Traitors, Adventures, and Pirates

by Poppy green

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Original Character, Daring Do, Adventure
Length: 55554

Poppy is an explorer for the Royal Equestrian Botanical Society. She had just been given the green light to begin a new expedtion to look for new types of fauna.

For the first time in years the Royal Equestrian Botanical society is launching a new expedition to the lunar isles. Poppy will lead the expdtion with Captain Compass and the crew of the Crystal Palace Along the way Poppy will encounter a traitor to the crown and pirates that will kidnap the crew of the flagship of the crystal princess. Using her knowledge as a botanist to fight back and rescue her crew with a little help from Daring Do.

Published 2023-05-07 00:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2023-09-27 04:50:38 UTC

Chapter One

Chapter 1

The streets of the Crystal Empire are mostly empty at 7:00 AM. With only a few ponies out this early. On a side street near the outskirts of the capital lives Poppy. Her street is deserted. Poppy a red and green earth pony mare is fast asleep tucked under layers of blankets. The blankets help keep out the freezing morning temperature. Oblivious that her alarm is about to wake her. Poppy dreams of a warm tropical island. Like most earth ponies she hates the biting cold of the Empire and so her dreams are often filled with the warmth of the sun. Her dream is suddenly interrupted when....

Beep....Beep.... Beep.

The alarm wales into the dark bedroom. The dream is gone in a flash replaced with the wailing alarm. She does not want to get up and instead tries to tune out the sound by pulling her thick blankets over her head. The sound of the alarm is only partially muffled by the thick wool. After fruitlessly ignoring the alarm for several seconds Poppy finally pokes her hoof from under the blankets. Trying her best to jab at the off button without getting up. It takes several failed attempts before she manages to turn off the beeping. Letting out a long sigh, Poppy throws the blankets back before rising out of bed.
The room is cold and dark as she slides her body off one side of the bed. Her hooves making contact with the freezing crystal floor. As she fully stands Poppy turns back towards the bed grabbing the thick wool blanket and throwing it over her barrel.

Making her way to the fireplace Poppy grabs a small, enchanted match that she keeps atop the mantel. Throwing the match into the fireplace. The match instantly catches the firewood a light. The burst of heat and light helps to drive back some of the morning chill. As the fire begins to warm up the air in her sitting room Poppy trots into the kitchen.

Walking up to the stove Poppy switches it on. She stands there for a moment watching the small flame on her gas stove come to life. With her stove now heating up Poppy reaches for her coffee pot. Poppy places the pot under the faucet. Turning on the water she fills the pot up with water before setting it down on the stove's now heated burner.
With the coffee now heating Poppy decides to sit as she waits for the coffee. Finding her seat at the table. She grumbles as her flank makes contact with the cold wood of the chair. She hates mornings, the cold, the grogginess of waking. Shaking her head to clear the thoughts away. With the coffee still heating Poppy decided to get herself ready for her morning gallop.

Getting up Poppy walks back into her bedroom flicking the switch on the wall as she enters. The room bursts into a low glow of light from a small, enchanted lamp located on her nightstand. With the light on Poppy takes a seat in front of her vanity.
The vanities counter is mostly devoid of makeup. Most of it is instead occupied with her two oversized red bows. Poppy picks up the first bow and delicately places it in her mane. Looking at herself in the mirror Poppy straightens it before picking up the second bow. Reaching around herself Poppy ties the second one into her tail.
Poppy loved her bows. She considered them her most prized possessions. She loved her bows so much that she chose to wear them every chance she got. The reason she loved the bows so much was that they had been a gift from her former marefriend. The bows always reminded her how much she missed her.

With her bows in place Poppy picked up a brush from her bedroom vanity. Taking the brush in her mouth Poppy proceeded to slowly comb her mane. After a few minutes Poppy could hear the coffee pot begin to whistle. Setting down the comb, Poppy returned to the kitchen. Picking up the pot in her hoof Poppy tilted it over pouring out its contents into a travel mug. With the mug full Poppy headed out the front door. Before stepping outside Poppy hoofed her saddle bags over her back. Stepping out onto her doorstep Poppy felt the cool breeze blow against her lime green coat. The fog hung heavily around her. Bringing the mug up to her nose Poppy inhaled the smell. She savored the smell before taking a long sip. The coffee brought some joy to the dreary morning around her. Turning down the road Poppy placed her mug in a holder attached to her saddle bag before starting her morning gallop.

Poppy ran every morning they were what helped her maintain her muscular physique and made her feel good.
After a few miles of galloping down the main street of the empire Poppy Slowed her pace. Approaching the Crystal Train Station, Poppy noticed the morning train to Equestira just steaming out of the station. Stepping onto the platform she found it mostly vacant. Taking a seat on a platform bench Poppy took a few deep breaths to slow her beating heart. As her body started to relax, she looked up to the station clock tower. The clock was displaying just after 9:00AM. Realizing she was running a little late Poppy decided she would have to forgo her normal visit to Doe Nuts donut stand. Getting back to her hooves Poppy turned to head to work. Deciding to take a shortcut by the Crystal Palace. The streets were starting to become crowded with ponies heading to work. The shortcut took Poppy right underneath the main spire of the Crystal Palace. Speeding up Poppy began to gallop nodding to the Crystal Guards as she trotted by. Rounding a corner, Poppy found herself in the government quarter of the Crystal Empire. Making her way past several office towers she found her building. The building's main occupant is the Royal Equestria Botanical Society where Poppy was the lead explorer. The building was one of the smaller pre-Sombera era buildings that made up the government quarter. The building was nestled between two much larger towers, their shadows casting the smaller building in darkness.

Trotting up the stairs to the main entrance, Poppy pushed open the large crystal doors. The doors led to the main Lobby of the building. The lobby was modestly furnished with a main reception desk just past a security checkpoint. The society had remodeled the lobby a few years ago after fears of infiltration by changelings in the city had caused security fears.
The guard on duty nodded at Poppy as she approached him. Returning the guards nod Poppy stopped just before the checkpoint. Reaching back into her saddlebag, Poppy pulled out her ID. With her ID in hoof Poppy approached the guard. The guard, a light beige and rather buff unicorn, grabbed her ID. He looked it over for a moment before handing it back to her. Poppy took the ID a placed it back in her saddle bag. With her ID returned to her bag Poppy removed her saddle bags from across her barrel hoofing them over to the guard. He grabbed the bags, placing them on the table that made up his work area. Stepping back the guard squared his stance as the magic funneled into his horn. The grey aurora surrounded her bags as he scanned their contents. When the guard had finished his scan, he turned to Poppy gesturing for her to spread out her limbs. Poppy complied with his command, preparing herself for his magical scan. The guard stood back and lit up his horn. Poppy could feel his magic moving over her. Doing her best to distract herself from his scan Poppys eyes landed on the sign behind the guard. The sign depicted an image of Princess Candance with several bullet points of safety and security that were supposed to be the job of every pony in the empire. The sign had become common place in the empire as security had become a top priority of the crystal princess. The days when a pony could feel safe and secure had long ago vanished after the Changeling invasion of Canterlot. Now everypony had to just expect extra levels of security wherever they went.

The security guard finished his scan of her body, waiving her through. After clearing the checkpoint Poppy picked up her saddlebags from his desk.

The society occupied all of the building, but her office was on the third floor. Finding the stairwell Poppy began the climb to her floor. As she approached her door Poppy could here the sounds of activity on the other side. Pushing open the door, Poppy found the floor buzzing with activity. The sounds were excited and high pitched. Walking the floor Poppy found all her staff was missing. Approaching her office, she found a large crowd had gathered. Pushing her way through the group Poppy made her way to the door. It seemed as if every pony in the building had been waiting there. When she finally made it to her office door Poppy turned back towards the crowed.

“Excuse me.” She said

“Unless my office is on fire, please tell me what’s going on?” She asked to no pony imparticular.

A blue green unicorn spoke up first.

“Sun Beam wants you to report to her office and we heard it was for a possible expedition. Is it true?” He asked.
Doing her best to contain the feeling of excitement that began to bubble up at the prospect of a new expedition. Poppy responded to the group of gathered ponies. Using her best impersonation of the royal voice she ordered her staff back to work. The group collectively groaned before they quickly dispersed and went back to their work. Rather than turning and going into her office Poppy started towards the stairs to Sun Beams office.

On her walk to Sun Beams office Poppy put together a mental checklist of all the things she would need for the expedition. Poppy had known for a while that there had been talk of an expedition being planned. Poppy knew that the only reason Sun Beam would have left her lofty office on the upper floors was for something important.
After climbing up to the next floor Poppy stopped just outside of Sun Beams office. Shaking herself to help try and relax all the pent-up anxiety of what this meeting could mean for her.

It had been a while since the society had put together an expedition due to government funding issues. The society had always received little attention from the royal sister and as such barley scraped by for most of its existence but, lately the society had gained a new benefactor in the form of the crystal princess who had taken a special interest in the society's work. Now it seemed that the society finally was ready to put together a new expedition for the first time in years.
Poppy shook her self-one more time. Feeling a bit more relaxed she straightened her bows before reaching out with her hoof and knocking on Sun Beams door. Poppy waited till she heard a voice invite her in.

When one enters Sun Beams office, they will first notice a big dark oak desk. The reason the desk is so eye catching is when one looks over its intricate carvings it becomes apparent that that the carvings depict griffons not the royal sisters rising the sun and the moon. The desk had been found on one of the societies first expeditions more than three hundred years ago. Ever since then it had been passed down to those who held the society's top position.

The second thing one would notice is how neat and tidy the desk is. It was a stark contrast to Poppy’s own desk which was always in a state of tidy disarray.

Sun Beam looked up from behind the paper she was reading and gave her a smile before gesturing to the chair on the opposite side of the desk.

“So, Poppy I have some good news Princess Candence has given us the funding we needed to put together a new expedition to the uncharted islands of the Lunar Isles. It will take about 6 months for the crew and supplies to be put together, so there should be sufficient time for you to prepare.”

The excitement of getting to finally do what she loved after so long was a great feeling. The mares talked for some time about the basics of what the expeditions itinerary would include. Most of the supplies would be provided by the Crystal Navy so all that was needed for society to do was plan out the journey.

The inclusion of the navy was one of ways the society could afford to fund such an expedition.

“So, who is leading the expedition, Sun Beam?” Poppy asked.

“The navy will share the responsibility of leading the expedition.”

Poppy hated having to include the navy in the societies work but she knew that it was something she just had to accept.

“So, who will be the military attaché for the expedition” Poppy questioned.

A smile spread across Sun Beams muzzle. The look on her face caused Poppy to shrink back. Before Sun could answer her expression had already told Poppy everything.

“I think you have worked with the captain before.” Sun beam said.
The mare giving Poppy an even bigger grin.

Poppy knew the captain could be none other than Captain Compass. She had known him from other expeditions that she had been on way back during her college years. He was a good captain although his flirtatious attitude towards mares was just a problem. He absolutely loved hitting on any mare with a pulse and a tight flank and he always seemed to have a special thing for her own.

Poppy and Sunbeam spent the next few hours hammering out some of the initial details of the expedition. Once they were finalized Poppy departed Sun Beams office and headed back to her own.

Her office was much smaller than Sun Beams. The room was decorated with drawings and paintings and rows of specimen bottles. The floor of her office was neatly arranged in piles of notes and scrolls from all the projects going on in her department. Poppy trotted into the office and turned on a small one burner stove and put on a kettle of water for her tea. She then sat down and started the long process of planning an expedition. The first thing she needed to do was to start writing out a list of the equipment needed for the journey. As the tea pot steeped its top Lilly Pad a young Mare and Poppy’s personal assistant came into the room. Lilly was the newest member of Poppy’s team and by far the youngest. Poppy gestured to the open chair and then got up to pour the tea.

“Would you like some tea, Lilly?” she asked the blue Pegasus.

“No Thanks.” Lilly replied.

Poppy looked at Lilly for a moment, noticing the mares forehooves fidgeting on the desk. It was obvious to Poppy that Lilly seemed to be nervous about something.

“Before you ask Lilly the answer is yes. We got the money for the expedition.”

Poppy relaxed a little. Turing back to her tea Poppy proceeded to pour herself a mug of the steaming liquid. Biting down on the mug, Poppy returned to her seat opposite Lilly Pad. Tilting the mug back Poppy took a long sip of the tea before looking back up to her young pegasus assistant. Poppy noticed that Lillys nervousness had returned.

“Is there something else wrong?” Poppy enquired.

There was a moment of silence as Lily took a deep breath. The silence stretched on and Poppy began to wonder if Lily was going to answer. Finally, Lilly Pad broke the silence. Her voice was timid, even a little fearful.

“Do.” Lily began. Stuttering as she spoke. Trying again Lilly started over.

“Do I have to go? Lily managed to mumble out. The mare's ears were limp as she looked down at the desk.

“It’s just I have my foals at home, and I don’t do well on these sea trips.” Lilly said nervously.

Poppy knew all too well that Lilly was no sea going pony she had gotten brutally sick on her last expedition to the Zebra lands. Poppy had never seen a pony get so seasick in her life. The mare had been bed ridden for the entire sea journey.

“No Lilly you don’t have to go. Besides there is lots of work here for you to do.” Lilly’s ears perked up at the news.

“Oh, thank you. I can’t stomach another sea voyage.” She said her perky demeaner returning.

Poppy smiled at Lilly and then asked if she was sure that she did not want any tea.

“Really I am good.” Lilly replied.

The two sat together for the next few hours as they started to go over everything that would need to happen over the next six months. The first thing on Poppys to do list would be to go down to the preservations department on the first floor and talk to Well Kept. Well Kept was the department's unicorn preservationist.

As the departments preservations she would be the one cast the preservation spells to protect any specimens collected for the government safe and secure. Due to how long it would take for the enchantments to be cast Poppy had to put in the requestions now.

Poppy hated going down to see Well Kept, the two had a bit of history that still stung. Before Poppy had become the department head of expeditions the two of them had worked in the achieves department together. They even had dated for a few years before moving in together. For Poppy their relationship had been something special but, with work taking her from home for months at a time, she felt that they had started to grow apart as a couple. Well Kept had been Poppys first long-term relationship since having a fleeting romance in her academy days.

Poppy shook her head. Dwelling on bad memories always felt wrong for her and it had taken years to get over their breakup. Poppy may have been the one to break things off with Well Kept but she was still near and dear to Poppy and seeing her blue fur and pink mane always caused her heart to skip a few beats. It didn’t hurt that Well Kept had a firm flank and she always swished her tail in such a sexy way. Again, Poppy shook her head. The heat of the thoughts made her turn just a little red.

Lilly Pad being the efficient assistant she was, had filled out the requestion forms in the time Poppy had been reminiscing. Poppy quickly looked over Lilly Pads work. It was of course correct. Before heading down to Well Kepts office Poppy directed Lilly to start filling out the necessary supply requestion forms. With a few final instructions for Lily, she left.

Once she had reached the records and preservations department, Poppy headed towards the office of her ex. Poppy stood outside the office for a minute before lifting her right foreleg and knocking on the glass door.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Come In.” Came the sexy voice from inside.

Poppy took one last big deep calming breath before muzzling the door open and entering the room. As the door opened Poppy looked around. There were spell books scattered all over the place. The room looked like a hurricane had gone off. Poppy remembered how Well Kept never had any sense of the messes she made. The thought of a records pony being so messy made Poppy smirk just a bit.

“Something I can do for you?” The preservationist pony asked from where she was standing.
Poppy turned her attention away from the mess around the room and towards the voice. Well Kept had turned towards her and was now frowning. The two mares stared at each other for a moment before Poppy looked down to the floor shuffling her hooves as she replied.

“I have the requestion forms for some preservation spells and specimen containers.”

Well Kept pointed at the inbox which was overflowing with requestions. Poppy placed the request forms in the inbox and then turned to leave. Stopping at the door Poppy thought for a moment. She knew Well Kept had never forgiven her for breaking things off, but maybe she would like to try and be friends again. Looking back over her shoulder Poppy looked at her ex marefriend she missed her greatly.

“I don’t know if you have heard yet. I got the go ahead from Sun Beam for a new expedition.”

There was only silence from Well Kept. This was not exactly the response she would have liked but she decided to continue.

“Well Kept I…. I was hoping we could maybe talk before I leave for Portmareland in a few months. I just…. I miss… I miss you so much. I was hoping maybe we could be friends again.”

Poppy could feel the tears stinging her eyes. Her former love stopped what she had been working on. The magic fading from the unicorn's horn. For a moment there was silence, neither pony moving. Finally, Well Kept spoke. Her voice trembled with anger.

“You want to talk? Well, I don’t. I wish we would never have to talk to each other again. Remember it was you who broke things off not me.”

Poppy's ears drooped down the tears falling from her eyes. Poppy stood there unable to move.

“Well Kept please. I miss you. I am sorry.” Poppy pleaded.

Poppy watched as Well Kepts magic grasped the door and pushed it open.

“Please Poppy just leave me alone” The anger in Well Kepts voice had softened but Poppy knew that it was over for the two of them even just as friends. Poppy knew it had been a long shot, but she had hoped that with time Well Kept would come to understand why she had broken things off. It was a surprise that Well Kepts anger seemed to have only grown with time. Poppy’s chest hurt so much. To have the love of her life say such hurt full things. She gave one last look over her shoulder giving the unicorn a sad smile. Well Kept didn't bother returning the gesture instead opting to scowl and with that Poppy left.

Once the door had closed behind her, Poppy fell on her haunches right there in the hallway and cried. The tears stained her green coat leaving it damp and matted.

“Please Well Kept please.” Poppy said muttering under her tears.

The tears slowed after a while and after a few minutes she was able to collect herself. A cup of tea she thought would help lift her mood. A cup of tea could fix even the worst of days she thought. It always did and with that she headed back to her lonely office

Author's Note

This is the first Chapter of the Adventures of my OC Poppy. I hope you like what you read. Please leave constructive comment as these will help me edit my story as I continue to write. If all goes well I hope to expand to multiple stories.
Enjoy

Chapter Two

Six months after the expedition had been approved Poppy found herself on a train just outside Portmareland. The Crystal Palace had already been loaded with most of the supplies needed for the expedition and was now waiting for her arrival and the specimen jars that she carried in her luggage.

As the train pulled into the station Poppy could see the great clock tower that had become the symbol of the city. The tower was famous throughout Equestria for its Go By Rail sign on two of its faces and its clock on the other sides. The letters were large and brightly lit so much so that one could see them for miles around.

The journey had taken the better part of two days to travel from the Crystal Empire to Portmareland. Luckily for Poppy the society had paid for a private cabin with a bed and shower.

The ride was mostly pleasant except for the noise that came from the neighboring cabin. That cabin Poppy had discovered contained a family with some rather rambunctious foals. The little fillies seemed to never sleep since they had bordered with their mother at the Vanhoover train station on the first day. The noise had kept Poppy awake and so as she stepped onto the platform of the Portmareland Union Station, she had to suppress a rather loud yawn with her hoof.

Stepping off the platform and into the station Poppy could not help but marvel at the station interior. The walls were covered in beautiful mosaics depicting the history of the northwestern coast of Equestira. Looking around Poppy found many ponies also admiring the station interior including the massive grand dome that made up the ceiling. The dome was painted white with many delicately carved flowers. Poppy recognized the design as that of prenationalization railway. There were examples of this design throughout Equestria.

A few pegasi were hovering around the ceiling taking photos of the flowers and Poppy had to smile as she noticed a family hovering off to one side. The parents were trying to photograph their clearly bored foal who was not willing to sit still. He began flying loops around the ceiling as his exhausted mother and father tried once more to get him to be still. After a few more tries to get the little colt to stop the parents seemed to finally give up. The mother sighing before putting her camera back into the saddle bags she had strapped to her back.

After taking the time to take in the stations beautiful interior Poppy trotted up to an info sign. After a moment Poppy found where the baggage claim was located.
The baggage claim area was a rather small cordoned off area to the right of the main waiting room. It lacked much of the design that the main portion of the station had.

The line to the counter wound around several stanchions that had been placed to keep the line in order. The counter had three windows, two of which had signs that read Go to the Next Window Please. Poppy grumbled to herself about the lack of service with the rail system.

The stallion at the only open baggage claim window seemed haggard as the line to his window continued to grow longer. Despite what seemed to be his haggard demeaner he was rather smartly dressed in his equestrian rail uniform. The uniform itself consisted of a neatly pressed vest and under shirt which was tucked into his plaid trousers.

The stallion at the window greeted each pony as they approached to collect their luggage. The stallions smile seemingly fading with each customer. Poppy began to feel bag for the poor guy.

Poppy had took her spot in line just a few paces behind a pegasus who was hovering just above the ground. The pegasus seemed jittery with her wings flapping at a fast pace that seemed unnecessary to keep her only a few inches above the ground.

After a few minutes it was Poppys turn to collect her bags. Poppy hoofed over her claims ticket that she had received from the stallion's counterpart in the Crystal Empire. The stallion accepted the ticket before trotting off to collect her bags. When the guard returned Poppy double checked the claims ticket before taking the bags.

With her bags now in tow Poppy trotted over to a bench in the main waiting area. Both of her bags were marked as fragile and with the bags having spent two days in the baggage car on board the train Poppy was concerned that something may have been damaged. Opening each of the bags she checked their contents for any signs of damage. Hoofing through everything it appeared that nothing had been damaged so, with that Poppy rezipped the bags.

Trotting out of the station Poppy found several cabs already waiting for fares. Approaching the first cab Poppy noticed the name on the side of the cart. Radio Cab was printed in black letters on top of a checkered pattern. Poppy had heard of the cab company before. They had made national headlines for being the first company to use unicorn magic to help the dispatchers to talk directly with the cabbies. The idea had made them one of the largest cab companies in Portlmareland.

The cab was being pulled by a well-built unicorn. His uniform included a beige shirt with a white hat that had the same checkered black checkered pattern that his cab did. The uniform was slightly worn around the sides and his fur was matted and dirty at his haunches where the dirt of the streets clumped to him.

As Poppy approached, he greeted her with a friendly smile. Using his magic, the cabbie unhooked himself from the cart before trotting around to the back of the cab and opening the luggage compartment. He then came back over to where Poppy was waiting on the curb. As he came up to her, he tipped his hat giving her a friendly greeting. The cabbie then levitated her luggage in the air placing each one into the rear compartment. He then guided Poppy to the passenger door. Using his magic again he unlatched the door before offering his slightly dirty hoof out to help Poppy into the cab. Poppy took his hoof, only wincing a little as she felt the grime rub off on her own hoof. Once inside the cab she settled into the seat folding her legs under her barrel. Once settled the cabbie closed the door before going back around to the reins. His horn lighting as he levitated the reins back into place.

“Where to Miss?” He mumbled around the bit in his mouth.

“Naval Point Portmareland please.” She answered.

The cabbie nodded before pulling away from the curb and into the busy street.

The city of Portmareland was built up along the Willamette and Columbia rivers. The area's abundance of fertile land and access to a large river had allowed industries to thrive here.
As the cab made its way along the cobblestone street the industries of the port started to come into view. Most of the port was dedicated to the city's many industries but just past a large drydock was the city's naval station.
Looking out the cabs windows Poppy watched as the sails of the great ships of the Equestrain Navy appeared. The larger sailing ships were inspiring works of modern Equestiran engineering and were the backbone of the Equestrian fleet.
The entrance to the Crystal Navies moorings was a bit smaller than that of the main entrance of the Equestrian Navy but it was unmistakable which entrance was theirs with the massive sails of the Crystal Palace lurking just beyond the gates.
As the cab came to a stop just before the gates Poppy thought about the fact that most ponies in Equestria did not know that there were two navies that served Equestria. One that served Equestria as a whole while the other served the Crystal Princess and the empire. The crown jewel of the Crystal Navy is the R.E.S Crystal Palace. The ship was well armed with its 38 guns and a massive, embroidered sail with the Princesses cutie mark. The vessel served as both the personal pleasure craft of the princess and her family and as one of the main ships of the line for the Crystal Navy. The Crystal Palaces main mission normally would be to protect the trade routes of the empire from pirates that plagued the seas around northern Equestia.

The ship's long time captain was the infamous Captain Compass himself. He had served with great distinction during the Storm King invasion leading the Crystal Fleet with its contingent of Crystal guards and pegusi on daring defense of the port of Vanhoover. The fleet had been outnumbered and out maneuvered by the Storm Kings airships, but the captain had managed to defend the city without a single civilian being killed. After the battle he had become a hero of the Crystal Empire, but the princess had kept him out of the limelight due to his proclivities with mares. His proclivities had become so well known that he had once been accused of rutting the princess herself. Now of coarse Poppy knew that this was not true, but it had not helped the captain's reputation. The Princess had once told Poppy that the reason she had never fired the captain was that for the good of the kingdom we must put up with him.

The cabbie helped Poppy unload her bags before turning and heading off.
Poppy watched him for a moment before picking up her luggage. With luggage in tow Poppy trotted up to the ports guard post.

The guard house was staffed by two stallions. The first of the guards, a broad stallion with a sheriff's badge as his cutie mark came out of the small security building. Holding up his hoof as she trotted up to the bar that blocked the entrance. The second guard came up behind the first watching with suspicion in his eyes.
Poppy had delt with the Royal Guard for years so took no offence by the guard's suspicion. Poppy watched the second guard as the first began to ask her questions. The second guard had placed his hoof on his holster that was positioned around the lower part of his barrel.

“What is your business here Miss?” The first guard asked.

“I have orders to report to Captain Compass of the Crystal Palace.” She responded.

“I will need to see your orders Miss” He replied.

Looking through her bags Poppy found her papers. She hoofed the document to the guard. The stallion examined the orders, eying them closely. Poppy was about to comment that the orders had the official seal of the crystal princess herself, but then a shout from the deck of the Crystal Palance drew everyponies attention.

“Let her through.” The captain hollered from where he was standing on the ship's main deck.

The two guards turned and saluted the captain before moving to the side. The broad guard gave Poppy a curt nod as she trotted by.

The gangplank leading up to the ship's main deck was steep. By the time Poppy managed to climb up to the main deck she was starting to get winded and was breathing heavily. The captain stood where she had seen him from shore expect now, he was smiling at her.

“Mrs. Poppy it's been a while. It’s nice to see you again”. He said, greeting her with a quick bow.

“You as well Captain.” She replied.

The captain was dressed in his uniform although from the look of it he had not been taking very good care of it. His normally well-kept features were just a bit ragged, and he looked like he had not slept for days.

“Is everything alright captain you look not quite yourself.” She asked.

“Yes, I am fine. It's just been quite a bit of work preparing for this expedition and I guess I have not gotten a lot of sleep.”

With that answer the captain seemed to almost drift off right there in front of her.

“Captain. Are you sure you're alright?”

It took the captain a moment before he shook his head. “Yes, I am fine.” He replied.

“Sorry Mrs. Poppy let me show you to your cabin.” He said as he gestured towards the entrance to the gun deck.

Poppy followed the captain into the spacious interior of the ship where the cannons were kept. As the two trotted trough the deck Poppy looked around at the crew ponies going about their duties. Most of the crew were not wearing uniforms and those that did were covered in black stain from the gun powder. The captain continued to guide Poppy to a set of stairs at the stern of the ship. The stairs led down to the berth deck. This deck was much more enclosed featuring a long hallway with doors on either side. The captain stopped in front of a door waiting as Poppy took in the surroundings. Once she had joined him, he opened the door revealing a small stateroom. The cabin was well furnished with a large bed covered with pillows. In the corner of the cabin was a work desk with the Crystal Heart etched into the wood on each leg.

“This will be your cabin for the duration of the Expedition. I hope that it will be suitable?” Poppy nodded at the captain.

“If you need anything just howler for me.” He said.

With that the captain turned to leave but not before giving Poppy a quick flick of his tail. Poppy rolled her eyes before thinking this was going to be a long trip.

With Captain Compass gone Poppy turned back towards her saddle bags and luggage. She removed her notebook and expedition journal. She then reached for her quill and ink and began her first log entry.

Day 1

The crew is making final preparations before we get underway. Captain Compass is his usual flirty egotistical self. I can’t believe Princess Candence agreed to let her flagship be used for this expedition. I hope to have lots to report once we reach the island.

The moon was setting when Captain Compass came by Poppy's cabin again. She heard his knock on the cabin door.

“Come in.” Poppy answered.

The captain opened the door.

Poppy turned from her journal to where he was standing. He was dressed much nicer than when she had seen him earlier. He now had on his dress uniform and was quite the site to see. His mane was nicely combed off to one side and he wore his naval cutlass that hung from a clip on his side.

Poppy thought it was like he was a completely different stallion than the one she had seen that morning. Poppy's eyes roamed over his appearance, and she could not help but notice just how handsome he looked. Her muzzle started to feel just a bit warm. The captain must have noticed because he gave her a sly smile before saying “I hope you like what you see.” This only caused Poppy's face to blush even more. Luckly for her the captain was done teasing her for now, obviously getting the reaction he had wanted.

“Mrs. Poppy, I would be honored to escort you to the princess suite where the other officers are waiting for us so we can toast to our successful voyage.” Poppy had been on enough of these voyagers to know that this get to gather was a tradition in the Crystal Navy. Poppy followed the captain to the princess's suite where she found the other officers were already sharing drinks. The two of them took their spots around the table in the center of the room. With everypony now present, the officers and Poppy took their seats. The officers continued chatting as the captain used his magic to levitate a large bottle of Wild Pegasus from a cabinet that was along the room's exterior bulkhead. Using his magic to pour each of those gathered a shot from the bottle. The captain was the first to raise his glass as he proposed the traditional blessing. The rest of the officers followed his lead, each raising their glasses as well before bowing their heads.
Clearing his throat, the captain began to speak, his voice reverberating against the ship's bulkhead.

