Chapter 69 Fate Smiles

“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Village of Morvarc’h, Wastelands: Ginger Snaps

Once Choo returns, she gathers us all together and tells us, “Ok, just so you all know, this is the town we were told to recon. The locals are all ghouls. With that in mind, I will remind you all that this is their home and you will treat them respectfully. Do I make myself clear?”

While most of us readily acknowledge her, the dashite tagalongs are hesitant. Choo then asks, “Is there a problem?”

“But they are ghouls. They are monsters, aren’t they?”

I find myself laughing, as I turn to them and tell them, “No more than you or I. We can all be monsters, no matter how pretty or ugly our outsides are. It is what is inside that makes the difference, and most ghouls who are not feral are no more monsters than us.”

“Well put Cookie,” Choo tells me, then she turns to them, “If you prefer, you can wait out here. Otherwise, treat them as you would anypony else. Besides, they have a general store here that if we are lucky, we may be able to pick up a few odds and ends that we need.”

While I nod, I hear Box-end wrench ask, “What type of things?”

Choo turns to her, “Well, they seem to have some old civilian weapons for sale and a used copy of the Wastelands Survival Guide, which all three of you could use. They also have some extra gear that might help in the backcountry so you are not as dependent on us. It might not be top-notch, but it might be good starter gear.”

“Oh, so we can’t get as good of gear as you have?”

I shake my head and reply, “She didn’t say that, but do not expect to find this quality of stuff lying around all the time. A lot of it we got in Manesville, some from the Rangers, and some, you would never believe who or where we got it from, because, at times, I still have a hard time believing it.”

“Now you have my curiosity up.”

“Perhaps later we can discuss it. Just not now. Now we have business to attend to.” Choo tells her.

I see a bit of disappointment on their faces, but I am distracted by Choo calling over Morning Mist and telling him, “Before I report in, I want a quick assessment of this town for its potential as a shipping hub.”

“Choo, why would you want that?” he asks.

“Because our surefooted friends have asked for one. Other than that, I am as in the dark as you are.”

I smile as he grins and tells her, “Gotcha boss. I am on it.”

Soon I find myself walking through the town towards the general store with my husband and our dog. It seems funny to me how natural it is now for us to have Katie with us and I know I would miss her if something were to happen to her. But what I find really interesting is how attached my husband has become to her. I guess I always thought of the enfields, Woofers, and Tweeters as being his as much as my family’s pets. While he was always close to them, I can see an even greater closeness between him and Katie. The nice thing is she is just as good in the field with us as the old enfields were, except she cannot fly.

Following behind us are the dashite tagalongs. Choo has already given me an allowance to help get them some gear.

As we enter the store I notice the surprise on the patrons inside. I casually nod to the unicorn and earthpony ghoul stallions playing checkers off to the side, near a wood stove. As my eyes adjust to the dimmer lantern light, I see what odds and ends they have on the shelves and hanging on the walls. I immediately notice a couple of weapons on a rack behind the main counter and tell the three nervous pegasi, “Follow me.”

Once we arrive at the counter I see a mare unicorn ghoul wearing a visor and apron behind the counter. She is leaning on it with one hoof and asks, “OK smoothcoats, what do you want?”

I pop up on the counter across from her and stick out a hoof to shake. I see her surprise and as she shakes it, I tell her, “Call me Cookie, most folk do. These three pegasi with me are new down here and we would like to get them a bit of a starter kit.”

She looks at them and I see her appraising them in her mind. She then turns to me and asks, “They seem a bit unnerved by us ghouls, can I trust them around us?”

I look back at them and nod as I tell her, “I think so, they are willing to learn despite the recent brands. They know they can not go home now and are making an effort.”

She looks back at the ghouls at the checkerboard, then my husband who is perusing the wares they have out front. She then asks, “I notice you and that zony seem relaxed around ghouls, how come?”

I shrug and tell her, “Well, my husband and I have been around them since we were young. In fact, the mare in charge of our shop crew back home is a zebra ghoul along with her foal that we woke from the big sleep.”

I see her eyes go wide and she asks, “How did you and them get past that?”

I shrug, “We had some help from some of the ghouls in Dead Quiet, as well as my father-in-law who is a zebra, there to help calm her down. After that High Grade explained to them what happened. They later returned to the shop and became part of our team.”

“So, you are saying everyone there treats ghouls just like everpony else?”

“Not all, but most. Over the last ten years, a lot has occurred that has brought groups together. They even have a representative on the local council now.”

“Interesting, now what are you looking for?”

I give her a brief rundown of what we are hoping for and she nods her head or shakes it depending on if she has it available. When I mention a copy of Wasteland's Survival Guide, she smiles, “Yeah, I have a copy available. It is an older one, but we have not seen Ditzy Doo come through in years.”

“Yeah, she has been pretty busy it seems. It seems she has moved her shop from New Appleloosa to Junction Town since the day of Sunshine and Rainbows.”

She looks at me and asks, “You know her?”

“I would not say I know her, but I have met her a couple of times the first time was while on the expedition. I have seen her a couple of times since. But not often.”

“Makes sense,” she says and then tells me, “I really do not have much of an inventory for weapons, just a couple of old Wintrotters, a few pistols and shotguns. Nothing you would want in your line of work.”

