Chapter 62 Side Tracked

“The Wasteland’s got its own golden rule. Thou shalt get sidetracked by bullshit every goddamn time.” The Ghoul, Fallout

Northern Plains Wastelands, Unclaimed territories: Ginger Snap

I am yawning and tired as the sun rises above the eastern horizon on our third day since leaving our last target area. It was my turn for the watch, which also means that it is time for me to wake up the rest. As I wake my team, Sugar Tail from the Troubleshooters wakes hers. Chisel Plow, who does not sleep much, begins to awaken his foals.

As they get up, I notice some of the newer team members are sluggish and I ask, “You OK Hot Pepper?”

She nods her head, “Yeah, I think so. Just a bit fatigued still.”

“Do yourself and the rest of us a favor, have Danger check you out. That way if you are getting sick, we can get you treated.”

She smiles with one corner of her mouth, “Thanks Cookie, I will.”

When I wake my husband, I kiss him gently on his cheek and whisper, “Time to wake up sunshine.”

I see his eyes slowly open and he tells me, “That was a very pleasant way to wake up out here. Thanks love.”

I find myself smiling and I tell him, “You are welcome. Now we best get moving, we have a long way to go.”

As he gets up Katie comes trotting over to him for some attention. He gives her a brief scratch and then we both wrap up our bedrolls and prepare to travel for the day.

As we start to load the foals up on the cart, I see Choo to the side talking with a tired-looking Chisel Plow. I cannot hear what they are talking about but I see him take a bottle of Sparkle Cola Rad from her, and he then joins his foals on the cart. As we start to move, I watch as Sunny and Morning Mist take to the sky and fly high above us to scout ahead.

It is a couple of hours later when we hear over the radio, “Big Blue, this is Fog, it looks like we have a settlement up ahead.”

“Roger, Fog, catch a cloud and observe as we approach.”

Soon I begin to see a small village with scrap-made walls going between the outer building. I notice that to the east there are a couple of moderately successful fields in them. This makes me think we will run into mainly earthponies.

Soon we have come to what must be the main gate to the village. As we arrive, I see at least ten ponies taking up defensive positions.

Choo has us all stop and has me go forward to talk to the one pony who has come out of the gate to meet with us. As I approach him, I notice he is carrying an old double-barrel shotgun and wearing makeshift armor, that almost reminds me of some of the raiders we have come across further south of here. But again, their walls are clean as they can be in such a place and I do not see any other signs that would lead me to that conclusion.

When I am about seven meters from him, I hear him say, “Stop right there. Who are you and what do you want?”

I then answer him, “You can call me Cookie. We are just passing through, but we have a bunch of foals and their ghoul caretaker who need a new home.”

“They rich or something to be able to afford all you mercenaries?”

I shake my head, “No, we came across them and decided to help them. As I said, the rest of us are just passing through.”

“They sick or something?”

“No, one is still recovering from a gunshot wound, but they are healthy otherwise.”

He pauses and looks back at the of his people behind him. Then he tells me, “Let me have a look at them.

As we walk towards the wagon, I get the gut feeling that something is not right. But I do not say anything yet.

At the wagon, he looks at the foals and the old ghoul and tells me, “Yeah, the foals look good, but we won’t take a ghoul. Never know when those things will go feral.”

I hear several of the foals protesting over this and he just looks at them with disdain and shakes his head. Then he asks, “How much for the foals?”

I quickly shake my head and ask, “Excuse me?”

“You heard me, how much do you want for them? We could use them for the fields, or maybe to trade.”

Then it hits me, Slavers. I feel a wave of anger start to build in me and I realize my husband has heard this. I thank Sweet Cream and the goddesses he is harnessed to the cart right now, or I am sure he would already be shooting.

Over the whisper mic, I hear Choo and Mort give the orders to spread out and be ready to fight. Then Choo approaches him and tells him, “I am sorry, but understand, we were looking to find them a new home, not sell them.”

He then asks, “Who are you and why should I listen to what you want?”

Choo then smiles as she tells him, “You can call me Big Blue, and to answer your other question, it is because two of my snipers are on the cloud up there and already have you targeted. And if you attack us, not only will you die, but so will most of your village. We will then burn what is left.” She then pauses and adds, “Do not try what you are thinking, I do mean what I am saying.”

“And if we just let you go?”

“We leave you be. Time and fate will bestow upon you what you deserve. Now, before we go, my next question is how far to the next settlement?”

I can see she now has his full attention. He looks frustrated and then he tells her, “The closest one is about a day’s walk east of here. Not too big, but they have been some of our best customers. Just two days south of us is Oil Town. They are tight on their crops from what we know. They have never bought anything from us other than surplus food.”

Choo nods her head, “Thank you, I do appreciate it. She then uses her TK to reach into her saddlebag to pull out a small pouch of caps. He jumps back slightly into a defensive position at first, but he smiles widely when he sees the caps. However, I notice at the same time he does that her MoM badger has stuck to it. I watch him backpedal slightly, as he says, “I, I didn’t know the Pinks were back. Look I don’t want no trouble from you.”

Choo looks at the bag, shakes her head, and puts it back into storage. She then tells him, “We will be on our way now. Thank you for the information.” She pauses, looks at the village, and back at him. Then she tells him, “May the goddesses give you what you deserve.”

