Fallout: Equestria – Brittleshine's Quest Audio Files

by ComicSansPony

Rating: teen
Tags: Mystery, Science Fiction, Adventure, Violence, Pinkie Pie, Sex, Fallout, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Original Character
Length: 16746

By now you have likely heard my sister's tragic story in "Unscrewed Audio Files". I am Shoeshine, but as a ghoul I prefer Brittleshine. Pinkie predicted I'd meet my sister again. I have hope. We will find out what happened to her 210 years ago.

By now you have likely heard my sister’s tragic story. Mr. DJ Pon-3 elected to call it "Unscrewed Audio Files". I am the Shoeshine from those logs, though as a Canterlot Ghoul I prefer Brittleshine. Pinkie Pie predicted I would meet my sister again, I have hope that it will come true. I have invited Screwy's fiancé, Dr. Stable Rate...who also became a ghoul...and my good friend, and a Hellhound named Grrrar along for the search. We are also joined by a lecherous, Moonskull, Sargent named Dancing Doll. We will document our adventure like Screwloose did, in a series of audio logs that I will send to DJ Pon3 to play over the radio. We will find my sister.

This fic is canon with the events of Unscrewed and reading that fic is nessisary to get the context of this one, but can still be enjoyed if the first fic is not read.

This story is also canon toGamma Deekay’s andDigital Ink (AKA Sawyer)’s series of connected fics, but only in that it shares the same shared universe.

Also it does reference EAST Corp Productions' various audio dramas, but without their permission so anything I do in the fic is not canon with their works.

The fics that are the sequels are out: Hold the Pineapple and Find Your Spark

Published 2017-04-08 05:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2018-01-11 01:56:26 UTC

Audio Log #001: Who I was and Who I Am (Brittleshine)

\**//BOOP\**//

By now you have likely heard my sister’s tragic story. Mr. DJ Pon-3 elected to call it Unscrewed Audio Files. I wasn’t about to make him change it since he was doing me a favor playing it on the radio for you, but there were so many better names out there to call it.

Anyways, if he also is likely to broadcast these recordings when I send them to him, so I guess I should introduce myself.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Shit. This should not be so difficult. In order to tell you who I am, I need to tell you who I was.

Back before the cloud cover was lifted, before the attack of the enclave and the rein of Red Eye, before the megaspells fell and Equestria became the wasteland, before there was even a war I was an earth pony named Shoeshine. I had a loving mother, named Crowning Achievement, and an older sister, named Screwloose–you should know her as the protagonist of Unscrewed Audio Files. We lived happily in Ponyville–back then it wasn’t a raider town or Hellhound refuge. We were by no means a wealthy family, but we were happy.

Mom was a retired teacher and Screwloose had a knack for architectural design. My cutie mark ended up being 2 interlocking horseshoes. Somehow it denoted my special talent for leadership since it appeared after I took control of the school play when the drama teacher up and quit. Honestly I’m not even sure that was what my talent was, but I had a good handle on leading other ponies. I ended up working in town hall for Ponyville’s Mayor, Mayor Mare.

Screwloose gave up her dream of becoming an architect when we were too poor to send her to school and financial aid just couldn’t cut it. Instead she opted to be a construction worker and moved to Canterlot to help expand the city during the population boom. A choice mom was not too happy about, she would have rathered Screwy gotten a job in Ponyville.

In retrospect, I should have urged her to follow her dreams instead of settling. As you may know from my sister’s logs, 2 years before the war she had an accident. An improperly secured steel beam fell and hit her while she was on her lunch break. She survived, but was never the same. Her mental state degraded until she only acted like a dog.

The rest you know, Screwy went to Ponyville Hospital to be treated–if only I knew of the true mistreatment she would endure there. I regret that I only visited twice. Once to tell her about my new job as part of the Ministry of Image–I’m the one who came up with the “Better wipped than stripes” slogan–and once later in the war to see how she was doing. When I was ushed out after 10 min, I sent my friend Pinkie to find out why. I didn’t know until listening to my sister’s logs what truly became of Pinkie’s visit.

I was granted a spot in Stable 1 for my service to the ministry, even if the stable typically was reserved for the canterlot nobles and the princesses. Then the final day happened. The Megaspells fell. The Wasteland was born. Everypony was called to the stables. We thought we would be safe, but Stable-Tec’s ability to be prepared had its limits. They weren’t prepared for the littlehorn agent–know today as the Pink cloud. It breached the stable. We tried to escape when we found the true purpose of the stable. Stable 1 was to punish the canterlot nobles and the princesses for their damned war. The worst part was, the princesses never made it to the stable. We were trapped and we all died.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Ok, obviously since I’m talking now, not all of us died. That brings me to who I am now–Well part of it at least. Those not outright killed by the pink cloud became what is now known as Canterlot Ghouls. The change was startling to many and some–myself included–changed our names to fit out new appearence. I picked Brittleshine.

The surviving ghouls of Stable 1 went on to form Stable City where we lived safely for 200 years. Then everything changed when the Enclave attacked. In an effort for power and as a way to rid the wasteland of one of it most deadly locations, they shot Canterlot off the mountain.

Thankfully Canterlot Ghouls are hard to kill, right? Those who survived settled in part of Zebratown and the rubble of the city above landed. We formed Recurrence, a settlement for ghouls–particularly the ones who are of the Canterlot variety. I was instrumental in setting up this new ghoul haven and thus I was chosen as mayor, though it was unlikly I was going to be replaced. Nopony else wanted to lead since the Overmare was killed in Canterlot’s destruction.

That is how it went for 10 years. Then Ditzy brought me my sister’s recorder.

\**//SILENCE\**//

From the day I became a ghoul, I had accepted that the rest of my family was long dead. I no longer had any more attachments to my old life as Shoeshine. I could completely be Brittleshine.

Though shortly after making Recurrence, I did get a message from Dr. Stable Rate–Screwloose’s Ex-Fiance–I still felt I had severed all attachments to my old life.

Then I found out my sister survived the megaspells too. She had even gone looking for me and came so close.

**pipbuck sound**
(Pinkie Pie) You and your sister will meet again. I know it. Just hang in there.

**pipbuck sound**

This one line from the ever mysterious Pinkie gives me hope my sister is still out there. I intend to find her.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Even if the trail has been cold for 210 years..

**knock**knock**knock**

Come in!

**door opening**

(Sundae) *very raspy** Sorry to interrupt, madam mayor, but Dr. Stable Rate is here to see you.

Thank you Sundae, send him in.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

so it begins...

Audio Log #002: From Then 'Till Now (Dr. Stable Rate)

\**//BOOP\**//

Is it recording this time? It would be embarrassing to try to record this for a 3rd time. Celestia dammit, I miss the days of omega recorders. I never did quite get used to these pipbucks.

\**//SILENCE\**//

I’m Dr. Stable Rate. Though I haven’t been a doctor in practice for many years. Almost 200 years to be exact.

You may remember Audio Log #002 from my finacé’s story. The one with one of the only patients notes I ever made on Screwloose’s case. Leaving that case–abandoned the love to–to what was done to her there–was one of the hardest things I ever had to do in my life. I have regretted it every day since. More so since hearing what happened to her at Ponyville Hospital after I left.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Shoe–Brittleshine said I should tell my story between then and now, so I will.

After I quit Screwy’s case I tried to switch back to pediatrics as I said I was going to in the recording. I couldn’t, all residency courses had already began. The only course that allowed transfers was general surgery. As it turned out I was actually quite talented at performing operations. They used to joke I could keep anypony at a stable rate. By the time I finished my residency the war was already underway and there was a very great need for doctors–especially surgeons–whether it be on the battlefront or at home. Many doctors got picked up by the MoP.

I wasn’t so lucky. I was hired by Hightower Prison. At first it fine–Patch up some prisoners who got in a fight, perform an emergency appendectomy or coronary bypass–usual stuff. Then it got strange. Prisoners would come to me in a strange coma lacking their cutie mark. I ended up sending them to MoP hospitals to figure out what was triggering the strange occurrences and if they could be cured.

Then prisoners began to disappear during the night. I remember this one prisoner, Razor Wire. She was always getting in fights with other prisoners, but one day she was gone. The only excuse for her disappearance was a sudden transfer to another prison. I never believed it, but I never questioned it.

\**//SILENCE\**//

I’m going to fast forward my story to the day the megaspells fell. Work at High Tower was very normal–aside from the strange cases.
The day was like any other: Normal. It was my day off. Some other doctor on staff was filling in as prison surgeon. It all happened so fast. Cloudsdale, Manehatten, Fillydalphia, Canterlot were all hit and the pegasi closed up the sky.

I never got around to getting a place in a stable. I was too busy, then it was too late–though based on stories I’ve heard about those places, I’m glad I didn’t.

So I wake up to the end of the world and I get a call from the hospital down the street from High Tower. They ask me if I’m stuck in High Tower. When I respond with confusion I’m told that the prison was hit, but the megaspell didn’t detonate–it was just giving off a lot of magical radiation. Then the prison went into a lock down.

I’m told that they are incredibly short staffed since many of the other doctors cowered off to the local stables and they have an influx of ponies in need of treatment. I’m a doctor–I swore an oath–and so I agreed to go in and help.

That is how I spent my first few weeks in the new wasteland. Irradiated, tired, and helping as many ponies as I could before they succumbed to radiation poisoning. I denied any and all Radaway and RadSafe to allow the refugees to have all they could. Unknowingly allowing my body to mutate into a ghoul–along with many of the other who saught refuge in the hospital. And when radiation now heals you, there is no need for surgeons.

I lived in the hospital–renamed Meatlocker at some point–for the next 200 years.

\**//SILENCE\**//

I finally became a practicing doctor once more during the battle of Hoofington. Too many injured ponies were coming to us for the doctors who were on duty to deal with. So I once again stepped up–it was like riding a bicycle.

Right the wasteland might not be familiar with those. It is a two-wheeled petalled vehicle. Anyways that is irrelivent.

It was after that battle, that I found out about Recurrence and Brittleshine still being alive. So I dropped her a line. She–she never got back to me until just last month when Ditzy brought her my old recorder. I got her message about the same time I heard the recordings of my Screwy over the radio.

That about wraps up my life from then ‘til now.

\**//EXTENDED SILENCE\**//

Screwy, if you do somehow hear this. Just know I never loved another mare after you. Once we find you, maybe we can finally get married.

I–I still have rings.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

unless I decided to have another narrator...this is the last introduction audio log...I swear...everything else will be like the present section s of the last fic...with DJ Pon3 interjecting interludes here and there.

A Honest Interlude (DJ Pon3 Broadcast #2)

Good evening wasteland! It is that time again–no, not the news that will be a bit later tonight–but after a week of no audio logs, Brittleshine has finally sent along more. Which is good because I’ve been getting some requests to play more of them.

Now before I play the recordings, I would like to pass on some intel to Brittle–whom I hope is listening. It comes from somepony named Higgs. I’m gonna be honest it makes little sense, but I said I’d pass on any info. He says: “Trust not the woods that is still aglow.”

