Chapter 7: Twist in the Road

“I hate war, and I hate having to struggle. I honestly do because I wish I had been born into a world where it was unnecessary. This context of struggle and being a warrior and being a struggler has been forced on me by oppression. Otherwise, I would be a sculptor, or a gardener, carpenter - You know, I would be free to be so much more ... I guess part of me or a part of who I am, a part of what I do is being a warrior - a reluctant warrior, a reluctant struggler. But I do it, because I'm committed to life.” — Assata Shakur

*****

Equestrian Highway Three, Wastelands between the NCR and the Lunar Commonwealth: Ginger Snaps.

Even with my shemagh over my muzzle I still feel the dust build up in my nostrils. I forgot how much dust gets kicked into the air on a long march. I look up through my goggles and I can see it hanging in the air, almost blocking out my view of the next wagon and our cart. Part of me feels sorry for poor Cowlick and his having to walk at the rear of the train all the time.

I guess I am lucky when I think about it, my turn to shift to the front comes in another couple of hours after our next stop. That should be about time for lunch at least. Up ahead in the distance I can see Sunny shifting his overwatch from one cloud to another further ahead. He and Choo leapfrogging as we go. So far, they have prevented us from getting ambushed twice in the last four days. Both times small groups of scavers, that had turned into raiders, and are just doing whatever they can to survive. Trader Jewel just adjusted the route slightly to avoid them. As he says, why fight when we can save the ammo. I guess he is a real Equineitarian.

Being on the move with the caravan is another experience. Unlike on the expedition, we don’t stop every hour for a ten-minute break and then get going again. Once we start in the morning we go until the boss gets tired and we take a break. Usually for lunch then we might take another short break a couple of hours after that and finally, we stop for dinner in the evening. Luckily there is a wagon where one of the crew is a cook and he prepares the meal for the entire caravan.

Interestingly enough, even though this is supposed to be a major thoroughfare to Hoofington we have only passed one other caravan. This provided me with a bit of amusement. As the other caravan passed, I overheard Cowlick say hello to their brahmin. One of which was a cow.

After he said hello, I overheard one of the female brahmin’s heads say to the other, “Don’t talk to him, look at how badly mutated he is, covered with hair, and what is up with his second head?”

“Oh, don’t worry, I was not going to. But you're right, he is kinda creepy. I mean look at his one head's glazed eyes; it is almost like he is on some kind of drugs the other head isn’t.”

This led to him asking Choo Choo, “Can I at least stop wearing the stupid head, none of the brahmins are buying it.”

I see Choo stop eating her rations and she looks at him and tells him with a sigh, “We did pay good caps for it, but honestly, I will leave it up to you if and when you want to wear it.”

I see him smile, “Thanks, boss. I really appreciate it.”

As I am thinking about this, I suddenly hear Twinkles Hoofs ask me, “How you doing Ginger?”

“I am ok Twinks, how are you?”

I hear her blow out air in frustration and see her ears go back some. Then she asks, “Ginger, did you guys walk this much on the expedition?”

I smile gently at her as I nod my head and tell her, “Yeah we did Twinks. In fact, we made more distance then too. But we took more short breaks so we would be fresh and ready to fight when needed.”

“That makes sense. Why don’t these caravanners do that?”

“Honestly, I don’t know, maybe they figure it will take too long to get everyone started again. Or maybe they just figure once we get moving, why stop if we don’t need to.”

I hear her sigh, “Yeah, I guess you are right, but I have to say, I am getting tired and my muscles in my legs are starting to ache all the time.”

I grin under my shemagh and tell her, “Truth be told we are all like that at the beginning of a journey, you get used to it. That reminds me, are you drinking enough water?”

She laughs lightly and replies, “You are starting to sound like Choo, and yes I am. Part of why I am this far back, but I don’t want to have to run to catch up either.”

“Yeah, I understand. On the otherhoof, we should be stopping for lunch soon.”

“Good, I could use a bit of time to relax.”

After thinking briefly, I ask, “Why don’t you ask Trader Jewel if he has any electronics that could use fixing. That would allow you to keep those skills up while riding for a bit, as well as giving you a break.”

She nods her head, “Maybe I should. I will ask the boss about it during lunch.”

“Ok, If I get a chance to talk to Choo, I will even suggest it some.”

“Thanks, Ging, I don’t want you all to think I am not trying though.”

I find a serious expression coming over my face, “Twinks, we wouldn’t think that. You are our acting medic when Choo is not available as well as our tech. So, relax on that.”

“Yeah, I know, but I only worked on Cowlick, not the rest of you.”

I shake my head, “Twinks, the thing is, we know you will be there when we need you, so relax about it. Your good with us.”

“Oh, alright then.” She tells me. Then she looks up the length of the caravan a bit and tells me, “I guess I best get back up forward some.”

“Alright, talk to you later, Twinks,” I tell her and watch her trot forward again, her magical energy rifle on her back. With its collapsing stock that she made for it.

Finally, come time for lunch the caravan stops by, the first half forming a curve to the left and the second to the right making a center area that is protected but that we can leave fairly fast. During this break the ponies, brahmin, and Cowlick who are pulling the carts and wagons have their harnesses removed and are inspected by the caravan sawbones for rough spots and wear marks.

As we are waiting in line for our rations from the cook’s wagon, I hear Epona a couple of places ahead talking to one of the caravanners ask, “So you’re saying the other caravans that have been hit lately were all hit coming back from the Hoof?

The little mare she is talking to looks down, “Yeah, I lost a couple of friends. We should be passing what’s left of their wagons come the day after tomorrow. They were half a day short of the E3 Oasis.”

I keep my mouth shut and keep listening as I hear Epona ask, “Well we are not from around here, so what is the E3 Oasis?”

I hear one of the other caravanners answer this time, “The ol’ E3 is one of the better rest stops for caravans and travelers going back at least a hundred, hundred twenty-five years. Was built during the war to support military convoys on the Equestrian highway number three from what I hear.”

