Chapter 10: Getting the Lay of the Land

“Culture is not genetic. Rather, culture is learned behavior that is passed down from generation to generation and changes over time. Yet, we so often associate culture and diversity with one’s appearance rather than with this learned behavior that changes with time, place, and context.”

― Snigdha Nandipati, A Case of Culture

Elysium, Hoofington, Lunar Commonwealth: Ginger Snaps

Choo Choo and the rest have been gone for eight hours already and I am starting to worry about them. Across from me, I hear Sunny say, “I know that look cous. Don’t worry they will be ok.”

“I know, but I cannot help but worry. It’s what I get for hanging out so much with mamas Sumac and Magpie.”

I hear him laugh and then from behind me I hear Twinks say, “No, I think you were always a bit of a worrywart. But, eh, whatever you need to tell yourself.” Then she says, “I am going to head over to relieve Cowlick from guarding the trade area.”

I nod, “Sounds good. Sunny, why don’t you go high for a bit and see if you notice anything unusual.”

He nods back and flicks his ear. But still says, “Will do Cookie. I will let you know as soon as I see them.”

“Thanks, Blackbird,” I tell him, and then I watch him take off and fly for a cloud that is not too high or far away.

I keep an eye on things that are going on around the caravan as the day progresses. I am leaning against the coal wagon when the assistant caravan leader Wandering Sale leads a group of the former serfs over to it.

“I will be counting the coal scuttles you receive. You don’t get it all, your bosses only contracted for part of the load.” He tells them.

“Yes sir,” I hear chorused back.

As they offload the coal, he keeps a meticulous count, and towards the end, he says, “Only one more wheelbarrow full.”

I then ask, “So Wandering, what gives with only allowing them to buy so much coal?”

He grins, “Well, that load is on consignment from Harness. We basically just transported it to both here and the Collegiate. What we have leftover, well that we sell for triple the price of what we bought it for.”

I am stunned at the amount of profit and reply, “Now I can understand. Do you bring it here every run then?”

He nods his head, “Most of the time, but we limit how much we bring in. You know, the law of scarcity. Makes it worth more that way. Besides, some ponies just don’t want to deal with either the Society or the Collegiate and would rather give us the extra caps instead. We run the risk of carrying it this far, we should make some profit.”

We talk a bit more about business and how most of the caravans operate. This actually gives me a few ideas I might be able to use later.

Finally, he says, “Well I best get moving a bit. See how we are doing with some of our other deliveries and sales.”

As he walks along, I see him pass a rather skinny zebra stallion who is looking about nervously. I see the near panic in his eyes as I ask him in Zebrican, “Do you need some help?”

“No, I am fine, just here to grab some herbs and see what else might be for sale here.”

I ask him what he is looking for and as he tells me I smile and tell him, “Must have a special mare if you are buying the ones to make a contraception fetish.”

I see his jaw drop, and then he says, “Wait, we have only been talking in Zebrican. You know the Zebra tongue? You know what I am making? How?”

I smile and tell him, “My fiancé's father is a zebra. While his mother is a pony, she and he have been teaching me some of them. If you need some of the willow bark powder for your sore leg, I have some of that with me as well.”

He looks around, “Who made it?”

I grin, “Xochitl’s father and I. I have been using it to ease my sore muscles on our trip down here when I needed it.”

He nods his head, “So you have some to spare? It is not easy to find willow bark in these parts.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I have some,” I call over to Twinks who is laying down under a nearby wagon, “Hey Danger, come on over here.”

I see her get up groggily and once close enough she looks at the zebra stallion and asks in Ponish, “What’s up Cookie?”

I notice the zebra looking her over as well and he says in Ponish, “Sorry, not looking for pony mare. Want zebras only. Want foals and grand foals.”

I see Twinks begin to laugh and she tells him, “Sorry pal, but I only just met ya. Before I begin talking about having foals, I need you to tell me your name and at least buy me a couple of drinks first.”

I see him look surprised at first. Then he starts to laugh and says to me in Zebrican, “She is funny.”

He is really surprised when she speaks to him in his native language and I watch as his jaw drops. Then he says, “One pony talking zebra I am used to. Two, now that is unusual.”

This leads me to almost wet myself laughing at the expression on his face when Cowlick meanders over and greets him in zebra as well.

His eyes open wide and he looks like he is ready to cry and ask, “Did, did you drug me, or put a curse on me?”

I shake my head, “No, not either, why?”

“A, A, A hairy, single-headed brahmin, and he talks my language.” He pauses and shakes his head, “This can’t be real.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Yes, it is real. He is a cattle bull. The old breed.”

Cowlick holds out a hoof, “Names Cowlick, what’s yours?”

I about facehoof as he gave his real name to a stranger. But then I see the zebra sit down hard. Stand back up and offer a hoof as he nervously says in the zebra tongue, “I am Tek.”

Cowlick shakes hooves with him and tells him, “Pleased to meet you, sir.”

I watch as Tek slowly extends a hoof and says, “It pleasure to meet you,” in Ponish.

Then Cowlick smiles and tells him, “As for how we know your language, “Well Xochitl and his pa taught us. And we just used it to talk around our parents as a code.”

I see Tek look dumbfounded before he asks, “So many know this.”

“Well, most of us around our age in White Cloud do, we had a few zebra families even move there several years back.”

