“Ugh.” I groaned.

“What’s the matter?”

“My side is hurting a little. It’s more annoying than it is painful, though.”

My father and I had been talking since we left the remains of the tavern. We kept going west, despite Nico’s constant reminder of me needing rest. Luckily, he didn’t press on about it. I almost thought it best to just turn around and regroup at the hospital. Hope’s henchponies were probably long gone by now.

I faced forward only to see Pepper walking awfully close to Nico. I wanted to continue being happy for him, but she just seemed off. No, she was off. Whatever those pegasi had done, it greatly affected her entire being. It may have just been me, but it didn’t seem like she missed Nico at all. It was more like she was keeping him to herself just to spite me.

I rubbed my head.

You’re just jealous.

I flattened my ears. I hated that tiny voice in my head.

“So,” Daddy paused. “When are we supposed to be heading back to the hospital?”

I stopped walking and looked out into the wasteland. Nothing but mud and dead trees.

I sighed. “Probably now. I don’t see anything this way, not even a hoofprint. We need to see if the others had any luck.”

Nico adjusted his saddlebag on his back. As I watched, I remembered something: The orb.

“Nico, do you still have that memory orb?”

“I do, but it’s... It’s painful to watch.” He said.

I internally groaned. Great. More pain.

Pepper scoffed. “She can’t watch it, anyway. She’s a pegasus.”

Nico swallowed. “Pepper has a point, Sia. How are you supposed to... you know.”

I tugged the chain of the necklace to reveal it from under my barding. Even after all it had been through, it still shined like it was brand new. “With this. Rarity put a piece of her soul in the gem.” I looked up.”That’s how I’ve been able to communicate with her. When I’m sleeping, I see her.”

Pepper laughed. “You’re fucking kidding me! She’s crazier than I am!” She nudged Nico.

“No! I’m telling the truth! She’s been helping me since Fleece gave me the necklace.” I countered. Actually, it did sound a little crazy, but nothing in this wasteland wasn’t crazy.

“Girls, calm down.” Nico took the orb from his bag with his hoof. “Here, don’t say I didn’t warn you, though.”

As he tossed it, I raised my hoof to catch it. However, I unknowingly caught it with my burnt hoof. The impact stung, almost making me drop it, but I managed to hold on. The milky orb glowed, slightly. I could see the magic inside slowly churning. I had never been able to look inside one before, so naturally, I was nervous. I just hoped Rarity knew what she was doing.

I swallowed a knot in my throat. “Here we go.”

Slowly, I raised the spherical object to the green gem. As soon as it made contact, the burst of light from the jewel almost blinded me. I peeked over my foreleg to see the orb floating from my hoof and up to my forehead, the stone between the two. I stepped back, on instinct, only to have both follow. My perception started to blacken and blur, my friends evaporating before my eyes. I felt my knees bend as I started to lose mobility.

Then, the void came.

Everything was still dark until my eyes began to focus. I was staring at a floor. I could see and feel my hooves moving, but I wasn’t in control. The clacking of horseshoes next to me were only slightly louder than the whispers around me. I had all my senses (I think), I just couldn’t control them. The smell of a clean building, the familiar taste of a cloud-grown apple still on my tongue, even the sensation of cool air on my face made me feel like I was physically there.

The awe of what memory orbs could do distracted me from the realization that I was in another pony’s body. From the corner of my (her?) eye, I noticed the color of her hide was a soft yellow. The strand of hair in her face was a darker yellow, almost a bright orange. Something about this mare was anxious. I felt the all-too-familiar panic growing. Of course, it could have been me, but what do I know?

“Why are you here?” A booming mare’s voice echoed through the chamber.

The mare, whose body I was in, looked up. The large room was clean and organized. White and light gray walls connected to a very high ceiling. Around me, pegasi stood at attention in recognizable power armor. I recalled the setting. This was the Grand Pegasus Enclave council! The row of chairs at the lengthy desk sat the elder mares and stallions of the cabinet. They didn’t look too happy, either. The mare gulped, but kept her cool.

“Your honors, I’m here to inform you of what’s going on. I’ll just get right to it.” I knew that voice, yet it was so different. “I have seen the surface. I don’t know if you know it or not, but there are wastelanders who really need our help.”

An elder pegasus in the middle of the desk wore a name tag that read “Commander Stratus”. He frowned. “Please, tell the council how you discovered this.”

