We walked into the security offices. A mare at the desk said. “Ah we have been expecting you Homage and your guests if they will leave their weapons and armor here you may continue down to room 1.” She said before seeing me unarmored and setting down my side arm on the counter.

“My armor is at My outpost. I came here to talk not for combat. Although I should have been in armor Military regulations would stipulate that I could not leave it anywhere except a military armory The MAS hub is not a military installation.” I said getting a shocked look from the Chief.

Storm Wing also set her side arm down on the counter as well. I nodded to Homage and she led us to the room indicated by the mare at the front desk.

When we entered the room there was a unicorn stallion that I met on my last visit who sold Misty some medical spells and taught her them. “Lifebloom?”

“Ah so that’s what you look like under all that armor. It's good to finally talk face to face so to speak while not under all that armor. Now what can I do for you?” Lifebloom asked.

“Hmm. First I think introductions are in order. I know who you are Lifebloom So Lifebloom this Is my second in command Captain Storm Wing. As for myself I am General Cloud Striker of the Equestrian Airguard a institution that is Older than this tower in fact I am older than I look Lifebloom Due to circumstances I am 226 years old I knew Twilight Sparkle and all the ministry mares both Princesses and was Honored to be there friend.” I replied, getting a shocked look from Lifebloom.

“So what is it that you want General?” He asked.

“First I’m on a mission following the Orders given to me by Princess Luna herself should the megaspells fell they did. When I came here the first time this is my second time being to in this tower since I awoke from Cryo Sleep. Not many know this but I am a member of the MoA I was Rainbow Dash’s Right hoof mare. I served Directly under Rainbow Dash herself so I have been here in this MAS Hub multiple times during the war. I know what secrets this Tower holds Lifebloom and I know its security systems I have been in Twilight’s office which I know no pony has been in since the bombs fell. So let’s get to the heart of this meeting. There are Two reasons I asked for a meeting with someone in charge. Reason one to offer support and supplies that would be needed in this time of strife your outside supply lines have been cut due to that slaver army sitting on your doorstep so I have fresh food stuffs ammo weapons medical supplies and willing to barter trade and sell and I’ll accept scrap fuses burnt or damaged beyond repair equipment scrap metals and odds and ends. Second reason is to Speak to Dj Pon 3 for a live broadcast getting the word out that I am willing to do business with traders getting supplies out and getting things I need as well as a recruitment message I am but one pony I need ponies to help me with the mission I may have gotten three ponies and 19 others when following breadcrumbs from Rainbow Dash but I need more hoofs so recruiting is needed.” I said.

“Why do you need to recruit?” Lifebloom asked.

“Lifebloom when I went to sleep I had two hundred ponies under my command You are looking at the only two ponies that are alive out of two hundred my base was scheduled to have over a thousand ponies I found out that the two hundred ponies woke up seventeen years ago but were trapped by a damaged door they took their own lives they had no food or water in that chamber. They did wait for 5 days before coming to that decision, and ended taking their own lives with a poisonous gas. So I have Twenty five ponies under my command at this moment to operate a base that needs fifteen hundred ponies to run at full capacity. So I need people to help me at this moment. I am doing alright with the hooves I do have but it’s slow going and can't operate the base at full capability. So recruiting willing individuals to work the base is a must.” I replied, getting a shocked look from Lifebloom.

“Also I have had somepony higher mercs from this very tower to kill and take all my equipment and the equipment of my companions for some reason. I have my suspicions but no proof. The merc’s in question stood no chance against us. They ended up joining my unit after the fact that they were staring down the barrel of my High end military sniper and a fully operational mini gun
While in magically powered Armor. They made the correct choice, I had no wish to end the lives of these mercs. They were hired to do a job they had no chance of success with. Not because I am military trained but because I am from the war I have seen things Lifebloom that you or anypony currently alive has probably faced and survived. I am a member of the Airgard Special Forces. I am a Highly trained Military Sniper. I can end the life of a target from 300 or so yards away. I am not going to be your enemy. I could be a very beneficial supplier providing fresh food stuffs knowledge training and so much more I have at my disposal means to repair tech that might not be functioning properly. I know the shielding that protected this tower from the megaspell that destroyed Manehattan is not working or working properly. I could potentially with time repair or replace said shields. I have knowledge of maintenance and archan manufacturing, even enchanting I can provide and make Water talismans, ammo, weapons, Healing items, and provide fresh food for over a million ponies. I am telling you this because I need help and I have no real support plus I have no clue who I can trust. Anypony who joins my group whether it is to become a member of the Airgard or the caravans or convoys as guards will have to swear an oath to me to protect and help out in this wasteland.” I said.

