I was getting use to flying in a gull, but that might have been the self medication of Luna Shine and some chill. Even though Cog Grease was skillful at her tattooing, the needle piercing behind my ears hurt like a bitch, though no pony else had this problem but me. The pain was annoyingly distracting, so I had to kill the pain to just concentrate. So as I held my head, I happen to looking down, thru the grated floor, and at the water below. It looked like they just replaced the floor with part of a grate walkway, which did not fill me with confidence over how this vertibuck even stayed in the air it.

“I’ve been wondering, do you ponies make thees gulls, or just maintain ones from the great war?” I asked out loud.

“The cathedral of iron and steel constructs the gulls.” Steam Press answered. A wrench mare with extensive brass cybernetics, she had a light copper coat, and a dark copper mane. Though, it was hard to tell that a mare was even under the thick red robe she wore. From what I could see, her hooves had been replaced with talons, her tail with a mister helper claw, and her eyes looked like they once belonged to a pair of security cameras. While crude, she had more cybernetics grafted onto her than most mirage ponies could ever dream of owning. “Each gull is built and blessed, and it's our job to keep it flying. This gull has surved the goddesses for over a hundred years.” Though at the very least, I was glad she didn't sound like a robot. She however had a high pitched squeaky voice, which in and of itself was a bit annoying to me.

“The artifact vertibucks are kept at Avalon, as the holy hooves of the prophet once stood on them. That alone make us simple chosen unworthy to ever step board such aircraft.” explained a stallion in unicorn power armor. His name was Meat Hook, and that’s all I knew about the stallion. He proudly placed his armored hoof onto his armored chest. “Can I once again state that I am honored to be part of this holy mission, and may the words of the goddesses spread even further.”

Their were two other pirates in this group, twin griffins… I’ll just go with mares, who look around Harps age, both with a dull orange coat on their feline halves. Headsail had a green plumage with a yellow highlights, while her sister, Staysail, had a yellow plumage with green highlights. The two didn’t talk all that much, more focused on polishing their rust guns.

“We’re reaching our destination everypony, so you all better be on your best behavior now!” Red called out, sitting in the co-pilot seat. “I’m going to send out our message.”

Static blared on the speakers, and Reds prerecorded voice spoke. “This is captain Red Steel, of the ship Weeping Pegasus, daughter of Flintlock Hoof, and admiral of the chosen’s grand fleet. I am here to conduct peace talks with Orthrus, to establish trade with the Marewaii Islands, as well to end hostilities.”

We waited as the Gull hovered over Typhoon Station, not that we could see where the station was under the jungle, but the pilot was sure were were at the coordinates I had given them. The idea was that in just showing up, we could force Orthrus to act, and take us in. They knew I was with the pirates, and with the problems the Republic were starting, they wouldn’t skip at the chance to end hostilities with one of the two factions. The cherry on top of our invitation would be to establish trade with an outside power, something Orthrus itself could ignore, but not their investors. This is what I was banking on the most, that the wealth Red could bring to the Islands could force Orthrus to let me do as I like, within reason.

“Anypony think that cloud is a bit odd?” The pilot spoke.

Headsail, Staysail looked out the side of the gull, and one stuck their claw out the window. “Eye, da wind is blowing, but ta cloud isn’t movin.” Staysail ancered.

“And it’s too together fur a could tat high.” Headsail.

Red leaned back and looked at me. “Say Iron dear, how many pegasus dose Othurus employ?”

I looked out at the lone cloud, I didn’t see anything strange with it. “A few, but none of them do cloud control like in old equestria.”

The seekers came to light, startling all of us, and causing Headsail to fall out of the Gull, where she flew back in like nothing had happened. “This is Orthus command, of Typhoon Station, keep your vertibuck where it is, and we will send out an escort. I repeat, stay where you are, and wait for our escort.”

Red breathed a sigh of relief. “Well now that we're getting in, I can take care of the rest.”

Looking down, part of the forest seemed to wobble, like it was made of water, and then two proper vertivucks seemingly materialized out from it. The vertibucks quickly rose, endearing my blind spot in the gull until the arrived on the either side of the gull. The speakers came to life again. “Follow our lead.”

One of the vertibucks flew in front of us, it seemingly wobbler then this scrap metal gull, my best guess was an inexperienced pilot. Our pilot followed, chuckling to herself as we slowly descending, circling the area. The other vertibuck trailed behind us, and I had a good feeling that it’s guns were actively aimed at us. As we descended, I could see the other pirates hold onto their seats tight, waiting through the floor as we got closer to the canopy of the jungle, also reminding me of my first and last ride in a Orphic vertibuck.

The lead veribuck slowed down before vertically descending down, vanished into the canopy. There was a moment of hesitation from our pilot before descending as well. The jungle vanished, revealing a vine covered clearing, and at the clearings center was a massive, and half buried hanger.

The hanger was clearly of Stable-Tec build, using the blue and yellow colors the old company was known for, but oddly it look more like a barn, then the hangers the old military used. The lead vertuck hovered over the massive ‘barn’ and we watched as the buildings roof opened up. Splitting from the middle, the roof slowly slid into itself, and over the edge of the barn. We got a good look at the inside, including the level I had gone through the last time I was there, and passed that, I could see the airship, Scootaloo's Resolve.

“Magnificent!” Red breathed as she looked down into the barn.

The speakers crackled. “Follow” was all that we were told before the vertibuck lowered itself into the barn.

Our pilot did as we were told, if a bit more steadily. Closer down, I could see that the vines below had dug their way into the barn, and infested the inside. From what I could remember from my last time through here, those plant's were highly dangerous, and now seeing it from the outside, they were everywhere. It also looked like Orthrus was losing their battle with it.

Looking past the vines, Orthrus ponies were all over the airship, both regulares cleaning the ship, and maintenance ponies digging into the mechanical parts. It was not that unusual for the airships to be worked on, but it looked like it was a full crew, like they were planning to actually fly the airship someday soon.

“My mother would kill to get her hooves on that airship!” Red practically squealed before taking a deep breath. “Well, I mean she’s killed for far less, but that, I don't even recognize those armaments. Are they some sort of energy cannons?”

“Railguns.” I informed the group. “Orthrus has been developing cost effective, and powerful weaponry. The end result is railguns, simply firing a metal slug using magnetics. I don't know the arcano science behind it, those cannons likely as powerful as small yeled megaspell bombs, but without the radiation.”

Steam Press practically had her face on the graited floor. “If I wasn't seeing it myself, I’d call it heresy.”