Yeah, not the most helpful. If anypony can make heads or tails of that statement or has any more info on Screwloose. Send word along to me–well my assistant Homage–at Tenpony Tower or if you come across Brittle and Dr. Rate in their travels it might be better for them to hear it directly from the pony’s mouth.

When we last left Brittleshine and Dr. Stable Rate, they had just made plans to trek to Ponyville–current Hellhound sanctuary–to visit the place where it all began: Ponyville Hospital. Will Screwloose be there? I don’t know, this is my first time listening to these as well.

So find a safe hold out for the night to make camp and listen to this story around the campfire during this cold winter night.

Author's Note

for context, the DJ broadcasts chronologically happen after the audio logs that come after them. so Broadcast #1 was made after Audio Log #003 and this broadcast is made after the 3-4 audio logs that follow it. Make sense?

Audio Log #004: Old Home and Old Friends (Brittleshine)

\**//BOOP\**//

Well, we are here: Ponyville–my old home. Screwy was right, it is rather alien looking. Though now it is because of 200 years of neglect, a raider occupation, and now it is a refuge for hellhounds after they fled Splendid Valley in the wake of the megaspell that killed the so-called Goddess.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Goddesses it has been so long since I’ve been here. I abandoned Screwloose and **raspy sniffle** never looked back. I should have visited.

Well you can’t be faulted for distancing yourself. I was no better at visiting. What matters is you are here now and we can begin looking for her.

**approaching bipedal pawsteps**

(Grrrar) Welcome Madam Mayor pony, other pony.

Grrrar, you don’t have to be so formal. I owe you my life from that Star-spawn attack.

(Grrrar) You ponies always so sentimental. Grrrar planned to kill baby Star-spawn anyways, life saving an accident. **cough** Brittleshine pony, your message vague. What you need to tell dogs about visit?

Well, nothing, we just wanted you to know we were in the area. To avoid any hostilities.

(Grrrar) A courtesy not often extended by ponies. Pony-Dog relations better since Ponyville declared sanctuary, but still no manners between our kinds. Though each side no longer kill on sight–most of the time–Grrar call that progress.

So, we’ll just be on our way to Whitetail Woods then. Then we will get out of your fur.

(Grrrar) Ponies should avoid Whitetail. Not safe.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** But the new element bearers set off Gardens. I know Whitetail was the most radioactive spot in the wasteland–harmful to most, but beneficial to ghouls–but it should be fine now.

(Grrrar) Well smart pony, it is not safe. After Gardens dogs try to claim woods in new territory. Many dogs go in, few return. Dogs taken to call it Losttail Woods. Grrrar like you ponies more than most, don’t want you to be lost too.

I’m sorry, Grrrar, but we have to go. There is a strong possibility my sister is living there. She was a resident of Ponyville Hospital. It is on the outskirts of the woods.

(Grrrar) **low gravely sigh** Grrrar can’t stop Brittleshine pony and other pony if they have death wish, talk to Fleamutt. Flea runs bar in town out of old bakery. Lone survivor of pack lost in woods.

Thank you Grrrar.

(Grrrar) Yeah, yeah, follow Grrar. Grrrar make sure no other dogs try anything.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

yeah, hellhounds talk...they do it in other stories.

Audio Log #005: The Hedgeling Filly (Dr. Stable Rate)

\**//BOOP\**//

(Grrrar) Fleamutt, make self presentable. Guests.

(Fleamutt) **grogley** Ruh! **bottles falling** Oh, Welcome to Sugarlick Tavern. Pick poison pony. **hic**

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** You didn’t mention he was a drunk. Is he even a reliable pon–Hellhound?

(Grrrar) Grrrar just helping ponies not get lost in forest. Flea answer ponies questions and Grrrar compensate later.

(Fleamutt) **unintelligible grumbles** Fleamutt won’t answer questions if ponies won’t buy drink. **burp**hic**

**receding bipedal pawsteps**

Apple Whisky.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Sparkle Cola Rad.

(Fleamutt) Got no rad, **hic** pony get regular sparkle cola. What ponies want to ask?

**soda bottle being opened**glass being set down**liquid being poured**

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** We have business out by Whitetail Woods–you call it Losttail Woods. Grrrar says you have information on what lives in there. What can we expect to find?

(Fleamutt) For that, Fleamutt need drink too. **hic**limping bipedal pawsteps**glass being set down**liquid being poured**sip** Ponies ever hear of Hedgeling Filly?

(Brittleshine) **sip**slightly raspy** That is just an old pony's tail. An urban legend.

I don’t follow.

(Fleamutt) Was pre-war legend in these parts.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Yeah, a ghostly filly living in Whitetail that fillynapped fillies and colts who broke the rules. When mom first told me that story I was afraid to go to the running of the leaves. It is just a way to scare foals into behaving.

(Fleamutt) Fleamutt saw filly with own eyes sleeping in small grove deep in woods. **sip** Then a mist surrounded pack and he saw Din.

Din? **sip**

(Fleamutt) Dog Flea close with. Died in Splendid Valley. She acted as if not dead, but she was. Flea held gun to her, but not able to shoot. Fleamutt ashamed to say it: Flea ran. Get back to town, find rest of pack not back. Pack never return. Second pack sent in. None return. **sip**hic** Ponies got answer. Go in woods, Hedgeling Filly trap ponies and never return like pack. **long sip**burp**

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** What a load of horseshit! How I got over my fear of Whitetail was I went to the library and looked up death reports. No filly fitting the Heggling’s description existed. The librarian then told be that it was made up.

You likely saw a hallucination due to grief or something. Maybe you were drunk.

(Fleamutt) Fleamutt knows what he saw even if ponies don’t believe. Now Sugarlicks closed for night.

**approaching bipedal pawsteps**

(Grrrar) Ponies follow Grrrar to inn.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

The Hedgeling Filly is based off of a ghost skunk called the White Thing from my summer camp growing up...it also has elements of Slenderman in it.

Audio Log #006: How I Met Grrrar (Brittleshine)

\**//BOOP\**//

**raspy sigh** I can’t sleep.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Yeah, yeah, I know ghouls don’t need to sleep. Doesn’t mean I still don’t. I usually can, but not tonight–or since I found out Screwy might still be alive.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** You too?

Oh, Stable you’re still awake?

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** I’m worried about Screwy. The wasteland is harsh place today, I can’t imagine 210 years of being on her own. What if she is feral?

No! She always had hope I was alive and sane, I plan to give her the same courtesy.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** You’ve been out in the wasteland before, right? I haven’t left Meatlocker since I got there on the final day.

Yeah, I helped each the area for ways to free trapped ghouls after Canterlot fell. It is actually how I met Grrrar.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** How did that happen anyways? She said something about a Star-spawn?

Well since we aren’t getting any sleep, I might as well tell the story.

\**//SILENCE\**//

So it was a week after the destruction of Old Canterlot. Many residents were still unaccounted for and most that were accounted for had the daunting task of clearing rubble to find anypony else. They also had to find if any of the still intact buildings were livable. There was also the trouble of ferals–some stripes native to Zebratown, but others were from Canterlot and a few who were unable to deal with the loss of Stable City–were our own friends and neighbors.

Eclypse, Binary, Raw–he renamed himself that–I think her name was Pigment Scumble–and I went to see if there was any functioning construction equipment in Ponyville we could use to help in the search. We were only a few miles away when we saw the smoke from the Everfree fire. What we didn’t see was the beast–named Star-spawn by a Zebra named Xenith in the Wasteland Survival Guide: Sunshine and Rainbows Edition. It was several stories tall and was practically invisible. That was until it tore Raw in half. The splattered gore highlighted the creature’s front right claw.

We hadn’t brought any weapons. It was supposed to be a quick trip–uneventful. If we did encounter any hostile ponies all we had to do was activate our broadcasters. Our broadcasters would be no match for the creature–even if it was effected, it would likely not hinder it much.

Then out of the ground burst open and out came three hellhounds. In seconds they had torn through the creature’s gut and it fell to the ground dead.

\**//SILENCE\**//

And that is pretty much it. Grrrar prevented the other two hellhounds from killing us too and even offered to help look for trapped ghouls in the ruins.

Now that I think about it, she had deciding hoof–paw–in founding Recurrence.

(Unknown Griffon) **through the wall** Fascinating! I know ghouls don’t need sleep, but someponies do!

Sorry!

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy whisper** Guess Carousel Boutique has thin walls. We should try to get some sleep–that way when we find a sane Screwloose–we too are still sane. A rested ghoul is a non-feral ghoul.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

I felt Grrrar needed an intro without also contributing recordings...the next Audio Log will be them finally moving on with the plot. :derpytongue2:

Audio Log #007: Into The Woods (Brittleshine)

\**//BOOP\**//

Sweet Celestia, she was right. The hospital is all gone. Collapsed just as Screwy predicted in her second log. No Pony would live here, if they did they are long dead.

(Grrrar) **gruff sigh** Why ponies visit collapsed hospital then?

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** We figured Shoe’s–Brittle’s sister might be here.

**Twig snap**

Did you hear that?

(Grrrar) Grrrar have good hearing and hear nothing.

Wait, I think I see Somepony in the woods.

(Grrrar and Dr. Stable Rate) Brittle, wait! **voices fade out**

**30 seconds of constant galloping**

\**//HARD CUT\**//

(DJ Pon3) sounds like she galloped for quite a bit folks. Normally I'd not edit these recordings, but you and I both know we want to skip the boring parts and get to the interesting bits. I swear on my element and my virtue that I will not skip over anything important. Let me take a bit to fast forward.

**elevator music**

(DJ Pon3) Ok, found the next part.

\**//HARD CUT\**//

Hello! Screwy? It is me, your sister, Shoeshine! **stumble** WAA! Oof. **pipbuck noise**

(DJ Pon3) **very staticky and hard to make out** He says: “Trust not the woods that is still aglow” Yeah, not the most helpful. If anypony can make heads or tails of that statement–**fades to static**

**rhythmic geiger counter noise picks up and stays in the background**

Hello?! This fog is so thick. I can’t see...my...hoof...in front of my...face–

**murmurings of a crowd in an auditorium suddenly is heard**

(Screwloose) Shoey! I’m so glad you were able to make it! I know the MoI keeps you quite busy.

M–make it to what?

(Screwloose) My graduation, silly filly.

Graduation? From architecture school?

(Screwloose) Yeah, are you feeling ok. You know all those late nights can’t be healthy for you.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Brittle, thank Celestia I caught up to you. What happened back there?

(Screwloose) **clears throat**

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Screwloose? **no longer raspy** Screwy, my love! I’m so glad we found you. Thank Celestia your alright! Wait, your not a ghoul?

(Screwloose) **uncomfortable** Ha–hi Stable. Ghoul?

(Vial) Now, what is he doing here?

(Screwloose) Vial, be nice.

(Vial) I’m sorry, Screwy dear, but this pony doesn’t deserve to call you “my love”. Not after he abandoned you at the institution generously called a Hospital. I’ll ask again, what is he doing here?

**very unsure sounding** I invited him. Sorry.

(Screwloose) it is fine, I’m happy he is here. It is a much his doing as any ponie’s that I applied to attend this school. Had he not encouraged me to get help, I'd not be here.

No, wait. Something is off. **rhythmic geiger counter sounds for a second louder for a second** Stable, wh–where is Grrrar?

