Author's Notes:

STOP! READ THIS FIRST!

Hello reader. This chapter is special, as it links my story to another author's. Specifically, Gamma Deekay's Merchants of Hope story.

Before you read this story, I highly recommend that you read his story first. As this chapter takes place during the ending of Merchants of Hope. It will contain spoilers. So, if you don't want any of those, read Merchants first and then come back.

You've been warned. (But seriously though, go check out Gamma's works. They are great!)

“Ratchet, wake up! We need to move fast!” Cora says as I gain my senses after unfreezing. I shake my head and stagger to my hooves. “The year is one hundred twenty and, well, things are bad. We’re gearing up right now,” She tells me, sounding quite frantic.

“Cora, what’s going on? Why do you seem so panicked?” I ask her as I go to put my PipBuck on once again.

“Okay, a lot to explain and not a lot of time to do so. I’ll summarize for now, and fill you in as we make our way to the rally point,” She replies.

“Rally point? What-” I start to ask, but she launches into an explanation.

“A pink mare called 42 has been wreaking havoc all across the Wasteland, slaughtering settlements, putting together a huge following, basically being a very, very bad pony,” Cora informs me. “We didn’t think things were going to spiral out of control so quickly, and we didn’t find out about it until a while ago anyway, but we had to confirm some things.” She is going over things way too quickly, I’m getting lost already. I try to interject, but she keeps talking.

“First, the mare has a striking resemblance to Ministry Mare Pinkie Pie. When I say resemblance, I mean they might as well be twins. When I heard this, I immediately thought she might have been some super secret ministry project,” Cora tells me. “That brings me to the second thing we discovered. Rumors say that she was released from a sort of stasis pod. There are a lot of theories and rumors about her origin, but it is possible she was released from a pod that may be derived from your design.”

“So someone found a pod before us?” I ask to clarify. “Are they using her or is she running wild?”

“I am not sure. Though, DJ Pon3 has been talking about Crusaders in pursuit of her. One theory I suggest, is they accidentally released her and are attempting to stop her. However, another theory of mine is that they are simply trying to stop her,” Cora says. “It seems likely, given how much harm she’s caused.”

“Ok, so, why do we need to move fast?” I say, heading towards the armory. “Other than the fact she is slaughtering settlements?” I ask. Cora seems way too rushed. She must know 42’s location or something.

“Soar is out in the Wasteland. She made contact with a group of resistance fighters, and they say the Crusaders are heading to a mine called Red Wing. But some say the Crusaders are up in Manehatten to fight 42,” Cora says. “We won’t make it to Manehatten in time for a fight, but we might just make it to Red Wing. If the Crusaders fail to intercept 42 in Manehatten, and they plan to head to Red Wing next, we might be able to help them out there,” Cora explains.

“Right. Why would the Crusaders be heading to that mine?” I ask, as I pull on my barding and put my knives in their slots.

“Apparently, the mine has been taken over by raiders or something. The Crusaders have been helping out all over, so they are probably going to liberate it,” Cora says. “Oh, and Ratchet, it is winter. You’ll want some heavy clothes, but put them in your pack instead. Just keep on your barding and lab coat for now,” She tells me.

“Hu? Why’s that?” I ask as I pack winter clothing into my bags.

“There have been some freak storms lately. Very, very cold temperatures and almost impenetrable snowstorms. Until we get to where we are going, it might be best for you to stay inside my armor and let me take us there,” She explains. “I’ll carry your bags on my back and give them to you once you get out.”

“Is it really that bad outside? Equestrian winters aren’t that bad. Maybe in the north, but not down here. Even after the war ended and the pegasi not controlling the weather taken into the equation, things aren’t that bad,” I state.

“I don’t know why, but it is really crazy lately,” Cora responds.

“Indeed mum!” Macro suddenly says, coming around the corner toward the armory. “My ocular sensory devices have gotten iced over on numerous occasions, and I’ve had to increase exhaust output two fold just to prevent my floatation talisman from giving out.”

“What? That sounds hectic,” I mutter as I walk towards the exit with Macro following behind.

“Dreadfully so mum!” Macro replies. “Even Hal has been having difficulties due to his weight. We’ve had to dig him out of the snow multiple times after he’s sunk in.”

A loud stomp announces the arrival of Hal. “Quite Macro! It’s only happened twice,” Hal says as he walks out of the clinic. He turns his attention to me. “I’ve loaded up on healing supplies for you, Ratchet,” He gives me a few healing potions and bandages.

“Thanks. I’m sure these will come in handy,” I say, packing away the potions.

“Well, it isn’t like we use them,” Cora says, walking towards us from the hallway leading to the workshop. “When you’re not here, we tend to stock up on them.”

“Yea, I suppose. Are you all doing alright on spare scrap metal?” I ask.

“As well as we can hope for,” Hal replies. “It has been slim pickings as of late. A lot more scavengers have sprung up lately.”

“I see. Well, are we ready to head out?” I ask as I put my saddlebags on the ground. Cora opens her armor and I climb inside.

“We’re all loaded up and ready,” Hal replies as Cora’s armor closes around me. I try to reach down to grab my bags and throw them on my back, but the armor doesn’t let me move.

“Uh, Cora?” I say. “How are we going to do this? Do you want to move around with me inside or shall I move and you just ride along for now?” I ask.

Cora brings the armor’s right hoof up to the chest suddenly. “Oh, sorry Ratchet!” She says, and then lowers the hoof once again. “It has been a while since we’ve been in the armor at the same time. Here, I’ll turn control over to you, for now,” She says, and after a moment I feel the armor slacken off a bit.

“Okay then…” I say, picking up my bags and putting them onto my back once again. “Cora, set a marker for where we are heading. Macro, Hal, follow us.”

“On your six,” Hal replies.

“You got it mum,” Macro says.

I lead us through the series of bulkheads and up the ladder into the shed exit. Even through the armor, I can feel the drop in temperature. Cora wasn’t lying, it is really cold out. I push on the shed door and...it doesn’t move. I wrap it in my magic and try to push it open again, it moves an inch. “What the…” I mutter.

“Here, I got this,” Hal says, stepping on front of me and putting a hoof on the door. Seemingly without effort, Hal opens the door and steps outside.

“Thank you, Haaaa…” I trail off as I look outside. Everything is covered in snow, large drifts are piled up all over the place. Around the doorway is a particularly large drift. No wonder I couldn’t get the door open. I take a step out and...sink down to my knee. I stand there for a moment with my mouth agape in the armor. “Ohhhhkayyyyy...You were really not lying about the funky weather. We might as well be in the Frozen North right now…” I mutter, taking a few more steps.

Hal closes the door once we are all out. “Ok, let’s try this again. Follow me you two,” I say as I begin to walk through the knee deep snow. I make it about three steps before I stumble and almost fall over. “Heheh…” I chuckle nervously, and take a few more steps, then stumble again. This time, I actually fall over and am practically buried in the snow as I do so. “Uh…” I mutter as I try to find my way back to my hooves.

I hear the sound of metal on metal as Hal grabs hold of one of my legs and drags me out of the snow, then slowly sets me on my hooves. “Eheh...Thank you…” I mutter as I get my hooves back under me once again. “So...uh...Cora? Maybe you should take over,” I say indignantly.

“But mum, you almost made it to daddy! Remember, baby steps! Don’t worry, you’ll learn to walk soon!” Macro says. Ugh. Seriously, where did he pick up his sarcasm at? It is barely even sarcasm, it is like insulting. But he says it so encouraging and nicely. Urrrrgh.

