Chapter 22 Side Quest: Customer Service

“Being a mercenary, though... Hey, we just go wherever there's a mixture of money and trouble, and everyone in the galaxy is a potential customer.

Even the people you're paid to shoot at?

Well, yeah. There are customers we serve, and customers we service.”

-Captain Kevyn Andreyasn & General Tagon

Manesville, Manesville Region, NCR: Ginger Snaps

As I wake up in the shelter room under our shop. I feel a furry body next to mine. I breath in the scent of the pony and smile to myself as I smell Xochitl. Yes, his scent means home to me. As I open my eyes, I look over to the doorway and I see a little zony filly smiling at me.

“Morning Miss Ginger,” Xanthippe says to me with her ghoulish smile and a foal’s innocence.

I smile back at her, “Morning Xanthippe. How have you been?”

“Been doing good. Mama has let me go to school some. I like school. Did you like school Miss Ginger?”

“Overall, yes Xanthippie I did.”

As we talk, I feel Xochitl begin to stir. He begins to sit up and as he does so he says to us, “Morning you two.”

“Good morning, dear,” I all but purr.

“Morning Mister Chotil,” she tells him.

He then says, “I guess I should go make some coffee.”

Xanthippe then tells him, “Nah, Mama already has a pot going for everyone.”

Smiling he then tells her, “OK, Well I need to get dressed, so you should head on back upstairs for a bit. I will see you there.”

She nods her head, saying, “Ok, See you there.”

After he has gotten up, he grabs a towel and heads to the shower. I follow him and we both quickly clean up and then get dressed. Once done we head upstairs to the break room where we find the rest of the team already eating.

I rub my eyes again and ask, “Why didn’t any of you wake us?”

Zhea answers this for me, “Because Miss Choo decided it was best to let you all wake on your own today since you got in late last night.”

I look over at Choo who smiles and tells us, “Well, with our line of work I figured we need to get some rest while we could. I have given Zhia and Diode the ability to send an emergency activation notice to us on our PipBucks. It seems our contacts dropped off a broadcast unit for that as well as a couple of spare PipBucks.”

I am surprised at this development, but I know it will help us to react more quickly. I take my seat at the table and begin to drink the cup of coffee that Choo places before me with her TK.

Soon after this Twinks carries in a tray with some Oatmeal with blueberries in it and a side of radhog bacon.

The smell of the bacon gets my eyes to close in pleasure as I smell the culinary bounty before me. As both Xochitl and I begin to eat Choo tells us, “I want all of our equipment inspected, cleaned, and repaired before we leave today. Tomorrow will be a down day for the entire shop.” She looks at Zhea and tells her, "That includes you, and the non-field team. You have done an excellent job keeping the place running and setting up things for us.”

This gets me to raise an eyebrow and I twist my ear back and forth between them. Finally, Choo tells us, “While we were gone, they had a few side jobs come up that we can earn some extra caps on. But we will talk about them later.”

Shortly after she says this and as we are eating both Diode and Drain Trap arrive and join us. As they enter the breakroom, I hear one of them asks, “So who is the new mule?”

Before Choo can even say anything, I stand up and tell them, “Diode, Drain Trap, this here is Double Back. He is a new member of the field team.”

I see both Diode and Drain Trap look at each other, then back at Choo, and Drain Trap asks, “Choo, I didn’t know you were looking for more members of the field team.”

She smiles and shrugs. Then tells him, “Well I wasn’t, but our main employers highly recommended him, along with a few others that I know.”

Double Back has stopped eating and I can see a look of disappointment start to come over his face. That is when Tater says, “Don’t worry Drain Trap, Diode, it is not that we don’t think you are good enough for the field.”

Diode smiles and replies, “Well, with this bum hind leg, I really am not fit for field duty.”

Drain Trap then says, “Well, maybe if you need me, but honestly, I was thinking of my cousin more. She might be interested if you need more team members.”

I see Choo think about this briefly. Then she says, “We are not looking for more team members right now, but how about getting me her name, and maybe the names of some others who might be interested and that you think might be able to hack it.”

Epona and Tater look at each other and nod, not saying a word. Then I hear Cow Lick ask, “Want me to also boss?”

Choo turns to him and asks, “Do you have anyone in mind right now?”

He shakes his head, but then says, “Not yet, but I know a couple of cattle in school who might be interested.”

“Ok, well give me their names so we can put them on a shortlist. Who knows, maybe we can make up a couple of field teams to support us.”

Epona then asks, “Boss, are we sure we want to get that big? I mean we can go in quick and easy without too many realizing we are there. But we get too big, it becomes like calling in the Talons.”

Choo shifts her right ear in mild irritation, then tells her, “I have thought about that before Epona. I was not planning on them participating in the same missions all the time. Just like the Talons. They farm out their griffons as the jobs require.”

Epona nods her head and looks thoughtful briefly then simply shrugs. Tater looks satisfied with the answer though along with the rest of the team.

As we finish eating Double Back says, “Well since someone else was willing to make us breakfast, I will wash the dishes.”

Cowlick then says, “I’ll give you a hoof Double.” As he gets up from his seat and they both begin to clear the table.

Choo then tells the rest of us, “Ok, since we are done eating go take care of the gear so we are ready if they call us out.”

Nothing more needs to be said after that. We all head to the armory where we first field strip our weapons and Tater inspects them for wear and tear. Any problems he finds he either takes care of right away or lets us know what it is and begins to make a list of needed parts.

I notice as we do this that Double Back, while helping us with these chores is also very thoughtful and almost seems to be taking notes in his head.

After we are done Choo tells us, “Ok, Knock off early. I want all of you back here by in two days at oh eight thirty.”

We all smile at each other. Xochitl and I nod to each other and we both say, “Home?”

He nods his head to me and we begin to head out the door. Behind us, I hear Epona tell Tater, “Tell your dads hay for me.”

“Will do Pona,” he replies. Then I hear him say, “Ready Twinks?”

But before she can reply, we are already on our way out the door and on the way toward White Cloud and our family's farm. I can’t wait to see both his family and mine. I just hope the youngsters, especially Raven have kept their muzzles shut about us teaching them how to shoot.

Almost as if he is reading my mind, he asks, “Want to go radhog hunting tomorrow?”

I grin at him a bit and reply, “I think so. But let’s decide in the morning.”

As we near the farm Epona catches up with us along with Sunny. “Where is Cowlick?” I ask.

“Oh, he decided to show Double Back around a bit. I am supposed to meet those two tonight at the pub in White Cloud for a pint of Cider.”

