Chapter 29: Excuse me

Chapter 29: Excuse me?

“Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb but how well you bounce.” -Vivian Komori

Enroute to Lunar Commonwealth from NCR, Wastelands, Unclaimed Territory: Ginger Snaps

As the train rolls through the countryside of the wastelands I find myself smiling as I look out the window and think of the previous few weeks. I feel at peace. I am surrounded by my family, including my husband. To say it has been an adventure is, to say the least so far.

The stops at Hackamore and Harness were both enjoyable and informative. When we went to the company town above Harness Epona, Xochitl and I stopped in and discuss some business with the recruiters. The Colonel was not happy about us making her leave before we begin to talk with the recruiters there. In part, we were setting up a dead drop with them. Choo had asked us to do this before she left. The other thing is we made sure that in no uncertain terms are they to tell anyone that Epona and Tater are working for the Rangers now.

As we were explaining this to them one of them asked, “So how is Double Back turning out for you?”

I was a bit surprised at this and told him, “Well, so far so good. He has only been with us on a couple of jobs so far. But he seems to fit in.” I tilt my head wondering if he may be a problem then I probe a bit by asking, “So what is Double Back to you?”

He nodded his head with a serious expression. “He is my brother’s son.”

“You don’t look like a donkey, so how could his father have been your brother?”

“That is because he is a pony, just like us. Remember, our families are a bit different here in Harness.”

Both Xochitl and Epona nodded knowingly. Then I told him, “Well if you want to keep him safe, this needs to be kept quiet. Oh, and if you have any other recommendations for recruits to us, contact our business office in Manesville,” I tell him as I hoof him a card with the address on it.

He nodded his head and put the card in his desk drawer. “I can do that, but remember, our job is to recruit for the Harness Battalion first and foremost.”

While at Harness, Milo and his side of the family insisted that Xochitl and I share a room alone. They also celebrated our having gotten married.

Part of the fun of the visit there was watching all of Archer’s children from Hackamore get to know the rest of our family. The only problem with this was when we found out Moon Lily began to trade spells with her brother Pine Box. Not that there is a problem with that, but all the adults from our side of the family were afraid she would teach him some of the more, how shall we say this, dangerous ones.

Moon promised not to teach him those ones, but I will never forget walking to the kitchen one morning and bumping into somepony I could not see, and hearing “Sorry Ginger,” in a little colt’s voice, then a bit of a giggle.

I only shook my head and quietly said back, “No problem, but don’t do that too often, or let your parents know.”

Again, a slight giggle, “I won’t, thanks, big sis.” Then I continued on my way to get my coffee grinning at his youthful exuberance, and hoping he does not get into too much trouble.

We were in the area for only a couple of weeks before we finally could catch a train taking us to Hoofington.

Due to the line having to be clear for us to go ahead and our waiting on the sidings for oncoming traffic to pass, as well as the occasional breakdown, the trip has taken far longer than I had expected. In fact, I am reminded of this as we pass the E-3 Oasis from the backside when Xochitl says from next to me, “Wow, we could have made it on hoof in half the time to here.”

“Yeah, we could have, but last time we did not have our family or the dignitaries with us.”

Then I hear my brother Shadowbuck ask from the seats behind me, “WHOA, you guys have been through here before?”’

Both Xochitl and I sigh and nod our heads, “Yes Bucky, we have, but we were escorting a caravan.”

He grins at this and says, “So that was what you were doing when you were gone so long. Why didn’t you just say so.”

Xochitl looks around to make sure no one else is listening as he tells him, “Because that is a secret just for us, ok. Promise me you will not tell anyone else.”

He solemnly nods his head. Then he asks, “But why can’t I tell anypony?”

By now Epona has noticed our talking with him and slides into the seat next to him and quietly whispers to him, “Because with our jobs that could get us killed.”

His eyes go wide and he nods, “So your job is dangerous, sort of like working in the steam plants can be?”

His answer gets me to smile as he has just earned his cutie mark while working in the engine room of the S. Glimmer on our trip down here. This is his way of relating his understanding to us.

Epona solemnly nods her head and answers him, “Yes, but a bit more personal. With ours, they will come hunting for us.”

“OH, that is not good… I will keep my mouth shut.”

A week later as we are getting closer to the Lunar Commonwealth, just before we pull into the last station before the Commonwealth, we see something in the distant sky.

Momma Mollygirl looks at it and I see a look of worry come over her face, as well as that of Lieutenant Colonel Windrider.

Papa Archer asks me quietly, “Ginger, are my eyes deceiving me, or is that a raptor?”

I nod and reply, also quietly, “Yes, it is. From what I understand they are fairly common to see down here because of how close we are to Thunderhead.”

He puts a forehoof under his chin and rubs it slowly back in forth as he thinks. “That makes sense. How long before we see Thunderhead?”

I shrug as I tell him, “I am not sure papa, but I would not worry unless you see a group of them together.”

He nods his head. “Makes sense. Ok, I will stop bothering you about it. I just wonder how long it will take us to get there.”

As we pull into the station, I notice a familiar-looking stallion board the train. I am thinking about where I might have seen him before, as I watch Xochitl, returning from the restroom is stopped by him. They talk for several minutes and then I see my husband smile widely and nod his head.

When he sits beside me again, I see he is still in a positive mood. He quietly whispers to me, “He is from the Society. It seems we made an impression on them there as he remembered hearing about us from his wife and several others.”

“His wife? Did we meet his wife?”

He nods his head, “Yes, we did. Remember the older mare you talked to there? The one whose name was Honeysuckle?”

The name seems familiar then I ask, “Yeah, why?”

“It seems she is his wife. Oh, and, he is the one that Momma Magpie has been in contact with trying to locate Badger’s mother.”

I nod my head and smile as well at this. “So, is he willing to help us find her?”

