Fallout Equestria: Uncertain Ties

Chapter Six: Ain’t No Sunshine

“Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead, that’s where your future lies.”

“So this is where you live?” Skyfire asked in a hesitant voice, looking around the Overmare’s office. It was mostly kept clean and professional, though there were a number of personal effects along the desk and walls framing the circular window that overlooked the Atrium. When she peered out it she saw an expanse of catwalks from the upper levels that had a variety of rooms lining it, and a larger expanse below. Bright lights illuminated the signature Stable-Tec blue and yellow metal walls, where posters like the chem-hut’s were proudly hung. Skyfire’s heart felt light as she watched ponies milled about chatting while foals played chase with high-pitched laughter.

Misty Sparks gave a half smile as she stopped just short of connecting her Pip-Buck’s cable to a door panel. “Well,” she said, “this is where my mother works. I live just through this door. Are you ready?”

“Not quite, do you think I look good? I tried to clean up after work but with Bullet…” Skyfire trailed off, brushing her mane nervously and averting her gaze after a few seconds.

Misty Sparks arched a brow, and let herself scan the pegasus over slowly. She lingered on crimson tipped feathers and the way Skyfire fidgeted. “I think you look great,” she said after a minute. “Your hair is beautiful.”

Purple eyes blinked up at her. “Are you sure?”

“Pretty sure.”

“But really sure? I d-don’t want to make a bad impression on your mother!”

With a reassuring laugh, Misty Sparks connected her Pip-Buck, selected something, and then the door came open with a pleasant chime. She gestured for Skyfire to enter ahead of her and right into a cloud of mouthwatering scents. The pegasus’ wings naturally fluttered open and her muzzle tilted up as she inhaled the savory cheesy smell serenading her inside. She drifted right in, hooves barely grazing the metal floor. Misty Sparks smiled and followed inside.

“Is that you Misty?” Flare’s voice came from a bit further into the apartment. They’d entered a living room with a dining table set just to the side. Joyful blue walls greeted them with a framed photograph on nearly every available space. Cream couches were tucked around a low resting coffee table, sparse of any decoration beyond the photographs. There were a variety of moments stolen from time and preserved on the apartment wall. Brief moments of foalhood long past, proud achievements and the final moments with one another. A large one with Flare on a stage on the surface with what seemed to be a freshly built town was hung above the loveseat tucked into the corner. Skyfire drifted towards the nearest set that stood out to her, a family tree proudly on display above the long couch. She was vaguely aware of Misty Sparks standing to her side as she focused on them.

The photographs went back two generations from Misty Sparks and Blaze, both of whom had taken their photos at least in the past few years judging by their appearances. It seemed at one point Misty Sparks had let the front of her mane grow in a basic manner and her horn had simply pierced through unlike the stylized short curl that wrapped around the base she had now. There was a certain lightness around the younger mare that she felt lacking now when Skyfire glanced at her. Misty Sparks' gentle smile reached Skyfire, as the unicorn tilted her head indicating that it was safe to continue and then trotted in the direction of the glorious food.

“Need some help setting the table?” Misty Sparks’ voice came from the kitchen area. Skyfire’s ears twitched as she passively listened. There were more photographs in this one room than she’d ever seen before in her life, outside of a technical manual.

“Oh yes please, thank you. Make sure you and Skyfire wash up,” Flare replied.

Above Misty Sparks was quite obviously Flare, and one photo to the left a pony who seemed to be her father. A silver stallion with freckles like hers, energetic green eyes and bright green mane. His picture seemed cleaner than the others, though they were all well maintained. Still, the glass of the photo frame had a certain polish that caught the pegasus’ inquisitive eye. His parents looked similar to the stallion himself: silvery, elderly unicorns with a certain energetic spark in their eyes. Skyfire smiled at how well aged they seemed, instead of the shriveled flapping husks she’d seen in the Enclave from time to time, if they were even able to get that old. Everything above the clouds seemed to hold a dagger to one’s throat at all times.

“Wow, you all look so happy and cheery in these.” Skyfire called out over at the pair, causing the stirring to stop for a moment.

“Well, the photos you see look lovely, but the fussing, whining and aching that it took to get them, well those days were memorable in their own regards.” Flare would call back, she returned to the setup conversation with Misty Sparks as Skyfire looked back at the photos, spying something new.

