Stellar and Quartz: Ghost Town Showdown

A luxury SUV sped past the hundred mile marker on the side of a long and empty road. Stellar Flare was at the wheel, a bored look in her eyes and a cigarette protruding from the end of her muzzle as she steered with three fingers.

“Well, a hundred miles down and a hundred more to go,” Stellar mumbled through the half depleted smoke. “Leave it to my boss to send me to the ass end of the boonies.”

“You drove just as far to retrieve me, mind you.” Cloudy noted from the passenger seat.

“Hey, I don’t know a damn thing about farmland or rural areas,” Stellar rolled her eyes over to Cloudy. “You’re my expert on this job.”

“Pear Butter might have been a better choice,” Cloudy said distantly. “She is far more informed on current agricultural trends.”

“I’m trying to do you a favor here,” Stellar added. “It’s been what… three years since Igneous died? You haven’t left that farm of yours since and everyone is worried about you; I’m just the only one with the balls to say that three years is more than enough time to grieve alone.”

Cloudy sighed at the mention of her late husband’s name. “I appreciate what you are doing, Stellar. It simply is not as easy as you make it sound.”

“I’m not trying to make it sound easy,” Stellar assured. “Look, as shitty as this job is, you’ll get thirty percent. We can get some money in your pocket, get you out of the house and god willing have some amount of fun on this trip.”

“You and I have quite different interpretations of fun.” Cloudy reminded.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Stellar faced her, a cloud of smoke wafting over Cloudy.

“Stellar, please keep that thing pointed at the window.”

“Oh for fuck’s…,” Stellar ripped it from her mouth and tossed it out the window. “Off to a great start.”

The duo’s destination was an all but forgotten ghost town dubbed Burnt Sky; an old west style town turned tourist trap. It was well into the afternoon when the out of place city vehicle rolled into the town's limits. Stellar drove around until finding what appeared to be the original town hall and came to a stop. Finally getting a chance to stretch, She stepped out into the dry heat of the area; the slit in her pencil skirt flapping like mad in the arid wind. Fastening the two lower buttons of her matching blazer she rounded the bumper and looked up at the old building.

“You can almost smell the history,” She glanced over at Cloudy as she joined her. “Not in a good way either.”

“Without this history, neither of us would be here to judge it.” Cloudy quoted back.

The door to the hall opened and an older stallion emerged, dressed in formal period clothing. He jogged down the front steps and up to the visitors. “Hello ma’am, you must be Stellar Flare.” His hand extended.

“Yes, I trust you’re Ridgeway?” Stellar took his hand.

“Yes Ma’am, pleased to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Stellar gestured over to Cloudy. “This is my friend and associate on this job, Cloudy Quartz.”

Ridgeway looked over Cloudy’s modest dress and hand knit shawl. “Well, you should fit right in around here, ma’am. Pleasure to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you as well.” Cloudy tipped her head.

“Please, come on in and we can get to business.” Ridgeway motioned up the steps as he headed back up and held the door for them. Stellar and Cloudy entered the old hall and followed him to what must have been the former mayor’s office. He took his spot behind the desk while the two of them sat across from him. “First of all, welcome to our little slice of the world,” He began. “While you’re here, I’ve arranged for some of the guest lodges on the edge of town to be available for you free of charge. They’ve got the basics, not much more I’m afraid.”

“Appreciated.” Cloudy said graciously.

“Yes, so what are we looking at here?” Stellar moved on. “My boss said that you don’t have a majority of interest in the town and can’t sell it outright.”

“That’s correct,” Ridgeway nodded. “Hopefully, that’s a problem you can help me with.”

“I’m supposed to be here to appraise and evaluate the state of the town, negotiations aren’t usually part of my job. But my boss wants this deal to go through and he’s trusting me to make that happen, so I’ll do what I can.”

“Thank you, I want this to work out as well for all of us here,” Ridgeway said with a hint of regret. “This town just can’t support itself anymore, no one understands its historical significance and importance more than I do, but time is something none of us can fight, no matter how hard some try.”

“So who are the ‘some’?” Stellar continued.