I smile, “I understand. They are only with us for a while, if they end up joining us, we will see what we can find then. But these will at least help them survive.”

She looks at them knowingly, shakes her head, and then tells them, “Come on over here, I may not smell the best, but I do not bite.”

I watch as Box-end approaches first. She looks at me, then back to the proprietor, and says, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Now, first off, I have to ask you, do you know anything about guns?”

She shakes her head no. The old ghoul looks at the other two and asks, “How about you two?”

One shakes his head no, and the other answers, “I spent a few years in service. Once I got out, I started working in the factories.”

She nods, “Did you other two work in the factories as well?”

Both nod, “Yeah, I worked on an assembly line," Wing Clip tells her.

Box-end Wrench smiles and tells her, “I worked maintenance.”

She grins as best she can at the mare and tells her, “Good, that means you should be able to figure out how to take care of the ones you get. Remember, you take care of your weapon and it will take care of you. Now, I am going to show you the long arms I have available first. I will tell you what I know about them and how to operate and take care of them.”

She pauses looks up at me and asks, “Does your group have a gunsmith with you?”

I nod and she smiles again, “Good, they can help them. Oh, and if they have a bit of extra time, I can work a deal with them if they help me with a couple I have in the back.”

“Sounds good, I will let Mash know as soon as I see him,” I tell her with a smile.

“Ok, now back to what I was saying before I got sidetracked,” she tells them and begins to show them first the lever action Wintrotters. She has a few variations, the biggest difference being calibers. But one does have a scope on it. Next, she moves on to the few shotguns she has. One of which I notice is a bit worse for wear, but I see on the side of the receiver marked, 3RD Cloudsdale Sky Guard.

I see all three of their eyes light up on seeing that. It is as she is showing us some of the pistols, she has that I hear Tater and Twinks walking in. I turn my head and flag him over.

“What do you want Cookie?” he asks and I see him notice the weapons on the countertop in front of me and the tagalongs.

“Mash, this good mare here said she might have a bit of extra work for you if you are interested. Also, I wanted you to take a quick look at some of these here and go over them before we buy them.”

As he steps up to the counter and begins to look them over, I can tell when he sees the markings on the one shotgun as his eyebrows raise slightly. He then begins to check each weapon quickly and I see him nodding his head after he is done with each one. He then turns to the tagalongs and tells them, “These are all solid pieces and good starters. I really like that shotgun and if none of you want it, I would be tempted to pick it up for one of my Pas. It has a bit of a history to it, I am sure. I would even hazard to guess it was either used by an MP or it was used in the trenches. It is good for hard-hitting, close-in work. The shot spreads out during its flight. Also, these Wintrotters are all good. I might put a new spring in that one there, but even then, that is only as a precaution and I would keep the old one as a spare.”

He then turns to me, “Does Choo want them armed with pistols too?”

I am not sure if Choo does or not. I look at the three of them and tell him, “I am not sure, we can always come back if we need to.”

“Makes sense Cookie. I will check them out, just in case.”

As he examines the pistols, I dicker on a price for two of the Wintrotters and the old Sky Guard pump action shotgun. Once that is finished, I get all three of them a set of saddlebags. A spare Canteen and a blanket for them. Eventually, we come to clothing. While they probably do not need it, it is always a good thing to have on hoof. That and the right ones will hide their brands if we need to.

For clothing, she has available two jumpsuits and a duster. I let them try them on to see which fits, both stallions end up with a jumpsuit that is a little loose on them, and Box-end finds the duster fits her just right. Box then asks, “I notice your team all wear hats, should we?”

“Well, that is up to you, and if she has any that fit you. But those would probably be a good idea.”

The shop owner nods as she adds the cost we agreed upon to the bill. She then tells us, “Over on the left wall. Second and third shelves I have a few.”

Soon from the shelves I hear them all talking and I watch as they try several on, and finally, they come back with ones that fit them. I notice that Wing Clip has just a simple ball cap, while Counter Weight has a traders’ cap with a set of goggles on it. Finally, I am amused to see that Box End has a wide-brimmed cowpony hat, and with the duster, she will look almost like the Mare with no name from those old westerns we have back at the shop.

Once that is done, I think a bit more and ask, “Just wondering, do you have any slings for the rifles and shotgun?”

She thinks briefly and answers, “Yeah, but I might also have a couple of scabbards to carry them in as well. Wait right here and I will check the back.”

Shortly she returns with three web slings and two scabbards, one is made of canvas, the other of tanned hide. As we look at them, I notice they will not fit the shotgun, but Box-end then asks the shop pony, “Do you have any tanned hides, adhesives, and some old nails?”

“Sure, I might have some, why?”

I am curious as to why she wants them. I received the answer right away when she said, “If I can borrow a few tools I am going to make a scabbard for it myself.”

I see the ghouls in the shop all grin and nod their heads. After she returns the owner places the items on the counter and tells her, “Make two of them and it is free, I have a workbench out back you can use.”

Box-end hesitantly puts her hoof up to shake on the deal. The ghoul mare smiles and nods her head. She then calls out, “Teddy Bear, would you be kind enough to take this mare outback to the workbenches, she is going to make a couple of things for me.”