“That is interesting, what do they have for services there?”

This time the stallion smiles, “Pretty much anything you want. Food, ammo, weapons, armor, a pretty mare or three, or a stallion depending on how your taste runs. They have a good water source too. No pony who doesn’t live there gets to see the water source though. They protect it like you wouldn’t believe.”

Interesting I think to myself. Makes me wonder a bit more about the setup of the E3 Oasis. Maybe they had a private stable like Harness did. It also makes me wonder if those who have been hitting the caravans might be operating out of, or through the E3 Oasis. Something to talk to the team about later.

Once I had my meal in hoof, I looked about for the other team members and while I wanted to be with Xochitl and Epona I noticed that Cowlick was taking his meal with the brahmin, talking with them in the cattle tongue. When I approach, I say hello to him in ponish and asked if he would mind my company.

To the side, I could hear some of the brahmin making snide comments about how all ponies think they are so much better than brahmin and how we treat them as pets or slaves. I also hear a couple of them talking about what has happened to some of the other caravans. One of which says to another, “I really do hope they figure out what is going on with that. I mean, I know they don’t value us, but how many of us and other ponies have to die before they do something.”

Cowlick shakes his head slowly and replies, “Honestly not all ponies are like that. Some really do care about us as well as themselves. Remember what Sweet Cream said, we are all her children, including the Goddesses Celestia and Luna.”

The one brahmin waves her hoof and speaking the cattle tongue tells him, “The book of Daisy Jo may say that, but honestly, look at these ponies, do you really think they care about us?”

Cowlick turns to me and, speaking in the same language, asks me, “Well Ginger, what do you think?”

I decide I can give up my trump card, and I let them know I fully understand them. I pull out my copy of the Book of Daisy Jo, and I read to her in the cattle dialect, “For there shall be unbelievers who think that those not of their own kind are beneath them. Unto them, I say this is a false belief as we are all herd, and all are my children.” I pause and look up at their stunned expressions and finish by saying, “Herds, 5:18”

I put the book away and continue to tell them in the cattle tongue, “Some of us really do care Herdmate.”

I see them all look at me funny and one of them asks, “Did, did he teach you our tongue?”

I shake my head, “No. Back home it is commonly understood. But most ponies do not attend the cattle services or read the Book of Daisy Jo.”

One of the brahmin cow’s heads looks at me suspiciously while the other kind of squints and asks, “So who are you to say you are our herdmate then?”

I shrug my shoulders, “I had assumed you too were a believer in Sweet Cream. I guess I was wrong.” As I get up, I smile at Cowlick, then the several brahmins who are there, and I tell them, “I have been a follower along with my adopted mother and sister for about ten years now. My mother is considered a Herdmother in our hometown congregation. Now I will excuse myself, but I wish you well, and may Sweet Cream place her blessings upon you.”

I hear one of the bull brahmin reply, “And with you herdmate, and with you.”

As I walk away, I hear her ask, “Did she just tell me to buck off in the tongue of the herd?”

I hear Cowlick chuckling, “No, if she had wanted to say that, she would have. Her entire family is that way. They try to be polite, but will tell you what they really think.”

“So why did she learn our language and decide to follow our religion?”

I barely hear part of Cowlick's reply of, “Maybe it is because she feels that the truth is the truth, no matter which species tells it.”

This time I sit down by Tater and Twinks. “Hey, Twinks.”

She nods her head in reply as her mouth is full. Once she swallows it, she asks, “Saw you go to sit with Cowlick and then get up, what’s up?”

I shrug, “Not going to sit where I am not wanted. Cowlick was the only one who seemed to want to talk to me. The one cow brahmin is arrogant as all get out. Honestly, I think she would spit at a pony if they said hello and were polite to her.”

Tater shrugs, “Well their kind have gotten the pretty raw end of the stick overall.”

I nod my head, “Yeah, I know, but still.”

“Yeah, I know.” He tells me and nods back. “Time for us to get ready to go again. I got drag this time.” He tells me as he gets up, cleans his mess kit out in a bucket of hot water, and begins to help Cowlick put his harness back on.

We are a couple of hours down the road when the one female brahmin from earlier moos slightly to get my attention and her second head moves in a come closer gesture. The second brahmin on her other side seemingly lost in thought ignores me.

Once I am close enough, she continues to talk to me in the cattle dialect as she asks, “So you and part of your family really are believers?”

I nod my head and reply, “Yes. Why?”

Both heads look around as they keep walking then one says, “You surprised us. We never met a pony who could speak our language, much less read our religious text.”

I smile briefly and nod my head, “Yeah I can understand that, by the way, what are your names?”

Again, they seemed surprised and the other one asks, “You really want to know our names?”

Again, I nod, “Yes I do, I wanted to talk with all of you, not just Cowlick earlier.”

They look at each other and then the one says, “I’m Rosie,” the other one then says, “I’m Nellie.”

“I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Ginger Snaps, but most just call me Ginger.”

I see them look at each other and then at the same time say, “Cookie”

I shake my head in amusement and then Rosie says, “With pony names we like to find a simpler way to remember them if we like them. And since Ginger Snaps are a type of Cookie…”

I laugh lightly, “Ok, Cookie it is.”

We continue to talk for a while longer as we make our way to the E3 Oasis. After a bit I have them give me their perspective on the place and those who run it. Then I also ask them their opinion of what they think is happening to the caravans. Which they do give to me, but they do not fully agree with each other. One thinks raiders, the other gangers.

In the distance, I begin to see what looks like a military drill field by the Stable back home. However, this also has walls around it that are made up of large metal containers. When I ask about them Rosie informs me, “they say that back before the final day there were a large number of self-propelled carriages that the army was using to move the freight. These are from the cargo halves rather than the tractors.”

