Fallout Equestria: We Lucky Few

CHAPTER 3 - THE DATE

I.

Am.

Exhausted.

The night had proven to be, well, restless to say in the least. The amount of tossing and turning I had done must had been enough to give me a good workout, as by the time morning came I had worked up a more than exceptional sweat. Hell, even my joints felt swollen and sore. I mean Luna forbid if my mind would have been able to actually calm down enough to allow me to get even just a second of sleep.

I kept raising my PipBuck up to my eyes as if I hoped that at least once the time would reverse so I could attempt to get some sleep, but of course nothing of the sort happened as my PipBuck's built in clock continued to inch closer and closer towards the seven a.m. mark. That being said, even if somehow time did manage to go back a few hours I could tell that my brain was still far too active to allow such a preposterous thing like sleep to even remotely happen. The amount of stuff floating around up there was nothing less than mind numbing.

Why was Ivory all of a sudden so eager to make a move after all of these years?

Why did we have to get sex-blocked?

Why did the date get pushed forward so suddenly?

Why did we have to be up at freaking seven in the morning so we could be there on time?

Why did we have to be up at SEVEN IN THE DAMN MORNING!?

"Ugh ... Somepony just kill me now." I huffed to myself as my PipBuck's clock finally managed to hit the bright and early hour of seven in the morning.

I unenthusiastically rolled out of bed, my hoofs planting themselves against the floor with a pathetic yet heavy thud. My entire body ached as I shuffled over to my nightstand with a speed so slow that a snail would more than likely be cursing at me to speed up. I didn't even bother throwing on my usual Stable barding as I knew that I would just have to replace it with my security uniform the second I made my way down there. Instead, all I did to prepare myself was give my mane and tail a quick brush, followed by a quick rinsing of the mouth with a mysterious flavor of Stable-Tec brand mouthwash that was anything but pleasing to use.

Once I was (dare I say) presentable, I pulled up my PipBuck to see if I had enough time to at least go down to the cafeteria and grab a quick bite to eat. Luckily, that seemed to be the only thing that was going today, as it was only 7:08 by the time I had finished getting ready.

The Stable was once again quiet for the second day in a row, however at least now it made sense as the only ponies who would actually be up at this time would be maintenance and security ponies that had a night shift. Nonetheless, it made the walk to the cafeteria somehow both unsettling and relaxing at the same time. However, this quiet feeling instantaneously changed as I opened up the door to the cafeteria.

The second the door opened, I was violated with a literal monsoon of sounds and smells. Ponies were laughing and cheering, trays were slamming against tables, and don't even get me started on the amazing smells! Fresh fruits and vegetables lined the serving area, free for the taking. There were even freshly made blueberry muffins that appeared to still be warm to the touch. This all being said, I was rather confused. For one, I was pretty sure that there had never been this many ponies up this early at any given time within the history of Stable 76. For two, despite how good the smells in here were, it was something that definitely wasn't normal in the Stable as I was so used to the usual boring smells of processed foods and pre-cooked meals that the smell of something freshly cooked was something that honestly woke me up a little bit, thankfully so. Naturally, I was rather curious as to what exactly was going on, so I decided to do some asking around as I snatched up a tray.

Apparently, the Overmare had sent out some sort of message to the chef ponies giving them permission to prepare as much freshly made food as they wanted for the day, as it was a day that was obviously meant for celebration. And let me tell you, there couldn't have been a better way to turn this morning around.

It wasn't long until I had anxiously taken a seat at one of the more empty tables in the cafeteria, as I was still far to tired to carry a conversation with anypony. I glared down at my tray of apples, carrots, celery, and a fresh blueberry muffin that still had steam emitting from it. I could feel my mouth watering as I went in for the first bite of the muffin.

And sweet Celestia it was amazing!

The muffin practically melted in my mouth as I took the first bite. It wasn't long until I had managed to scarf down practically the entire tray of food. I was sure that I looked like a ravenous slob to those around me, but I was both too tired and too hungry to care at this point. It wasn't until I was on my last few bites of celery when the rather large figure of Bouncer somehow managed to sneak up on me.