“Sure thing Rolling Inventory,” one of the Checker Players says as he gets up and leads her around back followed by Twinks.

While they work, I finish paying for the items and get a receipt. I then continue to talk with the old mare and find out a bit about the town's history. In what seems to be a rarity to me, most of the inhabitants here are the original ones. At one time it had been a river town doing business with the riverboats until the war came and the trains started transporting more and more goods past the town. She also tells me about the Final Day and those days following it as she and some of the others woke up again to find themselves being transformed into ghouls from all the magical radiation.

Soon enough, I hear Twinks and Box-end come back into the store. I see both smiling, but the smile on Box-ends face is even larger after she puts on her new duster and hat, then her saddlebags, and finally her scabbard. At which point I hear Wing Clip tell her, “Wow, you have really gone native.”

I then notice two equestrian bits have had holes punched in them and are attached by a peened-over nail to the scabbard. I raise an eyebrow and ask, “Ok, why the two coins on your scabbard?”

With all seriousness, she turns to me and answers, “To pay the boatstallion when it is my time.”

I then notice all three of the ghouls in there solemnly nod their heads in agreement.

*****

Village of Morvarc’h, Wastelands: Xochitl

I find myself looking through what few items are on the shelves of the general store. I notice that most of them are well-worn, but still useable. I smile to myself when I find a few old books and then I notice something I had not expected to see. Instead of a stuffed pony, I find a stuffed zebra. I look at it and think of my little sister and how much she might enjoy something like this, and I debate whether I should pick it up for her or not. After all, I do not know how long it may be before we get home again. I then notice an old copy of Equestrian Army Today. The cover is ratty, but I am really surprised when I see an article about updated combat engineer tactics for the trenches that was written by Lieutenants High Grade and Xerxes of the 23rd Combat Engineer Battalion.

I smile and read part of it. This I will pick up. After all, I know the authors of that article. I notice a couple of other interesting articles in this issue as well including one about infiltration tactics for special forces. I know Moon Lily will want to read another article in it that discusses the use of Battle Mages on the Hoofington front as well.

I place the magazine on my back so they do not think I am trying to steal it. I contemplate the stuffed zebra and nod my head. Yeah, I will get it. My little sister should be thrilled with it. As I have been glancing through the magazine and such, I notice Tater and Twinks arrive. As Tater goes over to join my wife and the tagalongs Twinks comes over and asks how my search is going.

“Actually, not bad. I never saw a stuffed zebra before, so I am picking it up for Xialynn. Oh, and check out this old copy of Equestrian Army Today I found.”

She shakes her head and scrunches her muzzle as she tells me, “Not my thing. I prefer Today’s Locksmith or some of the old Popular Arcanoscience magazines.”

“Well, the reason I wanted to show it to you was; to look at who the authors of the main article were.”

At first, she rolls her eyes, then she looks and I see a grin cross her face, “Well, buck me running. Now that is something I never expected.”

“See, It was something to see now wasn’t it.”

She nods and then says, “I wonder what else they have here,” as she starts to look over what they have.

After a bit, Ginger calls Twinks over and has her go with Box-end wrench outside for something. Since it is a chilly day, I go over to the chairs by the woodstove and take a seat. As I enjoy the warmth from the stove, I find myself slowly rocking and just enjoying pony-watching.

The one ghoul still at the checkerboards nods to me and says, “Kinda relaxing isn’t it.”

“Yeah. Since the war started, we have not had much downtime.”

“I understand how that is. It was like that in the Zebra war. He then lifts what is left of his front left hoof and tells me, “That is where I lost my foreleg.”

I nod in understanding and ask, “What unit were you with?”

He shifts his shoulder and tells me, “Not that it matters as you probably never heard of it, but I was with A company of the 23rd Combat Engineers battalion.”

I smile and tell him, “Yeah, I know of them. Part of why I am picking up this magazine. I know the ones who wrote the article. Well, I know one and knew the other.”

He looks surprised and tells me, “Really now, how do you know them?”

As Katie settles down next to my chair I reach down and pet her as I tell him, “Well, Xerxes is still on this side of the dirt. He and most of what was left of the old 23rd were at a place called Site Paddock. They just came up right before the war started. High Grade was the commander of the Dead Quite Militia over by Manesville. He and several others sacrificed themselves to destroy several raptors that were on the ground there.”

“Damn, I do not know whether to feel sorry for him about that or to be happy that he finally got to go to Elysium. I am assuming he was a ghoul also.”

“Yes, he was. But he taught us a lot before that. My wife and I have known High Grade for years, but only really got to know him the last couple.”

He looks thoughtful and asks, “Would you be willing to carry a letter from me to Xerxes? I need to thank him for some of the things he did back then.”

“Yeah, I can do that. I am sure he would love to hear from one of his old troopers,” I tell him with a smile, but then I add, “It might be a while until I am home again though.”

He smiles and replies, “Sonny, all I have is time, A bit of a delay after all these years is not going to hurt anything.”

“Okay, I will pick it up from you before we leave town, sir.”

Later after we have made our purchases we head over to the old hotel and saloon that seem to double as town's public building.

