Fallout Equestria: Junction
Chapter One
Rude Awakening
-Unknown-
-Unknown-
With a sharp jagged breath my eyes shoot open, not being able to see but I can still feel my eyes roll back into their proper places. I suck in more air and cough after every breath. Where am I? What day is it? My vision be come back to me and I can see is a rust covered roof of a Stable. I blink a few times allowing my vision to clear and the black and white spots start to disappear. I realize I'm laying down on my back and I try to sit up, only for my body to snap and pop as every bone, joint, and tendons in both my back and wings to move after being stiff for a long time. Why am I in some kind of pod? I finally sit up and look at the pod like thing I've been laying in.
Its a faded white and blue color and as I start to remove the various small heart monitor pads that dotted my blue body, I realize this had to be some sort of life support pod, obviously a creation of the Ministry of Arcane Science. The pod is shaped like a half circle or more like a an egg or an oval. I realize a few things as my perception improves, one I was wearing a light blue hospital patient gown, and two I was hearing screaming and gunfire. I know the sounds of gunfire well. With a push I slide myself out of the pod and onto the floor but my hooves slip and I fall face first into the dusty metal flooring.
But while I was picking myself back up the intercom crackles to life, something I didn't notice is that my metal room of
the Stable is sealed shut, and the only other things inside keeping me company is a cabinet locker with some openly exposed shelves, its rusted and discolored. The other thing is a lone brown table that looks too decayed to set anything on as it would collapse. But the slightly panicked voice draws my attention back.
"Hey you! Yes you in the sealed off room! Listen, you don't know us nor do we know you but you need to get out of he-" There's static and I can hear more gunfire."Raiders have invaded the place, you need to get out of the Stable! In the locker there should be a Pip-buck and a gun, use it! Hurry! You may-" More static, "Kill them." The intercom shuts off and I'm left sitting on my haunches in utter confusion. What's a Raider? Who or why is this place being invaded? A sudden burst of pain throughout my head causes me to groan and grab my head with my hooves.
With a groan I get up on all fours and start limping as I'm still struggling to walk again. The locker wasn't locked and there was nothing on the exposed shelves so I open up the locker and I'm greeted to the things I was told by the intercom voice, a Stable-Tec standard issued Pip-buck, a standard issued Stable barding with the number 149 printed in yellow on it. The gun, a security issued 10mm pistol, something I remember using. But that memory causes another white hot burning in the back of my brain, my ears begin to ring and my legs go weak so I lean onto the locker for support. A few seconds later it goes away and I can stand up gain on my own. I decide to toss the gown I was wearing for the Stable suit was a better option so I dress in the suit. Its snug yet allows almost full range of motion, even has holes for my wings.
Behind the suit is a pair of saddlebags so I pull those out of the locker. I grab the Pip-buck and slap it onto my left forehoof and lock it into place before booting it up. After going through the loading screen I quickly familiarize myself with its variety of functions and screens. I remember being trained for these things in the army. Wait...was I in the army? I think I was...I can't remember. I can't remember...at all...fuck I can't even remember my name..what is my own name!?
I blink and shake my head, feeling that more important matters need to be accomplish first. I pick up the gun and examine it closely. Its old and worn, hasn't been cleaned in a long time either. The was two ways to use it, either by mouth or by magic but..something in my gut tells me that I could use it just in my hooves alone. Something in the back of my head, like a very very tiny voice speaking to me. I can remember only bits of information...I remember the war, the bombs, the ministries...but anything about me is lost to the depths of my subconscious. I sigh and pocket the the 10mm as well as the two faded yellow boxes of 24 rounds each. But behind the boxes was two keys, one a security override clearance card and a simple key with the only label on it is'A'. I put of the saddlebags and over to the door.
With a metallic hiss the door opens and I realize how damp the air was and the air smelled of mildew. The hallways were rusted and corrosion has set in. At least the lights were on. But the sounds of voices perked my attention."Lets just kill the little bitch and move on!" One voice screamed.
"Nah how bout we have a little fun with her before we pop her head like a cherry!" The other voice, a gravely voice of a mare cackled. What? Kill some random pony? For what purpose? My blood boils and I'm certain that I have no clue what 'm getting myself into but I'm 100% certain about one thing...I have no clue what I'm doing! Cursing myself for this I step out from my hiding spot around the corner.
"HEY!" I shout as loud as possible. Both ponies look up at me. Dirty is an understatement for these two and their makeshift armor highlight those features. Its literally pieces of shopping carts and other bits of random metal strapped together by leather and glue. They were hovering over another pegasus like me, though armored in black metal.
"Its another one of em Enclave fucks! Kill em and I want to rape his skull first!" The stallion screeched at me before pulling out an equally ugly weapon like himself and starts spraying my direction with rounds. I quickly duck back behind the corner again and load a fresh magazine into my gun. Pulling the slide back I wait for the two to round the corner. As
I expected the dirty blonde colored mare rounds the corner with a large rusted knife in her mouth. I instinctively shoot a round right through her front left leg, a hole easily tearing through the exposed flesh I shot through. She stumbles and I
club her in the head with my gun. Dazed and confused and now on the ground struggling to get up, something sparks in me. I can't kill her can I? I can't....I...I look away and blindly aim at her face, which she had no helmet on, and fire off two shots into her head. I let out a jagged breath as my brain tries to catch up with what I have just done, but only two words echo through my mind,
Adapt and Survive...
I pick up the dead mare's knife and hold it in my left hoof while my right hoof is occupied with my 10mm. I hear more
clopping of hooves and I take a position hugging the corner with my back while standing up on my hide legs. As soon as I see the muzzle of the buck who started shooting at me emerge I swing my gun again like a club and connect with his muzzle quickly, hearing the distinctive sound of bones breaking in his face causes him to stagger back so I make my neck move. I spin around to face him and drive the knife into his unarmored side and as he cries out in agony I pistolwhip him again to bring him to the ground. I pull out the knife from his side and drive it into the back of his neck, killing him too. I let go of both knife and gun and fall onto my back out of shock. I just...there's blood on my hooves and...it feels strange. I feel...almost...I can't even describe it. My breathing is heavy and then I feel pain. I press a hoof to my side
reveals that I have been indeed shot when the buck sprayed the hallway with bullets one seemed to hone in on my left side.
I can feel it move around with every movement.
I groan and get back on my hooves and pick up my gun and decide to take the bastard gun the buck was wielding for my own, payment for shooting me. I limp over to the armored mare who seemed either dead or unconscious. I poke her with my hoof as I don't feel like talking.
She doesn't react at all so I assume the worst. I let out a sigh and send her a silent prayer before walking down the hall and into the atrium. I...I don't have any memories of being in here at all. I remember entering but nothing else. I look the signs and find one pointing to the clinic, maybe somepony could help me get the bullet out. I quickly trot down the hall and find the clinic. Its empty bar the few yellow medical containers hanging on the walls. I open one up and find two healing potions a roll of magical bandages and a scalpel. I let out a sigh and realize I will have to remove it myself. I take the contents and start at myself in the mirror. My two toned blonde mane is all over the place and most of my blue coat is covered bar the hole in my stable suit.