“I-I stumbled upon an opening in the clouds while flying. I went to investigate the reason for the gap, but when I looked through, I could make out the ponies below. They gathered in the sunlight, attempting to escape the dreariness. Most were ill. There were families, your honors. Foals and seniors called up to me for help, but I hesitated. The land isn’t as radiated as it once was. If we could send a rescue team with supplies, we could help these ponies.” She spoke loud and clear. If it were me, I wouldn’t have been as calm.

A long, deafening silence filled the room as the elders looked to one another.

“Is there anything important you needed from us, Gale?” A mare asked.

The pony, I now knew as Gale, stared, flabbergasted. “I-I thought this would have been important. We’d be saving lives, ma’am.”

“Gale, I’m sorry but we cannot waste precious food and medicine on a lost cause. It is much too dangerous to risk the type of operation you are proposing. It would take unnecessary time and effort to do so. We will, however, require the error in the curtain to be corrected, immediately.” The councilmare declared.

“B-but, you honor-”

“Is there anything else, Gale?”

“What if we gain allies? They could be important. We would have earth ponies to help grow food, or unicorns to help develop new medicines for incurable disease. We can’t just let that go to waste!” Gale stomped.

“They are not to be trusted! Answer this: What if they kill our pegasi and take the supplies without cooperation?” Commander Stratus waited for a response.

“I-I...” Gale searched for an answer.

“That’s what I thought. You can’t just go trusting anypony you see. There are rules. Common sense, Gale. I do not want to hear of this again.” The wrinkles on her face intensified as she gave Gale a stern look.

“We need to help them. They can’t all be bad!” Gale continued.

“Gale, I’m warning you.” The elder stood. “We will not concern ourselves with this, and that is final.”

“That isn’t fair! How can you be so cruel? I thought the Enclave was supposed to help ponies!” Gale took a step closer.

“You had better leave, at once, Mrs. Gale! We have had too many of our own betray us-”

“No! I’m going to tell everypony how horrible this place is! How... how vile you are!” Gale pointed at them with her wingtips. “I thought you could change, but you won’t. They deserve a second chance at life and you don’t want to spare their lives. You lie to your own kind and tell them there is nothing left to save, but you’re wrong. You’re wrong and you know it!”

“We only have our best interests in mind! The safety of Thunderhead will not be risked-”

“I will expose this place! I will tell the world what the Enclave is really like!” Her wings flapped, and she began to zoom away.

“Guards!”

Several Enclave officers grabbed at her before she could get away. I felt the cuffs around Gale’s hooves and wings. “Let me go!” She screamed, fighting with all her strength.

Another eldermare sighed. “I am truly sorry to do this, but you leave us no choice. Gale Winds, we hereby order you branded and exiled from Thunderhead for the crimes of treason, slander, and false accusations. Crimes punishable by exile.” The middle-aged pegasus paused. “You are not allowed to return or have any contact with Enclave personnel or property. If you fail to follow these orders, you will be considered a threat and eliminated. You may not contact your family or any civilians above the curtain. Your immediate family will be informed of this unfortunate event. The Dashite brand will be issued to differentiate you from the loyal citizens. Again, I am sorry, Gale. I wished it could have been different. This meeting is adjourned.” A gavel slammed on the desk. “Get her out of here.” She adjusted her glasses and waved the guards off.

“Stop! You can’t do this! Wait!” Gale punched and kicked the guards, but was overthrown. They drug her out of the large room and into the hall.

Once out of site, one of the guards punched her in the stomach. “You filthy traitor! How could you possibly think we would help those savages?”

Gale looked up at him, breathing heavily and in pain. She snorted and spat in his face. He growled and raised a hoof to punch her again.

“Stop at once! If you continue this behavior, you will be no better than those wastelanders.” The other guard interrupted.

The previous stallion glared at Gale. Finally he snorted and drug her to the next room over. It was blocked by a large metal door, barred and shut tight. The second buck entered a few keys into the terminal next to it and with a loud scrape, the hinges squealed open. Lights flickered on so I could see what was happening.

We were greeted by the bland white of a seldom-used room. A hot breeze flowed from the space once the door was open. Yet, it felt cold; unwelcome. The only thing there was a table with straps. Oh yeah, and a giant furnace decorated with multiple tools normally used by blacksmiths. I couldn’t forget the anvil next to it, either. A mare wearing protective gear stood, waiting for us.

