Chapter 32 Unfriendly Acts

“Damn real live people, getting in the way of peaceful ideals.” ― John Scalzi, Old Man's War

Lunar Commonwealth: Gingersnaps

Normally I would not think to knock on the door of my own hotel room, but after the incident two weeks ago with Epona and Purchase, well, that has changed. So now both Xochitl and I knock before going in. Honestly, Xochitl and I did not even know she was still here that day.

Xochitl was just finishing up getting his wounds taken care of by Mama Sutures from the incident at the Reaper territory. I had just walked into our room to store my field kit when I was greeted by the sight of my sister and her marefriend in a very private moment and Epona yelling, “Close the door before the youngsters see us.”

I held up a forehoof and am almost speechless, finally, I simply tell them, “Sorry about that, uhm, carry on?” as I backed out of the room and gently closed the door behind me.

Needless to say, most of my parents thought it funny as all Tartarus. Well except for Mama Sumac who told them after they came out of the room, “Next time hang a scarf on the doorknob or something.”

This time there is no answer, so I go in and begin to check my equipment.

As I do this, I find myself worrying about Ma. The day Papa Badger met his mother again, while the rest of the family was visiting with Badger’s mother, she went over to Chapel to visit Security’s grave. I know she never met her, but for some reason, she felt a connection. When we got there, she was talking to a young mare that it turned out that Xochitl and I had met during the expedition in JR-7.

Her eyes were swollen and I could see where the tears had streaked her cheeks. However, after we left there, she seemed better for some reason. It was also on this walk to the hotel from Chapel that we got the invite to the Hoofington Stadium.

The reception that night was nothing special for our team. After all, we were not guests, we were the help. So, we got to watch the others, eat, dance, and talk. Though I did overhear some interesting conversations. One of which was between an Enclave Lieutenant Colonel and one of the society members.

The Lieutenant Colonel had taken one of the members of the society to the side and, as we were the help, forgot I was there as they asked, “So, Business Repartee, how have your talks been going with the NCR representatives?”

The light-yellow unicorn with a monocle and wearing a tux, answers back, “So far they have had a good start, we have made it clear, that we are only interested in trading food and luxury items, they will not be able to obtain any weapons from us, or the Commonwealth.”

“Good, I am glad to hear that, I hope you are giving them the same kind of terms for the trade of these items as you do us.”

“Oh, most certainly. We are making sure that we maintain the balance of trade with them as well. Besides, I find it interesting that while talking with them, I have found out that while part of the trade delegation comes from Ten Pony Tower, a proper bit of civilization; the rest are bumpkins from out in the country and have all worked getting their hooves dirty in their fields.” He laughs lightly, “They even tried to brag how their regional leaders still would work in the fields like common serfs.”

The officer laughed lightly back, “Yes, now that you mention it, I can see how their behavior would indicate that. Definitely not what I would call wholesome though. I mean, look at that one Lieutenant Colonel with all the spouses.”

“I know,” says the society type, “And look at her scars, I wonder if she was once a raider warlord or something. I mean we know the NCR is not too picky on who it has run things.”

As they talk, I only listen, and I successfully fight to keep my emotions from showing through.

I then hear the Enclave officer say, “Please do remind your government that if things continue to escalate between us and the NCR, it is in all of your best interest to stay neutral.”

“So, things look that bad do they?”

“Not yet, but they are heading that way. I just wish our President would give the word for open hostilities. I have had enough of this gentle prodding. I mean, just last week we had reports of one of our search and rescue teams being ambushed over in the Foal Mountains.”

“You do not say. Ponies such as that do not deserve our respect, much less our assistance.”

“I am glad to hear you say that,” the officer says just before he takes another sip of his drink.

Across the room I see Epona standing near the bar in a similar manner to me. I notice one of the staff members approaches her, whispers something in her ear and she nods her head. I attempt to read her lips and it appears she simply says, “Thank you for telling me.” She then nods my way.

OK, we will talk about it later, I guess. A short time later I watch as a ghoul, who I know is the advisor of the First Citizen approaches Ma Mollygirl and Mama Magpie. I focus my attention on them as Ma walks off with the ghoul by themselves and steps outside the main room. Shortly afterward I see her come back into the room with a concerned expression on her face. But that changes to a smile when I watch Lieutenant Colonel Wind Rider grab her with a wing and drag her to talk to the same Enclave officer as earlier for an introduction and to chat. I must fight the urge to laugh as I watch the look of surprise and then discomfort come over his face as Wind Rider excitedly talks to him along with Ma.

I also enjoy watching my parents take turns dancing with each other. This is a rarity for me to see. I look to the corner door by the kitchen and I see Xochitl looking at me. When he sees me look, I notice his brief loss of professionalism as he blows a kiss at me and smiles. This gets me to smile as I know that if he could he would be dancing with me right now too.

