Solar Eclipse. Carbon Monoxide. All are missing, and without a word. For a simple mission involving items that can be used to create inventions, turned out to be the worst. How am I supposed to return to Lab-00 without both of them now? What if Starshooter denounces my status as a scientist? What if I was banned from doing any research activities or they would throw me back to here? Now, I felt like I can’t return to Lab-00 until I can find the two. They’re important for our mission, but without resources means we’ll be getting stiff punishments when we head back inside. No matter the outcome, I’m pretty much in deep trouble right now.

I can’t give any explanation other than the fact that two of the important ponies have gone missing, with parts we found with it. Why them? How am I still here and not elsewhere? This left me too many questions. The pony in my thoughts reminded me of recent events in New Hampshore while we were making our escape.

It was far from empty, yes. But the ordinary paper I threw yesterday had hit my head hard. It wasn't just an ordinary, written paper; it was a warning. It struck out of nowhere and next thing you know, danger can strike at any time and anyplace. Even if you’re back at your designated place, it follows everywhere you go.

“Goddamn it all! If Celestia was here, I would gladly have her take me to the deepest core to the sun. Beats getting punished by Starshooter anyway.” I said aloud before laying back on the gritty mattress. I looked up at the cracked ceiling, wondering how and why was I even assigned to this in the first place.

I’d ask both Solar and Carbon if either or both are around, but what’s the point? They haven’t said a word since we… or I, rested up. Its not like they just vanished into thin air. My thoughts frantically debated on whether I should find the two, or head back to Lab-00 and give them the bad news and risk having my status as a scientist terminated.

I sat up. I held onto Solar’s now empty medical bag around my hooves.

“There weren’t any trails of the two. Just mysteriously gone, and I heard no sound of them. I can’t return to Lab-00. I just can’t. I need to find them. To hell with resources, I need to find them and return ASAP. I just hope they’ll eventually speak from my PipBuck.”

After talking to an imaginary pony I didn't know, I got off of the mattress and wrapped Solar’s medical bag around me. Trotting down the stairs, I headed to the kitchen to open up the fridge to see if there’s any edible treats before my stomach would protest. Only an apple. That’ll do for now.

Taking a quick swipe and a munch, I left the abandoned apartment. Before I left however, I took a glance at the rifle belonging to Carbon. I frowned at the sight, seeing it laying on top of the pile of garbage in a garbage can. Even so, I took his rifle with my teeth. Apart from the wretched scent, I held onto it before gazing up at the gloomy skies.

Time to search for my teammates.

Where the hell are they? My PipBuck isn’t detecting anything! Not like the pony martians arrived and abducted them for ‘experiments’. New Hampshore is like a maze filled with nasty surprises just waiting to happen. I looked around and saw nothing but demolished buildings and spray tags. One even displayed on the wall that says Sapphire Shores, but the ‘S’ was replaced with a ‘W’ by a spray tag. ‘Sapphire Whores’? Un-fucking-believable.

I went inside the Hampshore Office Complex building in hopes the two are inside. Nothing. I took a glance at a terminal and slowly trotted over, “Hmm…”

Booting it on, I was asked for a password. Should be easy.

The password was: “rubies”

I was shown only one entry from the terminal, news to be exact. Taking a look, I opened up to read the following message from the screen:

New Hampshore Unrest:

“Ever since Suri Pollomare had attempted to copy and ‘improve’ her version of Sapphire Shores’ bedazzling outfit, everypony had high expectations Sapphire to earn her tenth title in the annual fashion show competition in New Hampshore (originally Manehattan, but was relocated to New Hampshore for undisclosed reasons). Despite that Sapphire accused Suri of cheating, the judges still announced Suri Pollomare as the unanimous winner and claiming her first title. This sparked controversy as the fans accused the judges for announcing her the winner, rather than disqualifying Suri. Prim Hemline unfortunately, still announced Suri Pollomare as the clear winner. As Sapphire Shores outright yells at Suri with profane comments, rioting began to ensue in the city of New Hampshore. Suri however, was unfazed and calmly took her first title and declared Sapphire Shores a ‘disgrace to fashion’. Struck with grief and despair, Sapphire had quit her job as a pop star while Coco Pommel announced that she will no longer be doing fashion designs for the ponies after Sapphire’s title loss. Meanwhile, lootings and vandalism escalated in--”

The message ended with a mass of garbled symbols and numbers. A glitch I presumed, but closed the terminal anyway. Whoever Suri is should deserves the biggest capital punishment by the Goddess herself. Either way, it didn't took me anywhere to my missing teammates. Aside from my PipBuck retrieving its data, I left the office and moved on.

