Chapter 9: First Steps

“No man is justified in doing evil on the ground of expedience.”- Theodore Roosevelt

The University, Hoofington, Lunar Commonwealth: Ginger Snaps

I am just finishing putting my battlesaddle back on when I see Epona trotting back over to grab hers as well as her SMG. As she comes over to where our gear is I ask her, “So who were the bucks you were talking to?”

She grins and shrugs, “Ah, just a couple of Volunteer Corps members and one of the local farmers. We were talking about crops and such. I even told them about the three sisters’ method of farming that Mama Sumac and Papa Archer were discussing before we left.”

“Huh, I was hoping maybe you were talking about a bit more,” I tell her, and inside I realize I was hoping so for real. I hate seeing her lonely, but best not to rush it.

She shrugs then says, “Who knows. Maybe my luck will change one of these days on that matter, but until then I will deal with it. Better to be single than trapped in a bad relationship.”

I nod my head in agreement. But then again, I have been fortunate in that respect. Ever since I first met Xochitl I have known that we would be married someday. The funny thing is we even had a spirit named the Mareigan tell us so. We have not seen her much over the last couple of years. However, I have heard my little sister Moon Lily talking about her visits to the Colonel and Mama Sutures.

Once we are geared up with our battlesaddles, weapons, and saddlebags, we help tack up Cowlick to our cart. Overnight both Tater and Xochitl tried to figure out a way for his battlesaddle to be worn while in the traces so he can carry the MG still. They are still trying to figure it out while tacking him up. Finally, Sunny asks, “Could we modify it like a pegasus’s one that allows them to fly while wearing it.”

Choo arrives and overhears this. Finally, she says, “During some of our other stops, we will see if we can find someone to make one or modify his current one. I think you all have a very good idea.”

When I look at Cowlick he is smiling and I hear him say, “Boy would they not expect that, would they.”

I pat him on his shoulder, “No they wouldn’t.”

Once he is tacked up, we take up our positions alongside the caravan and Trader Jewel gives the command for the caravan to begin moving. As we pass through the gate, I see two of the ponies that Epona was talking to standing outside the VC office. As we go past, I see them wave to her and she waves back.

Then she is out the gate and I notice them both watching her. One commenting to the other and the other smiling and nodding as they watch her flank. I guess we better watch her, just in case being playcolts is a thing with pegauses that I did not know about. This thought causes me to look up and I see Sunny flying alongside Choo both of them watching the pair also.

Once I am past and going through the gate, I set up my mouth bit for my battlesaddle and am at the ready as we make the trek to the Society and what they call Elysium.

As we make our way across the still recovering urban landscape, we continue to scan the buildings and open lots for possible danger. High above us Choo and Sunny maintain their scout and overwatch. This continues even when we see a flight of vertibucks in the distance begin to approach us and then veer off.

One other thing I notice as we get closer to the Society and Elysium is that Xochitl has become sullener in his expression. Every time He turns his head I can see a spark of anger, and maybe a bit of hatred in his eyes. Tonight, I will have to ask him what is wrong.

Then I hear Rosie ask, “So what has you buck so upset?”

I turn to her and tell her, “I am not really sure. He is almost never like this. Last time I saw him this way was back during the expedition when we had to deal with some slav…” I trail off as I realize. He was a slave as a colt and escaped, and here we are heading to the very place papa Badger had to escape from as a colt where his family were serfs.

Nellie then says, “Cookie, I can tell something just hit you. Spit it out.”

I take a deep breath and tell them about his early life and how we met.

When they hear this, I see them both try to strain their necks to see him better. Then Nellie says, “That explains a lot to me then.”

I nod my head. “Yeah, I feel bad I did not think of how he would feel going to such a place.”

Rosie then asks, “So Cookie, if your Papa Badger comes from there, could he still have family there?”

I think briefly and finally, I ask with a frustrated expression on my face, “I think so, but I have no idea how to find out. At least not without causing him more trouble.”

They both nod their heads and Rosie says, “Yeah that is the hard part, but I could not imagine never seeing our calf again.” Beside her, Nellie nods her head in agreement.

I almost stumbled because I am so surprised and I ask, “Wait, you two have a calf? You don’t seem old enough and where is the little one?”

They both smile at each other and simultaneously say, “Yes, her name is Bessie and Josephine. We just call Bessie and Jo.”

