We were bathed in silenced and darkness. A long, pitch black abyss extended before me, surrounding me, consuming me. The back of my skull burned, like something was clawing to get at my brain.

“Whore!”

I turned to look for the voice, but there was nothing to be seen.

“Slut!”

The voice was warped and full of malice. It filled me with dread. So familiar, and yet, not.

“You ruined everything!” the voice whispered in my ear as two white hooves wrapped around my neck from behind. “Curse you! Curse the ungrateful whore!” My eyes shifted to the pony, slowly, catching the form of an albino mirage pony mare behind me. She was translucent… er no, she was a hologram. “I’ll make you pay.” Theremin whispered in my ear.

I turned to face her, but she was gone.

“You could have avoided all of this, if only you had accepted us.” I turned again to find the broken form of Theremin. Her skin was split open along her legs, and her guts spilled from her barrel. Where flesh, blood, and bone would be, wires, toobs, and metal instead protruded. She was a pony skin draped over a mechanical monstrosity. “You do remember, in the C.C.N., there’s only unity. There is no misunderstanding. We were all equal, and you still can return. You can still help pony kind understand each other.”

My lips curled, my blood boiled. “Tha....”

“Of all the things that can fuck right off!” Sweet screamed, snapping my attention to her. “Why would you do that!?”

I quickly looked back, but Theremin was gone, replaced by the darkness.

I turned on my Pipleg light and trotted over to Sweet. “I got you, just sit still.” Grabbing her, her cybernetic eyes were unfocused, simply bobbing around when her head moved. “Hows your eyes, Sweet?”

“I can't see shit, Viby.” She looked at me with a worried look on her face. “Please tell me the lights just went out.”

I gave my friend a hug, and she relaxed a little. “Yes, the lights are out, but so are your eyes.”

“Well that’s just fucking fantastic.” Sweet sighed. “You know how expensive these eyes were?”

I looked around, and everypony but Mayall had their piplamps on. Mayall, of course, was already glowing under her own lurker power. My eyes fell onto Harp, who looked shocked at what she was seeing. “Miss Melody, I do hope you have a plan for this, or I’m going to grab my guns myself, and shoot our way out of here.” I told her, trying not to sound too serious.

Harp collected herself, taking a deep breath. “Right, collecting our things should be first. Then we take out Majesty. She will likely see us coming, so we have to act fast. Once that’s finished, then we escape.”

“Far too simple for something that would takes days of planning.” Tamboril spoke up with a more serious note to her voice as all eyes fell onto her. “Here, how about this. Merit, you guide Sweet and Mayall to the exit. You need to get that door open when the chaos starts. We can't risk losing you or Mayall in the scuffle, and miss Sweet is no condition to fight. Miss Harp and the Echo sisters will go through the back rooms and see if they can catch Majesty and Red off guard. Sorrow and I will stick to our original role and run a distraction that might buy you all a little time. But this is our only shot, so we need to get this right the first time around.”

Harp nodded. “Alright, all of our things should still be with the robots. So long as no pony comes and turns them back on, we should not have to fight our way through to the main hall.” She trotted around the powered down form of Galahad.

“Putting aside whatever it was that you just did,” Rototom joined Harp. “did the whole station just go out?”

“No, just the inner stable.” Harp shook her head. “This part is on a different power grid and network. It’s protected from pretty much all outside attacks, but not from inside ones. The rest of the stable should be just fine for them, but, I don't know how long it will be before everything's back on this side of things.”

“Then let's get moving.” I cut in.

Harp picked up the pace, and we all followed her, with Sweet and Merit lagging behind. Entering the security room we had started from, we found all the robots powered down and our things thrown into a pile on the floor. Digging through the pile, I quickly found our revolvers, and hoofed them back to their owners. “I don't think Sweet will need her rifle, any of you think you might need it?”

“Hay, don't go giving my rifle away!” Sweet protested, looking around angrily while her cybernetic eyes continued to bob with each swift turn of her head.

“I’ll take it.” Rototom volunteered. “It's going to look suspicious for Tamboril or Sorrow to trot around with an old tool case like this.”

I threw her the case with Sweets air rifle, and attached mine to my side. The room lit up with magical light as the drone, Order, provided light orbs for each of us.

“Shouldn't that thing be shorted out too?” Merit pointed out.

“The Orthrus drones are made to deal with power surges. Due to being around so many mirage ponies, most equipment is hardened against magical discharges.” Tamboril explained, as she trotted over to a desk. “Found the talismans.”

She hoofed them out, and we quickly re-installed our talismans. And just in time, too, as we all heard one of the robots starting to reboot behind us. Activating our disguise talismans, we made our way out and down the stairwell into the water distillation room. The old stallion from before was still here, and still looked annoyed, but Tamboril shot him an equally irritated look, and return to his business.

“Before we split up, I suggest you go to the balcony above the ballroom” Tamboril stepped in front of us, and looked Harp in the eyes. “Am I correct to ausum theres a way up there that’s not through the ballroom?”

“Yes.” Harp answered.

Tamboril opened the door, letting Sweet, Merit, and Mayall out first. Merit’s piplamp providing them with light, though I doubted that Mayall needed it, with how much she glows now. Sweet lugged the large case with her heavy automatic shotgun in it, mumbling to herself under her breath. Rototom and I were next, following Harp out into the hallway.

“One more thing.” Tamboril said in a serious low tone, stopping us before we slipped through the door. “I’ll make the first move, so back me up if you can. But, if the situation gets too hot, you two are to get the princess out of here. Am I understood?”

“Crystal Clear.” Rototom answered calmly.

“I wasn't talking to you.” Her eyes shifted to me.

I rolled my eyes. “Trust me, getting Harp out of here is my main objective, but I do wonder if this is a good idea?”

With a sigh, Tamboril tapped on her pipbuck a few times a note appeared on my hud display.

-Threat analysis-

-It is our hope that the Orphic Kingdom will form an alliance with us, even if it is only for the short term. But we must also be ready for the worst. In case negotiations fall through, or the members of the royal family splinter off, you to put the interest of the Orthrus Group first.

-Assassination of members of the royal family are approved.

-Sabotage of the Orphic kingdoms information network is approved.

-Harp Melody is a high value asset to Orthrus, and must be recovered if at all possible. If she cannot be recovered, she must not stay in the hooves of the Kingdom. Should this happen, you are authorized to terminate her before proceeding to extraction.

-Council head of Security, Naqara-

I looked up at Tamboril with my eyebrow cocked.

‘I’ll be frank, it has to do with her bloodline connection to Phorminx.’ She explained telepathically. ‘A lot of our network systems still run on what stable-tec built, including the gene locked back doors into said systems. Naqara had her blood tested, and even though she’s a mirage pony, it can still unlock the backdoor systems. That makes it very dangerous in the wrong hooves.’

‘I’m not going to kill her if the situation goes bad.’ I thought sharply back at her.

‘And I'm not telling you to do so.’ She responded. ‘Just make sure she gets back to Orthrus, to her father. He may be good at hiding it, but I don't think I have ever seen him look as happy then when Harp arrived at our doorstep.’

‘I get it.’ I lowered my pipbuck. ‘just don't go getting yourself killed either.’

She gave me a firm nod, and we turned from each other, trotting away in opposite directions. Harp picked up the pace with my sister and I now in tow, not caring about the the few ponies in the halls. We had to slow down as we entered a large kitchen, which looked like it had once been a stable-tec diner. A portly unicorn mare glared at us, holding a cleaver in her magic.

“You!” The portly mare yelled. “Don't just rush in here like that! Are you trying to get my staff hurt? And you are filthy! You probably haven't even washed your hooves.”

“Sorry miss Gravy, but we need to pass through.” Harp said politely.

“Do I even know you?” Gravy asked.

“No, and you don't want to.” Rototom stepped forward. “Trust us, it's not worth it.”

Gravy paused for a moment, and then lowered her cleaver down. Nopony said anything as we trotted to the other side, taking care to not disturb any of the plates of food.

We came into another hallway, this one was a bit more active then the last. Maids and other staff trotted from one room to the next with a sense of urgency. One room had ponies working on a large tapestry, another were conducting maintenance on a large batch of javelin launchers.

