Fallout: Equestria - A Policemare of New Oatleans

Reckoning

"In the end, nothing matters. We all die, none different from the other."

Most mornings I awake to my alarm. My husband usually next to me, or sometimes I'm on top of him. All that assuming, of course, he does not need do overtime at the Theater. But this morning, it felt different. It was different, actually. I awoke to no alarm, but instead to my own volition. It was still early in the morning and the sun wouldn't be out for a few more hours. I glanced at the clock, which read three twenty-four. Very early, way before I usually woke up.

Redlight did indeed take me out for drinks after we were released from duty for the day. Vulpes, before I left, personally requested I come in tomorrow despite the Chief telling me I could take a week or two off. I had no idea why, but I guess I have to do it. When me an Redlight got to our favorite watering hole, the bartender already had our drinks ready the second we sat down as he knew what we liked. At first though, he refused to serve us. But a quick call to the Chief confirmed that we were off duty. He questioned me on my wound. But I brushed him off, saying it was just a result of a pursuit. My voice was still hoarse. I stayed there for an hour or two, to the point where I was buzzed. Not drunk.

We talked to each other as if nothing happened that day. Chatted, gossiped. Talked about the teams we supported in sports. Joked around, both friendly and dirty. When I did eventually stumble home, Noteworthy was on the couch. He was napping, but woke when I came in. The rest of the night was one of sadness and sorrow. I cried on his shoulder as the memories of the day came flooding back. A veil of tears covered my face as I recounted the events that had transpired. Glory, me being held at gunpoint... I didn't tell him it was all a raid on a sleeper cell as Vulpes swore us all on an oath of silence. Instead, I told him it was a shootout, and that Glory had died in a crossfire with Bottleneck mobsters. Noteworthy, the caring pony he was, tried to comfort me. But, I let it all out. My tears, my sorrow. Everything. I had held it all in because I didn't want to make a scene in public. Of course, he knew I was buzzed, too. As he could smell the alcohol on my breath and could easily chalk the whole thing up to the booze. But he knew I spoke truthfully, I never lied to him or made things up before... Besides, why would I be drinking instead of coming straight home like normal?

I think this would be the first lie I ever told him. For the remainder of the night, we watched TV together. My head resting on his shoulder, my face apparent that I had cried. Throughout the night, tears still seeped to the surface and slid down my cheeks. But I had controlled it. And eventually, we went to bed. But, I couldn't sleep. Not after what had happened. I tossed and turned last night, and no matter what, I couldn't sleep. But Noteworthy knew how to get me snoozing like a baby.

And that was a nice, pleasurable romp.

Ill just say it was a nice release after the day I had. He certainly is a stallion.

I felt my throat, which was still sore. It affected my voice slightly, but didn't have any negative effects aside from that. It was red, and you could see where it bled. But, as the paramedic stated, a little antibiotics every morning and night would make it right as rain. I looked down, to where my husband lay. The moonlight shown through the window, which was abnormal as the moon always stayed in cycles. Light wouldn't shine bright enough to go through windows for most of the year. Guess this is Luna's personal reward to us for our raid.

Noteworthy was still asleep. On his side facing me with a smile. He had right foreleg over my stomach, but a gentle removal of it left me free of his grasp. I hadn't even stirred him. Normally, if I ever woke up early, I would fall back asleep. But, this time? No. I could not even entertain the idea of sleep. Not anymore at any rate, and I had no more sexual energy left in me for the night. So instead, I got up, my rump rather sore, and silently stepped out of the room. Looking back, I saw my husband laying there, breathing but motionless. I sighed with content, feeling slight amounts of pain from the air running swiftly past the wounded flesh. I turned and left, closing the door slowly and silently behind me. Ahead, the only hallway in my house that led to the living room. The bathroom was to my left, and a few other doors lay to my left. I skulked through the hall, deciding against flicking the lights on and eventually finding myself in the living room. It was dark, but the moonlight from the windows gave me all the light I needed to see. I looked down to the remote to the TV.

And with one click, the idiot box flicked on. And lucky for me, it wasn't that loud. Not loud enough to be heard at the other end of the house anyways. I sat down on the couch, squinting slightly from the light the TV produced. A war movie was playing on the screen, taking place in a war-torn Equestria. Ironically, the war was between the Equestrians and Zebras, and they used old weapons and uniforms. The movie was about a soldier being dropped by air with her platoon in a captured city to rescue a princess. I remembered this one being in theaters a while ago but I never got to see it. I even begged Noteworthy to take me, but we both got so caught up in our work and recent events that we were unable to go. But, hey, no time like the present right? Time passed as the movie went on, I got up during one commercial to brew coffee and grab something to snack on. When I came back, there was a fight scene. The main character in a scrap with another individual. Hoof-to-hoof combat. But it seemed the cloaked pony was better at this than the soldier. I watched as the the cloaked pony swung at the soldier, but she dodged but swung again and it connected. The knife the soldier had fallen from her grasp, and the cloaked pony grabbed it before pinning the soldier.

She spoke about how she wanted to watch the soldier die. Going so far as calling her a heathen. The accent was Equestrian, so I could instantly tell it was not zebra. Even the soldier looked genuinely confused. The cloaked pony grabbed a nearby flashlight and shone it on the soldier's face, but soon after returned the knife and made an apology for her attack. It was later revealed that the pony was also a soldier fighting on the same side as the main character... It was shaping as a good movie, the fight scenes were good. And the story seemed pretty solid to me. It ended eventually, the main character dying and the princess rescued. When it was over, the time was four forty-five. I had finished a full pot of coffee and was still hungry, but I decided that I should stop. Noteworthy makes a good pancake and I didn't want to spoil myself.