Looking out the window, I could see Orthrus regulares on the move, more than normal, like on the airship. Watching them run about, and doing drills, it was becoming more clear that they were indeed getting ready for a fight. “Best if you don't Steam, I doubt they will respond kindly to any accusations.”

“Ey, looks like war is on ta winds.” Meat Hook spoke up.

“Then we better not make ourselves their enemy.” Red said firmly as she removed her gasmask.

We were lead to a group of four landing pads, one of which had a vertibuck being pushed out of the way. A pony below waved a red flag at us, and the pilot took it as a hint that where our landing spot was. The only landing pad that was occupied had a vertibuck that I’ve never seen before, sleeker looking, but lacking propellers, instead having large cylinders in its place. I could only guess that it was an experimental craft, but why it was out was the bigger mystery to me.

With a thud, the gull landed, it’s engine slowly winding down as we trotted out. Our reception consisted of a very worried looking mirage pony mare in formal uniform, and four troopers armed with two air rifles each. Red stepped out in front of us, and raised her hoof. “I’m Red Steel”

The formal looking mare looked at Red, then her hoof, and then she hessedently shook it. “Welcome to Typhoon Station, now everypony…” She stopped, and looked at me, and then over at the twin griffins. “every… creature, please follow me.”

Red nodded. “Right, but before that, my pilot stays with my gull. No offence, but I need insurance that it’s not tampered with. I’m sure your superiors will understand.”

The formal mare became a bit frustrated, having to take a moment to breathe. “I… Sorry but you all must…” she stopped, and looked away, nodding a few times before looking back at Red. “That’s fine, no pony will get near your vertibuck without your permission, now follow me.”

The six of us trotted behind the mare, with two troopers next to her, and the other two behind us. The guards were clearly for show, as with only a cursory glance, I could see that we were being tracked by marksponies. If any of us decided to do anything stupid, the snipers would make short work of us. This time around, there will be no sneaking about, though I could hardly call my last time here sneaking, not when I was just dancing in the hoof of Orthrus the whole time.

The ponies not part of our escort couldn't help but stare and whisper among each other. Not that I could blame them, the only normal looking one among us was Red Steel, and the second was Meat Hook in his power armor. It felt odd, being seen as an outsider, and an oddity. I could only guess this is what Merit, or Mayall felt like. I was half tempted to lift my head up, just to fuck with them, but decided to save it as a trump card if I needed to shock some pony.

We were taken to a maintenance elevator that was large enough for all of us to fit inside comfortably. From there, we rode it up from floor B9, to floor B4. They must be taking us directly to see the council, or at least, to a place for us to stay before seeing the council, as floor B4 was only for logistics and VIP’s.

Red glanced at me, smiled, and then looked over at the formal dressed mare. “Say, our arrival must be all too sudden, and you have my apologies for that. I mean, as a diplomat myself I can understand the amount of stress this must be causing, not to mention the paperwork that this will generate. If your leaders need time to prepare, I am more than willing to wait, well, as long as the room is worth waiting in.”

The formal mare gave Red a nervous glance before looking away, and nodding. “No miss Red Steel, the council wishes to talk with you shortly. Accommodations will be provided after your meeting.”

Red knew about the telepathy talisman, and the council likely knew that she knew about them, it was just a shame that the formally dressed mare was no good at hiding that she was using telepathy. Which was odd, as Orthrus had plenty of skilled agents, at least one should have been at the ready, and not this novice.

The elevator doors opened, and what greeted us was two lines of troopers, making a pathway to where the council hall was. It seemed overly dramatic, and too prepared for my liking, making me worried that this was one of Phobetors traps.

Red took the first step out, her head held up, drinking up this display of power that Orthrus was showing us. With a sigh, I and the others followed. As we trotted, it became clear that each trooper was being used to display the different weapons and tech that Orthrus had at their disposal. From the standard military air rifles, to what looked like experimental rail guns, there was even a lelantos bolt launcher with them. Also among them were cyberdogs, and Orthrus drones, along with some high quality cybernetics on a few troopers.

At the end of the display were three ponies standing in front of the door. Two were in Orthrus specter suits, the same kind my sister used, and the third was in specter power armor.

“Good to see you again miss Red Steel, and you as well miss… Cold Iron.” Temboril’s voice spoke with a hint of irritation as she looked at me.

Red looked over to me, giving me a half confused glance before looking back to Temboril. “You have me at a disadvantage, might be that helmet.”

Temboril huffed as she removed her helmet, and underneath she a bit more makeup then I would expect. Eyeshadow, lipstick, even her eyelashes were thickened. “Specter Temboril Tablature of Orthrus, we first met at Governor's Polished Jade’s manor. There was a dress up party.”

“Yes, I remember now. It's a shame what happened to your partner, if only I had the opportunity to rid this world of Carving Doll sooner, that hole mess could have been avoided.”

“And what became of this Carving Doll?” Temboril asked sturnly.

“Dead, her corpse is currently being held in storage for later delivery to the admiral.” I cut into the conversation.

Temboril shot me a glare, then slowly sofend her gaze before looking back at Red. “I see, then I am to assume that your raids on our islands will stop now.”

“For the time being.” She responded. “But enough is already known about the Marewaii Islands to warrant a proper invitation by the grand fleet. Something my mother will do, and that's why I’m here. If a beneficiary relation between the two of our nations can be established, then war can be avoided, of that I’m sure.”

Temboril closed her eyes, looking like she was thinking, but more likely talking with the council through telepathy. Like before, Red let her importance be known, and I was sure the council was taking it at least moderately seriously. Temboril passed her helmet to one of the other specters and stepped aside, her power armor then hissed as the back opened up. Temboril stepped out, she was in a blue dress with yellow frills, and had what looked like blue glass slippers and yellow stockings. “Right, leave all rifles, explosives, and other heavy weapons with the guards, but you may keep any sidearms with you.”

It was almost funny how much had to be left at the door, it making even a few troopers give each other a few nervous glances. The most obvious was Meat Hook, who actually had to leave his armor. The chocolate brown unicorn stallion was covered in scars, burns, and religious tattoos. He also had twenty grenades on him, and a power hammer. The two griffins had to leave behind their rust guns, and five molotov cocktails each. As for Steam Press, she was forced to put her robe back on when it turns out she had four tentacle like mechanical arms grafted onto her back, but other then that, she had no weapons. Red and I only had small arms, so there was nothing for us to leave behind.