Taking scalpel in hoof I bite down a leather belt that was laying on the near by table and dig the small blade into my side and poke the bullet. With quick movements I fling the bullet from my hide and watch in the mirror as fresh red blood
oozes from the wound. I take and wrap my side up in the bandages before putting my suit back on and go over to other box and open that up too. Two more healing potions, another roll of bandages, and two syringes of Med-X. I take everything and leave the room. But right before I do leave the intercom crackles to life again.
"Good excellent! You survived this far but you will have more raiders to fight before you can reach us. And as for the mare
in the other hall...we'll recover her body later. But quickly hurry!"
"Wait! Who are you? What the hell is going on!?" I cried out but there's no response. I curse myself again and leave the room and search for the exit. I hear more voices and I realize that I'm going to have to fight again. Readying the bastard gun, a very crude sub-machine gun made from pieces of pipes, wood, and other junk pieces I feel as it would crumble in my hooves after a single shot. But I have have fifteen rounds so if I time my shots right I could take a few down. Goddesses I'm awake for all of an hour and I'm already thinking of killing ponies. But said ponies are armed and intend to harm myself so I guess that cancels everything out.
I walk around a corner and find three ponies pounding on one of the metal doors.Come out ya fuckin pigeons! We only want to kill ya all!" A buck cackled so I take the opportunity to take the 10mm in my mouth while I hoof wield the SMG. I get
their attention by stomping my hoof on the ground, as I am reared up on my hindlegs again. They all are in various starts of shock before one mare gets a few rounds right in her. Well two pierced the armor on her chest while the third ricochets off the wall. The mare struggles to pick herself up but the two bucks charge at me with weapons drawn, a pool cue and a
baseball bat with jagged nails sticking out of it. The bat is also floating in magical energy, one buck is a unicorn.
I get cracked in the side with the pool cue, which hurt like shit. But I'm forced to drop the SMG and throw the buck who
it me away from me. But the unicorn tries to get the drop on me while I was distracted but he realized too late that I was still armed with the 10mm and a single bullet rips through his neck has he tried to jump on me. He falls to the floor choking on his own blood and the pool cue buck gets back up but two more rounds put him down for good. My side hurts from that pool cue striking me but I could care less about that. I pick the ammo off both corpses but hear a whistle and the
sound of a gun cocking."Forget somethin?" The mare, also a unicorn, cackles some more.
"Yeah I did. And it's right behind you." Dumbass actually turns around and that allows me to put the gun back in my mouth
and she turns back and just deadpans.
"Dammit...I actually fell-" I pull the trigger before she could finish her sentence. Dumbass. I take out the gun and let out a sigh and I hear the metal door near me open. Out walks three ponies dressed in similar armor like the dead mare from before. All of them are pegasi, an interesting note."Thank you so much!" The buck salutes me and I return it to him.
Soldiers by the looks of them but...these ponies dressed in fucking shopping cart bits and carrying essentially pipe weapons are kicking these high tech armored ponies. Ugh I really resist the urge to facehoof right now.
"Ugh no problem. What's happening? And who are you three?"
"I'm Sergeant Lightning Clap and these two are Violet Wave and Rocky Road." The buck now known as Lightning Clap gestures a hoof to a dark purple mare with a very light purple mane and a buck with a light creamy brown coat and two toned light brown and white mane respectively. Lightning Clap himself is a bright almost annoying blue with a cherry red mane. I greet them all with a wave.
"I'd offer you my name but....I honestly do remember if I have one or not. But putting that aside, why are you all here?
And where are your guns? Armored ponies with no guns is confusing to me."
"It's a long story but right now we're getting the fuck outta here. You're welcome to join us." Lightning said sheepishly.
"I gladly accept but do you know anything about a mysterious voice over the intercom?" Like a ghost coming to steal your
soul the intercom comes to life and speaks.
"You mean I? Yes I'm with them and we're all glad you rescued them despite whats happening right now. But I urge the four
of you to get to the exit while you have the chance. I'm assuming you have some grenades on you Lightning?"
"I do have a few. But not many Blue." I'm guessing the intercom voice is name Blue, why is everypony here blue? That's my color. There's a silence but a few more gunshots ring out before the intercom can continue."Shit their almost through the
dammed door! Look you four need to hurry now!"
"You all heard Blue Sterling, let's move! You...uh...well till we figure out your name, uhh 49, you can stick with us if you want." I just shrug and nod and start following the soldiers down the hall to the right of us. I...remember something...a little clue...I WAS a soldier...a veteran of the Great War...that's how I wound up here. More buzzing and ringing in my ears cause me to start to hug the wall. My vision blurs again with little pin pricks of black and white. I slow down from the brisk trot to a slow walk as I hug the wall. I blink twice and then I...I start seeing ponies walking the halls dressed in Stable-Tec uniforms and suits like my own. But they all have a white outline to them.
"Hey hey, 49 you alright?" Lightning backtracks and starts to pick me up. I didn't realize that I completely stopped walking. I just blink and stare at the apparitions walking by us without a complete care in the world.
"I...I uh...don't you see them?" I point to nothing.
"No I don't. Look we'll get you looked at back at base. Now come on." As he picks me up but a huge explosion sounds out and seems to shake the entire place. I look back and see no more ghosts, well I have no clue what that whole thing was. We both meet back up with Violet Wave and Rocky Road. The four of us reach a large room, this another Atrium? I don't remember this either. But what peaks my interest is the 6 evil ponies along with a an even bigger pony dressed in thicker bits of metal and wielding a minigun battlesaddle. But they all see us. I'm not able to take on such an opponent.
"Well well well. Look's like the little birdies finally showed up! Y'all in a bad way but not fer long! Kill the Enclave fucks and save the little pretty buck for me!" The big metal pony, a buck, bellowed above us on a catwalk. This Stable is confusing but the ponies...wait what were they called? I think...raiders? Fuck it, they need a label so there they go.
"Fuck...anypony got a plan?" Rocky Road back peddles closer to us. I take a few looks to either directions and see a hole hidden between a fallen locker and desk being used as a barricade in the metal and concrete wall. It leads to another room, I may have an idea.
"Through here!" I shout to the three soldiers acting as my companions and make a dead sprint towards the hole. The big
minigun wielding raider bites down on the battlesaddle bit and the rotating barrels spin to life and start spraying down bullets in my wake. I reach the hole and belly flop onto the ground and slide through the hole. I'm actually surprised that worked. My three companions follow suit but I hear the metal ping of a bullet breaking through armor and I see Violet grab her left hind leg after breaking through the hole. I quickly knock down a tool cabinet with a well aimed buck.
It crashes to the ground and thankfully it covers the hole. Violet lets out a groan of pain as she holds on to her
hindleg."Ugh...fuck, a bullet made it through. I can't walk on it at all!" Shit.
"Dammit, and we're all out healing potions." Rocky grumbles. I hear Lightning let out an audible gasp.
