Fallout: Equestria - Prance Horrigan

“Good morning, children. I’m afraid I have bad news… That Enclave abomination I mentioned a few days back, well it struck again. Just five hours ago, the Enclave launched an attack on a small fishing town on the outskirts of Manehattan. Many of the ponies there managed to flee into the sewer systems and into the surrounding streets, but the town itself is now all but gone. Nothing but a smouldering pile of rubble remains. Ponies have already begun t’ sift through the rubble in search of the dead and a few have even made a promise to rebuild, but it’s going t’ take them a long time…

“Ponies, this new monster the Enclave has with them, this nightmare of metal and flesh, it is not something we can ignore. We’ve dealt with the Enclave before, we all know how merciless they can be. While I pray for all your safety out there, I also implore you t’ stand up and fight that good fight. The time is coming for us t’ stand together once again and show the Grand Pegasus Enclave that the Wasteland will not be so easily cowed. If you know or have seen anything that you think might help ponies take down this abomination, I suggest you come forward with it. Celestia knows we're going to need all the help we can get...

“Now I know it can be hard to find hope in dark times like these, but I encourage you to stay strong. We are not alone in our fight against the Enclave. I’ve recently received an audio transmission I think you all outta listen to. It’s from the wasteland's newest Stable Mare hero and is intended for the gosh darn Enclave. And if any of you Enclave bastards are out there listening in… You better be afraid… Now listen to this…”

“Pegasi of the Enclave! Your actions are inexcusable. I will not stand by while you slaughter good and innocent ponies. Know that you have made an enemy in me and that I will not rest until you have been stopped and my friends have been rescued. This is not a warning. This is a promise.”

“Well that was our wasteland heroine everypony. Quite bold, ain't she? Now, please, stay safe out there children. This is DJ Pon3, telling you the truth, no matter how bad it hurts… And now, some music…”

I watched as four Enclave soldiers swooped in and began dragging Skylight and Plasma Charge away in chains, leading them both in opposite directions. Skylight didn’t bother to look back at me as she was hauled off and out of sight.

We had landed on the oil rig, accompanied by a small squadron of Enclave troops that had been patrolling the outside of the rig. A lot more pegasi seemed to have gathered around the oil rig in our absence. Clearly Colonel Thunderbolt had been busy rebuilding the Enclaves forces. I was surprised to even see an Enclave Raptor hovering menacingly overhead.

“Can you believe that Stable mare piece of shit?” Firestreak was chuckling as Vapour turned off his radio beside her. “I mean, who the fuck does she think she is? One of the fucking Power Ponies? Oh, your actions are inexcusable! She makes me fucking sick.”

“S-she scares me,” Vapour admitted somewhat sheepishly. “I’ve heard she’s taken out whole squadrons of Enclave by herself. I also heard she once blew the head clean off a Hellhound with a single bullet.”

Firestreak just rolled her eyes. “You scare too easily. What’s a single Stable Dweller mare supposed to do against the might of the Enclave?”

Icewind looked over at her and gave a low growl. “Oh, yes. How could somepony like that ever hope to defeat us,” She cooed in a sarcastic drawl. “It’s not like that’s ever happened before…”

Firestreak glanced up at the clear, blue, cloudless sky above for a moment before huffing. “Fine. I get your point.”

Trotting forwards, Icewind began leading us down into the oil rig. “Come. We need to meet with the Colonel. There will be much to discuss.”

I followed after them all in silence as we descended into the depths of the oil rig. The sickening feeling that had begun forming in my gut back in the sewers had failed to fully go away. I tried desperately to forget it, but it continued to consume my thoughts. The incorporeal knife continued to dig its bloody blade deeper into the flesh.

What else could I have done? I mentally scowled at myself. Replaying my fight with Skylight in my mind. There was no other way. I had to betray Skylight. She was a traitor. It’s just how things had to be. After all… I was a monster…

I glared at the cold, steel walls of the oil rig around me as we walked, for the first time in my life wishing I could be anywhere but with the Enclave. After a moment, my eyes narrowed at the walls slightly. “Wait… Where are we going?” I grunted, realizing that the tunnel we were in was not the tunnel that led to Colonel Thunderbolt's office like I had been expecting.

