I was never good at parties, too many ponies, too much noise, social interaction I couldn't follow, they just never were high on my list. I liked them a little, at least if I could kind of float around the edges of one like usual, make short forays in and retreat again with cake or punch or something to occupy myself. Being confined entirely to the armchair on the porch that a party had grown around was very uncomfortable.

I wasn't set up on the edges, but right in the middle. I wasn't allowed to retreat, I couldn't go get what I wanted from the variety of food spread on the tables in the yard below. No, I just had to sit there, bundled in a thick blanket that helped pin me to the chair.

I was well attended to at least, Jade was quite popular and mingled about with all the ponies who wanted her ear. I watched tensely as Long Jump and a heavily bandaged Cloudy Sun limped up to speak with her at one point. The yellow mare still had a sour look, but it warred with a tinge of guilt looking over to her also freshly cleaned colt.

Yeah, that's right, she saved you and your foal, be nice... The conversation seemed to go well anyway and I relaxed. Jade returned frequently to make sure I hadn't decided to try escaping, the attention I got from her was always wonderful, but when she was at my side it came with all the attention of the strange ponies below.

Val also kept a close eye out, no matter where she was getting into trouble, the supply of alcohol she had liberated from the raider fortress did nothing to dull her instincts as a bodyguard. She even snuck me one of her beers, which I had to keep concealed if Jade was nearby, the warm fuzziness dulled my aches and made me a bit more sociable.

My constant companion was the foal in the pink dress sitting beside my chair, munching on a plate of Fancy Buck snack cakes happily. If I wanted anything Glitter would sprint down and get it, beating out even Cogsworth as a butler, constantly watching to see if there was anything she thought I wanted that she could get. I finally had to wave the robot off to attend to our guests, the little filly seemed to actively view him as competition.

That bothered me a little, I kept trying to tell her she should go enjoy herself and I'd be fine, but she was determined to be useful. Despite any reassurances, I guessed it would take awhile for her to accept she was welcome and didn't have to prove her value to be allowed to stay, whatever kind of life she had lived so far seemed based on 'those who don't work, don't eat.'

Watching her scarf a plate of the sugary cakes down, I chuckled at her, "You're going to make yourself sick Glitter, there are other things to eat, why not try something a little healthier?"

Orange crumbs coated her stuffed muzzle as she looked up, "Nnnmoo mmm wwhnnnt!" she clenched her eyes and swallowed the mouthful down forcefully before trying again. "No I won't! One time we found a whole box and we had a contest, I finished eight but Twinkle... won with nine..." she slowed as the happy memory was intruded on by harsh reality. Her twin was gone, no more cake eating contests...

Reaching down to her was a strain, but I managed to put a hoof out and stroke her mane lightly, "Sorry... Go ahead then, you should enjoy them for both of you. Here, let me have one too ok?"

Only a single tear dribbled down before she shook herself and nodded, grabbing a cake and hoofing it over. She was a tough little filly. Watching me fumble at it trying to tear open the packaging, she hopped up in the chair and snatched it back, tearing the wrapper off in her teeth with a quick, smooth motion. "You're really clumsy without your horn Fast, lemme do it. I used ta be jealous of you unicorns with how easy that magic makes stuff, but if it goes away you have a really hard time huh?"

Ok, I was lazy and clumsy without my horn, so sue me. I had only burnt my magic out a couple times before, mainly trying to learn new spells when I was her age. The med lab in the Stable had a kind of test dad gave me, that could tell you what kind of spells a unicorn was suited towards, but I swear that thing lied. It said I could learn lots of different ones, similar to the readout it gave for dad when he showed me how it worked, but most of my efforts met with disaster.

I turned a Stable barding into swiss cheese with reversed colors trying to alter it with a clothing altering spell Sunset tried to show me, turned a papercut into a blue polka dotted rash down one side in an attempt to heal it like dad could, completely silenced myself for a week trying a voice spell to sound like the Shrouded Stallion, forgot my name a couple days with a wildly inadvisable foray with memory magic, the list went on... Most had been racked up while I was trying to get my cutie mark, which came with no relation to magic at all eventually.

I only managed to have a high degree of fine control with telekinesis and a knack for machines and spell matrices, along with the weak spark spell that had burned me out this time. It was technically supposed to be lightning on its own, not the thin stream I could generate normally, thankfully most repairs I used it on didn't need much more. Experimentally I looked down at one of the closer tables and focused on a spindly looking carrot. A flicker of electricity ran down my horn making me jitter in place for my efforts, though maybe it twitched a little?

"I'll get it!" Glitter yelped noticing what I had tried for and hopped down before I could stop her, she bolted back with the offending carrot and dropped it in my lap.

"Glitter, you don't have to keep doing that... I told you I don't expect you to work to be able to stay with us. I want you to, Jade definitely wants you to, this is home if you want it whether you do anything or not. Go have fun, you don't have to keep such a close eye out trying to make me happy like you're waiting for the other hoof to drop," I tried explaining it again with a sigh, eventually this was going to get through...

Not this time apparently though, she looked up with big pink puppy eyes and frowned. "B-but... I want to! Miss Jade's busy an' the griffon lady's sillier than normal drinking. I like helping... don't you want me to? A-aren't I doing a good job?"

Ugh, that look with the quivering lower lip was weaponized cuteness, I suddenly felt bad for every time I had employed it as a foal. Still I tried to press on, "Of course you are, that's not what I said. Besides, there's Cogsworth... he is a robot butler, it's like his job..."

The Mr. Handy turned an eyestalk at the mention of his name questioningly, he did have really good hearing now. I waved and shook my head as Glitter huffed at him, "I'm better than some robot. Look, he's busy with all those ponies down there, I'm just worried 'bout one."

"Cogsworth was alone for a long time, I think he likes the company and I told him to. If I asked he'd come right here and do whatever I wanted... for the most part... if Jade says it's ok I guess..." I had to qualify that remembering how effectively the alicorn had convinced my loyal robot pal to follow her orders over mine to keep me in bed all day.

Glitter hooked herself over the armrest of the chair and fished out my nearly empty beer from where I had it hidden, "Exactly! He wouldn't get you another of these would he? 'Cause Miss Jade told him not to, but I can!" She ran off and snaked through the crowd toward Val who was having an animated conversation with Preston. Thankfully she tossed the empty bottle on the way and Val at least didn't just hand her a fresh one, if Jade caught her with either...

"Heya boss! Your filly says you wanna 'nother? Here, drink up I wanna see you drunk!" the griffon padded up the porch and tossed one of her beers at me grinning broadly with Glitter and Preston in tow.

Things were already at that pleasantly fuzzy point from the one I had been nursing for quite some time, sneaking sips in when Jade wasn't around. "I didn't really ask for it..." Glitter looked back sheepishly, "er.. I probably shouldn't..."

"Oh no! I wanna see you drunk, it's important! Have to know what kinda drinkin' buddy you are boss, vital to the relationship, now drink! I want it! Pay me wit' drinkin'!" A flick of her dark claws popped the top and shoved the bottle down my muzzle before I could react. Sputtering I somehow doubted this fell under her contract to take what pay she wanted. "Theeeere we goooo, good boss! Now, tell this goofy Minutemare he oughta listen to me, gots his priorities all screwed up, no wonder those goody goods fell apart!"

Finally relenting I choked as she pulled the bottle away and set it down on the armrest, wait had she poured almost all of it down my throat? I sneezed feeling suds in my nose and looked at Preston behind her, he looked a little insulted but also like his confidence had taken a hit. Still he held to whatever his side in their ongoing debate had been and argued back at the griffon determined.

"I was simply saying we should start making contact with settlements nearby, offering help, fostering trade..." he grumbled at Val.

She shook her shaggy red head making the white plumage flap around her, "An' I tried to explain worryin' bout every other poor sod out in the wasteland while yer own asses are still hangin' out is a good way to make sure it gets burned. You got pretty lights out here that make you a nice target but none pointin' out that way at those that'll come take what you got. You managed to get some robots patrollin' now but didn't when those raiders came the first time an' robots ain't great without somebody with brains ridin' herd on em!"

Preston furrowed his brow and shot back, "Only caring about ourselves will never bring the Commonwealth together, the Minutemares are supposed to protect everypony. If we just look out for ourselves first we won't be any better than Diamond City, hiding behind their walls and living the good life while ponies suffer around them!"

"They do live a pretty cushy life because they got those walls, and guards, and guns, and caps... You don't like what they do with it that's one thing but don't deny they got it and we ain't. What could you and yer Minutemares do with their resources huh?" Val scowled leaning over him, looking down her beak and flicking his funny hat.

He pushed right back, now they were glaring nose to beak at each other right in front of my chair. "Yeah we could do a lot of good, but we can't abandon our principles to get them just promising ourselves we'll do good later! How do you think they wound up that way, Diamond City wasn't always the way it is now!"

