Chapter 78 Unpleasant Events

“I could not understand why men who knew all about good and evil could hate and kill each other.”

― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

Baltimare Colt, Northbound on the Big River: Ginger Snaps

We are taking our midday break after having done several hours of hoof-to-hoof training as well as close battle drills. I am sitting on my bunk when I look up from my copy of the Book of Daisy Jo as I hear Ennie call out, “Reverse,” followed by Meanie calling out, “Draw Four!”

I am expecting an outburst, and I get it as I hear Harts Fire yell out, “What kind of evil creature came up with this game, Changelings?”

At which point, I along with several others break out laughing and I hear Ennie ask soberly, “Didn’t anyone tell him?”

An irritated Harts Fire then asks, “Tell me what?”

“That it was developed by Changelings.”

Harts Fire shakes his head and tells him, “No, they did not.”

Ennie then looks at Meanie before he asks Harts, “Did they happen to tell you that Meanie and I are both Changelings?”

I see a quick bit of panic flash over his face then after a fast recovery, he jokingly says, “Okay, you can quit kidding me.”

I watch as he first sighs, then he and Meanie exchange a look and after a brief flash of flame over them they are both back to their natural state. Meanie then tells Harts Fire, “We thought you knew already; we do not try to hide who or what we are from the crew.”

Harts Fire seems to think briefly then asks, “Which hive are you from?”

Ennie smiles and tells him, “Baltimare. Our queen was one of the first to join Equestria in the fight against the Zebras. To survive though we had to learn how to live off of something other than love in the Wastelands. It was hard at first from what our history tells us, but worth it in the long run.”

Harts nods again but says nothing.

Ennie then asks, “You are not surprised?”

He shakes his head this time and tells him, “I met your queen when she came to discuss that alliance with Princess Luna. So, no, I am not surprised. I am however glad to hear that they survived. I knew of one other friendly and one neutral changeling hive back then. There were also two hostiles, one of which had allied with the Zebras.”

“So, us being changelings does not bother you?”

“No, Meenie having told me to draw four after a reverse card, now that bothers me. But I guess it is all part of the game.” He pauses and looks at the single card Ennie has in his hoof and tells him with a smile, “Oh, I guess I should tell you, draw four.”

This time I hear Ennie cuss slightly and the game goes back to normal.

It has been four days since we rejoined the Colt. During that time, we have gotten to know much more about Harts Fire. Part of which is, that due to his coloration, he was allowed to join the Nightguard as a pegasus rather than being forced to join the standard royal guard. As he told us, he was able to perform duties for the Nightguard that the batponies were not as well suited for, particularly when dealing with most normal ponies who were often made nervous by their bat-like wings, and sharp wolf teeth.

Having spent time with Morning Star and her friends, I guess I can see how some ponies would feel that way, but after being out in the Wastelands, a mare or stallion with large teeth, well those just do not phase me anymore.

He also let us know more about what the Nightguard actually did during the war with the Zebras. Part of me wished the thestrals could have been there to hear it. I know Sunny was particularly interested.

I smile as I remember Harts Fire’s reaction when he heard Sunny talking about Morning Star. He had a raised eyebrow as he asked, “So you really are courting a thestral?”

Sunny grinned widely as he answered, “Yes, I am. It kinda happened by accident, we had spent some time together and I had become close to her, and I told her I cannot wait to introduce you to my parents in front of her friends.”

Harts Fire laughed at that and then slapped his forehoof on his thigh and told Sunny, “Yep that would do it. So, how much do you know about their ways?”

I sat there enthralled as I listened to them talk back and forth and I realized Sunny had not told us half of what he knew. That came when they were talking about how Morning Star and the rest had snuck with him into Thunderhead and how they had used shadow chasing to jump from one shadow to another.

“So, what is so special about this Thunderhead anyways. I mean if you snuck in there twice, it could not be that hard.”

Sunny simply shrugs, but Morning Mist answers, “Hart, a lot has changed since you went to sleep. Thunderhead is a cloud city for the Grand Pegasus Enclave. It was much harder to get out then in. And to be honest, Sunny was the first of the wild pegasi to do so for the NCR as far as we know. He and I then produced some maps that helped with some activities down there during the recent unpleasantness.”

He grinned at Morning and asked him, “So what makes Sunny a wild pegasus and not you?”

Morning looked at him and shrugged as he told him, “I was born there, and my family were refugees thirteen years ago after a small civil war between Thunderhead and Neighvarro.”

He then looks at Sunny and tells him, “Son, I would have loved to have had you with the Nightguard, we could have used you as well.”

I am brought out of my woolgathering as I hear the steam whistle let out five quick bursts. We all look at each other and I hear Choo yell out as she runs into the berthing, “Let’s move people, this is not a drill!”

She then runs to the equipment locker, gets her Battle Saddle, and throws it on quickly, as the rest of us join her in grabbing our gear and our weapons. As soon as we have them, we run out to our action stations. As I head out the door I yell out, “Last one out blows out the lanterns.”

When I run out onto the deck, I can see heavy black smoke rising from around a bend several miles ahead of us. As we approach, I see an explosion come from over the trees blocking our view. From the flight deck, I hear the flight deck crew yelling as they make preps for an emergency launch of the Hot Shot.

As we round the second bend we can see her. A steamship in the distance that looks to be beached and is burning. She is slightly smaller than the Colt and has a single centerline stack. Rough Seas, says from his nearby 20mm gun mount, “No stern or side paddles, she must use screw propulsion.”

I look and now I see what he means. I then notice the holes in her sides and wrecked timbers on her superstructure.

From Rough Seas I hear, “Look at her, she was in a Tartarus of a fight.”

“Sure does look it, I wonder who she is?”

As we approach, we can see bodies lying around the deck. Soon we are close enough that when the wind picks up enough to blow the smoke away from the pilothouse, we can see the ship's name, SS Sassafras Tea. I am stunned and think to myself, Buck, that is not good at all, that is one of the Water Clan ships.

I begin to hear muttering from the nearby old hooves as they notice the same thing. I then hear Rust call out over a megaphone, "Prepare the ship's launch and the away team.”