“Get the rod ready.” A guard told the ironsmith.

She nodded as the guards, forcefully, strapped Gale onto the table on her side. The metal slab was cool, despite the heated environment. Grunts escaped her mouth when the straps pulled tight on her hooves. I felt it, too. It was painful to be a part of, but I knew what was happening. I wanted to close my eyes and cry, but I couldn’t. I wasn’t inside my own body. Gale struggled to get free. The straps were already beginning to cut off the circulation to her hooves. The pain from that, alone, was enough to make me cry. It didn’t take long for the lightning bolt-shaped end of the rod to start glowing.

“Raise and rotate the table. Careful not to burn the straps. Now, secure her torso so she doesn’t move.” The guard that stopped her from being punched barked orders.

“Please, don’t do this!” Gale begged. “We can help the wasteland! It doesn’t have to be this way!”

The first guard growled. “You are just like that ministry mare, Rainbow Dash! You belong with those savages.”

Gale turned just in time to see the blacksmith take the rod from the fire. It glowed brightly, and was almost a beautifully colored orange, if not for the fact it was about to be used as a torture tool. I couldn’t tell if the mare holding the rod was smiling or not. She did hesitate for a moment, I just wasn’t sure if it was from guilt, confusion, or just to build tension.

“Ready, Captain.” She nodded.

He returned the gesture. “Proceed.”

I felt Gale’s muscles tense as the blazing iron came close to her cutie mark. She looked at the mark one last time before its impending end. A heart shaped cloud sat atop her flank. I wasn’t sure what it meant, but it had to be something about love. Not for much longer, though. Sweat and tears poured down her face. I felt the warm perspiration as it beaded. The heat from the rod burned even before it touched hide. She closed her eyes, so I didn’t actually see the brand when it happened.

But I felt it.

The sweltering pain shot through her leg as she cried out, screaming for the torture to stop. Her eyes squeezed so tight, it was beginning to hurt her head. I wanted to scream, too, but I couldn’t. I was trapped inside her memory. That smell. I would never forget the smell of burning flesh and fur that occupied the area as the rod pressed against her flank. They weren’t finished, though. Before the first brand could finish, another was jabbed into the other side, causing her to cry out and howl in pain. The burning ousted the soreness in her throat. I mentally begged for some sort of pain relief. Med-X, pain killers, anything. Gale continued to shriek as blisters under the tool appeared and burst under the pressure. The sting was worse than the burns I had from the tavern. They were scarring her hide so that the cutie mark would never be seen again.

Seconds passed as the never ending torture continued. The only sounds were the crackling fire in the oven, the hissing of burning hide, and the screams and cries of the mare who tried to help the wasteland. Through the mental tears, I thought of one question: Would this happen to me if I returned? I knew the answer, but I wanted to pretend I didn’t. It was all I could do to take my mind off the spine-chilling cries of this innocent pony.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the iron rods cooled enough to dim the glow. Just as I thought the pain would be over, the bars were slowly pulled away, tearing away the flesh with them. She breathed quickly, still sobbing. The slow torture was beginning to wear her down. I think they were intending for it to be slow, like the long and slow pull of a band-aid. At last, they were wiggled free and she opened her eyes, only to look back at the damage they had caused.

There, where the very symbol of her being once was, was the mock cutie mark of the element of loyalty. I found it ironic they used it for the brand. It wasn’t clear right then, being covered in blood. Blisters came back over the previous ones that had burst, causing an agony I could only describe as hellish. A nurse came in with a syringe of what I thought was antibiotics to prevent infection. I couldn’t even feel the prick of the needle after that ordeal.

Gale’s eyes widened at the sight. I could feel her heart pounding, trying to escape her chest.

“Do you have any last words before you are removed from civilization?” The guard asked, dismissing the nurse with a nod of his head. He was clearly unmoved with the emotional experience. He must have seen it many times before.

Gale laid her head on the cold, hard table. Her brow furrowed as she looked back at the guard. I no longer felt her grief or pain, but her anger. An unforgiving anger I would never be able to experience for myself. The room filled with tension that could block any sound. After a moment, her voice returned, hoarse and dangerously low. She was colder.