Lifebloom had a look of deep thinking. “Are you willing to prove you are who you say you are?” He asked.

I sighed, “Lifebloom I have access to most if not every restricted area of this tower I could if I so choose to Walk right through the shields into the megaspell chamber for Celestia One. I could even get in the Office of Twilight Sparkle should I so choose to reason being I was one of her closest friends Last time I saw Twilight Sparkle was when she Inspected Celestia One and had a blow up on the mare in charge of its creation causing said pony to break down in tears Twilight was under a lot of stress during that time Spike another one of my close friends was there and left to go take a nap never saw him again after that due to the fact I went M.I.A. because I was given my post wasn’t there to tell them I was going on a mission and wouldn’t be back for a while.” I said.

Lifebloom looked at me in shock.

I raised my hoof to pause his reply. “You want proof that I am who I say I am?” I asked.

He nodded “Yes because what you have said is impossible unless you're a ghoul Which is not the case.” He replied.

I stood up and walked over to the terminal tapped away for a moment accessing the Video logs from Twilights office. “Well come on I don’t have all day Lifebloom this is a Video log from my last time I saw Twilight Sparkle 7 months before the bombs fell.” I said.

Lifebloom came over to watch said log and his Eyes widened when he saw me and Twilight speaking to me telling her to get some sleep and to apologize to her ponies everypony makes mistakes Twi,” I paused the Video. “Do I have to play more or do I have your attention now.” I said getting a nod from Lifebloom.

As for my mission I am not at liberty to tell you everything, the fact that somepony here is out to get my equipment even going so far to pay 500k in caps up front and another 750k upon completion I do not know if I can trust Tenpony Tower leadership with the location of my operation. I am willing to offer trade and barter with Tenpony but I will let you hear one of the messages I got from my CO Rainbow Dash.” I said before I pressed Play on my pipbuck.

“Hi Cloudy If you're reading this then you have reached the Fillydelphia warehouse after visiting the Manehattan hub to get your key card and other things I will have placed there. I’m heading there next to do that. Anyway you're probably wondering about what is going on here why you were given clues and hints to come here to this warehouse well for that I’ll have to give you the passphrase only you and I know. You will find the Stasis chamber through the double doors to the right of this terminal. There should be 20 personnel there trained and will be valuable assets for your use in your mission. I wish this never happened to Cloudy Joy where did it all go wrong? Why did this have to happen? I saved this group for you. I know you will have doubts once you see them but trust me. When I say they are as loyal to me and now you as I am to Equestria. The Princesses know about this And have given me there blessing Luna wanted them placed in stasis the moment a megaspell attack had been launched I just so happen to be in Fillydelphia when Cloudsdale was hit I locked down the facility and placed them in stasis left this message for you. May Celestia and Luna guide you Cloudy My friend and battle buddy Take care do your duty and make me proud as always Rainbow Dash Ministry mare Signing off.”

The room was silent for a moment. I cleared my throat getting the other attention. “I have no clue what happened to my friend. I have followed a few leads left behind by Rainbow which gave me equipment vital to my mission and some needed personnel. We were on our way back and had just gotten back to base and Heard Dj Pon 3’s first broadcast in Filly. I need assistance Lifebloom, but I will not accept assistance from anypony who is going to work against the good of every living being of what became Equestria or hampers or tries to stop me from completing the mission given to me by Princess Luna. So I’m going to ask you for assistance in tracking down the pony or ponies responsible for hiring the mercs that came after me to steal and murder me and my unit for the equipment entrusted to me by the rulers of Equestria.” I said with a huff.

Lifebloom looks at me and sighs, “I’ll help you, but what is this mission you're on?” Lifebloom asked.

I looked at Lifebloom.