“To all those gathered here today and those that accompany us on this voyage to the unknown I ask this blessing. Crystal Heart that keeps us safe at home I ask that you extend your protection to my passengers and crew as we journey in the name of our princess to face places unknown. If we are to fail on this journey in our princess's name, please take this blessing to hearth and heart so that our families know that we are safe in your protection and await the moment that we get to feel their warm embrace again.”

For a moment every pony was quiet. Each regarding their drinks in solemn contemplation. This too was tradition Poppy knew and as she regarded her own drink she thought of home and of Well Kept.

The captain was the first to drink his shot and the rest followed. With all the shots finished each pony placed their glasses on a shelf along the bulkhead. Each glass was placed with the open side down. With the blessing over the captain turned to the officer next to him who Poppy recognized as the ship's first officer. Leaning over, he whispered something into the first officer's ear. The officer saluted and trotted out of the cabin. The remaining officers stayed finishing off the bottle of Wild Pegasus. Just as the officers finished off the bottle a few stewards trotted into the cabin, each carrying a silver platter. The stewards placed the trays in front of each of the officers.

The captain's platter was the first to have its lid removed revealing a meal of roasted fresh vegetables and a side of hay fries.

The smell was wonderful, and Poppy wasted no time sampling a few of the roasted carrots. The carrots were wonderfully seasoned, and the flavor was marvelous. The stewards came back around again, this time bearing several bottles of champagne.
The festivities continued for some time before the group began to disperse. Poppy was one of the last ponies to leave and head back to their cabin. The walk back to her cabin was more challenging than she remembered early with the alcohol starting to catch up with her. By the time she made it back to her stateroom the Wild Pegasus was hitting her hard.
The motions of the ship only made her lack of balance worse. A hard wave hit the side of the ship knocking Poppy onto her mattress. Now lying in bed, Poppy just decided to blow out her lantern and go to sleep.

As dawn broke on the second day Poppy awoke to waves crashing against the sides of the ship. In her cabin Poppy could feel her stomach trying to evacuate yesterday's dinner. The soft cushions had helped her sleep, but her stomach hated the rough seas, and the hangover didn't help. The night had been spent mostly tossing and turning. She hated these long sea voyages, but it was part of her job and most of those in her department had families that kept them from going.

Turning to look at the small clock on the writing desk, Poppy noticed the time. The clock displayed 12:00 pm.

Poppy decided she should try and get out of bed. With an audible grumble Poppy pulled herself up. For a moment her visions blurred as her headache increased with the motion. Poppy held her head with a hoof as the pain slowly faded to the back of her head.

Finally managing to get out of bed Poppy peered at her reflection in the small gold inlayed hoof mirror that sat on her writing desk. The reflection revealed that her mane and tail were all out of place with strands of loose fur tangled up around her forehead. She also noticed that she had developed bags under her eyes from the lack of restful sleep. As Poppy proceeded to try and brush her fur a large wave rocked the ship. Groaning loudly again Poppy quickly dropped her brush and leaned over her cabins small trash can. For a moment she thought she was going to lose her dinner, but the sea settled and with it so did her stomach. The rocking had still left her head in agony.

“Oh, Celestia, my head hurts.” She groaned into the empty room.

Poppy decided that it was not worth trying to continue combing out her fur, especially when she was on a ship full of dirty sailors who could care less what she looked like. So, with her fur as is Poppy decided to try and make it to the ship's galley to find something to help settle her upset stomach.

The hallway outside her cabin was deserted with just the swaying lanterns lighting her way down the swaying hallway. Her head swayed with the motions of the rocking deck below her hooves.

Princesses she felt bad.

Trying her best to keep balanced Poppy made her way to the galley.

In the ship's galley, Poppy found the first officer going over some papers and sipping at a mug of what she only could assume must be coffee.

Poppy grabbed herself a mug off the counter. Looking around she found a freshly brewed pot of tea. Placing her mug down she proceeded to pour herself a piping hot cup of what turned out to be earl gray. Once her mug was sufficiently filled with the life giving liquid Poppy grabbed her mug and trotted over to where the commander was busily going over his papers.

“May I join you?” She asked.

He looked up at her before nodding and clearing away some of his papers. With a small space cleared the commander gestured for her to sit. Poppy took the offered seat placing her mug down on the table before sitting herself. For a moment the two ponies sat in silence. The commander continued not to pay her much mind and for the moment she was okay with that instead focusing on her tea. The vapors were helping to clear her foggy head. As head began to clear somewhat Poppy idly looked over some of the commander's papers.

“So, what's all this commander.....?” Poppy paused midsentence for a moment, realizing she did not know the commander's name.

“Sorry commander I don’t think I know your name yet.”

The commander without taking his eyes off his work replied, "My name is True North.

“Nice to meet you, Commander North.” She Replied giving him her best smile despite the hangover. The commander did not reply, opting instead to nod.

“So, what is with all these papers commander?” Her curiosity peaking as she read over one of the documents she had picked up. Poppy read the document's title.
Equestrian Intelligence Agency.
Request for ship movement analysis

The document included map references and information regarding ship moment before and after attacks on civilian vessels.

“What ships is this document talking about?” Poppy asked as she picked up another paper, this one with the Seal of the Crystal Empire at the top.

The commander stopped reading, setting the document he had down on the table. Sighing, the commander rubbed his temple with a hoof.

Poppy for the first time noticed how tired the commander looked reflecting her own mood at that moment although she doubted his tiredness was due to to much drinking.

“Mrs. Poppy the ships this document refers to are pirate ships that have been harassing merchant vessels up and down the coast.”

Poppy had heard in the news about the attacks and that the princess had sent the fleet to help around the small coastal nation of Dear Hollow. She realized that was about all she knew about the incidents. The commander noticed that Poppy seemed to have a look of confusion on her face.

Signing again he continued.

“Their what’s left of the Storm Kings forces after he was defeated by the Princess and the other element barers. Now please Mrs. Poppy I need to finish going over these reports.”

With that silence fell over the two ponies. For an officer he sure was no gentalcolt as his attitude seemed very rude but Poppy figured it probably had something to do with the fact, he would rather be fighting pirates than escorting her on an expedition to look at flowers.

Poppy eventually, not wanting to bother the commander any further finished her tea. Leaving the commander to his work. Getting up Poppy dropped off her dirty mug at the galley sink before trotting back to her cabin.
Back in her cabin Poppy took a seat at the writing desk deciding to try and keep her mind off the still lingering hangover by updating her journal.

Journal entry day 2:
The E.S Crystal Palace is still a few days from the first of the new uncharted island that we plan on exploring. I shouldn’t have had so much Wild Pegasus last night as my head is throbbing with a sever hangover. I don’t understand how the commander isn't also suffering.
The crew is already preparing for our first landing by getting the supplies ready for the expedition.

As evening fell Poppy found her hangover fading. Using the time in her cabin to prepare her own away bag with all the necessary equipment. She was just going over her small first aid kit when there was a knock on her cabin door.

“Come In” Poppy shouted.

The captain opened the door with his magic. Stepping into the cabin he eyed her on the floor. A small mess of supplies was scattered around her. The captain seemed to pay this no mind as he spoke to her.

“Mrs. Poppy, I wanted to apologize for Commander Compasses attitude. He told me what he had said to you and he feel bad that a member of my crew would treat a lady in such a manner.”

“It's ok. I know he didn’t mean anything by it. He probably hates having to escort me to an island to look at plants.

He smiled at her and nodded his head. “You would be right about that. He feels that with the fleet stretched so thin dealing with this pirate threat that the princess should have canceled this expedition of yours. On top of that he had just heard that a friend of his a unicorn name of... Oh, what was her name. Oh yes. Main Sail was her name. Anyway, she was killed in an accident on the EQS Royal Crown.”

“I understand.” She said, giving the captain a genuine smile.

“Anyway, I just wanted to explain and apologize besides it got me in your room.” He said smirking at her. Poppy smiled before throwing her pillow at him. The pillow made contact with his muzzle with a muted ooof. As the pillow fell away it revealed a big grin on his face.

“So you want to play” The Captain said his voice becoming a bit huskier.

“Oh, for Lunas stary ass Captain did you really need to shake that ass of your in my face.” He chuckled loudly as he left the room the sounds of his chuckle echoing down the ship's wooden interior. Once the captain was gone Poppy closed and locked the cabin door before continuing to go through her go bag. Once Poppy had finished and stowed her bag for the next day she took a seat in front of the mirror. Grabbing her comb Poppy decided she felt well enough to concentrate on her combing through her mane and tail. With her mane brushed she blew out the cabin's only lantern and laid down in her bed pulling the cover up before trying to fall asleep.

Chapter Three

Land Hoe!!! Came the cry from the lookout who was perched high up in the ships rigging. The stallion's call was loud enough to wake Poppy who was asleep in her bed below deck. Upon hearing his call Poppy rose out of bed. Taking a moment to stretch her legs before going to fetch her bows from her vanity. Once her bows were tide into place, she sat down in front of the mirror. Glancing at her reflection, she resisted the urge to try and make herself up instead opting for her quick once over. Once she had finished making herself up, Poppy trotted out of the cabin making a quick pit stop at the ships galley to grab herself a warm cup of coffee. With coffee in hoof Poppy trotted up through the ship's gun deck before emerging through the trap door that led to the main deck.

As Poppy stepped out of the ship’s dark interior and into the sunlight Poppy was forced to cover her face as the bright light stun her eyes. After a moment for her eyes to get adjusted to the bright light she found the crew frantically scurrying around. Looking up and back towards the stern Poppy found the captain and commander barking out orders to the crew. The captain was the first to notice her. He smiled before trotting down to where she was standing.

“Good morning Mrs. Poppy.” The captain said.

“Good morning to you as well captain.” She replied.

“How far out our we captain?” Poppy asked as she turned back towards where the ship was heading. She could not see the island yet but knew the lookout had a much better vantage point than she did from the main deck.

“I would say at least another few hours so if I were you, I would get that hot flank of yours some breakfast down in the galley before we arrive.”

Poppy nodded ignoring the captain's rather crude remark. Turning back towards the trap door, Poppy trotted back through the ship's lower decks before arriving once again at the ship's galley.

The galley onboard the E.S Crystal Palace was massive with some of the best food found on the high seas. Since the ship was a royal vessel, it had the best of everything from the best crew and equipment to even fine dining.

Stepping into the galley Poppy found it deserted expect for the ship's cook who seemed to be pouting to himself. The poor stallion sat at the end of one of the long tables where the crew would eat.

“Good morning.” Poppy greeted cheerily to the chef.

Poppy nearly laughed as the chef almost fell off his bench. He had been so engrossed in thought that he had not heard her come in and had nearly fallen when he had heard her greeting.

Poppy apologized to the startled stallion who brushed it off with a wave of his hoof before getting up and taking his place behind the counter. Poppy wasn't starving but she felt bad that he had prepared all this food and she would be the only one to eat it. So, to be nice Poppy let him serve her a little of everything. The chefs beamed at her as he served her large helpings of everything.

As Poppy sat down to eat Captain Compasses voice bellowed down the hall leading to the galley.

“In Here!” Poppy answered back.

The captain appeared a moment later ducking his head in through the doorway. As Captain Compass sat down across from Poppy she looked up from her plate. The captain was in his standard uniform although it looked much cleaner than when she had seen it on the first day. She also noticed for the first time that he was wearing some light barding and had on his revolver that was strapped to his side. For once he truly looked the part of the stories about him as the heroic savior of the city of Vanhoover. His appearance stirred something in Poppy as she realized that he was quite dashing.

The captain took notice of her gaze roaming over his body and crisp uniform. The captain, always the one to have a little fun with her, used the opportunity to levitate one of her carrots into his mouth.

“Hey, get your own carrots” she yelped as he snickered before responding with a cheeky. “It’s Captains privilege.” Poppy just rolled her eyes at him. He laughed at the expression she gave him. As the two sat together in the galley they started discussing the day's itinerary. Poppy finished her breakfast and the two of them trotted out stopping at her cabin where Poppy hoofed her saddle bags and its contents over her back. Once she was ready the two of them rejoined the landing crew on deck.

The commander was still giving orders to a few ponies but the hustle of the that morning had slowed as the crew seemed to be waiting for them.

The first of the long boats was commanded by a Lieutenant Crow's Nest. Poppy watched as the lieutenant boarded the longboat. He was joined by several of the ships crystal guards, each of which was carrying a multitude of small arms. It was a wonder to her how they could carry so much with them. The soldiers were also accompanied by a few crew ponies who took up spots along the sides of the small boat, each grabbing a oar as they sat. The crew on deck winched the longboat down to the sea below. As the small boat hit the water it made a small slash. With the lieutenant's boat in the water the crew readied the boat. This boat was the one that the captain and Poppy were to board. The captain was the first to climb onboard. Once he had stepped onto the boat, he turned back to Poppy offering her his hoof.

“Would you like some assistance Mrs. Poppy?” He asked.

Looking at his outstretched hoof she swatted it away.

“No thank you captain I can manage on my own”. She said.

Poppy climbed on board the boat trying to ignore the captain's hurt expression. A tinge of guilt tugged in her mind for being so harsh with him.

Once the crew ponies had boarded the captain shouted to the quarter deck where Commander North was watching.
“You have command Mr. North.” He shouted.

The commander saluted back.

With the order given the crew lowered the boat into the water. The ocean was smooth as glass as the crewponies began to row.

By the time the crew had landed ashore and pulled the boat up onto the beach it was late afternoon. The contingent of Crystal guards was first up the beach. The guards created a small semicircle each with their rifles pointed up the beach towards the jungle.

Poppy's boat was next ashore. The crew pulled the boat up the beach until it was sitting on the sand. Captain Compass was next up. He took a spot next to the lieutenant. Poppy could hear him giving the lieutenant orders to create and secure a perimeter around the camp site area. The lieutenant saluted before relaying orders to his troops. Poppy watched the guards execute the lieutenant's orders with precision. Once the guard had expanded the semi-circle surrounding the landing site the lieutenant hollered from his position that the perimeter had been secured.

The captain nodded towards the lieutenant before turning to the Crystal Palaces air wing Commander. Poppy had not even noticed the commander until now. She had not been on any of the longboats. Poppy had noticed the mare during the party the first night they were onboard the Crystal Palace. The captain ordered the commander to get her ponies in the air for a survey of the island. The Commander nodded at his command before spreading her feathered wings. The commander took a few powerful flaps and leapt into the air. She was immediately followed by the five other pegasi. Poppy watched as they broke into groups of two before flying off into the distance.

The captain watched with Poppy before turning his attention back to the beach. He took a moment to survey the beach. More crewponies had arrived from the Crystal Palace and were unloading supplies from the longboats. The captain turned towards the new arrivals ordering them to set up the camp. With their orders the crew started to prepare the site for the camp. The place where they had chosen to setup up was about twenty yards from the high tide line.

With curiosity Poppy had been watching from where she had disembarked from the long boat. With the crew beginning to set up and feeling safe enough, Poppy grabbed her gear from her long boat. Flinging the bags across her barrel Poppy started towards the tree line. For the first time since boarding in Portmareland Poppy felt like she was finally in her element and contributing to the expedition.

The vegetation line was lush with many plant species, many of which she immediately recognized. Beyond the initial line of vegetation, the jungle rose in thick vines and low hanging branches. Finding a spot on the sandy side of the vegetation line Poppy sat down on her haunches. The spot she had chosen was next to patch of lupin. Using her teeth to pluck one she brought it up close to examine it. While Lupine was native to most of Equestria this sample appeared to be different than its Equestrian counterparts, however. This lupin lacked the tall stems that ones in Equestria had. Her examination was cut short when she heard the panting of Captain Compass who had run over to her from where he had been supervising the camp's construction.

“Mrs. Poppy” he said please stay away from the tree line until camp is set up and the guards have had a chance to sweep the surrounding jungle for any dangers. Poppy looked up at the captain indigently. Who did he think he was, she thought. Securing the lupine in one of her specimen jars, Poppy stood up looking the stallion right in the face.

“Excuse me Captain but I am not a filly.” She said angerly.

“I don’t need you to foalsit me I am a grown mare and perfectly capable of caring for myself.” With that she stomped her front hoof in the sand throwing some up at his legs.

Captain Compass moved closer to meet her gaze Hid eyes looked with hers before turning to look her over. His gaze roamed across her barrel and landed on her toned flack.

“I can see that you are not a foal because I sure had never seen a filly with your looks before, but a sexy flank is not enough to keep you safe so until I give you the ok, I need you to stay near the camp.”

Poppy harrumphed and flicked her tail at him before trotting back to the camp. The nerve of that Stallion she thought. How dare he look at her like that and treat her in such a way.

By the time the crew had finished constructing the camp Celestia's sun was setting over the ocean and the temperature was beginning to drop.

Though Poppy had been confined to the camp for the day she had still managed to gather some specimens. With the cold now setting in Poppy decided to get one final sample from an orchid. The orchid unique as far she could tell. The flowers were purple and white, both of which seemed to grow from the same root system. This, as far she knew, made it one of a kind. She had spotted the orchid growing out of a small rocky out cropping just outside of camp.

Poppy placed the specimen into a small glass vial before sealing it with a cork to help keep the flowers preserved. Once the vial was sealed Poppy very carefully placed it into her saddle bag. With the specimen safely stowed away Poppy jotted down a few final notes in her field journal. Once her notes were finished and the journal tucked back into her saddle bag, she decided that it was getting just a little too cold for her to continue. As Poppy reentered the camp, she found her sleeping bag already rolled out near the fire. Settling down on her sleeping bag Poppy looked around the camp. Most of the crew was already starting to turn in except for the guard who was keeping a watchful eye on the jungle. Poppy watched the rhythmic marching of the guards as they marched in and out of the fires light. Snuggling into her sleeping bag Poppy used the fires light Poppy to write in her journal.

Day 5:
Our crew has landed on a yet to be named tropical island. The captain has decided not to name the island and instead give the right to the princess as a gift. The flora and fauna are abundant on this island and that is only from what I have seen on the beach in land I expect to find even more things to study. I have managed to gather a few specimens and have sketched out several others. The crew is in high spirits and the captain said we can start to venture out into the jungle tomorrow. I have talked with the captain and Commander Contrail about what she had found during her scouting mission over the island. According to the commander there is a hot spring a few miles from the camp. In most cases hot springs have some unique plant life. After some convincing the captain has agreed to head to the hot springs tomorrow.

With the light grounding the flyers Poppy found the pegasi starting to gather around the campfire. It reminded her of moths being attracted to a flame. The pegasi began to preen themselves in the fires light. For a pegasus normally this would been a very intimate act but being in the military meant forgoing many public norms to keep in peak condition. Turing her gaze back towards the journal in her hooves Poppy began to sketch some of the vegetation she had seen that could not be taken back to the empire.

Putting her journal down Poppy pulled out one of the flowers she had picked near camp. Bringing the flower up close she rotated it back and forth examining its design. The flower was a variety of menzies. Poppy had found it at the highwater line where it was growing behind a piece of driftwood. The flowers were a bright yellow with small green leaves. Poppy uncorked the sample vial bring it up to her nose. As Poppy inhaled to take a sniff of its fragrance, she felt a guest of wind on her back. Turing around she found Commander Contrail. The commander was looking intently at the flower. Poppy cleared her throat trying to get the commander's attention. The commander finally seemed to notice that she was being watched.

“Oh Sorry. Mrs. Poppy I was ah... Just looking at the flower you were holding its quite beautiful.” The commander said as little redness creeped up on her face in embarrassment.

“It's quite alright Commander. If you would like to join me. I just finished updating my field journal and just starting to go through a few of the specimens the captain let me collect. The commander seemed to hesitate as Poppy padded the spot next to her. Ultimately the commander sat down next to her but kept a measurable distance away.

“May I see some of the flowers you collected. I would love to see them. If you don’t mind.” The pegasus asked. Nodding Poppy hoofed over the flower that she had been looking at. The pegasus took the flower from Poppy. Grasping the flower gently with her yellow wing, she admired the flower. Poppy was surprised to find that the commander seemed to be generally interested in the flower, especially one from the guard.

Poppy gestured to the commander for the commander to move a little closer. The commander hesitated for a moment before closing some of the distance between the two of them. Sitting closer Poppy watched as the commander smelled the perfume of the flower. She smiled at Poppy handing the flower before hoofing it back.

“Thank you, Mrs. It smells beautifully.” The commander said bowing her head a little bit.

“It's alright commander would you like to see any of the other flowers I collected?” The commander shook her head no.

Although the commander did not ask to look at any other flowers it was nice that she had shown an interest. The two mares sat in silence for few minutes before the commander asked if it was ok for her to preen her wings. Poppy nodded. The commander hesitated for a moment still trying to decide if she wanted to. The commander finally made her decision, splaying her right wing while being careful not to hit Poppy in the face with it. Poppy marveled at the mare's wing. She had always found pegasus to be beautiful with their lush wings and smaller more toned bodies. Poppy could not help but admire the commander, she fit all those categories and more.

Commander Contrail was careful as she preened each of her primary flight feathers. Taking time to straighten each one. The process was slow, and Poppy enjoyed every second of watching the commander. She felt embarrassed to be staring but the commander seemed to enjoy having her watch. At one point the commander's eyes met Poppys and for a moment before the two looked away both mares face turning red.
The commander moved her wing closer to Poppy with the earth pony mare finding the wing in her lap. She looked back to the commander who simply nodded. That’s how Poppy found herself slowly caressing the commander's wing. Poppy realized just how intimate this moment was and she enjoyed it. The mare in her hoof was beautiful and she began to feel flushed as she began to carefully preen the commander's wing. Poppy tried her best to not touch any of the pegasus sensitive areas along her wing. Poppy was doing well but she began to make a few mistakes as she moved closer to the base of the commander's wing. Moving lower along her wing where the feathers ended and fur began, Poppy made a motion that caused the other mare to let out a low guttural moan. Poppy stopped, frightened that she had hurt the commander just as the wing in her hooves became rigid. Looking up to the other mare's face Poppy looked at her trying to see if she had hurt her. Instead, she found the mare looking as if she flown a marathon. Her muzzle was flushed and her breathing was rapid. Stammering an apology Poppy let go of the wing.

“It's alright.” The commander said as she tried to catch her breath. “It's just been a long time since another pony had helped me preen and I guess I got to a little caught up in it. My Apologies.” Poppy nodded but decided it was best to not continue preening the commander's wing. She felt guilty as the commander moved her wing back alongside her barrel. A sad smiled appeared on the commander's face.
Trying her best to cheer up the other mare, Poppy began telling her stories of some of her other expeditions. Soon the two mares began chatting like lifelong friends. The embracement of earlier quickly forgotten.

The two mares soon discovered that they were both from the same small village near Canterlot and had even gone to the same school although Poppy had graduated a year earlier than Contrail. As the days exhaustion began to catchup to her Poppy had to stifle a yawn with her forehoof. With another yawn escaping her mouth Poppy soon found herself in the commander's feathery embrace. Poppy froze, turning to look at the commander who only continued looking into the fire. Smiling Poppy decided to snuggle into the warm wing.

Chapter four

A burst of bright light followed by an explosion of heat was what the sleeping crew felt and seen as they were jolted awake. The force of the explosion came next as a sound wave flowed off the water and into the camp. Opening her eyes Poppy looked towards the source of the commotion. What she discovered as she looked out into the small cove where the Crystal Palace had been docked was a fireball that was climbing high into the night sky. Looking back to Contrail for answers Poppy instead discovered fear written all over her face. When Contrail offered no answers, Poppy looked towards the captain's tent. He was just stumbling out of his tent when she spotted him. He was scrambling to try and put on his uniform. Poppy swiveled her ears listening for his voice. The captain was shouting out orders to the lieutenant. The orders came fast and she only caught snippets of his order.

The lieutenant snapped off a quick salute after which he turned around shouting out orders of his own. In the short distance to the shore the lieutenant was joined by four other ponies. The group of five pushed off from the shore. The crew made quick work of rowing out to the burning hulk of the Crystal Palace. The long boat disappeared from sight as it pulled up alongside the Crystal Palace so Poppy turned her attention back towards the captain. She found him talking to Commander Contrail who had trotted over to him without Poppy noticing. Poppy listened in on the conversation. She heard the captain ordering the commander to help relay messages between the stricken ship and its crew and the shore. Commander Contrail saluted before leaping into the air and flying out towards the Crystal Palace.

By now the fire looked like an inferno as the flames licked up the sides of the main mast and igniting the large sails which burned with an intensity of a small sun. The remaining crew on shore watched in horror as the embroidered sail with the crystal princess's cutie mark fell to the sea as its mast snapped. The loud cracking sound reverberating across the beach.

Waiting for word from Commander Contrail was agonizing. Time seemed to slow until Poppy noticed the small long boat coming back to shore. The boat slowly made its way back through the darkness, a small light at its bow let Poppy follow it in the darkness of the cove. Poppy watched as the lieutenant and one crew ponies stepped off. The lieutenant said nothing as the crew gathered around him instead Poppy watched as he pushed his way up to the captain. She noticed as he walked by the camp fire his normally light grey coat was covered in ash and black soot. The captain met the lieutenant about halfway up the beach.

“Captain a small amount of the ship's munition stores have exploded. First officer True North has indicated that the fire is under control and damage is severe, but the damage is above the water line. Commander North said that firefighting efforts are making progress, but he is still not sure what the extent of the damage will be until the fire is out.”

The captain listened to the report nodding along. Once the lieutenant had finished giving his report the captain gathered the crew together around the campfire. Poppy looked around at the faces of her fellow ponies. Their faces all looked as Contrails had a mix of fear and confusion. Poppy listened as the captain recited the report to the crew.

No pony went back to sleep that night. Most took seats around the bonfire, each talking quietly to each other. The lieutenant came out of his tent carrying a guitar. Poppy watched as he lit up his horn as he sat down, he began to strum on the instrument. The tune he began to play was haunting. Poppy thought it matched everyponys mood perfectly. The crew all sat heads hung low as they listened to him play. Slowly each pony joined the Seargent in song. As the chorus came around even Poppy found herself joining in.

“Some where over the rainbow. Blue birds fly.”

The ponies all sang. Their voices in unison as they filled the night sky. The sounds were dark and macabre but it was how every pony felt. The song continued into the night as the ship burned. The song came to an end and the night once again was filled with only the sounds of the campfire crackling.

Poppy looked out once more to the Crystal Palace. The fire had begun to die down and the occasional explosions from the stores of gunpower had stopped. Looking up into the night sky Poppy could still see Contrail circling over the Crystal Palace. She had made a few reports to the captain on the last one Poppy had a chance to see her as she walked by. Her fur was black and stained and Poppy could see the exhaustion in her eyes. Poppy had given her some water before watching her jump up into the sky where she still flew even now. She missed the pegasus warmth but knew her duty came first so she sat and watched as the flames of the ship receded.

Chapter Five

The sun rose over the still smoldering hull of the Crystal Palace. The fire had been put out sometime during the night. Giving the crew their first look at the damage. From the beach Poppy could see that much of the fire had been kept forward of the center beam of the ship.

That morning Commander Contrail had reported to the captain with a message from Commander North on the state of the damage and now Poppy found herself in the Captains tent listening to the report herself. One of the ships stewards had poured both of some tea before giving them privacy. From the report it sounded that the Commander had done well keeping the fire contained and that by pulling some of the crew back to the ship the damage could be fixed withing the next day or so.

“So, Mrs. Poppy as the civilian lead on this expedition I felt it prudent to keep you informed on the event that transpired last night. The captain said as he put down the hoof written report.

“Thank you captain I appreciate that.”

“So from the report it sounds that North believes that much of the damage should be easily fixed by I am concerned about the damage to the ship's weapons deck. The fire destroyed a great deal of the ship's munition stores as well as 4 of the ships' 20-pound guns. Now I know we were supposed to head out to the hot springs today but much of the crew is needed back on the ship to help deal with repairs. So unfortunately, I will have to postpone the expedition due to the fire I am afraid I don’t have enough crew to man an expedition that would require us to be so far from camp. With that said I think it will be okay to let you explore in the vicinity of the camp so long as you carry a weapon with you and don’t stray off the beach.”

Poppy did not like the idea of having to carry a weapon she had only handled a one once before during a basic naval trading that she had been required to go through before going on any expeditions.

“Captain, I don’t have much experience with firearms but if you saying I have to then I will.”

He nodded at her. Using his magic, to levitate a key from around his neck floating it towards a locked cabinet on the far side of the tent. Poppy watched as the key slipped into the lock and turned. The cabinet door opened revealing g small arsenal of mostly Smith and Wesson rifles. The cabinet had two small drawers just under where the rifles hung. The drawer on the right opened and the captain proceeded to levitate out a Colt revolver. Poppy recognized the revolver as the standard issue one for naval officers in the Crystal Navy. From her basic training she had learned that the navy used these revolvers due to the use of magic that helped keep them from rusting due to salt water exposure. The revolver was followed by its holster with a big CN emblazoned on its side. The holster too was standard issue for the navy with the big CN standing for Crystal Navy and the holster being designed to go around a pony's neck and barrel with a strap across the chest.

Once the revolver was levitated close enough the captain reached out and grabbed it. Poppy watched as he checked that it was loaded before holding it out to her.

Reaching out Poppy grabbed it. The captain helped her with his magic to help fasten it across her barrel. The gun held snug against her as she tightened the straps. Once the gun was secure Poppy retook her seat.

“Now we have that settled I have some good news. I plan on leading the expedition to the hot springs tomorrow bearing in mind that the ships repairs go as planned.”
Poppy was happy to hear that they would finally be getting off the beach.

