Fallout Equestria: White Keep

Chapters

Chapter 1: Welcome to White Keep
Chapter 2: The Cabinet Meeting
Chapter 3: The Streets We Walk
The Interview (Prologue)

Chapter 1: Welcome to White Keep

“So, what was it like, landing at the fort?”

“Rather large and impressive, to be quite frank with you to say the least.”

There was the distant sound of rushing wind around the group of about two dozen ponies disembarking from several vertibucks outside of an entrance to a large hanger. There was a certain rush to move to be had from the power armored pegasi and earth ponies in sealed suits escorting them along.

“Dad? Where are they taking us?” A purple pegasus colt asks from one side as the group is sheparded along, a look of nervousness and confusion evident on his face.

His question receives the response of a hoof brushing the blue and red mane out of his face, letting his green eyes peer out. “Renegade, to be honest, I ain’t really sure.” Looking down to him, I give my best smile as I ruffle his mane gently, still moving forward with the crowd.

There were scattered murmurs and soft cries ringing out for lost friends and family as we moved forward towards the open hanger doors; most of the vertibucks were out for evacuations at the moment. Before the cries could reach a peak though, a pegasus in Shadowbolt power armor steps forward to address the group and takes off his helmet. Underneath it revealed a stallion with a red coat and what appeared to be amber eyes, though the subsuit covering his head made things difficult to discern his mane.

“Alright, all of you, listen up. I need you to move into the hanger as quickly as possible. Move to the decontamination showers at the entrance of the hanger. The personnel there will make sure that you’re decontaminated. Any zebras amongst you: just keep your hooves clear and visible. Don’t give any of the Steel Rangers a reason to pull the trigger.” Renegade’s ears had already turned towards the pegasus, and mine did as well before I did my best to try to get a good view. There’s no way that it’s… him?

The group still continuing to move forward, the Shadowbolt makes a gesturing movement towards the showers he mentioned a few moments ago, and he does his best to keep a gentle tone. “Please move a little bit quicker… the storm’s picking up, and I don’t want any of you here out here when it hits.” One of my ears swivels towards the nearest steel-clad Ranger to hear the muffled tell-tale Click-Click-Click of a geiger counter, indicating that the storm was indeed picking up.

Taking a breath, the pegasus gestures to the hanger around us. “Welcome to White Keep,” And in a quiet enough voice that I could barely register, I heard him mutter something at a quieter tone: “May Faust help us all…”

***

With the introductions sorted, the red pegasus places his helmet back onto his head with an audible hiss as the environmentally sealed suit re-engages to help protect against the harsh conditions outside, and takes off with a group of Shadowbolts; most likely to go help with the evacuation operations around Equestria.

Trotting into the decontamination shower with Renegade, I felt a flank bump into my own, and I turned to see a mud and soot covered pony with an odd mohawk, who mumbles an apology as we step into the high pressure showers, washing the grime and dirt off of us. An odd style for sure, but this all happened when ponies were least expecting things, so maybe they were in the middle of stylizing their mane?

However though, when all of the soot was washed off of us, upon a second look, the reason behind the mane style became much more obvious. There were the subtle hints of the muzzle and tail structure that would have given a passerby a nudge in the race in origin, but the most obvious point were the black and white stripes adorning his coat and matted mohawk: it was a zebra!

Giving a confused look to the zebra, I keep a hoof near Renegade just in case anything went sideways. Turning to the mohawked individual, I did my best to remain chipper with my tone. "It's alright! Just an accident. I think everyone is just on edge, that's all." Walking slowly ahead, I exchange a comforting smile to the zebra. Remember, don’t judge ponies--or zebras before you get to know them better. Don’t be prejudiced. Besides, it’s nice to help meet new creatures and make sure they’re doing alright.

The zebra seemed to be initially surprised by my response, but he raises his head slightly, as if he seemingly became somewhat more confident. "After this day, none say nay.." His tone was a somber one as the high pressure sprinkler washed over him.

Giving a soft smile at knowing I was able to to help raise the zebra’s confidence a little, I reach over with a hoof to offer a hoofshake. “Name’s Arcane Gears. Yours?”

Bumping my hoof with his own, the brass shoes on his hooves became clearly obvious. “Many know me as Milze, unsurprising that one could see me.”

“Nice to meet you, Milze.” Continuing to hold my smile, I gave a chuckle. “Well, you are noticeable when you bump into someone.”

At that moment, a smaller figure slipped past the zebra trying to escape the high pressure jet of water and bumped into Renegade with enough force to rock the two of us. The ash coating its form came away in streams as it rubbed its snoot with a groan.

Looking down to the two smaller ponies beneath me, I began to give Renegade a once-over before turning to the new figure. “You two alright?” The other small pony seemed to be a filly not much older than Renegade at a first glance. Maybe ten or eleven, probably? She then lowered her hoof and looked at both Renegade and I before darting under Milze, her dark grey coat blending into his shadow as the water from the showers sprayed us from the side, washing the soot from her white stripes.

A small glance to the filly showed a nervousness and trepidation on her face, so I did my best to appear non-threatening by lowering myself to the floor to be even with her eyes, as well as giving a comforting smile. “Hi there, I’m Arcane! What’s your name?” Hopefully this will go alright to help comfort her, and I don’t just give her nightmares or something…

There's a distinct grunt of disapproval from the Power Armored Pegasus from behind me as I went to lie down, his metal armored bulk shifting. "No stopping in the decontamination tunnel, keep moving." He hasn’t started to try to move me yet, but he does seem intent on doing so if needed…

The small zony once again hides behind the Zebra's legs as he nudges her forward and nods to me. "We should comply, lest the Pegasi grow angered."

Turning to the pegasus, he receives a small nod. "Got it, sir." Standing back up, I helped Renegade to his hooves, and began to walk beside Mlezi as we continued along "This little pegasus here is Renegade Wing, my son. How about you say hi to Mister Milze?" Leaning down to the pegasus, I give the colt a nuzzle and a comforting peck on the head to help ease any nerves that might have him riled up.

The Pegasus simply scoffs and I could almost feel his gaze burning into Mlezi's striped flank as he follows behind.

Rolling my eyes at the pegasus, I made sure that the Milze and the filly were close enough to allow myself to react if something went sideways. But not too close to make things awkward.

Renegade was surprisingly enough, not knocked over by the impact. He took it like a rock, though his wide-eyed stare is broken at the quick peck. "Oh, hi Mister Mal.. Millze." Before he can continue, there’s a snort of laughter from the filly, who despite still hiding, is just visible enough to see.

Renegade flushes with embarrassment and tries to look anywhere but at the filly as the group continues through the hall. At the end is a fortified checkpoint guarded by four steel rangers with gatling casters, and if the still glowing ashes are any indication, there has been at least one recent attack that's reached through the decontamination tunnel.

At Renegade's introduction of himself to Milze, a smile teased the edges of my muzzle, looking to the filly with a look of ‘Give him time,’ and proceed to ruffle Renegade's mane softly. "There ya go, bud."

One of the rangers, without her helmet steps forward, her pearlescent horn glowing golden. "Alright, one at a time. Step forward for scanning, any changelings among you are to drop your disguise. Fail to comply and you will be treated as a hostile." The glowing ashen remains seemed to be a bit more foreboding now.

Casting a quick glance to the armed rangers, I took the time to note the insignias and marking on the armor for later reading. At the remembrance of what armaments they were carrying, my muscles tensed as I held Renegade close, ready to do whatever it took to protect the colt in my embrace. A quick pat on my right foreleg with my left confirmed the artifact stored away in the Equestrian tanker’s jacket I was currently wearing. Wait, I’m going to have to get this cleaned now!

Looking to the ranger who stepped forward, I gave her a sharp nod before turning to Renegade. “Would you want to go before or after me, Renegade? I don’t want you to be scared.” A comforting smile and nod to zebra and zony, I did my best to help calm their nerves. “Y’all should be fine, so don’t worry.” Stepping forward with the pegasus beside me, I prepared for scanning.

Mlize murmurs something in Zebrekian to the little filly and steps forward. The mare's face hardens at the sight of him, but she scans him. Once, then twice. "Clean, move through to the secondary decontamination showers." The filly follows through, looking incredibly sheepish as she's scanned and then ushered through.

Renegade pulls away from my side a few moments later. "I've got this dad, if she can do it, so can I." He steps up, the mare scans him.. and she nods him through. When her eyes landed on me, my hooves began to shift awkwardly under her gaze. Was… oh dear Faust tell me she isn’t checking me out…

Eyes returning to focus on my face, she gives a small order. "Step forward."

At the mare's request, I stepped forward, doing my best to remain professional, but also I kept my eyes on Renegade, making sure he didn’t disappear when I wasn't looking. "Yes ma'am?"

The Mare in front of me appeared to be a member of the Celestial Guard, an elite unit of Steel Rangers charged with defending Canterlot and only Canterlot. Since they’re here, they probably were evacuated before Canterlot got hit…

Renegade followed the instructions recited by the Celestial Guard just past the mare and quickly disappeared down the hall, following the two Zebras.

Raising the scanner, the mare proceeded to give me a quick scan, before asking sharply, “Stallion, do you have any weapons or forms of identification?” Keeping my eyes on the mare, my ears flicked to the sound of four power armored ponies turning to me, and the click of a gatling caster entering standby mode. Oh, for Faust’s sake…

Muscles immediately tensing up at the four massive weapons being pointed at me, I gave a nervous smile as I began to recite my identification from memory. “Arcane Gears, Ministry of Wartime Technology Intern Identification Number 087752.” Pulling out a worn ID card, I held it up for them to see before pulling my more recent MAS ID card. “Also MAS researcher, Magitech Division.” Okay, hopefully they won’t just shoot me on sight… got the EPAM ready for a shield if I need to, though.

There's a few moments of silence that's finally broken by the ranger just behind the mare nodding. By some invisible signal they all relax and the caster cycles down. "You’re clean, turn in any ballistic or energy weapons at the quartermaster. Ranged arms are restricted on base grounds and hoof or mouth-borne arms are a privilege. Do not abuse it..." Stepping to the side, the mare lets me pass through.

Right. I forgot that arcane scanners of that caliber can detect anything, even if they’re in the hidden space that always seemed to be with me. Explains why the Celestial Guards were so gung-ho with their casters. The IDs also most likely helped me from being turned into ash on the spot as well.

Turning to the mare, I gave a nod of acknowledgement. “Have a nice day, ma’am.” With the way clear, I trotted forward in my quest to find my son.

***

Noting the location of the quartermaster on the way, I trotted into the next room. It was another set of decontamination showers, however they were full rings for spraying down the entire body rather than simply spraying a group. A medic in white and red hazmat gear directed me to the stall next to Milze, who is on his hind hooves scrubbing his pelt roughly. Renegade was in the shower next to him, and the filly was drying herself off.