He moves his ear affirmatively, “Yeah. That is part of the reason he is on this train. He wanted to see Badger and his family first.”

“I guess to make sure it was safe. But how did he know we were coming, much less what train we are on?” I say as I begin to frown.

Suddenly he is serious again, “That is a good question. I hope we find out it has a good answer.”

As the train arrives in the Commonwealth I notice this new arrival talking with Papa Badger and little Raven. It is as they are talking that we are formally introduced and I learn the stallion’s name is Upper Crust. He tells us how the Society has changed since Badger’s youth and welcomes us all to the Hoof. Finally, as we get ready to pull into the station he tells us, “The rest of you, as well. Take care he then turns and grabs his saddlebags from the overhead rack as the rest of us do the same.

Our entourage quickly exits the train. As my three-member team sets up a loose perimeter and overwatch, Papa Archer and the Colonel go and retrieve our cart. Once the carts are down, Badger harnesses up one, while Squall Line volunteers to take the one for everyone else.

All of the adults with us begin to put on our weapons. This almost makes us look like a team that is going to assault a target. After all, they have all heard how rough the Hoof can be. Even a few of the Ten Pony tower crew are putting on their holsters and taking out their long arms as we do this.

As they are gearing up, I see a member of the Brood, in a close-fitting cloak approach us. Once they are close to the Colonel they ask, “May I ask, what you all are doing here?”

The Colonel steps slightly closer and answers, “Yes, I am Lieutenant Colonel Mollygirl from the NCR Army. I am here with my family as well as a negotiation team to meet with the members of the Commonwealth’s leadership.”

We see him nod his head, “I see, and you feel you need that much hardware to meet with them?”

She looks at my family and the others and tells him, “No, but we do want to be prepared in case of trouble such as from raiders and such.”

He nods his head again and simply says, “I see.”

“Do you know where we may report in our business to the local officials?” She asks him.

The hooded pony nods their head and tells us, “You just have, welcome to the Hoof Colonel, please take care and try not to shoot if you do not need to.”

Mama Mollygirl seems surprised as Purple Haze and the others come up beside her and she asks, “Thank you, I appreciate your letting me know. Now could you tell me where we may find a good hotel for our delegation?”

He nods his head, “If you go over that way about five miles you will be fairly close to the Society and still a good distance from the Collegiate at the University, it is also not overly distant from Megamart, I assume you will want to do business with them also.”

Both Purple and her nod their heads. I am just remembering the layout of the city but before I can say anything Mollygirl asks, “Which way to Chapel from here?”

The cloaked pony cocks their head as they look at her, and asks, “Why would you want to go there? Don’t tell me you are one of those groupies for Security.”

She shakes her head and tells them, “No, I just want to pay my respects to someone who inspired me to Do Better, when I needed it most.”

They shake their head and reply, “I do not know why people consider her a hero. Look at all the damage that she did.”

She sighs and answers, “No one is perfect, including heroes. Perhaps, especially heroes.”

The head of the official turns the other way as if trying to look at her in a different light. “Interesting way of looking at it. I will have to remember that. Ok, I need to get going, I have others I have to question.”

As we begin to walk off, Moon Lily begins to shiver and she looks very uncomfortable. Mama Sutures asks her, “Sweetheart, what’s wrong? Are you ok?”

Moon answers her questions by asking, “Ma, can’t you feel it? The whole area, it, it feels twisted. Almost like I can hear the screams of those who were here before us.”

As she says this, Sutures put a hoof around her, her telling her, “It feels fine to me dear, maybe you are just imagining it.” However, this gets all three of my team's attention and causes us to look at each other.

“Ok you three, what is it? I saw how you reacted when she said that.” The Colonel asks us.

Epona looks again at me and Xocohitl as we nod our heads. Then she quietly tells her, “Ma, it is just that Choo Choo said the same thing when we were here a while back. She said it was like magical and spiritual scarring had happened here. She said it made her feel very uncomfortable. Twinks was with us and said she did not feel anything at all.”

The Colonel looks thoughtful briefly and then says, “Thanks for letting us know.”

As we continue, I can see Moon Lily bracing herself as she walks on. It makes me wonder just how she can experience it like Choo. I simply shrug and as we continue on our way to find lodging, I keep an eye out for any possible trouble.

*****

Hoofington, Luna Republic: Xochitl

As we disembark from the train finally, it feels good to be back on firm ground again. Granted it was a new experience to travel that far and that long on one, but I think it was one I could have done without. Especially with all of Ginger’s younger siblings. When Raven begged her father to read from his book on mechanical engineering because she was bored of what they already had was bad enough. Then at one point, she begged him that they not sing 100 Bales of Hay in the Loft again. That had me laughing, in part because I was feeling the same way about that song.

At the last station before we enter the Lunar Commonwealth we pick up a hoof full of passengers. One of which is a stallion I realize I have seen the last time we were visiting Elysium of the Society. However, while I recognize him, I never actually met him.

As I am coming back from the restroom, he stops me and asks in his highly formal high-class accent, “Excuse me, but I see you talking with many of the ponies on board that are in what seems to be a group. Are you one of them?”

I cautiously nod my head, “Yes, I recently married into the family, why?”

“Well, I happened to hear one of them called Magpie, and another Badger. Would they happen to come from the Manesville region?”

Again, I am suspicious, and answer, “Perhaps, but again, why do you want to know?”

He smiles, “Well you see I have been in contact with this Magpie from Manesville for several months now. It seems her husband used to live here as a child and left when still young. She was looking for his mother. And while I do know a mare who may be his mother, I wanted to find out a bit about them before I bring them up to her.”

This time I smile, “Well, to tell the truth, Magpie is only one of his four wives. He also has a brother husband. The foals with them are from both stallions.”

“Bloody hell. You do not say.” He seems very surprised. Then he asks, “Is that common where you come from?”

I shake my head, “No, no it is not. But honestly, I have known them since I was a foal and it seems to work for them.”