I see him think about this then he asks, “Not safe to head back to Mega Mart by self-tonight. I stay here?”

It is getting late and the sun has already gone down, so I do understand his concern, but I do not really know him. And I am worried about what is going on with Xochitl and the others.

I do decide though, “Yeah, you can. Besides I still have questions about the local area I want to ask you before we turn in tonight.”

He nods his head, “OK, where do you want me to sleep?”

In answer, I point to the fire nearby where my team will be bedding down tonight and I tell him, “You will sleep by the fire for our team. I expect your best behavior.”

“Of course. I would expect no less from others.” He tells me as he bows his head slightly and closes his eyes briefly. Then he goes and sits over by the fire.

As I walk the caravan’s perimeter again, I am stopped by Rosie and Nellie. “Hey, Ginger, what’s up with the zebra?”

I sigh and I tell them, “He has asked for a place to stay for the night. He will be heading to Mega Mart in daylight, but did not want to go at night.”

“So, you trust him?” Nellie asks quietly.

I sigh and tell her, “Honestly, I am not sure. But until he proves himself otherwise, I say we give him a chance.

They look at each other and then at me. Then she asks, “You want us brahmin to help watch him?”

I look at her and tell her, “I really would appreciate it, but I don’t want to cause all of you to be too tired when we move on to our next stop.”

They both giggle slightly and Rosie tells me, “Cookie, we keep a watch going anyways. Haven’t you noticed that?”

I hadn’t and am surprised to hear they have and tell them so.

“Cookie, ponies forget about us, so we learned to look out for ourselves as well. But if it makes you feel better, you can always pick up a couple of bottles for us cattle to share.” Rosie tells me.

I laugh lightly, “Ok, sounds good. Thanks, girls, I appreciate the extra eyes.”

This time they both laugh and Nellie then replies, “Oh we understand. Remember two heads are better than one.”

I laugh some as I continue on my walk, but I also feel a bit more relief knowing that the brahmin got my back.

I then use the radio to tell the two on the watch to wake me in two hours and I lay down to sleep for a bit. As I drift off, I see Tek has laid down also and is already fast asleep. I shake my head and wonder, what his life is like if he can fall asleep so quickly just because he has others watching over him.

It is after my watch is over and I am stretching that I see Tek get up and begin to make himself a very meager breakfast. It is still before dawn so I sit and talk to him about the local area and who is who here, which we normally do not hear about. I am both surprised and pleased when he tells me that the Followers of the Apocalypse have some people down here. Including what he calls Heart Menders. I remember hearing Mama Mollygirl talk about what they are, but neither she nor I have ever met any.

After he finishes his meal, I notice he still seems hungry and is staring at my ration pack from home and I offer him one. When I see him going to put it into his saddlebag I ask, “How come you aren’t going to eat it now?”

He looks embarrassed and tells me, “I would, but I have a friend who could use it more. She seems to hardly eat and I think this would help her.”

I tell him, “Wait here a minute and I will be right back.”

I head to our cart and pick out two more ration packs and when I get back, I hoof them to him. “Here. One for you now, and another for later, or for your friend. But I want you to eat at least part of that one now.”

He looks embarrassed but still puts one of the ration packs into his saddlebags and opens the other one.

It is as he is eating that I hear Sunny call, “Cookie this is Blackbird, I see movement by the gate. I think our people are coming in.”

“Roger Blackbird, keep me informed.”

“Will do Cookie, out.” He replies.

As we wait, I begin to hear hoof steps approaching. Soon I see the silhouettes in the dark and I get up to greet them.

Standing there, I see Tek begin to set the package down and get up. I motion for him to sit back down and tell him, “It’s ok, just keep eating.”

While I look at them in the growing light, I see how tired and ragged they look. I also notice a few bandages being worn. As Choo approaches, I ask her, “Well, how did it go boss?”

She looks at me and shakes her head, “Let’s go sit down and we will discuss it as we clean our weapons.”

Because of the bandages, I am not surprised they had to use their weapons. However, I am now curious as to what all happened.

As we walk back to the fire, I see Xochitl notice Tek and with a raised eyebrow he asks, “We have company?”

I smile and tell him, “Yeah, he was here picking up some supplies last night and it was getting late. He asked if he could camp with us for the night and head back to Mega Mart today, so I let him stay.”

He shakes his head, “You are too tender-hearted dear, here that could get you killed.”

I smile at him and tell him, “Don’t worry, the caravan brahmin were helping to keep an eye on him too.”

I see him look at me surprised and he asks, “What do you mean they were helping to keep an eye on him?”

I shrug and tell him, “While we kept two on watch at all times, turns out the brahmin have their own watch set. Nellie and Rosie told me about it and offered to keep an eye on him last night.”

From the side I hear Choo say, “Good thinking on having the brahmin assist, but what is that going to cost us? Also, what do you know about this zebra?”

“He told me a bit last night, as well as gave me a rundown of who is who here.”

“OK, so who is he?” She asks.

I sigh as I look in his direction, “His name is Tek. His parents were part of the Legion remnants who were both killed about nine years ago. He has been on his own since. He is not a member of the Finder’s, but his best friend is some mare named Purchase Order, who works security at Mega Mart.”

I look back at her and she nods, “Ok, what else?”

"He was here to buy some ingredients for some fetishes to sell to some ponies. He does not like to travel at night in this area as he says it is too dangerous to do so alone.”