Then Nellie tells us, “Don’t forget about the ones that are sitting upright, those used to be rail cars from the tracks nearby.” And she points into the distance with her ear.

In the far distance, I can see the elevated bed of a railroad track as well as the remains of a switch shake and what looks to be a spur that leads towards the Oasis.

As we get closer, I grin at my new comrades, “Well, how about I buy you a drink once we get there?”

They grin back and Nellie tells me, “How about you buy a bottle and we will share a drink. They don’t let brahmin inside the place.”

This takes me aback a bit. “Are you serious?”

They both nod their heads and I finally hear the brahmin on the other side say, “And you wondered why we are the way we are towards ponies.”

I shake my head, “No, no I don’t, I guess. But I can do that, and if you don’t mind, I would like to introduce you to some of the others from our team.”

The far-sided brahmin snickers, “Kid why would a bunch of mercs want to know us. Even if you do have one of our distant cousins pulling your cart.”

I look at them and I answer, “He is part of our team. Normally he is our heavy weapons operator, right now his kit is inside the cart, but he is pulling for us to blend in better.”

While Nellie and Rosie nod their heads, the far one shakes both of hers. “You know he sticks out like a sore hoof, right?”

“Well, we had the fake head made to try and help him blend in, but honestly he didn’t care for it, and neither would I.”

“Well, if you are serious about the drink, how about picking something up. We would be glad to share it with you and continue our chat.”

“Sounds good, I will see you two later. I best get back in position, I just saw my boss signal.”

*****

Equestrian Highway Three, three miles from the E3 Oasis: Xochitl.

We are about three miles from the compound that Trader Jewel tells me is the E3 Oasis when we come over a rise and I get my first really good look at it. I notice right away the cargo container and rail car walls as well as the chain-link and barbed wire fencing. I also notice that it has guard towers on each corner of the fence as well as one on each side of the gates along it.

As we get closer, I can see machine gun turrets as well as ponied positions. Then I really notice the buildings and their size, as well as some of the signs on the outside of some of them and the large sign at the gate stating, Equestrian Highway Three, Military Oasis in large letters, below it, in only slightly smaller size and faded I can read, Official Business Only.

I look at our caravan leader and say to him, “Wow, look at the size of this place.”

He snickers slightly, “Never seen a settlement this big in the waste before?”

“Oh, I have,” I tell him, “But I was not expecting this one.”

He nods his head as Choo Choo comes in to land beside us. He then tells her, “I want your crew to check your weapons and gear while we are here. Also, call in your other flyer. They get kinda twitchy to anypony who tries to fly over the fence instead of entering through the gate.”

She quickly calls Sunny into the caravan using the radio. Then she asks, “Any special rules we should be aware of sir?”

I see him grin as she calls him sir and then he nods, “Yeah, a few. One, no long arms to be carried into the buildings except for repairs. Those need to have the magazines pulled and the bolts open. Two, no gunfire in the compound except in an emergency or to defend the Oasis. Any exception to this will not be dealt with kindly, and there will be nothing I can do about it. Three, get your crew some chow, some rest, and a shower while we are here. The caravan will cover the cost of the shower. Oh, and also, I know how close you all are to your bull, but he is not allowed into any of the buildings, just like the brahmin. They have a roofed over shelter area for them if we want to use it, otherwise, just have them stay with the caravan wagons.”

On the last one, I see Choo raise an eyebrow and she resettles her wings in mild irritation, but only replies, “Very well Sir. But what do they have against cattle and brahmin folk?”

He turns to look at her, “I know you ponies aren’t from around here and are used to interacting with them that way, but trust me, down here as well as the closer we get to the Hoof, the more ponies will only look upon them as beast of burden or in a best-case situation, serfs like they have in the Society territories.”

“Oh, I see,” she says. To me it is obvious she is not happy with this, but she and the rest of us have no choice. “Would you like us to stand guard for the caravan tonight?”

He shakes his head, “The Oasis and its people do a pretty good job of that. Tonight, I want my entire crew to rest. It might get hairy in a day or two.”

She looks at me and the few others from the team and tells us, “Please fall back some, I need to talk to our employer.”

At which point we all drop back and watch while they continue to talk as we approach the gateway. After a few more minutes she and Trader Jewel both go up to the gate and begin to talk to the guards.

The entire time the caravan continues to approach. Finally, when the first wagon is about fifty yards away from the gate Trader Jewel signals us to stop. He and Choo talk for a bit more with the guards. Then I see Choo take a deep breath, sigh, and say something. She then dips her head slightly and a golden-colored ring is put on her horn. The bastards have put a magic inhibitor on her. The only time I have seen them used back home is when Choo and Purple Haze placed one on Ginger’s little sister Moon Lily when she used her magic inappropriately.

Part of me is angry at this, but beside me, one of the caravanners says, “Not surprised. To tell the truth, I am a bit spooked having an alicorn without one on around, but at least she is on our side.”

“Yeah, but I have worked with her in the field and known her for over ten years. It just doesn’t feel right.”

Right after this, we get the signal from Trader Jewel to move again and one by one the caravan rolls through the gate. I am right behind Choo and Trader Jewel as we roll in and I take in what I see. Inside the walls I notice are several trench lines that zig zag back and forth and have openings for the wagons and those on hoof to walk through. Closer in to the buildings I see a large flat concrete area where most of the wagons from several other caravans are parked.

Among the buildings, I notice one that says repair shop on its sign. I then notice one that says Bunkhouse and hotel. Another I see has the symbol for the Church of the Two Goddesses. To the side, I see a large building with several signs that include a restaurant, general store, weapons shop, and even library.

I notice that there are creatures of all kinds here including some griffon and even a zebra in the distance. We are led to our assigned parking area and once there we begin to remove those who were hauling the loads from the traces. We inspect them for injuries as we remove their harnesses.