Taking a nearby stairwell upwards, the bustling atmosphere shifted to calm and relaxed state. Soft classical music played from speakers while well groomed and dressed ponies sat all about a large lounge room. A pungent haze filled the air, and the white noise of pony voices filled my ears.

“Why does the room smell like…” I sniffed the air a few times, trying to figure out what it was, but I couldn't put my hoof on it. “Like some sort of strong herbal tea that's been burned?”

“Try not to breath too much of it in.” Harp held a cloth over mouth. “Luna weed tends to make you act a bit stupid.”

“Luna Weed? What's that?” Rototom asked.

Harp pointed at a coffee table a bunch of well dressed ponies sat around, their clothes loosen. In the center of the table was a strange glass vase with four rubber hoses sticking out of it, the had a decorative pipe on top. At its top, the vase held a small bowl of smoldering plants on top of it.

“I don't know the details, but we have a room that grows it.” She spoke through her cloth and offered a light cough as we walked through a thick cloud of the pungent substance. “The stuff general makes ponies giggly, and hungry.”

“Neat.” Rototom responded.

Looking around the hazy room, I saw one nearby booth curtained off. The sound of rustling ponies behind it convinced me that I didn't want to know what was inside. There was also a bar, at which well groomed ponies sat at. The collection of chems, along side the beers and spirits beside them, clued me to that the ponies there weren’t just here for a drink in the busy yet relaxed atmosphere.

Trotting forward to exit into the ballroom, a slight breeze crest my face as we headed to the door. Like a frame around the door there was a small network of vents, blowing the air back into the center of the room. Next to the door was a youngish mirage pony stallion, with a little red cap on his head.

“Sorry, but the ballroom is closed for the time being.” The stallion informed us. “Only the Royal family, and preapproved guests are allowed in. Silver Majesty’s order, but enjoy the drinks at the bar, their free by Majesty’s grace.” Looking down to his legs, I could see that he was standing next to a little motor that connected to the door vents. It became obviously to me that he was the power source.

Rototom motioned for us to follow her, taking us to a lounge area next to a window. The balcony outside blocked some of the view, but we could see the stage, and even a bit of Majesty. But more concerningly, Red was nowhere in sight.

‘Right, we wait here for Tamboril’s signal.’ Rototom thought to me before turning to Harp. “You sure about this? We can always turn back.”

Harp shook her head, and spoke soft and low, but just loud enough to hear her through the background noise of the other ponies. “I’m sure, dead sure. Somehow she must have gotten control of mother's information network, letting mother hear only what she wants her to hear. If Silver dies, then Rare Pearl may be able to take the reins, and see the truth.”

“I hope so.” I chimed in. “As much as she claims to have a superior information network, I still got attacked by an equalist reaver back on New Canterlot.”

“Ya, that's been bugging me too.” Rototom said, she keeping an eye on the ballroom floor. “I know that the Orphic Kingdom isn’t as secured as Orthrus, but they’re no slouch when rooting out equalists. I know they have a deal with the syndicate to keep the equlist out, which is why Orthrus doesn’t mess with the Syndicate outside our own stations. As loathsome as they are, they do serve a purpose.”

“I can't see any of my family making a deal with the Republic.” Harp pointed out. “I would be beneath them to even speak to an equalist agent.”

“If I were to guess, the queens spy network might have been compromised.” Rototom said as she scratched her chin. “Or it could be possible that they’ve simply turned on her, and it left an opening for the equalists to get in.”

Harp shook her head vigorously. “No, not possible, they're all loyal to mother.”

It clicked in my mind, and I sighed. “Yet, we were able to recover you.” Harp looked at me, holding back tears. “Sorry to say, but if your mother was as in control as she thinks, I doubt Orthrus would have gotten their hooves on you. If anything, the assassination attempt on you should never have even happened.”

A chuckle came from Rototom. “See little sis, you are the best when you put your mind do it.”

I shook my head. “Don't mock me, Rototom.”

Harp gasped. “Then you mean… Majesty is behind all this?”

“Most likely.” Rototom nodded, before motioned her hoof to a window that overlooked the ballroom. “But that’s a mystery for another time, it seems the Majesty is up to something else.”

Looking down at the ballroom, Majesty, with help of her aids, made her way onto stage. Standing in front of the podium, she cleared her throat. The speakers from inside the lounge cut off, which in turn, slowly quieted everypony in the room.

“Greetings, everypony.” Majesty voice came through the speakers, It was strained, yet strong. Even Order picked up her signal, allowing us to hear her more clearly. “I am so glad that you all could have attended this little get-together. It is an important moment for all of us, as soon the crown will pass to another ponies brow, and the good queen, my mother, can finally take her much needed vacation.”

She stopped to take a sip of water, her eyes quickly scanning the room. “On who will be taking her place, we will go over that soon. But first, I must dash a deceitful rumor that's been circulating. This rumor, that there are outsiders on our islands, is something I can confirm to be nothing more than Orthrus propaganda. They seek to sew uncertainty among the populace during what should be a time of joy, only to scare them into their hooves, and further weaken our great kingdom.”

The ponies around us began to whisper among themselves, many agreeing with Majesty and quietly denouncing Orthrus. Words such as ‘Greedy stripes’ and ‘Abomination den’ were passed around. Of course, their insults were the same as always, and today’s mutterings weren’t really any different from any other day on the islands.

“But worry not!” Majesty continued. “I will not let that happen. Queen or no, I will not suffer Orthrus’ genocidal ambitions. Our blood must remain thick, and our hold on our rightful lands, strong. Though, I understand our queen’s signing of the peace treaty with Orthrus, for no more of our own should suffer a needless war. But now it is clear that Orthrus plans on braking that deal which we have so dutifully upheld. When? Maybe today, or tomorrow, the timing is something which I do not know. But what is so painfully obvious, it that it is time that we make ourselves ready for them, or suffer under their oppressive hooves once again.”

The whispering from the ponies around us became more excitable, and angry

Majesty waited for everypony to settle down a bit before continuing. “Yes, we remember. The taking of stations that were ours by birthright. The poisoning of our young so as to trick innocent young mare's into undergoing their unethical ‘treatment’. And of course, the cowardly assassinations of the noble heroes who valiantly pushed against them, fighting for the independent kingdom we have worked so hard to build and live in today.” She took another sip of water as ponies became riled up once more.

“So easily manipulated.” Theremin whispered in my ear. “As part of the C.C.N. there was no manipulation, just a consensus. You do remember how peaceful it was, don’t you? How there were no lies, just plain and simple truth.”

I snapped my head around to find Theremin not where his voice had been. Once was just a bad hallucination, but twice... hearing his voice again gave me a bad feeling.

“Sis, I think I need a Dachary.” I spoke up hesitantly, searching the room around us for any hints that maybe Theremin had one last trick to pull on me.

“Go for it.” Sis replied. ‘And keep an eye out for anypony looking for us.’ She added telepathically. If only she knew how hard I was looking right now...

Trotting through the crowd of ponies was considerably unpleasant. The words coming out of their mouths were like shit from a pony with the runs. ‘Orthrus Hogs’ was more tame than usual, while ‘degenerate stripes’ was ironically common in its use even outside the nobility. Now, hearing ‘corrupt abomination’ was different, and was the one that got under my skin the most. If only these ponies knew just how abominable the republic could be in sticking their machines inside your brain, maybe then they’d see that Orthrus just wanted to help after all.

“I know Majesty is just playing up the crowd, but she is not wrong about the high crime rates among the Mirage ponies.” A stallion at the bar explained, I had to resist face hoofing. “It's bad, but not really their fault. They’re just genetically predisposed to antisocial behavior, you see. It's the one problem I have with Rare Pearl over Majesty. Her stance on simply training mirage ponies out of their criminal tendencies is ultimately doomed to fail. You simply cannot take the barberism out of creatures like them.”

I opened my mouth to remind this idiot that were not dogs, but stopped myself. “Barkeep, one dachary.”