They growled face to face and spun on me...

"Tell this mercenary we're trying to be something better!" Preston demanded

"Tell this bleeding heart I'm right boss!" Val countered.

Me? Why were they both staring at me? I'm not in charge.. alright the griffon considered me the boss, but I just said I'd help rebuild the Minutemares, not lead them. Yeah Sanctuary was my home and I wanted to fix it but I wasn't in charge, my house is what I considered mine, not the whole island.

I had figured on Sturges as the de facto mayor, he dealt with all the new ponies well and was hard at work expanding the livable houses for the influx of residents. Hell the new ponies here regarded Jade so kindly since she saved them they acted as if she really was a princess, which was just fine by me since I agreed. She'd be a good pony in charge, she was kind and cared about others, stern when she needed to be, let her really be one. I fixed things, though fixing things had seemed to mutate into including a lot of killing lately up here on the surface... Dealing with ponies and settling disputes was not in my wheelhouse.

They kept staring at me... "Er... why are you asking me?" I asked confused, the beer I got shoved down my throat was making keeping up harder.

"Yer the boss!" Val grumbled and opened another beer.

"I respect your opinion Fast, this is your home, what do you think?" Preston replied.

Ugh... Thinking... Everything was getting nice and fuzzy at the edges. Though it did make me less nervous and I thought about the actual question with lowered inhibitions about offending who asked, just my honest opinion as I could manage it.

"You're both right," I nodded and smiled happily. That was the truth and should make everyone happy.

It did not...

"We can't both be right Fast! That griffon is too self centered and greedy to ever be a proper Minutemare!" his silly hat shook on his head as Preston shouted.

Valkyrie laughed with derision at him, "Good thing I ain't one then isn't it! C'mon boss you know better now, you saw Thundega. Sittin' around thinkin' happy thoughts won't do a damn thing against ponies like that! Here drink!"

She didn't pour the whole thing in me this time at least, letting me take the bottle and sip at it slowly. "I meant... er... you are both right. You're jush worried 'bout two sides of the same bit... umm... cap? What's a cap anyway?"

Val rolled her eyes and groaned in exasperation, "Jeez boss yer embarassin' me. This! Bottlecap! MONEY! You have to know this, caps are important!"

"Bottlecaps...." I goggled.

Yes, that was a bottlecap in her claws. A plain old bottlecap from a bottle of Sparkle Cola... Bottlecaps were money?! How many had I tossed after drinking them since coming out here? The twitching expression the she-griffon wore staring at me with the little scrap of metal in my face impressed that yes, bottlecaps were indeed money. Where had we got started on this... oh yeah...

"Ok cap, two sides of da same cap... doesn't work as well though... caps are shaped all different-y on each side... Anyways, we hafta be strong so ponies like those raiders can't jush come in an... raid us.. huh name makes sense... An' we gotta have stuff like money an stuff..." Val smirked and patted my head, sticking her tongue out at Preston. "But! We gotta do good stuff with all that, we need to be strong sos we can protect ponies that need it. We need money an stuff so we can use it fer good things. You're both right... you should work together, cover each others weak sides."

Neither of them looked very happy staring at each other dubiously, I was distracted watching text flash in my vision,

Mission- Miscellaneous
--Speak to Preston About the Minutemares

I took another drink and stared at the words sounding them out, so my mental state didn't seem to bother the pip-buck in the slightest... Finally the Minutemare and the griffon grumbled at each other and relented, walking back to the party and arguing between each other about what to do. Compromise between those two seemed unlikely, but they accepted the criticism anyway.

"That was very good Fast," Jade smiled up as she passed them on her way to the porch, frowning as she noticed the bottle I was trying to tuck in the crack in the cushion beside me. "Where did you get that?"

Glitter started hiding behind the other side of the chair guiltily, well she only went and asked for the first one. This wasn't really her fault, more Val, then me since I kept right on going with minimal encouragement. Sprockets had been right, drinking was fun. Best to just take the hit now, "I asked-ed Val for it...feels good, legs hurt better," I ventured smiling at her.

The bottle got tugged away from me in alicorn magic and she sniffed at it sighing, "Alcohol is a blood thinner Fast.. it is not good for your recovery. That griffon is a bad influence on you, I've already told you this affects smaller ponies more quickly."

I grinned at her goofily, I liked looking at Jade, even that cute little frown of hers was nice. I should probably be saying something but looking was more fun. She kept staring back waiting for some kind of reaction but I really couldn't argue with anything she was saying. Her stern blue eyes widened spotting Glitter hiding on the other side of the chair.

"In front of a foal! You are very bad Fast, what kind of example is that? Glitter come out from there, Fast is in trouble you shouldn't be hanging around with him right now. Go out and play with the other.." she started to lecture but had leaned across the chair to look down at the small filly.

Her graceful neck was stretched in front of me, the light blue white mane a clean smelling cloud drifting in front of my eyes. I knew what would make her happy! I didn't even have to lean far to give a sloppy lick behind her jaw. Her eyes glazed as a shudder ran through her right in the middle of directing Glitter out of hiding. I gave the small filly a quick shooing gesture, if she was going to make a break for it she should do it now. I didn't have to convince her, she bolted as Jade gasped and came back to herself.

"F-Fast... you are c-cheating... stop that!" The blue alicorn's eyes widened darting around at the ponies milling about nearby. Convinced no one had noticed she tried to pull away but my forelegs shot out on their own and wrapped around her neck as I gave a wet kiss in the magic spot.

"Buuuut you like it right? You wuz reeally insissst inssss... pretty clear bout it dis mornin..." I slurred up to her giving another and feeling that shiver run through her neck in my legs. It was nice holding her like this, she was warm and soft and pretty, especially when she turned all red like that...

A field of her magic yanked me out of the chair and with her, still clinging to her neck as she trotted back inside quickly, "Fast! Sssh! I- I was just d-d-dreaming! You... oh my... shouldn't.. You have had quite enough! I will... mmm... I will excuse your absence to the others. G-go to bed and... hnnn.... stop that! G-get your rest!" Trying to sound stern while being constantly interrupted with kisses and licks that made her smile and blank was just not working for her at all, totally undermined the effect.

With a final whinny and shake of her head she managed to dislodge me and I was dropped to the bed in her room with a gentle thump. I could feel the drunken grin plastered on my face as i tried to hold my gaze steady on the beautiful mare framed in the doorway of the dark room, light from the hall lit her mane up in a halo. "Yurr pretty Jade! I luv you! C'mere!" I rolled toward her waving my hooves in the air feebly at her.

Even with the light behind her hiding her face in shadows I could see that pretty blush deepen, she bit her lip and leaned back and forth shuffling on the spot. "Y-y-you are incorrigible... w-we... I.. Oooh! Just stay there and b-behave! I... I w-will be b-back..." she shook her head closing her eyes and retreated quickly down the hall, shutting the door behind her and leaving me in darkness.

I fell back to the bed and watched the ceiling spin in the soft glow from the light outside filtering through the curtains. I could hear a heated exchange between Jade and Val's voices drifting in but couldn't make any of it out. Oh well, she did say she'd be back, I'd just rest my eyes for a little bit till things stopped being all loopy.

..............................

.............................

When I opened them again it was quiet, I still felt pleasantly warm and fuzzy but not full on drunk anymore. Jade was right, any more than just cautiously nursing a beer over an hour or so and it hit me quickly. I felt better than I had all day anyway, blood thinner or not it knocked the edge off the pain still clinging to me and I wasn't allowed any Med-X except the minor amount mixed with the IV I had worn earlier.

Whimpering mumbles made me turn and take in my situation, Jade had come back at some point while I was passed out and was curled at the edge of the bed. A sad expression marred her face as her legs twitched in front of her, a bad dream? She sighed and struggled fitfully, "Nnnn... nooo... mmm nnnot..." she whined.

Not? Not what? Whatever it was she was dreaming about was no good, I gave a moment before waking her hoping she'd get through it to something better.

"nnnoot... not mmonsterr... sorrry... please... lonnnely... no more voices... all alone..." she cried pitifully reaching out with her hooves and shaking her head. I wondered what was hurting her like that but was going to put a stop to it, hearing that pain in her cries was unacceptable. I started trying to shift over to reach her and one of her struggling forelegs made contact with my own stretched out to her.

As soon as she felt it I was suddenly grabbed and pulled into her embrace, curling against me and furling her wings over me. She didn't wake but her whimpers trailed off and her shaky breathing calmed, her muzzle buried in my mane sniffed and she smiled, "Faaasst..." she muttered happily and settled into even sleep.

Well, this must be how I wound up in this position before, my own dream just melded into it while we slept and it went from peaceful contentment to active enjoyment. I had to keep reminding myself there was a lot I didn't understand about alicorns in the wasteland, a history everypony else took for granted. Whatever it was had left its scars on the blue one clinging to me.