After we finish removing his harness, Cowlick assists us in cleaning it. Then we all begin to go over our weapons. As he pulls out the medium .308 machine gun and I am amused to watch some of the brahmins with the caravan watch him in amazement as he goes about the task while we all work on our weapons. After he finishes with this one, he pulls out the Mare Duce heavy machine gun and I hear one of the caravan ponies walking by saying in amazement, “You folks have a MoM Duce and he is working on it?”

We nod our heads and I ask, “MoM Duce? Back home they called it the Mare Duce.”

He laughs, “I guess it depends on where you’re from. Down here they used to say the old M2 was as dangerous and deadly as the Ministry of Morale.”

I laugh at that and I hear Epona tell him, “I like that, kinda makes sense I guess.”

Once our weapons are taken care of, Choo tells us, Half can go into the shops at a time, sorry, but I want us to sleep out here with the caravan wagons. No need letting anypony get the wrong ideas.”

We all nod our heads then I hear Sunny say, “I can’t wait to take a shower and get a good preening in.”

Then I see Cowlick give a sad look as he asks, “Choo, is there any way I can get a shower?”

I then tell him, “I will check into it for you, ok?’

He smiles patiently and tells me, “Thanks Xochitl. I appreciate it.”

Soon afterward, Epona, Sunny, Tater, and Twinks all head towards the settlement’s buildings along with many of the caravan’s crew.

As we are sitting there, I hear our employer approach us and say, “Remember, I want you all showered.”

Then Cowlick asks, “Even me?”

He grins, “Actually, even you. I greased the right hooves and you and the brahmin are getting a hose brought out on the far side under that awning. They promised that the water would be warm even.”

I see a grateful look come upon Cowlick’s face as he tells him, “Thank you, Sir.”

“You’re welcome. I expect all of you to get some rest while we are here.”

As he walks away, I see a surprised look come over the faces of several of the brahmin. “Did he just say we get hot showers?” Rosie asks.

Then Nellie simply nods and tells her other half, “I would never have expected it.”

A couple of hours later the first half of the team returns. Ginger grins at me and asks, “Ready for a shower?”

I nod, “Yeah, but let’s walk with Cowlick over to his too. Maybe we can pick up something at one of the restaurants and bring it out to him,” I look over at Cowlick and ask, “Would that work?”

He grins, ``Sure, let me know if you find anything else in there that I might want and I’ll give you the caps for it.”

Then I hear one of the other brahmin resting near us ask, “You really get paid like they do?”

He grins, “Yeah, where we come from, we are treated as equals overall. Not everyone mind you, but most.”

Soon Choo comes over and asks, “Well are you three ready?”

We all nod and she says, “Good. I am glad to hear that. Let’s go.”

As we walk across the tarmac of the E3 Oasis, I notice that a large number of ponies are staring at us. When I comment on this Choo just shrugs her wings and says, “Well, between a zony, an alicorn, and a bull all heading towards the bar. I am pretty sure some of them think they are in some kind of joke. At that Ginger starts laughing out loud and we have to stop until she can get her laughter under control. I am afraid to ask her what the punchline should be.

Once we are near the area for the brahmin to wash I look up and I see a ghoul in a worn-out Equestrian Army uniform just staring at us. I ask Choo, "Do you mind if I talk to him for a moment?”

She shakes her head, “No, go ahead. By the way, there are several here. It seems not all of the troops here made it into the shelter on the Last Day. Those who have not gone feral I am told tend to stay here.

As Cowlick and I lead the others up to him, I begin to hear what sounds like a raspy cry coming from him. I quickly ask, “Sir, are you all right.”

I see him rubbing his eyes, as he stares at Cowlick and I hear him say, “Tell me I’m not dreaming. Is, is that really a real bull in front of me? I thought they were all gone.”

Cowlick approaches a bit more and while I know most cattle are uncomfortable around ghouls. He has gotten used to the ones at our shop back home. He puts a hoof out and touches the old soldier on his shoulder, “Yes sir, I am really one of the old breed of cattle.”

He shakes his head, “But, how? I thought you all became brahmin over the years.”

Cowlick smiles, “No sir, some of us in Manesville made it into the stable.”

I see the ghoul's head jerk up and a look of surprise comes over his face as he asks, “Did you say Manesville?”

We all nod our heads and he tells us, “I used to know a bull from there back in the old days. His name was Sweet Corn. He was a sergeant with the 23rd Combat Engineers. Brave sob he was. Sacrificed himself to save enough of us that even my unit, Company M of the 13th Quartermasters battalion chipped in to have his body taken home for burial. That didn’t happen much by that time in the war.”

This is the first time I have heard about this bull, but I remember a grave with the same name and a date of death that would have put it in the last couple of years of the Great War. I look at Ginger and her eyes go wide as she realizes the same thing. And she asks, “Sir, my family owns the farm across from the cemetery that a bull named Sweet Corn is buried in.”

I see him close his eyes and smile. Then he says, “I am really glad to hear he made it home then. Some of us were afraid that someone just took the bits and ran.” He pauses and looks around. Then he asks, “Did you folks make use of the Surface Reclamation Depot up that away?”

This time we are all surprised and he can tell by our expressions what our answers are. Then he looks around one more time and tells us, “Follow me.” And he begins to head into the building.

Cowlick tells him, “Sir, I am not allowed into the buildings.”

The earth pony ghoul looks at him and says, “This is my base. If I tell you to follow me. You follow me. If they have a problem with it, I just shut down the reactor feed to the topside and secure the water purification talisman. Haven’t needed to do that in near fifty years now.”

As he begins to walk, we all follow him into the door on the side of the building, and down the steps inside.

As we go down it looks like most of the basements in the wastelands. A lot of old shelves fill small rooms. A room that looks to have been a security checkpoint at one time, which we walk right past. We come around another corner and I stop dead in my tracks as I recognize what is normally a stable door.