“You’ll pay for this. You all will.” She coughed. “I will see my family again. You’re foolish. Ignorant not to kill me.” She bared her teeth. “You burned it away. Everything I stood for! It’s all gone now. I hope you remember this face, because it will be the last thing you see before you perish.”

“Watch your tone, Gale.”

She let the silence drop to eerie levels before she laughed, quietly. “Gale is dead, General. If I’m going to be sent to a new place, I might as well start a new life. Let me introduce you to a new me. Please, my feathered friend, call me Hope.”

The world quickly faded out, but back again, like somepony turned off a light and then another, on. My eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets, they flew open so fast. The first thing I noticed was that I was shaking. That would be a memory I couldn’t forget, and it wasn’t even my memory! It was Hope’s. She was a pegasus! She had been branded. She changed so quickly, I could hardly believe it!

That’s why she wants the pearls. She wants to destroy the Enclave!

Sure, the Enclave had a few bad apples, but she didn’t have to destroy every pegasus up there! She would be murdering her own family! I have to stop her!

No wonder Nico didn’t want to talk about the orb. I would, however, have to ask why he didn't tell me Hope was in that memory.

Losing your cutie mark is like losing your personality. Not to mention that was the most painful way possible to do it. I cringed, looking back at my own cutie mark. The deep purple piece of thread flowed through the eye of the needle perfectly. It was so simple, yet it had to mean something besides just a talent for sewing. Isn’t that what most cutie marks do? Extend from the simplicity into a more complicated trait? Or was I just a simple pony in a complicated world?

I remembered how I got it like it was yesterday. As a foal, I was bullied by some of the colts for being scared of the taller playground equipment. Violet had my back, but I was still made fun of. Anyway, it was show and tell that day. I wanted to make a quilt that would impress my classmates. I wanted so desperately to have friends. I worked so hard on my quilt, and I was proud of it. It wasn’t perfect, but at the time I wanted everything just right. Especially, since Mrs. Feather Breeze told us a member of the council would be visiting and watching us present our little trinkets.

On my way to school with said quilt in my bag, I noticed them. A pair of mares arguing over a scarf. I knew they were sisters, since they looked so similar. The older of the two snatched the scarf and stuck her nose up. Being the naive foal, I rushed over to the sad, scarfless mare to ask what had happened.

“My sister is claiming that scarf is hers, but Mother gave it to me!” She had said.

The other rolled her eyes. “It’s actually mine.”

I didn’t like when ponies fought, so I wanted to resolve it. “But, you’re sisters. You’re supposed to be the best of friends!”

They began yelling at each other again, yelling things like “She started it!” or “You’re just being hateful!”. It was making me pretty uncomfortable.

“Please, don’t fight.” I put on my best filly smile. “What if, one day, one of you lose the other? Maybe you should talk it out! When I’m mad at my friend, Violet, we usually talk it over and solve it. Then, we are bestest friends, again! A silly fight over a scarf shouldn’t make you hate each other.”

After a moment of glancing at each other, I finally saw the older one smile. “You’re right, little one.” She proceeded to pull the scarf from her neck and hoof it to her sister. “You need it more than I do, Cookie."

She beamed as she took it and hugged it.

I giggled with joy as they apologized and hugged it out. That is, until I saw the older sister shiver while the other was wrapping up. I felt horrible for her and wondered if she even had anything to keep her warm that chilly day. I had an extra scarf in my bag, but it was much too small. The only other thing I had was my quilt. It disappointed me that I would have nothing to show in class, but after I caught up to them and offered my quilt to the older sister, I felt a little better. She was very thankful and even offered to walk me to school. I refused though, since as soon as she offered, a brand new shiny cutie mark flashed its way onto my flank.

It was the start of a good day, since I didn’t even need to quilt for show and tell. I had my cutie mark to show and a heartwarming story to tell. The councilmare was so impressed with my act of kindness, she rewarded the entire class with sweets. After that day, it was a little easier to make friends. I still don’t know why I really got my mark. Maybe it was just the quilt, maybe it was some sentimental crap. Even if it was the latter, I’m sure anything sentimental don’t mean squat in the wasteland, anyway.

Reality came crashing down as I realized I was in a huge building. The others must have carried me here while I was inside the memory orb. I looked around the place. It was dark outside, so I must have been out for a while. The glow of a fire was enough to light up the nearest area. It was a factory of some sort. A very big factory. Machinery and conveyor belts lay in shambles. Shards of glass scattered all over the dirty floor. It didn’t look like anypony had been here for decades. I could see a set of stairs standing above the ruins. They climbed towards a room in the corner. That must have been a control room.

