The light illuminating through my window almost instantly awakened me. I threw the covers over my head, not wanting to get out of my precious, queen-sized bed. A majority of the previous night I had spent sewing, so I was still lacking rest. I could spend hours on my old sewing machine. It’s my passion, really; creating something beautiful out of just fabric and thread. After all, my cutie mark is a needle with string through it. Sewing is an escape for me, especially from the stress of my job.

Finally gaining enough energy, I rolled out of my bed. I, groggily, rubbed my eyes and looked around my bedroom. It was actually pretty average. A big, fancy house just wasn’t my style. I prefer comfy and homey. I had no colorful paintings or décor, just a couple of drapes and my bedding. Of course, I made those, myself. Why buy something you can make, right?

As I walked to my bathroom, I turned and gave my mattress a wishful glance.

“See you tonight.” I whispered, sleepily.

The bathroom was clean. A shower on the right, a sink on the left, and a commode in the back. (What? I have dignity!) I found the mirror over the sink and looked in it. My wavy mane had a few strands out of place, my wings were covered in tiny bits of thread, and I looked tired. Frowning, I forced myself through my normal morning routine.

After I finished brushing my teeth, I went down stairs for breakfast. Looking around, I tried to imagine a tidy home. What I actually saw was far from it. Fabric and thread everywhere, half-made decorative pillows were strewn on the only couch I had, and my Lieutenant uniform lay crumpled on the coffee table. I shook my head.

“I’ll clean later. But right now, I need some coffee!”

I trotted, happily, into my kitchen that was right next to my living area. Grabbing a coffee mug, I started my next routine: Breakfast. On my menu today was warm oatmeal, a cloud grown apple, and coffee. It’s a little harder to grow crops in the sky, which is why the pegasi had the S.P.P tower. The towers allowed pegasi to grow crops by cloud seeding.

Setting the mug of coffee on the dining table, I sat and waited for my breakfast to be warmed. I sighed. Living alone was just something I had trouble getting comfortable with. Don’t get me wrong, I was thankful for everything I had. It was just the fact that I moved across the city from my only family. A roommate would have been great.

My best friend was Violet Horizon. A smile appeared across my muzzle as I thought of her. Now she would have been an awesome roommate! She had been missing since the previous year. The smile became a frown. It’s like she just vanished into thin air. My commanding officers had the nerve to tell me she was murdered, but I know Violet, she wouldn’t let that happen. She had to be alive, I just knew it! Maybe I could look for her someday. She could just be hiding. Probably from her asshole of a boss at Alfalfa and Oats Restaurant. It wouldn’t be the first time she skipped work by hiding for months at a time. Could she have fled to the surface, too? Panic struck me.My best friend is being tortured by savages while I’m eating a nice hot meal in the sky. Violet’s probably hungry, sick, scared and-

I shook the thought from my head. Nah. She was just hiding! That’s Violet for you!

Hiding for a whole year, though, without reaching out to you?

Damn my conscious.

I finished my breakfast and cleared the small mess. Feeling for my head with my hoof, I sighed. Morning wasn’t even over and I was already panicking. This was going to be a long day. I was scared of everything, really. The anxiety attacks were so bad, the medic said I needed to take a small dose of Med-X to calm my nerves. Weird right? Lieutenant in the Enclave and I was terrified of danger.

A soft bristled brush lay on the counter, so I picked it up and went over my orange mane until the few streaks of yellow fell into place. I preened my feathers, then went to get my uniform. Our uniforms weren’t hard to spot, being all black. They could have at least splashed a little color in there. Sheesh!

As soon as my pistol was holstered, I made my way out the door. I stopped on the sidewalk and stretched my wings. Ponies were flying back and forth to work or school. To me, it was just the same thing every day, but I liked it this way. Change would probably aggravate my anxiety. My therapist always told me to try new things that weren’t too overwhelming to my daily routine.

It was a ten minute flight straight to my office in the S.P.P tower. I greeted the usual ponies with a “hello” or “good morning”. Most smiled, one even replied with a “how are you”. Must have been a good day. Aside from dodging other ponies and sky carriages, it was a peaceful flight. The enormous, gray building grew before my eyes as I got closer. At least it was a safe environment. I approached the balcony that was just outside my floor.

“Lieutenant, good morning.” I heard a voice as I set my hooves down.

I recognized him as my Commanding Officer, Major Fruit Salad.

“Good morning, sir.” I quickly saluted. He was well respected in the Enclave for many years, and like a father to me. His scarred face could be terrifying if he wanted to be intimidating. Too me, he was only an aged and experienced stallion who brought comfort in my life when I needed it.

“At ease, Lieutenant. How are you?” He smiled and dipped his head.

“I’m doing fine, sir. What about you?” I smiled back.

