Chapter Twenty Six - Running Low

I made sure the yetis were trussed up tightly, and headed below to check on the wounded.

Dr. Woundwort's tarpaulin-covered table had a distressing amount of blood on it, but thankfully, none of the wounded ponies lying on mats against the aft bulkhead seemed to be in really bad shape.

"Any serious cases?" I asked the doctor.

"Ms. Zabaa's right foreleg was very badly broken and she won't be fit for duty for a week. She shouldn't put any weight on it for at least two days. Ms. Lucky Charm will need to have her pupillary response checked every hour for the next three watches. She took a nasty knock and was out for over a minute. Ms. Whirlwind took a crossbow bolt through her left avian scapula and the wound had to be cauterized. She should be given light duty for a week with no flying for at least one more. All the others are simple abrasions, contusions, and shallow lacerations."

He looked thoughtful for a moment and added, "Ms. Rain Storm needed me to remove an iron pile point that had lodged in her right acetabulum, displacing the femoral head, which, by all indications, was extremely painful. After the extraction, she required no further treatment, so the wound could only be called serious in the moment."

Ouch. "Thank you, doctor. Some of the ponies still on deck have injuries and they'll be coming down for treatment as soon as they can."

"What about you, Captain?" He gestured toward my forelegs.

"What?" I looked down. "Oh, this isn't mine. I…" But there was a sharp pain in my right leg as I gestured. I pushed up my sleeve and found the wound with glittering crystal shards embedded in it. "Oh, the gem that popped. I guess you should take those fragments out."

Dr. Woundwort raised an eyebrow, sighed, and floated over a pair of forceps from his tray of instruments. "Leg up, Captain."

He worked quickly and efficiently, as he always did, and when he'd finished wrapping a bandage around my leg, he put down the forceps, looked up at the top of the grating, and called out, "Next!"

I went over to talk briefly with the wounded ponies. We had gotten off very lightly, considering.

"What hit you, Lucky?" I asked, a little bit amazed that she had been wounded at all. I suppose it wouldn't be called "wild" magic if it was consistent and predictable.

"Zab says it was a catapult shot that spun off the main mast and hit me sideways with the shaft," she told me. "I didn't see it. Honestly, I don't even remember it happening. One minute I was watching the battleship closing in, and the next I woke up down here. The doctor says I won't even have a cool scar, just this." She brushed her mane aside and turned so I could see the big lump on the back of her skull.

"You should be fine in a day or two," I told her, and turned to the little zebra mare. "And how are you, Zabaa? Much pain?"

"Hapana, ma'am," she replied, shyly ducking her head. "The honored mganga told me it will, perhaps, ache for a time, but nothing so great."

"Pumzika vizuri, Zabaa. Zenobia would never forgive me if I brought her favorite niece back to her with a limp. I will have cots set up in the captain's cabin for you two where you will be pampered for a few days."

I talked with Whirlwind next. Most of her body from shoulders to hips was tightly wrapped in white linen, which looked impressive but was mostly to keep her wing stabilized.

"Doc's blisterin' good, Captain! I came down here bleedin' like a firehose and thinkin' my wing was gonna fall off, and he zapped and stitched me up in no time. That little happy-time spell's pretty sweet, too. I am feelin' no pain!"

"Glad to hear it. I'll put you in with Zabaa and Lucky for a couple of days. Please don't teach them to swear, okay?"

She laughed at that, thinking I was joking. "No need for me lazin' around, Captain. My legs and teeth are workin' just fine."

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow at her. I'm sure I didn't do it as well as the Doctor did, but I think I got my point across. I pointed a hoof to the forward grating where blood was dripping through, fouling the deck below. "Eager to jump up and join in the clean-up crew?"

"Uh… Well, maybe I could use a little bit of rest."

I checked on the rest of the wounded crew and then went back on deck. Things were well in hoof. Tempest suggested the prisoners be physically separated by barrels and crates in the cargo hold and a pony posted to keep watch on them constantly. I agreed and gave the order.