“Alright, not a problem Ratchet,” Cora says as she assume control. “Okay friends, forward ho!” She declares as she starts prancing through the snow with ease. Macro floats over the snow effortlessly and Hal crushes the snow underhoof with his weight. I let out a defeated sigh. Maybe Soar is as bad at walking through this deep snow as I am?

Eventually, we approach a gas station. I can see smoke rising from fires on the ground and ponies standing around the fires. During our trek through the snow, Cora filled me in on the minute details of 42, the Crusaders, and the raiders that follow 42. Which is why when I see the plastic masks and outfits worn by the figures around the fires, I get a very bad feeling. “Uh, Cora, you see their outfits, right?” I ask.

“Yep, this is the place,” She replies without a hint of doubt.

“But, I thought we were linking up with the resistance fighters? Why would they be dressed as the enemy?” I ask nervously.

“What better way to move around without drawing the enemy’s attention?” She replies. “You see armed ponies who seem to be on your side, you aren’t as interested. But, if you see armed ponies that look like trouble, you’d be concerned. Well, I suppose the raiders would just shoot them in general.”

“Well, I suppose that’s true enough...but…” I begin to argue further, but then the ponies around the fires seem to notice us and start approaching. I swallow, glad to be in Cora’s armor just in case she is wrong. “Here we go…” I mutter.

Cora continues to walk up without a care as they surround us, pointing their guns at us. At this range, I can tell their guns aren’t in that good of condition either. “Hi!” Cora says as we come to a halt. “We’re here to join the resistance!” She declares. Oh Celestia help us all.

One of them steps forward, not moving their gun off us. “The resistance? What are you talking about?” The buck says suspiciously. Oh we are screwed.

“You know, the resistance,” Cora repeats. “The one here to fight against that pink mare?” Cora clarifies. Yep, they are going to shoot us.

“I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about,” The buck replies in a tone that clearly says he isn’t messing around. Just then I see movement near the back of the ponies surrounding us.

“Excuse me, pardon me,” A familiar voice mutters. “Just need to get by, watch your hooves,” The voice says as a figure dressed exactly the same as the others steps up beside the buck in front of us. “Railspike, these are my friends I was talking about,” The figure says to the buck.

“Them?” The buck, Railspike, says. “You weren’t lying when you said they have weapons. But, I thought you said there were four of them?” He asks.

“Yea,” The figure says as it removes its mask, revealing Soar’s helmet. “There are four, but it will be better if we get near a fire before we introduce them,” Soar tells Railspike. She waves a hoof calmly at the four of us.

“You don’t say…” Railspike mutters. “Well, you heard her! Lower your guns,” Railspike declares as he takes a few more steps towards us. “Welcome to the resistance you...four,” He says skeptically.

“Pleasure to be here!” Cora replies happily.

“We look forward to helping out,” Hal says.

“Nice to meet you sir!” Macro tells him.

“Uh...Yea. Nice to meet you,” I say, which seems to surprise him. “So, about that fire?” I ask, the cold finally starting to get to me after our long journey.

“Ah, right. This way,” Railspike says, turning back towards their camp. Soar walks over and joins us as we follow him to a barrel with a fire going inside of it. Cora sets my bags on the snow and opens up the armor. “Well I’ll be…” Railspike mutters as he watches me climb out of the armor. “I’ve never seen armor open up like that,” He says. “Yours do that too big fella?”

“No,” Hal replies, “mine is permanently sealed, no vulnerabilities or weak points that way.” I take this opportunity to dig out the winter clothing from my bags before I freeze to death and Cora closes up here armor once again.

Railspike raises an eyebrow. “So you’re trapped in there?” He asks.

“Nothing of the sort,” I say as I button up my coat.

“Yea,” Cora agrees as she takes a seat on a nearby log, “He can leave as long as there is a terminal or interface he can connect with.” Railspike is staring at Cora with his mouth hanging open.

“Oh yea…” I mutter. No matter how many times I explain this to ponies, I always forget this is strange to other ponies. “So, like Soar said, there are four of us,” I tell him. “Maybe we should introduce ourselves quick before we launch into an explanation. My name is Ratchet.”

“Hello, I’m Cora!” Cora says, waving a hoof. “My name is an acronym for Combat Operations and Research Assistant.”

“I’m Hal, my name stands for Heavy Assault and Logistics,” Hal says, nodding his head.

“A pleasure to meet you sir! I am Maintenance and Cleaning Robotic Ophthalmologist, Macro for short,” Macro says, bobbing his eye stalks.

“I am Soar, Steath Operations and Reconnaissance,” Soar states.

I facehoof. “Soar, he knows you already,” I tell her.

“I wanted to be included,” She replies.

“Of course. Anyhow,” I begin, “Railspike, of the five of us, I am the only flesh and blood pony. The others are Artificial Intelligence that just control the bodies they are in. They are one hundred percent artificial with no organic parts.”

Railspike looks around at us with his mouth hanging open for a moment before he says, “So...they’re robots?” I notice Cora slump.

“No, not at all,” I correct him. “Robots are made to follow specific instructions and can’t act outside of their programming. AI on the other hoof, are able to exercise free will and do pretty much anything we ponies are able to do. Honestly, just think of them as normal ponies. Even if they don’t have fleshy bodies, they are pretty much the same,” I tell him.

He shakes his head. “This is way outside my realm of thinking. But, I can see what you mean. Before you said anything, I thought Soar was just wearing armor,” He tells me. “Alright, I don’t have a problem with them, but this will make my plan a little difficult.”

“Why is that?” I ask, “What is the plan?”

“Well, we are disguising ourselves as that pink bitches’ minions and plan to walk right into Red Wing. Then launch a surprise attack on them once we are inside. But, given that Hal here is so bulky and Macro isn’t pony-like, we can’t exactly disguise them,” He tells me.

I look over at Soar, dressed up like one of the raiders, then over at Hal. Yea, there is no way he could pull off that disguise. “I understand,” I mutter, holding a hoof to my chin. “How about this. Cora, Soar, and I will wear disguises and Macro and Hal will stay hidden outside. Once the fighting starts, they can regroup with us,” I suggest.

Railspike nods. “That could work, assuming they can stay hidden and we can get a signal to them,” He says.

“We stay in radio contact,” Cora tells him.

“That solves that,” Railspike mutters, and looks at Cora. “Your armor’s mane might be a problem too. If they see someone who looks like they are wearing a suit of power armor, it might raise suspicion. Soar was easy enough, as she lacks a mane and tail on her armor,” He says.

“I thought ahead for that!” Cora says, and then proceeds to dig into her bags and pulls out a very ragged looking cloak. “If I put this on and wrap it around tightly, I should be fine, right?” She asks.

Railspike watches as Cora puts the cloak on. It covers most of her body, neck, and head. “Hmm, with the mask, and some cloth wrapped around your legs, it might work,” he says with a nod.

“I don’t suppose you have spare masks, do you?” I ask him.

“We have a few,” He says. “They are just plastic, so they tend to be pretty brittle. We made sure to have spares incase some of ours were no longer usable. We’ll get two for you both,” He says, and then focuses his gaze on my leg. “A PipBuck, hu? That will definitely have to be hidden from sight. Wrap it up,” He tells me. “We also need to get you some shabbier clothing too. What you’re wearing right now is way too nice looking, no offense.”

“I got a cloak for her too!” Cora says, pulling out another cloak. It looks just as ruined as hers does.

“That will work. Now, there is one last thing. I’m not sure how you’ll take it though,” Railspike says. “Hal, Macro, you two will need to leave camp as soon as possible. You stick out, and it wouldn’t look right for you to be in our group. Since you can’t wear the disguises, and can’t freeze to death, I recommend you go into the forest and wait things out,” He tells them.