He at first smiles, then seems confused as he realizes what she may have meant. He then yells back to the village, “Let them go, we don’t need trouble with the Pinks.”

As we go, I slide next to my husband and tell him, “I know how you feel about this, but now is not the time nor place.”

He quietly tells me, “I know, but Cookie, it still burns just the same.”

I nod my head and Choo gives the order for us to continue our way. As we pass the village, we do so in a combat escort formation, just waiting for them to try something. We are at the ready for another hour before we relax and begin to return to normal for our travels.

A while later I am walking next to Epona and she asks me, “Sis, is he going to be, OK?”

I look back at him and smile and he simply nods his head to me, I also notice Katie is sticking right by his side. From the back I see a couple of the young ones standing up and looking at the countryside as we move through it. “Yeah, he will, but he is going to be in a mood for a couple of days if I do not miss my guess.”

“OK, I just know that had to be rough on him.”

“Thanks for asking sis.”

She smiles sadly and tells me, “No problem, Sis, I know that I will have to handle some of Purchase’s issues when we do finally get home.”

“Yeah, I can understand that. But at least she is with family. Hopefully that will help.”

She sighs and tells me, “Yeah, I am sure that helps, but honestly, I just want to be with her and take care of her right now.”

In response, I tell her, “I do understand. I remember Mama Mollygirl feeling that way about Mama Magpie and Papa Badger while on the expedition.”

We talk for a bit more then I shift back closer to Choo. She and I begin to discuss finding a camp for the night as the sun becomes lower in the sky.

She looks at the young ones who are walking and makes a decision, “We camp here for the night. If we take water from the creek over there, check it to make sure it is safe, but still boil it before using it for anything other than washing.”

We set up camp quickly and only have a fire for about an hour, to cook food and boil water. As the batponies are exhausted from all the daytime travel when they normally sleep, they are off the watch bill for tonight.

It is during the second watch, during the dark of the moon that it happens. I am awoken by several flares going off, and I remember something like this from during the expedition when Xavier yelled out that it was a slaver raid.

Both my husband and I grab our weapons and launch ourselves from our bedrolls. I use SATS and begin to target the slavers. Choo yells out to everyone, “Protect the foals!”

There is a quick gunfight and I hear one of Mort’s team and Morning Mist call out, “Medic Up!”

The raid is over quickly and they are gone almost as fast as they came. However, we are missing three of the foals. Sugar Tails from the Troubleshooters, and Ember Rose.

Choo tells Chisel Plow and the foals, “Wrap up our camp and put it on the cart. Sunny, you are with me. Morning Mist, stay with Chisel and the foals. Moon, I need you and your friends to do the same. Lance, your squad on me, Ginger you have the ground team. Follow us on the ground.”

“Yes ma’am,” I answer.

This is followed by Mort telling her, “I will bring up my people with Cookie.”

She looks grateful and tells him, “Thanks, Mort.” Then she turns and takes to the air.

I tell Twinks, “Hit Fog with one of our healing spells, and let’s move it. Moon can finish him. We need to move quickly.”

Twinks does so and tells me, “Ready Cookie.”

I turn to the others and tell them, “Let’s move it Ponies!” and we are off at a canter as the moon begins to rise above the far horizon.

*****

Northern Plains Wastelands, Unclaimed territories: Xochitl

As I wake up groggily and hear gunfire and flares overhead, I see shadows in the night and I realize what this is, a raid on our camp. My eyes are fully open and the adrenaline kicks in as I grab my weapons and begin to protect our camp. Beside me are my wife and Katie. I then hear Choo yell to protect the foals and I send Katie to help.

I then think to activate my SATS and begin to shoot at some of the raiders, but then I notice through my Eyes Forward Sparkle that they have several of our people and I begin to curb my fire. As they run away, they are heading east, not north like I would have expected if they came from the village we passed earlier.

We then take stock of the wounded and missing. They have taken three of the foals as well as one of ours and one of the Troubleshooters. Ember Rose was on watch, so they must have caught her off guard.

Choo quickly assesses the situation and gives us our marching orders, then she, Sunny, and the four batponies are flying after them as we begin to head that way.

As we form up to go after them, all I can think of is that we have to get them back. I could not live with myself knowing I let someone else go through what I had to when I was young. I swear to the Goddesses that I will kill every one of those slavers.

We have been running at the canter for almost half an hour when we have to slow down to a walk to catch our breaths, then I hear Arras call over the radio, “Big Blue, Night Guard Two, they have shifted to heading north.”

Then I hear, “Cookie, I think they are heading back towards the village we passed earlier.”

“Roger Big Blue, changing our course,” Cookie replies.

We take a couple of breaks so we are not exhausted when we catch up with them.

We are only a few miles from where the village should be when I hear Morning Star say over the radio, “Big Blue, Night Guard One, they are almost back to the village we passed this morning.”

“Roger Night Guard one, continue to shadow them and observe until the rest of the team arrives.”

“Roger”

With that, we know where we are going for sure. I feel my face begin to change once more into a feral grin as I bare my teeth and prepare to get some major payback on some slavers. As we get closer, I shift my weapon Orcus to the ready position.

I then hear over the radio, “All RP units, this is Night Guard One, the targets have entered the village through a side gate to the south side.”

This is followed by “Cookie, coordinate with Mort, for a ground assault. All fliers on me.”