I am slightly confused and ask, “So where is she?”

“Oh, she is with her father and the rest of our herd back by Old Appleloosa. We will see them on our return leg. That is where we start and end our route.”

Huh, I think to myself. I am getting to know more and more about the wastelands than I ever expected. “So why are you here and her father isn’t?” I ask.

They look at each other and nod, Then Rosie says, “Honestly, we never thought to have him do so. He works for the bosses down there making deliveries to the nearby communities. Our Mother and the rest of the herd watch her just like we do for the others when we are home.”

I nod my head, “Makes sense to me.” I tell them and think of how it is not all that different from how my family does things.

It is as we come around one of the corners that I first see Elysium. Well, actually the fences around it and the fields. We are all stopped at the gate and after Trader Jewel and Choo Choo talk to the Guard we see another pony, light gray in color with a red mane and tail approach. They all discuss something for several minutes and then we are allowed past.

It is once we enter, I first see the defensive positions that guard the borders of Elysium. Then I begin to see what all the fuss is about. Once we begin to pass the crops, which look as good as any back home, we see the largest floral garden I have ever seen. I know my brother Woodrow would love to see it.

We follow the main road most of the way to the large mansion that is adjacent to the floral gardens and turn towards what looks like a small village. I hear Rosie say, “Cookie this is where the serfs live. It has really improved in the last couple of years. Rumor has it that a couple of them even own their own shops, giving a portion of their profits to the Society as ways of buying their contracts out.”

“Contracts?” I ask as an older mare is walking near us in the same direction.

She turns her head and says, “Yes, we are not slaves here now. Since the First Citizen took over the Society, we are contract workers. We really are supported by the Society and part of the profits that are earned by it are shared with all of us now. We even are treated like equines, which we weren’t many years ago.”

I am surprised to hear this and ask, “Well how have things changed for all of you then?”

She smiles kindly at me and answers, “Well, for one, physical abuse is no longer tolerated. If a serf or tenant decides they no longer want to be here. We can leave, but that means going out into the Hoof, and we have no illusions of what it is like there. Here, we do not go hungry anymore, nor do we suffer injury without treatment. As for contracts, once we have paid our contracts off, we can live here as tenants and what profit we earn is ours. Well with the exception of taxes to the Society and the Commonwealth, but those do seem to be inevitable.”

“So, are you a Serf then?” I ask.

She closes her eyes and then says, “Not anymore. I was at one time. Back in the bad days. I had a son who either ran away or died. I have never found out what happened to him. I just pray at night that he is healthy and happy.”

I nod my head in understanding, we are just about to the small-town square there when she says, “It was a pleasure meeting you, I have to meet my husband up at his office up there,” she says as she turns from us and heads her way towards the mansion.

As she goes, I think to myself. I hope she finds her son someday or at least some peace concerning what happened to him.

Once the lead wagon has begun to go through the other side of the square, I see Xochitl being led towards a field on the far side of it. As the wagons follow, we pull in behind him and form a circle with the caravan. Before it is stopped by Trader Jewel.

Once we are stopped, he has all the teams unharnessed and tells us, “Ok, we will be here for a few days. Choo, I want at least two guards on duty at all times.” He looks at us and then says, “I also want a four-pony team to escort me to the hospital to check on my granddaughter, we will head out in the morning.”

Choo nods and tells him, “Yes sir, and for tonight?”

“Choo, those not on guard are off duty. Relax and let them rest and destress. When we leave here we head back to the University before we stop at Mega Mart and then to Meat Market. Just to give you all a heads up, Meat Market is run by ghouls. I hope that won’t bother you or your people too much. If it does you all can stay outside while I do my business.”

Choo simply shrugs and tells him, “Back home in our shop we have a couple of ghouls working for us, and we were trained by some of the ones who served back then.”

He nods his head, “Huh, I guess that explains how come your crew handles yourselves the way you do. Makes sense. Ok then, I have some deals to make so I will talk to you later. In fact, stop by later and we can talk over a cup of coffee.”

She looks back at the rest of us and tells us, “Ok, Sunny, Tater, you two have the first watch. Twinkles, Cowlick you two are next. You know the rotations people, so go from there. Oh, and no one gets drunk this time.” She says as she looks at Sunny.

I swear he looks like he blushes some and then he sputters out, “Choo, I am sorry. That homebrew was stronger than I thought last night.”

