Chapter One: An Assignment

"We've got a job to do!"

It was the annoying beep from my alarm clock that woke me. I stuck my right foreleg out from under my covers, felt around for my nightstand, found it, and slammed my pipbuck down onto the tabletop until I hit the right button making it stop. I groaned and stretched, earning a series of pops from my back.

"Morning sleepyhead." A soft voice said. Looking up, I saw a red unicorn mare with a periwinkle mane and violet eyes peering down at me from the top half of my bunk.

"Hey, sis," I mumbled as I half-crawled, half-tumbled out of bed.

This is my sister Ace, one of the veterinarians of Stable 80.

Out of all the ponies in the stable, she was most known for causing trouble every now and then, such as, picking locks, sneaking out of the stable (or at least tried), and most recently drawing a mustache on the Overmare when she was asleep.

The only reason the Overmare didn't punish her too hard was because father, who was a friend of Overmare's family. But that didn't mean she couldn't punish Ace.

Ace also had a huge talent for magic. HUGE. Within days, she could master spells took other months, even ears, to prefect. She could even create her own magic-powered pranks.

"Oh! Remember the smoke bombs!" Ace asks excitedly.

"How could I forget those," I respond, looking back at old memories. "But let's not get off track."

"Rough, night?" she asked, giggling as I got up.

"You have no idea," I answered, trotting toward the mirror on the far side of our room.

"I would think so, you worked non-stop on the generators last night." She replied hopping off the top of the bunk.

"Don't remind me." I huffed, looking at myself in the mirror.

Working on the generators wasn't easy in any way. My mane and tail were VERY messy, but at least they sill had their brown color. My coat was dark blue but, covered with grime. Some of it covered my cutie mark, which was a screwdriver forming an 'X' with a wrench, over a buzz saw blade.

Ace trotted over to the mirror, her mane and tail were combed perfectly, her coat didn't have a single speck on it, her cutie mark--a ball of magical energy colors pink, purple and blue surround by a series of sparks, was flawless.

"You look like you could use a shower," she said, trying really hard not to laugh at my reflection.

"No shit," I replied.

"Why don't you head on down to the showers, I'll meet you there." she said, trotting to the closet to get her uniform.

"Good idea," I mumbled, leaving the room.

Trotting down to the showers, I passed the library where I saw Sunflower the librarian, who I have to say is one of the hottest mares here, reading a story to a group of foals, waving as I passed by, to which I waved back blushing. Seeing them reminded me of when me and Ace were foals.

Open Book, the librarian back then, read storybooks to us about the Princesses and the Elements of Harmony, we used to pretend we were element's, and go on crazy adventures throughout the stable. One time, Ace pretended the Overmare was a "dark lord" and decided to "end her reign of terror", or in other words"drop a bucket of mud of her head."Boy, was she angry, mom grounded Ace for two whole months! I'm glad I wasn't her.

As I reached the showers, giggling attracted my attention. Looking into one of the stalls, two mares were "playing" in the kind of way that got any stallion aroused...

"Ugh..." Ace moans in an exaggerated manner. "Why the hell would you include that?"

"I don't know," I shrug, "I thought our listeners here would enjoy it."

"Nopony want's hear about what they did."

"I have to agree with your sister," one of them says.

"I don't know. It sounds like my kind of fun," the other smiles.

I let out a chuckle as Ace face-hoofs.

"Anyway..."

If behavior like that was caught in public, it was punished by non-stop twenty four hour work. Seriously! The worst part is one of my jobs is to stop that kind of behavior. I guess you can say that sucks. Pretty soon they looked up at me with shocked expressions before turning them to seductive ones. Oh boy, I know where this is going.

"Don't mind me ladies, I'm just here to get a shower," I explained, attempting to get to the next stall.

"I don't know about that," the white mare, Silver, said turning to her partner. "He peeked in at us as we were enjoying ourselves, so I think he needs to be punished. What do you think?"

"I agree," the violet mare, Orchid, replied as they slowly trotted towards me, tails swishing from side to side. "Besides, he's filthy, he'll need some help cleaning those 'tough to reach spots.'"