In the darkness, we shift into an assault formation from a road formation, and we continue to advance toward the village. As we move, we shift our nods down so we can see more clearly in the dark.

We are about 100 meters from the gate when Choo tells us, to hold our positions. Then I hear her say, “All snipers, target the guards nearest the gate. “Night Guard, after they fire, commence the plan we discussed on the way here.” She pauses and then I hear her quietly in my ears command, “Now.”

Myself, Tater, Sunny, and two of the Troubleshooters take our first shots, shift targets, and fire again. As we do this suddenly, I hear gunfire and screaming from behind the village walls. Then I suddenly see the gate open up and we are running forward and into the village and the havoc that is occurring there. Cookie uses her PipBuck to track down Ember Rose and hopefully the others who were captured.

As we go, we are in full urban combat mode. Soon several of the buildings have caught fire from overturned lanterns or candles. Several times we must snap-react to people coming out of the doorways of buildings. Using EFS, if they are red, they are dead.

Soon we have made it to a building that looks like an old dilapidated barn. As we go inside, I see not only our people but several slaves who are either shackled together or wearing bomb collars. Behind them, the mayor from earlier stands with a dead-stallions switch in his hoof and a serious grin on his face. He laughs and tells us, “You can take your people with you, but you try anything and I will blow their heads off.”

Without thinking, I switch to SATS and I target his head with a three-round burst. Then I activate the spell and watch as he is hit in the forehead with my rounds. As he falls the switch drops from his hooves and I hear four small explosions. These are followed by the screaming of the surviving slaves.

I then hear Twinks saying, “Damn it all. I tried to grab it with my TK. Why, why could I not have been faster?”

I see Tater go to comfort her. I then watch as Katie goes over to the now-dead mayor. Grabs his neck and begins to throw her head back and forth as she growls. Soon she stops and she walks back to me with her head down and her tail tucked. All I can say at that point is, “We tried.”

As that was going on Twinks and Tater both started to unshackle the slaves. Several of them jump up and run out into the night with farming tools in their muzzles.

I next hear Cookie say, “Ok, everyone out. Make sure no pony is left behind.”

As I step back out the door I see Double Back, Days End, and Jelly Bean are all waiting at the alert. Half the village is in flames by now and the fires seem to be spreading. We take our people and any of the now-freed slaves who want to join us with us and out the gate. As I pass through it in the graying dawn, I see Morning Mist has pulled the cart back along with all the foals. The Flying Foursome and Chisel Plow are with them.

As they get closer, I see Moon Lily have a chill go through her as she shivers. She closes her eyes and shakes her head. Then I watch as she gives the Blessing of the Dead to the village. After she has finished Choo and Mort approach the cart. They turn back one more time behind us. Both shake their heads and Mort tells us, “Troubleshooters, lead out. Repair Ponies, you got drag this time.”

Choo nods her head and as the cart turns around and begins to head back south, we fall in behind it with myself on one side of the cart and Double Back on the other. It is then that I realize, that no matter how badly I wanted to hurt those slavers, I really do not feel better inside. Instead, my damn quick shot kept Twinks from using her TK to save those slaves with the collars. I just hope those slaves we did free do not hold that against me.

It is almost noon when we reach the site of our camp from the previous night. We cross the creek at a ford and keep moving. As we do so, there is very little noise coming from our group. But I do hear those we freed talking, and before long they begin to sing one of the old songs I remember singing when I was a slave as I hear, “Wade, Wade in the Water, Wade in the water Children, Wade in the water,”

Without realizing it, I begin to join in as I start to sing,” Goddesses gonna trouble the water. See that band all dressed in white. Goddesses gonna trouble that water.”

I take another breath as the slaves, myself, and one of the Troubleshooters, called Two Tone sing, “The leader she looks like the Princess of night, Goddesses gonna trouble that water.”

It is as we sing I look over at Two Tone and she looks back at me and nods as we realize we both tasted the lash. And we continue to sing as we lead the others to freedom. “Wade, Wade in the Water, Wade in the Water Children” We sing until this song is finished and a new one starts.

This time I am quiet, but I remember it too. As we walk, my wife approaches me and Katie and tells me, “Dearest, I never heard that one before.”

I smile sadly, and I feel a tear in the corner of my eye as I answer, “And for that, I thank the Goddesses and Sweetcream who you pray to, that you haven’t. That was one of the songs we sang in the fields as slaves. It gave us directions on how to escape, especially if they had hounds available to track us. Father sang it to me and Mother every night before we ran. No one in my family has sung it since.”

She moves closer and tells me, “Thanks for sharing that with me, as well as letting me hear you sing it. Even if it is only this one time.”

“You are welcome, my love. A lot of memories with those songs.”

At the hour we stop for a short break and we all drink some water. As we do this, Sunny lands and I hear him say, “Choo, I saw a couple of radhogs up ahead, do you want me to take them out so we can feed everypony?”

She thinks briefly before answering, “Yes do that, we simply do not have enough to feed everyone, even with what they grabbed on their way out of there.”

Soon I see Sunny flying off with Morning Star and Asra. We have just begun to get ready to move again when I hear three quick shots and I hear over the radio, “Big Blue, we got a big one and a small one. I am starting to clean it to cook right now.”

“Roger, Blackbird we are coming to you.”

