unknown spaceship
Applejack and Rainbow hugged Apple Bloom in relief that she was OK as the wolf and vixen walked over to the tiger to talk quietly among themselves.

"I'm so happy you're alright, surgercue." Applejack gushed, her barely restrained tears threatening to flow like a waterfall.

"It's ok sis. I told him everything." Apple Bloom replied as she gasped for air.

Upon hearing this Rainbow pulled away and looked at her in shock. "You did what now? Bloom. We barely know these guys. What in Equestria makes you think we can trust them?"

"I'd hate to say it. But RD has a point." Applejack agreed. "What if these guys wanted to hurt us… or you for that matter?"

"If they wanted to. Don't you think they would have done that while you two took a nap?" Apple Bloom countered. The two looked at each other with a shared realization at that.

"Hun?... How long were we out for?" Applejack asked shakingly.

Apple Bloom thought for a moment before looking over to the other group. "Ummm… mister wolf? How long was I in your room?" She asked, causing the two friends to look at each other in shock. The wolf smiled at Apple Bloom and held up his hand to let her count. "Thank you sir." She called over before turning to her sister. "Four hours. You two must have been very sleepy." She teased.

After a moment the two joined in the joke and started laughing. None of them noticed as the trio came over to them till the vixen spoke. "I'd hate to put a damper on your happy moment. But we have a few things to talk about." She sighed. "So let's get the easy part done first. We're willing to help you find your friends. But that also means you have to follow the rules of the crew." Before any protests were said she held up a hand. "And don't worry. They're rather tame in comparison to most rules. The major one is 'what the captain says goes'. If you can follow that then you already will have a good chance at living long enough to see your friends."

Applejack and Rainbow looked at each other then nodded to her. "Good." The tiger laughed. "Rule two is learn fast or die slow." After a moment of thought he shrugged. "Though I guess that one is more of a guideline than a rule. Three is also simple. Don't touch anything you're not trained for. Trust me. You'll thank me later for that one."

"Why is that?" Apple Bloom asked sincerely. The three looked to each other for a moment before pointing to a scorch mark on the wall. No words had to be said to explain the rule any further. In the center of the mark was the clear silowet of what once appeared to be a young rabbit.

"I hope I don't have to tell you about knocking. " the tiger sighed, partly to refocus their attention and partly to change the subject. After getting shakes from the girls heads he nodded. "Good. Because when we're in our shops, it can get dangerous. And for the last rule. Two to a room. No exceptions… well… there is one. But I don't know if she's old enough where you're from."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Applejack snapped, which only caused Rainbow to fall over in laughter. "What the hay is so funny Dash?" The vixen knelt down and whispered in her ear. "Oh… OH!!! y'all talking about sex? Shucks. I already know Bloom does it with her coltfriend… but I understand. And don't worry. I doubt she'd be crazy enough to do somethin like that here."

"You'd be surprised." The tiger groaned as he rolled his eyes. "Don't worry. We have a room for when folks act up."

Unable to resist the chance, Rainbow asked between bouts of laughter. "Do… do you guys… use it for…. Sex too?"

"The captain did a few times." The vixen admitted. "But those times are rare." At hearing this the two older ponies blushed at the thought. "So. Do you think you'll be able to follow these rules?"

The three nod, before Rainbow adds. "At least the first one." She laughed. Applejack laughed with her before shaking her head.

"Now that we know that you agree to the rules. Next is instructions." The vixen announced. "You can call me Psy. The big hairball here is Phantom. And our hound of a captain is Phoenix."

Phantom gave a hard nod and looked at them. "We already heard your names. So let's move on to your lessons." He first turned to Applejack. "Psy will teach you how to use your gear." He then looked at Apple Bloom and smiled. "How would you like me to teach you how to make a bomb?"

Apple Bloom lit up at the idea as Applejack snapped. "Oh no you don't you-" She was quickly silenced at what sounded like leather snapping forcing her to look at Phoenix in time to see his eyes narrow. "Sorry sir. But I don't feel right about my sis workin with somethin as dangerous as that."

"Don't worry. She's in the best hands you'll find to teach stuff like that." Psy explained. "Besides. It's either that or… she can be left in the captain's care until you finish your training."

"And how long will that take?"

"Depends. Do you know anything about technology?" Psy asked.

"Fine… wait what about Dash?"

"Does that mean I get to train with the captain?" Rainbow asked. All eyes look at the wolf who rubbed his chin before shrugging. "Sweet."

With a smile the three split up into their separate groups before Applejack asked. "Was there anything else we needed to talk about?"

"Later." Psy replied as they went to their separate stations. "So… how do you feel about being covered in highly flammable liquids?" She asked Applejack.

Rainbow looked at the wolf and smirked. "So… training first or chilling?"

Author's Note

I don't know how many are going to like the idea of the kid learning to working on weapons. But compared to the show having them work with far worse. I didn't see the problem.

Don't believe me? Go watch the show. They legit use stuff that nearly always gets at least one of them nearly killed.