Fallout: Equestria - An Equal Experiment

I live for the smiles on your faces, friends. Seeing you happy gives my life meaning! I live to serve you all and this great Republic!

The sun glitters through a crack in the clouds as the Republic rouses from its slumber. The fake grass covering the mountain town's natural silty soil glistens with morning dew as a voice croons over the loud speakers situated throughout the city. "Good morning everypony! This is Speakerphone with your morning announcements! The caravan successfully returned from a supply mission to Fetlock last night, bringing with them two new faces to Our Republic and some new crops for the garden. Everypony, let's give a big welcome to Morning Haste and Brass Tax!"

All at once throughout the village, over a thousand ponies shout a warm welcome in unison. The delighted radio host can't help a soft laugh as he adjusts his microphone. "That's what we like to hear! Their cutie unmarking ceremonies will be held at noon today inside the Cutie Mark Vault, just in time for lunch! Should you require assistance in locating the vault, one of our friendly Yesmares will be more than happy to assist you up the mountain. That's all for now! Remember, there is safety in sameness. This has been Speakerphone with Your Republic's morning announcements!"

Inside the town confectionary, a young mare ties on her apron with a joyful grin. Peppermint Twist, an Earth pony named after her off-white coat and red mane, has run the confectionary for the past ten years with great pride. Her father passed control of the business down to her when he was found to be infected with Haltervirus. To protect the city, anypony who contracted Hatervirus is sent to an isolated cavern in the mountains never to be seen again. Though Peppermint misses him dearly, she doesn't let the memories bring her down. After all, it's against the rules!

Opening the shop doors she takes a deep breath of the semi-fresh mountain air, putting a small brick down to hold the door open before rushing to her counter, gathering a few glass jars of sweets, and placing them into a nearby cart for that morning's deliveries. Attempting to attach herself to the cart proves quite difficult, so she waves down a unicorn resident to help her tie the rope. With the ban loosened they can all help each other, and these unicorns can be so darn helpful! With a content smile and a kind word of thanks she starts off, pulling the cart full of candy jars behind her as she makes the rounds.

What a glorious morning! Everypony is smiling, fillies are playing in the streets, and the Yesmares have already started their daily rounds. The machines were unnerving at first, blank metal mares with glowing orange eyes, exposed synthetic brains and large guns attached to their sides, but the large smiles they shared with the rest of the village made them a welcome part of life in the Republic. The wall and watchtowers can only do so much, she recalls from a previous speech, with these new Marebots around the city was now safe inside and out! Peppermint Twist continues forward, waving to the guards before stopping outside the school, where a purple-coated mare stood awaiting her students.

"Good morning Wysteria!" Peppermint says with a grin, straightening her posture. As the leader of the Republic- and self-appointed head teacher of the School of Equality- Wysteria's mane is cut in a short pseudo-bob held back with an orange headband, her tail slightly waving down to just above the hoof. She wears a white grown which covers her flank and an ever-present smile, though not as wide as the ponies around her. "What's today's lesson?"

Wysteria peeks over her subordinate's shoulder, looking at the heard of approaching fillies and colts walking in an orderly line. Aah, perfection. They're all so well behaved! "We're on pre-Equestrian history at the moment. Most of the books were lost in the attack on Canterlot, but using what I've found in the terminals I've been able to piece together the story of Equestria's founding!"

"Ooo! Can I have a preview, please Wysteria?"

"Ah ah ah!~" she says, lightly pushing the overexcited candymare back down the steps to the schoolhouse. "If I gave you a special lesson it would hardly be fair now would it?" Peppermint relents, ears flattening as she sheepishly paws at the road below her. "There's no need to be upset Peppermint, it's an honest mistake!.. A mistake you've made ten times this month but a mistake nonetheless! Try not to let it happen again, okay?"

No matter how hard she tries to curb her curiosity, no matter how many times she catches herself staring at the distant mountains or the door to the outside world, she can't stop thinking about it. She's only known life inside the walls, and despite enjoying her life in the Republic, there were questions that nopony could answer. What's it like out there? Where do the caravans go? There have to be ponies out there, so how do they survive with such different opinions and talents? Are they not ashamed that they caused the Balefire Bombs? It's these questions that are forbidden in the village, some more than others.. Deep down, she wishes they weren't... But it's what's best for the town.

Too many questions make you an outcast.

Upon hearing the excited yells of the schoolfillies Peppermint whips around with a huge smile and a twinkle in her eye. "There's my favorite students!" she says, prancing in place for a moment as they race to meet her. She pulls out a small burlap bag from her vest pocket and sets it down, the children opening it and each taking one piece of candy as is their routine. "I've got taffy for you guys today, just made it this morning! Papa Cinnamon's favorite!"

A large bell rings out from the schoolhouse, echoing through the mountain pass and gathering the attention of the entire town. "Oh!" exclaims Wysteria with a soft chuckle, "time to get to work! Better hurry up on those deliveries Peppermint!.." The leader's voice softens to one of underlying anger as she continues. "We don't want you to be late again, do we?"

"No ma'am!" exclaims the confectioner as she turns around, bolting down the street with all her might. She only pauses to set a jar of candy next to the front doors of some homes, knocking to get their attention before rushing off again. Her rounds take about ten minutes at top speed- potentially a record- before arriving at her last stop: the mill.