Nico and Pepper were curled up on the other side of the fire. Pepper faced away from me so I couldn’t see her face. Nico stretched out next to her. They weren’t too close, but I knew she was close enough to smell him, probably.

Lucky. I thought, fighting back my recent memories.

My father was situated right in front of me. I guess he had fell asleep watching over me. I smiled, gently putting my hoof on his much bigger one. It was such a relief to have at least one of my parents alive and safe. I just needed to see my mother and my grandparents. Then, I would truly happy. I missed them, terribly. I missed my grandmother’s loving embrace when I was hurt, I missed my wise-cracking grandfather, and I missed my mother. I didn’t really remember her, except for the song she used to sing to me.

Something bad happened to her, I know it. She couldn’t have left willingly. No, she was brainwashed!

As I thought of a more logical answer, my eyes wandered back to the stairs. Maybe, I should check it out. We probably need more supplies anyway. I really need to get my mind off things, right now.

After I made sure everyone was asleep, I stood, shakily. My legs were weak and my burns were irritated, but I took a deep breathe and carried on. They weren’t nearly as bad as the memory orb. I cringed again, knowing Hope was in a lot more pain than me.

The steps leading up to the room were rusted and falling apart. I looked up and squinted my eyes. There was a faint, blinking light reflecting off the walls inside. I wanted to get up there and see what it was. Maybe if I stepped lightly the stairs would hold. It’s not like I could fly. I looked back at my burnt wing. Most of the feathers were gone. I didn’t want to think they wouldn’t grow back.

I was sure the stairs would hold, though. It wasn’t like I was heavy or anything. The days without eating much and my lack of muscles helped.

It’s just stairs, Lieutenant. Come on. After all you’ve been through?

I gulped, lightly putting the tip of my hoof on the first step. I slowly put pressure on the step to see if it would bend. It didn’t, so I put my upper body weight on the stair.

Still strong.

I managed to relax a little as I did this with each step. The creaking and rusty groans were unnerving, but the building was old. There were probably plenty of sounds like that. I just hoped it wouldn’t wake my friends. I really hoped it wouldn’t wake any dangerous wildlife or raiders. I kept my eyes on the top step. Looking down would just make me more nervous. I know I said I wasn’t afraid of heights, but when you can’t fly, it’s a different story.

A triumphant smile crept across my muzzle as I approached the top. I sighed in relief. That is, until I saw the lock on the door. A frown replaced my smile as I sat down and groaned.

“My luck couldn’t possibly get any worse.” I mumbled. I usually didn’t say things like that, because every time I did, it got considerably worse. I figured this time I could catch a break and say it, though, since I had no idea how to pick a lock.

It both annoyed and worried me that I would have to make the painstaking trip back down to the ground floor. I rubbed the unburned side of my face.

Why, Luna? Why me?

I don’t even know why I was so upset over a stupid lock. Of course, I was probably at my wit’s end.

As I spun around to return to my sleeping spot, I came face to face with two large, crazed eyes with freakishly small pupils. Gasping and tripping over my back legs, I felt my back hit the rusty door with a loud bang.

“Whatcha doin’?”

Pepper stood over me, wearing a grin similar to a psychopath’s. When my heart finally started beating correctly, I picked myself up.

“I-I was just going to investigate this room.” I flattened my ears. “Too bad there’s a lock here. I guess I’ll just go back and try to get some sleep, again.”

She kept the smile, but looked over at the door. “So? What’s the problem?”

I stared. “The... lock. I can’t get in to loot around.”

Pepper finally dropped the weird grin and looked at me like I was ignorant. “Really? You can’t pick a lock? I thought everypony knew how to do that.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Apparently not. I just moved here, so I apologize if I haven’t learned all of the skills needed to be one of you.” I pointed to her.

“What do you mean, ‘one of us’?” She snorted, lowering her head like she was about to charge.

Realizing what I had started, I swallowed. There was no way in Tartarus I was fighting her. “Look, I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I-I just meant I don’t have what it takes to be a... er... survivor... like you or Nico. I wasn’t born here, so I don’t understand the wasteland, fully.”

Survivor? Really, Sienna? Smooth.