The door opened, and we stepped into the council hall. The moment I did, I immediately understood what was going on. All five council members were in attendance, along with other important ponies. There was what I guessed was the Trade Union who were all dressed in suits, as well as Shamisen Tuning was here with Guitarron the shadowrunner, likely representing the syndicate, though I didn’t know why. But the most telling of what was happening was the large group of pegasus's, which included Merit, Light, and Wild, who sat next to five military dressed ponies who had a large ‘E’ on their chests, the New Cloudsdale Enclave had arrived.

We were guided to an open table, on it, they’d setup a microphone, and placed several papers around at each seat. As we settled in, Red leaned in close to me. “Give me the quick and dirty rundown of who's who.” She whispered.

I nodded. “I already told you about the council, the ones who lead Orthrus with decentralized power.” I then tipped my head at the Trade Union. “The group of mirage ponies in expensive suits, that's the Trade Union, think of them as wealthy merchants with political power.”

“So their my best bet at establishing a trade route here.” Red commented.

I then motioned to Shamisen Tuning. “The mare with the brass cybernetics, and the stallion in shades are part of the syndicate, an underground organization linked to illegal activities all over the Marewaii Islands.”

Red smiled. “I remember her, we have a few things in common. Then the the group of pegusi must be the enclave my mothers looking for. Well that answers the flashy display of Orthrus military might.” She guessed correctly.

I nodded. “Right, meaning that this is all about the future of the Marewaii Islands.”

The sound of tapping over speakers caught our attention, it coming from the tan cot, and cream colored mane Orthrus PR pony Mandolin, who stood at a podium in a Orthrus formal uniform. “Now that our newest, and unexpected guests have arrived, we can continue with the diplomatic talks. Captain Red Steel, we ask if you simply watch until we are done with our current inquiry. Vice President Duster, can you repeat your question?”

An older pegasus stallion at the enclave table pulled their microphone closer to himself, all as he flipped through the sheets of patterns on his table. His main was almost all gray, with speck of black, his somewhat sagging coat was a light brown, and despite his age he gave off a feeling of strength. “Your documents here state that you own, or have access to a large number of what you call plantations, of which can produce large quantities of fruits, vegetables, and grain. It is truly impressive, but I don't see how it can support the additional population of New Cloudsdale.”

The Trade Union were the ones to speak up, represented by a familiar mare, Khlui if I was remembering it right, the owner of Free Mares Plantation. “Yes, Orthrus has brought this issue up with us, and we have come to an agreement that both the problem, and the solution are the same. Simply, we require more space. If we can establish a plantation inside New Cloudsdale, then we may be able to start solving the food problem.”

Duster looked over the documents again. “I like to say that's a viable start, but even if it is a cloud city, there is only so much room to spare, and so many mouths to feed right now.”

“We have one solution to this immediate problem.” Speaking up was the council member Kakko, representative of the health and safety office. “There are a few organic recycling converters in our possession. Their used to turn organic waste into edible food, mainly parts of plants that would normally be thrown away. Sadly, it's only a temporary solution do to its inability to fully filter out viruses, and complex toxins, preventing us from from using the plant matter on the surface.”

The Enclave talked among each other for a few minutes before Duster turned back to the microphone. “As a temporary solution that would be of great help, but it still doesn't solve the overall problem.”

We watched as the three of the Marewaii groups whispered to themselves, and I could guess why this was such a problem. Though pineapple island produces quite a lot of food, there is no guarantee that next year that the plantations will not get hit by a fungal infestation, the big risk of growing all of our food underground. If we empty out our food stockpile, and then the plantations got hit, it will be the metro thats suffering from a food shortage. Also, the Trade Union is not a charity, whatever they give out, they will want to see a bigger return.

I looked over at Red, who was reading the documents on the table, with a small grin on her face. She clearly had ideas of her own, something that did not go unnoticed. Naqara spoke up, her voice sturn, but soft. “Captain Red Steel, I would like to hear about any solutions you may have to the procurement of food, as well to how it can be increased. From what we know, you have a large fleet out there, with many hooves to run it. I doubt that would be possible without a way to feed all those mouths.”

All heads turn to us, and it was very clear that this was a double sided question. Yes, Red would be giving them a possible solution to this issue, but at the same time telling them about the infrastructure that the grand fleet might have. And in looking at Red, who was holding the documents like a fan in front of her mouth, she knew to.

Red was slow to answer, sizing up Naqara first. “You are not incorrect on this matter. With so many sailors, just subsisting off of raiding would be impossible. Fishing and kelp harvesting is very common, and I know of a few old equestrian navy outposts that have been turned into fish farms. But I doubt any of those would be of enough… assistance. Though, I myself do currently own a small plot of land, on an island that I use to grow some money crops; tobacco, coffee, hemp. I could lend it out to one of your plantations, and also deliver the plant waste that is produced when harvesting. We tend to use it as compost, but lately we have had more waste then we can use. But there are still a few problems with this plan.” Red did a slightly dramatic sigh as she put the documents down.

Naqara furrowed her brow for a second before relaxing. “And what are these problems Captain?”

Red smiled. “Well i’m sure you can understand, any viable land will be considerably extremely valuable to the fleet. Enough so that it would be the target of undesirables, and attractive to pests. Because of this, I have to keep a few guards on my land at all times. As of now, it’s enough to keep things safe, but if I start producing a large quantity of food, it’s only going to attract more attention, meaning I will need more guns, and the guards to maintain it’s security. There is also the problem of the sealurks, large lobster like things that attack the serfs on my land. The monsters are actually good meat, but too dangerous to keep near my land. If there was a way to keep them away from the growing operation, but still make use of them, I’m sure that the addison of the sea lurks would help with your food situation.”

The three groups went back to whispering between each other, and the first to speak up was Shamisen Tuning “If security is what you need, we do have a list of mercenaries on hoof in need of work. They’re trained professionals, and understand that bad things happen to those who break their contracts. We also have plenty of ponies looking for any work they can get, not the most reliable, but if all you need are laborers, then they will do the job.” I had no doubt that Shamisen was plotting something, maybe use this as an opportunity to expand the syndicate’s reach, but more than likely, trying to cut Orthrus off in providing security.

Khlui of the Trade Union was next to speak up. “We can accept this solution, and long as security can be guaranteed, and the guarantee to the independence of our plantation. We will pay for the use of the land, and there is interest in procuring your money crop as well. Also, some of us have voiced the idea of a trade outpost being setup on New Cloudsdale, and now we would like to extend that idea to your island as well.”