I know what that means. I tell my set members with me, “Let’s go, you heard the mare.”

As we make our way to the davits for the launch we are met by several crew members, including the XO, Azimuth Compass, and several other deckcrew ponies who will crew the launch for our run to the Sassafras.

Once the boat has been lowered to the water and the steam boiler lit, the rest of us are allowed to board. When all of us are loaded, we prep our weapons and cross the distance to the Sassafras Tea.

The bowhookpony is the first to be able to get a line on a stanchion so we can secure alongside the wreck. Once we are tied up Choo and the other fliers meet us on the main deck. We begin to make our way through the burning wreck, and I bring my shemagh over my muzzle to keep the smoke from choking me as much.

Jelly Bean, Twinks, and Cowlick are right behind me as I make my way across the cargo deck and to the boiler and engine room. The first thing I notice is that the cargo bay is empty and I call Choo on the radio, “Big Blue, this is Cookie, looks like they either dumped the cargo, it was captured, or they were deadheading it.”

“Cookie, roger on the cargo, be careful going into engineering.”

“Understood,” I respond and turn to the others, “Okay, you heard the mare. Keep your heads up and weapons ready.”

We form a quick stack and as we enter, I can see several small fires around the engineroom as well as dead bodies of the crew and pirates. I can see that the fires in the boiler are out, and there is no steam pressure on the gauges. The bilges are filled with oily water, and I can see light coming in from holes in the hull beneath the waterline. Twinks also points out several scuttling charges that were being prepped as well as a few boobie traps on the valves and piston drives that I had not seen.

I call to Choo, “Big Blue, she is holed pretty bad in the engine room. She is not going anywhere right now.”

“Roger Cookie, please fall back to the main deck and assist with clearing the rest of the ship.”

I acknowledge her order, and I gently close the door behind us as head back to the others.

*****

Onboard the Sassafras Tea, the Big River, Unclaimed Wastelands: Xochitl

Once onboard the main deck of the Sassafras, Choo quickly gives us orders of where she wants us to go. Myself and my set immediately follow her orders, and we enter the superstructure and find a ladder heading to the next deck up. As we go, I see the bodies of both crew members and pirates. We have our weapons at the ready and are on edge. Beside me Katie has her ears laid back as she sniffs the deck and air.

We begin on the second deck by checking the cabins of the crew and passengers, soon we are joined by Ginger’s set. Once we reach the crew's mess, Ginger calls Choo and lets her know we have finished clearing the second deck. Then we hear, “I want both of your teams up here in the pilot house now.”

As we reach the Pilot House Choo is standing on the stair platform leading to it along with Sunny. She tells us, “Ginger, Epona, Xochitl, as true members of the Water Clan, I need you to witness this.” Sunny next to her says nothing, but he is fighting to keep his wings down and I can see the fire in his eyes.

I feel my stomach turn as I realize this is both clan business as well as most likely an atrocity, we are going to have to stand witness to.

I tell Katie, “Stay with the set girl.” Then I am right behind my wife and her sister.

I hear both of them curse as they enter the door. Then with a deep anger in Ginger's voice, she says, “Choo, there will be a reckoning for this.”

As I look into the pilot house, I see Captain White Water’s body tied to the ship's wheel with the back of his jacket cut away exposing his back where he was whipped so badly that there is a puddle of blood underneath him. I feel sick to my stomach as I realize he was whipped to death.

I then notice a note has been stuck into the pocket of his coat. Choo takes it out and reads it to all of us, “This captain dared to not only run; but to cause casualties against their betters. Let this serve as a warning to all those who dare think they can stand against Captain Calico Jack.

She uses her TK to pass the note to Ginger who looks at it and then passes it to Epona. Who briefly looks at it, goes to hoof it to me and I tell her, “Keep it for the clan records.”

“Speaking of that,” Epona says as she moves over to the chart table. She folds up the navigation chart that is still there as well as the ship's log and places both in her saddlebags. She then tells Choo, “We need to cut him down and bring him to the rest of the crew.”

Ginger still has flames in her eyes as she says, “Aye sister, you are right. There will be a blood feud over this, and we will have a reckoning.”

I barely hear Choo say, “Damn, I was afraid that this would mean that.” She then tells us, “I will fly back to the Colt after Azimuth Compass has seen this as well. Rust will want to know, and the rest of the clan will have to be notified.”

I think back to a night many years ago, right after the expedition when most of the clan stallions banded together to capture two guards who had beaten and injured Tar Water who was a prisoner. Only the Colonel who had just been promoted to major at the time was able to calm them enough to prevent a lynching. This, this, goes so far beyond that, the clan will not be satiated by this.

Once Azimuth arrives and sees what has happened as well as two of the crewponies tied up and shot he says to no one in particular, “Buck, the captain is not going to like this. Neither is the clan.”

Ginger quietly says, “No, the clan will demand blood for this.” This time the anger is gone from her words, and that truly scares me for I know my wife too well. She too now will demand retribution.

Choo then tells us, “Azimuth, I will be returning to the Colt briefly to pass on to the captain what has happened here.” She turns to Sunny and says, “Sunset Water, I think it best you accompany me. Oh, and Epona, if I may have the letter to show Rust.”

By now the Colt has moved close enough to the stern of the Sassafras that they can use firehoses on the still burning sections. I then notice that the Hot Shot 2 is not on the flight deck, and I can see her flying high above us in a circling pattern keeping watch.

I then see both Sunny and Choo Choo take off and fly over to the pilothouse of the Colt. Ginger then looks at us and says, “Okay, let us get the Sassafras’ crew moved to the cargo bay. Check their bodies for ways to identify them. Also, be careful when checking the bodies in case metal apples have been placed under them.”

Soon the fires are out, and we have most of the bodies moved. To make sure it was safe to move them we had each of our unicorns use their TK to move them at first. Once it was determined it was safe, we would then move them the normal way. We only found two bodies that were boobie trapped. Both blew up but we were all far enough away that we were not injured, beyond a couple of minor cuts from metal fragments that were thrown.