"Guys...our luck may be turning around. We're in the armory!" I look behind myself and see the gated off area that held
quite a few decent weapons for a meer Stable. But a shotgun captures my eye, its gold inlay on a mahogany wooden stock with chrome finish. A real beauty. But my attention retreats back to our injured comrade. But I quickly remember the stuff I collected from the Clinic.
"Here, take these." I pull out one of the healing potions and the roll of bandages and offer them too Rocky Road. He
thanks me and starts administering medical care to Violet. I walk over to where Lightning Clap was, trying to get into the gated off area. But I stop in my tracks as something flashed in my vision. A small image, distorted but I can clearly make it out to be that same key I found in the locker with me. I gently push Lightning aside.
"Here let me." I pull out the key and unlock the cage door. With a good shove the gate creeks open and now the small weapon stockpile is open to us. Let's see a magic laser rifle, never cared for them, preferred ballistic weapons,
wait...err never mind. Anyway a magic laser rifle, the shotgun I've already made mental dibs on, two more 10mm pistols, a small pile of grenades only like 3 or 4, and a good stock of ammo for each weapon. Lightning immediately goes for the laser rifle. So I grab the shotgun. It's...it's beautiful and there's a name engraved on the left side of it, Margrave.
"This is mine," Lightning said like greedy colt on his birthday."Rocky how's Violet doing?"
"Bullet went cleanly through her leg. It'll take a while for her leg to fully heal."
"Alright, you two stay here. 49 and I are going to clear out the raiders and get Blue Sterling." Violet start's to get back up but is stopped by Rocky.
"I...I can still fight!"
"No Violet you're not. We've already got two dead and four more wounded, we don't need any more. Besides," Lightning gives me a quick glance,"I Think 49 can fill in for you." Why does the name 49 get under my skin a bit? Rocky cocks his head a bit.
"And what about me?"
"Here take this and hold position with Violet here. 49 come with me." Lightning tosses a 10mm to Rocky before waving me to follow him. I simply nod and load the shotgun before follow him out of the small armory. The shotgun surprisingly can hold ten shells, nice. The hallway is dark, the lights have been busted out, clever. I sling the shotgun to my side and I can hear the raiders in the other rooms screaming and shouting various vulgarities. I let out a sigh."Fancy Pip-buck ya got there. I assume you're the one Blue mentioned?"
"Huh? Look pal, I barely got a clue on what's going on. I legitimately just woke up from...I dunno how long I've been out
but now my Stable is under attack. I don't know who or what military you guys are from, judging by that armor I'd take a guess and say the Shadowbolts, but minus the scorpion tail." Lightning was taken back by what I said and blinks a few times.
"S-so you really are from before the war then?" I just shrug, I have no clue what really 'before the war' means? There's a snap and something strikes me in the chest, sending me flying back a bit. I groan and look at what hit me. A small beam of metal, held suspended by a simple pulley system, a damn booby trap."Shit you alright?" Lightning helps me back on my hooves.
"Dammit, maybe. Maybe a bruised rip or two. Ugh lets just...rid this place of the vermin lingering around." I grumbled and then we continue to walk back, via another route, to the second Atrium, which is also confusing. Nopony has seen us yet so we could get the drop on them, the element of surprise. Lightning and I give a quick nod to each other before springing into action, which is something I guess we have a plan for? Lightning Clap chucks a grenade at the nearest raider while I finally activate S.T.A.T.S via my Pip-buck and fire three shots from my 10mm at the nearest raider near me.
BLAM!
My ears ring and I'm left disoriented, what the fuck was that!? I was knocked back by an explosion, somepony threw a grenade at us. I quickly get back up and see Lightning aiming up a shot with his rifle. These raiders immediately start
returning fire at us with their pipe weapons. I pull out my shotgun and rush one raider aim for Lightning and pull the trigger. That single shot peppered him with buckshot, no room for dodging. I pump another shell into the chamber and jump behind a tipped over desk as two raiders realize I was there. Dammit, I don't have enough ammo for the SMG. I decide to switch back to my pistol and peak round the cover, only for bullet to graze past my cheek. Ignoring the slow burn I fire off three more shots.
Click, click, click....
I'm out, fuck. I eject the empty mag and load a new one but after the first shot, the damn thing jams."AGH FUCK IT!" I make a risky move and jump out from cover and throw my jammed gun at one of the raiders before rushing over to the cover Lightning was using."I need one of your grenades! If we use one to blow the support beam we could topple the catwalk on top of them!"
"What really? Would that work? Ugh fine here, don't get killed!" Lightning gives me two of his grenades. Simple explosives, pull the pin and give it at least five seconds before throwing it.
"Cover me!" I ready myself to make a mad dash to the catwalk. Lightning Clap gives me a salute and a nod before shooting his rifle at the four raiders we still are dealing with. I rush, bullets pinning off the metal floor next to me, and I feel my legs burn as I haven't used them in a long time. What felt like a long stretch of time manages to squeeze itself into a matter of seconds. I reach the two metal and concrete pillars standing in the middle of the room but I also have to use them as makeshift cover. Two of the raiders decide to shoot at me and I feel another burning sensation. I guess I got pegged by another bullet as I ran. But time is of the essence so I put one grenade into the X split of the metal beams, I won't pull the pin just yet. I dash again to the next pillar and do the exact same thing. I draw in one breath and pull the pin and run to the next and pull that one too. I gallop back to cover with Lightning and cover my head with my hooves.
BOOM!
The explosion still causes my ears to ring out loudly. The whole room rumbles and the catwalk starts to buckle and collapses under its own weight and I watch as one part collapses right to the ground, crushing the raiders that were underneath. But once the dust settled there lying on the ground, in a puddle of his own blood is the big minigun raider. Lightning and I cough a few times and walk out into the open. Its completely silent bar the few pieces of debris still raining down on us. We approach the minigun buck and we realize he's still alive, somehow. I can assume that falling in that heavy armor of his and landing in the wrong spot broke his back, he's paralyzed. I let out a jagged sigh.
"Leave him, he can't move. He'll die anyway. Let's just..get your friend." Lightning is silent and we use the collapse catwalk as a makeshift ramp up to the second level. The Overmare's office, that's where he was hiding at. Lightning pounds a hoof on the metal door.
"Hey! Blue it's ok! They're all gone now, you're safe!" The door whooshes open and out steps a buck dressed differently than the previous soldiers, either an officer or some sort of an engineer. His coat is blue, hense his name, but his mane is black.
"Thank Luna's ass, thought you guys would never get rid of them. I...I'm sorry about Cherry, Lightning," Blue Sterling, I think that was is full name, let's out a sad sigh."But, I just wanna get out of here. Uhh and you must be the...err...honestly you don't have much of a name par a few letters." I just shrug, not really caring.
"I'm just calling him 49 for now. Where's Dip?"
"She...she ahhh...didn't make it either. I take it Vec didn't either?" Lightning just nods his head slowly.
"Let's just get out of here and back to Junction." Lightning then turns to me."I owe you a lot kid, wouldn't have made it out of here alive. So on behalf of the Enclave in Junction Base, we thank you. But...you are coming with us too." I just blink.