I look at Xochitl and ask, “Do you want to go for a walk in the gardens?”

I see him shrug, and he says, “I don’t know Ginger. Not that I don’t want to, it’s just, ya know.”

“Yeah, I do know dear. But let’s try to make the best of it. Ok.”

*****

Elysium Gardens, Hoofington, Lunar Commonwealth: Xochitl.

To say I feel uncomfortable here is an understatement. But as I look around, I can see this is not your typical slave quarters and village. I can see where improvements have been made. Even before them, it had to have been better than the farm my parents and I escaped from. Ginger knows what we came from, but I really don’t think she understands.

After we settle the caravan in for the next couple of days, I accompany her to the floral gardens. As she takes my tail in hers, she tells me, “Dear, I really think this place has changed from the days Papa Badger told us about.”

“Yeah, I know, but part of it is what it all stands for. How much pain and suffering had to be endured here before things changed.”

“A lot, we both know that. I have seen the scars on Papa Badger's back. I have heard him tell the stories just like you have.”

Yes, you have seen the scars on his back, but not those on his mind. I love her, but she has not heard some of the stories of his colthood that he has shared with me. Pain, fear, suffering, and shame that only he, my parents, and I could understand on the farm. The others think they do, but they can’t, and I pray they never can.

Soon we are next to a fountain that is in the middle of the garden. As we sit there, I notice an older cobalt-maned mare in a wheelchair sitting on the porch of the “Big House” looking out and watching the others, including an earth pony colt and unicorn filly with blue coats and black and blue manes that are playing below. I smile at the sight of them as I remember Ginger and I first met when we were only a year of two older than them.

Walking up is one of the gardeners who is tending the roses we are next to. He sees where I am looking and smiles, “Ah, the First Citizen and her foals. Those two are a hoof full, but they are something special. Too bad their father was killed in the attack that crippled her.”

This gets my attention and I ask, “What attack was that?”

“By your accent and you not knowing which one I am talking about, I take it you are not from around here.”

Both Ginger and I shake our heads to indicate we are not. Then he continues, “Many years ago the rabble outside stormed our home here. She fought alongside us serfs and cared about if we lived or died. Not just this here mansion, but all of us. She was so different than her father and the other leaders of the society. She is the one that ended us serfs being property. She made the changes and to be honest, most of us are satisfied if not happy with our lives here. It could be a lot worse.”

About this time, I shift to put my coat back on and I see him notice my back. He nods his head knowingly, “You too have tasted the lash?” he asks in a knowing tone of voice.

I nod my head yes and he closes his eyes. “I remember times like that here too. But remember, at Elysium, those days are gone.” He looks up at the sun in the sky and nods before saying, “Well, I best get going. I still have work to do before supper. Take care and I hope to see you around later.”

“Thank you,” I tell him and hold out a hoof, “I am Xochitl and this is my fiancé Ginger Snap.”

He shakes my hoof and then Ginger’s and tells us, “A pleasure to meet you folk. My real name is Dead Heading, but Most around her just call me DH.”

We say goodbye to him as he walks away and I feel myself relax. But I also realize I need to keep my shirt or coat on when I am here. The others will know what those scars are from here. Back home they just never realized and for some reason, even though they are not my fault, I feel guilty about them.

I find myself letting out a sigh and I then feel Ginger lean into me and nuzzle my neck. Then she tells me, “Let's get back to the others dear.”

I nod my head and follow her back to the caravan for the night.

The next morning right after breakfast Choo tells us, “Xochitl, Tater, and Epona, you’re with me. Ginger, you are in charge of the others till I get back. Now kit up and let’s get ready to go with the boss.”

Soon we are on our way again. The five of us making decent time through the city heading to the Fluttershy Medical Center.

We are halfway there when we see a streak of flame shoot across the road in front of us. Immediately Choo disappears, and we hear the voice of a pony yell out, “Stops rights there. Yous entering Burner Boys territory.” I notice their accent is a slight variation of the typical Hoofington one.

Epona calls out, “You the one in charge?”

“Yeah, I am, what’s it mean to you.”

From near where the voice is coming from, I hear another voice say in the same accent, “Kindling, ya can’t go around saying yous in charge. The boss hears that we are both gonna catch it."

Then I hear the first voice try to whisper back, “Not so loud, they will hear ya.”