The bodies are laid together in two groups. We go through both groups looking for ID or anything we can use. There was little left behind, and absolutely no weapons. Before we depart the ship Azimuth has Epona and Twinks go with him to the Purser's office and there they retrieve the cargo manifest for this, and the last two voyages they made.

Once we have done what we could, we all depart and return to the Colt, which is currently anchored in the middle of the river.

When we are back aboard we notice that there is a difference in the attitude of the crew. It feels almost like something is simmering under the surface, and to be honest, I do believe that is what is going on, as I know my thoughts are there right now and I feel a righteous anger growing inside myself, but I try to not let it affect my views.

Once the anchor is weighed and stowed, we begin to move forward again. Our team has returned to our normal action stations, and I hear over my radio Flight Plan telling the captain, “Roger, understood ma’am. Right now, the river looks clear for the next twenty miles at least.”

“Understood, please extend your flight to sixty miles ahead and let me know if you see anything.”

Shortly after this the crew is told to secure from quarters and return to their normal duties. As we get ready to head back to our berthing I hear over the radio, All Repair Ponies, Fixers, and Troubleshooters gather by the flight deck.

Wonderful, just what we need, to get sent out in the field again, I have not even had the chance to clean the stench of fire and dead bodies off of me yet, I think to myself. But instead of saying it out loud, I tell the others in my set, “You heard the orders, let’s move it.”

As we make our way past the crew members and passengers, I notice several of them seem to be trying to act like they do not smell something bad. But those bodies had to have been there for a day or two at least, at least the smoke kept the flies at bay.

Once we reach the area between the pilot house and the flight deck, I see the three team leaders and Captain Rust Water standing together. We form a rough formation by teams in front of them, each team in front of their team leader.

Once we are all there, Captain Rust says loud enough for all of us to hear, “I have already had radio contact with Ranger HQ over what we found. Choo had sent a message to the Water Clan leadership back in Manesville via your home base. So far, our mission has not changed; Officially. Unofficially, well, Calico Jack has crossed a line with the clan. The word will be going out back home, and I am sure that the other ships of the Water Line will be along to join us soon. Unfortunately, most of those who are of prime fighting age are currently with the Manesville Brigade. That leaves us and some others as the spearpoint. I have also requested support from the NCRN, but that support will not be coming until we can justify it.”

She pauses as she looks from face to face. Then she begins again. “This means we continue our mission. Right now, I have the Hot Shot 2 and her crew scouting ahead. Until then I want to always have one team on watch. How you rotate it, will be up to your team leaders. But that means weapons loaded and ready.

She pauses again and I hear fire in her voice as she says, “Today we saw that they gave No Quarter to members of the clan and the crew of a clan ship. I now ask, when we engage them next, do you support me in running up the black flag? If so, say Aye.”

Around me, I hear almost all the voices yell out loud and clear, “Aye!” Beside me, Katie howls with us.

She nods her head and with glistening eyes says, “So shall it be. You are all now friends of the clan if you are not already so or members. Welcome.”

*****

On Board the Baltimare Colt, Northbound on the Big River: Choo Choo

Today has been a good day so far. We have had some good training and drills, and at his request, I have allowed Harts Fire to join us for them.

He seems to fit in fairly well, but he also seems to be taking the role that Sunny once had. I realized this the second day he was aboard and after the second time I had to rebuff his passes, and I saw him start to probe with some of the other females on board. It was when I saw him eyeing up both Ginger and Epona that I felt I had to say something.

He had an almost predatory expression on his face as he looked at the two sisters as I walked up to the table he was sitting at. I set my cup of coffee down as I sit across from him blocking his view. He seems surprised at first, then he looks at me and asks, “Is there something you want Ma’am?”

I nod and move my ears in the affirmative as I tell him, “Yes Harts, there is. I want you to lay off the mares who are already taken here. Yes, we do have some single ones onboard and if you are interested and they are as well, I will not judge.”

He tilts his head and asks, “Are you sure those two are off the market Choo? I mean I have heard them talk about their family.”

I chuckle lightly before I answer, “Yes, especially those two. They are family to me, and I have known them since they were young. Just so you know, Ginger’s husband Xochitl and her have been together since they were about nine or ten years old. So, hooves off.”

He moves his ears back at first, then when he brings them forward again, he shifts them to let me know he understands. He then asks, “So what about some of the other females on the team or the ship’s crew?”

“As I said, I will not judge, just be careful to not lead any on to believe they will get more than you are willing to give. I have had to have a similar conversation with a member of my team before.”

He takes a sip of his coffee before he replies to this. “Okay, I am glad to hear that this is not just me you would talk with about this. Anything else?”

I smile this time, “Yes, I would like to thank you for your time assisting us with the Hoofticuff lessons. I do believe all three teams will benefit from it.”

He grins, “My pleasure. Now what about the youngsters from the crew? Do you think we should let them learn as well?”

“The captain has already told the crew that if they want to learn it on their off hours they are encouraged to do so.”

“Good, I am glad to hear it, that would give me something to do other than play cards or chase tails.”

I then add, “And remember if you hear five quick blasts of the steam whistle it is a call-to-action. Something big is going on, so meet with me and the other fliers topside between the flight deck and the pilot house.”

I finish my cup of coffee and then go topside to see what the captain has in mind for the afternoon. I have just gotten to the flight deck level, and I am looking towards the pilothouse when I hear the steam whistle let out five quick bursts, I see the captain pointing at something behind me and when I turn to look, I can see smoke billowing in the distance upriver. I look back to the pilot house and Rust nods to me and points.

I turn and run to the side of the top deck, jump over the side, and glide down to the main deck where I run into our berthing and tell the others, “Let’s move people, this is not a drill!”

Once I have my gear and equipment on, I run back outside the compartment, fly back up to my action station, and wait for the rest of my fliers to join me. The first is Morning Mist, followed by Sunny and then Harts Fire, who is using some of the gear and weapons we recovered at the base where we found him. Their final flier to arrive is Box-end Wrench, who then asks, “What is going on Choo?”