A quiet fell upon the room as Red’s eyes fell to Naqara, the council member glancing at me for a second, then back to Red. “Your sealurk problem, we may have a solution to that. As we have been dealing with sandlurks for a few generations now, we have created a few countermeasures. It’s no guarantee, as the sandlurks are if anything, hard to predict, but if you just need security, then Orthrus likewise can provide it. But... Just for your information, we are no simple mercenary force, and expect trying standards from our employers. In return for choosing us, you get a finely tuned machine keeping your territory safe and at peace.”

As was predictable, every pony here was playing politics. Though, I had a strong feeling that the Enclave was the only group without the major advantage of having existing infrastructure. Cloud city aside, they likely didn’t have much other than old world tech, of which Orthrus didn’t need, and the pirates would just put in a chapel or something. So all that this was, was Orthrus trying to convince the Enclave to move to the Marewaii Islands, and give them access to the cloud city. From there, I don’t know, maybe their goal was to leave the islands, but that would have to be seen with time.

What I did know, was that Red had successfully made herself into an important resource, of which, Orthrus, the syndicate, and the trade union were all too willing to get their hooves on.

Red look through the documents again, using it to hide a slight smile. “All good solutions, ones I can certainly agree to. And I am to assume that we will be having a private discussion later on the small details?”

“Of course. This is more of a formal introduction, an open exchange in dialogue rather than strict negotiations.” The council representative of the treasury and infrastructure, Dutar, spoke up. “Proper documentation will need to be written up after all assets can be proven. Only then we can make the contracts to make all deals official.”

“You think you can trust these sea raiders!?” All attention turned to the enclave table, where Merit had taken the microphone, leaning over the table. “Your kind killed two of my best friends, and strung their bodies to your vertibuck. Then you hunted through the metro. I was there when you slaughtered the residence of the New Canterlot Tower, and when you invaded stabe 50. Now you barge in here, and fein civility?”

Red put down her documents, letting everypony see her devilish smile. “I will not deny that happening, as it sounds like something our raiding party will do. It is a cruel world, in which the strong will do what they can. And the weak? They suffer what they must. But you in the Enclave know this system of strong and weak very well. It was rare, but now and then we’d pick up one of your dashites, tired and and the end of their rope as they flew for days over open ocean. And each and every one would have such a fascinating story to tell about why you would brand their flanks and leave them for dead. Oh, and then there's that event ten years ago, what was it? Operation cutarize I think you called it. I wonder how many ponies your kind turned to ash in one day as you raided every major city in the wasteland.”

Merit gave Red a death glare. “Then if we’re so bad, where's Harp and Vibraphone? What have you barbarians done with them?”

Red slowly dropped her smile, and looked over at me. “My first mate can tell you about their fates.”

Then and there I wanted to slap Red, iron hoof and all. Lifting my scarf a lottle, to hide my stripes on my cheek and the scar on my lip, I looked over at the council, seeing that Phorminx was avoiding eye contact, likely already informed about his daughters death. Then I looked at Merit. I could feel hatred coming from him, directed right at me. Something inside hurt, and made me want to tell him that Vibraphone was here, even if it was just a sliver of the pony I used to be.

“My name is Cold Iron… I was there when they died.” Merit glared at me for a moment, then slowly sat back in his seat, so I continued. “We were on a mission to find incriminating evidence of heresy against the fleet faction known as the Corps Brigade, of which includes the now deceased captain, Carving Doll. The mission was a success, but before we could get away with the evidence we were ambushed by sentient lurkers, led by one in particular named Berenice. Harp was the first to fall, and Vibraphone was unable to defend herself.”

The room fell silent, and I could see Light balance with the look of shock on her face. Maybe she had liked Harp, the poor thing. Merit looked the most devastated of them all, like all the bluster from before had deflated.

“And how did you get away?”

I looked over at Red and she nodded, so, with a sigh, I lifted my head and placed it on the table. There was a massive gasp from everypony, a few stumbling out of their seats. “The Vibraphone you knew, died that morning. All that's left of me is an undead monster. But because of that, I was able to deliver the evidence, and start the purge of the Corps Brigade. Once finished, their ship was placed under new leadership.”

The room fell silent again, as though a heavy wait filled the air. As I put my head back on, Red took the mic. “I’m sure you all have a lot of questions to ask, but I’m sure the Enclave has more pressing issues at hoof, which is the other reason why i’m here. As you might already know, we have more ships, many more ships. Why they are not here is simple, because my mother sees the capturing of a cloud city is more important than a costly island invasion. And without my help, when she dose find that city, she will not let it go until it is either hers, or it is destroyed.”

The Enclave ponies seemed to panic a little, whispering among each other as Duster took the mic. “And how do we know you’re not bluffing?”

Red simply relaxed in her seat before answering. “If you flew over here, then you must have seen the odd ship in the water. More likely, your scouts have possibly reported seeing ship after ship in a grid formation, sailing miles apart in a wide search pattern. Trust me, eventually she's going to find New Cloudsdale.”

“And how can you help stop this?” Naqara asked.

“By giving her a better offer. A cloud city is fantastic, but outside of it being a large trophy, only flyers can use it. Capturing it is just a point of pride for my mother. But if she can get her hooves on new weapons, advanced tech, the ability to build an airship like you have, she will drop her hunt.”

Naqara sighed. “So that's your true angle. You help us, and in turn you gain access to our market of tech. I’m tempted to throw you out, if that is,you didn't have the solution to our current dilemma. Then, is there anything else you want, maybe we can give you a tour of the lucky rabbit's foot.”

Red didn’t skip a beat in answering. “I’ll take you up on that offer, but more importantly I see here that there is a company that specializes in the reconstruction of damaged body parts. If I could take a closer look thees medical treatments, I would be most pleased.”

“I see, then we will coordinate a schedule with the Trade Union.” Naqara glanced over at the ponies in suits, some of whom nodded back at her. “Right then, unless anypony has any more to add, then were done with this discussion.” There were more whispering among the different groups, but nopony spoke up. “There are a few more things we need to go over, but at least the more pressing issues now has a possible practical solution.”

The discussion moved to more learning about each group. It was things like culture, disease, level of crime, and anything that could destabilize the metro. It was Orthrus’s main day to day job, ensuring the survival of the metro, and last thing they needed was some crazy disease turning ponies insane, or bandits with power armor. The Enclave on the other hoof seemed just happy that nopony really cared about their past. Equestria was far away from the Marewaii Islands, and deep down we were just glad to know that we weren’t born alone anymore.

