her cutie mark, eyes and horn were glowing brightly even as tears rolled down her face. A pair of hooves reached up and grasped her cheeks.
Calm down you, I ain't hurt, just winded me a bit. Summer released her, rolled to his hooves and stood.
But yer' right, they ain't getting away with this, now my little ponies; IT'S TIME TO REAP THE WHIRLWIND!
He leapt into the air, but this time instead of disappearing like usual he turned and began spinning around the burning raider, a whirlwind appeared over the corpse and the fire began to spin into it. Firecracker activated her magic again and the firestorm increased in intensity.
Foals! Are you really willing to destroy your own town to kill us?
YOU'RE THE FOAL "JUST BUSINESS" BY CELESTIA'S GRACE I AM THE MISTRESS OF FLAME, MY FIRE BURNS ONLY THAT WHICH I COMMAND IT TO!
From the air above us came Summer's voice: AND BY LUNA'S WILL I AM THE MASTER OF THE WIND! THE BLACK WINGS OF DEATH CAST THEIR SHADOW UPON YOU TONIGHT, PREPARE TO DIE!
Enough! Kill them! Just Business shouted, his voice tainted with fear, I opened fire on one, hitting his foreleg with a burst of 10mm, though I needn't have bothered, tendrils of flame shot out from the fiery tornado striking several of the raiders and igniting their coats, manes and barding, their screams lasted until the fire, guided by Firecracker's will shot down their throats and silenced them. Just Business ran, he kicked an awe-struck raider as he went, she face-planted into the ground her weapon clattering away uselessly. I ran after him. by the time I got around the carnage he was making his way out through the barricade, I fired a burst, one round grazed his flank but he escaped. I turned around to see Summer shoot up and out of the center of the tornado, a trail of flame following after him, he landed hard next to me, his body steaming in the night air, the tornado slowed and diminished and then suddenly poofed out of existence as Firecracker cut off her spell. Summer turned to me, smiled and collapsed.
Summer! I shouted, I went to him, He looked up at me, his breathing was fast and shallow, I unsnapped the vest that contained the armor plates that'd saved his life earlier and unzipped his grey barding, there was an angry bruise on his chest where the rifle bullet had hit and his heart beat was erratic, he said something to me.
What?
Pills, in this pouch. he groaned, lifting his leg. I pulled open the pouch and grabbed the bottle.
I need two.
I opened the bottle and knocked two into my hoof, he took them, chewing them up quickly and swallowing.
Healing potion.
I pulled a healing potion out of his kit and gave it to him; he drank it down and started taking deep breaths, after what felt like an eternity he rolled to his hooves.
Hoo... That was close.
What happened?
That bullet nearly stopped my heart is what happened. He said as he started back toward the saloon.
It seemed unnaturally dark now the firestorm was gone, the smell of burnt flesh lingered and only the lamps from the saloon and store cut through the haze, several of the townsponies were gathered out front of the saloon.
It's all over now, return to your homes! called Firecracker.
Not 'til we have some justice! shouted a stallion.
You will not be killing her, she surrendered!
What's going on here? called Summer, in that peculiar military tone lacking his usual accent.
We want justice is what going on! There's still a raider left in town and we mean to kill it!
You mean her. She surrendered; she's unarmed, only raiders murder unarmed victims, and I. Kill. Raiders. Summer growled menacingly.
There won't be any more killing tonight. Go home! Firecracker called, THAT'S AN ORDER!
The crowd dispersed grumbling, Firecracker and Buckshot were standing over the bound raider mare, she looked small and pathetic now that she had been stripped of her guns and barding.
Is everypony alright? I asked.
Yes, Snowbell, everypony who isn't dead has been treated, thank you.
I'm sorry Firecracker. This is my fault.
No it isn't. I don't know how this all started, but it definitely is not your fault. said Buckshot.
I'm still sorry. I hung my head, a black wing draped over me.
Don't be sorry missy. This sorta thing happens, better it happened to us who can weather it than them who can't, and them raiders won't be harming anypony ever again.
Summer is right Snowbell; this is not your fault, why don't you and I have a chat hmm?
Buckshot, could I trouble you and your security ponies to post guard for the night? You will be paid for it of course.
Certainly, Firecracker. What do you want done with the bodies?
I'll take care of them. said Maybell coming out from the saloon, it's the least I could do since I was no use in the fighting. I saw now one of her hind legs had been lost and replaced by a peg.
Thank you Maybell. Come on Snowbell, let’s have a talk.
Well, y'all know where I'll be. Called Summer.
Yeah, killing yourself with the drink again.
I love you too Maybell!
What should we do with the prisoner?
Tie her to the bed in the PBE office and post a guard; this town don't have a jail.
Alright, will do!
With that I followed Firecracker across the street to one of the larger shacks by the store, we went inside, it was dark for a moment then with an orange flash a dozen lamps flared to life around the room, it was simply, but nicely furnished. Firecracker turned to me, stared at me for a moment, then flung her forelegs around me and began crying into my neck!
For several long minutes I held her while she sobbed, after a while she finally calmed down.
Please don't be afraid of me. She said.
Why would I be afraid of you?
You saw what I did out there.
Yes, you and Summer were amazing! You saved us all.
Heh, thank you Snowbell, but you saved us too; if you hadn't fired when you did I wouldn't have had time to focus my magic.
I'm just lucky they didn't search me.
I'm just glad you're not afraid of me.
I couldn't be afraid of you.
You're one of the few who aren't, that's why I have this job. I'm the most magical unicorn around, the raiders and slavers leave us alone because they know I'd burn them to ashes if they came here. These ones tonight just had better leadership, took us by surprise, but they won't try it again. But, even here in town they're afraid of me, they call me "Holocaust" when they think I can't hear them.
Summer called you that.
Yeah, he's the only one who'll say it to my face. The difference is though, he's not afraid of me. He's just likes to tease me, the jerk. She smiled at that.
You like him?
Hmm... Yeah, I think he's the closest thing I have to a friend.
I'm your friend.
Thank you. Here, I have something to show you.
Her horn lit up and a Pipbuck levitated over to us, it was a more streamlined model than my own.
This was my mother’s; she came from a stable too, look at this. She activated the Pipbuck and a video started playing in a greenish monotone.
Welcome to Cloudsdale! It is a beautiful day in June and we are live at the Airshow! And here come the Wonderbolts!
Three Pegasi came streaking in, black smoke and lightning trailing in their wake, they were amazingly fast, they performed dozens of amazing stunts, I found myself wondering if Summer could do anything like that. After several minutes they streaked away and the announcer came back on:
Let’s hear it for the Wonderbolts Fillies and Gentlecolts! But don't get up just yet! Now comes the fireworks extravaganza!
As amazing as the Wonderbolts had been the fireworks were just breathtaking, even from the tiny monochrome screen they were something to behold, I wished I could have seen them myself.
And that was Cloudsdale's fireworks extravaganza! And let’s hear it for Firecracker Burst the world famous pyrotechnician who made this wonderful show for us tonight!
Wasn't it beautiful Snowbell?
Yeah.
That's my dream you know, to build a world where everypony could take the time to enjoy something like that. My mother named me Firecracker Burst in the hope that it could be done. She said we were descended from her, I'd like to think I am, every day I practiced my magic to make fireworks... But then I grew up and realized that this world doesn't need fireworks anymore, just fire. Hah... But that's alright too, if I need to burn the evil from this world so good ponies can live in peace then that's what I'll do!
I'll help! If I can...
Thank you Snowbell.
What happened to your mom?
She died, a few years ago; she had been exposed to radiation and got cancer.
I'm sorry.
That's alright. But anyway, I didn't just bring you in here so I could sob and tell you my life story, how about a nice, hot bath?
A bath?
Yes! This way!
We went out through the back door and there was a large metal tub.
Water is a precious commodity here, but you'd be surprised how much ponies will pay for a hot bath... Her horn lit up and with a flash of magic the water began to steam.
There we go, get out of that barding and lets have a soak. I'll scrub your back if you scrub mine.
Hehe, alright.
We had a good long soak, made jokes and enjoyed ourselves. we got out when our hooves began to prune.
Thanks again Snowbell, it's good to have friend.
It is good to have friend. I said smiling.
But, I need to sleep now, I'd invite you to stay here, but I don't think we'd both fit on my little bed.
That's alright; I need to talk to Summer anyway.
Alright, good night.
Good night.
I left her shack and headed to the saloon. As I approached I heard singing.