“Excellent. Have you or your squad heard from the raptor, Typhoon?”

“No, sir?” I cocked my head. The Typhoon? Why would I be communicating with the airships? That wasn’t my department.
His gaze fixed onto the horizon. Was he… troubled?

“The ship has vanished. We’ve not heard from her crew in two days. They were only supposed to make a routine scan below the cloud curtain. Incognito.”

My eyes widened. “V-vanished, sir?”

He nodded.

I gulped. We almost never lost a ship. This was definitely a big deal. Raptors are huge, equipped with turrets and other defense systems. It’s not like they were simple targets.

“What about the scouters? We must send as many as we can to search.”

He lay a maroon hoof on my shoulder and sighed. “Lieutenant, I need you to accompany the scouters in Sector 2-B. I need to you and another higher ranking officer to lead the expedition. We don’t know what’s down there.”

I’m sure my heart stopped for a few seconds. Was he mad?! “The s-surface? But, Major, I just sit at a desk! I-I can’t go down there! Can’t you send someone else?” I pleaded.

“Lieutenant, these are orders.” He tried to be stern, but his empathy betrayed him.

My panic clawed its way through my chest. “I-I’ll be killed! I’ve never been in combat! Oh, I can’t do this! The council isn’t being fair-“

“Compose yourself! What about your fellow pegasi?” He raised his voice, slightly. “You can’t abandon them in their hour of need. We strive for a better life above the clouds, and that means helping each other. Life is not fair, Lieutenant. Would you rather us be savages like those wastelanders? The council would be disappointed by your behavior! I expect you to do as you are told, understood?”

He was right. If I neglected my responsibilities I would be banned to the surface. I sighed and nodded. “Yes, sir.”

I looked down at my hooves. How could this happen to me? Major Fruit Salad was like a father to me. Why would he send me to my death? Oh, Celestia, I couldn’t do this!

“Good. Now, as I have mentioned, you will not be alone on this mission. Captain Chaser and Second Lieutenant Wick will be in your company. I have also sent for our top technicians and the finest crew for the ship. All you need to do is get in, search for the Typhoon, and get out. You may even be able to avoid any immediate danger.”
Ha. Immediate danger.

My panic didn’t subside, but at least I had stopped shaking. Cloud Chaser had been on several assignments under the clouds. He was experienced enough to not let anything happen to us. Lantern Wick was also pretty brave, and a dear friend of mine. Maybe they wouldn’t force me to leave the ship.

“What exactly are my orders, Major?” I asked.

“Chaser will have your orders once you’re off. You will meet the others on the landing dock in zero five-hundred hours. Raptor 27 will be your vessel. Until then, gather what supplies you need.” He replied.

I couldn’t help but grin. Now I knew for sure Chaser wouldn’t make me do this directly!

Saluting, again, I looked at my commander. “I’ll do my best, sir.”

As I began to trot off, Major Fruit cleared his throat. “And Lieutenant.”

I turned.

“Good luck.” He wore a fatherly smile.

Smiling back, I continued on the way into my office. I felt like the other soldiers were giving me mournful glances. Never have I been more afraid for my life, but I had to at least go along with the assignment. It would be better to be on the surface for a couple of hours than to be permanently banished there. Still, I felt as though I was going to faint.

The long walk to my desk couldn’t be lengthier. I stopped in front of the large metal door. “First Lieutenant Sienna” was painted in neat, bold letters. I thought I would enjoy being in the Enclave, and I did! I just wasn’t expecting to be sent there. I enlisted because of my grandparents. I owed them so much for taking me in as a foal, and the counsel promises benefits for the families of those who join. Training was grimmer than the actual job. I practically flew through the ranks (no pun intended). Of course, I think Chaser pulled a few strings to get me a desk job. He’s looked out for me since I’ve been here. Almost like a big brother.

I closed the door and locked it. My hooves gave out from under me, making me collapse onto the hard floor and curling into a ball. I still couldn’t cope with the fact they chose me to go. My sobbing grew louder as I realized I was picked over all of those brave pegasi. Danger was something I knew nothing about! I mean, true danger, anyway. What if I ended up like my parents? Or Violet?

Why don’t you just keep an eye out for them while you’re in the ship?

My conscious pulled through to me for once. I would be in a heavily armored ship. I could at least survey the area out of the window. Damn, I knew it was horrible to say but, I hoped we wouldn’t find the other ship.

I sat up on my haunches and took deep breaths. This could work. I’d be back home, in no time! I’d be facing my fears. No more jumping at the sight of my shadow!

A sharp rap on the door made my shoot upwards to the ceiling, forgetting about my sudden bravery.

“Sienna? Is everything alright in there? Why is your door locked?” A familiar voice called.

I shook it off and hovered down.