Makes sense... just... okay, if they take the carbine and the revolver, I have the jacket... as long as I have the jacket, he’s still with me…

As I settled into the stall for cleaning, I gave a small wave to Milze and a comforting smile to Renegade. "Sorry about getting held up back there, and thanks for keeping an eye on Renegade"

"It is no fault they chose you to halt." Milze states with a dismissive wave of a hoof, the water weighing down his mohawk. He continues to wash himself, showing off his well-muscled form. Nothing overbearing, but not entirely lean either, he could definitely be considered a legionnaire stripped of his gear. Not bad to look at to say the lea‒wait, no! Bad Arcane! Bad! "My daughter's eye seems keener than aye."

Rolling my shoulders, I did my best to remain casual. "Well, that plus I'm sorta kinda maybe a small walking armory..." Looking at the zebra, I gave my best smile. "I kinda have training from the Ministry of Morale to harness some of my internal magic.”

There’s a pause as the Zebra looks over at me. "Yes… The reason for stopping you is clear as the season." Despite the mention of the Ministry of Morale, he seemed somewhat unconcerned. "Training is always one to respect thereof, one may need it with death raining above."

Arcane looks somewhat confused, but shrugs it off "True, training is always good to have, whether it be the mind, body, or soul..." he looks a little distant for a moment, his thoughts drifting to Martini, and they slowly melt away for the moment

"You lost someone to the storm, is this something not of the norm?" Milze drops back to all fours and steps out of the stall, shaking his coat dry.

Standing quietly as I’m cleaned, I remained mostly quiet. “Not really the storm, unless you count an attack on Canterlot as one, that is…” Huh, didn’t realize decontamination shower water tasted this salty. Giving a tired look to Milze, I continued. “He… he died in my embrace, Milze…”

It's at this moment that the zebra's demeanor changes somewhat, changing to one of concern. "This storm is yet to pass... But do not let it shatter you like glass. I know not how to aid you however, but should you need it, I shall endeavor." With that, Milze walks over to the filly who gives a little hop and follows him deeper into the facility, passing a pair of hazmat-equipped unicorn soldiers.

Giving a nod to the stallion, the hint of a smile graced my muzzle. “Thanks… I appreciate it, honestly.”

Renegade takes the time working on his wings to ensure any trace of ash is removed and waits by the soldiers when he's done. Waiting on me, he began to pester them with questions until I was done cleaning.

With my job cleaning up completed, I reached over to grab a towel and dried myself off, before turning my attention to the equestrian bomber jacket neatly hanging on a hanger. Giving it a once over to make sure it was up to spec, I proceeded to slip it on, the softness of the worn article of clothing bringing comfort as I picked up Renegade and followed Milze and the filly deeper into the facility.

Before we continued further, I had to make my stop by the quartermaster as we left the showers. As we passed out of the decontamination, the doorway we walked through was as thick as my entire body from muzzle to tail with the door itself set into the ceiling. Well, it seems like we’re in here, but I’m still not sure about him, though…

At the quartermaster, the weapons were slotted into a line of racks filled with dozens upon dozens of weapons. The racks themselves, however, were marked with 'Guest Arms.' Some paperwork is signed and the two of us are sent on our way to the base lower levels lobby. It was a wide room, with a half-dozen two meter thick support beams that clearly was once used as a briefing area for the flight crew of the hanger we arrived through.

Now it’s home to a logistical troop coordinating the settling of housing and medical aid. A silver mare with platinum mane was attempting to wave me over, and she was wearing Ministry of Peace colors.

Looking around the bunker, I gave a low whistle at the sheer amount of effort and time required to make the area around us. “Pretty darn spiffy, actually…” Seeing the mare, I briskly trotted over with Renegade in tow. “What can I help ya with, ma’am?” I asked in a friendly tone, not wanting to be rude.

The mare gave a smile to me in return. "Oh you haven't seen the half of it yet. This facility has eight levels, including one dedicated to the Ministry Personnel, Acting Director."

Smiling softly back, I gave a soft nod. “That sounds quite interesting, ma’am.” Interesting. Eight levels, and one dedicated to Ministry Personn‒ I proceeded to do a spit take. “A-Acting Director?!? Me?!?!”

"Yes, Director. Unfortunately all other senior staff from your department were either killed when the bombs fell, or died of radiation poisoning." Her smile falters for a moment. "You are the senior-most member of the Ministry of Arcane Sciences left."

Wait… Everyone above me is DEAD?!? My breathing began to pick up as I held a hoof to my chest in an attempt to calm down, and failed quite miserably. "W-wait, there's no one else here? I mean, I wasn't a head of anything before..."

"I know.. These are trying times for everyone, I only joined the medical corps a week ago. Now I'm responsible for this base's entire medical staff." She proceeded to gently place a hoof on my shoulder. "You'll do fine, just do what you do best and get results when they're needed. Besides, when we make contact with the rest of Equestria after the Fallout is over, the real Director can take over for you and you can help rebuild Equestria."

Deep breaths, Arcane. Deep breaths. After a few minutes, my breathing began to steady. "O-okay..." I give her a soft smile in thanks. "Well, I guess we might as well introduce ourselves, then. Name's Arcane Gears."

Now sure that I was going to be okay, the mare removes her hoof from my shoulder and smiles. "Doctor Sweet Desires. Most just call me Doc Sweetie." She turns and makes her way back to the desk, rifling through some folders marked with the insignia of the Ministry of Arcane Sciences. Pulling a small purple ID card on a lanyard from the folder, she offers it out to me. "Here you are, your base Ministry Access card."

Giving a nod to her, I reached out to take the key card. "Well it's nice to meet you, Doc Sweetie." Taking the ID card and lanyard, I quickly slung it over my neck. "So, are there other directors on base that I should meet, or do we have a board meeting or something similar down the pipeline when we're all settled in?"

She turns away and trots over behind her improvised desk. Producing a second ID card with similar markings, and drops it behind the desk. Not two seconds later Renegade rounds the corner of the desk sporting it… Okay, when did he get back there? I didn’t even see him leave my side! He looked pleased with his apparent skill in stealth, or at least took advantage of my time being distracted by talking to Desires.

Sweet Desires nods her head in the direction of a hallway. "Head down the hall to the elevator, then up to your quarters. You'll likely have a week or so to settle in and handle the affairs of your department. Good luck Director Gears."

With a nod to Sweet Desires, and a quick hug to Renegade, I gave a quick wave with my tail as we began to trot along the hallway to the elevator. “Okay the, have a nice day, I hope!” I said in my chipper-iest voice. Doc Sweetie waves back, looking more or less the same.

After what seemed like an eternity of the same bland elevator music, the elevator is just passing the portal to the next floor when it jumps, and then rises normally. Likely some sort of malfunction was the reason why it was going so slow, or perhaps minor damage from the earth-shattering effects of the balefire bombings above-ground? With a ding, the stainless steel doors opened to reveal a pair of purple armored pegasi sporting golden visors and Shadowbolt markings on either side of the door. Beyond them was a long hall that ended in a T-junction.

The two guards proceeded at the two of us for a moment, then to our ID lanyards, then turned back to their statuesque stance.

Turning to Renegade with a soft smile, I wrapped my hooves around him closely in a hug. "It's gonna be okay, Renegade... we'll figure this out..." I muttered distantly, as if hoping my own words were being told to me as fact.

Renegade leaned into the hug for a few seconds, but then pulled back, his wings shuffling nervously. "Things will get better, they always do." Even his foal-like enthusiasm is dulling a little. He’s trying to put on a brave face at least. Looks like some of his father’s training did rub off.

Listening to his attempted comfort, I gave a nod to Renegade. “Alright, let’s go find our room…” The purple pegasus colt stepped out into the hall, looking at the two colored markings as he makes his way toward the T-junction. One purple, the other bright pink. The hallway to our right appeared to be marked with a purple guidance line and ‘MAS’ in bold, while the one on our left was marked with a pink line and the letters MoM.

As we approached the corner, I could hear an angry grunt as a red unicorn stallion came somewhat speedily around the corner from the MoM hallway. “You’ll wish you burned on the surface when the Colonel hears of this!” He wasn’t looking where he was going, and Renegade ran right into him, but is able to keep himself from falling over from the impact. The unicorn also manages to keep his footing, but gives a glare down at the colt. “Watch where you step, cloud-bucker." He then pushed past the two of us to make his way to the elevator.

Scooping up Renegade from the sudden shove from the unicorn, he finds himself deposited onto my back. Turning to check on him, I saw his wings flare out aggressively as he calls down the hallway. “Well buck you too pal!” Hopping off of my back with a huff, he began to trot off down the MAS hallway, wings still flared.

The Unicorn doesn't rise to the bait and continues on to the elevator, ignoring the glares of the two Stallions guarding the machine.

Giving an annoyed glare to the colt, my tone was one of a reprimanding parent. “Renegade, what did I say about language?” It’s not his fault. Everyone is kind of on edge as it is already… Pausing for a moment, my glare softened. With a sigh, I trudged along behind my son, just wanting to get to my room and hope that all of this was only a dream…

Renegade stops and turns to look back at me, the angry spark in his eyes fading. "Sorry.. Dad said if anyone tried to put me down for being a pegasus, to throw it right back at them so they'd leave me alone." His wings droop for a few seconds, before he straightens back up.

Giving a soft nod as old memories began to resurface, I filtered out the bad memories in favor of happier ones. “I-It’s okay, Renegade. I know you do a great job for standing up for others. I expect nothing less than you standing up for yourself as well.” Doing my best to give a smile, I gave his mane a soft ruffle as we continued along. “Well, hopefully we won’t have to deal with him again, won’t we?”

Renegade seemed to have a distant look in his eyes, oblivious to the world around himself for a moment, before snapping back to reality quickly. “Yeah, hopefully. But we’re all stuck in here together.” The smile on his muzzle seemed to be forced, though. Hey, he’s trying at least.

Directly behind Renegade are three doors. One door is completely purple with the MAS magic star on it with the word 'Director' engraved into it. The second is plain with 'Supervisor' visible. The last was an orange door marked 'Storage'.

Trotting to the door labeled ‘Director,’ I gave the switch a flick to open it, revealing a vacant bedroom inside. Clearly prepared for a pony to move in. “Huh… neat.” The room appeared to be pretty comfortable looking for a heavily fortified box 50 meters below ground. A queen sized bed made and waiting, a compact desk with paper, pens, folders, and other office implements, a stool, a small waste paper bin, and a two-door wardrobe were spread out around the room. There also appeared to be an access point for maintenance workers, but it’s closed up.