Truth be told, I wasn't happy at all. For a while, I sat there on the couch. The TV playing whatever it was playing, but I ignored it. Instead, my thoughts and focus went to the events of the previous day. Vulpes. Bitter Exchange. Rock Biter... Glory.

Glory...

The name rattled in my mind. And what was once a name I would be happy to hear, now only conjures feelings of betrayal and sadness. She was a great friend, and was very kind to Noteworthy. We drank together, we went to movies and events together, and we were comrades in the police force. She even, as I stated before, carried the ring down the isle at my wedding. I trusted her. And she threw it all back in my face without even a second thought...

She betrayed me. She betrayed Noteworthy. She betrayed the police, her comrades. She betrayed her country and her sovereign. I shouldn't have felt bad that she was dead, but... I just couldn't help but feel like... no. No.

'Quit thinking these thoughts.'

I just realized I was crying silently. Tears running down my cheeks. I quickly controlled, letting out a loud sniffle before turning my attention back to the TV, wiping the remaining tears off. But, I soon felt a nagging suspicion that I had forgotten something recently. Something important.

What was it...

I scanned the room, and my eyes soon landed on the letter I received this morning. I remembered that I did not open the letter my father sent. It was still there, on the table. Unopened. But, a quick flicker of magic and I held it in my hooves.

I tore it open, and took out the contents. Reading over what he sent, and smiling at every word. While terrible thoughts dominated my mind, the thought of talking to my father brought warmth to my otherwise dreary state. But its too bad it wouldn't stay like this. For I still had work today. Normally, but luckily, it was at the request of Vulpes. I had to go in but, at least it was only for the day. Then, I could go home for a week.

<><><>

The morning was rather uneventful. My husband waking up and grabbing us breakfast. My morning walk to the police station. Passing by morning goers and the old stallion who runs the nearby Coffee Shop. My husband and I barely spoke. Not that he was mad at me or anything, but he knew I didn't want to talk. Mostly because it hurt, but also because of the recent events. I had told him I was in a shootout, and I had told him that Glory was killed in the line of duty. I wanted to tell him what happened, but I was kept under an oath of silence by the Ministry of Morale.

And if you have seen any spy movies one would know that if you break an oath of silence, you'll never be seen again. All that hush-hush "you never saw us" type bullshit. So, yeah. I had to lie.

When I passed by early birds and morning joggers, some would stop to ask me what happened to my throat. Most ponies in town had already heard about what happened but the official report that was released was that the police did a drug bust. When the ponies asked, I told them I almost died in the line of duty. Nothing more, nothing less. They would shake my hoof, or offer me condolences. Or both. I would say little, but always kept up a smile. Its the least I could do. I could only remain depressed for so long and it wasn't me. Despite appearances, I was actually known to be a happy and fun-loving pony. To the unknowing, you would think me to be edgy.

I stepped into the police station, and it was unusually empty. Just like yesterday. But right now? There was no reason for it. The only pony was the receptionist. She looked up to see who entered, and her eyes immediately shined with recognition. She smiled.

"Oh, uh, hey! Officer Rails! Nice morning, huh?" she asked. Gleefully, I'll add.

"Somewhat," I replied, my voice still slightly hoarse. I was trying to keep from speaking too much unless situation demanded it. But since was not going on patrol, I doubt any situation will demand it. I gave her a small smile, but started to move past her.

"Oh, wait! The chief told me he wants to see you in his office when you show up. Vulpes is in there too, so just, err, I guess hurry up?" she said as she looked at her computer. She looked back up at me and smiled. And I just nodded in acknowledgment and walked past her. She kept her eyes on me until I disappeared out of sight.

I walked upstairs, passing some offices and the break room. There was one officer inside the break room, but paid me no mind. I eventually found myself at the Chief's office. To be honest, I was sort of nervous. I had no clue what the Chief wanted, and usually trips up here end badly, but some situations vary. Like promotions or raises. But I doubt I deserved either.
Maybe it was a thank you from the mayor?

Taking a deep breath, I opened the door and stepped inside and closed it behind me. Inside, the Chief and Vulpes sat. Justice behind his desk, Vulpes was sitting down across from him, in formal zebra attire repainted with Equestrian national colors. The sun on both sides. He had epaulets on that symbolized his rank within the military hierarchy. Golden with a star on the straps. They both looked up at me, pausing a conversation they were both engaged in when I entered. The Chief did not smile, but Vulpes did.

"Sit, Sergeant Rails. Please." The Chief said.

Oh, this can't be good.

I did as he requested, taking my seat next to Vulpes. I looked at him, and he looked like he was about to attend the Grand Galloping Gala. I asked the chief what was going on.

"Sergeant Rails." He said, finally showing glimmers of a grin. But the indifference remained. "I questioned a few officers who were with you at the raid. They spoke highly of you. Saying that your kept your cool even under the intense pressure you were put under and when things took a turn for the worst, you took charge and got a wounded officer out of the fray without thinking twice. Confidence, Rails, is an admirable thing to find within a sergeant, especially on a job they never undertook before. Tough-mindedness is even better. Wouldn't you agree, Vulpes?"

"Yes."

"But, I did not bring you here to praise you just for what you displayed yesterday. Taking note, you have been with us for how long? Four? Five years?"

"Uhh, yes sir. The latter."

"Well, five years. And during that time, you became a sergeant. You demonstrated on many different occasions your ability to take charge and be a leader. You've shown stressful situations are where your abilities thrive the most, and after observing all of this on a body camera, I think its safe to say a promotion is in order." He finally said, his lips turning into a calm, collected smile.

Promotion?

"So, Rails. For your service to the police force, your community, and the skills you possess as a leader..." He said, reaching into his desk drawer, pulling something out. "For your loyalty to your sovereign, and to your friends, I hereby award you the rank of Lieutenant." He said, pulling out two golden bars.