As we arrive, I can see the hogs have already been gutted and quartered by Sunny. Asra and Morning Star have already dug a firepit and are getting ready to start a cooking fire.

Choo then tells us, “We will make camp here, cook the meat, and take what we do not eat with us.”

After she says this, we begin to dig foxholes in a perimeter around the camp and prepare for the night.

As I am digging a hole for Ginger and me, one of the older slaves we freed comes over to me and asks, “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but why are you digging all these holes?”

I smile and tell him, “These are fighting positions, some of us will sleep in them even. But if we are attacked, we can defend ourselves better.”

He looks around and then tells me, “I heard you singing earlier, I know what that means, how did you get to be a soldier colt?”

I let out a sigh, and then I tell him, “If I tell you that, I need to tell you my name, and you tell me yours. My name is Xochitl, but the others call me Flower.”

He then looks down at the hoof I have extended for him to shake and he carefully shakes it and tells me, “Grape Hoe. No pony ever offered to shake hooves with me before.”

I understand where he is coming from and I tell him, “Well, you are a free stallion now.”

I see him blush and he looks down before he answers in a shamed tone of voice, “No, not a stallion. The masters gelded me when one of the masters’ daughters said I was looking at her wrong. I swear I wasn’t, but they, they did it anyways.”

I feel the anger growing in me again and I wish I could have done more than kill some of them. But I did what I could. “I am sorry to hear that Grape but you are free now. Do not let having been a slave shame you. We can step above that.”

“Easy for you to say. I see you even have a mare and dog. Myself, who would want a gelding.”

I put a hoof on his shoulder and tell him, “You never know, but do not give up hope.”

“Yeah, I guess.” He does a brief snort of air before adding, “I never expected to be free someday either, so maybe you are right.”

*****

Northern Plains Wastelands, Unclaimed territories: Choo Choo

As the others prepare the meat for cooking, I realize I need to call the Colt to let them know we were delayed and why. I also realize it has been a few days since I last checked in with Ball Lightning and our higher headquarters.

I talk briefly about this with Mort. After which he tells me with a lopsided smile, “Keep me informed alright Choo? The way things have been going lately I am afraid of what could happen next.”

I grin back at him as I respond, “I feel the same way, Mort. I feel the same way. I will be back in a bit.”

I then walk toward a nearby grove of trees, and just before I go in, I decide to use my EFS. I find nothing in there and breathe a sigh of relief. I walk in a bit further then I use my PipBuck to first contact the Colt.

Once out of earshot of the others I try to contact the Colt, “BC this is Big Blue, BC this is Big Blue, do you read me?”

I hear static and a couple of clicks then after about 20 seconds I hear, “Big Blue, this is BC. What is your status?”

“BC things are horrid. I repeat, things are horrid. We are still half of a day’s walk north of the prediscussed meeting point.”

“Roger, Big Blue, can you say what happened?”

I sigh then tell them, “BC, we ran across a village of slavers, and last night they raided our camp, took two of our team members, plus several orphans we are escorting to a new home. We got all back and if any of the slavers still live, they will never forget us.”

I hear them sigh in the background of the radio static then they say, “Understood, we are still at least two days from the rendezvous point. We have run across a dragon again. We took several casualties and are still trying to repair the damage. Let us know when you make the rendezvous point.”

“Roger. Big Blue out.”

I shake my head then I call into Ranger HQ still using the short-wave bands. I report what our status is, then I hear them say, “Big Blue, the boss says that you have one more attempt at this mission, then we have other work we need you to do for us. Do you understand that?”

“Roger, I copy and understand. One more attempt.”

After that, they end the communications. I then notice it is nearly time for me to check if Ball Lightning has any messages for my government. I wait for half an hour listening to static and finally, I give up. I then notice I have a message on my PipBuck from my sister Cargo telling me to contact her as well as which frequency to use.

I tune into it and I call out, “Mother Hen, this is 42, Mother Hen, this is 42, do you copy?”

I repeat this a couple more times before I hear, “42, this is Hen House. Mother Hen is on the way. Stand by.”

I wait a couple more minutes, and then I hear, “42, this is Mother Hen, 42, this is Mother Hen, do you copy?”

“I copy Mother Hen, what do you have for me, over.”

“42, using some of our old surveillance systems we have a location for the actual broadcast. It seems your target has been bouncing signals to make it appear he was broadcasting from different locations. It took us some time, but we have tracked down the broadcast point of origin to one of the stations in Van Hoover. Do you copy?”

“Roger, I copy. Mother Hen, do you have the coordinates for this location?”

“That is affirmative. I am sending them to you right now.”

After she says this I see a small indicator in the side of my line of vision letting me know a new message has been received. I nod my head and then tell her, “It has been received. Thank you, Mother Hen. On a personal note, your mutual young family member said to wish you well and tell you she cannot wait to visit you again.”

I hear a smile in her voice as she responds, “Pass on to her that I feel the same way. Good luck and good hunting Sis. Talk to you later.”

I find myself smiling as I tell her, “I will talk to you later sis. Out.”

After this, I head back to the camp. I first go to talk with Mort, but call Ginger over to meet with us as well. When he sees her going to join us, Smiley nods his head and comes over also.

Once the four of us are together, I tell them, “It looks like we can take our time on getting to the rendezvous point. The Colt is in the middle of conducting repairs and is estimated to be there in another two days.”