I had a word with Pinkie, making sure that she encouraged the crew to drink as much water and fruit juice as they could. I also asked her to set out good hoof-food on the galley serving table for anyone to help themselves.

"There's lots of apple pie left over!" she said with a slightly lopsided grin.

I grinned back at her. "I hear it was a big hit."

Sacred Stars, I love it when she has a fit of the giggle-shrieks.

I had Landslide, Hawser, and Half Hitch move the dead yetis out of the way and strip their armor off. We would dump them over the side when we crossed the Everfree. I assumed the carnivorous denizens of the forest would be puzzled but happy with the sudden windfall.

I noticed that Hawser's breastplate had a deep dent in one side.

"Did you get hit, Mr. Hawser?"

"Yes, Captain! Catapult shot just as I came up to the rail." He turned and pointed at the thick shaft that was sticking out of the break of the fo'c'sle deck. "Skipped right off. I think there's gonna be a big bruise under the armor, but it's better than getting skewered."

Landslide looked around the deck. "Where's Whirlwind? I could use her help cutting out the broken section of rail."

"Your assistant will be off duty for a few days." After seeing his expression of concern, I added, "She'll be fine if she gets some proper rest. Ask Ket to assign you somepony else who would like to learn some ship's carpentry."

On to another much less pleasant task, I gathered up Clove Hitch in my wake and headed to the rail by the number four engine mount. Ralf was already there making some notes in his little book and shaking his head sadly.

"How bad is it, Mr. Ralf?"

He snapped his notebook shut and turned to face me, ears and tail drooping. "No repair possible, Captain. Engine spar is twisted out of line, too, so he has to be replaced or straightened. Ralf has plenty spare parts and stock, but can't build whole new engine. Nebula will limp on three legs until she puts into a shipyard."

"Is there anything you can do?"

He nodded. "Ralf can demount the spar so he doesn't cause drag, and strip down poor number four carcass for parts. And—" He leaned sideways and pointed up at our starboard steering fin. "—vane needs to be straightened before fabric is patched. Ralf thinks he can do that with help of two ponies. Two, three hours, maybe?"

"Ms. Clove, see that Mr. Ralf gets whatever he needs, and then get Half Hitch and Applejack on splicing those main shrouds." I turned and went up to the quarterdeck. "Fluttershy, keep her ticking over at dead slow so we have steerage while the repairs are made."

She spread her wings and closed her eyes for a second. "There's a fresh north west wind. At dead slow, Nebula will lose ground."

I silently cursed, borrowing one of Whirlwind's favorite phrases that I wouldn't dare say aloud. "Can't be helped. Just keep her steady until the repair crews have their hooves back on the planks."

"Aye-aye, Captain. I'll put her head-to-wind and bring both fins down so the one will be easier to work on."

"Good. Do that," I told her. "And by the way, that was a brilliant move with that fin. Good thinking."

Fluttershy smiled. "Just Nebula taking care of her ponies."

I looked around and saw Spike carrying big netted bottles of juice to the crew working on deck.

"Spike! Can you bring your scribe kit up here? I need to send some messages."

"Aye-aye, Captain!" He slung the bottles over a belaying pin on the main fife rail where ponies could help themselves and went down below.

While I waited, I checked with Ao in the cupola. She reported no other ships sighted, yeti or otherwise.

Spike trotted up a moment later with his little kit, and got out parchment and quill. "Ready, Captain!"

I hesitated and cleared my throat. "Um… Are you okay, Spike?"

He looked up at me and grinned. "Sure! I took this—" He held up his left wing and I could see two neat little stitches closing a small tear in the primary membrane. "—from a crossbow bolt, but it's nothing. Doesn't even hurt."

I felt a second of irrational anger. Someone shot at my baby brother? I would… I would do nothing. The yeti who had taken the shot was probably half-embedded in the potato field below us. I realized that Spike was staring at me with concern.

"Are you okay, Twi?"

"I'm sorry I brought you into this, Spike."

"Huh? Into what?"