“Are you in there?” She asked.

“Erm, yes! Everything’s… fine! One moment, Wick!” I lied.

I fixed my mane and tail, then straightened my uniform and its pins. When I opened the door, Lantern Wick’s auburn eyes met mine. Her smile flattened when she saw me.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Sia?”

I coughed. “O-Of course! Just a small cold.” I was pretty good at lying!

Wick was a smart pony. Not much could get past her. We’ve known each other since we were fillies. I used to go next door to play with her when Violet wasn’t around. Wick never changed. She still had the same peach colored, cropped mane style. Not to mention the same personality.

She raised a brow. “Okay... Well, I just came by to see if you were given the news, yet.”

“Yeah… Major gave me the news.” I folded my ears back as I said it.

“You aren’t stoked about it? Come on, it’s a new adventure for us! Why wouldn’t you want to explore the surface? What if we find something amazing?” She clopped her hooves together in excitement. Good old Wick. Finding a thrill in danger.

“Like what?” I smirked.

“Like… New technology! Or new species of plants and animals! Who knows? We might even be able to find treasures! Oh, what about-“

“Savages? Death? Pain? Wick, it’s a rescue mission. We aren’t going to educate ourselves.” I interrupted.

Her enthusiasm faded. “Hon, I know you’re afraid. You’ve been through so much, and I can’t stand to see you look pained and scared.” I looked away as she continued. “I promise you won’t end up like your parents or Violet. As long as I’m alive, you will be safe. Chaser and I are looking out for you, you know that.”

That made me smile a little. “I guess.”

“Hey, maybe when we get back, we can take a trip to the spa! You’ve never been, right? I’ll treat you! Besides, you look like you could use a facial.” She giggled.

“What’s wrong with my face?” I asked, pathetically.

“Nothing. You just need to relax before you start getting wrinkles.” She prodded. “Now come on. Let’s go get supplies, together. I think
Chaser is already getting the crew herded.”

I trotted after her as she hovered along.

Wrinkles?

Wick and I trotted together towards the landing platform where Raptor 27 waited for us. It was quite a sight. The sleek, black metal stood out intensely against the blue sky. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

I’m going to be okay. Everything will go smoothly. I thought to myself.

The large hatch was open on the ship so I could see inside. The interior space was large enough for pegasi to fly around. Doors, terminals, and other technology lined the walls. I’ve only ever been on a Raptor twice, both times were test runs around the sky. It definitely wasn’t below the clouds. I looked around at the various pegasi. Scattered around the open platform, some tinkered in ships while others carried supplies back and forth.

Wick smiled as she drew a breath and sighed. “Gotta love this place!”

“It’s great. Where is-“

I started to ask before a sea foam green streak flew past, making my head spin. Chaser landed in front of Wick and I. He saluted. After stopping my eyeballs from going in circles, I saluted back.

“Ladies.” He greeted us, winking to Wick.

She blushed, profusely. “C-Captain, We aren’t supposed to give suggestive signs to other personnel on duty. It’s against Code 4-2D in the-

“Yeah, yeah.” He waved her off and smiled my way. “How’s it going, Sienna?”

“Good, sir.” I nodded.

He rolled his eyes and playfully punched my shoulder. “Come on, Lieutenant, we’re all friends. In this ship we can be as casual as we want while we aren’t following orders. We clear?”

“Yes, sir. I mean, Captain. Er… Chaser!” I facehoofed.

Wick chuckled as our friend walked away. I stuck my tongue out at her then smirked. “I think he likes you, Wick.”

She glared at me. “Very funny, Sia. He’s just a flirt. Besides, I don’t like show-offs.” She said matter-of-factly.

“Are you sure? I saw you turn red when he winked at you!” I taunted, puckering my lips at her. She laughed and pushed me away.

“Do you always mess around after a bout of anxiety?”

I tapped my chin with a hoof before shaking my head. “Nope!”

We met Chaser at the entrance of the air ship and went inside. After the crew were accounted for, I heard the hum of the engine. Finally, we were in the air. I decided to wait in the barracks while Wick went to check on the ship’s course. Bored, I propped my head in my hooves and stared out of the small window. Nothing unusual, so far. I looked down at the energy pistol strapped to my shoulder. It was nothing compared to the weapons we have in the armory. I was actually a little frightened by the appearance of some. I liked the smooth design of the gun I had. It wasn’t big or alarming. Hopefully, I wouldn’t need it today. All we had to do was get in, search around, and get out. Easy to do in the ship.