"So uh... this is our room, Renegade..." He didn’t seem to have said anything since I stepped into the room, which was a little odd. “You all good, ‘Gade?” Grabbing a notebook, I gave a quick check for any connected rooms, but it appeared that there wasn’t one. Turning to check behind myself, I gave a quick scan to see why the colt was so quiet, and I found out why: he wasn’t there.

Heart beginning to race at his sudden disappearance, I gave another call of his name before bolting out the door. “Renegade? Renegade!” No! Not him too! Turning to the supervisor’s room, I quickly moved over to look at it. “There’s more than one room here, Arcane. He probably went in there. Don’t go panicking… again.” Taking a small breath, I gave the door a few knocks.”Renegade, you in there?” I tried my best to remain calm, but a small part of panic appeared to slip into my tone.

A few seconds of silence pass before the door opens, Showing a thoroughly confused looking Renegade Wing on the other side. "Yeah, just checking out the room. Why?" The wardrobe doors lied open and it was obvious that this room was vacant as well.

Giving a sigh of relief, I quickly wrapped my hooves around him, pulling him into a hug. “Sorry, just got scared when you didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to lose you too…” After a moment, I let go, giving him his space.

Renegade blinks, then looks up at something up to my left, but slightly above me. “But… you already have a piece of dad with you.”

Giving a clearly confused look, I tried to follow his gaze, but I couldn’t see what he was looking at. “I… I do?” I asked, attempting to understand what he meant.

Renegade slowly reaches up with his wing and very gently plucks something from behind my ear. Now that it had come loose, I can feel exactly where whatever he was looking at was. As the wing is retracted, I could see a single large primary feather lying on top of it, the brilliant red coloration unmistakable against the purple of Renegade's own feathers.

Looking at the feather, I gave a small shudder being pulling the colt back into my embrace as the old memories threatened to take hold once more. No… I don’t want to think about that right now! “N-No…” I rasped out, voice as light as a whisper of the wind.

Renegade slowly wrapped his forelegs in return around me as he attempted to comfort me, though his smaller frame made things slightly difficult for him. “...Dad would want you to move on. Everyone’s lost someone.”

Continuing to shudder in his embrace, I gave a sigh as my breathing remained slightly ragged. “But… but he’s still here, Renegade…”

"...And we can't worry about it now, whatever he is. He isn't the dad I knew, and I don't want to ruin the memories... Not while everything is so fresh." Renegade’s tone was one of calm and comfort‒”He picked it up from you, it looks like… Always good at learning passively.”

“I know, but knowing he’s there, and he might not remember everything, Renegade… it hurts so much…” A few minutes would roll by as I mentally put myself back together to a workable state before stepping out of the supervisor’s room and returning to the director’s room. I could hear the sound of the Renegade’s room door closing, and the distinctive sound of the locks engaging. Probably trying to save face, just like his father…

Stepping into the director’s room, I slowly walked over to the bed and lied atop of it, holding the red feather in a hoof, old memories beginning to resurface. His smile, his laugh, his embrace… “Why did you have to die on me, you stupid Sky Turkey…” I mused aloud, almost to myself.

The feather was one of from a left wing, and it was sporting a faint amount of charring from the incendiary effects of what was most likely a Zebrecian Assault Rifle. It was still in relatively good condition, surprisingly, and I could still smell the faint scent of rainwater which was overpowering the scent of sweat and smell of burnt feather. Trying to isolate the smell of rainwater mentally, I attempted to relax. “...I miss you…” I muttered softly to the feather, as if it could hold a conversation with me.

For a moment, I was willing to let the events of the past go, accept what happened, and move on… except I couldn’t. Lying on the mattress under tons of concrete and earth, I cast a glance to the feather in my hoof, tears beginning to well up. “...I just… I’m sorry, Marks. You’re still here…” Placing the feather to the side, I proceeded to grab the nearest pillow and bury my face into it, letting out every frustration, every fear, and every sadness from over the past four days into the pillow.

Continuing to let everything out of my system, there was the faint sound of a thud from somewhere beyond the wall. Maybe a rat or something, or maybe a loose tool left behind falling over. Old memories of happiness resurfacing, I thought that I could have felt a pair of wings resting against my shoulders in an attempt to comfort.

Ignoring the thud, I simply let my chin rest against the bed before starting an old exercise I used to help calm myself down. Breathe in slowly, wait five seconds, exhale slowly, repeat.”I-It’s gonna be okay, Arcane… He’s still here… you can figure this out…” I muttered to myself.

About four seconds later, there was another thump, and I slowly rolled onto my back to look at the ceiling above me. “H-Hello?” I asked nervously

There is no reply, given the dullness of the thumps. It's likely a good distance away. Maybe twenty to thirty meters. Maybe the Steel Rangers are doing unarmed practice on the floor below?

Still remaining confused, I was tempted to get up and check the maintenance vent, but the scent of rainwater, coupled with the aches and pains of the day‒not including the emotional and mental pains from the many memories worming to the front of my mind‒convinced me otherwise to stay where I was for the time being, occasionally glancing to the feather that is eventually placed on the nightstand next to my bed.

To be honest, I wasn’t keeping a surefire track of when I fell asleep, but when I did eventually succumb to the realm of Luna, it was a rather rough one.

***

Eyes slowly opening to the world, I gave a small groan as I turned to look at the clock, neck joints popping in protest at the small movement to see the four digits displayed on the LED clock: ‘21:00’ Oh… it’s not even past midnight…

As I lied quietly with my thoughts, I could hear the sound of a door‒probably the supervisor’s room‒opening and the faint clip-clop of two sets of hooves passing the door. Since I didn’t have anything better to do, I rolled out of bed and trotted over to the door before flipping the switch to open it. “Hello?”

As the door opened, the forms of Renegade and the zebra mare‒"Her name's Usiku"‒ were right before me, and while everything seemed alright at first, details began to become quite obvious.

Renegade had a number of dark purple splotches, bruises, and what appeared to be a bite mark on his neck from what are clearly herbivorous teeth. His pelt matted and dirty, with bits of rust visible on his normally impeccable wings, and he was even sporting a bit of a limp.

Usiku, for her part, is just as badly bruised as Renegade. Numerous darker spots on her grey pelt stood out where bruises are likely forming, and there's even a faint cut on her back, a brilliant red against the white stripe that takes up most of her spine. She also appeared to favor her right fore-hoof.

Renegade met my eyes for only a few moments as his own went wide, before grabbing Usiku by the barrel and bolts down the hallway, his speed hampered by his limp. Quickly picking up my pace in an attempt to follow, I called out into the barely lit hallway. “Renegade, Usiku?” What the heck happened to them, and why are they being skittish about it?

Renegade was always on the speedier side for pegasi his age, and was able to easily outpace me, ducking into the empty barracks ahead of me, then into the room beyond. As I continued further, there was the sound of running water in the next room. Ah, so this is where the bathroom is… Leaning into the doorway, I did my best to keep a gentle and soft voice. “Renegade, is everything okay?”

From the door, I could hear two sets of quiet voices: Renegade’s, and what was probably Usiku’s. The bathroom was rather spacious, with a few large pool-sized tubs sunken into the floor next to a walkway that led to another room. With my question asked, Renegade quickly flutters to the walkway in front of me. “H-Hey Dad…” He was trying his best to not look worried, but he wasn’t doing the best of jobs at it.

Mentally changing gears, I wanted to simply wrap him in my embrace and tell him everything was going to be okay, but it was a smarter course of action to understand what was going on. “Renegade… what happened?”

Renegade looked at himself for a moment, then shrugs while attempting to not look at me. "Well... Uzi was teaching me how to fight, since I kinda bumped into her while she was training." He rubs one of the bruises. "We might have gotten a little carried away, and.. Well, I guess I kinda did what Dad would do."

Okay, so it was just training that got out of hand. Everything’s fine. At his explanation, I let out a relieved sigh. “Okay, so no one hurt you?” Just go down the list, Arcane… Pulling the colt over, I began to give him a basic medical once-over before turning to the zebra filly. “Uzi, you’re getting a once-over as well.”

In response to my attempted check-up, Renegade fluffs up his wings and tries to pull away. “Dad I’m fine, and so’s she… We just need to clean ourselves up.” He says persistently, more than usual, actually. Usiku, still watching, sheepishly ducks into the room on the other side of the walkway where the sound of running water was coming from.

Watching Usiku step into the other room, I leaned down to Renegade and whispered quietly to him. “Does her father know?” A quick glance to make sure she wasn’t listening, and I continued. “Because you do realize he should maybe know?”

Renegade seems to falter and takes a step back, also looking in the direction Uzi is hiding in. "I mean... We didn't, I didn't think that we..." He appears to be on the verge of breaking down at the sudden realization when the shadows emerge to comfort him. Usiku, looking a bit skittish, makes her way out of the room and along the walkway to Renegade, giving his flank a soft bump before settling in next to him.

“My father is a kind stallion, and I'm certain he will understand." There's a faint whiteness to her cheeks as she glances at Renegade, giving him a nuzzle. The longer she remains by his side, the calmer Renegade seemed to become. With Usiku by his side, the change in his expression and attitude was quite clear. “Never hurt anypony to have friends by your side, Arcane.”

Giving a soft sigh, I reached out with a hoof to lift Renegade’s chin so his eyes were meeting mine. “It’s okay, and you look like you learned your lesson.” Eyes slowly turning to Uziku, I gave the filly a comforting smile. “If you’re anything like your father, then I know you’re a kind soul…” Hoof moving from Renegade’s chin, I gave her mane a gentle ruffle.

“You two seem to be fine together, to be honest… I’m sorry about scaring you, but waking up in the middle of the night to see you two in such a state scared me. Next time you two decide to train, take some safety precautions.” Giving the two a small glare at my comment about safety, it slowly softened. “You two get freshened up, okay? And I’ll see you in the morning, unless there’s anything else you two want to talk about?” pausing for a moment to think, I raised a hoof. “...Did you two hear anything in the vents?”

At the mention of the vents, Renegade looks to Usiku, who returns said look before turning to me with a nervous smile. “We kinda went exploring in the vents…”

Not even twelve hours and they’re already in the walls… “Really? Already exploring the vents? I’m pretty sure you’ll give security a heart attack at some point…” Stepping over to Renegade, I proceeded to give him the loudest kiss on the forehead with a loud ‘MWAH!’ before doing the same to Usiku. There. Revenge for scaring the living daylights out of me. Giving a smug smile, it fades away after a few moments. “Just… be safe when going around, got it? I’d prefer nothing bad happen to ya…”

Renegade would let out an indignant huff at my kiss on his head, while Usiku seemed rather confused by the gesture. As I continued to speak to them, Renegade would give a nod of acknowledgement, but it was clear some of what I already said was being taken to heart. “Of course I will, Dad…” Pausing to look to Usiku, he turns back to me. “We will…”

“I’ll see you both in the morning, okay?” Turning to Uziku, I gave a soft smile. “I can have someone let your dad know you’re with us if you’d like.” Rolling my shoulders, I turned to the door to head out before saying one final piece for the night. “You should have most of this area to yourselves, so just stay in this area roughly, and you’ll be fine. Love you, Renegade, and I’ll see you tomorrow. You know where to find me.”