“How about you Epona?” Ginger asks.

She smiles, “No real plans. Just get home and visit with our parents and siblings.”

I nod my head as that sounds really good to me too. Then I hear a couple of yips from a tree near the road, ahead of us. I look up and I see Tweeters hovering there. Then I notice a pony and zony in the brush hiding.

While I know who they are once we are close enough, I call out, “Come on out Xialynn, you too Shadowbuck.”

I hear Xochitl’s little sister call out, “Ahhh, how did you know we were in here?”

I laugh lightly as I call back, “Look up. Tweeters is hovering above you.”

They both look up and I laugh as they both blush from embarrassment. Shadowbuck still looking up at the hovering enfield cries out, “Tweeters! You were supposed to have stayed home.

This gets me to laugh lightly, then I ask, “So is everyone else home?”

Bucky then looks back toward the farm in the distance and says, “Well most of them. Pa Badger and his company got called out to take care of some raiders on the road to Manehatten again. Nothing major though.”

I nod my head and see a brief look of disappointment come over his face when he hears that. Suddenly I realize just how close he really is to Papa Badger.

Soon we are entering the farmyard and I see our other siblings out playing tag. Mama Magpie and Xochitl’s mother Persimmon Tree are coming back in from the fields and talking. I can tell when they see us as they wave a forehoof and begin to walk a bit faster.

From inside our house, I hear Mama Sumac call to us, “Well it is good to see you all are back. I just wish I had known so I could have cooked more for dinner.”

When she says that Xochitl smiles and tells her, “No worries, Mother Sumac. We can catch supper at the Pub in White Cloud while all of you eat.”

I see a look of indignation begin to form on her face as her ears slide back slightly. Then she says, “Oh, don’t you be that way son. Moon Lily, be a dear and go to the root cellar and get us a couple more jars of taters and onions.”

“Yes Ma,” she answers back, then she tells us, “It is good to see you again. Are you home for long?”

When she asks this all of our family members present look at us expectantly. Finally, Xochitl answers, “Not sure. We got in late last night and have not really talked about our next job yet.”

“Well, come on in and tell us what you can about your trip this time.” Mama Sumac tells us.

As we head inside Mama Magpie asks, “Is Epona coming home tonight too?”

I smile and tell her, “Yes, a bit later. She went into White Cloud with the others for a pint.”

I notice Persimmon nod her head, then she says, “Well Ginger since you are engaged if you would like to share Xochitl’s room with him at our place you are welcome.”

I smile shyly and ask, “Are you sure Mother Persimmon?”

I see her grin when I call her that and she answers, “Yes, I am sure, but first let’s all spend some time together.”

As we settle in for the night with our families, I bask in the feeling of being home and feeling fully accepted by Persimmon. Before we left, she would never have allowed me to spend the night at her place after my first heat. Life can be sweet sometimes I tell myself as I cuddle up on the couch in the front parlor with my future husband.

*****

Manesville, Manesville District, NCR: Xochitl

When we get back to the shop two mornings later Choo Choo calls the field team into the briefing room. Once we have all taken our seats she tells us, “I know you are all wondering what our next job will be, and I am sorry about keeping you waiting, I just wanted you all to have a good time before I told you.” Her eyes shift to both Ginger and me.

When she says this, I shift visibly in my seat. I take a deep breath and await what she says will come next.

She takes a calming breath and then tells us, “The local officials have contacted us, and requested that we make contact with New Gallop and the facilities there.”

I feel the color drain from my face and I feel Ginger shake her head no briefly. Then Ginger says, “Really? They want us to do it?”

“I am afraid so team. They know some of us have been through there before.”

“Choo, how are we getting in there?” I ask.

I hear her sigh then she tells us, “We will be catching a ride on the river to Good Doer, then we will go in on hoof.”

I feel Ginger relax slightly. Then she quietly asks, “We are not going to Targhee are we?”

Choo shakes her head no. “That is not in the plans right now. I know your concerns about it and to be honest, I don’t really want to go back there myself.”

I see the confusion on some of the others' faces. Then Epona tells Tater, “That is where Ginger’s birth mother was killed as they fell back from Two Step.”

Double Back looks slightly surprised, at this. He shakes his head briefly and asks, “So what is so special about this New Gallop that they want our team to go there?”

This time I answer, “Double, I am not really sure what they have there, but when we went past there ten years ago, well, they had two Sentry bots protecting the place and enough firepower to get Silver Spite’s force to back off and avoid the place.”

That is when Choo says, “There are also reports that this was at one time the base for a mega spell launcher.”

When she says that, it reminds me of the time Choo, Ginger, and most of Ginger’s family at the time went into the prison camp so the Colonel could interrogate Razor Wire. Silver Spite’s right hoof stallion, who took over the remnants of Red Eyes army that were with them and its raiders. Then I remember that the town was the target for a zebra team with a couple of balefire egg launchers. I nod my head and say, “That makes sense Boss.”

She nods back and then continues. “Once we make contact, we are to suggest that they receive or send dignitaries to begin talks with the NCR.”

Epona then raises a hoof and tells her, “Sounds like what we did with Harness back in the day.” Beside her I see Tater nodding his head.

Choo smiles at them, “Yes, I forgot you were with the Colonel back then. Same concept. Hopefully just as good of results.”

We all nod our heads at this. Then I ask, “Any NCR people going on this one with us?”

She shakes her head, “No, not this time.”

This time I nod. Then Ginger asks, “Ok, when do we leave, and do we know who our ride is yet?”

This Time Choo grins ear to ear, “Well we leave tomorrow morning, and our ride should arrive soon.”

Just as she says this, I hear the one long and two short steam whistle blasts that mark it as one of the Water’s clan riverboats. We all look at each other and laugh before Choo tells us, “I will see you at six am. Do not be late as we will grab our kits and go. Standard load out. The home team will be organizing the supplies for us and we will just have to hitch up the cart before we leave. Have a good night team.”

As we head out, I hear Choo telling Zhea and Diode, “I want you to be on the lookout for a couple of more beings to help with the shop and logistics for our field teams.”

Zhea nods her head, but Diode smiles and tells her, “I heard that a couple of the regulars from the stable are getting ready to retire. Would they be possible candidates?”

I am just at the door frame when I hear Choo reply, “Get me their names, if not by the morning, then by when we get back. Also, keep an ear out for a couple more field team candidates. I want to increase the size of the field teams.”

Once out the door, I feel Ginger wrap her tail around my neck and she tells me, “Let’s head out to White Cloud. We can visit our folks for a bit, then hit the pub?”