There was a few standoffish moments, but as odd as it was to say, I really could feel a warmth in the room, similar from the jar Phobetor left behind. Even Red gave off a small amount of the warmth, though I wouldn't bet my bits that her warmth was for anything but herself.

After the talks concluded, we were escorted to a dining hall, where food and drink was prepared for everypony, everypony except for me. I on the other hoof was split from the group, and taken to a darker corner of the hanger, where a very angry Temboril stood in front of a heavy metal door. It was odd seeing the gussy uped mare put a dent in the metal door with only her hoof alone, but it got her point across loud and clear, talk shit, get hit… Deep down I know I deserve this treatment.

“Dammit Vibe…. Cold Iron, is it so hard to follow orders when given them!?” Temboril shouted in my face.

I rolled my eyes at her. “Orthrus was going to just sit on their hooves, I needed a more direct plan.”

A hoof connected with my chest, knocking the wind out of me. “And so you decide to ally with this outside force, and then bring them here!? What is wrong with you? What the fuck happened?”

A speaker near the door clicked on, and the voice of Naqara spoke out of it. “Save it for the room Temboril, or should I consider you emotionally compromised.”

Temboril took a deep breath, and opened the dented door. “Get in, you’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”

I expected a stereotypical interrogation room, like from the old detective comics, or from the Shadow Spade books. All gray, a two way mirror, and a metal table to sit at. Well I did get the metal table, there was even an odd bag next to it, but it was in the middle of a vast desert, as far as the eyes can see. The sun hung overhead, it opresived with its light and heat, and my hooves dug into the sand. Stranger yet, there was no sound, nothing but the blood moving through my ears. “What the fuc…”

Temboril pushed me forward. “Get going, I rather not stay in here longer than I have to.”

As I trotted forward, I saw a corpse curled up in a ball near the entrance, it looked a lot like a bandit, and next to it was another… no, it was a reflection. The hole vastness was just an illusion, smoke and mirrors, like on the Captain Andromeda ride. But the fact that a pony was left here to die was less than comforting.

“You gotta be shitting me, who left a bandit in here? Some pony get over here and clean this up!” Temboril shouted.

Leving the dead bandit behind, we trotted over to the table, in what I guessed was the middle, the more I felt uneasy, and oppressed. The feeling only got worse when I took a seat, like some pony was looking over my shoulder, just in my blind spot. In the distance, The two specters who were with Temboril before trotted in, and dragged the body away, closing the door behind then. The door practically vanished into the wall, leaving us in an illusion of a dessert that felt far bigger than it should be. More disconcerting to me, it was a very good illusion. Looking at where the door was I couldn't even see my own reflection in it’s magical polished surface, just sand and sky.

“So… I take it you’ve been on the Captain Andromeda ride?” I asked bluntly.

Temboril just narrowed her gaze at me as she sat down at the table. “You seem a lot sharper than before, but ya, this room was inspired by that ride. There were old documents and reports about the ride causing panic attack in some ponies, and as it turns out, they were true, and that effect can be amplified.”

She wasn't wrong, just being here did make me feel uneasy, no sound other than my own hoofsteps, inside what looked like an impossibly large room, and the heat from the fake sun more intense than the real one. They were obviously trying to intimidate me. And to an extent, it was working, but still this place was no Tartarus.

“My sister must have told you then, but sorry to disappoint you, not enough of Vibraphone is left to be really affected by this.” I shrugged. “Maybe you should have asked your genocidal Lurker friend about it, as she was there, actively trying to fuck every pony over. But I guess the activities of the lurkers are of no concern of Orthrus!”

A Hoof reached over the table, and slammed into my jaw. It hurt like I was hit with a metal club, but not enough to knock me over. “How the fuck were we to know you would open the R&D Stable, you traitorous bitch!” Temboril sat back in her seat, and took a deep breath before grabbed the suspicious bag. Pulling out a few papers, and placing them on the table, they consisted of fuzzy photos, and text of near unreadable rambling. “Whatever was going wrong in the R&D Stable is gone now, but none of the information we can pull out of there makes any sense. Then there's the buzz over you, coming back completely different, and with a detachable head. We need a full explanation, yesterday.”

I rubbed my jaw, the pain still lingering. “Fine, I’ll tell you, but all of you better keep your ears and minds open.”

Temboril nodded. “Then tell us everything, and I mean everything.”

I took a deep breath, trying to get my thoughts together, I needed to be careful of what I say and didn’t say. The less that anypony knows, the less likely Phobetor will catch on. The longer no pony talked, the more sound of my own blood moving through my skull slowly became louder. It was actually starting to hurt. Only a little, but the pain seemed to go deep, and slowly get worse.

Heat, no sound, and nothing for my own eyes to focus on but Temboril. I began to tap on the table just to make a sound, only to find that it made none, the only sound I heard was the thunk of my hoof, it traveling through the iron, through my body, and into my ear.

“So everything then. That’s going to take a bit of time.” As the words left my mouth, the pain dulled, compelling me to keep talking. “Right, it started with me accepting that mission from Red Steel. With how obsessed Black Spot was with me, I was the clear candidate for having a memory bug attached to me. All the was left was for the bastard to come take me. Unfortunately, Harp Melody was taken along with me, and was used to keep me from fighting the former first mate.” With the pain subsiding, I now understood what was going on, and I tried to stop, holding my breath, and glaring at Temboril. But the pain returned, worse than before, like it now clawed into my own mind, compelling me to talk. I needed to talk, I couldn't not talk.

I spilled all I could, as fast as I could. It made me forget about the heat, as looking at Temboril prevented me from looking at the vastness, but most of all, the sound of my own voice filled what little sound in this soundless void.

For Tamboril’s credit, she didn't interrupt, just listened to every word, keeping as stone faced as my story became more and more mad. Even I began to doubt my own words now that I was saying it out loud. Then the climax of it all, the story of Pandora, gods, and the spirits of death. I was there, and hadn’t been changed. Yet, if I woke up in my bed tomorrow, I would be more than willing to believe it all a dream.

I then moved to the events that happened after, which Temboril could verify. Then after that, in which Temboril stopped me.

“That's enough, we don't need to hear about your sex.” Temboril gather up the photos and documents. “Though it's hard to believe, it does at least give us an explanation to what happened to the stable. At least the populations will believe a story about a rough megaspell if any pony comes to ask. It also explains enough about why you returned, though it does sound like madness.”