Flare and Hammers were connected in a manner to further cement the already known sibling relationship. The Overmare professional and resolved while Hammers a stoic wall of discipline. Next to him was a light sandy earth pony mare with a vibrant striped red mane who seemed to be his wife. Her golden eyes were like the final flicker of a spark reactor, the kind of final light one longed to see. She was polished just as Misty Sparks’ father was, a note of reverence Skyfire could almost swear she could taste. Or perhaps that was the delicious food smell she could not compare to anything else she’d had before.

Soft talking and clinking plates came from the dinner table but Skyfire wasn’t quite done with examining the family tree yet. She wanted to know as much as she possibly could about this important family, and this seemed like an opportune learning moment. At the very least it would be a topic of conversation with Flare that she wouldn’t have as much trouble discussing.

Blaze beneath them looked as if she’d just gotten into a hoof fight with six other ponies and still come out on top. Her mane was even messier than now, eyes wide and angry, and a strong jaw set in place like she wanted to bite the camera. Skyfire winced at the intensity. It reminded her of wanted posters back home for deviants. Blaze’s maternal grandparents held the same spark that her mother did. Unlike their daughter, their manes were shortly trimmed just like the many mechanics back home were. Skyfire found her hoof idly brushing her long crimson mane. Skyfire blinked, both the parents she had yet to have met seemed younger than their spouses did in the photographs, perhaps over a decade or so between them.

She furrowed her brow.

The dust lines at the top indicated that there were two photographs long since removed. The remaining one was a large red mare with brilliant blue eyes and a striped blonde mane much like Misty Sparks’. Without a doubt she carried the presence of a leader, strong and dignified with an edge of adventure. She looked remarkably young in the photo as well, when she should have been edging into her grey years by now.

Skyfire blinked with realization.

Oh.

“I see you’re rather interested in my work,” Flare said with her silvery voice, startling Skyfire as the elder mare manifested at her flank. Crimson wingtips jolted for a moment as a startled eep split the air. Flare arched a brow, and Skyfire stammered out an apology as she calmed. “Didn’t mean to scare you there.”

“Mother can sneak up on you,” Misty Sparks said as she came around Skyfire’s other side. “Likes to keep the workers on their hooves.”

“It can be a useful skill,” Flare admitted, “especially if I’ve heard tales they’re doing something they’re not supposed to. So, what do you think?”

“You took all of these?” Skyfire managed.

Flare nodded her head, violet magic twinkling around a few pictures and straightened them out. Her magic fizzled out with sparkles, rather than just fading as most would have. “When I was a filly, I actually found it very difficult to speak to most ponies. So I asked Mother for a camera so I could practice talking to photos.” She smiled at what most likely was among her first photographs, an uncentered image of a colt aged Hammers shouting at a terminal. “Now I don’t need them for that, but I love documenting the life of Stable 36.”

“Grandma recovered a whole stash of cameras in one of the first scouting missions!” Misty Sparks added excitedly. “Now we have a team of photographers that Mom established.”

“Wow! That’s fantastic! Most photos I’ve ever seen were in our training manuals, and I think they’re all drawn,” Skyfire commented.

“It was a great boon to our understanding of the world around us. As well as our life here.” Flare straightened one more photograph and then cleared her throat. “But come! Food is to be had and I’ll be so embarrassed if it’s cold by the time you sit down!” With magical nudges she got the mares moving to the set table.

Three plates rested on a stable-yellow table with only a slight bit of visible wear. Scant scuffs blemished the white saucers and there was a chip in the one given to Misty Sparks. “Why do I have to get that one?” Questioned Misty Sparks plaintively as they settled into their seats.

“Because you’re the one who chipped it,” Flare replied with a snicker.

Glasses of water with cutlery and hoof-made napkins adorned the table alongside the ceramic plates. On each plate were yellow noodles resting in a halved squash with a variety of herbs and vegetables cooked in. It smelled absolutely delectable. Skyfire’s eyes lidded at the heavenly smell, practically floating in her chair.

“You alright there, Skyfire?” Came a self-satisfied reply.

Purple eyes shot open and Skyfire’s face turned as red as Flare’s coat. “Ah! I- Uh- I’ve never sm-smelled anything this good! Sorry! I-I bet it tastes really g-good too! Thank you!” In her quick slew of words she began to stroke her crimson mane, partially hiding behind it.