I keep looking forward as I answer, “There is smoke up ahead, it could be from another ship in distress or possibly another village that has been razed.”

He shakes his head, “Another village razed? Has it always been this bad?”

To the side, Sunny laughs and answers with, “Do you think we call it the Wastelands for no reason?”

I give the young stallion a glaring look, then I turn my attention to Harts Fire, and I tell him, “No, it used to be worse before the days of Sunshine and Rainbows.” I pause then ask, “Have you read any of the Book of Litte Pip yet?”

He shakes his head no and asks, “No, should I really?”

I nod, “I would suggest it. Even I, who was one of the first of my sisters that was created learned much from it. Some of which was hard to swallow, but when things calm down, I would suggest it.”

We are just around the bend from where the smoke is coming from when I tell the others, “Stay here,” and I take flight briefly to see what may be awaiting us. As I reach above the tree lines I see her, the old steamship that has been beached by the western bank and is on fire. I am just about to return to the Colt when I see a large explosion occur near the sternmost section of the upper deck, throwing timber and what may have been a few bodies tumbling. I immediately land near the pilothouse and report to Rust what I have seen.

As she sees the name of the wreck, I hear her say under her breath, “Damn, that was Cousin White’s ship.” She then orders our ship's steam launch to be lowered and my team to go across to investigate it.

As the non-flyers use the launch to cross, I lead the fliers across, without thinking to tell Harts Fire, Ennie, and Meanie to stay behind.

We circle it first to make sure it is safe to land and do so on the main deck. There I direct the others where to begin to search. I then take Sunny with me to investigate the bridge.

As we land on the platform outside its pilothouse, I begin to first smell, then I see the inside. What I see makes my stomach turn. This was not just some combat deaths. This was done deliberately and to make a point. Inside I feel an anger brewing. Killing in combat is one thing. This, this, was something a raider would do. Beside me I hear Sunny have his breath catch, then he quietly says, “Those bastards. This cannot be allowed to stand.”

I know what I must do, and I am angered more as I know what this will cause. But I am a Friend of the Clan, and I must let them know. I then call for Ginger, Epona, and Xochitl to bear witness for the clan as full members along with Sunny. As I wait for them to arrive, I know that this will lead to a blood feud and a vendetta with whoever is responsible for this.

After they arrive and see what was done and how. I give them orders of what I want them to do. Then with Sunny as my escort, I fly back to the Colt and make my way straight to the Pilot House. Rust is initially preoccupied with directing the helm as she has maneuvered close enough that they can use her firehoses to put out the fires on the Sassafras.

Soon she seems satisfied and tells her third mate, “You have the helm for now. I need to talk with Choo.”

She looks at Sunny and can see his agitation. Then she leads us outside onto the upper deck. “Okay Choo, what do you have for me that you could not say over the radio?”

Sunny interrupts and tells her, “Those bastards tied Cousin White to the ship's wheel and whipped him to death. They also tied up his wife and their helmspony and shot them in the head.”

She is at first irritated at his outburst but then realizes what he has said. Using my TK to give her the note that we found on White’s body. She reads it and I hear her cuss. She folds the letter and tucks it into her hat. She then tells me, “I will be securing this later for the Clan records. I will also have to send a message out to the other ships of the clan to let them know what happened.” She pauses and as an afterthought adds, we should let the NCRN know also as she was listed as missing a couple of days ago.”

I then ask, “I would like to send a message to Ranger headquarters if you do not mind.”

Almost absentmindedly she waves a forehoof, “Go ahead. Do what you must. Also, I know you can sometimes reach home with those mods to your PipBucks. Let the clan know as well.”

I shift my ears to let her know I will then I begin to try and contact Zhia back at our home shop. It is after my third attempt I hear a voice I recognize as Diode answer, “This is the Coon Dog, Big Blue, what can we do for you?”

I then explain what has happened and what I want to be done. He then answers, “Roger, Big Blue. Mama Hound has heard all that as well and will be sending out messengers to the waterfront as well as White Cloud, Dairyann, and Donovan.”

“Thank you, Hound Dog, it is appreciated. Let the other Pack Members know what has occurred as well.”

After I am done, I let Rust know, and then I fly back across to the Sassafras to work with my team as the Colt moves to the middle of the river and drops anchor. Above me, I can see Flight Plan circling overhead as he flies several miles ahead, over the river making sure we are not surprised.

As I was talking about what happened on the radio, I had not noticed that some of the crew members had overheard and one of the messenger ponies from the bridge approches me after I am off the radio and asks, “Big Blue, did they really do that?”

I close my eyes at the memory of what I saw and nod. I open my eyes, and I tell them, “Yes they did.”

I see the normally friendly face of this young stallion change to one of anger. He holds it in, but I can see it in his body language. “Thank you for letting me know.”

While I prepare to head back to the Sassafras to be with the rest of my team, I notice the messenger stopping at various positions, speaking briefly, and then continueing on their way. Each stop is followed by the ponies faces turning from their normal expressions to ones of hardness and anger.

Above, in the pilothouse I see Rust leaning against the rail on the platform behind it. I see she is visibly upset and angry at the same time. She notices me looking in her direction and nods to me, then stops leaning and enters the pilot house.

Just before Sunny and I take off I see the same messenger returning with a message to the pilothouse from below decks. While I do wonder what is in it, I must take care of this first.

After we have moved the remains of those on the Sassafras to the cargo bay. Azimuth Compass takes a couple of my people to retrieve the ships manifest from purser’s office. When he returns, he looks very glum and tells me, “They were fully loaded with fresh grain and hay.” He pauses, his ears and tail shifting irritably and he adds, “They had passengers they were carrying to Whinnyapolis, Choo. Most of those passengers were youngsters and as you know, we did not find any of their bodies.”

Buck! This is even worse than I had expected. Those around me who hear this say nothing, but I see them all display more agitation than before. I look at him and tell him, “We must let the captain know. Are you ready to head back to the Colt.”

He nods his head, “Quite right. Alright everyone, let us go back to the launch.”

