Ad Victoriam

by ringadingdingbaby

Rating: mature
Tags: Other, Science Fiction, Profanity, Adventure, Violence, Princess Celestia, Crossover, Alternate Universe, Human, Main 6, Princess Luna, Gore, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 20754

High Elder Joseph Maxson has returned to Equestria after a thousand years of imprisonment.

This is a Displaced story. You have been warned.

A thousand years ago, the Brotherhood of Steel was defeated, marking the end of a period of war between various factions.

Yet the Brotherhood somehow clung to life through the generations. A seed was passed down and replanted. 9 years before the return of Nightmare Moon the descendants of the original Brotherhood came together and reformed the old organization. This new Brotherhood has awaited their master's return.

It is September 12th, Year 1 of the Tempus est Harmonia (Age of Harmony). One thousand years ago Joseph Maxson was imprisoned. It is time for his return.

The character of Joseph Maxson and alternate timeline in this Equestria are extremely loosely based on the Fallout series.

Published 2019-08-21 23:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-11-21 11:01:59 UTC

Chapter One: Sunrise in Equestria

BDCS #00001: After Princess Celestia’s defeat of High Elder Maxson in the Year 12, Princess Celestia of Equestria purged most mentions of the Brotherhood and Maxson from Equestrian literature and records, as well as suppressing recounts of the battle between Royal Guard and Brotherhood forces.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

One day, a thousand years ago, there was a great and terrible war. Two sisters fought, and their battle tore the lands of Equestria in two.

Not a single Equestrian was prepared for this war, and supplies quickly ran dry. Civilians on both sides starved, soldiers slowly lost morale, and dissent grew throughout the nation.

But one group, made of intellectuals and warriors, managed to weather the storm and prepare for the chaos that was sure to follow, as their leader foretold.

Sure enough, even after one sister was banished by the other, the nation continued infighting, devolving into no less than a dozen warbands and factions fighting between the forces of the sister, and one another.

This group that had survived the storm, this Brotherhood, embarked on a mighty Crusade. They fought back against the darkness, and defeated many of these warbands.

The remaining sister, however, did not know who they were. She believed them to be usurpers, wanting Equestria for themselves.

After the Brotherhood slew the greatest of these warbands, a technologically advanced enclave of unicorn supremacists, the Royal Guard and Royal Army launched an ambush on one of the Brotherhood’s camps.

In a quick campaign, much of the surface strength of the Brotherhood vanished. The remainder of their troops held up on a shoreline in the western reaches of Equestrian land, purposefully staying far away from their still-hidden bastions.

There, they waited and stood. Preparing for this final battle. And lo, it came. The Royal forces smashed into their lines, fighting them all the way to the water.

And the sister emerged from these lines, hitting the leader of this Brotherhood with an arrow of colors. He began to freeze, his armor turning to stone, but in his last actions barked out a few orders.

Their leader fallen into the sea, and their defeat guaranteed, the remains of the Brotherhood fled to the far corners of this world. Their dormant fortresses, extending for miles underground, silently disappeared.

Yet the Brotherhood was not dead.

Legends of their doings were passed down generations of descendents of the Brotherhood.

Ten years before the thousandth anniversary of their defeat, a new Brotherhood was formed by these descendants. One dedicated to the return of their leader.

Their High Elder, the illustrious Joseph Maxson.

But even as the Brotherhood stirs, enemies old and new awaken, threatening to cause Equestria’s thousand year stretch of peace to end.

Despite the harmony they live in, Equestria shall again learn the harshest of lessons: War, war never changes.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

SCAN 20%
SCAN 40%
SCAN 60%
SCAN 80%
SCAN 100%

SCAN COMPLETE

VITAL SIGNS NOT FOUND
RESCANNING

SCAN 20%
SCAN 40%
SCAN 60%
SCAN 80%
SCAN 100%

SCAN COMPLETE

VITAL SIGNS FOUND
PIP-OS(R) REBOOTING

^^^PIP-OS(R) V7.1.0.1^^^

COPYRIGHT &#!$(TOKEN NOT FOUND) ROBCO(R)
LOADER V1.2
EXEC VERSION 42.01
64K RAM SYSTEM
31236 BYTES FREE
NO HOLOTAPE FOUND
LOAD ROM(1): DEITRIX 303

INITIATING.
INITIATING..
INITIATING…

WARNING: POWER ARMOR AT 0% DURIBILITY
WARNING: POWER ARMOR FRAME INOPERABLE
WARNING: PRIMARY MICROFUSION PACK OFFLINE
WARNING: BACKUP FUSION CORE OFFLINE

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

I awake to the all-too-familiar sound of an alarm blaring in my ear. I know deep down that it is time. My stone prison has weakened to the point I can shatter it.

Shifting my body, the cracks in the rock widen and sunlight touches my skin for the first time.

My old armor crumbles away, and I am freed from my slumber.

I am lying on a beach somewhere down the coast from where it all ended. Where we fought our final battle. I do hope they heeded my final commands. I had many procedures in place in case I fell.

Ignoring the cries of protest in my back, I shift upright, pushing myself back onto my feet.

My old suit of Power Armor was just a shattered mess lying around on the sand, baking in the morning sunlight. I turned towards the sun rising over the woods to the east. I turn back to face the ocean again. This is the furthest edge of Equestria. My trip would take me through many dangerous lands, and would end within sight of the heart of Equestria, Canterlot.

Steeling myself for the trek, I turn and begin striding towards the treeline.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

I held my weathered Pip-Boy up to my eyes, examining the menus. None of the notes had been corrupted, thankfully, but the map was mostly gone other than major locations and the communications features were entirely down, for some reason. It would seem the small wireless receiver module on the back had been damaged at some point before I fell in combat.

The Pip-Boy’s digital inventory was still whole as well, minus the Power Armor frame and pieces. I summoned my pistol, Pew-Pew, as well as a finely-sharpened combat knife and my old hunter’s coat in the place of my underarmor. I had redressed myself to look more like a seasoned wanderer than a leader of some military forces, to better disguise myself from curious eyes.

The wilds of the Western Reaches was much of what I remember. Sprawling, hilly forests, the Dragon Hills capping the region, and the promise of danger lurking away from pathways. Beyond the Dragon Hills lay the Badlands south of Central Equestria, a vast desert region that is home to ancient secrets and terrifying monsters alike.

I had a long journey ahead. One in an Equestria a millennium older than the one I left. Taking a sip from my flask, I try and remember where the nearest town is. Vanhoover was supposed to be north along the shoreline aways. It used to be a small fishing village and port, but nowadays has probably developed into a larger city.

If I can earn some bits I could probably afford a train ticket to one of the towns near Canterlot. Cloudsdale is probably my best option if I want to avoid the Guard. Pegasi Guardsponies and other police forces rarely had a reason to come to the ground, and it will likely stay like that so long as there isn’t a sizable ground population down below the city

These thoughts were pushed to the back of my head upon encountering a campsite at the bottom of the hill I stood on. It would seem a caravan of some sort had been traveling through this area and a small cluster of camps surrounded a central campfire. Seeing as it had begun to get late, and travel at night is probably not the smartest idea, I begin to walk towards the flames.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Greetings, mind if I take a seat by your fire?” I query, hand held up in greeting. “It’s been a long road and I was looking for a good camp spot.”

One of the ponies sitting across from the fire looked me up and down. The brown-coated pony had a beaten ballcap and a pair of shades, and sat in the center of those talking around the fire.

“Sure, stranger, just keep out of our tents and you’ll be fine,” The pony cracked a grin, nodding towards me. “I’m Weathered Hooves, and these are the fine folks of the Backroads Guild of Vanhoover. We’re working a job as surveyors for one of those big Manehattan companies. They were looking to see if some of the valleys around here had any materials of interest. What’s your story?”

“Call me Joseph. Been on the road for some time. Was heading to Vanhoover to see if there were any jobs in town I could do quick, courier work and the like. Just need enough bits for a train ticket to somewhere out east. Feel the need to see home, but even with a train, it'll be a long walk. Sorta in the middle of nowhere, y’know?” I state with a bit of a half-shrug. Half-truths are easy when ponies are entirely unaware of your past.

“Hmm. Tell you what, you look like you’re capable of handling yourself. I’ll give you a cut of the pay if you scout out the valley ahead of us. Make sure there aren’t any beasts ready to tear us a new behind, you dig? Deal?” He walks over and holds out a hoof.

I take the hoof in my hand and shake it with a nod of my head.

“It’s a deal.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

I stand on a cliff overlooking the valley they had sent me to recon. The group would be making camp a little further than where I met them and would have most of their stuff ready to move on my go-ahead.

My Pip-Boy played a near-silent jingle as it marked this location on my (now mostly-empty) map. “Whistling Valley” was the name of this place. The name was appropriate, as the wind rolling over the hills almost sounded like someone whistling a tune they had heard.

The trees here were a bit more sparse than the woods I had been in previously, but there were many outcroppings, cliffs, caves, and other obstructions preventing clear line of sight straight down the Valley.

Hearing a growl, I turn to my left and draw my pistol in a swift motion. There, emerging from behind a large boulder, was a Birch Timberwolf. With only a single shot from Pew-Pew, it turned into ash.

Birch Timberwolves were among the weakest variant of Timberwolf, and they tended to stay away from other kinds. Scouting the Valley would likely take only a day, but needing to clear out these luckily weak Timberwolves would add another day or so to that.

Hostering my pistol, I brought out my Laser Rifle, the Wazer Wifle, needing something with a higher magazine capacity in case I run into more than 2. While Pew-Pew actually was more powerful, it drained a Small Energy Cell in only 2 shots, making crowd control difficult.

Hearing howling in the distance, I began to trail my way up the valley, having my head on a swivel to see these Timberwolves before they could pounce on me.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #1218: The Equestrian Technological Solutions Corporation is a large manufacturer and research company that operates out of Manhattan. It requires a large number of crystals to manufacture their own variants of the rediscovered AEP and AER lines of weapons.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

After setting up camp for the night, I continued clearing out the Valley, killing dozens of Birch Timberwolves. This seemed to be almost a refuge for them, likely a place where various packs had been pushed by other predators or ponies. It almost seemed a shame to eliminate them, but Timberwolves are a result of bad magics, and need to be put down.

I had made my way all the way to the end of the Valley, and I could find small crystalline growths emerging from the rock in places. These must be the things that piqued the interest of whatever company had hired Weathered Hooves and the others. They were a near-match for the kind of crystal found in my laser weaponry, though they would need refining before use. I pocketed a few, as I was likely to find a use or get a few bits out of them later, if this job wasn’t enough.

Reaching a point where the Valley seemed to narrow before capping off, I stumbled upon a cave lined with large crystals, several times the size of the protrusions I had found earlier. The cave was not too deep, but it took me a while to find the final chamber.

In the center of this chamber was a Timberwolf Alpha that crackled with energy. It seemed to have gems glittering inside it’s chest cavity and replacing its eyes. I had never seen one like this before, and sprung into action.

I leaped into the chamber and fired off two shots with Pew-Pew at it before switching to the rifle. After a few moments of dodging and circling it, I discovered my lasers seemed to bounce before striking the wood making up its body.

The crystals combined with the vile magical energy fueling Timberwolves had created a shield entirely blocking the same wavelengths of energy the crystals produce in laser weapons. I suspected it would also offer great protection against magical spells or enchanted weapons, but had no time to test this and neither on hand.

Grinning, I had realized that this type of shield would provide no protection against ballistics.

I quickly switched to my Anti-Material Rifle, Old Redwood, and lined up a shot on its head. I waited for it to begin another pounce, causing it to slow down and rear up rather than dodge attacks, and launched a .50 BMG right into the Alpha’s head.

The wood shattered and splintered on contact, and at once all life was gone from the Timberwolf. The pieces began to rot away immediately, only leaving behind a pile of these crystals. I put them away, these in their own separate container in case any bad magic lingered.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Ah, you’re back. How’d your little expedition go?” Weathered Hooves questioned, a grin on his face. “Is the spot good for us to move in?”

“There were large numbers of Timberwolves, but they were easily defeated. Their Alpha has also been shattered, so they’re unlikely to come back. Place should be good to head to now, and it looked really promising, especially this cave at the end.” I handed Weathered a folded sheet paper I had written some more in-depth information and a hand-drawn map on. He took it in hoof, and scanned it over.

“Wooee that’s a big number of wood-dicks! You know what, here’s some extra damn pay for all that trouble you went through. It’s the least I can do to pay you back,” He handed me a somewhat weighty sack of bits, at least a couple pound’s worth. “If y’ever need work again around Vanhoover, come and see us again. We operate out of a small office just next door to the Vanhoover City College.”

