Fallout Equestria: Fallen Fortress

Breakfast was bare-bones. They stripped what they could out of the pantry and added some spices that were in Pyro’s bag. She cooked, and to Medic’s notice, surprisingly well. Sniper muttered something about wasteland ingredients, but Medic quieted him soon enough. Blackout was fidgety the whole time, pacing back and forth in the foals room. He decided to pass the time by examining the toy chest for anything Bloody Ruby might like. Medic came up to get him when the food was ready,

“Blackout? Pyro’s done cooking, und it’s not burnt!” Medic knocked on the door before walking in and spotted Blackout with a small pony in his hoof. It was a Pegasus clad in a black uniform posed in a battle stance,

“The Shadowbolts… Best fliers since the Wonderbolts.” Blackout sighed, “I always looked up to them for their loyalty… But now… What if they are just blindly following... ” Blackout tossed the pony action figure back into the toy chest before walking out with Medic, “This child was probably a Pegasus or some major fan.” Blackout muttered. He walked down the stairs into the temporary kitchen that had been set up in the living room and Pyro served him a spoonful of soup and he drank it greedily. Pyro poured more in, and he ate that, too. Medic sipped his, enjoying the bold, spicy flavor. It vaguely tasted of chicken, and a few pieces of tofu floated around in it.

“Contrary to popular belief, I am actually vegetarian. I found ingredients that taste like certain animals though, so no one misses out.” Pyro said taking her hat off and sitting down with her own bowl of soup.

Blackout looked outside, and sighed. “We need to get going as fast as possible.” He put down his bowl, and wiped his mouth on his wings. “Command would kill me for that. Guess that doesn’t really matter right now, does it?” He muttered. Medic nodded,

“Ve just have to avoid ze Enclave at all costs now…” Medic said before taking another sip of soup, “If ve do incounter zem again, no doubt zey vill brand jou a traitor Blackout… Zen… Who knows vat zey may do to me.” Pyro had stopped drinking her serving when Medic mentioned that,

“Then we’d just have to do our best and get you out of there. Soldier could blow the doors then have Scout run you out. Easy as pie!”

“Not quite.” Blackout corrected, “You see, for cages we mostly use powerful shield technology that can withstand missile blasts and other high explosives. They also prevent magic from passing through. So if you’re in one. You're best hope is to be released by someone on the outside.” Medic and Pyro stay a little dumbstruck at Blackout. After a bit of staring, Spy speaks up.

“What about having one of us already free to interact with objects before we get placed into a cage?” Everyone turned to Medic, “What? It worked when we were in that interrogation room. I was able-”

“But that was on the ground, Spook.” Sniper interrupted, “We don’t know if you can interact with the cloud terminals like me and Scout can.” Blackout gasped,

“That’s why you were able to see me through the one way glass!” Medic rolled his eyes,

“Yes, yes, and if ve’re all done vith our meals I’d like to get a move on.” Everyone nodded in agreement. They snuffed out the fire in the fireplace and stepped outside. It was raining… Of course it was raining…

Pyro and Medic had found two umbrellas and were holding them above their heads in telekinesis. The umbrellas were old with a few holes and broken, but some protection is better than none. Blackout just wore his carapis Enclave armor and had explained it somewhat deflected water so he stayed mostly dry. The group walked in silence... except for Scout complaining about the rain.

“Couldn’t we have waited till the storm had passed?” He asked, and Spy mentally slapped him.

“Quiet, boy! If you didn’t want to suffer, you wouldn’t have joined this job in the first place!”

“Well I’m used to the sun and clear skies of the New Mexico desert! And-”

“Shut up laddie, we’re giving the poor Doc a headache.” Demo interrupted.

“I just can’t wait to kick my old roommate’s a-”

“Just shut up all of jou!” Medic mentally shouted cutting off Soldier, “I’m trying to zink about how ve could still have Merasmus as an ally… Or kill him...”

“Mate, you would just go and get us all killed. Multiple souls or not, you need to start thinking about who you are willing to let go.” Sniper stated calmly. Medic stopped.

“Song? What’s on your mind?” Blackout asked and Medic started getting his crazed smile.