(Screwloose) Gertrude Rig Rawr Gar? She is on stage. She is the dean of the Architecture School. Speaking of which, I should really get back. We are starting soon.

(Grrrar) **over the PA system** Ponies, Griffons, Diamond Dogs, Zebras, and their families. It is great to see unity in wake of war. After such trying times it nice to see everyone–hoof and claw–side-by-side in pursuit of higher learning. Now without further delay, the graduating architecture class of 2020.

**pomp and circumstance begins to play**

Stable, this isn’t right. The war didn’t end peacefully. **rhythmic Geiger counter noise increases in volume**

(Dr. Stable Rate) It ended in total megaspell annihilation. We **raspy** we were in Whitetail Woods.

This isn’t real, but it feels real. My pipbuck is even picking sounds up like they are real.

**music ends**

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** How do we break this illusion? Where is the real Grrrar?

I have an idea, but neither of us will like it.

**Grrrar begins announcing names in the background, but the rhythmic ginger counter sound is drowning her out, only Brittle and Stable can be heard clearly**

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Do what you have to to get us out of here.

(Grrrar) **Cutting through the ginger counter noise, over the PA system** And Screwloose!

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Her name came up really quickly. Time is jumping around–like a dream.

**sniffle** I know. **sounds of a rifle chamber being closed**

(Screwloose) **near and far at the same time** Shoeshine, it is me. The real me. Trust your eyes and ears. You don’t want to do this.

That's the thing, ever since knowing you were still alive there was always a chance you were feral. I’ve rationalized killing you as a mercy.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** But you said we were giving her the benefit of the doubt like she did for you.

I know, Stable, I want to believe she is fine. I want so badly to believe, but this is the Equestrian Wasteland. Good things are few and far between.
**sniffle** It isn't like I haven't done it before–Kill a ghoul as a mercy kill. I had to do it to protect Recurrence–So many went feral after the fall of Canterlot. It is what leaders do–protect their citizens. Overmare Fleur De Lis, Upper Crust, Swifty Star, **sniffle** Creamsicle and so many more. I've honestly lost count.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Dear sweet Luna. The kind of burden that must have been on you.

(Screwloose) **near and far at the same time** You’d really do it? Kill your own sister?

Yes.

**BANG**

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

No she didn't really kill her sister, it was an illusion...not a dream...technically...it will be explained fully (I hope) in the next chapter, but it is actually astral projection of a subconscious desire. So a dream, but manifested into reality.

Audio Log #008: Aglow (Dr. Stable Rate)

\**//BOOP\**//

(Unknown Pony) **echoey** Impressive. No pony nor creature has ever broken free from my hold.

Who are you? Why did you trap us here?

(Unknown Pony) **echoey** I am called Aglow. And you trespassed in the domain of my charge. I was merely protecting her and keeping her happy.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** By doing what? Trapping ponies in illusions? Who is your charge?

(Aglow) **echoey** I only do as I am told. I was told to protect, so I protect. I am not at liberty to share who my charge is.

Aglow, Aglow. Why does that sound familiar?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Your keeping ponies–••distant rawr**–and creatures from their families. The wasteland is dangerous enough–even after Gardens cleared the taint and radiation–why make it worse for everypony?

(Aglow) **echoey** I am only protecting my charge.

**raspy gasp** Spark!

Who?

(Aglow) **echoey** HOW DID YOU KNOW THAT NAME?!

Static Spark. She was a filly admitted to Ponyville Hospital before I got there to try to help Screwy. She came from an abusive home. Kept mostly to herself. Her aunt admitted her because she only interacted with her imaginary friend. I heard another doctor say she called it “Aglow”.

(Aglow) **echoey** You doctors always think you know so much! Where were you when the noises came? When the scorching air filled her lungs? WHERE? WERE? YOU? Nowhere! Only I was there! I was there to protect her and keep her safe! I have always kept her safe! From her father! From that vile pony with the painful poison! Now I am here to continue to keep her safe!

(Screwloose) **distant and echoey** We can be together again. No war, no wasteland. We could be happy.

From the brief encounters I had with Spark, despite her former home life, she was a sweet little filly. Would she want you hurting other ponies?

(Aglow) **echoey** She–she–I do not know. I was only told to protect. This is how I know how to protect.

(Unknown Hellhound) Then ask her.

Grrrar?

Yes pony doctor. Brittle pony’s gunshot snap Grrrar out of dream. Found filly while glow pony distracted.

(Static Spark) **very slightly raspy** Aglow? What is going on? Who are these ponies?

(Aglow) **echoey** Go back to sleep child. It is not safe for you.

Go on Aglow, ask her.

(Aglow) **echoey** Spark, my sweet, you asked me to protect you, right?

(Static Spark) **very slightly raspy** Yes.

But did you ask her to harm other ponies? Ponies not harming you?

(Static Spark) **very slightly raspy** Aglow? Is this true.

(Aglow) **echoey** I was just protecting you while you slept like I was asked. The noises came and we ran into the woods. The burning air filled your lungs. You got sleepy and asked me to keep watch while you slept. Keep you from harm. I have done that.

That was over 210 years ago.

(Static Spark) **very slightly raspy** You were hurting kind ponies?

(Aglow) **echoey** They could have hurt you.

(Static Spark) **very slightly raspy**sniffle** How could you? Begone!

**ethereal chime**

(Grrrar) Where glow pony go?

(Static Spark) **very slightly raspy** I sent her away to timeout.

She–Aglow was just another illusion? Can you release the others trapped in here?

(Static Spark) **very slightly raspy** I can.

(Grrrar) How long others trapped here?

(Unknown ghoul) **raspy** Quick honey, this way to Stable 101. I know a shortcut!

(Unknown Raider) That Stable Dweller won’t know what hit her. **maniacal laughter**

We should get out of here before any of them fully come to. We should go back to the hospital, I need to find some files. They are in the basement–hopefully not destroyed.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

ok...maybe not explained yet...I didn't want to have too many exposition dumps. Just know cortexaphan makes cortexamine and cortexamine plus radiation makes a cortexaphan ghoul. Other factors lead to the unique powers. The Cortexaphan thing is a reference to the TV show Fringe, powers and all...but excluding the cortexamine part.

Audio Log #009: Side Effects May Include... (Brittleshine)

\**//BOOP\**//

(Grrrar) Doctor Pony gonna explain why need old papers?

Yeah, Stable, how in Equestria did an earth pony filly trap us with her mind?

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Cortexephan.

(Grrrar) Cortexa-what?

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Cortexephan.

The drug that drove Vial mad?

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** The drug was created to try to help ponies who suffered from mental illness. Just as the war began Ponyville hospital had a clinical trial of the drug. Not all that dissimilar to what Vial did with his tests at first. 20 ponies were given the drug, another 10 were given a placebo. From what I read the trial was ended when the drug proved useless. Apparently it had some unintended side effects. Screwy had them, Vial had them, and so did Spark.

Spark trapped us in a waking dream state with illusions. Screwy and that asshole didn’t have anything like that.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Vial found one side effect. Accelerated healing. Creating an ideal set of circumstances to create a ghoul. The second side effect seems to happen once they are a ghoul. Audio Log #019. Screwy killed two Steel Rangers by breathing pink cloud.

So? Lots of Canterlot Ghouls have that ability. I can even do it.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** You forget, Screwloose wasn’t a Canterlot Ghoul.

She adapted? Then what about Vail?

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Can’t say for sure. Spark and Screwy are earth ponies. Vial was a unicorn. The effects could be different.

So there are 20 cortexaphan ghouls out there? Fuck.

(Static Spark) **very slightly raspy** Actually only 15.

\**//SILENCE\**//

(Static Spark) **very slightly raspy** I–I can sense them. When I slept, I even saw snippets of what they were doing.

Did you see a blue mare with a white mane? Cutie mark of a single screw?

(Static Spark) **very slightly raspy** I don’t get outside lookies. Sorry.

She can adapt to other unique ghoul abilities. Please, you have to give us something. She is my sister.

(Static Spark) **very slightly raspy**child’s whine** I don’t know sorry.

**ethereal chime**

(Aglow) **Echoey** It is ok my sweet. You are unable to control your gift.

**clattering of bottles**

(Fleamutt) **a distance away** Where da fuck uni-pone come from?

(Aglow) **Echoey** A mare like what you seek was last near a ship called The Alicorn. It is off the coast near Manehatten.

Thank you, Aglow.

**ethereal chime**

(Fleamutt) **a distance away** Fleamutt swear he seeing things. **receding, limping, bipedal pawsteps**

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** So we head to The Alicorn at first light.

First we need to head back to Recurrence.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Brit, are you sure we should. What about what was recorded in the woods?

I–I want to go one last time before sending in the logs. I will send them, but I want a last good visit before they shun me for what I’ve done. And besides we have to drop off Spark there. A Hellhound Sanctuary is no place for a ghoul filly. No offence.

(Grrrar) None taken.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Right. And we can see if Binary cracked that encryption.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

Cortexaphan
Corteximilla Phanoroxy
Dose: 500mg every 6 hours
Side Effects may include: Formation of Cortexamine, Accelerated Healing, Ghoulification, supernatural powers.

:pinkiesmile: Finally explained Crotexaphan a little bit...still some more details left unexplained...

Audio Log #011: Secret Sundae (Brittleshine)

\**//BOOP\**//

Wow, Sunny, you have a real knack for leadership. This office has never been so clean and organized. And I saw it before the destruction of Canterlot.

(Sundae) **very raspy** Th-thank you Madam Mayor.

**raspy sigh** I’m not the mayor anymore, remember?

(Sundae) **very raspy** Right. Sorry, Madam–I mean Brittleshine. How goes the search for Screwloose?

That is part of why we came back. Ponyville Hospital was a dead end. We found another former resident of the hospital who gave us a lead. The details aren’t important, but there is something Stable recorded.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Something I want to tell you before the DJ broadcasts it.

\**//SILENCE\**//

It’s about Creamsicle.

(Sundae) **very raspy** C–Creamy. What about her? You said she died while rescuing other ghouls from the rubble. A–a collapse happened. **labored breath** Y–you said a piece of rebar to the head killed her.

I’m sorry. That isn’t how she died.

(Sundae) **very raspy** H-how then?

I–

\**//SILENCE\**//

I killed her. You hadn’t been freed at the time. She didn’t react well to the news. The rebar to the head was me. **raspy sniffle** I’m so sorry.

\**//SILENCE\**//

(Sundae) **very raspy** I–I understand. I just wish you’d told me sooner.

No, you should be mad at me. **raspy sniffle** You should hate me. I killed your daughter! I’m a murderer!

(Sundae) **very raspy** You're not. If she was feral as you say, it was a mercy. No ghoul would fault you for what you did. I just wish you had told me sooner.

Why are you being so nice to–mmhrrmph! Hmmmm.

**makeout noises**heavy breathing**

**Panting** Sundae? I didn’t know this is how you felt. Of all the times to show it, after I dropped that megaspell of a realization on you.

(Sundae) **very raspy**panting** You were always there for me. You comforted me when I was feeling down. I just wanted to repay the favor–albeit in a different fashion. I’ll stop if you want.