She had tried to explain what she called unity once but I didn't really get it, being part of some hive mind of so many ponies was too foreign a concept. Thinking on it now though if that was where she started, a sea of voices in her head that was just gone at some point... it must have been lonely yes...

Lying with her wrapped around me breathing softly was exciting, but she squeezed me tightly as somepony to push back that awful loneliness, not for other fun things. For now I hoped... alcohol and a lot of gorgeous blue filly around me wouldn't let me abandon certain lines of thought entirely. Sighing I stroked her side and whispered up to her yawning, "Sssh, it's ok Jade... you're not a monster, not alone... I'm here ok? Not going anywhere..." I meant that figuratively but it was also literally true, she snuggled closer and pinned me effectively in place, she did smile sweetly and snored into untroubled slumber. It took awhile but I did manage to follow along shortly thereafter.

Waking up this morning wasn't nearly as fun as yesterday, though it wasn't as painful either so mixed bag I guess. Jade had woken before me today and I was being nudged awake by a pair of small hooves shoving me insistently, "C'mon Fast wake up. Miss Jade says you gotta eat an' let her check you..." Glitter kept pushing my back while I grumbled and tried to bury myself under the covers.

"Nnnn... five more minutes..." I groaned from under the pillows.

The foal yelped down the hall before quieting to a conspiratorial whisper, "Miss Jade he's up! You should really get up Fast... you should be ready for what's coming..." there was a hint of distaste in her voice.

A clatter rose from down the hall and the alicorn filly called back, "No, no, no! Don't burn! Umm... j-just a second!"

I pulled the pillows off my head and rolled an eye back quizzically at Glitter.

"She wanted to cook you breakfast... she made me taste it... sorry Fast, don't die..." the little earth pony looked back sticking her tongue out at the thought. Come to think of it Jade had never cooked, Cogsworth handled all that... hmmm, Glitter's warning didn't sound like a ringing endorsement.

Still, Jade was cooking, for me! It couldn't be that bad, I had the feeling anything that was not Fancy Buck snack cakes was already dubious in the foals opinion. I pushed myself out from where I had been trying to burrow and sat up excited, "It can't be that bad Glitter."

Just a frown and a slow shake of her head replied. Come on really?

I could hear more noises from the kitchen and the alicorn's approach down the hall, thinking quickly I turned to Glitter to enlist her help. I didn't feel that bad today really, "Glitter, I need your help with something..."

Her pink eyes got huge and she nodded in glee, she was eager to help no matter what. "Sure! What'cha need!? I-I'm not eatin' any more of that though..." ok eager almost no matter what, it couldn't be that bad could it?

"No, not that. Jade's still not gonna let me do anything today but I feel fine... fine-ish anyway. Help me convince her to let me outta here, I can't stand another day cooped up doing nothing. You can help me around the house if nothing else, we can set up a room for you so you don't have to sleep in the living room, you'd like that right?" I whispered keeping an eye on the door.

Awe filled the foal's face, "I can have a room? Of... of my own?"

I nodded, we hadn't really touched the upstairs yet and Val needed her own space too, if I could convince her to abandon my room. There wasn't much in the attic besides storage and dad's office, but it was big and had wide windows in the gables. The griffon would probably be happier being able to fly in and out as she pleased of her own roost up there. My room if I could clear it was a foals room so it would be just right for Glitter. We were a little full beyond that but there was my workshop with the ratty couch once I was healed enough to not be bedridden and fussed over. Sleeping here was bliss but it was Jade's room not mine, I didn't just expect to be allowed here forever.

"That's right but you gotta help me with Jade right? She'll listen if we gang up on her I think, just do the thing with the puppy eyes and lip quiver, that's gold," I rushed out in a whisper just before the blue alicorn filled the door.

She looked a little frazzled and singed, a spattered apron tied around her and a tray hovered ahead of her into the room that was smoking. Hovering it down she looked on anxiously as I got a good look at the charred... char? There wasn't a lot to identify what this started as, still those big hopeful blue eyes gave me only one course to follow anyway.

"I w-wanted to try making you something... I'm afraid it might be a little burnt though... Y-you don't have to.." she started but I already snatched up one of the chunks and started chewing thoughtfully.

How could it be burned and cold in the middle? Sweet and salty? What were the soft chunks? Glitter watched me crunching it with a horrified expression fighting amazement I hadn't just keeled over frothing. With a determined gulp I swallowed it and smiled up crookedly, "Mmmm... good..."

Seeing that wide smile of pride and happiness was worth it, Jade whinnied and puffed up closing her eyes happily before glancing over to Glitter, "See! I told you it wasn't that bad, you were just exaggerating!"

The little filly was just staring up flabbergasted, "You really love Miss Jade huh Fast... h-how are you not dead?" she finally whispered.

Jade flushed before frowning back, "S-stop making fun Glitter, he likes it... see he's eating more! He wouldn't if it wasn't good! I'll have you know I learned that recipe from a nice mare from the east that loved my cooking!"

I forced myself to start crunching on a second chunk, this was something else originally... a faint hint of apples was in there somewhere with a fatty, meaty taste before being torched into whatever it was now. Glitter kept looking on like she was watching a train wreck, "Oh Celestia please, make him stop Miss Jade! I can't watch!" yet somehow she did just that, mesmerized.

Shoving it to one side of my mouth I whispered out of the freed corner, "Quiet... not helping... room.." I reminded her.

She gave one last disgusted look before turning back to the alicorn watching happily, "Umm.. right... j-just kidding.. urk! Miss Jade can Fast get up today? He said I could have my own room! He's feelin' better right? H-has a good a-appetite...ugh..."

That got a frown but it was conflicted, she'd have to say no to the foal getting something that would make her happy, I am an evil genius.

"He should not... he is still injured and needs rest..." she answered doubtfully.

Out came the puppy eyes, it was almost unfair really.

"Fast c-can't be trusted not to injure himself again... he will push too hard... You don't want him to be hurt do you?" she tried to rally but the lip quiver followed up before she got her steam back. I decided to add the coup de grace and joined Glitter with my best version of the expression making it a two pronged assault.

Watching the big blue alicorn crumble was a sight, "Oh... s-stop that, both of you... it is most unfair... I only want to make sure he is healthy... Fine! You win, Fast may move about, inside the house only and you must not let him do anything strenuous, understand Glitter? I will not aid in this foalishness, you are on your own...."

Squealing with delight Glitter bounced in the air and hugged Jade's long legs, completely obliterating any shreds of resistance left, "Oh thank you Miss Jade, thankyouthankyouthankyou!"

Despite being outmaneuvered Jade looked far too happy to hold on to her complaints, "Yes you are welcome, I have other matters to attend to outside but you come and get me if needed, promise me?"

We both nodded vigorously as she trotted down the hall looking back to us over her shoulder repeatedly. Finally she left the house and I started groaning my way to the floor. Nosing through my bags by the bed I found my Stable barding and shrugged into it, pulling the light blue and yellow garment over my bandages. I really did feel better, really... I didn't need the little filly helping me out the door honest, though I was glad for that famous earth pony strength, she propped me up nicely. Making my way to the hall I heard a woodchipper coming from Val's room, peeking in I saw the griffon lounged over the bed limbs and wings akimbo and snoring out a drool covered beak, she must have enjoyed the party.

We made our slow way to the stairs off the kitchen that had been off limits so far, Cogsworth was diligently cleaning his domain from Jade's experiments which looked like a sloppy bomb had gone off. All of his carefully scavenged cooking instruments were used at one point or another and clogged the sink. "Good morning Master Fast, Miss Glitter, wonderful to see you up and about sir. Just putting things back in order, Miss Jade offered but... she is quite busy yes... I think it best I attend the cleaning. And the cooking in the future..." I didn't know a robot could sound so offended.

"Sure Cogs, I'll let her know... diplomatically... Probably be some stuff to help out with up here shortly too if you want," I answered as we passed through, the Mr. Handy bobbed happily at the assurance. At last here were the dreaded stairs, I sat catching my breath at the bottom and stared up. "Glitter... go get Val, she can wake up for this and help," at my request the foal streaked down the hall and I heard the commotion of her seemingly landing on the snoring griffon like a bomb. I managed to get to the third step by the time they returned.

Yawning widely and rubbing her lavender eyes with her claws the griffon padded up behind me, "Sup boss? Filly says you're allowed to actually move around an' had a project? Whatd'ya want?" The mercenary asked but took stock of the situation and grabbed my by the scruff, sailing up the stairs with a flap of her wings and dropping me at the landing before I could answer.

"T-thanks... Now, how would you like a bigger room?" I panted watching her looking around the still untouched attic. The greedy look she turned on me with was answer enough.