"Hey there Silver!" His kind but loud voice boomed as his hoof went over my shoulder.

I let out a smell yelp of panic as I coughed up the piece of celery that I was attempting to swallow.

"Oh! Didn't mean to scare ya there." He blushed, nervously removing his hoof.

"Ah." I choked. "You're ... You're fine Bouncer. We need to get you a bell though." I playfully chuckled, as this was something all of the security ponies had joked with Bouncer with for the longest of times. I mean honestly though, how could a pony so big and as loud as him be so light on his hooves?

"So, how's your morning been? You excited for the big day?" He smiled with glee.

"Well, morning could have been a little better. Didn't exactly get much sleep." I said, taking another bite of the amazingly prepared blueberry muffin.

"Any idea why?" He asked.

I once again choked on my food a little bit, as I knew I couldn't just tell people the main reason I was unable to sleep, as I imagine Ivory would have my head if I just went around saying that we almost slept together.

"Umm ... Just one of those nights I suppose. Nervous stomach is all." I partially lied.

"Well that's understandable. I mean, we do have a big day ahead of us after all! I can picture it now, the green hills, colorful landscapes, and the smiling faces of other ponies as we leave the Stable for the first and last time! Doesn't it all just sound so amazing! It'll be just like in the story books!" He began to ramble on.

"Uh, yeah." I paused, as I was still rather groggy. "Definitely going to be an exciting day." I gave a tired smile.

"Anyway, came over to see if you wanted to run up to the security room with me to grab our gear. If you're not that's fine and all, but it never hurts to ask!" He smiled, giving a grin that practically matched the rather overly enthusiastic smiley face that was his cutie mark.

"Actually, that'd be nice. The halls felt rather empty today anyway." I responded, finally finishing the last bit of muffin as I sat up from the table.

"Huh, you notice that to?" His head tilted.

The walk to the security room was every bit as quiet as the walk to the cafeteria. Even Bouncer (for some odd reason) was rather silent as we made our way to our next destination.

"Hey Bouncer." I reluctantly asked. "Have you by any chance had an odd feeling in your stomach these past few days?"

"Not since last night, but I just assumed I was getting butterflies due to how amazing this day is going to be!" He gave another smile, but it quickly switched to a look of concern. "Why? Not been feeling well or something?"

"Eh, not really. I've just had an off feeling these past few days. Just haven't really been able to put my hoof on it is all, you know?"

"Well, yeah, I understand what you mean. But you're more than likely just nervous about the big day!" He gave a heartfelt smile. "And really, who could blame ya? I mean, we've lived here our whole lives, so a change as big as this would be more than enough to get your stomach in a twist." His words were heartfelt and meaningful, and in all honesty, they helped. Bouncer had always been good at seeing the good in things, as he was always more of a glass half full type of pony.

It was about then when we reached the security room. As the door hissed opened, I noticed that Fire Light and Rusty Armor were both already here, each in the middle of putting on their full security gear.

"Not often we have to put on these heavy old things." Fire Light announced as she attempted to squish down her red, somehow permanently wind swept mane into her security helmet, seemingly struggling with getting her horn through the provided hole in the helmet.

"Yeah, but at least today it makes sense as to why we have to put it all on. Isn't exactly like we know what we'll be looking at once that door opens. Hell, I hear that the land up top is just as destroyed and nasty as it was the day the MegaSpells hit." Rusty retorted, his words seeming to once again reawaken the thoughts that Bouncer had just managed to calm down.

"And who exactly has been saying that?" Bouncer spoke up, alerting both Fire light and Rusty Armor to our presence, causing both of the ponies to slightly jump.

"Oh, sir. Didn't see you standing there." Fire Light said as her helmet finally managed to properly find its way onto her head. "We still haven't gotten you that bell I see."

"Evidently not." Bouncer slyly grinned as he waltzed over to his locker. "So Rusty, what's with the negative thoughts?" Bouncer said, quickly glancing at me as if he knew all too well that Rusty's words had gotten to me.

"Well, I mean, come on. What proof do we really have that the surface is healed?" Rusty said, nearly tripping over himself as he attempted to put on his leg guards.