No. No, it is just so sudden. I don’t feel I deserve this.

(Sundae) **very raspy** I know **kiss** no pony as kind **kiss**, caring **kiss**, or brave as you. **kiss** Take this as me forgiving you. Like I said, no ghoul would fault you for what you did.

But there were more I killed.

(Sundae) **very raspy** And they were all feral, right? **kiss** Just relax for a bit and I’ll help you destress and comfort you.

Wow, giving you a position of power has increased your confidence.

(Sundae) **very raspy** Eep! It has?

The Sundae I left would have never made the first move. **kiss**

**makeout noises**heavy breathing**Panting**something heavy hitting the floor**

\**//HARD CUT\**//

(DJ Pon3) Well now, I’m sorry about that folks. This is suppose to be somewhat family friendly broadcast. This is what I get for keeping myself in suspense by listening for the first time along with you. I apologize to anypony who now has to have that talk with their young colt or filly. I just know Tenpony is gonna have some complaints for my assistant tomorrow. Let me just fast forward to the end of Brittle and Sundae’s private time. And Brittle, if you're listening, please refrain from sending any more logs with this kind of content or I’ll be forced to cut your segment and we wouldn’t want that.

**elevator music**

(DJ Pon3) And ok, here we are. **click**Quieter** Wow, Britte gives Homage’s marefriend a run for her caps in terms of stamina. **normal volume** Wait, am I still on?

\**//SILENCE\**//

(DJ Pon3) Yep, Tenpony will be sending in a few complaints for today’s show..

\**//HARD CUT\**//

(Sundae) **very raspy** You have no clue how many years I’ve wanted this. **kiss**

Well, was it worth the wait?

(Sundae) **very raspy** Mmhmm. **content raspy sigh**

**slow stuttered electronic door opening**approaching hoofsteps**slow stuttered electronic door closing**

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Brittle, Binary has something to show–uuuuh, I’ll come back later. Y-You two enjoy yourselves. I–I should have knocked.

It is fine. We were finished.

(Sundae) **very raspy** You were, maybe.

I’ll be back later.

(Sundae) **very raspy** Ok, you better. **kiss**

Wait. Celestia’s taint! This thing was recording?!

(Sundae) **very raspy** Wh-what?! J-just be sure not to send it to DJ Pon3.

Hell no I won’t, I’ll delete it.

(Sundae) **very raspy** S–send me a copy first? S–so while you are gone I can r–remember our time better.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

Ghoul on Ghoul lesbian horses log ruined by DJ Buzzkill :derpytongue2:

If you think the Sundae x Brittle is out of left field, it isn't. Sundae's shyness and klutziness were because of her 2 entry old crush on Brittle.

If anyone wants to write an uncensored version, I'd be ok with it...I'm just not gonna be the one to write it.

Lastly 3rd Brittleshine Audio log in a row. Guess who will be recording the next one? The non-pony of the group. :pinkiehappy:

Audio Log #012: Pony Mystery Mumbo Jumbo (Grrrar)

\**//BOOP\**//

**sigh**thud**thud**thud** Pony hoofbuck uncomfortable on Grrrar’s wrist. It not meant for hounds. Brittle pony wanted Grrrar to have one like her and Doctor pony. If any other pony Grrrar refuse.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Bit pony, where Brittle pony and Doctor pony?

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy** I–I’m not s–sure Miss Gar–

GRRRAR!

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy**panicked yelp** S–sorry, Miss G–Grrrar. Dr. Stable j–just went t–to get Brittle.

**approaching hoofsteps**

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy** Thank Celestia!

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy**a distance away** Again, I’m sorry for not knocking. I didn’t even know you were into mares.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy**a distance away** Honestly, I didn’t either. I never had any luck with stallions, but I never figured–can we just drop it for now?

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy**a distance away** Yes. Again, sorry.

**loud sniff** Brittle pony smell like sex. You and Doc pony?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** No, uh, um, it was some pony else–Sundae–not important. So Binary, you got anything for us?

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy** How good was–

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Finish that question and I geld what is left of your stallion hood

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy**whimper** Understood. So I’ve been able to decrypt the structural blueprints for the Industrial District, but most of it was corrupted. I can tell you what buildings were owned by Robranco and Mighty Minotaur Construction Company were–Unfortunately not much else. I also looked through business records. Green-Med had almost no notable drugs produced in its 10 years of business. The few it did make never made it out of clinical trials until halfway through the war. It is very fishy. I know some sketchy things happened in the war, but a company known for bum drugs to suddenly have ministry projects and backing out of the blue.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Well, keep looking. There has to be info on it somewhere. See if there are any records of ministry shipments to any building owned by Green-Med, Vial, or anypony with the surname Calzone.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Like Three Cheese Calzone, the suspected head of Equestia’s underworld?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Vial mentioned The Calzones before he died.

\**//SILENCE\**//

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Hold on, there is one more name you could look into.

**pipbuck noise**

(Dr. Cortex) Slewfoot, you weren’t supposed to call me at home. I don’t know how connected he is, that is why I contacted you. You’re a pony who can find things out–discreetly.

(Slewfoot) **over the phone** Sorry, Yes. I’m working a lead.

**pipbuck noise**

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** See if there is anything on the PI Dr. Cortext was talking to.

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy** Huh, Slewfoot Investigations? I think I remember something about him. He and his whole family died from carbon monoxide poisoning. It was all over the news. The Pinks thought it might be Zebra terrorists–though from what you said it could have been a Calzone hit. They investigated it, but I don’t think anything came of it. I could check the MoM hub.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** We are heading out to Manehatten. I want something concrete when we get back.

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy** Understood.

**receding hoofsteps**

It all sound like pony mystery mumbo jumbo to Grrrar. How help find Screw pony?

(Brittleshine) **slightly rasp** If we can find out where the Green-Med factory she caused to fall off the mountain landed there is a chance she might still be trapped inside. Until then we follow any other lead.

\**//SILENCE\**//

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** So that pipbuck working alright?

Grrrar think so. Never seen one of these fit hounds before.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Oh I think that is the prototype for the Minotaur model. It never reached widescale production. Looks like Binary jury rigged a recorder to it so you can record too.

Grrrar think it recording now. **pipbuck noise**

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Let me see.

\**//BOOP\**//
.

Author's Note

Grrrar gets a pipbuck...or whatever the Minotaur equivalent would be called! also some expanding of the canon with The Calzone Crime Family and such...

An Honest Return (DJ Pon3 broadcast #4)

Good evening wasteland, now I know many of you were worried this segment got canceled due to that, um, unwholesome log I had to cut and some of my comments after it–Which I do apologize immensely for.

Thankfully Tenpony Tower has not evicted me or my assistant and we are still able to air this along with the regular news and tunes. I just decided to take some time review the remaining logs I was sent before airing them to insure no more funny business.

So far there wasn’t. If you missed the last broadcast and don't want to wait for the reruns. Here is the cliff notes. Brittle, Stable and new companion–a hellhound–Grrrar found out what was really happening in Losttail Woods. Though in the process Brittle lets slip her darkest secret and deepest regret. If you are listening, Brittle, know Dr. Stable was right. No pony would fault you for what you did. We have all made mistakes.

Anyways, they return to Recurrence where things get romantic for Mayor Sundae and Brittleshine, and Grrrar is fitted with a pipbuck meant for a minotaur–a piptaur?–and there is some pony mystery mumbo jumbo regarding Green-Med and the ministries.

Well, I think that is enough to keep any new listeners from being too confused–oh and they have a new lead that will bring then to The Alicorn.

Huh, how interesting.

But, I think I’ve talked enough, you are here for Brittleshine’s Quest not DJ Pon-3’s ramblings. So find a safe spot to bunk for the night and listen in to the next installment.

Audio Log #014: The Alicorn (Part 1) (Brittleshine)

\**//BOOP\**//

**crashing of waves begins and is heard in background**

Where is it?

(Grrrar) Nothing here or is pony piptaur device not working?

This can’t be! Pipbucks have an odd knack for knowing locations. Aglow gave us enough info for the spell to do the rest. It should be here.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Maybe it sank? Aglow didn’t give us a time frame. If Screwy was here, it could have been anytime in the last 210 years. This is another dead end. And we should really go. I heard rumors ponies tend to go missing on this beach.

**twig snap**cautious sniff**growl**

(Grrrar) Pony **sniff** Ponies are nearby, but Grrrar can’t see them.

**electric sound**stealth system disengaging**

(Unknown Pony) **a distance away** Oh fuck!

**several other stealth systems disengaging**matrix disruption grenades going off**waves cease**

\**//STATIC\**//

\**//FEEDBACK\**//

ERROR**CORRUPT PORTION**ERROR

\**//STATIC\**//

\**//FEEDBACK\**//

(Unknown mare) IIiiiiIIIiIiI’ll ask again, who sent you? The NCR?

**bone crunch**

GAAAAH! I think this is some kind of misunderstanding. **sob** I wasn't sent by anypony. We didn't even know the ship was inhabited. I’m just here looking for my sister.

(Unknown mare) That is just as believable as the last 10 times you have told me it.

Its the truth. I swear!

(Unknown mare) Well if you won't talk, we'll just get your orders off your pipbuck. I finally restarted the spell matrix and copied the files.

**sniffle** All you’ll find is the logs of my journey. The DJ is playing them on air. Do you not listen to the radio?

(Unknown mare) Not recently, now be quiet! **smack**

**pipbuck noise**

(Audio Log #001 Brittleshine) By now you have likely heard my sister’s tragic story. Mr. DJ Pon-3 elected to call it Unscrewed Audio Files. I wasn’t about to make him change it since he was doing me a fav–

**fast forwarding sound**

(Unknown mare) Heh, guess you don’t know then.

What?

(Unknown mare) Nothing! I said quiet! **smack**

(Audio Log #001 Brittleshine) –table 1 went on to form Stable City where we lived safely for 200 years. Then everything changed when the Enclave at–

**fast forwarding sound**

(Audio Log #001 Brittleshine) –ame a ghoul, I had accepted that the rest of my family was long dead. I no longer had any more attachments to my old life as Shoeshine. I could completely be Brittleshine.

**door slam**

(Unknown mare 2) Corporal Splints, play that last part again!

(Corporal Splints) Ma'am, with all due respect–

(Unknown mare 2) Now, Corporal!

**rewinding sound**

(Audio Log #001 Brittleshine) –dead. I no longer had any more attachments to my old life as Shoeshine. I could completely be Brittleshine.

**pipbuck noise**

(Unknown mare 2) Shoeshine? Is...is that really you?

You know me?

(Unknown mare 2) Yeah, a long time ago. When I was a normal pegasus.

**Magic sound**restraints being unhitched sound**

(Corporal Splints) Ma'am you can't just–

(Unknown mare 2) You just don’t remember. Protocol for anypony who wasn’t a permanent member of the Moonskulls. Your memories were extracted. I wish I could put them back, but our memory orbs were lost many years ago. I’m Firestorm, though I doubt any memory of me or Frostmane are left.

Wait, you were the mare with the cybereye I met in Zebratown? I got so drunk I blacked out and ended up in a coma. I woke up 3 months later in an MoP hospital. Haven't touched any liquor since.