AA guns are blazing as the sky is turning red! Better run for cover you'll be quick or be dead! Burn! Burn! Rage of the heavens! Burn! Burn! Death from above! Die! Die! Merciless killing! Burn! Burn! DEATH FROM ABOVE!
With the final line Summer swooped down from the roof of the saloon.
Hi missy!
You've been drinking.
Course I have, I'm done now though, drinking water.
With that he chugged down a bottle of purified water.
Good stuff. Shouldn't you be in bed though?
I wanted to ask you about those pills?
Oh, those.
what are they?
They're for my heart.
You have a heart condition?
Yeah, had it my whole life.
Isn't it dangerous to be doing what you do then?
Yeah, it's already killed me once, but I ain't worried.
WHAT? How? When?
Hehe, welp, it was about 12 years ago, I was in basic training to join the Enclave Military, the end of basic consists of a 100 kilometer endurance flight, I was our squadron's Flight Lead so I was at the front of the flight the whole time, we got to the end, landed and I promptly fell over and died. Fortunately our Drill Sergeant was able to resuscitate me.
Why do you keep going then?
Cuz, when I was dead, I met Princess Luna, she told me my heart wouldn't kill me and no matter what, I had to keep going, keep fighting, see everything I set my mind to to the end, and then she smiled at me and said: Do this for me and I promise everything will end in sunshine and rainbows.
Summer... I...
I know what yer thinkin' missy; it was just the hallucination of a dying mind. I thought the same thing at first, but the more I've thought about it, the more I'm convinced it was real. If you'd have seen her face like I did, you'd believe it to.
I believe you Summer.
You do? Really?
I do, really.
Why?
Because you do, and you're my friend.
Aww, Thanks missy.
But, as a medic I still say you should take it easy for a while.
Yes ma'am! he said, saluting. But anyway, how you feeling?
Me?
Yeah, haven't had time to think about what happened earlier huh?
I... No.
That's alright then, I'm here for ya when it catches up to you, alright?
Alright...
Good, now, head inside and get some sleep.
I went inside the saloon and up to the second floor, found the room we were staying in, Gumdrop was there.
Hey Snowbell.
Hi Gumdrop.
You ready for bed?
Yes.
Could I sleep with you?
Of course.
We climbed into bed and she pulled me close and kissed me.
____
Level up!
Song is "Firestorm" by Sabaton.
Once more into the Wasteland
Once more into the Wasteland.
Are you two gonna sleep all day or wha...
Gumdrop! You didn't?!
Morning Buckshot! Said Gumdrop merrily as she crawled over me and off the bed, I sat up, my mane a complete mess.
You didn't do anything too weird to her did you? The Overstallion is going to kick your flank!
Hee, a filly doesn't kiss and tell Buckshot! Gumdrop said as she trotted by Buckshot, swatting her on the flank with her tail as she went by and out the door.
Snowbell are you alright?
Yeah, I'm fine.
She didn't do anything too bad right?
N... No. It was.... Nice.
Hoo... What am I gonna tell your father?
You don't need to tell him anything, he'll just worry. It's alright, everything's fine.
You sure?
Yes, I'm sure. Gumdrop didn't do anything bad.
Well alright, if you're sure, Gumdrop can be pretty pushy.
She wasn't pushy! Just... Well, she made sure I was alright with it.
Alright then, how about I brush your mane before we go to breakfast? Gumdrop may be fine with her frazzled mess but I don't think you are.
Alright, thanks.
Perhaps I could braid it for you? Should make it lower maintenance.
Alright, that would look nice I think.
A while later we went down to breakfast, Cram and carrots again. Summer was there, along with Gumdrop.
Mornin' Snowbell!
Good morning Summer.
Did you sleep well?
Yes...
No troubles at all?
N, no...
Hmm? Are you sure?
Yes, I promise Gumdrop didn't do anything weird.
Gumdrop? Umm... I was worried you'd have nightmares cuz of what happened yesterday.
Oh. Oh my... I blushed and sank as deep in my chair as I could. Gumdrop was absolutely beaming, I wanted to shoot her.
I didn't think you swung that way missy.
I WAS HER FIRST! Gumdrop blurted, I was going to shoot her.
Summer blushed, I was glad I wasn't the only one.
I see...
Alright! That's it! Buckshot caught Gumdrop in a chokehold and drug her out of her seat.
Bad fillies need to be punished! She growled as she drug Gumdrop upstairs, I tried not to think about what the "punishment" might entail.
So umm, is that sorta thing normal amongst you stable ponies?
N, no... Just Gumdrop. I think.
I see, the Enclave encouraged that sorta thing, but I don't care for other bucks, or for... Promiscuity...
I'm sorry...
What? Oh no, I didn't mean it like that missy, I was just sayin', if it makes you happy then go for it, I won't think less of ya.
I had to laugh at seeing Summer so flustered. It's alright Summer, I'm not really sure how I "swing", last night just sorta happened.
Probably best it did, having someone to hold ya after a close call can be mighty comforting. Even if it is just a random encounter.
Do you ever get lonely without your wife?
All the time missy, I'd give anything to see her again, but it ain't likely to happen.
Do you ever have any "random encounters"?
No. I won't fault them that do but I could never betray Shadow.
He reached back and grabbed his helmet off his battle saddle and set it on the table. he turned it around and pointed at a camouflage patch on the side behind the earhole.
See that there, that's Rainbow Dash's cutie mark, she was the element, the physical embodiment of the virtue of loyalty, even after the bombs fell and the world ended she still chose to come back down to the surface and try to help the Earth Ponies and Unicorns, but in doing so she turned her back on the Pegasi of the Enclave. Ya see, loyalty is a hard virtue to have, when two loyalties conflict you gotta choose between 'em, Rainbow Dash chose to be loyal to all Ponies, not just Pegasi and for that she was branded a traitor by the Enclave, I chose to be loyal to my comrades over the orders of my superiors and that's why I now wear her mark where mine once was. But I also chose to be loyal to just one mare for my entire life, and even if I never see her again I'll never go against that loyalty.
I'm sorry.
Nothin' to be sorry for missy, you was still just a little filly when all that happened.
I'm not that much younger than you.
If I recall you're ten years younger than me, which means you was about five when I joined the military and seven when I got married.
I'm an adult now.
After what happened last night I figure you are, you was not only blooded but bedded as well, you can take some pride in that, but not too much.
I probably should have blushed at that, but something about the way he said it, it did make me feel just a bit proud.
But anyway, I figure we should be going tonight if you figure on finding your mother.
Tonight?
Yes, that slimy bastard Just Business is likely still watchin us, it would be better if we slipped out after dark and get some distance between him and us.
Alright.
Do you think you could manage that DM battle saddle I showed you yesterday? It would be far more useful than just that little SMG.
I think so.
Good, ain't nothing to working it really, and the weight ain't too bad, being built for a flyer and all. I'll train you on it properly once we're safely out of town.
When are you leaving?
Oh, hello Firecracker!
Mornin' Holocaust!
Good Morning Snowbell, Don't call me Holocaust Summer.
Wow, she didn't miss a beat that time.
I'm getting used to your stupidity.
Shame that.
Oh, we're leaving tonight, after dark.
So soon? I was hoping you would stay for a while.
I'm sorry Firecracker, but I need to find my mom.
I understand, I'd come with you, but I'm needed here, especially after that attack last night.
Don't worry Holocaust, I'll keep yer pal safe.
You'd better, and you'd better keep yourself safe too featherbrain.
While I have you two here, I have a question.
What is it Snowbell?
I was just wondering, how you created that fire tornado, wasn't it a little... Over the top?
That's the power of friendship missy!
Hush featherbrain. It was just a combination of our special talents, he creates wind, I create fire mix the two and you get a firestorm.
I wish my special talent was so useful; I've been so busy with my studies and now all this with mom... I haven't done anything with music in weeks.
Music is a wonderful talent to have Snowbell; I'd love to hear you sing.
Ahyep, you should be thankful for such a pure talent, such things are a rarity these days.
I blushed. Thanks, but getting back to the "firestorm" it really did seem like you two were really in synch with one another, does "the power of friendship" really exist?
Course it does, when two ponies work together as friends, when they have a rapport with one another and are in harmony, their total power becomes much greater than that of either individual, just like in music, the different instruments, when they all play harmoniously creates something beautiful.
Well said Summer, I agree.
Thank ye, Firecracker.
I pondered that for a while, but then a thought struck me.
Summer? What do you think could be in that old fort that's so valuable?
Fort Buffalo-town Gap? Lots of things I suppose, small arms, tanks, power armor, maybe even megaspells; it was a big fort and home to the Equestrian 28th Infantry Division, an elite mechanized infantry unit.