Oh, crap! Well, I had to have seen this coming. These two always had a crush on me. I didn't mind, but only if they respected my space. Sometimes when I was cornered by them, Ace would usually come to my rescue, either tossing her homemade smoke bombs, using stun spells, or casting a blinding light spell, I owed her lot.

I was really tired anyway, and she would be waiting for me, so I decided to decline.

"Sorry ladies," I said as they circled me, "I'm afraid I don't have time right now."

Their expression turned to disappointment, but then turned mischievous, apparently they came up with a new way to seduce me.

"Are you sure?" Orchid asked, giving me puppy dog eyes, "Can't you stay for a "little" fun?" trotting past me, brushing her tail under my chin.

I chuckled, "Nice try, but that won't work on me."

Their smiles turned to frowns as I entered the next stall.

"Relax," I called over, "I won't tell anypony what you're up to. But you may want to take it somewhere more private."

I turned the lever, feeling relief as hot water flowed over my muscles.

As exited the shower, I found Ace was waiting outside dressed up in her uniform, she was holding a towel and my uniform.

She had an unimpressed look on her face as she watched Silver and Orchid go by.

"Seriously?" She asked, levitating me the towel. "This is the third time this week."

"I know," I replied, drying myself off. "They keep trying at every opportunity. Sorry."

Ace rolled her eyes, "You know, sometimes I feel like you enjoy the attention they give you."

"You're joking right?" I asked, throwing the towel into a nearby washer as she passed me my uniform. "They're nice, but they can be really annoying." As I finished putting on my uniform I slyly grinned.

"Why do you ask anyway? Are you jealous you don't have a couple of stallions after you?"

Ace stepped back shocked, her cheeks flushed a shade of pink, "No! Why would I want somepony chasing after me? The only one..." She trailed off.

"Are you sure you're okay with me tell this part?" I ask Ace.

"It's fine bro," she nods with a smile. "I'd rather not keep it locked up."

My grin disappeared, and in one swift motion I wrapped her into an embrace. I held her tightly as she cried into my shoulder, dampening it and my uniform. I didn't mind, all I cared about right now was staying with her. This attracted the attention of a couple of workers trotting down the hall, I gave them a death glare and they were gone.

You see, two years ago, Ace had a colt friend named Steel Girder. Like me, he was a engineer, and a good friend of the family, he was like a brother to me. He was good at making jokes, and always had knack for stealing my lunch. One day there was a problem with one of the generators, while repairing it he was electrocuted. Ace wasn't the same for six months! It was hard to believe it was still bothering her.

"Look at me Ace," I lifted her head up to look at me, "I miss him too, he always was there you when you were feeling lonely, and haven't I done the same ever since his death?"

Wiping away her tears, she nodded.

"Exactly, so the reason your angry is because I have a lot of mares chasing after me, and it's keeping me from spending time with you. Is that it?" She nodded again, "Okay, if that's the case, then I'll spend more time with you, okay?"

Smiling, she nodded one last, "Okay." She then snuggled into my shoulder, and tightened her embrace, "Thanks big bro, your the best!"

"Anything for you little sis," I reply, returning the embrace, "Anything for you." Our embrace continued for a few more minutes before we pulled apart. "So, wanna get some breakfast?"

She beamed at that, "Yes please!"

"Alright, let's get going before they're all out." As soon as my back was turned Ace bolted past down the hall.

"Last one there's a rotten egg!" she called back.

"Hey! No fair, cheater!" I shouted back, chasing after her, the both of us laughing the whole way.

It was tie.

We were both pretty exhausted once we made. So we heading straight for the kitchen, grabbing our trays.

"Morning you two!"

We looked over at the old, salmon colored stallion dressed in an apron -- Omelet.

"Hey Omelet," I responded, "How are you doing?"

"I can't complain, though I am getting considering retirement."

"No!" Ace replied, horrified. "If you retire, who'll make me my favorite cheese omelet!"

"There are other chefs Ace," I chuckled.

"But Omelet makes the best!"

Omelet smiled, "I appreciate the compliment, but I'm losing interest in this work."

"Aww."

"Don't fret. Until that happens, I'll still make you your favorite."

"Yay!"