“Thanks for the bits, Weathered. Good luck and happy hunting.” With that, I turn back towards the road leading to Vanhoover. Money, direction, and new friends were all important things.

My Pip-Boy gave another quiet jingle, this time popping up with a pair of messages.

“You are now accepted by the ponies of Vanhoover! Congratulations! Ponies in town still don’t know you well, but you helped out some of their own! Ponies in Vanhoover will be more trusting and likely to accept requests from you!”

“You are now liked by the ponies of the Backroads Guild! You did a big favor for the Vanhoover branch, and the organization as a whole will be open to working with you again in the future!”

I wonder if I’ll meet any of the other branches of the Backroads Guild in the future, or see Weathered Hooves once I leave Vanhoover. Anything’s possible in this new world, I guess.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #00100: The Children of Steel are those descended from the original Brotherhood of Steel. These were the ones who brought back the organization in the modern day and follow the old teachings of High Elder Joseph Maxson.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“My fellow Brothers and Sisters, you may wonder why I gathered you here in our Great Hall today. I am not sure you are aware, but today is the marking of a momentous occasion.”

“I have not told many of our new members from beyond the Children of Steel our true goals, our true aspirations, our true purpose.”

“Please, please calm down. I will explain everything.”

“On this day, a thousand years ago, the ancient Brotherhood, the original organization, was defeated in battle at the end of the Aetatis Suad Belli, the Age of War. The Brotherhood, however, had existed for nearly three decades before then. It was founded by an individual who foresaw the Nightmare Moon Uprising and the events that would follow. He foresaw everything. Our High Elder.”

“We were founded by him and his followers, some of the greatest thinkers and mightiest warriors of the era. We held many underground labyrinths just like this one we reside in now, and we slowly grew in strength. We trained in the ways of a long-lost civilization, using their tactics mixed with our High Elder’s unique ideas. We made advances in technology still not found to this day. We prepared for the crisis he gave warnings of.”

“And then, a decade after the Brotherhood was founded, Equestria fractured into two warring sides. The Brotherhood began to secure towns near their bunkers, protecting them from dangers the ones serving the Moon and Sun were no longer focused on.”

“Yet we did not act in the war. We simply defended those near us, and prepared our next great move.”

“After Nightmare Moon had been banished, her Lunar Legion shattered into a dozen factions. Many other would-be usurpers and warlords also carved out chunks of Equestria, and entire units of the Royal Army went rogue and used their camps and fortresses to lord over towns and regions of Equestria.”

“The Brotherhood spent the next 5 years quelling these uprisings, allowing the ponies ruled over by these cruel masters to await Princess Celestia bringing back order to Equestria. Then, they rose. Our cursed enemy, the Enclave. They were unicorn supremacists who had banded together under the Autumn Dynasty. They found caches of Forefather armor, weapons, and machines, just like our own equipment.”

“Before then, there were only whispers of our metal soldiers on the winds of Equestria. Celestia knew not of what her ponies spoke of in hushed whispers. Pony-like golems of steel emerging from the darkness, driving away bandits, and leaving again? Seemed like something out of fiction.”

“The conflict against the Enclave was an all-out war.The Brotherhood again emerged from the shadows and struck against them. The Princess was caught off-guard by these two technologically-advanced factions becoming a problem overnight.”

“The war lasted another 7 years. It was... horrific and many Brothers and innocent ponies died.”

“My ancestors witnessed bunkers caved in, crushing dozens of ponies beneath tons of rubble. They witnessed villages on the surface blasted away with a single weapon. They witnessed entire forests burnt by the Enclave’s hellish flamethrowers.”

“But at last, we destroyed the Enclave’s primary fortress, and killed their leaders. The organization shattered and we picked off the remains one-by-one.”

“Our conflict ravaged what was left of Equestria. No ponies were willing to fight. That was, other than Celestia.”

“She believed us to be some sort of threat from the past, ghosts inhabiting armor shells. She saw as we burned and fought over her lands, and grew to fear us.”

“She discovered one of our greatest weaknesses: the Vorpal Blades. Magical weapons that could slice through any material. Arming her Royal Guard with these weapons, she destroyed many of our remaining bunkers. She launched a campaign that wiped the floor with us. We had lost too many to match the Equestrians.”

“So the High Elder, wise as he was, decided to rally the strongest remaining combatants and sent out an evacuation order. Every member of the Brotherhood that was not present in this fighting force was instructed to leave behind their lives.”

“And he faced Celestia head-on, for the first and only time.”

“His and his men’s sacrifices allowed the remaining bastions of the Brotherhood to silently escape. They fled to the edges of the world. But before his defeat, he gave one last message.”

“He stated that he would return in but a millennium. He would be freed of the prison that would bind him, and he would return to lead us. He said that the threats to Equestria and the world at large had ended, but they would no doubt reemerge. He commanded us to pass our stories through the generations, and record the Brotherhood’s feats for future generations. His final words before silence were that his return would precede a great period of crisis in Equestria.”

“It has been a millennium since that fateful day that the High Elder was struck down. He is already on his way to us, as he foretold.”

“I, Elder Watcher, brought you all together a decade ago to prepare for this very moment.”

“We await the return of our master, High Elder Joseph Maxson! We await the return of the strength of the Brotherhood! We await our rise to glory, to greatness! Ad Victoriam!”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #00032: The Royal Guard are the personal guards of the Twin Sisters and the most potent Equestrian military combatants. They have access to high tech weapons and extremely powerful magic.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

NAME: JOSEPH MAXSON
LEVEL 36
S 8
P 6
E 4
C 9
I 10
A 6
L 6

TRAIT 1: WILD WASTELAND
Increases chances of unusual encounters.
“Hey you, you're finally awake.”

TRAIT 2: INTREPID TRAVELER
20% increased health and nourishment benefits from foodstuffs and drink. Additionally, you can easily make out nearby points of interest from high ground.
”Them’s good eatin’s!”

BACKGROUND PERK: DISPLACED
Additional opportunities for advancement are given, and your aging is dramatically decreased to the point where it is nonexistent. Additionally, you now have a connection to others with this Trait, even those beyond the Veil of your universe.
"We're all really just wayward travellers, lost far from home, us Displaced."

PERK OF THE DAY: EDUCATED
Thanks to your status as a learned, intelligent member of your community, you better retain skills you have learned! Gain +2 skill points upon levelling up!
”Strive for progress, not perfection.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #00133: The modern Griffon Empire was formed 453 years ago when the Griff Concordat, the Griffus State, and the Kingdom of Griffonstone unified under one banner.

Chapter Two: Vanhoover? I've never met her!

BDCS #03521: Vanhoover is the home of the manufacturing company Atlas Industrial Concern. Much of life in the city is dominated by this company. It is said that police forces within the city are bought out by the company.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

I could see Vanhoover in the distance and already was unhappy with what I found.

I stood on a hill to the south of the city, a single naked raised point of land jutting out of the hilly forest around the area. It was cold, wet, and muddy, having rained earlier, and a fog still persisted.

But the city itself?

This entire southern edge was lined with factories and warehouses, smoke stacks rising into the sky, cargo airships bobbing and weaving through plumes of smoke. The whole place was heavily industrialized, reminiscent of both Industrial Era cities and modern-day factory complexes. On many of the buildings was a heavily stylized “A” logo or a large sign: “Atlas Industrial Concern”.

As I moved towards the city, I came across a concrete roadway bending west towards the mountains, and it was here the dirt road from where I awoke ended.

I was now in civilization again.

I passed a few small buildings on the edges of the factory grounds. Security stations, transformers, and fenced-off storage yards lined the southern edge of Vanhoover’s industrial district.

It seemed these properties stretched another mile, then were followed by factories and power plants and warehouses for countless more miles. Was this entire city just a massive factory?

I realized why this city was likely so dense with factories. Far away from the prying eyes of the majority of Equestria’s population and the rich elite in Canterlot, this city was separated by forests, deserts, and mountains from the rest of Equestria. The city was not concerned with aesthetics, just with how efficient they can be and how much they could squeeze out of the area.

Finally, after nearly two hours of walking through Vanhoover, the factories were slowly replaced by offices and distribution centers. Stores and restaurants began after that, and then I found myself in what was likely “downtown” in the city. This seemed to be where the small skyscraper core I saw from a distance was located at. Many colleges and government facilities were also here. It seems that Equestra had transferred from garrisons of the Royal Guard or Royal Army to local police precincts, which suited me all the better.

With the end of dense factories came crowds of Ponies trying to go from place-to-place in the city. I was stared at by many, and some even seemed frightened by my appearance. I paid them no heed,

Here in the center of the city, I also found the primary train station. It was a simple matter of reading maps to figure out which train I should get a ticket for.

Walking over to the ticket counter, I prepare the bag of bits in my hands.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Hey, pal, you awake?” The Pony at the counter appeared to be nodding in and out of sleep before I spoke up, not aware of my presence. He is jostled upright by my words, almost smacking a hoof into his face.

“Uh, hey… AHH!” Panicking, the Pony ducks under his side of the counter and hits a switch closing an overhead shutter, locking me away from him.

“Excuse me, sir, I just wish to purchase a ticket. I’m not some monster who stalks ponies in their sleep most of the time, I swear!” With a light-natured laugh, I attempted to reassure the stallion. After a moment the shutter reopens and he emerges back from below.

“You promise you aren’t, like… a weirdo monster from the sea or something?” I nod, and he looks over a screen on the desk. “Well, our only train leaving for the rest of the day is the Royal Line Express. It’ll be stopping at Perspiration Station under Cloudsdale, Royal Station in Canterlot, and Grand Central Station in Manehattan. We still have multiple tickets for overnight travel available, and if you wish you could also prebuy a ticket for tomorrow's train lines.”

“Royal Line Express is fine. How many bits for the overnight ticket?” I start counting ahead, already knowing it to be a hefty sum.

“Thanks to the Royal Line being government-owned, it’s on the cheaper side but a little less comfortable than corporate-owned trains. It’ll only be 100 bits for the overnight. Could I get your name?” I hand him about a third of what was in the bag Weathered Hooves gave me, and he inputs something into the screen.

“Joseph.” With this, he hits a button and the sound of a printer can be heard. He pulls a ticket out from under his desk, handing it to me.

“Train leaves in about an hour and a half, though you’ll want to be here a little bit before then. If you’re hungry, there’s a good sandwich place across the street. Shouldn’t be too busy, dinner rush is over.” Pocketing the ticket, I nod to the clerk, turning towards the seating inside the station. The Royal Line Express is currently in the station, though it seems some maintenance Ponies are replacing a few parts.

I decide to buy a newspaper and a couple tech magazines. The ride to Cloudsdale would take until about 2:30 in the afternoon tomorrow, and I wanted to make sure I had plenty to read.

I was honestly shocked none of the Ponies I encountered made such a fuss over my appearance before the clerk. Perhaps they saw me as someone not to question? Perhaps they simply didn’t care? I remembered in the hundred years before my imprisonment I could send entire towns into hiding just by being present. Ponies were fearful of the unknown then, and I would presume they wouldn’t have changed that part of their psyche over the years, yet here I am.

I reviewed some information on my Pip-Boy. After attempting to discover the status of the Everfree Bunker, I would also need to travel to the other two of the major bunkers that remained after the war, and seek out some of the things I simply didn’t have time to do before I was defeated.

Defeat… I do not feel anger towards Celestia. I understand that I was not open with her or Equestria, and the Brotherhood were a total mystery. With how we fought against the other warlords and the Enclave, what reason should she have to trust in the Brotherhood. I feel somewhat upset my plans were interrupted, of course, but anger and hate would likely get me nowhere. I needed to focus on the future, not dwell on this cruel past of mine.

There was a long list of leads I never followed and secrets I never unearthed. There was said to be a hidden cache of Securitrons somewhere deep in the Badlands. There were still the mysterious Vaults, whose purposes were still unknown. The Enclave’s true base had never been found. For all I know another faction has already found these and more, but I still hold out hope that I could secure them first. Who knows what kind of damage one could do with the Enclave’s weaponry and armor?

After rereading much of the information relevant to my current objectives, I hear the train whistle and a conductor shout for orderly lines. It was time to go. I had gotten lucky so far, but I doubted that luck would last.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #02342: The Sand Worms are a gang of bandits known to occasionally rob trains going through the Badlands. They recently have begun using powerful weapons from an unknown supplier.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

RECON SQUAD CAESAR REPORT: WESTERN REACHES SEPTEMBER 15TH, 1012 UEDS
RECON SQUAD STATUS: OPERATIONAL
RECON SQUAD COMMANDING OFFICER: PALADIN GOLDEN CORNFIELD
RECON SQUAD PRIMARY SCRIBE: FIELD SCRIBE LOCKGATE
AUDIO LOG BEGINS:

This is Recon Squad Caesar’s 5th report on the Western Reaches. After finding the shards of the High Elder’s armor, we have been looking all over the area. One of the bards in the area informed us that a biped was seen working with a local group scouting out a valley not far from our camp.