“Colonel Thunderbolt will be meeting us in the interrogation wing,” Icewind replied swiftly, her tone eluding that she had little interest in commenting on that question further. She turned her head slightly, looking back at me with one of her pink eyes. “You brought those Dashites here because you claim they have information that we want. Well… It’s time to see how true that really is.”

We made our way into a long hallway deep in the depths of the oil rig that was lined with small, steel rooms, clearly intended to be cells. Large windows made of one way glass were inset into the walls, allowing the ponies stationed in the hallway to see into the cells unseen with ease. I glanced into a few of the cells as we passed by them, making out the battered and broken forms of a few wasteland savages that lay chained up inside. To my surprise, I even saw a pegasus laying prone in one cell, her back turned away and her head hung low, sending her disheveled mane into her face.

Colonel Thunderbolt stood stoically in the centre of the hallway, looking through a very specific window. One of his ears twitched slightly at our approach, but he otherwise remained unmoving as we made our way slowly up to him.

“I am pleased that the Dashites have been captured,” Thunderbolt said coyly, not looking away from the one way glass. “If what your report claims is true, it is likely these traitors will have a great deal of information that will be of use to us.”

“There is still one of them at large, sir,” Icewind began, taking a small step forwards.

“So I’ve heard,” Thunderbolt noted, his voice suddenly sounding a little less forgiving. “But they will be caught. I have dozens of ponies out searching for them as we speak. If they really are working with that Stable mare, then it is paramount they are dealt with swiftly.”

“Colonel, if I may… I think we need to talk about Firestreak’s behaviour on the field,” Icewind started, casting Firestreak a stern glare. “Once again, she directly disobeyed my orders and because of her actions, half the wasteland is after our throats-”

“-And she managed to deal with three of the four Dashites. No thanks to you, I hear,” Thunderbolt interrupted, his voice hard. “I am well aware of what has transpired. We will discuss all of that later. But until then…” He raised a hoof and tapped the glass in front of him twice. “We have plenty of information to extract from this one here.”

I turned my gaze to the window, making out the form of Skylight inside. She had been chained tightly to the floor, each chain clamped around her taut and keeping her imoble in the centre of the room. I saw her wince slightly at the sound of Thunderbolt tapping on the window, but she gave no sign she could see us through the thick glass.

“Of course, the Dashite has already been identified…” Thunderbolt continued, turning his gaze from the glass for the first time to rest his cold eyes on me. “And I must say Horrigan. I am impressed. I had my doubts about you when I learned of your connection to Skylight, but for you to learn she is alive and still bring her in… Well, you truly have proven yourself a loyal member of the Enclave.”

I saw both Firestreak and Vapour give me curious looks at the mention of Skylight’s name. Clearly the two of them were finally putting two and two together on who this Dashite actually was.

“Colonel…” I started slowly, uncertain if I was in a place to speak up. At the Colonel’s kind nod, I continued. “You told me Skylight was dead... Why?”

“A test,” Thunderbolt replied curtly. “To see how loyal you really were. You passed.”

“You knew?” I rumbled. I could feel my brow knotting beneath my helmet and shattered eyepiece. My gut clenched and I felt a strange unease building in me that I was not accustomed to. “You knew Skylight was still alive.”

Colonel Thunderbolt frowned at me, clearly trying to decipher my monotone expression. “I did, Horrigan. Now fly steady,” I glared at him for a long moment before stepping back in line with Firestreak and Vapour and giving a quick salute. Both of them gave me nervous glances, but said nothing. I could see the muscles in Thunderbolt’s shoulders unclench a little at the motion. Thunderbolt turned to face Icewind. “Now, Icewind. If you would be so kind as to accompany me,” He gestured to the doorway leading into the cell.

Icewind gave a solemn nod. “Of course Colonel.”