"Where? And who woke me up? I want answers now, seeing as the threat has been eliminated and I'm only more confused now than I have ever been..." I stops as that damn white hot burn renters my brain causing me to sit down suddenly.
"There's a lot more to explain than time we have right now. But all I can say is that you're safe with us, Ty." Blue jumps into the conversation.
"Ty? Is that my name?"
"No but it's what the Maneframe called you. But I almost like 49 better...hmm Ty, 49...Ty-49. There, there's a name for you, Ty-49."
"Ty-49, Ty-49, Ty-49..." I roll that name off my tongue a few times and...and it seems to be decent fit for me. Lightning Clap puts a hoof on my shoulder.
"Come on, we'll get you cleaned up and get you something to eat. Rolling Thunder will be eager to meet you." I just nod and get off the ground.
The walk to the entrance felt like time was slowing to a crawl. I kept looking back as if there was somepony watching me leave. We met up with Rocky Road and Violet Wave about half way from the entrance and we walked together. Thankfully Violet seemed okay, but she was limping still so it must still be injured. The gigantic metal door leading outside Stable 149 was massive compared to the metal doors behind us. Blue opened up the control panel but looks up at me."You wanna do us the honors?"
"Sure..." I go up the small ramp and hook my Pip-buck into the port made for it and like a giant groaning in defense, the
door hisses and rolls away on the tracks for the door. Light beams through and blinds me. I guess Lightning saw that I was being blinded by the light so he walks me out. Once my eyes get adjusted I see the...the world I once called home..its...
Destroyed...
-Footnote-
Starting Stats for Ty-49
S:3
P:8
E:7
C:5
I:5
A:5
L:4
Magic Weapons: 17
Melee Weapons: 23
Unarmed: 16
Guns: 32+5(Tagged)
Lockpicking: 24
Medicine: 26+5
Repair: 37+10(Tagged)
Sneak: 24
Speech: 24
Explosives: 20
Barter: 23
Survival: 35+5(Tagged)
Science: 27
Traits:
Repair Pony- Past experience in the Equestrian Army has honed in your repair skills, +10 to repair.
Specialist- You may not know your past but military experience has given you new skills in both use of firearms and being able to survive behind enemies lines, +5 to both Guns, Medicine, and Survival.
Level Up!
Quest/Companion Perks:
The Bleed- A mysterious side affect due to Stable 149's experiments. Causes both auditory and visual hallucinations as well as random loss of consciousness.
Confirmed Bachelor- +10% damage done to bucks and unlocks special dialogue options for certain characters.
Fallout Equestria: Junction
Chapter 2
Base Beneath the Clouds
-4 Hours Later-
Stable-Tec, a company almost everypony trusted to save us, a company made up of three lifelong friends, a company we thought would end the war, but now I question everything they've told us. What was their true goal? Why turn us all into guinea pigs for experiments? What kind of sick pleasure did they take in using us? Pulling the blinds over us and allowing us to trust them with our lives, only for them to pull the rug out from under us all? I hope they burn in hell for what they've done to us all. My blood boils with rage just thinking about Stable-Tec but my blood boils just thinking about the Equestria I once called home. I don't even know how to feel about it all, my home, my friends and family all dead, even though I can't remember them, but...
I'm not sure if I should feel sad or angry, well more angry than I already am. But even with all the anger I have, I'm still grateful for my rescuers, these 'Enclave' characters risked their lives to find and remove me from that blasted prison of Stable 149. But I now question what their ultimate end goal for me is? Are they going to screw me over like Stable-Tec did? If that's the case I won't let them get that chance...I don't belong here. The world has changed and I don't fit into the ultimate equation. Ugh I'm getting side tracked, where was I? Yeah I guess I should start with when we left Stable 149....
-4 Hours Earlier-
I'm was quiet, I could hardly speak a word after seeing the 'new' world for the first time in so long, I needed to figure out how long has it been since the bombs fell. But I just had no words to describe how I felt. Blue Sterling puts away the shot wave two way radio he was carrying on his person."I just gave them the okay to come get us." Blue let out a dry chuckle and looked between the four of us. Rocky Road and Lightning Clap were both helping Violet take off the armor she was wearing. I guess it was damaged more than they thought so it needed much more repairs, heh well more repair than they already need. I just sat there staring out off the cliff side. The land far beneath us was barren and desolate. Only thing of interest was the small town, couldn't tell what it was built with but it did hold my interest. I felt a tap on my shoulder and I look up to see Lightning Clap standing behind me clearly concerned for me. Heh, I guess you could say that he's my first friend."You holding up, 49?"
"My entire world has been turned into a barren wasteland, I'm fucking peachy." I snorted, not really caring about what reaction he would give off. Lightning just let out a sigh and took a seat next to me.
"I can tell you're absolutely livid. Red Glare should be here in a few minutes to take us back to Junction Base. Can promise that we'll take care of you. Besides, you're still bleeding." I rubbed my cheek with a hoof and see a small smear of slightly dried blood discolored my hoof. I realized also that I was shot again, but for some reason that pain didn't seem to be as bad as what I felt in my heart.
"So what did you pull from the Maneframe Blue? I really fucking hope it was worth it..." Lightning Clap gave Blue a look that could have killed him.
"We weren't here just for the Maneframe data, but it did have a lot extremely useful data. But it sucks that the Stable's water talisman was destroyed, well that and the missing Spark Core."
"We lost two ponies ya fucking idiot!? One of them was under my watch! Don't you think that would be a much pressing matter than what was in the damn terminal!?" Okay I thought Lightning was going to murder Blue Sterling at that point buuuut...
"Both of you stop!" Violet and I both shouted at the same time. We both gave each other a glance at each other before turning our attention back to Lightning Clap."You two are not going to argure right now. Wait till we get back." Violet continued.
"Speaking of going home," Rocky Road pointed a hoof up at the descending Vertibuck preparing to land near us."Looks like Glare is here. Everypony get your stuff and get ready." Rocky Road turned to me next."Unfortunately I'm gonna have to ask you to give up any weapons you have, ammo included." I let out a sigh and slid both my shotgun and bastard gun off me and gave them to Rocky Road. I then gave him my 10mm pistol and all of the ammunition for all three weapons."Sorry sweetie, just doing my job." Did...did he call me sweetie?
"Come on you two! Don't want Red Glare to leave with out you two." Blue Sterling called to us so we both follow him to the Vertibuck. It's been too long since I've seen one...think I was in one...was I? Anyway we boarded the vertibuck and we're, well I was greeted by a very red buck in the captain's seat. Mortar red with a wine red mane and dressed as a pilot.
"Hey guys! Fucking glad you all got out okay! I suppose this is the special cargo then?" He seemed cheery enough and I just gave him a simple wave after climbing in.
"Yup! This here is Ty-49," Lightning wrapped a hoof around my neck, heh speaking of cheery fucks."And he's the reason why we were able to get out. Did I mention I hate raiders?" I removed his hoof from around me neck.
"I wouldn't take all the credit. But you're welcome anyways." I said taking a seat."But I want answers when we get there, otherwise I won'gt be very happy."