Knight Trailblazer was sent in civilian clothing to question around the survey camp. A being matching the High Elder’s depictions (minus the Power Armor, of course) had assisted them in exchange for payment, going by the name Joseph.

A few travelers further to the south had mentioned seeing him heading northwards to Vanhoover. We are hesitant to scout out the city itself, so we are watching roads. We are certain, however, that he may be attempting to take a train out of the city, if he has not already done so.

We recommend teams be sent to monitor and watch the stations in Cloudsdale and Las Pegasus, and that we be relocated in the near future once we have ceased watching Vanhoover.

AUDIO LOG ENDS:
RECON SQUAD CAESAR REQUEST FOR INCREASED SURVEILLANCE: APPROVED BY ELDER WATCHER
RECON SQUAD CAESAR REQUEST FOR RELOCATION: APPROVED BY ELDER WATCHER
CONCLUSION: Recon Squad Caesar has allowed us to project where our High Elder’s journey may take him. I recommend they be transferred to assignments of high difficulty in the future as throughout their reports they have displayed confidence, competence, and a particular willingness to deal with civilians. They may be important to diplomacy efforts with small towns. -ELDER WATCHER

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Sawdust, d’ya have the bomb set up yet?” The mangy Diamond Dog paced towards the cloak-wearing Pony. Around them stood various other beings with weapons and makeshift armor. They were standing on a set of rails cutting through the desert. Sometime later that morning, a train carrying an important package they were informed of would be passing through. The group didn’t quite know what was in the package, but they knew what it looked like, and how Boss wanted whatever it was.

“Nawy’et Bore, gotta get that gubbin into that part there before it can go bang y’know dog?” Sawdust mumbled. He was among the most skilled demolition experts in the Sand Worms, but his way of speech left much to be desired.

“Hurry up. We gotta hour before the train gets here. I don’wanna miss it, or the Boss’ll hide me.” With that the Dog turned to the other raiders stood around the tracks. “Farce Sight, Belthead, go set up the machine gun on the hill there. Jack Rose, go on the other hill there with the rifle. The rest of you, set up the camo netting and fill the sandbags so we have cover from the bomb. We ain’t got much time.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

I was sitting in the dining car of the Royal Line Express, eating a salad and drinking some kind of cola. I was having brunch, having slept long and hard on the rather comfy bed in my sleeper. The train rattled a bit from time to time, resulting in me spilling a small amount of my drink, but at least the meal I consumed was fresh and not millenia-old MREs.

It was at this point the train was rocked by an explosion somewhere near the front. I immediately dived under the table, using my Pip-Boy to equip my Combat Armor. The car suddenly flipped on its side, derailed and knocked off the tracks. I could hear cries of pain from the other Ponies in the dining car, as glass shattered and plates flew into the air. After a moment of this violent movement, the car came to a stop on its side.

I kicked out the emergency door on the top of the car, emerging out into the Badlands. From ahead, I could hear gunfire and see flames from the engine of the train. I called forth my old Gatling Laser, Dauntless, and advanced towards the combat.

The combatants, which appeared to be Ponies, Griffons, and Diamond Dogs in cloaks, had not noticed me. I was able to circle around behind them, to where a few of these bandits had set up a machine gun nest.

“Surrender immediately.” I stated to the two firing the machine gun. Instead, the ammo carrier flipped towards me, attempting to draw a pistol. A few shots from Dauntless stopped the carrier. “I meant it.”

The gunner raised his hooves, eyes wide at his fallen comrade. I swapped out Dauntless for Pew-Pew, intending to use the gunner as a bargaining chip. Tied him up and hauled him onto my shoulder, keeping my gun trained on his head.

I called out with my voice. “SURRENDER PEACEFULLY AT ONCE OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES!” This caused many of the bandits to stop firing and turn to me. A Diamond Dog, the largest in the group, barked out an order, and some of the bandits fired on my position. I threw the bandit down, materializing my old Riot Shield in that hand, using it as mobile cover. I charged the bandit lines, blocking bullets and darts with the heavy metal shield.

Reaching the first barricade they set up, I bashed one of the two at this pile of sandbags with the shield, and put one shot into him and his friend. They both went down for the count. Taking cover, I tossed a Plasma Grenade into the next cluster of bandits. A splatter of goo later, and several more have been wiped. I put the pistol and shield away, reequipping Dauntless.

Standing up from the cover, I lay down fire on the few remaining bandits. Those foolish enough to leave cover are cut down by laser fire. All that remained were the bandits near the front, including their leader. I dash forwards, taking out a bandit preparing to toss dynamite. The bandit drops the lit stick, resulting in a chain reacting taking him and the nearest bandits out.

I replace Dauntless for a shock baton I kept for situations like this. Smashing the Diamond Dog in the head with it, he convulses and drops to the ground. Suddenly, I felt a massive force smash into my back and a gunshot cry out. My armor had deflected a shot by some kind of large rifle.

I took cover, once again equipping the Wazer Wifle. Suddenly the world slowed down as I entered the calming state of VATS. Spotting the glint of the scope in the distance, I line up a shot. Time returns to normal and a beam strikes the sniper through his lens.

With that, combat had ended. I spot a distant squad of Pegasi dashing through the sky, likely patrolling this area to look out for bandits such as these. I launch a flare into the sky, and see the Pegasi begin to approach. I judged that they were about 3 miles away, so I had enough time to flee. I activate a Stealth Boy and begin to move away, following the tracks.

I must avoid Celestia’s forces by any means.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #0022: The Equestrian Military is made up of 4 branches. The Royal Army, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Guard. Each has their own roles, command structure, and history.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BARD CODENAME “FACTORY” REPORT: VANHOOVER SEPTEMBER 17TH, 1012 UEDS
BARD STATUS: OPERATIONAL
BARD MISSION: INFORMATION GATHERING
TEXT LOG BEGINS:
Attached to this report is a copy of a ledger for a train that left Vanhoover Central Station last night, and a copy of a report from the Vanhoover 5th Precinct. The ledger included a list of every being aboard that train as well as cargo. One being is listed as “Joseph” and species is listed as “Unknown”.

The report from the police station details the very same train having been ambushed by the Sand Worms gang earlier this morning, and how a mysterious figure defeated these Sand Worms, alongside mentioning disappearances or wounded individuals.

Our Elder is likely somewhere along the rail lines in the Badlands.
TEXT LOG ENDS:
ATTACHED FILES: BCFR-VCS-01; BCFR-V5P-01
CONCLUSION: This is further proof that I, and Recon Squad Caesar, were correct in our previous assessments. In response to this report, I plan to increase the number of scouting missions in the Badlands regions temporarily. I only hope our Elder was not wounded in the battle. -ELDER WATCHER

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Thank you, my Princess, for accepting the terms of Steel Heavy Industries’ contract with your Royal Army. We can not wait to show some of the wonderful creations we have built!” The suit-wearing Pony bowed his head once more.

“You are dismissed, Alloy Steel. Please, tell your siblings I said ‘greetings’.” With that, the industrialist Steel left the throne room. Her guards closed the doors behind him, and this marked the end of Celestia’s open court. She had received a courier with a message earlier that day. General File had requested her attendance at a meeting between commanders of the branches of Equestria’s military. Captain Armor, Admiral Sailing, and General Parachute would also be present.

Stepping into the map room, all 4 leaders of her military forces are arguing and squabbling with one another. The map on the table showed a map of all of Equestria, with a few markers posted onto it.

“What is the meaning of this, General File?” Her commanding voice silenced the Ponies in the room. Clearing his throat, a large, broad-shouldered Earth Pony stood up.

“My Princess, my Rangers have been noticing unusual activity in several regions. It would seem some unknown threat has arrived in Equestria, though we do not know much about it.” He pulls out a long pointer, aiming it at the table. “Several armored individuals were spotted by Rangers in these three locations primarily. They do not match the description of any known military force. What appeared to be a large squad was found scouting out areas in the Western Reaches, just south of Vanhoover, a group was spotted near Las Pegasus patrolling out in the desert, and a patrol was spotted earlier today in the Everfree. Several flying machines believed to be related to this group were spotted flying near some of the smaller settlements around the Everfree, contents unknown. It would seem that this group is preparing for something beyond our knowledge. I suggest we send Army patrols into the Everfree to find the source of these armored Stallions.”

“During a training exercise over the Badlands some of my pegasi managed to capture a picture of a fight between a gang of Sand Worms and these unknown individuals. The Sand Worms were outmatched and fled deeper into the desert. The armored Ponies seemed to use energy weapons of unknown origin.” General Parachute used her wing to place a photograph on the table. It depicted a sight familiar to Celestia. It took her a moment to make the connection.

“Hmm… I believe I may know the background of these Ponies. They are dressed in the same armor as a society that existed a millenia ago. I am sure you all know that following my sister’s banishment, Equestria had a period of strife?” Upon receiving several nods from the gathered commanders, Celestia continued. “These were one of the many groups that fought in this period. The Brotherhood of Steel. I did not truly know their goals, but between the ferocity they showed in combat, and their technology still not matched by modern creations, my younger self fought them as well. I personally used the Elements of Harmony on their leader, imprisoning him. He threw himself in the sea before the full effects of the Elements could manifest. The Brotherhood disappeared practically overnight following his defeat. Their sudden activity gives me worry.” She sighs, composing herself. “The weapons we once used to defeat them are gone. I destroyed them, as they held lingering traces of dark magic. I fear if we act too quickly and harshly, we may plunge our nation into a war we may not be able to win. My orders are as follows: continue sending Rangers and other scouts out to search for groups of these Brotherhood soldiers. Take as many photographs as you can and attempt to document their actions and locations. Perhaps if we are able to accrue enough evidence, we can piece together the plans they are following. You are now dismissed.”

With that, the commanders split off, likely to find the nearest messengers to send out orders. Celestia felt fear again. Celestia did not wish for the war to rekindle and hoped she made the right move.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“What is it now, Watcher, haven’t I told you that I want nothing to do with your recreation of the old days?” The gravelly voice of the Headmaster of the Scientific College of Manehattan blurted out from the terminal screen. “I’ve said it already. I’ve put that stuff behind me. I have commitments and I cannot afford to leave this post at this moment.”

“Mundane, please. I have pleaded with you time and time again. I have great need of your knowledge and abilities. Much of the bunker is still lost, and-”

“And nothing, Watcher. You should do well to respect my wishes. You have just said the same things as last time. What makes this time around any different?”

“I… well… I was going to wait until I got more concrete information, but I believe now is a good time to inform you of what we have been up to.” The Zebra straightened himself up, preparing himself for what he was about to tell this mare. “I am sure you are familiar with the old legend of the Elder’s return. How he supposedly said he would return? Just a few days ago matched this prophesized date perfectly.” He sends a packet of information on the terminal. “We found what looked like stone shards of Power Armor on a beach just miles from where the fateful battle.occurred. One of our Recon Squads managed to find evidence of Ponies in the Western Reaches encountering a being calling itself “Joseph”. One of our Bards was able to recover a ledger that lists the very same being on a train bound for Cloudsdale, the train that was blown off its tracks earlier today by the Sand Worms.” Watcher clears his throat. “We have irrefutable evidence the High Elder has returned and is on his way towards this very bunker.”

“Maxson’s… alive? You… you are not lying. I do not lie either, I am far too busy to simply leave, but tell Maxson to come see me when he can. I have many things to inform him of.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

PERK OF THE DAY: SCIENCE!
Due to your extensive knowledge of technology, machines, and electronics, you can modify energy weapons and high-tech armor in nearly any way possible.
”They asked me how well I understood theoretical physics. I said I had a theoretical degree in physics. They said welcome aboard.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #04023: Crystal-Cola is the most popular brand of beverage in Equestria. The Crystal-Cola Corporation owns many of the other popular drinks consumed by Equestrians.

Chapter Three: Let Flow The Sands of Time

BDCS #04654: The being known as “House” is the little-known mastermind behind Las Pegasus. Not much is known about him (or it) besides that this being has vast technological knowledge, beyond that of even some of the heads of modern Equestrian research laboratories. Seems to know something about former Brotherhood assets and robots painted with the city seal of Las Pegasus can be found scouting near former Brotherhood locations in the Badlands region.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Please submit to lawful arrest, Las Pegasus citizen. Your safety is guaranteed if you comply.” The broken-down husk sputtered and sparked. The near-ruined robot was stamped with some unknown logo and appeared to be in its dying throes. Looked like some kind of large-caliber rifle had struck near the power distributor and the slowly decreasing trickle of power caused many systems to go offline.