As we enter Choo is still talking to the mayor. I notice that the batponies are absent and when I ask, I am told by Cowlick, “They are all sleeping for the day.”

Off to the side, I see the Flying Foursome playing cards with a very frustrated-looking Hallowed Dreams. This gets me to raise an eyebrow and before I can ask Choo tells me, “They were bored and decided to introduce him to UNO.”

From the table, I hear one of the two sisters call out, “Draw four!”

This is followed by Hollowed Dreams cry of, “Are you kidding me? Again?”

I smile and shake my head. Then Choo tells us, “While you were gone, I contacted our bosses. There has been some clarification on our orders. It seems the Third Regiment will be here in a week or less. The mayor has agreed to let the youngster and the Lance’s set stay here until they arrive. The mayor has also agreed to keep Hollowed Dreams here as well so that he can be transported back to NCR territory.”

We all nod in understanding. Then she tells us, we are to make another recon back the way we came to verify the route into Coltlumbia and Mount Persius.” She pauses and tells Sunny and Morning Mist, “That means you two will get your wish. I need you to see if you can infiltrate their capital.”

She turns to the tagalongs, nods at their new apparel, and then tells them, “I like how your new clothing covers your brands. You are welcome to come with us and I will make sure you get paid if you do.”

The tagalongs look at each other and I see some ears shifting. Finally, they answer, “We will do it, boss.”

Choo smiles and replies, “Welcome to the team.”

After she says this Ginger tells her, “Boss, I did not pick up any pistols, maybe we should head back over to the general store.”

“That would be a good idea I do believe; Perhaps I will even join you this time.”

This time not only Choo joins us, but so does Cowlick and Flight Plan and his co-pilot Cloud Bank. As I head out of the door of the saloon, I hear “Reverse.” This is followed by an expletive from the former radio host.

Right after this, I hear Slip Stream chortling as he says, “Draw four.”

I shake my head as I laugh and lead the others back to the shop. As we walk, I tell Cowlick about the old ghoul whom I talked with earlier there and how he was once a part of the old 23rd before they were sent to Site Paddock.

As I enter the general store with Cowlick next to me, I hear the veteran ghoul I had talked to earlier say, “Dear mother of Celestia and Luna, is that you Sweet Corn?”

At first, I am confused, but then I remembered Lieutenant Johnny Cakes telling us about his best friend Sweet Corn who was a bull and is buried in the family cemetery across the road from our family’ farm.

Cowlick is surprised briefly, then he tells him, “I am sorry sir, but I am not him. But I know of him.”

“But you look just like him, how?”

“Perhaps he was one of my ancestors as I am from the Manesville region, so who knows.” He pauses then approaches the old ghoul and asks, “We do not have many cattle heroes so could you tell me more about him?”

“You really aren’t him?”

“No sir, I am not. But it is nice to know I look like him.”

As the rest enter behind us, I see his eyes go wider as he asks, “Sweet Corn, you are joking with me again, aren’t you? I have finally died, I can tell 'cause I see Luna behind you.”

Cowlick turns to Choo and then back to him answering, “Nah, that is my boss. She got her cutie mark back and a little more.”

Hearing this Choo Choo approaches and tells him, “Sir, I am sorry to say, I am not she. Though I have met her.” Choo then extends a hoof and tells him, “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

I see him start to raise his stump, then he drops it and adjusts in his seat so he can extend his other hoof as he tells her nervously, “A pleasure to meet you too Ma’am.”

As Ginger and Choo move on with the Tag-alongs Cowlick and I continue to talk to the old veteran. As Choo walks away, Cow asks, “If you do not mind, could you tell me more about Sweet Corn.”

“Yeah, I can do that sonny. I can. Looking at you two almost reminds me of Sweets and Lieutenant Xerxes before he got bumped up to an officer. The only thing missing is a mule and a female unicorn. Those four, when they arrived at the 23rd, were inseparable. The funny thing is as good of friends as they were, they probably would not have met and become friends if not for the war.” We sit there with him by the stove as he continues to tell us stories about them. I do notice though that rarely does he mention combat. But honestly, I understand, as those are the types of stories I prefer not to think about and tell others about myself. Especially if they were not there or had never seen a battle.

He seems to relax and tell us a bit more about those stories. When he mentions the trenches outside Hoofington Cowlick tells him, “Yeah, we understand how those were. We were in No Mare’s land down there a while back.”

“Son, no offense, but you saw what was left of them after 200 years. You never lived and fought in trenches like that.”

I shift uncomfortably when he says this and Cowlick says quietly, “We saw some a while back outside of Reino. We got cut off after we broke their lines. Very few escaped.” He pauses, then adds, “Him, his wife, and our boss all spent time in the trenches during the siege at the Valley.”

He looks at me again with an appraising look, then at Ginger, and finally at Choo before he says, “Never heard of this siege of the valley you mention. Course most ponies never heard about the battles around Hoofington either, even the one that Sweet Corn won the Celestia Cross with Luna’s crossed sabers.”

When he mentions those awards, my eyes go wide. My Goddesses, we have a genuine hero buried back home and even he was all but forgotten. After this brief surprise, I look down and close my eyes briefly as I gather my thoughts and emotions. Finally, I begin to tell him, “It is a long story, but it was shortly after the Day of Sunshine and Rainbows.”