The ghoul turns to us and waves us forward. As we go past the entryway into the foyer, I see a protected window to the right side as well as several built-in MEW turrets. To one side I see a sight that shakes me briefly when I see a fully suited up soldier wearing power armor. This site is made even more surreal and startling when I see the suit salute the pony leading us and hear him say in a mechanical-sounding voice, “Afternoon Colonel.”

“Afternoon Sergeant Hazelnuts. Anything new?”

“No sir. Just a couple of the topsiders trying to sneak inside again.”

The ghoul gives what I figure is a grin and tells him, “Glad you could keep them out.”

The power-armored trooper shakes his head, “Wasn’t me sir. Per your orders, we keep the armor inside. Sent a couple of our MPs up dressed as mechanics. They did a pretty good job of it convincing ‘em the basement is just that. Even used the fake water heaters to fool ‘em.”

“Very good, if you would radio the XO and have her meet me at my office.”

“Yes sir,” he answers as we continue on.

We go past another smaller blast door that is opened and I see a small room to the side that looks like a typical police station front office, except for the bank of screens that one of the ponies inside is watching. Then I notice the sign by the door Security Office, and I nod my head in understanding.

We continue walking and I see signs pointing to different areas as well as a few maps of the facility at busy intersections. They include Medical Department, Mess Hall, Personnel Quarters. Nothing really surprising until I see one that reads RECOVERY WAREHOUSES A, B, C.

When he sees me looking that way as well as Cowlick he says to us, “I will explain those as well once we are in my office.”

I notice how many of the ponies keep showing respect toward the Ghoul, even though they themselves are normal ponies. Finally, we come to a sign that says Base CO. He opens the door and invites us to follow him.

Once inside he takes a seat behind his desk and motions for us to also. As I sit down, I notice a plaque on his desk that states, Lieutenant Colonel Forage, “I was the commanding officer of the 13th Quartermasters battalion when we were pulled out of the front and assigned here. Of course, back then, it was not called the E3 Oasis anymore. That was the name when it was still run by the civilians, and we just figured it was better if we went back to it.”

We are all listening to him intently as he talks, but then he sits back and says, “Ok, I need to know a bit more about you all, and I could not discuss any of this topside.” He then points towards Cowlick and asks, “Ok, what’s your story?”

Cowlick looks down nervously and then looks up and tells him, “Sir, my name is Cowlick. I was born and raised in Manesville and lived there until we left about a month ago. I work for Choo Choo over there,” he points towards her, then he points toward me and continues, “Over there is Xochitl who is one of my best friends and his fiancé Ginger, who I went to school with.”

He nods his head, “So what brings you down here, to this region I mean?”

Cowlick looks at Choo and she nods her head. He then tells the colonel, “Well, we are working as an escort for Trader Jewel and his caravan. Once we get done with this round trip, we may be looking for another job, might not. Depends on what Choo and Ginger decide.”

“So, this is your first time down this way?”

“Yes sir.”

“What do you think of it?”

“Well, I liked the ride on the Baltimare Colt and enjoyed our time in Hackamore. But honestly, I am not too happy with the way I have been treated. I am not just a mindless creature, and neither are most of the brahmin, yet we cannot even enter the buildings except for this one here.”

“Sorry about that. Now I do not know how your people back home feel about ghouls, but the brahmin here have treated me and the few others here like pariahs and early on demanded we be destroyed. Those that spoke ponish, and yes, I do realize most understand ponish even if they can not speak it, they tried to rally others against us. So, I was the one to set the policy in place. But I digress, please continue.”

Cowlick licks his lips nervously and says, “Sir, even back home many of my people generally do not interact knowingly with ghouls. They consider them unclean and are afraid that the curse that is upon them may come upon them also.”

I see the ghoul twist his head slightly and say, “Do you have many ghouls where you come from?”

Cowlick nods his head, “Yes and no. On the west side of the river from Manesville is the settlement of Dead Quiet. It only became really accepted after the day of Sunshine and Rainbows. But their company of militia is an integral part of the Manesville brigade reserve and they are also some of our best combat engineers.”

We all hear him laugh lightly at this. “What changed?” he asks with a tone of curiosity in his voice.

This time Ginger raises a hoof and asks, “May I answer that?”

He holds up a hoof and shakes his head to Ginger and tells Cowlick, “Please continue my bovine friend.”

Cowlick nods, “Sir, for me, it really came when we found a zebra mare and her foul who had taken what Captain High Grade calls the big sleep. Choo and Ginger have hired them to work in our shop back home and we give them a place to live there as well. I have met ghouls before that, but I did not really get to know them. But honestly, for the community of Manesville at large, I would say that between the citizens of Dead Quiet assisting us in rebuiliding after the Battle of Manesville with the Enclave and then the Third Battle of Hereford, relations between the two communities were cemented.”

I watch as he puts a hoof under his chin and says, “I have never heard of those battles.”

Cowlick simply shrugs and I notice Choo move a hoof to get his attention. Then she says, “We are not surprised. They were large events for us, but overall, not for most of the wastelands. But if you would like I can elaborate a bit more on them for you.”

He then tells her, “Please, go ahead.”

She nods and I watch as she organizes her thoughts briefly and then begins. “Sir, the Battle of Manesville happened on the day of Sunshine and Rainbows. The area back then was known as the Manesville Co-op or just the Co-op. We were attacked by one of the Enclave Raptors that from what I have heard, had abandoned its post in Neighvarro to attack us. The Co-op fought it off but was severely hurt that day. Much of what had been rebuilt was severely damaged and much of our crops destroyed. The ghouls from Dead Quiet crossed the river and assisted us in the search and rescue operations in those destroyed buildings.”

He nods his head and asks, “So what was your part in it?”

Choo smiles shyly and I see her blush, “I did not take part in the main battle, but a platoon of Enclave troopers attacked the settlement of Emerald Grove which is near my cave. My two sisters and I fought them off and kept the damage to a minimum in that area.”