Opening the casing of this “RoboCo Ponitron Model 6000E Civil Protection Edition”, I found the insides to be mostly intact other than the power systems, and it looked like it could be repaired with what I have on hand. Power core seems to be a simple battery as well, so I could hook it up to a Fusion Core if the power had run low. I was planning on resting for the rest of the day as I had spotted a cave in a hill in the distance, so this robot would give me something to work on.

Might need to repaint it, though. Don’t want the previous owners to know it’s been stolen.

Dragging it through the sands I ran a checklist in my mind. I had some spare wiring and parts intended for Power Armor maintenance and weapon repair, I had spare power, and I had some steel wool to at least strip the current paint away. My Pip-Boy luckily uses the same type of port as these “RoboCo” bots.

The Ponitron itself looked like an old Protectron but a bit more streamlined and quadrupedal in design, and I’d wager a guess it was likely a modern recreation of those old Forefather designs.

Finally reaching the shade of the cave I find that this seemed to be a relatively popular spot for travellers along this stretch of the Badlands. There was a campfire that seemed recent, recent enough the remaining wood hadn’t even begun to dry rot yet and the ash hadn’t been blown away by outside winds.

Popping open the Ponitron’s steel casing, I get to work.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Ponitron unit [ERROR: TOKEN NOT FOUND] online. Purpose: [ERROR: TOKEN NOT FOUND]. Power level: 100%. Status: Fully functional.”

The Ponitron lurched back to life. I had copied the contents of its memory to my Pip-Boy and wiped its hard drive, effectively making it a blank slate.

The information aboard was encrypted, but I was able to decipher some fragments of it. It appeared to have been travelling through the area scanning for certain signals, which matched some of the old Brotherhood communications systems, such as the distress beacons.

“Ponitron setname: Helperbot.”

“Name successfully set. Ponitron unit Helperbot online.”

The machine now saw my Pip-Boy as the “admin” for its systems and now would follow any orders I gave it. I set it to the “Helpful Worker” personality set.

It would likely help assist in making me appear more personable to the ponies, and as such, I gave it a simple paint scheme in the rust red used by the Brotherhood in some situations, with some black checkering on the head and lower legs. I lay down on my sleeping bag, setting the robot to watch the cave while I sleep. Hopefully I’ll get out of this desert soon.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Almost heaven, West Virginia…” an old radio croaked. I awoke to the sound of a distant alarm. I stumbled upright, my bare feet landing on dusty floorboards. The smell of mildew is strong in the air.

I stumble forward, opening the door of the metal shack. Before me stood a city, a veritable utopia, bristling with advanced technology. The alarm was coming from this city.

Towers and spires and spheres. A city so large it seemed infinite, yet I somehow stood outside it. The alarm continued. I could now hear screams.

I now saw a streak in the sky. I saw several streaks in the sky. I saw white.

My world shook, slamming me back against the wall of the rusted steel wall of the building I had woken in. I was blinded, stumbling around, feeling my skin start to burn. I scream, but I cannot hear my own voice over the deafening roar emanating from around me.

My eyes clear to see the city shattered and burning. Bright flashes occur further into the city, more of these bombs tearing it apart from the inside. The ground seemed to be liquid, shaking and twisting in response to the hellfire soaring from above. My skin began to peel away. My eyes finally went blind. I fell to the ground again, writhing in pain.

And, in an instant, it is all gone. The lights, the noise, the pain, the sand behind me. I now sit in a pleasant meadow filled with flowers. There are trees in the distance and birds singing from somewhere I can’t see.

“I wonder what it was that put such an image in your mind, knowledge-seeker.”

“Luna.” I turn to the Princess. “It has been some time, has it not?”

“Yes, we remember when you came to our court seeking access to ancient archives. I wonder if my choice to turn you away was for the better.” The Princess sits next to me on the grass, crossing her front hooves.

“I’m not upset over that, if that’s what you’re wondering.” I sigh, shaking my head. “I do not know if you know of the events following your… possession. I fear not for myself or the knowledge, but for those I once cared for.” Luna looks confused by my words.

“We were not in control of ourself and most knowledge of those times is but a blur, knowledge-seeker.”

“Following Celestia’s defeat of your forces and your banishment, Equestria was in chaos. This period after your war was a decade of carnage and chaos. Celestia, with an army weakened by the war, was unable to put out every fire.” Rolling my shoulders, I take a deep breath. “I foresaw everything. Your fall, your banishment, this age of chaos. It was in the back of my mind when I met you. When I met your sister all those years ago. I made connections, I found things of great importance. Our meeting was about thirty years before Nightmare Moon arose. I would spend the next decade preparing to form the Brotherhood.”

“What is this ‘Brotherhood’ of which you speak?” Luna raised an eyebrow, suggesting she wanted an honest answer.

“I gathered among the most intelligent and capable ponies I could find and led them on a great journey to an ancient stronghold I had found deep below the ground. This stronghold, this bunker, it held technology and secrets of the Forefathers. Those mysterious ancestors of you and your Ponies. I told them I had founded the Brotherhood to defend the most horrible of these secrets, to destroy that which threatens life to the surface world, and to prevent the disaster you saw in that nightmare. That was the fate that the Forefathers truly faced. Annihilation brought about by their own weaponry, their science gone rogue.” I let out a sigh before continuing.

“An entire world embroiled itself in war that resulted in its destruction. I saw ancient records of this destruction hidden away in a silo holding these weapons. I chose to destroy and seal away this silo. My Brotherhood destroyed dozens of these silos filled with weapons, but hundreds more remain hidden and cut off. I also set the Brotherhood with the task of preparing for the war, and our efforts were rather fruitful. We ended up a large and powerful organization, operating underground and out of sight of you and your sister, and when the warbands sprung up after the Uprising, we defended Ponies cut off from Celestia’s restoration of law. We fought many groups of threstral rebels, warlords, and ponies seeking to use the same ancient tech we utilized to rule Equestria. Upon the defeat of the Unicorn Enclave, our mortal enemies, Celestia learned fully of our existence, and fearing us to be like the other warbands, fought us with use of magical artifacts. I was imprisoned in stone, much like Discord, and spend a millenia imprisoned. I now seek to find what became of the Brotherhood and its untouched troves of technology.”

“I see. And what if you find this Brotherhood still exists?”

“I rejoin it, and continue my goals of protecting your society from the dangers of the Old World.” Luna got a strange look in her eyes before standing upright.

“I believe you are beginning to awake, knowledge-seeker. You have given us many things to muse upon.” I bowed my head in response to her words.

“I think you will find my name is Joseph, Princess.” And with that the meadow faded to white.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #04001: Nightmare Moon returned to Equestria on June 20th, 1011 UEDS. After a defeat by the hands of a group of Ponies known as the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony, the Nightmare left the body of Princess Luna. Since her return, she has rejoined her sister at the top of Equestrian society, and has become a central piece of the Principality of Equestria.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Private Dull Edge was not having a good day. His squad had been assigned to patrol in the Everfree following some unusual orders from brass. Something had the General all worked up and stallions like Dull had to bear the brunt of it.

Things up to this point had gone as well as any other Everfree patrol, which is to say that it was sweaty, muddy, and painful.

Then Sgt. Grin and Pvt. Cargo had disappeared while the rest of the squad's backs were turned. Cargo was the unicorn trained for navigation and without him the rest of the squad was lost, and without the Sergeant they lacked authority. Pvt. Gear had stomped off into the woods and hadn't come back. Pvt. Forlorn went for a piss and vanished. Then Pvt. Yuck broke and went screaming into the fog.

Dull Edge was frightened, lost, and very confused. At some point he had lost his rifle to some bushes and his helmet to a tree.

He was certain these woods were cursed. This thought continued when the ground crumbled underneath him, sending him cascading into some kind of cavern.

A cavern occupied by a now-awoken Manticore.

He screamed and scrambled backwards, reaching for a weapon that wasn’t there. The Manticore, now angered, began to stalk towards him.

Closing his eyes, he accepts his fate.

A screech is heard and he hears the Manticore cry out in pain.

Opening his eyes again, he witnesses a figure in jet-black armor dart down from the opening he came from, with some kind of strange rifle strapped to the side of the armor. Another of these screeches sound out and some kind of glowing bolt from the rifle spears the Manticore again.

“Eat lead, cat freak!” With a taunt, his savior goes to battle with the Manticore, becoming a swirling spiral of death.

The Manticore swipes out with their paw, but the flying Pegasus smashes it away with a mid-air buck. Another pair of shots is fired from the rifle, and the Pegasus dives at the Manticore.

Striking it in the head, the Manticore stumbles back, enraged by the invader. It begins to charge at the Pegasus, only for them to dart out of the way. The Manticore attempts to stop, but ends up slamming itself into the wall of the cave.

Dull Edge pulls himself together and uses this opportunity. He may not have been the best shot, but he prided himself on his uppercut.

Striking the Manticore in the side of the head, he sends it careering backwards.

With a roar, the bleeding and battered Manticore flaps its wings and bursts up and out of the cave. The Pegasus lands, wings folded to their sides.

“Nice punch. I was following you to make sure you wouldn’t get hurt. Guess I should’ve stepped in before you fell.” The Pegasus removes the helmet of the armor, revealing a black-furred mare with a close-cropped mint mane. “Knight Brush. I’ll help you find your squad but you have to promise not to make mention of me.”

“Knight? Who are you? What kind of armor is that? What is that gun? What?” Dull Edge was taken aback by this “Knight Brush”. He thought that Knights were just characters from old fantasy novels, Ponies owning keeps and saving maidens from dragons, and not some high-tech warriors hiding in the Everfree.

“I’d tell you but it’d be harder for you to keep quiet. Come on, I’ll see you out.” With a gesture of her wings, she beckons him to follow through one of the passages shooting off from the cave.

Stumbling forwards, Dull Edge follows the stranger.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

PERK OF THE DAY: IRON FIST
Thanks to your experience, strength, and training, your fists are among your strongest weapons! Punching attacks do double damage, and critical hits can temporarily paralyze an opponent!
“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #02331: It is believed that some members of the original Brotherhood still persist despite how much time has passed. Be on the lookout for any such figures as they may have information of extreme importance.

Chapter Five: Welcome Home

BDCS #00010: The Everfree Bunker is the metaphoric heart of the Brotherhood of Steel. It is a massive underground bunker complex extending 16 stories beneath the ground. The main complex is currently fully-functional and extends for several miles in multiple directions, but the Launch Test Laboratory, Secondary Hangar Wing, Vault of Dangerous Magics and Technologies, and the Mass Production Wing remain sealed or blocked off to this day.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Central Equestria is vastly different than when I had left. I was used to seeing this region in ruins, fires ravaging forests and ruined husks of homesteads dotting the landscape. Now it was vibrant, full of life, the proverbial breadbowl of Equestria. It was most certainly a welcome change.

I hadn’t spent much time in Cloudsdale, only entering the city to purchase some minor amenities and newspapers to gauge the current situation in Equestria. It would seem that this is a time of peace, but this could be deceiving, or the situation could change. I am far from the only problem Celestia locked away.

After a few day’s travel I was now within sight of Ponyville and the Everfree. I set up camp on the far side of a hill overlooking Ponyville, to better mask my presence. I would need to give the village a wide berth, and I could feel my anticipation swell. I finally was here. I was practically in my own backyard at this point. Hell, I even knew that one of the collapsed transit tunnels shooting off of the Everfree Bunker ran deep under where Ponyville currently is.

I went over my final checklist. My old Elder’s robes were still in good condition, but I’d decided against that. I would instead wear my battlecoat in the place of my hunting jacket over my traveler’s outfit. If they did survive, I was not in charge of the revived organization. At least, not yet.

The Everfree Bunker would only mark the beginning of my quest. This trek had been nought but a prelude as to what shall come.

I felt content with that. The Brotherhood was truly my life’s work. I would die if it meant it continued. In a way, I had already sacrificed myself for my Brothers once.

Feeling happier than I had been in the last several days, I began humming some old song I had heard ages ago.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BOS-1290 EXTERNAL TERMLINK REBOOTING

^^^BOSOS V5.12^^^

COPYRIGHT &#!$(TOKEN NOT FOUND) ROBCO(R)
LOADER V2.6
EXEC VERSION 41.23
128K RAM SYSTEM
50412 BYTES FREE
4 HOLOTAPES FOUND
LOAD ROM(1): DEITRIXB 303VS+

INITIATING.
INITIATING..
INITIATING…

INPUT LOGIN CREDENTIALS
*********
*************

USER: Bard Fur Coat RECOGNIZED.

file reportnum 14553

FILE REPORTNUM 14553 RETRIEVED
MISSION OBJECTIVE REPORT: CENTRAL EQUESTRIA>EVERFREE SEPTEMBER 18TH, 1012 UEDS
MISSION STATUS: PREPPING
MEMBERS ON MISSION: Bard Fur Coat, Recon Squad Tiberius
AUDIO LOG BEGINS:

Bard Fur Coat, you are being temporarily reassigned from your position in Ponyville to assist in the monitoring and escorting of VIP 001, aka High Elder Joseph Maxson. You are to begin by intercepting him before his arrival at the Everfree Bunker. Your cover identity will be of the same name and as a traveling researcher specializing in unusual flora and fauna, as that is an area you are already familiar with.