Macro gasps. “I am shocked! Shocked sir! I try my best to be pony-like, I even scamper around on my arms from time to time. You didn’t have to rub it in. I wish I had a body like yours!” He says, sounding quite hurt. Railspike raises a hoof and moves his mouth, looking awkward. I let out a sigh and facehoof.

“Seriously Macro, cut it out,” I say as the others start to chuckle. “Railspike thinks you are serious,” I tell him.

“Aw mum, you ruin the fun so fast,” Macro says sadly. “I am sorry sir Railspike, I was just kidding. I love my body! It is far more efficient than yours!”

“Uh, well, as long as you aren’t upset, it’s fine,” Railspike says, still seeming unsure of things.

Hal gets up and nudges Macro. “Let’s go, Macro. We don’t want to give away their plans. We’ll wait in the forest until we receive further orders,” Hal says, walking back towards the forest.

“Until then!” Macro says, following after Hal as he waves an arm in farewell.

Railspike lets out a relieved sigh. “Ok, let us get your disguises in order,” He says and motions over to a mare a ways off. Once she walks over, he continues, “Marrow, get two more masks for our newcomers here. Need to make sure they fit in quick.” She nods and walks away. “So, Cora, Ratchet, shall we discuss the plan further?” He asks.

I nod. “Do you know when the Crusaders will be coming?” I ask.

He raises an eyebrow. “Last I heard, they were up in Manehatten fighting the pink mare. There is just a rumor they might be heading here next, but we don’t plan to wait around for them to get here. We’re going in to liberate the mine. If the Crusaders show up, all the better. It would be great to have their help,” He explains, “but we aren’t going to expect it.”

“I see,” I say, looking over to Cora. “Ok then, tell us the plan.”

Cora, Soar, and I sit around a fire with a few of the other resistance members. It is the following afternoon since we arrived, and we are already into the first part of the plan: Rest up. Apparently their journey was a long and cold one. They need to make sure they are ready in case things go south. The reasoning is sound, but I can’t help but feel Cora rushed us for no reason. At least it gave us time to learn the plan and meet the ponies here.

They number about two dozen and are from the Filly area. Apparently, they were scavengers there. But, due to the trouble 42 has been stirring up, they decided to take matters into their own hooves. She’s wiped out towns that some of the resistance members had family in, including Railspike himself. They are a pretty tight-knit group. Nothing like the collection of random ponies I originally thought we’d be meeting up with.

Cora comes closer to me and says, “The DJ is broadcasting now, you should tune in.”

“Oh?” I say, fiddling with my PipBuck. I lower my voice and whisper, “Are we still on the third one? That young stallion?”

Cora nods, “Yes, but he isn’t young anymore.”

I chuckle. “I suppose so, it has been a while…” I mutter as I finally tune into the station.

I miss the first part of the broadcast, and catch him as he is mid-sentence. “-here this afternoon to tell you that the Pink Mare has issued an ultimatum for them, to either give her what she wants at the town of Red Wing, or join the battle for the town, and fight her to the death.”

“As this broadcast goes out to you, I know that some of you have family members who have chosen to help out those in the embattled town. Some of you have stood up against the oppression and injustices in the wasteland and have been given the will to fight for it to be a better place. I am here to tell you that at this moment, our very own crusaders are out there heading for Red Wing. They are willing to stand next to everypony else and fight for what they believe is right, asking for nothing in return except a safer wasteland. Now I ask you, my children; if a simple merchant can cast aside his own needs to bring us the hope of a better life, even at the costs he’s endured, do we not owe it to be better ponies? Do we not honor the sacrifice the few make by committing ourselves to live by the example they have set?”

“And though we may never see anypony like them again in our lifetime, as citizens of the wasteland community, I ask you to remember those ponies who fight for you. To the crusaders themselves, should they be listening, I wish you good luck, we’re all counting on you.” The DJ ends his speech and soft music begins to play. Well, he sounds the same as ever.

“Huh, so the Crusaders are led by a merchant?” I ask Cora, who just shrugs.

“I guess so,” She replies. “I guess that gives weight to my ‘they released her’ theory. Maybe they stumbled across her while looking for stuff to sell, and released her?” Cora suggests.

“Maybe,” I mutter. Then I frown. “The DJ said the pink mare is at Red Wing. I guess the Crusaders failed in Manehatten. That means they are for sure heading there then. We should tell Railspike they are heading this way. Maybe we can wait and meet up with them?” I say.

Cora nods. “Let’s do that,” She says, getting to her hooves. Soar and I get up as well and begin to make our way over to Railspike. He is a ways off from us, so it takes a short time to get to him.

“Hey, Railspike,” I call out as we approach. “You got a moment?”

He turns towards me as I walk up to him. “Yea, what do you need?” He asks.

“The DJ was just on the radio, he said that-,” but I am cut off by a few shouts and ponies grabbing their guns.

“Shit,” Railspike mutters. “Hold that thought, looks like we have company. Let’s go,” He says, and we hurry towards the road. I look down the road and see a...car? Is that a working car here in the Wasteland? The resistance members are taking up defensive positions on the road, and I move to join them. We pull our masks on as the car makes the final bend in the road and comes fully into view.

Railspike and another pony move out into the middle of the road, directly in the way of the vehicle. The car rolls to a stop about ten feet from them and all of the resistance members train their guns on the car. Railspike’s partner staggers back a step before the car turns off its engine. The car is filled with ponies and...a griffin?

“Take what you want, I ain’t with these ponies.” A buck from the car calls out, raising his hooves into the air. The others in the car turn and look at him. Railspike and the other pony exchange glances for a moment.

“We’re the Crusaders, 42 wants us to arrive alive, so I suggest that you put down your weapons and let us warm up at the fire,” Another buck from the car says. Huh? They are the Crusaders?

“In that case, I am with these ponies.” The first buck says, lowering his hooves. Wow, he doesn’t seem that loyal. But, the second buck’s declaration seems to strike Railspike. He glances at his partner, who shrugs in response. Then, Railspike lets out a loud whistle. The other half of the resistance comes out from behind the fallen trees and rocks on the sides of the road.

Railspike then removes his mask and points a hoof at the buck behind the wheel of the car. “You all are really the Crusaders? The same Crusaders the DJ is always talking about?” He asks happily. The buck nods. “Come then and get yourselves armed up, we were just about to start dinner,” Railspike says, and then walks up to the buck’s window and extends his hoof. “My name is Railspike. Welcome to the resistance.”

The buck hesitantly shakes Railspikes hoof. After that, the group claiming to be the Crusaders is led into camp and to the fire. They don’t say much as we do so. I think both sides, us and them, are a little bit skeptical of each other. The buck who claims they are the Crusaders, Backlash, I think his name was, seems to be their leader. He also has a pretty bad injury to his chest. It is like when you stick your tongue to metal when it is cold and then rip it away, only much, much worse, and on his chest.

Railspike has me and another mare treat his injury, since I seem to be the one with the most experience mending injuries. Though, I suppose given the amount of time I’ve spent in the Wasteland wandering around helps with that. And knowledge of pre-wasteland medical procedures helps too, basic though my knowledge is. Once we finish patching Backlash up, I move a ways away from the group to give Railspike and them space to talk.

Since I can’t pick out their conversation from this far away, I look over their group. Backlash seems to be in pretty rough shape, well, most of them do. They all look quite cold and worn out, to be honest.