This time Tater comments, “Yeah, gotta say I agree with him on that Ginger.”

I nod my head and again wonder what they have been through.

Then I look up at Choo and tell her, “Oh, he has been going really light on rations, so I gave him a couple of our surplus packs from the cart to pay him for what he has told me.”

Choo Choo nods her head, “Good, remember, here in Hoofington, nothing is free.”

*****

Fluttershy Medical Center, Hoofington, Lunar Commonwealth: Xochitl

While we are waiting for Choo Choo and Trader Jewel to return from his visit to his granddaughter, we all sit near the door. I see Sunny close his eyes and fall asleep while Epona and I stand a loose guard for him.

As we sit there, I become hungry and I break out one of our ration packs and offer half to Epona. She smiles and takes half of the alfalfa hay sandwich. As I am reaching for my canteen, I notice one of the brood members looking at the ration pack and licking his lips. I know I shouldn’t but I offer, “Do you want some?”

He is surprised by my offer and he asks, “Is that cheese?”

I nod my head, “Yeah, we have a lot back home.” I hold the package up to him, “Take it if you want,” I offer.

Cautiously he takes it and asks, “Ok, so what is it going to cost me?”

I am surprised at first then remember, Hoofington, nothing comes without a cost.

I shake my head, “I had not planned on asking for anything. Just back home we hate to see others go hungry, especially those who work.”

He turns his head and looks at me as he takes a bite of the cheese. I watch his eyes close as his teeth sink into it, and when it hits his tongue, I hear the sound of pleasure coming from him. After he finishes that bite he tells me, “Names Apple Crumble, most just call me Apple. What’s yours?”

I hold out my hoof to shake, “Names Xochitl, Cohtil to my friends.”

“Thanks, Cohitil. That takes the edge off. We have been out here almost all day.”

“So, what is going on Apple?”

He looks around as he takes another bite of cheese. Then he tells me, “A couple of days ago some of the local gangs started a private war again. Funny thing is, these two territories are far enough apart it really doesn’t make sense that they would try to take over the other area. There are a couple of others though who would make out pretty well if some of the smaller gangs went down, but they seem to be pretty quiet right now.”

I nod my head, “Sounds like an interesting problem. Any ideas on who the players are?”

“Not yet. I mean some of the usual suspects. Burner Boys, Mayhem’s Mares. Even the Broken Clocks.”

“I have heard of some of them. Not met them as we are not from around here though. Anything special we should know?”

Again, he looks around, then he tells me, “Stay away from the Broken Clocks if at all possible. They are very unpredictable. I have seen them do some things that seem crazy, but sometimes work out really well for them.”

I nod my head in understanding and he continues. “Mayhem’s Mares are another of the newer gangs. They still seem to think they have something to prove. The Burner Boys, are like an old scar. They have been around for a while and though they are not pretty to look at, they are somewhat stable at least. I have seen them protecting those in their territory even if they are not members.”

When he says this, I take note, as it gives us a bit more information we did not have earlier. Soon he and I continue chatting and he brings up to me more about the local government and its leaders. All of which I carefully note in the back of my mind to report to the Rangers later. He also tells me a bit about some of the other pony breeds in the area, as well as a bird large enough to take down a Vertibuck called a Roc. “In fact, we have had reports of just such an instance only a couple of months ago. Enclaver’s tried to cover it up, but hard to do, especially with the wreckage. They claim it was only a training exercise gone bad. However, we found a bunch of scavers who had been killed by MEWs and what looks like an old bunker that had been blasted shut.”

I make another mental note so I can make sure I warn Sunny and Choo before they go flying high again.

“Why would anyone want to blow the bunker shut?” I ask.

He smiles at the question and says, “Yeah, you aren’t from around here. Two reasons. One, to prevent scavers from getting any weapons or equipment that could be used against the Enclave, and reselling it.” He pauses briefly for effect, then says, “Or there are still some pretty nasty creatures stuck underground as well. They may want to prevent them from getting out too.”

“I guess that makes sense to me.”

He then says, “Oh, one more thing, the Enclave did pick up their wounded and dead from those Vertibucks. But whoever did the killing of those scavers, well, they just left them where they lay.” He pauses and then says, “Looks like it is about time for you to go. Here comes your boss.”

As I look toward the door, I see Trader Jewel coming out and he signals with his ears for us to join him. Epona sees this and gives Sunny a shake. To which he says groggily, “Come on, five more minutes.”

Epona shakes him a bit harder and tells him, “Time to get back to work Blackbird.”

At her use of his radio handle his eyes pop open and he gets up right away telling her, “Well, why didn’t you say so.”

Soon we are all following Trader Jewel away from the hospital and back the way we came. Once we are out of sight of the guards, Choo reappears and tells us, “Ok, the boss has a new job for us.”

We all nod our heads and continue to move until we find a building that, while it has no windows and the doors are gone, should give us at least a temporary shelter from direct observation from anyone else in the area.

Once inside we huddle around Trader Jem and he tells us, “Ok, I talked to the staff of the hospital before we left. They want their doctor back. If we can get the doctor back, they will cover the bill for Pistachio’s treatments as well as some other things.”

I find myself curious as to what these other things are when Epona flat out asks, “What other things?”

He sighs and tells her, “The doctor they took is one of their best surgeons. He trained at the University and is what they called a trauma specialist. Pistachio still needs his help.”