Recon Squad Tiberius, equipped with Stealth-Boys will be watching and serving as lookout. You are not to reveal their presence. Shortly before reaching the Everfree Bunker clearing, part ways and disappear into the forest. When he enters the Bunker, follow shortly behind him. You are to escort him from there into the bunker.

Upon completion of this mission you are to compile an in-depth report as to the status of the High Elder. Ad Victoriam, Bard.
AUDIO LOG ENDS

END OF FILE

logout

USER: Bard Fur Coat LOGGED OUT

powerdown

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The Everfree Bunker was abuzz with activity. A scouting pegasus equipped with an Advanced Recon sensor module had recorded a Pip-Boy signal matching the High Elder, and the trail led him to a campsite near Ponyville. He took an unmistakable photo of the Elder up and about, packing up the camp for the morning.

It was finally the big day the Brotherhood had awaited so long. This was the reason they had come back together.

Scribes swept and mopped every inch of the Bunker. Knights polished their combat armor, power armor, and weapons. Paladins inspected every inch of the facility, making sure everything was intact and ready for their High Elder’s inspection.

Elder Watcher looked down over the Great Atrium, the massive shaft-like room standing at the center of the Bunker. He saw many Brothers dashing and darting along the various catwalks and levels of the room, and from his vantage point at the upper levels of the Bunker he could see all 10 levels of the Great Atrium in their glory.

Nowhere else in the world had a view quite like this. Behind him was a similar observation room looking over the Command Center and Primary Hangar. The hangar was not as tall as the Great Atrium, but it was far longer and just as full of activity.

The Bunker was like an underground city, an entire society working away cut off from the Equestria above.

Elder Watcher would have it no other way. He was proud of what his mares and stallions had done, and he was proud of the state of the Bunker.

The aging Zebra had accomplished every task on the ancient checklist that had been left for the next Elder in this Bunker, and he had done all he could to prepare for the High Elder’s return.

He was unsure if he would continue leading the Everfree Bunker after the High Elder’s return, and considered retirement for a moment. After watching a group of Scribes attempt (and fail) to get a stopped Sentry Bot to budge, he decided against it. His knowledge of the new world would be needed for his High Elder.

Hitting a few switches, the Elder leans over and speaks into an intercom.

“Scribes, remember to hit the unlocking switch behind the Sentry’s head.” Watcher moved his gaze, pulling a few more switches, and leans back over the intercom again.

“My Brothers and Sisters, as I am certain you are aware, our High Elder is almost here. Today is a day of great occasion, and his return heralds an age of glory. Know deep in your hearts, that the route we are about to embark upon is one of valor, one of righteousness, and one of victory. Ad Victoriam!” His final words echoed back at him, the various members of the Brotherhood in the Great Atrium repeating the words “Ad Victoriam” and filling the massive room with the distant sound of cheers. “Ad Victoriam…” He muttered one last time under his breath.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Maxson stared at a mahogany-brown coat-wearing Earth Pony who dangled by a rope tied to his rear legs. He was on one of the trees on the outskirts of the Everfree, and he slowly rotated as the wind softly blew on him.

“Little help?” the slightly posh voice called down to him. The stallion had an awkward gri on his muzzle as he passed by Maxson again. Laughing softly, Maxson strode over to the tree, using a small knife to slice away at the rope holding Fur Coat up.

“How’s it hanging, stranger?” Fur Coat laughed in response.

“Bit better now that you’re here. I think this is somepony’s bad idea of a prank or something.” Thudding to the ground, the stallion shakes his head to clear away the dizziness. “Fur Coat, travelling researcher extraordinaire. I was looking to do some research in and around the Everfree, namely in taking samples of some of the specimens within. What should I call my daring rescuer?”

“Joseph. Joseph Maxson. I’m looking for a ruin of sorts in the Everfree. Don’t suppose you know of anything like that?” Fur Coat appeared to contemplate this for a second, eyes squinted in thought.

“Only thing I know of in the Everfree is the old castle. Don’t think that’s what you’re asking about though.” Coat wiped some dust off of his similarly fur-lined coat. “Nice coat, by the way. Not seen many that prefer donning longcoats of any type, let alone with a fur lining. An oddity, but the pleasant kind of oddity I would say.” Fur Coat nods his head for a second. “I would like to accompany you for some distance, if that is acceptable. The Everfree, or so I’ve heard, is quite frightful. I’m more than capable of fending things off on my lonesome, but having another figure right beside me will do wonders to ease my nerves.” The stallion lets out a slightly crooked grin as Maxson ponders on a response.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Parting ways with Fur Coat, I was practically on my doorstep now. The stallion had proved good conversation, and we had parted ways amicably. Part of me hoped I would run into him again.

There was a clearing nearby that was home to a specific type of plant he was looking for, so we went our separate ways.

I stepped into another clearing, one full of small pieces of debris and concrete. There lie the ruins of a larger building around the bunker itself. The building had been destroyed long before I had found the bunker, and by now the shards were almost entirely gone.

In the center of this ancient array of ruins, a box jutted out of the ground. It was covered in moss and vines, but the structure was fully intact, and the space where the doorway stood was almost entirely clear.

This was the topside of the primary elevator that ran through the facility. Home, sweet home.

Stepping forward, I put in a code on the keypad mounted next to the door to see if it still functioned. Much to my surprise, the keypad lit up and a tiny chime was heard after I inputted the code. The door slid open without fuss, revealing a small room and the closed elevator door.

The room was clean and neatly organized, and a recently-ironed flag bearing the symbol of the Brotherhood was hung on the wall to my left. There were several tools and various plant-related supplies and equipment arrayed around the room. It would seem that I am not the first to come back. As I inspect the room, I hear the intercom in the corner crackle.

“Greetings, Joseph Maxson. We have awaited your arrival. Come, we have much to discuss.” An accented voice blared from the intercom. With the stranger’s words, the door to the elevator slid open with a small chime.

Every metal surface in the room and the elevator had been polished to a sheen. There was hardly a speck of dirt other than that he had tracked in. Someone wanted to leave a good impression for him, it seemed.

I stepped into the elevator, and the door slid shut behind me. The lights in the elevator switched on, and the whole machine lurched.

The concrete behind the elevator’s glass began to slide upwards as I felt the tube glide into the depths below.

The elevator passes a dark room with multiple robots and turrets looking on. A few more similar levels pass, mostly filled with equipment and scanners, and then I am beholden to the sight of the Great Atrium in all its splendor.

A massive orange banner, 7 stories long, emblazoned with the symbol of the Brotherhood and adorned with long stripes, dangled against the far wall. The various catwalks that criss-crossed the space stretching out in front of me were occupied by numerous Ponies in various robes, uniforms, and armor.

Several were performing the old salute of the Brotherhood, and I could hear shouts and cries of “Ad Victoriam” echo throughout the space.

The elevator finally reached the bottom, and the glass doors opened.

Before me stood columns of Power Armor-donning ponies, armor gleaming in the bright lights lining the Atrium. Many had colorful paint jobs, but they all shared the same symbol. The sword, the wings, the gears.

They stomped in unison, the thudding noise reverberating in the massive chamber. I salute in response, holding my closed fist over my chest for a second.

Coming forward from the column strode an elderly Zebra, head held high, wearing immaculate purple Elder’s robes.

“Joseph Maxson. We have been waiting for your return for some time.” The zebra bows his head. “I am Elder Watcher, the leader of these forces assembled before you. I have accomplished all the tasks required of me and am prepared to relinquish control of the Brotherhood of Steel into your arms again.” Watcher performs the salute, hoof clutched against his chest. “Maxson, founder of this great Brotherhood. Shall you again take your rightful title of High Elder of the Brotherhood of Steel?” I reciprocate the salute again, and without a doubt in my mind, give my response.

“I am proud of you. Of you all. You have performed exactly what I had asked you to ages ago. I am somewhat of a relic, a piece of Equestria of years past, but I assure you that I am prepared for what is to come, as I hope that all of you are. I shall accept your invitation, Elder Watcher, and together we shall pave the road to the future. It is now time to discuss this very same future.” Turning my attention to the columns of soldiers, I continue. “Brothers and Sisters of Steel, I am home. Take this night to celebrate, for the road ahead is long and strenuous. Take pride in all you have accomplished. Ad Victoriam!”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

I sat at the head of a table in the large meeting room overlooking the Command Center. To my left sat Elder Watcher, Head Scribe Telescopic Sight, a Pegasus that was a descendant of the previous Everfree Head Scribe, Sentinel Silver Eye, an Earth Pony that seemed oddly familiar, Lancer Captain Beerfloat, a Unicorn and another “Child of Steel”. To my right sat what is quite possibly the oddest and most shocking Pony in the room, the current Mayor of Ponyville, Head Bard Ivory Scroll. Beside her was the Head Paladin, Missiletoe, a Unicorn and veteran of the Royal Guard, and at the furthest spot to my right sat Proctor Crane Lift, the Pegasus head of the Engineering Corps.

On the table itself lay countless maps, documents, files, folders, and notes. The various Ponies present were locked in fierce discussion while I overlooked the progress made by those before me.

The Brotherhood numbered at just shy of five thousand at the moment, a hundred of which were currently on various missions outside the bunker, and another fifty were currently patrolling the Everfree. ten ongoing missions, ten Patrol Squads. Easy to manage for the moment.

We currently have thirteen Vertibirds available, most having been lost or stored away during the war. There are around two hundred and thirty various combat robots currently in use, with around one thousand sets of functional Power Armor, along with more than enough weapons for the numbers we have
.
The Paladins and Knights were currently focused on protecting the Bunker and finding the locations of various caches and lost locations.

The Scribes were currently working on various projects, namely repairing and piecing together broken Vertibirds found by the Recon Squads.

The Lancers, as always, were mostly focused on moving these groups around in their tasks.

The Bunker itself wasn’t in the best shape, many of the lower levels still needing to be excavated from some minor cave-ins and most of the more distant wings of the facility are also closed off. The slowly deteriorating preservation spells had finally given out in a few places and we needed a specialist to figure out how to restore them.

The status of the Griffith Bunker and Canterhorn Bunker, the other two former primary facilities, is currently unknown, but they both successfully went dark according to some of the final logs of the original Brotherhood.

Project Freedom’s location is currently accounted for and undiscovered by outsiders, which was very good news.

Project Freedom was a creation of the Forefathers that had managed to escape the Brotherhood’s grasp for most of the Brotherhood’s existence, and only recently had one of the Recon Squads stumbled across its location. A massive combat robot, superior to even the Liberty Prime model we had managed to unearth during the war. Perhaps Freedom could succeed where Liberty failed? When worded that way, the thought gave me no end of amusement.

“The Brotherhood should reveal itself! It’s important that the outside world comes to understand us!”

“If we did that Celestia might bring the sun down upon our heads!”

“The Bards I have in the Royal Army suggest they are aware of us. Unlikely that they’d be totally in the dark thanks to our use of Vertibirds. If we make a decision it must be soon.”

“I say we just march right up to Canterlot’s gates.”

“That is almost exactly the worst thing we could do, you clod.”

“To ensure our survival we must seal ourselves away from the outside world entirely!

Turning my gaze upwards, I begin to take in the details of the argument.

“I believe I have a solution.”

All six Ponies turned their gaze to me.

“We cannot keep ourselves hidden forever. Nor can we be so bold.” Scratching my beard, I quickly attempt to flesh out my concept. “We start by making shell companies with some of our more business-related Bards. News outlets and stores. We slowly try to work Ponies to our ideals. We sell products made with innovations we’ve discovered. Nothing too major, but enough to get the outside world acquainted with what we have to offer.” Clearing my throat, I say the words I have been apprehensive to voice for so long. “As you may have theorized based on behaviors and actions of mine, I have some… foresight into future events.”

The good Mayor gasped, while the rest looked on with a shocked look.

“I am unable to see the full scope of the situation but I know roughly when some major events unrelated to the Brotherhood will occur. There will be a major incident in Canterlot within a few months, and we will use this event to reveal ourselves… somewhat. We will send our most elite soldiers to assist in Equestria’s time of need, be the Knights in shining armor. This will sway public opinion in our favor, which may make negotiating a truce with the Princesses easier. In short, we make ourselves out to be the good guys to Equestria at large. We will need a cover story for the businesses, but that shouldn’t be too difficult to acquire. I have made a few friends of my own in my journey who may be willing to assist us now.” I stand up out of my seat, gathering some of the materials before me in my hands.