Silently, the two of them trotted into the cell. I moved to follow them, only for Colonel Thunderbolt to put out a wing, stopping me. “No,” Thunderbolt ordered. “I feel it is best if you wait outside,” I backed down immediately.

I watched from the window as the two of them moved in and stood on either side of Skylight. Skylight glared up at them, but otherwise remained silent.

“So, that’s your little marefriend,” Firestreak nickered behind me after a few minutes of awkward silence. I glanced back to see her and Vapour staring at me. “She’s cute. I see why you liked her.”

“Firestreak, m-maybe we sh-shouldn’t provoke him,” Vapour stuttered, gulping as my glowing, red gaze flickered over to stare down at them.

Firestreak just scowled. “I disagree,” She strode forwards, prodding me on the chest with one of her armoured hooves. “You may have Colonel Thunderbolt convinced, but I am not so easily swayed. Back in the Manehattan sewers, you were leading those Dashites somewhere. I think you were trying to get them to safety once you found out your little marefriend was one of them.”

I just glared at her, silent. Not dignifying her question with a response.

Firestreak huffed. “And now that I think about it, those Dashites managed to escape you when we first met them too. I know you well enough now to know ponies don’t just fucking escape you. If you had wanted them dead, they would be,” Her lips twisted into a thin sneer. “You’ve been protecting those traitors. Haven’t you?”

“Firestreak, stop. T-this is s-stupid,” Vapour interjected, trying to move between the two of us. Firestreak just pushed him back with a swipe of her tail.

“No. No, I don’t think it is,” She spat. “Well, Horrigan? What is it? You been trying to protect that bitch?”

“Skylight means nothing to me anymore,” I finally growled. Even as the words escaped my mouth, I knew they were a lie.

“Then prove it,” Firestreak hissed. She pushed past me, pushing open the door to the cell.

At the sound of the door sliding open, Thunderbolt and Icewind looked up at her sharply. “Firestreak, what is the meaning of this interruption?” Thunderbolt scowled, his wings flaring at his sides a little.

“Skylight needs to be branded like the Dashiti filth she is,” Firestreak declared with a snarl. “And I think Horrigan should do it. Prove to all of us once and for all that he is past Skylight.”

I could see Skylight’s eyes shoot wide with horror. Even Icewind visibly flinched at the mention of being branded.

“We have more pressing matters to deal with right now than having her branded,” Icewind deflected. “That can wait.”

Thunderbolt was silent for a second before letting a small smile settle across his face. “No, I think Firestreak is correct. Perhaps that is just the incentive we need to make her talk. Horrigan!” At my name, I lumbered in behind Firestreak, my eyes looking everywhere around the room except where Skylight lay trembling, staring up at me in abject terror. “How would you like to brand your first Dashite?”

I stared hard at Thunderbolt, not daring to speak. Perhaps if I stayed silent, he would change his mind.

“Colonel, this is entirely unnecessary,” Icewind insisted, taking a small step away from everypony.

“If you do not have the stomach for this, Icewind, then I suggest you leave the room,” Thunderbolt replied coolly. “I understand that your… disposition… may make this difficult for you. But the Enclave must do what is necessary.”

Icewind glanced back and forth between all of us for a moment before huffing and pushing her way past Firestreak to the door. She paused slightly as she stalked up beside me. She hesitated, looking up at me before whispering in a voice that only I could hear. “Don’t fuck this up, Horrigan,” They she stormed out of the room.

Thunderbolt and Firestreak watched her leave, their eyes following her out until long after she had left our line of sight. Firestreak had a notably smug smile etched across her face the whole time.

“Interesting,” Thunderbolt muttered. “Perhaps it is not Horrigans loyalty that needs testing,” He thought silently to himself for a second before shaking his head and giving me a kindly smile. “Well Horrigan? Are you ready?” He swept a hoof to the side, gesturing to a long, branding iron hanging on one wall, the branding head depicting a lightning bolt protruding from a large cloud.

Slowly, I let my horn ignite and wrap the branding iron in my magical aura. I pulled it off the wall, pulling it forwards so that it hung suspended in the air before me.