"So you're what... like 200 years old or somethin'?" The big red and orange griffon looked me over like I was trying to play a joke on her and tossed a rotten pile of scrap that had been a bookshelf out the window.

Sighing I kept trying to repair the power line to the office with very weak and clumsy magic, but it was somewhat working again. I had been filling Valkyrie in over the morning while we worked, or they did mostly... We had gone through it all up to when I met her and she was now going through the second time trying to find the gag. "Something like that yeah, technically. I'm as old as I look, I just spent the rest of the time asleep."

"An' you got a whole empty Stable just sittin' out there?" that greedy glint was in her eyes again.

Sparks shot out of the junction in front of me and the lights came on, "Ha, only took three times longer than it should've... Yes, Stable 111, not far from here," She had probably flown over it several times before getting her new pip-buck and only saw a graveyard. One of Jade's variety of errands the last day since we had gotten back from Thundega had been to add to it. At least Glitter's sister Twinkle had a grave now and the foal could go visit her when we showed her. She hadn't seemed too concerned about her remains, beyond hoping they were used in the soup that sent the cook that butchered her out of this world in agony. I really hoped that didn't say more than I knew about how ponies lived up here.

"We have a Stable? A whole friggin Stable?! Of our own! Wooo boss you're turning out to be a better and better investment, glad I took the contract! Where is it? Lemme see!" she was bouncing on her claws tossing junk behind her rapid fire.

I had misgivings about spreading where the Stable was in general, the graveyard up there gave a handy excuse to go wander up the hill if we needed to without raising questions. Anypony without a pip-buck wouldn't see anything else, Val's shone or her dark claw at me, she had found red paint to decorate it somewhere... If she had one she was in the club, besides I could trust her I thought, she just made me nervous when things of high value were involved and an intact Stable was pretty valuable.

"Up the hill to the north, there's a graveyard now. You'll see it, can't miss it since you have a pip-buck now," I answered and shakily floated my tools back to my bags, pausing to jitter a second, I kept getting little jolts from my horn even if it was cooperating again.

Val didn't hesitate at all, with a gust of cobwebs and trash swirling through the room she leapt from the big rear gable window and was soaring outside. I watched her climb and circle the hill behind the house a few times before she streaked back and slammed through the window, grabbing me up in her claws.

"It's really there!! I've been in this neck of the woods plenty and that was never there! Big friggin metal disc on the ground with a 111 painted on it big as day! How'd you manage that?!" She was spinning on the spot dancing in glee, making me queasy.

"Magic... illusion... have to have... pip-buck... urk..." yeah this had to stop, my stomach was already engaged in all out war with breakfast, the division of labor just wasn't going to be tolerated.

Thankfully she stopped and released me skidding across the floor to Glitter, sweeping the loose junk up and watching the spectacle. "So you really mean it? You're from before the war!? You lived up there, all that stuff you said happened in there really did? They're... oh yeah... they're all gone huh? Sorry boss... the Institute huh?"

Well now she believed me at least, but she came right to the roadblock in my way. The Institute, a group nopony knew anything about period, and I had to track them down. "Seems that way, I want to have a talk with them... but no idea what I can do about it," I looked up at the mercenary hopefully, she got around the Commonwealth apparently, maybe she'd know something.

She did look at the ceiling scratching her head slowly, that was encouraging... "Hmmm.... well, that is a problem alright. Maaaaybe I know a guy... sorta..."

That got my undivided attention, "Really!? Who! Where!?"

Her charcoal claws came up defensively waving me back, hurt legs or no I crossed the room and was right in front of her in a flash. "Whoa, whoa boss! Easy! I said maybe, an' sorta you heard me. I know a guy that's kinda connected to the Institute in a weird way but I can tell you now he can't tell you how to find 'em, but maybe he could help. He's good at findin' missing ponies, a detective."

Val had being vague down to an art form, I glared waiting for some kind of expansion on this weird thought of hers.

"Look you wouldn't believe me if I just told ya, kinda has to be seen to be believed, just trust me. Nick Hearts n' Hooves, has an office in Diamond City across the river past Hexington and he is good at what he does. If he takes the case he'll help, pretty smart guy, classy. Now relax boss, ain't goin' anywhere and I saw company comin' to the bridge when I was outside."

Company? So far that had not been good out here, I turned to stumble to the window but Glitter had beat me there, "She's right Fast look! Traders!"

I walked up slowly but my legs were getting more sure under me, that initial surge of worry at unidentified strangers got me moving. Sure enough looking down to the wooden bridge that lead south out of Sanctuary there were a few carts and a gaggle of ponies coming. I noticed quite a few armed guards among them but nopony looked like crazed raiders and they had been effectively stopped by a couple patrolling Ponitron robots.

I still hadn't been allowed out to work on them so I had no idea how they'd react to actually having their patrol of the island interrupted, though Preston was down there greeting the strangers. Looking from my window perch all the way down the street and around the bend where the group was gathered I sighed, I could take all day getting there or... "Val, can you give me a lift real quick? I'll walk back honest."

Zooming out the window I had to give it to Val, if I actually asked something of the merc she was quick to make it happen without question. I had the feeling if I had asked her to just wipe out the whole clump of ponies down there she would have just as quickly, probably faster as it would be something fun for her instead of taxi service. With a flourish she dumped me right in front of the growing excitement at the entrance to the settlement, looking about with interest at goods for trade. She did have a lot of loot she had been collecting lately cluttering my room, I think that's why she was so keen to have the attic office cleared, more storage space for her booty.

The clump of ponies turned to the dramatic entrance, Preston looked relieved and trotted up. "Fast, good! Was just going to have to see about getting you, we have a caravan! Isn't that great? Er.. but your guards here don't seem to want to let them pass, if you could do something?"

I peered around, three pony drawn carts and a dozen ponies milled about on the bridge looking nervously at the robots pointing blazing death at them. They seemed to be reasonable folk anyway, and the carts were loaded down with goods. As I approached the Ponitrons turned and looked at me expectantly, well I was wearing the pip-buck that reprogrammed them and they were keyed to. My E.F.S. informed them what were valid targets and what wasn't, only Jade's would have given equal rights over them. However Cogsworth had convinced them to take up patrolling they still recognized my authority, that made things easier.

"ORDERS?" the lead robot asked, the shiny clear dome head was turned to me but the weapons were still locked on the bridge.

"Um... stand down? It's ok, traders are alright to let in, I think? Back to patrolling ok?" I answered the cold voice and the three robots immediately powered their magic energy weapons down and turned to resume their circuit of the island. I really was going to have to do something about them, they were in poor shape even with repair talismans functioning and their programming left something to be desired. I was already out of the house now so may as well just completely forget my orders to take it easy.

The tan earth pony hitched to the lead cart smiled and gave a curt bow, "Much obliged there young buck, heard a new settlement had just sprung up here but the welcome wagon was a surprise. Name's Dusty Hooves, now since we took the chance coming out this way perhaps we could lean on your hospitality a bit, do a little trading? Seem to have a good little community here and I'm hoping we're the first to make the run."

"Um..." Why did ponies keep assuming I was in charge of anything? The robots listened to me, repair-pony... not leader pony. Worse yet both the strange traders now crossing the bridge behind Dusty, along with the settlers who had joined Sanctuary recently were all staring at me. I was expected to respond somehow wasn't I? "Fast... I am I mean.. Fast Times that is, not just fast in general... it's my name... Er.. yes trading! That's good? I guess?"

Thankfully Sturges and Preston decided to take up the slack and moved up to start directing all the traders and guards walking by, they could have jumped in a little sooner there...

"Right this way folks, you can set up over here, nice spot we got cleared. Got a clinic up the way if any you folks need it, hoping it wasn't too rough a trip" Sturges took charge smoothly leading the carts to a concrete foundation of demolished house that had been torn down for scrap in the previous week.

Watching the carts pull up and circle the flat expanse, unhitching pullers and spreading out their gear and wares efficiently I had to marvel. These were ponies that did this for a living, traveling the Commonwealth with a heavy load weighing them down making them big targets, even the retinue of guards seemed insufficient to the task. I noticed quite a few limping or wound in bandages, yeah Jade and Xara's little clinic would have more visitors soon.

Preston had slid up beside me and addressed Dusty Hooves, taking over so I could look him over. His hooves were dusty, that definitely fit, of course so was the rest of him. Dirty dark brown mane hid under a battered old ballcap with dust covered goggles, he wore a patchwork barding with a loooot of pockets, several of which jingled drawing Val's eye. I could just make out a horseshoe cutie mark with a bottlecap in the arch.

"Glad to have you here Mr. Hooves, Preston Gardens, Minutemares. Been hoping we might see a caravan out our way. Let me give you the tour, get your crew up to speed on the rules around here." We had rules? Preston seemed to have some to list off anyway and the two trotted off down the street together.