It suddenly hit me. I gave away the secret to who knows how many ponies, now greatly increasing the chance Phobetor will catch wind. With a sigh, I pointed to one of my horns. “Unicorns can do magic, and I’m a dullahan bicorn. Now what did you do to make me ramble on like that, and how many ponies heard it?”

Temboril pulled out a small radio from the bag, it was decorated with the Orthrus symbol, and looked more high tech than any other radio I’ve ever seen. When Temboril turned it on, my ears rang as the sound of a ukulele and soft drums played. Whatever the radio was playing, it canceled out whatever was affecting me, allowing me to relax.

“Miss Vibraphone Echo.” Naqara’s voice telepathically resonated in my head. “Luckily due to your explanation in the council hall, everyone thinks we're just getting a more detailed explanation over the deaths of the princess, and our agent. It’s a simple explanation, but one most rational ponies will believe without question, and let us conduct our business in private. It also helps that any pony with a hunch and a good ears, are going to be more interested in the Enclave and Captain Red Steel. So as of current. the only ponies who truly know about you, and will know what you said, will be me, Temboril, and two other specters that I trust. As for what you said, what we have recorded will be edited by the said two specters.”

I looked over at Temboril. “And what about Phorminx?” My voice was muted, but somehow I felt the words carry. Whatever this telepathy was, it felt different.

Temboril’s voice also carried into my head. “He became withdrawn since the events at stable 50, and only became worse after I relayed the news of Harps death. Naqara has already been taken over some of Phorminx’s duties, including managing the specter core.”

“Depending if he recovers or not, we of the council may vote for him to step down, and another pony to take his place.” Naqara informed me. “That aside, what your in is what we call a total isolation room, meant to trick the mind of a pony, and make them more pliable to interrogation. There are several effects that we can apply, but right now we are just damping sound, causing soundwaves to not reverberate. I believe you already are well acquainted with the effects on a ponies body and mind.”

Not like I was even planning to fight my way out of here. “Alright Naqara, what is it you want. The original mission failed, it’s just Orthrus and the Republic now. And right now Phobetor is likely organizing the Republic into more of a dangerous threat than before.”

“Yes... the mysterious nightmare.” Naqara didn't sound like she believes me, the bitch. “Leaving all that strangeness aside, dealing with the Republic is a top priority of Orthrus, and actions will need to be taken soon. As for the fall of the Orphic Kingdom, it is a unfortunate tragedy, but not one without opportunity. As you have seen, the different organizations of the metro are now becoming more proactive, and the arrival of the Enclave has forced them to set their sights beyond the metro. Because of this, if the Republic causes any trouble, Orthrus will have the full backing of the rest of the Metro.”

“But let me guess, the Republic has gone silent?” I guessed out loud.

There was a slight pause before Naqara answered. “Yes, you are correct. They have stopped broadcasting on the radio, stopped sending envoys, putting us nearly completely in the dark of what’s going on over there. Though their more freelance agents and supporters are still actively spreading their propaganda, though it’s clear they also have been cut off, and are now just repeating the same lines like a robot that's not been given an update. Even their main arm of power in the neutral stations have pulled out, but that at least has given our agents the breathing room to gather information, and move civilians out of what will become hot zones.”

Naqara paused again before continuing. “While it’s nice to have them shut up for a change, it’s also very concerning. Worst, if this continues then the rest of the council will not see a need to continue our defensive stance, and will want to divert the budget and pony power to other parts of Orthrus. Effectively, we’d be dropping our guard, and losing our current stance of leadership. Likey, the shortsighted fools in the Trade Union will want to take the lead. Without the Republic calling for their heads, they will feel safe enough to make the same mistakes they always make.”

It made sense, with how fast everything was changing for the metro, anypony worth their weight in bits will want to take the reins of the future. Orthrus only had as much power as it did because they kept the Republic and the Orphic Kingdom from just taking the rest of the stations. Orthrus could force the other groups to follow, but I had no doubt Naqara was the only one in the council that would do that, and the other four would override her. If she was to become dictator, she needed the Trade Union to agree to it, along with any independent station, and for the rest of the council to temporarily abdicate their leadership to her. Naqara needed a war.

“Then simply let me go. My plan is to rile up the Republic, I need them to go on the warpath to draw out Phobetor.” I told Naqara. “Let me go, and you will get what you want.”

“Like it could be so simple.” Temboril cocked an eyebrow and asked. “And do tell, just how are you going to do that?”

There was no going back now. Naqara was not like Red, still a cutthoat, but in the more civilized way. As for Temboril, I couldn't read her, but I highly doubt she would approve of my plan.

“Simply, I plan to commit an act of terrorism from within the Republic. It’s going to be a public attack, somewhere that the eyes and ears I need will be. They’ll see it and relay back to their damned hive mind back at Persephone Station. From there, when they lash out, it will likely be Orthrus Regulators taking the brunt of their rage. And if I’m right, then I doubt they will have the training and equipment to resist what will come. That will force Orthris to respond in kind, thus triggering a war. When my target finally shows up, I will have a conveniently stolen megaspell warhead waiting for them. If it all goes well, It should leave the Republic confused and cut off, giving Orthrus the time to take control of the situation.”

“A megaspell!” Temboril jumped out of her seat, throwing the chair to the side. “Are you insane!?”

“Stand down, specter.” Naqara coldly ordered. “You say it simply, for something so far from just any normal operation. Starting with just letting you step a hoof on any of the other islands, but I feel you have a plan for that. Or should I say, Captain Red Steel has a plan.”

“The fucking Trade Union, and Syndicat.” Tamboril spat out.

I nodded. “Red has her own goals, but the overall idea is to help me get onto the Pineapple Island, and then to have all eyes on her. All I need you to do is look the other way, and let me conduct my mission.”

There was a pause lasting a few minutes, a tense and heavy feeling of unease filled the air. Temboril clearly did not approve, but remained silent. When Naqara did answer, she was careful with her words. “I would be lying if I had not run around with such ideas in my head. But I also know that if it was ever found out that Orthrus was the one who instigated a war, it would irreversibly damage our reputation. It is Orthrus’ duty to maintain the peace, or to force a peace when war dose break out, but to never start it. It is why the syndicate has never grown passed being an black market organization, or why the Trade Union prefers to pay us to be their security, rather then to fund a startup for their own security company. But times are changing, and if Orthrus does not stay in the front of it as a pack leader, then we will find ourselves left behind as the guard dog.”

There was another pause, It feeling like it lasted for minutes, though it was only for a few seconds.