Closing the door behind myself, I began the short trot back to my room, the sound of hooves meeting the hard floor echoing through the empty barracks. Kiddos like you deserve a shot at being happy and having a childhood…

Before I exited the barracks, a small thought teased me from the back of my mind.

Two blurred forms, colts from their shape, cuddled up with a much older Usiku, roughly in her late teens. An equally older Renegade was watching them with a protective smile.

Eyebrows furrowing in thought, I cast one final glance to the barracks before closing the door behind myself and continued along to the director’s quarters. Certainly a random thought to say the least…

My short trot complete, I rolled onto the bed rather unceremoniously, looking up at the ceiling while on my back. “So this is our lives now? Living in a massive bunker in a mountain?” I asked to an empty room. “Don’t worry, there’s most likely more to come, and you’ll need to be ready to help for sure…”

This time, sleep came rather easily, though I did take the time to check on Renegade during the night, to find him and Usiku cuddling on the bed, both of them covered in fresh bandages. Good, so they’re taken care of. Planting a gentle kiss on each of their foreheads with a gentle whisper of “Sleep well, you two,” I returned to my room, closing both doors behind myself.

A smile teasing my muzzle, I gave a tired glance to the red feather as I pulled the blanket over my form. “Well, seems like our kiddo found a friend…” While the feather didn’t respond, there still seemed to be a strange sense of serenity as I lied there. At least something’s going relatively right in this hellscape of a world. “Goodnight, Marks…” Pausing to think, I muttered aloud to myself “Great, now you’re talking to a feather, Arcane… smooth.”

While it was preferable to have the rest of the pegasus the feather belonged to beside me, I had to settle for what I had as I let sleep overtake for Celestia knows how long, but for now, I was perfectly content to remain as I was.

Notes:

Trait Discovered: A Little Weird (Random) - While you may not have been as good at farming as your ancestors, apparently you might have that string of the Pie family in your blood! Things seem to be a little off, or a little random around you, and that’s alright with you. Just ignore the occasional flicker of reality that may (or may not) occur. It’s fine… definitely!

Perk Discovered [Level 12]: Hammer Space! - Where the hell did that come from? You count as having a Tactical Vest that you can store any item in and you seemingly pull these items out of thin air…

Chapter 2: The Cabinet Meeting

“So, ya got the gig as head of the Ministry of Arcane Science? Fancy badge for your chest. What was the catch?”

“More than what I could ever possibly have realized. So much more.”

I woke up to a brisk knocking that reverberated throughout the bedroom as I groggily opened my eyes to the world. “Oh come on…” I murmured to myself. “Five more minutes…” Rolling out of bed, I snatched up my glasses and the feather on the nightstand‒glasses onto my muzzle, feather into a small test tube lying on the desk, which is immediately stowed away‒and and trotted over to the door to answer it. “Hello?”

Standing outside was a Shadowbolt at parade rest. He wasn’t wearing any of the power armor shared by the entry guards, but he definitely was a bit on the bulky side and well-maintained. "Acting Director, I'm here to guide you to the Directorate Cabinet for a meeting. All ranking ministry staff are required to attend."

Giving a nod, I slowly turned to face the door to Renegade’s room. “Sir, may I meet you by the entrance? I need a private word with the supervisor.” The shadowbolt proceeded to salute with a nod before heading down the hallway. Once he was clear of the hallway, I gave a few short knocks on the door. “Hey ‘Gade, it’s morning.” For a few moments, there wasn’t an answer, and I gave it another knock. “Hello?” After a third knock, I gave a sigh and flicked the switch to the door without a second thought.

The only thing I could see next before getting hit in the head was a flash of stripes as two ponies fell forward forward onto me. A body fell onto my back and a few hind hooves hit the back of my head as two purple forehooves met my forehead. “D-Dad?!?” Renegade called at me with a surprised look as he dismounts my face while looking rather sheepish. Looks like that bruised hind leg is getting to him a little…

Rubbing a hoof against the back of my slightly bruised head, I wasn’t sure what to say. "H-hey, I was trying to let you know I was going out for a bit... apparently I have a board meeting."

"Ooookay? We probably are going to… uh... Be here when you get back." He steps to the side, trying not to look at me as he helps Usiku to her hooves. "...yeah." Casting a quick glance down the hall before moving her back to the precipice of the door, Renegade helps Usiku onto the disheveled bed.

Giving the room a concerned glance, my gaze slowly hovered onto the pegasus. “Please… tell me that you didn’t stay up all night?” Slept almost like a rock last night, so there’s no telling how long I was out…

Renegade had a completely straight face as he looked back at me. “That depends… What time is it?”

A quick glance to the clock on the nightstand‒there were a few slightly bloodied bandages, which was slightly worrying‒told me the time. “Oh-eight-hundred…”

"Hm.. No, our last break was about an hour or two ago. Before that we had another three hour break while we checked in with the doctors two levels down.. and before that, we had lunch… or was it dinner?" Renegade shrugs.

Oh, for Celestia’s sake… I buried my face into a hoof with a sigh. “I know you’re happy with finding a friend, but you do realize you have to take a break, right?”

“But we do… You’re starting to sound like Star Paladin Hard Case.” Renegade frowned at me, attempting to look irritated, though it appeared closer to being grumpy or tired.

Smiling softly, I knelt down so that I was at eye level with the colt before ruffling his mane. “Okay, I wanted to check… you’re still my son, and I love you.”

In response, Renegade fluffed his wings and scrunched up his nose with a soft whine. "Daaaad, not in front of Uzi!” The scene apparently was amusing to Usiku, having elicited a giggle from the tired filly on the bed.

I couldn’t help but join in on the giggles with a chuckle of my own as I finished ruffling Renegade’s mane. “Gotta pick on you sometimes. That’s how it works~”

Rolling his eyes, Renegade shrugs his wings before climbing onto the bed with Usiku. “So, how long is this meeting going to be?”

I returned Renegade’s shrug with one of my own as I stood to my hooves. “To be honest, I dunno… but stay here in our wing of the facility, okay? I promise we can go explore later, I promise.”

For a few moments, it looked as though Renegade was about to refuse, but he pauses. Thinking for a moment as he tilts his head, he then gave me a smile. “Okay.”

With a sigh, I gave Renegade a small nuzzle as I began to shrug on my jacket. “Sorry, just super protective at the moment… you know why.” Trotting out the door, I flashed a small smile to the pegasus. “See you soon!”

Giving a wave with my tail while also closing the door behind myself, Renegade returns it in kind with a wing wave. With my morning check-up completed, I briskly trotted to the junction between the MAS and MoM wings of the floor, where the guard was waiting. “Alright sir, we’re good to go.”

The door to the MAS wing closes behind me with a soft hiss, with the words ‘Ministry Access Required for Entry’ engraved on it. The soldier that I spoke to earlier was waiting at the junction when the door to the MoM wing opened, allowing a conversation to float out to my ears. “-and the standard protocol should allow field agents to supercede contracted staff, regardless of assigned rank indicator.” Oh. it’s Him. The voice of the unicorn that Renegade and I (quite literally) ran into earlier was as clear as day as he rounded the corner, led by a Shadowbolt.

However, what was surprising was the striped visage that followed. “You know as well as I, that protocol is higher than the sky. Arguing will only slow down what we are doing.” Their argument continued until they reached the T-junction, where Milze blinks in surprise at my ID card. "Ah Director Gears, I had thought there were lies spoken to my ears."

Eyes narrowing at the unicorn, I gave a quick glance to his ID‒number 6723 with a MoM party balloon logo next to the number‒before turning to Milze and noting his‒number 5320‒as well. “It appears so… Apparently I’m a director now. Also, Uzi’s with Renegade, so don’t worry.”

"Acting Director, tis not in error." Milze pauses for a moment before continuing in standard Equestrian, lacking the echoing undertone that accompanied his rhyming. "...as the highest ranking members of our respective Ministries, we have a responsibility to uphold our facilities."

The two soldiers share a nod to one another and begin to make their way towards the elevator, with the rest of us following. As we continued, I gave a solemn nod to Milze. “Yeah, certainly seems like it…”

“A responsibility to Pony-kind, most assuredly.” The unicorn seemed quite uncomfortable as we crowded into the elevator, with the two soldiers taking position at either side of the door.

The unicorn taking the far corner and Milze standing in the center, I moved to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the zebra, a comforting smile on my muzzle. “Hey, it’ll be okay.” Pulling out the red feather, I held it up for him to see. “Seems like I had a piece of that close one with me the entire time…”

From the corner of my eye, while their eyes were barely visible behind the tinted goggles, the two Shadowbolts’ eyes lock onto the feather as one of their wings twitches ever-so-slightly. Milze, however, tilts his head ever so slightly to view it from the side. “...so you were unaware, I thought you’d chosen to bear it.” With a ding, the elevator began to drop.

Giving a shrug in return as the motors of the elevator whirred above us, I let my muscles relax. “Yeah, I went four days without a shower…” Hanging my head with a sigh, my eyes looked back up at the zebra. “Renegade keeps telling me to let go, but I just can’t, ya know… we’re family.” Reaching my hoof into my jacket, I pulled out a slightly worn picture to show to Milze.

It was a simple one of himself, Renegade, and a red pegasus in a Shadowbolts uniform in front of a war-torn home in Stalliongrad. The photo was clearly a happy one, with the three all smiling with the red pegasus’s wing wrapped over Arcane’s shoulder, with the two older stallions each lying a hoof on Renegade’s shoulders.

If the feather was a firecracker in terms of the reaction from the two Shadowbolts, the picture was a fragmentation grenade. Upon seeing the photo, their eyes began to go wide as they both physically turned their heads to look at each other. The unicorn behind us seemed to be more interested in the walls or the inset lighting as Milze seemed to smile genuinely.

"He must have been good to you, to earn such a dedication. This war has taken someone from all of us." With that, the elevator door opens.

Turning to Milze, I nodded solemnly. “... He was.” Taking the time to stow the picture, I felt a droplet of moisture form in my eye. “He was one of the best things that ever happened to me, aside from Renegade, that cheeky colt.” At the thought of my son, a small smile teased the edges of my muzzle.