“You are a little young to have been a soldier back then,” he tells me with a hint of disbelief.

“I know, but my wife and I, along with our boss snuck into the back of a wagon the night before the Co-op Expedition Force left…” I spend the better part of an hour telling him about it. I am joined by Sunny and my wife at one point as I am telling the story.

By the time I finish, I feel emotionally drained. The old ghoul looks at me and nods his head, “Yeah, you have been there, you know what the trenches were like, and the desperation. Now that brings me to be able to tell you about Sweet Corn and how he became a hero.”

As he tells us, the rest of our group in the store sit down and we listen to his story. I am struck by how this bovine sacrificed himself to hold the one remaining bridgehead as long as possible so that others could escape. The story includes how he sent the rest of his squad across the river while he remained at the Mare Duce until he was overrun by the Zebra centurions.

When he is finished, I hear Cowlick sniffle slightly and he tells the storyteller, “Thank you. I will make sure I tell the others back home about him and his bravery. I never heard about what he did that day before.”

All of us around him nod our heads in agreement. “Sir, maybe you could write that down for us. I know we would all appreciate it. Especially the cattle back home.”

“Perhaps, but honestly that is not one of my better memories. Though I do miss the old bull sometimes, he wasn’t too bad for a sergeant at all.”

“In that case sir, thank you for sharing them with us. I know it is hard, especially as I hear my friend here talk about things from the expedition that neither he nor his wife have told us before today.”

He looks at Cowlick and nods his head. He then tells him, “Yeah, the only reason I opened up so much is because he did. I knew he would understand and not judge. I am just glad all of you do not, especially as I must have done something very wrong to end up like this.”

This time Choo steps forward, placing a wing gently on his shoulder, and tells him, “A while back I had another stallion who was a ghoul express a similar feeling. I stand by what I told him then with you. Perhaps the reason you and I are still around after all these years is not for what we did, but for a purpose that we are needed for. Part of that may have been to pass on your knowledge of Sweet Corn to us so we can ensure he is not forgotten. I say part, as there may be many more things still for us to do and see.” She pauses, looks at her PipBuck and tells us, “We should get back to the hotel and get something to eat and some sleep, tomorrow will be a long day for us.”

*****

Village of Morvarc’h, Wastelands: Choo Choo

I followed the mayor of the town over to the old hotel and once there, over a drink, I discussed with him why we were there. After that, he asks, “Okay, you mentioned you needed to ask so what is the favor that you mentioned?”

I am hesitant at first and tell him, “When we leave, I would like to leave behind the youngest four of our group as well as our batpony scouts, we would prefer to keep their presence here quiet until the arrival of the commander of the 3rd Manesville Regiment.” I pause then add, “Plus a prisoner we have with us. Perhaps we could keep him in your jail.”

He looks at me with a cocked head and tells me, “You do not ask much do you.” He then thinks briefly and says, “So you are saying your war is coming our way and will be in our town in a few days.”

I nod my head, “Yes, from my understanding.”

I see anger flash across his face as he asks, “You mean to tell me you are dragging the Enclave into our town for your fight?”

I hold up a hoof and quietly ask, “Do you think that the Enclave will truly let you and your people be if they win the war with the NCR? Believe me, I know they hate my kind as much as yours, if not more. The sad reality is that the NCR is taking the fight to them and will be passing through here. They may ask to use your town as a supply depot, but if they do that, it means they will fight for your town and people as well as that depot.”

He does not look overly happy about it, but he does take what I am saying into consideration. He then asks, “Does this mean we may be able to do business with those troops and the NCR?”

I nod briefly before I answer, “Of course. It also means that they will also have their MPs keep those troops in line. And believe me when I say the NCR in Manesville has no real issues with most ghouls. In fact, one of our militia companies back home is from Dead Quiet and is all ghouls.”

I see him twist his muzzle slightly and shake his head, “I do not know about that, we will have to see. But, go ahead and bring you team into town and we can talk some more.”

I smile and offer a hoofshake which he takes with a surprised expression on his face. Then I add, “I need to contact my higher-ups briefly before I bring the team if you do not mind. Do you have somewhere private I can use?”

He nods his head, “Sure, what do you need?”

“Just somewhere I can get a good reception with my radio and is private.”

He smiles and says, “Yeah, upstairs, first room on the left. I will be giving you that one to sleep in tonight.”

“Thank you. I will be right back down, oh, and how much for the rooms?’

“Go make your call and we will discuss it when you come back down.”

I check out the room, make my way to the window and after opening it, I use the special radio dish I was given for just this type of situation. I then send a quick message reporting our arrival and am told to wait an hour for new orders. I acknowledge this and I return to my people.

After I return, I lead them all back to the hotel. Once we are in the saloon of the hotel. We are then informed by the owner that there is a general store in town if we need some things.

I then tell Ginger, “Cookie, please take the tag-alongs to the general store and see if you can get them some equipment that will help keep them alive.”

“That includes weapons, Boss?”

I sigh, “Most definitely. You do not think they would survive in the Wastelands without any do you?”

She grins, “No, just want to make sure we are on the same page is all. Oh, and who is going to pay for it?”