Oh shit... Lieutenant!

I looked at the bars for a second, then back at the Chief. A promotion was something many officers loved to hear and I was no different. But.. Lieutenant? I never ever thought I would reach that rank...

"But... Lieutenant? Doesn't staff sergeant come before that?" I asked, raising a brow.

"Normally, it does. But Vulpes here insisted your promotion to Lieutenant, instead. I also am inclined to agree with him So, Rails? Yes or no?" The Chief said. Yes or no... Obviously, I was going to say yes. I opened my mouth to speak, but paused as memories of yesterday flooded my mind. Vulpes noticed this and his smile faltered into an expression of concern. The memories were memories I was trying to forget. I did not want to think about them, especially not now. With a quick mental shake, the memories were gone. Drowned in liquor and tears.

"Yes, sir. I am grateful you even considered me for this promotion!" I said, smiling like a foal on graduation day. Vulpes' expression did not change, but the Chief smiled.

"Kehehehe, I knew you wouldn't say no. Well, congratulations Rails. Or should I say Lieutenant Rails? Hehehe."

Lieutenant Rails....has a nice ring to it.

"Well, we have it finalized tomorrow if you want. Or when you get back from you week long break, your choice." He said, handing my bars. "But, for now? You can leave, the work day is beginning and I have to talk to Vulpes before he leaves. Good day, Lieutenant." The Chief said.

"Good day, and thank you." I said before rising out of my seat. I made for the door, but stopped and looked back at Vulpes. He had his eyes on me, and I smiled. Opening the door and closing it behind me, whatever they had to talk about was out of my earshot. And did not concern me.

A promotion? A promotion?!

As soon as the door was shut, joy and excitement filled my body. I felt the sudden urge to dance, but I ignored it. I felt warm, and fuzzy as the thought of wearing these bars upon my collar pictured in my mind. I silently squealed in delight and stomped in place, but soon attempted to composed myself as an officer turned the corner. Trotter.

It didn't work, my mouth was still curled into a toothy grin and I was still stomping in place

"Hey, Rails. Whats going on?" He asked with a nice warm smile and calm eyes.

"Hey, Trotter! You'll never believe it! I got promoted to Lieutenant!" I exclaimed, galloping over and smothering him in a hug. I squealed in joy when I wrapped my arms around him. Did it hurt? Hell to the yes, it did. Burned slightly, but it was worth it. Trotter, Redlight, they both were like brothers to me. Should they ever do something sweet towards me or my husband or I was just excited for something I would often hug them, or occasionally peck them on the cheek, to convey my excitement or gratefulness.

"Woah, woah! Slow down, you got promoted?!" He asked, my arms still around him. I nodded to confirm it, and he returned my hug. "Nice! Good job!" He said.

"I'm kinda surprised your acting like this, considering how you were yesterday when we got back from the-"

"Please, don't ruin the moment with that." I interrupted, pulling out of the hug and looking down. "Yesterday was just something I wanna forget, and Noteworthy helped my get all the tears out last night. Please, don't bring up that moment." I pleaded.

"Alright, alright. Don't worry; my lips are sealed on that subject." He stated, giving me a sympathetic look.

"Good.... when did you show up? When I got here, the station was empty." I asked.

"Me and Redlight arrived together, other day shift officers are arriving at their own paces, and I wouldn't blame them." He stated, looking back. "Come, lets go find Redlight."

<><><>

"....that's when I said "Where am I? In Foalida?!"." Redlight announced, causing me and Trotter to burst into a round of laughter. After my encounter with Trotter, I decided to stick around a little while longer and chat with both him and Redlight. I passed by Rotgut when I was with Trotter, looking for Redlight. Rotgut nodded to me, giving me a sympathetic look. Not like him to do that at all. Redlight was telling a joke that, well... one would have to have been there to understand. Something about the heat and how the Fall feels more like Summer. And... well... yeah.

Me and Trotter were at Redlight's desk, I was sitting on top of it, while Trotter commandeered a a roly chair from a nearby desk. Redlight was in his chair. My smile was genuine, and calm. My throat still pained, but I didn't notice it.

"And then, the mare looked at me. Giving me that bitch look most, ehmm." He said, stopping to look at me for a second before proceeding. "Most...mares... give stallions when they do-"

"Hold on now, what?" I asked hastily, arching an eyebrow and giving false disapproval. I loved screwing with him. Redlight looked back up at me.

"Wait, I-I.. I didn't mean, err. What I mean is.." For the next few minutes, he squirmed in his seat as he tried to explain to me what he meant. I knew what he meant. Trotter did too, but Trotter said nothing. Simply holding his laughter. I did the same, and it was getting harder and harder the longer I let this go on. Whenever he would end his sentence I would say something like "Sure..." or "Uhuh.". Eventually, I couldn't let this go on any longer.

"Ahahahaha! Relax, man! I'm fucking with you!" I said, hopping off the desk and hugging him, chuckling all the while. Trotter also started laughing. Redlights face was so fucking red you couldn't tell him apart from a cherry.

"Oh, eheheheheh... heh." He chuckled, nervously. "You're so mean."

"I know I am." I said. I released myself from the hug and stepped off to the side, leaning against the nearby wall. "Now, come on! Finish the story!" I egged on.

"Right... well.. As I was saying, she gave me that, err, that bitchy look and I sat there, oblivious to it, and smiled at her. She started closing the distance between us with an angry expression and to me? I had no idea what I did...." He started. He ended the whole thing a minute later, telling us how the mare had walked off with a coffee stain on her outfit. Though, why she was wearing an outfit in this heat is beyond me. But then again, I also don't care. They do what they do; I do what I do. For a while, we chatted. I announced my promotion and Redlight was happy for me. He, too, questioned why I was so happy but he quickly rescinded his remark when I deadpanned at him. We all discussed it for a bit, and how it would affect our friendship.