"Oooh big and scary already. Watch out for this one Rocky." Lightning Clap nudged the light brown buck in the sides and he just rolled his eyes in return
And just like that we took off from the entrance to Stable 149 and headed upwards, towards the cloudy sky. I made a note to ask about the odd cloud formations. But the ride upwards was short and we already started to descend down on a Veritbuck helipad. But what's very surprising is that when we land, the helipad retracted back into the mountain side with a large blast door closing behind us. A cave system, a extremely large cave system with a few holes to filter in natural light inside but there was an entire military base built in here. This was impressive, very impressive. But I did notice how there was only two Veritbucks parked in here, ours being one of them. And this place seemed empty, like there's not a whole lot of ponies here. Felt almost empty, but there was a few ponies waiting for us, one was a lot taller than me.
We all line up to exit the Veritbuck and I was at the very end. I felt nervous, tired, and confused, for almost no reason, well except the confused part. The adrenaline wore off already so I felt the stinging pain from being shot technically three times. But...I killed....well its not the first time but...fuck its so easy to take a life its scary, too scary if you'd ask me. I finally got out of the Veritbuck and I was finally met with who ran this place. A large buck, gunmetal grey coat with a charcoal black mane, dressed like an officer. He was accompanied by two guards, dressed in combat barding, though the armor looked dirty, which got under my skin slightly. The large buck was already talking to Blue Sterling and Lightning Clap when I finally zoned back in.
"So this must be the special cargo?" The buck raised an eyebrow at me but I had the felling he didn't mean no disrespect to me, but still why did they call cargo? Blue nodded his head.
"Lieutenant Colonel Rolling Thunder at you're service." The buck gave me a small bow, a bit much for me.I just gave him a quick military salute, something I realized I'd probably be doing a lot around here, figured I should get used to it."Come follow me, we have much to discuss." He said waving us to follow behind him.
The walk to his office consisted with two flights of metal stairs and a short walk through an office type building, nothing much of interest happened during the walk as almost everypony was silent. I more or less just wanted answers at this point so I could care less about the state of this place. We reach the double doors to his office, complete with all of the typical items found within an office. Chairs, tables, filing cabinets, cloud terminal on the large main desk, and an actual Sparkle-Cola machine. I made a mental note as I saw a map layout of this place. The main chamber of this huge fucking cave has the parking area, or hanger if you will, for the two Veritbucks. From there two catwalks branch off, each one going left or right. The left houses the Medical bay, Armory, Equipment and Weapon repair, and Maintenance. The right held The Offices, Mess Hall, Barracks, Technical, and Command Center. We're on the right.
"Please sit." Rolling Thunder gestured to the large chair placed in front of his desk."Lightning, Rocky, and Violet, you're free to go get cleaned up if you want."
"No sir, we were saved by him, so I want to stay and throw in my two cents." Lightning Clap shook his head no and took a seat in one of the empty chairs. The others did the same and we waited while Thunder and Blue talked for a short minute, I assume Blue Sterling was loading up what he found in my Stable onto Thunder's terminal. Blue walks away and left room completely and Rolling Thunder pressed a button for the intercom.
"Attention, Nightshade and Dusty, can you two report to my office. Repeat, can Nightshade and Dusty report to my office. Thank You." He then gave me a few up down glances before clearing his throat."Now I'm sorry if I seem somewhat disorganized, it's been a hell of a time trying to manage this place. Now you're Ty-49 correct?"
"Uhh yes, sir. But...its not my real name. I don't remember my real name. Look I'm confused and I want answers, no beating around the bush." Thunder chuckled, something I'm surprised he'd do.
"Ah I understand. You've been out of the loop for while haha. We'll answer what we can, so ask away."
"How long? How long has it been?"
"200 years, give or take a few months." Lightning chipped in, my mind just goes blank. It...it can't be that long, could it?
"I can tell by your expression that you don't believe us, but unfortunately it's true." Thunder gives me a sympathetic sigh before continuing."I understand that this may be hard for you."
"I...I'm speechless right now. But...moving on from this...uhhh who are all you? The raiders in the Stable called you Enclave."
"Yep that's us, the Grand Pegasus Enclave. But...we're a bit different than most of the lot above us." Lighting Clap gave a light chuckle.
"Above us? Like above the odd cloud cover?"
"Eeyup that's their doing alright." Rocky Road chimed in."It only delays the inevitable."
"Of what exactly?"
"Well looks like you've been out of the loop longer than we thought." Rolling Thunder began to say but he stopped when Blue Sterling returned with two other ponies. One was more faded shades of purple like Violet but...she has robotic parts. Her left eye is cybernetic eye that glowed purple and she had wing braces, well they look like the frames to power armor attached to her wings. The other pony was a dusty tan color with light brown mane. He's wearing an older looking cowpony hat and is dressed like an officer."Ah Nightshade and Dusty, glad to see you two. Please come and sit down."
"I'll stand, thank you." Dusty said with a low grumble in his voice."So this is the Stable Buck Blue mentioned?"
"He is. Now that we're all gathered here, I would like for the four of you to retell us the events that transpired earlier." Thunder gestured to the four of us, leaving the two others out of it. We gave each other glances before I allow them to start this tail.
So what I can recall from the whole dilemma was that after a recent scouting mission that Lightning Clap went on to one of Stable-Tec's regional Headquarters, they found locations for several different Stables. Apparently Junction Base was and still is, is in desperately need of supplies so they decided to try to get into my Stable, which was practically a stone's throw away from them. But they got in looking for an intact water talisman and a spark core for the one of the generators. But they started to notice that there was things out of place, like recently opened cans of food, doors that normally open being inaccessible. When Blue Sterling and his guard, somepony named Dip, got to the Overmare's office and got access to the Maneframe, they found out about the cryogenic pods, Stable experiments, and me. Vec, another pony in Lightning Clap's squad was the one who put the intact Pip-buck, gun, and keys in my room, right before all the raiders that were hiding in the shadows jumped them all. Got their guns snatched pretty quickly and the raiders managed to kill both Dip and Vec. Vec...Vec was the first Enclave soldier I found. I started my story from there, thankfully the details were still sticking with me. After I finished my part there was a bit of a silence but I finally broke it."So what are you going to do to me? Am I a prisoner? Or what?"
"Well...you're obviously not a prisoner here." Thunder stated."But...uh Blue Sterling would you like to explain what you found in the Stable?"
"Of course. So Ty, do you know what they did to you? Before I start explaining everything I just wanted to know."
"No...no I have no clue...ugh..." I groaned and felt the white hot burning sensation searing its way through my skull. Blue let out an odd sound.
"Then what you're experiencing right now is part of it. The experiments conducted in Stable 149 was to surgically implant magical arcane-tech implants. Now these were put in specific areas on the body and how many were installed were based on your physical health. You still with me?" Blue stopped talking and checked on me. I was trying to fight the pain but the pain was starting to win. Everypony started to look concerned.
"Ugh...no...maybe. It hurts..." I blink a bit as white specks started to appear in my vision.
"Rocky go get a bottle of a Sparkle-Cola from the machine over there." Rolling Thunder got out of his seat at that point and went over to me. Rocky did as he was told and went over to the machine. My breathing is becoming fast and shallow, fuck I needed to snap out of it.