“Agreed.” A mare next to him added to the bigoted conversation. “I understand why we keep them around, but they’re the source of so much crime in the metro. Honestly, it might just better to keep them locked out. The Gathering Island should be for normal ponies only, not stripes.”

A mister helper placed a dachary in front of me. “Here you go, ma’am.”

The bartending stallion continued. “That's the thing, it wouldn’t have to be this way if it wasn’t for the striped blood they have in them. Orthrus must have been taken over by Zebras before the war ended, because I get a strong feeling that their trying to turn all of us into traitorous zebras. I mean, just look at the sub-pony stripes. Each of their generation their more striped than the last, and in a few generations, there won’t be an ounce of pony blood left in them at all.”

I took a sip of my dachary, trying to ignore the dumb asses.

“You know, you probably should have changed clothes.” I slowly turned my head to the mare who had just spoken directly to me. Sitting next to me was Red steel. She had her head propped up with a hoof, and was smiling as wide as ever. “Though, I don't doubt that even if you had changed, you’d still have that scarf on. Not very smart, if I’m honest.” The small barrel of one of her many tiny two-shot guns pressed onto my chest. “Now, come with me, or I make a new hole in you for your fuck stallion to stick his dick in.” Her horn flared to life and picked up my drink from the bartop. “And don’t worry, I’ll carry your drink.”

Ya, fuck my life right now. ‘Sis, I found Red Steel. Sadly, she's got me at gunpoint.’ I telepathically told my sister as I retain my calm, and I got out of my seat.

‘I see, don't do anything rash.’ Rototom sent back to me. ‘I’ll take care of it’

“Now then, let's go to that little privet booth over there, and have a little chat.” She spoke up, nudging me with her pistol. I looked over in the direction she pushed, at the one booth covered by the curtain. Slowly, I nodded my head.

Sitting inside the semi private booth, a passed out Silver Circlet sat across from me. He was laying back on the red velvet seat, looking very comfortable, flaccid dick out. Various chems and alcohol bottles lay strewn across the table, along with some fluids that I wanted to stay unknown.

“A bit of a pansy, but not a bad lay.” Red sat next to Circlet, pushing the stallion over. “And with the benefits he could provide me, I might keep him.” She placed my daiquiri down as her small pistol pointed at me, held in place with a crimson glow.

“What's your game, Red.” I picked up my drink, and took a sip. “You’re not here to just fuck a stallion are you?”

“No, but a mares got to have her fun. Well, outside of wanton slaughter, of course.” She said with a crooked smile. “But you are correct, this is just a side venture, something for my own gain. Duchess Red Steel. Not as good as princess I suppose, but it will still bother the fuck out of the ponies back home.”

Red slammed her hoof down onto Circlet’s crotch, but he didn’t move. “That chill shit your kind makes is pretty amazing stuff. But makes a pony boring to toy with. I'll have to abstain from it for our next session.” She scratched her chin. “That, and i'll need to bring hot wax and a wip next time. For some engaging foreplay, of course.” She frowned as she twisted her hoof on Circlet’s balls. “Pliers too. Ponies can make beautiful noises when you pull out their teeth, and then regrow them.”

I didn’t want to hear any more. “Enough, just get to the point!” I snapped at her.

“Now honey,” She placed her gun down on the table and crossed her hooves. “I’m trying to have a friendly mare to mare chat with you, and your being rude.” She uncrossed her her hooves, moving them back and forth in a friendly matter. “So let's pretend that your not acting like a cunt, and be civilized ponies. Aren’t you at all curious why I’d even do such a thing in bed?”

I took a deep breath, trying to hold back my grone. “Right, so why do you pull out the teeth of the stallions you fuck?”

Red smiled, she now leaning back in a relaxed manner. “Not just stallions, mares too, on the off occasion that is. But it’s mainly to establish dominance in the relationship. Though, it also helps that it get me wet when they wail with a mouth full of blood.”

Well, now I know that Red is a sadistic psycho bitch. “So why the need to be dominant like that? Can’t get off any other way?”

She placed her hooves on the table, giving me full view of her exposed private parts. “If you have lived where i have, you would understand. But to make it simple, if your not the one fucking others, then you're the one getting fucked by others. And trust me, you do not want to be the one getting fucked.”

As Red exposed herself to me, I just glared at her. Shrugging, she leaned forward into a stretch, before getting back on all four of her hooves. “Fine, your loss.” with a crimson glow of her horn, she pulled a still passed out Circlet up, and sat on his lap. “Enough about my past, let’s instead get on the topic of the here and now.”

Finally! I was getting sick of her acting like a bitch in heat. “Right, so tell me what you’re up too.”

“Well, you can say im in a position of either royally fucking some ponies, or getting fucked by them.” Red picked up a small tin of what looked to be mint-tats, offering them to me.

I turned the tin of chems down. “If you want me to help you fuck over the Orphic kingdom, then the answer is no.”

“Oh, no. I already got that in my pocket.” Red laughed. “Majesty and I speak the same language, you see. Our deal is that I help her get the throne, and have her dipshit son give her an heir. In return, my mother can strike port here on the island, a will get to claim as many mirage pony slaves to crew our ships as we need.” She looked at me, down at me with smug superiority. “But don't worry, we will be good neighbors with Orthrus. I promise.”

The idea of it all made me grind my teeth, made me want to shoot her right here, but i was sure she had her other guns trained on me. “Then who could you be worried about fucking you ass over?”

“That would be the Corps Brigade. Those insane mongrels are plotting something big.” Her Silver eyes bared down on me with curious irritation. “And you seem to be part of that plan, almost obsessively so, in fact.”

“The Corps Brigade?” I was confused, at first, but then it clicked. “Wait, do you mean Black Spot?”

“Yes, him and his cohorts.” Red answered.

“So, given everything you just told me,” I chuckled a little. “Why the fuck should I help you?”

Red paused for a moment, her eyes sizing me up, and licking her lips. “I’ll ask you this; what is more dangerous, a hungry bloodhound shark, or a mad winged eel?” I became a bit confused at what was obviously supposed to be a choice between the lesser of two evils, but that’s given you even know what those things even are. “Here’s a hint, with the shark you can stay out of the water, or throw meat in to distract it. But with the eel, as soon as you drop your guard, it will jump out of the water to strike at you.”

I think i got it. “So, you’re the shark, and Black Spot is the eel?”

She smirked. “Correct. I've said it before, I’m a shark, the biggest around. And just like a shark, if you stay out of my territory, and give me occasional offering, then i’m no danger to you.” Red’s eyes became sharp as she leaned in, giving me the cold feeling of a predator closing in on its prey. “As for the Corps Brigade, they’re a ravenous, ever hungry eel who’s unable to settle down, and only answers to one pony. If they gain a strong hoof-hold in the metro, they will rip it to pieces and leave nothing but a husk.” she leaned back, relaxing on Circlet.

“So, you want me to help you kill them then?” I asked.

She nodded. “In a way, yes. Though what I need you for is to act more as bait than anything. Black Spot has been incredibly tight lipped latelat. All of his ponies have been. But with his obsessive hard-on, Spot won’t be so much once with you.” Red pushed an inhaler of chill to me. “Now be a dear, and go knock yourself out. Oh, and do remember, when Black Spot is inside you right down to his hilt, get him to loosen his lips. I need something really incriminating if we even have a chance to keep his special kind of violence off of the islands.”

“Fuck that.” I picked up the chill inhaler, and threw it in Reds face. “I’m not going to be your whore.”

“Sorry, that was my bad that I wasn’t clear enough.” Two of Reds pistols floated up, and pointed at me. “I’m not asking, and I won’t repeat myself again after this. Now pick it up.”

I glared at her, and she back at me. Our eyes locked, behind her i could see the curtain move, ever so slightly, the barrel of a gun. It aimed down at her head.

Red steel ducked to the left just as the gun fired, sending splinters from the coffee table flying. A crimson overglow came from her horn, and then she vanished in a puff of smoke.

A loud thud came from outside the curtain, along with the sound of ponies screaming. A few more gunshots rang out, and the curtain flung open. With a flash of movement, a pony held onto it as they swung around the booth. Rototom rolled out of the way as Red Steel used the curtain to swing into a kick. Landing, she fired two shots at my sister, whom had taken cover inside another booth, sending the ponies who’d been seated in it scrambling out.