“I zink have a plan… But I’ll need a few zings to pull it off. My old gear included.” Medic scratched his chin thoughtfully, “Zen again, it’s a crazy idea und probably von’t work.” Blackout and Pyro looked at Medic expectantly. “Look, I can’t tell jou. Vat if she’s listening?” Pyro nodded.

“But what do you need?” Medic thought for a bit before pulling out his journal and writing a list. He quickly showed it to Pyro and Blackout before ripping out the page,

“Please set zis ablaze Pyro. Ve can’t have any evidence.” Pyro compiled by setting the paper on fire.

“Are you sure you can remember all that?” Blackout asked.

“I hope so. Ve probably can’t defeat Merasmus vithout zose items.”

“Can’t… Without… He’s that powerful!?” Blackout shouted.

“Ja… Ve -zat is me und my teammates- have tried to kill him on multiple occasions, but each time he comes back.” Medic confirmed, “So unless ve mess vith his soul, zhere vill be no vay to defeat him.”

“So that’s your plan.” Pyro whispered, “Why keep it a secret?” Seeing Medic’s stare Pyro understood, “Oh, you don’t want more people or ponies knowing about what you can do.”

“Which is vhy zis is of ze utmost importance. Vat jou see me do must not leave zis group.” Medic turned his gaze to Blackout, “Is zat clear!?” Blackout flinches but nods, “Good. Now let’s head out.” They started walking East, Medic in the lead.

The rain cleared up a little bit later and Medic and Pyro dropped the umbrellas. They both shook water from their pelts before they resumed walking. Blackout grumbled but no one listened. Then Scout started to talk, “Oh come on! We’re traveling too slow and it’s too quiet! Can we move faster or someone say something!?”

Blackout roared. “SHUT YOU FRICKIN SCAMP! I JUST LOST THE ONLY THING I CARE ABOUT ANYMORE!” Blackout huffed. “And if you think I’m going to make small talk with you, any of you, just because you want me to, then you’re wrong. Because until you feel loss like I have… shut up.” Scout made Medic turn on Blackout,

“Oh yeah!? I lost my Mom and my brothers to time, Heavy lost his Mom and Sisters, Sniper lost his adopted parents and was betrayed by his biological, Spy lost the love of his life, Engineer had a divorce and lost his child, Demo lost his Mom and adopted parents, and Medic’s wife slept with the Blu Demo! As for Pyro, no one knows more than she doesn’t like talking about it. If you think we don’t know you are sorely wrong!” Scout shouted.

“Scout! Shut up!” Medic shouted, too late. Blackout bit back.

“Well you little rascal, you wanna tussle? Why don’t you come on out, I can show you how I feel.” He grabbed Medic by his overcoat. To Medic’s dismay, his consciousness was shoved back as Scout took control. Medic’s body went limp as the change happened, and Blackout went off balance. Using this to Scout’s advantage, he flipped Blackout over and slammed him into the mud. He jumped on him, landing strong-hooved punches. Blackout kicked, knocking Scout off him. He flew up a few meters, then slammed back down on Scout in the midsection. Ribs cracked. Scout hollered in pain but he made Medic’s old body stand back up.

“If I had my own body you’d be begging for mercy!” Scout stated as he lunged gripping where Blackout’s neck was, the armor protecting him. At that, Blackout fired up his suit’s beams.

“You really want to kill me, scamp?” He sent a quick overcharge to the power, and the beam towers thrummed to life, hissing a deadly tune. Scout quickly ran back, and returned power to Medic. Medic gasped in pain as he realized his ribs were cracked.

“H-Heavy? Put Scout in a time out. Sit on him if jou must.” He gasps out, “Zis… is no time for fighting amongst ourselves. Vat’s worse is zat zis is not jour body, it’s mine. Do it again und I may die. Zen I’d know vat soul to get rid of.” Scout flinched as he was carried to a corner of the mindscape. Medic turns his focus on Blackout, “I am sorry for Scout’s outburst. Are jou hurt?”

“No, but you deserve those bruises, I believe.” Blackout growls and Medic flinched causing more pain,

“Alvight, I may agree vith jou slightly on zat...” Medic sighed and Pyro finally speaks up.