(Firestorm) Corporal, give us the room.

(Corporal Splints) But, ma'am, she was trespassing.

(Firestorm) That is an order!

**receding hoofsteps**door slam**

(Firestorm) So a coma is what they told you happened?

Yeah. I started drinking when Screwy, my sister, got committed. It was bad, so the story seamed plausible.

(Firestorm) Well, you did try to match Frostmane drink for drink, and you did black out. Though it was from the drugs we put in your drink. Sorry for that. Luna brought you on because you were one of the best and brightest in the MoI and she needed you to help us stay below the radar of the ministries. We did get rather close in those 3 months. I might say too close, one night.

Wait, you and I?

(Firestorm) It was back before Frosty realized she had feelings for me. She had to stay late looking at new recruit files. So you and I went drinking. One thing lead to another. I’m not sure if that is what made you leave, but a day later you were gone, memories extracted and the cover story was made.

Well now, the Sundae thing makes more sense?

(Firestorm) Huh?

I guess you could call her my marefriend. She is the acting mayor of Recurrence.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Wow, that is the first time I admitted that outloud. I have a marefreind.

(Firestorm) It is a good feeling to have, trust me on that. Meet us upstairs, you and your friends should get their gear back. Frosty will want to talk with you before you leave.

\**//SILENCE\**//

(Firestorm) sorry, for all this. Never thought this would be how we crossed paths again.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

Special thanks to Visual Pony TheNarrator for allowing me to crossover with his fic, Duty, and use his locations and characters...aged up to the present of my story.

He was unable to officially sign off on this due to his busy schedule, so I hope...if he is reading this, it conforms enough to his canon.

Audio Log #015: The Alicorn (Part 2) (Dr. Stable Rate)

\**//BOOP\**//

If I find any of my files corrupted so help me these–

**door opening**

Brittle?

(Grrrar) Close.

Grrrar, do you know what happened?

(Grrrar) Matrix Disruption Grandes. Grrrar and ponies were knocked out, held captive. Grrrar woke on table. Ponies think they can torture Hellhounds. Makes Grrrar laugh.

Me too, but then they released us. Do you know why? Have you seen Brittle?

(Grrrar) Doctor Pony ask too many questions. Grrrar miss Shoot.

Shoot?

(Grrrar) Grrrar’s gun. Belong to Grrrar’s mom and grandma. Good build, powerful. Never without it til’ now.

**door opening**

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Dr. Stable Rate? Grrrar? I was told you were in here.

Brittle? Oh thank Celestia! What is going on?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Well, long story short, this was all a misunderstanding and I apparently know the leader of these ponies….from during the war. They call themselves The Moonskulls. Follow me. The leader wants to talk to us.

I hope it is to apologize.

**multiple ponies, and one bipedal pawsteps begin**

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** It is, I think. I have history with them I don't remember. Some kind of memory manipulation. The leader might not be happy for me having a triss with her marefriend.

I thought, Sundae was the first?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Yeah, the first I remembered. They removed my memories. The other time was a one-night-stand from what I’ve been told. Sundae is different.

So who are these Moonskulls?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Some covert platoon who reported directly to Luna.

(Unknown mare) **a little synthetic** We did the missions nopony else could.

**trotting stopped**

(Brittleshine) Frostmane?

(Frostmane) **a little synthetic** Been awhile hasn’t it, Shoeshine?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Yeah...please call me Brittleshine.

(Frostmane) **a little synthetic** Understood. I’m really sorry about the welcome party. We’ve had some conflict with the NCR, naturally we assumed you were spies. We’d have been more covert about investigating you, but then Dancing Doll’s stealth system gave out. It is over 200 years old,but if he hadn't skipped his monthly maintenance it would have held. When he did, we had no choice, but to take you in for interrogation. Had we known it was you. This could have been avoided.

Do you not listen to the radio? We are broadcasting our journey.

(Frostmane) **a little synthetic** I’ve been a bit preoccupied with the NCR issues. I caught part of Unscrewed. Had I known the combat drugs were tested on innocent mental patients, I would have paid this Vial a personal visit!

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Well, we don't have to worry about him anymore. Killed by Screwy at the end.

(Frostmane) **a little synthetic** Right, about your sister. Firestorm said you are looking for her.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Yeah, we had a lead about her being here recently. Any ghouls in hospital gowns. Has a fire axe and maybe a pistol. Wearing a pipbuck.

(Frostmane) **a little synthetic** Hmmm. There is a ghoul settlement in the ruins that might have a ghoul by that description. Helped us defend the ship a few years back from raider gang that got ahold of some steel ranger gear. Didn’t take our offer to stay here on the ship. Went by Hawk. Might have something to do with the metal mohawk on her head.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** That’s fantastic! Can you spare anypony to help with the search?

(Frostmane) **a little synthetic** Unfortunately no. Not when the NCR is pushing us to join their new Equestria.

\**//SILENCE\**//

(Frostmane) **a little synthetic** Actually, you can have Dancing Doll. Might do him some good to travel the wasteland a bit. He did just get his armor. We’ll call it more training...or perhaps punishment for not maintaining his armor.

(Firestorm) If you ask me, it would be more of a punishment for Brittle and her friends.

What do you mean?

(Firestorm) You’ll find out when you meet him. Your gear should be available at the armory. We gave it a tuneup as a way to apologize.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Before we go, can you do one more favor?

(Frostmane) **a little synthetic** What?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Can you deliver our recent logs to the DJ?

(Frostmane) **a little synthetic** Sure, it might be a week or so before we get the chance.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** That’s fine, as long as it gets to him.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

Special thanks to Visual Pony TheNarrator for allowing me to crossover with his fic, Duty, and use his locations and characters...aged up to the present of my story.

He was unable to officially sign off on this due to his busy schedule, so I hope...if he is reading this, it conforms enough to his canon.

Audio Log #016: Everypony Hates Dancing Doll (Grrrar)

\**//BOOP\**//

Grrrar not sure she like Moonskulls, but Shoot never looked so clean. Grrrar miss the frayed wires though.

(Armory Moonskull) Well, they were one short wire away from vaporizing you and your friends.

Grrrar know that, Grrrar still miss the look. More menacing that way.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Maybe we can wonder glue some scrap electronics to it later. Now that we are geared up, let's meet this Dancing Doll.

(Dancing Doll) Wait no longer, ladies. Dancing Doll is right here. Ooo lala, I’ve never seen a hellhound up close before. Let alone such a beauty of a female one. I’ll try anything once if you're up for it bebe?

**magical energy weapon powering up** Can Grrrar shoot Doll Pony? Or better yet, Can I eat the canned pony?

(Dancing Doll) Whoa sorry, no offence meant. I was just complimenting your looks little doggie. Now you must be Brittleshine.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Yes…**mumbling** and I now see what Firestorm meant by it being more of a punishment to us than him.

(Dancing Doll) Well then, Dancing Doll at your service. And do fee free to service me in return. I’m a bit of a neo-necrophiliac.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** I have a marefriend you perverted smooth coat!

(Dancing Doll) Ooo lala, even better. Would you consider letting me watch or perhaps join in sometime?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** I don't often breath pink cloud, but I’ll make the acception with you if you make another comment like that. I have it on good authority that Steel Ranger armor is not impervious to the stuff. I won’t breath enough to kill you, but I’ll fuse you to the inside of your armor.

(Dancing Doll) Y-yes understood, sorry ma’am.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Hope your packed, we are leaving immediately. Do you know the way to the ghoul settlement nearby?

(Dancing Doll) **clearing throat** Yes, Mausoleum. They are based out of an old mausoleum in the cemetery. The grounds are crawling with ferals, but don’t worry, I’ll protect you ladies. You can repay me later if you know what I mean.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** You know what, Grrrar, you can shoot him. I don’t think Firestorm or Frostmane will care.

(Armory Moonskull) As long as he doesn't die, I think they’ll throw you a banquet if you did.

Grrrar more than happy to then.

(Dancing Doll) **metal thudding to the floor** N-no! Please don’t, I’m sorry. Y-you look like capable mares...and stallion, I will simply lead the way.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Then get moving soldier. I want to be at Mausoleum by the end of the day.

(Dancing Doll) Well then, Allons-y.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

another main character emerges...and yes he will start making recording too...I think he will be the last one.

Special thanks to Visual Pony TheNarrator for allowing me to crossover with his fic, Duty, and use his locations and characters...aged up to the present of my story.

He was unable to officially sign off on this due to his busy schedule, so I hope...if he is reading this, it conforms enough to his canon.

Audio Log #017: Doll-eteing My Past (Sgt. Dancing Doll)

\**//BOOP\**//

**constant walking noises of 2 regular ponies, one clad in armor and 1 bipedal hellhound**

Testing, testing, Equestrian Prance toast on rye, Equestrian prance toast on rye. See my armor is in working condition. No need to worry ladies.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** The recorder is part of the pipbuck-like interface of your armor. If a pipbuck can survive being melded to flesh and still work, the similar system in your armor should work fine. Does the stealth system work?

Yeah, after the unfortunate incident on the beach I fixed it up, see. **stealth system engaging**sparks**metal clad hoofstep stop**sparks***metal clad hoofsteps start again**stealth system disengaging** Ok, I just need some scrap electronics.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Thought so. Well if you have it recording, you might as well make a recording about yourself.

Not sure what I can tell you civilians, Moonskulls are very secretive. Not as secretive as back during the great war, but still in lieu of the NCR conflict, and the fact that it will be broadcast on the radio, I should keep things need to know.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** You don’t need to give us the scouting patrol’s route, just tell us about yourself. I for one like to know who I’m traveling with. We all have a recording like this.

(Grrrar) Grrrar doesn’t.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** I told him of how we met back in Ponyville.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** And if Brittle trusts you, I do.

Fine, maybe my past will help soften your opinion of me. Might make the fine ghoul and Hellhound interested in a three way. **TWACK** Ok, ok, I’ll tell you what I can.

\**//SILENCE\**//

How did that hurt through my helmet?

(Grrrar) Grrrar encounter many canned pony, know weak points in tin suit.

Well, anyways, my story began long before I was the dashing Moonskull you see before you. I became a Moonskull a very long time after their conflict with Gear Turn.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Who?

Ex-Moonskull. Swapped wings for saw blades, tried to take over the wasteland a few years back. I’m not sure if Frostmane or Firestorm want to talk much about that time. I think it still pains them, but it did bring the Moonskulls back together. I think the DJ knows what happened, you can ask her sometime.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** DJ Pon-3 is a girl?

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** During the Book of Littlepip it is revealed that a mare runs the station. Uses an enchanted mic to mask her voice. Though it is possible that it is a new pony now. Nopony really knows.

Back to my story. I was the son of a raider, though I was born to a slave, thus I was a slave too. I was beaten, berated, and abused my entire life. The only thing that lessened the blow was I became the entertainment for the raiders. I could sing and dance for them...it even became my cutie mark. I was eventually sold to a local raider bar. That is where I remained for most of my adolescence.