“H-horrigan…” I looked down to see Skylight starring up at me in terror, tears already streaming down her dirty face. “Please… Don’t do this.”

I could feel my heart sinking into my chest as my magic pressed down on the small button built into the handle of the branding iron. Almost immediately, the end began to glow red hot. I looked down at Skylight, thankful for the helmet that hid the flurry of emotions that were flashing across my face. “I’m sorry Skylight. But the Enclave has commanded, and I obey…”

Skylight jerked against her chains as I began walking closer, desperately trying to break free. The chains held fast, forcefully keeping her in position as I drew closer and closer.

“Stop! Wait! No! Please!” Skylight begged, trying to yank her head back to break free. The collar and chain around her neck pulled taut, violently snapping her back into place. “Horrigan! Please! I’ll do anything! J-just please… not like this… Please not like this…”

My magic began twisting the branding iron in the air, shifting it to hover over her cutie mark. It was a beautiful cutie mark, it really was. A ray of light shining through clouds. I could remember her smile so clearly when she had first earned it as a filly. I had to force myself to look away.

“Horrigan,” Colonel Thunderbolt cooed, his voice oozing its way into my ears. “It’s time to do what must be done… Obey.”

I looked up one more time, locking my eyes with Skylights. I had never seen so much fear in someponies eyes as I did right then.

“H-horrigan… please… I loved you… Don’t do this…”

I couldn’t do this…

I shouldn’t do this…

Not to her…

Never to her…

“Obey.”

…

I obeyed…

I took a step back, looking down at Skylight’s flank. Where once a beautiful image of a ray of sunlight shining through storm clouds had once been, lay only a sizzling brand. I forced myself to look away, unable to look at Skylights shaking form any longer.

I looked behind me where Colonel Thunderbolt and Firestreak stood back watching us. At some point, another Enclave trooper had entered the room and was in the process of whispering something to Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt gave the trooper a thankful nod before dismissing him and returning his attention to me.

“You’ve done well,” Colonel Thunderbolt told me, striding up beside me and looking over the Dashite brand with grim amusement. He glanced back at Firestreak. “Are you satisfied?”

Firestreak gave a smug grin. “I am. Thank you.”

With a nod, Thunderbolt turned back to look down at Skylight. “Now, you are going to tell us what you know about this Stable mare.”

Skylight just trembled, her tear filled eyes refusing to look anywhere but at the brand seared into her flank. She gave a small shake of her head, more tears dripping down her face. “I- I’ll never tell you… None of us will.”

Thunderbolt sighed, straightening up a little. “I’m afraid you put too much faith in your friends, traitor.”

Skylight's eyes widened a little at the remark. “W-what are you t-talking about?”

“Your fellow Dashite, Plasma Charge, I believe their name was? They’ve already told us everything,” Thunderbolt smirked. “We know where your Dashites have been hiding. We know you are aware of our plans to raid the MOA hub. We even know your plan, simple as it is, to beat us to it.”

Skylight whimpered, trying to push herself away from him despite the chains holding her in place. “N-no… You’re lying! Plasma wouldn’t betray us like that!”

“You would be surprised how persuasive our torture methods can be,” Thunderbolt said, almost sympathetically. “He cracked after only a few minutes.”

“Wh-what did you do to him!” Skylight gasped, her already terrified face filling with even more horror. “I-If he’s told you everything then please… just let him go…”

“I’m afraid that will be impossible,” Thunderbolt countered. “In fact, Plasma Charge has already been executed. We put him down not a minute ago.”

Skylight’s whole body went as still as a statue. “W-what…”

Thunderbolt turned, looking off at somepony that none of us could see through the mirror-like window. “Bring him in!”

At his command, two Enclave pegasus marched into the room, dragging a limp form behind them. They came to a stop, dropping the smoking body down in front of Skylight who tried to push herself away from the corpse with a frightening scream.

The body was covered in dozens of cuts and burns, their cutie mark completely unrecognizable from the Dashite brand that had been burned into it. Their face was mangled by the bullet wound that had blown out one side of their head, but it was still clearly recognizable in the bright, clinical light of the prison cell.