The crazy mare didn’t blink for a few seconds. I thought she was going to attack me, until she finally burst into laugher. “You’re such a wuss! Oh, Celestia, how on Equus could Nico even be around you, much less have sex with you?” She snickered as she walked towards the door, whipping the tip of my nose with the tip of her matted tail. It stung, bringing tears to my eyes, almost.

I rubbed it. “I am not a wuss! I just have serious anxi- WHAT?!” I almost broke my neck, turning to look at her so fast.

She knew?! Oh, Nico is so dead!

“‘What’ what?” She fished in her dirty mane, pulling out a bobby pin. A few strands fell in her face.

I swallowed. “H-how did you know that? Who told you we had...” I paused.

“A nice fuck? I see the way he looks at you. Like the way a stallion looks at his fuck-buddy. I almost feel sorry for you.” She stuck the pin in the lock with her magic and put her ear to the door. “I took him away from you, and you’re jealous. It’s okay, though. We can sttill be friends.” She made a mock pouty face.

I knew my face was red, because my burns were stinging, again. My nostrils flared. “I am not jealous.” I tried to look cool and calm. “I have no reason to be. He’s happy, again. Sure, we had something once, but we’ve decided to keep it simple. We are completely fine with being friends.” I grinned, sneakily. “Besides, I probably won’t be seeing him as much since I’ve already met a perfectly good stallion. A stallion from Mexicolt.” I turned my head up at her. Amoro was a good-looking stallion. I just hoped he still wanted me despite my burns.

Her eyes rolled as the door clicked. She pushed it open with her rump. “You’re welcome. Oh, and congrats on the new stallion. Let me know how he is in bed, would you?” She said, sarcastically, as she disappeared into the room. I gritted my teeth, unwillingly following her.

I stopped as soon as I stepped in. The room smelled of dust and mold, making me cover my nose so I wouldn’t sneeze. It wasn’t a huge space, but it wasn’t small, either. I could see the entire factory from the windows. Controls and terminals covered the space under the windows and some of the back wall. Across from the windows sat shelves, small crates, a medical box, and a large chest. The crates were completely destroyed. My eyes caught a glimpse of a dusty pile of clothes lying on the floor behind the shelves. A step closer revealed they weren’t just clothing, but a skeleton of a pony. Further behind the shelves, another skeleton lay.

I gasped when I saw them. I didn’t even know why it surprised me. “I-I wonder what happened to them.”

Pepper was already rummaging through the chest, pulling out ammo and countless junk. “Who knows? Maybe they killed each other.” She replied, unfazed by the sight. She examined a dusty lightbulb.

I sighed. I didn’t want to say anything to her. If it didn’t disturb her, I couldn’t and wouldn’t change her mind.

Silently, I prayed for the remains, asking Luna to guide their souls to eternal happiness. Truthfully, I was beginning to question my faith. Is there really anything after death? Is it happiness? Or are we just reborn back into the wasteland? The questions swam around my thoughts constantly.

A few steps away, I noticed a terminal that wasn’t broken. The screen flickered, but it was, otherwise, working. It was the source of the light I had seen earlier. A small object lay next to it. I figured it was just the password to the terminal. I slowly inserted the tape into the slot. Text immediately appeared on the screen. I pressed ‘Enter’ to log in. More text appeared on the screen. It read:

Door controls

Conveyor status

Machine controls

Machine maintenance log

Onion Ring’s personal logs

I selected the last command. A soft buzz emanated from the terminal as it loaded the files. I still couldn’t believe there were electronics that still worked. Stable-Tec made sure to build technology that lasted. Another screen finally came on.

First Day on the Job

My Coworker is Nuts

He was right

This is It

I gulped as I read through the titles, but selected the first one, anyway.

Well, I guess I finally got the job. It shouldn’t be too hard. Foalsitting machinery and pretend to bang on things with a hammer: Got it. My boss said I could use this terminal for personal reasons, if I needed it, since I’d spend most of the day up here. As long as I moved it to a holotape if I were to leave this job. I guess it’s not a bad idea if I ever need to vent or get something off my chest. I mean, it isn’t like I have a family anymore. They kicked me out after I refused to be a farmer. I didn’t know being their personal slave was ‘work’. Oh well. I can’t complain.This is a perfectly good career and I don’t plan to leave anytime soon. Making packaged food is better than growing it. I probably won’t leave many logs, since not much goes on in my life. What else can I say? Goodbye, I guess.