"Visitors, exit the elevator and proceed through the spell field ahead. No unauthorized magic, weapons, or artifacts beyond this point. Any on you will be removed via spell and returned upon your departure."

As the soldiers stepped aside, the unicorn capitalized on the moment by pushing his way past Milze roughly into the hall. The zebra, for his part, simply dusts off his pink MoM issue suit jacket before following behind. To be honest, it’s a strange design choice, but it looks like those working at the MoM kinda got used to it, I suppose.

With a flick of my right foreleg, the EPAM on me extended out down the length of the limb as I prepared to take it off at the checkpoint. In addition, I made sure that both the photo and feather were kept in the physical aspect of my jacket, as opposed to the hammerspace I usually kept them in. “Okay, where do I need to drop off my EPAM?” I asked, looking to the security checkpoint.

What was on one side of the checkpoint was a long pane of about one meter-thick glass, with a single Ranger Scribe sitting at the console, and a Shadowbolt in full armor leaning against the wall on his hind legs."Simply step into the spell field, it will store the item and identify it for eventual ret‒ is that an EPAM?" There's a coughing sound, as if the pony on the other end of the microphone is clearing their throat. "It will be returned upon your departure."

Chuckling, I gave the scribe a smile. “Yeah, it is. And please don’t mess with it. However, if you want to, maybe you can see if I have an opening and I can show you how it works?” I offered softly as I stepped through the checkpoint, watching the EPAM be stored via magic with a feeling of a faint tingle. The scribe gives a thoughtful nod, but doesn’t comment further as the inner airlock opens while the one leading to the elevator closes.

Giving a sharp nod to Milze as the zebra and unicorn pass through, I gave a quick pat to my pocket where the feather and photo were stored to find them both perfectly intact. “So, do we continue, or do we have an escort?” I ask, adjusting my glasses with a hoof.

The PA system will crackle to life once more in response to my question. “Down the hall and first door on your left. Just look for the Rangers.”

Tail giving a thumbs up to the booth, we continued along as I kept an open eye for the Rangers. “I believe this is the cabinet room?” There were a pair of Steel Rangers guarding an intricately carved stubbornite door, who each step out of the way to the sides. The unicorn, opening the door, naturally enters first, with Milze close behind.

"Ah Director Gears, we've been expecting you. I hope the scanners didn't fritz your pelt or something along those lines. They're a pain on feathers and manes." N-No… There’s no way it’s him… There was no mistaking that voice, now without the sound of rushing wind and clicking of geiger counters.

The room is walled in faux-wood, and a hardwood table took up the center, which is surrounded by plush looking chairs, with a hoof-full of individuals filling them. Deepest Desires for the Ministry of Peace, a white coated unicorn in Steel Rangers garb with the indicators of a Star Paladin. A Colonel in Equestrian Army uniform, and lastly… A red pegasus in Shadowbolts dress uniform. A captain’s rank identifier fixed to his uniform and the Ministry of Awesome Insignia emblazoned on his shoulder, his beret displays the emblem of the Helldivers, a Commando unit known for extremely rapid insertions into enemy territory. A Pipbuck rests on his left leg in similar colors.

Standing in the doorway and looking over the room, my coat stood on end as I stared at the pegasus for a few moments. This… this isn’t a joke, is it? He’s perfectly healthy! Looking to Milze, then to the red pegasus, the room itself, then the nearest open chair as I slowly trotted over to it nervously. “N-Nope… I’m good, no fritzing, just the scribe got a bit excited at seeing my EPAM, that’s all.”

Turning to me, Milze’s look of confusion was rather obvious as the pegasus in question apparently noticed my change of attitude immediately. “Is something wrong, director? You’re on edge.”

Shaking my head as I took a seat, I continued to sneak the occasional glance to him. “N-No… just surprised, that’s all.”

The Shadowbolt raised a very slow eyebrow at my words. "Are you sure, Director?" My only response was a very slow nod as I attempted to relax, but I just couldn’t.

The fiery MoM unicorn rolled his eyes as he sipped his mug of coffee. "Well hurry up and sit down, there's work to do and you standing there staring at the Captain is only going to waste time."

Turning to the unicorn, my tail was already in the process of pulling out a journal and pencil. “Already seated.” Somehow, everyone, with exception of Desires, refrained from rolling their eyes at the unicorn’s comment. Though, there was a notable disapproval from everyone, barring the Star Paladin.

"Very well... Colonel?" The Star Paladin spoke up after clearing his throat to quieten the room.

The aging stallion at the end of the table, probably in his late 50’s or 60’s, had a grizzled look with his body adorned with scars, clearly battled hardened. The insignia on his collar said all there was needed to say. “Gentlemare, stallions. If you’re not already aware, the war is over… we lost.” The last two words seemed to echo in the room with a weight measuring in the gigatons.

Milze seems deeply dismayed as the words are spoken, Desire's permanent smirk fades, the Shadowbolt’s eyes are haunted for the briefest of moments, the Star Paladin seems unmoved, and the Unicorn at the end? "Colonel Sharpshot, is it? The ziggers wiped themselves out in the process too. I'd hardly call it a loss if we're still alive." Is adamant.

Feeling a flicker of defeat as my shoulders sag, I let my gaze linger on the red coated shadowbolt occasionally; looking confused, but hopeful, I turned to Sharpshot at the end of the table. “Well, we simply turn around and bounce from it, don’t we? Roll with the punches, get back up?” I offered. “I mean, we got this, don’t we?”

The Colonel looks from the Unicorn, a glare visible in his gaze before turning to me. As his eyes settled on me, his glare softened and his head lowered. "Morale Officer, did you bring the copies of the report I requested?"

Milze nods solemnly in response. "Agent Firebug, if you would pass them out." Oh, so that’s his name… Firebug seems almost insulted, but his horn lights and a set of eight party-pink folders float out, tinted a sinister red by his magic. The copies come to rest at the hooves of each member of the meeting.

The Colonel lowers his muzzle, eyes closed. "All of you, prepare yourself, and read it.."

Taking the folder in front of me with a nod, I proceeded to flip it open with a flick of my hoof. “How badly do we need to be prepared to read it, Colonel?”

Milze took the moment to speak up. "My predecessors both committed suicide after reading these documents. Take all the time necessary."

At Milze’s words, I proceeded to stop on a dime, my eyes slowly looking up to meet the zebra. “... that bad?” My gaze then slowly returned to the folder, continuing to read it slowly.

The first document was a population survey for regions of Equestria. Broken into North Central, North Western, North Eastern, Western, Eastern, South Western, South Eastern, South Central, and Central Equestria. It also included territories such as Japone, The Crystal Empire, Prance, and Germane. A population census put the population of mainland Equestria at about 127,400,000 Ponies, other races are not documented in this census.

Raising an eyebrow at the details, I flipped to the next document without a word. The second document is dated two days after the bombs fell. It was much of the same details, except there wasn’t any data for Prance, Germane, Japone, or the Crystal Empire and the population estimate is placed at half the previous number.

Without saying a word, I flipped to the third document, reading it as fast as possible while also checking for details about Appaloosa. The next page indicates a census from the same date, except with a few hours difference. Around the time the fallout began falling to earth again. Information was only available from Central, Western, North Western, and Northern Equestria. Estimates were printed out as being around 250,000 ponies.

Still remaining silent, I flipped to the fourth and final document. The only information available was from North Western Equestria, and indicated around 24,000 ponies. It was dated at 23:00 Hours… yesterday.

“...Faust save us all…” I muttered to myself as I closed the document into the folder. Setting the file onto the table, my tail‒seemingly on its own‒pulled out the family photo and offered it up to me as if offering comfort.

Finishing his own reading of the report, the pegasus‒seated across from me on the table‒slowly lowered his copy of the report. “Princess Luna is dead, and Celestia is believed to have fallen as well… None of the other bases have responded to our hails and the storms have limited us to Steel Ranger patrols or armored vehicles, both of which share significant risk.”

The Colonel nods his head before looking to the fiery unicorn. "Make no mistake.. We did not win this War. Merely survived its conclusion."

Over the next few minutes, the other members of the impromptu council take care in closing their reports, while Agent Firebug remains… Not arrogant in his expression, but rather almost unfettered by the contents. "Respectfully, Colonel, I disagree… But I will not voice so here in respect to the fallen.”

Sitting quietly in the chair, I kept looking at the picture in my tail as I tried my best to calm down. You got this, Arcane… you have Renegade, HE is still alive and it’s confirmed… roll with the punches, make sure your family and friends get their happy ending.

Straightening my posture as I turned to Sharpshot, I felt a fire ignite in my eyes with emotion. Maybe Hope? “Okay, so what’s our order of business, knowing this information, Sir? I’d say we need to start getting our population together, and make sure that they’re safe, fed, and cared for. We may have lost the war, but we can still win the fallout.”

The Colonel continues to glare at Firebug for a few more seconds, only shifting his emerald eyes to me after the unicorn lowered his gaze. "At current, we are still bringing in survivors from smaller shelters and underground facilities across the Northwest. But they are pitifully few."

“This meeting is to confirm what we have and how it can be utilized… Captain Markerlight, how are we on supplies?” The red pegasus shifted his left wing as he brought up to read.

...It really is him… but how? Markerlight gave a short cough as he cleared his throat before speaking. “Well on that front, I can thankfully say we’re overstocked. This base was built to house around twenty-thousand across the facilities, including the stasis vaults… our latest headcount is a little over eight-thousand civilians and almost a thousand off-duty personnel, and the pre-placed garrison which stands at about three-thousand-four hundred.”

He flips to the next page. "We have about seven years of stored rations for what was estimated to be a twenty-thousand strong garrison, however the transfer papers only went out a week ago, and less than ten percent actually managed to begin redeploying when the bombs fell."

"Ammunition reserves are good, and they should remain that way so long as we avoid heavy combat in the future, and our MEW battery charges are functional, so Laser Rifles, Plasma weapons, anything using a Spark Battery or Magical Fusion Cell is essentially a non-issue as far as ammunition is concerned." Markerlight continued to rattle off the various statuses of the base.

"Our supplies of combat barding, gas masks, uniforms, and other basic essentials for a garrison force are stocked.. One of the four water recyclers suffered a malfunction in its talisman and had to be taken down for repairs." Markerlight pauses, looking at the MoM unicorn. "One of the Zebras from Zebratown offered to help console the spirit of the talisman, from what I understand the recycler will be functional come 0300 hours." Firebug simply glared at the pegasus when he mentioned the zebras from Zebratown. Note to self: minimize interaction with him as much as possible…

Remaining silent myself during Markerlight’s status report, I set my forelegs down on the desk to allow my body to relax somewhat. When the report was finished, Sharpshot gives a nod before turning to look at Desires. "Doctor Desires, does the Ministry of Peace have anything to contribute?"