“Did Commander Contrail finish the ariel map of the island?” Poppy asked.

The captain nodded before lighting up his horn once more and levitating a rolled up parchment from a wooden steamer truck. With the parchment unrolled Poppy looked it over with the captain. She was surprised at the detail of the hoof drawn map. The map listed serval small streams with one cutting through the beach about a twenty minute trot down the beach.

“May I take the map with me today captain. It would be a great help to me?” The captain nodded before rolling up the map and giving it to Poppy. Taking the map Poppy tucked it into her saddle bag.
The rest of their breakfast went by in relative silence before Poppy excused herself and left the tent.

Stepping out of the tent Poppy began trotting up the beach towards the location of the stream that the commander had spotted. Poppy kept close to the vegetation line as she trotted along. The going was hard as her hooves sunk into the loosely packed sand and the heat of the sun made her hot. At several places Poppy stopped spotting a plant that she wanted to take samples of or to get a closer look at.

The map turned out to be accurate as Poppy found the stream exactly where the map had shown. The stream its self was around three yards across and only a few inches deep. Testing the water with her hoof she found it to be freezing cold. The walk had warmed her up so with the water in front of her Poppy decided to take a sip directly from the stream. To prevent the risk of getting ill Poppy decided to use a special plant mixture she had created. The mixture was made from basil and bay leaves that were ground up into a paste. Dipping her muzzle into the cold stream Poppy took several gulps of the cold water. The water tasted pure and fresh and helped her cool down. Once she had finished drinking Poppy opened the container of paste and dabbed her hoof in it. Spreading some of the paste on her hoof. She brought her hoof up to her mouth. Licking the paste off her off she winced at the strong taste. While she knew the paste was not a perfect preventive measure for preventing illness, she figured it would help.

Around noon the captain arrived with a small basket of food and tea. The two ponies sat together. The captain gave an update on the progress of the repairs and that he figured that everything was on schedule to still go on the expedition the next day. Poppy was glad that things were expected to get back on track so she could get to the hot springs and start her studies of the fauna in the jungle. When the two finished their lunch, the captain returned to camp.

With her belly full Poppy spent some time lying near the stream. The day had been perfect. Now as the sun was beginning to lower a slight breeze started to blow in from the ocean. Poppy took out the map again. The map showed the stream that she was lying along led near the hot springs. Using her pencil, she sketched out a potential path through the jungle to the hot springs. Once she had finished with the map, she rerolled up the map stowing away in her saddle bag. Next, she took out her journal and pencil. Using the sand to hold down the page in the wind Poppy took the pencil in her mouth. While most earth ponies struggled with fine details in their art having to hold there writing utensils in their mouths but, Poppy had been doing it for years now and had developed her skills well enough that even a unicorn would struggle to accomplish
The sun had nearly completely set by the time she began her trot back to camp. This time the walk was decidedly less pleasant with the sun setting the air was beginning to get cold. As Poppy stepped back into camp, she found that most of the crew had come back from repairing the Crystal Palace. Looking around for Commander Contrail she found the red and green pegasus just on the edge of the camp with several other members of her flying team. The group was in a shallow trench that they were working on deepening with shovels. Poppy set down her saddle bags with her sleeping bag before sauntering over to where the trench was being dug.

“Good evening, Commander.” Poppy greeted.

The commander looked up at her.

Poppy felt a little warm as the pegasus wiped her brow with a feathery wing. The gesture let Poppy see her well defined muscles.

The commander seemed to notice as Poppy's cheeks turned crimson in the final moments of sun light. The commander used the opportunity to leap out of the trench and shaking her tail in front of Poppy as she began to walk back to camp.

“I am fine this evening, but you look a little hot under your fur.” She said with a cheek smile spread across her face.

Poppy followed the other mare back towards the center of camp where the two had set out their sleeping bags. Poppy made sure to walk just slightly behind the commander so she could keep the commander's flank in view. She knew the commander had been teasing her, but that flank was just hard to ignore.

The two mares settled back around the fire. They talked about what Poppy had seen and she showed the commander some of the samples of fauna that she had gathered. After a time, Poppy felt the commander's wings wrap around her. The two mares eventually fell asleep in each other's warmth.

Chapter Six

“Good morning.” Commander Contrail greeted Poppy as she opened her eyes.

“And good morning to you Commander. Poppy said with a smile as she sat up Looking at the Commander Poppy was greeted to the beautiful sight of her preening her long colorful wings. Poppy felt cold without the commander's wings draped around her. Missing the feeling of the Commanders embrace Poppy scooched closer to the pegasus.

The Commander seemed to take the hint and stopped preening her wing and wrapped Poppy in it. Poppy smiled at the feeling of her warmth. Deciding to be a bit bolder Poppy snuggled into the smaller mares embrace nuzzling into the mares' neck. The moment was sadly interrupted when one of the pegasus crew members made a throat clearing sound. Both mares quickly looked up to see who it was. They found a bright red Pegasus standing there trying his best to look anywhere but at the two of them. The stallion had a bowl of oats and was reaching out to Poppy. Poppy reached out and grabbed the bowl from him. Thanking the soldier for the bowl, she set the meal in the sand next to her. The stallion nodded at the two of them before trotting off to fetch his own breakfast. The two mares looked at each other before snickering at the poor stallion.

“Would you like any oats Contrail?” Poppy asked.

Poppy did not say anything instead planting a kiss on the top of Poppys head. Taking that as a yes Poppy picked the bowl back up and holding it up to the Commander. Poppy felt the commander's other wing reach up and grasp the spoon siting in the bowl. Poppy waited for the commander to take a spoon full before having some herself. The oats were soggy and horribly salty. For military rations though they were not bad. After a time, the two ponies finished eating the oats. Not too long after the two had finished breakfast both ponies had to start getting ready for the journey deeper into the jungle. During the meeting the day before in the captain's tent the captain had told her that the Commander would be in command of the group that would stay behind on the beach. An hour after breakfast the captain called the crew together around the nearly dead campfire.

As the crew began to gather around the firepit Poppy looked around for the Commander. She found the pegasus near where they had slept that night. Poppy trotted over to the Commander. The two mares smiled at one another. Sideling up next to the commander Poppy let her tail intertwine with the Commanders. The commander felt so soft as their bodies pressed against each other. It took a moment for Poppy to notice the captain had already started speaking.

“First off, I know many of you had wanted to try out the hot springs, but most of you will need to return to the ship to continue with repairs. I have posted a roster on my tent flap with every ponies assignments. Those of you that have been selected to come on the expedition to the hot springs will be with me. Lieutenant you will remain here in command with your contingent of guards. Now that all of you have your orders you're all dismissed expect for all the officers.”

The crew and guards quickly shuffled away to begin packing up the camp. Once the crew had dispersed the captain had the officers move closer together.

“Commander Contrail please continue to provide aerial support.” The captain ordered.

“Yes sir.” The commander said saluting and turning and trotting away.

Poppy watched the Commander leave.

“Lieutenant Please remain on the beach in charge of the tear down of the camp.”

“Yes Captain.” The Lieutenant answered back before also trotting away.

This left a small group gathered around the firepit to continue talking. The doctor was first to speak.

“Captain unless you need me for anything else I would like to get my medical supplies ready for the expedition to the hot springs.” The captain nodded at the doctor who then took his leave. This just left Poppy and the captain.

“Mrs. Poppy.” The captain said as he turned to face her.

“Yes Captain.”

“Are you ready to depart?” Poppy nodded that she was ready.

“Good then we will leave in about an hour. He said.

As the captain had said, the crew was ready about an hour later. The party now included two crew ponies the ship's doctor, the captain and Poppy herself. The party started their trek through the jungle where the creek that Poppy had laid by the day before. The going was slow as the two crew ponies struggled to clear the thick jungle vines. The creek helped create a natural path through the jungle but even it had thick vegetation that hung down from the branches of tress above. The party's pace was not helped by the fact that Poppy kept stopping to jot down notes or take samples of the plants. After a few hours of slow progress, the captain ordered the crew to take a rest. The party stopped at a small clearing that they had found. The clearing appeared to be one of the sources of the stream.

Taking a seat on a log next along the steam, Poppy took out her canteen. The heat of the jungle had made her sweaty. Reaching down Poppy dipped her canteen into the glistening water. Once the canteen was filled Poppy resealed it and placed the canteen back in her saddle bag. She then took out her antibacterial paste setting it on the ground. Poppy then dipped her muzzle into the water and took several sips of the cool refreshing liquid. Once her thirst had been quenched, she dipped one of her hooves in and splashing the water onto her face and mane. The water helped to wash off some of the sweat that had matted her fur.

The crew took their time resting but before long the captain ordered them to resume their push towards the hot springs. The trot towards the hot springs continued to be challenging but with the captain and doctor now helping the two crew ponies the group's progress moved faster. After a few more hours in the thick jungle, it gave way to a large clearing. The clearing was blanketed in layer of steam that rose over the hot springs. The steam created a sauna like effect. It was hard to tell how large the clearing was with the steam obscuring the far side of the clearing. The ground around the pools was made of a mixture of sand and basalt rock. If her geology classes in college had taught her anything it was that this was most likely due to volcanic activity below the island.

Poppy was the first pony to approach one of the hot springs. As she approached the steaming pool Poppy could feel the heat through her fur. Being careful to not slip on the rocks, Poppy approached the water's edge. Reaching out to test the water she moved her hoof towards the pool, until suddenly she felt a sudden hard tug of magic. A blue aroura enveloped her as it pulled her back several feet. Turning to look for the culprit with a very angry expression on her face. What she found was Captain Compass with his horn crackling with magic. Once he had pulled her back, he carefully climbed over the jagged rocks. When he arrived at her side, he gave her a very stern expression.

Poppy thought his expression looked just like one her father would give her when he was trying to tell her she had done wrong.

“Mrs. Poppy.” The captain said. “Please be careful those pools may not be just water. They could be dangerous if there is any acid or other chemicals in them and I wouldn't want that cute flank of yours getting any hotter than it already is.” That comment diffused her anger she had been feeling at him for pulling her back so ruffly. Instead, her anger was now replaced with the feeling she always felt when near the captain.

The captain took a few cautious steps closer to the pool before tilting his horn towards the bubbling churning water. Gathering magic to the tip of his horn he began to summon his spell. The light appeared at the tip of his horn before shooting out towards the water. The light continued for several seconds as he tested the water. As the magic faded, he looked back towards the crew and nodded that it was safe.

It didn’t take any convincing for every pony to shed their gear and jump in. Poppy took her time slowly submerging herself in the warm water. The warmth felt like heaven to her aching muscles. The tension just seemed to melt away with the bubbling water. While Poppy would have liked to soak and relax for a bit longer, she needed to do her job, so while the rest of the party continued to lounge Poppy pulled herself out. Once out of the pool she felt the cold of the air through her damp fur. As her teeth began to chatter Poppy quickly climbed over the basalt rocks to one of the bags. Reaching into the large bag that the crewponies had carried with them she fetched out a blue towel. Drying herself off with the towel Poppy began to feel much warmer. Her mane and fur were still damp but there was little she could do about that with the steam filling the air. With her fur dried Poppy replaced the towel back into one of the bags. Trotting back over the rocks Poppy found her own saddle bags. Reaching in she took out her journal and a pen. Placing the pen between a few of pages in the journal, Poppy then took the journal in her mouth and began to exam the area around the hot springs. Bending down at a spot near one of the pools, Poppy took out one of her sample vials. Dipping the vial into the soil she scooped some of the soil up. Next Poppy took out one of her larger canisters. Using her hoof to break off some of the rocks she then scooped up the basalt to be tested later. Sealing both vials she placed them on the ground. She would have to remember to collect them before they headed back to the ship. She would have liked to be able to test them on the Crystal Palace but the society could not afford the costs of a portable lab so they would need to test the contents back in the lab. The vials that had been prepared by Well Kept would keep the samples in perfect condition.

With the soil and rock samples collected Poppy began to exam the foliage surrounding the pools. One of the first things she noticed about the plants around the pools was that none of them had ever been discovered in Equestria. Poppy figured this was due to the special circumstances of the soil, humidity, and heat.

While Poppy continued to examine the fauna, the captain climbed out of the pool he had been soaking in. His fur was soaked and sticking to his well defined body. He trotted over to where Poppy had started sketching out the pattern of a flower that she was examining. The captain did not seem to mind that he was soaked but, Poppy cared when he started dripping onto her journal. When the water dripped onto her papers, she instinctively swung her hoof at him, nearly knocking the captain back into the pool. He stumbled back but managed not to fall back in the pool. Realizing that she had hit the captain Poppy quickly apologized.

The captain just smiled at her. “I knew you couldn’t keep your hooves off of me.” He said with a smirk.

Turning away from the captain and back to her journal, Poppy quickly tore out the pages that he had gotten wet to keep the water from soaking through and damaging any of her other sketches.

Realizing what he had done, the captain apologized, using his magic to dry himself off. He then reapproached the now annoyed earth pony. Taking a seat next to her. He wore a sheepish grin on his face as he apologized once again. Shaking her head at him Poppy started to resketch the plant she had been working on. The two sat together for a while. Eventually the rest of the crew climbed out of the pools and dried themselves off.

The sun was setting while Poppy continued taking samples. Most of the crew were now lounging around some of the less rocky parts of the clearing. They were discussing what most sailors discussed. All their conversation were however cut short when the sounds of thunder were heard in the distance. Turing to look skyward Poppy searched for thunderclouds. It would have been odd to find any with a crew of pegasi that were all trained in weather control. Searching she found nothing. The thunder seemed to stop and for a moment it seemed to be nothing. The crew's conversations started back up again and all seemed to be fine. Poppy however noticed that while the crew seemed to relax the captain's ears stood erect swiving around listened for something. Looking at the sky again Poppy tried to find what the captain was listening for. That’s when another boom could be heard echoing across the island. This boom was followed quickly after by more and more until it became a near never ending sounds of thunder. With the frequency the direction of the sounds became more apparent. The sounds direction was now clearly coming from the direction of the cove where the Crystal Palace was anchored.

Poppy turned to look at the captain and the concern was evident on his muzzle. The crew continued to look at each other in confusion. It was the doctor that was the first to speak just as a plume of smoke began to rise into the air.

“What going on.” He said.

The captain did not answer the doctor's question instead getting up and yelling.

“Everyone back to the beach now!!” The captain ordered.

Every pony gathered their gear before they all started the long gallop back to the beach. The group made much better time now that the path had been mostly cleared. As the party reached the beach the smoke in the air become thick. It burned at Poppy nostrils as she continued to gallop. The group emerged from the vegetation and onto the smoky beach where they found something unexpected. The Crystal Palace was engaged in a firefight with another large sailing vessel.

Poppy watched as the Crystal Palace tried to maneuver away from the breakers. The ship had been anchored close to shore on the captain's orders to help speed up repairs but it was clear that this may have been a mistake.

Turning her gaze to the large warship that was attacking the Crystal Palace. Poppy could tell that the other ship was more than a match for the Crystal Palace. It was at least three levels with what she assumed had to be more than twice as many cannons as the Crystal Palace had. Poppy looked for some sort of identifying flag. The ship flew the Storm Kings flag.

As the battle continued to unfolded it became apparent that the damage from the fire from two nights before was hampering the ship's ability to fight effectively. Poppy watched as the pirate ship fired another volley of cannon balls into the broadside of the Crystal Palace. Some of the pirate's shells bounced off the well armored hull of the Crystal Palace, but she was still taking a heavy beating.

Poppy's eyes suddenly caught sight of motion in the sky. Squinting to try and see if she could tell what it is. Poppy's eyes suddenly shot wide with recognition. Realizing that it was the pegasus air wing with Commander Contrail leading from the front. The group of pegasi dove in a steep dive towards the deck of the pirate ship. By the time the fliers had climbed back into the air the main sail of the enemy ship fell limp to the deck. The fliers seemed to be keeping the fight from being one sided. However, the advantage did not last long as several of the fliers were shot down as they had been flying in for another dive.

The dread in Poppy's heart was instant as she watched her friend fall into the water. Looking desperately at the water she could see several of the downed fliers struggling in the surf.

It did not take long for the Lieutenant to order his crystal guards into the water to try and reach the wounded pegasi. The guards swam out to the pegasi reaching each of them and dragging them back to the shore. The guards pulled the wounded out of the water and dragged them back towards the trench they had dug the day before.

The doctor was about to charge from where he was standing next to the captain, but the captain stopped him with an outstretched hoof. The doctor looked at the hoof and then up to the captain but a look on his face seemed to stop him.

Poppy wondered why the captain would not want the doctor to help his wounded crew but before she had a chance to question him, she saw Commander Contrail climbing out of the surf. One of the guards rushed to her side but she brushed him off. The Commander's wing was dragging in the sand as she walked towards the trench. From where Poppy was standing, she could tell the wing was broken. Poppy eyes followed the Commander as she climbed over the embankment in the sand. Looking at the trench Poppy could see that the fliers were in bad shape. One of the Crystal Guards came over to the Commander with a first aid kit. Again, Poppy watched as the Commander brushed him off. The Commander seemed less concerned about herself and more concerned with those under her. It made Poppy smile for a moment. Poppy knew that there was little the medic could do so she once again looked back to the doctor who was still standing there with the captain's leg still out stretched. Seeing the doctor still being held back infuriated Poppy and so she spoke up.

“For Celestia sake captain why are you stopping him.” Poppy yelled gesturing at the doctor and then at the wounded.

The captain nodded his head at the pirate ship and Poppy realized why the captain had not let them leave the vegetation line. Poppy turned her attention back towards the fighting. With the pegasi no longer harassing the pirates they had started to launch their boarding ships. The longboats launched off its starboard beam. This gave them cover from the cannon fire of the Crystal Palace which was still trying to move to deep water. The first of the long boats started to row towards the Crystal Palace. A few of them also started to row towards the beach. Seeing the pirates rowing towards the beach, Poppy now knew why the captain had stopped the doctor but is raised a new question on how the captain knew the pirates would come to the shore.

The two ships continued fighting as they exchanged shots of magically enchanted shells. Poppy could see that the Crystal Palaces crew had already noticed the long boats and had begun to drape anti boarding nets along its hull.

By now the pirates had made it to the shore. The Crystal Guards formed a firing line in the trench. The hulking pirates began moving towards the Crystal Guards. The pirates began to use their long boats tipped on their sides to provide cover as they pushed closer to the ponies. The guards continued firing at the pirates with some of their shots hitting their marks. A few of the pirates went down as they neared the trench. Poppy watched as the guards struggled to keep up their rate of fire as their ammunition began to run low. By now only two of the guards were firing.

Poppy knew what would come next it had been talked about when she had gone through basic. It was what made the Crystal Guards so well known as fighters. It was a strategy of no step back and was the tactic that had been used by Captain Compass. It was this strategy that had been used in his defense of Vanhoover. The captain had employed the tactic so well that Vanhoover never fell to the Storm King, something that not even the capital could claim. So, Poppy knew what would happen when the last guard ran out of ammunition. And so, as the last shot was fired Poppy saw the guards fix their bayonets to their muskets. Each guard with speed and precision steeled themselves for a charge into the line of pirates.

By now the pirates had begun firing into the trench. Their shots mostly missed as their weapons were poorly designed. The guards waited till the pirates had advanced to where they were nearly on top of them. The Lieutenant was the first to charge out of the trench his guards right behind him leaving only the wounded pegasi behind in the trench.

The guards crossed the thirty or forty yards with their bayonets leveled. The pirates were slow but their strength was much greater than the guards so as crashed into the line of pirates many were simply tossed aside by the lumbering beasts.

The Lieutenant was the first to reach the line of pirates swing his sword in a wide arc. When his swing missed a pirate used the opportunity to knock him to the ground. The Lieutenant fell back onto his side. He tried to get up but the pirate that had knocked him down was faster. Poppy closed her eyes when she sensed what was to come next. Even from where she was hidden and over the sounds of the battle she could hear when the pirates foot came down on the Lieutenant head. The bone crushing sound nearly made Poppy vomit with revulsion.

With the Lieutenant dead the rest of his guards began to panic and were quickly killed or captured. With the guards taken care of the pirates once again turned their attention back to the trench where Poppy could see Commander Contrail. Poppy wished that the Commander would take the chance and flee into the woods. Poppy willed it she silently begged that the Commander would run but she did not, instead drew her revolver. Poppy knew the Commander well enough that she would not leave her wounded. So, the Commander stood alone knowing full well she would not live if she stayed to fight. Poppy wanted to scream for her to run that there was nothing she could do and that it was better for her to live. Now the pirates were on top of the trench looking down at Contrail. She was sprawled on the ground looking up towards the pirates, her good wing draped protectively over one of her wounded ponies. Poppy could see a snarl on her face. Her revolver was level at the pirate that had stood there facing her down. There was no noise, no sound as they stared at each other. Then the silence was broken as gunfire erupted between the beast and pony. The pirate staggered back and for a moment obscured Poppys view of Contrail. The pirate fell back several feet Poppy could see he had gunshot wounds in his right arm and shoulder. The pirate finally moved out of the way and Poppy could finally see the scene in the trench. It was something Poppy would always remember. Lying still with her wing draped over her wounded was Commander Contrail. Poppy could see she was dead. A bullet had penetrated her chest.

Poppy could not bear to look at the Commander, so she turned her sights back on the remaining guards that had been taken prisoners. Poppy watched as the pirates dragged the remaining defenders into the surf. A few of them had been wounded and were bleeding. The Pirates lined them all up along the water's edge. One of the pirates took aim with his rifle aimed at the back of one of the guards' heads. Closing her eyes Poppy listened to what happened next. The sounds of gun fire and bodies falling in the surf. Opening her eyes, she could see the sand below the fallen ponies had become a bright silver from the blood.

With the guards dead the pirates seamed uninterested in staying on the beach. Even after the pirates had gone Poppy and the remaining crew remained hidden in the jungle. As the moon rose over the island Poppy settled into her hiding spot. She closed her eyes, but she could see was the pirate shooting those defenseless ponies seeing them fall it haunted her as she tried her best to sleep.

Chapter seven

Poppy woke the next morning to some pony touching her back. Panicking that she had been discovered by the pirates, Poppy lashed out with her hindlegs. There was an oof as her blind kick made contact with furry flesh. Turning with her revolver in hoof she found the captain sprawled out on the ground. He was rubbing his ribs where Poppy had kicked him. Poppy rushed over to him. She was just about to apologize for kicking him when the captain cut her short with a hoof over her mouth. Poppy went silent as she watched the captain get up. When he was back on his legs again, he gestured for her to follow him out to the beach. Poppy silently followed behind him. By the time the two had reached the water's edge the two crew ponies and the doctor were already examining one of the Crystal Palaces longboats.

With nothing for her to do Poppy decided to look around the beach. There were few signs from the fighting the day before. The signs she could find were mostly the shell casings from the spent rifle rounds and specks of silver blood. The one thing she had expected to find was the bodies of the guards and pirates that had been killed but there were no signs of them. She could not understand why the pirates would take the bodies with them. As she continued to search the beach Poppy finally found the trench where Contrail had been killed. Most of the trench's berm had collapsed back into the dugout section of the trench. She stood there holding her breath as she looked down into the trench again, she found nothing. She felt a sense of relief at finding nothing in the trench. No dead Contrail looking up at her. No one to ask why she had stayed hidden and not come out to help. Poppy continued to stare down at the spot for a long time. It was not until the captain came up beside her that she realized she had started crying. He did comfort her for there was nothing he could say to make things better instead they just stared at the trench together. It was ultimately Poppy who spoke up first.

“Where are they?” She asked with tears streaming down her cheeks.

The captain did not face her or say anything instead he turned away and walked back to the beach. Poppy turned and watched him walk away. A few minutes later he returned with a flag. It was the flag that had been flying above his tent since they had arrived on the island. The flag was ripped in a few places clearly having been damaged during the fighting. The captain gave Poppy the flag before he walked off again, this time returning with a stick. Poppy understood what he was doing as she gave him back the tattered flag of the Crystal Empire flag. He secured the flag to the stick and placed it at the highest part of what was left of the small sand fortification. Both ponies backed down the berm stopping at the bottom and staring back up at the flag. Poppy felt her tears returning. This time the captain did say something in a soft voice.

“Please crystal heart carry them home.” He said before standing up straight and giving a crisp salute. Poppy watched him and then turned when she felt the presents of the others standing to her side. She looked at each of them. They all stood erect and were giving the flag their own salutes. It was only after the captain had let his hoof fall that the others did as well. They all turned back to the longboat together, none of them saying anything.

The long boat had been deemed seaworthy enough that they could use it to row out to where they could just make out the top of a sailing ship. Whether the ship was the Crystal Palace or not did not really matter if they were to get off the island. When everypony had boarded the small boat, the captain used his magic to help push them out to sea. The crew ponies rowed out to the sailing ship. If it was the Crystal Palace she had drifted around a rocky outcropping and into open water. When the long boat had rounded the entrance to the cove they spotted her. It was the Crystal Palace. She was adrift near the shore and smoke was billowing from holes along the side of its hull. The crewponies carefully rowed the long boat alongside the Crystal Palace. When they pulled up against the hull the crew ponies used some ropes that were dangling down from the deck to help secure their boat in place. Once they had secured the long boat to the Crystal Palace Captain Compass hollered up to the deck.

“Ahoy there.” He called. There was no answer.

While they waited for some pony to answer the captain Poppy looked over the damage to the hull. The damage was extensive with portions of the interior decks exposed to daylight. She continued to look over the damage until it occurred to her that if the Crystal Palace was still a float why had the pirates not taken her? Looking up towards the main deck Poppy noticed that the anti-boarding nets were hanging loosely. Some of the nets had signs they had been cut. This had to mean that the ship had been boarded.

Trying to get the captain's attention Poppy tugged on his uniform. When the captain turned to look at her, she pointed at the loose netting hanging from the deck. The captain examined the nets closely before signaling to the others to drawer their weapons as he drew his. Poppy was not sure what the captain was concerned about. She figured that the Crystal Palace would be just like the beach. Still, she retrieved her revolver from its holster. Poppy double checked that the weapon was loaded before clicking the safety off just below the trigger. The captain was the first to climb up the side of the ship's hull. The crew ponies followed next and finally Poppy. The doctor stayed behind in the long boat. When Captain Compass reached the rail, he leapt over the side his hooves thumped as he landed hard on the deck. The crewponies followed him over the rail each one taking a position on the captains two sides. The three spread out quickly searching the deck. When they found nothing, the captain came back to the rail and helped Poppy over. Once Poppy had boarded the captain gestured towards the trap door that led to the lower decks. Poppy took position to the right of the hatch opposite the captain on the left. One of the crewponies stood back with his rifle in hoof. He was aiming just over the other crew ponies shoulder as he opened the hatch. With no one on the other side of the hatch the two crew ponies took point as they descended the stairs onto the weapons deck. They were followed by the captain in the middle and Poppy taking the rear. The weapons deck had been badly damaged with splintered beams and holes in the ship's hull. Poppy was careful as she followed behind the other as she tried to avoid the damaged decking. When they had reached the other end of the deck the group descended the next set of stairs to where the cabins were located. The lower deck was a bit better off than the deck above. The group went from cabin to cabin checking for anypony. What they found was the ship had been abandoned. With the lower decks clear the captain ordered both of the crewponies to start inspecting the ship for any damage. The two went off to examine the ship while the captain led Poppy back up to the main deck. By the time the two had made it back to the main deck the doctor had boarded the ship and was waiting for them.

“Any Wounded captain?” He asked.

“No doctor. It would seem we are the only ones on board.” The doctor nodded at the captain.

While the captain and the doctor were talking Poppy climbed up to the quarterdeck. The deck had splintered wood covered the deck and two rifles lay on the ground near the ship's wheel. Stepping closer to examen the rifles Poppy picked one up. She examined the gun. It was still loaded and had several large gauges in its wooden stock. Setting the first rifle down poppy picked up the second one. This rifle too was loaded but this rifle also had smears of silverish blood on it. Poppy recognized color as blood from a crystal pony. After setting the rifle back down on the deck Poppy stepped up to exam the ship's wheel. First thing she noticed was there were more specks of silver blood. The wheel also had large cuts in the wood. Taking a closer look at the wheel, she noticed a small piece of paper tucked into one of its spokes. Grabbing it in her teeth she opened the note, she discovered it was from the ship's first officer. Taking the paper in her teeth she pulling it out from where it had been tucked. Opening the folded paper, she found a message and a set of coordinates. The message was short. It read Beware the Captain. Poppy wondered what the message could mean. Beware Captain Compass but why he was a hero. Poppy's thoughts were interrupted by the captain.

“Mrs. Poppy did you find anything” The captain asked.

As he walked up behind her. Panicking that the captain would see the message Poppy quickly ripped the bottom of the paper off leaving the set of coordinates. “I found a piece of paper tucked in between the spokes of the wheel. It only has a set of coordinates.”

The captain examined the coordinates.

“What's wrong Captain. Do the coordinates mean anything to you?”

“Yes Mrs. Poppy these coordinates do mean something to me. These are the coordinates of fortress of the isles. It’s an old military fortress. I expect that Commander North left this message for us to find. This also means it's going to be hard to affect any type of rescue. From what intelligence has gathered the fortress is heavily armed with several large siege guns. No Equestrian ships have ever been able to get close to the fortress without coming under heavy bombardment.”

By the time the captain had finished telling Poppy about the fortress the crew ponies had been able to finish their examination of the damage to the ship.
The captain gathered the crew together back on the main deck where the crew ponies reported that they had found no major structural damage to the ship and that the ship was still seaworthy. “So, what now captain?” asked one of the crew ponies. The captain was quick to answer the crewpony.