I smiled. I was glad she was able to make something of herself. At least, she started to have a decent life. I pretty much did what my family always expected me to do. Coming out of my memories, I selected the log, My coworker is nuts.

I’ve been here for two months and my coworker, Match Stick, has really begun to bug me. I know he’s old and close to retiring, but seriously? Is he senile, too? All I hear about is the end of the world. I know there’s a war going on, but I doubt it’s that serious. Besides, nopony else seems to be bothered by it. Now, where are my cigarettes?

I went back to the log archive and selected He was right. The uneasiness began to creep up on me.

Ol’ Match was right. That bastard was right. He predicted the Shattered Hoof battle. He predicted Littlehorn. He predicted the fucking megaspells. Sirens are going off right now as I type this. Everypony who had Stable access is running there. Of course, I thought it was a waste of time. Lucky bastards. No matter. I’ll just wait for my demise. I’ve got two whole cartons of cigarettes in my desk. I’m not afraid of death. Bring your worst, ponykind.

I chewed my hooftips, both dreading and wanting to read This is it. Before I selected it, I looked back to check on Pepper; only to see her creepily reading over my shoulder. I quickly looked back at the screen, ignoring the breath down my neck. Boy, was she creepy. I selected the file.
.

It’s been almost a month since the megaspells hit. I haven’t been able to leave the control room. I told the last mare that left to lock me in here, that way I wouldn’t leave and evaporate from radiation. Match stayed with me, despite my objections. That crazy bastard refused to leave, saying it was close to his time anyway and that he wanted to keep me company until he passed. He died a week ago. I put his body behind the bookshelf. It was the most peaceful place I could find. Before he died, we talked a lot about the outside and whether or not anypony was still alive.We decided there wasn’t. Anyway, we ran out of food and water days ago. I’m so hungry, I can barely type this. Weird, since this is a food packaging factory. Too bad the food is outside these damn walls. Fuck, why couldn’t I get more supplies before locking us in here? I managed to make my cigarettes last longer than the food. amazing, right? I’m sure this will be my last log. I’m just so tired and hungry. My head hurts. I’ve been seeing things. Terrible things. Every time I try to sleep, I see the dead walking around. I’m sure it’s from these cigarettes. I’ve been inhaling them like oxygen since the night before last. Why am I even typing this? It’s not like it matters. We’ll be forgotten after we die. The world is busy being turned to shit. I heard faint screeches outside. Whatever’s out there, it wasn’t equine. I’m so fucked. I’m not scared of death, but I am scared of being eaten alive. I think I’m going to lie down. I’ll lie down behind the stinking corpse of Match Stick. That way, if I die in my sleep, my body won’t be in the middle of the floor like some drama queen. If by some miracle somepony finds this, just know I died with a little bit of dignity. I don’t know if you future creatures will be ponies, but hopefully you’ll know what happened to the world. It was our fault. Sorry, on behalf of us ignorant Equestrians. Good night.

The atmosphere suddenly felt chilly. Onion Ring had to die alone and miserable. I looked down at the floor, saddened by the last log. She couldn’t even say goodbye to her friends or family.

Pepper scoffed. as she turned and went back to rummaging on the other side of the room. “She should have went into a stable like a normal pony would. It was her fault she died. How pathetic!”

I didn’t have time to think of something reasonable to say to her. So, I said the first thing that came to my mind. “You know, it’s ponies like you who make the wasteland such a terrible place. You have no compassion, whatsoever!” I stood and faced her. “Nico spoke so highly of you before you came back. He said you were so kind and loving. Obviously, he was fucked up then, too.” I said with a growl. “You’re terrible! You’re nothing but a bitch to me, you’re probably using Nico, and you don’t care about anything but yourself!”

Without flinching, she turned her head. “Ponies like me, huh? Well, let me tell yo something, bitch: You, pegasi, made me this way. You are right about one thing, I don’t care about anypony but myself. It’s how it’s supposed to be here. It’s your fault the wasteland still hasn’t changed. I saw what was in that memory orb. You would betray and exile one of your own for just trying to help these poor bastards. That, my friend, is fucked up. I suppose I should thank you, though. You stupid chumps helped me open my eyes and see the world for what it really is.” She casually went back to digging. “As for Nico, I’m not using him. He’s a good colt, but he let that pegasus stallion take me without even trying to find me. He thinks I don’t know that, but it’s a sad truth I have the burden of knowing. I’m just waiting on the right moment to break his heart again.”