I shrug and tell her, “Sure, but don’t you want to go out dancing or something?”

She smiles again at me as she unwraps her tail from around my neck and tells me, “Honestly, I would rather not. I want to keep it simple tonight.”

“A few pints and stargazing behind the barn tonight?”

She nods her head and wraps her tail in mine. “That would be perfect dear.”

As we get close to home, we run into our younger siblings. I hear them long before I see most of them. I have to grin though when I notice The Wind Rider Twins and their little brother flying along as well as the hippogriff youngsters Slip and Jet Stream. Below them, I hear the ground-bound ponies laughing and kidding with them.

Once we get close enough, I hear Moon Lily call out, “Hi Sis! Hi Cohtil!” Then she trots ahead of the rest to meet us. Once close enough she asks, “Can we go hunting again tomorrow?” Right next to her is my little sister Xailynn nodding her head eagerly as Raven catches up and the rest follow.

“Sorry guys, but not this time. We have a job to head out on in the morning. Besides, I am not sure if Stir Fry is ready for another hog after last week,” I tell them.

I see a bit of disappointment on all of their faces. Then Raven says, “Oh, ok. But tell us about it when you get back ok Chotil.”

I can’t help myself at her eagerness. I take my forehoof and rub her mane with it as I smile and tell her, “I will tell you everything that I can.”

From the side I see Moon Lily nod her head somberly and she tells us, “Mareigan stopped by last night and told me to let you know to be careful on your next journey. Not all is as it seems. That and a dead city should be left that way.”

This both gets me to have a chill run down my spine at the warning from a spirit, and it also makes me wonder what she truly means by it. Does she mean Good Doer? I mean it was overrun by the raiders before we got back there and then after we left. Then I have another chill run up my spine as I think, Targhee. When we were there during the expedition, we almost leveled the place. That is where Ginger lost her birth mother. After all New Gallop is on the road between Targhee and Good Doer. Maybe this was not such a good idea for us to take on this job, I think to myself.

Beside me, I notice Ginger get a serious look on her face as well. A slight tear comes to her eye and I hear her whisper, “Targhee.” I shrug and she nods.

Raven then asks, “What was that, Sis?”

“Nothing Raven. Don’t worry about it,” Ginger tells her.

“But Ginger, if it upsets you that much, it must be something,” Raven continues.

Finally, Shadowbuck tells her, “Sis, let it go. It is like when Mama Mollygirl gets in one of her moods. Bad memories or something.”

I finally see comprehension come over the little mare’s face. “Sorry, Sissy. I did not mean to keep pressing.”

I watch as Ginger tries to smile and finally does as she draws her little sister in for a hug that is returned with enthusiasm.

Finally, I tell them all, “Ok, we best get moving. Dinner can’t be too far off.”

Our siblings say farewell to their friends and we all head to the farm. As I approach, I see my father coming out of the barn. We wave to each other and then I see Mother come out and wave as well. She then calls to Ginger, “Dear would you like to join us for dinner again? I have another dish I am making you might like to learn about.”

“Sure, Mother Persimmon,” She calls back. As she does this, I see Sumac come out on the porch. She has heard this but only nods and smiles.

Once we are close enough, she does say, “Don’t forget to come to visit tonight, ok. We would all really like to visit with you a spell.”

I call back to her, “We will be there Mother Sumac.”

Then Sumac asks us, “Is Epona on her way?”

Ginger nods and tells her, “She planned on visiting for a bit tonight before heading into the pub in White Cloud.”

As we enter my family’s home, Ginger and I place our saddlebags in the room that we are sharing. Once she has done that, she takes off her work clothes and puts on an apron, telling me, “I am going to go help your mom if I can.” She then gives me a quick kiss and trots out of the room. I follow her shortly afterward and cannot help but smile at the sight of my mother and fiancé cooking side by side. My mother teaching her how to cook the dishes I enjoy most.

After dinner, I tell my father, “Father, Ginger and I are going to head into White Cloud for a cider, would you like to join us?”

He nods his head, “I would like to, but I already made plans to do so with Badger and some of the others tomorrow night. Your mother lets me do so without complaint, so I do not want to abuse that.”

This time I nod in understanding. “Ok father, I do understand. Perhaps another time.”

After dinner, Ginger and I excuse ourselves. Father, Mother, and Xailynn all head up to Ginger’s family’s house while we head to the pub.

Once we reach the pub, we meet up with the rest of the field team. Off to one corner, I see Twinks and Tater in a booth with one of his hooves around her.

On the other side of the room, I see Cowlick playing darts with Doubleback and Epona. Finally, in a dark corner to the side, I notice Choo Choo is enjoying a drink with her coltfriend Paper Work, as well as a Sirocco and his wife Fancy.

At another table, I see some of the locals playing cards. After we sit and have ordered our drinks, I see a couple of the old timers from the expedition bring out their instruments and play.

After a while, Ginger and I start to sing with the band. Shortly after Choo and Paper Work join us as we sing some of the songs that we shared on the expedition. Off to the side, I see a questioning look on Epona’s face as she looks at Tater and they nod to each other. Then I see them both laugh.

We are just finishing up singing Mareyowen when we see a couple of griffons as well as a unicorn come through the door. They are all armed and seem to scan the room and appear to be trying to act tough. They also seem to be nervous about something.

I look around the room and I notice a couple of ponies as well as one bull that have CEF branded on their left shoulders. I find myself smiling as this means they were survivors of the Co-op Expedition Force also. Most of the others in the pub were with the caravan for it as well. I grin to myself thinking that these poor blokes have no idea what they are getting themselves into if they are going to try something.

I watch the two griffons sit at a table and the unicorn goes to the bar. Noticing my pint is empty I decide to head to the bar to get a refill and perhaps get a better idea of what is going on.

As I get to the bar, I overhear Blueberry Crisp, one of the owners of the pub asks the unicorn, “What can I get for you?”

The unicorn replies, “two shots of Wild Pegasus and one pint of cider for me and my pals.”

She nods her head and turns to get them their drinks. I am leaning on the rail of the bar next to him and casually tell him, “If you and your partners have never tried Old Overmare before, or Three Sisters, you should try them too. Both are locally made.”

The unicorn nods his head, “Thanks for the suggestion, but we just stopped to get something to cut the dust from our throats.”

I nod my head, then tell him, “Yeah, I do understand how that is. Where are you heading?”

He looks back at his partners briefly, then back to Blueberry who is just finishing pouring their drinks. Then he tells me, “Manesville, looking to see if we can pick up some work. We heard about an outfit a while back that may be hiring.”