But what could mom use to "fix things"?
Hmm... Dunno, you could probably tell us that better than I could, I only talked to your momma a few times and it was all just business, did she ever talk about having any plans big or small to help folks round here?
N... No... I don't think so, but... I never really paid that much attention...
Hmm... Summer, wasn't Green Gardens acting... Odd, when she gave you that letter?
Well yeah, she was, she had definitely made up her mind on somethin' Fixin' things and whatnot.
Do you think perhaps that she was... Distressed at the loss of her friends and she's going to the fort to use whatever's there for revenge?
It's possible I suppose, though why she would go to such an extent when she coulda just hired me to track down them bloody raiders is beyond me, and it also doesn't explain how she came to be in possession of that password.
I don't think mom wants revenge, that doesn't sound like her.
Hmm, I wonder if our marefriend from last night knows anything?
I don't know, I haven't spoken to her.
Well then, shall we?
Very well.
With that we left the saloon and headed to the PBE office, inside the raider Mare was tied to the bed, one of Buckshot's security ponies was sitting at the desk flipping through a Guns and Bullets magazine.
You really shouldn't have yer back turned to a prisoner like that. Summer warned.
She's fine; she can't get out of those cuffs.
It's your throat if she does. Summer snarked.
Howdy Ms. Raider, how're you?
I'm hungry.
That so? Well I'd be happy to feed ya.
But only if I tell you something right? I don't know nothin'.
You know your name don'tcha?
Yeah... It's Creamed Corn.
Well, that's a lovely name, hang on; I'll getcha something to eat.
Summer went to the refrigerator and pulled out a large-ish brown plastic package and a bottle of water.
Hey security buck, you wanna uncuff her for me?
My name is Sour Apple.
Any relation to the Wild Pegasus Apple family?
No.
Shame that.
Sour Apple uncuffed Creamed Corn and went back to his magazine; summer gave her the brown package and water.
What's this?
It's an MRE, Meal, Ready to Eat. A military ration, got all the vitamins and calories and such that you need.
Why are you being so nice to me?
Simple, it's the rules of warfare, when a pony surrenders you treat 'em fairly and then more will be willing to surrender, if on the other hoof you're cruel to yer prisoners yer enemies will fight harder rather than give up.
Makes sense...
I thought so.
But I tell ya I don't know anything.
Well, see, you might not think you do, but it's possible you know somethin' that don't mean nothin' to you but could be valuable to us.
Like what?
Like that password that suited snake was goin' on about, you probably know more about that than we do.
All I know is it's worth a lot of caps to some rich-bitch pony out in Windy Hills.
Well, that's news to us, any idea who that pony might be?
No, Just Business don't talk about who hires him.
Well, tell us about Just Business.
He's a real fuckin' piece of work, don't know what kinda pull he's got but when he says jump 3 or 4 different gang leaders ask "how high?" Don't know why though, the fuckin' pussy can't fight.
Yeah, he'd rather run an throw others in front of bullets meant for him.
Fuck me, I thought for sure I was dead meat last night, first you two going all megaspell on us, then those fuckers trying to lynch me, then I spent half the night expecting one of those blue suited fuckers to rape me.
Heh, don't flatter yourself. Sour Apple snorted from behind his magazine.
That's not how we do things round here. If you fight I'll kill ya and not lose a moment's sleep over it, but if'n ya give up I'll treat ya fair. Rules of warfare and all that.
Heh, did that ever bite ya in the ass?
Nope, I'd said I'd treat ya fair, don't mean I'm gonna trust ya.
Fair enough, what are you gonna do with me though? Keep me tied to this bed for the rest of my life?
Nope, I figure you got two choices, first, we could let you go, got no jail here and that's my bed you're occupyin'.
Like that's gonna happen...
It may, second, you could go to work for me, you've probably heard of Payback Enterprises and you've seen what I can do so you know it's a better way to invest your life than being a raider.
Seriously? You'd hire me?
Ahyep, you've shown yourself to be reasonable and I have a contract on hoof that needs four hooves and a pulse, pay ain't great, but it'll get ya started.
What's the job?
Simple enough, just need you to carry a letter out east to the PBE office in Rockport, see, I'm gonna be gone for a while, need somepony to take over here while I'm gone, that somepony will be who'll get you trained into a proper merc too. Pay is 50 caps now, 50 on completion.
This's on the level right? You ain't just trying to get me killed?
Nah, if I wanted you dead I figure I could kill ya easy enough, I've killed dozens of raiders, hell, I even killed a dragon once.
Fuck... alright fine, I'll do it.
Thas' my girl. You'll leave tonight then, you'll get your gun back, I'd recommend not wearing the spiky "barding" you had though and best you don't try and meet up with your old pal Just Business again.
That fucker tried to get me killed; I ain't sayin' shit to him.
Heh, alrighty then. Here's your battle-saddle Snowbell.
That big thing belongs to her? Creamed Corn asked incredulously.
Sure, she's a crack-shot; they call her the White Death up north.
Bullshit.
Nope, you saw for yourself what she did with that little subgun last night, now imagine what she can do with a proper sniper rifle, kinda grateful she didn't have it though, me an Firecracker couldn't have done our little light show if'n she'd already killed y'all.
Fuck, you mercs are nuts.
Ahyep, like it says on the sign "we sell death".
After that we stepped outside.
You didn't ask very many questions Summer.
Nope, didn't need to, it was pretty obvious she was the low Buffalo on the totem pole and if I asked too many questions I coulda accidentally given her some intel, which would be bad if she does decide to trot back to Just Business.
Yes, speaking of which, do you really think it's a good idea to let her go?
Well Firecracker, I figure she really is done with being a raider now, we put the fear of Celestia's wrath in her heart last night for sure, so I'm just given her a chance to do something a bit better, the dry ol' bastard out in Rockport will straighten her up right quick I figure.
Who's that?
He's calls himself Sleipnir, don't know what his real name is, he was a soldier pre-war, got ghoulified, and now he fights the war eternal, got over 200 years of combat experience and he ain't afraid of nothing that crawls, walks or flies on this whole wide earth.
He sounds quite terrifying.
He can be, but he's a good pony at heart, he adopted himself a daughter a few years back and has taken to raising her, the old buck could make a hellhound piss itself with a look but is he ever gentle with her, I think he'd take a wire brush to his nethers before he'd so much as raise his voice at her.
He sounds like precisely the type this town needs then.
You mean while I'm gone?
No, you can stay gone.
Aw, that's not what you said earlier Holocaust...
I was talking to Snowbell, not you featherbrain, and speaking of which what was that talk about "white death" anyway?
You ain't heard of The White Death?
No.
No, I have not.
She was a sniper prewar, holds the record for most confirmed kills, 550 in 100 days of combat at the battle of Stalliongrad, she had the whole Zebra army shaking in their horseshoes, they finally managed to take her out, shot her in the head with an explosive rifle round, didn't kill her mind you, just knocked her out of the game, she retired with full military honors.
You're in the snipers sight,
The first kill tonight,
Time to die
You're in the bullets way,
The white death's prey,
Say goodbye!
That's how the song about her goes.
But you don't think Snowbell could do something like that do you?
Well sure, why not?
Well, I...
Firecracker looked at me, a sad look on her face.
That's just not the kind of thing ponies like her should have to do.
I agree, Luna knows I'd rather be with my wife and foal, but those of us who can have a duty to do. Every time I fight it frees somepony else from having to, and if Snowbell has the will to trot off into the darkness with me then she's my comrade, my sister and I'll have every bit of faith in her as I do in Luna herself.
Firecracker looked even sadder at that.
But this fight never ends Summer.
Don't matter. The only light in the darkness is heroism, ol' Sleipnir watched this world burn, everypony he ever knew died, he could of laid down and joined them or let madness take his mind and go feral, he chose to fight. Ask him why and he'll say "why the hell you think? You think my brothers and sisters in the everafter could forgive me for wasting the gift I was given? Everlasting life in a world of everlasting warfare, were we all so lucky to have had that. I'll save this damned world if it takes ten thousand years and claim all the glory for myself! and when I finally do die and the devils I slain come to claim my soul every damn Soldier, Flyer and Marine in the everafter will join me to fight 'em off because nopony gets left behind!"
That's what he says, and I believe it, I dunno what role Snowbell will play in it, but I figure it's an important one, so I'll help her any way I can.
I'm just trying to find my mom...
And you're walking into harm's way to do it, you heard Creamed Corn, the ponies that's after your mom is in the direction we're traveling, they're already here besides and they're encroaching on your home to boot.
I guess...