Lime eyes lingered on crimson locks for a moment. “Your hair is really pretty.” Flare arched a brow at her daughter’s sudden comment. Skyfire stopped stroking her mane and blinked at her. Misty Sparks flushed and averted her gaze. “It must uh, be a bit hard to keep it clean when you work. Have to uh… put it up right?”

“Oh! Uh well… I usually put it back in a ponytail! We are extra careful when we work with engines! Or…when I did,” Skyfire swiftly said, tripping over her words as she glanced between the two mares every few seconds.

“Wait… wouldn’t they want your mane to be shorter if you’re working with moving parts?”

“I… never really asked about that rule. I suspect that it was to let there be a clearer divide between the military and us civvi-er civilians more or less.”

“That makes sense… I guess? I keep mine short so it’s not a fire hazard.” Misty Sparks brushed her own mane and turned her head so Skyfire could more properly see the puffy ponytail of striped blonde. She flushed deeper when she turned around.

Their eyes met for a moment and then they both busied themselves with eating, elegant twirls of magic from Misty and uncertain stabs into the meal from Skyfire. Flare looked between them with a guarded expression before she smirked and began to eat as well.

The room felt quiet to Skyfire, the only real noise coming from the hum of the lights in the room, and the gentle clacks of utensils against plates as the trio ate together. The silence slowly got to the nervous mare and she started glancing between the two of them. “I-is that from experience? The keeping your mane short due to a fire hazard?” Once more she found herself brushing her mane with her free hoof.

Flare laughed quietly and leaned closer with another smirk as she wagged her levitating fork at Skyfire. “Actually, that’s because at one point her coworker, Shimmermist, with her lovely peach mane, got bumped into her equipment during a materials delivery. The equipment happened to have a burner that was turned on. She very quickly lost a good bit of her mane.”

“Y-yeah… the next day before anyone could even suggest it to me, I was at the barber getting my mane trimmed down,” Misty Sparks admitted with a quiet giggle as she patted her swirl of blonde. “Though… I think it looks alright, doesn’t it?” She asked, glancing over to Skyfire with a smile.

“I uhm.” Skyfire turned, leaning a bit closer to get a proper look again, this time smiling. “I think it looks fitting on you, Misty Sparks. It’s a cute manestyle, and it works with your horn quite well. It looks pretty,” she murmured, staring for a moment before snapping back. A third smirk came from Flare.

“I happen to agree, I think my daughter found a rather fetching style to express herself. Everypony should be able to enjoy their appearance of choice. The fact it’s not going to get caught in any machinery or flames is merely a benefit.” She wagged her fork again before nickering at the shy pegasus. “Skyfire dear, I know you’re probably new to this kind of food, but please dig in.” She gestured encouragingly with a hoof and gave a tender smile. “It won’t run away I promise.”

Skyfire’s blush returned as she nodded. “S-sorry miss Flare. It’s exquisite, I want to savor the meal. The cafe was something wonderful compared to what we normally ate, but I never imagined you could make something so tasty.” She bowed her head before starting to eat again with a bit more vigor.

For sometime there was silence again, interrupted only by the constant low hiss of ventilation and clinking utensils. Ice blue eyes shifted thoughtfully while grey heads buried themselves in food. Flare eventually sighed as she pointed a noodle covered fork to Misty Sparks. “I heard there was… an ‘incident’ on the surface today?” She raised an eyebrow expectantly as her daughter’s face turned a shade whiter. Blue eyes grew cold and her lips downturned.

“Oh! Oh uhm. The uhm, scuffle with Bullet?”

Flare gave a slow nod, fork still pointed.

Misty Sparks swallowed nervously, glancing over to Skyfire before taking a few quick breaths. Skyfire shrunk back against her chair. “Well… I was about to finish my shift, and Bullet was, well, being Bullet in regards to how he acts about his chems. He had made some remarks about the price…” She began, pausing to take a tip of her drink, and smiled nervously through the glass as she tried to find the words.

The stalling effort made Flare squint.

“I convinced him it wasn’t worth getting hurt, or thrown in jail or even dying… and that was going to be it but uhm then Skyfire and Grease were walking up. Grease was showing Skyfire to my shop so we could meet and come here. But… Bullet got upset at seeing Skyfire. You know, because… Pegasus?” She gestured vaguely at Skyfire who’s wings instinctively spread.