I nod my head, “There probably are some.” I tell him as Blueberry sets their drinks on a tray for him.

She then tells him, “Ok, that will be five caps, two for each of the Wild Pegasus and one for the cider.”

He nods his head and levitates the caps out of his saddlebag to her. He then takes the drinks in his TK and carries them over to the others at their table.

Blueberry looks at them and then at me with a raised eyebrow. Then she asks, “Refill Chotil?”

I nod my head and tell her, “Yeah, thanks.”

“So, you guys back for a while this time?”

I shake my head and tell her, “No, we head out again in the morning.”

“I guess that is why you are all here tonight then?”

I shrug and tell her, “I guess so, I had not really thought about it though. But in a bit, Ginger and I need to head back to the farm to visit with her folks.”

She smiles, “I do understand. Well tell your future in-laws and your parents I said hello to them.”

After I get my pint, I head back to Ginger and the others and just enjoy their company and the feeling of being home again. After a bit, I remind Ginger, “Dear, time to go visit your family before it gets too late.”

She smiles and after we say our goodbyes we trot back to the farm and enjoy a last night at home with family.

We arrive back just in time to sit in the parlor with everyone and listen to the radio, chatting lightly with each other. After a bit DJ Pon3’s show begins.

Good evening all my children in the wastelands. In tonight’s news, we are receiving more reports of Enclave activities along the border with the NCR. These include both incursions by airships and vertibucks as well as by teams of infiltrators. From Down in the Hoof, we are hearing reports that the rail lines between the NCR and the Lunar Commonwealth have been reopened, again.

From Van Hoover we are hearing reports of increased fighting between local gangs and the local Steel Ranger chapter. This is accompanied by news of fighting breaking out in New Pegasus as well. In other news, we are hearing of an increase in raider attacks along the Baltimare to Manehatten trade routes. So, if you are out there on those routes, travel in groups and maybe hire some escorts.

I will be right back with more news and a surprise interview after this next song…

Before I can hear any more, I hear Sumac ask, “You kids didn’t have to deal with raiders on your last trip, did you?”

I watch as both the Colonel and Sutures look at each other and very slightly shake their heads. Archer has a slight smile go across his muzzle and Magpie just sits there with a look of curiosity on her face. The siblings on the other hoof, are all leaning forward waiting to hear what we have to say.

Ginger looks uncomfortable at the question and I answer for her, “No, not many. Nothing to compare to the number of raiders we saw on the expedition.”

This seems to mollify the parents. The youngsters however move slightly closer and I hear Raven ask in an awed tone of voice, “What were they like on the expedition?”

Before I can answer The Colonel looks briefly at the clock on the mantle and then tells them, “Ok kids, time for bed, you have school tomorrow.”

They all express disappointment at this. Then I see Sumac and Magpie both look at her curiously.

Once the youngsters are all in bed, the Colonel tells Sumac and Magpie, “I don’t want them getting the idea dealing with raiders is a game.” She looks at us and says, “I know we don’t know everything, but I can guess you had your run-ins out there.”

I nod slowly as Ginger tells them, “Yeah, we had a couple, but really, we can’t talk about it. And to be honest, I don’t want to talk about them when we are home.”

The Colonel sadly smiles knowingly and tells us, “I understand. If I don’t see you in the morning be careful out there. Where ever you are going this time.”

Shortly after this, we head back to my parent's house. Father is sitting on the porch by himself. As we approach, I ask him, “Everything alright father?”

He shrugs and answers, “Yeah, just some memories coming back tonight.”

We nod our heads. Ginger gives him a quick hug, “Good night, Father Xavier.”

He smiles and his face relaxes, “Good night my daughter, sleep well my children.” We know he wants to be alone for now and head inside for the night.

*****

Manesville, Manesville District NCR: Choo Choo

As I watch the others leave, I turn to the shop crew, “Ok, crew, finish up what you are doing and have a good night.”

They nod their heads, then wish me well on this trip. Before I can leave though little Xanthippie comes up to me and gives me a hug. I have to smile at her innocence and give her a light hug back. Then I tell her, “You be a good little filly for your mom and the others while I am gone. Ok?”

She smiles as best she can and tells me, “I will Miss Choo. See you.” Then she trots away like the little filly she should be.

Once I am outside, I take to the air and fly over to the landing docks. I see the Baltimare Colt has moored once more. I land just short of the brow and make my way aboard. Once there I am met by the Third Mate, who sends a crewpony to see if Rust Water is available.

Once he returns, he tells us, “Capt’n is on the mess decks having coffee. She says for you to just head on in Miss Choo.”

I nod to both him and the third mate and tell them, “Thank you. I appreciate your time.” Then I find my way to the mess decks. As I enter, I see Rust is having coffee with her first mate Bell Stand. She nods to me and points toward the coffee cups on a tray next to the pot. I pour myself a cup and then sit down next to them.

Rust smiles at me and asks, “So, what can I do for you Choo?”

I smile back, “Well, I am just doing a social visit right now, but also I wanted to make sure that you had been contacted about transporting us tomorrow.”

I see a surprised look come over her face. Then she asks, “Choo, what in Tartarus are you talking about?”

This catches me off guard as well. Then I tell her about our planned mission and how the rangers contacted me to let me know. It is as I am finishing up this that we have the same crewpony who let her know I was here, approach her again.

“Cap’n, we have a couple of NCR types at the brow that need to talk to you. Something about our contract,” he tells her with a questioning tone.

Rust looks at me and shakes her head, “I guess they thought they would contact me first.” She turns back to the waiting crewpony and tells him, “Bring them to the Pilot House.”

After the crewpony leaves, she tells me and Bell Stand, “I want you both in the Pilot House for this one.”

As we are making our way to the Pilot House, I hear her say under her breath, “Typical NCR bureaucratic bungling.”

Once we arrive, I look out the windows and see the crewpony bringing a griffon and a pony. The griffon I do not know, the pony is a light purple unicorn stallion who is dressed in the NCRA uniform of a captain. I do recognize him as he is on the staff of the regional commander General Threat Vector. His name is Pin Point and while on the staff, he still looks like he could fight.

As they enter, I notice the surprise on Pin Point's face. The griffon does not respond, as if they thought I was here normally. Once they are fully inside Rust tells the crewpony, “Close the door on your way out, and wait by the stairs.”

He nods his head and tells her, “Yes Capt’n.” Closes the door, and I hear his hoofsteps as the goes down the stairs.

Rust then turns to the new arrivals and asks, “OK, what is going on?”