“Head Scribe, Head Bard, please go and collaborate towards this… Project Resurface, we’ll call it. I require sleep, a change of clothes, and laundry, so I shall see myself out. Ad Victoriam, and good night, Brothers and Sisters.” As I strode towards the door, my Pip-Boy chimed, a pop-up appearing on its screen..

“You are now idolized by the Ponies of the Brotherhood of Steel! With your first true order, you have cemented your position as High Elder! All Brotherhood of Steel members will defer to your command and you have full reign of the organization.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

LEVEL UP!
CURRENT LEVEL: 37
SELECTED PERK: TOUGHNESS 4
As one with Steel, you must embody this metal! Gain +50 to damage resistance.

QUEST PERK ADDED: AD VICTORIAM
Thanks to your newfound status as High Elder (again), you have become the primary bulwark against the evils of the outside world. When dealing with members of the Brotherhood of Steel you gain +2 to Charisma and when fighting alongside your fellow Brothers you and your fellows gain +2 to Endurance.
“For Elder Maxson!”

PERK OF THE DAY: HEAVY GUNNER 4
A heavy hitter needs his heavy hitters, and as such you gain +80% damage with heavy weaponry and a chance to stagger opponents.
”BRRRRRRRRRRRRRT.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

PRIORITY BAND ANNOUNCEMENT SEPT18 1012A: HIGH ELDER JOSEPH MAXSON HAS RETURNED TO THE BROTHERHOOD OF STEEL. REPEAT, HIGH ELDER JOSEPH MAXSON HAS RETURNED TO THE BROTHERHOOD OF STEEL.

Chapter 6: The Sentinel, The Vanguard

BDCS #00029: The High Sentinel is an extremely important position within the Brotherhood of Steel. The High Sentinel relays orders from the High Elder to the upper leadership of the Brotherhood, serves as the Elder’s personal bodyguard, and advises the Elder on military matters.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Looking around my quarters, I find it totally unchanged from the last time I had left. Every souvenir and belonging positioned just as I had placed it, all the furniture arranged just how I remembered. A thick layer of dust still coated much of the room, however.

The quarters themselves were fairly large, being sectioned off into several rooms. A central sitting room that watched over the Great Atrium, a kitchen, a bathroom, and an office and a bedroom that both also watched over the Atrium. I looked over at the framed photographs on the wall of the office. In the center, given a place of importance, was a photo of Lion, Mundane Arcane, and myself, posed over the body of some monster. The old days before the Brotherhood, where I travelled the world. Where we travelled the world.

I still miss those times, and wish I could return to what was, but it’s impossible now. Any semblance of normalcy had been struck from my life the moment I founded the Brotherhood.

Lion was a monster of a Griffon, bulky, strong, capable of anything. He was the toughest bastard I had ever had the pleasure of meeting. Seemed to be some kind of Bald Eagle-like Griffon, with a head of white feathers and a steely gaze. He wore finely-polished steel armor, glinting in the sunlight, and emblazoned with his family crest, a snarling lion’s head.

Mundane on the other hand was what had to be the lankiest unicorn in the world. Tall and skinny, any outfit would always drape off of her. Considering by this point she had already been ghoulified thanks to a previous incident involving radiation in some ruins, she always wore clothes. Her typical attire was the traditional vestments of a wizard, though perhaps exaggerated somewhat to compensate for her new appearance. A long billowing robe that covered her entire body, and a big, floppy, and pointed hat who’s shadow hid nearly all of her head other than a pair of eyes that almost seemed to glow in the dark confines of her headwear.

Though I knew what fate Lion had met, Mundane was resourceful and intelligent, with her dramatically increased lifespan she’s no doubt still around. Assuming someone hasn’t killed her.

This does beg a question to me, however. I will need ponies to fill the positions that those two had left vacant. The High Sentinel, and the High Scribe. My right and left hand men. Men is a bit of a misnomer, but the point still stands, damn it!

Standing up, I slip into my coat again. Time to inspect the troops.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

I stood in what was formerly a secondary hangar bay, back when the Brotherhood had enough Vertibirds to fill up this entire facility. The entire room had been rearranged, filled with obstacles, makeshift constructions, shooting ranges, and a full half of the space had been turned into a large killing house.

Knights wearing under armor dashed through the obstacle course. A few power-armored figures were sighting their weapons on the gun range. A squad of Lancers was clearing the killing house on foot.

Trudging up to me was a middle-aged stallion, gunmetal in coat and olive green in mane. He wore a set of blue robes and an armband with a stripe of green, yellow, and orange. The mark of a Paladin-Sergeant.

“High Elder. Quartermaster Overcook Fuze. It is my pleasure.” He performed a quick salute before pacing back towards the overlook. “What brings you here, my Elder?”

“I wished to inspect our soldiers, and perhaps review potential… candidates for the position of High Sentinel.” I follow beside him. “It is imperative that I fill this position as quickly as I can. I require assistance adjusting to this new age. Not exactly a spring chicken anymore.”

“The various teams before you are some of our most elite Brothers to date. Recon Squad Phalanx, Demolitions Squad Apple, and the Lancers of the Clipped Feathers Squadron.” Fuze gives a slight hum and a nod. “I believe your next High Sentinel lies in this room.”

“Very well.” Straightening myself up, I shout out, “Phalanx, Apple, and Clipped Feathers, form up!”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Twilight quintuple-checked the list floating inches from her face.

“I have the Bugbear spray, the Changling repellent, did I remember the-” She was cut off as Spike ran into the room, clutching a scroll.

“Twilight, you’ve gotten a letter from the Princess! It says you’re needed in Canterlot.” Spike hands over the scroll to Twilight, who floats it into her vision.

“To my most faithful student,

“I fear that a grave series of events is about to unfold. A series of events potentially culminating in the destruction of Equestria itself.

“Several days ago, a being banished a thousand years ago returned. His name is Joseph Maxson. He led an army during the years following the banishment of my sister, razing towns and fighting against so many other warbands. His was the final, and most powerful warband that we faced. His defeat was costly, and it took many years to recuperate from the damage he wrought.

“I require your presence in Canterlot immediately to discuss the threat of Maxson’s return. I am having an emergency meeting of several of my most trusted advisors, confidants, and military leaders, and I wish for you to be in attendance.

“With love, Princess Celestia.

“P.S.: I am sending the tickets in just a moment. Be sure to pack writing materials. I do know how much you love to take notes.”

Twilight Sparkle took a moment to absorb the writing on the scroll.

“Spike,” she groaned, “I guess I’m going to have to postpone the Everfree Forest expedition. Again.”

“I guess so, Twilight,” Spike agreed. “But hey, we haven’t been to Canterlot in a while! Maybe when this meeting is over we can see the family. Shining hasn’t written to us once since we’ve gotten to Ponyville.”

“Great idea, Spike. I’ve missed Mom and Dad a lot.” Twilight hummed, floating away the scroll and checklist, and pulling another checklist off of the nearby desk. “Let’s see what I’ll need for my trip back home…”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Ah, uh, Director, this is an… an unexpected surprise. Wh-why have you come to my, uh, our department?” Chrome Plating stuttered, caught off guard by The Director’s presence.

“Doctor Plating, please, calm yourself. I just wished to be present for the first test of the RoboCo joint project.” The Director, a large Unicorn stallion dressed in a head-to-toe hazmat suit, spoke confidently. “This project has taken ahold of my interest. The ideas that they have presented to us, while being… unusual, are very beneficial to our other research.”

“Oh, yeah, ha… ha. The joint project, yes. The new robot. I guess you’ll be wanting to see the viewing room, then.” Chrome turned towards the door marked “Test Lab A7”, placing his hoof on the small pad by it. The sterile-looking plastic door slid open with hardly a sound, revealing a corridor with windows along one side. “This’ll be it right here, sir. No seats, the, uh, Financial Department, they sorta skimped out a bit on furniture for us.”

“I see. Any issues with the project since the last report?” The Director stepped forward into the corridor, peering out a window. The Test Lab itself was similar to the rest of the Canterlot Institute of Technology’s facilities, mostly sterile panelling and smooth linoleum. In the center of the perfectly square room was a RoboCo standard recharging cradle with a protective door concealing the occupant. A few technicians in the red Robotics Department uniform paced about the room, preparing various stations with testing materials. Another set of windows that The Director could not see into all that well from this angle had to have been the control center for A7.

“Uh, some. Medical had some… moral issues with the project. Some of their members said things along the lines of us and RoboCo being, well, monsters. The Ponies on their end ended up getting replaced by Doctor Shackle, who had no such qualms about the project. If anything, I’d say he almost enjoyed working on it.” The technicians began to depart the room, and a suited mare stepped beside The Director.

“Mare Line, it’s a pleasure as always.”

“Likewise, Director. You boys at CIT really know what you’re doing when it comes to robotics. Maybe, if this test goes well, we can… work out a long-term deal.” The Director could almost hear the smugness in her voice. He believed that Mare Line was underestimating the depths of the Institute’s funding.

“Hmm. I believe the test is about to start.”

An alarm blared out, the locking mechanism of the door to the control center snapping into place. Spinning lights painted the room in orange colors, and the seal on the charging cradle came undone. The door sliding out of its’ way, the lone occupant of the pod was revealed.

A large, heavy robot came lumbering forwards. It sat on a trio of legs each with a large all-terrain wheel on the end, propping up the large, heavily armored torso. The torso itself had a large steel dome in the middle, with a slit down the center, almost making it look like a closed eye. Two bulky arms sat on the “shoulders” of the machine, with large claws that looked more like they were knives from a butcher’s shop. A heavily armored head sat atop, an unknown light creating a green glow that almost poured out of the slits cut into it.

The dome in the center slid open, revealing a glass dome containing a brain with a series of sensors, camera, and wires

“Mark Two Sentry-Pony Combat Interface Unit Designation “Buddy”, online. Please input commands.” It spoke in a slightly filtered voice, almost sounding like a character from an old arcade game. The camera lenses mounted on the brain almost bored into the faceplate of The Director’s suit.

After a moment of idling, the Buddy performed several of its tasks spread about the Test Room. It was able to mix together some kind of hard drink, make a small drawing of itself, fold and toss a paper plane, smash through several junked computers in a single swing, and balance itself on one wheel for a solid minute.

After completing these tasks, the Buddy returned to its charging cradle, the doors sealing shut with a loud hiss.

The Director, lost in his thoughts, almost didn’t hear what Mare Line said.

“Just what House wanted.”

He could do nothing but nod along.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

All of the squads assembled before me in a line, I began pacing back and forth, inspecting them silently.

I had done nothing but stare them down for several minutes.

Several, especially among the Lancers, had begun to squirm at various points.

“Hmm. None of you have snapped yet. At least you have some level of patience.” I nod, turning myself towards the line. “One of those among you shall likely become my next Sentinel. Only one.

“I have a series of trials prepared for you, and any Brother deeming themselves worthy. Tests not designed to weed out the weakest among you, but intended to force one to use all of their strengths to their maximum potential.

“Your first trial will be held in one of the lower levels, one specially converted into a labyrinth. Combat robots equipped with stun weapons will patrol the location, several traps, puzzles, and security systems will be deployed throughout. The labyrinth will be a test of independence, and show both, how you tend to approach problems, and how you will perform without guidance or assistance.

“Your second trial will be within the final room of this labyrinth. It will be a computer system, designed by me. It will attempt to capture and interrogate you. Your actions, and successes, while facing it will determine if you are worthy of the final trial.

“Your third trial will be far simpler than the other two. You will be deployed alongside myself on a mission. I have a series of suitable assignments for such a trek lined up. Be prepared for anything.

“Whether you will be my Sentinel or not will largely hinge on the impression you will leave upon me in the third trial. Some of you, however, may prove your worth as Brothers throughout the trials. Do not fret, those who show excellence in their duty will be rewarded.

“That is all I have to tell you today. Report to Sublevel 16 this time next Monday. There you will all be thrust into a… practice run of the first trial where you will be sent in at the same time as random Brothers. It will be vastly different from the real trial, but it will both get you acquainted with the conditions you will be under and ensure that the systems will stand up to the rigors of the trial.

“You are all dismissed.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #00523: The Everfree Bunker was created with a special modular system allowing for total rearrangement of several regions of the Bunker in a short period.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

PERK OF THE DAY: ERROR, TOKEN NOT FOUND
Warning, this perk has not yet been assigned a designation or description!
25% increased chance for a negative event!
”Let’s spice things up.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

PRIORITY BAND ANNOUNCEMENT SEPT20 1012A: STARTING NEXT WEEK, TRIALS TO DETERMINE THE NEXT HIGH SENTINEL WILL BEGIN. PLEASE REPORT TO QUARTERMASTER OVERCOOK FUZE OR HIS ASSISTANTS IN SECONDARY HANGAR BAY B FOR DETAILS.