“I don’t see why that would cause-”

“It’s because she’s Enclave! Or former, potentially!” Misty Sparks blurted out as she glanced away nervously. Flare’s frown tweaked at the interruption. “He was wanting to get payback for what they did to him. Said her kind need to die. I tried to talk him down, but he- he pulled a gun.”

“And you tried to protect Skyfire? That’s brave but stupid. Misty Sparks, dear, we have security for that.”

“Mom!”

“Don’t ‘mom’ me Misty-”

“Overmare!” Misty Sparks squeaked out, her face racked with distress. “T-the guards weren’t anywhere quick enough to rescue her, and Grease could have gotten hurt. I know that I’m important, but I can’t let our new guest get shot up because I’m afraid to protect our Stable!” The young mare stood up from the table, sniffling a bit. “I know I’m your heir, but how can I even be a good leader if I’m not willing to protect us?”

Flare’s face stayed stone cold for a few moments before it started softening. Ears downfallen, she leaned over to hold her daughter’s hoof. “Oh Honey... I’m sorry for pushing you. I just worry. You’re my daughter before you’re my heir. I want to keep you safe. I most certainly couldn’t bear to lose you today.” She murmured through pursed lips, looking over to Skyfire who was peeking behind her crimson wingtips. A napkin dabbed the little unicorn’s eyes and Flare gave a soft smile. “And I’m sorry Miss Skyfire for bringing up something that was out of your control. I wish the wasteland could understand that stereotypes don’t apply to everypony.”

Skyfire gave a meek nod, sighing softly as she let out the built up stress. “I’m sorry Ma’am, to have caused problems,” she murmured shyly and lowered her wings. Misty Sparks gave her a reassuring look.

“Nonsense, it’s not you who caused them Skyfire. Just… I’m sorry for bringing up a rough subject tonight, let’s try and get back into the swing of things,” Flare said, nodding to Skyfire with a small, tender smile. “I’ve heard good things about you, from both Grease and Hammers. There was an interesting situation I needed to discuss with you, a positive one at that.”

Skyfire’s ears perked up as she gave a nervous smile, setting her fork down to give the Overmare her best attention, “Y-yes?”

“I’d like to formally invite you to stay in our Stable, Healing Drops for one needs the medical bay, it’s also not proper to keep you there forever. I’ve started looking at rooms that would have space for a new tenant… but somepony has already requested to house you. Somepony you’ve had contact with.”

“Grease? I thought she already had an extra roommate, on top of the first one. Didn’t Plugs’ marefriend move in with him? Non-family apartments only can hold up to three or at most four.” Misty Sparks pointed out, an ear flicking back and forth. She too had picked up on their budding friendship.

“No… it’s even more shocking, your cousin, Blaze.”

“She offered!?”

“Yes.”

“Why would you even consider a thing like that? It’s Blaze!”

Skyfire cocked her head as the two went back and forth, feathers ruffling once more as they began to argue about Blaze’s reliability both as a pony and a roommate. Mostly they were negative, and Flare had to reluctantly admit that many nearby ponies had filed complaints for noise and smells. Slowly but surely a scary image formed in Skyfire’s mind, making her shrink further against the seat as they talked about the situation as if she weren’t there.

“Besides, she can’t be doing this for altruistic means,” Misty Sparks pointedly said.

“Right… still, she’s one of the only dwellers right now that has a spare room, especially as somepony who’s had positive contact with her-you, sorry Skyfire.” Flare admitted, brushing her mane gently as she looked at Skyfire.

“I’m not sure if it’d be good for her,” Misty Sparks added. “She might be a bad influence, especially with Blitz around!” Pleading lime-green eyes shone into Flare’s.

“Misty Sparks… I have the same concerns as you do, but let’s face it. She’s the best that we can do, plus she proactively offered herself. When’s the last time she’s done anything like that?”

“Never?”

“Correct. So this might get a chance for her to grow a little… and Skyfire?”

Purple eyes focused on Flare. “Yes, Flare?”

“You said that after about a week, there wouldn’t be much more hope of a rescue?”

“Y-yes…”

“Well I believe that you’re doing good, so we’re going to go ahead and accept you into the stable… after you fill out the paperwork, as a temporary Stable member. That way, you can reasonably live here and help us out for now. I’d like to talk with Hammers about you helping him out once he’s fully recovered.”