“The company will Cookie, the company will.” She turns to the others with us and tells them “Any of you who might want to go with them please feel free to. Except for you Fog and Salt, I need you to perform that assignment we discussed right away. I need the information in an hour.”

They both grin, “Gotcha Boss,” Morning Mist says, then leads Cowlick out the door at a trot.

I look out the door a short time later and watch as Cowlick checks the top of the bridges and Morning Mist flies under and around inspecting them. I am just talking to the mayor again when they return and give me their report.

I excuse myself and return to the room where I first code the report and then send it. Once received they tell me to stand by. It is only twenty minutes later that I see a message in my queue on my PipBuck and I decode it.

It follows the standard format, but the orders themselves make me shake my head. I then request a verification of the orders and am stunned. The first part of the orders tells us that the Third Manesville is en route and will be here soon. It then tells us to return to the Coltlumbia region via the same route we egressed. However, this time if there are no, or light guards at the pass, once through we are to let them know that the path is clear for NCR troops via a simple message that the path is clear. That will alert the 3rd that they can begin to advance as quickly as possible.

That part makes sense and I feel we can easily do it. It is the second part that gets my mane to stand on end and my wings to rise. I look at it and shake my head as I read

Elements of the said team are to try and infiltrate Coltlumbia and its environs to determine targets as well as feasible routes of attacks. Furthermore if possible, you are to try to recruit assets to assist in future operations there.

Well, they are not asking much, are they. Just fly on into the Enclave capital have a look around and see if we can rustle up some help for the future. Easy peasy, yeah, right, except it is not our higher-ups' flanks that are on the line here.

I reread it and sigh as I head downstairs to talk with the others. When I arrive, all the members of my team are there. I then tell Ginger and Xochitl, “While you were gone, I contacted our bosses. There has been some clarification on our orders. It seems the Third Regiment will be here in a week or less. The mayor has agreed to let the youngster and the Lance’s set stay here until they arrive. The mayor has also agreed to keep Hollowed Dreams here as well so that he can be transported back to NCR territory.”

I notice they all seem surprised, then I drop the bombshell and tell Sunny and Morning Mist, “That means you two will get your wish. I need you to see if you can infiltrate your way into their capital.”

I see them both grin and exchange a hoof bump. Part of me wants to reprimand them for their cockiness. But honestly, they are going to need that confidence to pull this off. I see the tag-alongs have their new gear and I will add them to this roster. After all, they now look the part of caravanners, and we have a brahmin of sorts.

The next morning, I tell the Lance, “Remember to give the information we have gathered to Lieutenant Colonel Mollygirl. Also, watch out for the Moon Lily and the others.”

She grins at me and replies, “Of course, we will not fail in our duty as royal guards.”

I want to argue about the royal guard part, but I see they are all wearing the Night Guard neckerchiefs and I know they will do their best to protect them. “Very well Morning Star. I leave them in your capable hooves.”

As I give a brief hug to Moon and tell her goodbye, I see Sunny and Morning Star exchange a tender moment and he gently kisses her and I try to ignore him wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. As they do so, Moon quietly tells me, “Do not worry Granny, I will protect them all. I already have placed Hallowed Dreams in the jail cell so he can feel safe with all the ghouls around.”

I smile, “Good thinking Moon. But be careful okay.”

Soon we are on our way again and are making our way back west and across the plains and foothills leading back into the heart of enemy territory. As we cross the bridge, I look back one final time at my descendent and we both wave to each other a final time and I wonder if I will ever see her again. I just pray she stays safe and goes back to Manesville when the 3rd regiment arrives.

I turn back and tell the others, “Ok, let’s get moving, I want to make Cloverdale before nightfall.”

*****

Flankton, Coltlumbia, Grand Pegasus Enclave Capital: Ball Lightning

“Good afternoon, Captain Seeder, what can I do for you today?” I ask the commander of my A Company.

He closes the door to my office before he answers, “Good Afternoon, Sir. I wanted to discuss with you the lower tunnels of the city, particularly those that are connected to the old stable that was built into Mount Persius.”

I motion for him to take a seat and tell him, “Go on.”

He sits and then sighs as he tells me, “Sir, I do not know if the higher-ups in the government are aware, but those stable ponies have been conducting trade with the wastelanders for some time it seems.”

I raise an eyebrow as this is the first time I have heard of it, but I am not truly surprised and ask, “I assume they are doing so along the lines of the RDS back in Hoofington?”

He cringes a bit, then adds, “I guess so sir. But Sir, this is the capital of the Enclave, and that is a big security risk. I mean for Goddesses sake, some of those outsiders could potentially sneak their way through and into Flankton, or even Emporia proper.”

I put a forehoof under my chin and reply, “I see. But then again, isn’t that why we are rotating our troops down below?”

“Yes sir, but why even take that risk? Especially with a war going on?”

“Captain, I appreciate your concern and I think that now we are aware of a potential problem we will need to strengthen our endeavors to make sure no such breach occurs.”

I watch as he cringes and then nods, “Of course sir. I am sorry or bothering you about this sir.”

“Captain, you are not bothering me. You have a legitimate concern that you brought to my attention. I do appreciate that.”

