The armoury was a one storey building north of the marketplace. No windows, no vents, nothing. Just one door, that was guarded by a pair of ponies, one look at which makes my mane crawl. I was standing in a small alley in front of them for about fifteen minutes now, and still had no idea how the fuck I should approach it? I was pretty sure I’m going to be shot as soon as I get close enough to start a conversation with the guards, and there were no other possible entrance. I closed my eyes and sighed. Well, maybe I should talk about it with Striker first. Afterall he was on of the few ponies who had the access to it. As I began to walk away I heard a raspy voice mumbling behind the corner.

“…looking? First some assholes busting in like they own the place now this damn unicorn sneaking around, and all they do is sitting in that stupid barrack of theirs and drinking.” Well, maybe my visit wouldn’t be that useless after all. I went to the source of the voice, which appeared to be some grey unicorn lying around a trashcan.

“Hey, what was that about some assholes busting in?” He gave me a look of disdain.

“Oh, fuck off! I don’t know anything about whatever shit you looking for, and don’t want to know! So leave me alone and fuck off.” I honestly don’t know what I was expecting. But fortunately, this type of ponies was rather easy to persuade.
“What if I pay you 10 caps?” His eyes widened for a second and then focused on me. I smiled.

“Well, some ponies showed up last night, they had some sort of boxes, with them, then they left without boxes. The end.”

“That’s it?”

“I told you I don't know nothing! Now give me my caps and get out! I swear, all these fuckers will destroy this fucking city.” I counted ten caps, and hoofed them over. Can’t say I was happy with the result, but at least I had some food for thought for later. Now though, I had more pressing matters to deal with. When I finally got to the bar, it was almost evening, though it was rather hard to tell with all those damned clouds, lying above me as a last huge “Fuck you” from the Grand Pegasus Enclave to the rest of the world. Or at least what remained of it.

Unlike yesterday, almost all tables were taken, and the air was filled with the sound of ponies talking. I immediately noticed Grifter, sitting in his favourite corner, talking with some buff-looking unicorn. As much as I’d like to eavesdrop on them, there wasn’t any place from which to do so safely. So instead I trotted over to the bar counter.

"Whiskey?" Barpony looked at me, his grey, deep eyes staring into my soul. No matter how often I came here, I was never able to get used to feeling like he could see through me). Don't think I ever will.

“No, just water for now. I have some business that requires clear mind.”

“Well, maybe you’d like something that will make it clearer?” I shook my head.

“No, thanks I prefer to rely on my own skills, rather than some stupid Mint-als” He put a glass of water in front of me.
“I never said, that I’ll give you Mint-als.” I froze for a second trying to think of another drug, that could cause similar effect, but nothing came to mind. I was about to ask what the fuck he meant, but Barpony already was making a cocktail for a unicorn with a messy mane and huge bags under his eyes. I sighed and looked back at the Grifter’s table. He was sitting alone and intently looking at me. Well, I guess there wasn’t any reason to stall, I took my water and walked to him, trying to stay calm.

“Clipsy! Hello! It’s so good to see…”

“If you call me that name one more time I will break, your fucking spine.” I hissed, glaring at him. Grifter flinched his dirty blonde mane falling over his eyes.

“N-no need to be so aggressive. I assume, you’ve met some… obstacles on your way.”

“Obstacles?!” It took me all of my willpower, to not scream in rage. “Ten fucking slavers, and a Robo Pony. We lost Silver Rose! I…” My voice broke, as memories flooded my mind. I summoned all the remaining strength to collect myself, and stop my hooves from trembling. Not now. Not here. Not in front of him. “I… hope you have a damn good explanation, how they have learned about that “Safe and discreet place”.

“I’m sorry to hear, you had so much trouble, I guess, one of my friends…”

“I couldn’t give less of a fuck about your friends, business partners, fuck buddies, or whoever the fuck you decided to blame this time, you said, it will be safe.” The bastard shrunk in the chair, as I leaned over to him.

“I-I… I’m sorry, I fucked up, your reward will be at Striker’s place tomorrow noon and I throw it some extra for the trouble. I’m sorry, but that’s all I can do right now. Do you have the case with you?” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
“There wasn’t any case.” His brows went up. “Only this.” I put the pre-war data drive on the table. Grifter looked at it for a solid minute his face expressionless. And while loud voices and banting were common here, some ponies were beginning to look our way.