Skyfire’s face froze as she remembered the reality of her situation. “I… thank you so much.” She murmured, starting to tense up. “I was afraid of getting thrown out into the wastes… if the wastelanders hate pegasi so much… I’m scared I wouldn’t be able to survive.”

“It’s okay- you don’t have to worry about that,” Flare interjected as she smiled softly, leaning over to pat Skyfire’s shoulder. “I’ve been thinking it over, and concluded, that you are honest about your situation. You’re also quite helpful, and friendly.”

She nodded towards Misty Sparks, smirking as the younger unicorn flushed softly. “I think you’re the first person she’s connected well with in a long time. I think that’s due to you seeing her for who she is, and not as my daughter… so thank you.”

Skyfire nearly hid behind her wings further, but instead she slowly lowered the crimson wingtips to reveal her confused yet flattered face. “I’m happy I could be of service,” she managed, “Misty Sparks is someone I feel I can trust. This whole situation is… confusing and difficult, but she’s made it a bit easier.” She caught Misty Sparks’ gaze, a moment lingering between them, before she shyly averted away.

“I’m very glad to hear that,” Flare hummed. “So, how about we get to know each other better hmm? After all, I like knowing who I’m responsible for.”

“O-oh okay, sure,” Skyfire agreed, trying to swallow down her nerves.

“Don’t worry, this isn’t a job interview, you’ve already been welcomed in,” Flare soothed. Skyfire gave a little nod and lowered her wings to a more neutral position. “So, I know today was very eventful for you, but do you think you’d enjoy living here?”

“Yes. You have been beyond welcoming to me, despite every reason not to.”

“We do pride ourselves on being civilized,” Flare touted.

“I’d say you’re doing a pretty good job at that then,” she replied, eating between words to avoid missing out on the warm deliciousness before her.

“Aside from Grease and Misty Sparks, is there anyone who’s been particularly welcoming?” Flare asked.

“Uhm, not really… But nopony has treated me badly from the stable either so, there’s that.” She furrowed her brow. “Well, the security guard who escorted me to work tried to be helpful and gave me advice.”

“Let me guess, something about how terrifying my brother is?” Flare asked with an amused tone. Skyfire gave a meek nod. “Hah- sounds about right. Hammers can whip anyone into shape with enough time and fury.”

“Well, not Blaze,” muttered Misty Sparks, an icy glare stopped her from saying anything else.

“Is… Blaze okay? I don’t mean to pry but, she doesn’t seem the most, erm, stable,” Skyfire inquired with a small voice, as if afraid the mare would burst into the dining room at the mere mention of her name.

Flare gave a dreary sigh, and shook her head. “No… My niece has a lot of personal issues she struggles with. I do hope in time she’ll recover, but she has a habit of increasing the difficulty of said task.”

“Will it be okay living with her?”

Flare blinked, then gave a soothing smile. “Oh don’t you worry, if there are any issues I’ll find you new accommodations as soon as possible, though it will pose difficulties. If you don’t want to even try that’s alright too, it’ll just be a bit of a wait till I can get you somewhere to stay aside from the medbay. So, what do you say?”

“She won’t hurt me, right?”

Misty Sparks gave a half shrug. “Uh, usually no, but she can have some pretty bad moods.” Misty Sparks glared at Flare. “I don’t think it’s a good idea period, Mom.”

“If we never give someone the chance to prove us wrong, then we will never let people surprise us,” Flare responded with a lecturing edge. “After all, if we had made the assumption Skyfire was our enemy based off of rumors and half truths, she would be dead.”

“There’s a difference between an unknown and stereotypes, and someone who’s got a recorded history,” argued Misty Sparks.

Flare frowned heavily, drawing the few wrinkles she possessed taut. “Blaze is in a situation in which a pony needs a helping hoof, not a cold shoulder. If you never show her that ponies care, and want to help her, then she’ll just sink further into the pit. Yes, she often does not help her situation, but if we give up on her then who knows to what depths she’ll descend?”

“It isn’t fair for Skyfire to have to deal with Blaze’s issues on top of her own.”

“If you promise she won’t hurt me,” piped up Skyfire, half hidden behind her wings. “I’m willing to give it a try. I’d rather be with somepony I know, instead of a total stranger… and Grease’s room sounds rather, erm, full.”