Pin Point looks embarrassedly at her, then me, and back before he answers, “Am I to assume that Miss Choo has appraised you of her team's next mission and our desire to have your vessel transport them?”

Rust leans against the ships wheel with one shoulder and looks at him, and tells him, “Actually, she just mentioned it to me right before you arrived.”

I watch as Pin Point actually looks surprised and turns to look at the griffon. The griffon on the other hoof acts as if this is nothing new. In fact, when he finally speaks it is with a haughty tone as he says, “Yes, sorry about that. But you know how these things happen.”

I see Rust’s expression change subtly to one that shows she is angry but allows her to appear calm. “Yes, they do, but you know my vessel does have radio communications as well as you could have flown a courier in. I had a contract already set up to haul a load of cargo of grain down to Western Landing. There a freight train is to pick up this cargo for delivery to Junction Town.”

He waves a talon nonchalantly and tells her, “Contracts can be worked around. Besides, Junction Town can wait a day or two for more grain.”

Finally, I speak up, “Excuse me, who are you again?”

He looks in my direction with disdain then turns back to Rust and addresses her. “Who I am, does not really matter. I AM a representative of the NCR Government. That is what matters.”

Now I am about ready to lose my temper. I feel my wings start to rise and my ears go back. I feel the energy begin to build again in my horn. Then I hear Pin Point say, “Please calm down Miss Choo.”

The Griffon finally turns to me and asks, “You are Miss Choo?”

Almost Growling I answer, “Yes, you now know who I am. Now, who are you?”

The Griffon fluffs up his chest fur and resettles his wing and puts a talon across his chest as he says, “I am Silver Tongue, the representative for the NCR on this junket. YOU Miss Choo and your team are to be part of my escort.”

This catches me off guard, and I ask, “Part of your escort?”

“Yes, I have my personal bodyguards also coming. They will be here either tonight or tomorrow morning. We will not be leaving without them.”

This gets me to think and I ask, “So, why are they not with you now?”

He looks at me over his beak and says, “If it is any of your business, we had recently lost a member of this detail. I let them have some downtime to mourn the loss.” He pauses then says, “Besides, it made me less conspicuous traveling without them by airship.”

I nod my head thinking I understand what he means. Then I ask, “And how are they getting here?”

He laughs lightly, “I told them to provide their own transport. I do believe they are coming by walking.”

This tells me more than I want about him. I nod my head and then I ask Captain Pin Point, “Before you leave here, could I have a moment of your time privately?”

He looks at the griffon who waves a talon dismissively at him before he answers, “Of course Miss Choo.”

Silver Tongue then continues in his arrogant voice, “Captain, this vessel serves the NCR...”

At this Rust holds up a forehoof and tells him, “Shut your mouth before you go any further.”

“How Dare You! How dare you talk to a representative of the NCR like that!”

“How dare I? Because this is a private vessel. It is mine and my clan’s steamship and if you try and federalize it, I will burn it to the hull and destroy the machinery. My family donated the S. Glimmer; Our flagship to the NCR to form the 1st River Flotilla for the NCR Navy,” By this time she has advanced almost muzzle to beak with the griffon and puts a hoof into his chest, “This is my command. You hold no ground here. Even if you book passage for yourself, you are under my command while on board. Do not throw your weight around here. To me, you are just cargo. Now if you want to talk civilized and respectfully to each other, we can do that too. Do I make myself clear?”

I look over and see the griffon’s beak open and closing several times. He is rendered speechless. I then see Captain Pin Point nod his head, and he says to us, “Thank you for clearing that up for us Captain Rust Water. I do not believe the Representative understood how things work here.”

Finally, I hear him almost spit out the words, “Filthy Mercenaries.”

This time I coolly answer, “Sir, if I were you, I would use that word carefully. The captain and her crew are not even close to that. Myself and my team, we are Private Military Contractors. WE choose who we work for and who we take orders from. Understand, at this point, I am about ready to tell our contacts that we refuse this job as you and your people were not mentioned to us.”

Again, I see his eyes go wide. He then says, “You can’t talk to me this way.”

I laugh in his face and I tell him, “With what you just said and how you said it, I would have a hard time keeping some of my people from taking care of you themselves.”

I watch to see Captain Pin Point's reaction. Instead of anger or being upset, I notice that he seems almost amused and he just nods to me.

Once the situation has calmed back down, we discuss the details of the mission as well as how we can still maintain the contract for transporting grain to Western Landing, enabling us to maintain a modicum of cover for the operation. After we have finished our discussions, I walk with Captain Pin Point and Silver Tongue to the pier. Silver Tongue looks at me with thinly veiled disdain. I nod to him. He then tells the captain, “I will see you back at the Stable, Captain. I need to talk to the General.”

After he is out of earshot, I ask Captain Pin Point, “Sir, the briefing I got on this job two days ago did not include him or his escorts, what changed?”

I see his ears shift downwards briefly in disgust, then he tells me, “Choo, this was not our idea. Junction Town sent him after we talked with you. That is part of why I am here. I wanted to personally apologize for that. The Rangers have been notified that your team is taking part in a mission for us, but not what it is, that is why your normal handlers have not been involved. As for his royal highness Silver Tongue, he is your typical pompous ass politician. Try not to let him get killed, but more importantly, watch out for your people, and don’t let him screw up the meeting with the inhabitants of New Gallop.”

“What if he ends up getting himself killed?” I ask.

He shrugs, “Try not to let that happen, but if it does, report what occurred.”

We shake hooves after this and as he begins to walk back to the Stable, I take flight and head over to White Cloud to meet Paper Work so we can enjoy dinner and some time together before we leave.

Paper Work is already at the pub when I arrive and we are sharing a corner booth with Fancy and her husband Sirocco. Most of my team is there relaxing along with the locals when I see two griffons and a unicorn come in together. At first, I don’t think much of them as I see Xochitl get up to get a pint at the bar while one of that group gets their drinks. Then I realize that these might be Silver Tongues bodyguards. Instead of approaching them, or saying something to the others, I decide to just sit back and watch.

What I see is nothing out of the ordinary. However, when I get up to go use the sinks, I notice they are very uncomfortable with one of my kind. It seems they had not really noticed me before.

By now Hard Tack has returned from the back and is just asking them if they would like to order some food. The older of the two griffons looks at him and asks in a manner that indicates he figures the answer is no, “Would you happen to have any meat?”

The smiling Hard Tack answers, “Sure, we just got a fresh radhog two days ago and I just took it out of the ground a bit ago. That is why my wife was covering the bar.”