“Well, that should suffice, thank you.” He stood up and made few steps to the exit. “As much as I would love to spend this evening in your company I’m afraid, I have some other business I have to attend before dawn. I wish you a pleasant evening, and sorry again, for this I promise I will make it up to you one day.” I tried to steady my breath, as Grifter left the Junkyard. I took his place behind the table, and before I could blink Barpony was standing in front of me with a bottle of WIld Pegasus in his hoof. I nodded and counted 30 caps.

“A friend should join me soon, bring us a couple of Snack Cakes, and a bottle of beer. Luna’s Watch, if you have it.” The Barpony retreated to the counter as I poured a glass of ember ambrosia. I sighed and downed the whiskey. deep down I understood that what happened wasn’t Grifter’s fault, and yet if it wouldn’t be for his stupid side job, we would have just taken our usual route and returned home without any problem. I hope this stupid drive was worth it.
“Are you alright?” I looked up in surprise, the huge black earth pony was standing over me with a look of concern on his face.

“S-striker?” I asked, as my brain tried to process how in Equestria did I manage to miss a pony of his size, after only one shot of whiskey. “Sorry, I was just… talking to a Grifter and it brought back some… unpleasant memories.”

“Are you still doing business with him? I’m telling you whatever he’s up to, it can only be trouble.” The Barpony appeared behind Striker’s back and put a dark blue and a pair of Snack Cakes on the table.

“I know, but he does pay well, and there wasn’t anything to bad until…” My voice trailed off, as I sighed and scooped up one of the Snack Cakes with my magic and took a bite, “Sorry, it’s just…”

“Don’t worry you can explain it later if you want. Better tell me, what are you planning to do next? I’ve heard that you want to move on from the caravan business.”

“I do, eventually, but for now, take my payment, rest for a day or two and find another caravan to travel with. Speaking of payment, Grifter said, that I should pick it up at your place, so what is it?”

“Ah, yes, I’ve got a case delivered for you today. Didn’t know it was from him, though.”
“Why didn’t he just delivered it to me then?”

“I guess a pony with weird case wouldn’t bring as much attention, in the gun shop, as the one sneaking around some random house.” He took a long sip from the bottle and grinned “Ah, my favourite! Glad to see you haven’t forgotten.”
“Why would I ever?” I looked around the bar, and suddenly noticed quiet tapping noise. After quick investigation, it appeared to come from my back hoof, tapping on the floor. My eyes focused on the whiskey. “Speaking of sneaking,” I finally said, stopping my hoof in place. “If I remember correctly you have an access to armoury…” The loud thud interrupted me as the bottle connected to the table. I looked up, Striker was looking at me, his brows narrowed. “I just heard that there was some suspicious commotion recently, and wanted to make sure, that everything is alright.” his look softened a bit, but I’m pretty sure he hadn’t believed me.

“I haven’t heard anything about it. And even if something did happen, let the guard handle it.”

“Why are you saying it as if I am planning something?”

“I’ve known you for very long, Midnight.” He said after finishing his Snack Cake.

“Well I don’t. And even if I did plan something, there is not enough time, for me to do anything.” I replied pouring another shot of Wild Pegasus.

“Did you find a new job already?”

“Not yet. Was a bit busy, running errands, and visiting friends, but I’m sure I will find something tomorrow, there is always a caravan or two looking for an extra gun. But enough about me, tell me how you were doing while I was away?”
“Oh I was pre…”

“Midnight Eclipse?” The grey coated unicorn in reinforced leather bading appeared behind Striker.
“Who’s asking?” I replied evenly.

“I am from Ace’s caravan, we’re currently planning a trip to Safe Harbor, and looking for extra guards. We were told you’re one of the best out there, so I’d like to invite you to talk with our leader tomorrow.” I raised my eyebrow.

“And who told you this exactly? I don’t remember being well known around here. Or anywhere for that matter.”

“The Pegasus from town guard.” Damnit Crone! Well, that explains a lot.

“Let me guess, he was also the one who suggested to look for me here?” I asked, sending the remains of Snack Cake to their inevitable demise.

“Indeed, so what is your answer?” I really didn’t liked it, but I knew Striker wouldn’t let me hear the end of it if I turn it down outright.

“Sure, where can I find them?”

“We will be at the caravan place on the market, most of the day, we hope to hear from you soon. Farewell” I took another shot, as he left the bar.

“Well, looks like you got that problem sorted.” Said Striker with the few notes of relief in his voice before emptying his bottle.