“Will you both just stop! Bloody Ruby is who matters right now! Stop feeling sorry for yourselves and let’s get a move on. You boys clearly don’t know when to stop.” She walked over to Medic and helped him stand, “Medic, you may only have a fraction of your soul left, but you can’t let something like this happen again. Blackout, control your temper!” Blackout didn’t flinch. He didn’t move. He was dead to the world. Medic coughed a little blood before he was fully standing.

“Let’s get a move on.” Medic said with a groan. They started walking again a little slower.

Eventually they arrive at a town that the Pip-Buck marks as New Appleloosa, “Ve’re only halfway zhere!?” Medic shouts in exhaustion. “Looks like ve may have to stay here for ze night. How could ze Synth get zhere so fast!?”

“Teleportation.” Said a voice nearby, “Thought you’d get here sooner Doc.” From behind a large boulder came a red and blue pony talking with Engineer’s voice, “And what do you know! Pyro is alive! How are ya?”

“Medic, what’s going on?” Pyro asked

“Yeah Song, who is this and how do you know him?” Blackout asked as well, guns pointed and primed.

“Ze voice that is speaking is Engineer. A co-worker, und I have to ask as vell, vhy are jou here?” Medic explained,

“Ah, Doc... I know you’re upset but don’t take it out on me. If I had known Helen was gonna do what she did, I’d try and stop her. Though I doubt I could do much. Remember, she only keeps me around because of what I know.” Medic gave him a sympathetic stare. “Doc, do you even know what you are doing agreeing to the Administrator’s terms? You know killing Merasmus is next to near impossible.”

“I know, but I have a plan. It involves some certain items including my gear. Do you think you could help?”

“Doc, you know why I can’t. I can give you some caps but that’s about it.”

“Hold up, do your Sentry ponies have a Dispenser mode? That vould be very helpful vight about now.” The bot looked at Medic confused,

“But you look fine to me.”

“Broken rib.”

“Oh! Yeah, let me turn it on.” The front chest opened up do reveal a dial of some sort and as it went up Red healing energy flowed out from the pony’s mouth into Medic, who breathed a sigh of relief as the rib mended itself.

“Danke Engineer.” Medic smiled

“That was cool and creepy.” Blackout commented.

“If you’re Engineer, then you must’ve built all those synths. They’re well made, but why send them after us?” Pyro asked.

“I had no choice in the matter, Pyro. She controls all the robots I make or repair. She knows how to control all my robots except my Sentry Ponies. I hope to keep it that way because they are my only connection to the outside world. I have had cabin fever like you wouldn’t believe! I want out! I-” Pyro suddenly hugs Engineer.

“I missed you Dell.” She said somewhat crying. Engineer slowly hugs back.

“I missed you too ya little firebug.” After a few seconds they seperate, “Alright, I have some caps from the random jobs that my ponies do. I want you to have them to help you buy whatever you need. I’m sorry I can’t do more.” A panel opens in the Sentry Pony’s side and out comes a small bag filled with caps. “Medic. I have another memory orb. Don’t view it near the town. I heard about how Soldier took over and how you met Blackout.”

“Do you not trust me to handle civilians, maggot!?” Soldier’s voice came out of Medic’s mouth and Medic covered his mouth with his hooves until Soldier was done shouting.

“You really are fighting for control.” Engineer looked at Medic sadly. “Ah shoot! Gotta go!” Medic could faintly hear the sounds of the Administrator calling for the Engineer. The ponybot shut down briefly, then returned to autopilot. Medic stared blankly at the robot for a time. He turned away as Blackout studied the robot. He scanned the street for a hidden corner to stay in, or maybe a park bench if he was feeling that way. The robot was walking away when Medic finally spoke up.

“Anyone see somezing marked Inn from here?” He asked and Blackout pointed down the street at a building made from shipping containers.

“Why did your Co-Worker give you bottle caps? Why not Bits?” Blackout asked as they entered the town and headed for the Inn,

“Bits aren’t used down here. Caps are. Ze reason for zat isn’t very valid but its just how it is.” They entered the Inn and Medic walked up to the pony at the desk, “Room for three?” He asked calmly.