Then all nod their heads, but before they can ask anything, I tell them, “I also talked to our depot northwest of here. Mother Hen has given me the coordinates of our target's broadcast sight.

I see them all nod their heads again, and then Mort asks me, “How did they get that information?”

“I am not really sure Mort, other than they said they used some old ministry tech to do so. I believe it is credible though.”

Mort asks, “So what do we do while waiting for them to get to the oil field pickup site?” Beside him, Smiley and Ginger, nod their heads in agreement.

“What we always do,. Get to know the locals, gather intelligence and build bonds we can work with in the future.”
We talk about our plans for traveling the next day and then we return to the others. As we approach, I can smell some of the radhog roasting on a spit above the fire. I am amazed at how good it smells. I then notice one of the released slave mares is off to the side rubbing what appears to be spices and herbs on the outside of a rack of ribs just before they are placed above the fire and wonder what it is.

Twinks comes up to us and tells us, “Smoke Meat is showing some of us how to do what she calls a dry rub on the meat before cooking it.”

The mare I now know is Smoked Meat nods her head and then adds, “If we had time I would hang it in a smokehouse for a bit first. But I know we do not have that much time. The masters used to love it when I cooked it like this.”

As the meat cooks, I feel my mouth begin to water. Then I notice Tater has turned on the radio on his PipBuck. He nods to me and says, “Figured we should hear what the enemy is saying now,”

From his Pipbuck I can hear the smarmy voice of Hallowed Dreams saying, I even have heard that our intelligence sources have tried looking for the supposed little black alicorn that the NCR said brought down one of our Raptors. These sources say there is no evidence she even exists, other than just word of mouth. Do they want us to believe that? Gibberish, that is what it is. Once again to hide their crimes of using megaspells and killing prisoners!

But what do we really expect from the NCR? They burn their own crops and then tell everyone they are growing enough that the next harvest time they will have enough food. Ponies, listen up. Would you believe this kind of lies from your foals? You can bet your feathers that I wouldn’t.

It is the bottom of the hour and time for a few more songs following these brief messages. For those in the NCR, The Weather is Wild. I repeat, the weather is wild. For those in the Commonwealth, Smooth sailing never made a skilled sailor, I repeat, smooth sailing never made a skilled sailor.

After this, I can hear some more of the typical martial music of the Enclave playing. Tater shakes his head and changes the station to listen to one of the more local stations. After he finds one, he tells me, “More of the same from them.” He turns to Moon and her friends and tells her, “Do not let it get to you, Moon. We know the truth, and eventually, they all will.”

“I know Mash, but still. I just do not like him lying about us.”

The rest of the night goes peacefully. We double our guards and once everyone quiets down for the night we are able to sleep peacefully. Before that, and before sunset, the campfire becomes almost a celebration as those we freed share a meal with us and then begin to sing. At one point I see Two Tone look at Xochitl and they both nod to each other. I then see Ginger whisper something to him and he looks like he blushes, then I watch as first he, then Two Tone slowly walk over to those who are singing and they begin to sing with them.

When they bed down that night I overhear Xochitl ask his wife, “It really did not bother you that I was singing those songs from when I was a slave?”

I can faintly see them in the darkness but she answers by pulling him closer and whispering back, “No dear, I am not ashamed of your past. I only wish you were not.”

The next morning, we get up at sunrise, grab a quick breakfast of bacon and whatever else we can scrounge, then break camp and make our way south again.

After four hours of travel, we begin to see sections of wire fencing running in a straight line across the wasteland’s prairie. On one of the sections of fencing is a heavily faded sign that reads Hippocampus Oil Field #1, No trespassing, Deadly force authorized. I guess we are near the rendezvous point.

Beyond the fences, we can see several mechanical devices that I recognize as being used for pumping fluids. One of which is in operation. We also see what looks like several old wooden windmill bases that are in various conditions of disrepair. As we pass one of them a board falls from it and we all jump.

We travel for another ten minutes when Sunny from up above calls on the radio, “Big Blue, It looks like a settlement next to the river just to the southwest.”

I find myself smiling and tell him, “Roger, Black Bird.”

I then tell the others, “OK, let us follow that trail heading to the southwest.” Before too much longer I can see a faint whisp of smoke from over the horizon.

Before much longer as we follow the well-worn dirt road, we arrive at the outskirts of a village made up of old Quonset huts, portable trailers, and a few masonry buildings. I see several of the old windmill bases that are kept up better and have platforms at the top that are ponied by armed guards. As we continue, I notice there are several breeds of creatures here, not just ponies.

Soon I am met by one who I realize is a deer despite his small antlers and his being covered by a woolen cloak and hood, He is carrying a pack on his back as well. He looks at me and smiles, “I have not often seen your kind lately, much less with a cutie mark. Tell me Princess is it real?”

He looks back at me with his head tilted slightly and asks, “Do you mean that?”

I am surprised and answer, “Of course sir. While I have not met many deer, I have met some while I worked the railroad.”

He looks at me and asks, “What is a railroad?”

I realize he may not have seen a train before. So, I ask him, “Have you seen the two lines of metal connected by wood under them that run across the land?”

He nods his head and answers, “Yes, why? Is that a train?”