Chapter 7: Rust Squadron: The Hive

MISSION STATUS: RUST SQUADRON HAS LOCATED TARGET ONE. BUNKER SEEMINGLY IN LOCKDOWN. SCRIBE ATTEMPTING TO CRACK LOCKING MECHANISM. MAY REQUIRE ASSISTANCE.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Sir.” Scribe Driver muttered as he poked around in the exposed panel, a pale yellow glow emanating from the tools he wielded in his magic.

“Driver, yous know that I don’t deal much with that rank and file muck. Call me Temple.” Lancer-Sergeant Temple stood peering over the Scribe’s shoulder, his gunmetal TX-24 Aerial Power Armor reflecting some of the fading sunlight and concealing his features.

A clank sounded from the panel, a cable came loose, and the entrance to the bunker shot open with a cacophony of turret fire. Temple and most of the rest of Rust Squadron hit the dirt as the bunker’s old defense systems began to boot up and turn on them.

Driver continued tinkering with the panel, tools digging deeper into the complex web of wiring and electronics. Seemingly oblivious to the turrets opening up on the rest of the squad, his eyes focused in on his work.

“Aw, shit! Driver, I hopes yer ugly mug’s gotta fix for this!” Temple cried out over the roar of a half-dozen guns firing.

“Just a moment, sir.” Driver again mumbled. He began cutting a series of wires, and a pair of the turrets within the entranceway sealed back up.

The ammo within another detonated, the shrapnel cutting into and disabling another, and Driver threw a pair of hammers around the corner with his magic, the sound of metal slamming into metal ringing throughout the area as the defense systems went quiet.

The Sergeant stumbled over to the doorway, peering through into the darkened interior.

The room was filled with shell casings from the ceiling-mounted turrets, alongside the wreckage of the destroyed systems.

Looking back and jerking his head, he signals to his squad to prepare to advance..

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The bunker itself was near pitch-black, illuminated only by the orange-tinted lights flooding forth from the visors of the members of the squad.

Deactivated robots and rusted sets of armor littered the halls, and they were practically tripping over shells and spent cells, but not a single body had been found.

The rapping of their metal-plated hooves echoed throughout the halls of Level -1 of the bunker. There had been little evidence of what had actually happened here. Most of the terminals found had either been damaged, burned out, or disconnected from the bunker intranet system and data-wiped.

It almost felt too convenient that not a single system on this level was functional.

Temple’s ears perked up as he heard a skittling sound in the hall to his right. He could have sworn he saw a flash of something yellow in the corner of his eye, but when he turned to look, the hall was dark. He looked behind himself, only to notice that the Scribe and the Lancer carrying up the rear were gone.

“What in the name of-” A cry sounded out from in front of him, and when he faced back forwards, the Lancers ahead of him had vanished.

The Sergeant was now alone and on the verge of pissing himself.

‘You’re good, you’re good, just gotta find a place to hold up for a bit to steel your nerves, that’s all.’ He could feel beads of sweat begin to run down his sides and slick the inside of his armor, the padding beginning to stick and mat down his coat. Suddenly, he came to a halt.

Before him stood the first corpse he had found yet. A skeleton wearing what appeared to be the tattered, burnt remains of a Scribe uniform. Next to it was the husk of a Sentry Bot, with the fusion core clearly having been detonated at some point. The only intact piece was the nozzle of a Flamer that had been mounted to its right arm.

All around him were the tell-tale signs of fire. Black ash, places where metal warped and bent, and tiny chunks of burnt debris.

Stepping into the door to his immediate left, he found himself in some kind of robot bay. Six of the containment tubes in the room were empty, one was busted in, crushing the robot within, and the last one was sealed shut. Approaching the terminal sitting against the wall near the final tube, Temple pokes around briefly. The systems on this computer were still online, though many of the things it was attached to were damaged or nonfunctional.

Some kind of major alert, now corrupted, covered the top edge of the screen and a warning icon flashed.

Selecting a garbled line of text to attempt to find anything useful, the final charging cradle hissed open.

“INTRUDER DETECTED. DISPENSING LIBERAL USE OF FORCE.” Temple suddenly was blinded by light, and could feel heat washing over the outside of his armor. He bit down on the small bar in front of his muzzle, opening up with a wall of lead.

He heard the bullets from his minigun pinging off of and ripping through metal, followed by the shattering of glass. The light began to fade, and the heat slowly began to die down.

Readjusting his eyes, he sees the shattered and mangled corpse of a Protectron slumped against the tube. Both of its arms had been traded out for flamers, and ran to a tank on his back.

‘Jesus. I’ve got the same IFF tags as the old Brotherhood, why’d it still attack?’

That was Temple’s last thought before a pulse grenade rolled into the room.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

He was practically blind, the functions of his armor temporarily disabled, and he was being dragged through the bunker by his unseen assailant. The only thing he could see was a glimpse of something faintly glowing yellow, but from where he was now he could only see darkness.

He felt the ground grinding along his armor at a fair pace, so this attacked had to have serious physical strength or their own set of Power Armor. Either option had disturbing implications.

Suddenly, the being pulling him stopped. A faint light flickered on just in time to see the door of the elevator he was in shut. The elevator appeared to be of the totally sealed variety, no windows to show what lies on the other side of the wall. He still couldn’t budge an inch, but he felt the elevator lurch and begin dropping.

A chime sounded out every few seconds or so as the machine passed by the various floors. Finally, the door slid open again, revealing what appeared to be the remains of the expansion project said to be in progress at the time of the Brotherhood’s defeat. The bunker here was supposedly beginning to expand further, and this matched up with that description. The place was littered with construction equipment, mining gear, and materials to construct hallways and rooms. The ground was also far rougher to be dragged along, being little more than rough stone.

The room was lit by strange yellow crystalline growths and patches of similarly yellow material along some of the walls. They glowed with a strange light, and Temple recognized them instantly.

These were the markings of recent or ongoing habitation by Changelings.

‘Fuck.’

That would probably explain the robot turning on him, infiltrators had likely already breached the bunker and the machines had gone into a contingency mode.

He was dragged into the hive proper, a series of underground tunnels supported by columns and walls of the same chitinous material, with clusters of the crystals providing light. Far down some of the tunnels they passed he could see yellow eyes staring forward at him from black figures.

He felt the dread rising in his stomach. These Changelings had access to some level of pulse weaponry, meaning they already had him totally defenseless. He was in the belly of the beast and couldn’t climb his way out.

The tunnel opened up into some massive chamber, with a spiral of rock going down deeper into it. He could see Changelings lined up on the various levels, observing his entrance. Across from him, across the chamber and lower on the spiral, he could see a Changeling in ornamental armor dragging one of the Lancers, who seemed in a similar state to himself. He could almost make out some kind of energy weapon attached to the Changeling’s armor.

Reaching the bottom, he was dragged forward slightly more, then felt his legs smack to the ground. His captor propped him up, and he could finally see the Changeling. It seemed to be wearing the same armor as the other, black and shiny, made up of plates that reminded him of a bug’s exoskeleton. The armor had yellow paint along the edges, matching his eyes. A Brotherhood-manufactured pulse rifle was strapped onto the armor.

The Changeling used their magic to form more of the yellow material, rooting him to his spot, before the Changeling detached his helmet.His head and neck were now free, allowing him to crane his head around to get his bearings. Before him was a large unoccupied throne, made entirely out of carved yellow crystals and pulsing with faint light. Beside him were the members of his Squad, similarly propped up and with helmets removed. Screw Driver had more bindings than the rest, thanks to their continued ability to move most of their body.

Sore Temple felt genuine fear for the first time in his life as a massive figure entered his vision.

It stepped from an archway near to the throne, revealing itself to them. The Queen of this Changeling hive. She was dressed in a suit of Power Armor, the same model as his own, but modified for a larger figure and painted with yellow markings. Her mane was short-cropped, the same color as damn near everything in this hive, and calmly scanned us with orange-tinted eyes.

“Hey, lady, yous best tells us whatcha got us for. You know our folks’ll come for us, y’hear?” Sore Temple called out, not caring for decorum. The Queen laughed in response, coming to a resting position on her haunches in front of her throne.

“Oh, my. Such a... rough tongue.” Her demeanor was one of mirth, seemingly having fun with the captured squad. “Is that any way to talk to a superior officer?”

“Su-what?” The Changeling began to saunter over to Sore Temple, smirk painting her face.

“Why, haven’t you heard of me? I’m only the Sentinel of the bunker we sit under now.”

“Sentinel? Wait, you… Sentinel Ynnai? How are you still around? You’re over a thousand years old at this point!” She laughed again at his response.

“Oh, dearie, I thought you would all know that Changeling Queens last practically forever with a proper source of love.” She turned around, trotting back to her throne. “After the Griffons… removed the hive I was once a part of, it left me the only female of our variety of Changeling left. There always has to be a Queen for a hive, so our magic chose me shortly after the war. I decided that, rather than find a cave somewhere, it might be in our best interests to choose someplace secure. Color me surprised when I return to find the security systems on the fritz and the few Brothers who had chosen to return for whatever reason killed.”

“But… why not contact us?” Temple coughed a bit, confusion reigning over his thoughts.

“I had no idea the Brotherhood had come back until some of my scouts spotted your group. I have had several somelings trailing you for a large portion of your searching in the region.” Ynnai leaned forwards, showing a mouth full of pointed fangs. “Now, pray tell, why were you sent to this place?” Driver clears his throat, catching the Queen-Sentinel’s attention.

“For this mission, we were sent here to check-up on the status of the bunker, clear out any potential threats, secure the facility, send out a signal to command, and meet up with a contact in the area. We had no idea you or any Changelings were here, ma’am.” Driver stated matter-of-factly.

“The pulse on your armor should wear off within an hour. Guards, please remove their bindings and show them to their quarters. I have more things to discuss with you, but perhaps a bit of talk amongst yourselves would be a good idea?

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

MISSION STATUS: UNEXPECTED SURPRISE FOUND IN BUNKER. REQUIRE BARD NEGOTIATION ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY. LOCATION TAG ACTIVATING 23:00 UNTIL BARD ARRIVAL. LOCATION TAG DEACTIVATING 24:00 UNTIL BARD ARRIVAL.

SEND SOMEPONY SKILLED IN ENTOMOLOGY.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Equestrian Agency for Gathering of Intelligence Report XFJ-0124
Nature of Report: Monitoring of Unknown Elements Within Equestria.
Subject of Report: UE: Brotherhood of Steel, Being of Interest #4146

SECTION A: The capabilities of the Brotherhood

The Brotherhood of Steel’s full capabilities are unknown, but between collected evidence, hearsay, remaining records from the Uprising period, and eyewitness accounts, the Brotherhood is of significant strength, if not significant size.

According to reports gathered from the last 10 years, roughly 1,500 Equestrians disappeared supposedly without a trace, a large number of which had a background in science, technology, or the military. Discounting unrelated cases, this still presents a technologically superior faction that could pose a significant threat to Equestria with the current state of the Army and Royal Guard. Though we have among the best-equipped forces in the world, we are not prepared for prolonged combat against such a foe.

Their Power Armor is a serious strategic and tactical advantage, allowing anypony to outmatch Earth Ponies in physical strength and shrug off weaponry what would rip a normal Pony apart.

We also have reason to believe the Brotherhood has significant quantities of veterans among its ranks, including several relatively high-ranking officers. They likely have intimate knowledge of our weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

The Brotherhood also maintains a fleet of flying machines beyond anything produced today. They use this to move soldiers and materials quickly and without possibility of intervention unless BoI #SPEC-04, aka Rainbow Dash, is utilized by the state.

SECTION B: A profile of BoI #4146

BoI #4146, aka Joseph Maxson, is the being responsible for the original founding of the Brotherhood of Steel. He was believed slain in the final battle against the Brotherhood in the warlord period, but sources in Vanhoover, Las Pegasus, Cloudsdale, and a contact in the Backroads Guild all report sightings of a figure matching Princess Celestia’s descriptions.

Joseph Maxson allegedly was first sighted somewhere near what is now Fillydelphia roughly 1100 years ago, though he was at first a very different individual than the Maxson that would rise to power in the Brotherhood.

He was apparently something of an adventurer, travelling around Equestria and saving people from strange events and anomalies. Along the way he acquired the services of a Griffon war hero by the name of Lion Greshi and a moderately powerful wizard mare by the name of Mundane Arcane.