“That’ll be 300 Caps.” The pony replied and Medic nodded using the inventory sorter on the Pip-Buck. 300 bottle caps were removed from the sack that Engineer had given them. Medic hoofed the caps over and the pony counted them just to be sure. With that out of the way he placed them in the cashregister and gave Medic the key to room 7. Medic thanked the pony and led the team down the hallways and into the marked room. One bed and a couch that could probably turn into a bed, but Medic was too tired to care. He flopped down on the couch and fell asleep almost instantly. Pyro pushed him aside to pull out the bed. She huffed as she tucked him in. Blackout walked to the grimy window and looked out to the street.

“I’ve never seen so many… regular pony folk like this.” Pyro walked over to him and spoke.

“They just try to get along in this world. They just want to live, like me or you.” Blackout shook his head.

“Where I’m from they tell us everypony down here is a savage. But seeing this… it proves they were wrong. I would be a fool to turn away from this now, but things like this will get me branded and I don’t want to lose my Cutie Mark. Not after all the work that went into getting it.”

“What is your Cutie Mark?” Pyro asked and Blackout stiffened. “Don’t be afraid. Mine would probably have to do with burning someone to death.” Blackout looked at the Pyromaniac’s flanks seeing the strange symbols that took the place of her Cutie Mark, and sighed. He looked away before explaining. “It’s a light bulb with electricity surrounding it. I got it after I helped defend my home town from a mutated Bug Bear. Electricity was involved. Although, I broke more things than I actually helped…”

“May I see it?” Blackout blushed behind his helmet and with some hesitation took off the helmet and unbuckled the armor. Stepping out, Pyro got a good look at his body and calmly kept her blush down. She looked at Blackout’s flanks as he looked with her. A glowing light bulb sat there with electricity circling it. Blackout blushed deeper.

“T-they say I glowed like a lightbulb when I stuck my hooves in that generator…”

“What happened?”

“I created a short circuit that struck the Bug Bear with enough amps to kill it. Hence I broke stuff.” Pyro nodded as Blackout began putting the armor back on.

“Engineer had a gun that could do stuff like that, quite painful. So do you continuously wear your armor because the faint glow your mark gives off?” Blackout nodded, “Wonder if mine could’ve done that?”

“It could have. But it’s an insanely rare effect. We should get to bed. Long day ahead of us.” Pyro looked to the bed.

“T-there’s only one. Do you want to…?”

“W-what? I-I don’t know… Maybe?” Pyro nuzzled him slightly.

“Might as well, just no funny business.”

“Back at you.” They both climbed into the bed and fell asleep. Medic woke up later needing to use the restroom. When he got up he faintly spotted two figures in the only other bed. Lighting his horn for light he looked again and smiled. Pyro and Blackout were fast asleep, but Pyro was wrapped up in Blackout’s armored wings. Spy chuckled.

“Seems to me that some romance is about.” He whispered mentally, Scout gagged.

“Jou two just ruined ze moment.” Medic muttered as he tuned down the light of his horn and went into the room’s bathroom.

The sun rose the next day and Pyro’s eyes fluttered open. Seeing where she was a deep blush grew on her face. She carefully slipped out from Blackout’s grasp and headed for the bathroom. She quickly washed her face with cold water before she headed out of the room. When she got to the main lobby she found other ponies munching away on fresh hay and that was it. She headed to the desk and asked where the kitchen was. “Not much of a kitchen. We got hay and that’s about it.”

“That won’t be a problem, I have my own ingredients. Would it be alright if I use your kitchen? Please?” Surprised by Pyro’s request and filled with curiosity the pony at the desk lead Pyro to the kitchen.

“Here you go sweetheart. Just be sure to clean up after yourself.” Pyro did a salute and pulled out what was in her bag, wondering what she should make for her friends. She had some leftover oats, canned apples, sugar, and cinnamon from who knows how long ago, and some fresh milk she raided from some poor dead guy’s refrigerator. Oatmeal was clearly an option but she wanted to utilize the hay that was being presented to her. Then she remembered the cookbook she had found a while back had said something about Hay Fries. Satisfied with her palette she set to work.

When Blackout and Medic woke up Pyro was placing bowls of fresh oatmeal and a plate of Hay Fries on the table in the room. The smell enticed the two sleepy ponies and they happily chowed down. “Did jou make this?” Medic asked and Pyro nodded. “It’s the best oatmeal I’ve ever had!”