As I shift my eyes around the room, I also see several other security types there as well, most of them standing off to the side being unobtrusive as possible. I usually notice them when I see them shift and the bulge of a weapon or of protective armor underneath their clothing shifts. Few of them are dressed as nicely as our team, and I doubt any of them are wearing ballistic weaves as the material for their suits or dresses. Sewing Bobbin out did herself on these and I now realize they are worth every cap we paid. Besides, being from the NCR, most do not realize whose security we are. I overhear a couple of the Society ponies talking and one says to the others, “I wonder where we picked up these new security ponies. I have not seen them before.”

Another Society pony replies to him, “I will have to ask. It seems we have really upped the standards for our guards’ attire at events. It is nice to see for a change.”

They continue to talk in front of me and I just keep my stone face as I scan the crowded room. Shortly before they move on though I overhear the first stallion telling the other, “Well, we do need to do something about our fields. Elysium may be doing well enough, but mine and several other of the society farms are not producing as much as we once were.”

The other tells him, “I have heard that the Collegiate has started to increase their food production, perhaps we can find out how they have done it.”

“Yes, perhaps, but we may have trouble sneaking somepony in there now.”

“True, but what else can we do Vega Granja?”

He looks in the direction of several of the NCR delegation members and says in a snide tone of voice, “Perhaps the bumpkins from the NCR may have some knowledge, they claim to produce enough food to ship it out.”

The other sighs, “Perhaps, but Vega, do we really want to sink that low?”

Vega Granja shrugs his shoulders and answers, “Perhaps, but we should avoid it if we can.”

“What if they want an alliance to help them against the Enclave?”

The one called Vega laughs harshly, “That will not happen, our constitution forbids military actions except in self-defense. If the Enclave were to attack us, we might ask them for help, but otherwise, they are on their own” They both seem satisfied by the answer and decide to head over to the bar to refill their drinks.

It is a couple of hours later that Purple Haze gives us the signal to prepare to depart. As I begin to move toward the door and the rest of the delegation, the one stallion who earlier was talking to Vega Granja puts a hoof on my shoulder and tells me, “Where do you think you are going? You need to get back to your post.”

I stop and knock his hoof off my shoulder. I look him dead in the eyes and tell him, “I do not work for you or the Society. My team and I are contracted to the NCR delegation. However, if in the future you would like to contract me or my compatriots you may do so through my Grandmother Honey Creeper, or by contacting the address on this card.” I tell him as I hoof him a business card.

I see his jaw drop and I can almost hear something break inside of him as he realizes the implications of what I have just said. Then I tell him, “Excuse me, my boss has just signaled me again,” as I slide past him and join the others, who follow Xochitl out the door.

Once out the door, we climb back onto the carriages that we are using for transportation tonight and take our defensive positions as we prepare to return to the Hoofington Grand Hotel.

As we make our way back, we are only fired upon a couple of times. Using SATS, we are able to take out the shooters quickly and with barely slowing down. Once we pull up in front of the hotel, Epona and Xochitl take up guard positions as I lead the others as they file inside.

As we enter, I see the current desk clerk is a white unicorn with a black mane, tail, and mustache wearing a blue coat and tie. He usually works the day shift so I am surprised to see him, but not half as much as when he sees Aunt Purple and tells her, “Miss Haze, it is so good to see you. I will be bringing those items to your room that you requested as soon as I get off shift.”

She grins back at him and with a flirtatious smile tells him, “I am so happy to hear that. I will see you then.” Ok, to each their own. I guess I will talk to her about what I overheard in the morning.

It has been over three weeks since the reception and today we are supposed to go back to Elysium. The radio broadcast last night by Winter Breeze of the Enclave has all our manes standing on edge. So today we will be going one last time to visit Papa Badger’s family and to say our goodbyes in case we cannot make it back there again.

During her speech Winter Breeze called the NCR a harbor for traitors and war criminals, referring to the Dashites, many of who are back home in Manesville. It is the tone of her voice and the message behind it that has us worried. Particularly my team as we are responsible for getting them home safely if the balloon does go up between the Enclave and the NCR. I only wish we were closer to home right now, and further from any of the Enclave’s major cloud cities. But it is what it is.

*****

Elysium, Lunar Commonwealth: Xochitl

As we arrive back at Elysium for what will probably be the last time on this job, I find myself smiling at the enthusiasm of Ginger’s younger siblings as well as how much Badger is looking forward to seeing his mother and brother again. I am also glad to see how much coming back here has helped him heal some of his old wounds. Not physical ones, but the ones most cannot see, and that I understand all too well.

During our travels here from the hotel I found myself in a higher state of alert than normal. In part that is because last night the Enclave took over all the radio frequencies briefly and broadcast a message from their president that I would say was a war warning.