He smiles and nods, “I am glad to hear this. So how well do you know this, Badger?”

I take a deep breath and put my thoughts together as I do so. “Sir, I know him very well. He has been a mentor and a second father to me. He is not perfect, but he is a good father.”

At the last part, I see him almost beam and I wonder why. He then tells me, “When you get your lodgings in Hoofington, please send a message to me letting me know where. I have an invite I would like to send to your Mister Badger and his family for the Society. If you would do so, I would be most appreciative. Who knows, perhaps we can assist him in meeting his mother again.”

This time I smile again, I take the card, put it in my saddlebags, and quietly tell him, “Yes, that would be very nice. I will be in touch.”

After this I return to my seat and as I sit down next to Ginger. She asks me, “So who was that?”

I tell her about him, and the conversation we had. After I am done, I put my hoof around her and just enjoy what I have right now.

It is only a couple of hours later that we see a sign along the tracks that reads Welcome to the Lunar Republic, in large letters. Centered underneath these in slightly smaller letters it says, All visitors must report the purpose of their visit to Local officials.

Another difference between walking in and being on the train. I guess they figure if you are coming in on hoof you have a good reason. Or perhaps, the figure if you are riding the rails, you have enough caps to bear watching.

I have to say it was interesting to see the terrain that the train tracks ran through to get to the Hoofington station. I can tell they were laid during the war, as the area around the tracks was clear for the length of a buckball field on each side to make it easier to spot saboteurs.

In the distance, I can see some of the taller remaining buildings, including what looks like a large dome in the far distance. I guess that would be Reaper stadium. I smirk a bit remembering how we avoided that place so much the last time we were here. Hopefully, we can again.

The station itself is interesting as I would have thought for a city this large it would have had an enclosed one as they had at one time in Manehatten. But no, it is outdoors. As I look at it, it has three stories with a windowed turret on each corner. Each of which has a cone-shaped roof. The main roof is the typical flat slant thatched type, giving it a castle-like appearance. This is added to when I notice the damaged brick walls and the occasional automatic MG turrets on them.

Along the rails are covered platforms. As the train slows to a stop, I can see not only passengers waiting to get on, but members of the Brood wandering among them. As the train stops the Brood members begin to step forward and greet/question the new arrivals as they disembark.

As we get off the train Ginger signals to me and Epona with her ears and we establish a loose perimeter for the rest of our group as they begin to load their baggage on the carts and the adults begin to put on holsters and adjust their long arms.

As they do this I have to smile as I notice Mama Sumac has brought old Bessie with her and is strapping the old 10-gauge double-barrel shotgun across her back. Next to her, I notice Magpie has a small civilian rifle even. I did not even know she could shoot.

Just as everyone is about ready to get moving, I see a member of the Brood approach the Colonel and begin to question her about why we are here and what our intentions are. Among the discussion topics, I overhear her ask about the settlement of Chapel and how to get there. I understand why she wants to go there. It seems it has become a place often visited by those who idolized the pony that was known as Security. Having talked to Purchase Order and Tek, I understand enough to know she was a pony just like everyone else. Part of me wants to shake my head at the stories they told, but she was a hero when they needed one most down here. Sort of how Mollygirl was the LT for us when we needed her after Second Two Step and the fall back to the Valley.

The Brood officer eventually is ready to move on. Before he can go, she asks him where we may be able to find good lodgings for our party. He gives her some brief directions and then he turns and calls out to another group of ponies, “Excuse me, sir, ma’am, could I ask you a few questions.”

With that, we know we are free to go and begin to head in the direction of the hotels we were directed to. As we begin to go, I see little Moon Lily begin to shiver and look around worriedly. As we keep walking her mother goes up next to her, asking if she is ok. Her answer surprises me, as it sounds like what Choo Choo had described to us when we were here last time.

After her mother comforts her, the Colonel pulls the three of us to the side as we walk and asks us about our reaction and we tell her why. I see the look of surprise and minor horror that comes over her. After a while I see her look sadly at Moon Lily. She gives her a sad smile and slowly shakes her head.

We make our way through the streets fairly easily as we stay on the main roads. This allows me to get out front a bit with Ginger and Epona on the flanks. I do have to admit to myself that I miss having Tek with me on the streets here.

Eventually, we come to a large hotel. It is an old prewar structure that is still in reasonably good condition. Most of the windows have shutters and many even still have glass in them. From the outside, I can faintly see that they have electric lighting. The large slightly faded sign over the front porch proclaims it to be the Hoofington Grand Hotel.

The Colonel, along with Lieutenant Colonel Wind Rider and Aunt Purple all go inside to get us rooms for the duration of our stay. For some reason when they come back out, I see a bit of confusion on Wind Rider’s face, a smirk on Mollygirl’s, and a look of satisfaction on Aunt Purple’s as well as seeing her walk with her tail raised and a wide smile. They are being followed by several bellcolts as well.

Once they arrive back to us, they begin to give out room keys. “Ginger, you and your team are sharing the suite with the rest of the family, unfortunately, the three of you have to share the room.”

I hear both Epona and Ginger let out a bit of a sigh, I simply shrug my shoulders, “Thank you, Colonel. Before the rest of you enter the suite or the other’s their rooms, I would like our team to make a quick sweep of the rooms to make sure they are clear.”

The leaders of the delegation all agree with us on this and as we go up. We first check our family’s suite. As I do so I look out from the balcony to the scene below and must admire how good a field of fire it gives us, but also how well the concrete walls along it will provide some protection.

Once we have cleared all the rooms the members of the delegation and our families all pile into their rooms. The younger foals from Ginger’s family all share a single room. As they go in, I hear them comment about it. Then from the communal bathroom, I hear first water running, then the Colonel says, “Oh thank Sweetcream, hot water.”