“Well, there are three other parties who hold interest in the town,” He carried on. “Hathaway and his family who work the farmlands. Wheeler, my partner, who runs the business side of things for the town. Lastly, there’s Red Sky, who’s tribe owned the land before it was even a town; he is a direct decedent of Burnt Sky, who the town was named after.”

“Bet he’s a hard sell.” Stellar noted.

“They all are, to be honest.” Ridgeway admitted. “I understand their positions, but we’ve reached the point where clinging to the land just isn’t worth it anymore. This sale could give us all enough to move on and live good enough lives, but they’ve all got their reasons for telling me no. Maybe an experienced mare like you can get it through their heads, tell them what’s on the table and what they could have if they are willing to sell.”

“Well, we only need a majority interest to okay the sale.” Stellar thought out loud. “We don’t need all three on board, just two at the most.”

“You know you have my support; if there is anything I can do to help, just ask.” He vowed.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Stellar rose from her seat. “For now though, I want to get us settled. Where are these lodges?”

“Of course,” Ridgeway spun in his chair and pulled out a tri-fold map of the town that was used by visitors. “Here, they’re on the map at the eastern edge of town.”

“Thanks,” Stellar took the map. “Let’s go Cloudy.”

The two of them left the office and returned to the car, Stellar took them eastward and Cloudy looked out the window at the sporadic buildings and the scant few individuals that wandered the town. On the eastern edge, a collection of old dwellings sat in loose formation; Stellar parked before the smallest that bore a sign that said office. They entered and found that the family room had been converted into a check in desk.

“Well hello,” A cheery mare hailed from the desk. “My name is Dandelion, a pleasure to have you here.” She smiled, her olive coat and golden mane definitely giving her the look of her namesake flower.

“Hi,” Stellar waved back casually. “Ridgeway sent us here, said he had some room for us?”

“Oh, right,” Dandelion took out her ledger. “He said you would be here soon.” She spun the book. “Just sign in and I’ll get your keys.”

“Can do.” Stellar scrawled her name, passing the pen to Cloudy who did the same.

“Here you go.” Dandelion returned with two, metal keys.

“Wow, even the keys are period piece.” Stellar chuckled.

“Everything's original, except the evap coolers, plumbing and electricity.” She laughed.

“Thank you,” Cloudy accepted her key. “To which homes do these belong?”

“Last two homes on the left.” She informed.

“Well, come on neighbor.” Stellar pocketed her key as they left under an equally cheery farewell. They walked down to their assigned lodging and Cloudy followed Stellar into hers, the historical dwelling did indeed offer the bare minimum which elicited a long sigh from the city accustomed mare. “Po meet dunk.” She mumbled.

“As long as it has four walls and a roof, it is enough.” Cloudy quoted.

“Figures you’d be right at home, I’m a little more used to modern convenience.” Stellar sat on the queen sized bed which sat across from a dresser and an arm chair.

“So what exactly are we to do in this situation?” Cloudy asked as she sat in the chair.

“Well, tomorrow we’ll take a look around and see what we’re working with,” Stellar began. “Ask some questions and get some history; then we need to start talking to these other parties and hopefully convince them to sell.”

“Do you believe you can do such a thing?”

“Well, honestly the logic speaks for itself,” Stellar surmised. “There is more to gain from selling, plain and simple.”

Cloudy sighed lightly through her nose. “If you believe that wholly then you have already lost the argument.”

Stellar was irked by the remark but was sure there was some homespun logic behind her words. “Do tell.” She gestured to her.

“This is not just land to these creatures, it is home and history; both of which carry more value than money. You may look at my farm and see an old, dilapidated homestead; but to me, it is a lifetime of cherished memories that cannot be replaced. No matter what the current state of this town, I have little doubt that the creatures here feel some level of that attachment. If you, an outsider from the city, just go waving the prospect of money in their face they will resent you immediately.”

Stellar absorbed Cloudy’s wisdom with begrudging concession. “Okay then, then how would you convince them to part with all that history?”

“You must be honest with them, but heartfelt and understanding of what they will be giving up. Show them that you are not looking down at them, but looking to the future while standing at their side.” She held her chin. “Even so, especially concerning the decedents of the native tribe that once lived here, I doubt any amount of convincing will be enough.”