I rolled my eyes as I chose french toast, eggs, and a carton of milk. Ace got her omelet along with pancakes, a bowl a fruit, and a juice box.

"Gadget, Ace, over here!" A voice called.

Turning, we both saw a earth pony stallion sitting at a table, waving at us. He had a dark gray coat, brown eyes, his mane was black and was a mohawk with yellow zigzags, his tail was short, black, and had yellow zigzags as well. His cutie mark was a flashlight. It was Shine.

Oh, you're probably wondering why he called us Mech and Vet. The reason for that is because of our jobs. My job is being a Mechanic, hence the name Mech, Ace's job was being a nurse, but that wasn't why she was nicknamed Vet, the reason for that is because she was also a veterinarian due to her love of animals.

We trotted over to the table Shine was at to see 2 unicorns over there as well, one was a mare, she had a brown coat, a red mane and tail, green eyes, her cutie mark was 4 green gems, it was Gem Stone, an expert jewel finder. The other unicorn was a stallion, his coat was white, his eye, mane and tail were bright green, his cutie mark was a green apple, coincidentally his name was Green Apple.

"Hey, guys!" I said as we reached the table.

"Hey, Mech, Vet," Gem Stone greeted.

"Hello," Green Apple said as well.

"How are things with you guys?" Ace, asked.

"I've been stuck, helping out in dark places," Shine replied. "The workers have been having trouble using magic to see in the dark, since it requires a lot of concentration, keeping them from working. So they need me to 'shine' the light for them."

I deadpanned as smile as Ace, Gem, and Green groaned at the last part.

"Well," Gem Stone said, trying to move past the terrible pun. "I've been helping the excavators with digging up some recently discovered amethysts."

"Cool," Ace replied. "Those are the purple ones right?"

"Correct."

"The excavation teams job was to dig up as many gems they could to be harvested for power. I know what you're thinking, 'How the heck are crystals used for power sources?' "

"It does sound intriguing."

"Well, about fifty years after the war the generators for the stables were losing power, so the inhabitants needed to come up with a way to keep things going. The tried excavating the ground beneath the Stable in hopes of coming across anything that could used for fuel. Instead, they came across a huge deposit of gems.

The scientists among them discovered that gems could be harnessed into fuel. So our Stable was literally powered by gems. Cool huh?"

"We've also dug up some rubies and emeralds." Gem said.

"The rubies are green, and the emeralds are red right?" Ace asked.

"Complete opposite actually."

I chuckled, "What's the matter Ace? Going colorblind?"

"Shut up!" Ace cried, as everypony busted out laughing. "You know I can forget things! Besides, mares can't go colorblind."

"True," Gem Stone agreed.

When everybody calmed down, Green spoke up.

"I've been busy with the gardens. Worms have been eating the apples."

"Eww," Ace commented. I rolled my eyes and smirked. Ace was always creeped out by bugs.

"So, Shine, what am I going to be working on today?" I asked, as I began to eat my french toast. Shine's usual job was giving the workers here their jobs, whether fixing a broken pipe, cleaning the air vent, or dusting the ceiling, so I would usually ask him what I would be doing.

"You're not doing anything today, Mech."

I paused mid-bite, "Wait, what?"

"Yeah, neither are you Vet, all it's says it that you both need to check in with Blossom." Shine responded, holding up a clipboard.

"We need to check in with mom?"

She was in charge of security her at the stable, after Dad died she taught me to use a gun. She has always been protective of us, mostly to Ace since she was always getting into trouble. Why would we need to check in with her?

"Does it say why?"

"No, all it just says for you two to check in with her." Shine replied, looking at a clipboard.

This is strange. "Well Ace, let's finish up, and go see her. Hopefully she'll tell us what's happening."

After breakfast we trotted down to mom's office wondering why she would want to see us.

"What do you think she wants?" Ace asked, as we reached her office.

"I don't know, but were about to find out," I replied pushing the door open.

Inside was a unicorn mare with a cream colored coat, a brown mane and tail, and green eyes sitting behind a desk, and reading a book. On the desk was a picture of her along with me, Ace, and a earth pony stallion with a dark blue coat similar to mine, blue eyes, and a black mane and tail. It was Dad.