After I say this, I see him suddenly look uncomfortable again. “Ok Captain, spit it out, what is on your mind?”

He looks down and squirms in his chair. I tilt my head and raise an eyebrow as he looks up. Finally, he tells me, “Sir, the outsiders down there have brought us rumors that President Winter Breeze was overthrown by the generals and that they branded her a dashite.”

I nod this time, “Okay, but did they have any proof about this?”

“No sir, they did not.”

“Alright then. Without proof, then it is just hearsay and rumors. We continue with our duties.”

He nods, then asks me a question I wish he had not asked, “But sir, what if one of them does show up with proof? What then?”

This time I look down and take a deep breath as I think about how to answer his question. Finally, I look back up into his eyes which are all but pleading for an answer. I then tell him, “We do our duty, and follow our conscience.”

This answer seems to mollify him and I ask, “Do you have anything more for me?”

He shakes his head, “Not sir, other than the Misses sends her best to you and the XO. She enjoyed the officers’ ball last week that the Brigade held.”

“Well give her my best wishes as well. It was a pleasure to meet her. Also, if you have any more misgivings or crisis of conscience, do come see me.”

“Thank you, sir. I will do so,” he replies then gets up and leaves.

Once he has gone, I find myself having questions about what is going on with our leadership, particularly with us still not having any word from Thunderhead yet. Then I realize I best follow my own advice and continue to do my duty.

As the day progresses, I think about what he has told me about the access the stable has had with the outside world and I consider making a special stop there myself. Besides, I need to check out these tunnels as well I tell myself.

I inform the Sergeant Major of my intentions and he simply tells me, “I will have a security team escort you, sir.”

“Thank you, Funnel Cloud, but do you think that will be necessary? After all, it is not like I am going to be wandering the streets of Flankton.”

He grins and answers, “No it is not sir, but you will still be coming into contact with outsiders as well as those stable ponies, and you never know what some of them think.”

“Okay, I relent. Set it up for me for tomorrow morning.”

“Yes sir. Also, if you do not mind, I would like to accompany you on this tour.”

“Of course, Sergeant Major, of course,” I answer with a smile. Then I ask, “Is there anything you need to bring up with me?”

“Nah, I just want to get out of the office for a bit myself. Besides sir, it has been too long since you and I have had a chance to do something like that.”

I laugh lightly as I tell him, “Too true. I kinda miss those days of running with Air Burst back in Hoofington.” I pause, then I add, “In fact, I hate to say it, but I felt more alive back then.”

“Same here sir. But we do what we can now. I just hope this war is over soon and we can go home.”

The next day I let Storm Rider know my plans so she knows where I am going and how to contact me if anything comes up. I put on my sidearm and am joined by Funnel Cloud as well as two more members of my headquarters security team. All of which have their normal kits and weapons outfits on.

I first make my way to the headquarters for A company. There I meet Captain Seeder again and I explain to him what I want to do and where I want to go.

He seems a little irritated and tells me, “Sir, if you will wait a bit I will lead you on this tour. I wish you had let me know last night about it so I could be better prepared.”

“Captain, I did not decide to do it until after you left, and honestly, I think it is better if I see it without preparations being made. This is not a judgment against you or your people, but will give me a better idea of where to improve planning and training.”

“Sir this is not because myself and most of my company members are from Coltlumbia is it?”

“No, not at all,” I tell him as I shake my head. “I usually do not even think about where you are from.”

He does not seem fully convinced but instead tells me, “Give me a few minutes Colonel to meet with my platoon leaders and I will be ready to go.”

I smile, “Of course, Captain, there is no hurry.”

He briefly leaves his office and I hear him talking with his subordinates finally he returns and tells me, “Almost ready sir. The 1st sergeant for my third platoon will assist me as they are on duty at this time. I have a three-section duty rotation going while we are assigned to the tunnels.”

I nod my head approvingly. “That makes perfect sense to me, please, again, remember I am not here to judge, just observe and perhaps learn a thing or two.”

He nods his head then he tells me, “Sir, some of the areas we are guarding down here are highly classified. I mean they used to be memory wipe level security precautions in place to prevent the knowledge of them from leaking.”

I smile and nod, “I had been briefed on that. However, having been briefed about something and seeing it for yourself can change a large bit of a person’s perspective.” I pause then add, “So Captain, when you are ready, we will begin.”

“Yes, sir.”

He briefly leaves, during which time I review with Funnel Cloud some of the upcoming disciplinary cases for non-judicial punishment. It seems a few of my troopers have gotten into trouble with a few of the locals of the opposite gender in one of the local off-limit businesses.

He has just given me his recommendations along with the comments of their 1st sergeants when Cloud Seeder returns. He quickly puts on his sidearm and tells me, “I am ready sir.”

He first leads us through some of the larger tunnels that lead under Flankton. We end up using a magic battery-powered tram to transit from his headquarters to the furthest one away as it is a good ten miles where it stops. Once there he shows me the still-sealed door that leads to the outside. He turns to me and explains, this is the furthest one and takes us under Emporia. As you can see it was perfect for quickly bringing in supplies when Coltlumbia was still being built.”

As I look at the door I am surprised at how large it is and I tell him, “I swear you could fit two VertiBucks through that side by side.”

