Small house on the outskirts of Ponyville: 2 Days before the bombs

A Pink Unicorn with a pink and white striped mane in a closed room accessed a terminal.

“This is Agent A reporting in. All things are set here.”

She had just joined a secure video call meeting that had already begun.

“Thank you" cough "for reporting as soon as you could Agent Ashley. It seems project Remembrance is going as scheduled." Goldenblood replied

Another younger grey unicorn mare with a purple mane and pink highlights chirped up

"All things are set here in Baltimore too. Wow, it's hard to think that after all this work it'll finally over in 2 days" she yawned. "maybe now I can finally get some much-needed rest. I don't think I've hardly slept since we outfitted that cave for the dragon. And that was years ago."

“Hush Agent S!” The first mare responded. This may be a secure line, but you still never know who is listening.”

A third mare, a purple Pegasus with a black mane who had been scribbling away on some paper finally spoke up. “Agent S is right, it's good that it's finally over, But your also right Agent A. This is a secure line, we are all in secure rooms and if anyone had hacked us, it would be too late. Isn't that right Agent Gold?”

cough "As astute and blunt as ever Agent C. Indeed the time is upon us, and all preparations are now ready. Whatever awaits all of us, may Celestia forgive my actions and yours are not in vain. While this has been the smallest of all our projects, I sincerely hope that Project Remembrance is the most long-lasting. As you all know, I've kept this project even from my hidden projects. None of you will be remembered for your work and I thank you all for your service to Equestria, now and always. Project Remembrance has always been to find ways to preserve and one day restore Equestria if at all possible. Good luck to you all, and I hope to see you all in the next life."

Agent A butted in. "Just one moment Agent, I mean Goldenblood. Are you sure everything is all set to lock yourself away in the Castle?"

"Yes, my dear. Agent S was most helpful, getting the equipment I needed all set up. I hope my passing will be as peaceful as all of yours, however, you wish to end it"

click Goldenblood left the call.

“So?” Agent S spoke up. “I guess this is the last time we will ever see each other? We had some fun times together.”

Agent C spoke again. “Yeah. That one time at the Grand Galloping Gala, it was a hoot. Good times.”

Agent A cried a little. “I would give both of you a hug if I could. I just can't believe it's all over.”

Agent S replied “You know there is still time to get here to Stable 50. It's not much, but at least we could be together?”

Agent A replied. "I'm really sorry S, I would love to, but while our work is done, both myself and Agent C still have too much to do where we are. And you've got to watch over Baltimare. I love you both. I decided not to apply for the Stable here, I plan to face the end on the surface, that way if I survive I can help rebuild civilization here. If it doesn't work out here, I've already picked out a new settlement halfway between here and Appaloosa. I'm thinking of naming it New Appaloosa."

Agent C spoke up again. "I've also decided not to take up a local stable place as you both know. But I calculate it's going to be 50 years before it will be safe to cross back to Mainland Equestria. S, We don't begrudge you going into a Stable. We've told you before, but we both feel like it's our duty to rebuild from the outside."

Agent S humbly replied "I know, I don't know how long the stable will be closed for, it depends what this Overmare is going to be like. I love you both, and if things go well, I will see you for my 70th as we arranged. Just a shame this 20th is such a bummer today, I've already got the champaign bottle picked out and labeled."

Agent A politely smiled as did Agent C.

"We'll see you there then Agent S, save us a glass if you can. Good Night to both of you Agents S, C. This is Agent A signing off for the last time."

click

Hoofington: 2 days After the bombs fell

A young Pony named Comet Strikes stumbled out of the shadow of a ruined building. It was one of the few shadows cast from a stray beam of light filtered through a hole in the clouds. The Pegasi by now having covered up nearly the whole sky. The last few days had been sheer hell. Not the fire and the screaming and all the horrible things he'd seen. It was the nightmare hangover from all the drink he'd had to try and forget it all.

He was supposed to be on detachment from the Ministry of Image from Manehatten and had only been here for 2 weeks. He was actually asleep in his room when the bombs fell, (He'd found cheap lodgings above the pub of which ruins he stood in), having now spent the best part of two days draining the stock.

But he'd run out a few hours ago and was down to drinking radiated water to drown his sorrows. He was also feeling really hungry because he hadn't eaten anything for days, having not eaten after his work night shift, he'd been too tired to grab a bite.

It was at this moment through his radiated and intoxicated eyes that all the bodies around him began to start looking edible. In a drunken stupor, he took a hungry bite, then another.