It was right after we all listened to it that the Colonel and Badger decided we needed to say our goodbyes in case we have to make a run for the NCR. Last night Ginger and I talked quietly to each other as we were falling asleep.

“Chotil, what do you think of that speech?”

I find myself sighing before I answer. Then I gently move my hoof from her waist to her shoulder and tell her, “I am worried dear. Winter’s speech is the same kind of posturing that I have read was used by the Ministry of Image against the Cesar and his people.”

“Do you think we will have to make a run for home?”

I nod in the dark and answer her, “Sadly; yes, I do. We just need to be prepared for it.” I pause then I tell her, “I also wish your parents would let your siblings be armed, just in case we need them if we have to escape.”

She huffs out a bit of air from her nostrils and tells me, “I know. Windy and her husband have already picked up weapons for her family the last time we went to the Sky-Port.”

“Well, at least we know they can shoot, Ginger. When the time comes, they can fight.”

“My parents are going to be so mad at us for that.”

I find myself chuckling a bit then I ask her, “How would you feel if they were your foals, and someone else taught them a skill like that?”

She makes an annoyed sound and turns her back to me, “That is not funny Xochitl. Not funny at all.”

“My dearest, I am not trying to be funny. I am trying to help you see it from their point of view.”

“IF they were my foals, they would have been taught like you and I were. Just so they can protect themselves. Tartarus, they are almost the same age we were. Well except for Raven,” she tells me.

“Yeah, but I would not want to cross her. Remember, she liked learning to shoot more than the others.”

She laughs lightly. “True, if papa Archer were not her father I would wonder where she gets her wild side from,” she tells me as she drifts off to sleep in my hooves.

As she begins to drift off, she asks, “I wonder if Purchase might try and come with us?”

I smile and drowsily reply, “Who knows, but Epona did say she brought it up the other day.” As I finish my sentence, I hear her breathing shift and she begins to lightly snore. I put my muzzle to the back of her neck and I breathe in the smell of home to me.

I stop daydreaming as we arrive at the gates of Elysium. I notice the gate guard looking at our group approaching and how he smiles slightly before sending a runner up to the main house. As I get close to him, he tells me, “Heard that Enclave broadcast last night Flower, figured we would see you all today. If I am not on watch when you come out, take care of yourselves, and watch your backs. Rumor has it the Mayhems Mares are looking for you guys and are willing to help the Enclave to get payback for something.”

I find myself grimacing slightly as all I can think of is, great one more thing to worry about. What I tell him is, “Thanks Guard Shack, I appreciate the heads up.”

He grins and tells me, “You can make it up to me by buying me a drink the next time you guys are in the Hoof.”

I grin back, “Deal Guard Shack, talk to you later.”

Guard Shack then greets Badger and asks him if it is for business or personal. After Badger tells him “Back to visit mom again,” we are waved through the gate.

As we arrive at the mansion, we are greeted by Badger’s family. His mother Honeysuckle is as happy as ever to see him. However, I do notice his stepfather Upper Crust has a worried expression on his face.

After he greets the rest of the family and while they are all visiting with each other, he takes me to the side, “Xochitl, we heard the broadcast last night, and while we would like to help, I am sorry but our hooves are tied. My suggestion would be for your party to leave as soon as possible for your homes.”

I am not surprised, but I do have to ask, “Why would you suggest that?”

He looks around first to make sure no one is close when he tells me, “I have a few contacts with both the Finders and the Enclave Volunteer Corps, both have let me know that not only is the Enclave trying to find information out about your party, but that some of the local gangs have been asking around. If they find out where you are staying your entire party may be in danger.”

I nod my head, “Yes, that makes sense. Any suggestions?”

He nods again, “If you run for it, try to stay clear of areas you are known to frequent, oh and avoid any large open areas, it is radscorpion breeding season. They are even more aggressive than normal right now.”

“Ok, got it. Thanks for the heads up.”

He smiles kindly at me and tells me, “I am doing this for my family. Considering his humble beginnings, Badger has come so far. I want to keep him and my wife both happy. She has so enjoyed getting to know her son again and his family, however unusual it may be.”

I hear the last part and cautiously ask, “You mean because I am a zony?”

He waves a hoof, “No, that is not a concern at all. I am more referring to his number of spouses. But they are all so happy and the foals are healthy, happy, and full of life. So, it seems to work well for them.”

I shrug my shoulders and smile, “It does, but it is not mine and Ginger's way either. So, I do understand how you feel.”

He looks over my shoulder to Badger and the others and smiles. Then he tells me, “I am glad Badger has such a good family now. That goes for you as well young buck. If you are ever in the area and I can help, I will, ok.”

I nod my head and tell him, “Thank you, sir, I will remember that.”

I feel rather morose during this visit as I watch Badger visiting with his mother for what will be the last time on this trip. I only hope he can come back to see her again. As stubborn and high-strung as my mother can be, I can not imagine what it would be like not to see her for such a long time as he had.