Twain, the first buck who tried to surrender when we stopped them, I would sum up as being kind of a cowpony? He has this rough and tough aura about him. Then there is a fairly pretty unicorn mare who I think is named Longbow. Judging by the way they are acting, her and Backlash are an item. The griffin, Carlotta, seems pretty alert and ready for anything. There is also a red pegasus named Sky. And judging by the way they look at each other, I think her and the griffin are together.

After talking for a while, Railspike suddenly pulls Backlash into a hug and laughs warmly. When Railspike lets him go, Carlotta grabs him and the two go off on their own. Railspike and the others continue talking. It isn’t long before the two return and everyone begins eating. Railspike and the other resistance members give the Crusaders some space.

Me? I want to get answers. But, I leave Cora and Soar behind so I don’t intrude too much. As I make my way into their group, their conversation goes quiet and all their eyes turn to me. “Hello, my name is Ratchet,” I tell them, looking from one to the next. “I would like to ask you all some questions, if you don’t mind.”

“Look,” Carlotta says pointedly, “we’re tired. So, if you want an autograph or something, it can wait till tomorrow.”

“I just heard about you all a few days ago from a friend, not really that long to become a fan or anything,” I reply. “Though, I did catch that most recent speech from DJ Pon3, he seems taken with you lot, so I suppose that is something. They...er...he, has always been able to pick out good ponies,” I tell them.

“Do you know him?” Sky asks somewhat skeptically.

“Yea,” I tell her. “We aren’t friends or anything. But I met him when he started out with the DJ thing and my friends have kept in touch with him. But, we are getting off topic. I’d like to get to the point so you all can go back to your meal and get some rest.” As I say that, I notice a PipBuck on their leader’s leg. Maybe I can use that as a way to earn their trust.

I start unwrapping mine as I start talking to their leader. “Backlash, right? I notice you have a PipBuck, a special model. Actually, it looks sort of like one of Pinkie Pie’s custom models, just pretty damaged. Definitely not something out of a Stable. I have one too,” I tell him as I hold up my uncovered PipBuck.

Backlash, and the rest of his group blink at me in surprise. “Where did you find that?” He asks.

“You probably won’t believe me,” I tell him as I start wrapping it back up, “but, it was custom made for me by Twilight Sparkle herself.” Their cowpony member starts laughing and the rest look at me like I’m crazy. Only Backlash looks like he somewhat believes me.

“Interesting,” He says. “I got mine from Pinkie Pie...kind of…”

“But, since she is dead, I’m assuming the pink mare called 42 gave it to you for some reason?” I ask. They all exchange glances, except for Twain who has started to ignore me and gone back to eating.

Longbow speaks next, cutting to the chase, “You aren’t here to talk about PipBucks. Why are you here? You don’t seem like a normal member of this resistance group.”

“I’m not,” I tell her. “I joined up with them yesterday, hoping to find the Crusaders, and through them, 42. But, I was told a rumor and I want to confirm it with you. The rumor states that you were responsible for releasing 42. I’m not here to blame you for it if you did, I just need to know the answer,” I ask.

They all look at me sharply, except for Backlash who looks down. “It was an accident,” He mutters.

“I understand,” I tell him, putting a hoof on his shoulder. My failures have unleashed hell upon the Wasteland too. Be them me opening pods myself or failing to prevent their opening. “I have another question, in that case,” I say, and he looks up at me sadly.

“What was she in?” I ask. The question seems to catch them all off guard, like it isn’t what they expected me to ask. Who could really guess I’d ask that though? “Specifically, was it a cryogenic pod of some sort? I’ve seen a large deviation in design, from vertical to horizontal positioning. Chemical freezing and liquid freezing,” I start listing off descriptions of pods I’ve seen before that originated from my design. All the while, their eyes grow wider and wider.

“Was it a chamber with large valves? Perhaps one with many pipes? There was one I saw that used needles to inject the chemicals. What about a vertical, cylindrical pod where the subject would float in a special liquid and then be frozen solid? Maybe a cast made to look exactly like a pony that the subject would be placed inside?” As I list off the types of pods I’ve seen, Backlash seems to have a moment of recognition. “It was one, wasn’t it? Which?” I ask.

“The cylindrical one made of glass with blue liquid keeping her floating,” Backlash mutters.

“Damn it,” I curse. So 42 was frozen in one of my pods. If only I’d found that facility sooner, I could have prevented all this. “I’m sorry,” I tell them all. “I should have found her pod and stopped her before she was ever released.” They look at me in confusion.

“What do you mean?” Sky asks.

I frown. “During the war, I developed a prototype cryogenic pod. The reference for all deviations that I’ve found, including the one 42 was in. I’ve been searching for them, hoping to deal with them,” I reply, and receive looks like I am crazy.

“You’d be over a hundred years old,” Carlotta says, shaking her head. “There is no way you’ve been searching around all this time. Maybe if you were a ghoul or a robot, but you look flesh and blood to me,” She tells me, then gets up, walks over to me, and sniffs. “Smell like a real pony too.”

“I’ve been using my prototype. I have an AI that searches for more pods while I am frozen and she wakes me up when she finds one,” I explain. They seem skeptical, but seem to believe me a bit more. “Backlash, you’re a merchant, right?” I ask. He nods. “I’m sorry you’ve had to go through all this. If you and your friends want to quit now, I’ll kill 42 myself. It is the least I can do,” I tell him.

Backlash looks up at me, his face a mix of disbelief and hope. But that expression is gone in an instant, replaced with one of determination and purpose. “No,” he tells me. “It is my mistake that started all this, I’ll finish it. After what 42 has done...I can’t turn back now. I have to stop her.” I smile sadly at him. I know that expression he wears. It is the one I wear when I think about the pods I still haven’t found.

I nod. “Then, at least let me help you. Together, we will be able to stop her without a problem,” I offer.

He just shakes his head. “I can’t let you do that, not against her. Enough ponies have died because of me. We will do this alone,” He tells me. “But...if you want to help, you can help the resistance take Red Wing while we deal with 42.”

“If you’re sure, that’s what I’ll do,” I tell him. “I’ll make sure we win our fight and take back the mine. Now, I think that’s enough questions for the moment. You’ll all need your strength, so eat up and rest. We can talk more after we win,” I say with a smile as I start to leave them. “Oh, and Backlash,” I say, turning back to him. “Tell me your story when we win.”

He smiles and nods. “When we win,” He agrees. I leave them to finish their food while I rejoin Cora and Soar.

“What did you find out?” Cora asks once I sit back down with them.

“It was a pod,” I reply, sullenly. “The Crusaders are going to stop 42. We are going to help the resistance take back Red Wing while they do,” I tell them.

“Why not help the Crusaders?” Soar asks.

“I offered, but they refused,” I mutter. “If they’ve come this far, and done all the things you’ve told me, they’ll stop her.”

The following morning, the resistance sets out ahead of the Crusaders. Railspike decided we should give them some extra rest. Besides, they have that car so they can easily catch back up with us. We arrange to meet up at a cave a ways up the road, just a ways outside of Red Wing. It is a cold walk, but we eventually make it to the cave and begin to wait. All the while, Macro and Hal are creeping along in the forest beside us, just out of sight. After the resistance makes it to the cave, it is a few hours before the Crusaders catch up with us.

When they do, they have three more with them. Steel Rangers, by the look of them. The extra firepower will be welcome. Not only that, but the Crusaders also begin handing out weapons, ammo, and armor to the rest of the resistance. We also share a quick meal before we set out.