I see the surprise on the griffon's face, then I hear Ginger call across the pub, “Hardtack, if that radhog is ready, could you bring a couple of pulled pork sandwiches for me and Xochitl?”

He looks a little nonplused and calls back, “Ginger, I will get to your table after I am through here. Wait your turn.”

The Unicorn then asks, “You really have meat here? And ponies ask for it?”

Hard Tack answers, “Yeah, we do. Not all of us here eat meat, but many do. She is one of the more regular ones.”

“Huh, she doesn’t look the type.” The other griffon says with his head cocked.

“Well, she, the buck with her, and that black pegasus over there, they used to harvest us radhogs all the time. Taught their little sibling how-to for this one.”

Then I am out the door and going around the back for the sinks. On my way back I notice the griffons are both eating the pulled pork sandwiches. The unicorn shaking his head just has a salad. However, I notice how much he is enjoying it. When I am near the table, I hear him mumble, "I wonder how come anypony hear can buy fresh food?”

I stop and politely tell him, “I can answer that sir if you would like me to.”

He looks surprised to see an alicorn not only here but talking to him. But he calmly replies, “Sure, 'cause normally you have to pay big caps for food like this.”

I nod my head, “You see, around here, while we have the military base, we also are an agricultural community. We recovered our fields as we reclaimed the old farmsteads. Additionally, all of our troops as well as the locals spend time in the fields each year working the crops. This allows us to build sweat equity. No resident here starves. However, we can still buy more if we are able, and surplus crops are sold off.”

The unicorn looks surprised, “You mean even you or the mayor of the town work in the fields?”

I nod my head, “Yes. I have spent a lot of time in them. In fact, two of my sisters have reclaimed a farm not too far from here. I tend to spend my farm time there with them anymore.”

They all look at me curiously. Finally, one asks, “Even the general?”

I smile and nod my head, “Yes, even the general, but like most who have done thier initial farm time in the fields, he only does two weeks a year; like most of the staff and higher officers and officials.”

The unicorn is sitting back now with a curious look on his face as he asks, “What is this initial farm time?”

I shrug, “With the population we have now, after the big surge in immigrants, they dropped it from two years to six months. Working on the farms. However, if you are military, you get an exemption as your duty rotations have you in the fields more often.”

I watch them all seem surprised. Finally, one asks, “You really put soldiers in the fields as farmhands?”

I nod my head, “Yes, we do have a rotation for it. But if you are interested in immigrating here, check with the immigration office in Manesville. They can help you find farms to start on.”

I then notice Paper Work waving to me, so I tell them, “If you will excuse me, my coltfriend is trying to get my attention. It was nice to meet you and I hope you find what you are looking for.”

As I walk away, I find myself raising my tail and my wings rising slightly as I see my Paper Work smiling at me. We then say good night to Fancy and Sirocco and I give him a ride to mine and George’s cave for the night. Life can certainly be surprising, but good I remind myself as I gently fall asleep in Paper Work’s hooves and with my wing over him.

*****

Baltimare to Manehatten trade route, NCR: Ball Lightning.

The first few days after we dropped in are fairly uneventful. On the third day, now I will have to say that we could not have planned better. In fact, later I even ask Air Burst if it was planned to which he answers me, “Ball If I could plan something like that, don’t you think we would still be working in the Hoof?”

I shrug and tell him, “Air, with you I never know what to expect.”

He laughs back lightly and tells me, “Well, I try.”

We had dry camped two nights already and are on the road to Manehatten again when we first hear gunshots up ahead. Air tells me right away, “Ball, take your team and check it out.”

We fly in low and fast to keep the dust from our hooves exposing we were even nearby. As we come to a ridge edge, we all slow down and land. We spread out so we can cover each other and using the second-rate radio sets we communicate what we are seeing. Below us is a caravan that is in the middle of being ambushed. We can see foals and mares among those being attacked. Two of the wagons are already disabled and members of their pulling teams are down. As I look, I can see that the attackers are raiders. I report this back to Air, who after a slight pause asks, “Have they spotted you yet?”

I have just told him no when several gun rounds landing right next to me, causing me to call back, “Cancel that Air Burst, they have fired upon us, Engaging raiders.” I hate bucking raiders. Ever since that training mission by Van Hoover.

I call out, “Gunter, you and Funnel provide cover fire, Anan, you’re with me for a strafing run.”

He and I both leap up and take to the air, we gain only a bit more height before we dive down as fast as we can, and when in range of the raiders, we open up with the weapons on our battlesaddles. For this mission, I mixed it up. I have an M-12 .308 auto rifle on one side, and on the other, I have an MEW rifle. It feels funny doing this in standard barding rather than power armor, but it is what we have.

He and I zig and zag as we make our way by the wooded area, we are in. the first pass I see about a dozen raiders hidden behind tree trunks and stumps. Most are firing at the caravan, but a few are shootings at us. After the first pass we climb high and I notice some low clouds nearby that we begin to fire from them as Funnel Cloud and Gunter make their pass. As they are making their run, I am surprised to see two of Air Burst team join them. One is wearing an automatic grenade launcher which he fires during his dive.

I watch the grenades explode amongst those in the wooded area and I see chunks of wood flying through the air as well as metal fragments. This causes the remaining raiders to break off their attack and run, dodging from one place of cover to another. We continue to attack them briefly before we finally let them go and begin to approach the caravan. We have our weapons at a relaxed carry as we walk closer to them. Air Burst leading us has us stop and calls out, “Hello the Caravan.”

One of them calls back, “What do you want?”

“We were just passing through and saw you needed a hoof. We have a medic with our team.”’

The same one calls back, “Who are ya? You enclavers?”

“No, not us, we got run out years back during the unpleasantness between Thunderhead and Neighvarro.”

“What are you doing here then?” another one calls out.

Air Burst takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly before he calls back, “Just heading back from a job of escorting a caravan down to Baltimare. We figured we would see if we could pick up some work before heading home to Manesville.”

I see relief come over their faces as they hear this, “Oh, you’re from Manesville. That explains why you are all pegasuses.” One of them says.

I smile at this as it really does help to build our cover story. Then Air asks, “We have a medic with us, plus several of us are trained in first aid, would you like us to help you?”

I then hear a mare call out, “For the love of the Goddesses, yes, we have a couple of us that are hurt real bad.”

I watch as Sundancer stores her weapon and runs toward the caravan and calls out, “I am the medic, where do you need me.”

They wave us forward and three more of Air Burst team go to help treat the injured and wounded. While my team establishes a loose perimeter along with the caravanners on what will be a long night. It is twice during the night that the raiders try to attack the caravan.