“That much I gathered,” Stellar stood from the bed. “I get the point though, this is probably going to take longer than I thought. Let’s just get our luggage and set up for the night.” Retrieving their baggage from her trunk, the two mares began setting up their temporary homes to make themselves as comfortable as possible. After putting away her clothes and other personal effects, Stellar removed a bottle of her favorite brandy and set it on the dresser; with a shot glass to accompany it, she poured herself a shot and looked into the mirror that rested above the piece. “This is what you get for being good at your job,” She informed her reflection. “Stuck in the middle of nowhere trying to bribe a town full of country folk out of their home. If you would just stay low and get by, the boss probably would have sent someone else; but no, you have to bust your ass and stand out because that’s the only thing that validates you anymore… being the best at what you do.” She downed the shot and let out a rough breath. “Fuck me.” She laid the glass next to the bottle. Changing clothes for the evening she resolved herself to the bed, with nothing else to do but sleep for the time being.

The next morning, Stellar showered and put on more casual wear as she prepared to explore the town. She headed over to Cloudy’s lodge and knocked on the door, her friend answering dressed and ready to go.

“Getting a late start, are we?” She asked as she stepped out onto the old wooden porch.

“It’s nine in the morning,” Stellar shook her head. “Sorry I don’t operate on farmer time.” Driving back into the heart of the old town, Stellar parked and they began walking the main road that held most of what the place had to offer.

“I’ve yet to ask, but what exactly is your employer’s intent for this town?” Cloudy asked as they made their way past a mix of gift shops and historical displays of old equipment.

“My boss is jumping on the alternative energy train, wants to build an R&D facility,” Stellar explained. “Most of the land out here is protected under tribal protection acts, but this town remains privately owned and exempt from those acts under a grandfather clause.”

“Surely there must be better places for a research facility.” Cloudy suggested.

“Out in the middle of nowhere is the best place to keep your work secret and safe from corporate espionage.” Stellar countered.

“I suppose so.” Cloudy conceded.

“He’s not blind to the historical significance, he said he’d salvage what he could,” Stellar carried on. “Maybe move some of it to a museum in the city.” They came upon a building with a sign that offered a glimpse into the past; Stellar led Cloudy inside and into a makeshift lobby. “Hello?” She called.

Footsteps could be heard on the wooden floors and a stallion emerged from the adjacent room. “Well hello to you too,” He smiled. “Sorry about that, haven’t had a visitor in a while now.”

“Not so much a visitor as being here on business,” Stellar met him by the front desk. “My name is Stellar Flare and this is Cloudy Quartz.”

“Just call me Oak,” He extended his hand. “Nice to meet you both.”

“So, Oak. Can you tell us about the history of this town?” She asked as she took his hand.

“Absolutely,” He said with a sure nod. “I’ve spent over fifteen years studying the history of this town.” He clapped his hands together. “Well, first of all, this town was established in eighteen thirteen; it was decreed that the parcel of land would be shared with a stallion named Light Spur, who along with his settlers helped defend the native tribe from the attack of a rival tribe. In return, Light Spur named the town after the chief, Burnt Sky. The land was settled, most of these buildings you see are the original ones; had some maintenance work done mind you, but the bones are still the same."

“A testament to the craftsmanship of the time.” Cloudy noted, able to appreciate such things.

“The town served as a home for generations,” He continued. “Everything changed though when the mine was discovered.”

“There’s a mine on this land?” Stellar repeated with keen interest.

“Yes ma’am, and it turned Burnt Sky into a boom town.” Oak pointed to an old picture of a group of creatures standing before the mine entrance. “It was a golden age, literally, but not without its drawbacks. The smell of gold attracted all kinds and even though the mine was owned by the decedents of the settlers it didn’t stop would be miners from exploring the rest of the region. As the only speck of civilization for hundreds of miles, the town served as a rest stop, hotel, trading post, watering hole and supply depot for every creature that showed up.”

“I take it that’s when the place went more commercial?” Stellar asked.