However, the Crusaders appear to be poorly equipped in the ammunition department. I hear them dividing up what they have, and I think about sharing some of ours. But, only Cora has compatible ammunition types. Raptor Blood’s gauss rounds are already few in number as it is, and her .308 storage was never large to begin with. If they needed .32, 5.56, or even 10mm ammo, we could spare some. Unfortunately, no one seems as prepared as they want to be when we set out. I hope that my group and the Rangers make up for the lack of firepower the others have.

The sun has started to set as we begin the walk to Red Wing. The Rangers, like Macro and Hal, hang back. Apparently they aren’t part of the normal Crusader group. I guess that they would draw suspicion. After a few minutes, we come to a hill and begin the climb. At the top, as I look down at what I suspect is Red Wing, I feel the same feeling I felt in the Badlands years ago, a calm hatred. I harden my jaw as I look upon the field below us.

Frozen, mutilated bodies, hundreds perhaps, litter the field between us and the gate of the mine. The mine itself is burning in places that aren’t already charred husks. I wonder if the mine has any survivors, or if the raiders killed everyone when they took over. Is this the kind of fighting 42 has been bringing about?

A cloaked figure steps up beside me as I look over the battlefield. “I knew I’d find you here, Ratchet,” the figure says.

I let out a sigh. “Hello War. I take your presence here as proof that we aren’t going to walk into the mine and have the raiders surrender to us,” I mutter.

War chuckles. “As if them surrendering would make my presence here pointless. Remember the Sunny Trails incident?” He asks rehtorically. “Personally, I like what you’ve become. There are too many bleeding hearts, ponies who think they are noble and doing justice, he tells me.”

“Raiders are raiders,” I reply simply.

“I agree wholeheartedly,” He replies. “They made their choice. They could have chosen to do better. But...here we are,” He chuckles again. “I look forward to the fight, Ratchet.” He walks forward a few paces and disappears behind one of the resistance fighters.

We continue down the hill, and a bell rings out from the mine. Inside the mine, I see figures dashing about in the streets. A warning bell, perhaps? Once we pass through the gate, a huge pony stands in our way. I didn’t know ponies could get that big. Just as I think we are about to be made, the giant speaks, “You. State your name.”

Its voice is that of a mare, only very deep and threatening. Her voice practically makes me wince each time she speaks. “I said, state. Your. Name.” She repeats.

“Backlash,” Backlash tells her, in a slightly nervous voice. But, who can blame him when face to..well, leg, with a giant like that?

“Not you,” She says, and points directly at Railspike. “You, the Pinkie in front. Name.” She demands. Did names really matter to the raiders? They wear masks, after all. Do they keep a list of all members that each member then memorizes? That seems complicated. Why not just ask him to remove his mask? Well, I suppose we’d be in even more of a jam if she asked that.

“Hey, cunt,” Backlash says suddenly, snapping me from my sudden curiosity of raider management systems. “Are you deaf? I said my name is Backlash,” He tells her. It sounds like he is doing a voice. Mimicking someone, maybe? “I’m here for 42. You know, that bitch who runs this place?” She’s expecting me, so turn your sweet little flank around, and go tell her I’m here.” He says.

“No need for dat,” comes a stallion’s voice from behind her. I wonder if she’s hiding more ponies back there. “Go on Linebreaker. Ya break ended ten minutes ago, get back ta watchin the west wall,” The stallion tells the giant, who walks off at his remark. Is he a high ranking member or something? I’m sure that giant could have just squished him if she wanted to. “Wait, you assholes again? You’re who da boss is lookin for?” The stallion says. “Wowee. First, ya kill Bishop, den ya blow up tha pool and nearly yours truly. Now I get ta be the one ta turn ya in? Finally some fuckin justice in my life,” He says with a chuckle.

So many questions. Who is Bishop? What is ‘the pool’? Why did the Crusaders kill and blow it up respectively? Apparently this buck isn’t a fan of theirs either. Geez, Backlash’s story seems like it is going to be a wild ride.

“Oh yea!” The buck suddenly calls out. “The boss wanted me ta give ya somethin. She knew ya would love this surprise,” He whistles and then we wait as a pony in a hood is brought out from the general store.

Once the pony is placed in front of Backlash, he seems to recognize the pony. “Hey, Gale. You alright?” He asks. “Not much of a surprise when you only covered his head.” They remove the pony’s hood, revealing a beaten looking buck wearing an explosive collar.

“They’re hidden in plain sight, just like you were! I got them out and stayed behind so Pariah-” The beaten buck begins, but is silenced when the collar blows his head into pulp and his body falls to the ground.

“Surprise!” The buck yells out with a wide smile. I feel that calming sensation creeping ever further over me. I think I’ll kill this buck first. But, as I think that Backlash suddenly starts smashing the buck’s face in with only the swiftness and precision SATS can provide. In seconds, the bucks head flies clean off his shoulders.

Silence falls over everything as the buck’s headless body hits the dirt. After a few seconds, one of the raiders suddenly yells, “That guy just killed Lucky!”

Another yells out in response, “Fuck, he owed me money! Yer fuckin dead!” Then one of the resistance members shoots from beside me. Immediately after, bullets start flying from both sides and everyone spreads out. I stick with Cora and Soar as I draw my knives. This is SO not to plan.

More raiders start coming out of the buildings as the fighting gets into full swing. “Cora!” I shout as I throw a knife at a charging raider.

“Already told them! Macro and Hal are on their way!” She replies. Good, good. I look around quickly. The raiders are all around us. The resistance members have thrown off their disguises for the most part, and I do likewise. No need to get hit by friendly fire.

A loud explosion rings out and I look over to see the Rangers have joined in the fight. I see them engaging the raiders near their entryway. Looks like they are taking care of the ones on the walls. The Rangers lose my focus as a raider starts yelling as they charge at me. I turn just in time to send a knife right between their eyes. His body falls and momentum sends him sliding across the snow to stop a foot in front of me.

I pull the knife out of his head and look for the first raider I killed. There they are. I see one of my knives sticking out of a raider’s neck a short distance away and walk over to retrieve it. I just pick it up in my magic as a PA system kicks on. “Wow, Backlash, just...wow,” The mare’s voice echos through the mine. It sounds almost exactly like Pinkie Pie’s. 42, I assume.

“Here I was, watching you on the closed circuit as he antagonized you, and bam! You knocked his head clean off,” 42 laughs over the system. “That was some top tier execution of Pie family impossibility! Really learned how to channel that family line right through your hooves. You know what, I’m proud of you.” Hu? Pie family? Did she mean that...Before I can finish that thought, a raider hits me in the side with metal bat. I glare at her as I slit her throat before she can hit me again.

Thank Luna for bulky, padded winter clothing. I barely felt a thing! Though, I suppose my barding helped as well. “The ones we teach always grow up so fast!” 42 continues. “So yeah, as you might have heard, I kinda lost your first gift when that stallion let them all escape. Sorry about that. Had this whole plan to scar you for life with their remains again, but honestly, I’m glad it didn’t work out. The joke was getting old anyway,” She says somewhat sadly.

I mouth the words ‘scar you for life with their remains’ as I throw two knives at a raider with an assault rifle and catch her in the throat and nose. You know, if I didn’t already want to kill 42, I’d probably want to do so just from hearing her talk. And she just keeps talking!

“You like the storm outside? I thought it was a pretty nifty idea, and I have no idea why they wouldn’t have kept up such an awesome project! I mean, yeah the shield spells they went with were ultimately easier to implement, but a windigo augmented shield projection spell? Doesn’t get much more awesome than that!” She declares. She caused this crazy weather? And what the hell is a windigo augmented shield projection spell? What the hell were we developing during the war?