Once we get back from the visit, I tell Badger and the Colonel about what Upper Crust has told me.

Mollygirl asks first, “Xochitl, what do you know about those gangs?”

I shrug and tell her, “They have had contact with the Enclave before and unfortunately, when I had the incident at the Hoofington Dome, it was with one of the Mayhem’s Mares, so this might be a bit personal for them as well.”

I hear Badger sigh and I tell him, “I am sorry Father Badger, I did not pick the fight, and I hoped it would not lead to further trouble.”

He puts a hoof on my shoulder and tells me in an understanding tone, “That’s ok son, I do understand. Besides, if you had given in to him that day, things would have been worse for all of you, including Aunt Purple. Now we just need to wrap things up and begin to get ready to leave quickly if need be.”

It is only four days later, when what we have been both fearing and preparing for happens. We are awakened by pounding on the door. When the Colonel opens the door with a pistol at the ready, we see a wounded Purchase Order leaning on the doorframe and breathing hard.

The Colonel pulls her into the room and as she asks her what happened, Mother Sutures begins to examine and treat her wounds. Purchase Order then tells us, “You all need to get out of here right away. Ma'am, they are coming for you.”

The colonel then asks what we are all wondering, “Who, who is coming for me?”

Epona looks at her unbelieving as she tells her, “A squad of Enclave soldiers. I overheard two of them talking about it outside of Mega Mart, and as I walked away, Salvage Values, the merchant with the artillery, told them to grab me and I was always hanging around your group.”

Great I think to myself, now it begins. I move my ears to signal Ginger and Epona. Ginger and I get up and she begins to go get Colonel Wind Rider while I go to get our kits together to make a run for it.

As we head away, I hear her grasp in pain briefly and she then says, “I was running this way with Tek when they shot me.” Then I am out of that room and cannot hear clearly the rest of the conversation. But I hope Tek is here too. I trust him to have our backs.

Right after Ginger gets back with Wind Rider, Purple Haze arrives and Epona explains to them what is happening. Shortly after this, the decision is made to grab our gear and leave within the hour. As the others are getting their belongings together my wife and I head downstairs to the lobby to watch the main entrance. As we go the Colonel tells us, “Let Tek know that Purchase is ok and thank him for his help. If he wants to come up, have him do so. I have a few questions for him.”

As we arrive in the lobby, I first see Tek in his black cloak and with his pistol in his mouth. I go over and shake hooves with him. He then asks, “Is Purchase, ok?”

“Yeah, she is, Sutures and Moon Lily are already taking care of her. If you want to go ahead and head on up to the room. They are expecting you, and the Colonel has a few things she wants to ask you about.”

He looks down the street nervously and tells me in Zebrican, “Ok, I will do that. But one of you needs to watch the street. The Mayhem’s Mares and Broken Clocks are in on this too.”

Ginger takes his position and I head over to the desk clerk and explain to him that we are leaving rather soon and to who to send the bills.

It seems like we are waiting forever in the lobby before we begin to see everyone come downstairs. Ginger and I go onto the street first, Badger next, as he goes and begins to harness himself up one of the two carts. Ginger is covering the other direction.

I see one of the civilian delegates named Attaché run over to their cart and they are helped to harness up as well. Then Ginger’s siblings, Purchase Order and Mother Sutures, and any others who cannot run quickly climb into the carts. Above us Windy and her family have taken an overwatch position, with her children flying as wingmares to her and her husband.

Once all our gear is loaded little Rain Dancer yells out, “Ma, I see something,” as he points to the side. Windy begins to move in that direction and we hear gunfire and see her dive for cover briefly after returning fire.

Then with Tek next to me, I hear Father Badger and Attaché both call out, “Ready!”

Next Badger yells out, “Hold on everypony,” and as a group, we begin to make the run for first the Hoofington train station and ultimately home.

*****

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

I smile across the table at my old friend, “It has really been good to see you again, Spiral.”

She smiles back at me sadly, “It has Choo, who would have ever imagined it being like this though.”

I laugh lightly then tell her, “Very true, but it is good to know you are still around my old friend. Besides, we finally got that cosplayer adventure neither of us could afford back then.”

She laughs too this time, “I have to say, it was certainly that. I wonder if A.K. Yearling could have imagined such a one. I just wish it would not have cost my granddaughter her husband.”

I set a wing lightly on her shoulder and I tell her, “I do understand, but sadly it does happen. I have seen it too many times anymore.”

She looks up and asks me, “Choo, will I see you again?”

I smile back at her and tell her, “Probably, but it may be a while. Things seem to be heating up with the Enclave, but I do hope to get back here again.”

“I would like that Choo, I really would.”

“So, would I. Now we best get going.” I tell her as I get out of my seat and begin to put my saddle bags over my battlesaddle.

I see her shake her head, “You know I really never imagined us being like this Choo.”