“Same!” Blackout added, “Wait why aren’t we eating in the lobby?”

“Too many ponies wanted to try at least the Hay Fries. So the owner let me bring it back here.” Pyro replied. Medic tried one of the Hay Fries and nodded.

“No wonder! These are great!” Medic grabbed a few more to snack upon.

“You should’ve seen the show, though. So many little ponies in the kitchen, just watching me cook.” She chuckles. They laughed for a bit before resuming their meal. Then Blackout said something that regain everyone’s focus on the present trial at hand.

“I wish Ruby was here with us.”

“She should be here.” Medic agreed. “But until ve defeat Merasmus nothing vill change. I just hope my plan works. Because if it doesn’t ve are all doomed.” Then Medic brightened, “Speaking of. Ve have some shopping to do!” Medic checked his bottle cap count. “1514 Caps left. Engineer sure gave us quite a lot to work with.” Medic shrugged then stood. “Let’s get a move on.” They returned to the lobby and dropped off their dishes and the room key.

“If you ever feel like it you can work here.” The owner said to Pyro. “You’re cooking could really help this place.”

“No thanks. I’m the wandering kind.” Medic couldn’t tell if she was lying so they all managed to leave without too much of a hassle.

“Now where to go?” Medic asked no one.

“How about the store with the sign ‘Absolutely Everything’ over it?” Blackout asked pointing with a wing.

“Vell I guess ve’re about to test their philosophy.” Medic spoke with a calm smile… Or as calm as he could get.

“Medic? Quit smiling. You’ll scare someone.” Pyro pointed out and Medic frowned.

“Maybe it would be best to have Spy handle zis zen.” The group nodded in agreement and Medic let Spy take control. They walk into the shop and are shocked to be greeted by a ghoul. Spy took it in stride.

“You’re not like those feral ghouls... are you, madam?” The pegasus ghoul blushed a little but nodded as she wrote on a piece of chalk board. "My name is Ditzy Do and I am not a feral ghoul. I have been the proud owner of this shop for more than 200 years.” She erases it with a hoof then writes more. "Also the author of the Wasteland Survival Guide. How may I help you?" Spy smiled after he read this all out loud.

“Me and my colleagues are simply here to collect some supplies. We have a long day of travel ahead of us." Spy explained.

“Wait, what about the other items you need?” Pyro asked,

“Too soon. It would be a little much to carry and she might get an idea of what we’re up to.” Spy stated calmly, “Now, we need…”

They left the shop with the needed supplies and a copy of the Wasteland Survival Guide as a free gift with the purchases. “What’s wrong with her?” Blackout asked once they were out of the city.

“The ghoul? Vell according to Ruby zhere are some ghouls zat haven’t lost zheir minds und are just like jou or me. Ze ones zat have lost zheir minds are like zombies from horror stories.” Medic explained simply.

“I met a few feral ones. Nasty fellows. Reminded me too much of Halloween and the waves of zombies we had to fight.” Pyro added.

“What’s Halloween?” Blackout asked and the mercs looked at him like he was stupid.

“Do you not have Halloween? Dress up as your favorite character or creature then go knocking from door to door asking for candy? Do you really not have that?” Scout asked.

“From what you're describing, it sounds like the prewar Nightmare Night celebrations.”

“So jou had it, but don’t anymore.” Medic concluded and Blackout nodded. “Alvight, if ve keep heading East, following the railroad, ve should arrive at our destination by sundown.”

“Too bad you can’t fly like me.” Archimedes landed on top of Medic’s head as he spoke.

“Jou have no idea how creepy it is to hear jou talk zen just do coos, und vhere have jou been!? Jou vere gone for a long time.”

“I was exploring, and I got to Dodge city.”

“What can jou tell us?”

“Be careful. It’s a town full of Raiders and Slavers. If it wasn’t for all the robots keeping things in check the city would be in shambles, more than it is now. Protect Pyro. The Stallions seem to have fun toying with Mares.” Pyro simmered in small fury. “I’ll do what I can to warn you from above, but you mustn’t attack anyone. Saw one pony get dragged off for shooting some pony else. The Medic bots seem to have inherited your insanity cause the room they took him to caused him to scream for hours.”