It was several hours until he finally woke up from the drunken haze and saw the chewed bodies around him and felt his over full stomach that he realized what he'd done. He immediately threw up attempting to empty his stomach. The odd thing was that it really didn't taste that bad throwing up. He noticed it because once he was done the taste lingered like a bad memory that wouldn't go away. He tried to wash it away with some water, but it tasted foul and just make him throw up again. It left him feeling weak and exhausted.

It took him a while to recover and gather his strength, but when he had, he went around some of the other nearby buildings to see what food and supplies he could find. He reasoned that it wasn't like the owners would be likely to want them anymore, seeing as they were dead, and if their relatives wanted anything, they could sue him later. And it's not like anyone wanted to mess with a Ministry of Image employee.

Having finally gathered enough supplies over the next few days, he strapped his overflowing saddle bags on and strained a little at the weight. But he was now confident that he had enough food and clean water to make it all the way back home. He had spent the time looting thinking about the fact that no-one else had come along, he had quickly concluded that every major settlement must have been hit. Otherwise, there would have been military forces descending on the city by now whether they be Pony or Zebra. So with the rest of the ministry probably having been destroyed, there was no point going back to Manhattan or Canterlot. It was finally time to head home to Coltchester.

The Crystal Empire: 1 day after the bombs fell

A shield rose surrounding the crystal empire. “So it's done?” asked Shining Armour. “The last time that spell was cast was...”

“Yeah, I know!” cut in Flurry Heart who breathed a sigh of relief. “That is quite a spell to cast. But it should definitely hold for a good while on its own. Are all the scouts back?”

"The last came through just as you cast the spell," said Princess Cadence yawning as she walked up. "So how long do you think it'll hold? No-one knows about how long the spell will last as you do."

"Well let's see, it'll have to be recharged every so often but I would say it'll probably be good for maybe 40 years longer if we don't keep having to keep opening a door to send out scouts. Trust me, no-one will be able to see the city. If anyone comes knocking it'll be like we're not here.

“Soo?” Cadence said. “Since we're now cut off from the rest of Equestria, the people are going to need something to raise their spirits.”

"Oh Celestia. Mum. No! We talked about this?"

“huh? What?” Shining chimed in.

"Oh come on? You've been dating for what? 20 years? It's not like he doesn't have our approval. He's even been a regular member of your fathers' Ogres and Obblet's game nights."

Shining followed the conversation like a tennis match before slowly trying to step away.

"What do you think hunny? Do you think they should finally tie the knot?" Cadence said as she magicked a wall for Shining to back into to stop him from walking off."

"You can't be serious!" Flurry retorted. "I'm not ready for that, besides, a wedding. No. Just no!" with that Flurry teleported away."

"Oh dear," Cadence said turning to Shining. "So what do you think?"

“Well, err, uh, I don't know. But you look like you need some more sleep.”

flash Light had been examining some food at a street store when he found himself in a nearby alcove kissing Flurry. When he was finally able to break the kiss he said: "You know I love you Flurry, but could you give me some warning next time?"

“Don't be silly, I teleported around first and made sure you were free to kidnap.”

“So what's up? You seem pretty flustered.”

Flurry rolled her eyes. "Mum's at it again. Talking about 'marriage' and how now that we're cut off from Equestria again that we 'need something to lift people's spirits'."

"Hmm," Light said. "Well, a big event to lift people's spirits would be a good idea."

Flurry threw her hooves up in disgust. “Not you too?”

Light booped Flurry on the nose. "You didn't let me finish. I was going to say is a wedding really the best idea they have?"

“Exactly” Flurry replied, I knew you'd get it. “Now that reminds me, I wanted to show you something, it's a new spell I found in the library. If I'm right it means we can be together forever as we are now, and then I won't have to worry about anything else.”

"Wait, wha" flash Flurry teleported them both into the royal library “t?” Light face-hooved. “What did I say about warning me next time?”

“What am I supposed to do? Pull your tail?”

The pair looked around to re-orientate themselves before Flurry trotted over to a table she'd previously been reading at before she got the summons. The scroll still laying open on the desk next to an old book.

“The private royal collection?” Light spurted out. “I've never been allowed in here. Your mum is going to kill us if she finds out.”

Rolling her eyes again, despite having her back to Light, Flurry said "Yeah, and? If this spell works it won't matter because you'll practically be an immortal royal yourself."

She turned the book around for him to see as he stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he read the spell.