“Neither did I, but It is what it is. Take care and give that coming great grandfoal of yours a hug for me if I am not back when it arrives.”

“I will do that Choo. Do the same to yours too. Especially, Moon Lily, she sounds very special.”

I find myself smiling at the mention of Moon, “Yeah, she really is. I wonder if someday she will be better at spells than I am.”

As I stand up, I notice the rest of my team do so also. Mort comes over to us and tells me, “It has been fun working with your team. Maybe we can do it again sometime.”

“I would enjoy that Mort, so what is next for you?”

He grins, “Well, we have been asked by the NCR to guard this place for a bit. They have a delegation being dropped off for negotiations, so we are going to be here at least until those are done. How about you?”

"They are calling us back to Junction Town for now, not sure why yet?”

“Well, I hope it is a good job and pays well. Take care, Choo.”

As we shake hooves I tell him, “You too Mort.”

As we are leaving the cafeteria to head to the elevator up, I overhear Smiley telling Tater, “I must thank you for teaching me how to make a Flaming Pegasus, I am sure my people will enjoy it.”

“My pleasure, Smiley. Take care of yourself now and I look forward to working with you again sometime.” I hear Tater reply.

Several others from both teams and some of the residents share goodbyes as well, then we are in the elevator and heading topside again.

As the elevator goes up, I hear Twinks telling Tater, “I really enjoyed working on those robot repairs and upgrades with you and their techs. I wonder if we could get one of those for the shop back in Manesville?”

Tater sighs but smiles as he tells her, “Twinks, maybe, but why would we need one there?”

“Perhaps to protect the shop crew while we are in the field.”

“But why would they need that kind of protection when we have most of the Manesville Brigade there Twinks?” he asks in frustration.

I hear her sigh and she tells him, “Tater, just like us, they may not always be there in strength. You heard the radio broadcast before we went into the depot, the Enclave seems to be spoiling for a fight and honestly, home would be a valuable target for them.”

“Choo, tell her she has nothing to worry about,” Tater tells me.

I ruffle my wings slightly and tell him, “Honestly, I think she may be right Tater. I will have to think about how to handle this one.”

As we come out of the main entrance of the cave, the sun is near its afternoon position. After our eyes adjust to its brightness again, we can see how much of the area here has been cleaned and salvaged by the cave’s inhabitants. I also notice the still recent graves to the side where those Enclave scouts who died when we first got here are buried. Not that their equipment went to waste.

I look over at Sunny and I can see him wearing a full set of the Enclave power armor. He grins at me and then looks at the graves and I can tell he knows what the cost was for him to get it. I am just glad the Spiral and her people allowed him to assemble a good set of it from the wreckage of the others. Of course, in part that was because she was also able to get several more sets herself for her people.

It is nearing dusk when we arrive at our pick-up point. The same one where we were dropped off just a few scant weeks ago. As I look at the remains of the old checkpoint, I find myself wondering, why here? What was so important here that they spent their last few hours of life here? Did they know about the research depot?

“OK, set up a loose perimeter, I am going to send for our pick-up. Twinks, I want you and Cowlick to see if there is any salvage while we are here.”

Twinks shrugs and tells me, “Okay, you’re the boss.” As she and he begin to wander over to one of the armored personal carriers that are locked.

The message is sent, then I hear Twinks to the side say, “That is odd?”

“What is odd Twinks, I call back to her?”

“Choo, this armored personnel carrier. It has a coded lock on it. I have never seen that before.”

The rest of us are around the vehicle facing outwards as they continue to work on it. Then I hear a slight whoosh sound and the rear ramp door begins to lower slowly Twinks and Cow step back and have their weapons ready as they try to see into the darkness within. Twinks uses her horn for a light as they look inside.

That is when I hear Twinks say, “Boss, you’re going to want to see this.”

“What is it Twinks?”

She just shakes her head and tells us, “You really need to see this.”

As I get close enough to see in, I see the bodies of a zebra combat team in full uniform. What really gets my attention is that they have both an RPG and a 50mm anti-tank rifle. I can all but see Cowlick drooling over it.

I nod my head, “Ok, that was not expected. Check to see if you can find any paperwork explaining what they are doing here.”

Cowlick then asks me, “Uh, what about the weapons?”

I find myself sighing, “Go ahead. Perhaps we can send them back to the shop or get a good price for them with the NCRA.”

“Ok, boss.”

It is when they begin to move bodies outside that I notice something unusual. I first notice that one of the unicorn soldiers has what looks like holes in its legs and its wings look very delicate almost like insects. Then I notice what looks like fangs in its muzzle. Oh buggers, Changelings.

“What’s wrong Boss?” I hear Double Back ask.

I take a deep breath and remember my training. Then I tell him, “Changelings. At least some of these guards were changelings.”

Morning Mist asks, “I thought they were a myth.”