"Look at it this way. If the surface wasn't healed, then why in the world would we be getting an official message from Stable-Tec themselves saying otherwise? It's not like they would lie to us about such a thing." Bouncer smirked, knowing all too well that he was giving a very valid point (and also being backed into a verbal corner).

"Yeah Rusty, what you're saying is just ridiculous. Quit being such a downer and put on your armor. We gotta make today go as smoothly as possible, so we don't need any negative, useless thoughts like that floating around up there." Fire Light added in, finally managing to slip on the rest of her armor.

After all that, Rusty now look defeated. He swiftly rolled his eyes as he began to fasten the last bits of his armor, letting out a small chuckle as if to say he was only joking around.

"You gonna start getting ready there Silver?" I heard Bouncer say amongst the brief silence, causing me to realize that I was still standing in the doorway. "We have to be up at the Stable door in 15 minutes."

"Ah, yeah, sorry. I must have spaced out." I shook my head as if to snap myself out of the funk I was very obviously in, walking over to my locker.

I slid on my Security Utility barding and then began to put on the actual pieces of Security Armor, which consisted of a helmet with face shield, full body vest made from a blast resistant foam, and front and rear leg guards that had just enough coverage to give you both adequate protection and decent mobility, all of which was colored in a dark, matte black (other than the small yellow 76 located on the top of the helmet and sides of the vest).

However, as nice as the armor was, it was rather heavy. Specifically the vest, which must have easily weighed around twenty pounds. While yes, this didn't sound like that much at first, once you've had it on for a few hours twenty pounds was easily enough to tire you out. This all being said, a liked wearing the armor. While there was never a practical use for it in the Stable, I always found it fun to wear as it just made you feel powerful, like you could take on anypony you wanted! Plus, every time I looked at the armor it made me remember the silly 'Initiation' thing all of the new Security ponies had to do that involved the Security vest and an old broomstick that Bouncer kept in his locker.

I let out a small chuckle as I slid on the vest. "Hey guys, remember the Security Initiation thing we all made each other do?"

This seemed to catch all of their attention, seemingly for the better.

"Yeah, what about it?" Bouncer spoke up, more than likely knowing where I was headed with this.

"What do ya say we each do one more for good luck?" I smirked, my mind finally seeming to calm itself as it began to look at the bright side of the things yet to come.

I didn't receive a verbal response, but instead a few glares that nearly instantly turned into heartfelt smiles.

"You bet your ass we should!" Rusty jumped up on his hind legs, waving his front hoofs in the air before he came back down.

"That's the kind of positive but reckless thinking I like to hear!" Fire Light chimed in.

"Well then, guess it's a unanimous decision." Bouncer smirked as he pulled the broom stick from his locker. "Just you all better expect me to make it a good one."

"Wouldn't want it any other way." I gave a cocky grin.

Next thing I knew, we were all lined up to leave the room, Bouncer standing at the door with stick in hoof.

"So how you all plan on doing this?" Bouncer smiled.

"As quick and effective as possible!" Fire Light continued, the rest of us nodding in agreement.

From there, one by one we charged out of the room, Bouncer giving each of us a strong smack on the back with the broomstick, each time seaming harder and more enthusiastic than the last. Sadly, I was the last to go, so I knew all too well that I would be getting hit the hardest. But I didn't mind, as I knew this was something that we would all remember for days to come, and look back on as something we were proud we did.

One slightly aching back later, and it was Bouncer's turn.

"Y'all better make it a damn good one!" He smiled as Fire Light levitated the stick into the air, both Rusty and I grabbing on to swing it down with full force.

The stick made strong impact with the padding on his gear, causing a deep thud to echo throughout the room.

"Mmm!" Bouncer huffed without opening his mouth, signaling that we must have given him the good one he was asking for. "That was definitely a good one!"

We were now all laughing as we traveled the halls of the Stable, reminiscing on past events and incidents that we had all now thought of as funny. It was a rather nice feeling. In fact, this had been the second best I had felt in the past few days. We were all so busy joking around and laughing that it wasn't until we reached the Stable door that I realized we were there.