“Plasma…” Skylight breathed, her breath hitching as she stared at the slumped corpse of her friend. A new wave of tremors raced through her and she had to bite back a scream of rage.

“This is the punishment for treason,” Colonel Thunderbolt informed Skylight factually. “This is the fate that awaits those that turn their back on the Enclave,” He leaned in close, his breath rasping slightly across Skylight’s face. “Now. Tell me something worth my time, or you’ll meet the same fate.”

Skylight scowled at him, blinking back tears. “Go fuck yourself. The Stable mare is going to stop you!”

Thunderbolt recoiled slightly, looking down on her with faux pity. “If that is how you want to be, so be it,” He turned, stalking out of the room. “We’ll make an example out of you, Skylight. You will be publicly executed before the whole of the Enclave. You will become a martyr for our cause,” He paused at the threshold of the doorway, glancing back at Firestreak and I. “You two. I want you to report to my office in ten minutes. It’s time I finally let you in on what the Enclave is planning.”

And with that, he swept from the room, the two other Enclave troopers trailing close behind him.

Firestreak smiled at me for a moment. “Well then, Horrigan. Consider your loyalty to me proven,” Then she too stalked out of the room to join Vapour outside.

I stood there a moment, alone, looking out the door after her before I turned and slowly knelt down next to Skylight. For a long moment, neither of us spoke, not knowing what to say. Finally, feeling frustration growing in my gut, I let a growl escape my lips. “You should have known this was going to happen,” But I didn’t know if I was talking to her or to myself.

Without another word, I pulled myself up and stormed out, leaving Skylight to weep in the centre of the room as the steel door slammed shut behind me.

I stood at attention in Colonel Thunderbolt's office ten minutes later. Icewind stood next to me, her fore hooves propped up on his desk as she looked over the large stack of schematics that had been splayed out across its surface. Behind me, Firestreak and Vapour stood silently, each flanked by a few Enclave troopers I didn’t recognize.

Thunderbolt paced back and forth before us, clearly deep in thought. After a moment, he came to a stop and pivoted to look us all over, his expression calm and collected. “Rumours have been circulating the oil rig as of late. Rumours that the Enclave is gearing up for something big. That we have a plan to get back on top. These rumours are not unfounded,” He gestured towards Icewind with a wing. “Commander Icewind, if you wouldn’t mind filling everypony in on what we have been working on?”

Icewind nodded, pulling her gaze away from the schematics on the desk. “The Enclave spent almost two hundred years trying to get inside the S.P.P. Hub in Neighvarro, to no success. However, since the news that Princess Celestia herself is inside of the hub got out, we’ve been working on a device that utilizes dragon magic to teleport us into the building directly,” she tapped a hoof down on one of the pages, depicting an image of a large looking device built around some sort of elevated platform. “The device's purpose should be pretty self explanatory. We intend to launch a full siege on the Single Pegasus Project and reclaim it as our own before the terrorist the Lightbringer even knows what’s coming.”

Firestreak raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Wait. You’re talking about bringing back the whole fucking cloudlayer? Re-establishing the Enclave into what it was!”

Colonel Thunderbolt gave a stern nod. “Indeed. And we have full faith that the device will work, but there’s a catch…”

“We can’t activate the damn thing. Not without an immensely powerful power source,” Icewind elaborated, picking up for him. “Which is where the MOA hub comes in. Just last week, I, along with Horrigan and the rest of my squad, retrieved data files from Stable 13 detailing the location of a secret MOA hub the ministries built during the war. We believe the facility was used by Rainbow Dash to create prototypes for many of her projects, including A megaspell reactor module. The only one that we know of to have survived the great war.”

“Then what the fuck are we waiting for?” Firestreak scowled. “If we can get the cloudlayer back, we need to do it, and now!”

“It won’t be as easy as just storming the hub,” Icewind shot back at her with a scowl. “All our research suggests that the hub is heavily guarded by extensive security systems. Not to mention the area is home to a particularly large band of raiders that have been causing us unprecedented trouble.”