“It was inevitable and they knew it, no sense trying to swim upstream. The town leaned into the new market and prospered for a time; but like all times they move on, and when the mine ran dry the flow of creatures stopped and overnight the town lost its income.” He paused to think. “That was around the mid 1900’s, but in spite of the barrel they were staring down the creatures of Burnt Sky refused to just walk away from their home. They reorganized and worked to make themselves self sufficient, Hathaway’s family line were the ones that brought truly modern agriculture in and helped the town provide for itself.”

“I imagine that is why they hold stake in the town.” Cloudy surmised.

“That’s right, his family saved Burnt Sky and their reward was official shared ownership. Things stayed the same for a time, but being so far removed from the bigger cities meant that Burnt Sky was getting left behind. The town became an oddity, visited out of curiosity by vacationers and history buffs. Seeing the opportunity, the mayor at the time was approached by Wheeler’s father who suggested that once again the town go with the flow and become an attraction; he invested money into the town and purchased a share of the town’s deed, with his business savvy Burnt Sky became a tourist destination that provided an honest to goodness experience in the way things were.” He held his arms out to the displays. “And here we are.”

“Thank you for the info, appreciated.” Stellar patted the desktop.

“Mind if I ask you a question?” Oak eyed her curiously.

“Fair enough.” She nodded.

“I’ve heard Ridgeway talking about moving to sell the town, are you here to make that happen?”

Stellar chuckled to herself. “Yeah, we are. I hope that isn’t a problem.”

“Well, I can’t say it sits right with me,” Oak confessed. “But, as a historian, I understand the march of time. I’ve studied this town's history from its beginning, I suppose it's only right that I be around to document its end too.”

“If I may,” Cloudy interjected. “As a historian, you must also know that endings are merely new beginnings.”

Oak smiled at her wisdom. “That they are, ma’am. Whatever happens, all I can do is make sure that it's remembered. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, you know where to find me.”

Stellar thanked him again and they stepped back out onto the main road. “Well, that was informative. We have some idea of where the other stakeholders are coming from. Knowing that there is a mine here is pretty noteworthy as well.” She glanced over at Cloudy. “Your family gets off on rocks, how much do you know about mines?”

“Most of what I know actually comes from Maud, she shared a great deal of knowledge with me when we would talk of her college courses.”

“We’re going to have to check it out,” Stellar said with a sigh. “Another thing to look forward too; but for now, I’d say it’s lunch time. Let’s see what there is to eat around here.”

The only true restaurant in the town was the Dust Bowl; an all in one diner that served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Upon entry, they found two other booths that held some of the only other creatures visiting the town at the time; a rack stood before them instructing customers to take a menu and seat themselves. The pair sat in the corner, thumbing through the themed list of lunch items that were offered. Two glasses of watered appeared on the table and Stellar glanced up, a youthful but sizable dragon standing over them; his scales a palette of aquamarine with darker hues of purple and royal blue accenting the denser scales of his crown, backside and tail.

“Hello, welcome to the Dust Bowl,” He greeted, a long smile running the length of his beak.

“Uh… hi,” Stellar reset herself in the booth, pausing in her response as she looked him over. “Sorry, I just didn’t expect to see a dragon all the way out here.”

“I get that a lot,” He confessed. “My name is Arcus, I’ll be your waiter; can I get you started with anything?”

“I’ll start out with a lemonade,” Stellar noted. “Cloudy?”

“I will start with a sweet tea, please.” Cloudy requested.

“No problem, be right back.” He left them to retrieve their drinks.

Stellar took a drink of her water and sighed as she returned the glass to the table. “Okay, so I’m thinking we start with this Hathaway guy.”

“The farmer?”

“Yeah, he may have a vested interest in keeping his farm going, but if he’s a family stallion to boot then he may be easier to reason with. He’s got to want what’s best for his family, pointing that out could be the easiest way to get him on our side.”

“Perhaps, although as a farmer myself, I know the bond that one can share with land,” Cloudy said solemnly. “It is a bond as strong as family.”

“Then coming from you should make the message all the more impactful,” Stellar considered. “You speak his language.”

“Here you are,” Arcus returned with their drinks. “Are you ready to order?”

“Yeah,” Stellar quickly opened her menu again. “I’ll have the avocado club with sweet potato fries.”

“Perfect,” Arcus wrote it down. “And for you, ma’am?”

