Survival Through Resignation

The wagon rumbled and shifted as it cut across the countryside. They were no longer on the road, as the recent skirmishes had torn them up. Even if they hadn't been, every road had been set up with chokepoints in the form of gates, so the best way to smuggle goods across the shifting border was to move through the untamed wilds of the prairies.

The goods they were smuggling didn't bounce around as much as the cart itself. Every mare, filly and colt was tied down and unable to move. Some of the more compliant ones were just bound to the walls by their wrists behind their back, either sitting in silence or sobbing at a low volume. Rumble fell into the latter category, trying his utmost to be strong for Thunderlane. He'd told his brother, even saluted to him, that he would do his part to keep Ponyville safe, and now it had fallen.

Not all were granted such luxuries, however. Right next to him, Apple Bloom squirmed, bound from head to toe, unable to make much noise through the gag crammed into her mouth. She could barely move, and looked as if she were sawing away at her own wrists, trying to break free of her bonds.

But even she was spared of the worst fate. She could at least sit down. Applejack, who'd fought back harder than some of the stallions, was lying prone on the floor. Not only was she completely bound and gagged, but she was also strapped to the baseboard, barely an inch of clearance between it and her throat at maximum. She was forced to keep her head forward. Even if she tried to roll onto her back, she couldn't, as her shoulder was pinned down by a zebra foot standing atop her.

Nopony knew exactly how long they'd been in the back of the wagon. They were unable to see outside of it and notice the passing scenery, or gauge their speed based on the rotation of the wheels. They were all in the dark, with the exception of the three guards riding in there with them.

Suddenly, three knocks rang out from the wall furthest from the door. This drew the attention of some of the ponies, but most notably, the guards, who looked to each other and nodded.

The one standing on Applejack's shoulder ground his heel into her to make sure she was paying attention. "Now that we are soon to arrive, let's go over the rules that will govern your lives. If you follow these rules and are well-behaved, you'll find that it's easy, being enslaved. The first thing to note is your newest location. No longer a farm town, but a trading station. Say goodbye to your loved ones, if you haven't already, elsewise, their loss will be all the more heady."

He paused for a moment to allow them this last bit of comfort. There were very few familial ties in the wagon, as most families had been separated by the simple fact that the children had mostly been at the school, and the mares had mostly been at their jobs or interim jobs. The closest bond in here was between Applejack and Apple Bloom, and as they'd been very aggressive against their captors, they were too bound up to say anything to each other.

Rumble, too scared to speak out and draw the ire of the zebras, took a moment to place his cheek wordlessly on Apple Bloom's shoulder. They weren't exactly the best of friends, but he treasured her nonetheless. If this was to be their final moment together, he wanted her to know that. Evidently, she didn't feel the same, as she shrugged him off rather immediately, scowling in his direction.

"Good," answered the guard with a nod. "Now that's over and done. Now, let me tell you of your daughters and sons. Those that aren't purchased will be sent to a school, to grow up under the Zebrican rule. Those that are bought will be sent to their home. It is up to their owners if they will yet roam. This is unlikely, as you will soon note that those who can go have a lead 'round their throat." He held up a steel collar, built for the neck of an adult pony. The same model was around Applejack's neck, holding her down.

"When they grow older and are stallions and mares," continued the guard, "Their fate will still be in hands that aren't theirs. If a buyer has not yet decided their fate, their role will be given to them by the state. They will have jobs and home, gifted from our dear leader, clad in his clothing, measured by the meter."

Apple Bloom managed to pull her feet free of the bindings and slide forward, coiling her legs as she did. She had one shot, and she was taking it. In one movement, she kicked forward, slamming her foot against the knee of the zebra standing on her sister's back.

He tumbled to the side, having not expected the blow. His knee was not made to bend in that direction, but she hadn't caused any major damage. He would just be limping for a bit, and he could no longer stand on top of Applejack.

One of the other guards switched places with him, letting him sit as he grabbed ahold of Apple Bloom's leg, holding her upside down with his left hand. "Let us presume that you want to fight back," the new guard said, "to throw down your brush and go on the attack. If you don't bow to you masters in content, this is what awaits your malicious dissent."

In a rapid movement, he slammed his fist into Apple Bloom's gut, knocking the wind out of her. A small trickle of vomit spewed around her gag, and she went limp. She didn't pass out, she was just reeling, unable to make a move. She was dropped onto the bench she'd been tied to, and her bonds were tightened. As soon as the guard turned away, Rumble placed his chin on her neck, trying to be a comfort, but she wasn't responding.

"We were going to feed you before the display," scowled the guard, "But this little incident cost you all a day. Unless your buyer offers you food, all your meals for the night will go unchewed."

Apple Bloom now felt even worse. She hoped what she did crippled the guard, because it'd just hurt everypony else in the cart, and for what? To save Applejack some amount of pain. Even so, said pain was now on her shoulders. But Applejack was a little more free now, and somehow, she'd save them all.