But we all came to a mutual agreement at some point: Our job took priority.

Minutes passed as we chatted. Redlight talking about his wife and how they plan to take a vacation in a week or two. And that she just found she is pregnant. I congratulated him on it, and so did Trotter. But soon, the question was asked of me. They asked if I ever considered trying for a baby. At first, I didn't think they were serious. But they were. I shifted as I was slightly uncomfortably at the question. Were it anyone else asking, I would change the subject, but I felt a lot more comfortable talking about this with my close friends.

"Well..." I started, unsure of even how to start. "I.. guess I'd be open to the idea. But I would probably not want to do it. I mean, I hear having a child is a rewarding experience, but for my line of work? I would rather wait.." I said. Trotter nodded in agreement, and Redlight sighed.

"Well, I'll let you know how it is." Redlight smirked, obviously happy at the pregnancy.

"Yeah, well. Yesterday? I almost died. Twice. If I had a child at the time, he or she would've grown up without a mother." I said, a small hint of sadness in the words. My eyes found the ground, avoiding the eyes of my friends. "Its not something I want to put any child through."

"Doesn't mean, however, that I wont have a child." I added.

Redlight and Trotter both murmured in agreement with my words. Redlight started to talk, but my phone, as if on cue, went off. I had it on vibrate, and as such, was going off like a buzzer in my shirt pocket. I levitated it out and looked at the caller ID.

Noteworthy.

"Who is it?" Redlight asked.

"My husband... I gotta take this, give me a second will ya?" I asked as I turned away and clicked the answer button. He was at work, and they didn't let him on his phone unless its break time so, must be lunch or something."Hey, sweetykins... whatcha you doin', calling me at work?" I asked, trying to sound cute but the hoarse voice kinda fucked it all up. Though, I'm pretty sure he found it nice regardless. My whole façade ended when I heard his voice. Panic was evident in his voice, and I could hear him breathing audibly and heavily.

"Oh my Goddesses, I can't believe I finally got you! I have been trying to call you for twenty minutes but my calls wouldn't go through!" He instantly replied, panic very apparent in his voice. "Listen, you gotta-"

"Hold on, hold on slow down! What's going on you sound scared." I inquired, looking back at Redlight who noticed my sudden change of tone.

"Baby... Discord's blood, you don't know, do you? Is there a TV? Radio? Anything?! Its on all the channels!" He asked, I looked towards Redlight whom always had a radio on his desk to listen to his stupid music.

"Yeah, hold on." I said, before raising my voice for Redlight. "Hey, Redlight. Turn on your radio." And so he did, pausing his conversation with Trotter only to turn it on, resuming once he had click the button... instead of the normal pop that Redlight listens to, a stallions voice came on. A calm, collected, and concerned voice. I approached the radio and sat down on the floor. The phone was still up to my ears.

"...and now we are getting confirmed reports of... explosions... rocketing the west. Eye witnesses report that Canterlot, Manehatten, and... oh goddesses no...." The voice said. Trotter and Redlight, as soon as the voice came on, were captivated. As for me, I felt dumbfounded. Explosions? What did they mean? The sound of the radio host was replaced by background talking. I couldn't understand what they were saying but... it sounded bad. I looked at Redlight.

"It... it seems we lost contact with our affiliates and.. reporters over in Fillydelphia as well. I-.. oh goddesses what is going on?" He said. Sobbing, it sounded like. Just then the radio cut off, replaced by static.

I, myself, remain dumbfounded. Confused, to say the least. I looked over at Redlight, who shared my look. Trotter looked indifferent, but his face was slowly turning into one of concern. For both me and Redlight as we both have relatives and friends in Fillydelphia. Most are military.

"Explosions? What the fuck?" He asked.

"Honey.... they just said they lost contact with Fillydelphia..." Noteworthy chirped. "I think you should call Unique." He said.

Daddy!

"They said Canterlot exploded? And Manehatten? Or... what is this?" Trotter added.

"Noteworthy, I'm putting you on hold!" I said, frantically. I didn't even wait for an answer, but quickly tapped the button to send him to hold before dialling my father.

"Who you callin' now?!" Redlight asked.

"My father! He is stationed in Fillydelphia!" I yelled. The phone ringed. Redlight then commented on how he should call his sister, who was stationed in Fillydelphia as well. Trotter got up and went to another room. I heard him calling out to the ponies, asking them if they heard what's happening. His voice showed a great deal of concern.

*Brrrr.... Brrrrr.*

No answer yet.

*Brrrr... Brrrr.*

Still no answer...

Come on... pick up daddy... pick up....

Seconds later, and I still got no answer. I retried, but I still got no answer. I heard Redlight curse to this as well... I looked to him and asked him if he was getting through but he just looked at me. I felt a little stupid, and some panic surged into my mind... what had happened? I put Noteworthy back on.

"Hey."

"Anything?" Noteworthy asked.

"No... He didn't pick up. He-" I started, but Trotter came trotting in. A scared look on his face. He looked at me, grimly.

"Fillydelphia is gone." He stated. Dread in his voice and his brows arched in a worried look. I sat there, staring at him.

"What?" Me and Redlight asked in unison.

"They... they have the TV on in here.. Come look." Trotter said, turning back into the room he came from. Me and Redlight shared a look before galloping into the room. The TV was on, and there was a reporter. She was standing out in a field, overlooking the Delamare River. Her face was grim. Her eyes showed fear, but collected fear. You could see sweat visible on her forehead, and she occasionally stumbled on her words. There were officers packed in the room. The Chief and Vulpes were at the front, and more and more officers were arriving inside the room. The receptionist was in the back, shocked. The mare on the TV spoke, her voice giving away fear.