Several minutes later after reading and re-reading the spell several times "Wow, that is quite a spell. I'd love to get my dad to have a look at this first, except you know we can't exactly share it can we?"

Slightly horrified Flurry said "Hell no, I shouldn't even be showing you, if mum found out I was even looking for a spell like this. Well..."

"Hmm, I wonder," Light was still reading the spell again. "Before we try casting such an old and specialized spell, I really do think maybe my dad should have a look at it first to make sure it's safe? I'm not saying show him the spell, but what if we were to break down the spell a bit? Maybe give my dad a few pieces we're not sure about so he doesn't work out what it is and so my mum doesn't start getting any idea's?"

"Good idea, your mum does not exactly have a good history when it comes to powerful spells."

"Don't remind me, even dad has to be careful cleaning up his work to make sure she doesn't find a spell that she's not supposed to see."

It was now Flurry's turn to re-examine the spell in the book “Taking parts of the spell and mixing it up? That... could... maybe work? I'd have to carefully transcribe it through to make it look like something else?”

“That sounds awesome. Just one thing honey? How do I get out of here without tripping the alarm?”

"Oops," Flurry said having forgotten about it in her haste to show off the spell. "Well either I can teleport you out, or maybe I can keep you here," she said slyly.

Light booped Flurry on the nose again. “Out please, or I'll be sleeping in the barracks tonight. You might not have any duties but I'm scheduled on guard duty in a couple of hours and it's not going to look good if I'm late.”

Flurry pouted “Your no fun today, but fine!” With a flash of magic, Flurry teleported Light back to the market before taking some paper to begin spell writing.

Meanwhile, in the market, Light suddenly appeared in the middle of the road upside down and several inches above the floor. Light had just enough time to realize what had happened enough to say "damn alicorn magic" to himself before Gravity finished reasserting itself on him and he hit the floor.

MASEBS Hub Tenpony Tower: Two weeks after the bombs

Vinyl stepped into the studio quietly, looking back to see the little foal curled up in bed. After Vinyl had her "powernap" She's kept the kid entertained with stories of herself and Octavia's misadventures. Nothing too racy, just enough for the kid to fall asleep dreaming of two young mares with a radio show with some amazing and wild guests.

Turning back to the controls, there was a blinking red light from an incoming call. Vinyl paused. How could someone be calling the MASEBS? Unless someone had managed to rig up their own set of equipment. She composed herself as she sat down, taking a deep breath before accepting the call.

"Hello?" Slipping into an age-old routine "Your calling the Vinyl Scratch, what can I help you with?"

There was static, a jumbling of sound and flashes of Purple and green until a young alicorn sized dragon appeared into view.

Vinyl almost fell off her chair.

"Woah, a dragon!" She narrowed her eyes, "Wait, Spike? Is that you?"

"Hello Vinyl, yeah it's me. I heard your broadcast. I thought you were in a Stable, I've been trying to contact you on a secure channel for hours, I was beginning to think something had happened?"

"Nah, was just taking a power nap and foal sitting my 'assistant'. Officially I am In a stable and I should be heading back there soon. But go figure, somepony thought I should be hosting a radio show instead. How about you?"

"Well, I suspect that same pony thought it would be a good idea for me to keep watching over Equestria too since I'm probably going to live through until most of the stables re-open. Although no-one is supposed to know what I'm doing in my cave. Oops, I shouldn't have said anything. I guess it's just nice to see an old face from Ponyville, it's been years since I've had anyone properly friendly to talk to."

Vinyl laughed “Don't worry about it, my lips are sealed. We're probably about the only two real ponies left, well pony and dragon anyway working for the ministries.”

“Yeah about that, you mentioned your assistant?”

"My little Octy clone, yeah. What about her?"Spike looked oddly until Vinyl explained."Oh, sorry yeah. She's Octavia's niece or something, except I would almost say she looks just like a filly Octavia. So what about her?"

"She may be practically family to you Vinyl, but I think that we should keep our conversations a secret. I trust you but I don't need others knowing anything about what I'm hiding up here just in case, and if your assistant talked and word got out that I had something valuable..."

"I gotcha, maybe I can spread the word that your mountain is to be avoided, maybe not at all costs, but under advisory precaution of being eaten?"

"I don't eat ponies, you know that."

"Sure, but how long do you think people will remember a friendly dragon in these times?"

“Point taken.”