The sun has been down for over an hour and from the woods on the side nearest me I hear a branch break. I really wish I had my SATS right now. Instead, I listen quietly and hear someone trip in the woods and curse. I click my mic twice to alert the team.

Then I see four of them begin to run across the open area towards the road. While the caravanners fire at them, I call out over the radio, “Gunter, on me, let’s go!”

I jump into the darkness above and we swope down on them and the woods. I hear Gunter call to me, “Ball, to left, there are some more.”

I shift my aim and do a quick spray and pray into the dark. Then I climb quickly into the darkness. Soon I see the gunfire from the raiders begin to slack off as they fall back after one of them yells, “Let’s get out of here.”

The second time they attack us. They do so from the opposite side of the one Gunter and I are on. We can hear the gunfire from the other side of the caravan. Then I hear Funnel Cloud tell the caravanners, “Lay down covering fire. Anan, Alto, and the rest on this side, Into the air, Anan, Alto, land to the south by fifty meters. I got your backs. Go!”

I turn briefly to see them fly into the darkness as those on the ground on that side fire into the woods. Then I hear Anan call out, “One tango down.”

This is followed shortly by Alto calling the same thing. I hear the raiders firing as they fade back into the dark woods. Then I hear Funnel call out, “Damn it, I’m hit. Medic Up!”

From inside one of the caravan wagons I hear Sundancer callout, “On the way!”

She then reports on the radio, “Boss, Funnel took a good hit in the leg. I will need to dig it out.”

This is followed by Air Burst calling out, “Alto, Strato, help Sundancer with the pickup.”

By now the gunfire has ceased and I can hear them scramble across the dried ground. They help him limp back to the caravan where by lantern light Sundancer removes the bullet and uses a healing potion. She also gives him a quick shot of med-x and tells him, “Relax and grab a nap. When you wake up you will be good as new.”

As the morning sun rises, I see the result of the night's fight. It seems the caravan lost some of their guards as well as a couple of ponies that pulled the wagons.

I am drinking a cup of coffee with Air Burst when the caravan’s leader comes over to us and asks, “Ya’all said you were heading to Manehatten?”

Air Burst finishes his sip of coffee and then answers, “Yep, then over to Manesville.”

The caravan leader seems a bit cautious as he asks, “would you be willing to hire on to guard us till we get to Tenpony Tower?”

Air Burst nods his head, and then asks, “We might consider it, but what are you paying?”

He names a figure that seems a bit low and I watch as Air Burst calmly shakes his head no, and tells him, “Come on, you can do better than that. Look at how many of us you would pick up. You already know we can fight.”

I see the old stallion take a deep breath and once he releases it, he makes another offer and adds, “And your crew can eat from the mess wagon, you won’t have to provide your own rations.”

This time Air Burst nods his head and reaches out a forehoof as he says, “That we can do.” Then they shake hooves on the deal. After this is when he tells us his name is Grain Market.

Once the caravan is ready again, we take positions around it with Alto pulling our cart in the middle, and Anan and Gunter flying above us to scout the way ahead of us. Once we are moving, they spend most of their time walking with short flights only so that no pony can track the caravan’s position by seeing where they are in the air.

By our second night, we have made it to a small settlement along the road. It is made up of several buildings one of which has a sign on the front proclaiming it to be the Twisted Hoof Tavern. Between the outer buildings are thick mudbrick walls with guard posts positioned on the corners. Off to one side of the market square, I can see a small office that has a New Canterlot Republic flag hanging limply from it and states, NCRA Recruiting station.

After the caravan has set up camp for the night. Alto and Sundancer join Gunter and me for a pint inside the tavern.

As we go in, I notice how run down the place looks. The bar itself is kept fairly clean by the bartender. In the lantern lights, I can see some of the other customers there. Some of them are locals, but others are from some of the other caravans that are also resting or doing business in the market.

As we sit at a table to the side, we all order a shot of the local homebrew. Then the waitress asks us, “Would you like something to eat?”

I nod my head yes and reply, “Sure, what do you have?”

“Well, the usual, most of our food is canned. We have fried cram, instamash potatoes, for dessert we have some Fancy Buck cakes. If you don’t mind meat, we also have some radhog. Today’s special is radhog and vegetable stew. “

She has my attention when she says radhog, so I ask, “Do you have any radhog bacon?”

I see her grin knowingly as she looks around. Then she answers, “Sure do, would you like that with eggs?”

Smiling myself I tell her fairly quietly, “Actually I was hoping to get it on bread with some tomato and lettuce if you have any.”

She nods her head, “Dearie, I think we can do that.” Then she looks at the others and asks, “How about the rest of you?”

I see Sundancer think about it and finally, she says almost embarrassedly, “I will have a bacon sandwich too.”

Alto thinks about it and tells her, “I will go for the stew if I can.”

Finally, Gunter asks, “Would you happen to have any pulled radhog for a sandwich?”

She nods her head and tells him, “Yes we do, it should be finishing up soon.” She pauses and still grinning she tells us, “I can tell ya’all have been dirtside for a while. I have never met an Enclaver who would ask for meat.”

As she walks away, all I can think is I am so glad that Air Burst got me to try meat before. While it is not my normal choice for a meal, it is tolerable and it does help us to blend in. Finally, Sundancer ask me, “Have you had Radhog Bacon before?”

I smile at her as I answer, “Oh yeah. It is pretty good. Nice and salty when done right. There is only one problem though.”

She has a nervous expression on her face as she asks, “What is that?”

Still smiling I tell her, “It is a gateway food.”

I hear Alto begin to laugh and I see Gunter smile as he shakes his head, then he takes a sip of his drink. We are just beginning to eat our meals when I see Air Burst and the caravan master enter the tavern. He is looking around and I can tell as he sees me taking a bite of my sandwich, as he just nods his head, smiles, and walks over to the bar for a drink.

Later that night back in camp when most are asleep and no one is around he tells me, “Good way to fit in. Keep it up.”

Three days later we arrive at the outskirts of Manehatten. I can see the mountains to the west. To our east is the coast. As the sun rises, I can begin to see the silhouette of the remains of what was Friendship city. When I look at it, I see beyond it the remains of what was once Manehatten. I also can see the shell and forms of several tall buildings behind it. Some are still standing intact; others are jagged and stick up like broken teeth. As we get closer, I can fully see how badly damaged the Statue of Friendship is. As I shake my head, I hear Air Burst say, “This is nothing kid, you should see the craters”.