I then explain to him, “Those are called train tracks. A train is a machine that rides on those tracks to move cargo and passengers. Further into the NCR they are starting to use them once again. But they were rarely seen after the Final Day.”

“Humph, I will take your word for it.”

He then notices both Cowlick and Smiley nearby and he asks, “What is the story with the one-headed brahmin and the funny-looking unicorn?”

I smile at him and tell him, “Well the bull over there, his name is Cowlick. He is one of the old-school cattle. His people were some of the few of the cattle that made it into a stable. The other is Smiley and he is a Kirin. I am not sure about his story, perhaps you should ask him.”

“Perhaps I will. Is this your first time visiting Oil City?”

I move my ears in acknowledgment and when I realize he does not recognize the body language I tell him, “Yes, we did not know the name. I take it you have been here before?”

He nods his head, “Yes, my second time. I am from much further west, but I wanted to see the world. When I started, I had two of my friends with me, but Stands in Trees was killed by raiders, and Runs Through Flowers became very sick and died a week ago. We made it all the way to the big river. She said she always wanted to see it since she found a book showing it. At least she got to see it.” He sighs, then continues, “I do miss her.”

“I do understand. I have lost those I love too.”

As we continue to walk, he says, “And you do not think less of me because I lost my two does and still mourn them?”

“No, no I do not. We have all lost those care about.”

He then tells me, “I am sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I am called Morning Glen.”

I smile and reply, “A pleasure to meet you, Morning Glen, most call me Big Blue. However, some call me Choo Choo.”

“Are you here for the market?” he asks.

“Some, we also have come to meet our transport. How about you?”

“I am on my way home. But it is a long way away. Near the coast.”

“Interesting,” I tell him as I wonder if his home is near Van Hoover. I then ask, “Would you mind leading us to the market and perhaps to somewhere we can find lodging?”

“I believe I can do that. For a small fee, I may be able to direct you to the right vendors even.”

I nod my head, “I do believe I can do that. Also, would you happen to know how to contact the elders for the settlement?”

He frowns slightly and tells me, “Sorry, I did not have any contact with them. “

“Fair enough. How many caps do you want?”

He thinks briefly then tells me, “What are you looking for?”

I give him a brief list and he nods his head, “How about two caps per vendor that you and your people use that I have led you to.”

This seems more than favorable. Then he asks, “And maybe a bit to eat. I have not had much the last two days.”

“I think we can do that,” I tell him, then he leads us into the village.

As we reach a checkpoint at the edge of the buildings we are asked by the guards, “What are your reasons for coming here?”

I answer for the group, “My team and I are here to await the arrival of our ride out of here. We also have a large group of orphans and some freed slaves who are looking for new homes.”

He looks at all of us and nods his head, then he tells us, “We may be able to take some of them, but not all of them. Feel free to rest here and wait for your ride, but understand we are not looking to expand our numbers right now. Food resources are a bit scarce. Those damn Enclave vultures do not leave us much extra.”

I nod my head, “I can understand. Are there any Enclave forces here now?”

He looks at me suspiciously and asks, “You are not going to start trouble with them, are you?”

I shake my head in answer, then tell him, “No, we are not here to do that. Once our ride is here, we will be leaving. I just want to make sure that we avoid them otherwise.”

He smiles, “That sounds good. They have a small outpost north of here. Only a couple of vertibucks and maybe a dozen soldiers in all. Once every couple of weeks one of their airships comes through and gives them supplies and whatnot. They buy oil for lubricating their equipment and take what food they want.”

I sigh as this seems so similar to what I have heard in other areas that the Enclave has control over. I then think back to my days on the railroad and remember how we would oil the bearings on the drive gear and rolling stock so I ask, “Do you have a lot of oil?”

He looks cautious and asks, “Why do you want to know?”

“Just curious is all. I remember using it back during the war.”

As we were talking, I see several other ponies who are covered with black splotches both on their fur and clothing have come over to us and are in a defensive posture. One of them comes up and before the guard can answer he tells us, “We have oil for sale if you need it. Most of it has not been refined as we don’t have the equipment for it, but it can be used for lubrication and even burning. I just would not recommend using any of it in a lamp unless you have a spell to break it down some more. Now what can I do for you?”

I explain to him who I am and why we are here. He nods his head and finally tells us, “Normally we do not get such a large group of visitors. You are welcome to wait a couple of days until your ride gets here, but I am sorry to say, most of you will have to leave when it arrives. We just do not have to supplies to support to much larger of a population.”

“We understand sir. Thank you for letting us partake of your services here.”

He smiles and then tells us, “As long as you understand that, Welcome to Oil City.”

*****

Rainbow Dash Skyport, Enclave Territory, Hoofington: Ball Lightning.

I am sitting at my desk processing supply recs that Storm Rider has recommended already when I hear an argument outside of my headquarters area. As loud as it is, it gets my attention and I make my way outside. As I go, Funnel Cloud is already heading out the door.

One of my security ponies falls in right next to me as I step outside into the main corridor of Skyport to see what is going on.

As I do I see two scavers screaming at each other. The one yells, “I did not try to cheat you. You knew what you were buying.”

“Liar, you sold me something that doesn’t work on purpose. You stole my caps.” The other yells back.

I watch as one of the MPs for this section approaches and tries to defuse the situation. Finally, one of my lieutenants approaches and tells the MP, “Take them both into custody, we can sort it out once they calm down.”