Don't worry missy, I got faith in ya, you'll find yer momma.
But... last night when those raiders were pointing guns at you and Buckshot I didn't do anything.
That's cuz Luna stopped ya, if you had shot then they'd of got ya, now you've been tested you'll not be found wanting, you moved with a purpose once the fighting started, I saw you engage threats as they presented themselves, move aggressively to track further targets and bypass non-hostiles with a cool head. Trained soldiers do worse in their first fight, so be proud of yourself.
I drew myself up a bit taller at that. Firecracker sighed.
I hate this wasteland, I hate it with all my heart, I wish things could go back to the way they were before.
"But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being, nor can the dead ever be brought back to life."
Is that The Art of War missy?
Yes.
Thought so, good reading that is.
Doctor Oats had me read it a while ago; she said it would be useful.
She was right, probably the most useful book you could read in this day and age, cuz war never changes.
I wish I could go with you two...
Don't worry Firecracker, we'll be fine.
I know you will Snowbell, but I want to help save this wasteland too.
You'll get your chance Firecracker, hell, keepin' this town safe is a lot of help as it is.
Thank you, both of you.
Thank you Firecracker, Summer, could you show me how to use this battle saddle now?
Well sure missy, let's step over here...
The rest of the day passed uneventfully, come afternoon I settled in for a nap, I think Gumdrop tried to sneak up on me, but Buckshot intercepted her outside my room.
Finally night fell, I put on my barding, strapped down the battle-saddle, made sure my braid was out of the way and put the black helmet on my head, I pulled the visor down and the night vision mode automatically came on, bathing the room in a greenish-grey glow, I looked all around to get a feel for it then pushed it back up and went to have dinner, the meal was a subdued affair, Summer was calm, Buckshot and Gumdrop both seemed on the verge of tears and Firecracker was clearly frustrated. Once we finished it was time to go, Summer warned Buckshot to keep a sharp eye out for trouble on the way back to the stable and to make sure the defenses were ready if trouble followed her home, she told me to stay safe and to come home as soon as I could. Gumdrop hugged me, I think she would have kissed me too if Buckshot hadn't been there. Firecracker hugged me too, though she didn't squeeze as hard, and with that we slipped out through the barricade and into the darkness.
We walked silently all night, as dawn approached we turned off the road and headed into the hills, we found a secluded spot and I laid down for a few hours sleep. It was before noon yet when Summer woke me, I wondered if he didn't need rest yet but he seemed the same as ever so I didn't ask, as the day wore on into the afternoon, we met a strange pony on the side of the road sitting on a throne of junk.
Welcome weary travelers! Welcome and well met!
Howdy. Summer said wearily.
Hello, who might you be?
I, my dear filly am King Nothing, welcome to my kingdom.
King Nothing?
Yes! you see, I, tired of life in the wasteland decided I would claim this world as my own and settle down as king, but, there is little left in this world to claim dominion over and thus I call myself King Nothing, I rule all that you see before you from my scrap metal throne, isn't it grand?
Yes, it certainly is...
I'm glad you think so, but, I'm afraid there is a tax for using the King's Highway, so I would ask that you turn over any scrap metal that you might have. If you give me enough I might be persuaded to make you a knight or a lord or perhaps even a princess! Wouldn't that be wonderful?
Yes, it certainly would, will this be enough for your tax?
Oh yes, it most certainly would! with a few more bits like this perhaps I could fashion myself a crown! Thank you mi ‘lady, please be at ease whilst you travel through the lands of King Nothing!
Very well, thank you... My lord, goodbye.
Yes, safe travels to you and yours my dear! he shouted to us as we left.
Just when ya think you've seen it all...
He wasn't so bad...
He's crazy, I just hope he don't go reporting us to them raiders when they pass through on our tail.
I don't think he will.
Yeah, they'll probably just shoot him when he asks for his "tax".
Yeah... I looked back and wondered if the mad King Nothing would be OK.
As afternoon pasted into evening we crested a hill to find an encampment on the other side, after a quick flyover Summer declared it safe to advance and went and greeted a sentry in worn leather armor and a rusty rifle.
Greetings fellow travelers, do you seek safety within our camp?
We do. Summer stated.
Then welcome, we are the Church of Luna Ascendant, please be at peace here, for Luna watches over us.
Summer stretched his wings. Indeed she does. He said with a smile.
You'll find our elder in the center of camp, please go and speak to him, I'm sure he'd like to meet you.
We will thank you. I said.
The camp wasn't too very large, about 3 dozen ponies in several large tents. the guards were poorly equipped but sharp-eyed. We entered the center tent and met with the Lunar's elder, he was a fragile looking old unicorn, his eyes were milky with cataracts but he smiled when he saw us.
Greetings travelers, are you also seekers of Luna's will?
Summer bowed his head and swepted his black wings forward. "I am a servant of Luna's will, for however long she has use of me." He said.
So I see, it is good to have you here with us then, will you be staying long?
No, we travel with haste south.
That is a shame, well, you are welcome to rest with us this night, may you and your moon-touched companion find all that you seek, Luna Nos Custodit.
Excuse me Elder? I asked.
Yes, my dear.
What do you mean "moon-touched"?
Just that you are as pure white as the moon's light on still water my dear. He said with a smile. You are an albino, born without pigment, the bright light of day brings color to the world but it also burns the skin and blinds the eye, as I'm sure you know, and so I say you are moon-touched and all the more beautiful for it.
I... Thank you.
There is no need to thank me; rather, I should thank you. It has been a long time since a young mare has blushed at my compliments, it does my heart well, but I will hold you no longer. I pray you both, rest amongst our company until your journey calls you back onto the road once again.
Thank you elder, Luna Nos Providet. Summer bowed again and we left the tent.
Do you know these ponies Summer?
Yes, they took me in after I was banished.
They don't really act like they know you.
That's just their way, I've changed since they saw me last so they treat me like a new pony.
SUMMER! Out of nowhere Summer was bowled off his hooves by a filly and colt both about 10 years old.
Well, some follow that philosophy more than others. He said chuckling.
Hey you two, how have you been?
We missed you!
We didn't think we'd see you again!
Well, here I am! he said rearing up on his hind legs and spreading his wings. They beamed up at him like he was a hero out of a story book.
Hello Summer Winds. A pretty older mare came forward. I heard you came back.
I'm just passin' through Sugar.
I thought as much.
How've you and the rugrats been?
Hey! You can't call us rugrats anymore!
Yeah! We're almost all grown up already!
Oh? I don't see any cutie marks on either of your flanks yet?
So? You don't have a cutie mark either!
Yeah!
The hay I don't! Ya know very well I got the most awesome cutie mark ever!
Even I chuckled at that.
Please introduce us Summer.
Oh, right... Sugar, Moon, Star, This is Snowbell.
Snowbell, this is Sugar Sweet, Moon Beam and Star Chaser.
It's a pleasure to meet you dear.
Hi!
Hello!
It's a pleasure to meet you all as well.
Summer! When are you going to teach me to fly? Star Chaser asked, I hadn't noticed his wings for the jacket he wore, his sister Moon Beam was clearly a Unicorn and their mother(?) was an Earth Pony.
Confused Ms. Snowbell?
Oh umm, yes?
Yes, I'm their mother, they're twins, I don't know who the father is, but I never serviced a Pegasus so I assume there was a Pegasus somewhere our family tree or their fathers.
S... Serviced?
Yes, I was a prostitute.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Haha, don't be, it was the life I chose for myself, it wasn't until I had Moon and Star that I came to want something else in life.
I see...
Hm, you're an interesting pony Snowbell, where do you come from?
From a stable.
I thought as much, you seem... Sheltered, and you blush far too easily.
Yeah... I do.
Hehe, would you like to spend the night in our tent? Summer will have you up before dawn, so you'll need your rest.
Oh, thank you.
Not at all, a friend of Summer's is a friend of mine.
How did you meet Summer?
He's the one who bought my contract, he had done a job for the house's master and the master tried to give him some time with me rather than pay the full fee. As soon as he was shoved into the room with me he started blushing and stammering. I thought he was just shy so I tried to kiss him, he leapt over the bed to get away and ended up crashing into the barrier that hid where Moon and Star stay, Star saw that he was a Pegasus and started bouncing around and asking all kinds of questions, the whole thing shocked me, I didn't know if he was dangerous or not. But after a few moments to calm down he explained that he was married and not interested in what I was selling and the four of us spent two hours telling stories and playing games, it was wonderful. At the end I asked him if he knew anypony who would be willing to buy my contract, he said yes, and immediately bought the contract himself, then he brought us to the Church of Lunar Ascendant and they took us in.