“All I can say about that at this time is that My duty is to Equestria not any one individual. I'm not working for anypony besides Princess Luna and Princess Celestia the great war that ended in baelfire. My mission is one of healing Lifebloom. The war is over Equestria and Zebrica both lost that war, nopony won that war in fact we all lost more than you could ever imagine Lifebloom. I do not know if the Princesses survived or not but my duty is to Equestria and all who live in Equestria whether they be pony, griffon, dragon, zebra, diamond dog, it matters not the wasteland needs help, all need help one way or another. There are ponies out there not only ponies but griffons dragons zebras minotaurs buffalo in need of hope I intend to give them that hope. As for the Enclave.” sigh, “I hope there are some up there that still hold what it truly means to be ponies and decide to help instead of trying to wipe out the ponies below the clouds. You do not have my trust no pony here does here except one or two depending on whos in the tower Littlepip and her group does as dose Dj Pon 3 who is honest with the news he tells and tries to assist everypony and the non-pony communities of this baelfire blasted lands. ” I said.

“Let’s get back to why I am here Lifebloom I came to offer supplies and support as well as do a live broadcast with Dj Pon 3 to recruit new members who wish to honestly help everypony out there not just for caps but to really make a difference out there Littlepip A.K.A the stable dweller is doing what she can to help out there. There is more going on than raiders slavers there is pretty much a civil war going on within Equestria powers fighting each other for what is left of Equestria Steel Rangers and Outcast Rangers fighting each other This saposted Goddess and her Alicorns and than we have Redeye all fighting over the scraps or trying to dominate and bring this wasteland under there hoof, claw or talon whatever the power mongers have. I do not wish to rule Equestria I just want to help heal Equestria. Redeye is right in some ways but he is going about it the wrong way, what equestria needs is for everypony to come together once more in harmony to really begin the healing process. I have no doubt that there are ponies out there that have no true education. I know that there are probably certified doctors out there that came from a stable. I could teach or help ponies who are in the medical field truly learn medicine to save even more lives with real skill instead of relying on healing potions the odd autodoc and so on. There is only so much one can do without having the Knowledge needed to perform repairs construction manufacturing there will of course be ponies whose talents lie in those fields of expertease. I plan to assist all who need it whether it's teaching training or fighting against the ponies like Redeye or whoever tries to destroy what is left of Equestria. Equestria is hurting Lifebloom. The road I’m on is a long one. It's not going to be fixed with a clap of my hooves. I am only one Pegasus pony on a mission of mercy. I’ll Freely give aid to anypony who asks for it. All I would ask in return is scrap junk broken and useless equipment. That I could use to help out more.” I said.

“Would you eliminate the threat of these slavers that are camping on our doorstep?” Lifebloom asked.

“I’m sure you already know that, that would not help you in the long run Lifebloom. Not with what Littlepip has told me and I know she’s told Homage about it I could see it in her eyes when we landed.” I said.

“Oh I know!” Lifebloom looked at Homage. “Very well General we will trade with you and accept any assistance you can provide and I’ll look into who hired the mercs that went after you.” Lifebloom said.

“Good please have a list of needed supplies ready for me after my meeting with Pon 3 I will supply a list prices for said supply or speak with Daisy Streaks my quartermaster She is in Ranger Power armor just ask somepony In armor to speak with her and she will be informed than we can do business. Anything to do with medical you would need to speak with my Chief Medical Officer Misty Sparks. She is also In Ranger armor but has the Ministry of Peace butterflies on her armors forelegs and saddlebags. Word of warning though: Do not try and confiscate any ammo from my unit guarding the Tortoise on the landing pad there protecting the supplies until there ether paid for and are there for the protection of everypony.” I said getting a nod of understanding from Lifebloom.

“Good day Lifebloom I have an appointment to keep, Homage after you.” I said.

We left the room collected our sidearms from the security chief. 20 minutes later we exited the elevator to the M.A.S.E.B.S. this is where Storm and I got a shock when Homage walked up to a mic that rose from the floor her horn lighting up and she spoke.

“Good Evening Wastelanders This is your old pal Dj Pon 3 bringin you the news and a special announcement Tonight we have somepony here Live that's right my little ponies this is a live special broadcast. With me in the studio is General Cloud Striker of the Equestrian Airgard I have mentioned her and her companion before she’s here tonight to speak to you all so please give her your ears.” Homage said.