Val was stretching up to peer over ponies milling around the traders quickly setting up shop, "Hey boss, you ok? Gots us some loot to sell, looks like they got some stuff worth a barter over..." she had her lavender eyes locked on one cart in particular that was unloading a variety of weaponry and ammo.

Looking past her I could see Glitter charging down the street, she hadn't gotten the express trip like I had. Not far behind her was a big blue alicorn swooping low to the ground in her wake, her lab coat flapping as she bore down on me... Oh yeah... I was outside... Her blue eyes were blazing with a little frown on her muzzle, that was one unhappy filly.

Thinking fast I pointed a hoof at some of the guards walking near the point she was streaking by next to Preston and Dusty, "Hurt ponies! They need help!" I yelped and watched with relief as she skidded to a halt snapping her head to where I indicated. She glared back conflicted before deciding on those who were untreated, Glitter risked a glance back as she pounded ahead of her.

"This is not inside Fast! I told you to keep him from pushing himself Glitter! You are both in trouble!" she called trotting over to one of the limping guards, her horn already glowing with healing magic. The foal dashed behind me, her silver mane flying and winced along with me.

Preston paused in his conversation with the trader pony Dusty, "Now Miss Jade we did need him when company came calling, I... sent for him to deal with our robot guards, those injured ponies there would still be stuck on the bridge if he hadn't come quick." Oh thank you Preston, just replacing 'was going to send for' with 'sent for' got both of us out of that. I could see her huff as she helped the guard toward her clinic and look back but her expression had softened.

Wasteland trading was a mystery to me, we didn't really buy and sell things in the Stable that often. Ponies would trade each other for trinkets and things they wanted or could make, but generally everything you needed was taken care of already so finance was just not a concern. What commerce there was involved a lot of charisma and dealing with ponies, wheeling and dealing, not anything I was comfortable with. I once watched Sunset start with little more than a pretty picture she drew and end up with a new dress through a convoluted series of trades, one of few in the Stable.

The makeshift market that had just magically sprung up near the bridge to Sanctuary was mind boggling to me. I knew a lot of the ponies we rescued from the raiders that stayed here had come with almost nothing, yet still a brisk trade was going on. Items salvaged working on the ruins of houses were traded for things the traders had salvaged from who knows where. Mama Xara had come down from the clinic and was haggling over herbs and medical supplies with her finished brews and healing potions.

Val put everyone to shame, it took even the powerful griffon three trips to bring in all her captured treasure to trade, she just kept dumping them at my hooves and blasting back to get more. Once she had it all down here she set about haranguing the traders at their stalls and blankets holding their wares, extracting as much as she could for as little as possible. Dozens of weapons and bloody suits of leather barding from the Thundega raiders were turned into piles of caps while I watched.

After one such exchange she padded over and looked me up and down critically, "Hmm... yeah, probably work. Ok boss, here take these and have a look around, working on some other deals so lemme know if anything boring catches your fancy." With a jingle she tossed me a large bag of caps, huh... I figured all the money she was hoarding was for herself. She really meant equal shares though, she had just taken over everything related to profit from our partnership, which was probably a good idea as she had to explain bottlecaps were used for money to me.

With funds on me the market stopped being something to just watch with interest and I started actually looking around at what was available. Off in the corner was a cart loaded with parts... woooo.... I crossed the concrete expanse and was staring at the wares with interest. Spark batteries, a small box of minor talismans, electronics, robotic parts! This pony had all kinds of interesting bits and bobs, I looked up to tell him so and nearly jumped out of my skin.

The pony watching me drooling over his wares was dead.

"See you have an eye for fine scrap and electronics there laddie buck, high quality robronco class six manipulator that is..." a mouth of yellowed teeth that showed through torn lips spoke with a soft patter. The zombie, that was what it was, a zombie... The zombie had a mottled hide, it was once purple but had blackened in several places and simply sloughed off in others. A wispy mane that was probably once blue had fallen out in large clumps and milky eyes were staring at me.

I started gibbering and backing away slowly, if the dead pony speaking hadn't sounded so friendly I think I would have pulled a weapon from my bags and just started blasting away at it. Somepony who spoke with such knowledge about the equipment laid out in front of him was just hard to kill though, dead or not. Still... my mind reeled.

"Are you ok?" Glitter looked up from my side where she had been following along as we perused all the goods. She was just sitting there in front of the undead pony without a care in the world, she actually looked confused at what was wrong.

"D-d-d-dead..." I stammered.

The little filly cocked her head quizzically, suddenly comprehension lit her pink eyes, "OH! Oh yeah, you was sayin' you came from... you wouldn't know.. It's ok, he's a ghoul. Sorry sir, he's never seen one of you before." She nodded to the zombie who smiled sadly and patted her head, holding a hoof out to me.

"S'alright young filly, first time for everyone isn't there? Though usually comes a lot sooner doesn't it? Pleased to meet you Mr. Fast, Rusty Clank at your service," I reached out automatically and only shuddered a little at the leathery touch. "Well you are a polite one I'll give you that son," he chuckled in a gravelly voice.

"W-what... H-h-how?" I managed to sputter out, my eyes wide and mouth hanging open.

Jade had finished with her new patients it seemed, I jumped feeling her touch my shoulder and walk up beside me. "Ghouls are a result of the war Fast, Balefire... The bombs are filled with necromantic energies and radiation, they can cause this effect in some cases. Though most often the result is a zombie, not a ghoul... a mindless killer pony, their brains rotted away to insanity. Ones like Mr. Clank here are rarer but frequent enough you should always be sure, they are still ponies like any other." She smiled and nodded sweetly to the ghoul then to me, an anxious look in her eye. I guess she'd sympathize with a pony many would consider a monster.

Having a doctor alicorn to give an explanation in such a soothing voice got me over the worst of the shock. Not a monster, just like Jade wasn't, just different... very different... The war had done this? Ponies and Zebras had made a world where this was considered ho-hum? The foal next to the zombie was perfectly ok with this while my brain had just tried to shut down entirely. Grunting I hit my head a couple times trying to get it over the hump, Jade was not a monster, neither was he.

"S-sorry sir... umm... b-bit of a shock... Er... you have lots of interesting stuff though.. can I take a closer look?" I forced myself forward, just a pony, Glitter and Jade were fine with him, so was I, really...

For his part the ghoul grinned and spread his hooves, "By all means! Finest parts and scrap from Hexington. All in the best condition!"

That was debatable, but he was a salespony... salesghoul.. he sold things. I expected some exageration and he did have some things I'd like to use around Sanctuary, the robot parts especially held my interest but spark batteries were always useful. If they held a charge anyway. I started going over things and setting parts aside, I wanted to get them but had no idea about the actual buying part.

"Um, how much for this stuff?" I asked cautiously, I had a bag of caps but no real idea the value of anything involved.

Rusty Clank stared over the pile appraisingly, scratching his chin and making flakes of skin drift down... "Hmm.. some of my better merchandise... 200 caps."

Checking my inventory on the pip-buck I was surprised to find not only did it list the bottlecaps but it had recognized them as currency and was keeping a running tab of them separate from the rest where bits would normally go. Odd, but yes, I had 200 of them available. I started to try floating them out but was interrupted by Glitter scoffing loudly.

"200! For that pile of junk? Come on Mr. Clank, that's 100 caps worth tops, don't take advantage of him like that! What kinda greedy ol' ghoul are you?" I goggled down at her.

The ghoul pony didn't sound insulted, actually he warmed right up to the foal. "Me taking advantage, now look her little filly that's high quality salvage from Watt's in Hexington. You know many other regular ponies who can go scavenging there and know what's worth a damn and what isn't? 175 caps just because you're cute tryin' ta defend your... daddy?"

That got a reaction from all three of us. Jade giggled slightly and held a hoof up to her muzzle, I simply blanched a moment, I wasn't old enough to be the foal's father! Glitter gasped but shook herself quickly and bore down on the ghoul taking up the barter again only losing focus a moment.

"125 caps an I'm being nice Mr. Clank, Butterin' me up won't work. F-Fast can get that stuff from plenty other traders for less who don't know what they got and fix it better than new!" Glitter was standing firm, puffing her chest out, she was really good at this whole bartering thing.

Thinking a moment and doing a rough estimate based on the maximum the foal was willing to pay for what was there I leaned forward to whisper to her, she jumped slightly when I did but listened intently after settling down before wheeling back to the trader. "Throw in all the spark batteries and I'll give 150 caps, just cause my daddy loves this junk an' it's his birthday soon..." She used her ace giving big round puppy eyes that was slightly undercut by the smirk she wore.

Wait what? "Sold!" the ghoul accepted happily while I was trying to catch up, even as a sales tactic that was frying circuits in my head.