I groaned and returned my gaze to the window. Clouds were passing by, slowly, as we began to descend. I gulped. My chest had already began to tighten as the clouds thinned. It felt like forever. Then, we were free of the curtain. What I saw next, shouldn’t have surprised me.
The mud covered wasteland stretched on into eternity. What was once a beautiful place, now sat in ruins. Dead plants and trees scattered throughout. I saw the skeletal remains of buildings and houses in the distance. Old trash and debris littered the ground as if a great storm destroyed the land. I could almost hear the screams and cries of ponies everywhere as sirens warned of impending disaster. The screams grew louder until I looked skywards. Gray. The clouds were gray and producing large raindrops. The screams stopped, but then I heard a great explosion. I jumped and looked around. It boomed again and I realized it was only thunder. This world was truly amazing and disturbing. My whole life was nothing but blue skies and sunlight. This? None of that.

“Pretty dull, huh?” Chaser’s voice snapped me out of my daze.

“Oh, yeah. It’s so different from the pictures I’ve seen of old Equestria. Chaser, it’s so depressing.” I wiped a tear I didn’t know had formed in my eye.

“Of course it is. There’s nothing left. The day the megaspells hit was the greatest catastrophe that’s ever happened. I wouldn’t even call the inhabitants here ponies. It’s nothing but beasts and mutated wildlife. The savages are feral who kill for fun. I’ve even heard of zombies living here.” Chaser looked on with sadness.

“Z-zombies?” I gulped.

“I’m sure it’s just a pony tale, but look at this place. Nothing would surprise me.” He said. I was really getting worried.

“Why does it have to be this way.” I closed my eyes and placed my hoof on the window. I may have been in the Enclave, but that didn’t mean I enjoy war and chaos.

“I don’t know, but I wish things would return to the way they were.” Chaser put a hoof on my back, reassuringly.

I looked up and gave a small smile. “What do you think it’d be like if this never happened?”

He shrugged. “I know what it wouldn’t be like.”

I frowned.

“There’s no hope left.” He tightened his jaw.

“What do you mean?” I searched his eyes for answered. They remained indecipherable.

Finally, he sighed. “You’ll see.” Without looking my direction, he turned and walked away.
I watched him disappear into the corridor. I had never seen him troubled before. This was unusual. Maybe this ghost of a country made ponies that way.

“Officers, report to take-off deck.” The loud-speaker coldly demanded.

What?!

Take-off deck? That was only for…

“Fuck.”

I left the window, unwillingly. Wick hovered just outside the hall. I galloped after her. “Wick!”

She spun and waved, after realizing I had called. “Sia! Wanna fly with me?” Her enthusiasm was painfully sincere.

“What’s going on? Why are we going to take-off?” I asked in a hurry.

“We’re inspecting the ground while the ship stays aloft. Isn’t this awesome?” She smiled even brighter.

I couldn’t move. On the ground? No, no, no! This was terrible! Why me?! All those…monsters! Has Major Fruit Salad lost his marbles?!
Wick must have noticed my distress, because she landed gently next to me with concern on her face.

“Sienna?”

I couldn’t speak.

“Sienna!”

I snapped out of it. “The ground?!”

This time, she jumped, startled.

“No. Way. No bucking way am I going down there! The radiation will kill us! We can’t do this! There are monsters! There are beasts and savages! Killer plants! Rogue ground-walker technology! Maybe even ZOMBIES! WE’RE ALL GOING TO DIE!”

I was met with a stinging cheek. Wick glared at me as I rubbed the spot she slapped with her wing. “Ow.”

Ponies had stopped to watch the mad mare lose her cool.

“Lieutenant! Get ahold of yourself! Those are orders from the general. We have to find the Typhoon.” She lowered her voice. “We will have special armor to protect us from the radiation. If there’s any other dangers, we can just fly away, Sia. You are not going to die. Remember my promise.”

“B-but…”

“No.” She cut me off. “No more. You are going to face your fears and I will be there with you the whole time, okay?” Her face showed genuine care.

I sniffed. “A-are you sure?”

She let out a sigh of relief. “Yes! You are my friend. We have to stick together, right?” Her hooves wrapped around me in a hug.

“You two are supposed to be at the deck.” A gruff stallion interrupted.

Wick rolled her eyes. “Yeah, we know.” She looked at me. “Let’s go, Sia”

I nodded and followed. I hoped she was right. Celestia, I hoped we lived.

Level Up!

Skill level: Shooting +1

Strength + 1

Persuasion +1

Healing + 1

New Perk: Stress Advantage - When you start to panic, your senses become %50 more sensitive.

Author's Notes:

Again, thanks to Kkat for creating this awesome world!
I had to do some research for this chapter. Other than that, it was fun to write!
It may be a few weeks before i can continue with my rough draft of FoE: Our Will. I've got a house warming party to shop for among other things.
Not saying I can't upload though! I'll be getting chapter 2 proofread and all that jazz.
Thanks for reading! Constructive criticism is welcome!
-AP