“Thank You Dj.” I gave Homage a look that said we will talk later about this. “Hello everypony My name is General Cloud Striker of the Equestrian Airgard. I know some of you may have questions and I’ll try and answer them. Safe to say I’m a relic from the war I have been asleep for 200 years in what is known as cryo sleep kind of a hibernation of sorts suspended animation to use the technical term My second in command and I awoke to find our unit dead 17 years ago due to damage to the power supply that supplied there cryo pods. That is not the reason I’m on the radio right now. I need assistance from anypony willing to help make a difference out there. I'm offering a chance to learn or to be trained in medical, and combat. Together all of us can make a difference. We can make a better and safer tomorrow for everypony. This is a recruitment message for anypony who would like to make a better tomorrow for everypony out there The Stable Dweller is one such hero I commend her on her spirit she’s doing what she can to make things better and she’s not alone My unit is at the service of Equestria to help out Whether it is an escort someplace I offering my services to those who need it. As some of you know I am a Pegasus as is my second in command and some of my unit are also pegasi but I have Unicorns and earth ponies as well. Hell I potentially may have griffons in my unit in the near future. You will be given more info on what you would be doing and how you can make a better and safer tomorrow. When you meet me in the flesh. Contact the author of the wasteland survival guide Ditzy Doo to arrange a meeting. She is our Trade Liaison. She will also arrange trade convoys or caravans with us to take supplies we can provide. We can also train ponies to protect said caravans or convoys. You could also talk to Homage at Tenpony Tower Dj Pon 3’s assistant for pick up arrangements. I wish to help out there as much as I can. I'm only one pony. I have ponies and we have some steel ranger outcasts who are willing and able to help this is a call not just a recruitment announcement. Also to any Pegasi of the Grand Pegasus Enclave listening in to this broadcast. All I can say is this: You all should be ashamed of yourselves instead of helping your fellow ponies you hide above that cloud cover you are keeping The War has been over for 200 years we are still trying to recover from the after effects of that war. I feel ashamed for those who live under the lies and slander the Enclave spouts constantly to keep the pegasi population above the clouds. The Grand Pegasus Enclave makes me feel ashamed to be a pegasus, but I can not help what I was born as I am one of the TRUE Pegasi left one who knows the real meaning of honor and loyalty I honestly can’t call myself a pegasus because I am an Equestrian Pegasus one who has seen combat and what Equestria was before the war and what Equestria can become again with everypony griffon dragon donkey buffalo minotaurs assistance Equestria can thrive once again. It’s my mission to see equestria prosper once more to see her green and healthy where everypony can eat fresh food and drink clear clean water and live in harmony once more. Equestria is my home has been for 226 years. I'm no ghoul pony. I have seen what has become of Equestria. This is not going to be an easy fix. The road will be long and it will be hard but Equestria can rise again. This is General Cloud Striker and I am one pony who will make a difference out there one way or another. Have a Good Night Everypony.” I said.

“Well that is a lot to take in General but I’m sure there will be ponies out there who would like to know what you mean or how you plan on completing this task or mission as you say. If I can ask who gave you this mission you are on?” Homage asked.

“Well Dj If you must know my orders that I am following to the best of my ability come straight from Princess Luna Herself and were sealed within the com logs before I left to follow those orders and there real they may have been the very last orders I received before I went into cryo sleep and was set up in case the worst happened and the magaspells fell. Now if you will excuse me Dj I have supplies to Offload.” I said. “Of course General you have a good night. Anyway everypony Its that time again. This is your friend Dj Pon 3 telling you the truth no matter how much it hurts. Here's a little Sweetie Belle followed up by Velvet Remedy and a good Night to all of you.” Homage said in farewell.

I was still standing there looking at Homage. “Well Homage or should I say Dj?” I asked,

“It’s okey Cloud Striker no pony knows here In Tenpony besides a select few that know that I’m Dj Pon 3 it gives me some freedom to be who I am.” says Homage.

“Think of Dj Pon 3 as my call sign Cloudy Joy.” She added.

“Ah... alright anyway I have trade and dealing to deal with not to mention I need to get ponies ready just in case. Plus I’m sure Daisy would like to visit her daughters at some point.” I said within earshot of said mare getting a happy squeal from her.

I laughed. “I am sure they would like to see you in your armor dear.” I said getting a nod from Daisy.

The elevator doors opened and out came Lifebloom walking up to us.

“Yes Lifebloom?” I asked.

“The others agree that a trade and supply partnership would be beneficial to everypony in Tenpony and do not wish to anger you. Here is a list of supplies we need and one that we could use but do not require.” Lifebloom said handing me the lists.