As I looked around, I was greeted by a slew of maintenance ponies and a lone Overmare frost, who was currently barking overly dramatic orders to the surrounding ponies.

"Alright team!" She boasted. "I want this place as spotless as possible for the party this afternoon! It won't be long until everypony else will be lined up and ready to leave!" It was around then when she noticed that the remainder of her Security force had arrived.

"Ah! It's about time you all got here! I was hoping the rest of you could make sure everypony else is ready for the big day! Make sure all ponies have their things packed and look presentable!"

"Yes M'am!" We all yelled in Unison as we turned to head back the same way we came.

"Except for you Silver!" She continued, causing me to stop dead in my now excited tracks. "I would like you to stay here. We've already had a few excited ponies try and get in here before the given time, so I'd like you to assist in keeping them out of the room until we are ready."

"Yes M'am!" I responded, my newfound burst of happiness slowly beginning to diminish as I realized that the rest of my time up here would be rather boring and lonely without my fellow security members.

Either way, I had to obey her orders. And luckily, this day seemed to be going by rather quick, as before I knew it the time had already managed to reach the 12 o'clock mark.

Sweet Celestia ... There was only an hour left. One small hour and my entire life would change for what was more than likely the better. However, this made me realize that I had yet to even see, let alone speak, to Ivory today. Naturally, this was something I was definitely wanting to do before the mass of Stable ponies began making their way to the main entrance.

I began looking around, as I knew that she had to have been somewhere in the general vicinity considering all members of maintenance had to report at the same time as us. However, there was a considerably larger amount of maintenance ponies than just about any other job in the Stable, so finding her was proving to be difficult.

I was almost willing to admit defeat in finding her, but amidst my frantic searching I felt a light and familiar tap on the side of my armor. I turned to be greeted by the grease smeared face of Ivory, who quickly planted a light smooch on my cheek, leaving behind the smallest amount of grease in the progress.

"Looking for somepony?" She smiled, her face (despite being extremely dirty) looking as happy as I've ever seen her.

"Was it that obvious?" I blushed, returning the favor of her quick yet passionate kiss.

"I'm afraid so." She playfully smirked. "But I can't say that I'm not flattered. It's not often I have somepony searching for me with such determination." We then exchanged a quick hug.

By the goddesses, if only she knew truly knew the amount of times I had been caught looking at her in the past, as it was easily in the thousands by now.

"So, you excited for the big day?" She continued as we pulled apart from our hug.

"Well yeah, especially considering what all you said last night." I blurted this out with instantaneous regret, as I knew that I must have sounded like a desperate idiot. However, to my surprise, she responded far differently than what I was expecting.

"Ooh, again with the flattering." She grinned. "I guess you do look rather cute in that barding. I always liked a mare in uniform."

"Have you always been this much of a flirt?" I playfully asked. "I mean, not that I'm complaining, but I'm just curious if this is gonna be a regular thing?"

"Is that a problem?" She responded, obviously knowing the answer to her question.

"Of course not. I just don't think you know exactly how long I've wanted this from you."

Okay ... now that one I knew I was going to regret saying. Wasn't sure I could sound any more desperate than that.

"Eh, give or take a few years." She once again responded to my surprise. "Now, get to work!" She continued, attempting to sound as much like the Overmare as she possibly could.

"Sweet Celestia I love you." I said, as she practically had me melting in her hoofs at this point.

"I love you too my little Security Mare." She smiled as she gave one last kiss. "Now, we really should get to work. It's time for all the other ponies to show up. I'll see you on the other side." She gave one last adorable smile before she turned to return to her job of what I now knew was cleaning the Stable door, something that I couldn't imagine was anything less than unpleasant.

It was about then when I noticed that the amount of ponies in the room had significantly grown once more. I couldn't even hear the barking orders of Overmare Frost anymore, which was enough to tell me that at any given moment Overmare Frost would be rounding up the security ponies to tell us to start lining up all the other ponies to the best of our abilities. I quickly gave my PipBuck a glance to check on the time, which was setting at a solid 12:10. Yep, it'll be any minute now.