Sometime, roughly 10 years before the Nightmare Moon Uprising, after a brief appearance at Princess Celestia’s court, he vanished from all records. He was next spotted following the Banishment, leading a warband of Ponies clad in the Brotherhood’s unique Power Armor against a Pegasi warband.

He appeared in his own custom-built suit of Power Armor, similar in appearance to the one he wore before the Uprising, but noticeably heavier and with more equipment.

All modern sightings have shown that he is not currently using said Power Armor, is still fully capable of combat, and shows extreme charisma and intellect. His actions during the Sand Worm raid near Las Pegasus likely saved the lives of many aboard the train, and the damage he inflicted on the raid group was grievous.

SECTION C: EAGI statements

The Brotherhood and BoI #4146 are hereby designated a Omega-Level Threat, with a Yellow-Level Aggressiveness Ranking. The Brotherhood has the potential to cripple or overthrow modern-day Equestria, but displays an unwillingness to take action against the state directly, though still presents a threat if met in the field.

The EAGI suggests the following measures be taken:

A: Increased monitoring of Equestrian intellectuals and combat-proficient Equestrians.

B: Major restructuring of the branches of the military and heavy use of anti-armor weaponry.

C: Anti-air assets be deployed among Royal Army and Royal Guard forces.

D: Increased efforts be made to obtain an insider within the Brotherhood willing to leak information to EAGI or the Principality’s government.

-Chief Intelligence Secretary Inkwell Spill

Chapter Four: Glitz and Glamor, Guts and Glory.

BDCS #04309: The RoboCo Securitron is a common sight on the Las Pegasus strip. They are a prototype security robot produced by RoboCo per the specifications of House. Partially due to this exclusivity deal between House and RoboCo, it is suspected that Las Pegasus is being used as a testing ground for various technologies.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Las Pegasus. This city was a large hive of neon lights and interesting architecture. It was a city split into two halves, the casinos and entertainment districts consisting of the ground-level, rising out of the desert, and a region of cloudy high-rises sat in the sky above it, Pegasus architecture at its finest.

Thanks to my vague knowledge of the show, I knew of this city’s existence, and I had seen maps with Las Pegasus as a marked point of interest, but I knew nothing about the city other than it being somewhat akin to Las Vegas.

After a quick recon of the city, I determined that there was no Royal Guard in the city, but the sheer amount of security robots ensured that my foray into the city would need to be cautious.

I traded out my beaten, sand-blasted armor for my old hunter’s coat, trying again to blend in as best I can.

Act like you’re supposed to be there and things will go smoother. Or at least, that’s what Lion always said.

Lion...

Best not to go down that train of thought for now. Shrugging it off, I step onto one of the roads leading to the city. Occasionally a bus or truck would pass by, hauling people and goods into or out of the city.

Passing by a brightly-colored neon sign proclaiming “Welcome to Fabulous Las Pegasus!”, I finally enter the city limits. Unlike many cities, there wasn’t much of a transition between the suburban and more dense urban areas, with only a couple of blocks between the skyscraper core of the city and myself.

A couple hundred paces into the city, I encountered the first Securitron up close. It was similar to the Securitrons I already knew of, but was only my height. It had light strips mounted all over it, making it look almost like a slot machine, and the image on the screen was of a smiling cartoon pony wearing a police cap.

“Warning: Unidentified species are required to fill out an information form before continuing into the city. Failure to perform this task will be met with arrest and trial. Warning: Unidentified robots are required to be registered with the nearest Securition. Failure to perform this task will be met with arrest and trial” With that, a piece of paper was ejected from a small port, which the Securitron handed to me. “If you do not have a writing utensil, one shall be provided.”

Grumbling, I get to work filling out the form. I’ll just put false answers in. The machine won’t know any better.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Have a lovely day, tourist!” A cheery voice blared from the speakers, and the machine leaned forward slightly as if to nod its head. Nodding at it, I continue onwards.

There was a rack containing free maps at the next intersection from the robot, and I could see a couple Securitrons on patrol nearby. Picking up a map, I look through the business listings on the back. There, advertised was a sky-taxi company. Sky-taxis were pegasus-pulled taxis, capable of reaching anywhere faster than most ground taxis, but tended to cost a bit more. I could hail down a taxi, like normal, or head to the nearby depot to try to catch one starting his night.

I decided to go wait outside the depot. It was a large, warehouse-like building with a two-story office built on top of it. Yellow neon signs proclaimed it as the “Slingshot Transport Services Company”.

After about half an hour’s wait, the door of the garage opened and a pegasus pulling one of the taxi carts emerged. I called out to him, trying to catch his attention.

“Hey, you! I got something I need a taxi’s help with. I’ll pay a whole night’s worth of fares if you help me out.” His interest peaked, he folds his wings to his sides and approaches.

“Yeah, what issit yous want?” The pure-olive pegasus spoke in a gravelly voice.

“I need transportation to Cloudsdale. It’s a little bit of an emergency. Name a reasonable price and I’ll pay. Train I was supposed to take there got wrecked, as you probably heard about. I’ve got very little time to spare.” He seemed to deliberate my words for a moment.

“Hozabot… 200 bits. Bit more than I make on mos’ nights. Up front.” Nodding, I dig around in my pouch, pulling out a small handful of 10-bit coins.

“This should be enough. If you could drop me just outside Cloudsdale’s boundaries, that’d be great.” I hop into the cart, assist my robot companion on board, and brace myself for a flight and a half.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Alright, alright ya losers, shuddup and lemme talk.

“We’re going on a mission to check the status of the old Gryphus bunker.

“We don’t know jack shit about the place, and our records have lost the exact location, but we know it’s somewhere near the mountain Gryphus sits on. Good idea to check the forest and all the hilly spots around there.

“We’ll be flying near population centers, so it’ll be the airborne power armor for now.. Us Shock Lancers are better in the air on our wings, anyway. Not like the wusses that normally run under Captain Prop Spin.

“Gryphus had a lot of important gizmos and thingamajigs, as it was one of the Big Three. Good to collect intel on some local elements while we’re there, so we’ll be meeting up with a couple Bards that got sent there a while back.

“Another important thing is something I wasn’t supposed to tell y’all, but screw leaving the squad in the dark. We’re going to be making contact with a member of the Lion Clan that had managed to open a comms channel with the command center.

“Yeah. Those Lions. If we make friends with them, when the Elder gets here he’ll probably be happy. High Sentinel Lion was his closest friend back in the days of the Old Brotherhood, and from what I’ve heard the Lion Clan still sticks to the same values he practiced. I mean, they still carry his fuckin’ name. It’d be improper not to honor the traditions he started.

“But back to the mission, we’re departing at this time, 24 hours from now. Make sure you gotcha armor all nice and polished and your guns are all cleared out. And Steely, make sure to go kiss Tree goodbye. We all see how you two look at each other, so suck it up.

“You’ve got the rest of the day off, as long as you’re all ready. Rust Squadron, prepare yourselves for a grueling month. Ad Victoriam!”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #04913: The Lion Clan are descendants of Sentinel Lion, the right-hand Griffon to High Elder Maxson. They operate multiple companies within Griffon lands, and are a very powerful noble clan.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Equestria from up high was largely as I remembered, though there were signs of society’s progression. Power lines dotted the landscape, small towns and villages popped up in the vast lands between ancient cities. A few solar power plants were present in the desert outside of Las Pegasus. The desert slowly faded to plains, then forests, then rolling green hills. I could see Cloudsdale looming in the sky ahead, and in the far distance I could see a bright light sitting upon the Canterhorn.

Canterlot.

The very thought of Canterlot gave me dread. That city is where the most powerful opponents of the Brotherhood would likely be found. I would definitely want to give that city a wide berth as long as we’re not entirely at peace with the Princesses.

Cloudsdale would probably be my final foray into civilization, unless I wanted to stop through Ponyville. Seeing as Ponyville’s inhabitants are of importance to Equestria and these same inhabitants have a direct line of communication to Celestia via Dragonfire, it would not be in my best interests at the moment, especially with how dusty and dirty I look after a long walk through the wilderness.

An important detail I had forgotten until this flight was the status of my High Scribe. Mundane Arcane was perhaps the most brilliant mind I met in pre-uprising Equestria. Her ghoulification shortly before the end was, both, horrible and beneficial. She may be entrapped as something that looks like a zombie, but she is likely still alive to this day. This brought up further questions, as well.

Did the Brotherhood heed my final command? Is there anyone waiting out there for my return? What of Lion’s descendants? What of the ZAX mainframe hidden beneath the rock Canterlot is built upon?

Out of all of these, the ZAX was the most concerning. The Canterhorn had massive crystal caves, and these served as a buffer between the surface and the bunker the ZAX was hidden in. If they had dug deep enough, they may have already cracked the machine. The implications of our secrets being potentially compromised does not bode well for the survival of the Brotherhood.

Once we are in such a position, we must ascertain this asset is not lost to us. Perhaps reform the old Bard order to infiltrate the city?

Whatever the case be, this cannot be put off for too long.

I felt a slight lurch as the cart began to lower.

“‘ight pal, here’s your stop. If y’ever need services like this again, y’know where to find me.” The cart rocked and thudded as he set it down on a patch of flat land atop a hill.

Final stop, a couple day’s walk, and then I’ll be home. For better or for worse.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

“Spike, could you please get me my ink and quill? I urgently need to copy down some notes.” Twilight Sparkle called out from behind the weighty book before her. The book, one “Ancient Tales of the Uprising and the Aetatis Suae Belli“, was a collection of historical recounts and stories that made up the most detailed glimpse at the days of Nightmare Moon and the years following her banishment. It is regarded as the most in-depth book on this subject, but due to history being a niche subject among most Ponies had fallen into obscurity.

Twilight had found this book after her most recent foray into the Royal Archives and was now studying it in earnest.

“Sure thing Twilight. I’ll be back in a sec.” Twilight’s Number One Assistant, Spike, stepped out of the room on his small claws. She nodded, not checking to see if he had received her acknowledgement.

She was currently reading a segment on a bandit clan that arose during this period known as the Sky Raiders. They were suddenly wiped out by an unknown force, a fate that oddly befell many of the bandit clans.

Twilight Sparkle, as all intelligent Ponies did, began to draw lines and discover a pattern.

Most of these defeats were in a long triangle of land between the Everfree, Canterhorn, and Griffith. Several mentioned sightings of “Iron Ponies”, what appeared to be some kind of golem or magical automata in the appearance of an armor-clad pony, or “Metal Dragons”, large flying machines of unknown origin. Whatever force utilized these struck in ambushes designed to cut the head off of the serpent, as it were, and the opposing faction of these unusual combatants would not survive the sudden lack of leadership.

She recalled witnessing reports of similar flying machines while studying under Princess Celestia, and reading of similar reports or sightings going back around ten years in the Royal Archives.

From this she began to draw forth some conclusions.

Their previous area of operation had only narrowed, but sightings were still most frequent in an area around the Everfree, particularly on the further side of the Everfree from the Caste of the Twin Sisters.

This group seemed to be still active, but there was a large stretch of time in between their actions in the post-uprising Equestria and modern-day.

This group had been silently waiting for a long period of time.

Flipping through the book to a later chapter, she found the final piece of the puzzle.

“Chapter 45: The Mysterious Brotherhood.” A chapter speculating about the disappearance of many intellectuals and warriors shortly before and during the Uprising.

A group of some of the most intelligent ponies of that generation combined with warriors of exceptional strength. Seemingly build up in anticipation of the Uprising itself. Armed with weapons and technology unheard of even to modern Equestria.

Either they had survived this stretch of time and reawoke for similar reasons to their creation preceding the Uprising, or the descendants of this organization finally have begun their ancestor’s plans again.

This was distressing. She was now aware that there was likely a powerful and dangerous group with technology the modern day had so-far failed to create within a day’s walk of Ponyville.

Spike set down the quill and ink at the table in front of her, but Twilight was too busy to acknowledge this. She began writing notes and theories about this group in earnest, and on another sheet of parchment also began constructing a checklist of preparations to conduct a survey of the Everfree.

She was Princess Celestia’s personal student, Bearer of the Element of Magic, and she’d be damned if she couldn't uncover at least some of the secrets of this so-called Brotherhood.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

PERK OF THE DAY: MONOCYTE BREEDER
You’ve been implanted with a potent device that allows your body to repair nearly any damage over time. Be warned, the PHOENIX Monocyte Breeder is a fantastic tool, but it’s not particularly fast at regenerating damaged tissue!
“Any problem can be solved with enough hope. Or enough duct tape.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

BDCS #0005: Before becoming High Elder of the Brotherhood, Joseph Maxson spent nearly a century exploring Equestria and learning. These experiences shaped him into the hardened man known to the Brotherhood.