While this does not sound good to me, I see Epona look at Choo Choo, and then she says, “I wish I could talk to Ginger on this. But it sounds like we need to do this to me.”

I see Trader Jewel let out the breath he was holding and he shakes hooves with her. Epona then asks, “So what do we know so far?”

We then begin to compare notes of what we have heard. Both Epona and I talk about what we have heard from the Brood members and how they suspect the Broken Clocks of doing it. We also hear Trader Jewel talk about the Mayhem’s Mares being mentioned by the staff. Finally, Choo tells us, “Those are all good suppositions I guess, but while in the room where the Burner Boy was killed, I found a note from someone calling themselves the Hoof’s Ferals. They said this is what happens to those who cross them.”

We discuss these possible leads a bit more, then Choo says, “That sounds like we have some good leads,” she then pauses and tells Trader Jewel, “Sir, I think we need to stop and talk with the Burner Boys on the way back.”

He nods and twitches an ear. Then he tells me, “Xochitl, you got point this time. As Choo suggested, our next step is to talk with the Burner Boys.”

Inside I sigh. I hate being on point at this time of day. But a job is a job and I simply nod my head. I Adjust my kit and with my carbine at the ready, I begin to lead them back the way we came. Keeping an eye out for any movement as we go.

Soon we are back to the edge of the Burner Boy territory. I see a bit of movement in one of the doorways and some more in a window above it and about ten meters to its left. I use my whisper mic to let the rest of the team know. Then I call out the password I was given earlier by Tinder and Kindling.

I hear two new voices. One calls out, “Who dat? How do you know our sign?”

I call back, “Names Flower, Tinder, and Kindling gave it to us. We want to talk to your leaders.”

“Likes we believe that. Ain’t no dummies over here. You step closer and I will burn you down.”

I simply sigh and I click my mic to signal Choo she can go. I feel her pass by me as I can’t see her. Shortly after this, I hear a scream and I see a mare being held by one rear hoof outside the upper story window. I hear the pony at the door go to run and help her and I run to join Choo as Sunny flys up and unclips the flamer unit from the suspended mare.

As he is doing this, I enter the lower room, jumping a temporary barricade they had set up. I am almost to the stairs leading up when I hear the stallion from downstairs call out to the suspended mare, “What the? Who is got you Flameover?”

I have just reached the top of the stairs and the mare outside is still screaming. At this point, I am right behind the stallion as Choo drops her invisibility spell. As he begins to bring the flame-throwing weapon up, I clock him behind his ear with my carbine and watch him drop like a ton of bricks.

After this Choo brings the screaming mare inside still using her TK. She looks at her in the face and tells her, “Silence, that will be enough of that,” and taps her lightly on the nose which stuns the mare enough that she becomes silent.

Once silent Choo coolly tells her, “We came to talk, you choose to fight. Now, what shall I do with you, my little pony?”

I watch the mare's face drain of color and I see abject terror in her eyes. She tries to answer, but I can tell she has a hard time talking. Choo lets her ramble for a few more minutes before she finally says, “We came to tell you that a member of your gang who was at Fluttershy Medical Center has been killed.”

I see a look of pain come over the mare's face and tears begin to well up, “Not Reflash? He, he can’t be dead.”

Finally, I speak, “We don’t know his name, but whoever did it, also kidnapped one of the doctors there. We want the doc back, and if we help your gang balance the scales, well so be it.”

She sniffles a few more times and nods her head in understanding before she says, “Yeah, Ok. Just wait till the next watch comes. Then we will take you back.”

As she says this her partner starts to wake back up. Choo looks at him and tells him, “I would heal that lump on the back of your skull, but honestly, when someone threatens to kill me, I do not like to do them favors afterward. Now if you behave yourself, I won’t tie you up like a prisoner.”

He is rubbing his head when he asks, “So what do you want me to do then?”

She sighs and shakes her head as I do mine. Then I tell him, “Just stand your watch. Protect your neighborhood. But don’t try anything with us.”

He looks confused and asks, “That’s it? Yous just let me do my job?”

Epona speaks up this time, “No, you do your job and not try anything against us and that’s it.”

He mumbles something to himself and then he says, “Ok, deal. Not like we have a choice.”

Choo nods and tells him, “No, really you didn’t. So how long before you are relieved from guard duty?”

The mare answers this time, “Only another couple of hours.”

It is almost dark when the next set of guards comes up.

As they get ready to enter the house, I hear one of them whistle, and the mare whistles something back. Then she says, “When you come in, come slow. We have company. We need to take them back to the bosses, they got news for us.”

Before we go, we make sure we have all our gear set and we begin to follow the two previous guards. While we knew the mare's name was Flameover, we find out the stallion’s name is Backdraft. Both are about mine, Sunny and Epona’s ages. I do find it funny though when Backdraft asks, “So, how’d you get a Enclaver to work with ya?”

Sunny laughs and tells him, “I am not an Enclaver.”

Flameover then says, “But cha gots ya’s cutie mark still. Yous not branded, so you must be Enclave still.”

Sunny shakes his head, “Nah, my Ma’s a unicorn, and Pa is an earth pony. Guess you could say I am a wild pegasus.”

I have not heard him say that joke before so both I and Epona join the Burner Boys in a bit of mild laughter at his joke. This is followed by Backdraft saying, “Speaking of Wild Pegasus, I could go for a pull on a bottle right now.”