**heavy sigh** The bar was run entirely by slaves. There was actually more of us than raiders most of the time, but our bomb collars kept us in line. That is where I met Spirits, the bartender. Unlike me, she was not born a slave, but became one when her father's bar was overtaken by raiders not happy with their service.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** So you worked in what was her father’s bar?

Yes. She and I became fast friends. She’d slip me some of the bar’s stock. I’d sing her lullabies as she cried herself to sleep every night.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Wow, that’s actually very nice of you. I’ve seen my fair share of newly captured slaves, most don’t cope well. What happened?

Firestorm happened–the Moonskulls happened. I don’t know what the bar was before the war, before the wasteland, but for some unknown reason a secret bunker was built beneath it.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Like a Stable?

Kind of, but not for saving ponies. Not that stables really did a good job of that either. It was a military bunker. Built for housing tools and labs for any Moonskulls stationed in Manehatten. I don’t hate Firestorm for what she did, it saved me from my life as a slave. The Moonskulls are the rightful owners and best caretakers for the tech from that bunker. I just wish they’d gotten to the slaver with the bomb collar detonator sooner.

Years of neglect and lack of use, or possibly shoddy craftsmanship made more than half of the bomb collars not detonate. Mine and some other current Moonskulls were among those who didn’t go off. We even helped clear the rest of the raiders. It was why we were offered a place in their ranks.

**all walking ceases***

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Spirits collar was among those that did go off. Am I right?

**metal head nod**

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** I–I’m sorry. That must have been tough.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Hey, maybe we could turn this hug into snuggling or something more. Just let good ol’ Dancing Doll remove his armor.

**THUNK**

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** You unbelievable letch! Did any of that even happen?

Yes, but Spirits is alive and well. None of the bomb collar worked. She tried to join the Moonskulls, but eventually left for her own adventure. She runs a tavern up in the Lunar Republic last I checked.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** I can’t believe I almost felt sorry for you.

**walking begins again**

Also I didn’t sing her lullabies. We had sex everynight. She said I was the best she’s ever had. I think I’m the father of her foal too. Never did ask.

(Grrrar) Grrrar give canned pony props for trying, but Brittle pony and Grrrar will never do filthy pony like you. Doctor Pony maybe, but not us.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** My heart belongs to Screwloose, thank you very much!

**BANG**BANG**BANG**

Oh we’re here. Time to kick some ghoul flank!

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

And now Dancing Doll enters the fray of recording. I hope Visual Pony TheNarrator doesn't mind me making up a backstory for Dancing Doll since he never gave me one.

Special thanks to Visual Pony TheNarrator for allowing me to crossover with his fic, Duty, and use his locations and characters...aged up to the present of my story.

He was unable to officially sign off on this due to his busy schedule, so I hope...if he is reading this, it conforms enough to his canon.

Audio Log #018: 210 Years in the Making (Brittleshine)

\**//BOOP\**//

**BANG**CLICK CLICK**BANG**BZZT**BZZT**BWOOOM**RATATATATATATATATATAT**BWOOM**

Doll! You said there’d be some ferals in the graveyard, not a whole horde! **BANG** We didn’t prepare for this many.

(Dancing Doll) Sorry, toots, there was much less last time. The population of the settlement must have gone down and the ferals increased. **RATATATATATATATATATA**CLICK**CLICK**CLICK** Fuck me!

**Inequine growls and snarls**BANG**CLICK CLICK**BANG**BZZT**BZZT**BWOOM**

**approaching gallops*Tuht**Boom***FWOOSH**SWING**SWING**SWING**several dead bodies thumping to the ground**sizzling of flesh**

(Unknown Ghoul Mare) **incredibly raspy** You folks alright? Sorry about the welcome party, great protection, but no easy way to turn them off for friendlies. Welcome fellow ghouls, hellhound, and steel ranger to Mausoleum. The fastest growing ghoul settlement in the city. We open our doors to all races, and states of living.

\**//SILENCE\**//

(Unknown Ghoul Mare) **incredibly raspy** Where are my manners, I’m Hawk, founder and leader of Mausoleum.

Y-you're actually here. Pinkie was right we would meet again.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** Have we met? Hmm...I never forget a face. No I don't believe we have.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Screwy, it is me Stable Rate. This is your sister Shoeshine. Y-you don’t remember?

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** Umm...never thought this would happen. Never thought I’d meet anypony who knew me from before. Huh, small wasteland I suppose. I woke up about 210 years ago in the ruins of an old factory. I had no memory of how I got there. Just this metal mohawk, a shorted out pipbuck and a fire axe. The very same I just used, though augmented with a fire talisman. Lets talk inside.

**walking sounds of 3 ghouls, 1 steel clad pony, and a hellhound begin**

(Dancing Doll) That was Doombunny style, if I’m not mistaken. Most impressive.

**concrete being pushed aside**

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** Thanks I had a teacher out west. Xinkra, ghoul zebra, nice gal. Not anything like those posters and billboards make her kind out to be.

**concrete being pushed back into place**

(Dancing Doll) Well I’m partial to Fallen Caesar myself, perhaps we could spar later...see where things lead. If you know what I mean.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** I’m flattered steel ranger, but I’m not into smooth coasts. Or anypony actually. I always feel like I’m cheating on somepony, but my lost memory prevents me from know who that is.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy**sniffle** It is me you feel like you're cheating on, Screwy. I’m your fiance.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** Oh…

And as Stable said, I’m your sister. I’ve crossed the wasteland looking for you. I–I thought you were dead for so long. **sniffle** Then I came upon your recordings.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** Recordings?

Yeah. **Pipbuck noises**

**CLICK**

(Screwloose from Audio Log #001: Sanity Through Radiation) Bark, bark barkbark bark. Oh, sorry force of habit. I’ve been speaking in nothing but dog barks since long before the war. I was a construction worker and a tragic accident caused me to have brain damage. It is funny how now of all times I would regain my sanity. There is no more Equestria.

**pipbuck noises**

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** Th-that’s me? I–I **sniffle**

DJ Pon-3 had them broadcast over the radio. How’d you not hear them?

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy**sniffle** Well with a busted pipbuck and the concrete structure, I never tuned in. **sniffle** I have a sister and a fiance. Why can’t I remember that?

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** I’d say it has to do with your metal mohawk. That shrapnel is stuck in your brain. Any normal pony would have died, but you are a ghoul as long as you have radiation, you can still function. It is just blocking you from accessing your memories. I **deep sigh** I could remove it if you want, I’m a doctor. Surgeon actually.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** I uh...um...I’m not sure. What if I don't remember?

It is worth the risk. Let me play you your recordings before you make the final decision.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** Sure, lets play them in my quarters.

Doll, you go buy us some new ammo and supplies.

(Dancing Doll) Your wish is my command, my canterlot ghoul goddess. **receding metal clad hoofsteps**

(Grrrar) Grrrar go with canned pony to keep other females safe from him.

Good idea.

**receding bipedal pawsteps**

\**//HARD CUT\**//

(DJ Pon-3) Sorry to interruption folks, but Brittle kept the recording going as she played all her sister’s logs. Don’t get me wrong, Unscrewed is a good story, but no need to retread it when this isn’t a rerun. I took the liberty of editing it out and putting this explanation in instead.

\**//HARD CUT\**//

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy**sniffle** Screwy–She–I was so close to finding you.

I know **sniffle**, Stable 1 opened and became Stable City about a month later.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** If I go through with the operation to remove the hawk and I remember, what will happen to my memories since?

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** I’m not sure, that isn't my field of expertise. I’d hope they’d stay.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** And what of Maus. I lied when I said it was the fastest growing ghoul settlement. Ponies are dropping like files either to feralralism or bigoted wastelanders who can’t tell a sane ghoul from a feral one. Without me it will be chaos.

Recurrence would be happy to take in your ghouls. I have some swing with the mayor there...she’s kind of my marefriend.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** I’ll understand if you don’t want to do it. Nopony is forcing you.

\**//EXTENDED SILENCE\**//

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** I–I’ll do it. I’ve been alone for so long. Sure I had those I protected, but I always felt something was missing. Now I know what. You and Stable Rate.

Then let's find Doll and Grrrar. We can leave after we rest up for the night.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** I hope Frostmane will let us use their ship’s medical bay. She might be a ghoul, but I’d still prefer a sterile working area. And I’ll need a source of radiation just incase.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

the long awaited return of Screwloose! I wonder who else from the last story will come back. :trollestia:

Special thanks to Visual Pony TheNarrator for allowing me to crossover with his fic, Duty, and use his locations and characters...aged up to the present of my story.

He was unable to officially sign off on this due to his busy schedule, so I hope...if he is reading this, it conforms enough to his canon.

Audio Log #019: Something Vail, This Way Comes (Dr. Stable Rate)

\**//BOOP\**//

**constant clicking of a geiger counter**

You ok?

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** Yeah, but why do I have to be awake for this?

Well this would be a delicate procedure even if you weren't a ghoul. For this kind of thing any wrong move could immobilize or kill you. I don't know how different a ghoul brain is from a regular pony, but I just want to be sure. That is also why I had them flood the room with radiation. So if I do anything incorrectly it will heal. I just have to be sure you don’t heal completely before I get it out.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** Y-you’ve done this before, right?

Yeah, back at med school. On a cadaver. Just try not to move and let me know if you get any strange tastes or twitches.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** Lemon, but that is likely the radiation.

Really? I always thought it tasted more like oranges. So what have you been up to since waking up in the factory with the shrapnel in your head?

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** This and that. I wondered the wastes for a while. From Manehattan to Detrot, to Applewood, to the Hoof. I even spent some time in the Zebra Lands. Xinkra taught me Doombunny from when I met her in Applewood, but as a ghoul chems didn’t affect us as much so we modded the style to fit. I also discovered I could gain the unique abilities of some ghouls for a short time, but it is very draining to use the powers often.

Interesting, you can push your powers to 110% by borrowing the powers of others. I wonder what chem facilitated your powers.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy** Huh?

Oh, nothing, just a theory of things I’m working on. I’ll explain later. So Xinkra, she still around?

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy**raspy sigh** she was killed by a trigger happy bigot. I don’t know if it was because she was a ghoul or a zebra. After that I settled Mausoleum and tried to keep ghouls and ponies alike sa-aaaaah!

Hold on, I’ve almost got it. **wet popping sound**clang of metal on metal** Odd, looks almost like an eye.

(Hawk) **incredibly raspy**gasp** Wh-where am I? **dog growl** What did you do to–

Screwy? You back?

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** Stable? Is that really you? Y-your alive? Well ghoully like me, but–

\**//EXTENDED SILENCE\**//

**raspy sniffles** I thought I’d never see you again. Do you remember the time you were Hawk?

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** Kind of, it was like a dream. Me, but not me. It is hard to explain...Dammit, I’m a construction worker not–mmmmhh.

**kissing sounds**

**metal sliding on metal**

**geiger click stops**Door opening**

(Firestorm) Sorry to interrupt–

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Screw?

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** Sh-shoeshine?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** I haven’t been for a while, but for you...yes.

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** I **sniffle** I knew you were alive! You look like a resurrector.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Canterlot Ghoul, but yeah. I’ve missed you so much.

**heavy metal hoofsteps entering**

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Doll, not a word. She is taken.