The fliers and I leave as the rest take the launch across. Once I arrive, I pass on the news to Rust, and I see her ears go flat. Mud Wing and Mort join us. Rust and I explain what we have found, and I see them both nod in understanding. Then Mud Wing asks, “So what the messenger told us earlier is true?”

I nod my head as does Rust. Mud Wing then asks, “What do we do now?”

Rust turns to her, “I first must explain, that the Sassafras Tea was a ship of the Water Line. That means she was clan property. That could have been excused to a point. But the execution of several members of the crew and having tied the captain to the helm and beat him to death and left a signed note. Well, that makes it grounds for a blood feud for the clan. I have already sent radio messages to the leadership of the clan as well as the NCRN.” She pauses and adds, “Understand, we still have our official mission, but now this is personal for the clan. I have already discussed this with my department heads, and we have come to a decision. I would like for you to have all of your team members assemble here so I can address them.”

We all nod, and Mort calls over the radio, All Repair Ponies, Fixers, and Troubleshooters gather by the flight deck.

Soon all the members assemble and sort themselves out in front of us. Rust waits until they have settled into a rough formation before she begins. First, she explains what has occurred and how she has contacted our superiors. I watch as the two teams that were not there shift uncomfortably and I can see a rage for retribution form, especially after she tells them of the missing colts and fillies.

Finally, she tells us in a righteous voice, “Today we saw them give No Quarter to members of the clan and the crew of a clan ship. I now ask, when we engage them next, do you support me in running up the black flag? If so, say Aye.”

Part of me wants to scream no, we cannot do that and remain equine. However, the part of me that has seen such atrocities for so many years that have not had any consequences for the perpetrators has had enough and I too yell out loud and clear as I stomp a forehoof, “AYE!”

Rust looks at us all with a stone-cold serious expression on her face and with tears she holds back as she says, “So shall it be. You are all now friends of the clan if you are not already so or members. Welcome.”

With that, it is done. I fear in a way that we may have damned our souls with what we may do to right the wrongs, but again, I am sick of those who do such acts not being held accountable. This time, this time we will do something. Just like we will eventually balance the scale for those who fired Celestia One. When I think of this, I thank Celestia and Luna that Moon Lily and her friends are not here for this. Let them retain what innocence they may still have.

We dismiss our teams as Rust walks back to the pilothouse. She stops briefly and tells us, “I would like the team leaders to meet with me by the chart table, we have a few things to discuss.”

*****

Manesville Hospital, Manesville, Manesville Region, NCR: Ball Lightning.

It has been a week since I was discharged from the hospital. Both Funnel and Storm are still patients, but they should be getting out in a day or two as well. Today will be my fifth time accompanying one of the doctors on their rounds as well as assisting when needed. Yesterday I helped Doctor Endoscope, the same doctor who treated me initially when I woke up in Manesvile, with setting a broken wing. It seems the youngster we were treating was playing with several others in one of the still abandoned buildings here when the section of flooring he was standing on broke.

I was able to get him to talk about what happened in exchange for my story on why I was branded. “You were at Coltlumbia with the Enclave?” he asked in wonder.

I let out a sigh and told him, “Yes, I was.”

He then says, “You must have really helped us a lot for them to brand you. Thanks. I lost my pa there with the Second regiment.”

I nod but say nothing in reply as I help position him for the doctor. Once I have him ready, I tell him, “They were all brave in the Second, now I need you to be as brave as your pa for this next part, it is going to hurt, but it will help you heal properly so you can fly again in a month or so.”

He nods his head and grits his teeth. Then Doctor Endoscope tells me, “Please hold him still, while I pull the wing straight. Once we have it set, I will need you to assist me with putting a cast on it.”

I nod my head, take a firm grasp on our patient, and watch as the Doctor pulls the wing straight with her mouth. I hear a brief pop, and she slowly releases the tension on the wing as she examines lightly with her hoof. “OK, now time for the cast.”

Once we are done, she has a unicorn nurse come into the room and reexamine the wing with his horn. Once done the nurse smiles and tells us, “Well done, I can already feel it healing with his magic doctor.”

After this, she tells the colt, “I would like to see you again in two weeks. If the wing is healed up enough, we will remove the cast, then. However, remember, it will still not be ready for flying again for a few weeks after that, providing everything goes well.”

He looks up at her with wide eyes and nods, “Thank you ma’am.”

“You are welcome, now just be more careful when exploring, remember, you still have to be alive to get your cutie mark.”

He giggles slightly and asks, “How did you know that I was trying to get my cutie mark?”

She smiles and answers, “Because I was like that when I was your age too.”

Our next patient after that was an old stallion who had a couple of boils that they could not get and I had the pleasure of being allowed to lance them and take care of them, again under supervision. It may not be glorious or exciting, but I find I enjoy helping others.

After my four-hour shift at the hospital, I begin to make my way to the market by the river to pick up a few items for our dinner tonight, before I head back to the repair pony shop.

I have just picked up some fresh fish as well as some bread and a few vegetables when I notice the Root Valve, one of the unicorns from the shop, galloping down the street toward the waterfront. I wave a wing and call out, “What is going on Root.”

She skids to a stop and yells to me, “I have to take a message to the Butternut and the Highland Chief.”

I am surprised she is in such a hurry for just a message so I ask, “What is so important you have to run?”

She seems surprised by the question and tells me, “Some pirates have attacked a Water clan ship and did something that all the clan leaders are going want to fight a feud about.”

“Excuse me? A feud with pirates?”

She looks at me and tells me, “Look, you know Sunny, what kind of family do you think produces someone like him?”

Good point, I think to myself. I then tell her, “In that case I better let you get going. I will talk to you back at the shop.”

“Thanks, Ball, see you there,” she tells me and is back at a gallop in a few seconds.

Once back to the shop I see Zhia sitting behind the counter. As I enter the door she tells me, “Good, you are back. I need you to carry a message to Dairyann and deliver it to the General Store there.”

I nod my head, “Okay Zhia, it might take me a bit to get there, but I will do the best I can.”