“I shall try the waldorf salad.” Cloudy answered.

“Alright, I’ll have those right out.” He smiled down at Stellar, eyes lingering on her for a noticeable moment.

“See something you like?” Stellar asked with a light smirk.

“Uh… no ma’am.” He flustered. “I mean… yes…” His eyes widened. “I mean… sorry.” Arcus quickly turned tail and hurried into the kitchen.

Stellar chortled as she tasted her lemonade, eyeing the glass sourly. “Kid’s sweeter than the lemonade, that’s for sure.”

The remainder of lunch passed by and as the high sun began moving westward, Stellar and Cloudy made a trip back to the old town hall. Ridgeway was walking the building when they entered, making his way over at the sound of the door.

“Ladies, how has everything been so far?” He asked.

“Quaint,” Stellar noted. “We spent some time with Oak.”

“Ah, Oak is a good stallion,” Ridgeway nodded. “I trust he gave you all the backstory.”

“Pretty much,” Stellar confirmed. “Listen, we’re going to want to talk to Hathaway tomorrow; where is his farm located?”

“About ten miles east of the town,” Ridgeway informed. “Just take the main road back out and turn at the green marker, it’s a straight shot from there.”

“Thanks,” Stellar rested an elbow on the front desk. “Another thing, Oak told us about a mine; he said it went dry but is that really true?”

“As far as anyone knows,” Ridgeway answered. “The mine was worked so deep that eventually it become too dangerous and it was officially labeled as dry as the equipment at the time wasn’t sufficient to continue work. It’s been abandoned for a long time now.”

“I’ll need to see it for myself at some point.”

“Well, that can be arranged.” He said, a hint of hesitation in his voice. “It isn’t exactly safe though, we don’t even let tourists visit it anymore after an accident about ten years ago.”

“Well I’m not a tourist,” Stellar retorted. “Thanks for the information.”

“Good luck with Hathaway.” Ridgeway offered as they left.

“You seem to be greatly interested in the mine, do you believe it could be a factor in some not wishing to sell?” Cloudy asked as they started walking back to the car.

“Maybe,” Stellar nodded slowly. “Like he said, it was only deemed dry because the equipment at the time wasn’t good enough. Mining has come a long way since that decision was made, that mine may still have lots to offer and some of these parties may be secretly banking on that fact.” She shrugged. “It’s a possibility anyway, just something to keep in mind.” Her hands reached up to the sky as she stretched. “We’ve done enough for one day though, let’s just relax and prep for tomorrow.”

Stellar and Cloudy spent the early part of the evening together, discussing everything they had learned so far. Eventually they parted for the night to get some sleep; that sleep was not fully sound though as Stellar was jolted awake by the sound of a scream. Groggily, she jumped from the bed as the sound of a huge crash followed. As she rushed out onto the porch she noticed that Cloudy and some of the other guests had come out to investigate as well. Stellar could see a crashed cart on the dirt path with a fallen Dandelion at its front. Before she could make a move, Ridgeway and several others came running with lanterns.

“Dandelion?” Ridgeway rushed over to her and held up the lantern.

“Ridgeway,” She sat up and looked around, fear and panic in the normally cheerful mare’s eyes.

“What happened?” He asked as the creatures with him began checking the area.

“It was that… thing again!” She shouted up at him.

“That…” Ridgeway pursed his lips and looked over at the spectators. “I’m sure it was just a wild animal that startled you.”

“No, Ridgeway.” She ignored his offer to help her up and stood. “You need to stop pretending that thing is just some animal; this makes over six times now.”

“Please, Dandelion.” He tried to calm her as the others gathered around. “Anything?”

“Nothing, not even a foot print.” A griffon in their company noted.

“See, Dandelion. It was just your imagination; now, you don’t want to scare the guests do you?” He gestured to their audience.

Dandelion took a composing breath as her cart was righted. “Fine, can you just help me move this stuff for the night?”

“Of course,” Ridgeway motioned for his crew to aid her as he turned to the lodges. “Sorry about that folks, seems there's still some excitement to be had in this old town sometimes. Everything is under control.”

Stellar watched him follow after Dandelion, glancing across the way to Cloudy whose eyes bore the same suspicion at the event.