“Even though I’m pretty sure the enchantment will break soon, it wins hooves down just by the...COOL factor! Get it!? Yeah, fuck you too, Backlash. You’re probably too busy fighting for your life to even listen to your crazy great aunt anymore,” She says angrily. Ok, yea. Time to ignore this crazy bitch. Backlash has so many questions to answer when he’s done killing her. Speaking of which…

“HURRY UP AND KILL THAT BITCH BACKLASH!” I yell at the top of my lungs. “SHE IS ANNOYING AS FUCK!” Ugh, alright. Let’s focus on the fighting and less on the crazy pink mare that wants to be a comic book villain. I throw another knife at a raider with a sniper on top of a building nearby, hitting his rifle and sending it, and my knife, sliding down the roof. Damn it, why did I do that? That knife is going to be a pain to retrieve.

I mentally kick myself as I trot over to the dead mare with the assault rifle and pick up the two knives I threw previously. Just then, an explosion rocks a nearby section of the wall. Large chunks of it fall away and then in one instant, the wall bursts inwards, burying a raider in the rubble and sending bits of wood and metal flying towards me. Most of it hits the ground right in front of me, but I have to jerk my head to the right to avoid one particularly large piece.

“Welcome to the fight, Hal,” I call over as the dust settles and Hal and Macro come in through the new hole in the wall.

“The cavalry has arrived mum!” Macro declares, playing a little musical tune as he does so.

“What else can I blow up!?” Hal asks happily.

“Enemies,” I tell him. “Try not to damage too much of the property though. Use that minigun that you have.”

“But...grenades,” Hal says confused.

“Yes,” I say, throwing a knife at a raider getting a little too close for comfort. “Grenades are fun, but sometimes, other weapons work better,” I tell him, and then let out a sigh. He always does this. Uses all his grenades before ever firing his minigun once. The damn things are expensive and hard to get in the number he uses them. “Just...fucking...ugh...Go!” I say, throwing another knife behind me and catching a raider in the hoof. Macro floats over to the raider and lights him on fire.

Hal charges into the mine and I hear the sound of his grenade machine gun over and over. Macro floats off to help Cora, who is a few buildings away. Soar...is doing what she does best, I suppose, since I can’t seem to find her. I look at my surroundings. Most of the fighting in my immediate area has died down. A number of raider and resistance bodies lie about. “Okay…” I mutter as I retrieve the knives I just threw.

I look up to the roof where I disarmed the sniper, and look for my knife. The raider is trying to slide down the roof to retrieve his rifle that is caught on the gutter. And...ah, there it is. My knife is sticking out of the gutter near his rifle. I walk slowly towards the roof, trying to grab the knife in my magic, but it remains just out of my reach. I reach the wall of the building, and still can’t grab it. Damn tall buildings.

I begin looking around to see how the raider got on the roof. I spot some makeshift scaffolding leading to the roofs a little ways off. “Ah, there we got,” I mutter, and look back up to the raider. “Hey, Pink!” I call out, catching the buck’s attention. As he looks up at me, I hit him with another knife. He slips on the roof and starts to fall towards me. I step aside as he lands, his neck bent at a bad angle. His sniper falls a second later. I look up at the gutter, hopeful that he knocked my knife down as well. I frown when I see it in the same spot. Clicking my tongue, I pull the knife out of the raider and make my way to the scaffolding.

The battle rages on around me, but if I don’t get my knife back, I’ll forget where it is at. Besides, maybe I can get a good look at where needs my help once I get it back. After about a minute, I’m on top of the roof and retrieve my knife. I put it back into its sheath and look around the mine.

Most of the fighting has died down and is centralized in a large clearing between the buildings. Near a cave into the mines, I see the Rangers. They are just standing at the entrance. Talking with someone, maybe? The townsponies? Not many raiders around them at the moment, I think Backlash went up that way. His group probably cleared out the raiders.

So then...where am I needed? I look around for the giant mare, but can’t find her anywhere. Hal is pushing up the middle of the town while Cora and Macro are sweeping along the right side of it. On the opposite side, I spot Railspike and two of his resistance members pushing along that side. Between Railspike and Cora is a zone of chaos with the resistance fighters barely managing to fight off larger numbers.

I quickly make a count of everyone I can see. Fifteen raiders and ten resistance fighters, counting Railspike remain. It looks like our allies in the clearing are about to lose. Running along the rooftops I can, I make my way above the clearing. I jump from a fairly tall roof onto a lower lying roof right on the outside of the clearing. Nearing the edge of the roof, I look down. Once I go down, I’ll have five raiders within my magic’s reach. I quickly memorize their positions and those of the resistance members fighting them. Then, I draw five knives and jump.

As I fall, I throw the knives, one for each of the raiders within my range. A moment later, I hit the ground and quickly look around as I draw my last two knives. I killed two of the raiders instantly, the other three I hit, but not lethally. However, it gives the resistance fighters the opportunity they need to finish them off. Once the five initial raiders are dead, I retrieve my knives. “Help the others!” I shout to the resistance members and move towards the next pocket of fighting.

A few grenades go off a ways in front of me, and I see Hal enter the clearing. A moment later, Railspike and two ponies reach it as well. With only ten raiders remaining, and Cora approaching from the right, the raiders are quickly surrounded. We surround them and a few try to fight back, but are quickly put down. By the time the raiders decide to drop their weapons and surrender, there are four of them left.

“Kick your weapons over,” Railspike commands them, his weapons trained on them. They begin to comply, but I approach them before they can finish. I step on an SMG and sheath all but four of my knives. In the next moment, all four raiders’ throats are slit. “What the…” Railspike mutters. “They surrendered! You didn’t have to kill them!” He tells me.

I wipe my knives off on one of the raider’s barding. “They were raiders,” I reply. “They knew what they were getting into. If they want to kill ponies for fun, they shouldn’t get to surrender.”

“Ratchet…” Cora says sadly.

“That’s wrong,” Railspike replies. “If you kill them in cold blood, there is nothing separating us and them.”

I look into his eyes. “There is plenty that separates us and them. But, we don’t have time to debate. There could be more in hiding, we should sweep the town,” I tell him, and I can see resignation in his eyes. “Cora, Macro, Hal, Soar, check for any raiders hiding or if anyone needs help,” I say, turning to them. Soar suddenly appears from behind two of the resistance members. She nods and walks off.

I look up the slope of the mine and frown. The resistance fighters slowly start to walk away and make sure the raider threat is gone. I decide to follow after the Crusaders. I know they told me not to help, but maybe they ran into some more raiders I can help with. Climbing the slope, I make my way to the Rangers. Ponies are just starting to file out of the cave with the Rangers instructing them. “Keep moving citizens! We are evacuating the town!” The one who appears to be in charge shouts. The other two are helping guide the townsponies out.

“Hey, Ranger,” I call out as I near him. “Do you need any immediate help?” I ask.

“Are you with the resistance?” He asks, then shakes his head. “No, we haven’t encountered any raiders coming our way since our entry. How goes the fight in the town?” He asks.

“Mostly over, I think,” I tell him. “Other than raiders hiding in wait, we’ve put an end to most of the fighting.”

He nods. “Good, we will focus on protecting the citizens then,” He replies.

“Keep them safe,” I say as I continue walking up the slope. I pass dead raiders higher up I go, and eventually a cabin of some sort. “Where did you get off to Backlash…” I mutter as I keep climbing and looking around. I quickly spot a large door blasted off, laying on the hillside. That seems a good a guess as any. Entering the cave where the door once was and into a open entryway.

Lying inside the entryway, is a large bipedal machine, even bigger than Hal. It is lying on the ground, and seems to be struggling to move. Cautiously, I walk over to it. “What are you…? I mutter.