I shake my head, “No, sadly not. They joined the Cesar and his forces to fight Equestria, but I never expected to see them.”

Summer Mist then points a wing tip towards a weathered worn paper that can barely be seen in the changelings’ saddlebags.

I use my TK to lift it out and I begin to read,

My dear queen,

I and the rest of my team are currently dying from the magical radiation that our allies have unleashed upon our enemy. My team is very weak mother as we have not been able to feed in almost a week. All we can sense is fear, hatred, and greed. My Queen, they were never our friends. The zebras or the ponies. I tried to befriend them. We have enabled those who hate us, to destroy our world and our source of food, and in the end, ourselves.

I am sorry we have failed you, but we tried. I can not write much longer. Feeling dizzy and vision is blurring. So will end this letter.

Your Obedient servant

Thorax.

I look up from the letter and am stunned. I never saw it through their eyes. Without thinking I put the note into my saddlebags and say a silent prayer for him and his brethren.

We police the area while we wait to see if we can find anything else of use or of note. It is only a couple of hours later that we first hear, then we see the vertibuck coming to pick us up.

I watch as it begins to circle above us and I light up my horn with two long and one short burst of light. They waggle their wings in reply and land near us. My team grabs their gear and what salvage we have found here with us onto the aircraft.

As I get on, I am hoofed a helmet like the crewmembers are wearing with ear and microphone built in. The crew chief shows me where to plug it in and once we are all set, I feel the aircraft leap skyward once again.

As we begin to head towards Junction Town, I hear the pilot say to me, “Good to have you and your team back aboard Princess.”

“It is good to be back aboard with you again. But I am not a princess.”

I hear the pilot laugh lightly as he tells me, “Oh, we know that, but you look enough like her, and you do have a way, ma’am, so that is just what we call you amongst ourselves.”

Ah, a nickname, I guess Princess is better than Trainwreck, but still. “Oh, ok, I understand now. We have been out of touch since you dropped us off, any news.”

I am looking forward at the cockpit and I see both pilots briefly look at each other than co-pilot begins to search the sky again as the pilot quickly scans his instruments. He looks up and tells me, “A lot has happened Ma’am. In fact, while the balloon has not officially gone up yet, we are expecting it to at any moment.”

I nod my head though they cannot see me do so, then I ask, “So what has happened?”

This time I hear the Co-pilot say, “Shipping on the rivers has dropped severely, ever since several of the riverboats and a couple of barges were reported being attacked and sunk by Enclave forces. Of Course, the Enclave leadership claims it is stragglers and remnants of the old regime and that they cannot simply control every pegasus. Winter Winds even went as far as to say we should understand how it is to deal with rouge pegasi as we have so many Dashites in the NCR.”

“Okay, that sounds about right then. I hope none of them was anyone we knew.”

I see his helmet nod, then he adds, “Also there have been reports of some of our recon teams being in direct combat with teams from the Enclave. Ma’am, they are really spoiling for this fight.”

As he is saying this, I see a dot on the horizon fast approaching us. I point it out to the pilot and he calls back, “Oh, Buck. Chief warm up the guns, we have fast movers inbound.” He pauses then tells me, “Make sure you and your people are buckled in. This could get a bit rough.” Then he begins to move as fast for the deck as he can.

*****

Thunderhead, Grand Pegasus Enclave: Ball Lightning

It feels so good to be back in Thunderhead this time. Granted I will miss the youngsters, but I am sure Alizée is keeping an eye on them for me. I know she has gotten quite attached to Lil Bit and especially Savannah, who has begun to help her run her shop so she has more time to do what she needs to.

I am really looking forward to tomorrow night as I have gotten word that Sundancer should be back home again. It seems her team was met as they came onto the Rainbow Dash Skyport by Down Draft who sent me a message. Tonight is a quiet night for me. Dinner with dad, then back to my quarters for the night. Well, at least that is the plan.

As I am finishing dinner with my father and his girlfriend, I feel the waiter slide a note into my saddlebag. I do not read it right way. Instead, I wait until I can go to the restroom. There I read it.

Ball,

I need to talk with you tomorrow night. Our mutual employers have decided a business debt needs to be settled discreetly and I will need your assistance in making good on its collection. I will stop by your place after dinner. I may need you to bring along some buddies to help with this job as well.

Yours

Air Burst

Buck me. I had hoped to spend tomorrow night with my wife. Instead, I get to share her time with Air Burst. Wonderful. OH, and now he has a special project for me? Really? I have gone from the elite to just being security and now, now he wants me to leave that and go traipsing around Hoofington on a special detail, I think to myself. Then I begin to wonder, I wonder what exactly this debt is. I sigh and realize that I will just have to wait to find out.

As I come back to our table Dad asks me, “Something wrong son?”

“No, not really, just the usual business,” I tell him.