The other three of us are stunned, as we never heard about this before. As we look at her, Choo simply shrugs and tells us, “Remember, we were still hiding, so no pony even knew we were there.”

What else don’t we really know about Choo I wonder.

“Ok, that explains that, now what is the Battle of Hereford?” The Colonel asks.

*****

Site Pasture, The Wastelands: Choo Choo

I nod my head when he asks me the question and I tell him, “I was directly involved in that one. I was with our regiment's scout platoon.”

He holds up a hoof, “Our regiment? You mean you have more than one?”

We all nod our heads and I tell him, “While we were gone on the expedition after the day of Sunshine and Rainbows, we had a large influx of pegasi as well as other refugees. Enough we were able to form a second regiment.”

Again, I see him shake his head as he asks, “You do realize how rare it is for any settlement to be large enough to support a military force like that.”

I and the rest of us nod our heads. Then I answer, “Yes, but we rotate our troops into periods of working on public projects and farm details as well, so they are not just standing around all the time.”

He looks at me funny and asks, “So are you a deserter then? Or are you still a soldier for Manesville?”

I am irritated by the question and I shake my head enough to fling my dirty mane some and tell him, “I am not either. I am a veteran. My time of service expired and I left the service for my own private endeavors.”

He nods this time and then continues, “So, what is this third battle of Hereford then?”

I feel the horror of the memories from that night. Then I tell him about it. “I guess it doesn’t matter now as the situation was fully resolved. But one of the officers who served in the Army of Fillydelphia for Red Eye had gone raider by then. Unfortunately, he had several hundred followers and two Bale Fire Egg Launchers.”

I am closing my eyes at the horrible memory of those things, but as I do so I notice that Colonel Forage shivers slightly also. We both have been touched by Balefire and irrevocably changed by its memory. "One was in Hereford, the other in another small hamlet, but I was not there for that one as the 2nd regiment went after it. In Hereford, the raiders were hiding in the rubble and the underground service tunnels. They got off several eggs before we finally got the raider who was ponying it. Unfortunately for them, it went off and launched into the tunnels and detonated.” I close my eyes again and feel the urge to bring up whatever is in my stomach at the memory of what happened to them.

When I open them, I see the others all staring at me. Ginger puts a hoof on my shoulder, “It's ok Choo, I know how bad it was for Mama Mollygirl and Papa Archer.”

I nod and continue. “The raiders not killed kept fighting after that. The Colonel sent for the Dead Quiet Militia to help us as they could handle the amount of radiation that was in the tunnels. The ghouls we lost there are listed along with those of the 1st Regiment back in Manesville on the Memorial Wall.”

I see him raise what remains of one eyebrow and he asks, “You all really put ghouls’ names there too?”

I hear Xochitl then answer, “Of course. They fought alongside the rest of us, why wouldn’t we?”

I notice Cowlick is nodding also. Then I hear Forage quietly say, “Might have to change a few rules topside I guess.”

Then we hear a knock on the door and when it opens, I see a squad of armored troopers outside the door in full battle kit. Forage raises a hoof and tells them, “Stand Down, and XO, if you would be so kind, bring me the SRD files.”

The armored suit nods and the door closes one more time. Forage looks at me and tells me, “Sorry about that, but we can never be too careful. Once she gets back, I will talk to you all about what I really brought you down here for.”

Now my curiosity is up. While we wait, he gives us a bit more of a history of his base and tells us, “Toward the end the ground war was looking better for us, however by then the Zebras and us both knew all about Megaspells and Balefire Bombs so tensions were running high. A few of the brass got the idea that if things went bad, well maybe Stable Tec had a good idea. So we decided to supplement them by building large depots of supplies that would be required to rebuild our civilization just in case the worst happened.”

I feel that one in my soul as he says it and I nod my head remembering what I can of the life I had stripped away from me. He and I both exchange a knowing glance because of it. He then says, “You are currently sitting in Site Pasture. There are several other such depots. Including one in the Manesville area. My XO is bringing the paperwork for it right now.”

As he says this there is a knock on the door again and a large light tan mare with a black mane and tail, wearing the uniform of an Equestrian army major enters with a file in her teeth. She carries it to the desk and sets it down. “Thank you, XO,” Forage says and indicates for her to sit also.

After she takes her seat he tells me, "Those inside are the descendants of my troopers from the Last Day, or if ghouls were outside with me when the balefire bomb gave us the near-miss. The crater is only about two miles that way,” he tells us as he motions to the north with his hoof. “That ridgeline in the distance used to not be there. The blast damaged what was up top, but was far enough away to not outright destroy anything except through magical radiation. They closed the door just before the bomb hit on my orders.” He pauses and says, “I never expected this. I thought I would be dead. However, after the first couple of months, the radiation level was low enough for brief forays topside and they found me and some of the others just as we were beginning to wake. A hoof full had gone feral. That was not pleasant. However, the rest of us were treated with kindness and brought inside. We took back our previous positions and have continued to serve in that capacity since.” He pauses and says, “XO would you care to tell them about what we know about the Reclamation Depot in Manesville?”

The mare nods her head and stands as she talks. “Our sister depot in your region is known as Site Paddock. It was being filled even as the final construction was still being finished.” She lays the folder out and shows us the information that she has about it. We see the basic interior layout, which was to not be too different from this one. Then we begin to see the list of supplies inside of it. One of the things that get me to raise an eyebrow is that I notice that it has an entire warehouse dedicated to medical supplies, especially those for obstetrician usage. I am also confused when I see how much liquid Nitrogen was stored there. Then I hear Ginger tell Xochitl, “Look at all those building supplies. That would be enough to build another settlement like White Cloud at least.”

Then they show us the map of the Manesville area that gives us the location of Site Paddock. When we look at it I hear Ginger say, “Oh Buck Me!”

The XO asks, “Is there something wrong?”