When I smirk at that I hear my wife say, “What is so funny about that? I thought you would enjoy a nice hot bath too.”

I shake my head, “No dear it is not that. I was just thinking of how much it matters to her. She always seems so tough.”

“Well, all mares need a little pampering dear. Just remember that.”

Later that night the entire delegation has dinner in the hotel’s dining room. While the food is very good for what you normally find in Hoofington and better than what we normally got the last time we were here, it is not nearly as good as we get at home. This is brought home to me when I overhear Millie whisper to Rain Dancer, “Aren’t you glad your family moved to the Co-op now.”

He then asks her, “What do you mean?”

“Well, if this is good eating down here, what is their normal food like? It really makes me miss Wanderers from when we go to visit Manesville.”

While he laughs, I fight my laughter down as I know his mother invested in the dirty feedbag named Wanderers back home. But to be fair, I miss their food right now as well. However, it does feel nice to be able to relax and enjoy the meal and company tonight.

As the evening progresses, I am able to contact Mother Magpie separately from the others. “Mother Magpie, can I talk to you for a minute?”

She smiles, “Of course Xochitl, what is it?”

I look around and tell her, “On the train, the stallion from Elysium and the Society, told me you had been in contact with him trying to find Father Badger’s mother.”

She looks surprised and replies to me, “I have been in touch by mail with somepony down here concerning that, but I did not put the names together. Why do you ask?”

I smile slightly, “He gave me his business card and asked me to let him know where we are staying so that he could send us an invite to Elysium. Should I do so Mother Magpie?”

I see her think briefly and she answers, “Yes, please do. I do not think most would try to use something like that as a way of fooling us. Too many details to get straight. Besides, I am sure you met him the last time we were down here.”

I nod my head, “Not him, but his wife. Ginger and I talked with her while we were there the last time.”

I see a look of triumph come over her face as she says, “I knew it. I knew you guys had been up to something down here when you were gone so long.”

I feel myself blush as I realize she has just tricked me into admitting where we were down here. I will have to remember to watch that. Especially with her. I smile shyly and tell her, “Yes, and please, keep it quiet as with our line of work, it could get us killed or at least embarrass the powers that be.”

She smiles knowingly, “Got it, treat it like before the war and one of the Pinks got their cover blown.”

“Yes, that sounds good. Thank you.”

Later that evening, I go down to the main desk. There is a mare running the desk currently. She looks up as I approach and asks in a slightly condescending tone, “Is there something I can do for you?”

I reach into my saddlebag and pull out the message with its recipient and their location conspicuously on it and tell her, “Yes, I need a personal message delivered by tomorrow morning.”

At first, she still seems contemptuous toward me, but when she sees the address and recipient she asks me nervously, “You said personal message?”

I nod again, using my best Aunt Purple Haze tone of voice, “Yes, personal. As in, from one pony who knows one person to another. Is that hard to understand?”

“Oh, no sir. I will make sure it gets sent immediately. That will be four caps.”

While that does seem a bit excessive, I also realize it is getting late and would involve a slight surcharge for that as well. “Very well, thank you. And here is an extra cap for yourself.” I tell her as I slide five caps to her. After she has called a messenger and given him the letter, I return upstairs just in time to hear Ginger saying, “Yes Papa Archer, I do think I know who we can get some artillery pieces from. Just, how do I say this? Do not trust him fully.”

He nods his head, “Ok, thank you. I am just glad you have given us the rundown of the rules for Mega Mart. No need to step on anyone’s hooves accidentally.”

As we settle into bed for the night Ginger asks me, “Dear, I hope you don’t mind my having given them the rundown on Mega Mart?”

In the dim light I shake my head slightly and tell her, “No, not at all, they should have a heads up. Besides, Mama Sumac already knows we have been to Elysium.”

From the other side of the room, I hear Epona say, “Don’t blame me, I did not say anything.”

I laugh lightly and reply, “No, she tricked me this evening into admitting it.”

I feel Ginger shrug, then I hear her ask, “So Epona, you ready to see Purchase again?”

In a nervous voice she answers, “Yes, I just hope we can spend some time together while we are here.”

“Sis, we will do our best for you ok?”

“Thanks, Ginger, I really appreciate it. Now we best get some sleep. I am just glad the hotel has such good defenses we don’t need to set a watch.”

Smiling, I must agree as I slowly fall asleep thinking about our route and thinking of what we will have to watch out for on our way there.

*****

Foal Mountain, Ministry of Peace Supply Depot, NCR Territory: Choo Choo

As we follow the winding road up the mountain, above us we can see what looks to be a checkpoint set up on a flat area ahead of us. Once close enough we can hear an occasional shout as well as gunfire or Magical Energy Weapons firing.

“Big Blue, this is Wild P, request permission to sneak and peak ahead to see what we are getting into.”

I think briefly and tell him, “Affirmative, Take Big Bang with you.”

With that, both Sunny and Morning Mist take to the air. They fly nap of the earth as far as they can and still not be seen. Then they land and continue to advance on hoof. They are far enough ahead of the rest of us that even I have trouble seeing them.

Soon I hear over the radio, “Big Blue, this is Wild P. Uh, we have a problem here. Could you personally join us?”

What now I ask myself. I count to three so that the frustration does not show in my voice. Then I ask, “What kind of problem do you need me for?”

“Uh, Choo, It seems they doubled up on teams here and this other team thinks me and Big Bang are Enclavers.”

I put my hoof to my forehead and shake my head. “Damn it, why can’t things go according to plan?” I ask aloud to nopony. Then I answer back on the radio, “This is Big Blue, on my way.” I then turn to Twinks, “Bring them up but be cautious. Just in case, you know how it is. For all we know they could be hired mercs by the Enclave.”

“You got it, boss. You heard the mare, let's get going,” she says as I take off and fly as fast as I can, yet still being cautious.