I nod my head in agreement and I hear the one say, “But what about all my stuff? I can’t leave it in the open for anypony to just grab.”

I see the lieutenant sigh and run a forehoof down his face. The then tells them, “Collect your stuff and bring it with you.”

It is as they begin to move that the lieutenant looks up and notices me. He looks at me with wide eyes as if worried I will judge him. I know how he feels. So, I nod my head to him and smile. At this point, he relaxes and I watch him lead the two belligerents off to settle the matter.

As I am heading back inside, I notice Funnel Cloud is watching as well. He nods to me and I ask him, “Would you like to have a cup of coffee with me, Sergeant Major?”

He looks at those walking away and nods, “That sounds good Sir. Besides, I have a few things to discuss with you.”

Ten minutes later I am at my desk sharing coffee with him when the XO returns. She knocks on the door frame and tells me, “Just wanted to let you know I am back from the inspections. Things are looking pretty good sir.”

As she says this, I see her looking at the cups of coffee with an expression of desire. So, I ask her, “Would you like to join us XO?”

“If you would like me to, I would not complain sir.”

Soon she too has taken a seat and is enjoying a cup. Most of the time we just discuss business. However, after a bit, she asks me, “Sir, if I may ask, where were you raised?”

I sip my coffee again and I notice it is getting a little cold so I add a bit more from the pot. Then I tell her, “I was born and raised in Thunderhead. The only time I came dirtside before my survival training was right after my mother was killed and they took me to my father who was recovering in a medical facility down here. I am not sure where that was.”

She looks funny at me and asks, “If I may ask, how was she killed?”

Funnel Cloud’s face starts to slide to a neutral expression as he awaits my answer as he knows already. I take a deep breath, and look down at my cup. Then I tell her, “Storm, she was killed during the Neighvarro attack on Thunderhead. She died in my hooves.”

I see her eyes go wide. Then she asks, “Sir, how do you feel about those who are from Neighavrro?”

I tilt my head and I tell her, “Honestly, I don’t know. Last time I was there they treated me and my people like pariahs. Perhaps they were afraid of what we would do if given the chance. But honestly, enough blood was spilled by both sides back then. I just wish the rest of the Enclave would have tried to stop it before it got out of hoof.”

“Sir, what would you say if I told you I was from Neighvarro?”

I shrug my wings. “Storm, I kinda figured that out from your accent. But let’s be honest it was a long time ago and I just hope you did not lose anyone you cared about back then.”

This time I see her look down before answering, “I lost some cousins and an aunt in it. I was lucky our home wasn’t in the path of advance from the Thunderhead retaliation strike.”

This time I hear Funnel Cloud say, “Bullocks what a mess that was back then.”

She looks at him, “Were you involved in it back then?”

I see his body shake. Then he nods. “Yeah, I was in it. I was a low-level non-com back then.”

She looks at both of us and I see her shift her wings. “I am just glad those days are behind us in the Enclave.”

“Same here,” I tell her, and I really hope they are. But I still remember my time in Neighvarro as well as how Air Burst felt when we left.

Three days later I am walking with Storm Rider to the VC cafeteria to buy us lunch, we are talking about rotating some of the companies’ areas of responsibilities to keep them from becoming complacent when from the side I hear a mare yell out, “Stop that. I done told you that I am no longer working in that line of business.”

I am startled though when Storm’s ears go flat along the side of her head. And she begins to head in that direction.

As we get closer, I hear the trooper saying, “Come on then, for old-time sakes, just like in Reino.”

We are coming upon them from their side. I see a fairly young, gray unicorn mare with a light pink mane and tail with some darker red streaks and a cutie mark that is a pony hugging a heart. We are just in time for her to say “I mean it. I no longer do that. I have a special somepony whom I am faithful to.” That is when she looks towards us and sees us approaching.

I hear her let out a squee and she runs straight at Storm, I am just reaching for my pistol when she leaps into the air and is caught by Storm Rider, who drags her in for a hug as she yells out, “Stormy!”

I watch as they share a rather personal kiss, and I see the trooper's dark blue face start to lose color and his eyes go wide open, and we both hear her say, “Sweetheart, it has been so long, what are you doing here?”

She is almost vibrating in her excitement as she explains, “Love, you sent me that letter telling me where you got stationed, so I knew I had to come here and be with you.”

“It is so good to see you again, you surprised me,” she tells the mare I realize must be Kind Heart, who she has described to me before.

As this is going on I notice my trooper is trying to slink away slowly. I tell him to stop and then approach him. He goes to attention and I can tell he is afraid of how much trouble he is in. I then quietly tell him, “Trooper, I hope you realize you were harassing our XO's marefriend. I heard her tell you no and to leave her alone. Now, I know it has been a while since you have been home and such, but next time a mare says no. Listen to her. Now get back to your duties.”

His eyes wide open, ears laid back and wings and tails tucked tight tell me he is taking this seriously as he salutes and tells me, “Yes, sir!”

After he is gone, I turn to the two of them and ask, “Would you care to join us, we were just going to lunch.”

I see an expression of surprise come over Kind Heart’s face and of relief coming over Storm Riders. She places a wing over the smaller mare and tells me, “We would like that sir.”