"This!" I waved a hoof at the bloody main deck. "Fighting, risking your life, even—killing."

Spike was quiet for a moment and then he put down his quill. "They would have killed us. We had to do it."

"I know, I know, but I didn't have to drag you into it."

He was silent for a long time, and when I opened my mouth again, he cut me off with a single word. "Don't."

"But—"

"Don't! I know exactly what you're thinking, and you're wrong. I've risked my life plenty of times before this, and I'm not a kid anymore. I'm tougher than you think." He seemed to be grasping for something else to say. Finally, he put his hand gently on my shoulder, and said quietly, "I go where you go."

It wasn't comforting. It was the opposite of comforting. It wasn't just the danger, it was how I responded to it. I seemed to be constantly edging closer to being a truly awful, murderous brigand, hoofstep by logical hoofstep, and if Spike followed me down into darkness…

I jerked my head up as Spike flicked his quill across my muzzle. "First message goes to who?" he asked.

"To whom," I corrected automatically. Then, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

He gave me an apologetic half-smile and pointed the feather end of his quill at my head, making a twirling motion. "Had to break you out of the loop somehow. See? You need me, Twi."

"I…" I stared at him, suddenly on the verge of tears.

"First message goes to whom?"

I sniffed, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. "Celestia first, but all of these will have the same report on the action we just fought, so maybe a pantograph spell for the first part…" I called on my magic and felt a wave of nausea wash over me. "Ugh. Or maybe not."

"Are you okay, Twi?"

"Just tired. Okay, exhausted, but I've got to let the others know what our situation is."

"I don't mind making copies. Go ahead."

I dictated the letters and Spike sent them on their way. Unsurprisingly, I received a reply from Celestia before our repairs were completed.

Some other yeti ships had been sighted across northern Equestria, all of them heading away from the Yaket range. One had crashed near Hollow Shades, and the town militia had fought with the survivors. Most of the yetis had escaped into the woods and were being hunted by a guard unit from Fillydelphia.

There had been other incidents, but most of the battleships bypassed towns and cities, heading south as fast as possible.

Only two of Celestia's scouts had reported in from the far north, and neither had been close enough to Mt. Everhoof to provide any concrete information about what had happened to the yeti fleet up there. All they could tell her was that some sort of powerful magical "event" had taken place. They hadn't seen anything, but they'd felt it.

Celestia outlined a couple of scenarios for me. If I felt I needed to get to the Crystal Empire as soon as possible, she would send an air chariot and have relay teams sent out from Cloudsdale to relieve the pegasus guards along the way.

If I wanted the girls with me, she would have an express train meet us at Ponyville.

In any case, a chariot was on its way with a supply of fully charged gems to use as I saw fit.

Being a monarch sure does smooth over a lot of life's little bumps.

I sent her a reply asking for the train to be made ready and called Ao down to the quarterdeck.

I explained the new plan. She was furious with me, but only the tips of her barbels gave her away. She spoke calmly and softly. "When danger threatens, this one's place is by the Captain's side."

"Ao, there is no one else I trust to do this. Rendezvous with Black Fang, take command of both ships, and follow us up. I need to know I don't have to be looking over my shoulder while I'm busy with the latest brainless eater, and you're the only one I'm sure will get the job done."

I know that I may have portrayed my trusted friend and First Officer as a ruthless and violent sort of creature (which, make no mistake, she was) but she was also incredibly smart and a brilliant tactician. She understood my reasoning, even if she didn't like it.

"It will be as you say, Majesty. However, if you come to any grievous harm in this one's absence, this one will express utmost displeasure in a manner which Your Majesty may find somewhat distasteful." That may sound like an underwhelming threat, but from Ao, it sent a chill down my spine. I did not ask for details.

I called the officers to the quarterdeck and formally handed over command.

When the repairs were complete, Fluttershy ran up the engines to three quarters ahead until she got the feel of the patched fin and the missing engine, then she went to full ahead and called Mr. Hawser and Ensign Sherbet to the quarter deck to talk them through how to treat poor wounded Nebula as they steered her northward.