He grins, “Sir, I do believe you are correct. As you can see behind us, not only are there still a fair number of supplies, but there are still the traffic control markings and facilities similar to those in the hanger bays of Raptors and Thunderheads.”

He walks me through this area and then he tells me, there are three more of these leading us closer to Mount Persius. But I wanted to start from the north and work our way south.” He pauses then asks “Do you want to see each of them, sir, most of them are set up like this.”

I smile, “Not today, but another time. However, I would like to see a couple more of them. Also, you mentioned some were slightly different, how so?”

He nods his head, “Well, the two nearest Mount Persius open up onto the side of the mountain and could receive wagons or motorized carriages. The other is high above the ground and has to be flown in, just like this one.”

“Okay Captain, show me those two, then how about taking me to the stable? I have heard about them, but never been in one.”

“Sounds good sir, but I have never been in one either. While some of my people have gone into this one, most have not as there was no need.”

We make a quick transit back to the two ground-based entrances and I can see that he has them well garrisoned. Then he takes me to the entrance of the Stable. The door is open so I cannot read a number on it. However, I do notice that there are stable-tec armed security troops standing guard there.

As we approach, I notice the tunnel leading from the door out of the mountain. We are greeted by one of their officers who ask us, “Can I assist you gentlestallions?”

I smile and tell him, “Actually, I am the captain’s commanding officer and wanted to see how security was set up down here. I am fairly impressed as I had not known you provided your own security still.”

He glances at my collars and seeing my rank nods. He then answers, “That is understood, It is not often that we interact with those in Flankton, much less Emporia. We are a bit out of the way.”

“So how do you get new supplies?”

He shrugs his wings and tells me, “We mainly use what we can grow or make. We do still get some from the Enclave government, however, due to our special circumstances, we have a special dispensation that allows us to trade with the outside world.”

“Surely you do not let wastelanders into your home?” I ask.

He grins, “Of course not. We have a market set up outside where we interact with them. In case of a large emergency, we can still seal up our stable. That is part of why the tunnel you approached through has those large doors. If we close the stable door, those can be automatically closed to defend Coltlumbia.”

I nod my head and raise an eyebrow, “That makes a lot of sense, do you mind if we visit the market?”

He grins, “Not at all. Afterwards, if you would like I can give you a brief tour of the common areas of our stable.”

“Thank you, I do believe I will take you up on that.”

We then turn and I lead them out of the dark tunnel and into the sunlight clearing on the side of the mountain next to a carriage lot.

As my eyes adjust, I hear Funnel Cloud quietly say, “No frigging way sir.”

I look in the direction he is looking and I see in the distance going down the mountain, a familiar-looking, furry, single-headed brahmin carrying a cargo pack accompanied by several pegasi and a couple of earth ponies. I turn to him and I tell him just as quietly, “No, it really cannot be. Even they are not that insane, besides they only had the two pegasi and the blue last time we saw them.”

“Sir, I hope you are right, but if that is them, we need to be on the lookout.”

Beside me, I hear Cloud Seeder ask, “Who are you talking about sir?”

I point a wing in their direction and tell him, “They just remind us of some people we ran into before down at the RDS, do not concern yourself too much. But, do me a favor and put out a couple of extra patrols.”

*****

Hello again and welcome to all of you ghouls and smooth coats out here on what was once the Great Plains. I am Basso Continuo and you are listening to HACK, the best if not only music on the Wasteland Plains. On tonight’s broadcast we have news as well as survival tips and the music you have all come to love; well at least listen to.

From the foothills outside Coltumbia, we have been getting more reports of Enclave forces shifting to close the mountain gaps. This means if you are a ghoul, dashite, or alicorn, it is best to avoid them for now as they do not take kindly to our types.

We also have more reports of fighting having occurred between Enclave forces and what is rumored to be NCR forces outside of Oil Town. Sources from Oil Town report that the Enclave lost another Raptor class skyship in the fight. There are no reports of casualties from the opposing side, nor a listing of their strength or weapons. Hmph, seems they are playing their cards to their chest on this one. Makes me think they must be pretty powerful or lucky to bring down a Raptor.

Along these lines, there are reports of NCR forces advancing northwest through the Unicorn Mountain range. From reports there have been mainly skirmishes, but also a few major battles. Again, casualties from both sides have not been released.

A reminder to those not from this area, remember to check open-air water sources before you use them. There are still some that suffer from heavy magical radiation contamination, particularly as you get closer to Maripony. Also, if you are a ghoul and come upon one of these sources, do yourself a favor and remember to fill a spare bottle. If you do not have a cork, you can always trim up a piece of wood to use as a stopper.

Now for our first song here is Bonfire

Author's Note

I would like to thank all of you for reading the story. For those of you who have commented on the story, I do appreciate it.

While not much action has occurred in this chapter it does help to set the stage for events that are coming in the following chapter. It also has helped to build up some of the lore from both Repair Ponies and Borderlands as we get a bit more insight into the Zebra War and those from Manesville. For those of you who have read Fallout Equestria: Borderlands, you may recognize where we are in that story, and have a rough idea of the events that are to come.

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z62dRpotAIY&list=RDz62dRpotAIY&start_radio=1