"We are getting more.. more and more reports of cities just... being devastated by explosions and cities such as Canterlot, Cloudsdale, Fillydelphia..."

I stopped listening there.

Daddy!!!

My mind blanked. Fillydelphia? Did she really just say Fillydelphia?

No...

NO!

My face went red, and I instantly felt tears trying to free themselves from their ducts. I held them back though, as I hated crying in public. I felt my skin go pale, and my eyes shrink even more. Of course, your couldn't tell my eyes had shrunk as the fur covered it, as did my uniform. But I felt it. My mind was plagued with thoughts such as "Did Daddy make it out of the city?" and "What of Redlights Sister?".

I couldn't think, and perhaps that was for the best.

"... now... oh no... Are you sure about this?" The reporter asked to somepony off camera. Her face was now frozen mask of fear. Her pupils shrunk. "Oh my, err," She looked at the camera. "We are now getting reports that the Zebras are the ones behind this. Launching these ....explosives at out cities and military bases. As of this moment, military divisions are being deployed country-wide to aid in evacuation efforts... and..." She said, but something stopped her. Something bright had flashed behind her, and the reporter turned quickly in shock. The camera started shaking, showing that the camerapony was moving around. You could see the confusion turned fear on the reporters face, her features betraying emotion blatantly. There were ponies who started screaming off screen, and the reporter was looking back and forth at the camera and the blast before it cut to static. The colored bars on the screen was all that was left. Officers in the room began to murmur and a few ran out. No pony stopping them.

Redlight looked at me, and I looked at him. I didn't even realize Noteworthy was talking over the phone. But when I did realize, I didn't reply. The Chief had turned to us, and so did Vulpes. Surprisingly, that bastard had a calm expression. As if he knew this was going to happen. I heard Noteworthy mention something about soldiers entering his theater, but I didn't react to his remark as the situation I was in had more importance.

"Al right, quiet!" The Chief yelled, causing silence to prevail over the room. "I don't know what the hells going on and I'm sure the rest of you don't either. Now, listen, stay calm. I'm sure that..." He began, but something stopped him. Something loud. It gave us chills whenever we would hear it. It would scare children, and frighten mothers and fathers. A sound no one would want to hear in war. We would drill it all the time; officers would flood the streets during these drills and maintain a semblance of martial law until the drills were over. I'm not sure if that's exactly how it was supposed to work, but I didn't argue.

Raid Sirens...

"What the hell...?!" An officer yelled.

"Noteworthy, whats going on?!" I asked.

"I don't know, I don't know!! Soldiers just busted into the theater and are taking those who, at their word, are allowed in the Stable and now sirens are blaring!"

"Are you at the Stable?" I asked. Officers began moving towards the windows in the room.

"Holy shit, a tank!" Someone yelled.

"Are those soldiers?! What the fuck?!" Someone else yelled.

"Not yet, but the soldiers are taking us there... You need to hurry, now!" He said, but a voice in the background made him pause midway. A second later he spoke. "I can't talk any longer, I have to-" He said before a voice in the background erupted with anger and authority. I could hear the two struggling, the authoritative voice shouting "Give me that!" seconds before the phone hung up. I looked at the phone. Redlight made a remark, but I didn't pay attention.

"Alright, everypony. You are all dismissed! Go home! Now!" The Chief yelled. "Vulpes, with me! Come on!" The Chief order. "All of you! Go home to your families!" He finished. Officers around me, not quite calmly, but not panicked either, dispersed from the room. Trotter left without so much as a goodbye, but I couldn't blame him. He had a fillyfriend and I'm sure he needed to check on her. The Chief and Vulpes made for the exit, Discord knowing where they are going. But before they left, Vulpes glanced back at me. Spotting me in the crowd of blue and only shook his head before leaving, disappearing around a corner.

What that meant, I had no clue.

I looked at Redlight, who remained at my side. He didn't know what to do and I didn't either. I still had the phone in my magical grip.

"Fuck.. fuck! Rails, I gotta get home now! Where are you going?" He asked.

"I have Stable access, so I'm gonna have to head there."

"Nice, alright... What about-"

"He is already on his way there. Soldiers are escorting him."

"Alright, good then.... good luck Rails.. Lieutenant Rails." He said, offering a hug. A hug that I accepted.

The room was much emptier now. The occupying officers quickly falling out to the streets.

<><><>

Redlight and I, we both parted quickly. He went out the back entrance as to avoid the streets, but me? I left through the front. Around me, ponies were either running through the streets or just watching the skies in shock. Thick cloud layers were forming, and there were some sky chariots in the air. Overwatching the scrambling earth cursed below. Soldiers and tanks were indeed in the streets, directing ponies to the nearby Stable. The sirens continued their wail, and the only thing louder than that was the panicked screams of the populace.

I wondered to myself how I was calm during this. I had suffered yesterday, and now my father is possibly dead. Yet I was calm and collected. Most mares I know would've cracked by now, but not me. Guessing it was from all the training, but then again, maybe I'm just strong willed. Maybe I know I'll have time to grieve and mourn later, when I'm behind the comfort and safety of a steel door. Or maybe.... I don't know. I looked around, there were some officers assisting the soldiers, whom were clad in golden combat fatigues. I saw one cop with a megaphone, shouting.

"Proceed to the Stable, immediately!" Was one of his shouts. A soldier stood next to him, a giant machine gun lay next to him. Propped up against a nearby cop carriage. A soldier stopped in front of me.

"What the hell are you doing?! If your not gonna help, proceed the Stable now!" He yelled, mock anger in his voice. He wasn't trying to save himself, as when he finished yelling at me he proceeded into the police station to warn those straggling inside. I respected these soldiers, as they know what was at stake and yet they didn't dare desert for themselves. But you could tell each one scared inside, and I mean, its understandable too.