The white coated mare nodded in return, her smile long gone. "Yes.. We've begun incinerating the bodies after the incident in Med-bay Two, we were hoping the Ministry of Arcane Sciences would be able to assist us in understanding why the bodies began reanimating after expiration."

Ears flicking towards Desires before my head followed, I raised an eyebrow and a hoof at the mare. “Hold up. They’re reanimating after expiration? How so?”

Desires will pull out a small form and begin to read through it, almost as if refreshing herself. "We aren't sure.. Most of them come back flailing like wild animals, trying to rip at anypony they encounter. A few appear to be just as they were prior to their deaths, but there's a clear decay occurring to their bodies. After the first attack, we started to consider that it was necromancy. But there’s been no detected rituals."

Eyes flicking to Markerlight, then back to Desires, I gave a look of confusion. “That is definitely… odd.” Could… maybe this is why he’s still standing? No, figure out this mystery first. “Any possible way to go more in-depth on examining?”

Markerlight’s slitted amber eyes burned into my own when I glanced at him for those few moments as Deepest continued. “We have a number of them in containment, you can ask some of the ones who’s minds appear to be intact on Sublevel Four.”

Realizing I had been spotted with my glance, my gaze wanders away quickly. “Yeah, I’ll probably have to investigate that then… What's their current status? How intact are their minds, and how do they look? Where are they from?” I asked, questions flying out as fast as the thoughts flowed through my mind to my mouth. “Just trying to get a baseline.”

Desires pauses for a moment, a faint green tinging her cheeks. "They look as though the fur and flesh is rotting on their bodies, while their minds are intact but the states of them vary. Some are entirely there, others suffer forms of memory loss.. and the others, the others are completely feral. Star Paladin Hard Case..." She nods to the white unicorn in Steel Rangers garb. "...assigned two armored rangers to each medical bay and morgue, while volunteers handle the placement of tombstones outside."

At this, Firebug pipes up again. "Tombstones? Who thought wasting the time of the Rangers, and risking radiation exposure was worth placing a piece of carved rock?" His question hangs in the quiet air.

Giving a nod to Desires in acknowledgement, my tail continued to scribble notes into the journal with me. “Okay, that’s definitely interesting in the very least. I’ll make a point to drop by soon, in that ca‒” I stopped as Firebug’s words clicked in as my gaze turned into a glare against the unicorn. “Because the dead still deserve their final resting place… even in whatever hell we’re living through.”

“... and because I authorized those who ‘survived’ what Faust-forsaken fate to place the markers of those who didn’t.” Markerlight’s voice was low and emotionally neutral, the hard glare I usually saw often on the face of the Royal Guard dominating the pegasus’s expression. Oh… I know that look. He is freaking LIVID.

Giving a small smile, I gave an approving nod to the pegasus. “And I appreciate that authorization, Markerlight. It’ll help keep some ponies here busy… not much to do for just being in a bunker, so whatever work can be done, it can.” Even if he doesn’t remember me, he’s still the same… to a degree.

Markerlight gave a nod as Firebug backed down silently. To my left, the white-coated unicorn placed his hooves calmly on the table. “Which leads into my purview. The Ministry of Wartime Technology will be handling the work assignments of the civilian population. This includes mining details, stasis assignments, and several other projects that will require bodies to take care of.

Relaxing in my chair, my tail gave a thumbs-up. “That sounds simple enough. We should still make sure they’re safe at the very least; it’s the least we owe them.”

With Sharpshot turning to me, he kept his stoic expression for the time being. “...and I take it the Ministry of Arcane Science, or what remains of it is prepared to handle the tasks set forth?”

Giving my best determined smile to Sharpshot, I gave a nod. “Tell me the tasks, give me my group, and I can give you a definitive answer to that question, sir.”

The older earth pony simply smiles. "...I'll forward the list to you later today. Most of the remaining researchers have a meeting set for." He pauses and looks to Markerlight. "11:00 Hours tomorrow, Sir." The Colonel nods. "Once your department is entirely in order, work with Doctor Desires on finding out the cause of these reanimations. Find out why they're being caused, and if they can be prevented."

Giving a nod in return, I continued to settle into the chair. “Got it. So meeting at 11:00…” My tail scribbling down the information into my notebook, I hummed gently to myself before looking back up. “And what am I to do until I meet my team?” Casting a glance around for a clock, I couldn’t find one. “I don’t have the time, actually.”

Markerlight was on the ball for answering the question. “The time is oh-eight-hundred, and you have roughly twenty-three hours of free-time before you need to prepare.”

Scribbling down the additional information, I let my gaze linger on the pegasus for a few moments. “I appreciate it, Markerlight.” However, his eyes were already back into the report. Oh… guess he didn’t hear me.

The Colonel stands up and steps out of his chair. "Well, that is all for the moment.. Meeting adjourned, we'll reconvene again in seven days' time."

Stepping out of the chair with a nod to Sharpshot, I kept an eye on Markerlight as everyone began to leave. The various ponies began to collect their things and leave the room. Sharpshot whispers something in a hushed tone to the red pegasus before leaving, and my ear flicked towards Desires as she whispered something to Milze as they left the room. “I have a few bottles of spirits in my quarters. It might not be perfect, but they can help.” The zebra appeared to think on it for a few moments, then nods.

Once the room is empty, Markerlight steps over to the door and closes it without saying a word. Not leaving my spot next to the table, I remained silent as my eyes followed the pegasus across the room.

Markerlight remains silent as he moves from the door to the seat directly across from me. He proceeded to sit down and unfold his wings. Pressing the tips of feathers together in a triangular shape just before his snout in contemplation. "..there’s something you want to tell me, Director."

Looking at Markerlight, I gave a soft sigh as I took a seat. As I took my seat, my tail grabbed the picture that was lying on the table before stowing it away. “...Where would be the best place to start?” Wait… what if he didn’t remember us?

The pegasus rolls his shoulders as he takes a breath. "Perhaps at the beginning. You seem incredibly interested in me, and not for the reasons I'm used to. Do I know you?"

Looking at the stallion, I could feel the emotional mask I kept on cracking a little at his words. He… he didn’t remember us? “Yes, Martini, you do… or did at least?” I asked, my shoulders beginning to sag.

Martini seemed to pick up on where I was leading the conversation as his wingtips slip down a little until the tips rested against his chin. “...We were close, weren’t we… After Stalliongrad?”

I slowly gave a silent nod in response. “...You don’t remember me at all?” My tone carried one of worry and surprise. “...or Renegade?” I offered gently, hoping that I could help jog the pegasus’s memory.

Markerlight shakes his head faintly. "The last thing I remember before waking up in the ruins of the Castle was a hard-fought battle in Stalliongrad... and a dogfight over Canterlot. But beyond that.. My memory is..." He trails off, looking contemplative again. "The doctors said it might be some sort of amnesia, that my memories should return in time. But, I don't put much hope in it." However, the next two words out of his muzzle stopped me dead in my thoughts. "..who's Renegade?"

Sitting for a moment, I began to run through Martini’s military career that I knew of. “Okay… so that would be the Friendship Mountain Massacre if I remember right for Stalliongrad…” At the mention of Canterlot, I gave a solemn nod. “...Canterlot is where you… died…”

“Blue? You missed a spot.”

Notes:

Trait Discovered: Just a Hint of Magic (ArcanoTech Wizard) - Your time and research spent under the Ministry of Wartime Technology and the Ministry of Arcane Science have lent you a particular set of skills... a set of skills you put to most excellent use in order to create the Earth Pony Arcane Manipulator, allowing you to cast magic using a combination of spell matrices and gems! However, you didn't really get out much, and you lose 10% maximum HP, as well as -1 CHA.

Perk Discovered [Level 3]: Tail Trick - Allows you to use your tail as a prehensile limb, capable of handling or throwing small items (much like a hand). Effective STR of 3.

Author's Note

Now for something completely different...

Chapter 3: The Streets We Walk

“The past can't hurt you anymore, not unless you let it.”

― Alan Moore, V for Vendetta

“Blue, ya missed a spot.”

“Wait… What? What do you mean?” I looked up at the stallion facing me from across the desk with a confused look on my face.

“Don’t play mook, it's beneath ya. Ya missed a spot.” The gravelly tone of my interviewer echoed throughout the room as he adjusted the worn fedora on his head.

The interrogation room was a rather bare room, consisting of a single beat-up one-way mirror across the room from me, a single steel table, and two chairs on each side of the table. Taking a deep breath, I hung my head. “...I don’t want to talk about it. They’re old memories that I would prefer not to think about.”

Giving a deep sigh, the stallion presses his hooves against the table to stand up. “Alright, grab the mic. We’re taking a stroll.” A small bunny in a fedora and a trench coat hops onto the table to grab the tape recorder sitting between us, chittering at me in a tone that could only be described as annoyed. “I know, Kid. Faster to do it in one, but burning him out like a two-bit cigar isn’t going to help the case.”

Standing up as well, I picked up the Sparkle Cola Cherry in front of me in my hooves and drained the rest of the bottle as I grabbed the worn pillow I was sitting upon. “Sorry, Kid. You know how I get sometimes…”

Following the trench coated stallion, my tail reached out and closed the door as the three of us left the room, slowly walking through the halls of our makeshift office. “Ya ain’t a liar Blue, especially when ya try. Don’t need my talent to know you’re blowing smoke.”

Continuing along, I tossed the pillow through the open door that led to the living room, landing it onto the couch. “I know that. I just don’t like thinking about the bad times, and you know why…” Pausing for a moment, I straightened out my mane with a hoof‒didn’t do much usually, but it was something to do.

Rolling his eyes, as the stallion opened the main door to our apartment, I gave a glance to the painted-on label on the door:

Starlight Detective Agency

Not a bad place to stay, to say the least… “So… where we goin’ to anyways, Streets?” I closed the door behind us after we trotted through, taking my time to make sure it was properly locked. “Going by hoof, or are we taking the Trotter?”

Casting a glance at me from under the fedora with his monochromatic eyes, Streets shook his head. “Goin’ by hoof. Get the blood flowing, ease those dancing nerves.”

Giving a nod in return, I let out a sigh as we began to descend down the stairs of the apartment complex we called home. “Still, it’s going to be rough having to relive everything I’ve gone through… good and bad.”

Detrot has a strange tendency to be raining a fair amount of the time, but it’s more how the rain behaved that made things difficult. Shrugging on my modified Ministry of Peace cloak, Streets’ coat lined in something similar back when I first joined up with him. “That’s Detrot, Blue. Take the rain, pray for the shine. Rest of the Wasteland’s the same.”