Wow, so, Moon and Star stayed in the same room as you when you...
Serviced folks? Yes. There wasn't anywhere else to put them. That's a good part of why I wanted to get away from that life, they might have ended up doing it themselves otherwise.
That's terrible.
That's life I'm afraid, if Summer hadn't arrived when he did I'm afraid I'd still be doing it.
I'm glad you don't have to anymore.
Well, it wasn't so bad before I got pregnant, a mare can make some good caps if she's smart, and it can also buy you a fair bit of security.
I could never do something like that.
Maybe, maybe not. But I'll tell you this, a pretty young mare like yourself could go far with just a bit a charm, most stallions will fall all over themselves to do what you ask if you just flutter your eyelashes at them, you don't even need to say anything to them, just the barest hint of what they might receive and their minds will fill in the rest.
I... Don't know about that.
Well, it's something to keep in mind anyway. Moon, Star, it's about time for bed!
Yes momma!
But momma, Summer was showing me how to fly!
Yes, I see that, but I'm afraid it's time for bed, Summer can teach you to fly next time you see him.
But when's that gonna be?
I don't know dear, but you're not ready to fly yet anyway.
I will be soon!
I'm not ready for you to fly yet, for that matter, now, off to bed.
Yes, momma.
Summer, will you be staying with us?
I 'spose, got some other folks I wanna talk to first though, you go get yourself some rest Snowbell.
Alright, good night.
Night y'all.
G' night Summer! The twins shouted in unison.
With that we retired to Sugar's tent, extra bedrolls were laid out and I curled up and went to sleep.
I awoke early the next morning to Summer tickling my ear with his wing, he nodded towards my gear and then left the tent, I dressed and went to join him, Sugar was there.
I know you're on a job now Summer, but would you consider finding us again when it's finished, Moon and Star miss you so much.
I'd like to Sugar, and I may, but there ain't much of a gap between one job and the next.
I know, but you mean the world to those two, and I like having you around too.
Haa... I know you do, but I can't be your stallion Sugar, you know that.
Sugar smiled sadly. You're the only stallion I've ever met who was truly faithful to your wife, did you know that?
I'd like to think there's more than just me.
And I pray to Luna she's worthy of such devotion, any mare would be lucky to have you Summer Winds; I wish I could have you.
Summer's ears laid back at that, and his wings started fluttering.
T...Thank ya, Sugar, I'm honored you think so highly of me...
I think you're the only stallion I've ever really loved Summer Winds.
I... I... I really ain't worthy of that, Sugar, I'm not.
You are, you're the worthiest stallion I've ever met, but I'll let you off the hook for now, she said with a smile, you have work, and I won't keep you from it. She turned to me.
Good luck in finding your mother Snowbell, Luna Nos Providet.
Thank you Sugar, goodbye.
She smiled at us again and went back into her tent.
We left the camp in silence, the guards nodded to us as we walked off into the pre-dawn darkness, Summer remained silent through the morning, but his ears and wings told me how frustrated he was, they twitched and fluttered in tune to his thoughts, I decided after a while to bring it up.
Summer?
Hmm?
Are you alright?
bah, I've been better.
I'm sorry; I know Sugar's confession must be stressful for you.
Yeah, It wouldn't be so bad if'n she was just using her feminine wiles on me. Haa... But I think she really means it.
I think so too.
Dang it... I'd like to stay, just for the kids; Luna knows they deserve to have a father figure in their life, but... I couldn't. There's no way I could be near Sugar without... I just couldn't stay faithful to Shadow.
I'm sorry...
Don't apologize Snowbell, T'ain't no concern of yours.
My ears drooped at that, he saw what he said hurt me.
No... I mean... I'm sorry Snowbell; I didn't mean for that to come out that way, I just meant that... Bah, I don't even know what I mean. But... I'm grateful that you're worried about me, you're a good friend, but there ain't no easy answer to this trouble.
There has to be something I can do to help...
I don't think there is...
We stood there for a moment, I watched his wings flutter some more...
I know! Take off your barding Summer.
C... Come again?
Doctor's orders, take off your barding.
Summer looked at me carefully for a moment, then removed his battle-saddle and barding.
Good, now lay down.
He did as I asked and lay down, and I moved over next to him and began rubbing his neck.
I may not be able to fix your problems, but I can at least help you cope with them, a good massage will help relieve some stress.
He sighed, And you couldn't ah' said that first?
Well what did you think I was going to do? I asked smirking.
A whole pile of things ran through my mind missy, a WHOLE pile.
I'm not that kind of mare Summer Winds. I said firmly, while working out the knots in his muscles.
Well I'm sorry for doubting ya, but virtue is a rather lacking thing in the wastes.
So it seems, but I haven't been in the wastes long enough to lose my virtue yet.
That's not what Gumdrop said. He nickered.
I pressed a little harder at that, he grunted under the pressure.
Gumdrop doesn't count; she's not a wastelander either.
If you say so missy...
Besides, I've wanted to examine the musculature around your wings; this gives me a perfect opportunity.
Hahaha... That curiosity of yours is gonna get you in trouble one of these days...
Maybe, but there's nopony here to misunderstand the situation this time.
S'pose not.
I proceeded to work through the muscles down his back, paying careful attention to the ones connecting to his wings, they were well developed of course, especially the wide bands of muscle that ran down along his ribcage and allowed him to flap his wings downward, they yielded well to my touch and I could feel his pulse through them, the slightly irregular beat only apparent thanks to my medical training, that worried me a bit, but there was nothing to be done for it. I worked my way further down his back finishing by rubbing his flanks, being careful around the scars where his cutie mark used to be.
There you go, is that better?
Much better missy, much better.
He stretched his hind legs out and his whole body seemed to elongate before my eyes as his spine popped and cracked.
You know, you could probably make a fair livin' just doing that some places.
Hmm... Maybe.
Say, missy, look over in that direction and see if you see anything on your EFS.
I turned and looked in the direction indicated the compass showed East but no blips for friend or foe.
See anythin'?
No, nothing.
Must have been my imagination then.
I turned back and Summer had donned his barding again, I looked him up and down and realized what he had been up to.
Before you go getting frustrated again, there's nothing wrong with your body reacting to touch.
I know missy, doesn't mean I want to go flaunting it though.
Alright, just so you understand.
I do, and thanks for the massage, I'll return the favor one of these days, but now we gotta get back on your momma's trail.
Alright, let’s go.
We continued on through the morning, the Ministry of Peace hospital coming into view around noon, it sat just off the road, the ruins of the town of Hopewell lying just beyond that, there wasn't much left of the town, off at the other end, stood a large, low industrial looking building.
What's that structure there Summer?
If I recall that was some sorta warehouse or distribution center, I bet there's a good bit of loot to be had in there.
Wouldn't it have been looted already?
Nah, the place has some kinda security system that keeps most prospectors out, doubt it would be a problem for me though.
Interesting...
Ahyep.
It took us another hour to reach the hospital, a couple of reasonably well-armed ponies in leather barding waved us in, there were a few wastelanders in the central lobby awaiting treatment for injuries and illnesses, a mare in a nurse's uniform looked at Summer and told us to head to the second floor nurse's station, Summer seemed confused by that but we headed for the stairs anyway. we got to the second floor and started down the hallway when suddenly a giant insect leapt out at us.
DON'T YOU MOVE DASHITE!
I looked again to realize the insect was really a Pegasus wearing insect-like armor. Power armor I suspected.
Easy now Private, we ain't looking for a fight.
YOU KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT UNTIL I TELL YOU TO OPEN IT. The Pegasus soldier commanded. YOU TOO MARE, THAT'S ENCLAVE PROPERTY YOU'RE WEARING.
What's going on here? a female voice inquired firmly. Another Pegasus in another set of insectoid power armor came down the hallway to stand next to the first.
I'VE CAUGHT THE DASHITE AND HIS COMPATRIOT LIEUTENANT.
You've caught them have you? I don't see how, they're both still armed and you've moved close enough for them to jump you. Summer seemed to recognize the female's voice, his wings started fluttering again.
THEY WOULDN'T DARE. The private growled.
You think do you? Do you realize that the Dashite you "caught" is Summer Winds, a Recon NCO who killed an adolescent Dragon with his bare hooves? The only reason you weren't splattered down this hallway the moment you leapt out at him is because, as he said, he isn't looking for a fight. Now, go join 1SG. Stone on the roof.
Yes Lieutenant, will you be all right by yourself Ma'am?
Do you doubt me private?
No Ma'am!