“Und all of zis happened last night?” Medic could hardly believe his ears. “Ze Administrator allows zat? Ve got to get Ruby out of zhere quickly. She said she’d make sure Ruby was alive but you’d be surprised vat one can live through. Speaking of, did jou see her?”

“No.” Archimedes replied. “My guess is she’s in the main building. It has the most security. Couldn’t get close without being marked hostile by the Sentries the Engineer bots have set up.” Medic growled, this had just gotten a lot harder and more pressing.

As predicted, they arrived at Dodge City about the time the sun was going down. Archimedes hid himself inside Medic’s saddle bags for safety. The once clearly Western style town was a mess. They hadn’t seen any raiders nor the all-too familiar slavers, but Medic had assumed this was because they saw a massive detachment of robots pass by. A terrifyingly large, army-green, robot crossed the road they were walking through, and barely gave them a glance. Later, Medic could hear automatic laser fire, and a rough voice saying, “Engaging Zebra Scum.” The protectron force accompanying it also opened fire, but Medic couldn’t hear what they were saying over the din of the larger green robot. Medic was glad they weren’t the target of the attack. Blackout spoke up. “They must not have registered us as combatants yet. Lucky for us.”

“I suppose.” Medic turned his head away from the bloody battle and to the very familiar looking building. “Zat’s odd.”

“What’s odd?” Pyro asked, looking at the building.

“Zis building is ze exact same building vhere ve battled Team Vengeance. Vhere I revived Sniper! Vat’s it doing here?” Medic stopped. “Zen again ze Stable appeared here too. I vonder vhy it vasn’t just us?”

“Not the time to wonder about that sort of thing, Song.” Blackout replied walking up to the building. He stopped when he heard a beeping sound. “What was that?”

“Sentries!” Spy shouted as he made Medic dive bomb Blackout just in time before the guns started shooting. Pyro hopped backward to avoid the bullets. The Administrator’s voice booms over the loudspeakers.

“You fools! Don’t shoot them. They are of value to me!” The Sentries stop shooting, but remain pointed at the small team. “Get in here Mr. Heinsinburger before I regret calling them off.”

“Jou better let in all of us!” Medic responded.

“Fine, but a single sign of trouble, and your head will sit on a pike.” The team rushed into the now open doors and were greeted by the Spy synth. The real Spy scoffs as the synth bows.

“Welcome back Mr.Heinsinburger, Pyro, and welcome new twerp.” Blackout nearly charges the synth but a gun pointed at him stops him. “As predictable as a Scout.” The real Scout has to be mentally held down because of that statement. A passing Scout bot shouted,

“Go to Hell Spy!” Pyro and Medic stifled laughs. Blackout brought them back to earth.

“Where’s Bloody Ruby?” He asked and the Spy Synth chuckled.

“You mean that filly I brought in? She’s in good hooves, don’t you worry.” The Spy Synth smiled wickedly. “Our Medic bots are keeping a good eye on her.” Medic’s eyes went wide, remembering Archimedes' words, ‘The Medic bots seem to have inherited your insanity...’ Medic growled, pulled out his bonesaw and pounced on the Spy Synth.

“If you bots dare harm her, I swear I’ll blow this place to kingdom come!”

“I doubt that Mr. Heinsinburger. You wouldn’t even get the chance.” The Administrator’s voice echoed around them. “Besides, even if you did blow this place up I’d still be alive. Your little filly however, would not.” Medic growled again looking at the closest loudspeaker. “Now please get off of my associate.” Medic compiled and a door opened. “Come. We have much to discuss.” Pyro looked at Medic then to the door. Blackout then asked,

“Are we supposed to come with?” A deep and annoyed sigh came from the loud speakers.

“Fine, fine. You might as well hear what I have to say.” The small team walked through the doorway and down a few hallways until they arrived at a meeting room. Engineer was in there and the Administrator was sitting in one of the end seats of the table in the room. “Have a seat.” All except Engineer sat down. “Now, I want all team members to be here. I wish to see them Mr. Heinsenburger.” Medic looked at the Administrator in shock. “We haven’t got all day...” Medic glared.

"No. You don't need all of us out. They can listen just fine where they are." The Administrator returned the glare, but hers had a backing.