"Shit..." I murmured before taking off in direction of the Stable, AKA where everypony else was running off too. It would unfair to say everypony was running, as I saw some who were just standing there. Watching the panic pass by them, some were just on the ground with suitcases scattered about. I even saw a pony sleeping on a bench, unaware of the problems occurring around him. I don't know if it was the right action to take, but I woke the bum regardless.

"Hey, asshole! Wake up!" I yelled. He woke with a stir, yawning before looking at me with squinted eyes. He sighed.

"Alright, Officer fine. Ill move along." He said, gesturing for me to go away as he groggily looked at me. Another yawn slipped his lips but his eyes widened when he saw ponies scrambling past him. Past me. And I could hear him gulp when he saw the soldiers. "Officer, what's going?!" He asked, looking back at me with wide eyes.

"I have no idea! Go! Get to the Stable!" I yelled, backpedaling. I saw him look around confused but I turned around and kept moving, so I didn't see him get up. I moved through the streets, I guess you could say I was following everypony else. But I knew where the Stable was. During those drills, I was often assigns as a Stable Guard for the duration of the drills. I knew where it was.

Despite the panic, there really wasn't a lot of ponies to form a mob. Sure, there were lots of ponies. I mean, this is town, its population is close to that of an average city. The crime downtown is close to that, but that is less significant. But, most of the population lived Downtown and on the Harbor District. Not to say, of course, that not a lot lived in Uptown. But, you know... Those who could afford it. I could easily get through the streets. Every few minutes I was on a new street, passing familiar locations. None I'd like to talk about, however. I eventually stopped in my tracks to get my bearings. Ponies were still running past me, and I could still see sky chariots up above. But the clouds were thickening fast. And more and more of the sky was being covered as time pressed on.

What the hell...

I shook my head, clearing it of questions. Now wasn't the time for questions, now was the time for running. The sirens continued to blare, and soldiers were on every corner, directing the civilians to the Stable. I was getting close, a few more blocks and up a hill. There it would be.

"Hurry! Get to the Stable! Don't stop!" I heard a nearby soldier yell. And I listened. There really was no time to stop, hell, since I left the station I had been running nonstop. I wasn't out of breath, otherwise I wouldn't really be a cop now would I?

I just had to hope the Stable was still open when I got there. And that Noteworthy is inside.

I wandered onto another street and noticed a couple struggling with baggage. A stallion was on the ground, gathering various items that fell from it. The mare, however, was begging him to leave it. But he was denying it. Being the good pony I was, I stopped and ran over to them to assist in recovering his sundries.

<><><>

There it was. Up on the hill, there was a bunch of military ponies and a lot of civilians. Some cops too, but not a lot. Most of them were keeping the ponies away from the fence. Some SWAT were there too, but I didn't recognize any of them. Rotgut certainly had a family. He wouldn't be here. The hill was a rocky one. Had boulders and crags all up it. And at the very top? The Ridgeback Mountain, where the Stable protruded into. A tourist attraction and military base. Fort Stark Reality was it its peak, and the name a joke on the forts part as it was known to be haunted. Part of the reason why it was a tourist attraction. I had visited it before, on various occasions, but none were important. Or at least not important enough to note.

The couple I saw earlier were grateful for me helping and went on their way. Though, they were not going in the direction of the Stable. When I asked why this was and they said were skipping town as fast as they could. I simply wished them luck and went on my merry little way. Soon arriving at the base of the hill. Ponies were scattered about. Some crying, some not. Soldiers were everywhere too. But, that was to be expected.

As I began to move up the hill, something stopped me. A tug at my leg caused to me look back in its direction. At first, I saw nobody, but a voice caused me to look down. Behind me, standing much shorter than I was, was a foal. A colt, to be more specific. He a brown coat, just like me, but instead of a black mane he had an orange one. His eyes a deep red. He looked genuinely confused and partially frightened. But his voice told me he was totally oblivious to full reality of the situation.

"Excuse me, Miss Police Officer. Have, you seem my mommy?" He asked, his voice betraying no emotion. No worry. No nothing. Literally, despite the confusion and frightened eyes, he actually seemed calm... Ahhh, the unmindful youth. Keeping calm unless their parents are the ones yelling or crying. Quickly, it dawned on me the seriousness of his question. "I got stuck in a big crowd and an army stallions brought me here and told me he would look for her." He added.

"He never came back."

Oh goddesses...

I looked back at the Stable and then back at the child. I felt pity for the child, but really had no time to help. The sirens were still blaring, and with every second that passed on everypony seemed to be getting more restless and scared. I had no idea if those Zebras were sending.... whatever the hell they were launching at us to get us, but this didn't seem like a drill. I mean, both a news reporter and radio host said that multiple cities were leveled and at my guess? Many dead as well.

Including Daddy....

No, do not think about that. Worry about the now, and worry later of the past. The now matters.

I exhaled with gritted teeth before answering the child, deciding that it my duty to help him, in any way I could.

"Uhh, what's your mother look like?" I asked.

"Uhhh... Shes big, taller than you probably. She has bow in her mane, and its red too! Did you see her?" He asked.

Fuck.

"Uh..." Was all that I could stammer out. I have not seen her, and it really hurt to hear this kids problem. He looked around briefly before looking up at me with an arched eyebrow.

"What's going on? Ponies seem scared and the army ponies wouldn't tell me." He asked. I didn't answer. I couldn't answer, I didn't want him scared. "I think its just the loud noises though."

I just realized how fucked the colt is. Without his mother, he can't get into the Stable and I doubt the soldiers would give charity. After all, a huge crowd of ponies were at the fence leading up to the shelter. Soldiers in their fatigues and what looked like Steel Rangers were keeping them back. Alongside Police, SWAT, and Stable Security. I saw foals in the crowd, and they were not on the Stable side of the fence. No charity.