I see Sunny debating and then he says, “I don’t have any Wild P with me, but I do have a bit of Old Overmare.”

The two locals look at each other and both accept the offered bottle for a quick slug, after watching Sunny take one first.

Backdraft then says, “Not Wild P, but still pretty good stuff. Where did ya get it?”

Sunny smiles and tells them, “Back home we have a distillery that makes it. One of my ancestors came up with the recipe when our family was still in the stable.”

They look at us and I hear Flameover say, “Yous don’t sound like stable ponies.”

Epona smiles and tells her, “That’s cause our stable opened over a century ago. We have been in the wasteland plenty since then.”

“Huh, only a couple of stables around here been opened and that has been a while. Never heard of them making whiskey though. The one down in the Flank, they sell it, along with other things, but I don’t think they make it themselves.”

After she gets the bottle back and puts it in her saddlebags, we continue another couple of blocks and find ourselves looking at the entrance of an old firehouse. The wrecked remains of a ladder truck laying on its side just in front of the doors. The faded sign above the open garage doors reads, Hoofington Municipal Firehouse #1. In the candle and lantern lights inside, we can see a metal pole coming down to one side. I also notice a series of lockers to one side with several firefighting helmets and jackets hanging in them. A few of them have a black ribbon tied on the doors. Across from where the lockers are I see several fire axes and even a few hooks on long poles hanging on the walls. As we are led further inside, I also see a set of stairs leading up. A unicorn in a firefighting coat and helmet stops us.

“Ok, Backdraft and Flameover, what’s the idea of bringing these outsiders in?” the unicorn stallion asks.

“Hey Thermite, they got some news the chief and Naptha are going to want ta here,” Flameover tells him.

“What so important that you think the bosses need to hear it?”

“Reflash, somepony put him out, for good.”

I see a surprised look come over his face and he asks, “You serious. How do you know that?”

I step forward, “Because we were at the hospital today. The Brood is investigating the murder of one of your gang members. Were any others in the Fluttershy Medical Center today?” I ask.

The unicorn slowly shakes his head no and slowly says, “No and the Chief is not going to be happy with this one.” He pauses, takes a deep breath and lets it out, and then says, “Follow me, Chief is out right now, but Naptha is our number two pony and will want to hear this.”

When we get upstairs, I see the rows of bunk beds as well as a large kitchen area. As I look, Thermite smiles and says, “This is only one of our barracks buildings. Those who want can sleep in the barracks, if not, they sleep where ever they want.”

I nod my head as it makes sense to me. Best not to have all your eggs in one basket. Especially in a place like Hoofington. We are taken to an office off to the side. I notice it has been cleaned out and a bed is inside there now. Sitting behind the desk, reading a magazine is a gray unicorn mare with a red and black mane and tail. Along her right cheek is a severe set of burns that follow down to her neck and chest.

As Thermite clears his throat, she looks over the top of her magazine at him and asks, “What do you want this time?”

He looks down briefly then back up at her and tells her, “I know the boss is out on business, but Naptha, these ponies brought us some news and I think yous both are gonna want to hear it.”

She tilts her head slightly as her eyes scan over us. Then she puts down her magazine. “Ok, I give, what have you got for me?”

At this point, Choo steps forward and we all listen to her speak with Naptha.

Once she is finished, the second in command of the Burner Boys, while visibly upset by the news, says, “Yeah, it is agreed, we will help you get the doc back. But you help us get payback for Reflash.”

Choo steps forward and shakes hooves with her, and then turns to Trader Jewel and asks, “Ok, sir, when will we be able to take leave from our security work for you to get on this.”

He thinks briefly and tells us, "Two days. Once we get to Mega Mart their security will cover us. Understand this, I want this done. I want the doctor back and if it takes a couple of extra days, so be it,” He pauses then says, “And the resources of the caravan are available to ya.”

Choo stands tall and tells him, “Thank you, sir. We will take you up on the offer.”

She then turns to Naptha and tells her, “My people and I will be back in two days. I would appreciate your people finding out what they can while we are gone.” She then tells Trader Jewel, “Ready to get back to the caravan when you are.”

He then nods his head, “Yes, let’s get back to the rest.”

Soon I am in the lead again. Next to me is Kindling. Just behind the rest is Tender. On the way there Kindling tells me, “Thanks for bringing us the news about Reflash. Most would not bother to tell us.”

“Kindling, it is only right. Back home we would not think to not tell someone that kind of news.”

Once we approach the gates of Elysium, he stops me and tells me, “This is as far as we can go. Not our territory.”

I stop and nod, “I understand. I will see you in a couple of days, Take care.” I tell him as we shake hooves and he and Tinder begin to head back the way we came.

I smile to myself when I get to the gates and the guards recognize Trader Jewel and Choo so they just pass us on through. Then I see my sweet mare standing by the fire as she gets up to greet us. Behind her in the firelight I see a skinny zebra stallion, wearing a black cloak and eating what looks like one our of ration packs.

Ginger asks Choo, “How did it go, boss?”

“Ok, but let’s go sit down and we will discuss it as we clean our weapons.”

The zebra seems kind of nervous.

“We have company?” I ask Ginger. I am really curious as to who he is and why she let him stay in our camp.

She smiles at me and says, “Yeah, he was here picking up some supplies last night and it was getting late. He asked if he could camp with us for the night and head back to Mega Mart today, so I let him stay.”