"He's trying to remember." Blue stated calmly, and coldly."That was one of the side effects. Something the researchers called 'The Bleed'. Reprogramming in the brain, permanent loss of memories, pain, you get the point."
"Stop...talking...before I fucking kick you...in the balls..." I groaned, the pain finally started to dull. I was given a bottle of ice cold Sparkle-Cola from Rocky and I popped the cap off and tossed it away, only for Nightshade to pick it up.
"Not to be rude but rule one in the wasteland, always save bottlecaps. Seems silly at first but this is currency out there. Here." She gave me the cap back and I just shrugged while putting it in one of my pockets.
"Eh its kinda like using cigarettes as trade. Used to do that back in the army, I think...I dunno, my mind is a jumble." I said drinking more of the carrot flavored soda, though I noticed my Pip-buck clicking a bit, hmm must be the built in radiation counter ticking. Rolling Thunder cleared his throat.
"Well I think it's time to have you all visit Medical. Dusty Breeze you're free to go if you wish."
"Good, I have other more important things to tend too. Goodbye." Dusty, the pony with the cowpony hat, left without another word. Yeah I already don't like him.
"Shall we be off then?" Thunder helped me up out of the chair and my legs feel like rubber.
The walk over to Medical was uneventful till we actually got there. I noticed there was only a hoofull of guards walking through the place. I also noticed that it was oddly quiet, like if I could remember anything, I remember military bases being noisy. But once we reached Medical and walked in, the door was open, we were met with a very interesting sight. Inside was a pink unicorn with a dirty blonde mane dressed as a doctor, taking a huge hit off a dash inhaler while snorting some kind of power. She didn't see us until Thunder got her attention."Double Barrel." The mare jumped like a ghost bit her in the ass and threw the inhaler across the room by accident, also she let out a yelp. Her muzzle is, especially around her nose, is covered in whatever the powder was.
"Fucking hell! Don't jump out at me like that! What do you want? Oh hey Nightshade." Yeah she's already getting high. Thunder just let's out a groan then a sigh.
"I was hoping you could patch up a few ponies but I see that you're busy. And why use chems during work? Ugh...look you know how I feel about you using chems."Thunder didn't seem happy. This mare, Double Barrel, let out a groan.
"Was hoping to ride this high but fuck it I guess! Alright which one of you little shits is the that wants to ruin my evening?" Wow, was not expecting her to be this blunt. Everyone took a big step back leaving me out in the open. I didn't want to be looked over by a doctor who was high, nor had this crazy look in her eyes that made me quite scared honestly.
"So it's you, huh? Fuck get over here I guess." Her horn glowed this off color dark yellow and I found myself being drug to this old looking chair."Sit down and let me look at ya." I'm roughly sat down by her and this mare starts looking me over. She...stank a bit, both her breath and natural body odor, I wanted to gag a bit. She grabbed my head and turned my head to the left so the gash caused by being shot, is visible.
"Hmm laceration on right side of cheek. So what's his story, hmm? Why bring this Stable pony all the way up here?"
"He has a name you know, Double Barrel." Violet Wave gave her a glance, which was met with a scoff.
"I know, but I'm upset that I have to work while I'm high, its bad for business."
"You've got that fucking right, still got the scar from that thank you." Lightning Clap grumbled and sat down in a waiting chair, forelegs crossed. I felt like this place was on some sort of down slop, what with this quack looking me over.
"He's from the near by Stable, Stable 149. I was hoping you could get me some X-rays on his anatomy." Blue Sterling was becoming an unlikable pony, and I was not okay with that. Double Barrel backed away from me and turned to grab a few things from a near by shelf.
"Why? What's so important about his anatomy to you? You already know what a pegasi's bone structure looks like."
"He was...experimented on while in the Stable. Little chips implanted in him. I want to make notes on what kind of implants he has, and if any of them are active." Double Barrel stopped and thought for a moment.
"Alright. But you might want to ask your boss first. Rolling Thunder, you've been really quiet over there. You want me to do this or just patch him up? His wounds aren't sever so a few healing potions and some bandages should fix him up."
"Ugh...as much as I wouldn't want to put him through anything else..." Rolling Thunder gave me a sympathetic glance before continuing."If he's willing, I would like to know what we're dealing with." Everypony looked at me and I just stared at the ground before letting out a sigh. I admit that I was curious at what was put into me so I nodded my head.
"Fine...just don't cut me open." Double Barrel laughed at that remark.
"Heheh I like this kid already. Alright let me fire up the Auto-Doc then we'll get your X-rays." She walks behind me and I could hear the sounds of a keyboard being pressed on."Ugh, it's gonna take a few minutes for it to warm up as power was detoured to other utilities." She gave a glare back at Blue Sterling, who threw his hooves up in defense.
"Hey I'm working on it! We didn't find anything in his Stable so I'll have to look back over my notes and maps for a different location." Okay now I want to know why.
"So is this place is going under then?" Thunder let out a sigh.
"I guess since you'll be staying with us for some time I figure you'd hear this from the rest of us. I'll be blunt, we're in a bad way down here. To tell you a much more shortened version of the story is that we're mostly cut off from the rest of the Enclave. Our homeland of New Cloudsdale does occasionally send down supplies. But that's rare now with everything that's been going. But we've had to ration out food and water. Our equipment has been breaking down and we're running out of power. Pretty soon if we don't find a fresh Spark Core soon, this place will shut down. We've had a few leads, one being your Stable but it was no luck. And we're almost out of fresh water, which is why we need a water talisman. There's an underground stream underneath us that we can get too but we don't know if it's drinkable. And with you here, no offense, you'll be another mouth to feed and another pony to shelter. I'm hoping you have something that you can do to pitch in around here." When he finished, Double Barrel jumped around to face me with a grin. either the drugs had kicked in full drive or something.
"That's how I got here! Their original doctor got really sick and Nightshade already knew about how good of a doctor I was, bar the few ponies who died under my care...but that's not important. Either way because I saved Nightshade's life and because she owed me a solid, I took up residents here! And I've been a huge help haven't I?" She looked back at the rest of the group, who gave varied responses. Double Barrel shrugged and picked me up out of the chair, damn she was strong."Auto-Doc is already for you. Just remove your cloths, step in, and just stand still, preferably on your hind legs." I just nodded, took off my Stable suit, and climbed into the large tube like structure.
It took only about 5 minutes for the machine to do what it was meant to do. I don't remember Auto-Docs before the war but I could care less about it. It healed my wounds, extracted another bullet out of my hind leg, and took X-rays like Blue Sterling wanted. I was in the middle of putting my suit back on when the X-rays were printed out for all to see, as well as medical reports, I guess for filing reasons.
"Well that is down right creepy." Blue muttered. It was my body so I must know.
"What is it?"
"You have...well six different implants, or chips if you want to call them that. Two embedded in your brain, one on your spine, one on your stomach, and two in your inner thighs, those last two I have no reason why they're there. But it gets worse from there. Uhh you sure you want to hear this?"