When I near the top of the ridge where the flat spot appears to me, I decide to put on a show, I put up my shield and go high very quickly, and put on my best faux Luna. As I zoom up, I can see several ponies below me hiding behind concrete barriers. Beyond the barriers, I see a road leading down to a tunnel entrance at which I see at least one Sentinel security bot and one ponitron. My two team members are further back and off to the side of the clearing in a small grove of trees and brush. The only reason I can see them is that they are marked brightly on my EFS. The others around them are marked in yellow as well, so I at least believe they are neutral still. I guide myself over that way and gently float down. As I begin to land, I hear one of them say, “Nope, they must be telling true, can’t be Enclave if they have an alicorn with ‘em.”

Once I am on all four hooves again, I simply nod to the one who I heard talking. I then turn to Sunny and Morning Mist and ask, “You said you needed me. Perchance you would deem to tell me why?”

I swear Morning Mist starts to blush and Sunny says, “Boss, I can explain…”

Oh, this is not going to be good if he is starting out that way. “Yes, please do.”

As we are talking, I see some of the other team’s members pointing at my flank and whispering. As I wait to hear his explanation, I see something I had not expected at all. What I thought was a typical light green pony is of an equine shape, but I quickly notice their cloven hooves, dual-pronged horn on their head as well as scales on top of their muzzle and along their back, their thin tail that ends with a Dark green cluster of hair and a mixed forest and light green mane that does not run down their neck but instead circles their face.

I do not say anything to the Kirin. The last time, I saw one was through Unity and some of my sisters were fighting them. Instead, I simply nod. To which they nod back respectfully but with one eyebrow raised.

“Boss, it seems two teams got assigned to the same target this time. They have been having fights with the Enclave as well as the robots inside for the last couple of days.”

I nod my head, then turn to the others and ask, “Ok, who is in charge here?”

a tough-looking light blue earth pony stallion with a red mane and tail and a scar crossing over his left eye steps forward, “I am princess, now who are you?”

I tilt my head slightly and ask him, “And who are you?”

He gives me a half grin, “I like that, Ok princess, you can call me Mort.”

I nod my head, “Just call me Big Blue, Mort. So, who sent you here, and better yet, who are you?”

He grins, “Well, I really can’t say who sent us here. But let’s just say, they have pretty long talons if you know what I mean.”

I smirk at the hint, “Yeah, I have to say I think so, may we also say someone also who walks lightly?”

He grins and says, “Yeah, I like that. Yes, I do.”

“So, who are you?”

He holds up a hoof, “I went first last time, you answer first this time.”

“Well, we are just a bunch of repair ponies.”

He nods his head, “Yeah, we are some troubleshooters ourselves.”

“Where are you out of?” I ask.

“All over, most of my team are from Baltimare and Manehatten. Smiley over there,” he says as he points towards the Kirin, “Well he is from further west, he really does not say where. Of course, he does not really say much at all normally either. How about your crew?”

I nod toward Sunny and Morning Mist, “Those two both are from White Cloud. Wild P was raised there. Big Boom, well he immigrated there after Thunderhead had its tussle with the rest of the Enclave.”

Mort suddenly looks angry, “SO, he was an Enclaver.”

I raise a hoof, “The key word being was. He has spent most of his life in the Manesville region. He has served a full contract with the NCRA and is now a member of my team.”

He calms down and asks, “I assume you are not alone, how about them?”

“The rest are from the Manesville region, except for DD, he is from Harness.”

He brings back his head slightly and asks, “I’ve heard of Manesville, but what is the Harness place?”

“Harness is a fairly large settlement down by Hackamore.”

“Can’t say I have ever heard of either of them, but if you say so.”

I nod, “The rest of my team should be here shortly. In the mean times how about, we go over what we have here?”

He looks one last time at my flank and shakes his head. I overhear him muttering under his breath, “So one of them did get it back. I wonder what that means for the rest of them?” Then he begins to lead us towards a small shelter off to the side, “Let them go, but keep an eye on them,” he tells the ones who were guarding Sunny and Morning Mist.

Once we hit the rudimentary shelter made from debris, he pulls out a map of the area. He then tells me as he points a hoof at it, “Ok, that area there is the tunnel entrance. When we approached it we have been attacked by at least two robots, but we believe we have seen more.”

“You said you have had issues with Enclave troopers as well?”

He nods his head, “Yes,” again he points to two different spots on it, “We have encountered Enclave field troopers in these two areas already. Just skirmishes, but they have backed off. The second time we saw one of their vertibucks crash.”

This time I raise an eyebrow. “Any idea what brought it down?”

He shakes his head, “That is the interesting part, they fired on us as we were approaching the wreck. We were going to check for survivors. So, we are not sure if it was survivors, or an Enclave Search and Rescue team that shot at us. We lost one of our team members that way.”

I flick my ears in understanding. Then I hear Twinks call out, “Hey Wild P, you and the boss ok up there?”

Mort turns his head and looks at me. “The rest of your team?”

I smile and nod to him, “Yes,” then I turn my head and call out, “Come on up Danger. Have the rest wait with Wild P and DD.”

Soon she approaches me and asks, “Ok Boss, so what’s up?”

I introduce her to Mort and then tell her, “It seems we got sent on the same mission. Either the signals got crossed, or this is more important than we imagined.”

She nods her head, then she asks, “So what do you want us to do?”

I look at Mort and tell her, “We were just discussing what has been going on and what we have seen so far. It seems our team has more underground experience in the field than the Trouble Shooters, but they outnumber us.”

“So, are we the reserve or the point of the spear Boss?”

I smirk, she has come a long way. Then I ask her, “What do you know about robotics?”

I hear her sigh, “Choo, I know all about their spell matrixes and the theory of how to hack them. But I never even seen one up close before.”

I sigh, something else we need to work on back home. “Ok, Mort, I have an idea, but it will require you to support us to get in there.”