I shake my head as I tell her, “You are tender-hearted dear, here that could get you killed.”

Still smiling she tells me as she rubs against me, “Don’t worry, the caravan brahmin were helping to keep an eye on him too.”

She surprises me with this because they finally let her know. I noticed they kept an informal watch before the E3 Oasis, but are they now getting paid for it too? Then I ask, “What do you mean they were helping to keep an eye on him?”

She shrugs as she answers, “While we kept two of us on watch at all times, it turns out the brahmin have their own watch set. Nellie and Rosie told me about it and offered to keep an eye on him last night.”

Then she gives me a quick rundown on why he is here still. I do understand her letting him stay, but still, I worry about her possibly being too trusting.

Choo overhears this and compliments her on her use of the brahmin to help. Then she tells us, “Ok, get your weapons clean and grab some breakfast. As we clean, we can talk.” She turns to Ginger, “It has been a long night, call in the rest of the team, we need to talk.”

“What about Choo?” She asks.

“Looks like we picked up a side job for the boss and some others.”

*****

Trader Jewel’s Caravan, Elysium, Lunar Commonwealth: Choo Choo

As we sit around the fire eating, I tell my team, “Ok, we have another job. The boss is on board with it.”

I look at each of their faces and see the expectation on the four who were not with us and I tell them, “It looks like a combined job. The doctor treating Pistachio has been kidnapped by one of the gangs. At the same time, one of the gangs has had one of their members murdered when they took the Doctor.”

Twinks raises a hoof and ask, “Any idea of who is responsible, or where they are?”

I nod, “Possibly one of two gangs. The first is one called the Broken Clocks. The second one is the Hoof’s Ferals. I found a note with their name on it in the room that everything happened in, saying this is what happened to those who crossed them.”

Twinks then ask, “How do we know it is them?”

“That is the problem Twinks, we need to find out and then we go from there.”

I see Ginger signal for my attention next, “Ok, Choo, when do we start?”

I can’t help but smile at how she jumps right into the planning aspect for the mission and I tell her, “Tomorrow we move the caravan to the Mega Mart. After that, we begin.”

Sunny then asks, “Choo, do we have any intel assets available for this?”

“We are working on that right now. We will be working with one of the local gangs named the Burner Boys. They are not a very large group, maybe only a company size I would say. But still, they will have a group work with us.”

They all nod their heads. Then Ginger adds, “Choo, our guest over there, Tek is his name, he has given me quite a bit of information. Would you mind me having him join us so he can tell you what he has told me about this area?’

I nod my head and she motions for him to approach our group. I see him do so cautiously as he looks at me nervously and I see him checking my flank. This causes me to raise an eyebrow as I ask, “Is there something wrong?”

He then shakes his head and tells me, “You look much like the stories said she looked, but you do not bear the mark of the moon as she did.”

Ah, I have heard from Xavier about how the zebras were so afraid of Nightmare Moon. This fear was exacerbated when Luna became the ruler of Equestria in place of Celestia during the war after the attempted assassination of Celestia at Shatterhoof Ridge.

I smile knowingly at him and in as gentle of a voice as I can, I tell him, “Do not fear, I am not her. Please call me Choo Choo.”

I actually see him blush slightly and then he nervously asks, “But how did you know I thought you were she?”

“You would not be the first to think I was because of my coloring. However, I am not now, nor have I ever been as beautiful as she.”

Still cautiously he tells me, “If I call you Choo Choo, then call me Tek.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you Tek,” I tell him as I hold out a hoof to shake.

At first, he jumps back, then he carefully steps forward and shakes my hoof, and tells me, “Is a pleasure to meet you too.”

“Tek, Ginger tells me you have some information about the locals that we may be able to use. Would you mind telling us a bit?”

He then begins to tell us about several of the gangs, especially the ones we ask him about. For the times he does not have enough equestrian to fully voice his thoughts he has Ginger interpret them from Zebra for me. Interestingly he does not seem to believe that the Broken Clocks would be the ones to do this.

“Why don’t you think they would?” I ask.

He then tells me, “Their territory, is too far away.”

Hmm, the same answer that we got from the Burner Boys when we talked to them. Then I ask, “So where is the Territory for the Hoof’s Ferals?”

In reply, I hear the zebra Tek say, “I can help you. It is among the areas I avoid when I out skaving.”

“Where is their territory then?” I ask.

He then asks, “You have a map?”

I shake my head. He then says, “I draw one,” and he commences to draw a rough map of Hoofington. As he draws, I notice that the territory for the Hoof’s Ferals is between the Fluttershy Medical Center and the Burner Boy territory. But I also remember when I flew over it most of the buildings were wrecked or collapsed. So, I ask him about this and he nods his head and solemnly tells us, “That is because they are underground, mostly.”

I watch as first Ginger and Epona look at each other, followed by the others. Then I hear Cowlick say, “Uh, Boss, going underground might not be the best thing. Remember what Trip Wire and High Grade said about going underground.”

As he says this the others nod their heads with serious expressions on their faces. Then Tater says, “Yeah, we have to watch our oxygen. Anything that causes a flame burns it up. No full auto underground, period.”

They all nod their heads as do I. “Well, we will see what we can do,” I tell them as I look at Epona’s battle saddle and notice the zebra short sword attached to it. Hmm, maybe she is on to something. Then again, maybe not. We will have to see.