“Now we head back to port and get repairs and some help.”

Poppy had a question for the captain. “How do we sail a ship this large with just four of us?

“I don’t know Poppy but we don’t have a choice but to try.” The captain said.

The captain gave each pony an assignment before breaking up the meeting. Poppy was given the task of steering the ship while the captain and the rest of the crew would work in the rigging. The captain gave a general direction to steer the ship. Deer Hollow was the closest port, and it had the benefit of hosting a royal equestrian relay station for sending messages by pegasi. The journey would take a few days at best and so the remaining crew began the journey to find help.

Chapter Eight

“Captain!” Came the yell from the deck at around noon on the second day.

The captains turned his attention to down to the main deck. He was standing next standing next to Poppy when one of the crewponies came galloping from below deck. He was panicking as he came up to the captain screaming that the ship was sinking. The captain noticeably paled at the news. The captain turned to Poppy “You have the con Mrs. Poppy.” He said before following the crewpony below deck.

A few minutes after the captain had left Poppy began to notice the ship starting to develop a lean to the portside.

“Captain.” Poppy shouted from her position. She was not sure he would be able to hear her from below deck. After a minute it was not the captain that appeared but the doctor. “Mrs. Poppy.” He said. “The captain wants you to keep a starboard heading. He says that we are taking on water through a tear in the hull.”

“Doctor, are we sinking?” Poppy asked as she began to feel panicked.

“No, I don’t think so the captain has a plan to use the ships water resistant bandages to help plug the holes.”

It was at this moment another shout was heard. “Ship off the starboard bow.” Came the cry from the crow's nest. The call could be heard throughout the ship and it was not long before the captain came galloping from back from below deck. The captain came up to the quarter deck where Poppy was already looking through her own spyglass. Following her gaze with his spy glass the captain looked on as a large sail became visible over the horizon.

“Doctor head below deck and try to patch those holes. Mrs. Poppy make our course 20 degrees to starboard.” The captain ordered.

Should we signal them captain asked the crewpony from the crow's nest.

“No do nothing to attract their attention.” He called back up to the look out.

The two ships closed the distance quickly. As they closed to within a mile Poppy was able to start making out the other ship in more details including the ships flag. The flag that came into view had red field with a hammer and sickle in gold.

“Captain!” came the call from the look out. “It’s a Stalliongrad ship.”

“What should we do captain?” Poppy asked.

The captain's orders were fast as he shouted out orders to the crew. “Crewpony Cabin Boy head to the weapons deck and open the port holes. Mrs. Poppy, please go with him. I want all the starboard cannons pushed out.”

Poppy relinquished the wheel to the captain before following Cabin Boy below deck. At this point the ship was listing heavily to the portside, but the tilt seemed to have slowed. While heading below deck Poppy and Cabin Boy ran into the doctor who was on his way up to see the captain, but he instead stopped to help the two move the cannons into place. When the last cannon had been pushed out its port hole the three made their way back to the main deck.

Poppy once again took her place at the wheel. The Stalliongrad ship was now at near pointblank range and Poppy could now see that it had over one hundred guns on its three weapon decks. Poppy knew that the Communists and the Empire were not enemies she still knew that if they noticed the damage to the Crystal Palace, they could use the chance to board them. This would be a diplomatic row that would be a black eye to the Empire.

The captain had Poppy keep their damaged port side opposite the Communists. The ships slowly circled each other. The communist were the first to make contact with an officer grabbing a blow horn and yelling across the open space between the two ships. “Ahoy their Empire ship we are the Stalliongrad ship Siberia you appear to be listing do you need assistance?” He asked in fluid Equestrian.

Captain Compass did not use a blow horn to amplify his voice instead lighting up his horn before he began to talk. “We are the Crystal Empire flag ship Crystal Palace. Thank you for your offer of assistance Siberia but we are fine and do not need assistance. Please keep your distance and do not attempt to board us.” There was a moment of silence between the two ships. Poppy waited for the other ships' answer, but none came instead the communists altered coarse and broke off from their circling. Poppy let out a breath as the Crystal Palace left the Siberia's gun range. They were all very lucky as things could have gone much worse. The rest of the voyage to Dear Hollow was mostly uneventful and before long the lookout called out that land had been spotted.

Chapter nine

The port of Dear Hollow was a welcome sight to what was left of the beleaguered crew of the Crystal Palace. The ships list to the portside had remained unchanged thanks to the crew using the bilge pumps to keep the water out of the hold. Now with the port in sight Captain Compass ordered for the distress flag raised. One of the crewponies followed the captain's order and got the flag from a deck storage locker. The distress flag was small with an orange field and a black dot and rectangle in the center. The crewpony clipped the flag onto a rope he then raised the flag up the center mast. Within a few minutes two patrolling pegasi and a griffon came flying overhead. When they were just above the deck the pegasi swooped down till they were hovering just above the quarterdeck. Both had on Equestrian military uniforms. Their uniforms were somewhat old and ragged. The pegasus with an officer's stripes moved closer to the captain saluting him. The captain responded in kind with a salute of his own. With the formalities of soldierly done the pegasus officer introduced himself as Seargent Storm Surge head of the costal patrol he then gestured to the soldier behind him. “This is Private Intercept.” He said.

The captain nodded at the private.

“It is nice to meet you both. My name is Captain Compass this here is Mrs. Poppy.”

Both fliers nodded at Poppy. Poppy returned their nods with one of her own.

It was at this time that the circling griffin landed on the quarterdeck. The griffon saluted the captain and the Seargent.

“Report lieutenant.” Seargent Storm Surge ordered.

“The hull appears to have suffered multiple beaches. The are breaches located throughout the weapons deck. I cannot tell if there are any breaches below the water line however the ship is listing to the portside so I suspect that there are at least a few breaches in the hull.” The griffin answered.

Seargent Storm Surge nodded to the griffon before turning back to speak to the captain. He did not look pleased as he confronted the captain about the damage. Poppy was not sure if he had also noticed the lack of crew on board yet, however it did not take long for her to receive an answer to that question.

“What happened to your ship captain and now that I think about it where is your crew?” He asked in stern voice.

“It's a long story sergeant one I would be happy to explain to you once we get to shore.”

“I guess that will be fine. I want your report first thing when you get docked.” The sergeant ordered.

The captain nodded.

Watching the conversation Poppy decided to pipe up and ask a question of the sergeant.

“Excuse me sergeant but what is the Royal Guard doing in Deer hollow?”

The sergeant explained to her that he and his troops were part of a garrison of guards stationed at the port for search and rescue missions and to support local military forces.

“I had no idea that Equestria was helping out the Deer.” Poppy said looking at the sergeant with curios expression on her muzzle.

“We are but mostly as advisors and trainers.” The sergeant explained. With the question answered, the sergeant turned back to his private. The private seemed to read the sergeant's mind as he produced a pen and parchment from his bag.

This was the first time that Poppy noticed the wing mounted rifle under his right wing. She recognized the rifle as a Vickers wing mounted rifle.

Seargeant Storm Surge took the writing utensil from the private and quickly jotted down a message before ripping out the page and giving it to the private. The sergeant then gave the pegasus orders to deliver the message to the telegraph office at the base. Private Intercept gave a crisp salute to the sergeant before spreading his wings once again exposing the large wing mounted rifle. The private flapped his wings to gain altitude before angling himself back to the base. The griffon joined the private in his flight back to the docks. Sargent Storm Surge stayed on board to help Poppy guide the ship into the harbor.

The Crystal Palace entered the large bay that made up the entrance to the port of Dear Hollow it neared a pony made bar. At this point the sergeant took over the wheel from Poppy and slowly began to guide the ship by the wall. Now that she was no longer having to focus on steering the ship, Poppy walked over to the rail to watch the large costal gun that was positioned at the end of the bar go by.

“Sergeant if you don’t mind me asking why is there such a big gun on the bar? Shurley the pirates wouldn't dare attack a town as big as Dear Hollow?”

The gun was mounted on a steel turret which allowed it to easily rotate. The Crystal Palace passed close enough to the gun that Poppy could make out several ponies and deer standing guard around the gun. Surrounding the main gun were several smaller cannons. At the top of the concrete fortification were several flags of the nations that belonged to the Imperial Protectorate.

Poppy angled her ears towards the wheel as she listened to the sergeant answer her question. “You would be right Mrs. Poppy. Those guns are not to defend from pirates. No, those guns were added a few years back during the Changeling invasion of the Dear Republic. The guns you see now are ones that the Royal Guard loaned to the Deer to help protect the port. The main gun there is one of the largest naval guns ever produced. You may have even seen the gun years ago on the deck of the City of Canterlot.”

Poppy had seen the City of Canterlot when she was a little filly. She had seen the ship when her mother had taken her to the summer sun celebration in Portmareland during the city's fleet week. The ship had been retired some years later but she now found its guns still being used and she had to admit that even after so many years its guns still dwarfed the Crystal Palaces.

Once the ship had passed through the ports' defenses Poppy got her first glimpse of the port town. The dockyards were a bustling scene of activity. Poppy watched as various merchant vessels were loaded and unloaded with winches. Poppy looked at each of the vessels counting just how many different ships were there. She counted at least ten merchant ships but figured there were probably more throughout the large harbor that she could not see. Seargent Storm Surge maneuvered the Crystal Palace into a small channel on the northern side of the harbor. A buoy floating in the water marked the entrance to the channel. On the buoy Poppy read: Military Vessels Only No Trespassing. The channel was filled with warships and patrol vessels of different shapes and sizes. Most of the ships flew the flag of the Dear Republic but a few had Equestrian and Crystal Empire flags. Seargent Storm Surge brought the Crystal Palace up the channel slowly before gliding her into an open berth.

Captain Compass ordered the anchor dropped. Cabin Boy followed the captain's order lowering the anchor. The large iron anchor made a loud splash as it hit the water. Poppy helped the two crewponies tie the ship to the moorings. Using her strength, she took a heavy rope in her mouth that had been dropped from a pegasus dockhand onto the main deck. Once the ropes had been securely fastened to the moorings the dockhands pulled the ship close to dock.

The next few hours were hectic. The sergeant had ordered the crew, including the captain and Poppy, to his office to give their statements. Poppy was questioned for what seemed like hours. When he was finally done Poppy took her leave of the sergeant and went back to the Crystal Palace. This would be the first chance she had had to examine the specimens that she had collected on the island. Her cabin on the Crystal Palace had been undamaged during the attacks and so she spent the next few hours on board examining everything she could. At around 5pm she her a knock on her cabin door. Turing to see who it was she found Private Intercept standing in the doorway.

“Is there something I can help you with private?”

“No mam. Well, I mean yes mam I am here to take you to the officer's mess. The sergeant would like for you to attend.” Poppy nodded at the Private asking if she could have a moment to get ready. The private said he would wait for her on deck before trotting off. Poppy spent a few minutes brushing her main and tail. Double checking her appearance in the mirror Poppy straitened her bows. When she was satisfied Poppy trotted up to the main deck where the private was leaning against the rail. She noticed he had contented expression on his face as he staired out to the horizon. Not wanting to disturb him Poppy trotted up alongside him. She could see a few lights at the mouth of the harbor where the large gun fortification was sitting. Poppy turned to the private who still had not noticed her presence.

“A bit for your thoughts private.” She asked.

Startled by her sudden presence the private jumped back his wings splaying out at his sides in surprise. Poppy laughed at the private sudden startled reaction. “I am sorry Mr. Intercept I did not mean to startle you.” The poor pegasus face turned a few shades of red before he quickly tried to cover for himself by saying he was not startled. Poppy just laughed even more. When she had finally calmed her laughter the private escorted her down the ship's gangplank to the officer's mess.

The officer's mess hall was a small brick building near the sergeant's office. On the inside of the building Poppy found several long tables arranged in two rows. The food was served in a buffet style. Poppy had expected something a bit fancier for the officer's mess but at the moment her stomach was grumbling. Looking around for the sergeant Poppy found him sitting at one of the tables talking to several other officers. It took a moment for the sergeant to notice her standing in the doorway but once he had he came over. Giving her a small bow, he greeted her with a smile.

“Good evening Mrs. Poppy thank you for agreeing to join me for dinner.”

“Of course, sergeant.” Poppy said genuinely.

Expecting he would head to the buffet line Poppy was surprised as the sergeant trotted out of the mess and out into the dockyards outside. Following behind the sergeant Poppy eventually found herself outside another building that read officer's mess. Poppy was surprised to find a second officer's mess on such a small base. This mess building was of a newer design and appeared to have notes of Equestrian design.

“Welcome Mrs. Poppy to a slice of Equestria or at least the closest thing to it in Dear Hollow. This is my private mess hall for the most part.” Poppy gave the soldier a questioning look. She highly doubted that the Royal Guard would give a sergeant his own mess hall. The sergeant laughed at her look of doubt before stretching his hoof behind his head and giving her a sheepish look. He ended up explaining that it was the mess for Equestrian officers but being the only permeant, one based in Dear Hollow most of the time it was just for him. The sergeant showed Poppy to one of the small circular tables. The two ponies took seats opposite each other and after a minute a small doe came over to take their order. Poppy found the sergeant made nice company. They talked about their homes and missing their families. Poppy enjoyed talking about her work at the botanical society and the sergeant listened to every word. She explained that the society could not afford to pay for a portable lab. After a little while the doe came back serving the two their food. The sergeant had ordered a large, steamed carrot sandwich while Poppy had asked for a dandelion salad. The two ate in relative silence for a time before the sergeant asked about Captain Compass. Poppy answered his questions but at no point did she mention the letter she had found onboard the Crystal Palace. When the questioning had ended, he invited Poppy back to his office for a nightcap, but Poppy decided that it was getting late, and she wanted to turn in. The sergeant said he understood and escorted her back to the Crystal Palace. While repairs were made Poppy was staying in her cabin. She said her goodbyes to the sergeant before trotting down to her cabin. She took her bows out a bathed before getting in bed and blowing out her lamp.

The next morning Poppy was surprised to find Private Intercept once again standing in her doorway.

“Well, this is a surprise Mr. Intercept. I feel like you were just here.” The private laughed at her stupid remark so she gave him her best just out of bed smile. “So, what can I do for you private?”

“I am here to escort you to the University of Military Studies. The sergeant said you needed access to a laboratory, so he has arranged for you to use theirs.” Poppy's ears perked at the news that the sergeant had arranged for her to have access to a lab. Deciding to skip breakfast Poppy began to gather her specimen containers in her saddlebags. Once her saddlebags were stuffed the private escorted her out of the cabin and eventually off the base. The two worked their way through the throngs of creatures in town before finally arriving at a large, gated estate. Private Intercept went up to the security guard at the gate. Poppy watched as the two exchanged some words eventually Private Intercept stepped back and the guard opened the gate. The campus grounds of the university were covered with antique artillery and statues of famous military figures. Poppy noticed as students walked past her that most were dressed in military uniforms.

Private Intercept led Poppy through the main doors of the school and down a hallway. The two ponies ended up at a door that read explosives and ordinance testing room. That was not what caught Poppy's eye but rather another sign that read beware high explosives. Private Intercept led Poppy through the door where she found herself in an unoccupied laboratory. The lab had many types of instruments making it a gold mine for Poppy.

Setting her saddlebags down on a table Poppy made herself at home. Grabbing instruments and test tubes Poppy began to examen the soil samples she had taken at the hot springs. Private Intercept never left her alone as she ran tests and recorded their results. The private explained that he could not leave her alone in the room due to many of the substances in the room being highly explosive so with the private literally hovering over her shoulder Poppy decided to put him to work.

The two ponies continued working throughout the day only stopping to grab a bite to eat in the student cantina. It was not until long after the light of the sun had gone down did the two stop working. Poppy could tell that Private Intercept was getting tired, he had been documenting all her notes for hours. Packing her stuff up Poppy and the private left the lab and out into the humid night.

The university's location was at the far end of the old city. The security guard opened the gate and the two trotted out into the vibrant night life of the old town. Right outside the gates was a small café called Celestial Nights. The lights and music drew Poppy to look in through the large plate glass window. The private came up next to her looking in as well. There were patrons of all types eating and drink under the dim candle lights that flickered on their tables. A piano was setup in the corner of the cafe where a beautiful unicorn mare was sprawled out over the top. She was singing in a low sensual voice. Behind the mare was a deer playing along and rocking back and forth to the melody. Without asking her poor tired escort Poppy trotted into the café. A griffin host was standing just inside. The griffin escorted the two ponies to an open table near the piano. Private Intercept pulled out her chair before taking his own. Taking her seat Poppy turned to look at the mare who was now playing a new song about a sailor leaving his lover and her waiting for his return. Poppy listened to the song. The beauty of the mares voice even lifted the privates tired disposition. At some point another griffin came and took their order. Poppy ordered the house recommendation which was a coffee with a bit of whisky thrown in and the private ordered himself a cup of coffee black.

About the time that the drinks were served the song came to an end but rather than staring another song the mare asked the audience for suggestions. Poppy shouted out to the mare Land I Love. The mare nodded at Poppy; her light purple mane bobbed along with her head. The mare began to sing her voice drifting throughout the small café. Poppy watched as the unicorn began to walk around some of the tables in the audience. The unicorn made her way over to their table. She was just finishing the last verse when she finally arrived next to Poppy. Looking at the slender shapely unicorn she could not help but admire her figure. It was lean with a very beautiful feminine appearance that most mares would kill for. When the song ended the mare took a seat next to Poppy.

“Hello beautiful what is your name?” She asked.

Poppy noticed the mare had a Manehatten accent.

“Poppy.”

“Well hello Poppy. Thank you for suggesting that song it's been a long time since I had a chance to sing it.”

“I would bet you don’t get that suggestion much in the nation of deer.” The mare nodded her head looking forlorn. Shaking her head, a little the mare perked back up and for the first time seemed to notice the private who was trying to look anywhere but at the two of them.

“Well, I do apologize who do we have here?”

“This is Private Intercept he's my escort from the naval base.”

“Well Mr. Intercept my name is Smooth Silk and its a pleasure to meet one of you soldier colts.” The private said nothing. Poppy could tell he wanted to be anywhere but there so she told him if he needed to get back to the base, she could find her own way back to the base. He simply nodded his head and quickly left leaving the two mares to spend some time together. Poppy looked back from the door to Smooth Silk her face was illuminated by the candle that sat flickering on the table. Poppy looked at the mare but just as she was about to say something Smooth Silk got up flicking her tail across Poppy's muzzle. The unicorn trotted back to the piano where she nodded to the piano player whispering something in his ear. Poppy watched curiously as the mare began to sing. It was a song Poppy recognized from her filly hood. The song was about when Twilight Sparkle took the throne from the royal sisters. Smooth Silk swayed to the music as she sang but just as she had reached the second chorus a bright light flashed through the windows of the café. Every creature turned to the windows of the café; everyone could see a massive plume of smoke rising in the distance. It did not take long for every creature to filter out into the streets to see what was wrong. Poppy already knew the source of the explosion it was the shipyards on the naval base. Using her strength Poppy pushed her way through the crowd outside before beginning a gallop back to the base. Poppy had already sprinted halfway back when she felt the presences of another pony at her side. Turning her head as she ran Poppy found Smooth Silk running beside her. They exchanged a nod and kept running. The base was a mess when they ran through the gates. Ponies and deer were running around. The soldiers had already started a bucket bigrade to what had been a warehouse building. Several soldiers lay on the ground with wounds and burns, some serious. Knowing her first aid skills would be best served by helping the wounded Poppy rushed over to the closest injured creature. It turned out to be a griffin. Approaching the wounded griffin, she found a familiar beak. It was the griffin that had landed on the Crystal Palace just a few days before. He was badly wounded and had lost a lot of blood. His right wing had been severed. Using her bows Poppy made a makeshift bandage in an attempt to staunch the bleeding. Poppy yelled for Smooth Silk to find some medical supplies. Smooth Silk did not move fear had over taken her but Poppy yelled again snapping the unicorn out of her trance. Poppy now found herself alone with the griffin who suddenly pulled her close to his beak with his still intact wing. He tried to speak but as he did blood spit up into her ear.

“What is it? What are you trying to say?”

For a moment the griffin was quiet again Poppy tried to cox him into speaking. After another cough of blood, he began to speak. At first to Poppy, it seemed like babbling. The color was beginning to fade from him as what he said began to make sense.

“Captain Compass he... he... he did this. He did this.” And with that the griffin fell limp in her hooves. Poppy turned to look at him, he was still no breath came from his lungs. Poppy knew he was dead. Just as she stood back up on all four hooves Smooth Silk arrived with a medical bag.

Smooth Silk looked at Poppy and back to the dead griffin lying in a pool of his own blood. Poppy said nothing. The two moved on others needed their help. Poppy decided to say nothing about what the griffin had said to her.

The two mares worked for hours helping the wounded. They were still helping when the sergeant can by. His coat was covered in black soot and what was left of his uniform was in tatters. He sat down next to the mares and let them know that the fire was out and that more medical help was on the way. He told them they were both free to leave and get some rest.

Poppy was unsure where she would sleep though with the fire having been near the Crystal Palace. Smooth Silk offered her a bunk at her place it was just above the café where they had met. Poppy could not think of a better place to spend the rest of the night then with Smooth Silk

Chapter ten

It had been three days since the fire and Poppy had only been back to the port to meet with Private Intercept so he could escort her to the university. On her free time Poppy was spending her time at the café listening to Smooth Silk sing.

On one of the days that Poppy had got to the port to meet with the private she found a group of deer soldiers using a winch to drag the Crystal Palace out of the water. Poppy found the master shipbuilder a large deer. He was standing off to the side as the dockhands moved the witch. Poppy asked the buck what was happening. He told her that an out of water inspection was needed to help reveal any damage that had not previously been seen. Poppy asked him how long it would take to make the repairs to the ship. He told her he was unable to determine how long it would take to finish the repairs but had figured it would be at least a week.

Finding the young pegaus private the two ponies started their trot to the university. Poppy enjoyed the walk with the private. He was rather shy but talkative when it came to his interests. The two enjoyed the sights and sound of the town, as it reminded them of their homes in Equestria.

That night, as they left the university after having just finished their day at the university and were leaving through the gate where the large buck at the gate gave them both a nod before he closed the gates behind them. Outside the gate Poppy was surprised to find Captain Compass waiting for them.

“Good evening Mrs. Poppy. Private.” The captain said.

“Something we can help you with Captain?”

He nodded at Poppy. He told the private to leave to witch the private gave a salute before heading back to the base.

The captain asked Poppy if there was somewhere they could talk and so Poppy suggested they go to the café where Smooth Silk would be halfway through her set.

Poppy had still said nothing to anyone about the note or what the dead griffin had told her and now those warnings rang clear in her head. The two ponies found a table outside where they both took seats. The look on the captain's muzzle worried her as he sat in silence. He seemed to be thinking about something. Not wanting the awkward silence to go on, Poppy spoke up.

“Is everything alright captain?” She asked.

“There still has been no word from Equestria on reinforcements. Seargent Storm Surge said even with the cable's messages can take days, but I am concerned that with every day we wait here our crew is in more danger.”

Poppy's concern at the news was evident as her ears drooped a little but perked back up when she thought about spending more time in Dear Hollow.

“Mrs. Poppy?” The captain asked.

Poppy's mind had drifted and suddenly she realized that the captain was trying to get her attention. The captain cleared his throat which finally snapped her out of her thoughts.

“Sorry?” Poppy said embarrassed by her daydreaming.

The captain just smirked at her.

“What?” She asked. Her surprise was gone. Now replaced with a feeling of indignation at his expression.

“Oh nothing. Just I knew I looked good, but you were staring, and someone might get the wrong ideas” He said smiling and chuckling to himself afterwards.
Poppy’s face turned bright red with embracement. How could he be making such jokes when the situation of his crew being so dire.

The captain continued to laugh at her. His laugh was loud and deep causing her cheeks to grow even redder. Poppy clamped her ears down as her anger came to a boil. She was just about to let him have it when the waiter came over to their table to take their order. It only took that one interruption for Poppy to realize they were in a very public place and probably yelling at him here would cause more embarrassment for her than him. Poppy calmed herself taking a few deep breaths before trying to change the subject to one that was more imperative.

At this point Poppy knew the cafe's menu rather and the waiter recognized her. Ordering the usual mocha with an extra shot, the griffin then turned to Captain Compass he ordered a black coffee. The griffin nodded at both ponies before scurrying off to place their orders.

The captain picked up the conversation again. “Mrs. Poppy, I fear that any reinforcements will take too long to arrive for us to be able to do any good for our missing crew members. According to the mastership builder the Crystal Palaces repairs will be done within the next few days, and I want to be sailing within the day.”

“So, what can we do without help from Equestria theirs just five of us left?” She asked.

His face became stern as he explained his plan.

“Mrs. Poppy, I know what I am going to say may sound strange and even illegal, but I promise my plan will work. Let me explain before you say anything, ok? Poppy nodded her consent. Her curiosity peaked.

So, you and I are the only officials of the empire in Dear Hollow and that grants both of us some latitude in what we can do in the absences of any pony else. You, Mrs. Poppy, are even in a more unique position than me. As a government official of the empire need you to use that power to do something and I need you to say yes. I know you may not like my idea, but my crew needs you, and you may be there only hope. I am going to get right to the point of want I want you to do. I need you to sign orders for the ship to go out and attempt to rescue the missing crew.”

Poppy’s mouth was agape at such an idea. Poppy's mind reeled at the idea that she could order such a thing. Her first thought on the matter was she did not have that type of power and she said as much to the captain. The captain did little to appease Poppys concerns instead he went into how a new crew would need to be hired but poppy still seemed to be stunned at his suggestion that she could order the Crystal Palace on a rescue mission. To her it sounded like he was telling her that she had the authority to create her own army.

As Poppy thought about what to say at the captain's suggestion the waitress came back over. She placed the captain's drink down first before placing Poppy drink down in front of her.

The captain was staring at her expectantly. Trying to buy herself some time to speak Poppy lifted her mug to her lips and took a long slow slip. When she had formulated the right words, Poppy set down the mug and spoke to the captain.

“Captain, I don’t know about this. Just the idea of me creating orders without approval seems wrong.” The captain nodded at her in understanding.

“Yes, I understand, but it is perfectly legal. In fact, I knew you would question it so I brough along my copy of military code.” He said as he floated out a book from his saddle bag. Poppy watched as he set the book down on the table. The book was old and well word. The cover read Military Legal Code Cir. 2501. Poppy watched as the captain thumbed through the pages with his magic until he came to the page he was looking for, turning it towards her he pointed out the line he wanted her to read. The line read Military Chain of Command. Wartime Order. In a war zone where lack of military command results in no orders a ranking government official can take charge of routed military or militia personnel. The law did seem to imply that she could take charge and it bothered her that the law implied that they needed to be in a war zone. The fact that she was sitting in a peaceful café seemed to contradict the idea of being in a war zone.

Still the captain did not see an issue with her concerns. He explained that Dear Hollow was at war with the pirates and that there was an official declaration of war some years back to help mobilize its forces. He went on to say that the military code did not say that the empire had to be at war only the unit was in a warzone.

The two of them paid their bill and got up. Before leaving the café Poppy popped her head into the café and waived at Smooth Silk. The mare waived back.

The two Equestrians headed back to the shipyards. The café was on the far side of town from the naval base, so it gave Poppy time to think as they made their way back. The clip clop of her hooves against the cobble stone path help to steady her raging thoughts. The closer they got the more she convinced herself that she could do this, and it would all be ok. Still no matter how hard she tried the voice in her head told her to talk to someone about his plans.

Back at the ship, which had been mostly repaired and now sat in the water as final repairs were made, the captain showed Poppy to the ship's stateroom. The walk through the ship's interior revealed that most of the external damage to the ship's hull had been repaired but the interior was still a mess. She watched as a group of griffons helped to lower a large support beam in place to help support the wait of the main deck above. The griffins were using their strength to hold the beam in place as three dear used hammers to place large iron rivets into it.

The state rooms condition mirrored the state of the ship itself with the interior still torn apart and workers going about to fix the most critical damage. The captain ordered the room cleared and it was not long before every create had scampered out of the room. Poppy followed the captain over to a writing desk located against one of the ships bulkheads. Looking at the top of the desk over Poppy noticed several framed photos. The first photo Poppy noticed was of a purple unicorn filly. Poppy recognized the filly's cutie mark as belonging to Princess Twilight Sparkle. Poppy carefully set the photo down before picking up the second photo.

The captain had begun leafing through some of the drawers in the desk. Ignoring him for a moment, Poppy looked at the photo in her hooves. While the first photo had been framed in a near bezeles frame this frame appeared to have been made by a child. The frame was red and covered in little macaroni noodles. The photo itself showed two ponies. The first one was a little filly with a white coat and two-toned mane and tail. The other pony, a stallion, was holding the little filly. He had a white coat and had a blue mane. Poppy recognized both ponies as Princess Cadences family. Setting the photo down Poppy turned her attention to what the captain was doing and just in time to see him grabbing a letter opener in his magic. Using his magic, he jammed the spear shaped metal into one of the locked drawers. Poppy looked at the captain watching with a concerned expression as he broke into the Princesses desk. He noticed her concerned expression and tried to reassure her as he broke the lock with one swift jerk of the letter opener. He then quickly rifled through the contents before pulling out several official looking sheets of paper. He sorted through the papers till he found a blank sheet with the princess's letterhead. The captain quickly jotted something down. Once the Captain had finished writing down some orders, he hoofed them to her and told Poppy to sign. She did so but with significant concern and hesitation. The voice in her head screaming at her that something was wrong. At that moment she decided to talk to Smooth Silk about what was happening.