“Ok Big Blue lets here it.”

So, I begin to lay out my plan to get us to the tunnel entrance. As I say this, I see the discomfort on Twinks face and I notice her ears slide back some.

Mort notices this and snickers a bit. “Can’t say I blame you Danger, but it comes with the job. Don’t worry, we will give you plenty of support.”

“Ok, Boss, let’s go talk to the rest of the team and let them know what is up,” Twinks tells me.

Mort looks at me questionably when she says this and I tell him, “On my team, we try to do a quick brief before we go in when possible. I find it helps everyone to know what is expected of them.”

He shrugs, “Your team, you run it your way. My people just do what I tell them.”

I twitch an ear in understanding, then I ask, “But what happens if something happens to you?”

“Well, in that case, we are in big trouble,” he tells me.

When he says this, I shift my wings and walk out with Twinks to the rest of my team. I give them a quick rundown of the situation and what we are going to do. Most do not seem overly happy with it, but all understand the necessity.

We are just about ready to begin when I hear a set of vertibirds flying in our direction again. I call out to my people, “Hold fast until I give the word.”

Next to me, Mort does the same. As the vertibucks come over first flying high, a set of armored pegasi troopers jump out of each of them. The veritbucks switching from jinking to a straight flight path. I watch as they drop the first two hundred feet then they open their wings and begin to avoid the rockets and MEW’s from the robots below. As the vertibucks begin to swing back to provide fire support I watch the sentinel bot open fire with its rockets at it again. This time one of the engines is ripped off the closest. As the first one crashes, the second one breaks off its attack run and flies away over the ridgeline.

Both Mort and I grin at each other and order our people, “Open fire, on all targets in front of the tunnel. Weapons free.”

As we open up, I see the confusion on the parts of both parties below. The pegasi are caught by surprise in a crossfire and soon several of them go down. I also see them take out both ponitrons and the Sentinel is disabled. But they are soon joined by a Mister Hoovesies. In the distance, I can hear the pegasi screaming orders and in pain. The robots broadcast insults and demand that pegasi stand still and die like the zebra traitors they are.

As the gunfire below begins to slack, I tell Twinks, “Danger, get on my back now. DD, Wild P, go low and fast for a strafing run, the rest of you advance in rushes with the other team.”

Twinks climbs on my back and as I take to the air, I use my invisibility spell and we glide down as fast as I can to right behind the Sentinel bot. As we land Twinks jumps down and is immediately visible but I drop my invisibility spell and cast a shield to protect her from fire from other sources.

Twinks runs up and opens a control panel on the back of the huge, murderous, combat robot. I watch as she quickly taps in a code and soon, I see the Sentinel go slack. Then I hear it restart and it begins to fire at the Mister Hoovsies first, then the pegasi. I am very happy to see it is ignoring the two teams of the NCR currently. Soon the remaining three pegasi troopers take to the sky and fly away as fast as they can down the ridge, performing escape and evasion maneuvers as they go.

As the others of our teams come up, I see two wounded Enclave troopers throw down their weapons. I then hear the Sentinel say, “All hostile forces eliminated, returning to maintenance for repairs.”

As it does so, both Twinks and I begin to treat the wounded. Mort then asks, “What are you doing that for?”

“Because they are still alive and we can take them, prisoner,” Twinks tells him.

“But why? We can’t take them inside with us.”

I sigh and turn briefly from the pegasus I am treating for a badly wounded leg. “If we can’t take them with us, we stabilize them the best we can, then we bind them so they cannot escape and we take them with us once we come back out.”

He then looks at Twinks and me and asks, “You two are your team's medics?”

Twinks nods her head, “I am also the team’s tech and only the third in our chain of command. Our number two is on a separate mission.”

He seems surprised, “You mean there are more of you?”

I grin at this and tell him, “Oh yes. Why?”

He seems confused at first and asks, “Why would they only send in part of your team?”

I shrug as I tie off the bandage on the exposed leg. Then ask Twinks, “You remembered to disable their spell matrix for their power armor, didn’t you?”

She grins, “Of course Boss. Can’t have them sneaking off in all that armor, can we?”

Next, we treat some minor wounds on our and Mort’s team. Once we are done, I turn to Mort, “You ready for us to take point again, or do you want the honor?”

He laughs out loud when I say this. Then he responds, “Princess, there is no such thing as honor in this job.”

I shake my head, “I take it that means you want us on point again.”

He grins, “Mares first.”

This time I laugh, “Ok, maybe not honor, but at least courtesy.” I stand up, stretch my wings and tell my people, "OK, breaks over, weapons at the carry, let's form the stack, two by two. Remember, no auto fire unless we are getting overwhelmed.”

Mort suddenly asks, “Why no auto fire?”

I tilt my head as I tell him, “Because every bullet underground burns up our oxygen. Enough of them and we cannot breathe. I once served with a mule who was a miner who taught me that.”

He grins, “Princess, you keep surprising me.” He turns to his team, “You heard the mare, no auto fire underground. Smiley, please try not to go Nirik on us while we are in there.”

The Kirin nods his head and simply answers back, “I will try not to.”

After this Sunny takes point again along with Morning Mist and we file one by one past the tunnel entrance and into the relative darkness inside reforming into two staggered columns with a pony’s length between us as we work our way forward.

*****

Rainbow Dash Skyport. Enclave Territory: Ball Lightning

I find it hard to believe, but I am glad to be dirt side again. The last rotation home was ok, but after the first couple of days, Sundancer and her team shipped out for their next mission. Unfortunately, I have no idea where they went this time.

After she left, I hung around some with Dad and his new mare. My rotation actually matched up with Down Draft’s as well. It was the second time we were out for drinks when he told me, “Ball, I really have to thank you for introducing me to Altocumulus. He really means a lot to me.”

I smile and nod, “No problem Down. I am just glad you two get along so well.”