(Dancing Doll) Message received, toots. Just seeing what that thing in her head w-**tung** GAAAAAH! **thud**

Dancing?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** What the fuck was that?

I think it was the shrapnel. I looked like an cyber eye.

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** C-cyber eye? Like V-

(Unknown Stallion) **synthetic** Hahahahahahahahahaha! Well, well now. Isn't this interesting. I seem to have transcended death even further than before.

(Firestorm) Dancing Doll, enough games.

(Unknown Stallion) **synthetic** So that is the name of my new body. Honestly, I prefer Vial. Like the pill bottle, but it depends on who you ask.

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** I-it's not possible. I killed you.

(Vial) **synthetic** By dropping an entire section of Canterlot on me. You survived, why wouldn’t I?

(Firestorm) You bastard. I may not like Doll that much, but he is a Moonskull. Give him back or suffer the consequences!

(Vial) **synthetic** Hmmm….nope. Think I’ll take him for a spin. In fact this armor is quite nice, I’ll take it too...oh and Screw-for-brains.

No! I just got her back, I won’t let you!

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Fuck you!

(Vial) **synthetic** Ah you must be the fiance and the sister. How are you gonna stop me?

(Firestorm) They can’t, but I can.

(Vial) **synthetic** Ah, ah, ah. You wouldn’t want to needlessly kill innocent ponies. You or any other Moonskull attack, I splatter Screwloose all over the room. Maybe you get lucky and kill Dancing Doll here before I can, I’ll just take over another body. I’m invincible.

(Firestorm) He’s right, we have to let him walk.

But!
(Firestorm) Live today, we can get her back and kill him another day.

(Vial) **synthetic** Best of luck. Applesnack, Littlehorn agent, and Screwloose have all tried. This is my Equestria now.

**receding metal and reluctant regular hoofsteps**

\**//EXTENDED SILENCE\**//

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy**sniffle** How the hell is he still alive?

Cortexephan. I have a theory that the powers beyond the accelerated healing are based on other drugs they have been given. Screwy was given Celestia’s tears. I heard that makes the user use 100% of their strength, but kills them. Screwy survived, the Cortexaphan allowing her body to go beyond 100% by copying unique ghoul abilities. Static Spark was given an early form of Moondust. All her powers are advanced forms of Moondust poisoning.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy**sniffle** And Vial?

He was given experimental cybernetics. He is also the only unicorn to use the drug. Maybe it mixed his innate magic and that of his robotic limbs. So when he was killed, his mind went into his cybernetics by converting it to magic or something. I’m a surgeon not a MAS researcher, this is all speculation.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** I think I know where he is going. From the sounds Screwy’s recordings he had more than just an cybernetic eye. He might not have his full power without his other parts. He is heading to where he fell.

But how will we find him, he will likely mask Doll’s armor tag?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** I made sure I got Screwy’s pipbuck tag back at Maus. I wasn't about to lose her again after I went through the trouble to find her.

(Firestorm) Get your hellhound friend. Normally I couldn’t spare the troops, but he also has a Moonskull captive. I can spare 4 ponies. I wish I could do more. Just bring Doll back in one piece.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** We will. Thank you, Firestorm.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

and so Vial returns! how will Brittle, Stable, Grrrar, Doll, and Screwy get out of this one? well I'd tell you, but **spoilers**

Special thanks to Visual Pony TheNarrator for allowing me to crossover with his fic, Duty, and use his locations and characters...aged up to the present of my story.

He was unable to officially sign off on this due to his busy schedule, so I hope...if he is reading this, it conforms enough to his canon.

An Honest Epilogue – 20 Years Later

Well, wasn’t that a nice little series. Hard to believe it has been 5 years since Unscrewed and Brittleshine’s Quest were first broadcast. Though I didn't like how that DJ Pon-3 ended things, and yes there have been more than one of us. There were so many things left unexplained. So I have done the legwork to track down the ponies, hellhounds, and ghouls that helped Brittleshine on her quest to find her sister.

First I’ll tell you about Brittleshine. For starters she has returned to going by Shoeshine, but will answer to either. She did not go back to being Mayor of Recurrence since the role had allowed Sundae to come out of her 2 century's old shell. Instead Shoeshine is now Sundae’s secretary. Shoeshine also has returned to her task of doing away with the feral population, but it is a more public affair and it is up to the pony, if coherent, or their family if they are killed or exiled.

Now Sundae saw the town through a great expansion. Personally welcoming the former residents of Mausoleum as well as many other ghouls and non-ghouls alike whom decided to move to the town. Sundae also set forth a town constitution that outlined a way for a mayor to be elected rather than chosen. And despite a few fierce constituents Sundae has been re-elected in all 15 elections since. Though it is my understanding that she will not be running again this coming year.

Also the two ghoul mares adopted Static Spark. Whom I hear is beginning to gain control over her unique set of powers.

Grrrar went back to Ponyville only long enough to drag the drunk Fleemutt back to Recurrence. They both now run the town tavern. In addition to that Grrrar keeps track of any bounties or other jobs in the area, so stop into the Drowning Dog Tavern if you are looking for work.

Dancing Doll was blinded in his left eye and lost his right forehoof due to Vial’s cybernetics. Unfortunately the wounds were both cauterized so not even a hydra could fix them. Instead he opted for a low tech prosthetic leg and an eye patch. He was quoted saying: “mares dig eyepatches.” However, he did leave the Moonskulls and headed east. I wonder if he was looking for his old fling: Spirits?

On the note of the Moonskulls they are still locked in a bit of a stalemate with the NCR, but other than that I could not get any information on it. I’m also pretty sure they have moved their base, The Alicorn, somehow as my assistant Krackle Pop could not find it based on the coordinates given by Shoeshine’s pipbuck.

Binary Bit was a bit harder to track down. Apparently looking into the shady dealings of The Calzone Crime Family has sparked an obsession. He has set out with the reprogrammed Spicy Meatball and a severely incapacitated Vial to see what became of one of equestria’s most infamous families. My advice check out near Dise. If any of the mafia ponies are still alive they are likely to be in the gambling capital of the NCR.

And for the pair of ponies I’ve intentionally been ignoring: Screwloose and Dr. Stable Rate. 220 years, give or take, after their engagement was called off due to Screwy’s condition, the 2 lovebirds finally married. Apparently the last DJ Pone-3 had personally attended the ceremony.

Screwloose having recalled many of her years under the name Hawk has become a guard for caravans traveling to and from Recurrence. Dr. Stable Rate has become the resident doctor in Recurrence.

And with that we are done looking at the past and it is time to look to the present. Yes it is time for the news. It seems the NCR capital, Junction City, is facing its first high profile murder case. Jibbly, a reporter for the Junction City Tribune, has shot and killed Councilwoman Coriander. Due to the amount of witnesses and Jibbly’s candid confession the trial should be swift.

I tried to reach out to Triple E, editor and chief of the Junction City Tribune, for a statement, but I have not received a response. Either it is due to this station being her perceived news rival or she agrees with her employee’s actions. It is anyponies guess. I’ll keep you up to date as this story develops.

Author's Note

This concludes the series on Screwloose and Shoeshine, but also opens the door for planned sequels. It also connects to the sequel to Icarus

Special thanks to Visual Pony TheNarrator for allowing me to crossover with his fic, Duty, and use his locations and characters...aged up to the present of my story.

He was unable to officially sign off on this due to his busy schedule, so I hope...if he is reading this, it conforms enough to his canon.

hmmm...I can't help thinking there is a character not mentioned in this epilogue....

Edit: changed a few things to more line up with Wasted miracles.

An Honest Reprieve (DJ Pon3 Broadcast #3)

An Honest Reprieve (DJ Pon3 Broadcast #3)

Good evening wasteland. How are you? Surviving and fighting the good fight I hope.

Well take a break from the hardships and find a safe spot to listen in because after these long few months I have finally received more audio logs from Brittleshine.

To be honest, I was worried. The first two sets of logs came within a week of each other. I’m just glad to know she and Dr. Stable Rate are ok. We all know how harsh the wasteland can be–even after most of the taint and radiation we have endured have been washed clean by gardens. There are still many horrors out there.

And I have more good news. Previously I’d only been sent three logs at a time, but this time there is many more than that. I may need to break this up over several days.

I hope you are as eager as I am to find out what happens in the next installment of Brittleshine’s Quest.

A Honest Introduction (DJ Pon3 Broadcast #1)

Hello Wasteland! It is I, your Element of Honesty, DJ Pon3. Telling the truth, no matter how bad it hurts. And I have another special treat for you today. Remember a few weeks back when I played you the series of audio logs I called “Unscrewed Audio Files”? Well they were sent to me from the pony who recorded them’s sister, a Canterlot Ghoul and mayor of Recurrence. She goes by Brittleshine now, but was once the pony Screwloose searched for.

Well Brittleshine has decided to go find the true fate of her sister. She is passing the role of Mayor temporarily to her right hoof pony Sundae. She and Dr. Stable Rate intend to find Screwloose. Like her sister, Brittleshine is documenting her quest in audio logs. I have promised to play them on the air whenever she sends them to me and I just received the first few from our trusty, ghoul, delivery mare, Ditzy.

So sit back, relax, grab a sparkle cola and some sugar apple bombs. Here is “Brittleshine's Quest Audio Files”. I know not the content contained in them, it is my first time listening too. This is the wasteland, so don't get too comfy.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Though before I begin, if anypony out there has any information on the whereabouts of Screwloose, get the information to either Brittleshine or I. She was last seen 210 years ago in Canterlot wearing a tattered hospital gown.

Ok, I’ve stalled long enough. Play the tapes!

Author's Note

I decided to mess with the formula of my Audio files former a bit, hope you like it.

Audio Log #003: Where to Start? (Brittleshine)

\**//BOOP\**//

(Sundae) **very raspy** Madam Mayor. I–I can’t.

Sundae, please, it would only be temporary. Just until I find my sister.

(Sundae) **very raspy** I’m no leader.

Sundae, I’ve known you for how many years now?

(Sundae) **very raspy** 210 years. You helped me cope when–when I ghoulified.

Exactly. I trust nopony else to lead while I’m gone. So will you do it?

(Sundae) **very raspy** It will only be temporary?

Yes.

(Sundae) **very raspy** I–I’ll do it.

So any luck in Ministry Fall? Blueprints?

(Sundae) **very raspy** Yeah, Binary Bit got a blueprint. I’ll page him in. **beep** Binary, the Mayor will, uh, see you now.

**slow stuttered electronic door opening**approaching hoofsteps**slow stuttered electronic door closing**

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy** So Mayor, why the sudden interest in the structural blueprints of Old Canterlot.

It is a personal interest, so what have you found?

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy** Well we found an incomplete blueprint of the city. Some parts were restricted and use a complex MoA encryption–odd for the MoI hub–must have been important to keep secret. We haven’t been able to break it, but I will if you want me to. It will take some time.

Ok, get on it.

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy** Right away, Mayor.

**receding hoofsteps**slow stuttered electronic door**approaching hoofsteps**slow stuttered electronic door closing**

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** So do we have a place to start?