That afternoon when the captain went to go recruit a new crew from the town's population Poppy made her way into town. Stopping at the café she found Smooth Silk chatting with a few customers near her piano. When the mare noticed Poppy come in, she excused herself from their company and trotted over to Poppy. The two took a seat near one of the cafe's large windows. Poppy explained what the captain was doing and that he had her sign the orders. Smooth Silk listened to Poppy stories with a mix of concern and curiosity. Once Poppy had finished talking Smooth Silk sat silent for a moment pondering on what to say to the concerned mare in front of her. After a few minutes of silence Poppy asked her again what she should do. Finally, the unicorn spoke.

“I agree with you Poppy that something is very wrong and if I were you, I would talk to Seargent Storm Surge. He is a good stallion and I have known him for many years if any pony were to know what to do it would be him. Poppy trusted Smooth Silks instincts and agreed to the Seargent when she got back to the base.

The conversation between the two mares changed after that to happier thought and after a time Poppy had to get back so the captain would not know she had left and to give her time to talk to the Seargent. Poppy excused herself but not without making plans to see the mare again that night.

The lights outside the café were already lit by the time she had walked back to the base. The guard at the gate greeted her before opening the gate. Poppy asked him if he knew the where abouts of the Seargent. He told her that he was most likely at the Officers club. Poppy nodded her thanks to the guard before trotting off to the officer's club and Seargent Storm Surge.

The officer's club was a rather dumpy looking building and would have been perfectly at home in some seedy part of Canterlot or Las Pegasus. Inside the building Poppy found officers from all over the Imperial Protectorate. Looking around she spotted a Pegasus seargent drinking a glass of what she could only assume was Wild Pegasus. The Stallion was surrounded by a group of dear officers as he wildly gestured about while telling some type of war story. When Poppy approached the seargent he noticed her and asked her to sit. She refused and asked him if there was somewhere they could talk. Sensing that it was serious he grabbed his drink and gulped down the last of its contents before gesturing with one of his wings to a seat in the rear of the building. Poppy took a seat at the small table opposite the stallion.

“Now what is the issue Mrs.Poppy?” The sergeant asked.

“It's Captain Compass. I think that something is wrong. I don’t have any hard evidence, but several people have warned me about him and now he wants to go rescue the missing crew without orders or help from Empire.” It just all makes me nervous, and I felt like you should know.” The seargent nodded along, his attention fully focused on her. When she was done telling him her fears about the captain, he told her that he had his own suspicions about the captain and how the Crystal Palace always seemed to never be near pirate attacks and that there might be a breach in Imperial Security. The two continued discussing the captain and eventually the Seargent came up with a plan to be on the Crystal Palace when it left port the next week.

Chapter Eleven

The group of ponies had gathered around the table in the stateroom onboard the Cystal Palace. The group consisted of Poppy, Captain Compass, and the three other original crewmembers. The captain had gathered them together to discuss what was to happen on their trip into pirate territory. Some of the information Poppy already knew and so she sat quietly as the captain explained the plan to the three other ponies.

“I have decided to go and rescue our missing crew. Now I know that we were all hoping for help from the Empire but that appears unlikely to happen anytime soon.” The captain explained. “Rather than waiting I have hired a crew and have had Mrs. Poppy sign orders to give us the authority to set out to do what is needed to bring the crew home.”

Poppy looked around the table at each of those present. She noticed that while the two crew ponies looked on with loyalty to the captain and would never contradict his orders the doctor was stunned, his eyes had become wide at the news. Being the only other officer on board besides the captain, his opinion meant a lot and he made sure his voice was heard when the time for questions came up.

“Now are there any questions.” The captain asked and it did not take long for the doctor to pounce.

Poppy watched as the doctor began to voice his concern.

“Captain how can you be ok with this? We should wait until the Empire at least gives us orders and besides how can one ship even this one dream of getting our crew back all on its own?”

The captain turned to the doctor with a hint of annoyance in his voice as he answered the doctor's question. “As I said doctor, we do have orders. The ones Mrs. Poppy signed are perfectly legal. As for how I intend to rescue the crew I am working on a plan and hope to have it done by the time we set sail.”

The doctors was clearly not convinced by the captain's explanation but said nothing more and so the captain ordered the group dismissed all except Poppy and the doctor. When the two crewmembers were gone the captain got up and grabbed the bottle of Wild Pegasus from the cabinet where he had set it at the start of the expedition. The group each took a turn from the bottle before the captain explained what each of them was to do until it was time to depart. After receiving their order Poppy and the doctor left the stateroom together. Just outside the stateroom the doctor stopped in front of Poppy. Using his body to block her path he looked behind her checking to see if the stateroom door had been closed. When he had confirmed that it was, he gestured for her to follow him with a tilt of his head. She said nothing but followed behind as the doctor led her through the corridor. As Poppy followed behind him alarm bells in her head were going off again. She could not help but think what now. He led her to the ship's surgery. The room was large with many different pieces of medical equipment scattered throughout the space. In back of the room was an examination table where the doctor was gesturing for her to sit. Poppy took the seat and watched as the doctor stuck his head back out into the hallway checking in both directions before closing the door and sliding a little lock into place. Poppy suddenly felt a bit scared of what the doctor was up to. His secretiveness bothered her greatly and just as she was about to confront him, he began to speak.

“Mrs. Poppy have you noticed anything strange with the captain?” He asked. His voice was hushed as he whispered into her ear.

Her concerns about the captain came rushing back again as yet another officer was expressing their concerns about him. Poppy decided to take a cautious approach as she asked the doctor what he meant.
He responded to her question his voice nervous. Poppy figured that he was not sure if he could trust her and was gambling on it.

“Mrs. Poppy I am going to trust you not to speak a word of what I am going to tell you to anyone.” Poppy nodded and told him she promised.

“Okay.” He said before taking one more breath and saying what he needed to.

“Just before we set sail from Portmareland Commander True North told me that he suspected that Captain Compass was working for the pirates.” He said before turning around in his chair and reaching into his desk and pulling out a key. He then proceeded to get up and walk over to a glass cabinet.

Poppy could see some vials and prescription bottles in the cabinet and wondered why the doctor was opening it. She watched as he pushed all these aside and instead grabbed a lockbox. Taking the box out and placing it before them both. He used a key that he kept around his neck. The contents of the box turned out to contain several files and charts. Pulling out the contents Poppy watched as he spread them out on a surgical table.

“This is the evidence that the commander believed showed how the captain is colluding with the pirates. He told me to hold onto them in case anything happened to him.”

Poppy examined the files. The first one she grabbed was one she recognized. The file was the intelligence report that she had seen the commander looking at when she found him in the ship's galley at the start of the expedition. The document had notes written all over it. Studying the document Poppy could not tell much without knowing more about navel procedures but from the commander's notes on the margins he was clearly concerned by some of the captain's orders. Most of the notes appeared to show that the commander believed the captain was intentionally ordering the Crystal Palace to areas where the pirates had already left.

Poppy decided that the doctor seemed to believe that the commander was right and so she decided that she could trust him enough to tell him everything.

“Doctor, I found a warning after the pirates had attacked us. It said beware the captain and I think it was left by the commander.” The doctor's face darkened.

“I had thought the commander was barking up the wrong tree, but this seems to confirm it.”

A noise from the hallway and a knock at the door caused both ponies to jump. Poppy felt her heart nearly leap right out of her chest. The doctor looked equally panicked as there was another knock on the door. The doctor quickly gathered up the files and placed them back into a folder. He was about to place them in the strong box but stopped. He instead shoved the files into Poppy's chest.

“Quickly take these.” He said. Just as a third knock at the door sounded. Poppy nodded, grabbing the files from him.

Poppy had no place to hide the files so instead she stood behind the door as the doctor answered it. On the other side of the door the doctor found Seargent Storm Surge. “Excuse me doctor but I was looking for the captain he wanted my help in recruiting some of the locals to join the rescue mission.” He said.

“It's quite alright sergeant let me show you where his cabin is.”

The two stallions left the doctor's office leaving Poppy alone in the room. After waiting until their voices had grown quite Poppy then snuck out of the surgery and made her way to her own cabin. Once back to her cabin Poppy lifted the mattress off her bed and slid the folder from underneath. She would look at the files later.

Just before sunset Captain Compass and Seargent Storm Surge gathered the newly recruited members of the crew. Poppy was with the captain and the sergeant as he addressed the new crew from the quarter deck.

“While I know most of you have never been in the navy and don’t care much about what this mission means but I am still glad that you agreed to join us. After a few days of training here in port we will set sail to the pirate fortress and rescue my crew.” When the captain had ended his speech, he dismissed every creature to find a bunk and settled in.

That night, as everyone onboard had turned in for the night Poppy was awake and had pulled the files and other notes from under her bed. Gathering the files up she placed them into her saddle bags. Once she had secured the saddle bags around her barrel Poppy peeked out into the hallway outside her cabin. The hall was lit by newly installed lanterns. Checking both ways to make sure no one so her Poppy snuck out. Poppy left the Crystal Palace and the base. Poppy made her way to Smooth Silks home which was near the center of Dear Hollow. The singer lived in a small flat that Poppy now looked up to its windows on the third floor. Poppy entered the building and climbed up to the third floor. Knocking on the door she waited for an answer. After a few moments without an answer Poppy knocked again. This time she heard a commotion on the other side.

“Who is it?” Said a voice on the other side of the door.

“It's me Poppy can I come in? It's important.” Poppy pleaded.

The door opened and Poppy found a slightly disheveled Smooth Silk on the other side.

“What wrong Poppy its 2Am in the morning?”

“I need a place to go over some things and I can't do it on the Crystal Palace.”

The door opened and Smooth Silk invited Poppy in.

Smooth Silks flat was well furnished living space which is where Poppy settled herself down on one of the couches. Laying the documents down Poppy began to read through Commander Norths notes. The notes were well detailed with dates and times of when the Crystal Palace had received intelligence on the movements of the pirates and what the captain's orders had been however the most damning piece of evidence that the commander had discovered was that several tops secrete merchant deliveries full of weapons for the dear had been intercepted. The convoys had been kept classified to only her majesty and a handful of captains and their first officers. All these convoys had been intercepted by the Storm King Pirates. The Commander had discovered that the captain had sent a message to a notorious criminal in the Crystal Empire who was known for being a black market weapons dealer. While the Commanders notes admitted this was not direct proof of the captain's involvement It was enough for him to believe that the captain was involved.

One thing that bugged Poppy was that if the captain was working with the pirates why he was going on this rescue mission. The hour was getting late, and Poppy knew she would not find out anything more tonight so instead she took out her journal and began writing down the day's events.

Day 10
Captain Compass has hired a small crew of mostly ponies but also a few griffins. I have been mostly staying out of the way. I have made occasional appearances on deck to check on the activities and to meet the new crew. The new crew appears to be capable, and Captain Compass has said we should be ready to set sail by tomorrow. I have my reservations about the captain but without seeing anything myself I will reserve judgement for now.

When she had finished her notes, Poppy looked up and found Smooth Silk sleep across from her. Poppy watched as the mare slept, she had been up for hours reading across from her and had even made Poppy a cup of coffee shortly after arriving. Poppy got up and grabbed one of the throws from the back of the couch and draped it over the mare. Poppy laid down on the opposite couch and fell asleep to a view of Smooth Silk.

Chapter 12

Waking up the next morning Poppy joined Captain Compass and Seargent Storm Surge in the galley of the Crystal Palace. The galley was a hub of activity with the newly recruited crew was having their last breakfast before setting sail. Their breakfast consisted of stale salted tack bread and some candied fruits while the officers were served with fresh fruit and a small salad. Poppy was glad that she was served the fresh food as the crew's meal looked just revolting.

Poppy had come directly from Smooth Silks flat after having spent most of the night looking through Commander True Norths notes. The notes had been thorough but lacked the hard evidence Poppy needed to take to the Seargent. Poppy had left Smooth Silks flat early that morning so she would be able sneak back on to the Crystal Palace without raising suspension. Having left the flat so early had meant Smooth Silk had still been asleep and so that’s why Poppy had a large helping of food on her tray. Poppy had unfortunately been unable to say goodby to Smooth Silk when she left so she had left a letter saying that she would see her again when the ship hopefully made it back to port safely. After a moment of scanning for the captain Poppy found him sitting in his usual spot with the seargent across from him. The two officers greeted her as she took a seat next to the captain. Poppy sat her tray down on the table but continued holding her coffee, taking a long sip from the mug. The strong coffee went down smoothly and helped push back some of the grogginess of the morning. The aroma of the coffee filled her nose and helped relax her.

“Long night Mrs. Poppy? Were you up with that cute flank of yours. What is her name? Oh yes Smooth Silk.”

Poppy said nothing to him, she was just too tired although it occurred to her that she had never said anything about Smooth Silk to him. Poppy did not have time to dwell on that question as the doctor came over and joined them all at the table. The unicorn found a seat opposite Poppy giving her a nod as he sat down. Poppy returned the gesture giving a wan smile back. The officers and Poppy sat eating their breakfast while discussing what was left to do before the ship departed. The captain assigned each of the officers and Poppy to different parts of the ship. The sergeant was of course assigned to command the ship's fliers. The doctor would oversee the ship's medical needs. The captain had already assigned several ponies to help the doctor as medics and nurses. Poppy had not expected to be assigned to help with anything, so she had not been paying much attention until she heard her name.

“I am sorry did you say something?” Poppy asked as she realized every pony was staring at her.

“Yes Mrs. Poppy. You will be commanding the gun crews.” He answered.

Poppy's mouth fell open. She had no military experience outside of basic training with small arms. She could tell he was serious, and so she simply nodded, accepting the command. With all their assignments given, the captain left to head up to the main deck. The ship would be departing soon so each of the officers finished their breakfasts and departed the galley. The doctor and Poppy were eventually left alone at the table using the opportunity Poppy leaned across the table and whispered to the doctor filling him in on what she had found reading the commander's notes. The two ponies agreed to keep watching the captain. They still needed more evidence that he was a traitor.
After the two separated Poppy made her way up to the quarter deck where the captain was just about to order the ship to set sail. A crew pony approached the captain just as Poppy took a spot near the back rail.

“Anchors are up and ready to sail captain.” A light blue unicorn crew pony hollered from the main deck.

Poppy felt the ship lurch as the anchor was raised and the main sail was unfurled under the captain's gaze. The last thing the captain ordered was the empire's banner unfurled and raised. Poppy watched as the snowflake embroidered flag was raised up the main mast.

The ship moved out into the harbor from its berth and Poppy began to feel the sea air blow through her mane. The cool breeze felt good against her coat. The Crystal Palace moved into the main channel of the harbor moving towards the open sea. Just as it had not so long ago. The Crystal Palace passed by the gun emplacements at the mouth of the harbor the soldiers waving as they sailed by.

Poppy had been staring out at the receding land when Captain Compass came up behind her. She felt his presence as he walked up. Looking at her for a moment, seeming to stare at her body like a hungry animal, but then he turned towards the sea and closed his eyes. She kept looking at him. He couldn’t be bad, could he, she thought. He was the very embodiment of the term hero. He fought for Equestrian he would have died for the empire. She continued to look at him. He finely seemed to notice

“Thank you Mrs. Poppy I know that signing those orders was hard for you to do and you have your doubts but trust me when I say that you are saving the lives of my crew today and to me nothing is more important than those who serve under me.”

The sincerity in his voice took Poppy off guard but she said nothing even a traitor might still care for his crew, she thought. The two ponies stood in silence for a time. The captain had opened his eyes and was staring out into the horizon as the land continued to shrink behind the ship. Poppy was not so interested in the land so much as she was interested in him, unfortunately for her the captain noticed her staring.

“Mrs. Poppy will you please stop with your staring. I know that I look good, but it will give the crew some rather poor ideas.” Poppy rolled her eyes he just had to ruin the moment with some stupid flirty joke.

“You know what Mrs. Poppy I think it would be best if you wore a uniform since you will be serving as an officer.” Poppy was caught a little off guard by his sudden change in conversation but quickly refocused and agreed that was fine with her.

With her agreement the captain led Poppy down to True Norths Quarters where he rummaged through one of his trunks pulling out a Crystal navy uniform. True North was a rather small stallion and so his uniform fit her rather tightly around her barrel and flank. The captain also produced a hat. The hat was beige wide brim with one side pinned up. She recognized the type of hat from her time in history class as belonging to the Crystal Legion. Putting on the uniform she found it showed off her athletic body in places that she would rather not have as a focus. Poppy found a mirror on the commander's desk. Taking a long look at herself she felt a bit uncomfortable with the whole thing except the hat she thought went well with her red bow. She knew that the uniform would gain her some unwanted attention with the mostly male crew, and she was right as the two of them came back out onto the main deck ponies stared as she trotted by. The captain noticed the looks and gave the crew a death glare as they passed. After that the looks stopped and no pony expect the captain paid her tight uniform any mind. The two of them trotted up to the quarter deck where the captain gathered the crew that would be under Poppy's command. The coordinates of the pirate fortress were still about ten days from their current location even with the wind being favorable. The ten days he explained would be used to teach them how to run the ships' guns. The captain led the group of thirty ponies and griffins down to the ship's gun deck. The deck had received the most repairs while docked in Dear Hollow. The ship had also received several larger guns that now took up a significant portion of the deck. The captain broke the thirty creatures gathered into ten groups each was then assigned their gun positions. The captain had Poppy stand at the bow end of the deck where she could supervise and order the gun crews. Captain Compass showed how to load and prepare the guns to fire. Once he had taught the basics the captain ordered a long boat into the water to be used for target practice. With the longboat in position Poppy gave the order to take aim and fire. The loud noise of ten cannons going off rattle up Poppy spine and the smoke caused her to cough loudly as she tried to breath it in. Poppy hacked on the air until the smoke cleared. Looking out one of the portholes Poppy found that all of her crew's shots had missed. She had her crew reload and try again. She would drill the crew until they could hit the longboat with great accuracy. It was late by the time Poppy had dismissed her crew for the night. She was hot and sweaty. Her fur was matted, and she smelled of gun powder. The gun crews had made progress and were now able to hit the longboat with about half of their shots. Poppy took her time heading back to her cabin. As she walked by the captain's cabin, he stepped out greeting her with a smile.

“Mrs. Poppy would you care to join me for dinner tonight?” He asked.

“I don’t know captain I need to clean up and I am very tired.” She answered.

“Thats fine why don’t you clean up and come back.” Poppy nodded her head before continuing to walk back to her cabin. Arriving at her cabin Poppy took off her uniform, its fabric was covered in black soot from the cannon smoke. After she had taken her uniform off Poppy found the mirror sitting on her desk. She looked at herself, her fur was stained black and her once green coat was hardly visible under the grease and soot. Poppy used a washcloth that was sitting by the room's washbasin and started to clean herself. Wiping away the soot off her mane her mind wondered back to Contrail how it had only been a few days since she had been preening her wings and now, she was dead. Poppy shook her head trying to clear away the train of thought. Poppy set the now dirty washcloth down. Removing her bows from her mane and tail, Poppy picked up her brush and started to comb her matted fur. Once her fur was combed Poppy put her bows back in place. Checking the time on the desk clock Poppy figured that it was time to go meet the captain in his quarters. On her way there she stopped by the ship's stateroom. The room had been back to its original state after the fire had caused extensive damage. Poppy looked around until she found what she noticed the shot glasses on the far wall. The glasses had been untouched even through everything the ship had been through. Poppy slowly walked to the shot glasses. When she got to the shelf, she grabbed one of the glasses in her hoof. Rotating it back and forth in her hoof staring at the empty glass. Sitting the glass down on the table behind her Poppy then turned and grabbed the key to the liquor cabinet. Opening the cabinet Poppy found the bottle of Wild Pegasus. Taking the bottle Poppy proceeded to pour a shot into the glass that had belonged to Commander Contrail. Raising the glass Poppy said a silent prayer for Contrail.

“I wish I could have known you better Contrail. I am so sorry I couldn’t help.” She smiled a sad smile and then downed the shot before refilling it and placing the glass back on the shelf. It was a tradition of officers to leave the filled glass as a last drink for the fallen. Poppy did put much stock in these types of traditions, but she knew that most sailors did, and the commander seemed like one who would appreciate such things. With her task completed Poppy left the room. Poppy found the captain's cabin and raised her hoof to knock. Knock, knock. The captain's voice came through the door.

“Come in.” The captains voice said from the other side of the door.

Poppy trotted into the cabin; and was surprised to discover the captain had set out candles on the table in the middle of his cabin. Looking around she found he had laid out the ships fine china which she figured he had stolen from the princess's cabin. Poppy cautiously moved further into the cabin, her eyes wandering until she noticed the captain behind his desk in a dress uniform. Poppy paused as she approached the table looking at the food he had prepared. Poppy was unsure what to do. Looking towards the captain she stared at him thoughtfully. He cleaned up nicely, she thought, but warning bells continued to go off in her head.

“Errerm.” Poppy cleared her throat trying to get the captain's attention.

The captain nearly leapt out of his chair as she cleared her throat. Poppy fell back on her haunches laughing at the look of the captain's face.

“I am terribly sorry captain, but you looked so engrossed in your papers I did not want to distract you but, I have to say that was funny.”

It's quite alright Mrs. Poppy I was just catching up on some paperwork.” He said smiling at her. The captain got out of his chair. He approached Poopy taking her hoof and guiding her to the table. The captain, being the gentalcolt that he could be pulled out the chair guiding her in.

“Wow captain I have to say it appears that being in charge sure comes with some perks.”

“Well not exactly. I had to let's say borrow some of this from the princess private quarters.” He said sheepishly.

Poppy could not believe that the captain would break into the princess cabin again this time for silverware. The captain took a seat across the table from her. The two ate in silence for a while until the captain made some remark about Smooth Silk. She decided to ask him how he knew about the two of them. He just smiled and waved off the question. She realized he was never going to answer her, so she changed the subject to the reason they were sharing a meal together.

“So, captain what is our plan for confronting the pirates and rescuing the crew?

The captain stared at her for a moment contemplating the question. Rather then answer he look that sent a shiver down her spine. Panic quickly set in. Poppys mind quickly began to look for an exit. He had to know that she suspected him, didn’t he? Before she could bolt the captain got up as he began to talk.

“Well Mrs. Poppy I have come up with a plan and it involves you and me.” He said getting up. He stalked towards her like a predator stalks towards its prey. Shrinking into her seat he came up behind her.

“So here is my plan. You me alone with you screaming out my name. The heat in Poppy's cheeks flared as she felt his strong hooves on her shoulders. The fear began to consume her. He was going to kill her because she knew too much.

The captain now stood behind her with his hooves slowly rubbing circles on her back. The fear lifted and she realized that he didn't know that she thought he was a traitor, instead he just wanted to sleep with her. Suddenly a whole new emotion and different type of fear began to consume her but the rubbing along her back was starting to relax her, and she started to melt into his message. His caress became a little more forceful as he roughly turned her to face him. Before she could do anything, he moved with the speed of lighting as his lips kissed hers. The kiss was long, hard and a little rough. She still moaned into it, feeling his fur against hers. The kiss only ended so they both could both come up to breathe. The captain looked at Poppy panting from the kiss before saying just one word.

“Wow.”

Poppy tried to real in her lust for the strong stallion, but it had been such a long time since she had been able to be with a pony in that way. She had enjoyed spending time with Smooth Silk and Contrail, but she had enjoyed their company as friends and not in a sexual way. The cabin they were in was one of the largest quarters on board the ship expects of course the princesses and as such he had a relatively large bed. This is where Poppy found herself as the two moved from where they had been eating to the soft mattress. Poppy was the first to lay down. She figured he may be a traitor, but he was good looking and what did it matter if she slept with him. Giving him her best sultry look. He trotted around to the end of the bed. He used his magic to flip her onto her back giving her a little thrill as she was roughly handled by his magic. He then slowly began to crawl up beside her planting little kisses on her fur as he went. Swishing her tail in excitement and anticipation as he went. The heat in her cheeks began to spread through her body. Poppy could feel herself getting hotter and hotter. The captain slowly made his way up to her lips. The two kissed their lips meeting together as they held each other. The thoughts of the captain being a traitor drifted off as she melted into him. Tonight, she would just relax and be with the captain but tomorrow back to believing he may be evil.

Chapter thirteen

The next morning Poppy woke to find herself lying in the captain's bed on her own. The warmth of the stallion that had been lying next to her was gone instead she felt the cool sea breeze coming in through a open porthole. Looking around she expected to find the captain at his desk, but he was nowhere to be found. Poppy got out of bed, her body felt relaxed, and she felt the glow of spending the night with another pony.

Poppy took her time leaving the captain's cabin, she figured he had already headed topside giving her time to look around. Walking over to his desk Poppy looked through the papers scattered on the top of the desk. She was not sure what she would find. Most of the papers on his desk meant nothing to her so she turned her attention to the desk drawer. Trying to pull it open Poppy found that it was locked. Poppy looked around to see if she could find anything to jimmy the lock. A metal letter opener caught her eye. Grabbing the letter opener in her mouth Poppy shoved it into the lock. With forward force and a turn, the lock opened. Poppy opened the drawer and began to look through the papers while being careful to keep them in order. Most of the documents were operational reports on the task force fighting the pirates. As Poppy set the last document down Poppy felt disappointed that there was nothing in his desk that would prove the captain was a traitor. She was just about to close the drawer when she had the idea that maybe there was something hidden under the drawer. Deciding to take one more look, Poppy pulled out the drawer. She still did not see anything until she flipped the drawer over and sure enough an envelope was taped to the bottom. Pulling the letter from the bottom of the drawer Poppy held it up to the light streaming in through a porthole. Trying to look through the envelope revealed only a few words, but it was enough for her. The letter was addressed to some pony named Iron Clad. The few words she could make out detailed the operational areas of each warship hunting down pirates and to avoid those coordinates. It was everything that the commander had said in his notes. As she continued to try and make out more of the letter a knock came through the door followed by a voice calling for her to report to the captain in fifteen minutes. Panicking Poppy quickly placed the letter back in its hiding place and left the cabin. Making her way back to her quarters Poppy put on her uniform from where she had left it the night before. Before leaving her cabin Poppy checked her appearance in the mirror. She still could see the glow around her. While the natural glow made her feel amazing her fur was scraggled. Realizing she could not go out looking the way she did. Poppy grabbed the comb off the vanity. With the brush in her mouth Poppy took a few minutes slowly brushing through her fur. With a few minutes till she needed to report to the main deck Poppy decided to get some breakfast plus she was hoping to find the doctor there as well.

The ships galley was busy as usual. The crew was eating their breakfast before they would have to report to duty. Poppy was disappointed to find the officer's table was only occupied by Corporal Intercept. Poppy grabbed a cup of coffee deciding to skip the vegetarian eggs. Poppy sat down opposite the private.

“Good Moring private. How are you doing?” Poppy asked.

“I am doing well though I don’t like being couped up on a ship.” He said. Giving her a rather sad smile.

Poppy knew that it must be hard for a pegasus to be cramped up in a ship. Poppy tried to cheer up the poor private but it was obvious the only thing that was going to brighten his day would be a long flight in the open air. Once Poppy had finished her coffee, she excused herself from the private's company. He barely even acknowledged her as she got up and left.

Poppy walked through the ship on her way up to the hatch that led out onto the ship's main deck. Stepping out onto the main deck Poppy was forced to shield her eyes from the blinding sunlight. It took a moment before her eyes had adjusted to the sun. Looking up towards the quarter deck Poppy spotted the captain talking to Sergeant Storm Surge. Poppy trotted up to the wheel where Captain Compass greeted her with a dip of his head. Poppy picked up the spyglass that was sticking out of the helm's ponies saddle bag. Looking through the polished metal tube poppy turned it out to the east before making a sweeping motion towards the west. There was nothing but open sea in every direction. Lowering the spy glass from her eye Poppy returned it to the helm's ponies saddlebag.

With nothing for her to do Poppy turned her attention to the conversation that Captain Compass and seargent were having. Poppy found their conversation concerning. It turned out that they had nearly been spotted by a Storm King ship during the night. Poppy realized that that’s why the captain had not been there in bed with her when she had woken up.

“Ship on the starboard bow!!” Yelled the lookout from the crow's nest. Everypony on the main deck stopped what they were doing and there was a wave of silence that overtook the ship. The captain and the sergeant both turned as Poppy did towards where the lookout was now pointing with his talons.

Poppy retrieved the spy glass from the helms pony again. Adjusting the optics Poppy looked through the glass eye piece. A ship suddenly sprang into view, its details were still hazy at such a distance, but Poppy could tell it was heading towards them. Lowering the spyglass, Poppy turned to look to the captain. He was still looking out of his own spyglass that he had retrieved from his sash that he wore across his barrel.

“What is it captain?” Poppy asked concern lacing her voice.

“I believe it’s a gunboat Mrs. Poppy.”

“What is your orders captain?” Asked the helms pony.

The captain was silent for a moment before ordering the ship to battle stations.

“Set a course to intercept Mr. Whirlpool.

“Mrs. Poppy please get below deck to your gun crew. Try your best to have the gun crews aim low. We need to sink that ship as fast as possible. If she is given a chance to run, they will report we are heading towards their fortress.”

“Of course, Captain.” Poppy replied snapping off a quick salute.

Poppy galloped down to the gun deck to take her position on the gun deck. The gun crews were already loading their guns as she took her spot at the bow end of the deck. Poppy started shouting orders to aim low at the gun boat's waterline. Poppy checked in with each of the gun crews making sure they were ready. A sailor ran up to Poppy from above deck. He relayed that the Crystal Palace was now within one mile and the captain was turning for a long range broadside. Poppy acknowledged the message before sending him back to the captain that her crew was ready. Within a minutes Poppy could hear the sounds of drums from the main deck. Poppy's heart began to thump in her chest. Poppy knew her crew was ready, but she still decided to check each gun one more time. The sounds of splashing began to be heard outside the hull.