Xochitl shakes his head and says, “Other than that is the back forty acres for the farm we live on back home, and that we have been inside the cave that is the location for the rear entrance for it, no nothing at all.”

Both the ghoul and his XO look at each other in surprise. Then Forage asks, “You did not see the rear entrance door?”

Ginger tells him, “We were still pretty young when we explored the cave. We stopped only a short distance in. Mama Mollygirl told us she would go back there with us soon, but not to go there without her. Things came up and we just stayed away from there.”

Then I hear Xochitl asks, “Ging, what if your brothers and sisters go in there?”

Ginger nods to him, “When we get back, we tell them to stay out of there and then check it out ourselves.”

We discuss this with Forage and his XO as well as how to best handle making contact if they are still sealed up, or accessing the place if not.

Before we leave Forage and his XO give us a password from the records that should get us access, and if not, then at least allow us to talk to any occupants inside. He then has us all take our showers using the base's facilities and then walks us back to the entrance of the basement. Before we go through the door, he tells us. “Remember as far as anyone up there knows this is just a basement. I let you use my crew's private shower in the basement as a gift for being able to see a real live bull again. “

He turns to Cowlick and tells him, “Son, the only reason I decided to give your people the information about Site Paddock is you. You gave me hope for our world again. DO NOT let them wear you down out here. If you ever need anything from me that I can give, I will. I still owe a life debt to Sweet Corn, and I think this will go a long way towards paying it back.”

I see Cowlick tear up slightly and he replies, “Thank you, Sir. It means more than you realize, especially you having told us about him. Inside the stable, we heard few if any stories of heroic cattle from the Great War. I will make sure I pass them on.”

“That is all I can ask.” He turns to me and asks, “Choo, can I have a few moments alone with you while the others go back topside?”

They all look at me with a bit of worry and I nod to them as I tell him, “It would be my pleasure.”

After the others leave, he asks me, “Choo, what happened to you? I mean I have heard rumors about you alicorns and while I have the chance, I really want to know.”

I sigh and I tell him, “On the final day I took my train into the station at Maripony. As the passengers were being unloaded the sirens went off and we were rushed inside. Once there we were told to get into some vats of chemicals if we wanted to survive and to tell the truth, I still don’t remember if I jumped in or was pushed as I saw several others get pushed in also.”

He looks down and he asks, “Do you regret having lived through it?”

I think briefly and I tell him, “At times, but then again, not always. While my children are long gone, their descendants are now family to me. I lost that life, but I have a new one now, and to tell the truth, I am beginning to be happy with how it is going.” I pause to let my answer sink in and I ask him, “How about you?”

He looks up at the ceiling and I hear him sigh before he looks at me and tells me, “Choo Choo, I regret every day. But I am also afraid of how I will be judged someday when I do pass. After all, I must have done something very wrong to be turned away from Elysium this way.”

I give him a weak half-smile and put a hoof on his shoulder, “Or you were turned away because you still have work to do, that you are needed for. I have a good friend who should have died, but didn’t, and while I can’t say how we now know what the world would have been like if she had died instead. So, yes, I believe you are still here for a reason, just like me, and through whatever means were available to the Goddesses.”

“Choo, have you ever met a ghoul you knew from before?”

I nod my head, “Yes. His name is Side Track and we were to have been married a few weeks later than the Final Day. However, it was not meant to be. He helped me regain some of my memories and I will forever be in his debt for that alone. But while he didn’t tell me before then, I have since found out that he paid for my family to have spaces in the stables. A good part of the Manesville unicorn population owes their existence to him and his love for those foals and grand foals of mine.”

He then asks, "I have heard some things about something called Unity and how every alicorn knew every other one. Is that true?”

I nod slowly at this and I tell him, “To a certain extent. But it was more of shared consciousness.”

He nods, “I was kinda wondering if you might have known a mare in there named Blue Star?”

I sit down hard as he asks this and he asks me, “Are you alright?”

I nod my head and tell him, “I don’t know if it is the same mare, but one of my sisters is named Blue Star. Unfortunately, she has lost a lot of her earlier memories also, just not as much as I did.”

He nods his head, “So does she look like you?”

I smile and tell him, “No. First, she is a green alicorn and she is much prettier than I am.”

I see him smile, “So does she have a special somepony?”

I think briefly and tell him, “Funny thing, the other member of our wing and another of my sisters is Quick Frost. Quick used to be a stallion before she was transformed. But they are happy together and have their own farm now outside of Emerald Grove. So yes, I would say she does, and she is very loved.”

I watch an expression of relief come over his face when he hears this and he smiles as he says, “Let’s just say it is her, and I can rest easy knowing she is happy now. Thank you, Choo.”

I smile back at him and then I make a snap decision. I put a wing around him and I give him a quick peck on the cheek. “You’re welcome, and if you don’t mind, would it be ok if I told her about you?”

He looks undecided at first then says, “Yeah, but not about Site Pasture, ok?”

“Deal. I will see you on our next layover through here, ok?”

He grins as well as a ghoul can and tells me, “If you mean it, then I look forward to seeing you again. Now you best get going.”

With that, I go through the door and meet the other three who are still waiting for me. Cowlick then asks, “Ready to go get something to eat Boss?”

I simply nod my head and tell them, “Yeah, let's go see what services they offer. As we approach the main building I look back and I see the old ghoul peeking out from the doorway still. I wave a wing to him and he waves in return before he disappears back inside.

*****

Rainbow Dash Sky Port, Hoofington, Lunar Commonwealth: Ball Lightning.

I am at my desk in my platoon headquarters typing up some of my paperwork when I hear a knock at my office door. I look up and I see the Sergeant Major standing there.

“Come on in Sergeant Major.” I tell him and wave him to a seat and ask, “Have time for a cup of coffee, or is this official business.”

“Sorry LT, but it's official business. I don’t know what you did sir, but we have some intelligence officers asking to talk to you. Sir, do you have any idea what you may have done to attract their attention?”