I didn't think so, I can handle a dragon slayer just mine, move out.
Yes Ma'am!
The Private dashed off past us and up the stair, after a moment the Lieutenant push the visor of her helmet up.
Hello Swift. Summer said, a hint of sadness in his voice.
Before me stood a mare, about Summer's age, her coat was a dark gray, her calm eyes where black and her short but carefully styled mane was violet, even in power armor she was stunningly pretty and the only thing I could think of was:
Y... You're Summer's wife!
She smiled at me. Summer, could you introduce me to your friend?
Summer cleared his throat. Swift, this is Snowbell, Snowbell; this is my sister-in-law Swift Shadow.
Sister-in-law?
Yes, I'm his wife's twin sister.
Oh my...
Quite, and who are you to my brother-in-law?
Now, there have been many reasons to fear a pony in power armor over the years, but had she been naked and chained to a wall that question would have still froze the blood in veins.
Quit pickin' on her Swift, she's a client of mine; we're trying to find her mother.
She took a step closer to me.
She must be more than a client for you to have equipped her with your own battle saddle...
Her voice still had that calm quality to it, but my blood got even colder regardless.
She's a friend too, but don't you go thinking she's anything more than that, you know better.
Her eyes narrowed at me, I did my best to maintain eye contact with her but I could see the spiked club of her armor's tail swishing back and forth in my peripheral vision, then she swung around to Summer and locked eyes with him. I plopped onto my rump in relief.
You... She said to Summer getting almost nose to nose with him. When was the last time you slept?
I, uh...
She looked back over her shoulder at me. How long has he been working for you? How many days?
Umm... Seven, I think?
Seven? You've been awake for a week straight?
I...
Answer me, Summer Winds.
Yes.
I was shocked, I tried to think of when he might have slept last, but could only think of when I gave him a room back at our stable.
How is that possible? I asked. Swift smiled kindly at me.
We'll talk about that in a moment. First. You need to sleep, go rent a room at the Nurse's station, I want you asleep 8 hours at least, no arguments, I outrank you.
Summer looked at me.
Don't look to her to save you, go get some sleep, she will be fine with me while you rest.
I agree, go get some rest Summer.
Alright then, 8 hours. He said and turned towards the Nurse's station.
At least! Swift called to him.
Oh that bloody stallion... Anyway, It's a pleasure to meet you Snowbell, I'm sure you and I will be good friends. She said to me, offering her hoof.
L... Likewise. She shook my hoof and smiled.
Sorry about pickin' on ya a moment ago, nothing personal, just gathering intel.
That's alright, I understand.
Have you had lunch yet?
No.
Wonderful! We just brought a shipment of fresh food here from the Enclave, let's head to the cafeteria.
Swift lead the way back downstairs and across the building to the cafeteria, her spiked tail swaying back and forth as she trotted, the wastelanders watched her warily as we crossed the lobby, she smiled and nodded to them, which seemed to appease their wariness a bit. We got to the cafeteria and ordered our lunch, grilled cheese and tomato soup sounded positively luxurious after eating canned food for so long. We took our seats and Swift took command of the conversation:
About Summer, I take you didn't know he hasn't been sleeping?
No, I suspect something, but how could he have been awake for a week straight?
The experimental valkyrie implant.
An augmentic implant?
Precisely. It was developed by the Enclave to produce the perfect soldiers, fearless, tireless, and unstoppable. A few years ago the Black Wings recon unit was selected to field test the implant, with Summer being amongst them. The implant works by regulating nerve impulses and brain chemistry; it makes a pony stronger and more agile, minimizes their need to sleep and makes them all but fearless.
But there's a catch?
Of course, there was an abnormally high number of physical rejections of the implant, some ponies also developed schizophrenia, some became violent, having fits of berserker rage or becoming manic-depressive, and pretty much all of them suffered chronic insomnia. The tests were deemed a failure.
Why didn't they remove the implants?
They did mostly, for some it was deemed "unwise" to remove because doing so could have detrimental effects on pre-existing medical conditions.
Summer's heart condition!
Yes, the implant has a pace-maker type effect on him and if he does go into cardiac arrest, the onboard AI dumps adrenal to get it going right again. Still, the ponies who received the implants where considered a liability, that's part of the reason for Summer's banishment.
Why was he banished exactly?
He killed a Dragon.
Seriously?
Yes, the Enclave had detected an adolescent Dragon flying in our airspace, two units were dispatched to recon the situation, Summer's squad being the second team, Nopony knows quite how or why but for some reason the first squad ended up engaged in a fight with the Dragon, Summer's squad was ordered to fly steady and not engage. Well, as I understand it, Summer watched as the Dragon slaughtered squad one, finally he couldn't take it anymore, he flew out and engaged the Dragon, he wounded it with his heavy weapons, and finished it by slamming all four hooves into it's head at full speed and riding it all the way to the earth below.
Now, at times like that, you'll either get a medal or a flogging for such a thing, it likely would have been the former had he not had the danger of the implant against him, the brass considered him a threat, if he could snap and kill a dragon what could he do to an officer? What could he do if he were aboard a Raptor warship at the time? So they decided to get rid of him, he had not only violated a direct order, but he had also broken the quarantine by going below the cloud layer, it wasn't hard to label him a Dashite and banish him.
That's terrible.
Yes it was, it was a horrible betrayal. But he seems to be faring well down here at least.
He's helped a lot of ponies... But he's not happy.
I didn't think he would be, Shadow misses him.
He misses her, he's so frustrated, I touched his wing the other day, I didn't know it was a... A sensitive spot for a Pegasus, and it caused him all kinds of stress, and this morning a mare that he rescued a while ago, she confessed to him, anypony could tell it hurt him. He misses her so much, but he's only a pony and...
I understand Snowbell; I know what he's like. Hehe, just after he and my sister started dating, he came over to our house, Shadow had neglected to mention she had a twin sister, and he was cute so I decided to play a little prank. Shadow wasn't home when he came over, so I invited him inside, he was confused, my sister and I don't act the same, but he was young and hormonal and that was enough to make him disregard his "marefriend's" odd behavior. When Shadow came home he was on his back and I was on top of him nibbling his ear. He took one look at her, burst into tears and dove at her hooves, begging for forgiveness. Well of course she knew right away I was to blame. So she collected him up and retreated to her bedroom, she didn't talk to me for two weeks.
Wow, that's um, quite a story.
Yeah, the two of them were quite cute together; I wouldn't have minded having him for myself though. She said with a devious grin.
I hear that a lot it seems. I said rolling my eyes.
You a fillyfooler Snowbell?
I... What? I asked blushing to my ears.
She gave me a grin that reminded me uncomfortably of Gumdrop.
I thought as much, not too experienced though are ya?
I'm not a fillyfooler! I... Like both, I think.
But you've only been with a mare?
How did you know that?
Pervert's intuition.
Oh goddess, you are another Gumdrop.
Is that your marefriend?
Not really.
She's a player.
Yeah, kinda.
They're fun sometimes; a proper relationship has it benefits too though. You get to unlock each other's secrets, drive each other to new heights. If you haven't figured it out yet I like both too, though I've mostly been playing with mares lately, I'm not in a hurry to get pregnant. I love Laurel, but she was such a handful as a foal.
Summer's daughter.
Yes, she's a sweetheart; I'll have to fill him in about her when he wakes up.
So anyway, what do you do Snowbell?
Oh, well I was studying to be a doctor back home, oh; my special talent is music though.
Yeah, you sound like you have a great voice.
Excuse me; did I hear you say you were studying to be a doctor?
An older mare in a Nurse's uniform came up to us.
Yes, that's right.
You wouldn't happen to know chemistry would you? How to make medicine, chems?
Yes, I know how to do that.
Goddesses be praised. she beamed. I'm one of the head nurses here; we are desperately short on Med-X and healing potions. We have plenty of raw ingredients but nopony to mix them.
Don't you need a unicorn to make healing potions? Swift asked.
No there's a way to make them without a unicorn, my mentor Dr. Oats taught me.
You're gonna have to teach me that trick. Swift smiled.
Would you be willing to make them for us? We'll pay you of course.
Certainly, could you show me to the lab?
Yes, right this way.
She led us to a back room, well equipped with chemistry supplies.
Is there anything else you'll require miss?
Yes, I'll need spark batteries, scrap electronics and any amethyst you have.
I know we have the first two, there's probably some amethyst in the safe, but what do you need them for?
To charge the healing potions, you wrap copper wire from scrap electronics around the amethyst and connect the leads to the spark battery; it causes magic resonance which charges the raw ingredients into a useable healing potion.