Next, I ask our zebra friend, “Would you be willing to lead us into their territory?”

I see him go slightly pale and then he slowly nods his head. “Have to be paid.”

I nod my head and tell him, “But of course. We would not think of it any other way.”

He then nods and asks, “Who I bargain with for cost.”

I smile as the two sisters both grin at each other and they both say, “That would be us.”

*****

Mega Mart, Hoofington, Lunar Commonwealth: Ball Lightning.

As we approach the large market that the locals call Mega Mart I am impressed with its size. Not only the main building but the fortifications around the old carriage lot outside it. As we get closer, I see the makeshift walls are ponied with armed guards, and on the corners of the main building, I see several machine gun turrets. Not bad, I guess. I have to smile when I see the words painted on the wall underneath Mega Mart that say Finders Keepers. I am just glad I was warned about it by our esteemed friends in the VC, otherwise, I might have insulted the locals.

As we approach the door, I see a very skinny, almost gaunt light green earth pony mare, her mane is dirty and her face looks like life has kicked her one-to-many times. However, she is carrying a shotgun and wearing a blue vest with a name tag on it that I don’t even bother to read.

She looks up and in a weary voice says, “Good afternoon, Air Burst, I see you got a few more volunteers.” She turns to us and says, “Well welcome to Mega Mart, remember this is neutral territory. Once you get inside, no weapons are to be fired.” She then turns back to Airburst and asks, “Did you inform them about the Rule of Gun and how it is enforced?”

Air Burst nodes, “Yeah, I did Purchase.” He then takes out a medium bag of caps from his saddlebags and hooves it to her as he tells her, “And here is their admission fee.”

She counts it quickly and then nods, “Thanks for understanding Air. Bottlecap fired a couple of hooves last week when she found out they had not bothered to count the fee and were short.” She hooves it back and tells him “Go ahead and turn it in at the door.”

He shakes his head. “Sorry to hear that Purchase, I know it has to be making things harder on the rest of you.”

She nods, “Yeah, well what can we do? Ok, go on in and I hope you enjoy yourselves.”

As we pass through, I begin to see that several camps have been set up including a couple of caravans. I am also stunned to see such a variety of ponies and creatures. I have almost never seen a griffon before. I see some zebras, and I even see some tall cat-looking thing walking around on its two hind legs.

Once we are inside the carriage lot, we find a place not too far from the door when Air Burst tells me, “Hold on, I need to go inside and check a few things before the rest of you begin to carry stuff in.”

When he comes back out, he is smiling and waves me over. “Ok, one of our best assets has his stall set up. Ball, I want to introduce you to him. He passes on a lot of information to us. However, he thinks it is just idle chatter. Let him keep thinking that. In fact, please encourage him to believe you and your team are just part of the Volunteer Corps, and become more friendly with him. You know, give him the wrong idea about your people.”

I grin at this and finally, I look around, and seeing no one is close I quietly ask, “You really aren’t what you say you are, are you?”

He grins back and winks as he tells me, “But of course, I am my boy. I am lots of things to lots of ponies, and sometimes they even match up.”

I then follow him inside the Mega Mart itself, stopping briefly to pay our fee. As I enter, I begin to look around in wonder at all the various merchandise for sale. Granted most of it is salvage, but still, it is impressive. I also am impressed with how all the different vendors and their sales stalls are almost like an open-air market but under a roof. As I look up, I notice it. The largest gun I have ever seen that is not mounted on an airship. It is hanging from the ceiling and every once in a while, I see it start to move briefly and then return to what must be its home position. As I look at it, I ask Air Burst, “WHAT IS THAT?”

One of the others walking by in a blue vest, smiles and says, “That, oh that is Gun II, it enforces our non-shooting policy. But I would not want to be near anyone that it starts shooting at, either. Last time that it happened it got really messy, really quick.”

“So that is the rule of Gun you were talking about?” I ask Airburst. He simply nods his head and I see him fight to smother a laugh.

As we approach an earth pony merchant whose stall specializes in firearms and armor, I notice Air Burst give a knowing smile and slight nod as we go through the crowd. Soon we hear the merchant there telling a customer, “I am telling you; these things are hard to find, you would be lucky to find one in this good of shape.”

The customer, a skinny unicorn stallion with a young colt next to him says, “I don’t know, I mean look at the condition of it, and where would I find ammo for it?”

“While it is hard to get, I have a small stash of ammo stored away that I can give you a deal on.”

As I look from the distance, I notice that the weapon he is trying to sell him is a Wintrotter arms lever action. I would love to get a closer look as it seems to be a 10mm caliber which would make it not only a common weapon but ammo should not be too big a problem to acquire for it. So even if the buck does overpay for the rifle, he will still get a usable weapon, so I really don’t feel too guilty as I watch them dicker over it.

Once they are done and the stallion and the kid walk away, Air Burst walks over and shakes hooves with the merchant and says, “How’s business going Salvage?”

“Going pretty good Air. Got yourself another volunteer?”

He nods his head, “Yeah I do. Salvage Value, this is Ball Bearing. He just got down here a couple of days ago so he is still learning.”

While most of his body is covered by his loose-fitting robes, battlesaddle, and web gear, I notice his face is yellowish-brown with dark yellow eyes. He then turns to me and extends a hoof, and as I shake it, he says, “Any friend of Air Burst is a friend of mine. My full name is Salvage Value, but my friends just call me Salvage.”