“So who's this cunt?” Red asked me as she jumped behind the booth. “Another of your friends?”

I was halfway pulling out my revolver, but Red already had one of hers trained on me. “You do remember my sister, right?”

Red nodded. “Oh, so one of polished’s acquaintances” She peeked over, firing another shot, and Rototom reruns fired. “Mind getting her to stand down? I'm a bit too fucking high for this shit right now.”

“Or what, you going to shoot me?” I folded my legs or emphasize my irritation.

A wide grin formed back on her face. “This is starting to remind me of how my last relationship ended. Though, at least back then it was with less guns being pointed around.”

I sighed. “I’ll see what I can do.” Looking over the edge of the booth, I spotted my sister. ‘Did you get most of what she said?’ I telepathically asked her before saing. “Can you stop shooting? You might hit a bystander.”

‘Yes, I got it all, and so did Tamboril.’ She thought back to me. “Only if She puts down her guns.” Rototom shouted.

Red groined, “You do know that your sister only needs one eye to be of use to me, Right?”

“Fine, I'm coming out, but if you shoot me, I will be pissed.” Rototom yelled back. ‘Get ready to help me subdue her.’ She thought at me.

Rototom stepped out, calmly, and slowly. Red, Peeking over, smiled.

*Bang*

One of Red’s bullets tore through my sister. The illusion Rototom had created shattered into a bunch of failing and splintered lights.

“The, fu…” Befor Red could finish, Rototom fell onto her from above, clocking her on the head with her Solar Eclipse revolver. Though dazed, Red still managed to kick my sister away, and whip a gun in her direction.

I slammed myself into Red, forcing myself on her. Red glared at me, but then locked her legs with my own, throwing me off balace as she rolled on top of me. Licking her lips, she kissed me, and forced something into my mouth before biting my lip, scraping some skin off before letting go. Holding my mouth shut and covering my nose, I was forced to swallow.

Looking you, my sisters revolver once again pointed at Reds head. Blood trickled from Rototom’s nose as she glared at Red. “Bitch, get off my sister before I ventilate you.”

Red laughed as one of her guns pressed into my ear. Something cold and hard pressed against my crotch at the same time, making me flinch.

“Try me.” Red said.

The two started each other down, nether flinching. ‘Can you shoot the cunt already, I don't know what feels worse, the gun in my ear, or the one she's trying to shove up my cunt.’ I thought to Rototom.

‘Just stay calm, she's not going to kill you. She needs you, remember?’ Rototom assured me. ‘We just need to get the upper hoof on her, kill or capture.’

A groggy Circlet slowly got up, finding himself in the middle of the staredown. He looked from Rototom, to Red, then to me, and last at his exposed member. Showing some modesty, he covered himself with his hoof, “What's g-going on?”

Red sighed, taking the gun out of my ear. “Just a little disagreement, sugarbear. Is that not alright?” She pressed the gun at my plot harder, only the thin fabric of the panties I wore kept the cold iron from going inside of me.

I winced a bit more, and felt I was completely done with this abuse. Using the magic from my pipleg, I reached out for my revolver… only to find nothing. I tried to send magic to my leg, but nothing came. My legs... all I could do was wiggle them slightly, but the rest of me could move just fine. Somehow, Red had cut me off from my magic, and with it, my ability to resist. Even my disguise failed away, exposing me to the ponies of stable 50.

“What did you do to me!?” I snapped at her.

With a yank, Red used her magic to pull me out from under her, then hold me up between Rototom, and herself. “It's an anti magic pill. Quite effective, don't you think? ” She then motioned for Circlet to move out of the way. “Be a dear and put your pants back on. We're going to be leaving.” He nodded, crawling over to a discarded pair of pants.

“I’m not going to let you take my sister, Red Steel.” Rototom said with authority.

“And tell me, mirage pony, how are you going to stop me.” Reds eyes scanned the room, scanning all the ponies watching us. “I wonder how many of these ponies here would love to take a shot at you. How about this, why not join me? I'm not above making a deal with Orthrus. Frankly, they impress me, and are the kind of pragmatists our fleet needs.”

Rototom lowered her revolver. “If you want to talk, then let my sister go. I’ll take her place.”

“Roto, no.” Red put her hoof on my mouth.

“Tempting offer, but you see, I need Vibraphone here quite specifically.” Red confidently stated. “But I can take both of you, we’ll work something out.”

“I…” Rototom was cut off by the sound of the door behind her opening with a loud hiss, and six Royal Guard ponies rushed in. Red quickly slipped her pistols away into her clothes, as did Rototom with her revolver. Dropping me onto the couch, Red used me as a cushion to sit on.

The Guards ponies scanned the room, one of the guards sneered. “Alright, Who’s making the fucking racket?”

Looking up, Red bit her hoof, looking increasingly pissed off. The rest of the ponies in the lounge looked confused, but one by one they pointed at Rototom.

“Ha…” I attempted to seek up, but Red shut my muzzle with her magic.

“Keep quiet, fool.” She whispered as she pulled her dress over me, giving me an unwanted view of her private parts once again.

“Come with us.” I heard again guard command.

“And if I refuse?” Rototom asked.

“Don't. The Captain is in a bad mood, and wants to see who's making such a racket.” A guard said loudly.

“Captain Stratus Dancer?” Rototom said, sounding unsure. ‘I thought you said she died?’ her voice bouncing into my head.

A little startled, I could feel the magic in me slowly returning. ‘Yes, saw it myself, something’s wrong.’

“Excuse me!” Red Steel spoke up. “I have business with that mare, so would you kindly leave us, and return to your captain.”

“Oh, lady Red Steel.” One of the guards spoke up. “I didn't see you there. But, I'm not going to defy the captain, she wants the noise maker, so she gets the noise maker.”

“And who do you fear more?” Red challenged the guards. “The captain, or my mother?”

A laugh came from the guards. “Fear?” Reds leg began to shake, and her breathing became fast and stressed. “Lady, fear is what we do. Now, go play with your fucktoy somewhere else, and stay out of our way.”

I could feel Red go limp, just for a moment.

‘I'm going with them.’ Rototom stated telepathically.

I struggled to move, my legs still not fully working right. ‘Roto, no. Just run for it.’

‘Trust me Viby, I this will give me a shot at Majesty.’ She thought confidently. ‘I’ll just slip out after. And don't worry, Tamboril is on her way.’

“Move it!” a guard shouted.

“Ya, ya. I’m going” Rototom spoke up. The sound of her hoof steps as the guard escorted her out quickly became faint, and was followed by the hissing sound of the door closing.

“Fuck!” Red shouted, followed by her hitting the couch several times. “How the fuck do they do that?”

“You mean the frightening hallucinations?” I spoke up form under her.

Red Steel stood up, and walked off of me, turning to face me. “It's abominable, truly unnatural. I need to know how they do it, then I can purge them.” She smiled. “And you will help me do it. Now, get up. The powders effect should have worn off by now.”

Feeling out, my magic indeed returned to my body, and extended down into my legs. Rolling over I got up and pulled my gun. “Like fuck I will.”

Red looked at me, gave one laugh, and whistled. The feeling of cold iron touched the back of my head. Fuck, she brought her own backup this time?

“Do you want this mare killed or maimed?” A mare behind me spoke calmly.

“Nether, Narwhal.” Red said sternly. “I have other plans for her.”

The gun was removed from my head. “Then shall I prepare a toy room for you on the Weeping Pegusus?” Narwhal asked.

“Yes.” Red paused for a moment, slowly turning into a grin. “But wait till after we leave, as I’m going to need you here. Oh, and has Father Tarberry arrived yet?”

A gray unicorn mare trotted passed me, holding what looked like a short barrel, single shot shotgun in her magic. Both her muzzle and hooves had dark gray spots speckled across them, and her main and tail was a very pale blue shade. She had on a faded red dress under a drab green vest, and on her flanks sat a saddle bag holding metal mugs and glass bottles.