Perhaps they may have gone to retrieve something important. Hell no. If they did, they wouldn't be so greedy by taking resources stored in Solar’s case and keep it to themselves!

My pony thought is correct. They wouldn't do such a thing by being greedy and return to Lab-00 without me. Yet, they never left a note upon their absence.

All in all, I just kept going. Following the trail that never exists was quite a long way to go, its not leading me anywhere to my team. Hours gone by, nothing. Not a word from them. If I notify the others, they’ll wonder what my team is and have me court-martialled on the spot.

I give up. It’ll take too much hours just to search for them, so what shall I do now? I’ll probably let Lab-00 know that my teammates have gone AWOL. Then what? Am I gonna get a hoof to the face when I tell them that? Fuck that. I’m betting the Wastelands are taunting me behind my back, but I can’t give anymore fucks than that. I merely lifted up my hoof and set up a waypoint that leads to an unknown building. If it doesn't lead me to my teammates, then I’m not even going to bother.

“If the Goddess can hear me right now, I’m at wits end. I have Solar’s medical bag with me, and Carbon’s rifle. My communication’s seriously sporadic, and the last thing I want is a serious punishment from my fellow scientists.”

Travelling along the beaten path isn't the same as being with the two and I’m hoping I don’t run into jagged street pavements again. Now I just have to rely on the waypoint I've set up. Wherever it takes me, I follow. If its danger, then it’ll probably be the second time I’ll encounter such an inescapable situation.

After journeying the unforgiving paths (no creatures or ponies I’ve found so far), I arrived at the waypoint of the map.

The rest of the restaurant’s motto was cut off, but why do I care? I trotted inside just to waste my time searching for them. That, or just to grab a quick lunch.

“Hey Solar, did you know Suri was secretly a prostitute? Its no wonder she’s a cheater! Am I right, Carbon?” I asked nopony. I must be talking to my imaginary teammates that rarely exists. All while eating a stale doughnut in order to relieve my hunger.

I must be losing it. Or just being silly over the fact that my teammates aren't responding to me!

Yeah, I’m losing it. Why? Because I haven’t heard a word from my PipBuck. As I continued to eat, I heard loud and obnoxious buzzing noises inside the restaurant. The hell? Surely the lights didn't flickered, has it?

I turned my head to the direction of a small, cracked opening of a wall to see if this is source to the noise. A red blip shows on my radar, indicating a hostile. Something tells me that I’m not looking at a common insect buzzing around. I slowly moved my hoof to pull out my former teammate’s rifle and got off of the chair to take careful aim at the emerging insect.

The insect that emerged from the wall turned out to be a Cazador! And its flying towards me! Taking aim at its head and wrapping my tongue around the trigger to pull it.

BAM!

It landed a shot to the head, but the recoil left me falling off of the chair and onto my back, “Oof!”

To add my misfortune, the Cazador survived a shot to the head and flew aggressively towards me! I quickly stumbled out of the way from getting stung by that ravaging insect. It must have a thick skull to survive a shot to the head! Goddess dammit! I tried to take aim, but the Cazador flew erratically at me and threw my aim off, “Fuck! Hold still, you flying shit!”

I rolled out of the way for a better distance, but the Cazador managed to land a lucky sting against my right hind-leg.

“Ahhh! Goddess damn you! Damn you to eternal hell!!”

I took an aim of the rifle and fired another shot to the damned insect’s head, this time leaving its head crippled and dazed. Fuck! My leg hurts! I gotta finish this bastard off with one final shot…

BAM!

Down goes the fucking insect of the Cazador. Now the biggest problem I’m facing is my PipBuck warning me about poison that’s already coursing inside my right hindleg. I fucking hate karma. Once a bitch, always a bitch. Time to get out of here and find an Antivenom, unless I’ll be running into swarms of Cazador insects to poke me to death.

Dammit all to hell… if this was the Goddess’ job, she’d give that bastard Cazador the ultimate rape treatment! Where is it?! Where’s the hospital?! I’m fading. Fading…

My vision was blurry. I seriously hope I don’t have to look at my hind-leg, or myself to look like I’ve been recently decayed in a graveyard. Hopefully a red cross or a pink butterfly will take me to the antivenom. If not, then I’ll at least die trying to this day.

“Solar… I need medical assistance…” I called out to my non-existent teammate. Thankfully, I entered inside an abandoned, hospital facility in a desperate effort to find the Antivenom. Please Celestia, give me another chance…

After looking through every cabinet, I thought I was going to die here and now. Taking a glimpse of an Antivenom bottle, I’d hope for at least a drop of Antivenom so I can save my untimely demise. I grabbed it with my weak hoop and popped a cork in it and helplessly gulped it down, wondering if there’s any left. My taste buds exploded with good luck, there was some left! I quickly gulped it down to remove the poison in me before it had a chance to claim my life!