And of course, it was around then when the magically amplified voice of the Overmare boomed over the still growing crowd.

"Attention Everypony!" The noise slowly but surely began to die down. "As you may all know, the door will be unlocked and able to open at any given moment! So, if you could all please line up in a single file line and cooperate as much as possible with the members of security, this will all go by much faster! I am sure we are all anxious to leave and see the new world outside!"

Her orders then seemed to play on repeat as all of the ponies began shuffling themselves into a line. On occasion, I was able to see my fellow members of security practically corralling all of the other anxious ponies. There was no doubt that the room was putting off both a nervous and excited aura. In fact, you could practically feel it in the air if hearing it wasn't enough. This all said, everypony was being extremely cooperative. It wasn't long until the combined efforts of Security and the Overmare had everypony lined up in a nice single file line that extended all the way into the halls of the first floor.

It was now 12:55.

"Security! Have you all made sure that everypony is here and away from their rooms?" The OverMare's voice echoed throughout the large room.

"Yes m'am!" I heard Bouncer's somehow equally loud voice respond from somewhere in the back half of the room. "Everypony is here and accounted for!"

"Alright then! Everypony, the time is coming soon! All we must do now is wait for the unlock code from Stable-Tec, and then we will get to witness the new healed world for the first time in Stable 76's history! Is everypony excited?"

The room then exploded with sounds of excitement, joy, and laughter that quickly began to die down to nothing more than whispers as the countdown until one o'clock began, and let me tell you, this was easily the longest five minutes of my life. The nervous feeling in my stomach had more than re-surfaced. I honesty felt like I could relieve my stomach of its contents at any given moment, but I managed to keep them down.

12:59.

Any second now. Any second the Overmare would be getting a message from Stable-Tec containing the code for the Stable door. The room had fallen dangerously silent. It was almost enough to send a shiver down your spine.

Any.

Second.

Now!

The second the clock struck one, a distorted ding from the Overmare's PipBuck softly bounced throughout the room. You could practically see the wave of excited ponies lean in as the OverMare began typing a code onto the Stable door's control panel, an excited smile across her face.

"Is everypony ready for the new, healed world?" She yelled out as she typed in the final piece of the code.

The quite room immediately began shaking as the door slowly pulled away from it's frame, the sounds of heavy metallic screeching, air seals breaking, excited ponies, and a very new sounding siren filled the air. The amount of sounds flooding into my ears right now had to have easily been enough to shatter one's eardrums.

The feeling in my stomach was now excruciating, and the slew of loud sounds weren't helping. I noticed myself looking around for somepony (preferably Ivory) for comfort, but no pony I was comfortable with was any where to be seen unless I included Bouncer, who was currently hard at work keeping ponies in line.

The door was finally open enough to the point where you could sort of see the outside world. You could see light and ... dust coming through.

Wait.

Something was off.

The light was dark instead of bright and sunshine-y. The dust was a putrid brown color, and was thick enough that one would easily need some sort of breathing device to properly remain in it for a longer period of time. As the dust rolled further inside the Stable, a new sound began to fill the air.

It was un unfamiliar but known sound of around 100 PipBuck Geiger counters going off at once.

No. Something is wrong. The outside was supposed to be healed, why was radiation like this still present?

I looked around at the surrounding mass of ponies, all of which were now sporting the same worried face as the Stable door opened the rest of the way. However, all of them remained silent, as if they were waiting on orders as to what they should do.

"Umm ... " The Overmare's magically enhanced voice began to fill the room as the door came to a screeching halt, all of the Sirens slowly dying down with it. "If I could have everypony's attention. It seems that there has bee-"

*BANG*

A sound resembling that of thunder echoed from just outside of the Stable Door, followed by the Overmare's head gaining the addition of a large, hoof sized hole that immediately began to leak out a thick red liquid that was very clearly a mixture of blood, brain, and bone.

Her lifeless body fell to the ground, a red pool forming at her resting place.

No.

No.

This was wrong.

I, as well as every other pony in the Stable, knew that this was wrong. The surface wasn't healed at all. Stable-Tec had lied.

The only thing that followed was nothing less than mass panic.