I see his eyebrow rise and he replies, “Ah, ok. Well, we will not keep you out too late tonight then.”

“Thanks, dad.”

Before we can pay the check after our meal, Dad's marefriend asks, “So, as you and Sundancer are married now, how long before you will be making your dad a grandfather?”

When she asks this, I am caught off guard. When I finally can reply I tell her, “I am not sure. We both would love to, but with our careers, that makes it hard.”

“Well, it is not like the Volunteer Corps is a real job. I mean by now she should have assuaged her conscious enough that she can truly step up to the role of a proper pegasus mare.”

I find myself tilting my head and I flick both my ears and tail in irritation. Then I tell her, “Honestly, the Volunteer Corps is doing a lot of good. I think it is a great step in helping us win the hearts and minds of those dirt side. It may take longer than military action, but, and I say this with full sincerity, but, if done this way, we will not have to suffer through an occupation of hostile territory and people.”

She does not look fully sold on the idea then I follow up with, “A clear military victory is easy for us. However, how many of us will it take to occupy that land until they can become integrated into the Enclave?” I pause then holding up a hoof I finish with, “And no, killing all of them is not a solution. There will always be survivors and they would be even worse if we tried that, and justifiably so. If we tried that we would be guilty of crimes against equinity.”

She seems stunned then she calmly says, “I see your point. I am sorry if I inferred your wife’s job was not important.”

“Apology accepted.” I turn to my father and tell him, “I do need to get going dad, we can talk again soon, and whenever I get the news that she is in a family way, I will let you know the first thing, I promise.”

He smiles back at me, “I know son. I know. Have a good night.” He tells me then he gives me a quick one-wing hug. With that, I trot off back to mine and Sundancer’s quarters. A night that had so much promise earlier now making me wish I had just stayed at home tonight.

The next day goes more quickly and as I come out of my office at the end of the day, I am met by Sundancer. When she sees me, she is almost bouncing with excitement.

Once close enough I give her a double hug with my wings and forehooves and gently kiss her. “It’s so good to see you again dearest.”

She nuzzles me back and then tells me, “I have missed you so much.”

“Do you want to head home to clean up first or shall we just go get dinner?” I ask her.

She looks at me and tells me, “If you are ok with going out in uniform then I am ready to eat. I am so tired of eating rations.”

This gets me to twist an ear and raise an eyebrow as I ask, “I thought you usually ate the local food when ground side?”

As we walk, she nods her head, then she tells me, “Well, I have my reasons this time. But I will not know until tomorrow for sure.”

This gets my curiosity up so I ask, “Why tomorrow? Are you ok? Is it a medical issue?”

She smiles and gently tells me, “Dear one, I am late. So, I am getting checked in the morning.”

I cannot help but smile, “Do you really think so?”

She smiles at me and simply nods her head. Then she tells me, “Well hopefully.”

“What about your job?”

“Well, that is something we need to talk about later, but who knows? Air has told me if I am, then he has a few ideas of how to use that. Maybe that is why he wants to talk after dinner with us tonight.”

Yeah, right. I know him better than that I think to myself. Instead, I answer, “Maybe.”

As we arrive at the restaurant, I look down the street and I can see a surprised Air Burst approaching on hoof. He is cleaned up and in a civilian suit. When he sees my uniform, he shakes his head and shrugs. “Good to see you again Ball,” he tells me as he holds out a hoof to shake.

“You too Air, let’s get a table and order dinner. By the way, welcome back from the dirt side,” I tell him with a smile.

He looks at me sideways, “Thanks, I guess. I thought you would be more upset by my interrupting your first night back with your wife.”

“I will be honest, I was not happy at first, but one, you are my friend. Two, I know you well enough you would not ask for this if it was not necessary.”

“You are right, but let’s talk more about that once we finish eating and get to your place.”

After dinner Air Burst follows us back to the small apartment, we are living in. He has us both sit down then he tells me, “Ok, the main reason I wanted to meet you tonight. It seems that the NCR has a delegation in Hoofington that is trying to purchase equipment and weapons for their military. Ball, Sundancer already knows this. It seems that some of the delegation members we have met before.”

This gets me to raise an eyebrow. Then he continues, “That includes the lieutenant colonel of theirs who exchanged us as well as the lead diplomat Miss Haze.”

I notice his strained tone of voice when he says her name, but choose to ignore it. Instead, I ask, “Do we know anything about their security?”

I hear him sigh, “Yeah, that same bunch that caused us trouble when we were working with the Mayhem’s Mares and the Broken Clocks.”

I nod my head, “Ok, I think I saw at least some of them at the Rainbow Dash Skyport last time I was dirtside.”

This gets his attention and he asks me, “Really now?”

“Yeah, that pegasus Lieutenant Colonel and some captain had come there to purchase some things. Why?”

He puts a hoof under his chin, “Interesting. We may be able to work with that.”