“The good percher is indeed now here,” The unicorn nodded to Red, only offering a calm and momentary glance back at me. “shall I heard him away from the bar?”

“Do it. We're going to need to make our leave soon.” Red waved Narwhal away, and the spotted unicorn trotted off. “Miss Vibraphone, I’d advise you not pull that gun of yours, or I will rip off one of your other legs and beat you with it.” I cocked an eyebrow at her, wanting to see her even try to make a move like that, but she simply gave me a serous look back. “Now, follow me. The show is about to start.”

Red trotted towards the window, and I followed, feeling nothing but screwed for the moment. “What's going on? You’d better not harm my sister.”

“Your sister is now far out of my hooves.” Red said in annoyed tone. “As much as I’d love to, I'm not yet in a position to purge the bitch.”

Reaching the window, I saw Rototom was being escorted down the stairs, all eyes on her. Quickly looked around, I didn’t seeing Harp nearby, so concerned, I powered my telepathic talasman. ‘Sis, are you alright, and where's Harp, I don’t see her anywhere?” I sent to Rototom.

‘I told Harp to find a place to hide, so just track her on you pipleg. And don’t worry about me, I still got my teleportation talasman, I’ll slip away once this dirty deed is done.” Rototom sent back to me, sounding cocky as ever. ‘So just hunker down for now, Tamboril will come for you two when I'm done, right Temby?’

‘Don't call me that, Rototom.’ Tamboril responded. ‘But it's clear I will have to run backup. Once the chaos starts, I'll be able to rush to your position.’

Looking through the window, and over the balcony, I could see Rototom being escorted through the group of royals, and royal guard. On the podium was Majesty,and next to her Stratus Dancer’s power armor. The pain around my neck flared up again, like a cold burning, it making me worried, deeply worried.

‘Just got to slip passed the guards, eliminate Majesty, and escape a room full of angry unicorns. Not easy but not the worst situation I've been it.’ Rototom thought out.

I rubbed my neck, the pain only dulling a little. ‘Sis, maybe you should just focus on getting out of there. I'm getting a bad feeling about this.’ I thought to her.

‘Stop worrying, Vibraphone.’ Tamboril thoughts bounced into my head. ‘Sorrow’s there to help her. Now sit tight, and get ready to make a break for it when shit hits the fan.’

I did my best to hide my frustration, feeling that Red might know about the telepathy talasman, since I didn't know how much they knew about our tech. But I was sure Majesty shared plenty of information about Orthrus with Red.

An older, light pink earth pony stallion sat at the window with us. His gray mane and tail were short and shaggy, and the slight crows feet around his eyes gave him a seasoned look. His attire separated him from any other pony in the room. The gold chain around his neck, decorated but well worn black robe, and barely held together red tinted glasses definitely made him the outsider here.

“Must you be a bloody ballbusting harlot, Red Steel?” He pulled out a gem studded flask, at pulled a long gulp from it. “Ahh, I was doing the goddesses good work.”

Red frowned. “Father Tarberry, must I remind you why I dragged you along?”

“Eye, because I don't believe in all the Corps Brigades song and dance. The archbishop may be fond of them, but she can go fuck herself.” He went for another swig from his flask, but Red’s magic pulled the flask from his grip.

“So maybe instead of getting yourself shitfaced, you should get back to writing that report to the followers of thorns.” Red shoved the flask back into his hooves.

He lifted his glasses to reveal vibrant amber eyes. “And tell them what, exactly? They may be mad ponies, possibly cursed, but what your sayin’ is no heresy. If you want the local orthodoxy to drop their support, your going to need something to make them want to purge the green eyes themselves.”

“Fucking backwater churches.” Red groaned in frustration. “This is why I'm a Thorned Halo Divinity. No rats sleep on our pews.”

“eye, but doesn't your bishop get blood on the floor when the flogging starts?” Tarberry said with a smirk.

“Blood of the pure is far better than mud from the unclean,” Red turned her attention down to the ballroom floor. “Quiet now, it's starting.”

Looking down to the floor myself, ponies in the ballroom were making way for Rare Pearl as she stomped her way to the podium. Majesty made room for Rare, backing up a little in her wheelchair.

“Ah, the mare of the hour.” Majesty spoke, her voice carry by the speakers. “We all have been waiting for you, little sister.”

“Majesty, my dear sister,” Rare kept herself poised, but with how she held her head up, and looked down her nose to Majesty, she was anything but happy. “you know mother had made a point to inform everypony that while she is resting, we are to help keep the residents of the stable calm.” She stomped her hoof on the ground, the thump loud enough for the microphone to pick it up. “Yet here you are, instead all too eagerly stoking embers and adding fuel.”

Majesty sighed. “I'm just uniting our great big family, reminding them that if we don't stand together, then Orthrus will see us divided.”

The ponies around us began to mumble, saying the same hog shit as before. But I was more a surprised that they’d actually stuck around after the little gun fight. This is why I don’t trust royals. Even the crazy ponies around Charon’s Stop knew to scram after a fight.

“Those two wenches are as bad as our own nobles, wonder when the guns come out.” Tarberry said with a grin.

“They will not.” Red huffed. “Having actual Equestrian Royalty is too valuable to let them kill each other. The royal fleet will pay a queens ransom to get at their bloodline.”

Tarberry chucked. “funny that, didn't you just off a bunch of ‘em?”

“Risk prevention. Can't have a civil war breaking out on us.” She levitated out a few of her guns, and began reloading. “But now the problem is what that bitch is up to.”

“The captain? Likely looking for a fight.” Tarberry took a swig from his flask. “Heard she was none to happy about missing the big fight yesterday.”

“Truly Fantastic.” Spiteful sarcasm ozzie from Reds mouth.

Turning my attention back to the ballroom, Rare and Majesty had finished debating over which one of them disliked Orthrus more.

“Stratus Dancer.” Rare Pearl, tapped her hooves when she spoke. “It seem that my good elder sister has forgotten herself. It my be best for her to return to her room and rest.”

Silver Majesty just smirked. “You really should put on your glasses little sister, it may give you some insight.”

Rare Pearl stood there for a moment as the pony in the power armor didn’t move. Slowly, warped in the golden aura of her magic, she pulled out her glasses, placing the thick specials over her eyes. Looking from Majesty, to what she thought was Stratus Dancer, she then looked passed them, to a banner hung up behind them. With all that was going on, I had not looked at it, but now it had taken my full attention.

“Farewell, And Goodbye!”

The large banner was decorated in bright rainbow ribbons, yet gave off a cold feeling.

“What's the meaning of this! No pony is going anywhere!” Rare Pearl sound confused, and turn'd her attention to the power armored pony. “Stratus, tell the guards to tear this all down and take Majesty away, now!”

A long robotic sigh came from the power armor. “Alright, take her away.”

Two unicorn guards trotted up, and grabbed Rare Pearl in their magic. One forcing a ring on her horn. She yelped as she was lifted off her feet. “What are you doing!? Majesty, what have you done!”

“Taking what is mine, simple as that.” Majesty said with a smile plastered on her face.

A grinding sound drew my attention to Red, who had part of her hoof in her mouth. Looking back down, I could see my sister confused by the outcome. ‘Sis, forget the assassination, grab Rare Pearl and get out of there.’ I thought out to here.

Rototom nodded, and she began to shimmer. One of the guards watching her took a step back, but then lifted his javelin launcher like he was going to hit her with it.

But as the guard slammed the launcher down, Rototom split into two ponies. Both of her stepped away and dodged the attack. The javelin launcher struck the floor, and emit a sharp, whip-like crack. The high pressure air tank ruptured at it’s pressure valve, sending the old metal tank flying back into the guards face. Part of the unfortunate stallion’s face crumpled inward from the hit, and the hissing tank sent a trail of blood flying up.

Oddly, nopony inside the lounge moved or seemingly cared at all. However, screams of horror and confusion filled the ballroom below as the two of the other guards quickly threw themselves into the fray. Both guards chose to dive at the closest of the two Rototoms before them. I cringed as they hit, but fell through her as the magical hologram fizzled out.