I still felt weak. The poison from a Cazador attack was still enough to nearly slip me into unconsciousness. Luck was on my side again and wrapped my weakened hoof around to inject my side. It did the work to replenish my long lost strength, but also resulted me to pass out in the process.

I weakly told karma to fuck off as I slipped into unconsciousness behind the medical counter. I hope Solar and Carbon returns for an evac. Who knows when. Or probably get dissected like a common frog.

My mind began to fantasize about the stands from the same competition I read from the terminal, oblivious to my surroundings as to let my mind wander around. Inside, I was yelling and making fun of Suri for winning despite that she obviously cheated. Nopony could hear me, but I wanted to vent all my rage to this bitch. I could probably haunt her dreams, even if she was dead. It’ll serve her right! If she would listen to me insult her behind her back, I’d tell her how much of a pitiful designer she is. She’d be crying in a corner right now, but even so would be fruitless. I haven’t woken up yet, after all. I'm pretty much a ghost inside my own dreams.

Back in reality (which I hope its not the Cobras or the Raiders that wants to play surgery on my lifeless body), a lone pony hoping to be Solar happened to arrive inside the medical facility. I heard armored noises, but my consciousness isn't allowing me to wake myself up to identify and I’m stuck in this damned yet amusing dream world for the time being. It (he or she, I can’t tell) saw my unconscious body behind the medical counter before picking me up and took me in an empty medical room. I reacted to nothing.

My seemingly lifeless body was tossed onto a gritty hospital bed. The armored, pony figure went to write something on a clipboard before placing it next to me and left. My body spasmed a little, signifying the end of my unexpected visit to a flashback.

I need to wake up, and fast.

What a dream. At least it didn't involved a swarm of Cazadores or I’d be dead already.

I took a glance at a clipboard, “What’s this?”

‘Survive’

Yeah. Sure. Being nearly dead by poison was survival enough already. Might as well take a bullet to the head, to top it off. On the plus side, my strength is restored and all that was left for me is to get out of--

“Where did my belongings go?!”

Make that a negative side. My rifle and medical bag went missing! I quickly stumbled off of the bed and quickly galloped to the medical counter and saw both of them untouched, “Whew! And here I thought you were stolen. Solar and Carbon would've killed-- nono, raged at me if I lost both of their rifle and medical bag.”

I carried them with me and made my exit of the medical facility to resume my search. At least my organs weren't pulled out, thankfully. I think the deserted city gave me a second chance, unless it wants me to face off another Cazador or any other lethal creatures I’d encounter. Then I’d be truly fucked.

Was that both of my teammates writing down the note and told me I have to survive? I haven’t heard their names but then again, I was unconscious and heard nothing except ponies protesting in my head regarding the cheating bastard Suri. Still, I can’t worry about that now and I still haven’t gotten a word from my PipBuck. The skies were getting dark and awfully cloudy.

I entered an abandoned building to take shelter if it were to begin the major downpour. Looking out the broken window, I spotted a trio of different ponies. All are armed and riddled with filth. Typical.

To my surprise, I heard another three ponies swearing at each other; the same ponies that we saw Venom kill his own teammate from our very eyes!

“Well, well, well. If it ain't those pansy-ass Raiders. Where the fuck is our payment?!” Venom called out to the three. The unnamed Raider’s response was:

“Fuck you! You wannabe Cobras are just begging for your sharp tongues to be cut off! Now, die!”

Guess the payment Venom demanded fell into deaf ears as gunfire rang out between two hostile factions. I’m just glad I wasn’t in the middle or I’d end up being a target for their heartless amusement. I looked on, seeing the Cobras easily taking down two Raider ponies with various firearms and so far both Raider ponies were single-handedly killed. The three laughed heartlessly and forced the lone Raider to retreat, “I’ll get more compadres this time! You’ll be wishing you fuckheads were never born!”

Venom took aim and shot the hind-leg of the unnamed Raider, resulting him to scream in agony.

“I’d like to see you try, you little shit! Next time you come back with your whores, I’m gonna make you my bitch!”

I heard the three laughing after gunning them down unscathed. As far as I saw, they seem to have better aim than the Raiders. Or just flat-out lucky that the Raiders were intimidated before they could open fire.