I notice Tater and Epona are both trying not to laugh at this, but are also spreading out from each other so we are not all bunched up behind the same cover.

Suddenly I hear both of them scream, “Alicorn!” and as I rush for the door of the building, they are in I hear a commotion going on and when I get to the door, I see one of them trying to fire his flame thrower at Choo Choo, who is on the other side of the room laughing as she uses her TK to keep them lifted in the air.

I call out to those still outside on the radio, “Ok, Big Blue has them in custody.”

“Roger that, we are coming to you,” Tater replies.

I watch as the others slowly approach and sneak into the room. We now use our radio names when we talk. Epona comes in, sees them, and asks, “Big Blue, what are we going to do with them.”

She tilts her head and replies, “That depends on them. If they get their hooves off their triggers, I might set them down and we can talk face to face.”

The one whose voice I recognize as the one called Kindling says, “Ok Tender, they got us, let's hear them out.”

Tender nods his head and while still suspended puts the flame gun assembly of his flame thrower into its scabbard on his side. Then he says, “What’s you guys want? You should know better than to mess with the Burner Boys. Boss hears about this yous going to be in for a world of hurt.

Choo looks at Epona and they nod to each other. Then Choo says, “Well we only want to pass through on the way to the Fluttershy Medical Center. We did not realize we were in your territory.”

“Then why you packing all the heat? You looking for a fight it seems to me.” The one says.

Choo Shakes her head, “If I wanted you dead,” she pauses, “You would be already.”

They look at each other and I see the one sink in defeat. The other says, “The Burner Boys can’t just have anypony walking through our territory. You got to give something for it.”

“Ah, a toll,” Epona says, “That makes sense, now what is the toll?”

“Well, you got to earn the right or pay for it to go through our territory.” Tinder answers.

I feel myself sigh and I ask, “So what do you want for a right of passage?”

They look at each other in confusion and one asks, “Right of what?”

Epona sighs this time, sits down, and touches her right forehoof to her forehead while she shakes it. Then she says, to herself quietly, “I can’t believe I have to explain this.” Then she speaks loud enough for them to hear, “What will it cost to go back and forth with no trouble?”

They look at each other and I watch as they shrug. “No one ever asked us that way before. I think we need to ask the boss.”

I look at them. “Tell you what, how about we give a password to you that we tell you so you know it's us, and we give you a couple of incendiary grenades as payment.”

They both nod their heads and Choo sets them down. That is when I notice that they are wearing the remains of firefighters’ uniforms and both have bad burn scars on them.

Once they are on their hooves again, Epona and Tater keep them covered while I pull out the two grenades from my pack and hoove each of them one. Then I ask them, “OK, so what shall we have as a password?”

He tells us one and then tells us, “Next time might not be us, tell them that you talked to Tinder and Kindling.”

We say our goodbyes and are on our way again. Soon enough we hear Choo Choo say, “Ok, there it is up ahead.” In the distance, I can see the large building she described to us as well as the Ministry of Peace flag flying out front of it.

As we approach, we can see the barricades rigged up outside of it. I also notice a large group of the Brood standing outside. As we approach, I can tell they are guarding the hospital while some of them are conducting an investigation.

Once we are close, they stop us and ask us what our business is here. Trader Jewel steps out from the middle of us and answers, “My granddaughter was wounded and brought here two days ago. I am visiting her and will be paying what I owe so far.”

“What about the ponies with you?” they ask.

“They are my hired guards. They have been providing security for my caravan and now for myself.”

They look us over and we are told. “Ok, old stallion, you can go in. The others, well they can wait out here with us.”

This makes me wonder what is going on and I am just about to ask when I notice that Choo Choo, who was behind me, has disappeared again. Then I hear her click her mic. Trader Jewel looks at me and winks. Ok, I get it. So the other three of us go to sit by the side while Trader Jewel goes inside. I just hope they do not have an anti-magic spell working at the doors.

As they go in, I notice one of the Brood is a zebra and I ask, “So what’s going on?”

He looks angrily at the scene and answers, “One of the gangs killed the security guard, then one of the Burner Boys who was inside for treatment. The last time they were seen they had stolen some meds and were kidnapping one of the doctors.”

This surprises me, and I ask, “Any word on which gang?”

He shakes his head, “Nothing positive yet, but it is looking like the Broken Clocks.”

“Huh, never ran into them myself.”

