Marble attended the auction with her father and sisters, Limestone and Maud, the latter having returned from university for the summer vacation. The auction was held at the edge of the Nail family property. The farm spanned about five acres and grew various types of rocks. What made the property unique, however, was a small lake formed by a sinkhole—one of the few places where plants grew on the otherwise barren land.

A podium had already been set up with a microphone, and the auctioneer, a purple pegasus wearing a suit and tie, was present.

Around a hundred ponies had gathered, many of whom Marble recognized from the union meeting. She assumed they had brought their families as well. The Nail family was also present, though they stood apart from the union members. Rusty Nail, the patriarch of the family, was an old, beige-colored pony who had come with his daughter. None of the ponies there appeared to be outsiders from beyond Rockville.

In a corner of the crowd, Marble spotted Iron Ore talking to two other bulky ponies whose appearances reminded her of goons from a Daring Do story. Marble moved ahead of her family, wanting to thank the union leader for the book while also curious about his conversation with the “goons.”

“Were there any interested buyers you had to deal with?” Iron asked in a low voice.

“Just a couple of snowbirds from Canterlot,” one of the goons whispered in the strongest Bronclyn accent Marble had ever heard. “Let’s just say we showed ’em a little bit of our rustic hospitality—y’know, in case they were thinking about buyin’ some land and becoming our new neighbahs, o’ course.”

“Good.” Iron quickly scanned his surroundings. “You know the plan in case unexpected buyers show up last minute. The auction doesn’t start for another 30 minutes.”

“Yes, boss,” the goons nodded and dispersed into the crowd, leaving Iron alone.

Whoa. Even Marble could read between the lines of what was happening, and she had to admit—it was kinda badass.

“Oh hey, Marble. Nice to see you,” Iron Ore said, spotting her before she could finish her thoughts and walking over.

Although she had approached him first, Marble still struggled with interacting with the whole interacting with ponies department.

“Mmhmm,” she murmured, avoiding eye contact with him.

“Salutations,” Igneous said as the rest of the Pie family caught up to her. Marble silently thanked her father for stepping in.

“Igneous, it’s good to see you. Your family’s presence is greatly appreciated,” Iron said, shaking hooves firmly.

“My daughter hath spoken of thy plans with the union. Verily, it is a noble endeavor thou dost undertake." Igneous replied, taking off his hat and holding it to his chest in respect.

“It’s nothing. As a community, we’re only as strong as our weakest link.” Marble recalled her father’s muted reaction to her report about the union meeting, but he had still agreed to join in solidarity.

“I see you’ve got your thugs at work, big boss,” Limestone remarked in her usual sharp tone.

“Ah, Limestone. Always a pleasure.” Iron chuckled. “I’ll remind you my offer still stands—security for the union could use someone with your skills.”

“Hah! You wish. I’ve got better things to do than be muscle for a bunch of commies, even if breaking the muzzle of some rich snob sounds fun.”

Iron turned to Maud, who stood quietly in her blue frock. “And you must be another Pie.”

“Hi. I’m Maud,” she said in her monotone voice, accepting his hoofshake.

“Maudileena is getting an education in rock science at university,” Igneous added proudly. Maud was the first Pie to attend university and was close to earning her PhD.

“Not many rock ponies pursue higher education. You make your community proud,” Iron said with a smile.

“I just like rocks,” Maud replied flatly, leaving an awkward silence.

Before Iron could excuse himself, a cerulean mare trotted up, she wore a red headscarf and blue overalls. “Pops! Word from town—there’s a car coming this way!”

“Shoot.” Iron glanced at the road. “Thanks for the heads-up.”

The Pies looked confused, and Iron introduced her. “This is my daughter, Cassiterite Nancy Ore.”

“You can just call me Cassie,” she said, rubbing the back of her head.

“You’re the big boss’s kid? That makes you what, the little boss?” Limestone quipped with a grin.

“That’s funny, coming from you.” Cassie, a head taller, gestured above Limestone’s height. “Who’s little again?”

“You piece of—” Limestone growled, but Maud stopped her from lunging. Cassie stuck her tongue out playfully and left with her father.

Marble watched in fascination. Cassie was the first pony to successfully clap back at Limestone and live to tell the tale. Marble wondered if they might become friends.

The Pies stood together, waiting. Limestone, still fuming after being roasted, had to be calmed down by Maud and Igneous.

Suddenly, a car approached and parked near the auction site. It was a Marecedes-Benz. The gathered crowd fell silent.

The passenger door opened, and out stepped a stylish earth pony with a light gray coat and a well-groomed, powdered white mane. He wore purple sunglasses, a white suit, and a cravat.

“Ahem, this is the auction, right? I heard there was a lovely property for sale. I was thinking of using it for a new studio,” he said aloud to no one in particular, his insufferably smug voice fitting his demeanor.

The two goons in the crowd exchanged looks and began approaching the new, hoity-toity guest.

“Heeeyyy, how are ya?” one of the goons said in a heavy Bronclyn accent, stepping uncomfortably close to the rich pony. The second goon flanked him.

“I—I’m doing well,” the rich pony stammered, caught off guard but trying to maintain composure.

“Well, that’s good to hear.” The Bronclyn-accented goon leaned in. “Listen here, pal. There’s somethin’ you might wanna know about this farm before you go placin’ any bids.”

“Oh? And what’s that?” the rich pony asked, visibly sweating.

“There was this fella once, a rich snob from outta town. Nobody liked him. But one day, the neighbors came together and… found a way to deal with him. You wanna know how?”

“N-No.”

“Do you really wanna know?” The goon’s voice dropped ominously.

“I think I’d rather not.” Hoity tugged nervously at his collar. “Ah, would you look at the time? I think I have a spa appointment!” He bolted for his car, which quickly sped off.

The auction proceeded as planned after Hoity Toity’s abrupt departure. Despite the auctioneer’s best efforts, no one placed a bid except for Rusty Nail, allowing him to buy back his barn. The old farmer broke into tears when the gavel fell, and the crowd erupted in cheers for the Nail family, their unity echoing that of the union.

Marble stood apart from her family, lost in thought. She felt a tangle of emotions she couldn’t quite unravel: envy, longing, and self-doubt.

She had seen the approving looks on everypony’s faces when the goons had intimidated Hoity Toity. Their silent pride in the union's strength was palpable. Marble wanted that. She wanted to be needed, to be someone others relied on, to be part of something bigger. But what could she do? She wasn’t strong like Limestone, smart like Maud, or charismatic like her twin, Pinkie.

Her thoughts darkened as feelings of inadequacy crept in. Maybe her lot in life was to stay on the rock farm forever.

Her brooding was interrupted by a voice. “You’re Marble, right?”

Marble looked up to see Cassie standing before her. Startled, she stood at attention, her nervousness about meeting new ponies taking over.

“My father told me you’ve been reading theory. I’m glad to hear that! We need more educated mares in the revolution, am I right?” Cassie grinned, holding out a hoof for a bump. Marble hesitated but gave a weak one in return.

“I just wanted to invite you to a revolutionary book club me and some of the other union members are starting. The location’s secret, but I can let you know if you’re interested.”

Marble’s eyes widened. She was getting invited to events now? She silently thanked Caramel Marks. She nodded eagerly.

“Hey, Marble, where are you? We’re leaving!” Limestone’s voice rang out from somewhere behind her.

Marble waved goodbye to Cassie and hurried back to her family.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading!

The upcoming chapters should focus more on Marble's new social group and her growing and interested for aviation, so be on the lookout for that.

As always feedback is greatly appreciated :)