She looked up and smiled at us as we came in.

"You wanted to see us mom?" I asked, taking a seat.

"Yes," she replied in a kind and gentle voice, getting up from her desk. "The Overmare has a very important task to be done, and I think you two have the skill to complete it."

"What is it?" Ace asked, curiosity in her voice.

"The Overmare needs something to be delivered-"

"A delivery?" I spoke up. "Inside of a Stable? Where would we take-"

"Outside of the stable."

"Well that's- wait, what?! "

"Awesome!" Ace cried, jumping up from her seat, "Finally, I'll be able to see the outside for the first time!"

"Wait a minute!" I cried, causing Ace to look at me in surprise. " Mom, you're not serious are you? Do you have any idea what might be out there?! There could monsters for all we know!"

"Oh, lighten up Gadget!" Ace replied. "You should be excited, we're finally gonna see the outside, I can't wait!"

"Mom, you really can't be serious, I mean Sad never came back and he-"

At the mention of him the atmosphere dropped significantly, with none of saying a word. Ace looked like she was on the verge of tears while Mom just stared at her desk with a blank expression, never looking up.

"I am aware of the dangers outside of the stable, but you two are perfect for this job.

Ace, you have the medical skills of an expert and you can talk to animals. You also have amazing skill in spells."

Gadget, you know enough survival skill to survive 3 months outside, and don't forget you're a mechanic, that kind of skill could come in handy."

I still wasn't convinced, and we didn't know what we were delivering. What was so important that had to be delivered outside of the Stable.

"What do we have to deliver?"

'I'm glad you asked!" She replied using her magic to levitate a key, unlocking one of the drawers to her desk, and taking an envelope out.

"This is it," she replied putting it into a saddlebag, which see levitated over to us. "Take good care of it."

An envelope?

"So, will you accept the job?"

I looked towards Ace, who was giving me a pleading look.

She literally dreamed of this moment all her life. I could tell being cooped up in this Stable was driving her mad.

But she didn't know what was waiting for us out there, nor did I. We could end up slaughtered as soon as we left.

Yet, Ace was right. Deep down, I did want to see the outside. This Stable was starting to annoy me as well. Plus, if I didn't accept, Ace would never forgive me, and I'd be the victim of an endless series of pranks.

I let out a sigh, "Yes."

"Alright!" Ace shouted, jumping into the air only to land on Mom's desk, knocking everything off. The three of us busted out laughing.

We stood in front the stable door, waiting for it to open. We were given saddlebags full of supplies for the trip. Mom was with us waiting for the Overmare to give us directions.

"I am freaking out!" Ace cried, shaking with excitement.

"Calm down, it's only a delivery," I responded, rolling my eyes.

She stuck her tongue out at me, "Admit it Gadget, your excited about this almost as much as I am."

Before I could reply, the Overmare -- a mare with a pink coat, blue eyes, stylish purple mane and tail, and a gold key for a cutie mark entered. She glared at Ace, an expression my sister echoed. I think you know why.

"I believe, you two know what your task is?" The Overmare was dress in a neat, grey suit. It gave her the appearance of a business mare.

"Yes ma'am," we replied, though Ace looked like she was gonna hurl.

"Good,deliver the envelope to 'The Retriever'. He'll be waiting in a town a few miles from here. The coordinates are in your PipBucks.

After that, you are to come right back. Am I understood?"

"Yes ma'am," we repeated.

"Very good," She turned to the pony operating the controls to the gate. "Lookout, open the gate!"

Lookout -- a brown earth pony stallion with a blonde mane, and a telescope for a cutie mark saluted her.

"Yes ma'am!" He turned to the console and typed in the code.

Immediately the gate open up to reveal a tunnel that looked like it was underground, leading to the surface.

I looked towards Ace, "You ready?"

She looked at me with a smile, "I was born ready."

"Good luck," Mom called out.

With that, I took one last look at our home. Mom smiled and waved, with us waving back. I trotted into tunnel with Ace beside me, the gate closing behind us.

Author's Note

I wanted to restart this story from the bottom up.

I hope you've enjoyed it so far.

If anyone spots any errors, let me know.