Swift whistled. Wow, that's easy, how come everypony doesn't know how to do that?
Dr. Oats always said the only things that don't change are war and ignorance.
I like your doctor.
She is pretty awesome. I smiled.
Well alright, I'll go see what I can find for you, could you start on the Med-X in the meantime?
Certainly.
With that we got to work, Swift proved to be a useful assistant, being Enclave educated and have a soldier's thirst for practical knowledge the two of us were able to whip up several batches of Med-X by the time the nurse returned.
Here's all the spark batteries and scrap electronics I could find, I'm afraid we only have a few amethyst though.
She laid a hoof-full of Amethyst on the counter, only a couple were large enough to be useful, the other three were too small and impure.
Well that will be enough to make maybe a dozen potions I think.
A dozen? Oh that's wonderful, it won't last, but every bit helps, how's the Med-X?
We've gone through about half your supply of raw ingredients already, there should be about 50 doses worth there.
50? That's amazing! I don't think we've ever had that much, and you say you've only gone through half? She got a thoughtful look on her face. The Med-X is strong enough isn't it?
Oh yes, here, observe.
I pulled out some litmus paper and a Med-X from my med kit. Here's a standard Med-X, note the color, a squirted a few drops onto the paper, now here's what I just made.
They're the same.
Precisely, you shouldn't notice a difference at all, but if you'd like I could try some on myself.
No, thank you, I believe you, and I wouldn't want you working while high. She said with a smile.
Alright, we'll get back to work then.
Thank you both. Goddesses bless you.
We got back to work and finished a couple hours later, we had managed to make 16 healing potions before the amethyst died and another 50 doses of Med-X.
Ya know Snowbell, I'll betcha they end up selling the surplus Med-X.
I've considered that possibility; I just hope they sell it to the right ponies.
I think I'll see about buying it actually, the Enclave can use it, and I'll see it gets into the packs of our medics.
Why is the Enclave here anyway? Summer didn't seem to expect you here.
There's been some unrest up there lately, a bunch of students want to come down and help y'all down here, this is one of the sites chosen for this "volunteer corps" I'm here to arrange things for them, probably stay on as a defensive garrison as well.
It's good that they've decided to help.
Yeah, most of the operation is going to be out in the Hoofington region, closer to Enclave cities, this area is the boondocks as far as we're concerned, but at least it doesn't rain out here as much. as she finished her sentence her ear twitched towards the door, an old stallion in a doctor's coat came trotting in.
Ah, you must be the chemists I've been hearing about, I must say, when you Pegasi arrived I didn't actually expect you to be any real help.
Well thanks for the vote of confidence doc, but it was mostly Snowbell here who did the work, though I think I'll be able to do it now too.
Oh my, I guess you aren't a Pegasus are you? His horn lit up and a pair of glasses floated out of a pocket and settled on his nose. That's better, with all that barding and guns I thought you to be one of them.
Well that is Enclave equipment she's wearing so it's not too surprising a mistake.
Yes, quite. And you say you'll be able to make chems for us from now on?
Well I can make Med-X and healing potions for you so long as I'm here, assuming you get more ingredients that is.
Yes, regarding that, I have already instructed the nurses to encourage local prospectors to bring in amethyst to pay for our services. But as for the chemicals... Well, I'm sure you ladies are aware of the Distribution center across town?
Yes.
Well, pre-war records indicate there is a shipment of medical supplies there that never made it here; there should also be plenty of raw chemical ingredients stored there as well. The security systems there have so far foiled the attempts of the local prospectors, Celestia knows I've treated enough M-E burns, but now that we have powered armor soldiers on hoof...
I'm gonna stop you there doc. My orders are to stay put, while I could send one of my troopers out for recon, it would take more than one to loot that place... But as it happens, there is an ex-Enclave mercenary here, if his current employer doesn't mind, you could possibly hire him and I could send my trooper along as well.
Wonderful, who is his current employer?
That would be me. I said. I don't think a detour would hurt, but I'm looking for my mother Green Gardens, have you seen her?
A green Earth Pony merchant heading south? Yes, I encountered her a few days ago; she exchanged some healing potions for caps, and then bought a gun and some ammunition from a prospector before heading back out the door and... Blast, I probably should have bartered for that information.
Too late now doc, what are you gonna do Snowbell?
Well, I think it's important to help as much as we can, as soon as Summer wakes up, we'll go loot that warehouse for you.
Wonderful, I would recommend speaking to the prospectors out in the lobby, you may get some useful information from them, oh, and here's your payment, you've helped us ever so much by making these chems for us.
You're welcome Doctor.
Well, I have to return to my rounds, please come and find me as soon as you've acquired the medical supplies from the warehouse, and please be careful.
Alright, Summer will probably be getting up in another couple hours, you should probably go take a nap yourself Snowbell, I'm gonna go rustle up a volunteer to go with you.
Alright I'll do that.
I awoke a couple hours later to a feather tickling my nose, after I stopped sneezing I found Summer and Swift out in the hallway along with one of Swift's troopers.
Summer Winds, Snowbell, This is First Sergeant Rock; he's volunteered to go with you to the distribution center.
He was an older stallion, his short cropped mane was greying in spots, without his power armor he would have been just barely smaller than Summer, with it he looked quite a bit larger.
Summer Winds, The L-T has filled me in on you, I don't much care for the idea of flying with a Dashite, but L-T trusts you and that's good enough for me.
Very good First Sergeant, it will be a pleasure to operate with you, but we likely won't be doing much flying on this job, a good deal of sneaking and probably a fair amount of shooting too but Snowbell can't keep up with us if we fly.
That's fine, I don't mind hoofing it.
Excuse me but, First Sergeant is a pretty high rank isn't it? wouldn't a younger soldier usually be chosen for this?
Most of our troopers are young and inexperienced ma'am, and none of them would be pleased to fly with a Dashite, this mission will help us win the hearts and minds of the locals so I thought it prudent to see it done myself.
I see, thank you First Sergeant.
Not at all ma'am.
Alright then, shall we head out First Sergeant?
Yes, lead the way Sergeant Winds.
With that, we headed out, the nurse at the lobby counter wished us luck, the trip across town was unexciting, we squished a few radroaches as we wended our way through the rubble and a couple times Summer flew me over the rubble rather than try and find a way around. Finally we arrived at the distribution center.
Alright missy, you see anything on the EFS?
Yes, there's a red blip there at the gate guard box.
Probably a turret, anything else?
No, not yet.
Alright, I'll fly over the gate and take care of the turret; Can you take care of the gate's lock First Sergeant?
Of course.
Alright, let's do it.
Summer took off, disappearing into the darkness, 1SG. Rock and I crept forward from our cover, a short burst of violet light and a bang indicated the death of the turret, 1SG. Rock charged forward and broke the lock off the gate with a buck and shoved the gate open.
Alright, that was easy. Anything new on the EFS?
I looked around. Yes, on the roof I think, up there.
Ok, must be to defend against flyers, nothing else?
I looked again. No.
Alright, let’s go find a door.
We trotted across the parking lot, another rooftop blip appeared on my Eyes Forward Sparkle, the front door was of course locked.
You know how to pick locks missy?
No.
Well I'm not an expert myself but I'll show ya.
Summer proceeded to explain how to pick a lock; I was following along pretty well but then 1SG. Rock cleared his throat and nudged Summer out of the way.
SGT. Winds was mostly right so far Miss, but one thing he neglected was what's called binding order, you see, the tumblers of a lock tend to want to bind in a certain order, if you can figure out that order you'll have a much easier time at picking the lock, now, go ahead and give it try.
I set the screwdriver and bobby pin in the lock as I had been instructed and started feeling at the tumblers, I tried working out the binding order and after a few patient minutes the lock clicked open.
Good work missy.
Good job miss.
Summer pushed the door open from the hinge-side keeping his body out of the doorframe as much as possible.
See anything?
I peered inside. No, not yet.
1SG. Rock leapt through the door, clearing the frame as quickly as possible and moving against the wall.
CLEAR! He called out. Summer nodded to me to go in, I dashed through like the First Sergeant had, Summer followed behind letting the door close behind him.
Here's the fire map of the facility. 1SG. Rock dropped the framed map on the floor before us.
We're here in the office, the main warehouse is down that hallway, there appears to be a secure area here, that where the medical supplies would likely be, the charging station in the corner there indicates robots, there's likely more turrets as well, we'll have to take it slow, I recommend you not use your G-L Sergeant, you could damage valuable supplies. I'll take point, I want you right on my right flank miss, your EFS and carbine will make dealing with turrets easy and my armor can take a hit or two, Sergeant you watch our six, but be ready to jump over us if the robots prove to be tougher models, we'll need your firepower.