Misty Sparks sunk back in her chair while Flare smiled broadly. “Thank you for your understanding, Skyfire. I’m sure after a bit you and Blaze will be fast friends, or at the very least good roommates.” The pegasus gave a weak smile. Flare got up from the table and walked over to the kitchen. When she returned, she carried a large bottle with apples emblazoned on its flanks and a trio of mugs in her magic. Skyfire found herself licking her lips as the mugs were filled, a cream froth bubbling on the top and spilling over the edges some.

“How about we celebrate Skyfire staying with a toast? Have you ever had cider my dear?”

Skyfire blinked. “Ci-cider? No… What is that?”

A laugh of disbelief slipped through Flare’s composure. “Really? You military ponies aren’t ones for alcohol?”

“Oh! Well no we love that! I don’t… exactly drink, but we have alcohol yes. Just… never cider.” Skyfire blushed with embarrassment.

Misty Sparks gave a wry laugh as she brought her mug to her lips. “I’m not much either, but we make it from apples. Do you not… have apples?”

Skyfire snorted. “Not what you’d call an apple I think, judging by the rest of your produce. They’re gangly grey things that are bare just a few per short tree.”

The unicorns shared a look, before Flare wore a proud smile. “Well, we are proud to have our own orchard, both in the stable and on the service. You can enjoy all the apples you like while you stay with us, including cider. Go on, have a taste.” An encouraging wave of her hoof got the pegasus to try the foamy drink. Immediately her ears perked up, and she looked to Flare who laughed before gulping down more.

“Careful, if you have too much too quickly you’ll get sick!” Warned Misty Sparks with a laugh.

Her words went unheeded as Skyfire slammed the whole mug down onto the table, and hiccuped. “Whoops?”

“I think we’ll wait a bit before I pour you another,” teased Flare, “but I’m glad you enjoyed it. Are all your crops back home as you put it, ‘gangly grey things’?”

Hiccuping again, Skyfire covered her muzzle with her feathers. Long ears fell back and she tried to restrain herself. She rocked in her seat as she hiccuped again, and Misty Sparks laughed. “Well- we do have a few things that grow. Lettuce, radishes, cucumbers- the easy sort of things. I love pickles, but that’s mostly because that’s the most flavorful food we have! Oh, and the hot sauce, everything's better with hot sauce.”

“Hammers would certainly agree with that statement. When we were kids he’d drown his food in the stuff just to prove he could handle the spice,” Flare chuckled.

“Is that why he keeps checking on when the next batch of jalapenos come in?” Misty Sparks questioned. When Flare nodded, she laughed.

Skyfire arched a brow. “You don’t think he’ll shout fire next time he’s angry, right?”

“Your mane is safe.” Flare drank slowly from her cider, ruminating with a happy smile. “I believe the military ponies who helped found Stable 36 carried a love for hot sauce with them as well. I’ll make sure to acquire you a ration so you can feel a bit at home.”

Skyfire hiccuped once more, and smiled. “Really? Oh that’s very kind of you!”

Flare dismissed her gratitude with a simple nod. Misty Sparks glanced to the flushed pegasus, brows fixated in a curious expression. “I’m a bit surprised you can make vinegar. We make ours with excess apples, though that’s a much friendlier format for consumption. I have more pure chemical compound vinegar for my chem cooking however, perhaps they’re synthesizing it like I do?”

“I’m an engineer… I have no idea how any of that works,” Skyfire slowly said.

“Ah, right, sorry.”

“It’s impressive you know how,” Skyfire added.

Misty Sparks straightened up at her praise, and blushed. “Well, we’ve got a good school system,” she brushed aside.

“Misty was also mentored by an outsider, who added a lot to our understanding of the surface world,” Flare cut in. Her words were brisk, surprising Skyfire. “Things ended on a bad note with him, but we’ve adapted what we could from his knowledge.”

“Oh, well… good for you,” Skyfire awkwardly replied. Misty Sparks had sunk back in her chair, lime eyes cast aside.

Before the conversation could grow any more tense, Flare cleared her throat and gestured at Skyfire. “So, Misty Sparks mentioned you have family back home, but you couldn’t say what they did. I won’t push you on topics you can’t discuss, but is there anything you can tell us about them? That way if anyone comes by we know who they are?”

Skyfire brightened. “Well, I have a brother and sister, they’re both older than me. My mom spent a good portion of my foalhood with me until I started school. At least one parent gets leave to be with their new foal, and my father was a bit too… important to take time off.”