I moved on after watching a brief gunfight with Venom and his team prevailing. I’m aware that Solar told me that its wrong to kill ponies, but I was thinking more of cleansing them instead. I took up the stairs on a demolished portion of the building with an open view to go check if the Raider pony is still there. Probably a good idea to just end his misery (even though he’s a total neighsayer).

Crouching down and taking aim with my rifle, I attempted to enter S.A.T.S. No dice. My PipBuck told me that I was out of range and that the radar didn't pick up an obvious hostile, but I didn't give a damn. I still took aim and fired the gun. Missed.

Dammit. One shot left, gotta make it count.

BAM!

I didn't go for the head, but to the torso. That dropped him to the ground dead, regardless. At least I was a bit lucky to hit his vital spot, or I just aimed at him for nothing. I got up on my hooves, the rifle now empty inside. Time to move on.

“If I worry too much, I’ll never find my teammates. I just have to take a look at least one more time…” I muttered to myself. I can’t be bothered to scream out loud without the risk of getting unwanted attention I clearly don’t deserve.

Outside, Venom had just overheard a gunshot, “Hah! Better yet, become a bigger bitch for karma!”

“You said it, Mr. Bleak Venom! A shame he looked so hot and good-lookin’.” Poison replied with a mare-like tone to it. Venom looked at the purple-coated, violet-maned stallion (with a hint of makeup, apparently). He simply rolled his eyes in annoyance.

“Let’s just go, ya tramp. And just call me Venom!”

Goddess dammit! My way out is blocked by rubble! Lots and lots of it, too. So much for my way out. Might as well turn back to where I came and get on out of here. And the narrow corridors isn't helping my dreary feeling of claustrophobia. Its like being stuffed in a delivery box and your movements completely restricted to do anything. But, what choice do I have?

There’s a way out, but that too has been collapsed. Seriously, can this get any worse?! Might as well use an imaginary jackhammer to bash my way through the rubble helplessly, only to lead myself into more danger. The open views were my only exit, but the ground is too uneven with jagged rocks and shards of glass.

“Geez. Show me a way out for once!” I yelled out with annoyance, questioning the Goddess’ intentions to me.

I trotted back down the stairs again where my exit was blocked by the same rubble. I slowly turned to my left, facing at an open door. Probably a way out, or just a trap waiting to catch me by surprise. I arrived inside the next room with both Terminals, broken off. No surprise there.

Still no word from my team. Maybe its time I deliver Lab-00 the bad news. If they revoke my status as a scientist, then so be it. They have to at least realize the dangers in New Hampshore. I made my exit and took a stroll on the outside dangers. Beats being cramped in between two or four walls. Or more than four walls, probably.

It not likely that their PipWalkers would malfunction easily. I can only wish they’d given me at least what has been going on. My mind spoke out. Even he was peeved at the missing teammates. That, and the artifacts we originally had were stolen. That’ll get me suspended indefinitely.

Why do I feel like the need to scream? Is it because my teammates value more than just mere artifacts? Or is it because the gloomy atmosphere is doing whatever it takes to drive me close to losing it? As empty New Hampshore looked, it was far from it. Its just watching me, waiting to strike at any time.

I groaned tiredly after a nightly stroll. “Goddess dammit all. Might as well let Lab-00 know what’s up.”

Turning on the speaker from my PipBuck, I spoke, “Come in, Lab-00. This is Zero of the Scavenger team requesting evac. Solar Eclipse and Carbon Monoxide have gone missing and have been unable to contact them in New Hampshore. I repeat…”

As I attempted to get in touch with Lab-00, a shadowy figure floated out a rusty pipe as he slowly snuck up behind me. I was unaware of my surroundings as I requested Lab-00 for evac. The surgeon-like pony slowly lifted the pipe in the air.

“...get our rescue team in New Hampsh--”

THWACK!

Down I go after being suddenly struck at the back of my head, knocking me out cold for the second time. It wasn't from poison this time, but from blunt force instead. Goddesses help my unconscious body up. Too much brutality in this so-called bustling city I’m experiencing now.

The masked surgeon pony hissed out, “Got you, my third subject. You will be such a valuable item in helping me with my ultimate creation ponykind has ever made!”

As he laughed cruelly, he floated my unconscious body (medical bag and empty rifle included) onto his back before trotting off. Wherever he’s taking me, I could use a desperate wake-up call right about now!

“Now let’s go, shall we?”

Footnote: Level Up.
New Perk: Your Mother Was a Hamster! -- Through some great insult or rude gesture you draw an enemies’ attention to you. Once per turn, you may make a CHA test to force a single enemy to attack you instead of another party member. May only be done on CHA/2 enemies per combat and only against 'intelligent' enemies.