Sometime later, after spending some time talking about the past and Spike pointing Vinyl to keep an eye on certain parts of Equestria that Spike was more concerned with, they ended the call. Vinyl stifled a yawn and looked at the clock on her pipbuck.

"Oh shooting horse apples. I've got to get back to the stable. I'm scheduled for a party in a couple of hours."

With that, she trotted back into the main foyer just as the Doctor happened to be walking back in.

"I've finished my rounds, Every pony seems stable for now. How about you? I've done my broadcast, and the bed was helpful. I look forward to maybe talking with you some more sometime, Don't mind the kid, she's asleep, best not to wake her, I've set the newscast to repeat every couple of hours until a news update is added to the cycle. Now if you'll excuse me Doc, I'm due back at the stable for a party set."

"Of course, don't want to keep your fans waiting. Just one thing, you might want to take this pill. I forgot to give to you sooner. It'll help with the teleports. It's nothing special, but it's just a small energy booster we had to develop to keep the ministry mare and her personal Staff going on some of their long nights. For a party pony like you, I'm sure you had your own way of managing."

"Actually back when we were young, we didn't have anything like this, so we just had power nap cycles. So this will come in really handy, thanks."

Vinyl took the pill and the glass of water being offered and downed it quickly before taking up the position in the middle of the hall and teleported away back to the stable.

Doctor Helpinghoof sighed "There's just no helping some ponies who don't want to be helped."

He then trotted up to the bedroom to check on the young Melody before heading back down to update the other Ministry employee's who were in a private meeting to discuss their new course of action.

Cloud City of Thunderhead: Two weeks after the bombs.

Rainbow Dash darted from cover to cover in the mid-afternoon sun before her target entered their home. She softly landed on the balcony.

Looking through the fly net she called “Lightning”

Lightning dust was taking off her helmet and turned to look at the balcony. She stepped through the netting to join Rainbow Dash outside.

"Well look what the cat dragged in, you scrub. You're supposed to be dead. You definitely smell it."

Lightning Dust wrinkled her nose

“Sorry I've had a bad couple of weeks”

“Where the hell have you been? And why in Celestia's name did you come to me? You know we've got orders to shoot any dashite on sight right?”

“Dashite? That's what they call people like me? Hmm, that sounds kinda cool I guess.”

"You know I'd be right there wanting to sign up to the cause to rebuild Equestria. I've got friends down there. But anyone who disobeys the council is being sent to facing a firing squad. I may be a Senior Lieutenant but that doesn't stop the bullets flying."

Just then, a couple of younger voices called through from another room "Mum, we're home from school."

"Shit" whispered Lightning Dust. "I'll be there in a few minutes kid, I've just got something to do first"

Rainbow looked at Lightning. “I didn't take you for a mother type.”

“Look, a lot happened after you got me booted out of the academy. I did a lot of wondering and you know how many other stupid things, but I eventually found this really nice stallion and we settled down about 15 years back. But you still haven't answered my question. Why come to me? Why now?”

"I'm still a ministry mare, being a ghoul hasn't changed that. Equestria may be gone but I still have work to do, to rebuild what's left of it."

"Oh great, and this work apparently includes me right? You know I turned down your goon's offers a bunch of times right?"

"I know, but they were ordered to recruit you into the Shadowbolts. I could have done with a wing pony who could keep up with me without me needing to make a slipstream. And for that matter, someone who could lead them when I couldn't. That's why we were reduced to emergency response only. But that's beside the point, I'm here now asking for help. I'm not asking you to fight, although you're clearly signed up for that already."

“Then what are you asking anyway?”

“They've given you control of the SSP tower. I need access to it. I have some old gear I need but I can't get past the guards without being, well you know shot on sight.”

"How the hell do you know that? I only just came from the meeting they decided it myself."

"I'm the ministry mare. It takes a lot more than a couple of fudge jobs to lock out my security codes. You know the meeting room has camera's and mics right? Anyway, I need to get inside and I need some help. There is a hatch on the top level that I just need to be opened. Once inside I can get started on my own, Unfortunately, the hatch has an internal lock. I hadn't planned on being security guarded out of my own tower."

“Once I've done that, we're done?”

“Hell no. I still need you, but I don't know what for yet, once I can get my mare-do-well suit, it'll become easier to move around.”

“Muuum, I'm hungry” came one of the voices.”

An agitated Lightning Dust called back "I said I'll be there soon, try the fridge if your dad hasn't eaten everything yet!" turning back to Rainbow "What are you even trying to do?"