“That’s not nice! We’re not a what!” The machine declares, turning its head to look at me. The voice stuns me for a moment. It sounds reminiscent of Pinkie Pie. “My name is Pink, I’ll have you know,” It says again. “I’m an AP.”

“Wait...an AP? As in highly advanced AI?” I ask to clarify.

“Yep, yep!” She declares, seemingly happy that I understand.

“Hey…” Another familiar voice says from the robotic body. “Your DNA is similar to one I have on file for a...miss Ratchet. Are you a descendent?” She asks.

“Not exactly...Uh...so...Pink, was it? You have a voice just like Pinkie Pie and that other voice she sounds just like Twilight Sparkle. If I had to guess, your based off them, right?” I ask.

One of them lets out an excited gasp while the one based off Twilight replies, “That is correct. Say, your DNA is a 99.9% match to research chief Ratchet...you wouldn’t actually happen to be her, would you?”

Well, why lie? “Yea. You probably know about my research too, right? I’ve been using my cryopod to freeze myself,” I tell her.

“Really Bit!?” Pink asks excitedly. “The does that mean she might be able to enter the Orchard?”

“Assuming the AP running it has her credentials on file, yes, she should be able to,” the other, Bit, replies.

“Uh, wait, what? Orchard?” I ask, confused.

“Ratchet,” Pink asks in a begging tone, “can you go after Backlash and his friends? It isn’t that I don’t have faith in them, but they are facing a clone of Pinkie Pie.”

“A clone!?” I ask, my mouth agape. I blink a few times and then say, “So, the Crusaders are deeper inside?”

“Yea, they went in about seven minutes ago,” She replies. “What do you say? Can you help them?” She asks.

“Well, yea. That was my plan to begin with. But, before that, what is wrong with you two? I assume you took some damage...do you have a repair talisman in there?” I ask.

“We do,” Bit replies, “but since we lack excess scrap metal to use, it is taking a longer than usual. We won’t be fully functional for another...twenty four minutes!? Why does it keep going up?”

“I understand,” I say, digging around in my bags and pulling out some scrap metal. “Here, use this. I travel with some AIs in power armor suits, so I make sure to carry some around incase their supplies run out.” I place the scrap next to their body.

They both gasp. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Pink says happily.

“The time has decreased to sixteen minutes!” Bit declares.

I chuckle. “Alright, I’ll go after the Crusaders. When you two can move, see if there is anything you can do outside. Most of the raiders are dead, I think, so right now it is just clean up,” I tell them.

“You got it! Good luck!” Pink replies.

I start to walk away when Bit calls out to me, “Oh! And when you come to a teleportation pad, identify yourself to save yourself some time. We heard Backlash go through that process.”

“Got it!” I call back, and walk until I see a room with what I assume is a teleportation pad, judging by the fact there are no other rooms in this cave. Identify myself...hu? “Uh...My name is Ratchet, a Chief Researcher for the Ministry of Arcane Sciences?” I say in a sightly loud voice.

“Credentials confirmed,” Comes a voice, one that sounds just like Rainbow Dash’s. “You’re clear to access the teleporter. Sheesh. Why can’t everpony who comes through here be as quick on the uptake as you? Uh, I mean, I’m not complaining about my superiors or anything. I’m not. Really. Just thinking out loud. I am Dash, by the way, administrator of this facility. What brings you here, Miss Ratchet?”

I wonder if she is an AP too. “Well, I’m actually looking for Backlash and the Crusaders,” I tell her.

“Oh? MoM Chief Backlash? Yea, I let him through a few minutes ago. Almost took him for a zebra spy too,” Dash tells me.

“I see. Well, will this pad take me close to him?” I ask.

“Not really. I kind of teleported him to detention when I thought he was a spy. This pad normally takes you to a completely different section of the facility,” Dash replies.

“Would you happen to be tracking his movements right now?” I ask.

“Of course! I know where everyone in my Orchard is at at all times. It’s for security and safety purposes,” Dash informs me.

“Ok, could you just teleport me to him then?” I ask.

“No can do,” She says apologetically. “Security protocols prevent me from allowing direct teleportation to anywhere except for detention and the entrance.”

“Then, which is closer to his current position? Detention or the normal entrance?” I ask.

“Detention. But, I can’t teleport you there, either. You’re not a security risk so you have to use the normal entrance,” She says.

Ugh. “Yea, ok, fine. Let’s do that then. Can you guide me to him after?” I ask, hopeful.

“I can light up a path for you. Follow the blue lights on the floor once you get inside. Oh, and I have to recite a mega boring disclaimer about violence in the workplace being wrong. But, I’ll play some music to drown myself out so you don’t have to hear it. That sound cool?” She asks.

“Uh, sure?” I say.

“Then just hit the button and away you’ll go!” Dash declares. I waste no time and hit the button. The pad makes a sound, and then I am blinded by a flash. Once I regain my vision, the room around me is completely different and music begins to play. I spot the blue lights and start down the hall at a quick pace.

Minutes later, and after passing room after room with interesting looking things I force myself to ignore, I hear gunfire erupt for further in the facility. It is followed by yelling and then more gunfire which is in turned followed by screaming. I can’t make out who is screaming what, but it is probably too much to hope for that it is 42 doing the screaming. I run faster through the halls, following the blue lights.

After another minute or so, I reach a point marked Flux Contamination Zone above a large, open door. Inside the room, I spot a few of the Crusaders huddled around on the ground. I don’t see Backlash or 42 in the room. “Come on Sky, hang in there,” I hear Carlotta saying. “Do something Longbow! There has to be something we can do!”

“The medical box only had one potion and some bandages in it!” Longbow replies, frantically. “I couldn’t find anymore!”

I quickly walk over to them as I pull a potion out of my bags. “Here, give this to her,” I say, floating the potion between them. They look up with shock, surprised by my sudden appearance.

“You?” Longbow asks.

“I’m here to help. I have more potions if she needs them,” I offer.

Carlotta grabs the potion from my magic and pours it down Sky’s throat. “Come on, come one, come one…” She prays. Sky is unconscious and I can see bandages soaked in blood around her neck. Did 42 get her? Neck wounds are tricky…

“You said you gave her one potion already, right?” I ask.

“Yes,” Longbow replies. “We poured a little in her wound, soaked some of the bandages in them, and let her drink the rest.”

“Good. Good,” I mutter, holding a hoof to my chin. She might have a chance. I float out three more potions from my bag. “Here, one more for Sky, and one for each of you. Neither of you are looking too good yourselves. I’ll give it to Sky, so you two drink yours,” I instruct, and open the bottle. I put it to Sky’s lips and slowly and carefully pour it down her throat. Once the bottle is empty, I look at her chest. It was clear she was in shock when I came in, but her breathing seems to have normalized a little bit. It isn’t as strong as it should be, though. Carlotta and Longbow drink down their potions and then look at Sky in concern.

“Where is Backlash?” I ask. “And 42?”

Longbow looks down at Sky, frowns, and then gestures over at a pink shield. “They went through another teleporter,” She tells me.

“Is that a DNA restriction shield?” I mutter. So, what Dash said was true. Damn it, that means we can’t follow. I tap a hoof to my chin. “Ok. We need to move Sky out of here, into another room. If Backlash and 42 come back through we can’t have her lying here. There was a room a few back with a table she can rest on,” I tell them.

“Is she ok to move?” Carlotta asks, tears in her eyes.

“As long as it isn’t far,” I tell her. “She has stabilized a little bit, but she needs to rest. Can you help me, Carlotta?” I ask.

“Of course, let’s go,” She says with a nod, and rises to her talons.