“And if that Dashite was telling the truth, we’re going to have to deal with that Stable Dweller bitch and her Dashite companions,” An Enclave trooper I didn’t know spoke up behind me.

“Precisely why this mission can wait no longer,” Thunderbolt said flatly. He turned, addressing a large pegasus clad in an Enclave commander uniform I didn’t recognize. “Commander Shipbreaker, did your squad have any luck finding the Stable mare?”

Shipbreaker shook his head. “We followed the coordinates Plasma Charge gave us, but it looks like the campsite had been abandoned, and recently.”

“They likely abandoned their base as soon as they found out their allies were taken hostage,” Icewind grunted. She cast a small scowl at Firestreak. “It sounds like that Dashite that got away turned out to be trouble for us after all.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Thunderbolt interjected. “What does matter, is that we cannot let the Stable mare and her Dashites get their hooves on the megaspell reactor module before us. Which means we are going to need to act quickly. We will be sending an elite team out to the MOA Hub at first light tomorrow to retrieve the objective. As Icewind and her squad have been primarily involved in this, they will be leading the expedition.”

Icewind gave a curt nod. “Understood. My team and I will-”

Thunderbolt held up a hoof, silencing her. “However, under recent circumstances, I have decided to change up the leadership. Commander Firestreak will be leading this mission.”

Icewind’s eyebrows rose. “Commander?” She glanced back at Firestreak who was in the middle of giving her a smug smile. She whipped her head back around to look at Thunderbolt, her expression suddenly panicked. “Colonel, I assure you. I am perfectly capable of leading th-”

“It has come to my attention that the Dashites managed to escape you while under your command, and that it was not until Firestreak took control, that they were apprehended,” Colonel Thunderbolt drawled coldy, his hard glare cutting into Icewind. “Furthermore, your… connection… to Dashites has made me question your ability to do what must be done. As such, I am currently removing your rank as Commander until further notice.”

Icewind’s eyes looked practically frantic as she looked around at the dozens of Enclave soldiers that had now all turned their gaze on her. I could feel her practically shrink under all of their intense stares. Her tail instinctively flicked up, coiling around her flank as if trying to hide the already concealed Dashite brand emblazoned upon it. “Colonel, please. I would strongly advise against-”

“That’s enough, soldier,” Firestreak barked, her voice filled with a sick amusement.

Icewind cast her a long, hard, hateful glare for a moment before nodding and taking a step back. “Of course… Commander…” She practically had to spit the last word out between gritted teeth.

Firestreak just gave Icewind a smug smile in return, stepping up beside her and pushing her back a little bit. Icewind looked like she was going to hold her ground, but instead she just dropped her head and took up a position behind her.

Thunderbolt watched the exchange silently for a moment before standing up a little straighter. “Thank you for your understanding, Icewind. We will discuss returning you to your post once the cloudlayer has been returned to us. You are all dismissed. Horrigan, if I could have a minute with you alone.”

I gave a nod of acknowledgement as everypony else began filtering out of the room. I watched Icewind cast Firestreak a hateful glare, but she didn’t say anything further. After a few moments of waiting for everypony to leave, I took a small step towards Thunderbolts desk. “You wanted to talk to me, Colonel?”

“Indeed,” Thunderbolt replied, sitting down at his desk. He slumped against the back of his chair for a moment, his eyes suddenly looking very tired. “Do you know how hard it is to run the Enclave, Horrigan?” I shook my head. I had never been a leader. I obeyed. At my response, Thunderbolt continued. “It’s hard. Ever since the Lightbringer took away the great cloudlayer, the Enclave has been struggling. I fear that is no secret. I am all that remains of the Enclave high council, our protection from the wasteland has been obliterated and many of our ponies have either been killed or become Dashites… So you understand why this mission is so important, correct?”

I nodded sternly. “The cloudlayer must be returned.”

Colonel Thunderbolt’s tired expression took on a more satisfied look. “I’m glad you understand. I feel I need not explain to you further the necessity that no pony gets in our way. No matter how important they are to us.”