Captain Compass maneuvered the Crystal Palace closer and closer to the enemy gun ship. So far, the enemies' fire was falling short of the Crystal Palace. When the two ships were within 200 yards, Poppy ordered her ponies to take aim and fire. Within seconds she heard the cannon ports swing open and the first volleys of cannon fire. The smoke was incredible in the cramped confines of the gundeck. Watching out the porthole near where she was standing Poppy watched as the seargent led the airwing across the distance towards the pirate ship. The pegasi were armed with hoof blades and cutlases. Poppy watched as they dove out of the sky, the sergeant and private intercept were leading the fliers down. The airwing went for the ropes and sails of the gunboat. Their first pass took down the ship's main sail and many of its rigging lines. The pirates knew how to defend against equestrian naval tactics. As the flier's came in close for another pass the pirates showed their skills with small arms fire. Small puffs of smoke began to billow up from the deck of the pirate ship as volleys of musket fire were shot in the direction of the attacking pegasi. Several shots hit one of the peagasi. The crippled pegasus came crashing back towards the Crystal Palace. Poppy could not see if he made it back to the ship but from the sounds of shouting above deck, she figured he had got caught in the Crystal Palaces rigging. The rest of the fliers continued to harass the gunboat but not without taking a few more wounded themselves. The airwing returned to the Crystal Palace from where Poppy was watching. She could see several of them were being supported by their fellow sailors.

The wounded passed through the gun deck on their way to the ship's surgery. One of the ponies was carried on a stretcher. Popp could see that a bullet had gone right through the muscle that attached the wing of his barrel. The wound was bleeding profusely, and the doctor was working fast using his magic to help clot the wound. The pegasus was groaning and withering in pain as the doctor continued to apply pressure on the wound.

Poppys eyes were watering and stung from the black smoke from the cannon fire.

“Keep it up. We have them now.” She bellowed at the gun crews.

The pirate ship continued firing as the two ships circled each other. The gundeck had now taken several hits. One had hit a few feet from where Poppy was standing. The shell had torn through the ship's hull creating a pony size hole. Poppy yelled to the remaining gun crew to keep firing. She then turned to the messenger who had returned from the main deck to relay another message. Poppy ordered him to get one of the overturned guns upright. He nodded before grabbing two other ponies that had been moving munitions to the gun crews to help him. The three ponies managed to turn one of the guns back upright with some effort. The two munition ponies went back to their work as Poppy took a spot next to the young stallion messenger. The two ponies worked to load the gun. It was a job normally requiring a third but the two managed to load the gun just as the pirate ship fired again. The enemy shell exploded as it came into contact with the hull of the Crystal Palace. The shell had been filled with scatter shot. The small steel balls sprayed the deck hitting Poppys and some of the gunners. Poppy watched as blood began to pool around some of the wounded. A few of the injured managed to scramble back to their hooves and through determination and force of will began to reload their guns ignoring their wounds.

Poppy started to feel warm liquid pooling around her hooves. Sparing a second to look down Poppy saw red liquid all over her hooves. Suddenly she started to feel lightheaded. Looking at herself, her eyes widened in alarm at the sight of the red blotch where one small shells from the canister shot had ripped through her hip. The wound was bleeding with a small stream of blood running down her rear leg. They had to keep the pressure on the enemy, or they would be sunk so Poppy called out for a medic. A donkey medic galloped up to her side. The burro did his best to rap her wound up as she lifted a cannon ball up to the mouth of the cannon. The cannonball rolled down the inside of the cannon. The private finished loading the gun by stuffing the cotton wad down the barrel. Poppy lit a match and the fuse. The cannon fired. The sound was deafening, and the vibrations shook her body irritating her torn hip. The two ponies worked reloading the gun and firing again. Every motion and movement of her body was painful, but Poppy gritted her teeth and pushed the pain to the back of her mind.

As the next cannon volley was fired there was a loud explosion and the Crystal Palace rocked violently from the blast. Poppy nearly lost her footing but managed to stay upright. Looking out the hole that had been blasted into the side of the hull Poppy watched as the enemy gun boat was racked by another explosion. “Hold your fire.” Poppy ordered. The roar of the cannons died down leaving an eerie silence. “Hold steady every pony” She ordered. Poppy continued to look through the haze of smoke from gun powder. The silence continued until Poppy heard the cheering from the main deck. The cheers spread throughout the ship and Poppy felt herself being swept up in the victory.

Chapter fourteen

When the shooting had ended Poppy needed help getting down to the surgery to have her wound looked at. During the battle the wound had refused to clot, and Poppy was beginning to have a hard time concentrating from the lack of blood. The messenger that she had been fighting with had helped keep her upright until she had made it to the doctor's office. Before the stallion left Poppy ordered him to get damage control started and to have someone check below deck for any damage. The stallion nodded before trotting off to deliver her orders.

The doctor's office was a mess with wounded lining the walls of the cramped space. Most of the ponies were from the air wing who had taken nearly fifty percent casualty rate. The doctor was rushing around using his magic to help seal wounds and help with healing. The doctor had just finished with the private that Poppy had seen earlier before coming over to where Poppy was leaning against one of the exam tables.

“So, what the problem?” The doctor asked as he inspected her hip. Poppy winced as he levitated the wrappings off the hole in her flesh. The wound was still seeping a steady stream of blood coating her lime green fur in a dark red hue. The doctor seemed unfazed by the injury. His horn lighting up. Poppy felt the magic surrounding her injury. When the magic aurora stopped the wound had been closed and most of the pain had faded.

“Mrs. Poppy?” Came the captain's voice from the entrance to the surgery. Poppy motioned him over to where she was lying on the exam bed.

“I need you on the main deck were going to see if there are any survivors.”

“Captain, Mrs. Poppy was hit by shrapnel in the hip and has lost a lot of blood.” Poppy could see that the doctor was not happy with the captain coming into his surgery and asking for a wounded sailor to go back to work.

Poppy understood the doctor's position, but she needed to keep doing what the captain needed so she could stay close to him. Poppy pushed herself upon the exam bed. She still felt lightheaded but better.

"Mrs. Poppy I strongly recommend you stay here.” The doctor said.

“Thanks for your concern doctor but I will be fine.” Poppy said with confidence. That confidence did not last long though as she started to walk towards the hallway and felt herself swaying back and forth with each step. Poppy took a deep breath to steady herself. When she felt some of her balance return, she finished her trot up to the main deck. The seargent was on deck waiting with a spyglass surveying the debris of the former gunboat. They shared a look as she approached. He returned the gesture with a quick nod. The two ponies shared a few quick words before Poppy turned back to the main deck where a longboat with two sailors was being prepared to look for survivors and any usable supplies. Poppy joined the crew on the longboat being careful not to agitate her wounded hip. The crew on deck pushed the longboat over the side of the Crystal Palace before lowering the small craft into the water.

The long boat waded through the chunks of wood and other debris that had once been part of the pirate gunboat. Two of the crews pegasi flew low over the water scouting for anything important. Poppy's ears twitched when she heard a sound from somewhere ahead. Swiveling her ears in the direction of the sound, Poppy strained to hear where in the debris the sound was coming from.

Poppy yelled up to the two pegasus that she had heard something. The two swooped low as Poppy pointed in the direction where she thought the sound was coming from. The two nodded as they flew over the long boat before swooping high into the air. The two circled over the area ahead of the long boat. After a few slow circles over the water the ponies dove down to the water's surface after a moment they reappeared carrying a small creature in their forelegs. The two slowly glided over till they landed on the boat. The creature turned out to be a small unicorn colt, probably no more than 5 or 6 years old. The colt had a bright blue coat with a black mane. He was shivering from the freezing cold ocean water that had soaked into his fur. The colt also had numerus small cuts and abrasions that he had probably received during the battle. Poppy wrapped his shaking form up in a blanket. The colt held the blanket close to himself. Once he was sufficiently wrapped Poppy checked on his injuries to make sure none needed immediate medical attention. While the number of cuts was significant none appeared to be too serious. Poppy ordered for the two pegasi to return to the ship and let the doctor know that he would have a patient when they returned. The two pegasi saluted before flying back to the Crystal Palace. Poppy tried her best to look reassuringly at the colt to let him know it would be ok, but smile did not have the desired effect she was hoping for. She figured her still bloody flank and dirty uniform probably did not help any. The colt moved back when he noticed her looking at him. The colt then without warning lunged into her forelegs. He nuzzled into her barrel. She could feel him still shivering as he held onto her. Poppy was taken back by his sudden change in attitude but decided it was best to just hold on to him.

As they approached the Crystal Palace Poppy tried to pull the colt off her barrel so they would be able to climb on board, but the colt seemed quite content to bury himself deeper into Poppy's fur. The two crew ponies maneuvered the longboat against the hull of the Crystal Palace where the Doctor was waiting at the rail with the captain. A rope was lowered down from the main deck. The two crew ponies grabbed the rope in their hooves and tied it to the T brace on the longboat. Poppy tried to get the colt to let go of her, but he seemed oblivious to the world snuggling into her warmth. Poppy called up to the deck for the captain to use his magic to levitate the colt to the deck. The captain responded by lighting up his horn. His magic took hold of the colt who resisted the effort by grabbing harder onto Poppy. With swift tug the captain yanked the now screaming colt off and levitated him onto the deck. With the colt on deck Poppy was free to climb up to the deck. Poppy grabbed onto the rope in her teeth and rear legs before slowly shimming her way up to the deck. By the time Poppy had climbed over the rail and onto the deck the colt was crying while the doctor did his best to exam him. When he noticed Poppy climb over the rail, he galloped into her embrace. His screaming subsided to just a whimper in Poppy's fur. Poppy smiled wrapping her right foreleg around him.

“I see I will need you to help with an exam. If you don’t mind Mrs. Poppy carrying him to the infirmary.” The doctor said smiling at the two of them.

“Of course, doctor.” She answered. Poppy gently lifted the colt and lowered him onto her back. The colt did not resist being moved and instead curled up into a ball on her lime green back.

When she was sure that the colt was settled Poppy followed the doctor to the ship's surgery. The wounded ponies from the battle had been moved to their cabins by the time Poppy walked in with the little pony. Walking up to the exam table with the doctor Poppy tried to get the colt off her back but just like before he refused to go. With a long tired sigh, the doctor did his best to examine the colt from where he was now. When the doctor had finished his exam, he fetched a small kettle from his desk and put it on the small magical fire that he normally used to sterilize his equipment. The doctor filled the kettle with some powdered coco and milk. The magical green flames brought the mixture but to a boil. When the doctor was certain it was ready, he poured the coco into a mug.

The colt was now watching the doctor with a look of both fear and excitement as he watched the steaming mug in his hooves.

“Doctor will he be alright? He still shaking quite a bit?” He did not answer right away.
With three mugs held in his magical field he trotted over to the two waiting ponies. He levitated the first mug to Poppy who struggled to grab the mug with her hoof while also balancing the colt on her back. The doctor then levitated the mug up to the colt who grabbed at it eagerly in his tiny hooves. Poppy heard the little pony on her back gulping down the liquid with gusto. It made her smile when the doctor seemed to panic that he would drown himself in the liquid chocolate.

“Slow down little one.” The doctor said.

The doctor turned to Poppy who still wore a rather worried expression on her face. The doctor smiled at her.

“It's shock Mrs. Poppy, pure and simple. As long as he stays warm for the next few hours, I think she will make a full recovery.” Relief washed over her instantly. She felt so much better knowing that she would not be responsible for hurting such a little pony. Knowing that he would be fine she turned her head nuzzling the little colt who had finished his hot chocolate and was now staring at the doctor. The doctor knew what he wanted and levitated the kettle over pouring the last of its contents into the colts' mug.

“So little one.” Poppy asked.

“What's your name?”

He looked up at her. His eyes widened into saucers. Even though he had started to open up more. He still said nothing.

“It's ok little one. Take your time. She cooed.

He took a deep breath and with all the courage his little body could muster he answered her.

“My name is Cursed Winds.” He said looking up at her and then to the doctor.
Poppy smiled at him.

“Well now. It’s a pleasure to meet you Cursed Winds” The Colt beamed at her snuggling once again into her coat.

“Cursed winds now that is a unique name you have there.” The Doctor said.

Cursed Winds did not hear the doctor as he drifted off to sleep.

Before long the doctor and Poppy could hear the colt's snoring. Not wanting to disturb Cursed Winds any further, Poppy made her way to her cabin. With some effort she managed to remove the sleeping colt from her back. Placing him on the bed. She rapped him tightly in the silk blankets. She felt sorry for the little colt. She stroked his mane a few times before getting up and leaving him to sleep.

During the battle the ship suffered some minor damage. The crew was already making quick work repairing the damage from the battle. Poppy found herself sitting with the captain and the other officers discussing the ship's next course. They had been unable to find any other survivors from the gunboat. The captain wanted to talk with Cursed Winds and see if he knew anything about the missing crew. Poppy was, however, reluctant to let the captain interrogate him. She knew however that Cursed Winds had the information they needed. Cursed Winds was still sleeping in her quarters. The officers under persistence from the captain agreed that they needed to wake the colt to see if any information could be gathered. Poppy went to go fetch him. She found him still sleeping on her bed right where she had left him.

“Cursed Winds.” Poppy said trying to wake the unicorn colt.

After a moment he started to stir. Stretching, he looked around for a moment. His eyes landed on Poppy after a moment. He quickly panicked, throwing himself against the bulkhead of the ship.

“It's ok Cursed Winds.” She said.

“Do you remember what happened yesterday?”

He seemed to think about it. His nose scrunched up in thought. After a few seconds he seemed to remember.

“Do you remember now?” She asked.

He shook his head before cautiously walking on the bed towards her. Poppy stood up on her hind legs so he could bury himself in her warmth.

“Cursed Winds.” She said hesitantly.

“The captain would like to talk with you. Do you feel up to meeting him?” The colt nodded his head.

“Good. Would you like to ride on my back?” She asked him.

The colt again nodded his head. Poppy lowered herself to the height of the bed so he could climb onto her back. Once he had found a comfy spot he reached around her neck as she rose. The two made their way to the captain's cabin. When they entered all eyes turned towards the two of them. This seemed to frighten the colt as he pressed his face into her neck.

“It's alright your safe.” She said soothingly. The little colt looked around again. His ears stayed flattened against his skull as he looked at each of the officers. His eyes finally landed back on the captain. The captain tried his best to smile but the colt did not find much comfort in this. The colt continued to stare at the captain. His eyes roamed nervously until he noticed the captain's medals dangling from his uniform. The captain noticed his gaze. He unclipped one of the medals and levitated it over into the colt's waiting hooves. Cursed Winds looked at the medal with wide eyes. Finally, the captain spoke breaking the cute scene playing out on Poppys back.

“So Cursed Winds.” The captain started.

“How did you end up onboard that ship?” Cursed Winds shrunk back a little. He still had the medal in his hooves and was staring down at it. Poppy could tell that he was never going to answer the captain, not without some encouragement.

“Doctor would you by chance still have some of that liquid courage you gave our friend yesterday?” She asked.

The Doctor smiled. “Yes. I think I can make another batch. If our friend here agrees to talk.” The colt nodded his head vigorously. The doctor got up and left the room. After a few moments he returned with a large mug of hot chocolate. “There we go little one. Now can you answer the captain's questions?” He asked.

The captain began again asking his questions and the little colt took his time answering. Eventually the colt was able to tell his story. He explained that his ship the Empress of the Sea had been sunk by one of the Storm Kings ships. He told the story of how the pirates had taken him prisoner and the others onboard their ship prisoner. The captain was not surprised by this by the colt's story. It was a well known fact that many colts and fillies from captured merchant vessels are taken prisoner and used as forced labor.

“The colt explained how he and his father had been traveling with the famous author A.K Yearling. The three had all been passengers onboard the empress which was steaming towards the port of Dear Hollow. Poppy knew well the ship that the colt described. It was part of the Empress Lines, a small but well respected merchant company operating in the northern part of Equestria. Its vessels were primarily ships designed to be able to cut through ice. The colt described how the pirate ship had come out of nowhere and attacked them. As the captain continued to ask him questions it became apparent that he was holding something back. When the captain asked what happened to his father and Miss. Yearling that’s when the colt became quiet. “Cursed Winds.” Poppy said nuzzling the colt.

Tears began to fall down his cheeks.

“What happened to them.” The captain asked again.

“They shot my daddy.” He said.

Cursed Winds began to shake as his tears fell like a river down his cheek. “Please I just want to go home.” He cried.

“I know Cursed Winds but we can’t. I am sorry.” She said nuzzling his cheek again.

“I Just have one more question for you.” He said.

“Were you ever taken to the pirate hideout?” He asked.

The colt explained that he had never been to the pirate island but had heard quite a few things. It turned out that the colt had been the captain's cabin boy and had been inside the cabin during their meetings. Cursed Winds talked about how he had overheard them talking about a fortress. At hearing about the fortress, the captain began to ask more about its makeup and any details the colt had overheard. Cursed Winds unfortunately did not know much about the fortress's defenses, but he had heard that the bay it was in was guarded by a large ship. The pirates had said the ship was there because some cargo they feared would be taken was there.

Poppy assumed this cargo might be the captured crew ponies. She figured the pirates probably sold them into service overseas and so called them cargo.

The captain asked if he had by chance overheard the name of the big ship. He had and the captain seemed to recognize its name.

“Excuse me captain.” Poppy asked.

The captain turned towards her.

“Yes Mrs. Poppy.”

“I wanted to know it seems that you have heard of the ship guarding the cove.” The captain nodded at her. He explained the ship was known by Equestrian Intelligence Service. The ship was massive and was one of the best armed ships in the former Storm King Navy. The Dark Destroyer he explained had a type of metal armor that made the Crystal Palaces guns useless.

Poppy thought back to all of the Commanders notes and the paperwork that he had from the Euquestrian Intelligence Service and she could not think of a single mention of this warship. Poppy knew it was possible that the captain had access to more information than the commander, but it seemed unlikely. So, it concerned her that the captain knew so much about the ship unless he was one of them.

When the captain had exhausted all his questions, he let Poppy take the colt back to her cabin. After she had put him to bed, she came back to the captain's cabin where she found him pulling a chest from his safe. The captain opened the chest and pulled out several rolled-up maps. He laid the maps on his table. Each map was marked with for captain’s eyes only. He unfurled the maps. The maps had markings on them. Poppy recognized some as the same ones she had scene when going through the commanders papers. The captain sorted through the maps till he found one with a chain of islands on it.

“This my friends is where our missing crew is.” He said, pointing at the island.
The crew spent the next few hours going over the charts of the island. They came up with a plan. The plan featured the crews still uninjured pegasi dropping off Poppy and the captain as well as Seargent Storm Surge. They would all be dropped off deep in the jungle where they would then hoof it to the fortresses south end. Assuming all went well the Crystal Palace would launch its long boats to the far side of the island where they would be waiting to pick them up. If all went well, they would be in and out in less than a few hours.

The hour was getting late so the captain dismissed the officers. Poppy decided to grab a snack in the ship's galley for herself and to see if they had anything that Cursed Winds might like. At this time the galley was empty of all but a few of the kitchen staff. Poppy grabbed herself some cider and fruit juice for Cursed Winds. The galley unfortunately had no food, so she took the drinks back to her cabin. Cursed Winds sat up as she entered the cabin. Poppy set her mug on the desk before hoofing the small juice carton to Cursed Winds. He took the small straw in his mouth drinking it with a few loud slurping sounds. Poppy laughed at the sight when the little colt finished his juice with one last loud slurp. Poppy took the carton from him and set it down next to her mug. Poppy then took out her pack and pulled out her journal. Taking the journal Poppy took her seat at the desk. She took a few sips from the cider mug. The cider was strong, and Poppy coughed a little at the burn in her throat. Picking up her pencil Poppy began to write in her journal.

Day 45

We Picked up a passenger today. A little foal by the name of Cursed Winds although his arrival was under less than great circumstances. The captain asked the poor colt questions about the defenses of the pirate's fortress. Cursed Winds as able gave us some information about the makeup of the pirates' defenses. I am not sure about the captain's plans to rescue the captive crew. I hope I am wrong, and this will not be my last entry but just in case I have left a letter under my mattress. Please give the letter to Well Kept at the Equestrian Botanical Society.

Poppy put down her pen and closed her journal. Turning around, Poppy found Cursed Winds curled up fast asleep on top of the blankets. Poppy smiled at him it was just such a cute site. Getting up Poppy walked over to the bed. Slipping off her uniform Poppy nudged the sleeping foal over with her muzzle before climbing into the bed with him. The bed luckily was very large and there was plenty of room for them both.

Chapter Fifteen

The next morning there was a knock on the cabin door. A pony was standing outside her cabin. Poppy turned over in bed where Cursed Winds was still fast asleep next to her. Being careful not to wake him, Poppy climbed out of bed and walked over to her cabin door. Opening her door Poppy found a crew pony waiting to tell her that she was wanted on the quarterdeck by the captain. Poppy told the sailor to let the captain know she would be there in a few minutes. The stallion saluted her before trotting off to let the captain know. When the stallion had begun his climb up to the gun deck Poppy closed her cabin door. Back inside her cabin Poppy checked that Cursed Winds was still sleeping before taking a seat in front of her mirror. Poppy cleaned herself up before placing her uniform on and trotting out to meet the captain. On her way to see the captain Poppy trotted through the gun deck. The repair crews had made good progress on making the necessary repairs to the planking. The large holes in the deck had been patched with new timbers. The cannons had been remounted on their turrets and the munitions had been restocked by each cannon ready for use. Poppy inspected each cannon as she walked by. Though she knew little about what she was looking for Poppy thought it still was good for her crew to feel that she did.

Up on deck Poppy found most of the crew standing near the bow looking out towards a speck of land on the horizon. The captain was on the quarter deck with Seargent Storm Surge. Both officers had spyglasses and were looking towards the island. Poppy trotted up to the quarter deck and fetched the extra spyglass from the helms pony. Looking towards the island herself Poppy could clearly make out the massive warship blocking the bay that made up this side of the pirate island. With the island in sight the captain initiated the plan to rescue the crew. The first part of the plan would be put into effect at night fall until then the crew was to prepare the supplies that they needed.

The hours till night were some of the tensest most anxious Poppy had ever experienced in her life. When night had finally fallen the pegasi were already on deck with the supplies. The rescue team needed six of the crews pegasi to help carry all the supplies and passengers. The two pegasi carrying passengers were well toned and some of the largest pegasi Poppy had ever seen. Pegasi were normally small and known for their speed. Even some pegasi stallions were smaller than many earth pony mares but these pegasi made Poppy feel like she was standing next to one of the princesses. The pegasi that was to carry Poppy had a dark blue coat with a nearly similarly colored mane. The flyer knelt low so Poppy could climb up onto his back. Poppy could feel his muscles under the stallion's coat. With every pony safely on the backs of the two pegasi the flyers pumped their powerful wings and took off. The darkness of night made flying low above the jungle difficult, but the waning moon provided just enough light to reduce the dangers of flying so low. The two pegasi carrying Poppy and the captain landed first in a small clearing a few miles from the pirate fortress. The rest of the pegasi landed with Seargent Storm Surge bringing up the rear. When they had secured the clearing the crew began to unpack their supplies. They had brought with them a hoof full of weapons, water, and food. The pegasi had also brought with them wing blades for use in close quarters combat.

The squad made their way slowly through the dense jungle towards the pirate compound. Poppy's nerves were starting to build up as they drew closer to the compound. Taking several deep breaths, Poppy tried her best to relax. The group made good progress through the jungle thanks to the wing blades that the pegasi were using to cut the vines. About half a mile from the fortress compound the group discovered a creek nestled in a small crevasse. The temperature here was much cooler than the rest of the jungle. The cooler air caused a chill to run up Poppy spine, but the coolness also helped Poppy feel just a bit more relaxed. The captain decided that it would make a good spot to set up camp and wait until the first light. The crew worked in silence setting up their tents and gear. Poppy asked the captain if she could start a fire, but he said they were too close to the pirates and they could not risk being spotted so with no fire Poppy snuggled into her sleeping bag and did her best to stay warm.

When the sun first began to peak over the horizon the next morning the crew was already awake. The captain had set up a small cooking fire for their breakfast. The fire was made of dried stick to help prevent any smoke. Poppy had helped the captain prepare their food for the rest of the crew. Their breakfast consisted of two eggs, a fried carrot and some military instant coffee. Breakfast went by fast and soon they had packed up their camp. Most of the gear would be left behind with only mission essential items being taken the rest of the way.

The next phase of the plan was to wait until they scene a red flare in the sky, this would signal that the Crystal Palace had started the second phase of their plan. This phase was to have the Crystal Palace provided suppressive fire against the fortress hopefully causing the pirates to leave the jungle side of the fortress to help protect the front. If this part, went well, it would leave the rear wall undefended. The squad would then attempt to climb over the wall and take up several positions along its top.

The squad waited until they heard the distant roar of cannon fire and then the red flare. With the signal given the squad galloped from the jungle. Two of the pegasi were first to the wall. They jumped up before flapping their wings till they landed on the top. There was a moment of silence where the ponies on the ground waited. After a few long seconds the two dropped ropes down to Poppy and the captain. The climb up the wall would have been extremely challenging under normal circumstances but on top of everything they had to be fast and quiet. It was nearly impossible for a pony to climb so a special harness had been created to assist with the effort. Seargent Storm Surge helped strap Poppy in before helping the captain. Once she and the captain had their harness secured the two pegasi on the ramparts began to pull them up. The four other pegasi guarded the rear. Once Poppy and the captain had made it to the top of the wall the others flew up to meet them. The Seargent was the last one up the wall. He carried with him their packs and weapons. With all of them safely on the rampart they broke out the equipment and extra ammunition from the packs. With the supplies distributed to every pony the group began to split up into three groups. The first group was to find and rescue the prisoners, another group was to secure a position over the front gate so they could protect the prisoners as they fled, and the final group was to take a position where they now stood on the rear wall. Their position was to help any of the nonfliers down the wall. After they were over the wall the group was to trudge the few miles to where the Crystal Palace was to have its long boats waiting to pick everyone up.

Poppy was to lead the rescue mission while the captain would cover their retreat from the front gate. Poppy guided the two pegasi towards a guard tower which held stairs that would allow them to reach the ground. The towers guard had vacated his post to help the gun crews leaving Poppy and the others with no resistance when they entered the tower. The tight space inside the was filled with abandoned equipment that the guard had left behind this included a long boar rifle as well as some other assorted equipment. The center of the tower housed the stairs that spiraled down. The three made their way down the stairs so far, they had moved undetected but now they heard hooves on stone coming up the stairs towards them. The two pegasi behind Poppy drew out their short swords but Poppy gestured for them to hold back. As the sound grew closer Poppy turned her flank towards the sound and at just the right moment she reared back, and her hooves shot out like bolts of lightning striking the returning guard square on his jaw. The guard went tumbling back down the stairs flailing like a ragdoll. The three of them waited for a second listening for any other sounds. When they heard nothing, they walked further down the stairs. At the bottom they found the limp form of the guard lying in the small entry way of the stairs. Poppy checked that he was still breathing and with a breath of relief Poppy felt his chest rise and fall. Poppy knew that the pirates would not hesitate to kill her, but she did not want to take life if she didn't have to. Poking her head out of the door she could hear that the cannon fire from the Crystal Palace had stopped. Looking around Poppy watched the pirates taking up their positions along the wall again. As she continued to look around Poppy noticed a door leading into the stone facade of the fortress. For them to make it to the door they would need to cross a small open area where they would be visible to any number of guards on the wall. If they were fast and the door was not locked, they could remain unseen but if even one of the guards noticed them, they would most likely be shot.

Poppy ran to the door first. Trying the handle with her hoof she found it unlocked. Suspicious as she thought that was, she had no time to think about it, instead Poppy gestured for the two crew ponies to follow her. The three of them entered the room. The space was dark and unlit. One of the pegasi used a match to provide some light. The flickering flame revealed that they were not in a room but a hallway that went off in two directions. In front of the group was a heavy steel door. Poppy placed her ear up to the cold steel door. She could not hear any sounds on the other side so Poppy nodded to the two crewponies before she tried the door handle. Unlike the last door this one was locked. Poppy had to use her strength by turning to buck into the hard steel door. It took her several tries, but the lock snapped and the steel door opened. With the door open Poppy poked her head into the room. This room was a small storage space of some kind. There appeared to be nobody inside so Poppy gestured for them the rest of her squad to follow her inside. As they made their way through the doorway Poppy drew her Colt revolver pulling back the hammer as she kept it pointed towards yet another door. This door was wooden and not reinforced. Poppy figured this door lead into the fortress proper. The group made their way across the room taking up new positions behind the crates that littered the floor.