Luna's message arrived as we were crossing the western arm of the Everfree. I had just unsealed the scroll, when Ao called out to the ponies who were preparing to heave the yeti bodies overboard.

"Belay that! Clean them up but leave them where they are."

The crew ponies stared for a second or two and then got to work.

I didn't ask.

Dearest Twilight,

I am so very happy to hear of your little adventure, and I am frankly jealous of your chance to once again directly and firmly express your displeasure to the invading barbarians.

I regret that poor Nebula was damaged and that some of her crew were hurt, but in a fight against a battleship the cost seems remarkably light. Please convey my admiration and congratulations to your heroic crew. As the battle happened over Equestrian soil, I will see to it that their valiant effort is suitably recognized.

We are nearing the pass through the Crystal Mountains and I will have my navigator put down the longitude and latitude of the little valley where we will anchor Midnight. She will be hidden well enough, should she be needed for an ambush, but I will continue on to the Empire with a few provisions to provide young Cadance with reassurance and support.

I ache to see you, and each second until we meet again will seem an eternity.

All my love,

Luna

At a rough estimate, Cady's reply wouldn't reach us for another two hours or so. I spent the time inspecting the repairs, talking with the crew, and packing a small sea bag of essentials. I was going north as Princess Twilight, not Captain Blackmane, but I took my greatcoat and blades anyway. And yes, I cleaned the blood off first.

The Castle of Friendship was hull-up, and Nebula was starting to descend when Spike spit out the scroll from Cadance.

Her letter was a bit unfocused and fragmentary, which worried me, but she obviously had a lot on her mind and was under incredible stress. Allowances had to be made.

I wrote out a quick note updating her on the plan and giving her a rough estimate of our time of arrival in the Empire. Spike sent it rippling away on the wind.

The promised delivery of gems was waiting for us at Ponyville Station where a very large locomotive pulling two long passenger cars sat on the tracks, steaming. Spike very pointedly hefted the chest of gems using only one hand and preceded me into the car. I thanked the Royal Guards who had delivered it and followed him in.

Sometimes Celestia likes to make a point in a very indirect but startling way, and I had to assume that this was one of those occasions. She had sent us a luxury sleeper/parlor car and the waiting attendant assured us that there was a five-star chef onboard that would prepare whatever meals we required.

Rarity shouldered past me with an avaricious expression blossoming on her face. "Is there a bath?"

"Of course, Your Majesty! In the next car. It is a rather small whirlpool by your standards of course, but it is the best that could be arranged within our limitations. Shall I have the esthetician prepare the tub for you?"

I have never been able to adequately represent in print most of Rarity's idiosyncratic vocalizations, and the shriek/moan/trill of delight she answered the steward with is no exception.

"Well, that's Rares taken care of," said Applejack. "Me, I'd like to get on the outside of some good grub."

The rest of us all agreed, and the consensus was that, as long as the food was hot, high in calories, and kept coming, we didn't care what it was.

Spike had taken the chest of gems and put it in a curtained-off compartment at the forward end of the car. "I thought you might want a little privacy to work with these," he told me.

"Good thinking. I'm going to sort through them to find the best ones to keep as backups, and the best ones to absorb. That process isn't exactly pleasant-looking so I'm sure the girls will appreciate not having to watch."

I got right to work, and the next thing I knew, Spike was setting a covered serving dish down on the table next to me.

"The steward said this was sent down from Canterlot under a stasis spell for you and me," Spike told me.

There was a little folded card on the lip of the platter. I lifted it up and there were only three quill-written words on it; With love, Mom.

I broke the seal and the amazing scent of Mom's special spaghetti recipe flooded the compartment. There was an enormous mound of steaming noodles and sauce under the domed cover, and we ate every single bit of it. Spike even licked the platter like he had done when he was very young.

It always astounds me how strong sense memories can be. I sat back on my cushion in a warm haze of happy remembrance. I hadn't intended to fall asleep, but taken together, my full belly and my exhaustion were too much to resist and I drifted off.

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Author's Note