The trader pony's celebration was short lived though when the foal paused before accepting. "25 for the batteries IF they work that is, daddy didn't raise me to be stupid." If he was falling for this I couldn't see how, I was not old enough to be anypony's father, still she had spotted his weakness and exploited it. Just a loving daughter dealing with a foalish father, he grumbled but relented.

"Alright, alright, fine. But your problem telling the difference you little highway raider, I can't charge em so don't ask," Rusty croaked and shoved the small pile of batteries to the pile.

Glitter looked back expectantly and Jade started moving toward them, I stepped forward in front of her though. This was something I wanted and I had to try to get my horn working right again. The simple charge spell shouldn't be that hard based on my weak telekinesis returning, it kept shocking me anyway, causing it to happen intentionally shouldn't be that hard. I floated the first out away from the pile to a clear spot off to the side away from everypony else, I didn't really trust my aim that much.

Jade watched with an anxious little frown but didn't stop me, she was willing to let me try at least. I stared at the first spark battery and focused on the weak little trickle of electricity I could make. If the gauge on the battery rose it was still good and could hold more than what it had retained, which was only a tiny charge. I felt another of those jittery arcs run down my horn but got nothing...

Come on! Jade was watching with an eye to my recovery, if I couldn't manage to make progress she'd keep trying to make me take it easy. I had new parts here I wanted to play with. I scowled down at the battery and focused harder, sweat springing up on my brow. I've done this a million times, even if it was weaker like my telekinesis it should work easily enough. Just. Make. Lightning!

KRAKA-THOOM!

What the hell!? I was sailing backwards through the air across the street somehow, twitching as I flew and streaming a trail of smoke. I hit the asphalt and rolled backwards, winding up sitting against a lamp post and jittering as magic arced down my horn.

"FAST!" Jade screamed and flew across the road, landing in front of me and frantically inspecting me.

"Wha?" I answered groggily and looked back to where I had been near the ghoul's stall. The battery was... gone? No.. there was a blackened scorch on the ground where it was before. The ghoul and Glitter both stared over at me wide eyed, along with most ponies in the market... huh?"

Jade and Xara's clinic was crowded... I much preferred getting house calls. I also didn't like being strapped down to the bed... I called over to the light pink stallion tending to the other patients from the caravan down the hall. Jade had found a nurse among the prisoners from Thundega it seemed.

"Hey... you don't have to keep me tied down like this... How about unbuckling me here buddy?" I called over to him pleading.

A worried expression turned to me, eyes darting around the clinic, "I can't do that Mr. Fast, Dr. Jade's orders... she was very insistent..." He shrugged and turned back to the caravan guards undergoing treatment.

Ugh! I figured on that, the leads attached to my horn itched and kept sparking. I was hooked up to a familiar piece of equipment from Stable 111's medical lab and watched the readouts blinking. I wasn't really hurt from that fiasco in the market, a little frazzled... but I felt fine. Blasting myself through the air had just confirmed to Jade I could not be trusted though, so I was strapped here while the test ran and she attended her patients in the recovery rooms down the hall. The little lab I was in was previously Mr. Hawthorne's drug lab, the chemistry lab had been augmented with zebra brewing equipment and a variety of fancy medical gear from the Stable took up the side I was on.

I hadn't been totally disallowed visitors at least, Glitter and the ghoul pony Rusty had come by carrying my purchase that had been interrupted. Getting over talking to a dead pony was hard but Rusty Clank had an appreciation for technical salvage. I had to ask where he had gotten some of the parts I bought, they were very advanced and in good shape. For his part he seemed to enjoy having someone else who shared his area of interest.

"Got em in Hexington, place called Watt's Consumer Electronics. Lot more in there but it's dangerous even for me, wouldn't mind a good run at the place though. You seem to know your stuff an how to use the junk still there, bet we could work out a deal eh?" he mused. I was slightly distracted by my pip-buck informing me it had added map markers...

Glitter stamped her hooves and jumped up to the foot of the bed between us, "Quit tryin' to deal with him directly, he's not makin the deals, he's no good at it." She had me there, in just one exchange the little filly had demonstrated how utterly inadequate I was at bartering.

The ghoul waved his rotting hooves at her, "Right, right, forgot... C'mon can't blame a pony for tryin' I am serious though, I'm even willin' to work through you 'stead of your daddy alright?"

She crossed her hooves and tossed her head, making her curly silver mane shake. I was still bothered she was trying to take on some kind of work to pay her way here, though she was much better than I was at dealing with the salvage merchant. She said she was a scavenger with her mother and sister, she must know her stuff. Though anything related to weaponry and armor she left to Valkyrie who was still haggling outside. I couldn't help but notice she hadn't corrected the ghoul's misconception either.

"What kind of stuff is there Rusty?" I was very interested in this place, I had Cogsworth and half a dozen robot guards here and not much to use to service them. Sanctuary needed security and the scene at the bridge proved even the rusty Ponitrons were pretty good in the role.

A gap toothed grin replied, "Oh the works! Place is a gold mine, well... would be if I could get to all of it. The stuff up front is basically what I sold you, it's the stuff in the back where the real caps are but nopony can get to it. There's a full robot service center back there, crated robots, parts, service equipment, talismans, everything!"

Hmm... something wasn't adding up, "If there's so much there how come no one's taken it? Why didn't you?"

Rusty shuffled and scratched his wispy mane, "Well... the front was for customers, it's ok. Been milkin' that place for years just knowing how it works, pay enough prewar bits and tell the robot clerk what you want and they fetch it. Try to walk back to the service area though... well that's for employees only and whatever's back there takes that seriously. No pony who's ever tried to scavenge the place has come back."

Well that didn't sound good. Still... all that equipment... I could do a lot with that stuff, upgrade the Ponitrons and Cogsworth, start making some real repairs to Sanctuary to handle the influx of ponies, apparently money was important up here too so there was that. At the line of thought my pip-buck flashed at me.

Mission Updated- Miscellaneous
--Deal with the Robots

Mission Added- Quality Assurance
Objective-
--Investigate Watt's Consumer Electronics

Ok... It was right though, I wanted that stuff. I didn't have Val's level of greed but a streak woke up at the thought of all that tech. I had to have it. "You'll have to deal with my filly Mr. Clank but I think maybe we can come up with some arrangement, I am definitely interested," the old ghoul smiled and bowed at the prospect, nodding to Glitter who was staring back at me happily. I had given her a job, that always made her happy despite how I felt about it.

"R-right! I'll see what he wants outta it an' get back to you Mr. Clank, now go on we gotta talk business stuff," she puffed up proudly and waved the ghoul away. With a wave he walked out, passing Jade in the hallway. Finally I could get out of here!

Or not... She looked very worried and upset, "Glitter please leave us alone, go find the griffon and keep her out of trouble," This didn't sound great... Once the foal ran out Jade wheeled on me frowning with teary eyes, "I told you to take it easy! You scared me!! DO NOT DO THAT AGAIN!" the goddess voice was made far less effective with the tears and quivering lip.

"Hey... hey.. I'm sorry... Really, I didn't know that would happen Jade, it's ok. I.. I didn't mean to scare you, I won't... I'll try not to again," Reaching out to comfort her I was stopped short by the straps. I wanted to tell her whatever she wanted to hear but I couldn't lie either, it just didn't work on the alicorn princess. I couldn't say something wouldn't happen that would get me hurt again, even my limited exposure to the wasteland proved that. "So... any idea what happened? I feel fine but I just meant to give a little trickle, honestly I've never been able to make magic like that before."

She sniffled and turned to the machine I was attached to, glanced over to the terminal nearby and tapped away at it with her magic. "I have your medical records from the Stable Fast, you have taken this aptitude test before yes? Ah here it is, now... look at the difference," she nodded to the screen as it displayed two sets of squiggly lines.

Jigs and jags ran across a representation of the spectrum of magical abilities, looking at it they were basically the same except for a couple spikes that had grown significantly more pronounced. "Umm... they're spikier?" I ventured.

Jade snorted and smiled, "Yes Fast they are spikier... For the most part they are unchanged, you actually have a good aptitude for a variety of magic, I don't know why I haven't seen you use much else before. No horn for healing at all though. The differences here are the range of the spectrum associated with lightning magic obviously as well as teleportation and some other more esoteric areas of magic."

Nodding at the lines on the screen I tried to follow along, "Ok... neat? Dad gave me that test and said I should be able to do lots of magic before too, I can't though. Never been good at it, except when it comes to machines and arcano-tech stuff. Maybe the lightning's still.. stuck in my horn? Probably just have to get it out of my system right?"

That worried look crossed her face again, "No Fast, it doesn't work that way. I-I hope the lightning merely... knocked something loose? You have an aptitude for magic but haven't demonstrated it, the strike may have simply helped unlock your potential. I am very concerned though... Directly before you had a bolt of lightning channeled into your horn you had taken a great many dangerous drugs together, including Hydra... it all may have combined into a form of taint mutation...