Just as before Poppy went up to the door. The two pegasi flanking it on either side. Poppy felt that caution was still warranted as it was strange for things to go so well for so long and the thing was, she was right. Just like the last door, Poppy leaned her ear against the door but just as her head met the cold wood, she immediately heard the danger on the other side. Before she had a chance to warn the others the door swung violently open throwing Poppy to the ground with a hard thud, her head hit the ground causing her vision to darken. Poppy tried to clamber back to her hooves, but her head was swimming and darkness was creeping into her vision. She could feel the warmth of blood running down the backside of her head from a new cut that was now bleeding profusely. Climbing back to her hooves again Poppy wobbled at first but with a few breaths her vision started to clear. Looking around she could see several dozen pirates had streamed through the open doorway and were engaged in trying to kill the two pegasi. Poppy tried reaching for her revolver but quickly realized that when the door had hit her, she had lost the gun. Poppy scanned the area desperately for the gun but could not see it anywhere. Without the revolver she was forced to draw her cutlass. Looking around for the two pegasi she found them fighting with their own short swords and wing blades trying to hold back the pirates. With her cutlass in hoof Poppy charged towards the two pegasi. One of the pirates attacking the two fliers turned to face her charge. Before he could bring his cutlass down in a swipe, she barreled into him. He and his sword went flying back against a crate. The pirate tried to rise however his movements caused one of the crates he had hit to fall on top of him with a sickening crack. With the first pirate down Poppy turned her attention back towards the other pirates. Poppy could no longer get to the two pegusi as more pirates had swarmed around them. The odds were becoming increasingly glum and when one of the pirate's swords cut through the chest of one of the pegasi, she realized that they needed to retreat. Looking at the remaining pegasus she realized that she could not reach him.

“I can't get to you.” She yelled just as a pirate made a lunging attack at her. Poppy ducked the attack before bringing her own weapon to bare on the pirates exposed back.

The pegasus knew that he was not going to escape alive and so just he yelled for her to leave him. Poppy wasted no time sheathing her sword before choosing her moment to charge through two pirates that were blocking her escape. Once outside the room Poppy stopped rearing back on hindlegs just as two pirates galloped through the door. Both of her hooves making contact with their chests. The two were sent barreling into two more pirates that were just behind them. With her exit cleared Poppy galloped towards the guard tower stairs. Poppy's head swiveled when she her the sound of gunfire. Looking in the direction of the sounds she could see Seargent Storm Surge and his two other pegasi fighting wingtip to wingtip trying to keep about thirty pirates back. With no time to look back towards the captain's position Poppy quickly galloped up the spiraling stairs and into the guard tower. At the top of the stairs Poppy looked through a small window and across the compound. From where she was, she could see something almost unthinkable. Poppy watched as the captain's fliers were being led away in hoof cuffs. Poppy franticly looked around for the captain but could not see him anywhere. Poppy felt a sudden tinge of fear that he may have been killed but that feeling was quickly dashed and replaced with rage when he emerged from behind two large pirates. Poppy instantly noticed that he looked different. The first thing that was different was his blue crystal navy uniform was gone, in its place he wore the black robes of a pirate. The next thing she noticed was he was not being led away in chains, instead he was leading from the front pf the group.

Watching quietly from her position; he appeared to be barking out orders to the pirates following him. Poppy's worst suspicions had been proved right. The captain had betrayed her, his crew, and the empire. Before she had a chance to process everything there was yelling from behind her. The door that she had barred shut was starting to buckle as pirates pounded on it. There was no time to think. The captain had betrayed them and so she needed to flee. Taking one last glimpse to where Sergent Storm Surge had been making his stand Poppy could no longer see him instead a mass of pirates had stormed his position. Realizing she was the only one left, Poppy galloped out of the guardhouse trying to make her way to a safe place to jump off the wall. Pirates were now covering every part of the wall as she ran. There was a sudden loud cracking sound from behind that told her that the pirates had busted through the guardhouse door. She was now surrounded on both sides. The pirates were closing in on her. The distant sound of pops and several pieces of small stone flew around her as her pace along the wall became frantic. From the captains position he and his pirates were now shooting at her. The pirates were just a few hoof lengths away from grabbing her taking one last deep breath Poppy lunged off the fortress wall not knowing where she was going to land. For a second Poppy felt like she could fly away like a pegasus but instead she hit the ground with a bone shattering crack. The feeling of the impact sent sharp pain through her whole body. Wincing in pain Poppy staggered for a moment pain shooting up her legs and into her hips and spine. For a moment she thought she had broken a leg, but she had no time to test it out because by now the pirates had gathered on the ramparts and were raining gunfire down around her. Gathering herself up she took off galloping into the jungle as fast as she could. The pain in her legs was unbearable but still she ran.

Chapter seventeen

Poppy woke up the next morning to freezing cold. She felt her body shivering from head to hoof. Looking around through her still gorgy morning vision, she found that the fire had gone out sometime during the night, Poppy also noticed that Daring was gone. Poppy figured that Daring must have got up before her and had gone out to get more firewood and after about thirty minutes Daring reappeared with two wings full of firewood. With the new firewood it was not long before the two were enjoying the crackling of the fire again.

Poppy insisted that they could not leave the crew of the Crystal Palace in the hooves of the pirates. The problem was they weren't exactly armed to take on a whole fortress of pirates. Daring had her lasso and a revolver. Poppy unfortunately only had her sword after losing her own revolver. The two ponies talked through the afternoon trying to formulate a plan. They decided that the best course of action was to go on a scouting mission. They both knew that the information Poppy had gathered during the first rescue attempt was worthless. The captain would have undoubtably changed the positions and rotation of the guards. The plan they came up with would have Poppy carried by Daring Do fly just above the juggle before dropping her inside the fortress walls. Daring would then take off to scout from the air while covering Poppy as she watched the guard's movements from within the fortress's walls. When it came to escaping Poppy planned on jumping from the fortress walls again knowing that she could make the leap. Every part of their plan required stealth. If either of them was to be seen, then the captain would just change the rotation of the guards again. The two would wait till night fall to set off so for now they continued to refine their plans.

As the sun set below the beyond the horizon Poppy totted back into the cave. She had been out foraging for some specific plants. The plants she had recovered were called nightshades. Daring watched as Poppy used one of pans in her survival kit and a rock to help her grind the leaves of the plants into a kind of paste.

“What are you doing?” Daring asked.

“I am grinding up nightshade leaves to use in a tea that will help us sea in the dark.” Poppy answered.

“Did you say nightshade? As in the plant that if you eat it will cause instant death. That nightshade.”

“Yes, that nightshade. I am surprised that my cutie mark did not give you a hint that I am good with plants. And in this case, I learned this trick in practice when I was working with a bat pony awhile back.”

Poppy added some water from Daring's canteen to the ground up leaves before placing the whole thing over the fire. The water was soon boiling. Poppy stirred the mixture for a few moments before pouring a little of the mixture into two bowls, one for each of them.

“Are you sure it's safe to drink?” Daring asked poking at the steaming bowl with her hoof.

Poppy nodded her head that it was safe before gesturing to drink it. Daring picked up the bowl, bringing it up to her nose. She took a sniff and was surprised to find it smelled good. With the smell check complete Daring brought the bowl to her lips. With one last look of encouragement from Poppy Daring took a large swig from the bowl. When nothing bad happened, Daring finished off her serving. Daring looked over to find Poppy staring at her with a big smile on her face.

“What?” Daring asked.

“You'll see.” Came Poppy answered.

After a moment Daring felt something odd. The feeling of warmth started in her stomach. The feeling was pleasant and soon she began to feel flush. The heat made her feel uncomfortable and before long the feeling of pleasure was replaced with a burning sensation. With the burning continuing to grow Daring grabbed her canteen and drank the whole thing down in a few gulps. Daring could feel the cold fresh water running down her throat cooling her off. Finally, the heat was gone, and Daring felt like herself again. Daring looked over at Poppy who was sitting on the log by the fire slowly sipping her own tea. Looking at Poppy Daring noticed that Poppy looked much more colorful in the dim light of the fire. Daring looked around noticing that as promised her vision had changed and she could now see the dark edges of the cave. Feeling better, Daring sat backdown beside Poppy waiting for her to feel ill from drinking her own nightshade tea. When nothing happened, Daring looked a little put out. Not so much for Poppy not feeling ill but because she had.

Poppy could feel Daring staring at her.

“I can feel you staring.” Poppy said.

“I am staring at you wondering why you did not warn me about the tea.” Poppy laughed.

“Well, if I had told you would not have drunk it.” She said.

Daring had to emit that she would not have. The unpleasantness was still fresh in her mind and the feeling of heat filling her up made her flush again.

“So.” She asked.

“Why didn’t you get sick?”

Poppy looked down at her mug swirling the contents around a few times.

“I spent a lot of time with a thestral mare named Blood Moon. She was the one who showed me how to make the tea and I guess at this point I am just use to the unpleasant feelings it creates.”

The adventurer could tell there was more to the story but by the way Poppy continued to stare at her empty bowl she decided not to press for more.
Daring snuffed out the fire by throwing sand over it. This startled Poppy from her thoughts. Looking around Poppy realized that the sun was beginning to go down and they needed to get moving. Stepping out of the cave the two ponies looked up into the rapidly darkening sky. The moon was only a sliver in the sky, hopefully this would help conceal their flight over the jungle. Turning to face Daring, Poppy found Daring looking back at her. The pegasus was crouching close to the ground. Poppy walked over to Daring before carefully climbing onto her back. Daring groaned a little under her weight but soon straightened up. Poppy held on tightly as Daring kept their altitude just above tree level. Poppy closed her eyes feeling the wind whip her mane as Daring sped through the sky. Poppy listened to Darings breathing as she flapped her wings increasing her speed with each flap.

The fortress rapidly came into view. Its menacing black walls absorbing what little moonlight that shone down on its surface A few hundred yards short of the fortress Daring slowed her flight. The two ponies looked for a clearing for her to land in. When they found a spot Daring dove down coming up just short of the ground. With a final flap of her wings, they landed. The next few hundred yards the two would have to walk on hoof. Daring took the lead as they trotted through the jungle. The small pegasus easily made it through the jungle's vegetation.

Daring could sense Poppy staring at her. Looking back over her shoulder she noticed Poppy eyes glued to her flank. A flash of crimson spread across her muzzle at seeing Poppy nearly trip over a root from staring at her rather than paying attention to where she was walking. Daring snickered at Poppy whose eyes met Darings for a second before quickly looking away.

“I noticed you taking in the view.” Daring said laughing just a bit.

“Well, the views on this island are spectacular.” Poppy said with a smirk.
The banter between the two did not last along as the black stone walls of the pirate fortress began to rise in front of them. Finding a thick spot of brush, the two stopped and knelt down both scanning the perimeter wall for any guards. The wall had several guards positioned at regular intervals. It appeared that Captain Compass had not beefed up security like Poppy had thought, she figured this was probably because he did not think she would come back alone. The two ponies turned to each other, Poppy mouthed stay safe. Daring nodded before she took to the air above the fortress. Poppy watched as Daring hovered high above the ground searching for anyway in that they could exploit.

Poppy continued to wait her heartbeats quicken every time a guard walked under where Daring was hovering. After what seemed like an eternity to Poppy Daring finally landed back by her side. Speaking in a hushed voice Daring explained that she found a place that was secluded inside the fortress walls where she could drop her off.
Poppy nodded her acknowledgement.

Daring lowered herself again to allow Poppy to get back on her back again. With a few beats of her wings the two ponies were over the wall before Daring landed near some metal drums. On the ground Poppy quickly scrambled off Daring taking up a position behind the drums. Daring took off again into the night again leaving Poppy all alone inside the fortress walls. For the next few hours Poppy sat only moving on occasion to a different vantage point. She sat and watched as the guards moved about the fortress walls. Poppy watched each of the guard's movements trying to find a hole in their patrols. All this time Daring had been watching from above. With the sun just about to peak over the horizon it was time for Poppy to signal Daring to pick her up. With the help of her night vision Daring was able to easily see Poppy when she began to wave her hoof in the air to signal her. Daring landed next to Poppy the two exchanged a few brief words before Poppy once again got on Darings back.

Once the two had settled back into the quiet of their hideout and the fire was lit they began to share what they had seen. Poppy used a stick to draw out a map of the routes of the guards before long a picture started to take shape. The pirates had for the most part covered every inch of the parameter with guards but as a flaw in their patterns became obvious. The flaw happened when the guards would walk by each other there would not be a short moment where a portion of the wall was not watched. The hole was large enough that the two could land on the wall without being seen. They figured that they would have enough time then to gain access to the guard tower that Poppy had used the day before to gain access to the fortress grounds. The other thing they had discovered during Daring's reconnaissance was that the pirates had no ponies in the sky. With the information they had they fine-tuned their plans. They still did not know where the pirates had everyone stashed but they figured that they had to be in the main structure. With their plan worked out the two decided to get some shut eye.

It was hard for Poppy to find sleep that night. The two had decided not to take a chance lighting a fire so the cave had become frigid. Poppy's mind was especially hard pressed to find sleep as she tossed and turned on the hard damp floor of the cave. The two mares had decided to share their only blanket, but it provided little warmth. Daring seemed to take notice of the shivering mare next to her inching closer she unfurled one of her golden wings and draped it over Poppy body. Poppy tensed at the contact for a moment. The horrible memory of Contrails death flashed through her mind. Poppy still felt the wound at what had happened, but it was cold, and freezing would not help anyone so instead of pulling away from Daring Poppy leaned into it letting the warmth help warm her. When Daring felt Poppy wiggle a little closer after draping her wing Daring decided to pull Poppy even closer, their chests now pressing together. A blush started to spread over Poppy's cheeks. The heat of their mingling bodies gave Poppy's heart flutters. They laid together for a while feeling each other's hearts flutter. For a brief second Poppy felt like she was in one of those romance novels her mom would read where the hero and the princess would get intimate when all seemed lost and sure enough Daring made a move towards her pressing their lips together. Startled by Darings sudden forwardness Poppy's mind went blank. Daring's kiss was long and deep. The heat in Poppy's cheeks felt warm. Closing her eyes, she leaned into the kiss showing her affection for the adventurer. Daring's lips tasted sweet as the moment made time stand still with the coldness of the cave long forgotten replaced by their heat. Their kiss only ended as the two mares finally needed to come up for air. Finally pulling away Poppy took a few deep breaths before opening her eyes. When she opened them, she saw Daring, her cheeks were flushed with heat. The kiss had been incredible and not wanting the moment to end Poppy wrapped her forehooves around the back of Darings head pulling her back in for another kiss. While the first one had some hesitation on her part this time Poppy embraced the moment. The kiss continued as Poppy cradled Daring's head with her hooves slowly stroking her mane. The two mares continued kissing and caressing each other, neither wanting the moment to end. It of course had to, both knew they needed to be ready for tomorrow and so with a sign they fell back into each other's embrace and drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Eighteen

The next evening brought with it the next part of their plan. Daring flapped her wings lifting into the sky Poppy clinging onto her back as they soared together over the treetops of the dark jungle below. Daring flew retracing their flight from the previous night. It was not long before the towering pirate fortress came into view, its dark walls absorbing the moon's light like obsidian rock.

The two ponies landed at the edge of the vegetation line that surrounded the fortress. The two took cover behind a bush. Poppy stayed on Darings back as they waited for just the right moment when the guards would not see them. Just like the night before, the guards walked back and forth along the walls, each one armed with a rifle. At the same moment as the night before two guards came together along the wall. They stopped to exchange some words. It was at this moment that Daring took off before silently landing on the wall right next to a guard house. At this point Poppy jumped off Darings back both exchanging a quick kiss. When their lips parted, they both turned their attention to the guardhouse door. The door was partially ajar and still some damage from the first rescue attempt. With the door not being locked all Poppy needed to do was charge at the door in the hopes of surprising any pony inside. Taking a step back Poppy galloped into the door, her shoulder pushing it open. The door swung rapidly open surprising Poppy and throwing her off balance. The room had one guard who was luckily caught by surprise by Poppys sudden appearance. Poppy's eyes went wide as he went for his revolver that was sitting on a wooden table next to some a small meal that he had been eating. Poppy did not have time to react fast enough to the guard raising his gun at her. Luckily at this moment Daring swept in using her speed and element of surprise she quickly took out the guard. The two ponies hid the guard’s body in a chest that was sitting on the floor in the corner of the tower. With the guard hidden the two trotted down the spiral stairs until they reached the bottom. The door at the bottom of the stairs that led between the outer wall of the fortress and the fortress proper was closed. Using her hoof Poppy cracked the door open peeking outside. They were in luck as there were no guards nearby. This is where the two mares were to part ways. Giving each other one final kiss for good luck Poppy opened the door and sprinted towards a large crate that sat near the fortress entrance. Poppy hid herself amongst the crates waiting. If their surveillance had been accurate the night before a pirate would walk by any moment now. Her hiding spot behind the crate would give her just enough time to strike the guard before a second guard along the wall would be able to see her. Just as she had predicted the guard came around the corner walking towards her. Poppy waited till the guard was just in front of her before leaping out from behind the crates. Soaring into the guard Poppy tackled him to the ground. The guard hit the ground with a thud. While the guard was stunned on the ground Poppy reared up above his head before coming down hard on his skull. The guard went limp without making a sound. Using her teeth Poppy pulled the body of the unconscious guard behind the crate.

With the guard gone, it left the entrance to the guard tower unprotected. Step ones done, she thought. Now Poppy looked towards her next objective. If she could take the second tower, then there would be no one watching the gate when Daring rescued the prisoners. This guard house was much larger than the one that they had come through when they entered the fortress. Poppy figured this tower had to house at least a small garrison of guards. During her surveillance the night before Poppy had spotted at least two pegasi, a griffon, and one unicorn. There was no way for Poppy to know if they were there now, but she had to assume they were. Poppy's main concern would be the unicorn. His magic could stop her with just a spark of his horn. Her only chance at taking the guard tower would be her continue with the element of surprise.

From where Poppy was hiding, she could see the door to the guard house just like the other tower, this one had a wooden door. Poppy figured that even at a full gallop there was just no way she could break the door down, so she had to find some way to get the door open. Before Poppy decided what to do, she drew the revolver that Daring had given her. Checking that it was loaded she opened the cartridge. Satisfied that the gun was load Poppy cantered closer to the door using anything she could to conceal her movement from the guards along the wall. Knowing her best chance of hitting something with her revolver was to be within 30 feet she would need to charge right for the unicorn to increase her chances of hitting him. The problem was that the unicorn's range was well over 30 feet. At her last place to find cover she took a few deep steading breaths Poppy knew that she only had one chance at this. Just as she found her courage and was about to make her next move the fortress's alarm began to ring. The alarm was followed by searchlights coming to life bathing the fortresses grounds in bright lights.

A sense of dead fell on Poppy at the realization that Daring must have been caught trying to rescue the prisoner. It was obvious that she still had not been seen as the spotlights continued to roam over the grounds of the fortress. Poppy sat waiting for something to happen. The loud alarm stopped after a moment being replaced by an all-to-familiar voice. The voice of Captain Compass came loud and clear.

“Come out come out wherever you are.” The voice said tauntingly.

“If you don’t surrender your friend Mrs. Do will die.” His voice bellowed all over the compound. Poppy's heart sank. She felt defeated. They had come so far only to be captured, but Poppy knew that failure was not an option if she surrendered death would most likely be the outcome.

Captain Compasses spoke again. The magically amplified sounds bounced off the concrete walls of the fortress giving his voice a haunting quality.

“Mrs. Poppy, I know you're out there just give up you can't possibly expect to rescue every pony on your own.”

Poppy decided to change her plan as taking the guard tower was no longer a priority instead, she turned back towards the fortress. Poppy needed to create a distraction, one that would give her the opportunity to enter the fortress without being seen by the spotlight. Peeking over the crate Poppy scanned her surroundings until she noticed a familiar mark on a small wooden crate sitting by a steel door. The mark on the box looked almost like a comet. The box also had another symbol that nearly every pony in Equestria would recognize. The mark was a blue star which was the symbol of the Celestial Guard. The crate had to have weapons in it. Hoping the box was not just an empty container, Poppy leveled her revolver lining up the gun's sights, taking a quick breath she pulled the trigger. The gun fired with a quick burst of escaping gasses and hot lead. Poppy watched as the bullet hit the crate which was quickly followed by a flash and a wave heat. The first explosion was followed by a much larger explosion. The explosion reverberated through the earth under her hooves. The force of its blast was enough to topple some of the crates she had been hiding behind. One of the crates landed on top of her head. The impact against her skull caused her to collapse. For a few short seconds Poppy thought, it was all over as the darkness crept in at the edges of her vision. It was only through force of will that Poppy regained her senses and pushed the crate off herself.

The second explosion that had been created was more of a distraction than Poppy had needed with alarms wailing and guards running over from all over the fortress. Looking through the haze of smoke and smoldering debris. Poppy was stunned to find that half of the fortress's inner wall was missing.

This time the captain's voice stayed silent, but the alarm was still deafening. The wailing sent a chill up Poppy spine as she clamped her ears against her head. The fortress's alarm system was an old style of warning siren that was in use along the borders of the great frozen north. Poppy had grown up to that sound. In her hometown the alarm had been used to warn of possible attacks by the polar bear tribes that stocked the northern parts of Equestria between the Crystal Empire and Fairflanks.

Shaking her head to clear the unpleasant filly hood memories Poppy knew she needed to act with the guards now distracted. Using her chance Poppy galloped for a door on the far side of the fortress. This entrance to the interior of the fortress was guarded by a large iron door. The door was large enough for a chariot to pass through with room on either side leading Poppy to believe that the other side must be a storage room of some kind. The door had a brass handle. Poppy reached out with her hoof and turned it. The handle turned, opening the door with a small squeak of its hinges. With the door open Poppy pressed her eye up to the crack and peered in. Through the crack Poppy found one guard standing on the other side. The guard stood close to the door blocking out the view of the rest of the room. What she could see was the guard had light military armor on a short sword that was resting against his hip.

This was the first guard Poppy had found with armor and it concerned her that the guards deeper in the fortress might be better equipped than those along the walls. Without any other choice but to proceed Poppy stood back before slamming into the door. The door swung open with the full wait of her charge. She caught the lone stallion guard by surprise. Using her strength and speed Poppy barreled into him sending his body flying back. The shock of her surprise attack quickly wore off as the stallion got to his hooves. The guard, an earth pony with black fur and a red mane was huge even by earth pony standards and Poppy knew if he caught her with his hooves she would not come out on top. The guard charged at her, his hooves kicking wildly at her as he got close. Poppy was able to dodge his strikes with difficulty. The guard tried charging at her again. This time Poppy dodged his attack and used the momentum to push him forward into a wall. He crashed headfirst into the hard concrete. The impact caused him to fall onto his back. Using her chance Poppy drew her revolver before jumping on his back. There was a quick tussle as the stallion flailed with his legs trying to get her off him. Trying to keep him down Poppy swung her revolver high over his head before swinging it down hard across the back of his head. The impact only seemed to faze him for just a second and so Poppy went for another swing but before she could bring down the butt of the gun on his head one of his forelegs smashed into the side of her rib. Poppy yelped out in pain, falling off the stallion and losing her grip on the revolver, sending it flying out of sight.

The stallion rolled towards her trying to get back on all four of his hooves. Luckly for Poppy she was faster than he was. Jumping backup, she landed onto his back with both of her forehooves. The impact sent shockwaves through her rib. With Poppy on his back, he tried to buck her off, but Poppy held firmly to his neck. She squeezed hard around his windpipe cutting off his flow of air. His bucking started to slow the longer Poppy held onto him eventually he fell onto his stomach. Not trusting that the stallion would stay down, Poppy used her forehooves to slam the stallion's head against the ground as hard as she could. The sounds of his skull hitting concrete reverberated through the cramped room.

Poppy's breathing was haggard by the time she finally got off the stallions back. Poppy turned her attention away from the guard and towards the next door. This door was made of unreinforced wood. She figured it would be easy to break down but first she pressed her ear against the wood to see if her scuffle with the guard had alerted anyone on the other side. To Poppys luck she heard nothing but the sound of silence coming from the other side. Just as she had done with the external door, she turned the knob opening it just enough that she could see through the crack. Looking around she noticed the lack of guards on the other side.

This door led to a narrow hallway. The hall itself had several sets of stairs. One of these stairs led downwards and one led up. The stairs, like the rest of the fortress, were made of dark concrete and steel.

Before leaving her hiding place Poppy took one more look around for any guards. With still no one present, Poppy fully opened the door and crept out. Keeping her ears alert for any sounds, Poppy peeked down the stairs swiveling her ears downwards into the dimly lit spiraling stairs, Poppy strained to hear anything. When she heard nothing, Poppy slowly crept downwards. The stairs were lit by small torches that illuminated only a few feet. The torches created shadows that danced along the wall as Poppy continued to trot downwards. In her mind the stairs seemed to go on forever like those that lead to the pits of Tarturas. After what seemed like an eternity Poppy started to hear voices from up ahead. The further down she went the louder the voices became. She was now able to make out individual voices. One of the voices she recognized as the voice of the Crystal Palaces first officer Commander True North.

Reaching the bottom of the winding stairwell Poppy poked her head around the corner towards the voices what she found was a dungeon full of creatures. The cells were made of large iron bars and rough stone blocks. Looking around Poppy counted at least a dozen large cells. The room itself was large and caverns with several guards wondering the path that led between the cells. The cells were equally spaced with six on each side of the path. The cells were crowded with ponies and other creatures all waiting to be ransomed off. Some of those being held wore uniforms while others appeared to be just sailors or passengers. Most of the half dozen guards were the big burly former Storm King soldiers although there were also a few griffons mixed in for good measure.

Just like before Poppys only advantage was her element of surprise. However, with so many pirates there was little Poppy could do without finding help or a way to reduce their numbers. Poppy thought for a moment, her brain sifting through ideas that could help her free those imprisoned. Reducing the pirate's numbers seemed impractical since it increased her chances of getting killed and she quite liked being alive. That left the only other option she could think of, which was getting help, but the only other pony that was not in a cell was Daring and she could be anywhere and almost certainly well guarded. Poppy took one last look around the corner before deciding that her best option would be to find where they were holding Daring.

The trot back up the winding stairs was tiring as the steep angel wound its way to where she had come from. Reaching the top of the stairs Poppy stopped checking down the hallway in both directions there was still no sign of any pirates. Climbing the last few steps Poppy turned towards the door on the right.

The door opened just as Poppy approached. A surprised griffon looked at her and she looked back just as surprised. Both creatures went for their swords. The griffon was much faster than Poppy. He lunged at her with the hilt of his sword grasped in his talons. Poppy ducked away from the thrust drawing her own sword as she came back up to make her own swipe at him. The griffon snarled blocking her clumsy thrust at his chest. The griffon using his height swung his sword down towards her head. Ducking to the right and out of the way of his downward swipe Poppy was too late to escape his left claws from cutting along her side. His talons were sharp and sliced through her flesh like a knife to butter. Poppy screamed as the flesh was torn from her side. Poppy staggered back dropping her sword.

She knew that in these conditions the griffon would win but she had one advantage he did not and as he came in for a killing blow, she used it. The griffon lunged in his sword aiming right for her heart. Rolling down and under him Poppy knocked the griffon's paws from under him. The griffon fell hard on the ground his sword flying out of his grasp. The griffin tried to clamber back up, but Poppy was on her hooves first. Pressing her new advantage Poppy pounced onto his back before rearing up on him and coming down hard on his back. The griffin let out a strangled screeching cry before she slammed into his head with another powerful stomp. The griffon screeches became whimpers, but Poppy did not stop until he went completely quiet.

Getting off the griffin Poppy checked herself over. The deep tears in her flesh were weeping dark red streams of blood. With little she could do to treat the wounds Poppy decided to just press on. Stepping back to the still open door from where the griffin had come Poppy looked through.

The door led to another set of stairs, this one spiraling upwards. When her hoof touched the first stair it activated small magically powered lanterns that provided a much-needed light source. The lanterns she figured must be enchanted to only provide light on demand rather than torches that would need to be replaced after every use.

Slowly trudging up the steep incline Poppy finally reached the top of the stairs with the path ending in landing and a door. The door was made of hard steel, and it glowed with a reddish tent. Poppy recognized the magical arura as belonging to Captain Compasses. Poppy had no idea what the enchantment would do if she touched it but without another choice Poppy had to try opening it. Squeezing her eyes shut Poppy reached out with her right forehoof expecting the worst. Poppy was surprised when nothing happened so Poppy decided to place her ear against the door listening for any sounds on the other side. The thickness of the steel kept any sound from escaping. Without being able to hear if anything was on the other side Poppy had no way of knowing what she would encounter. Knowing she had no choice but to push on she drew her revolver and opened the door. Moving fast as she pushed the door open, diving and rolling into the room.

Several shots rang out as she landed somewhere towards the center of the room. One of the shots just missed her left ear as it whizzed by. Poppy could swear that she felt the heat coming off the round as it smashed into the wall behind her sending small shards of concrete into the surrounding air. Without time to aim her own weapon Poppy jumped up looking for cover. The next shot just missing her as she dove again, this time firing off rounds of her own. A few of her shots went wide but one of them managed to hit one of the creatures firing at her. Her shot had been fatal hitting the creature square in the chest. Coming back up from her dive Poppy to a quick second to glance around.

The room was large with maps and charts plastered all over the walls. The guard she had killed was lying to her right. The other occupants of the room were standing opposite her. One of them was strapped to a chair while the other was looming over her with a knife in his hand. The knife bearing pony Poppy recognized as Captain Compass. Leveling her gun at him Poppy tried to find an angle that she could hit him without hitting Daring. There was just no way to miss her. Poppy needed to get him to drop the knife, but she knew he held the cards in this situation. He seemed to know this too as he gave her a smile that sent chills down her spine.

“Give up you stupid mare.” He said. His smile turning into a sneer as his knife dug deeper into Daring flesh. Daring struggled against his grip as the knife pressed hard enough to draw a small droplet of blood that dripped down the knife. Her adventures shirt started to become stained with her blood. Poppy could tell that Daring wanted to cry out, but she had a gag in her mouth. The time had come, and Poppy needed to act quickly, or Daring would soon have her throat cut. With that in mind Poppy realized her only chance to save the pegasus life would be for her to surrender. Releasing her grip on her pistol she slowly lowered it to the ground. Just as she set the gun down on the ground a large griffon rushed in yelling something about a ship had appeared and was moving towards the fortress at full sail.