Trotting out of the building, Streets fished out his keys and locked the door behind us before moving forward to be shoulder to shoulder with me. “I understand the point, Streets. In order to figure out a case, it’s always beneficial to have more information on the table than what you need.”

Trotting down the war-torn street, it felt almost… peaceful, actually‒aside from the rain, but it was still rather gentle. The gentle pitter-patter of rain accentuated the clip-clop of our hooves against the rough tarmac. “Remember that old grub hut we visited, after catching the Mosaic Killer? Place with the apple pie that got the Kid grinning for once? ”

Turning my head to the detective, I raised my eyebrows. “Isn’t that a bit of a hassle to get to? I mean, I know I like it, but I’m not about to make things difficult to get out there.”

“Chef still owes us for catching the slasher stuffing stiffs in his ice box, trying to run him outta business. Figured we’d call it in, get the good stuff to go with your sunny disposition.” Streets scanned the ruins around us, stepping over a crack in the street, cold gray eyes sharp despite the mundanity.

Detrot wasn’t an easy place to live, but here we were anyways. Streets, Kid, and I all had a past with this city, and none of them ended well in the slightest. We all knew what the others went through, but it was almost an unspoken mutual agreement to not speak what happened unless it was immediately relevant to a case. “So… I’m not getting a choice in the matter, am I?”

“Sure ya do. We can hit the flop shop, or head by the Watering Hole.” The old detective’s tone was as steady as his gait as the rain continued to patter onto our cloaks. “Might swing that door anyway, we’re running out of whiskey.”

Giving a nod, I let out a chuckle from his second statement. “I didn’t even realize we were getting that low, to be honest with ya. I thought I had all of it calculated for each month as an average…” Pulling out a small journal that I used for keeping track of expenses, I gave it a quick scan before Streets gave a sharp cough.

“Ya didn’t count for yourself, Blue. Drank your way through a three month supply last month. Ya may not drink often, but when ya get thirsty it sticks to ya like a stallion drying out in the desert.” Stopping for a moment, Streets took the time to stomp his cigarette underhoof before lighting another one.

Ears folding back, I looked away slowly to break eye contact. Before I could continue my thoughts, I felt a pair of wings faintly enveloping me and a faint voice in the back of my head as I felt a small surge of dopamine to counteract the current emotions running through my system. “None of that, my Dear. Shame doesn’t suit you, and you hardly deserve it.”

Casting a confused glance behind me, there was only the pouring rain to greet me. When I returned to facing ahead of us, Streets was raising an eyebrow at my sudden act of checking behind me. “Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing to worry about.”

The eyebrow still remaining raised, it slowly lowers as Streets returns to walking. “I’ve seen a fair amount of crazy walking these streets, but yours? Is a flavor off the menu…”

Chuckling with a smile, I followed close behind as I picked up my pace. “What can I say? I’ve seen crazy, and done crazier.” My gait had slowly turned from a slow trudge to a slightly bouncy one, hooves remaining on the ground for no more than half a second.

My response was only met with a soft groan from Streets. “You’re a busted up record sometimes Blue. Good lines and cheesy ones too.” Rolling his eyes, we continued until we found ourselves in front of a small worn-out coffee shop.

Neinstein Brothers Bakery

Looking at Streets, I had to give a soft chuckle when I looked at the worn-out sign. “Bagels? Really?” Trotting to the door, I opened it with a forehoof to allow Streets to walk in before me.

“Oh no, we ain’t having that conversation again. I’ll grab us a corner booth. If you’re gonna nag, ya can order.” Giving a tip of his hat as we stepped inside, Streets took the rain slicked fedora off his head and headed further towards the back of the restaurant, near one of the back access doors.

Trotting along the chipped tile of the bakery, I stepped up to the counter as my eyes scanned over the menu. Next to the standard menu for pastries, there was also a menu for coffee with the label over it of: ‘One-Stop Bean Spot.’

“Well, what can I get ya tod‒Oh hey Arcane! How’s it going?” A pink earth pony with a grey and white mane gave me a smile from under his brown stetson as he pulled out a fresh batch of bagels from the oven across from the counter, causing the smell of freshly-baked pastries to waft through the shop.

I couldn’t help but smile back at the cheerful barista-slash-baker who always friendly. Not a bad reading buddy on the rainier nights in Detrot, either. “It’s… going alright, Wrangler. Just having to take care of a few thi‒”

I immediately was cut off from saying more by finding a blueberry bagel shoved into my muzzle. “No, none of that talk here. I know that look, and I know that tone. This ain’t the first time you’ve walked through those doors like that.” Wrangler proceeded to give a nod towards the two relatively-fixed up doors. Earth pony ingenuity at its finest. “Now, yer gonna make your order, I’m going to fix it for you, and you’re going to go sit down, and if my name isn’t Bean Wrangler…” He mutters the last part to himself. “So, what’ll it be?”

“Well, for me I think I’ll take a Sparkle Cola Cherry and another blueberry bagel‒and I’m paying for the one you just shoved into my muzzle, don’t even argue… and for Streets, he’ll have his usual of a bagel with butter or cream cheese‒whatever’s easier–and some fruit on the side. For his drink…” I couldn’t help but chuckle as I let my voice drop to a low drawl that closely imitated Streets. “Blacker than the darkest night, and more bitter than a lover’s knife.”

Rolling his eyes with a chuckle, Wrangler waves his hoof at me dismissively to indicate the corner that Streets had slinked off to, a few puffs of smoke giving away his position. “Go ahead and wait, and I’ll bring it out when it’s do‒Streets, I told you this a dozen times already, NO SMOKING IN THE BAKERY!” Turning back to me, Wrangler gave a gesture of ‘please?’

Trotting away from the counter, my tail tossed a set of caps onto the counter to pay for the food and drink, as well as a tip. Wrangler makes some of the best bagels in town, and he’s a close friend. He deserves it. As I approached Streets, I looked to the cigarette between his lips, then to his steel-grey eyes. “I know it's an old habit, but not in here, please? I’ll make a grocery run after we get what we’re taking care of done if it’ll help…”

With a sigh, Streets ground the end of his cigarette into a nearby ashtray before letting the rest of it fizzle out as he turned to me. “So, let’s start somewhere else. Markerlight, the Ghost. Ya were his mane squeeze, right? Let’s start with one of those nights out, see where ya ramble.”

Settling into the booth, I gave a soft smile to Streets as I looked up at him. “Hmm… That’s a tough one on which one to pick.” I began to rack my brain in thought on which one to tell, before settling on one of my favorites. “Alright, I think you’re gonna like this one…”

ooOOoo

The snow crunched underneath my combat-booted hooves as the MP I was assigned escorted me to the designated meeting area where I was to wait. He… should be here somewhat soon hopefully. Eyes glancing to the area around us, I looked up to the cloudy sky as Stalliongrad’s signature snow continued to fall down upon us. “So… how long until he gets here, then?” I asked to the armored pegasus standing stoically a few feet to my side.

The stallion cast me a small glance as he rolled his eyes. “Second Lieutenant Markerlight has been notified of your presence, and should be arriving shortly. You will not be freezing soli‒” He stopped as he cast a glance at my mechanics jumpsuit. “Did… did you only wear a jumpsuit?”

Looking down as I adjusted my scarf, I let out a small sigh, the breath fogging up in front of my muzzle. “I left my jacket at the office… didn’t have time to run by there to get it, and I didn’t want to make Martini wait.”

Continuing to wait, I gently rubbed at a foreleg with my other forehoof as I began to shiver in the cold. Is… Is he not coming? Is he ignoring me? Am I getting stoo‒WHAP! I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t even see the snowball hitting the side of my face.

“Hey! You got your head in the clouds or something?” I heard a voice call from in front of me to the right as a red pegasus hovered down to me, wearing a Shadowbolts uniform and beret. “Because last time I checked, the sky’s up above you.”

Giving a smile, I waved to Martini as he approached. “N-No, I wasn’t…” Martini proceeded to raise an eyebrow at my attempted lie, and I sighed. “Okay, fine…” Hanging my head, my ears folded back as I let out my admittance. “I thought you weren’t coming…”

Under Martini’s amber-eyed gaze at that moment, I felt as if I was sinking into the white snow beneath my hooves. I wasn’t sure what to expect from him as I stood there, but all he had was a comforting tone. “You’re going to be cold wearing just that.” Lifting my head, I saw the red pegasus preparing to take off. “Be right baaacccckkk!” Martini called to me as he took off towards one of the barracks, the final word drug out through the wind.

Still standing in the freezing snow, my breath continued to fog up in front of my muzzle as I waited for the stallion to return. Ears flicking to flake off any snow from above, I simply took in the sights and sounds of the base around me. The crack of M1 Grand Apples, the short bursts of PPSH-41s, and the barking of orders from drill sergeants floated through the cold Stalliongrad evening.

Soon enough, Martini returned with a leather jacket in his hooves, tossing it to me. “Here. Should help keep you warm enough for tonight.” It was a relatively simple jacket, as it was an Equestrian bomber’s jacket used by bombers, but also found favoritism from the pegasi as it helped keep them warm in the skies as well.

“Thanks… I appreciate it.” I began to slide the jacket on, surprised by the softness of the fluffy material inside. Note to self: put this on a wishlist. Giving a nod to the MP, the two of us were escorted to the offices to sign paperwork for Martini’s leave for the night.

Once the forms were signed and taken care of, we began to head off into the night air as the shield above Stalliongrad continued to flicker, casting a soft glow over the war-beaten city. Turning to me while flying, Martini gave me a look of curiosity. “So, what’s the plan for tonight?”

Pausing for a moment, I pulled out two tickets to show to Martini. “Well, there’s a jazz concert tonight that I thought would have been nice. I hear the Stringin’ Swingers have some good music…” I offered up with a smile before stowing them away and continuing my trot.

“Well, sounds like you had somewhat of a plan at least…” Martini gave a small shrug as we continued along to the concert venue. “Any plans for after?” He had a small smirk on his face as he asked the question.

“Well, I was thinking about seeing where things went from there, to be quite honest with ya.” The snow still crunching under my hooves, I did a mental check of where we were, before continuing to the park where the concert was to be held.

There was an earth pony mare waiting at the gate as we approached. “Tickets, please?” She asked in a friendly tone, the sound of soft jazz floating from further in the park. Pulling out the two tickets, I passed them over with a smile, which she returned in kind. “Have fun, and stay safe.” Martini gave a curt nod as the two of us trotted through the security checkpoint into the main concert area.

It consisted of a clearing with what was a relatively simple but practical stage made of wood and reinforced with metal near one of the sides. Almost like the dance halls from home… Giving a smirk to Martini, I headed into the crowd that was currently swaying to the swinging beat from the band on stage. “Come on! Maybe we can find a nice spot!”