What was I going to do?! I couldn't leave him here, that's against my morals. But I couldn't stay out here either! Noteworthy... My thoughts raced quickly as I decided on what to do. Helping the child find his mother was way out of the question, but leaving him to fend for himself was also taboo...

Words from my lips earlier echoed in my mind, and an idea came to me. A stupid idea, probably. But one good regardless.

I wouldn't leave him out here. I couldn't leave him out here. So, I decided to just take him with me. He didn't deserve to die, and at his age he would be too young for it. I looked at the kid, trying to stay calm.

"Uhhh, yeah! Yeah! I saw your mother!" I lied. Kids his age are so gullible, so I didn't have to go the extra mile to seem truthful. The kid perked up at my words.

"Really! Where is she?!" He asked with glee.

"Uhhh, sh-she is in the Stable up there! Come on; I'll bring you to her!" I said, taking his hoof quickly. He retracted it and backed away.

"My mommy told me never to go with strangers." He said. Smart. Smart kid.

"But didn't she also tell you that the police are your friends?" I replied. He paused, his eyes showing that he was obviously open to the logic I presented him. "Come on! She is in the Stable; I'll take you to her!"

He smiled back, deciding that it I was telling the truth.

"OK! Thank you Miss Police Officer."

I smiled at that. Foals would always gawk and stare at the police on their beat. Some would ask their parents who we were. Some would just come right up and talk to us. I have had my share of that happening. And it was cute. Funny, too. The kids would ask me if it was hard being a cop. I would answer how I felt fit. They would tell us they wanted to be a cop, and I encouraged them. Told them it was a lot of fun. Sort of a stretch of the truth, but they are kids. They would say other things and they would always make me smile. Its one of the reasons I loved donning my badge.

I took his hoof, gently of course, and walked up the hill. Passing by panicked ponies and soldiers. A lot of soldiers, actually. It sort of even terrified me the amount. You'd think we were being invaded. As we approached the crowd, I saw a familiar pony fleeing from it. He was wearing a coat similiar to that of the representative of Stable-Tec. But when he got closer, I did indeed recognize him.

"I'm reporting thiiiiiis!" He yelled as he ran by. Not even noticing me as he galloped by.

Poor guy.

I looked back at the fence. The soldiers had ponies keeping the civilians away from the gate. An officer stood in the gate with a clip board in a magical grip, flanked by two Steel Rangers and a SWAT with a shotgun. Further beyond him was the Stable, security, police, and soldiers were everywhere there. Many looked to be from the Downtown station as those beyond had red accents instead of the Uptowns blue. I didn't really care, though. As long as they kept ponies from massacring each other then was fine. I approached the gate, the foal with me. The officer was there, waiting.

"Name?" He simply asked.

"Rusty Rails, last time I checked I was on the list."

"Mare. Five foot two. Brown coat, black mane, police affiliation...." He listed as he looked at his clipboard. "Correct me if I'm wrong but you are married to a Mister Noteworthy, yes? Blue coat. Five foot eight. Err..." He asked, glancing me over quickly before going back to the clipboard.

"For the love of... yes! I am married to Noteworthy!"

"Alright.. you can-" He started before his eyes fell to the child. He quickly glanced back at his clipboard before looking at me "Is this your child?" He asked. I looked down at him.

"Go wait over there." I said, pointing to an officer standing by a few feet away with a megaphone. "He'll protect you. I'll be back in a minute." I added. He complied without question, smiling and walking to the officer. The aforementioned cop looked down at the child as he approached, then at me. Annoyed.

"Is that your child?" The officer asked again, show impatience.

"No, he is not my child. He lost his mother in the crowd and I'm taking him with me into the Stable. I'm hoping his mother is inside." I said, lowering my voice. I had no idea why I did though. There was no way he could hear me over this racket. And that's something I was glad for. "Please, let him in."

"I'm sorry ma'am. But its policy, if your not on the list you don't get entry. That goes for everypony." He said. Almost coldly. His eyes scanning the clipboard.

"What?!"

"You heard me."

"You can't do this! I'm on the list, what does it matter if its my child or not?! I'm taking him with me!" I yelled as my eyebrows arched and my lip curled into an angry frown. He didn't seem so impressed

"Ma'am, you try to get past us with that child and we will obligated to gun you down!" He yelled, looking back at me. His glare looked like it could melt ice, and the Steel Rangers behind him got closer. "I'm sorry ma'am, but my job is to make sure only the permitted pass. If anypony not on the list gets in, then that could damper on the Stables supplies. We have to think about the future of the Stable."

"He is just a child..."

"And its my job to make sure everything works. If even one thing goes wrong then the whole Stable is fucked!" The officer yelled back. "I'm sorry! Unless you can prove the mother is inside right now or is on the list then I will let him through. Otherwise, take a hike." He said, lowering his voice finally. "What is the mother's name?"

Fuck!

"I don't know!" I said. "I didn't ask! I thought.. I thought.. Fuck just let him through! He is a child! You can't do this!"

"Ma'am, I'm tired of hearing this! Back away, or enter! But if you decide to loiter I will have you shot! Your choice!" He ordered. I looked at him, not sure whether to believe him or not. But the presence of the Rangers glaring down at me made me think twice of pursuing the argument. I simply cursed under my breath, and looked back at the foal.