The commotion caused Captain Compass to be distracted just long enough for the Daring to flap her wings hard which the captain had failed to restrain. The action caused the captain to lose his grip on the knife. As the knife fell to the floor with a small tingling sound Poppy rose back up firing her revolver at the captain. The shots missed back the captain was forced to take cover. The griffon charged at Poppy tackling her to the ground. With Poppy down and Daring trying to untie herself with a knife that she had hidden under her right wing, the captain decided to run for the stairs barking out orders as he fled.

“Finish off those mares.” The griffon did not need to be told twice, only looking at Poppy with a blood thirsty grin. Poppy was still lying on her back after the griffon's attack had sent her flying against a wall. The impact had felt bone jarring and had forced the air from her lungs. Poppy coughed and wheezed as she tried to regain her breathing. The griffon, however, did not give her time to recover as he came at her screeching. Poppy tried to get out of his way but there was just no time to move. She closed her eyes as the griffon's talons ripped a gash across her barrel. The pain was unbearable, she could feel his talion's tearing deep into her. Poppy screamed as blood started to soak the fur around the fresh gashes. In her mind Poppy thought she was going to die and be eaten by this predator. The griffon did not pull away, instead pressing his attack he opened his beak to take a bite out of her neck. Poppy closed her eyes knowing her end was coming.

Expecting some pain from the bite, she opened her eyes to find the griffon scrambling upright as Daring stood above him. Using her wings to hold him down the adventurer reared up on her hind legs coming down hard against his ribs. Poppy could hear the griffon's ribs crunch under the Darings weight as she pounded him again and again. The bird screeched every time she hit him. Daring would not stop pounding the griffon even after it was no longer breathing. Daring only stopped when Poppy yelled as she tried to get back on her hooves. Daring turned to find Poppy holding her side, blood dripping onto the ground. The wounds across her chest were deep and bleeding heavily and Poppy felt faint.

Using her experience as an adventured Daring rushed over to apply pressure to Poppys wounds. The magic inherent in all pegasus meant that her wings repel water or in this case blood. The water repellant acted like a bandage over the wounds and soon Daring was able to staunch the flow of blood. With the bleeding stopped Daring took off her adventure vest. Using her teeth, she ripped it into long strips before rapping them around Poppy's barrel. Poppy felt weak from the loss of blood, but she still felt well enough to continue. With the wounds bound Daring helped Poppy to stand Daring allowing her to lean against her as she wobbled. Leaning heavily on her friend Poppy slowly walked towards the door. Both knew that staying here would be a mistake and would result in their capture. Daring led Poppy back down the twisting stairs back towards the hallway that Poppy had come through. The alarms were blaring overhead as they continued back into the first storage room Poppy had encountered. Using the crates for cover they finally stopped to rest. Checking to make sure they were safe here Daring Once helped Poppy down lean against a crate. With her weight no longer on Darings side Poppy watched the other mare turn her attention to back towards the door. Using the scattered crates and other equipment Daring barricaded the doors. Once the piles were sufficiently tall enough Daring stepped back to admire her work. Just as Daring was about to pat herself on the back, she heard a thud from behind her. Turing around she found Poppy had stumbled to the ground. Galloping back over to her friend Daring laid down beside her.

Poppy could feel the warmth of Darings body as she draped a wing over her back. Poppy rested her head on Darings side as she breathed in and out. The two could afford only to rest a few minutes but they both needed it. They still needed to rescue the prisoners and escape themselves. The gashes across Poppy's chest had stopped bleeding but her fur was matted with dark red splotches where the blood had dried and caked.

After a few minutes the two slowly got back up. They had a job to do, and the captain knew they were there. The pair headed for the barricaded door when they heard the muffled sounds of canon fire. The two ponies looked at each other before realization dawned on Poppy. Turning to Daring Poppys face lit up with hope. Daring did not share the look. Realizing her friend did not understand what was happening, Poppy filled her in.

“Don't you see it’s the Crystal Palace. My ship. She must have come with help, and they are here to see what happen to us.” Daring still did not return her smile but did give a nod of affirmation.

The fortress shook as the cannonballs hit hard against its cement walls. The two mares worked with renewed hope that rescue was within reach. The barricade that Daring had quicky erected was taken down as the mares worked together.
When they had finished tearing down the makeshift barricade, they ran at full gallop down the spiraling stairs that led to the cells. The fortress shook all around them as they ran. The two could hear the fortress's own defenders returning fire as the noise around them became deafening. Poppy led the way towards the prison cells. The air began to fill with smoke and dust. Poppy coughed as her lungs tried to breathe in the rancid air. The coughing began to enrage her wounds and she stumbled for a second as the pain overtook her. Daring noticed and was at her side in an instant helping keep her upright. Daring looked at her with concern in her eyes. Poppy returned her concern with a weak smile. Before they continued further Daring checked Poppys bandages. The wounds had begun to bleed again. Daring's concerns grew but there was little she could do except tighten the bandages. Using her teeth Daring grabbed the end of the make shit bandage and pulled it tight. Poppy winced as the pressure on her wounds increased. Once Daring was done the two continued climbing down the stairs.

As they reached the last step, they both peered around the corner. Most of the guards had gone to help man the fortresses cannons leaving just one large burly pirate left. The Pirate was a unicorn, and he was large, probably twice the size of both mares and was armed with a pistol. Both knew that a head on attack would not work, but instead they opted for a little trickery.

Poppy rounded the corner pistol in hoof. The stallion was startled by her sudden appearance but regained his wits quickly, drawing his own pistol. Poppy yelled for him to surrender. Instead, he quickly lit his horn and his magical aroura surrounding her. Just as he was about to lift her off the ground Daring came flying out from behind her leaping right into the surprised unicorn. The impact caused him to drop his magic leaving Poppy free to take aim with her revolver.

The ferocity of Darings attack was enough that it had sent him hard into the ground. The stallion was much stronger than Daring and began to push her off. Using her wing Daring lifted herself just above him before coming back down with her full weight. The stallion groaned in pain but continued to struggle against her. Poppy tried to get a clean shot, but Daring was on top of him, so Poppy decided to holster her weapon and instead charged up beside Daring using her own momentum to hit him with her right forehoof. The impact created a bone crushing sound and the poor stallion stopped moving.

Getting up next to Poppy they began to search for the keys to open the prison cells. Poppy found the keys on the unconscious guard picking them up in her teeth she tossed them Daring. Daring began to unlock the cells as Poppy pulled the first on open. She winced under the strain of moving the large iron bars. Ignoring the pain, she continued to open each of the cells. Once all the cells had been opened and all the passengers and crew had been lined up the group began to head up the spiraling stairs. Daring was by her side the whole time as the two mares led the way to safety. When they reached the top of the stairs, they found fire everywhere. Poppy thought that the Crystal Navy had sure done its job as the fortress was beginning to crumble around them. Now above ground they could hear the cannon fire again. It was Daring that realized that the canon fire was only incoming now. That had to mean that the fortresses' defenses had been destroyed. The problem with that was that the Crystal Navy ships had moved in closer, and their cannon fire had become more concentrated. This meant that it had increased their risk of getting hit by friendly fire. Leaving their only chance of not getting ground into pulp by their rescuers would be to retreat into the jungle through the back of the fortress. The group of ponies that had been rescued had a few pegasi and Daring barked at them to fly back towards the warship to tell them to stop shooting. Two of pegasi nodded before flying towards the ships to relay the message while the rest of the group fled on hoof. Once outside the bodies of some of the pirates lay around many hit by shrapnel from the artillery fire. The air was thick with smoke. Poppy held the group back at the door as Daring took flight looking for a way out. Luckily for the group a hole had been punched in the wall by some of the cannon fire. Daring flew back to where the group was. Yelling over the roar of incoming shells that she had found a way out. Before Poppy moved the group out into the open Daring returned to the sky helping to keep watch for any remaining pirates.

Poppy directed everyone towards the hole in the wall. Commander True North taking the lead. Poppy stayed back to cover the rear of the group trying her best to keep up her speed as the pain in her side grew. As the last pony leapt through the ruble that had once been the wall Poppy heard a shout from behind her. The yell was loud, and the voice dripped with rage. Turning Poppy found Captain Compass traitor to the Crystal Princess standing only a few yards behind her. His expression was dark, and menacing, lit by the fires that burned around him. His uniform had been torn and had a few scorch marks from where the fires that burned freely had singed it. He stalked closer to her, his horn lighting up as his magic aura surrounded her. Before she had a chance to yell for help, he had lifted her high into the air, her hooves flailing uselessly below her as they tried to find something solid. She heard him laughing as he flung her against a slab of concrete that had broken off from the fortress wall. She yelped at the impact, feeling her spine crack and her ribs break. She slid down the slab landing on her flank with an audible thud. The impact forced the air from her lungs leaving her gasping. Trying to take a breath she realized that the impact had broken at least one of her ribs as the pain from each agonizing breath brought a tear to her eyes. Looking up at her attacker she tried to rise to flee but the pain with each breath she took kept her down. Captain Compass stocked towards her a smile now on his face and a small dagger floating in his magical grasp. Fearing for a second time in less than an hour that death was near she closed her eyes. Just as before death had other plans as a yellow streak with a plinth hat came creening out of the sky. Poppy watched as Daring Do flung herself at the stallion. The tackle sent him spiraling to the ground. He, however, never lost control of his dagger. With his range at full broil, he flung the dagger into Daring's wing. The dagger penetrated right through where the wing connected to her barrel. Her scream sent chills into Poppy breaking through the fog of her own pain. Her heartbeat felt like it was going to tear out of her chest as she watched her friend wither in pain on the ground. The stallion now back on his hooves stood over the crippled Pegasus. He watched her for a moment before pulling the dagger from her wing. The dagger tore the flesh right off the bone leaving a bloody hole in the wing. The blood stained the feathers as it dripped out of her body. From where Poppy sat, she could hear Daring scream as the dagger was pulled out of her wing.

Poppy watched as the great adventure lay in her own blood clutching her now crippled wing. Poppy could see tears forming in her eyes. Poppy couldn't watch. The anger that she felt at seeing her friend crippled ignited a fury deep inside of her. Using every ounce of remaining strength Poppy had in her. Jumping up Poppy lunged at the captain. The attack proved to be very painful, but it had also caught him off guard. Before he could react, Poppy tackled him to the ground. Even in his surprise the captains magic never faltered and he never dropped his dagger. Using his only weapon, the captain flung his blade at high speeds directly at Poppys side. With her injuries Poppy could not get out of the way quick enough. Poppy felt the dagger hit her side right between two of her ribs. With a gasp Poppy staggered back off the captain. Using the chance the captain tried to pull the dagger from Poppys body but the blade was planted firmly inside of her. Through the fog of pain Poppy realized her had lost his weapon and so with all the energy she could muster Poppy galloped into him. Her shoulder sent him flying back into a wall where he landed in a crumpled heap. Poppy waited for him to get up, but he did not rise from where he now laid. With the captain now unconscious Poppy turned her attention back to Daring, the yellow pegasus was rocking herself on the ground holding her crippled wing. The sight sent tears to Poppys eyes. Poppy knew there was little hope of communicating with Daring at this point as she rocked herself. With grate effort and being as careful as possible. Poppy lifted the crying pegasus onto her back. Poppy felt the pain in her gut and for a moment she staggered nearly falling over. Gritting her teeth against the pain Poppy took a moment to steel herself before trotting out of the compound to find the others. With every step she took the blade in her side moved and more blood spilt onto the dirt and into her coat.

Commander True North had led the other towards the cave that the two mares had used as their campsite. By now the pegasi that had been sent to the Crystal Fleet to tell them that they could hit the escaping prisoner had returned with some of the crew of the approaching fleet. One of the new arrivals wore a distinctive symbol of the Celestial Medical core. Poppy recognized the symbol as she galloped into camp. Her vision had started to turn black as she staggered over to the doctor.
The wounds along her side were bleeding heavily leaving a dark red trail as she staggered over. The medic, a bright red pegasus noticed the injured mares and rushed over just as Poppy collapsed on the ground. Poppy felt her head hit a rock and then everything went black.

Chapter nineteen

The first thing Poppy saw when she woke up was the whirling blades of a ceiling fan. Trying to clear her vision she blinked a few times. The blinking helped and before long her vision began to clear. After a few moments more Poppy looked around. She found herself in a big white room. Everything was white except for the form of a sleeping yellow pegasus lying in bed next to her. Looking the pegasus over Poppy noticed that her right wing was bandaged to her side. Smiling at the sleeping mare Poppy turned her head giving the mare a small nuzzle. The sleeping mare mumbled something incoherent causing Poppy to smile again. Poppy tried to speak but found that her lips were dry, and her throat felt parched. Trying to speak with such a dry throat was painful so Poppy opted to try to get Daring's attention with another nuzzle. The motion worked as Daring shot bult upright. Poppy wanted to laugh at the startled expression on Daring's face but couldn’t. The expression on Daring's face changed suddenly when she noticed the other mare grimace in pain. Daring jumped back out of bed rushing to the door before screaming at the top of her lungs.

Nurse!”

Poppy clamped her ears down. The yell was so loud Poppy swore they could have heard her all the way at the palace.
A nurse came rushing into the room with a doctor just behind her. The doctor, a beige coated unicorn, walked up to her bed levitating a stethoscope out of his doctor's jacket as he approached her bed.
This was the first time Poppy noticed her own body. She was bandaged in multiple places and had an IV stuck in her right foreleg.

The doctor levitated the stethoscope down to her chest listing for a moment before pulling it away. The doctor replaced the bedding over her before addressing her directly.

“How are we feeling this morning Mrs. Poppy? He asked.

Before she tried to answer the nurse appeared at the other side of the bed with a cup of water held out in one hoof.
Poppy snatched the water before greedily gulping it down. The water moistened her mouth and brought some clarity to her mind. With the fog in her mind starting to lift, Poppy took another look around herself. She realized that she recognized where she was. The Crystal Heart General Hospital in the heart of the Crystal Empire. She had been here once before for her physical when she joined the botanical society. Turning back to the nurse who had given her the water, she smiled, handing back the cup. The nurse took the glass and went back towards the sink placing the glass gently on the countertop.
Poppy turned back towards the doctor who had not waited for her reply and was instead busying himself reading her chart.

Poppy waited for the doctor to say something but turned when Daring interrupted the doctor's reading.

“Well, Doctor will she be, okay?” Daring asked concerned lacing her words.
The doctor hummed to himself for a moment still reading over the chart. When he had finished looking it over. Satisfied, the doctor turned to face Daring.

“I Think that Mrs. Poppy will be just fine. Although it may be a long road till, she is back to one hundred percent.”

At hearing the news Daring was so relieved that she jumped onto the bed giving Poppy a squeeze unfortunately for Poppy the motion sent bolts of pain from her ribs. The pain nearly caused her to pass out. Poppy bit back the need to scream instead keeping her voice to a small whimper as her marefriend hugged her not knowing how much pain she was causing. The doctor noticed the pain easily and used his telekinesis to adjust her IV drip. The rest of what happened after that was a blurry haze of pain killers.

The wind blew through Poppy's mane as she opened her eyes. Poppy could feel the warmth of the sand under her back as she reclined against a palm tree. Poppy, feeling a little affectionate turned to face Daring who was lying next to her.
Both mares were curled up under the shade of a tall palm tree. It had almost been a month since Poppy had been discharged from the hospital and the two mares had decided to take a vacation to a tropical island this time minus pirates. The trip was almost over and the two knew their time together was coming to an end. They both lived similar lives but somehow, they were too different, and they both knew there was no way to make their relationship work.
Poppy's ears swiveled towards the sound of a whistling steamship as it pulled into the harbor. A sad smile appeared on Poppys lips as she looked down to the dozing pegasus next to her. Poppy could not help but stare at her still bandaged wing. While her own wounds had healed nicely leaving only a few scars under her fur, Daring was still unable to fly long distances. While the doctor had given her the okay to go gliding, she was still unable to do much powerful flying. Poppy knew that given a little more time Daring would be back to her old self but it still saddened her to have to part ways when they still needed each other.

Poppy bent down and nuzzled the side of Darings cheek. Daring smiled waking up to find her mare friend being very affectionate. Poppy was about to make a quibble about sleeping during the day when Daring's expression changed to one of a feral animal. Before Poppy knew what was happening Daring spread her wings. Using a few flaps of her good wing Daring had pushed Poppy back and had rolled over the top of her kissing Poppy as the she wrapped the earth pony in a winged embrace.

Chapter Sixteen

Poppy continued to run from the fortress long after she could no longer hear their hoof steps. The vines and vegetation of the jungle had been thick tangling into Poppy's fur as she galloped. She could feel every time thorn ripped out some of her fur or tore into her flesh. The ground had also been uneven causing her to fall several times but each time she had gotten back up. The sun was starting to set by the time Poppy was sure that she was safe. It had been hours since Poppy had watched as the captain betrayed his crew. She had no clue what to do except to keep galloping.

Poppy only came to a stop when she found the entrance to a cave. The entrance was partially obscured by vines and other vegetation. Poppy decided that it would be best to hide in the cave before the sun set and it got dark outside. What she found inside the cave caused Poppy to pause. Looking around the interior of the cave she found that someone else had been there, fearing that it might be pirates Poppy made to leave. “Crack Crack” The sound of hoof steps sent Poppy's chest racing. Lowering herself to the ground, she slowly backed up towards the cave entrance. Her eyes darting all over the cave looking for some unseen pirate ready to charge sword raised to cut her down. Continuing to back up towards the cave entrance Poppy was suddenly stopped when a thick piece of leather rapped around her left hind leg. Before she could even let out a yelp the rope yanked hard. The world went spinning as her leg was pulled out from under her sending her head into the muddy cave bottom, pain lancing through her jaw. Poppy's eyes squeezed closed until the pain subsided. Reopening her eyes, Poppy blinked a few times as she struggled to understand what had happened. A rope was tied around her hind legs keeping her down.

A voice from behind her finally caused Poppy to stop struggling against the ropes. The voice belonged to a mare and from what Poppy could hear from her accent she was from the Ponyville region. Struggling to turn her head towards the voice Poppy wiggled and twisted her body to face the voice. When she was able to see who had attacked her Poppy realized she recognized the pony before her. The mare standing in the cave entrance was a yellow pegasus with a pith hat and a muddy tattered vest. The mare looked down at Poppy. Poppy could see the look of exhaustion around the mare's eyes. Her yellow coat was caked in mud, and she had numerous cuts some of which had dried blood caked around them. Poppy watched as the mare inspected her from hooves to muzzle before finally asking.

“You're with the Crystal Navy?”

Poppy could swear she recognized the mare or at least she thought she did. The look in the mare's eyes was one of anger and desperation and so Poppy answered the mare trying to hide her fear from her voice.
“Yes and no.” Poppy answered.

The answer only seemed to anger the pegasus as she tightened her grip on the rope causing Poppy to let out a small yelp the rope digging into her fur. The mare asked Poppy again if she was with the Crystal Navy. Doing her best to give a straightforward answer Poppy came out with her whole story of who she was and how she had gotten on this Celestia forsaken island. By the time Poppy finished her story there were tears sparkling in her eyes and she took a few shaky breaths. The pegasus sighed before untying the roped around Poppys legs. Poppy jumped back to her hooves not sure what to expect. The quick action caused some pain in her leg where the rope had rubbed into her soft flesh. Poppy tried to shift her weight only to collapse back on her flank with a yelp. Her legs still had not recovered from the jump off the wall. The pain was just too much, and Poppy felt a few tears roll down her cheek.

The pegasus took notice at Poppys pain and seemed saddened that she had caused it. Rubbing her injured leg Poppy noticed for the first time just how many scrapes she had picked up during her gallop through the woods, some of which had drawn blood. Her normally well groomed appearance was tangled and some of her matted fur was missing with patches that were bare skin.

The strange mare sat down on a log near the fire pit before picking up a stick and using it to idly poke at the coals in the makeshift fire pit. The pegasus looked defeated. Not knowing exactly what to say Poppy decided to join her. Sitting opposite the yellow pegasus Poppy looked at the mare the more she stared the more she began to recognize her. The green vest, the pith hat had all seemed so familiar. The more she thought about it began to put the pieces together until finally the last piece clicked in her mind. With a loud shout and a yelp of pain when she stood up to shout your “Daring Do” The mare said nothing at Poppy outburst until she finally sighed before nodding.

As soon as Daring had finished nodding the questions started to pore out of Poppys muzzle like a freight train. Questions like how did she got here and would she sign her copy of Daring Do and the Pyramids of the Neghial. Daring did not seem to be paying any attention. On Poppy fifteenth unanswered question Daring finally seemed to have enough. Daring placed her wing over Poppy's mouth until she finally stopped talking.

“Are you quite finished with all your questions.” Daring asked her wing firmly pressed over the Poppys muzzle.

Poppy nodded her head, her ears flattening a bit at having her idol basically tell her to shut up. Sorry was the first thing Poppy said when Daring removed her wing. Looking down at the smoking embers of the fire pit the two mares sat in silence for what seemed like forever. Finally, not able to take the silence any longer, Poppy asked the one question Daring would answer. “Now what?” At this question Daring looked up at her companion. First it seemed the pegasus would return to poking at the embers, but her expression softened, and she finally spoke. Her tone was one that clearly spoke from experience. “For now, we wait until sunset then we will try to make our way to the beach. I assume you came on a ship? We will use that to make our escape.”

Poppy loved the idea of leaving this horrible island and the captain, who she had ignored all the evidence of his betrayal and trusted him. Although she wanted to leave for all these reasons, she knew she could not. The crew still needed to be rescued and even if she was willing to leave the captain knew where the long boats were supposed to come and pick them up.

“I can't just leave my crew. The pirates are holding them captive and besides my ship's captain is one of them. He knows where the long boats were supposed to pick us up.” Daring frowned at Poppy and returned to poking at the embers.
Every Pony in Equestria had heard of Daring Do the great adventurer, the defender of the weak against the powerful. Yet as Poppy sat here the mare in front of her just seemed small and defeated. Not like the mare from the stories.
Poppy knew she would need Darings help to rescue the captive crew. There was just no way she could do it alone. The Daring from the books would rise and help her but the longer they sat in silence the more Poppy doubted that it would be that easy to convince the pegasus to help her and sure enough as Poppy tried her best to convince the pegasus all she got was silence in response. When Poppy finally ran out of things to say she sat defeated, her ears drooping forward. The cave was once again filled with just the sounds of silence. After what seemed like an eternity Poppy looked up at the yellow mare and went for broke by just asking her “will you help me” poppy could hear her own desperation in her voice. For a moment there was just more silence until Daring sat down her poking stick and looked up into Poppys eyes. Daring's voice was cold and hollow as she spoke, her ears drooping against her skull. Looking into Poppys eyes a tear fell staining her fur before as she gave her answer a simple one word answer. “No.”

“I am sorry, but did you say no?” Poppy asked.

“I did. It's pointless to try and rescue your crew. It's better to just give up and be happy knowing you weren't captured as well.”

Poppy knew something must have happened to Daring for her to just give up and leave others to death or enslavement and so Poppy got up from her spot on the opposite side of the fire pit and walked over to the yellow pegasus. Poppy lifted her hoof to Daring's chin and lifted it up, so they were face to face. Poppy spoke her confidence lifted by the spark of life she could see in Darings dark eyes. Speaking to Daring in a voice, that resounded off the walls of the cave in a tone of confidence, Poppy dug deep as she spoke. “There's nothing we need to worry about with you on the case there is nothing standing in our way. Afterall, you have fought legions of indigenous ponies and came out without a scrape.” Daring reacted to Poppy's parse and abundant enthusiasm with disdain. Still looking at Poppy but now with anger in her eyes Daring brushed Poppy green hoof back and practically spat at her when she spoke. “What about no did you not understand. For Celestias sake I will not help you. I simply want to leave this sun forsaken island and go home.” Then for good measure and to dash any last shred of hope in Poppy's soul Daring added “I am done. I don’t care anymore.”

Falling back on her haunches from the shear ferocity in Daring's voice, Poppy sat there in stunned silence, her ears limp, and her tail sat motionless. How could it be that Daring Do adventure extraordinaire so Poppy asked not knowing if Daring would answer her or not, but she needed to know what could have made her throw in the towel. Trying to formulate the right words to ask the question that now burned her with curiosity. With a final breath of courage Poppy asked. “What happened to you.” Again, there was silence, and this silence was loud and defining as she waited for the pegasus to answer. Finally, Daring looked up from the fire pit again, the anger and ferocity was gone, replaced by sadness. Her face covered in fresh tears as her expression was one of the deepest kinds of hurt. The kind of hurt that one felt at losing someone. That expression told Poppy a lot. Whatever had happened had torn this mare apart from the insides. And so, Poppy sat there as Daring slowly spoke of the events of the last few days.

As it had turned out, much like Poppy Daring had been on a ship named Calm Seas near the port of Deer Hollow. Daring explained that she had been traveling with a friend and his son. The stallion a grey pegasus named Professor Brazen Ruff. Poppy recognized the Professors name from some of the Daring Do books she had read. The Professor was a longtime friend of Daring Dos. The stories always had Daring meet with the professor to gather information about her destination or the artifact she was to find before going out on her adventure. Daring explained that this was the first adventure the stallion had gone on with his son. The colt, a small unicorn with a blue mane and red fur had been excited to go with his father. The journey had started out normally when they left Crecent Bay. It was on the third day, however, just outside Dear Hollow when the ship was attacked by the Storm Kings Pirates. Daring explained that they were supposed to have received an escort from the Equstrain Navy, but the ship had never shown up and when the pirates had attacked without warning, the crew had no time to defend the ship. Daring explained that their ship was blasted with cannon fire just before dawn. She described how she had woken up inside her cabin with water rushing in. Daring described how she could hear the screams of the other passengers and the smell of gun powder all around her. By this time in her story Daring was starting to shake, her whole body was tensed up and tears were flowing down her cheeks. Poppy knew this was hard on her, but she also knew that if it was kept bottled up then Daring would just wallow in her misery. Placing her hooves around the pegasus back she encouraged her to try and continue the story.

Making it to Brazen Ruffs cabin she had helped her friend get his son out of the quickly filling cabin that the two had shared. The three had managed to make their way to the main deck. On their way up Daring had noticed her own cabin had been demolished by cannon fire. Not dwelling on how close she was to having been killed they had made their way to the hatch leading to the ships main deck. They could hear more screams and the sounds of swords clashing and musket fire. Daring left through the hatch first galloping straight to a longboat. Brazen and his son were next out of the hatch. The two trying to make it to the rail. Unfortunately, they never made it. Daring watched as a wayward mucket ball struck Brazen in the side. He fell to the ground.

This is where Daring stopped her story again, eyes watering. Her breathing became labored with short little breaths. Reaching out with her hoof Poppy wiped away the tears before brushing Daring's banes back. “Go on” Poppy said as Daring looked into Poppys eyes. Her eyes were pleading to stop but with Poppy soothing words Daring continued the story.

Brazen hit the deck with a thud. His son fell off his back next to him. Blood started to pool around the deep bullet wound in his side. Daring galloped back towards her wounded friend, but the pirates were faster than Daring encircling the young colt as he tried to nudge his father into standing.

Poppy could tell by Darings own description that the professors wound had probably been fatal. Poppy continued listening to the story; her own heart felt saddened.

Daring could only watch as the two of them were taken prisoner. The colt screaming for his father to get up. Just before a pirate grabbed him, the colt gave Daring a look of fear as he was taken away. The look broke Daring into tiny pieces but with no time to think she stepped back; the pirates having noticed her. She had wanted to help her friend, but the pirates had taken the deck. The fighting started to slow down as the crew of the Calm Seas surrendered. Knowing she had to flee if she wanted to help, later Daring flared her wings pumping them hard. Several muskets sounded off towards her. They missed as Daring flew off the deck. After a few moments the pirates seemed to stop taking notice of her. They knew she was not much of a threat on her own and not worth the trouble of trying to shoot her down.

Scanning the now sinking Calm Seas Daring tried to locate her friends. She eventually found them just as one of the pirates was throwing Brazens limp body into the long boats. The pirate did not care as Brazen smacked into the bottom of the boat with a wet squelch. From where she was hovering Daring could not tell if he was alive, but the red splotch on his side was growing by the minute. When the pirates had finished loading all the survivors of the attack into longboats they began to sail to the south. Daring had followed them.

When the story ended Daring was sobbing. Poppy draped her forelegs around the other mare's shoulders pulling her into a tight hug. Nuzzling into Poppys embrace the great adventure sobbed. She sobbed because her friend may be dead, she sobbed because she did nothing to help instead the great Daring Do had run from danger. Poppy continued to hold her close brushing her mane with a hoof. The two continued to embrace for some time keeping warm with each other's heat. The shadows of the two mares danced on the cave walls as the last light of the setting sun filtered into the cave. Poppy held the still whimpering pegasus in her forelegs rocking her back and forth. After some time, the tears had dried and the two just sat in silence listening to the crackling of the fire. Feeling her companion relaxing, Poppy pulled back Daring looked up at her. Poppy could see the fur under her eyes was matted from the tears. Poppy smiled at the smaller pony and Daring returned it.

With the two no longer keeping each other warm Daring offered to rekindle the fire and after a few moments of adding some new firewood a fire was born. The heat helped to lift both of their spirits. The two did not say much the rest of the night, instead they just took comfort in each other's company. Eventually they both drifted off to sleep.