"Whatever it is, I need to know."
"You have a horn now. But let me explain. A few of the intact experiment logs I found were...disturbing. Apparently one of the chips in your head, the one latched onto your frontal lobe, is able to create a sort of artificial magic field. But it needed a conduit. So in order for one to be put in, they took a unicorn's horn, didn't say if they were dead or alive, but they melted the bone down and molded it to fit a certain area of your forehead. They took out some of your bone and put the melted unicorn horn in as replacement. So you still have bone there, its just more magical." The room fell silent and I tried to wrap my brain around the idea of Stable-Tec forcefully removing a unicorn's horn for somepony's else's use. It sickened me, and still does.
"Shit...taking a unicorn's horn is like taking a pegasus's wings and slapping them on an earth pony." Lightning Clap shook his head in disbelief.
"Agreed." Everyone in the room muttered to some degree. I was still silent till a question popped into my head.
"Can you remove them? The implants I mean." Blue just shook his head no, crushing any hope of ridding myself of this burden.
"No unfortunately. The was a fail-safe induced outlined in a log labeled, 'E-log2447'. It stated that if somepony was to remove one successfully, any other chips would release an unknown toxin that would kill them. As of right now though, your implants lie dormant, deactivated. But there are a...few ways that could reactivate them..." I didn't like what he was saying so I looked to Rolling Thunder and his...I'm assuming second in command, Nightshade, for help.
"Hey! Look I don't like bitching but could you please do something before I have to put Blue out for a while?"
"Of course. Umm Nightshade, since you're...ya know...more accustom to...well you know." Thunder seemed uneasy talking about Nightshade like that, must have been a sore subject for discussion. Nightshade nodded and stepped forward.
"Look seeing that I'm the only one here who....can speak about both sides," She drew in a breath and just looked hurt,"Ty was it? I understand that having something put into you without your consent is troubling to say the least but...cybernetics do have their uses. I can still fly like I used too and I can see out of my left eye again. So if I were to be given the oppertunity to to have very minimal cybernetics instead of these bulky braces and eye piece, I would gladly take them. But that's just my opinion." Fucking hell she made a good point somehow. I'm a solider, I follow orders and learned not to question change. I learned how to adapt and survive so if these implants could help me, then why not? I was already a ghost from an old world so why not go all in? I had nothing left to live for so fuck it.
"Alright sign me up. How can we restart these things?"
"Electroshock." As soon as Blue Sterling said that Double Barrel immediately shot up with a demented grin.
"Ooooh! I have the perfect idea! I have this old set of defibrillators we could use! I can overcharge them to give you a very nice and painful electric shock! Ooh this will be so exciting! I'll go get them!" She ran off and now I was left with the rest of them. Thunder and Nightshade walked up and tried to either comfort me or something. The rest somewhat followed suit.
"You okay? Electroshock isn't something we'ed just jump too." Blue stated giving me a look that I took as genuine concern for my health. I just shrugged.
"Go all in or die trying. I have nothing left to live for so if this kills me good, if it don't oh well there's always next time." I gave a dry chuckle."But don't worry about me. This place is falling apart and you all are worring about a ghost so don't." Violet stepped up.
"You risked your life and saved us now you just want to die because you found out your world is gone? You can make the most of it here, we can help." I let out a 'hmph'.
"We'll see. I think the quack is coming back." Double Barrel returned with an old rusted and faded white box with her. I guess the defibrillator was inside.
I laid back on the operating table with my clothing off as well as my Pip-buck removed. I reflected on how I reached the moment of being voluntarily electrocuted by a drugged out unicorn covered in scars and had a mad scientist vibe to her. I just laughed to myself and hoped that this would be enjoyable for her. Most of everypony left leaving only Rolling Thunder, Nightshade, and Blue Sterling. Double Barrel was warming up the defib unit and I had a single thought run through me, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, it seemed to fit my current predicament well.
"Alright! Clear!" Double Barrel pressed the paddles down directly on my chest and all hell broke loose. Ever been electrocuted to the point you could almost see the electrical arc between each other? This wasn't a quick zap like a doctory trying to jumpstart a heart again. Now this was a prolonged electrocution with a very old set probably way way over the expretion date. I screamed, I couldn't hold back screaming as I was getting electrocuted. She removes the pads to warm them back up and I was left gasping for air and trying to get off the table but I was strapped down.
"Double Barrel I think that was enough! Stop!" Nightshade tried to reason with her only to get shoved away.
"Too late! Clear!" She pressed the paddles back down onto my chest and an even bigger burst of electricity jumps through my entire body. I felt like I was on fire, I could smell smoke, and my head burned like somepony was stabbing me in the brain. My vision was becoming nothing but a blur...white specks dotted my vision. I felt something snap inside my mind and just like that all I saw was white light.
-Present Time-
I don't remember much of what happened after that. Nightshade had to subdue Double Barrel from going any further, that's what she told me. But what was most surprising to them all was when it was all said and done, and after my bindings were removed, I sat up and started muttering about...something...can't really remember what they said. But it had something to do with enemy positions and shit, but I actually climbed off the table and walked over to the nearest recovery bed and just collapsed on it. I was out for a good hour or so before waking up. No pony was in here but Nightshade when I woke up as Thunder had to deal with something else, something about maintenance, and Blue left to do some paperwork. I've just been sitting here staring half heartedly at nothing, just thinking. Nightshade walked out for a few minutes to get me something. But I noticed my cloths were gone completely...and I have burn marks for those paddles. I feel like that was one of the stupidest decisions I've ever made but I almost felt...I dunno...more alive when I was being electrocuted. Its an odd feeling to have, heheh somepony who likes getting hurt, I never understood that.
"Hey you there?" I jumped a bit, Nightshade snuck up on my like a ghost, dammit I was supposed to be the ghost.
"Y-yeah, yeah. I'm fine. I feel off, and I hurt a bit. But...don't worry, I think."
"Well you scared the shit out of us. I told Violet and she was fucking terrified. I think she thinks she owes you for helping her back at your Stable." I just shrug.
"I dunno. Seems like I should owe you all for just taking me in. I mean my life has just took a fucking left turn for better or worse, plus you're friend legitimately tried to kill me."
"Yeah...she's a damn idiot sometimes but...but she's still a good pony. A chem addicted ex raider and merc doctor with a kill streak. She's smart and she's good at what she does but damn does that mare have issues. Hey I brought you some fresh fatigues to wear. Oh and here's your Pip-buck back. Blue said he did something to it to help determine your implants or something but I didn't listen much." Nightshade sat a folded Enclave uniform with my Pip-buck laying on top. I thank her and get dressed. The fatigues fit well and thankfully my Pip-buck fit over the cloths. But when I looked at it I had a few things pop up on it. Something about new technology detected and something else about health or something, I didn't read it.
"Hey umm everypony is at the mess hall right for dinner, you're more than welcome to join us." Nightshade said while walking towards the door. I nod and follow right behind her.