The two guards dragging Rare Pearl away turned their attention to my sister. Both of them pulled out rusty looking pistols, bringing them up and taking aim. One of the guard’s head’s snapped to the side before they collapsed with a dart sticking out of their neck. With a silver flash, the plain pony form of Sorrow stepped forward, and before the other guard could respond, she’s plunged a dart into that guard’s neck as well.

Rare Pearl fell to the ground as my sister and Sorrow ran up to her.

“Fucking damnit!” Red yelled as she struck the glass. She growled, almost visibly steaming out of her ears with how angry she was. It was glorious to behold.

“Aww, what's wrong, Red?” I couldn't help but smile. “Oh, you aren’t mad we screwed up your little plan, are you?”

“You shut it, cunt!” Red glared back at me. “Narwhal, get Majesty out of there.”

“Yes, Mistresses.” Narwhal responded, and trotted to the door.

“By Celestia and Luna, this is going to be a right bloodbath” Red began rubbing the sides of her head.

‘Something's still very wrong, get out of there now.’ I thought at Rototom and Sorrow.

Rototom helped Rare up, but befor they could get away, all three were lifted up into the air. Wrapped in a silver aura, I watched as they were levitated up far enough that they almost touched the ceiling.

“Party crashers are not welcomed here.” Silver Majesty spoke with a growl and her horn overlayed with a silver aura of overglow. “Now first, let's see who our interlopers are.” Her horn gained a second overglow to it, and both my sister and Sorrow cried out in pain as their disguises failed away. “An Orthrus dog, how predictable. But, a changeling too, so I guess it makes sense. One pest teaming up with another.”

Murmuring from the ponies around me became louder at the mention of Orthrus. I really wanted to get out their and shoot Majesty, but I could feel that Red still had one of her guns firmly pressed into my side.

“See here, see here.” Majesty laughed. “At the heart of our kingdom, the Orthrus parasite found its way in. And why? Can't be to save my dear, foolish sister. I know why they have come though. She's an assassin. It's clear as day, just like with what they did with the queen’s first husband, my father. She must be here for me, because Orthrus knows that I’m the only pony who can keep us all united.” The smile Majesty wore was so self indulgent and wide that I almost hoped it would split her head right in half. “Oh don't try to deny it, we all know it's true. But you see, this time I got you first!”

“What should I do with you, oh the options.” A third overglow cast over Majesty's horn. “Wait, I always wanted to try this one spell.” Sorrow began to spasm, foam bursting from her mouth. I watched helplessly as the foam became bubbles, and the form of Sorrow looked like it was disintegrating Then, Sorrow became a clump of bubbles that slowly fell down onto the ballroom, spreading apart over the crowd.

Majesty laughed, making my blood boil, and the cold burning around my neck flare up. “Now for the Orthus dog.” She laughed again. “That's it, I'll turn you into the dog you…” Narwhal got her attention by placing a hoof on Majesty's shoulder. Before Majesty could respond, the two vanished into thin air.

Rototom and Rare Pearl fell to the floor. My sister managed to fall into a roll, avoiding getting herself hurt. Pear on the other hoof, was saved by Tamboril, whom had caught her before she hit the floor.

’Where did Majesty go?” Tamboril thought out.

I glanced at Red for a second. ‘That was one of Reds lackys. She’ll know where.’

‘This is already too hot, I’m taking Rare Pearl out of here, you go find Harp.’ Tamboril thought back.

“Block the exits, I want to test these ponies myself.” The power armored pony called out, and the guards scrambled in front of the doors.

‘Rototom, you still got your teleportation talasman?’ Tamboril asked.

‘It’s not installed.’ Rototom responded.

Tamboril held onto Rare Pearl tightly, already beginning to shimmer. ‘Then get it in, and get to your sister, I'll get the princess out of here.’ with a flash Tamboril and Rare Pearl vanished, leaving my sister by herself.

She pulled out a talasman, but before she could change it out, the hulking form of the power armor came barreling at her. Rototom managed to dodge, but only just barely. The pony in the armor charged past her, colliding with the wall and sending spidering cracks through it.

My sister hopped back, ejecting a talasman from her leg. Quickly, she threw in the other talasman with help from her pipleg, and stood at the ready. She stiffened up, focusing and begining to shimmer as the power armored pony shook of their charge and turned around. Again, they charged at Rototom, but right before they would have slammed into her, my sister vanished.

“Hey, bitch!” Rototom called out from above as she appeared and landed on Red. Red’s magic died, dropping her guns as Rototom grabbed her around the barrel and gave a surprisingly strong toss to the side. Red rolled off back toward the booths as my sis turned back with a relieved sigh. “Alright.” She nodded as we both pulled out our revolvers and gave each other a quick glance. “Let's get Harp, and get the hell out of this stable.”

Pointing my revolver armor Tarberry, he didn’t flinch, and simply took a sip from a second, smaller flask he’d produced from somewhere under his robes. Quickly, I checked my pipbuck, activating Harps location tracker. Her blue dot appeared on my E.F.S

“Right, follow me.” I nodded toward the doors.

“Not happening.” I turned back to see Red standing back up. “Your not going anywhere.”

This time, Rototom had her gun already trained on her. No matter how quick Red was with her derringers, she was not going to be fast enough to beat a bullet. “Give it up, Red. We’re getting out of here, take this as win and fuck off.”

*Thump... Thump… Thump*

We looked towards the doorway to the ballroom, and saw the helmet of Stratus’ power armor get thrown across the floor of the lounge.

“This goddesses damn armor is too restrictive.” The power armored pony stepped through, her face was tan, mane brown, and her eyes were a sickening vibrate green. “Pegasus-usable my arse.”

“If you don’t like it, Captain Carving Doll, then why did you steal it?” Red groaned. “And why the fuck are you even here? This is my operation.”

Carving Doll gave all of us a toothy grin. “Oh Lady Red Steel, plottin', plannin', 'n goin' behind me flank from day one.” Her face relaxed, but the look in her eyes became like that of the dead. “I’ve grown impatient wit' yer shit. 'n incidentally, so has me crew.”

The power armor hissed as it opened up, and Carving Doll stepped out. The mare donned a light brown leather coat with gold trim, and had more than necessary leather straps and brass buckles decorating the coat. The loud sound of grinding motors assaulted our ears as she flared her wings. No, not normal wings, but cyberwings. She had four custom built rippers attached to her back, made to look like two wings. Well, two twisted and decrepit wings of death, perhaps.

“Now let me scuttle that firecracker afore I order me crew t' murder then rape every single pony in this pathetic stable.” She pointed her ripper wing at Rototom, who now was pointing her gun at Carving Doll.

“Bite me, you pirate Freak!” Rototom said as she slowly backed up.

Carving Doll smiled. “Oh, poor choice o' words, firecracker.”

Rototom fired her revolver, and Carving charged, thing a bullet to the leg. Not slowing down, Carving lept at my sister, forcing her to dodge. Firing another shot, Rototom struck Carving in the flank, yet Carving Doll didn't flinch as she struck out with her ripper wing.

Sparks flew as Carvings Doll’s wings missed my sister, and slammed into the back of a booth. The rippers whined as they chewed through the seating, making an ear piercing sound as metal ground against metal. This finally got the stupidly cucurious cowed of ponies in the lounge to make a run for it. I had to step back as the stampede of ponies attempted to exit into the ballroom all at once.

Feeling like this was my best chance, I entered S.A.T.S. and targeted Red. All I needed was one good shot. Just one...

My revolver lifted from under my blouse, and took aim at Red. Who, was as observant as ever, was now glaring at me. In her own magic, her derringers only now started moving to aim at me.

The world tilted as my revolver went off, and my shot flew threw Reds mane. It sent a small tuft of her mane fluttering at it cut through and struck the back all, but it ultimately missed its target. As time slowly returned to normal, I found myself falling to the ground. Broken glass and alcohol smelling foam following me down as a black robe stood just barely in my vision above me.

I hit the ground, pain engulfing the right side of my head. “Think you’re so smart!” Red jabbed one of her guns in my eye. “But sorry, you’re not getting your way this time.” She looked up and smiled. “Thank you Tarberry.”