"If I can keep the enclave from gaining too much power, keep the towns in competition, sooner or later they'll have to return to the surface for resources. I'm apparently a ghoul now, I know there are lives I can't save, but I'm thinking long term here."

Lightning Dust whistled "That is seriously long term, you know who they appointed as head of the council? It'll take forever to boot that bitch and her followers out of office."

Rainbow looked glumly "I know, but I need to do something, I can't save everyone, but maybe I can maybe start to rebuild Equestria for when those vaults re-open? It's a long game Lightning, will you help me get started?"

Lightning tilted her head towards the door “Kids, would you come in here a minute, there's some pony I'd like you to meet. A hero of Equestria and an ooold friend of mine.”

As she did so she pulled aside the fly netting. A few seconds later the study door burst open and two young fillies bowled across the floor.

“A real equestrian hero?” One of them asked as they untangled themselves.

Lightning Dust smiled as she turned to Rainbow Dash who was frozen in surprise. “Would you like to come in for a bit? Meet my reason for helping you. It's because I want them to have a future they can be proud of.”

The second child said “she looks funny”

The first added, "and smells it too."

“Sorry kids, I've not had time for a bath for a couple of weeks.” Rainbow dash replied

rustle of paper

“It sounds like what you need is a team."

A pony who had been sitting in the corner reading the paper so quietly that no-one had noticed him.

"Don't scare me like that Thunder!" Lightning dust said. "Also what have I told you about hanging out in my study?"

"Sorry mum, but I wanted somewhere quiet to read without being interrupted."

Thunder shot a glare has his two younger siblings.

Turning to address Rainbow Dash he said "If you want to rebuild Equestria then you're going to need a team working on your side. Special ops kind of team."

Rainbow raised an eyebrow "Just how old are you kid?"

Thunder replied "Old enough that I signed up to apply for the Shadowbolts a day before the bombs."

Rainbow Dash whistled while imagining how good a flier Lightning's son must be.

Lightning Dust face-hoofed. "And just when were you going to tell me about the Shadow Bolts? I thought you told me you applied to join the Ministry?"

"You have to apply through the Ministry to join." Rainbow explained. "You never realized that it was Ministry personnel coming to ask and not some kind of guard?"

"I always figured it was because you were being nice. I am, well I guess was part of the peace core, not the active front line."

Thunder spoke up again.

“I'm in. I know you may not approve mum, but the Ministry mare is asking, and while you may not agree to it, I can get into the tower. I can show them my provisional pass telling them I left some stuff in my locker when I signed up. They're still letting civilians with passes access, I then just need to give them the slip, which should be easy when I name drop and they see I'm their commanding officer's oldest child. Who doesn't want to impress the boss's kid?”

“That is Awesome” Rainbow replied

Thunder looked at his two younger siblings. "That means you can't tell anyone what we're up to right? Not a peep to anyone at school, not anyone unless we say is ok to tell all right? You've seen it on the news when they're rounding up people who don't agree."

Lightning finished "Your as bad as your father when he gets an idea in his head. But I guess there is no stopping you. Why don't we discuss a proper plan over dinner?"

Lightning turned back to Rainbow Dash "You will join us right? It's been a long time since we talked, and you do still eat right?"

"You know, I honestly haven't thought about food in over a week, I can't promise I'll be able to eat much but sure, I'll give it a go."

Lightning pointed "The bathroom is that way, you might want to clean up first." before she began organizing a meal.

Author's Note

Authors notes:

Not sure how relevant this will be for future but for now Thunder's colors are coincidently the reverse of Lightning Dust's. Amber Coat and Turquoise Mane

You might be able to work out whose Light parents are. It's not written in the chapter but his full name is Light Flare.

I have put in a couple of references into this chapter which I think fit in smoothly. There are elements such as Vinyl being the DJ at Tenpony Tower, which does not fit into canon but I plan to resolve in later chapters.

I admit Spike was also not originally scheduled for a scene in this chapter which is why his part might feel a little contrived.

Special thanks go out to Hedgefox Kitsune (not a Brony) for proofreading this chapter and to anyone else who points out mistakes which do not line up with Fallout Equestria or Project Horizons cannon. Also Special Thanks goes out to Kkat and Somber for writing Fallout Equestria and Project Horizons respectively.

Small revision to the mini-chapter in Hoofington with Comet Strikes. It was only on 9th June 2019 in a conversation with the above mentioned Hedgefox that I was finally able to figure out where that bit of writing didn't work.