“Word on the street is that a couple were humiliated by a blue alicorn the other day here at the door and wanted to make a point. I guess that explains the security guard. But we are still not sure of why they took the doctor.”

Now that is an interesting question, I tell myself.

*****

Outside Fluttershy Medical Center, Hoofington, Lunar Commonwealth: Choo Choo.

As we approach the hospital, I notice all of the members of the Brood and others who are armed outside of its main entrance. I immediately use my invisibility spell and click my radio mic three times to let them know I am still with them but have disappeared as we practiced back home.

I keep my spot in the formation as Trader Jewel talks with the authorities. Once he has permission to enter, I walk slightly behind him and to his right as he heads inside. As we walk, I keep an eye out for any other problems but I still mull over the thought of the gangers doing this to prove themselves after I embarrassed them. Still, something seems off about this to me.

Once we get to Pistachio’s room, we see she is sleeping. I drop my invisibility spell and I hear him say, “Thanks for coming with me Choo.”

“I am glad to sir. I understand how it is when family is hurt.”

“Those kids with you, kin of yours?” He asks.

“A couple of them are adopted into the family, but I have known them all for near on ten years now.”

He nods his head, “Figured as much. You work like you have known each other for a while.”

We sit there talking quietly for a while with him just sitting next to her bed running his forehoof through her mane. “She was just a filly when her ma, my daughter, was killed during an ambush. I have raised her ever since.”

I see her lean into his hoof and I hear her say, “Grandpapa, I hurt.”

“Shhh, it's ok girly, you are in the hospital.”

I see her try to move as she says, “We can’t afford this.”

He smiles at her and tells her, “Don’t worry about it. We will have the extra caps to cover it.” Then he talks to her for a while. While he does this, I excuse myself and begin to wander the halls a bit. Soon I come across the room with what must be a law enforcement pony in it. I watch as he looks over the room and seems to find nothing. I watch as he leaves and once again, I cast my spell and walk in with no one seeing me. As I look around the room, I can see all the signs of a struggle. I also notice broken medical equipment and some blood on the floor. Then I notice a note that seems to have been knocked under a cabinet to the side. I use my TK to bring it to me and I read, This is how we deal with those who cross the Hoof's Ferals.

I place the note back where I found it, just leaving a bit more of it showing. Then I leave the room again, still unseen. Once in a stairwell, I drop the invisibility spell. As I do so, I notice someone has placed a bit of graffiti on the wall. I have seen it before in various places in the wastelands over the years when I was with Unity. It looks like a pegasus with a halo carrying a shotgun and flying over a sinking or rising sun. I wonder what it means. But as much as it has faded, it has been here for a while. I shake my head to clear it and get back to business as I begin to approach the Brood members and security slowly and I ask, “What’s going on?”

They look at me and both move back just a bit and I hear one say, “The Broken Clocks seem to have decided to try and take on the Burner Boys.”

“Who are the Broken Clocks?” I ask.

He looks at me and then says, “Fairly new gang. Started to build up a couple of years ago. They took over the old Manehatten Watch & Clock Company building out near the Skyport.”

He looks at me funny and asks, “You sure you haven’t met them before? You fit the description of one who had a run-in with them the other day.”

I blush a bit and tell him, “Well, I stopped some ponies from harassing the security officer who was on duty. They had a gun to his head and I disarmed them is all.”

“So, what did you say your name is?”

I look at him and cooly and clearly tell him, “My name is Choo Choo.”

He nods his head and notes it down and asks, “So what were you doing here that day?”

Again, I keep my tone of voice calm and I tell him, “I was bringing in a gunshot victim. Our caravan was ambushed as we came into town.”

“Do you know who ambushed you?”

I shake my head, “No, possibly Mayhems’s Mares or something like that. I only heard one of our crew guessing.”

He nods his head, “So you wouldn’t mind getting a little payback on them then?”

I shake my head, “Honestly, it’s not what I am getting paid for. I do the job, I get paid. It’s simple.

“You going to be in the area for a while?”

I shrug my shoulders, “Probably, depends on what the boss says.”

“And who is your boss?” They ask

I sigh and ruffle my feathers as I am getting tired of being questioned like this, but I answer, “Trader Jewel. He is in with his granddaughter right now.”

“Would you mind if we asked your boss a few questions?”