“Doing the Goddesses work. But still, wasted a good bottle of bubbly on the bitch.” Tarberry trotted into my line of sight, eyeing me. “More trouble than it's worth, I’d say.”

A shot came from the ballroom, followed by ponies screaming. I watched as a stallion stumbled back into the lounge, only for half his head to get blown off, sending blood and gray matter flying as he fell to the floor. One dead eye looked back at me as blood slowly covered it.

“What's going on!?” Circlet stumbled over to Red, almost falling on her. “They’re shooting ponies in the ballroom!” He made a whimpering noise and looked to actually faint toward her.

Red took a step back. “I know, fucking backwater sailors.” She let Circlet fall and land on the floor at her hooves. He gave a surprised whimper as she only growled again. “Don’t worry, I already had the more important ponies escorted out. Any ponies still here are no one special, and easily replaced.”

A sick bile climbed its way up my into my mouth, not that I cared about the nobles here, this kind of end almost seemed poetic, but they were also the allies I had come to recruit. Despite how superior they saw themselves, they were now no different than the mirage ponies back at Polynices Station, likely to meet a similar fate in some dark, damp, forgotten hole.

“In the end we are all equal, are we not?” Theremin stepped out from behind Red. “Born equal, die equal, so why can't we live equally?”

“Shut up” I growled.

Red turned her attention back to me, scowling. “Do you really want to lose an eye?”

“Try me, bitch.” I spat back at her.

She glared at me for a moment before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. Exhaling, she slowly opened her eyes, giving me a look of calm authority. “Fine, I know how this will end. Learn the hard way.” she levitated my revolver over to me, dropping it at my hooves. “If you can kill Carving Doll, you can go free. But, understand that if it's clear that you’ve lost that fight, you’re mine.”

Focusing my magic into my pipleg, I lifted Lunar Eclipse, placing it under Reds chin. “What's stopping me from just taking you out here and now?”

“Because like it or not,” Red didn't flinch, just calmly looked back at me. “we’re on the same side, if only with very different goals.” Her eyes narrowed, like she was looking through me. “My mother also happens to be the grand fleet admiral, and I her representative. Meaning I'm somepony your superiors may be interested in talking with if they have any chance at a more peaceful resolution than the rest of the fleet is inclined to give.”

Theremin poked her head into my vision from above, like she was simply floating in midair. “No way she can be trusted. Though, how can you really know? It’s not like you can read her mind. At least, not like how we once could read each others.”

I pulled my revolver away from Red’s chin. “I know I'm going to regret this.” She gave me a smile as I turned away and placed my attention onto my sister and Carving Doll.

The two had managed to rip up the lounge something fierce. Broken bottles were everywhere, a piece of a booth seat had been thrown into the bar, and half of a dead pony laid on a table, dripping blood everywhere. Rototom was using a overturned table to block Carving Doll’s ripper wings, but it only slowed her down as she ground into the mettle table.

Carving Doll had a wild grin on her face, despite her jacket having deep crimson stained holes on it. She definitely had been shot multiple times, yet she didn't looked fazed in the least. I could only guess that she was on some powerful drugs.

Jumping behind another booth, I took aim with my revolver, looking down its sights at Carving Doll. Her head turned, one bleeding eye looking back at me as her grin widened.

Firing, she managed to duck away from the shot. Still, the bullet grazed her cheek, sending a new flow of crimson down onto her jacket. She retaliated by grabbing and throwing the table she was grinding through at me. It sailed through the air, scraping the ceiling before coming crashing down.

I barely managed to roll out of the way as it smashed and crumbled against the floor. Recovering, I managed to snap off two more shots at Carving Doll. Again, she dashed out of the way. Seriously, her reaction times were way too quick. How the hell did Sis even manage to land shots on her like this?

Rototom seized the opportunity my distraction had created. She fired her own pistol, and managed to land a shot into Carving’s hip. Carving reacted by rolling away before she dove and took cover behind the bar. I’d thought I had a moment to catch my breath, but a junky looking SMG poked up over the bartop. Blinded firing through a hole magazine, Carving sent bullets spraying everywhere as Rototom and I took cover.

“Cheeky firecracker, I thought this fight was one on one!” Carving Doll yelled back at us in an almost humorous tone.

Running over to Rototom, I joined her at another overturned table. “All in favor in getting the fuck out of here?”

Rototom nodded. “We got one shot, my teleportation talasman is overheating again, like last time.” She raised up her revolver and loaded red tipped rounds into it. “You still have Harps single shot?”

I nodded back.

Jumping out of cover, revolvers at the ready, we met Carving Dolls wild bleeding stare. She fired her SMG with a manic laugh that disappeared behind the chatering gunshots. Rototom and I dove different directions as sparking rounds pelted the table we’d been at. Her gun emptied, and she tossed it to the side as she tried to pick which one of us to focus on.

I fired back at Carving Doll as I galloped for cover. It pulled her attention as she used her cyberwings the shield herself. My shots were not powerful enough to do any damage, and bounced off whatever material her rippers were made of. Rototom’s ringing shots however lit the mares metallic wing on fire. The flames forcing Carving Doll to duck back behind the bar again.

Rototom and I gave each other a nod, and turn'd our attention to the exit. Making a break for it, the only thing in our way was two sword welding pirate lackeys in blood spattered guard armor. The two pirates exploded in flames as Rototom’s revolver barked twice. The two guards yelped and galloped off in a panic, spreading fire around as they tried desperately to put themselves out.

“Hey, what’s the big idea?” I looked back to see Carving Doll holding a wine bottle with a rag hanging out of its neck. “Are ye tryin' t' hurt me feelin's, runnin' away like that.” She also had a cigar in her mouth, in which she used her flaming wing to light it.

I shook my head, trying to ignore the bitch. “Let's go Sis.” I turned back, and ran for the exit, hopping over the quickly dying fire. Hitting the button on the doorway, the stable door hissed open, and took one step out. But as I turned, I found Rototom not with me. Looking back, she was standing frozen in place as Carving Doll slowly walked up to her. Wings flared out, the rippers in them roaring to life as they turned and pointed at my sister. “Shit!”

Rushing back to my sister, I had my pipleg reload Lunar Eclipse. Carving Doll had closed in the distance, the four rippers now starting to drown out all sound. Unloading my revolver at Carving’s face, she was forced to block the shots with her rippers again. The results were the same as before, no damage, but I had managed to break her eye contact with Rototom.

Rototom shook her head and blinked a few times. Whatever the spell Carving had used had been broken in time for Sis to jump back. As she did, Carving Doll swung her rippers out again where Rototom had just been.

“The fuck was that?!” My sister said with a shaky voice.

“Some kind of spell, I think it's related to their fucked up eyes.” I ejected the empty cartridges from my revolver, and another six rounds loaded in.

Carving Doll stretched out her cyberwings. “You catch on quick… or did one o' me layouts let th' secret slip?” She pointed a wing at me. “Doesn't matter, you’re both going to die.”

Rototom and I took a step back, but Carving Doll launched herself, so fast, we could only duck as she flew over our heads. Blocking our way, she revved her wings, pulling them back for another attack. Before the rippers hit their target, Rototom grabbed me, and with with a pop, we were behind Carving Doll.

One of Rototom talasman ports made a cracking sound, and a puff of smoke shot out of it. Well, that was a clear sign that she wasn’t going to save us with another teleport any time soon. Swinging my revolver over toward Carving Doll, I unloaded at her. Again, she was quick enough on her hooves to avoid some of my shots. However, I’d tried to compensate for her speed and two rounds connected with her leg.

Carving Doll was forced to take cover again as my sister fired her shots at the mad pirate. Again, it gave us the opportunity to make a break for it. Turning, Rototom was sent crumpling to the ground as a wooden chair collided with her.

“Bullseye!” Carving Doll yelled. “Th' win's may hurt like a cur, but I can nah say I be nah havin' fun.”

I ejected the spent casings from multiple revolvers, but my pipbuck failed to load any fresh shells. Fuck, I was out of fucking ammo. Dashing over to my sister as she tried to recover from the chair attack, I grabbed her Solar Eclipse, and entered S.A.T.S.