**raspy sigh** No, not yet. I was hoping to start were the Industrial District likely fell, but with all the intertwining ruins it is hard. We barely mapped the any of it. I’m just glad the ministries fell nearby. So until Binary finds out where the district was on the mountain, we won’t be able to figure out where it fell.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** You don’t think Screwy would still be there?

No, but it might give us clues to where she went.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** In the meantime we could look into places she could have gone. Like back to Ponyville Hospital or the megaspell craters.

It's a start. I’ll send word to Grrrar in Ponyville. Whitetail Woods should be outside Hellhound territory, but I want to avoid trouble if I can. We’ll leave tomorrow. I need to inform the town about who will lead while I’m gone.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** So Sundae agreed?

(Sundae) **very raspy** Oh, um, yes, as long as it is only temporary. If you trust I can lead, I’ll lead–I still don’t think I’m cut out for it.

You’ll be fine.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Oh, guess I was recording. Kind of reminds me of some of the native recordings my sis heard.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

Ministry Fall is the location most of the ministry hub ruins fell...incase that was confusing. They held the blueprints to the city...surprisingly some of the terminals survived the enclave attack.

Audio Log #010: Do Better (Brittleshine)

\**//BOOP\**//

**raspy sigh** Was I wrong for killing those ghouls? I always rationalized it as a mercy killing, but maybe I should have told the families. Let them choose to be killed or exiled.

Is that any better?

\**//SILENCE\**//

I didn’t have much choice in some of them though. The Overmare attacked once I’d freed her from the rubble. It was life or death.

\**//SILENCE\**//

Fuck. When nopony knew I could compartmentalize. Now...I suppose I have to face what I’ve done. Like what those MoP posters say, I have to do better.

I just hope Sundae forgives me for her daughter Creamsicle.

**approaching hoof and pawsteps**

(Grrrar) **a distance away** Grrrar promise Spark filly she make new dolly when ponies and dog get to Recurrence. Ponies not know, Grrrar is seamstress. Grrrar make current outfit.

(Static Spark) **a distance away**very slightly raspy** But it looks ugly.

(Grrrar) **gruff laugh** well used to be Pony clothes, now fit dog. Dolly look better, promise.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Sorry we took so long, Brittle, Sparky had us searching the place she was sleeping for the past two centuries for her dolly all morning.

It's fine, I needed to be alone with my thoughts for a bit. From the sounds of it Grrrar is coming too.

(Grrrar) Hounds no longer want to stay in Ponyville. Losttail almost like Splendid Vally massacre. Hounds no feel safe. Ponies can have Ponyville back. Grrrar wish to travel with Brittle Pony for while, if ok?

We’d be more than happy to have you. And the extra muscle won’t hurt either.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** Are you sure you're ok? If you need to talk, I’m here.

I’m fine, but thanks for being a good friend, Stable.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** You're welcome. It is like DJ Pon3 always says, “the sad truth of the wasteland is we have all done something we regret.”

Yeah, we just have to do better.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

a bit of a shorter one and Grrrar joins as a main cast member...might give her a pipbuck in a few chapters to have her record some logs too...

Audio Log #013: Take a Bite of This Calzone (Brittleshine)

\**//BOOP\**//

**crackling of a fire and Hellhound snoring is heard in the background**

All that talk of the Calzone Crime Family has got me wondering how they are mixed into all of his.

\**//SILENCE\**//

The previous failures of Green-Med drugs, despite turning a profit could mean it was used for laundering their blood money. And access to drug manufacturing must have helped them produce dash for their illegal drug trade.

Pinkie was always so focused on catching bad ponies, I’m shocked she never took down the Calzones. **smack** Pinkie had a drug problem. It was one of the most common stories we were told to keep from the press at the MoI. Despite outlawing the use of zebra herbs like Mint-als, Pikie was an avid user–she even cooked up her own Party Time variant. You don’t think she used the Calzones to smuggle in the outlawed ingredients do you?

I don’t mean to insult the legacy of the MoM, but–

\**//SILENCE\**//

Look at me, always the politician. No pony gives a donkey’s ass about the ministries anymore. Not unless it can get them a bunch of caps.

Maybe Binary’s investigation will bring something to light. I admit I’m a little curious. How big of an influence did the Calzones have on the war? Were they the ones who gave the zebra’s megaspells? Did anypony from their family survive? They had the influence and means to get into a stable. And I’d bet my left hind hoof that through sheer willpower some could have become ghouls. I get the feeling a Calzone could take over the wasteland if they were around today.

Though none of that will help find my sister. It is just 210 year old drama.

\**//EXTENDED SILENCE\**//

Though one mystery I’d really like to figure out is what in Cortexaphan causes these strange mutations?

**raspy sigh** Looks like it is time to wake Grrrar for the next watch shift. I might not need rest as a ghoul, but I find it keeps my mind stable and we have a lot of distance to cover in the morning. I’d like to get to The Alicorn ASAP. Then we can be one step closer to finding Screwy.

\**//BOOP\**//

Author's Note

finally a log that isn't a conversation between many ponies, just Brittle and her thoughts.

Audio Log #020: Showdown Redux (Birttleshine, Dr. Stable Rate, Grrrar, and Sgt. Dancing Doll)

(DJ Pon3) So the next few recordings were short and some were of the same events recorded by multiple ponies. I have cut it together in a way that makes sense.

\**//HARD CUT\**//

[recorded by Brittleshine]

**slow stuttered electronic door opening**stampede of approaching hoofsteps**

Sundae! **pant** Sundae you here?

(Sundae) **very raspy** Br-brittle?! Wh-what’s wrong? What is w-with all these ponies? It is the middle of the night!

No time! Vial is back and he has a hostage.

(Sundae) **very raspy** What? Who?

Screwloose and Dancing Doll! They are held hostage by Vial.

(Sundae) **very raspy** Vial, isn’t he dead?

Yes, well no, kind of. It is hard to explain. Wake Binary, Static, the town guard, as many ponies as you can!

(Sundae) **very raspy** The filly? Really?

Her powers will help!

(Sundae) **very raspy** But, she is just a filly?

Ok, fine. Call the others.

\**//HARD CUT\**//

[recorded by Grrrar]

Why ponies go to Recurrence, when they have tag? Give to Grrrar, Hounds superior in combat. Take out Vial-canned pony, save Screw Pony.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** As perverted as he is, Firestorm wants us to get him back. And I can't guarantee Screwy’s safety if I send you in alone. Vail might not know we can track her or is expecting us. If it is a trap, 11 ponies are better than 1.

**Approaching hoofsteps**

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy** Why did you need me? I get the other ponies, but I’m not a fighter.

Grrrar might be able to get through doors with force, but Bit Pony can get through doors without defences going off.

\**//SILENCE\**//

What? Grrrar not stupid stable pony.

(Dr. Stable Rate) **raspy** And we should leave power armor behind. Incase of his technopathy.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Better safe, than sorry.

\**//HARD CUT\**//

[recorded by Dancing Doll/Vial]

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** So what’s the plan? Step 1: Fillynap me, Step 2: break back into your old place of business, Step 3: take over the wastes?

**typing on a keyboard**

(Vial) **synthetic** Blasted, undercutting, Calzones! They didn’t trust me with the real override codes...figures. And it seems though I can control this armor, terminals are another thing entirely.

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** What’s wrong? You had this place under your control before I blew it off the mountain.

(Vial) **synthetic** Shut up.

**BWOOOM**RATATATATATATATATATATA**BWOOOM**

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** Fuck! You trying to die again?

(Vial) **synthetic** No. Now that I have my leg, I need to get more Cortexaphan. Make more like us. I need an army. The formula is behind that door in the mainframe. It's based off a stable tech design. It can survive a megaspell.

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** There are plenty of ghouls in the wasteland.

(Vial) **synthetic** Not Cortexaphan ghouls. Such powers can be unlocked. I could rule this broken land. My intellect, your body, this one's guns and armour, an army of powerful Cortexaphan ghouls, I’d be unstoppable.

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** Your madder than I remember. My sister and her friends will find me. They did it once already.

(Vial) **synthetic** Madness and genius go hoof and hoof. Wait, they can track your pipbuck can’t they? They might be of use after all. Hahaha!

\**//HARD CUT\**//

[recorded by Dr. Stable Rate]

Are you sure this is the way, this combined ruins are like a maze?

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** The tag is right around the corn–

(Dancing Doll) HELP!

Dancing Doll?

(Dancing Doll) Doc, is that you? Please tell me the two gals are with you too.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** We are, along with some Moonskulls and Recurrence’s guards. Where is Screwloose and Vail?

(Dancing Doll) **pained breath** I don’t know, he got his leg back then leaped into her. They went into that room there and locked it behind them. I’m so sorry.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Binary, get that door open!

(Binary Bit) **slightly raspy** Right away. **typing on a keyboard** Grrrr, hmm... **typing on a keyboard** Almost got it, hacking upside down is harder than I thought. **typing on a keyboard** Last try. **typing on a keyboard** Ha got it! Huh “Florentine.”

**electronic door opening**

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Vail! You are outnumbered, come out and release your control on Screwloose!

**hoofsteps with one metal hoof**

(Vial) **synthetic** I’d like to thank you for getting into the room I couldn’t.

Vail, you’re outnumbered.

(Vial) **synthetic** Am I? You really shouldn’t hack a secure room without deactivating security.

(Sentinel) **synthetic** HALT ZEBRA SCUM!

(Vial) **synthetic** Don’t worry, I have control over it. Oh wait, you should worry. **whistle** a reinforced armor Ultra-Sentinel. The Cazones do like their overkill. Well...Spicy Meatball...such an odd name for a robot...anyways, kill them.

**THUNK**THUD**THUNK**

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy**synthetic** NOOO!

(Vial) **synthetic** What? I suppress your thoughts when I’m in control!

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy**synthetic** You’re not the only one with Cortexaphan abilities. I absorb powers!

(Vial) **synthetic** You can’t use my own power against me! I am a god!

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy**synthetic** No, you are Vial...like what pills come in, but if you ask me, like I said 210 years ago, you are Vile. V-I-L-E!

(Vial) **synthetic** Actually, my given name is Fix’n SniiiiIIiiiiiIiiiiaAaatch!

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy**synthetic** I don’t care! **non-synthetic** You can live out the rest of your days locked inside your cybernetics.

(Brittleshine) **slightly raspy** Is he gone?

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** I–I think so…

The robot?

(Screwloose) **incredibly raspy** I think I have it….under…..control. **thud**

Screwloose?!
\**//HARD CUT\**//

(DJ Pon3) I am assured that everything worked out, recordings just ended when Screwloose passed out. She is fine and recovering in Recurrence...and the Ultra-Sentinel is now a member of Recurrence’s guard after Binary Bit reprogramed it. I do love a happy ending, they are so rare in the wasteland. Which reminds me, I’m always open to broadcast any interesting stories from around the wastes. Just send them to my assistant Homage at Tenpony Tower.

Author's Note

And their story is finished! But there is still an epilogue...

Special thanks to Visual Pony TheNarrator for allowing me to crossover with his fic, Duty, and use his locations and characters...aged up to the present of my story.

He was unable to officially sign off on this due to his busy schedule, so I hope...if he is reading this, it conforms enough to his canon.