“Pleased to meet you too Salvage,” I tell him. Then I notice him looking me over.

He then asks, “Have you thought about picking up some armor. I might have something in your size. You know for when you have to make trips across the Hoof.”

I look at Air Burst and ask, “Can we wear armor in the Volunteer’s?”

He nods his head, “Not normally, but if we are going to work in some of the rougher areas we can.”

I nod my head, impressed that they allow them to at least do that. I turn my head to him and ask, “Do you think I need any?”

He shakes his head, “Nah, not right now. But we can always come back if you do.”

I see the look of disappointment on Salvage Value's face so I begin to look at some of the weapons he has on display.

As I look, he pays attention to what I am examining, but I also hear him telling Air Burst, “Now, you have any more of those good blankets and maybe more healing spells? I have a few buyers asking for them.”

“Yeah, I got some blankets and even a couple of healing spells. But who wants them bad enough to ask for them?”

I begin to examine a nice Desert Griffon .44 cal semi-auto pistol. It seems in really good shape and I am considering buying it when I notice next to it an Old Slab Sides, Colt E1911 .45 semi-auto pistol. What surprises me is that it is obviously not a military issue as it has a bright metal slide with highlighted dark areas. I notice it has low light sights on it and it has rubber checkered mouth grips. I know I shouldn’t but I have some extra caps that I had originally hoped to spend on Sundancer. Instead, I decide I want this weapon.

I decide to put it down looking at it with a concerned expression. As I begin to turn away, I see Salvage looking at it funny and he asks, “Is there something you question about it? I will have you know I only sell fully functional weapons unless they are marked as parts only.”

I shake my head, “No, it’s not that. I mean it just seems so antiquated. Especially when you compare it to something like an IF-21Caramel. I mean it is much more difficult to find .45 Automatic Colt Pistol ammo than 10mm.”

He holds up a hoof, “Now, don’t be berating the old E1911. That .45 caliber had a real knockdown to it. I have even heard it called Celestia’s Own Caliber.”

“Ok, so it has a good knockdown, but it is still hard to find rounds for, and honestly, it probably kicks hard enough to almost knock your teeth out.” I pause and I look at it, “Tell you what, you seem to really want to get rid of it, so I will take it off your hooves for 15 caps.”

He looks like I bucked him in the face and says loudly, “15 caps for such a weapon, that is an insult, my mother would roll over in her grave if she could hear me sell such a weapon for that low of a price. I must have 30 caps for it.”

I wave a hoof, “You thief, you are trying to rob me, a weapon in such a condition should not be sold for more than 17 caps.”

By now I notice several others around watching the scene with interest, including some of the members of the Volunteers and Funnel Cloud. I then hear him call back to me, “17 caps, you are the thief, at such a price you will cause me and my family to starve.”

I raise an eyebrow at this and we continue to haggle over the cost until it is agreed that he will sell it for 21 caps, and he will throw in two magazines of ammo. I see Funnel Cloud smile and nod his head and I put the ammo and pistol in my saddlebags. I then barter for another box of ammo and pay only a couple of caps over what I should have, but I know I made out on the deal with the pistol, so I have given and taken some.

After we finish unloading most of the Volunteer surplus to the Volunteer Corps merchant stall, I wander around with Anan looking for a leatherworker to either get a holster or have one made for my new pistol.

As we browse Anan asks, “Sir, what were you doing back there?”

I laugh lightly, “Oh, something I saw in an old pre-war movie, it is called haggling, some merchants consider it a bit of fun to try and out haggle the buyer. You can actually get some pretty good deals that way, but if you do, remember, give and take. The seller has to win sometimes too.”

He nods his head and then asks, “Ok, so what is so special about that pistol you wanted it that badly?”

I shrug my shoulders and reply, “Anan, not only is it well made, but I also noticed that it was engraved with the marking of the Ministry of Awesome and somepony had engraved upon it.”

He nods and then asks, “Ball, I have to ask, what did it say?”

I pull the pistol out and show it to him and as he looks at it I can tell when he sees the pegasus flying above the slogan he chuckles briefly, “First to Fight!” I like that sir, Yeah, I understand now.”

I look around and then I ask him, “Anan, my next question though is, where did he find an MoA pistol in this good of shape?”

“Good question Ball, I do wonder.” Soon we walk back out into the carriage lot and are just in time to see the caravan we saw the other day at the University entering through the gate. I turn to him and tell him, “Well, this is an unexpected surprise.”

*****

Hello, all you ponies in the Commonwealth. This is Smooth Melody coming to you from our station in the Flank. That’s right, the Flank is still your best place to find all of your hedonistic pleasures. Just remember that it is still all neutral territory run by the Finders. So, stop by and get your groove on in the flank.

For our next song, we will be playing for you a Flank favorite here is Trouble.

Author's Note

Thanks again to all those previous authors of FoE for the inspiration and entertainment.
Especially Kkat for developing the world of FoE.

For those of you who have read FoE: Project Horizons you may recognize some of the areas of Hoofington, but also find them to be somewhat different. That is because this story takes place ten years after the events portrayed there. With this much of a time passage, I have taken the liberty of changing the locations some, but still maintaining them within the boundaries as set by Somber. I hope you enjoy my vision of Hoofington at this time.

For those who would like to hear this chapters dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCFqYvzBl1k