As I've stated I could not leave him out here. But I couldn't abandon Noteworthy either. I then looked back at the Stable with a solemn look. The conundrum was: Forsake morals, duty, and equinanity and go into the Stable. Leave the foal behind and be reunited with Noteworthy. I would live forever knowing that I let a child die for my own gains and life. Go into depression over my selfishness, and possibly kill myself in the near future. Or, abandon Noteworthy and the safety of the Stable to try to comfort the kid in his final moments. Obviously, if this whole thing is FUCKING REAL, then I would die. But I would die with my morals still intact. My equinanity intact. And a little happy. Both have cons I can't forget, but... words I uttered previously flooded back to my mind. And there was only one choice I could make.

Its not something I want to put any child through.

I couldn't leave the kid to die alone. Its not right. He wasn't my child, but he was someone’s child. My duty must come before myself. My duty to both my community and my nation. My duty to protect and serve. I was staying. If I abandoned him, then I will live and always see him in my dreams. Dying. I don't want that. I'd rather die happy than depressed with a noose around my neck. I looked back at the officer, an evil glare upon my face.

"Fuck you! You'll burn in hell!" I yelled, backing away as the Steel Rangers got closer. Every time I would raise my voice, they got closer. Their battle saddles revving up. I looked back at the kid, who stood alone. The officer walked away. Bastard.

"Hey, are you alright? You look mad." He asked as I approached.

"Mad? Why... why would I be mad? I just found out your mother is in the Stable and she is coming out to get you!" I lied, feigning happiness over a layer of anger and frustration. The child looked visibly happy, and started smiling and trotting in place.

"Yay! Thank you Miss Pol-"

The whole sentence was cut in half as a loud rumble in the air washed over us. The crowds of ponies went silent, and even the soldiers looked concerned. I looked around for the source of the rumble, but saw nothing. Only ponies. Rocks. And a dickwad blocking entry into the Stable. Everyone was scared. And I was no different.

"What is that?" Someone asked.

Just then, a loud crack broke the sound barriers, and a bright flash appeared in the distance. In New Oatleans Market District. The market district was a fair ways away from the Stable. It was in Uptown, but close to Downtown. Nearly bordering it. The light from the flash caused my eyes to burn, and I shielded them with a hoof. Other ponies did the same as they all turned to look at it. The flash gave way to a large mushroom cloud, and the roaring thunder of its meeting with the ground was unimaginable. No words could describe the sound, besides ear piercing and brief. Ponies began screaming in terror.

"Holy shit!"

"Fuck! Let us in the Stable! Now!"

I looked back and saw a Stallion rush the officer, tackling him and attempting to make a run for the steel doors, but the Steel Rangers quickly cut him down with a hail of bullets. I saw the steel doors closing slowly, the security retreating within to safety. Leaving the police and military helpers to their deaths. No one up there looked like they were rejecting it, but I could tell none of them were happy.

Why would they be?

I looked back at the foal, who kept his eyes on the explosion. A felt a small gust of wind rush past me.

"What's your name, kiddo?" I asked, calmly and nonchalantly. Trying to keep him calm.

"Its... Crackle why-why is there... what is that?" He asked, stumbling upon a few words as he pointed at the huge cloud.

"Oh, that? That.. thats a... huge firework!" I said, improvising. "Yeah, yeah! Fireworks! Its a parade!"

"But, the ponies.. they seem-"

"What, scared? Pffft. They ain't scared. They are excited! See? I'm excited! See?!" I yelled, giving a huge smile. I brought my eyebrows back to try and convey more excitement. The kid just looked at me and asked to see his mommy now. But I sighed, not wanting to tell him the truth, and told him she is almost here. A felt a heavier gust of wind hit me. This time, stinging a little. The cries of the crowd around us almost drowned out my next choice of words, but these words were heard nonetheless.

"OK. Ok.. One thing kid, she won't come out until you close your eyes." I started. "Count to one hundred. And think happy thoughts." And so he did. Smiling as he believed it was a game. I looked around, ponies were screaming and crying and the soldier's concern was no more, but instead, they gave looks of acceptance. Most just looked at each other, some dropped their weapons and sat down. And others just looked groundwards. They all accepted their deaths, and it was admirable. I looked at the officer. The prick. He was sitting there, looking back at me with a sad frown. We exchanged looks before I broke the stare. I could still feel him watching me. Judging me. As if that was what was needed now.

The wind started to hurt worse, and I could tell the others felt it too. Somepony yelled and asked for the pain to stop. Then, out of nowhere, somepony yelled "Look!", And many did. Including me.

What we saw was death. A huge wave of dust, debris, and wind was coming for us. Rushing at us at fast speeds. Many screamed in terror once again and ran off in the opposite direction, hoping to outrun it. But they were fools. You couldn't outrun that. Even I knew that. Some just stayed put, crying with their families. I saw one soldier hug a mare whom I assumed to be his wife. I glanced back at Crackle, who had his eyes closed and his smile unfading. I sighed, accepting the fate I chose for myself.

Sorry, kid. I never knew you or your mother. But, at least I die doing her a favor since she couldn't do it... Hopefully, you'll see her soon.

Why I wasn't scared was beyond me. Maybe I knew I died happy? Dying for my duty? Or maybe I just accepted it. I knew what I was doing when I chose to stay out. But now? Well, can't go back now, can I? The tidal wave of death and destruction was approaching rapidly, with the crowd thinning as many tried to foolishly and hopelessly outrun its arrival. The ponies at the base of the hill were consumed by the wave, disappearing in its hungry maw. I looked down at the foals, and closed my eyes. Then, I wrapped my arms around him. Taking him into an embrace. I never knew him, or his mother, but its the least I could do. For my community.

Protect and Serve...

And, a second later. I felt it. The wave of destruction rushed through me, and the screams and the cries of those who remained were drowned out as the wave rushed in. Destroying and killing all in its path.

Including me.

Footnote: Level up!

New Perk: Good Girl - You always followed the example your father set. Doing good, and not being selfish. Permanent +5 added to Charisma. Also, you will have unique dialogue choices for good-natured characters.