Yes First Sergeant.
Alright.
With that we started down the hallway, 1SG. Rock nudged me back further as we approached a corner, a turret dropped down from the ceiling and I activated S.A.T.S. and keyed in three shots, the suppressed carbine fired three quiet pops just as the turret began firing, the turret exploded and its rounds went high, missing us.
Good shooting miss, 1SG. Rock nudged me and nodded.
We proceeded further down the hallway; I called a halt as a red blip appeared on my EFS.
Robot, I can hear it, sounds like a Robopony, your carbine should handle it easily enough, let’s go.
We crept along until we came to the opening to warehouse proper, the Roboponie's blip was moving in our direction, we moved out of the doorway and against the wall, the Robopony came around the corner of a stack of pallets, I fired a 3 round burst and 1SG. Rock fired 2 shots from his magical energy weapons as well and the Robopony collapsed.
The warehouse was quite large and sectioned off by large shelves piled high with boxes, a catwalk run overhead. 1SG. Rock nodded to Summer and he flew up to the catwalk, a turret dropped down from a box as Summer came in to land, but 1SG. Rock fired and took it out. Summer nodded his thanks and we proceeded towards the secure section, we dealt with two other turrets and a Robopony and once my Pipbuck ticked as we passed some leaking barrels, but we arrived at the secure area without any real difficulty.
Alright missy, you wanna try your hoof at that lock?
I gave it a try but it was beyond my skill, 1SG. Rock nudged me out of the way and soon the lock clicked open, he hoofed me some bobby pins and told me to practice some more with a friendly nod.
We opened the blacked-out chain link fence and two turrets popped up, 1SG. Rock and I both fired at one and Summer took the other, inside sat a military air-wagon, along one wall sat military marked crates and on the other crates marked with the Ministry of Peace symbol.
This looks like quite the haul, definitely more supplies than we can carry.
That air-wagon may still work Sergeant.
I can have a look at it.
Do you know anything about that sort of thing miss?
A little...
Well it won't hurt to have a look, there should be a toolbox in the back, Sergeant, look through those military crates, I'd like to know what's in them.
Yes First Sergeant.
I found the toolbox and we had a look under the hood, the air wagon was in good condition given it was over 200 years old, just some burnt-out wiring and dead spark batteries. I can fix this, going to need spark batteries and scrap electronics.
Very good miss, I'll go look in those robots we scrapped.
While the First Sergeant flew off to do that I went and checked on Summer, he had pulled out a crate and was looking over the shipping manifest.
So what's in them Summer?
Looks like MRE's, ammunition, combat armor, the works. Oh! find crate No. 0017453.
We looked around and found the crate, summer pulled it out as the First Sergeant came back.
What do you have Sergeant?
Have a look, that's T-51B power armor!
So it is, only one set?
Yeah, looks like it was damaged in combat and was being sent to the manufacturer for repairs.
Well it's fairly useless to you and I, but if somepony could get it working it would be useful to somepony else, perhaps Ms. Snowbell.
I wrinkled my nose at that, I couldn't fault power armor for it's effectiveness but I couldn't see myself wearing something so bulky.
Well in the meantime, please see to the wagon, good find Sergeant but let's prioritize these medical supplies for transport.
I tucked myself into the air wagon, pulling wires and installing spark batteries, it took about 20 minutes before I felt confident I had everything wired right.
You get it going missy?
I think, want to give it a try?
Sure thing!
Summer harnessed himself in and gave it a try, the wagon shuddered for a moment but then lifted off the ground.
That's a bad stabilizer that caused that shuddering miss, the First Sergeant said, you're going to need to replace that before too long.
Alright, I'll try to find one later.
Summer sat the wagon down and unharnessed himself, and we started loading supplies into the wagon, we loaded it to half-capacity with the most important supplies.
Alright, I'll stay here to guard all this, you two fly that over to the hospital, take it slow now, that wagon is old and if it starts listing set it down quick as you can.
Yes First Sergeant, stay safe now.
Don't worry about me Sergeant, wait. We almost forgot those turrets on the roof.
They shouldn't target a military transport.
Maybe, maybe not. I'll fly out with you just in case.
We opened the garage door and Summer backed us out, 1SG. Rock flew carefully up to the rooftop and peered over the top, and waved us off, we lifted up to rooftop level the red blips turned to green as they detected us and we flew off unmolested the flight was uneventful until just as we came into land and the wagon began listing to the side, Summer struggled to keep the heavy wagon upright, two Enclave Pegasi took off from the rooftop and intercepted the wagon, pushing against it to keep it upright, we landed hard and I worried we may have broken some of the more fragile supplies, but we had done it.
Several nurses and some prospectors came out and began unloading the supplies; they seemed quite impressed at our haul even more so when we told them that was less than half. One of the Pegasi returned to the roof, the other trotted over and proved to be Swift.
Impressive work Snowbell, where's Rock?
He stayed behind to guard the rest of the supplies, but we won't be able to fetch them all without the air wagon though.
What does it need?
A new stabilizer.
I'll requisition one then, though it will be a few days before it gets here, in the meantime I'll just have to keep a guard posted at the warehouse and we can have our friendly prospectors go fetch supplies.
You'll need to take care of the turrets on the roof then, they're still active.
That's fine, thank you Summer, you've definitely helped improve our reputation here, and I'll give your regards to Shadow and Laurel next time I go home, I know they'll be happy to hear from you.
Thank you Swift.
Don't thank me, I'd like to do a lot more for you, but I'm not in a position where I can right now.
That's alright; you're doing mighty important work right now anyway. Now there's a couple more things I want to fetch from the warehouse, but then we got to get moving again. Snowbell, why don't you go get a couple hours sleep.
Speaking of sleep you'd better start sleeping regularly Summer Winds; you make sure he does for me Snowbell.
I will. I smirked at Summer, who smirked back.
I then trotted inside while Summer flew off, I met the Doctor in the lobby, he couldn't properly express his gratitude but paid us well for our trouble, then I found a bed and promptly passed out.
I was surprised to see daylight shining through the window when I woke up, I was further surprised that I woke up on my own rather than be awoken by Summer, I made my way to the cafeteria and got some breakfast, an Enclave trooper was there so I asked her where Swift was, she politely but shortly replied: "Top floor ma'am." I finished my breakfast and made my way to the top floor, there I found a sign marked "Enclave Liaison" outside a small office, inside I found Swift but no Summer.
Hey Snowbell! Sleep well?
Yes just fine, but where's Summer?
He flew off to the warehouse again a little while ago; he should be back soon though.
Is he playing with that power armor?
I don't know what he's up to, and I didn't hear anything about any power armor. She winked. But no, I think something else caught his interest. Hang on.
She folded her helmet visor down and began talking into the radio.
Well Summer's on his way, you ought to go down and meet him. Oh and if you two leave right away, good luck, I hope you find your mom safe and sound.
Thanks Swift, goodbye.
I made my way downstairs and met Summer in the lobby.
Hey sleepyhead! I got something for you.
He pulled a parcel off his back and set it down; I opened it up and found a suit of brown camouflage combat armor in very good condition.
That'll protect you better than that light armor, try it on.
I removed my battle saddle and vest and donned the heavier armor, Summer helped me put on the leg protectors, it wasn't that much worse than the vest once it was on.
That'll keep you safe even from rifle rounds, course, I don't recommend putting it to the test.
Thank you Summer, this has to be worth more than dad payed you.
Oh yeah, but it was free so who cares. Maybe after we find your mom we can sell it for profit.
I smiled at that thought.
Listen, Snowbell, you know we've gotten really lucky so far right? I mean really lucky. If it had been any Enclave officer besides Swift, we'dve been in trouble, and the way I see it, we've about expended all our extra luck, from here on is raider country, Windy Hills is a bad place. You've been eased into the wasteland a lot more gradually than most ponies woulda been, you've had the chance to learn a thing or two from some experienced mentors, yesterday you got a taste of wasteland economics, havin' to work to make some caps, scavvin' to get what you need, but it's all been easy mode so far, now we're heading into real danger, are you ready?
Yes. I think so anyway.
That'll do then.
Summer picked up the Kevlar vest and took it over to the nurse's station.
Put this with the rest of the stuff wouldja please?
Of course Mr. Winds, we'll keep it safe for you until you return.
Thank ya.
With that, we headed out into the wasteland once again.
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Level up!
Perk added: Educated. You gain two more skill points every time you advance in level.