“Oh, you’re from a family of leadership as well? I take it you and your mother are close?” Skyfire nodded, hiccuped, and grumbled to herself. “Oh don’t feel bad, hiccups are perfectly normal from cider. You’re lucky you didn’t get anything worse.”

Misty Sparks gave a dramatic belch, to which Flare immediately glared at her until she excused herself. “Like that,” Misty Sparks said. Finished with her own mug, Misty Sparks went to refill all three, but Flare put a hoof over her own. “Really? This is like, the one night you cut loose.”

Violet eyes flicked between the unicorns. “What… exactly is the significance of this dinner? Misty Sparks said you do it every year but… that’s about it?”

Flare tensed, a long moment passing. A seriousness gripped her frame as she spoke. “Nineteen years ago, I opened up the surface town of the stable. It was something that took several long months of working, and we only had a few buildings and the beginnings of the farm. It was supposed to be a momentous day, the start of our new life as part of the wasteland. Instead, my father Ratchet, who had been exiled for attempting to poison me, arrived. In tow, was a band of slavers.”

“Oh no,” whispered Skyfire. Misty Sparks looked away, jaw clenched. Tears brimmed in her eyes.

“The opening of the surface town is a dark day in our history. It was an absolute massacre until we were able to retreat into the stable, where only the sturdiness of the door kept us safe. Three weeks passed with them trying to dig or blow their way in, and many of us feared we would die. Eventually they gave up. When I opened the door, they’d left entirely, though not without pillaging the town. Waiting for us was a warning, my father crucified on the very stage I’d opened the surface town upon.”

“That’s… oh Luna that’s terrible.” Skyfire’s voice had grown quiet, the images in her mind grotesque and horrifying. “I can’t even begin to imagine how scared you all were.”

“I don’t remember any of it,” Misty Sparks spoke up. “I was only two. Blaze though, she was four and has a few foggy memories of the ordeal. We’d known nothing but peace up until that moment, but we haven’t let it make us afraid. Mother and I both know that the only we survive is by interacting with the surface, though some called for a return to isolation. The truth is, we either expand, or die alone in a quiet tomb.”

“There’s nowhere else you could go?” Skyfire suggested with a slight note of panic. Until the crash, she’d never seen a dead body before. The fact that Misty Sparks had seen not only one but several before she could even retain memories sent a shiver down her spine. A pit formed in her chest, and Skyfire looked between the morose unicorns.

Flare gave a little shake of her head. “Out there is radiation, slavers, mutated beasts and ponies who will do anything to survive. Our best chance is here, where we have safety. We survived because of the stable. Our kin are fairly unmutated, we might struggle for food sometimes but we are considerably better off than others, and above all we have infrastructure. We are safe in Stable 36.”

Giving a little nod of understanding, Skyfire whimpered, “Sorry. Of course you know what’s best, you’re in charge. I didn’t mean to offend.”

A hoof reached out to Skyfire. She looked up, meeting her gaze with Flare’s, a softness in her icy eyes surprising Skyfire. “Of course I’m not offended. Everypony has a right to voice their thoughts and ask questions.”

Tears formed in violet eyes. “That’s… new to me.”

“Oh… I am so sorry little one.” Flare pulled Skyfire into an embrace, squeezing the air out of her lungs. Skyfire winced, but found herself relenting to the gesture swiftly. Misty Sparks came around and joined them, nuzzling against Skyfire. Cheeks turned crimson as they pulled apart, the younger mares sharing glances that Flare didn’t catch. “Here in the stable you are free to be who you are, whoever that may be,” Flare went on. “A quiet mechanic who gets work done, or a curious one who asks about the world around her. There’s no wrong way to be who you are.”

Skyfire looked to Misty Sparks who gave an encouraging smile. “Thank you. To-tonight should be for you two but you’re being so nice and-” she cut her rambling short, puffing out her cheeks as if trying to contain her endless words. Flare patted her curl of crimson atop her head. “Thank you.”

“I hope we can be friends,” Misty Sparks offered, a slight nervous twitch to her smile.

“Me too… I think we are a bit, already. You saved my life after all.”

“Yeah, but I mean… liking each other for who we are, not just what we’ve done. Tomorrow we could share lunch again maybe?”

Skyfire smiled and wiped her eyes dry. “I’d like that.”