I went for a headshot, my eyes focused, falling onto her bloodshot, and bleeding green eyes.

My body became heavy, the sound dulled, and the magic-slowed world around me became gray. I tried to fire the revolver, but nothing happened. It was worse than just that, I couldn't do anything. Carving Doll’s eyes were now leaking blood like a faucet, forming a large puddle under her, reflecting her image in a deep crimson.

A ripple in the blood caught my undivided attention, coming from something poking out from just under the surface. As the puddle grew, a trickling line of blood broke free. It turned, racing toward me as it grew in size, width, and in height. As it grew, it took form to look more like a pony, reaching out to me.
The bloody blob burst, and a blood covered Theremin took its place. She reached out for me, placing her hooves on my face, and smiled before opening her mouth wide. It was like she dislocated her jaw, as she opened it wider. Inside was nothing but a nightmarish mess of wires and darkness. Snaking out of her mouth, the wires reached out for me, climbing onto my face. I couldn't move as the wires entered my mouth and nose, and ears.

The sense of sinking suddenly took hold, and looking down with my eyes only, I could see that the blood puddle now surrounded me, and I was sinking into it.

“You’re too weak.” Theremins voice reverberated like a broken speaker. “You always have been. Always will be.” she began pushing me into the blood, the wires still coming out of her mouth. “We all are, on our own, weak. But as part of something bigger...”

More blobs began to rise from the bloodpuddle, forming more ponies that resolved into even more Theremin copies. I was surrounded by albino mirage pony mares, each one I could see had a twisted smile, and each one helping to drag me down.

When I was submerged in the puddle up to my waist, and I could feel something grabbing onto my legs.

My chest, it was to my chest, and all I could see was Theremins staring back at me.

My neck, my neck, my neck, my neck, my neck, my neck, my neck, my neck, my neck, my neck, my neck, my neck, my neck, my…

I hit the floor, something wet on my face, and my heart pounding so hard that it hurt. Pushing myself up, the image of a severed gray striped wing laid in front of me. A line of blood splatter went from it to me, and a trail of blood spots continued further away. Looking up, the blood trail ended at my sister, missing a wing, staring down Carving Doll, who was missing an eye.

Rototom looked like she was having trouble just standing, beating heavily, blood coming out the wound of her missing wing. Carving Doll on the other hoof, despite missing an eye, and having been shot multiple times, still looked ready to fight. The cyberwings revved up again, and lashed at Rototom, and my heart stopped.

Carving Doll knocked my sister over, ripping out flesh with her wings. The pirate licked her lips, glaring at my sister. “I’ll give you credit, you put up a halfway decent fight, and I almost got excited there. Now let's end this, for this is now starting to bore me.”

“Sorry to hear that” Rototom spat out blood as she got back onto her hooves. “And here I thought I was a wild ride.”

Flaring out her cyberwings, Carving Doll revved them once more. I entered S.A.T.S. and elected to dash. Heart pounding, body aching, lungs burning, my body pushed itself into a gallop. I collided with my sister as the rippers came down, blocking them with my grappling leg. Metal bits went flying as the rippers tore thru my leg like it was nothing. Sparks flew as I was left with a gnarled metal stump passed my shoulder.

Unable to keep my balance, I fell over, only for Rototom to catch me. “We really bit off more than we could chew, didn’t we?” Rototom’s voice was stressed, and she winced as she spoke. “Now get out of here, I’ll hold her back.” She pushed me forward, I only managing to stumble a few hoofsteps.

Looking back, Rototom eyes were unfocused, a weak smile on her face. Then, it was gone. Her smile, her face, her whole head. Carving Doll’s cyberwings ripped thru Rototom’s head. My sister's head.

In an instant, she was just… gone, leaving nothing but blood, bits, and bone sprayed on me.

Everything became quiet. Everything seemed to slow, but I wasn't in S.A.T.S., it was just the way the world was now. Solar Eclipse still levitated next to me, held by my pipleg’s spell. Everything became warm. That warmth spread and grew. The heat intensified, burning me all over, with the pain around my neck becoming worse than anything I’d ever felt. But I didn’t care. Carving Doll dies first, caring about other things came later. Aiming the revolver, I fired at the pirate bitch with everything it had.

*Click*

No no no no, it had to have something in it.

*Click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click.”

Carving Doll just smiled back at me, her mouth moved, but I heard nothing. I didn't care, the gun had to have another shot in it.

*Click, click, click, click, click, click.*

Red stepped out in front of me, but her image quickly became distorted by water blocking my eyes, preventing me from seeing clearly, seeing the pony I had to kill.

Everything felt weightless for a moment. Like I was falling backwards, yet not.

“Mistress Red Steel, a gull is waiting for on the top of the roof.” I wiped the tears from my eyes, and found myself in a hallway with Narwhal standing in front of me.

“Good, I don't want to stay for the encore. Red may be my color, but you know what they say about too much of a good thing.” Red looked back at me, and sighed. “Trust me when I say this, I am sorry about your sisters death, but I tried to warn you. A pity, really. She would have made a good ally, as quality ponies tend to be hard to come by. Now let's go, we’ve got places to be.”

I… I didn't know what to do. How was I going to tell mom that Rototom...

A push from behind forced me to hobble forward down the hall. All the heat went out of me, leaving nothing but a cold, empty void.

“Such a waste, half of those ponies would have made good slaves.” Tarberry’s voice came from behind me.

“They would have made good bargaining chips.” Red groaned. “And thanks to Carving Doll, it's going to take longer to secure the station on this island.”

*Beep*

I stopped to see a damaged drone in front of a closed door. It was Order. The robots propellers were sparking and trying to spin, but having trouble. Tarberry walked into me, pushing me off balance until I fell onto the floor.

“Keep moving bitch.” He muttered like I’d caused him some sort of inconvenience.

On the floor, I could see that the map function on my pipleg was still on. Harp’s signal was nearby, in a room on the other side of the door Order sat in front of. Looking up at my E.F.S. her blue bar sat in between two red bars.

“I have one thing left to do.” I spoke up. Red looked down at me, her gaze sharp and unamused. Following my eyes, she looked at the door.

“This better be good.” She trotted over to the door, and opened it.

“Who’s there!” A stallion yelled out.

“If you want to play, wait your turn!” Another stallion added.

“I see.” Red said as she pulled out her guns. “I believe I said that the important goods are not to be touched.” Her guns came out of their hiding places, and just as quickly went off like an SMG, firing all their bullets within a second. “Narwhal, recover the princess.”

Narwhal bowed at Red, and trotted in. A moment later she pulled out Harp, shaken, but overall unharmed. Her eyes widened when she saw me, and that bit of emptiness became not as empty. But the burning around my neck persisted.

I struggled to get back up, slipping a little. Harp trotted over, helping me up, and offering a shoulder to help keep me balanced. “What happened to you? Where's Rototom?”

I shook my head. I couldn't bring myself to say the words.

“Dead!” Red said with as flat tone. “She got caught up in Capitan Carving Doll’s bloodlust. That never ends well. Now let's go, we got places to be. Also, if you can be a dear Tarberry, grab the robot. I want the wrench mares to take a look at it.”

Harp looked at me, the look of shock on her face was more than I could bare, so I looked away.

Theremin had been right, I was weak.

What did I think I could accomplish? That I’d save the day? That I could save anypony at all?

“Nothing.” Theremin spoke up as she trotted next to me. “All on their own, a pony can accomplish nothing at all.” Her mad red eyes stared into me. “And now look at you. You had to learn the hard way, that outside of the C.C.N., you've accomplished nothing.”

I closed my eyes, knowing she wasn’t real, that Theremin was long dead.

I knew I was just going insane. I knew that I wanted my sister back. That I needed Rototo more now than at any time before in my life.

And I knew that I wanted to kill Carving Doll for stealing my sister from me. I wanted to kill the pirates. All the pirates. And I knew I wanted to kill Majesty and half the fucking royal family for what they’d done.

But most of all...

I knew I just wanted to go home.

Footnote.

Addiction status: Chill Addiction (under control)

Companion signal lost: Rototom Echo, Sorrow.

New Quest: Into the Void