"Need I remind you who is currently in my possession?" Medic's magic activated from his fear and the rest of the team were released from Medic’s body. Medic then face planted on the table unable to support himself.

“Song!? What’s wrong?” Blackout asked in surprise and the Administrator grimaced into what could be called a smile.

“He has no strength without the other souls.” She replied. Heavy once again walked over and helped support Medic. “First things first.” She states. “Your equipment.” She nods to Engineer who picks up a suitcase from the floor, walks over, and places it in front of Medic. Medic carefully opens it and examines the Medi-Gun, checking its condition. Not finding anything wrong, Medic lifts it out telekinetically and puts it on. “Second. The synth that will be coming with you.” A door opens behind the Administrator. A bald, tailless, silver pony walks through the door. “This model is known as Scientia. It is a learning robot. It has already studied Engineer and the other Synths. Now it will be learning from you.” Blackout scoffed.

“It’s an Earth Pony. How could it possibly learn anything from Healing Song, Firefly, or me?” As if to answer his question, a pair of mechanical wings spread out from its sides, and a horn rose from its head. Blackout seethed at this pale imitation of a god.

"As you can see Scientia can learn from all three of you. I expect good results from you're journey." The Administrator said calmly, though her eyes shined with amusement. The Synth returned its horn and wings into its body and walked over to stand by Pyro. "Now finally, the main part of our deal… Merasmus." A hologram of Equestria's map appeared on the table. "His last known location was somewhere in the mountains north of Canterlot. Where the fabled Crystal Empire is supposed to be." A light shined on the table in the estimated area. "Find him, kill him and the filly goes free."

“You know Merasmus. He cannot die by any of our means.” Medic said, Heavy still lifting his head.

“Да. Magic man does not die easily. Not even Sasha could take out tiny magic man.”

The Engineer stepped forward. “That’s where Scientia comes in. It can absorb magic, and use it to its own gain. Whether it be repairs or… well, you know.” Scientia emitted a low, robotic growl as he said that. Blackout seethed.

“You two clearly can’t be trusted. How do we know, even after holding up our deal, that you’ll let Ruby free?” He put both front hooves on the table, angry. “And this… abomination… How are we supposed to know it's not just going to kill us and do the job itself?” A silence filled the room.

“Because I hold all the cards, bird. You dance to the tune I play. So dance, little bird. Or be cut from the program.” The Administrator’s threat filled the silence of the room, echoing on the empty walls like a promise of a better future shattered. Medic turned his head to Blackout.

“It’s no use fighting them, Blackout. We can’t do anything.” With that final slap in the face, Blackout backed down, sadness running through him. He would never break free. He couldn’t escape.

“Well, gentlemen. It looks like neither of you have anything else to add to this mix. I would wish you luck… but it doesn’t exist.” With that, the Administrator’s chair rapidly sped off into a wall that had just opened, and just as quickly closed again. The Engineer shrugged, and scrubbed at a spot of yellow gold liquid on the floor. He walked out a door, after wiping his hoof on Medic. Medic, strangely, felt a little better. Blackout then proceeded to flip the table. Pyro flinched at this action.

"Blackout! Calm down!" Pyro called out. Blackout turned to Pyro in rage.

"Calm down? CALM DOWN!?" He screamed, "THIS B**** HAS JUST SENTENCED US TO DEATH WITH THIS MISSION! AND WE DON'T EVEN KNOW IF BLOODY RUBY IS OK!!!" Seeing Pyro's frightened face Blackout took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm sorry… I'm just really stressed out right now." Pyro walked up slowly and nuzzled him lightly.

"We'll get past this, we always do."

"Yeah, and we've been through some pretty crazy s***!" Scout butts in before being dragged back into Medic by Spy. Medic takes a deep breath after all the team was back in him before standing.

"Despite Scout's nature, he is right." (Hey! Wait, what?) "We have been through some pretty crazy things, but back then we almost always had respawn. Now we have to somehow overcome without it. Besides, even if Scientia is an unknown factor, it is still our wild card if something goes wrong." Scientia seemed to grin a little bit. “Speaking of, I think it’s about time I got the rest of the gear I need for my plan to work.”