My mouth was open and my eyes were wide. “Y-You’re lying! He would never do that! How dare you say something like that, you... you... hussy!” I stomped.”He took care of you! He protected you!” I bowed my head. “Like he did for me.”

She paused, but stayed silent.

“Pepper, I’m sorry for whatever happened, but you can’t blame everypony for something one stallion did. Yes, I’m aware the Enclave has a few ruffians, but I had some good friends who would never do that to me. You know what happened to them? I lost them. To the wasteland. My family back home cares so much for me. My best friend left Thunderhead to help the wasteland and she knew the consequences. You saw the orb, right? Hope wanted to help, too. She lost her cutie mark because of it. Now, I’m trying to help. She said she wanted revenge against the Enclave, but if she gets what she wants, everything that isn’t the Enclave will also be destroyed.” I told her.

“How do you know it wasn’t one of your 'friends’ who did this to me? You’re just some goody-goody two-horseshoes.that thinks everypony in the world likes her. So, what if she blows up the universe? I don’t care. What is there to help, anyway?” She started walking out the door, carrying a bag of junk.

“None of my friends would do anything like that to a living being, Pepper. There are still good ponies to save. Nico, Fleece... You.”

She stopped and hid her face.

“I know there’s some good left in you. I don’t want to be your enemy, Pepper.” I walked until I was directly behind her. “At first I guess I was a little jealous of you and Nico, but now I realize something: Everypony deserves a chance at happiness. It wouldn’t kill me to see you both together. I’ll just move on. You’re one of us, Pepper. You want the wasteland to be a better place, just like the rest of us.”

She snickered. “I’m not one of you.I trusted Nico, and he turned on me. I still can’t stand you, or any one of those bastards, but I’m trying to keep him from doing the same thing to anypony else. Even you don’t deserve that kind of betrayal. Look, I’m sorry about your friends, but I wouldn’t trust you or anyone with a sack of horse shit. The old me is dead, Sienna. There’s no hope for me. Stop trying to be a hero when evil is so strong. You’re just one pony.”

I stared. “Pepper, Nico didn’t let them take you. You left with that pegasus because you wanted to be with him.”

Pepper turned, glaring angrily. “Liar! I didn’t fall in love with that asshole! He foalnapped me!”

“Wh-What?”

She looked down, upset. “Nico was asleep while I went outside to investigate a noise. Before I even turned the corner, This... jackass... He grabbed me and knocked me out. They experimented on me. Gave me drugs. I lived on that fucking ship for weeks! Constantly being tortured! When they thought I was dead, they dumped me out somewhere up north. When I came to, I was being cared for by this old mare. Where was Nico? Last I heard, he was fucking around with a new mare! Trying to help her ’save the world’. He didn’t even try to find me.” A tear fell from her eyes.

“B-but Nico said-”

“He’s lying! He’s a liar, Sienna! Wake the fuck up!” She screamed. Digging in her mane, she pulled out a small object, resembling a holotape. With full force, she threw it straight at me. “Listen to the logs! Listen to them!” She cried.

I watched the tape land in front of me.

“Just play it on your pipbuck.” She wiped her eyes. “You’ll see.”

Long seconds passed as I stared at the tape. I dreaded to listen to it, but I would do it for Pepper. I slowly picked up the tape and inserted it into the tape player. First, there was mumbling and static. A few jumbled words later, I heard a familiar voice. One of my best friends. One of the friends I’ve known most of my life. My heart broke into a million pieces for the millionth time. Those five words were all it took for me to no longer care about the safety of the world.

“This is Captain Bolt Chaser...”

Health: +1
Strength: +3
Flight: -5

New Perk!
Salt 'N Pepper - When Pepper is in your company, your bobby pins don't break when you attempt to pick locks. You also have a %5 better chance of finding ammo when looting.

Author's Notes:

Thanks to Kkat for this amazing universe!

Hey guys!! It's been a while, but I PROMISE I have good reasons! One being the software i normally use to write my chapters expired and I'm trying to find something less...... expensive. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! I've had plenty of time to edit/fix anything. Thanks for reading!
-AP