I want to run better tests and get another opinion, the spell to purge taint is very difficult and beyond my abilities as well, if it is needed I know of only one place to go. I wish for you to travel to Diamond City with me, though I am concerned about how to manage it. The others inform me they have excellent treatment available there but they charge caps we do not have and are selective about who they allow inside."

That made two reasons to go to this Diamond City now, Val's detective and my own treatment. I felt a little rise of panic at the thought of something like a taint mutation, but I felt fine really, no extra hooves sprouting up anywhere. I was determined to believe her first thought was right, having a bolt of lightning blasted right into your head was sure to scramble things up there. My magic had just felt overwhelmed and shaky, but it was basically working... better than normal in some areas actually.

"Ok Jade, we'll figure something out. Maybe I can come up with money to pay, Val is making a lot out there I think. Preston was talking to that trader about opening regular caravans too, we have to figure out a way to make money right? Not just for me but for everypony, I'll think about it. Can... can I get up now? I have to ask around to come up with something..."

She frowned a moment but finally her blue eyes softened and she gave me a smothering embrace on the bed while her magic undid the straps. "Very well, you need to get your strength back to be ready to travel. Do not use that spell again Fast, we may try it again if I am with you and try to get some control over it. You may not do so on your own though, you promise not to scare me again yes? I do not want anything to happen to you.." Smiling she stretched up and gave me a kiss on my sparking horn, pulling the leads attached to it away and squeezed the breath out of me before letting me up.

Hopping down to the floor only brought a little wince and I could feel myself blushing under her, "Right, whatever you say princess. I'll try not to scare you anymore, I really am sorry. Just... I'll have to do things that could get me hurt again you know? Like in Thundega? We helped a lot of ponies there, it was worth getting hurt. If I saw something like that again... I'd do the same thing even knowing. I'd have to, but I can do it knowing you're there to help me get back up again after. So... I can't promise I won't end up scaring you no matter how much I don't want to. You can't keep me that safe."

A conflicted expression crossed her face, "Y-yes I can... I.. alright, I suppose you are correct Fast. I do not like it though, you are to try your best not to get hurt." She finally relented and walked with me to the door, "I need to check my other patients but will be along shortly, stay out of trouble Fast."

I nodded trying to reassure her and walked back out into all the activity still going on in Sanctuary. I had some things to do now.

Val practically tackled me when I came in range of the market again, ponies were still doing a brisk trade and Preston and Sturges were deep in conversation with Dusty Hooves. A single bag of purchases was slung on her back and Glitter trailed behind her as asked, "Holy hell boss that was awesome! I've never seen any unicorn make lightning like that, you been holdin' out on me?!"

"I have never been able to do that Val, that was something new sorry," I answered getting a momentary look of disappointment. Apparently my ability to blast things to cinders with what should be a simple charging spell raised my value in her estimation.

She shook it off quickly though, I couldn't before but I could now, that was what she found important. "We gotta go try it out then! There's raiders out in the woods somewheres nearby, I been makin' little trips and wipin' em out when I got bored but I think there's still some out there. C'mon! I gotta see that shit used on a real target, would it cook em or just blast em to ash? Oh here, speakin' of which I got you some stuff!"

She bought me things? I figured she had been clearing out the weapon and ammo vendors of what she wanted, not shopping for me as well. I watched with interest as she stuck her head in the heavy pack she carried and started shuffling things around, thinking on what else she had said I had to curtail her enthusiasm a little. "I can't go out and pick a fight right now Val. But I think we need to take a trip soon, I'm sure there'll be plenty of chances to test it out if you're that interested."

The shaggy red and white feathered head popped out of the sack pouting, "Awww, but look! See, I got you better gear, from what you were using back in Thundega anyway I made some guesses. Don'tcha want to try it out? What trip though? Wanna see my detective pony? I wouldn't mind a trip to Diamond City, got a lot of caps to spend now." She rambled but got over her disappointment at the thought of traveling, though the foal behind her got a strange look at the news. From her sack she had started dumping her purchases in front of me.

Well she had made some good guesses, a new suit of black barding was the biggest and I inspected it carefully. It was reinforced but still light and had a strange texture, definitely superior to the now scrapped oil stained leather raider armor I had worn at the fortress we met at. There was also a thick black piece of cloth, a cloak? Well I was wearing a ratty tarp before that had come in handy but it was mainly just to freak out the raiders. Val had seemed to decide I should have another, this looked warm at least and it was crisp outside in the fall air. Finally included in her purchases were boxes of 10mm ammo that each had a different colored stripe on them and two varieties of shotgun shells along with a number of parts for both weapons.

Slowly I floated each to my saddlebags watching my pip-buck catalog and sort them all, "Thanks Val, this all looks great I think we'll get to test it out soon. Jade wants to go to Diamond City too yes so I think we'll head that way, maybe we can stop at this Hexington place on the way too, there's some stuff I want there."

"Stuff? Loot?!" she bounced in front of me.

"Parts..." that got a roll of the eyes and bored snort. "Um.. probably worth caps too, there's a trader who told me about it talking about a deal for salvage..."

As soon as the possibility of profit came back in I had her attention, "Really! Kinda a grim place but there is lots of salvage, not really my thing but if you say there's caps then ok! Well then off to Hexington!"

"Hexington you say? Was just coming to talk to you about that Fast..." Preston, Sturges and the trader pony Dusty had wandered up and joined us, Sturges looked pleased with himself as he continued. "Been talkin' with Dusty here about getting regular caravans up here, starting a little trade. Right now our biggest resource is water, we're the only source for fresh and clean thanks to the water talisman, Dusty here thinks he can broker a deal to start making shipments to Hexington, non radiated water is a big concern down that way."

Preston stepped forward to add to the conversation, I was starting to think they had planned this out and were just waiting for me. Why did ponies keep thinking I was in charge of anything? "Dusty also told us about the difficulties getting regular caravans up here. Seems they had to take the long route from Diamond City over to Bunker Hill before crossing the river and heading over to Hex. There's a bridge right there that would open a fast route right to Diamond City and to the rest of the Commonwealth, but it's a toll now, raiders have control over it. I was just saying the Minutemares should offer their help, go a long way towards putting us back on the map and helping Sanctuary, maybe even get Hexington as an ally."

Why was he giving me that hopeful look? Wait... by Minutemares he meant me... I should go help. A safe route to this Diamond City place did sound good though, it was my eventual destination, from what I had heard it was the center for everything in the Commonwealth at large. The thought of a group of raiders holding a bridge and extorting ponies to use it rankled too, they didn't build it, they had no right to just bully anypony wanting to use it. If it still stood that was miracle enough, it should be for everypony to use... A flurry of activity on my pip-buck distracted me while I thought;

Mission Updated- Miscellaneous

--Speak to Sturges about finances

Mission Added- Troubled Waters
-Objective
--Broker deal for water shipments with Hexington

Mission Added- Diamond City Blues
-Objectives
--Reach Diamond City
--Find Nick Hearts n' Hooves
-Optional Objective
--Clear the bridge to Diamond City

The pip-buck seemed to agree with everypony else deciding what I should be doing... I couldn't fault either the ponies or the device really, I agreed after all, but the feeling of being pushed along whether I liked it or not was grating. Still, I was doing each of the things it had suggested, I had decided that much. I hoped the pip-buck at least just acted based on my already set course of action in my head, instead of deciding things on its own.

"Fine, I'll look into all of it. Where are these places?" I grumbled realizing I was talking about going to abstract locations, I didn't know where they were or how to get there other than just following the arrows on the compass at the bottom of my vision. I brought up the pip-buck map to see while they conferred, alright Hexington was to the southeast near the river, almost due south of that across the river was a large marker for Diamond City.

Dusty Hooves was the one to answer, "Not far at all to Hex, Diamond City's close too if the bridge were open... We'll be moving on tomorrow, you can join up if you like. Safety in numbers and all, to be perfectly honest we'd probably gain more than you from it, your griffon bodyguard would really help get us back safe. You lookin' for work there honey? Would love to have one of you on contract for the company."

Val snorted and pushed me in front of her clutching my shoulders with her dark claws, "Nope, gots me a contract already, perfectly happy. If boss says so guess I can watch yer asses on the way down to Hex. Plenty other mercs to hire out there not already happily employed."

I was glad she was on my side, I nodded down to Glitter standing at the edge of the conversation with that funny expression still on her face and pulled myself free. If they were all making these decisions on their own they didn't need me for it, I had other things to do. Walking down the street toward the bridge Glitter fell in behind me looking at the ground and I headed for the nearest patrolling Ponitron. If I was leaving I wanted them in the best shape possible to defend this place until I could come back.