“How so?” I ask.

“Well, that lets us know for sure who they are. I just wonder if the rest of their security team is with them. If so, we will need some serious backup.”

“Yeah, but Air, I don’t know if the Mayhem’s Mares or the Broken Clocks will even talk to us after last time,” I tell him.

“Yeah, but if we somehow let a few of them know that those who might have caused them all those troubles before are back in town, then maybe they would be interested,” he counters.

I sigh as I realize this may be pulling me further into the dark side of intelligence work. While I hated leaving my scouts, now my security company are my ponies and I don’t want to lose them. I also have to say I began to enjoy myself when I was at the Skyport, especially when I got to visit with the youngsters.

Grudgingly I ask him, “Ok, so what do you have in mind?”

“Ball my colt, don’t be like that. We both know that war clouds are on the horizon, so this is for the greater good. I have a few contacts who can set up a meeting with them for us. If so, we can try and do a snatch-and-grab of the diplomatic team and military representatives. That would give us some early bargaining chips.”

I sigh again, “Ok, let’s do this. But what all do you need from me?”

“I trust you to coordinate the capture efforts. I will need Enclave troops to go into the Hoof and not make a scene as well as work with the gangs.”

“Ok, I get that, now Sundancer has told me you have some ideas of how to use her if she is pregnant, would you mind telling me what they are?”

From the chair he is sitting in, he leans forward and begins to tell me his ideas. Some I am not too thrilled about, but there are a couple that not only make sense, but I have to say are good ideas. As our conversation winds down he finally says, “Well, enough of that for now. Ball, I will be talking to my higher-ups. Don’t be surprised if you and a team are pulled right away for this.”

I smile at him and tell him, “Ok, thanks for the heads up and have a good night.”

Two days later I get word that I am to pick a team and lead them as Air Burst and I discussed. The day after I am approached by Sergeant Major Funnel Cloud. He enters my office and closes the door, “Really sir, again?”

I nod my head, “Yes Funnel, again. But this time I get to choose who is on my team.”

He looks at the names and I see him smirk at one of them. He looks up and asks, “Are you sure you want Flash Bang too?”

I grin back at him, “Oh yes, I am certain. See, I feel he needs some seasoning ground side to help round out his character. Besides, I do not forget a debt or slight. He has questioned not only mine, but all of us that were on our last missions honor. So instead of punishing him, I will let him find out the hard way what it is like.”

He shakes his head, “Sir, I ask again, is this a good idea? Are you sure you are not doing this just out of spite?”

I shake my head, “No, not fully out of spite. He is competent and this will help him in his career. But I would be lying to you and myself if I said there was no spite involved.”

He nods his head and tells me, “Ok, at least you are honest with yourself on this too. Next question is, when do we leave?”

“Tomorrow, we leave. The day after we meet up with Air Burst.”

He nods with a solum expression on his face. Then he tells me, “Well I am sure you will be glad to have your wife with you on this one.”

I shake my head negatively, “No, she is not going to be on this mission. Most of Airburst's team is standing down on this one. He will help us connect with the gang leaders and we take it from there.”

“Ball, just what is this mission?”

I smile and calmly tell him, “You will get a full briefing when we get dirtside. But for now, know it is just a quick and easy snatch-and-grab.”

He relaxes a bit and laughs lightly, “Quick and easy is not in Air Burst vocabulary sir, but I got you. Thanks for that much. I will have the others grab their gear and be ready to meet you in the morning.”

*****

In other news, there has been a clash between NCR and Enclave forces out in Horseton. Rumor has it that the fighting was over another unaligned stable. While casualties were light, the surrounding areas experienced some additional damage and the NCR forces have been withdrawn from that area to prevent more damage.

In local news, there have been several attacks made by gangs upon the Enclave Rainbow Dash Skyport and Miramare air station. These have resulted in quick reprisal raids with the authorization of the Lunar Commonwealth leadership.

For all of you still out there in the Wastelands, remember it is still a dangerous place out there. Remember that while magical radiation is nowhere near the problem it once was, you still must watch out for it in some areas. If traveling and the locals warn you about it, take it to heart and listen Better to be laughed at than to glow.

Now for our next song, here is Wolves of the Revolution

Author's Note

I hope you are enjoying watching as the tensions are beginning to raise higher now as both the NCR and the GPE start to feel each other out before beginning what could become a full-out war. As you have seen the main team has come across the remains of a previous group from the Last Day that would operate much like they do. I have often found myself musing about what would have become of the changelings during the great war and on that final day. This lead me to think about how they would have been used and what their experiences would have been like. And yes, this was supposed to have been the Thorax from the show. While this is a sad end for him, I hope that it helps to answer some questions for others as well as shows how much war can affect so many others who are often unknown or forgotten about.

For those who would like to listen to this chapters's song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VXkFO0h75w