My brows furrowed behind my helmet at his words. “Colonel, if you are referring to Skylight, then-”

Thunderbolt raised a hoof to silence me. “Don’t worry. You have proven to me beyond a reasonable doubt that she is beneath you… no. I was referring to your now ex-commander, Icewind.”

I paused. Icewind wouldn’t betray us. Would she? “I don’t believe I follow.”

Thunderbolt sighed. “As I am sure you have learned, Icewind was once a Dashite like those that oppose us. Now I am not suggesting that Icewind intends to betray us, she has proven a useful and loyal asset to me time and time again, but I suspect there may be limits to her loyalty. Limits that may be tested in the coming mission,” Thunderbolt paused, glancing down at the array of schematics layen out across his desk. “There is a… secondary objective… that we intend to procure at the MOA hub. At the moment, you do not need the details, only Firestreak and I are currently in a position to know, but rest assured that it is absolutely necessary for the Enclaves survival. Unfortunately, I have my doubts that Icewind will so simply stand by while we procure this objective… Are you understanding what I’m asking of you?”

“You want me to keep Icewind in line?” I asked simply.

Thunderbolt nodded. “I am. You two seem to have worked well together on the field. I want you to keep her in check. Convince her when the time comes that it is necessary for our survival. And if she does not back down… I need you to do what must be done and put her down. We must not be slowed. Not this close to victory. Do you understand?”

I gave a slow, mechanical nod. “I understand.”

“Good. Now report to the medical wing. I think you’ve earned some rest and a fix up before we have that Dashite executed. I see your helmet was damaged on the field,” Thunderbolt smiled, leaning back in his chair once more. I reached up, tracing the broken pieces of glass where Skylight had blasted my helmet, the words she had said to me as she fired her nova surge rile into my face echoing in my mind. I nodded and turned to leave, only for Thunderbolt to call out to me again. “Oh, and Horrigan. If you do well, there might be a promotion in this for you. I’m sure you are itching to become Enclave Secret Service once again.”

I paused, letting those words fill my mind. “Thank you Colonel,” I grunted, before turning fully and trotting out of the room. Colonel Thunderbolt watched me leave before the door finally slid shut behind me, blocking me from his line of sight.

I spent a long while just standing in the hallway, glaring at the steel walls around me. After a moment of just glaring, I had to force back a loud growl that began building up in my throat. The burning desire to growl suddenly churned and twisted into an agonizing need to scream.

I violently shook my head, marching away from the Colonel’s office and down the hall towards my own quarters. After a few minutes of storming through the empty halls of the oil rig, I pushed my way into my room, slamming the metal door shut behind me. I seethed in the centre of the room, glowering at the cold, barren walls around me.

With a booming roar of rage, I lunged forwards, slamming my hooves against the far wall of my chamber. The steel walls crumpled beneath my hooves like paper, indenting the wall a good foot. I reeled back, glaring hatefully at the ruined wall. I could feel more and more rage and hate building up in me. I tried to steady myself and take a deep breath, but a flash of agony like hatred flared through my mind, inciting another roar and pounding of my hooves against the wall. I rammed my armoured hoof into the wall over and over, each strike caving the wall in more and more. Over and over my hoof fell, the broken shards of metal slicing into the flesh on my legs and ripping off long strips of hide, blood rolling down my leg and dripping around my hooves.

I pulled back from the wall again, my shoulders heaving and my breath coming out in ragged, rasping pants. The hide around the deep cuts on my leg twisted and squirmed, instantly patching itself back together. I spent another moment just staring at the wall before my rage finally began to simmer down and was replaced with a wave of confusion. What the fuck was I even angery at? I had done exactly as I was told. I had served the Enclave perfectly. I might even get a promotion. I had everything I could ever want… Didn't I?

Head still throbbing, I turned my back on the battered down wall and stormed out of my room, heading for the medical wing as I had been instructed. I shook my head, trying to shake whatever strange thoughts had consumed my mind.

If my purpose was to serve the Enclave, then why the fuck did everything feel so wrong…?