As we eat lunch together, I find myself enjoying this new mare’s company as if I had known her for years. We only have one slightly awkward moment and that is when I ask, “So how did you two meet?”

Storm blushes but I also notice her slight fight to keep her wings down. Beside her, Kind Heart blushes slightly then tells me, “Stormy came to the bordello I was working at in Reino. It was supposed to be strictly business, but it turned out to be so much more. I will never forget when after the third time I found out she was asking for just me. I was so over the moon about her already that on my days off I tried to find her to spend time just with her.”

I notice Storm looking at me as if waiting for me to judge her, but honestly, I cannot. Sometimes we do what we can, or have to, to survive. So, instead, I ask her, “Did you enjoy your work there?”

She half smiles looks at Storm and then answers, “Sometimes, but honestly, I just want my one mare now.” She pauses, then adds, “So you can see why Trooper Low Flight was the way he was when you met me.”

I nod, then add, “But it still does not make it right.” I pause and turn to Storm. “XO, I ask you not to let this one-time mistake by Low Flight affect how you see him. However, if he continues this way, we kick the cloud and let the lightning strike him.”

She nods and tells me, “I agree sir, but I just wish he would have taken the initial no as a final answer.”

I nod and tell her, “I agree.” Then I turn to Kind and I ask her, “How was the trip getting here?

She looks at my XO and while I see love in her eyes, I read her body language as she answers, “It was not the easiest Ball. But I think Stormy is worth it.”

As we finish our meals, I then smile as I look at Storm Rider and tell her, “XO, before we head back to our HQ, I would like to sometime invite you both over for dinner with me and my family.”

I am pleased to see the surprise on both of their faces and I smile at them as I tell them, “I really do mean it. I just have to set up a day with my wife and mother-in-law.”

Kind Heart looks at me with her head twisted slightly and asks, “Your mother-in-law lives with you and you have to get her permission?”

Storm shakes her head and tells her, “No dearest, she has been helping them with the family since she was badly wounded in an attack on the base here a while back.”

I see Kind’s eyes go wide and she asks, “Is it safe here then?”

This time I answer, “Safer than most of the wastelands. NCR and Commonwealth too for that matter.” I pause and look at the two of them and smile as I tell them, “XO, take the rest of the day off and I will see you tomorrow.”

“Are you sure sir?”

I nod and tell her, “I am sure. I know what it is like to come home to those you love after being separated for a long time.” I pause and add, “And I think Kind here has made a very large effort to be with you again. Have a good night you two.”

After this I see them start to trot off as Storm begins to give her a tour of the RDS. Myself, I shake my head and head back to my desk to finish up those supply requisitions. As I enter the HQ, I see Funnel Cloud noticing me and heading to my office.

Once inside he tells me, “Have you seen the XO? I have a couple of Article 15s for her to review. Two of our troopers from C troop found that bar off base called Mudpuppies and ended up in a hoofticuffs match with some of the locals.”

I look at the paperwork and I tell him, “OK Sergeant Major, the XO will be tied up I believe until tomorrow morning. It seems the marefriend of hers who gave her the Stable Tec Carmel pistol has made it here from Reino. So, I gave her the rest of the day off.”

He smiles and nods his head, “Thanks for the heads up, sir.” He looks at the time clock and asks, “Sir, do you want me to have some coffee brought in for you?”

I look back at my desk and see the paperwork there and I nod my head, “Sure Funnel, I appreciate it. It looks like I might be here a bit late tonight.” As he goes out the door, I take up my pen again and begin where I left off, before I got distracted.

*****

On tonight’s show, I have a special treat for all of you. It seems that I have received a few more recordings in the mail and I will be sharing them all with you. But before that, we have the news and some words from our sponsors.

From Fillydelphia, we have received news of increased fighting between the NCR forces blockading the city and those inside. Reports are that the remnants of Red Eyes forces there have driven the NCR back three blocks through the manufacturing district. No word on the total casualties yet, but they are expected to be high.

From Chicacolt it is reported that the lines have stabilized once again as a severe front of wild weather passes through that area. This front has spawned on the great plains and has left a path of torn-up landscape and ruins behind it.

In other news, a representative from the former territories of Yakyakastan has arrived in Junction Town for a formal meeting with President Grimfeathers and the other leaders of the Coalition. Perhaps we can add another member to the alliance.

Finally, names of prisoners taken as well as names of the dead from the campaign outside of Reino have begun to arrive in the NCR via the Followers of the Apocalypse through the Grand Pegasus Enclave’s Volunteer Corps.

Now for a word from our sponsors. For those looking for good meals, good music, and dancing, the Back 40 Supperclub never lets you down.

Tonight, I would like to add our newest sponsor, Second Chances, First Runs, run by Sewing Bobbin, a haberdasher with over 200 years of experience in tailoring clothing for all creatures. For those who tell her you heard about her on this broadcast, you will receive a ten percent discount.

Now for the first song of tonight, I have a new one for you. Here is Children of the Moon.

Author's Note

It has been a while so I would once again like to thank those who have inspired me by creating and adding to the world of Fallout Equestria, among them being Kkat, Somber, and many others.

The song that the freed slaves sang is a ponified version of Wade in the Water, which was a song sang by many of the slaves in the US during the 1800s, The YouTube link for this song is: u]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_euSS86dvE

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBxoPZ_vgM8