I lean back in my chair and scratch my mane with a single hoof and tell him, “Honestly, I have no idea.”

“Sir, if the Captain and I are going to be able to cover for you, we really need to know.”

“I am sorry Sergeant Major, but I really have no idea.”

“Alright, sir. Better grab your cover and come with me to the battalion HQ then.”

As I get up, I respond, “Alright, lead on.” As I leave the office I tell my clerk, “I am heading over to Battalion, Be back as soon as I can.”

“Yes sir, I’ll let the 1st sergeant know,” he replies.

As we fly over to battalion HQ he quietly again asks, “Seriously sir, do you have any idea what they may want with you?”

“I really wish I did, but the worst thing I have done lately was helping a bunch of kids to the VC station rather than killing them.”

I see a look of concern come over the Sergeant Major’s face. Then he says, “That could have been it LT. Never know what might set them off sometime. If they decide to brand you, sir, grit your teeth and bare it. Survive sir. That is the best revenge. Outlive them.”

Until he said that I was relaxed. I never imagined saving some kids from starving might cause me to be branded a Dashite. Again, it makes me wonder about the Enclave, but I will not say that to anyone else, otherwise I will surely be branded, and my father punished for my perceived treason. How did ponies ever get to this point I wonder?

Soon we land at the door of the Battalion Headquarters. As we go through the door, we both remove our covers and I tell the Battalion HQ clerk, “Please let the Lieutenant Colonel know I am reporting as requested.”

After I tell him this, I notice a few pegasuses in black suits and sunglasses standing outside the Lieutenant Colonel's office. This gets me to look at the Sergeant Major who simply shrugs his wings.

The clerk leads us to the door where the two ponies in suites validate our identity. Then we are let into the office.

As we enter the room, I see the Battalion Commander seated behind his desk. Then to the side, I see a light blue mare who, like the guards outside, is also in a conservative black business suit with a tie that is only a couple of shades darker than her mane and tail.

When she sees me, she calmly asks the Colonel, “Is this the one?”

He nods his head, “Yes ma’am. This is him.”

The door is closed behind me and as I hear the latch click, she asks me, “Lieutenant, it has come to our attention that recently you caught a group of wastelanders trying to sneak onto one of our bases, and instead of arresting them, you turned them over to the local Volunteer Corps leader. Is this true?”

I close my eyes briefly and decide then and there, that this is a stormcloud I am willing to die on. I then tell this mare, “Yes ma’am it is.”

She hovers in the air slightly with a serious expression on her face and asks me, “Why would you do such a thing?”

I look right into her blue eyes and I answer, “Ma’am, they were starving kids. They were only trying to get something to eat and shelter for a night.”

“Again Lieutenant, why did you do such a thing?”

“Ma’am, because they were desperate and by helping them, they will remember us for that instead of as the ones who closed the sky and left them to rot.”

She uncrosses her forehooves and asks, “But what about having to fight them when they grow up?”

I shrug, “Ma’am, if they attack us, I will fight them and kill them. But I will not go out of my way to take a life or make things worse for others if I don’t have to.”

While the others all look at me with their mouths hanging open, she instead tilts her head and asks me, “Are you sure you shouldn’t be in the Volunteer Corps instead of one of our scouts?”

I shake my head, “I am sure I am in the right position ma’am. I know what I am best at and if you want, you can ask the Sergeant Major to verify it, but I am a fighter ma’am. I follow my orders as given. If those orders allow me to help others as well, then that ma’am is a bonus.”

She nods her head. “Ok. I have also heard about you on the broadcast by the local DJ. It is good public relations for us. If you change your mind and want to join the VC, let me know. But otherwise, 1st Lieutenant I will leave you to perform your duties.”

“Excuse me ma’am, but it is only 2nd Lieutenant,” I tell her.

“Oh, I know what I said. Now have a good day and if you are willing, I will have some of my people contact you for a PR program to assist us in our dealing with the Lunar Commonwealth” She nods to me and then turns to the Colonel and tells him, “Colonel, I may have some special missions for him and a few others to run down below as well as the PR. I will let you know more later.”

I feel myself wanting to smile inside but keep my expression serious, and realize I am being dismissed as I hear my battalion commander tell me, “That will be enough for now Lieutenant, Sergeant Major.”

Once we are outside the HQ building the Sergeant Major looks at me and tells me, “Congratulation sir. It seems like you might be on the fast track now.”

I shrug slightly and answer, “Well I am just as surprised as you are. By the way, who was that mare?”

He laughs at me and tells me, “Sir, you really don’t know?”

“No, I don’t. Why.” I answer.

He just smiles and shakes his head as we fly back toward my platoon HQ. “Sir, let’s get you over to the quartermasters for a new issue of your rank insignia. Then I think I will take you up on that cup of coffee if it is still available.”

*****

Good evening from Hoofington, this here is Chrome Microphone coming to you live, that’s right, not undead, from the hoof. Speaking of the undead, remember that there are still some hot areas underground where the magical radiation can turn you into a ghoul. Now, this next song goes out to all of you listening in the hoof. Here is The Writing On The Wall.

Author's Note

I would like to take the time to thank those who helped to create this world of Fallout Equestria in which I am able to weave this tale for you, my readers. Among those, I want to thank is Laura Faust for giving us the world of Equestria, the two princesses, and all the Elements of Harmony.

I would also like to thank Kkat for creating the spin-off of this world that has become the world of Fallout Equestria itself. There are many others I would like to thank as well such as Somber, Fuzzy Vee Vee, and RuinQueenofOblivian.

The last is the creator of the mare who we see interrogating, then giving Ball Lighting his promotion, as she is a character from her story Survivors Guilt. For those who have read that story, many of the events in Repair Ponies are occurring at the same time as hers.

For those who would like to listen to the dedication song, the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhBnW7bZHEE