“I’m not sure about that. He seemed odd. I mean who the fuck talks like that! Fucking Crone, who asked him to shove his stupid nose in my business?”

“He’s doing that because he cares, Midnight. I don’t think he really…”

"Well, I can take care of myself, thank you very much," I snapped, taking another shot of Wild Pegasus. "And I've never had problems finding jobs."

“Even that one time you came to me asking to allow you to clean my shop for food, because no pony wanted to take the caravan guard with little experience?”

“Well it was different! And now I have plenty of experience, and…” My head fell on my chest and I sighed. “Sorry, you’re right. I just had a lot on my mind recently and would like to deal with all this stuff at my own pace. I will talk with that caravan leader tomorrow and see what this was all about.”

“That’s my girl!” The huge earth pony smiled and stood up, “I think it’s time for us to go home, you need to get some sleep if you want to be conscious tomorrow.”

“Sounds good to me” as I watched the bulky stallion making his way out between the tables, I realized it was too late, to visit the market, so I bought a couple of Snack Cakes and a Bottle of Sparkle-cola before leaving the place. I decided to take a long route to home, to clear my head a bit. It was pleasantly quiet, as most ponies were already either drinking their problems away at the Junkyard, or were getting ready to sleep. In moments like this, Widow’s Wound seemed, like almost a nice place to live.

“I already told you I don’t fucking know anything!” Nevermind, it still was a shithole. I trotted to the small alley, the screaming had come from.

“Please, maybe you saw someone suspicious or unusual, around here today?” That voice sounded very familiar.
“Crone?” I called stepping in the alley. And before I could ask him what in Equestria he forgot here so late, my gaze fell upon the body laying on the ground. I froze my eyes widened, there was no mistake it was that grumpy homeless pony from earlier. Except now his leg looked like it was broken in three different places and head was covered in blood.
“Well, this one definitely seems odd, so bother her!” I heard sound of hooves moving away, as I was staring at the body.
“Eclipsa?” I finally looked up at my friend, Crone looked as surprised as me. “What are you doing here? I thought you were already home.”

“I decided to take a small walk before sleep. What happened here?”

“I don’t know, we got a report on some drunk lying around in the alley, but when I came to deal with him, he was dead. Did you knew him? You looked shocked when you saw the body.” Was that just a coincidence? Or did somepony figured out that he saw something he shouldn’t?

“I bumped into him earlier today, he was rambling something about how ponies like me will destroy the city. Still I haven’t thought I will see him dead just a few hours later. I’m not sure how you can mistake him for being drunk, though.”

“That unicorn you saw earlier swears, that he was alive when he went for us, wait! You live nearby, right? Do you know why he could come here? It’s very far away from their usual quarters.”

“Crone, I just returned here yesterday, your guess is as good as mine. I guess now you have another headache to deal with tomorrow.”

“As if the Captain would allow me to bother ponies because of some random hobo, In the worst case I just will have to dispose of his body somewhere in the wasteland and keep quiet about it.” He looked at the body and sighed. “Well you better go, and I’ll deal with this before more ponies see the body.”

“Good luck! Oh, do you by any chance have some free time tomorrow?” Crone’s eyes widened as he looked at me in surprise.

“I’ll be on patrol until noon, but then I should be free, what’s up?”

“I wanted to talk about something, would it be ok for me to stop by your post?”

“Sure! Come at noon I’ll be waiting for you near the western tower.”

“Alright, got ya. Take care!” I said walking away from the crime scene.

“Good night, see you tomorrow” Crone’s voice came from behind.

Seeing the only one besides me who knew about shady armoury business being killed in the middle of the town, was concerning. I knew Grifter was a bastard, but I doubt he’d kill someone just because they happen to know about one of his machinations, his friends however I was more unsure about. And even if it was just a coincidence, I should be very careful, about discussing this information with others. Anyway for now I should focus on getting myself a new job, the lead Crone gave me might appear more interesting, than I initially thought. But now sleep, tomorrow promises to be, a very busy day.

Author's Note

And another chapter is done. I was planning on finishing this sooner, but life came crashing down on me in July. Anyway I hope you enjoyed the chapter and please let me know if you find anything wrong with it.
Huge thanks to Kkat for creating this amazing world. And special thanks to Heartshine Who help a lot during the "planning stage" and helping with some editing.
Upd: Also huge thanks to Yossarian from DIscord for his huge help with editing.
Now with even more editing by Kitana762! Now you can read this without your eyes bleeding. Make sure to follow then on DeviantArt