She smiles, “I understand Ball, and that is why I am not asking you to go to Donovan and White Cloud. Oh, and grab at least a pistol or carbine, we have had an increase in radhogs in those areas and they sometimes will attack a lone pony.”

“Thanks, Zhia, will do.”

I step into the armory and find my old pistol. It seems that Mid Rats, had grabbed all three of our personal weapons. How in the Tartarus he did it, I do not know, but he must have greased the right hooves back in Coltlumbia.

I then grab a 12-gauge combat shotgun with a folding stock and sling it across my shoulders. Once I have it all together, I tell Zhia, “I am ready. I will see you when I get back.”

“Thank you, Ball, I will have dinner ready in a couple of hours for all of you.”

I am still getting used to the idea of a ghoul cooking for me, but honestly, the others do not seem to mind, and she adds some spices that really bring out some flavors that I had not known before coming here.

I am almost to the old stable that the locals here use for a military and government headquarters when I realize I am still walking. Though, considering I am by the base it may be for the best. I am just passing by Wanderers, when I see Mid Rats, stepping out of the back door of the place. He smiles, waves, and tells me, “If you got time I can get you a cup of coffee Ball.”

“Sorry Mids, I am running a message out to Dairyann for Zhia.”

“Gotcha. Safe travels sir.”

I continue at a light trot and then once on the other side of the base I decide maybe I could make better time flying. I take to the air, and I begin to fly in the direction of where I have been directed is Dairyann. I am at 1000 feet soon enough. As I get to altitude, I find myself getting a bit winded, so I land on a cloud to catch my breath. As I am resting, I look at the ground in the distance. Ahead, on my route, I can see a small town with some railroad tracks and the remains of an old granary. To the south and a little closer to Manesville I can see another small village. I guess that one is Emerald Grove.

Once my breath is caught, I take to my wings again and glide more than fly on my way down to Dairyann. As I land near the main street, I head for the General store. Next to it I notice is an establishment that has the name Cider Bank over the door, and it does look like a bank from the photos in the old books.

I see a couple of strangers staring daggers at me at first, but I can tell when they see my brand, as they begin to relax. I walk into the store, and I notice that it is lit by oil lanterns. The stock is mostly previously used items that have been recovered and repaired.

Behind the counter is an older earth pony stallion wearing an apron and a visor. He looks at me as I enter and walk towards him, “May I help you?” he asks with a curious tone.

“I was told to bring a message here by Zhia of the Repair Ponys.”

“You know Sunny, do you?”

“Yes sir, not as well as I would like, but he and I have worked with and against each other for the last couple of years.”

He smirks, “Against each other, huh? At least you are honest.” He pauses, then says, “What do you have for me? Let me see.”

I pass him the message and he reads it. He looks up, “Have you read it?”

“No, but Zhia gave me the gist of it.”

“Humph, okay, then come with me next store,” he basically orders me.

He flips the sign in the front window to closed and leads me to the Cider Bank.

As we enter, I see several more earth ponies and a couple of unicorns inside. But what I find most interesting is the bar itself is set up inside the old vault of a bank, which I find fascinating. I am a bit put off by the looks I receive and overhear one say, “feathered bastards.”

He then takes the letter out and tells everyone, “Listen up, the Repair Ponies and Rust have sent us a message that concerns the Water Clan. The same message has already been sent to the riverfront. I know a couple of you are Water Clan members and a few are friends of the clan, so this affects you.”

Once done, he says, “I will be posting this note in my window after I read it across the street at the Inn.”

He turns to me and tells me, “Let’s go courier.”

I nod and follow him across the street. Once there it is almost a repeat of the Cider Bank. As we leave, I notice several of the patrons of the Cider Bank are coming outside. I hear one of them telling the store clerk, “Thanks Short Stock, for letting us know. I will pass the word. Let any others who come through know as well.”

“Will do Boiled, I was already planning on putting it up in my front window.”

Boiled then looks at him and tells him, “How about you stay open late today, I am sure you will have plenty of business in a bit.”

“I will do that Boiled. Just you and the rest be careful out there.”

Soon I see several of those in the street heading out of the town or to their apartments there. Those return before I can leave town. The store clerk then tells me, “Thank you for bringing the message. Come on in and have a Sparkle Cola on me.”

I reenter the store right behind him and walk to the counter. He takes out two bottles, pops the tops off of both of them, and then hooves me one.

As I drink, he begins to make small talk with me. I am just telling him about my family and how they might be on their way here when several older stallions, as well as one who is about 15 years old, and a couple of mares enter. All have weapons with them as well as saddlebags. They approach the counter, and the first one tells him, “Okay, what do you have for ammo available?”

As they are discussing the ammo they have I finish my soda and push both the bottle and the cap to the far side of the counter. I then tell Short Stock, “I best get back to the shop. Talk to you later Short.”

He looks over to me, and as he pushes a box of .308 rounds across the counter to one of the mares I have heard called Oil Water. He smiles and tells me, “Do not stay a stranger Ball. Next time maybe we can play some checkers or something.”

“Sounds good.” I turn to the others, “Take care and be careful out there.”

I then begin my trip back to the shop. As I walk the streets of Dairyann I see several others coming into town all armed and talking about what was in the message. Once at the outskirts, I take to the air again and carefully make my way back to the stable. At least this time I do not feel as winded as I climb. Perhaps I need to start flying a bit more again?

As I come into land at the shop I hear little Xanthippe yelling, “Ma, Ball is back. Can we have dinner now?”

“Yes dear, now get in here and get ready for dinner,” I hear the mare tell her child. She meets me at the door and asks, “Any problems?”

“No, none. I did get to talk to Short Stock for a bit before I left. He read the message at both taverns there as well as put the message up in his window.”

“Good, thank you for taking care of that, now go put the shotgun away and clean up for dinner. We will all eat once you are there.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” I tell her without thinking.

This gets her to smile, and she adds, “Oh, and tonight you can meet Xerxes. He will be spending the night in mine and my daughter’s quarters.”

I smile at this as I have heard his name before from some of the other shop dogs as they call themselves. I take care of the shotgun and my saddlebags, then after washing my wingtips and hooves, I trot briskly the short distance to the mess hall and to a dinner I am more than ready to eat.