Rolling his eyes, Martini followed close behind while flying above the crowd. Once we found a small clear area in the crowd, Martini descended down to land cleanly on all four hooves in front of me. Reaching out a hoof to the pegasus, I gave a nervous smile. “M-May I have this dance?”

“You asked me on this date, didn’t you?” Martini let out a chuckle as he took my hoof, beginning to lead me into a slower dance in time with the music. “So… where you from?” He asked with a gentle smile. Oh, going with date questions while dancing? Clever.

“Well, I’m kind of from the areas around Appaloosa, if it wasn’t exactly obvious from my accent. Not much of a drawl as opposed to a twang…” Letting my muscles relax, I let myself be led into the calm, slow dance. “And you?”

“Las Pegasus, east side. Was born closer to southwest side, though.” While I may have had three left hooves, it seemed as though Martini had a bit of an idea of what he was doing. Besides, it’s only a slow dance, so it’s not too difficult to manage.

Soon enough, though, the swing began to pick up in tempo. Looking into Martini’s eyes, I noticed that they were slits, as opposed to normally being the circular irises of ponies. Noticing my glance, the pegasus gave a sigh, as if he’s been asked the question a hundred times before. “Dad was a bat pony, mom was a pegasus.”

Giving a small nod, my ears folded back as I felt rather awkward in the current situation. “M-Mom’s a unicorn, and dad was an earth pony. Sorry ‘bout the staring…”

Martini simply gave a shrug as he began to lead me through a crowd with our dance. “Got used to it after a while, plus having heightened senses has been quite useful in many cases.”

Giving a nod, I simply let the time and music flow as we continued to dance. “So, what made you decide to say yes to this whole shebang? I was kind of a wreck simply tryin’ to ask you out…”

“I believe you were a wreck in more ways than one when you asked, and besides, you’re kind of cute.” Martini seemed to adopt a smirk while looking back at me.

A blush rising on my cheeks at the memory of that day, I gave a shallow nod before letting out a loud squeak, drawing the attention of several passerby. “Wh-What makes me cute?!?!”

The pegasus’s smirk only seemed to grow at my squeak. “Want to ask yourself that question again, Arcane?” My cheeks continued to warm as I imagined the crowd staring at the two of us. Please don’t be looking at us, please don’t be staring!

Before it felt like the awkwardness would have extended into infinity, I heard a mare’s voice call over the shuffle of the hooves. “And here’s our next tune! Hit it!” And with that, the music began to pick up in tempo and swing, with a stallion taking the lead for the song.

“Yippie yay, there’ll be no weddin’ bells for todaaayyyy~” Looking over, I noticed the lack of a certain string instrument I thought was playing before… Huh, must have been noth‒

“Hiya there, cutie!” I let out another loud squeak of surprise as I found myself to be staring into a pair of golden equine eyes. Backpedaling on my hind hooves, I got a better look at the pony standing in front of me.

She was a unicorn with a mint-green coat, and a cyan mane with white streaks, giving a dopey grin at me as I looked at her. Wait… “Lyra Heartstrings?” I asked in a squeaky tone, still slightly confused and panicked by the mare’s sudden appearance.

Giggling softly to herself, she gave a nod as she returned to standing on all four hooves. “Yup, that’s me! Lyra Heartstrings, the one and only! Haven’t heard a pony squeal like that since this one mare at one of Pinkie’s parties and I‒” Lyra proceeded to almost mentally put a hoof on her mouth before continuing. “Annnyyywaaayysss” She drug out the word as she went to change the subject. Turning to Martini, her TK formed into an odd shape resembling a talon with one of the claws jutting over her shoulder at me. “Marks! Where’d you bag a cutie pie like that? He’d make Bonnie jeaaaalous!”

I couldn’t help but let out an indignant squeak as the two cast a glance at me. Martini only gave me a sly smirk before turning back to Lyra. “Got drunk one night, walked the… how did you put it? ‘Cutie pie’ back home, and from there, things happened. I have a feeling a mare like you would know what I mean~” Okay, now he’s doing it on purpose!

My cheeks flushing in a blush, I proceeded to pout and look away from the two, but that only seemed to encourage them further. Lyra let out a soft giggle and I was now rather in the mood to want to melt into the snow-covered concrete. “Look at his little duck pout! It’s adorable!” Nope, it got worse!

Martini only let out a soft chuckle before giving a sigh. “Miss Heartstrings, while Arcane does seem adorable when he’s teased, I believe it is subject to the same rule as other joys in life: moderation.”

Shaking my head to dislodge the buildup of snow, Lyra let out an “awww” of disappointment. “Okay, Okay. Maybe another time.” Shooting me a wink and a smile, the mint-colored mare trotted back towards the stage. “See you ‘round, cutie pie~”

Before she entirely disappeared, however, her horn glowed the same golden sheen of magic as her eyes, and I felt an odd tingling sensation over my body that felt like there was a smoothness applied to my coat. Wait… standard tingling of magic… what did she cast on me? Lyra gave a knowing look to Martini before she disappeared into the crowd, most likely to return to the stage.

Turning to Martini, I asked in a confused tone, “So… what was that look all about? I know there’s something going on, but I’m not quite sure.” Standing to my hooves, I began to dust the snow off of myself.

“Oh, don’t worry about it, Arcane. Just focus on the stage for me though, okay?” Looking to the stage, I felt rather confused as I rolled my shoulders to loosen my joints.

Up on stage, Lyra was trotting up to the microphone with a small smile teasing her muzzle. “Good evening everypony! I hope you all have been enjoying our little show so far, and this one’s for a certain ‘Cutie Pie’‒You know who you are!” A squeak beginning to escape my muzzle, I crammed my hoof into my mouth to muffle it with an angry glance to Martini, who only shrugged with a smirk.

With a strum of her lyre, Lyra gave a nod to the pegasus mare behind a rather compact trap set, and with a pair of sharp rolls on a snare, a unicorn stallion stepped forward with a microphone and a smile. “Oh Weeeeell, I’m the type of stallion who will never settle down…”

As I let my ears focus on the stage in front of me, I had no time to react as I felt a pair of hooves wrap themselves around my barrel and begin to lift me off the ground. “H-Hey!” I let out a cry as I turned around to see that ever-present smirk on Martini’s muzzle. “Wh-Where are we goi-” Looking down, I saw the concert area disappear slowly beneath my hooves. Okay! Off the ground, off the ground, off the ground! This is not natural!

Hooves continuing to flail, Martini let out a soft sigh. “If you keep doing that, you’re going to get yourself killed.” That one statement was enough to stop me on a dime as I screwed my eyes closed as tightly as possible, attempting to isolate myself from any reminders of our rapid ascent into the atmosphere. No more than a minute later, I felt myself being placed on something soft and… fluffy? Opening my eyes, I found myself on what appeared to be a cloud among the skyline. Wait, this is a cloud!

“Martini, why did you bring me up here? I’m just understanding why you would do thi‒” I stopped as I saw the most notable thing in the sky: a full moon. “Oh. This kind of makes a bit more sense.”

Giving a gentle chuckle as he settled in next to me, Martini took his time in wrapping a wing over my barrel, gently squeezing me to his side. “It’s a nice view, and it’s quiet. It’s never a bad idea to include a moonlit watch, especially with the moon like this.”

Giving him a smile, I let my head rest onto the pegasus’s, giving a murr of contentment. “It’s fine… but a heads up on the next time you do that would be nice of you at least. Earth ponies ain’t really built for the clouds, unless we take precautions with either spells or talismans, unless we wanted to go the cybernetic route with a pair of wi‒”

I was cut off by a red hoof being shoved into my muzzle, and I was pretty sure I could hear Martini’s eyes rolling through his skull. “Arcane, as much as I don’t mind the occasional rant about technical know-how, just… can we enjoy the night for what we have now?”

Pausing for a moment to think, I gave a small nod, inadvertently nuzzling the stallion in return. “Yeah, I think I can do that…” Smiling softly, I began to settle in to enjoy the view of the moon through the faint glow of the city-wide shield protecting everyone.

“They call me the wanderer, yeah the wanderer…”

ooOOoo

With a soft crack of wood, Streets gave a grunt as he heaved the door open with his on-the-spot built crowbar. “First date got a sky high view? Well, at least ya have good taste in music.” Drawing his riot shotgun, the detective gave a nod to the door, which I responded in kind.

Pulling out a rechambered combat shotgun, I made sure that my badge was in clear view on my duster before leveling my weapon to the door. “Actually, it was the first night. Sorry if it wasn’t special or anything if you were expectin’ that.”

“Plenty special Blue. Hold the yapping, just heard the perp. Ya want to do the honors?” The stallion nodded, stacking up against the door. My tail dug through a saddlebag, pulling out a flashbang grenade. Both pins out, and through the door it goes. Just before the bang I raised my voice, shouting at the top of my lungs with an eager grin.

“DETROT POLICE, YOU’RE UNDER ARREST!”

BANG!!!

Notes:

None!

Author's Note

Sorry about the wait for so long, as I kind of got tied up with a bit of work and I had the full chapter on my drive, yet ready to publish, so after a few months, here you all are!

The Interview (Prologue)

“Started following your story a long time ago. Pulling the pieces together, take a bit of glue and elbow grease, figure out how it all comes together. And then ya die, and it all comes apart. So I think it's time to get the full story, now that we’ve snooped ya out. Your story’s one of the big ones, the story of the Wasteland. Same as Her’s. Story like that should start at the beginning, so I’ve got a question for ya. What made ya do it, that first time?”

“Well, that’s most certainly an out there question for sure. Is there somewhere specific you would prefer me to start? There’s my time before White Keep, during White Keep, or heck, I could maybe start in Detrot if you’d prefer.”

“The war wasn’t your beginning. Detrot wasn’t your beginning either. I sure as buckshot ain’t your beginning. Might have been your sob story, but ya got your start when ya got flown off to that fort. With your turkey, his shadow, the kid, and that walking paradox. So why don’t ya start as far back as ya can remember, at the beginning.”

“Well, it started in a hospital, and there was a bright lig—OW! That hurt!”

“Blue, be serious. Give me the skinny, we don’t have time for your flim flammery.”

“Okay, Okay… Just give me something to drink and I’ll be good to go, because this might take a while.”

“The Kid’ll get ya a drink, and I’ll get ya drunk, but those lips better get flapping or you’re gonna be drier than old bones in a prohibition cemetery.”

“Alright then, so we’ll start with that day we got picked up and dropped off at, well, what you called ‘The Fort,’ then. Get comfortable, and let me do my best to remember.”