“Specter initiate Vibraphone Echo, I give you this final mission. You are to start a war between the Republic and Orthrus, of which neither side can be held responsible for the start of the war. Your name will not be listed in our records of specters, anything involving this will not be recorded, and any memory of this meeting will be removed, and destroyed. No pony here will remember that Cold Iron is Vibraphone Echo, only that you are an outsider, and that is all. If it is found out that you plan to commit an act of terrorism, Orthrus will seek to eliminate you, and if you are captured by the Republic, Orthrus will also eliminate you so as to preserve our ‘allies’ secrets. With that, this conversation never happened. Am I clear?”

“Crystal.” I answered, taking the full weight of this responsibility on my shoulders. I was now a non-pony, a ghost, a… specter.

“Good, then return to the party, there’s something I need Cold Iron to do for us. A few questions I’d like you to answer out where ears can hear, and come to better understand why it’s in their best interest to come under Orthrus’es protection.” Naqara ordered.

Leaving the fucking disturbing room, the feeling of unease and oppression was slow to go away. It left me more than a little paranoid on our trip to the dinning hall. Luckily I had regain my composure by the time I entered the hall, just as a whole lot of eyes fell onto me, putting me under a whole different kind of pressure.

My first action was to ignore everypony, and trot over to the the drink table, and take a glass of water. The desert and it’s blazing sun may have been fake, but my throat didn't care. As I lifted a glass with my magic, I noticed that Light Turbulence was nearby, and looking at me, having taken a step back while looking spooked. It took a moment to register why she seemed scared of me, my eyes looked down at the blue flame holding my glass on the air. I can understand why she was staring like that, but it was still rude, and made me want to splash her with a bason of…

I shook my head, regaining control over my thought. “Sorry for spooking you, miss.” I said, trying not to sound aggressive, or annoyed.”

She looked away for a moment, obviously nervous over talking to me. “Scared, no, never.” She said , as she scratched the back of her head, and failing at hiding her fear. “So, are… undead two horns common among your fleet?”

Deciding to let her keep her dignity, I ignored the obvious lie. “No, as far as I know, neither are something that exists anywhere else.”

“Right, then sorry for bothering you.” Light slowly scooted away, she obviously not wanting to stay around me.

After drinking a second glass of water, I trotted to a makeshift bar that had been set up by some outside party. At the bar Red was chatting up a portly stallion in a suit, who had been with the Trade Union. Ignoring the two, I ordered for a Daiquiri, in which, the pony behind the bar quickly made one.

“Yes, we have the ability to clone body parts to replaces damaged ones, even make them better than before.” The portly stallion spoke proudly to Red. From his words, he was likely part of the New Gen Genetics Corporation.

Red fluttered her eyes, clearly trying to seduce the mirage pony stallion, an act of futility due to how common this likely was to him. “Then let's say if a sensitive part of the body had been damaged beyond use, something that as far as our scientist know, cannot be replaced or magically repaired. Like a mane, but... more important to a mare.”

She was clearly embarrassed about the subject, and the corporate stallion was clearly a bit confused, likely not the pony who handled any of the real business. “Well if you need a new tail, we are able to make a new one.”

I put my daiquiri down, and trotted next to Red Steal. “What she's asking is if you can clone her a new uterus, as her current one had received irreversible damage.”

The stallion paused in surprise, slowly sipping on his wine. “I… yes, yes, we do have that as a option. It's like the standard Orthrus gene treatment, just a bit more invasive and advanced. It's quite expensive from what I remember about it, but the results speak for themselves. Of the few mares that have gotten it done, no complications have been reported.”

Having a good feeling that he was just hogshitting his way through the question, I decided to not press the issue, as it at least put the corporate stallion on the same page as the embarrassed Red. Surprisingly she had turned a slightly brighter shade of red.

Picking up my daiquiri glass, I trotted away, joining Naqara, who was talking with the Enclave Vice President Duster, and Shamisen Tuning. Naqara gave me a nod, Duster a cortius glance, and Shamisen actually raised a glass at me, and was the first to great me.

“First mate Cold Iron was it, strange that you remind me of a pony.” Shamisen said, before sipping on her wine. “Names Shamisen Tuning, I’m here a representative of the Independent Workers Unions. And we are most excited in expanding our pool of clients you see. I was going to talk with your captain, but on a hunch, I felt it would be smarter to talk with you.”

I bit my tongue to prevent myself from groning. Shamisen was always the cunning sort, could always see through me. It's why Sweet was the pony to do business with her. She clearly knew who I was, or at least, was sure enough to suggest she knew, but also not dumb enough to call me out.

“So what would you like to talk about?” I asked before taking a sip of my drink. “sadly anything sensitive would have to come through the captain.”

Shamisen smiled. “Fair enough, I just need to know our business options. Can’t send workers out just to never see them return.”

A fair question. “The fleet is very… devout in their faith of the goddesses, and expect as much from all those with them.” I showed them one of my tattoo behind my ear, the one of saint Thorns cutie-mark that still gave me some pain. “It would be best to remember that the goddesses come first if you are to do business with fleet. Otherwise, most sailors could become, lets say, disagreeable.” I was less enthusiastic about helping Shamisen, but I had a good feeling that I was going to need the syndicates help. “Anything else?”

“Maybe how I should approach your captain,” One of Shamisen eyes adjusted for a split second when I looked back at her. Likely a cybernetic replacement, I had to wonder if there was more to it than just that however. “our last meeting left me with little information I could rely on. Mainly entertainment, which is a big one, as one must keep new clients happy.”

Right, I doubt anything they could offer would sway Red, or give her leverage over the pirate. Frankly, I just plain didn't like the idea of the two actually getting along. But still, my own feelings didn't matter in this.

“The captain… She enjoys the typical things, like what she's doing now. But I think it be better to help her with a recent loss, as her assistant died when fighting the former captain. She’d been a good mare, but a freak of a masochist.” Shamisen cocked an eyebrow, but I felt like I got a point across, not like I could just openly say that Red was into rape.

The other two had been carrying on with their own conversation, something to do with security issues, but I didn't catch most of it thanks to Shamisen. Naqara, noticing that my short Q and A was done, gave me a nod. “So, miss Cold Iron, how does our home compare to yours? I’m sure it's an impressive fortress.”

Right, the first question she needed me to answer, and with Duster right here, he was the ears that needed to hear.