*****

E3 Oasis, Unclaimed territory, Wastelands: Air Burst

As I get up from the fire pit with my hot cup of coffee in my wingtips, in the dim light I notice one of the brahmin bulls moving a head as if to get me to come over to him.

I take another sip of my coffee and make my way to the brahmin herd. Once there Rosie and Nellie tell me, “Bob and George wanted to let you know that we think something might be up. A bit ago they saw some shadows over by the south fence and heard some noises.”

“Any idea what it might be?”

“Not really. Just we never seen that before when we were here. Something to pay attention to. Especially if we are supposed to get moving in a day or two.”

I nod my head. Trader Jewel had decided to spend a couple of extra days here at the Oasis after survivors of two different caravans managed to all but crawl to the gate. Once they were taken care of, they said both caravans had been jumped by a large band of raiders.

He talked with me about it, and we both agreed that we did not have enough guards or personnel to stand off a large ambush by raiders. He then decided to wait until one of the other caravans going in the same direction departed as well. That way we could provide mutual assistance.

Not the normal way of doing things, but it seems his brother's caravan had pulled in the day after we arrived, on their return trip from Hoofington as well. I guess family ties do matter some in cases like who to trust.

I nod and shift my ears affirmatively, “Thanks guys, I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. Oh, here comes the boss.”

I turn and see Trader Jewel coming back from the direction of the sinks, I wave a wing to him, and he and I make our way to meet.

Once we are close, he asks, “Okay Fire Works, what is it?”

I tell him what the brahmin just told me. He thinks briefly and then asks, “You believe them?”

I nod and move my ears to signal I do. He nods then lets out a tired sigh as he tells me, “Okay, I will go mention it to the security team here. How about getting your guards ready, you know, just in case.”

As he trots off, I hear Sundancer approaching and she asks, “What is going on Fire Works?”

I tell her and I see a look of anxiety briefly cross her face and she tells me, “Okay, best to be ready, just in case. I will have my mother stay with my youngest.”

“That would be best.”

Soon we are both waking the older of the children as well as Kind Heart. We slowly get our weapons together and prepare ourselves in case there is trouble.

One of the security guards for the Oasis is walking by and sees this and asks in a gruff voice, “Hey, what is going on here? You getting ready to leave in the middle of the night or something.”

I shake my head and quietly tell them what the brahmin heard. He snorts briefly in disbelief and asks, “You really talk to your brahmin and they told you that?”

“Yeah, I talked to our brahmin and they told me that. Do you want to ask them?”

He has a smart Alec grin on his muzzle as he tells me, “Yes I do.”

I take him over to Rosie and Nelie and tell them, “This security officer would like to ask you a few questions. I already told him you speak equestrian.”

I see several of the other brahmin seem uncomfortable hearing that, but then Rosie says, “Okay, what would you like to know?”

“What exactly did you see or hear, and where?”

She moves her head a bit straighter before answering, “It was not me, but George and Bob over there who saw it and heard something.” She then goes on to tell him what they told me earlier.

I see him scratch his head with a forehoof, before he tells her, “Thank you Ma’ams for the information. I will have someone check it out.”

He then calls on his radio and passes on to those on the other end of the line what he was just told. He is about halfway to the next caravan when we suddenly hear gunfire from the south fence line. I watch as most of this shift of security begins to run in that direction. He runs back to us and tells us, “Stay here and be ready. We may need your team if they break through or hit us from another direction.”

I am temporarily blinded as I see a flare go up along the fence. When my eyes have adjusted, I see him running to the next caravan yelling to them. I then hear Bob and George moo and I turn in their direction, and I see they are pointing towards the main gate. “Ok people, you know the drill, do not fire unless you are sure of your target.

I then see a large stallion with a battle axe in his muzzle with a smaller pony on his back shooting in our direction. I take aim and I fire three quick rounds. Two to the chest and one to the head of the large stallion. As he goes down, I see the smaller one being thrown and landing about a hundred yards from us. I then tell my boss. “Sir, I need to go high to see what is going on. I will call back to you.” As I get ready to go airborne one of the security ponies stops me and tells me, “Stay down on the ground. You do not want to be flying during this.”

Why not? I ask myself, but I follow his orders and Trader Jewel nods as he and his granddaughter both reload their weapons. I am just getting ready to shoot again when I see something I have not seen in a while, I see several Mister Hoovesies, come out of the storage barn behind the main building, and some fly towards the south fence, while the others come flying by us. I hear Lil’ Bit say, “Wow, Uncle Air, would you look at that, never thought I would have one on our side before.”

Right after she says that I see a rocket fly towards one of the robots and explode against it, dropping it like a hot rock. As it hits the old concrete, chips fly and I hear Lil’ Bit say, “Dang, I thought they were tougher.”

I take a quick aim and fire at some more of the raiders who are sheltering just inside the gate. I hear one yell, but they are not alone. I then hear one of the brahmin let out a moo and I hear Rosie yell, “Georgina and Traces is hit.”

Lil’ Bit taps me on my side and yells, “Cover me, Uncle Air!”

As she pops up and runs, I see several chips of concrete fly behind her and I shoot several suppressive fire rounds.

As soon as she arrives at the brahmin I see her start to work. However, my attention is diverted by several more raiders working their way closer to our caravan.

I look up and I see Scout and Savannah have taken to the roof of the cook wagon. I am not sure how he got up there, but it is the least of my concerns right now as I see another rocket flying in our direction. I look for where the smoke trail originates and I fire several shots in that area, hoping to hit whomever it was.

In the smoke and the pale light of the flares, I see some of the guards falling back from the perimeter fence and reforming a defensive line about halfway to it.

I see one of the members of our caravan get shot and go down, dropping their rifle and I am stunned as I watch George and Bob grab it up in their muzzle and use it to defend the caravan. While I do not think they hit anything, I do believe they may have helped suppress some of those trying to get amongst our wagons.

They continue to stand their ground while Sundancer works on the pony below them. Once she is finished, she drags her patient back to the center of our camp.