The walk over to the mess hall was quiet and I honestly liked it that way. But the closer we got to the hall the louder voices became apparent. We entered that large cafeteria and there were was such as happy atmosphere in here. Classic pre-war music was playing on a radio while a few ponies were dancing. It...felt nice...like a pub almost. We both grabbed a food try and was severed steamed vegetables and some buttered bread, the meal of champions. The pony behind the counter, ironically named Crunch, had the sleazy bartender vibe, but was smiling. I guess morale was pretty high among everyone here. We met up with Lightning Clap, Rocky Road, and Violet Wave, sitting at near by table.
"Well damn, you're still kicking!" Lightning raised an eyebrow at me and I just sat down in silence before giving a sly grin.
"Why do you sound surprised? You put a bet on me or something?"
"Kinda. Rocky and I had a small bet going on. Guess I owe him and a few others a few packs of cigarettes then." We all shared a chuckle and we started to talk some more. I found out a bit more about my four new friends. Lightning Clap and Rocky Road were in a relationship and usually worked together, though Rocky worked in the Security department. Violet was one of only two engineers in Junction. Nightshade was Rolling Thunder's second in command here despite she's only a Lieutenant. A few questions were asked about me but I only gave vague answers as I didn't have some of the answers.
"So you're a veteran then?" Rocky asked and I nodded.
"Yeah...I think so. My memory is still fuzzy on that but I think so. I seem to have killed somepony before." I grumbled that last part.
"Hey don't think about that right now. Hey Crunch! Break out the booze, I need to cheer my savior up!" Would I be court marshaled if I bashed Lightning Clap with my meal tray?
A few shots of Wild Pegasus Whiskey later I feel much better. I can only remember bits of anything but I could remember that I have a soft spot for alcohol. Violet seemed very close to me after drinking too, hey more the merrier. But the fun seemed to stop after Rolling Thunder walked in. But he just chuckled."Please don't stop on my account." The small party seemed to restart some. Rolling Thunder walked up to us and he seemed surprised when he saw me, probably because I was trying to get the whiskey bottle from Rocky."I want some more dammit!"
"Fuck you, you've had enough! Let somepony else have som- oh Lieutenant Colonel Rolling Thunder!" Rocky gets up and saulted him, well he was a bit buzzed already.
"At ease Rocky. I was hoping to speak with Ty for a few moments but I see you're busy at the moment."
"No, no, I'm good I'm good." I said pushing Lightning Clap away from me, he was getting a bit to close."I'm not as drunk as the rest. I've had harder stuff in the past."
"Heheh alright follow me then."
Within a few minutes I was back in his office and we both took a seat. I found it surprising that I wasn't drunker than just a light buzz, something I found odd. Rolling Thunder's voice snapped me back to my senses."You zoned out again. Look Ty...I want personally thank you for saving some of my troops. It's been a hell of a time trying to keep this place running, and we were getting reckless, desperate for any source of supplies." He took a deep breath before continuing."We've...we've lost great ponies over the three years this facility has been in operation, including my friend and co commander here, Thicket, General Thicket."
"And he built this place?"
"Sorta. He pulled some serious strings in New Cloudsdale to start construction. I've been good friends with him for some time before he became General. But Thicket had visions for this place. You see...the Enclave are...isolationists, always have been since the Last Day. We closed up the skies and never looked back...well till now."
"So...you...you abandoned Equestria once the bombs started falling?"
"Y-yeah but-" I let anger get the better of me, and the whiskey too probably.
"TRAITORS! I sacrificed my blood sweat and tears for the country I called home! We lost great soldiers in the Great War and yet the pegasi, my own kind, abandoned your...your own red blooded Equestrians to the Stripe bombs that killed my friends and family!" I blinked...realizing I shouted way too hard...and then I started to laugh."B-but what's the point anymore? Hmm? The world I knew is dead and buried, so...why worry anymore? Take my chances and hope that this new world kills me fast..." Thunder glared at me for a moment before one of his grey wings roughly slapped me in the face, something I deserved. I rubbed my cheek for a bit before slumping back into my chair and look at the ground, a good way to show defeat. Thunder let out a sigh and sat back down in his own chair.
"Not apologizing for that,but I understand your anger...and honestly I share the same feelings sometimes. But that's why this place exists. Once it was fully operational we were going to give aid to the ponies of the wasteland. Most of everypony here shares some of the same ideals. But that idea faltered after Thicket's death..."
"What happened?"
"He was returning with his daughter Nightshade when an unknown group of ponies shot down their Vertibuck. Thicket died of his wounds pretty quickly but Nightshade survived. Both wings were broke and he left eye was...was just missing, and we couldn't recover her or him. But thankfully, by Celestia's own grace, and a bit of luck, Nightshade was found by a traveling doctor. Double Barrel, the same mare who gave you quite a shock...pardon the pun. She fixed her, heh even took it upon herself to steal cybernetics from the damn Steel Rangers. Look Double Barrel is a nut and has quite a past reputation of...torture and murder, but she's good at what she does. So...the reason why I brought you here is...well I wouldn't be asking this if I didn't need it...but we need help."
"You guys may be traitors but you're trying to redeem something. So go big or die trying, I'm in. What do you need?"
"Really just like that?" Thunder seemed to be taken back by that. I just chuckled.
"Look, I'm a soldier, a product of the army. I feel lost without getting orders, so I wanna help, besides you said I needed to pitch in to stay here. So what's the mission, sir?" This should be fun.
"We're running out of drinkable water and we're running out of power. You already know the reasons why so it's just a matter of getting you to someplace that has both things. You'll be going out into the wastes to find a water talisman and a Spark Core. I suggest starting at Junction R-7, the little town you saw at the bottom of the mountain. Its run by the Talons, a group of highly trained and well armed griffons. But there are merchants and traders that could point you to a location, preferably an abandoned hospital or military installation. Oh but you'll need this." Rolling Thunder pulled out a book from his desk. It's a makeshift book with a unicorn skull on the front.
"'The Wasteland Survival Guide, by Ditzy Doo.' Wait...I remember that name...I...ugh...dammit it hurts to remember." I groaned.
"Don't stress yourself out. I suggest you read up on that. Now there is one more thing. Blue Sterling and his almost magical way with technology, was able to restore a few files from the Stable about you. You're welcome to read them too if you want, there's not much but its a bit more than before. And here's a key to your room." He slid over a file folder and a small keycard.
"Room, sir?"
"Yes. I talked it over with Nightshade and we decided to give you General Thicket's room. Nightshade thought it would nice for somepony else to give the room some needed love and affection. She seems happier now which is a nice change of pace. But for now," Rolling Thunder rose from his chair and gestured for me to do the same, which I did."Welcome to the Enclave, Specialist." Her gave me a salute and I did the same.
"Glad to be back in the saddle, sir. Let's show those commie bastards who their messing with."
-Footnote-
Quest/Companion Perks-
Magix M22 Implant- A specialized neurological implant designed to produce a low level telekinetic field. Basic telekinesis spell acquired.
MG13-12 Implant- Implant designed to alter a pony's immune and digestive system so they can take in more hazardous substances for nourishment. Poison and Radiation resistance increased by 25%.
Author's Note
Big thanks to my friend for letting me use his OCs.