“Normally, I would not mind at all. However, he is visiting his granddaughter who almost died two days ago. So, I would say not right now. However, we are currently at the Society at Elysium with our caravan if you want to stop by tonight. We were looking at moving to Megamart soon too. I just don’t know when.”

He shakes his head, “Ma’am, here in the Hoof, do you think it is wise to tell others where you are going next?”

I tilt my head as I look at him and I tell him, “Honestly, everypony seems to go to Mega Mart eventually, the question is when, so, what does it matter what I told you.”

He looks at me with his eyes squinted some, “You’re regular smart Alec aren’t ya?”

“No, I am just tired and stating the obvious. But what can I say?”

He then shakes his head, “Ok, enough questions for now, but why don’t you head back to your boss and let him know we would like to talk to him too soon.”

“Ok, I can do that,” I tell him. What I do not say is that I will do that. Tomato, tomahto, either way.

With that, I am back on my way again. Once I reach the boss, I notice Pistachio is sleeping again. He motions for me to follow him outside. Once we are by ourselves in the hallways he says, “Once outside we need to talk. I think I have another job for you and your team to do.”

*****

Hoofington University, Hoofington, Lunar Commonwealth: Ball Lightning

As I watch them go I cannot help but find myself fascinated with that yellow mare with her white freckles, black mane, and tail. I wonder what it would be like to have a mare for a partner who seems that confident and self-assured.

From my side, I hear my corporal tell me, “I know what you're thinking sir because I am thinking it too. But remember we cannot fraternize with the mudders and not be branded.”

I sigh as I am pretty sure he is right on that. But still. What a shame. “Ok, well let’s head on over to the market and see what we can learn. I wonder what they are trading?”

“Good question. I mean that mare did know a lot about farming.”

“That she did. Makes you wonder how she became a hired gun.” I tell him.

“Not really, not down here it doesn’t. Down here the question is why aren’t more of them?”

Soon we are walking among the booths of the traders and wandering through a couple of the shops that have been set up. As we go we chit-chat with them and we try to find out more about the caravan, as well as what is going on here at the University.

As we wander, working our way towards the pubs I notice a used book store and I decide to go in. I notice that my corporal is not too thrilled about it then I mention, “This is an old college, maybe they will have some books on things like farming or something else you are interested in.”

He shrugs and grudgingly replies, “Yeah, I guess, but who knows.” And he follows me inside the place.

As we go in, I hear a small bell ring above the door. Then I notice the rows of bookshelves. While the books are not in the best condition, they are in the best shape I have seen since coming down from Thunderhead.

Behind the counter sitting on a stool and reading a book I see an older mare with a gray mane and tail and a faded yellow coat. I also notice she is wearing glasses and a calico vest. She looks up when she hears the bell and I see her mark her place in the book she is reading. Then she smiles and asks, “Can I help you?”

I begin to tell her we are just looking to see what she has when Anan asks, “You wouldn’t have anything by any pegasuses would you?”

I swear I see a gleam in her eye and she nods, “In fact, I have a whole section over along that wall. The first section is common stuff like weather making and control. The next over has cultural stuff including history and some poetry. The last couple sets of shelves are all pegasus fiction.”

Both Anan and I are very surprised and he asks, “Why would you have so much for ponies you all hate?”

I hear her sigh, “Hate may be too strong a word. However, most are angry at what they feel was abandonment when we needed them, as well as having closed the sky for so long. I mean after a few months those past leaders should have been able to open the skies and at least let us see the sun, the moon, and the stars again.”

Anan begins to react defensively and begins to say something, but I put a hoof on his shoulder and shake my head. He nods in answer and we both tell her thank you as we begin to head to that section of her stock.

As I am looking over her inventory, I notice one that is heavily worn. The author’s name is Cloud Seeder. I laugh lightly to myself as I use my wings to gently lift it and I begin to read. One of the first poems I read is The Anvil Cloud. I read it and imagine what it was like to be a weather warden having to go up against such a behemoth. After this one, I page through and read one called In Yonder Days. Finally, I find one that intrigues me. And I begin to read

The Last Goodbye.

When we were young, we played for hours, among the clouds, the trees, and flowers.

But as with our youth, our adventures from those carefree days must end.

We craved the adventure, the excitement, and wondered what our futures would bring.

But now we find ourselves on the cusp of separate paths and wonder where they lead, or if our paths shall cross again, or if our friendship will really last.