The fight goes on for at least another hour. But our caravan seems to not bear the brunt of the attacks. I can see two other caravans that were not as lucky as some of their wagons are burning. Eventually, I see a large force of security guards beginning to press for the gate, alongside a few more Mister Hoovsises.

As they advance, I see several more of the raiders go down, and before too much longer those who still survive are beginning to run out of the gates and into the night.

From the south side, I hear a rise in the number of shots to a crescendo that impresses even me. Then suddenly, it is silent. I watch as in the distance the security teams take some prisoners and begin to tend to their wounded.

I call out to my people, “Alright everyone, make sure you have a full load in your weapon then safeties are on.” After which I begin to make a round of our caravan to make sure everyone is still okay. I first check on Wind Dancer and her two grandsons.

Ironically, she seems wiped out from the excitement, but they are both bouncing up and down as I approach.

“Unca Air, lotsa noise and lights. Wow,” Lightning Burst says in a rapid-fire burst. Beside him, his brother Air Burst is jumping up and down flapping his wings.

“Yes, there was, you two be good for your grandmother and ma for me, okay.”

They both settle down a bit and nod their heads with their eyes serious, “We will,” they both answer.

I then ask, “You okay, Wind?”

She nods her head, “Yes, I think so. I just never shot anypony before.”

“I understand how that is. Just know that you did it to protect those two little ones as well as yourself. You did good Wind.”

She then asks me, “Is it always this rough down here?”

“No, sometimes it is worse, but other times it is better. We just have to take things as they come.” I pause and then add, “White Cloud was one of the best small settlements I came across down here. Remember, that is where we are going to start over with your son-in-law and his family.”

She nods her head, and I begin to move on.

My next stop is the brahmin, as I approach, I ask Lil’ Bit, “How are they doing over here?”

She smiles and tells me, “Everyone over here is doing well. I got the bullet out and used a healing spell on Georgina and Traces. They should be ready to move come morning if the boss is ready.”

“Thanks, Lil’ Bit, you did good.”

She nods and tells me, “Uncle, do you think Ma and I should help the others with their wounded now?”

“Perhaps but let us talk with the boss first.”

She and I make our way towards the front of our caravan camp. Once there I find Trader Jewel and I ask him what he thinks about our medics helping others. He then tells me, “Perhaps after all of our people have been checked. But I want them to get sleep tonight also. I think this attack will give us an opening for us to continue our trip without fear of getting ambushed as much. At least for a few days. I got a feeling whatever remains of these raider bands, they are going to be licking their wounds for a while.”

“Makes sense boss,” I answer.

“Make sure you get some sleep too Air.” He tells me.

Without thinking I answer, “Will do sir.”

He then stops and looks at me with a raised eyebrow and tells me, “I think you and I need to talk.”

Buck! What did I just do? I think to myself as I realize I answered to my real name. I take a deep breath and tell him, “Perhaps you are right. But let’s take this somewhere private. The fewer ears the better.”

“Alright, to my trailer, and you damn well better have a good reason for not giving me your real name from the get-go.”

As I begin to follow him, I tell him, “Sir, I do believe I do. But let’s get inside so I can explain.”

*****

Good evening to all my listeners in the Manesville region, I am Short Wave, and I am here with news and music for you. Do not forget, to listen in tomorrow night for our latest broadcast of Cryptids of the Wastelands.

As a public service announcement, the next session of farm time begins in two days. This will allow us to harvest late-season berries and grains. For those not familiar, those who live in or immigrate to the Manesville region automatically earn rations by spending a required amount of time in the fields each year. It may not be fancy but you will not starve, and if you want better several of our sponsors will be glad to sell it to you. Among those sponsors are Wanders, the Milkweed, The Back Forty as well as the Riverfront Marketplace in Manesville. For those further away we also have the White Cloud Pub, serving hot meals and cool drinks.

In recent news, a delegation from the frozen waste and the former Yakyakistan has arrived in Junction town to discuss possible trade as well as protection of trade routes. Along this line, we have reports of an increase in raider attacks on many of the major routes. In response to this, the NCR has activated several of the local militias as well as some returning troops from the war have been returned to garrison and patrol duties. This has garnered some approval within the general assembly, but they are still demanding more action be taken, particularly about the pirate attacks.

Speaking of pirate attacks, in local news the Water Riverboat Lines has reported the loss of their ship the Sassafras Tea, and her crew. The Water clan has posted in several areas throughout the Manesville region describing what was found, including the captain, White Water having been tied to his ship's wheel in the pilot house and having been whipped to death along with his pregnant wife and another crew member having been tied and executed alongside him.

Folks if you know anything about the Water Clan, then you know that this does not bode well. Along those lines, we have seen two steamers full of family members and friends of the clan depart from the waterfront just this morning.

If you are with them and listening, good luck and good hunting. For the first song of the hour, here is a song I do believe sums up best what is coming for the perpetrators of these acts. Her comes, No Quarter.

Author's Note

It has been a while since I have said it, to the many authors out there, particularly KKat, Somber, Fuzzy Vee Vee and many others, thank you for creating and adding to the universe of Fallout Equestria and for inspiring me to begin writing as well.

As the search for the pirates continues we begin to see the actions that they take to instill fear and intimidate those who may oppose them. Of course such actions are not without ramifications as we can see by the outrage of the Water Clan.

If it had been a simple combat death, perhaps it would not have been worthy of a feud, but with what was done to White Water and his wife, that made it personal. Especially with the note.

Ball for his part is still getting used to the Manesville area and his new found status as a dashite and as a shop dog for the repair ponies. We await to see what his future shall bring him.
Air Burst and the others on the other hoof are starting to have some adventures of thier own. No trip is safe in the Wastelands, though usually such stops like the E3 Oasis are sanctuaries for travelers, this time, not so much. We can expect them to have more of them as they attempt to reach White Cloud and Ball Lighting.

For those who would like to listen to this chapter's song, The YouTube link is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT_7yEp3CfE&list=RDaT_7yEp3CfE&start_radio=1&rv=aXxTB30lfv0