Littlepip walked up. “Do you need a place that you can safely set up, say a supply outpost or recruitment center? Due to some unpleasant business with the cheese shop owner Monterey Jack I own his shop and residence plus I can even offer you a fixed location at R-7 that you can have a recruiting office there. I have yet decided what to do with the property I have here in Tenpony.” Littlepip said.

“You might own the shop Littlepip but you can not run it because you're not a citizen of Tenpony we could get the process going for you to gain citizenship but that can take a long time to achieve your best bet would be to sell the shop to a citizen and be done with it.” Said Lifebloom

My eyebrow shot up. “You have a shop here in Tenpony?” I asked Littlepip not even paying attention to Lifeblooms explanation.

“Well Yes Monterey Jack the former owner tried to rob me when I left the stable after freeing Him from slavers and since I was the one who he tried to rob I gained everything he had left including the title and deed to the shop and his residence but since I’m not a citizen they have told me the best thing for me to do would be to sell the shop and home I guess you could say, It would take me 2 to 4 years to get citizenship to legally run said shop.” Littlepip said.

“I see, That shop could be very very useful not only as a recruitment center but to also as a come to for Supplies for those in Tenpony that we can resupply easley, plus we get scrap and from the tower and others who might come seeking supplies and we could sell cheese considering it was a cheese shop.” I said with a thoughtful look on my face.

“I don’t think the society will allow such an arrangement to be made.” Said Lifebloom.

“Lifebloom from what I hear is that Littlepip owns said shop granted she is not a citizen but that does not stop her from owning said shop If she were to sell the Equestrian Airguard said shop Tenpony Tower would potentially gain a weapons dealer that will sell weapons that are in mint or near mint condition not to mention would gain more security that would be an extremely trained military force on lone to the tower. Plus a citizen could help run this shop giving employment to ponies as well as giving others an opportunity to gain citizenship. Or you can deny that Tenpony would benefit from such an arrangement. Though I will say this much Tenpony would have no say in the prices of said supplies or what the store would sell Considering that the shop was a cheese shop we could provide weekly supply runs on fresh food supplies provided the refrigerators are in good repair. Be grateful that I know how to repair or if need be to replace said refrigerators to keep foods fresher and longer.” I said.

Lifebloom looked thoughtful. “I will talk with the others I can not say that they will agree to this, though if what you say is true I think they might go along with it.” Lifebloom said.

“Be advised Lifebloom if this does happen, that store will not be controlled by the Tenpony Twilight Society and will be under the protection of the Equestrian Military any guards security left here will be protecting this store and what it holds Do not press that the Twilight Society has full access to everything that the Airgard brings in as there right because they run this tower until there paid for there still the property of the airgard.” I said…

“We are offering up a lot of good that can be for everypony not for the sake of a few I have no clue what this Society is about except what the founders of the little cult that I am very sure that Twilight Sparkle herself squashed towards the end of the war and even demanded that they disband completely and totally because of what they believed Twight to be. Still I am willing to assist the ponies of Tenpony Tower because it is the right thing to do, but with the issues I have had so far when being here in the tower or being targeted by somepony here in the tower.
I will not fault everypony here for the actions of a few.” I said.

“Very well General.” Lifebloom replied.

“Talk to your fellow Society members about this Cheese shop I have been offered by the respected Owner of said shop about making it the outpost for the Air Guards trade and Recruitment station here in Tenpony. I want to go forward with this Idea Littlepip offered the use or outright selling it to us. Again be warned Lifebloom should this happen the shop will be under the protection of the Equestrian military and has no say within the tower per say this shop would be military property but will abide by the rules of the tower. Should something happen against the laws of the tower I am to be informed of it so I can be present to deal with it. I have a copy of the laws of this tower. The laws are excessive and may not be the right way of going about it but I have no say in the way this tower is run. On another note the supplies you requested are being offloaded send your security chief to speak to me or My quartermaster Daisy about ammo or weapons. Provided that all procedures are followed we are offering up training as well for security personnel in weapon maintenance and proper uses for said weapons that go beyond pointing and firing said weapon and hoping to hit your target.” I said getting a nod from Lifebloom.

Footnote Cloud Striker Level up Storm Level Up

No new perks acquired

Misty Sparks Level up

Medical training 85% complete

Possible Cheese shop for recruitment and trade location for Supply distribution from Tenpony tower.

Author's Note

Here it is Everyone I hope you all like this chapter. Things are heating up Lifebloom has spoken to Cloud Striker. What will happen from here on? Who knows Stay tuned to find out.