It was starting to dim down towards evening outside my workshop garage, the last Ponitron was powered down and standing under the hoist I had used for Cogsworth, these robots stood on their own four metal hooves even without power anyway. I really didn't have much to get them in shape, even with the parts I had bought from the ghoul Rusty Clank it just wasn't enough. Recalibrating their repair talismans had helped but I really did need those parts from this Hexington place.

Frowning at the internals on this one I pulled my head out of the case and glanced over at the filly in the pink dress watching me silently. "Glitter, get me that capacitor please, over there... the roundish.. thingy with the wires, yes that!" She had been an excellent assistant through the whole process but the normally fairly boisterous filly had been very quiet and reserved for some reason.

She brought the part over and sat down watching with her big pink eyes, I turned back to put it to use and heard her small voice finally speak up outside the open console on the Ponitron. "Y-you're leaving?"

The part clicked in place and I turned back to her, that pink gaze was shining wetly and very sad... "Just for a little while Glitter, we have to do some things. Um... I'll see if you can spend a few nights with Short Stack and his family, that will be fun right? Or Cogsworth can watch you if you prefer, get you settled in your new room?"

None of that looked like it sounded fun to her, tears started welling up and she wailed, "You're.. y-you're leaving me alone? B-but I thought you wanted me! T-that... that I could stay with you... isn't that what you said? Did I do something wrong? I'll do better! Please... don't leave me d-daddy!"

What? Nevermind, she was hurting, I sidled out from behind the robot and gave her a hug, letting her cry into my chest. "Easy... It's not like that, this is still your home, you didn't do anything wrong. It's dangerous out there, I'd rather you stay here where it's safe until we come back is all..."

She just kept sniffling against me, "I- I know w-what it's like out there! I... I probably know more than you! I c-can help! I don't wanna stay behind, I'll be good! Please! Please don't leave me, everypony leaves me..."

This was hard... we were just going to two settlements as part of a large, guarded caravan, civilized places in the wasteland like Sanctuary right? Maybe it'd be ok? She was so resilient it was hard remembering everything she had been through, she had lost everypony she cared about... I knew the feeling, if latching on to us was what was keeping her together wouldn't leaving her here be crueler than letting her come?

I had to change tactics, I couldn't say no to what she was asking, it just felt wrong. I stroked her mane and let her keep sniveling, "Sssh... it's ok, I'm not leaving you. I- I'm not your daddy though Glitter, I'm not that old and I'm not a good pony, you know that right?"

Her head came up and she sniffled up at me with those big puppy eyes, "I k-know... but Mr. Clank said that.. and I thought.. I n-never knew my dad, me an'... T-Twinkle use'ta imagine what one was like... an...an... w-when he said that I started thinkin'... I was pretendin' for him at first but... I w-wish you were my dad! You saved me! You let me stay! Y-you care... right? B-bein' here with you an' Miss Jade, an' Miss Val, an' even the robot... it's so nice... c-couldn't you be? I-if you wanted?"

Alright changing topics wasn't a good idea. I was still unable to refuse the foal clutching me. Age aside... she needed somepony that cared about her, I had taken on the responsibility willingly already. I promised to make sure she lived the life taken from her twin, told her I wanted her to live here, I wanted to take care of her, what difference did a title make... I was already doing it all but in name.

I sighed softly and gave up, she needed this, she'd probably get over it eventually after spending enough time around me to figure out I was not a good dad candidate. She had been through so much so fast, lost her entire family. I had too but at least I was an adult, if I were her age and totally alone in the world, I'd be desperate for somepony that cared. I had been myself actually, I had found a princess, she had found a father. I had the feeling she'd think of me that way no matter what I said, just as I privately thought of Jade as a princess regardless of reality. If letting her call me that helped her for now... what was the harm? "Glitter... I'm not a dad, I don't know how to be one. I told you I wanted to take care of you and I meant it though... If it helps you then you can call me that, I... can try to be one. Just don't expect too much, I'm not a good choice."

My ribs had mostly healed now but they still creaked under the crushing hug, earth ponies were strong... "Yes you are! Thank you! I'm s-so happy!" That was a lot of blubbering for being happy... actually that was too much blubbering? I looked around and saw Jade standing in the doorway to the kitchen, she had been adding to it... how long had she been standing there?

"Er...." was this good or bad crying?

The foal looked up and noticed the blue alicorn watching us, she finally let me go and bounded over to her. Prancing around her long legs and still weeping with a huge smile, this was confusing... "Miss Jade! D-did you hear?! Fast said I... t-that he could be my daddy! Isn't that g-great?! I a-always wanted a dad an' now I got one! S-so I can go with you all right? You won't leave me r-right!?"

Jade gave her a nuzzle before trotting over to me with the foal on her heels, "Y-yes, I heard. That is wonderful, I am very happy for you Glitter. I do not know if bringing you with us is very safe...." she glanced at me with a cocked eyebrow, "..but I suppose that is up to your father now? I do agree with you though, Fast is an excellent choice for the position." She smiled, her blue eyes sparkling and gave me a nuzzle whispering in my ear, "You are very sweet Fast, just take the job seriously..."

I nodded solemnly as she stood back watching me carefully, I wasn't accepting just on a lark. I was a pretty poor replacement for the family she had lost, but I was here and could be what she needed I thought, as long as she needed it. The little filly was still looking at me expectantly, getting her way on this still wasn't getting her way on being left alone here while we left Sanctuary for who knows how long.

The world was dangerous period, just slightly less so here at the moment. Now that I felt the weight of the title on my shoulders... I really didn't like the thought of leaving her alone. I trusted a good number of the ponies here, but leaving her by herself? Where anything could happen and I wasn't there to protect her personally? No... no I didn't like the idea of it at all. I had a good idea what I had already decided but had to hedge my bets a little anyway, Jade probably wouldn't like it. "We'll see, let me sleep on it ok?"

Glitter frowned but slowly seemed to accept getting that much, maybe she could tell she already won. Probably not a good idea to be so easily figured out as a pushover... "Ok! Sleep on it, just lemme go please! I can help, I been to Hex before! An' you are not good and barterin' Fast, umm... d-dad, you need me around to do that! I gotta go tell Miss Val, an' Short, an' Preston, an' Sturges, an' Xara, an'... I gotta go!" Grinning broadly she bolted out the open garage door leaving me flustered with Jade watching her go.

Sitting there in the floor watching her sprint around down the street I was suddenly enveloped by a lot of blue alicorn around me from behind. Long legs drew me into the strong embrace and soft feathery wings furled around me, her cloudy blue-white mane drifted around my head while she nuzzled and cooed happily. "You made her very happy, you made me very happy as well... you have a habit of doing that and you wonder why I wish to keep you safe? I should simply keep you right here... I like you just where you are," ok that soft breath puffing in my ear was going to drive me crazy... "But I suppose I cannot keep you to myself, entirely... I will begin gathering supplies for tomorrow. I do not think it is safe to take her with us, but the world is not safe either... I can tell what you are thinking already, we will protect her if you insist on allowing her along."

She gave a final squeeze that took my breath away before turning back to the house to start packing. I sat where I was, catching my breath and watching Sanctuary around me out the garage door. Ponies walked the streets with happy expressions, many turned to nod or wave at me sitting in the doorway. Lights were coming on in more houses as well as new spotlights that pointed out away from the little island of light watching for dangers outside. Newly repaired Ponitrons glinted in the gloom when they crossed into the beams, they had been given better instructions and had mixed up their patrols instead of endlessly circling predictably and they were working with Preston's new recruits.

Good smells wafted through the autumn air to me, some from Cogsworth in the kitchen of my own house. As I watched Valkyrie swooped through the air, tossing Glitter up and catching her before diving through the open upstairs window with her sack of treasure, I heard them land and pound around up there. Music drifted through the air, a soft stallion singing about how great home was. He was right, listening to all the activity in the house around me I smiled, I had a home, I had family. The rest of my family was still out there somewhere, but I had found one out here too that would help me find them. I wasn't alone... that was nice.

The wasteland sat out there in the dark beyond my home, I was going out into it again and hoped it didn't start trying to corrupt me as it had on every encounter so far. I had to remind myself the world beyond this small island was different, dangerous, twisted and wrong, but I was going and I really wasn't alone. I had friends to help me and somehow a daughter to protect, whatever was out there we'd deal with it together at least. Beaming with contentment I turned back to the last Ponitron and turned it on, sending it out to join its' fellows before walking back in the kitchen and being greeted by all the activity turning the ramshackle old house into a home again. My home.

New Perk Added!-------------------------

Robotics Expert!------------------
-- Machines will always serve ponies, at least if you have anything to say about it. Fiddling with a cadre of Ponitron guards has given you the ability to hack any robot to some degree.

Quest Perk Added!--------------------------

Jigawhat?------------------
-- A bolt of lightning to the horn has rattled some things around in there, you hope that's it anyway. You now have access to a powerful lightning spell and potentially other magic! It's a little uncontrollable at the moment though.