As Carlotta and I work to get Sky on her back, I turn to Longbow. “Can you wait here, incase something happens? Yell if either of them comes back through?” I ask.

“Yea, I’ll wait here,” She says, looking towards the shield.

I nod and then Carlotta and I start carrying Sky out of the room. “I’ll be right back,” I call back as we leave the room. We pass a few rooms and I look through the doorways and windows. “Two more down I think…” I mutter. We pass one, and then find the room I am looking for. “In here, Carlotta!” I call out as I slip into the room. The room has a large table in the middle stacked with papers and simple testing equipment. I waste no time and sweep the table clear with my magic. “Lay her down,” I instruct and Carlotta gently lays Sky down on the table a moment later.

“She’s going to be fine, right?” Carlotta asks, fresh tears falling from her eyes.

“I think she is out of the danger zone, but I can’t promise anything. It is up to her now,” I tell her. I pull another potion from my bags and take off the cloak I was wearing as a disguise. “Here, cover her up with this, keep her warm. And if she starts getting worse, give her this potion. Just watch her breathing. If it starts getting labored or any fainter, give it to her,” I instruct Carlotta.

“Thank you…” She mutters, grabbing hold of Sky’s hoof.

“Don’t mention it, but that is my last potion, so don’t use it unless she absolutely needs it,” I say. “I’m going back to wait with Longbow.”

“Right…” Carlotta says, not shifting her gaze from Sky’s face. I frown. If Sky doesn’t pull through, it might break Carlotta. Watch over them, Celestia, Luna.

I leave the room and go back to where Longbow is waiting, getting back just in time to hear her scream, “Promise me!” I run into the room and over to the shield where Longbow is standing right as Backlash disappears in a flash.

“What happened? Did he win?” I ask, looking between her and the teleporter inside the shield. She doesn’t tear her eyes away from the shield, her face is a mix of fear and worry.

“42 is dead…” She mutters. I start to smile, but from her expression this isn’t time to celebrate. “Backlash says she has a megaspell on a timer. He is going to take care of it,” She says as tears are streaming down her face. 42 had a megaspell? That isn’t good. But...how is Backlash going to take care of it? Just then, the shield goes down and Longbow charges into the room beyond and starts pressing the teleport button rapidly, but nothing happens. She looks over to me, but I shrug, not knowing what is wrong. Then she hits the button on what looks like an intercom. “Backlash? Are you there?” She asks.

I feel a hoof tap me on the shoulder and spin around, only to see the cloaked figure of Death. “There is nothing you can do,” He tells me. “Let’s give them some privacy, over here,” He says, and starts walking to the entrance of the room. I hesitantly follow him. I hear Longbows’ muted words, nothing but incomprehensible gibberish from where I’m standing.

“Is he going to die?” I ask in a hushed voice. Death gives a single nod. “Damn it. But he just stopped 42…and death is his reward?” I ask.

“You know that the Wasteland isn’t fair,” He tells me, but curls his skeletal mouth into a smile. “But, lucky for him, an arrangement has been made. He will not face the same fate as most other ponies.”

“What do you-” But cut myself off as I see Longbow running over to me, her face desperate. “What’s wrong?” I ask her.

“How is Skyline?” She asks, almost pleadingly.

I furrow my brow. “She should pull through, but she won’t be in any condition to go anywhere for at least another hour or so. And even then, someone will have to support her,” I reply.

Longbow frowns, but nods and returns back to the teleporter pad. “What do you mean, Death?” I finish my question.

“He is a Pie, a descendent of Pinkie Pie. And she has an...arrangement with us. Essentially, it is her own private purgatory in which she and those related to her can control things,” He explains. “Occasionally, that means that she pulls souls from the afterlife to entertain herself or pulls ponies in when they are sleeping. Of course, it isn’t as simple as all that, but I won’t bore you with the minor details and rules we’ve laid out,” He concludes.

A moment later, I hear Longbow break out into hysterical crying. “He’s gone,” Death says, bowing his head. “I need to go collect him, but, Ratchet, don’t worry. He won’t be forgotten,” He tells me, and then disappears as I blink.

I let out a sigh and walk over to Longbow, placing a hoof on her shoulder. She looks up long enough to recognize me, and then wraps her hooves around me and cries. I hold onto her as she cries. But I couldn’t shed a tear myself. I barely knew him, and even if I did, I’m far past the point of getting broken over a death. No, the only thing I can do is try to stop the next pod from unleashing hell upon the Wasteland.

The aftermath of the battle for Red Wing was devastating. Railspike’s resistance lost another member while looking for hiding raiders. But, they managed to take a few prisoners when the raiders remaining surrendered. Of course, he didn’t let me near them no matter how much tried to reason with him.

The mining town was reduced to a charred ruin, soaked with blood and filled with corpses. The Rangers, along with the survivors of the town, apparently made their way to a place called Sunshine Garage. I didn’t care too much what they did, as long as they would be safe. The Crusaders went with them once it was clear Backlash wasn’t coming back. They planned to go find his body and give him the burial he deserved.

I, and my AI companions, made the trek back to Icicle Lab. There was no point in me sticking around. Trouble seemed to follow me, and those ponies have been through enough as it is. I entered in this adventure’s entry into my terminal, and was planning to get back into my pod. But, for some reason, I decided to sleep in my bed before that.

As soon as I fall asleep, I find myself in the void that the ponies of the apocalypse usually talk to me in. “What is it now?” I ask, as Death appears before me.

“A gift, if you want it,” Death tells me, taking a step forward. “I am told that you were promised a story. I talked to Pinkie Pie and Backlash when I dropped him off. This one time only, I’ll permit you to visit her purgatory. Backlash says he’ll tell you his story,” he informs me.

“One time only, hu?” I say with a chuckle. “Fine, let’s do it.”

Death nods and slices the a tear in the void with his scythe, creating a swirling portal. “Just jump on through. They’ll send you back when you are done,” He says. I take a deep breath and jump through the portal. What is it going to be? Another empty void? Perhaps a hellscape filled with fire and screams? Knowing Pinkie, maybe a place with cotton candy clouds, chocolate rivers, and parties?

What I find, is nothing of the above. I am standing under a tree in a simple grassy field. I look around, and spot a diner off in the distance. As I start to walk towards it, a pink blob falls from the tree right in front of me. A pink ball of hair moves around at my hooves before jumping and landing on hooves of its own while beaming up at me with a smile. A pink filly, hu? “Let me guess, Pinkie Pie?” I ask.

The filly gasps and nods her head vigorously. “Yep yep! You really are a smart pony, it is no wonder Twilight hired you! Oh! But I forget my manners, welcome to my little slice of purgatory! Though, I don’t like that name,” She says, wrinkling her nose. “I’d prefer to call it FUNgatory! Wait, that sounds too much like fungus. The amusegatory? Entertaingatory? Hilargatory? Why do I keep ending it with ‘gatory’?” She mutters.

A stallion’s laugh comes from behind the tree. I look just as Backlash walks around it to join us. “Come on auntie, you’re going to confuse her,” He says with a smile. Compared with when I last saw him, he looks remarkably better. I suppose that has to do with this place, and why Pinkie herself is a filly. “You wanted to hear my story, right, Ratchet?” Backlash asks.

“If you will tell it to me,” I reply.

He chuckles. “It is the least I can do after what you did for the others,” He tells me, and then looks at Pinkie. “Auntie?” he says, and she claps her hooves together. Instantly, I am sitting on a bench in the diner across from Backlash. Ok...don’t question it.

I smile at him across the table. “Alright Backlash. Tell me your story.”