We hesitate to say farewell, for we know what that really signifies

Our youthful days have truly passed and we must face that frightening thing unknown that before us lies

We give each other our best wishes for our travels down the paths. For while we hope to meet again, we know that all will change to never be the same.

With that in mind we mumble platitudes about how we will never change. As we begin to take our first steps on different paths, we stop one final time. We look at each other, with a smile and a tear as we say our last goodbye.

As I finish the poem, I close my eyes and gently close the book. I find it has struck a nerve and makes me think of Sundancer and me. I then decide I will buy the book and I look up to see Anan has a couple in front of him. He smiles and says, “Find something interesting?”

“You could say that Anan. How about you?”

He nods his head, “Would you believe I found one on cloud farming,” I notice he looks embarrassed and he says, “They also had one on the Wonderbolts sir. From back before the war. I think it was a training manual for their formation flying.”

I raise an eyebrow and nod appreciatively. “Ok, let's pick these up and maybe head over to the tavern and get something to eat and a pint of something to drink.”

As we approach the counter the salespony smiles again. “I see you both have found something; I am glad of that. Oh, and please let the others in the Volunteer Corps know that we have some things that may interest them.”

I am rather surprised to hear that Sundancer and the other Volunteers have not been in here and I tell her this. She smiles and says, “Perhaps they figure we would limit our inventory too much. Or they just may be too busy."

As we leave, we say goodbye and I begin to wonder what the Volunteers actually do in their time off. Once we reach the tavern, I see the Sergeant Major and Sergeant Gunter talking with some of the locals. Off to the side, I see several of the Volunteers Corps team members, including Sundancer and her new coltfriend and I think of the poem and sadly shake my head as I realize she and I have taken different paths.

As we sit down, I notice their team leader approaching and once he sits down he gets the barmaid's attention and orders a cider for himself. After he has taken a pull from his pint he tells me, “Well Ball, it seems we have a few more supplies than we expected and I have been told to take some over the Mega Mart. I really could use a few extra guns with me for an escort. Rumor has it that a couple of the gangs have started to have their own little war. What do you say?”

I take a pull of my mug and I think briefly and reply, “Sounds good. Let me know when you want to leave and we will be glad too.”

He smiles as he says, “How about in two more days. That way you can get to know the locals here a bit more.”

Finally, I have to ask, “Ok, so what is a Mega Mart?”

He laughs and tells me, “Besides being one of the three homes of the Finders, it is a very large marketplace that tends to sell things on consignment. But if you are looking for something and can’t find it, you can also put out a call for it and if you pay extra then there is a good chance some scaver will put in the effort to find it.”

I nod my head and take another sip. Then I ask, “Anything else I should know?”

He nods his head, “Yeah, first off you have to pay an entrance fee for each person to get in. You don’t pay, you can’t go inside. Second, never, and I mean NEVER fire a gun in there.”

*****

Hello to all my listeners out there in the Hoof. This is Chrome Microphone coming to you once again from HOOF radio. Big News is that things between the Burner Boys and Mayhem’s Mares are starting to heat up. So, keep your heads down if you are near their territory. In other news, there seems to have been an attack on the Fluttershy Medical Center with one of the guards being killed and one of the doctors being kidnapped. This means those needing help there may not be able to get it. Remember these places help us all.

It has also come to our attention that the Enclave has proposed an alliance with the Lunar Commonwealth. For what we have no idea. But the Lunar Council has rejected the offer. Makes me wonder what the Enclave wants an alliance for as nopony is attacking anyone else right now.

Next up on our playlist is Trouble

Author's Note

The gang now begins to experience Hoofington proper. It is a bit different from where they all grew up. While I have reflected on the accents some in my writing of the conversations, this is done to show how language drifts can begin to occur when societies do not interact with outside ones as much.

For those who do not know, Hoofington was created by Somber and began to be described in his story of Fallout Equestria: Project Horizons. Many of the locations in Repair Ponies are based on the locations he described in PH. I have embellished upon them as well as added the changes that could come with the passage of ten years. The Burner Boys are one of the gangs he created, however, the members of it that you will meet are not.

I would also like to say that I would appreciate feedback from you the reader and if you do not want to put it on the story itself, please feel free to send me a dm.

For those who would like to listen to the dedication song the YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCFqYvzBl1k&list=OLAK5uy_mkuH_WA3_N6mfSPeV_finaluTXXaPBqtA