He thinks he knows what I am thinking, but inside I feel sadness for not only what was lost, but what we did during Operation Cauterize. Perhaps it is best they try to censure what books we can read and what stations we can listen to in the Enclave. But during our time with the caravan, I was offered a copy of the Book of Little Pip to read. I skimmed through a lot of it, but when I got to the parts about Red Eye, the Goddess, and the Enclave I started to pay more attention. But what got me to think the most was the part about Operation Cauterize and what our people did to those below.

I would be lying if I did not admit to at least myself that I am having a crisis of conscious over it. The one thing that salves my conscious is that our leadership has changed since those long-ago days. But inside I still question if the leadership has changed, then has the attitude and arrogance? I thought I knew, but now, now I wonder.

As we wander our way toward Tenpony Tower I see signs with names I now recognize as we bypass them. Names such as Arbu and Buckland Cross. Names I have never heard of until I saw them in that damnable book.

At one point Sundancer comes up to me, “Cap for your thoughts?”

I shake my head, then I tell her, “Just looking at all that was lost and destroyed and I wonder what it was all for, and was it really worth it?”

She nods her head, “Ah, that. Yeah, Alto and I both have gone through that too, back when we were in the Hoof. Sweet Heart, don’t let it begin to control your thoughts. As Air Burst once told me, don’t let dead ponies get into your head, they already lived their lives, you need to live yours.”

It surprises me to hear something like that had come from Air Burst. I mull it over briefly and tell her, “Sounds like good advice. I heard something similar a while back myself.

Soon we are following the rail line across the river and into the city itself. I begin to notice signs of life here and there. As we get closer to Tenpony Tower I begin to see more traffic on hoof leading to and from the towering building. Almost all of them appear to either be armed or to have an armed escort. Again, my mind wonders back over two hundred years and I wonder what this city had been like back then.

Finally, we are camped near one of the main entrances on the ground level, underneath the railroad tracks. I am talking to Air Burst when the caravan leader approaches him and tells him, “Thanks Air Burst for the rescue and for escorting us the rest of the way here.”

Air Burst takes the caps that he hooves him and puts them in his saddle bags as he replies back, “Our pleasure Grain Market.”

Grain Market hesitates briefly and then says to us, “We might have a contract to carry some goods and passengers to Manesville in a couple of days, would you be willing to hire on with us for that run as well?”

I look at Air as he thinks about it briefly. Then he tells him, “Same rate of pay and we are yours until Manesville.”

They shake hooves on the deal. Then Grain Market tells us, “I will get back to you later with the details.”

“Sounds good boss,” Air tells him with a smile. Then he looks at me and tells me, “Well, I guess we should let the rest of the team know.”

Two days later Grain Market approaches us with news of when we are leaving. “Air Burst, let your people know we are leaving in the morning. We are carrying some goods to Manesville as well as escorting some dignitaries and other government bigwigs.”

Air Burst smiles and nods, “Sounds good sir. We have been keeping close as it is. Besides, not much here we are interested in. I mean the food is expensive and not much of it is fresh. I can get better back home.”

Grain Market grins at this and tells us, “Well, being from Manesville goes without saying. Now you folks have a good night.”

Shortly after this, we begin to bed down for the night or take our watches. I find myself cuddled next to Sundancer and Alto at one point. Later after she goes on watch I wake briefly as Gunter takes her spot under the shared blankets.

Come morning we eat a quick breakfast and begin to prepare to depart. As we are finishing our coffee. I see our caravan leader being followed by several earth ponies and a couple of unicorns. He is currently talking to a middle-aged light pink unicorn mare with a light purple main and tail both of which are trimmed in a conservative manner. She is wearing what appears to be gray robes underneath a light tan cloak and a pair of gold-framed glasses. I then notice she seems to have a shemagh wrapped around her neck.

Grain then introduces us to her and then says, “Mare and Gentlecoats, this is Miss Haze. She is the head of the group we are transporting to Manesville.”

I nod my head and Air Burst tells her, “It is a pleasure to meet you, madam.”

“A pleasure Air Burst. Mister Market tells me you come from Manesville. I assume this means you are familiar with the route.”

Air Burst then tells her, “Yes, we are from Manesville, but ma’am, we have not taken this route before. Usually, we try to stick to the river, or we just go between Manesville, Junction Town, and Baltimare.”

“Ah, I see, at least you have experience in the wastelands then.”

“Yes ma’am, we do. How about you? Have you been into the wastelands much?”

She smiles warmly and answers, “Yes, a time or two. However, I have become a bit of a homebody anymore.” She then asks, “So do you come from Manesville itself or one of the settlements?”

Thinking quickly, I tell her, “We are from one of the settlements ma’am, one they call White Cloud. If you are not from the Manesville area you probably have never heard of it.”

She nods her head, “I am sure you are right on that.” She pauses briefly and then she says, “Oh dear. I seem to have forgotten to bring my satchel that I am to take with me to Manesville.” She turns to Grain Market and tells me, “Give me a bit of time to go up to my office and get it. Then we can leave.”

“Of course, Miss Haze. Take your time ma’am.”

She smiles and I watch her trot quickly back up to the level of the main entrance and then disappear inside Tenpony Tower.

About thirty minutes later she reappears. She is smiling and has the satchel slung across her chest. She finds Grain Market and tells him, “Sorry about that. Thank you for waiting.”

He politely tells her, “That is ok, while we were waiting, we finished loading your peoples and your baggage into the wagons.” He then turns and calls out, “Ok, we’re burning daylight, let’s move people,” as he starts to walk with Air Burst at the front of the caravan and we begin the next leg of our journey to Manesville.

As we begin our journey, I hear an excited Purple Haze blurt out, “Oh, this is so exciting.” To myself I think, this has to be her first time out into the wastelands, as I shake my head and scan the buildings around us for possible troubles.

*****

Good evening children, you are listening to DJ Pon3. In tonight’s news, the fighting continues between NCR and what is believed to be Enclave remnant forces in New Pegasus. To accompany this there are reports that the Wander has been seen in that area as well.

Closer to Manehatten we have reports of a team of pegasus mercs rescuing a caravan from an ambush as well as breaking the back of one of the largest raider gangs on the Manehatten to Baltimare trade route. Along with this, the news of fresh attacks on caravans has declined. However, this doesn’t mean we can be careless traveling in this region. Remember to keep your eyes open and your guns clean out there.

Our next song is one you may not be familiar with, here is I Didn’t Know.

Author's Note

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlyZ6SoP4e0&list=RDQXEYNlOarDk&index=3