He laughs, “You could say that. Ball, I am thinking of asking him to get married. What do you think?”

I laugh this time, “I can’t see why not. Besides, you already know who his work wife is.”

He nods his head. “True Ball. But I never would have met him without you and Sundancer.”

“My friend, I was glad to introduce you two. But I will admit, I am surprised at how fast you two have moved.”

He shrugs, “Come on Ball, in our line of work, we have to move fast. So, it makes sense.”

“One thing you might want to consider is, how are you going to handle the long separations? I know they are coming.”

He shrugs, “No different than if he was a Cloudie on a skyship I guess.”

“True, but at least then you could expect mail and get an idea of where he was going or been.”

He turns his head to the side slightly and asks, “Ball, are you ok?”

“Yeah, just missing her is all.”

“You aren’t having second thoughts, are you?”

I put a hoof on his shoulder, “No, I am not. I just am worried about her is all.”

Soon after this, we change the subject to other topics. Then he asks me, “Ball, what can you tell me about this White Cloud place? Alto didn’t say anything about it.”

I sigh, then I look around and tell him, “Nothing, but I think we both have had enough to drink for now. Let’s go for a walk.”

He nods his head and we begin to leave. As we do I see a couple of others get up and begin to follow us. They are walking in the same direction we are. After the fourth left turn, I know we are being followed. I laugh quietly to myself and signal with my ears for him to look behind us. When he does. He chuckles to himself. Then he turns around and walks up to them and tells the taller one. “Look, I told you last week, I was not interested, besides, twenty bits is too expensive for that.”

They both look surprised. Then Ball says, "Besides, I only go for one on one, you said you preferred multiple partners.” He turns to the other one and says, “You two are disgusting. What kind of Pegasi are you? I should turn you both in.”

Both are standing there in shock with their jaws hanging down. Then Down Draft loudly says, “And to think you are both cops and you are doing such things. Disgusting, you should be branded and tossed out.”

I see they are in shock; I then walk up and identify myself and I tell them, “I am going to be nice about this as I did not hear any of that before, but you have ten seconds to get out of here or I am going to arrest you and take you in for questioning, do I make myself clear?”

I see the confusion on their faces as they try to process what has changed, then one turns to the other and motions for them to leave. They quickly fly away.

Then Down asks me, “You know you probably made yourself a target, right?”

I shrug, “Maybe, but now they are afraid of getting branded or having their covers fully blown. Either way, they will be backing off for a bit.”

As we continue to walk, I look for any other tails, and seeing none, I begin to tell him about White Cloud and how if something bad occurs it is our meeting point. I trust Down Draft; I must or what I have just told him could end up with all of us being branded and labeled traitors.

Two days later I am called into my CO’s office, “Ball, what is this about you having threatened to bring in two of the Enclave intelligence officers on charges of being Dashites?”

I shrug, “Sir two nights ago I was out with a friend having dinner. He asked me about a location that I have been to but am not at liberty to talk about. So, I told him we had enough to drink and I decided we needed to walk the alcohol out of our systems. As we were doing this, I noticed two ponies following us. Dust has had an incident with them recently that made it sound like they engaged in questionable activities, so I confronted them also. At no time did they identify who or what they are. But I am assuming these two stallions must be the ones you are discussing.”

“So, they never presented any id or badges?”

“No sir. They did not. I was unsure until today who or what they were.”

“OK, thank you for clarifying that. I will respond to the complaint. They should have identified themselves to you.”

“Thank you, sir. Anything else?”

He nods his head, “Just as a heads up, next time you go down below, they are talking about shifting us to guard duty at the Rainbow Dash Skyport. It seems the market over there has begun to pick up more business and they would like us to provide more security there.”

I nod my head, “Make sense. Do we want to set up security as they have over at the Mega Mart, or are we staying with our standard security model?”

He looks at me and shakes his head, “Now why am I not surprised you know about Mega Mart and its security setup?”

I shrug, “Sir, I only go where my superiors want me to.”

“I understand that. It just makes me wonder where all they have been sending you and why?”

“Sir, I really wish I could tell you why, but sometimes, even I wonder.”

He laughs a bit. “Ok, I can understand that. So, I take it you are not upset at being sent to the Skyport instead of staying at Marimare?”

I simply shrug, “Sir, I am sure that the accommodations there can be no worse than some of the others I have enjoyed since I joined up.”

He looks at me with his head tilted to the side and his ears shift briefly, “Ball, I am pretty sure you are not understating that by half. Some day I would love to know what you really were up to. But since I can’t right now, let’s get to planning your troops deployment and what we expect of you there.”

“Sounds good sir,” I tell him, then we begin to make our plans.

It is a couple of weeks later that we finally rotate down to the Skyport. As we land on the tarmac, I can begin to see why the battalion commander was worried.

Unlike Marimare with its former military buildings and barracks, this was strictly a civilian facility for travel. I can see the ruins to the side of the old Mareymont hotel that serviced travelers here. The main terminal is now the hub of activity for most of the base. However, off to the side, I can see several hangers that were used for airships and ridged-winged aircraft at one time. In the distance on another tarmac, I can see a raptor class airship has landed and is being either loaded or offloaded by its crew. I have a hard time seeing them as the way is blocked by the wreckage of an old civilian airship from the Final Day. Its metal frame shows through its outer skin in some areas.

As we approach the terminal building, I see a representative from the Volunteer Corps approaching us in their unique barding. Once close enough he calls out over the rotor noise of the Vertibucks, “Lieutenant Ball, welcome to RBD Skyport, please follow me along with the rest of your people.”

He then turns around and trots toward a door on the lower side of the terminal building. I turn to my 1st sergeant and tell her, “You heard him Top, bring ‘em in.” Then as I begin to follow, she gives the command and my platoon trots along behind us into the terminal. Once we are inside, I see through the cracked windows the transport Vertibucks we landed in lift-off, twist, and fly quickly away.