“Yes, it’s very impressive. I doubt that any raid launched against it would have no hope in invading. Though an underground home like this is easy to defend, it also has exploitable weaknesses.” What Carving Doll told me during my first time on the ship ran across my mind. “The fleet has to occasionally gas their ships in order to remove the vermin that occasionally infest them. Readapting that for a tunnel system would not be a hard task at all. The previous captain had been verbalizing the idea. A fallback, in the case any resistance was too stubborn.”

It was more of a warning for Orthrus, but a good start to how cruel the grand fleet can be, now for getting the Enclave worried.

“But that's what one ship can do.” I shrugged, “I don't know the details myself, but I have heard from Red Steel that her mother owns a few megaspells. Though it seems she just has them as a sign of her own power, but if push comes to shove, then not using them will be seen as weakness. So if the admiral ever wants to take the island, I can't see this place surviving in the long run, not when your all stuck in one place as easy targets.”

“Sounds concerning to say the least.” Naqara faked her worry. “But a gas or megaspell attack can be prepared for, countered. Our ancestors have done so in the past, and we’re more than ready for it today.”

I glanced at Vice President Duster, who tried to hide his worried expression, but I could almost feel it radiat off of him. Nothing major, but I did have one bit of information that could get the Enclave running to Orthrus for safety. “I can see, but such attacks would come after your over run. Other than the army at our admiral’s disposal, the fleets home, Avalon, is a floating factory. New ships, vertabucks, guns. Anything lost can be replaced in short order.”

A slight nod came from Naqara, and she then looked at Duster. “It's a good thing were starting negotiations then. The last thing any of us need would be going to war with such a well equipped enemy. Though, I’ll be sure to see about updating our defenses after this.”

Vice President Duster took a deep breath. “Certainly, though I doubt their weapons and tech can match the Enclave’s. Though, having the ability to make new vehicles and weapons would put the Enclave at a marked disadvantage.”

With that, I did my part, and feigned interest in idle chatter until Red joined in and started talking about military history. Red want to know about the old equestrian air force from Duster, though she was likely just buttering him up by letting go on about how great his ancestors were. The few times he did mention the Enclave having done some bad, Duster would subtly glance at Merit.

Looking over at Merit myself, I saw that he had found a seat in the back, and was by himself. Seeing him like that, it made me feel another sharp pin in my heart. With Red and Duster now dominating the conversation, I ducked out, trotting over to the back, and next to Merit.

“I know it doesn't mean much from me, but I’m sorry.” I said as I put down my nearly finished daiquiri.

Giving me a quick glance, Merit knocked back a glass of what was likely mushroom vodka. “No, it doesn't. She’d be alive if she had not been taken.” He looked at me in the eyes, and sighed. “She had such lovely eyes you know. Gold, almost like the sun.”

“Losing those you care about, it's painful. More so when words are left unsaid, and promises left unfulfilled.” I sighed, it feeling strange talking to him like we were strangers, almost voroistic in a way. I didn't like it.

“And what do you know as about…” He stopped himself and chewed on his words for a moment before looking me in the eyes. “You know what, I’m done try to fight. My mother was right, we’re just cursed.”

I cocked an eyebrow.

Merit chucked, it sounding more depressed than humoured. “It goes back to my great grandmother, hero of the the Enclave, and a pony who held a grudge so strong, she forced it onto her children. My own grandmother had me make a the same vow she made to her own mother, and that my mother made to her.” He held up his hoof up straight, and at a slight angle. “Hunt down the stallion Backlash, kill his descendants, and restore our lost honor.” Merit dropped his hoof, and sighed. “back then, I was so naive to think I could be anypony other than who they wanted me to be..”

“Ghosts of the past, I can relate.” I sipped on my daiquiri. “But, that just means that sometimes, we don't have a choice in the fight. Sometimes, powers beyond us make the choice to for us, and it's up to us to follow through, or die.”

“Maybe, but with my family history, It’s more about how far you can fuck things up before the the world comes to knock you down.” Merit finished off his glass before continuing. “Relegated to only a scout because of her sisters, my grandmother took her job with pride. I always found it odd why she never talk about them, my grand aunts. Then I gained access to the Enclave archives. Traitors engaging in incest.. it was so embarrassing. It wasn’t hard to see why the Enclave buried the truth as deep as possible. Same for my great grandmother, her great achievements were all a lie. The pony she hated, this Backlash, was the true hero in their fight. Nothing but shame, and after learning this truth, and when the revolution finally happened, and the Enclave collapsed? I let them take me, let them destroy everything I once held with honor.”

I could see it on his face now, all the guilt, the pain, and ruggedness that I grew to love… love…

Had I loved him, or just the idea of him? I barely knew anymore. We’d barely knew each other, but I wanted him to save me, to drag me out of the the land of the dead. Something that cannot happen.

“When Orpheus turned around, Eurydice was gone." Merit looked at me, a bit confused. “Sorry, it's a phrase I use sometimes. It basically means that if you look back, what you want most in the world can be lost.” A lie, it referenced back to Hades… and how the dead can't come back.

“That I can agree… fuck the past.” He lifted up his glass. “To this fucked up world.”

I also lifted my glass. “To those we lost.”

Merit put his glass down, and looked away. “I just… maybe… is Vibraphone truly dead?”

I put my own glass down, it now empty.“From my perspective of things, there's no return from death. What walks the land of the dead, belongs to the land of the dead. But… If you ask the Sparkle-Lurker princess, Mayall, what is lost can be found.”

“And you think she can find her?” Merit asked.

Pulling out my old tattered scarf, It reminding me how broken I had become. “If she can find the Mirage Pony Princess, then maybe, maybe what is lost, can actually again be found.” getting up, I left my old scarf on the seat, feeling that it was best to leave it with him. “As for me, I don't know. But if you want to stop fighting, no pony would think less of you. But just remember that those who don't fight, are at the mercy of those who do.”

I stepped away, but a deep sigh stopped me from leaving just yet. “Vibraphone.” Merit said so softly, that I barely could hear him. “Where did Mayall go?”

There was a pain in my heart, not a needle, but more a thump, the cold blood in my veins finding some warmth.

“To Equestria.” Was all I said before trotting away, leaving him there with a hopeless quest. One I hoped beyond all things, was not hopeless after all.

The party continued, with ponies cattining, Red seducing, and Naqara screaming. With the prodding of those two, I hyped up the grand fleet, both as business partners, and dangerous enemies. It helped set the seen, driving home that the Marewaii Islands was going to change, and those who didn't adapt, they will be left behind.

Soon we will leave, off to Pineapple Island, and then to start a war.

May those I must murder, forgive me.

Footnote:

New Quest: Friends in the Shadows.