A soft noise of approval came from Flare, who returned to her seat. “Is there anything else you’d like to know, Skyfire?”

The pegasus stroked her mane to calm herself. “I know it’s a bit dangerous, but I want to return to the crash site and bury my friend Jolts. That is… if there’s anything left to bury by now.”

“Sergeant Cuffs has reported that no other feral ghouls have come sniffing around to scavenge, so there should be… remains. Misty, it was only a two hour trot correct?”

The silver unicorn nodded, and drank from her mug of cider. “If we were just normally walking it’d probably take closer to three, though. Blaze was really rushing to get there… I didn’t exactly keep up.” She winced at the end, and drank more.

“I see. Well, I am more than willing to help you lay your friend to rest. If I send a security detachment to escort you, then I am sure everything will go fine,” Flare replied. “We could send something to improve the morale of the guards out with you. Perhaps a sweet ration?”

“They’d like that, I bet,” Misty Sparks said.

“Is there something the Enclave does specifically for funerals?”

Skyfire shook her head. “Nothing I could do for him down here, b-but he wanted to live on the surface. He would t-talk about it a lot. Being buried in Equestria’s ground instead of cremated sounds better for him. I think that would make him happiest.”

“Okay, we can do that for you.”

“Thank y-you.”

“I imagine you want to go as soon as possible, correct?”

Skyfire gave a small nod. “The longer we wait… the more disrespect to his body and decay. It’s already been… a while.”

Flare offered a comforting smile. “I understand. It’s too late to travel now, it’s very dangerous to be in the wasteland at night, but I can arrange an escort for the morning. Right after dawn should work best, while some creatures are still sleeping. I know the nightshift captain will have a squad picked for the morning that will keep you safe, and I can order a coffin built.”

“A coffin?” Skyfire blinked. “What… Uh what’s that?”

Misty Sparks’ ears swiveled up in shock. “It’s a special box you put a dead body in, so that it’s kept preserved. Otherwise the worms and bugs will eat it up.”

“Oh! Oh… Well I think… if it keeps him separated he wouldn’t like that. He died trying to come here, to be part of the surface world. I want to honor that desire. Plus… His body is already a bit eaten up…”

Misty Sparks jumped in her seat, shocking them both. “Sorry! I Just uh, I had an idea. Jolts wanted to be part of this world, right? So… Well okay when something dies it decomposes, adding nutrients back into the ecosystem around it. If you want him to become part of the surface forever, we should capitalize on that. His sacrifice shouldn’t be a waste. We have orchards, trees, and they need a lot of nutrients to grow strong. We could plant a tree above his grave, so he can truly become part of the surface. A gravestone wears away, a marker can get destroyed, but a tree? A tree grows.”

“Isn’t that an old earth pony burial rite?” Flare asked, to which Misty Sparks excitedly nodded. “I can easily offer a seed if you’d like that Skyfire.”

Wings held Skyfire closely as if to hug herself, violet eyes downcast in thought. Flare offered her hoof to the young mare. Skyfire took it and inhaled slowly to calm her nerves. When she’d steadied herself, Skyfire gave a pained smile. Wetness dampened her eyes. “I think he’d like that a lot. He always loved cloud gardening.”

“Mom… Can we ask the security outpost to keep it tended? There was an old grove there that burned up but that means the soil isn’t dead. If anything it’ll have fresh nutrients restored,” Misty Sparks inquired softly. “If it doesn’t get a lot of care in the beginning, it’ll die out before it’s even sprouted.”

Flare smiled warmly at Misty Sparks. “I think they’d love that. You know Hard Shell is always going on about joining the agricultural department. He’s out on the mission.”

Misty Sparks squeaked in delight. Flare nickered softly at her daughter, before a sharp intake of air drew both unicorns’ attention to Skyfire. Still holding herself with her wings, she’d begun to cry. Their smiles melted away, and Misty Sparks came around the table to embrace Skyfire. Choked gasps racked the thin pegasus’ body as she leaned over herself and grieved.

Flare made soft shushing noises and rubbed Skyfire’s back soothingly. “It’s alright dear, it’s safe to cry here.”

“Yeah, it’s okay,” Misty Sparks added, uncertain of just which words to use.

“Thank you,” whimpered Skyfire. “I just… I miss him so much.”

“Go on… let it all out,” encouraged Flare. “It’s safe here.”