As they go I ask, “Have there been problems around her lately?”

He shrugs, “I figured you would have assumed that since we are beefing up the defenses here. It seems since a gang war a couple of months back some of the local hotheads have decided that they should let us know their displeasure, Lieutenant.”

Inside I cringe when I hear this, but I play dumb and reply, “Really, do you know why they are after us if it was a gang war?”

He laughs, “Sir you must be new down here if you are asking that. But according to rumors the gangs are saying the VC was running guns to some of them and set them up.”

I fight the urge to react in any way. Instead, I simply say, “I wonder what kind of assholes would do something like that and why? Well, hopefully, it is just a rumor. I mean if it was real, that would make the VC more of a target.”

“Exactly, I am glad to hear you understand the kind of problem that could cause.” We reach what was once a waiting area for a boarding ramp but now is divided up with scraps of metal and wood. Many of the windows in this area have been boarded over or are just empty. I notice that there are enough bunks for my platoon here just as he tells me, “Sir, this area here will be your platoon’s personal area. Just down that hallway there is the main security office where you will have a cubicle with a desk. That is also where we have the security detention center.”

“What about the armory?”

He looks at me with surprise all over his face, “Sir, down here your troops will remain underarms at all times. That comes from the facility commander. Lieutenant, it is far too dangerous down here for your people not to be ready if we need them.”

“Ok, got it. So, who do I report to?”

“If you will follow me, sir, I will take you to the facility commander's office and introduce you to the Colonel. She works hoof in hoof with the Volunteer Corps. Also, she has been waiting for you.”

I nod my head, then I tell 1st Sergeant Bulls Eye Squall, “1st, were home, assign the troops their bunks and have them get ready to begin our assignment. I will be back in a bit.”

She nods her head, “Yes sir. Will do.” Then as I head off, she calls out, “Ok 1st squad follow me. The rest of you wait for your turns. Bring your gear.”

As I follow the volunteer further into the terminal, I notice the hallway takes a couple of twists. Finally, we come to the security office. As we enter, I notice one wall with a bank of still functioning monitors on it. When I look at the monitors, I notice many of the former shops have been reopened, but often with different products. Although I do notice what was once an old Barns and No Bells books shop looks to have a good selection. I find myself smiling though as a camera pans across one area of the terminal and I notice all the small temporary shops that have been set up, much like those in Mega Mart and Meat Locker.

The VC guide stops and asks, “Surprised?”

I shake my head, “No, not really, I do have to say I approve of the setup you have for the vendors.”

It is then that I notice another camera scan across one of the terminals and I see crops being grown inside. I turn to him and tell him, “That does surprise me.”

This time he grins, “Good. That means most others will not expect it, or target it either. It started by accident, but we thought it was a good way to provide fresh vegetables for our people here, and we do occasionally sell off the surplus. It helps to support our operations here.” He pauses, “Are you ready to continue?”

“Yes, of course. Lead on.” I tell him.

Soon we are outside an office that has a plague on its door that reads Facility Superintendent. As he opens it, I see a familiar face, the mare behind the desk is wearing a Lieutenant Colonels uniform. The last time I saw her she was still a Major and was going by the name of Sun Storm, I smile at the mare with her orange coat and fiery red and yellow mane and tail. She is still wearing sunglasses and has her pipe hanging out of the chest pocket of her uniform.

She stands up as I enter, “Welcome Lieutenant.” She turns to the VC member and tells them, “Thank you for bringing him to me, please close the door and wait outside.”

Once they are gone, she tells me, “Ball, take a seat.” Once I am seated, she sits down also, “I am glad to have you back here. Overall, your unit is to provide security for this facility, however, I also may call upon you to work the Darkside if you know what I mean.”

While I am surprised at this turn of events, I am composed enough to nod my head and tell her, “No problem, ma’am. I do have to admit, I only have one other member of my previous team with me.”

She nods her head, “I do understand that. I know the Sergeant Major is now on the battalion’s staff and I heard about the one turncoat. Also, congratulations on your marriage to Sundancer.”

I am surprised she knew about this and I guess it shows on my face as she tells me, “What, you didn’t think we would not keep tabs on our operatives now did you?”

She then looks up at me and tells me, “By the way, we have verified reports of at least three of those NCR ponies that caused you so much trouble when you were last working for me directly being back in Hoofington. They are with a trade and military delegation. I may be asking you and your people to help with that again.”

This time I grin, “Sounds good ma’am. Just tell me when and where.”

*****

That last song was from Velvet Remedy, this is Chrome Microphone bringing you the music and news to the Wastelands. Tonight’s top story once again involves the Enclave and their continued incursions into NCR territory. There are reports of continued skirmishing between Enclave and NCR forces. One of the recent reports involves NCR forces being driven away from a previously unopened Stable. Reports are that the Stable was dead except for one pony who survived the terrible incident that killed the rest of its inhabitants.

In other news during discussions with the Enclave, the NCR has been offered to join the Enclave, but will first have to disband all military and governmental functions. The Enclave offering to take over these for them. However, it was also hinted that all non-ponies would have to either leave the said territory or be destroyed. This of course was unacceptable to both the NCR diplomats as well as the NCR leadership.

As a tip remember when traveling in the wastelands that an empty Sparkle Cola bottle can be refilled and you can use a cork or carve a stick into a stopper as an emergency canteen. So don’t just throw them away and keep the cap when you are done with them.

I am Chrome Microphone and I will be bringing you more news and tips to keep you alive after this next song, here is Open Your Eyes.

Author's Note

I haven't said this in a while, but again I would like to thank Kkat for creating the universe of Fallout Equestria that brings us together as shown by so many other authors who have added to her universe.

While not as action-packed as some chapters, we are beginning to see a lead-up for what will come later. Please be a bit patient, the action will come.

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkcdMJoaKjU