Chapter 11

Onward.

“Your friends will believe in your potential; your enemies will make you live up to it.”
― Tim Fargo

By the time I had regained consciousness, the entire shop had burned to little more than embers and glowing bits of metal that hadn’t been melted from the intense heat. Of course, I had little idea what was going on. Ponies were running this way and that, a bucket brigade was transporting water from the river to put out the smoldering building. They were taking no chances of that thing lighting up again, especially when so many buildings nearby were also made of old dry wood.

Cherry was sitting nearby, her mane and tail singed. I watched her cough up a long and nasty string of foul black goo, it was possibly from smoke inhalation. Shady was busy getting a gash in her cheek sewn up by Velvet Remedy, all the while she was glaring daggers at Zakk. It took me longer than I would like to admit, remembering what had happened. But when I did, my temper went up like the afore mentioned shop. I forced myself too my hooves, but the motion made my head swim, and I felt like I would topple over. My rage though, helped my keep standing, and I paid my throbbing head little heed as I roughly stumbled over to Zakk, who was eating a slice of cake.

I snarled, and knocked the confectionary from his hooves, and into the dirt, before grabbing his face and making him look at me. I panted, and my eyes had a hard time focusing on the stallion, but I didn’t care right then. “You…. Fucking idiot.” I tried to growl, but the pain in my head made me stumble over my words. “You fucking ditched us!” I snarled as I pressed my brow against his. He looked back to me, a little worry in his eyes, but also, I caught him looking back down at his dropped dessert. I growled and slapped him upside his head when he wasn’t looking. “Tell me why you left us to roast…” I was pissed at him, the entire mess was his fault, he almost got us killed, and even worse abandoned a foal to the same fate.

I was willing to continue to try smashing my hooves into his face, but Shady moved over, her fur was a mess, and she sported a black eye, and her limp was worse. She grabbed me and pulled me aside. Honestly it wasn’t hard for her to do, I was barely able to keep myself standing. “That is enough Moonshine, He deserves a serious ass kicking, but you are in no shape to exert yourself right now.” She said before forcing me to lay down once more. Velvet was there in an instant, her horn already alight as she began properly looking me over.

Cherry moved over as well, she looked about as bad as I felt, her normally pretty mane was disheveled and burned, and her eyes looked tired and sunken. I looked to her and reached out to place my hoof on hers as Velvet worked over me. “Did… did the kid make it out ok?” I asked and Shady nodded before speaking. “Yeah, the shop keeper grabbed him after you went down and they both got clear.” She said, and Cherry nodded. I sighed in relief, at least not everything had gone wrong. I look past my friends, seeing the ponies struggling to keep the fire at bay. I see the little foal from earlier crying and hugging who I guessed to be his mother as the Shop keeper sat nearby, sipping on a bottle of whiskey as he stared at what was left of his shop, and probably home.

Behind Cherry and sitting quietly beside Zakk were three ponies, and their disheveled appearance and armor gave them away as bandits, though I reserved judgement when I remembered a bit of LittlePip’s story and how Calamity shot her when she was dressed as a bandit. Cherry, who are they?” I croak out as I point at the ponies. Cherry looked over at them, and then shrugged. “Not sure, I remember seeing them as they pulled us all from the fire.” She said, and I blinked. If they were bandits, why would they pull us from the building?

“Can you have them come over here?” I ask as I wince. Velvet had just poked a sore spot on my head. Cherry nodded and went to collect the trio. A minute later she rejoined us, with the group in tow. One would have been a pretty honey colored mare with a chocolate mane if she would just take a bath. The scrawny one was a pale yellow, nearly white with a short blonde mane and a pipe wrench for a cutie mark. The last was a bulky stallion, he could have been Shady’s brother with his build and dark gray coat. But his mane was a long and messy silver.

“You all pulled us out of the fire… but you look like bandits? Care to help me understand?” I ask through another wince as my head throbs once more. The mare looks to her companions with a look of annoyance and a little bit of dominance. So, I was able to assume she was the leader. “We are bandits, and the only reason we pulled you from the fire was to take your stuff!” Said the smaller buck, an innocent grin on his face. The bigger stallion just sighed and rolled his eyes as the mare shot him a glare that could have vaporized a hell hound.

The tone shifted with the sudden jump in tension. Shady narrowed her eyes, and Cherry’s horn flickered as she activated her magic. Velvet too took up a more defensive position, and my wing reached for my still holstered revolver. If they had been more competent bandits, they easily could have taken it and shot us all. “I stopped them though.” Said Zakk, drawing a glance from us all, and making the tension drop significantly. “The only reason you are still drawing breath is because you indirectly saved them.” Came another voice. I looked over the head of the small bandit, to see Rogue standing imposingly behind them.

All three of their jaws dropped, and I saw the mare shudder at the sight of our friend. He didn’t look happy, and his horn was alight as he levitated a large caliber rifle with a big scope, into it’s sling on his back. All three bandits looked terrified of the Alicorn, but Shady brought them back to reality. “Alright, you three tell us your story, I wanna know what made you come into a busy town full of ponies in the middle of the day.” The mare sighed and at first opted to stay quiet, but once again her smallest companion spoke up, and began to tell their tale.

We listened with mixtures of anger, surprise and a little awe. I found it interesting how the Mare, whose name I learned was Honesty, could communicate with Rad Scorpions. Velvet found it interesting as well and questioned her in her technique. Honesty finally relented and explained she wanted my gear to maintain her dominance over the two brothers. And I was even more surprised to learn they wanted the White Rose as well. We listened to their story, and they finally finished with how Zakk had stopped them, and then filled in the rest of the gaps, telling us how the ponies carrying water arrived soon after, and began to fight the fire.

Through it all, Velvet continued to tend to my injuries, and by the time the bandits finished their story, so too did she finish. “Moonshine, you will be alright, but you have a concussion. Your armor already did a lot to protect you from any other internal damage, if you had your helmet you would have been spared the damage to your head.” She said, and I rolled my eyes. Our journey was only just beginning, but already we were injured and had almost been robbed of the very gear we needed if we were going to take the dam. “Anything we can for Moonshine, he can barely stand right now, let alone walk.” Cherry said, making me feel even more like shit.

She gave me an apologetic look, but Velvet nodded, and slid a healing potion in front of my lips. Drink this, it wont fix you entirely, but it will get you back on your hooves.” I looked at the purple fluid, and hesitated. The last time we used a potion to fix small injuries, I wouldn’t have almost died from a perforated lung. Shady groaned and rolled her eyes before nudging my side with a hoof. “Drink it you mule, we have more, and we can’t wait for you to heal enough naturally before getting back to the ship.” She said. And every pony nodded, but I still felt bad for using this when I wasn’t at risk of dying. Then Cherry cleared her throat. “If you drink it now I’ll…” Her voice went low as she whispered in my ear. My eyes went wide, and I blushed a bright red. Shady rolled her eyes, and Velvet just shook her head before averting her gaze.

Even Honesty the bandit was surprised at my reaction as I suddenly reached out and grabbed the potion before downing it in a single big gulp. Cherry’s eyes went as big as hub caps, as I hopped to my hooves and cracked my neck. I can’t honestly remember the last time, if ever, that I had a healing potion. I felt it slide down my throat, but it never hit my stomach. Instead the magic involved sent it straight to the injured areas. My head swam again, but in just a minute it cleared, and I felt a tingling sensation on my skull. I shook my head at the strange sensation. Then licked my lips. It had the barest hint of blue berries, and I rather liked it.

I gave myself a vigorous shake, the only thing left over was a headache, and some soreness, but it was tolerable. I moved away from my friends as I walked over to the old shop keeper. From the look I wore, he knew then that he would have rather stayed in the fire. “You. Engine. V-drive. Now.” He withered under my look. And he knew I had every reason to be mad at him, after all he was the moron who kept loaded guns on the wrong side of the counter, and a fucking jar of Nitro sitting where any idiot could mess with it. To his credit he did try to rebut me. “But your friend…” I placed my wing on his lips to shut him up. “If it wasn’t him it would have been some pony else, and they wouldn’t have been so fortunate. Your shop was a hazard for a long time, it was a Luna damned miracle no pony got killed there. So, shut up, and take me to the parts we purchased.” I growl.

He sighs and nervously stand up and leads us all toward a locked cargo container, probably where he kept even more of his stuff. Zakk, and the Bandits followed as well, keeping their distance though. I ignored them and waited while the old buck opened the container. And sitting front and center was the very parts we had purchased. I looked over the engine, satisfied with the way it looked. Shady looked it over as well and nodded. Then to our surprise, the little bandit, Wrench was his name, spoke up. “Hey, shop keep, do you have any laughing gas?”

We all looked to the exchange, listening intently and curiously. “You mean nitrous?” asks the stallion, and he nodded. “I have a hundred-pound bottle of it, why?” the bandit then looked aside and right into my eyes. “If you inject laughing gas into the engine, it will nearly double the power for a short time. Of course, you would need some pony to hook it who knows what they are doing, or you could blow that motor up as well.” He said, and I shared a look with Shady. Then she jerked her head for me to move closer. “I don’t mind letting him help us out, and the larger buck seems gentle enough, but that mare Honesty seems like she could be dangerous.” I nodded and took a second to think. “If we let them come with us, we could possibly help them. I am not endeared to them for trying to rob us, but they did indirectly save our lives. That must count for something.”

Shady nodded and knowing we would have to keep our guard up, spoke to the bandits. “Alright, Wrench, if you know what you are doing then we could use the help. You two…” I pointed at the remaining bandits. “Are welcome as well. While we don’t trust you, and you tried to rob us, we can’t let it go at that. So, you help Zakk get this stuff to our wagon, and Wrench install it, then we will call it even, or you can stay here, dressed as bandits, in the middle of town in broad daylight. And honestly I would take my first offer seeing as how the town has quieted and the confusion has gone.” I said, making it sound like they had a choice, but a poor one.

Honesty swore under her breath and knew I had them by the short hairs. “Fine, but once we are done, that’s it.” She said, and Shady shook hooves with the bandit Mare. “It’s a deal.” Shady said, and then paid the shop keeper for the bottle of gas, and the electrics Wrench said he would need. While we pulled anything we would need from the mess of junk within, I stumbled on a used NCR ranger helmet. It was dented and scratched, but it still looked functional. “I’m taking this too!” I said as I slid it over my head and it connected to my armor with a soft click. I waited for it to boot up, before continuing to dig through the scrap. Shady sighed and hoofed over a few more caps for my new helmet as well.

Wrench guided us on the stuff he needed, and the other bandits, as well as Zakk worked together to haul the bits back to the wagon. Rogue helped them too, if only to make sure they didn’t do any more harm, and to carry the heavy engine and transmission. By the time the sun began to fall, we had everything loaded, and Quick Shot took to the air with Rogue. We all waited on the outskirts of town for them to unload our findings before coming back for us.

I was content to lay on the ground and play with the features of the old helmet while the others just mingled and waited patiently. Zakk was sitting with the bandits, and just his presence kept them in line. From what I heard, he was like a living legend to their company. Shady. Cherry, and Velvet were off to the side whispering quietly, and giggling occasionally, probably sharing gossip or other mare related stuff.

In my search through the helmets features, I stumbled upon a radio function, and clicked it on and searched for Homages station. Once I found it, a song came through one of the internal speakers. I listened to it, enjoying the beat, even though the lead singer’s voice had an odd accent and sounded kind of nasally. After a few minutes of it, it finally ended, and Homage, disguised as DJ-pon-3 spoke. “That was NeighC/DC with Derpy Deeds. Honestly I get the feeling this band wrote it as a playful jab at Manehattan’s Ditzy Doo.” I chuckled softly, now that she mentioned it, it did sound like they were talking about her. “Alright Children it’s time once more for the news. The small boat town of Star Board got quite the surprise this morning as one of their shops spontaneously caught fire. No fatalities are reported, but three ponies were dragged from the building. From what I can see, all of them are alive and well.”

I smiled inside of my helmet and stood up. I took a quick look around for the nearest broadcast tower, and once I spotted it, I waved in it’s direction, hoping Homage would spot me. “Ah it looks like one of the survivors is listening to my broadcast and waving at me to let me know they are alright. Just to let you know that all looks good on the horizon for you all, and hope you have safe travels.” Homage said chipperly, and I immediately recognized one of our code words. Horizon was code for the Hoofington dam, ya know, as in Project Horizons. And it looks like the had no idea we were coming. That still didn’t mean the operation would be smooth though.

“Any way children, that’s all for the news right now, and coming up we have…” I cut off the broadcast, and gave another wave of recognition toward Homage, letting her know I got her message. That was when a meek voice caught me so off guard I jumped. “Umm Mister, who were you waving at?” I looked down at the source of the voice, to see the little foal from earlier had come up beside me and was squinting at the horizon to see what I was looking at. I let my heart rate calm down for just a minute before responding.

“I umm, thought I saw some pony I recognized before they crossed the horizon.” I lied, hoping he took the bait. He nodded and accepted it, not having any reason to think I would lie. “I suppose that helmet lets you see stuff I can’t” He said, giving me a perfect out. I nodded and said “Exactly!” With a little more enthusiasm than I wanted. He paid it little mind and smiled up at me. I smiled back, and realized he couldn’t see it, so I quickly pulled off my helmet and set it on the dirt beside me while I knelt beside him.

He watched me, and I could see him getting more comfortable after I knelt. I waited patiently while he played with the words he wanted to say, but I decided to speak for him to help him relax. “Why are you out here, won’t your mom be worried?” I ask, and he looks over his shoulder to the cream-colored mare sitting not to far away and casting a weary glance my way. Not that I could blame her, she almost lost him once today. “I see, so what made you come over by me?” I ask, and he scuffs the ground with his little hoof.

“Well the others looked busy, and Mumma always told me to never interrupt grown-ups.” He replied, and I smiled. It sounded like his mom was teaching him well. “That is good advice.” I said softly, and he smiled. “Plus, you were over here alone, and since you are so much smaller than the others, I felt safer talking to you!” He said with a small squeak in his voice. I bristled as he called me small. I didn’t have a complex about my height, but I hated others judging me for it. But for some reason, with the adorable way he said it, I couldn’t be mad at him.

I fake a small smile and ruffle his mane with a hoof.” You aren’t so tall yourself kid” I teased, and he scrunched up his muzzle and puffed out his cheeks. “I’m big for five years old!” He chirped defensively, and I chuckled at his indignation. “Alright, alright, I am sorry.” I apologize despite still laughing softly. He took a moment to let the slight pass and recollect himself. I had to hoof it too him, he was mature for his age. “Yeah, anyway Mister, I came to say thank you for saving me.” I could tell while he meant the thanks, he was still shaken from the near-death experience.

I couldn’t help it, my eyes teared up as I witnessed his fear, and I gently scooped him up and hugged his little body gently. He tensed, but when he realized what was happening he relaxed, and wrapped his hooves around my neck, returning the hug. I heard him sniffle and hug me tighter. I felt him shaking against me, and I softly patted his back. “Kid you were very brave today, and I am proud of you.” I said, and I knew they were the very words he needed to hear right now. “You don’t need to thank me for saving you, it’s something every pony should do, and any pony who wishes to be good would do the same.” I whisper as I hug him.

We hold the little embrace for a time, letting him calm himself down, and recompose himself. “Thank you, Mister.” He said and released me. I let him go as well, and I ruffled his mane once more. “Don’t worry about it squirt, and you can call me Moonshine.” I said kindly before he smiled and stuck his tongue out at me for the nick name. “I’m Broom Handle.” He said, finally introducing himself, and holding out his hoof. I look at it for a second, before gently bumping mine against his. “Nice to meet you kid.” I say sincerely. “Now hang out for just a second, I have something for you.” I said, and his eyes lit up as he sat and waited patiently.

I unholstered my pistol and laid it on the ground, before taking one of the bullets out, and then yanking a few strands on my tail out. I wince, but it was worth it as I quickly twist the strands together and tie them around the flared end of the bullet. Then I tie the two ends together and make it into a decent necklace. I then turned around and smiled at the little foal before gently hanging it around his neck. His eyes lit up at the gift, but I lifted his face to look me in the eye. “One day, you will have to protect the ones you love, just like I do. When that day comes fight if you must, kill if you must, but never take pleasure in it. Always do what is right, and never be cowardly.” I finish the small speech, and give his mane yet one more ruffling, before sending him on his way.

I watched as he smiled and turned to run to his mom, who was looking at me with a smile and tears in her eyes. I gave her a little nod, and she returned the gesture before turning and leaving with her son. I watched them go, and it took me several moments to realize why my vision had grown blurry. I shook my head and wiped my eyes to dry them. I then realized I wasn’t alone when I turned to see Cherry and Shady standing beside me. “That was really nice of you Moonshine.” Cherry said with a small and emotional smile. Shady was likewise smiling and patting me on the back. I cough and clear my throat as I pick up my revolver with my wing and give it a little twirl before slipping it into its holster.

“It’s no big deal I said softly as I face my friends. And Shady rolled her eyes and Cherry snickered. “Moonshine, I know how much pride you take in your tail, so for you to do that was a very big deal.” Shady said, and the weight of what I just did hit me hard. I whipped my head around to see the spot on my tail where I ripped the strands out. “Shit my tail!” I complain as I look at what had happened. “Shady snickered and Cherry matched her as they witnessed my reaction. I shook my head and shrugged it off. There was nothing I could do but lament what I did to my tail and continue like it never happened.

Cherry continued to giggle while I fretted over it, and then gave me a gentle hug. “The best gifts often come at a sacrifice of the giver.” She said, and I nodded. And I did feel a little better, knowing I made that kids day, and in the fact that my tail would be fine in time. I sigh and smile at my friends, as I give them all a hug. It was a small gesture, but after everything, it was the most important hug in my life at that moment. Velvet stood nearby, smiling softly as she watched us, and the trio of bandits were super confused, and Zakk was barely intrigued, but brushed it off as well.

We sat quietly for another half hour, I didn’t feel like giving Zakk the time of day right now, let alone a conversation. Cherry and Shady felt the same too, and we all just relaxed on our own. Velvet was nearby as well, still fretting over our injuries. Shady was favoring her bad leg enough for Velvet to investigate it. While she had done no lasting damage, the metal plates in her leg had been stressed, and had put too much strain on the bone. Velvet had recommended more rest.

I was still dealing with the damage to my head as well. While I was still healing, I had a nasty headache that refused to go away. I sighed and pressed my hooves to my throbbing temples and closed my eyes for a time. Cherry placed a hoof across my back and kissed my cheek. I was happy to have her close, it made me feel better.

A short time later, we heard the wing flaps form both Quick Shot and Rogue. We stood clear while Quick Shot landed, and Rogue beside him. Shady, Wrench, Velvet, Cherry and myself all loaded up. Zakk, the other two bandits, and Rogue would stay behind for the next ride. I knew the Alicorn would keep an eye on the remaining bandits and Zakk. So, I let the worry filled thoughts fall away as I leaned back in my seat and got comfortable. Well as comfortable as I could get with a puking unicorn next to me. Seriously we had to address her fear of heights.

By the time we touched down on the deck of the White Rose, Gawd was waiting for us. But as soon as she saw the bandit Wrench, her gun was in her talon trained on him. I stepped in front of him and knocked Gawd’s gun up. “Whoa, he’s fine. It’s the other two you need to keep your eye on.”I said, vouching for the innocent earth pony. Gawd narrowed her eye at me, but begrudgingly slid her weapon back into its holster. “Where is the new engine?” Shady asked, and Gawd pointed with a talon. “It’s downstairs already, waiting for you.”

With that I nodded my thanks, and lead Wrench below decks with Shady brining up the rear. Not only due to her leg, but I knew she was making sure he didn’t try anything now that he was on the boat. I wasn’t worried, he had a simple way about him, almost a childlike innocence. As soon as we entered the engine bay, his eyes lit up, and he rushed over to the pile of parts, and quickly stripped off his bandit gear. Shady took up watch, and I stripped off my armor before diving into the greasy mess with the soft-hearted bandit.

I marveled as he had already gotten the old engine ready to be pulled out by removing only six bolts with his wrench. Together we strained and worked to get the old engine out of the way, and for the next half hour we toiled in prepping the area for the new motor. The old V-drive went next, and soon we had the bay clean. By now Rogue and the others showed up, and with their help, we lifted the much larger engine and lowered in into place. Wrench wasted no time in getting it bolted into place, and in only twenty minutes, the engine was ready for a test fire. Wrench tapped to wires together, and the starter engaged. The new motor groaned and tried to start, but all we got was a sputter and a burst of flame from the carburetor.

I had to move aside, and then shady had to take a blanket and whip it over my head to put out the fire in my mane. while Wrench adjusted a few things, and tried again, I watched on in amazement. This time the engine roared to life with no effort, and Wrench quickly disconnected the fuel line, and forced it to die again. “Alright, it’s in. now we need to connect the V-drive, exhaust, and the laughing gas.” Wrench said, and I nodded. “I can handle the V-drive. Shady, can you work on bolting up the exhaust?” I asked as I moved behind the engine, and Shady nodded before moving to one side and wordlessly getting to work.

In another half hour, I had the V-drive bolted up, and Shady had the exhaust done. But Wrench had taken off what he called the intake, and drilled small holes into it, and was busy installing new fittings into the cast housing with care. I had worked with cast iron before, and if you weren’t careful with it, it would crack, and seeing as we had no replacement intakes, we really needed him to perform well. But I needn’t have worried. In no time at all, he had the intake placed back onto the engine, and quickly bolted it back down. While I helped him here, Shady took the easier job of wiring the nitrous deliver switch. I guessed she knew this ship better than any pony and could recognize what switches worked and which didn’t.

I flopped back when the last bolt was tight. We had spent three hard hours installing the new engine, and it was well spent, but it left us exhausted. Cherry was there now and was giving out some old rations she had bought in Tenpony. I ripped open the bag with my teeth and dug into the two-century old food. It didn’t last long, and neither did the accompanying bottle of water. Shady likewise chowed down, and Wrench was surprised when Cherry offered him one as well. “But we tried to rob you” He said as she looked down at the food.

I moved over next to him and patted his back gently. “Yes, you did, but you also pulled us out of a fire, so just accept it otherwise you will have to deal with a crying Cherry, and none of us want that.” I said jokingly before bumping my flanks with hers. “What! I don’t cry!” She said, and then we all burst into laughter. It wasn’t that funny, but we all had a long day, and needed the moment.

By now the sun had gone down entirely and our work was complete, Rogue had gone under the water, and installed the new propeller we had gotten. Wrench had explained why we needed it, something about power and the smaller prop wouldn’t be efficient for the new power we were making. The tired Alicorn was laying on the deck, drying off by the time we made it up. Zakk was looking over the bandits, and Velvet was sitting nearby, keeping a watchful eye. Gawd however wasn’t so inconspicuous about it, she was sitting right in front of them, her gun in talon.

When Wrench rejoined them, Gawd looked upon the trio with a dark glare. “Thanks for your help Wrench, Celestia knows I don’t like bandits, but you are alright.” Said the Gryphon before she cleared her throat. “that being said, we can’t allow you to go.” I reeled, looking at Gawd in surprise as she leveled her gun at the largest one. Slug. Every pony was stuck in surprise, and none of us could make a move to stop her. Well that is except Zakk. Just as Gawd was about to pull the trigger, he stuffed a pickle behind her trigger, keeping it from firing. Then Zakk was eye to eye with Gawd, and his normal attitude was gone. This would be another of the rare times he was serious.

“You can’t. they helped us, be they bandits or worse, they still helped. And you want to thank them by shooting them!” Zakk shouted, making the bandits crouch in fear, and Gawd take a step back. “What would you have me do! They know who we are, the last thing we can afford is the element of surprise to be ruined by a few raiders!” Gawd shouted back at the grey pony. But now that Zakk had provided the opportunity for us to wrap our brains around what was going on, Cherry spoke up. “I am the last pony to want to agree with Zakk, but he is right.” Shady nodded, and Gawd looked at my friends, and growled. “What would you have me do then? We can’t have them wandering around and telling others about us.” Gawd questioned like her choice was the only viable option.

Every pony around then looked to me, waiting to see what my thoughts were. I cleared my throat and took a deep breath before speaking. “You are right Gawd, we can’t have them out and about.” Gawd nodded and lifted her gun at the bandits yet again, all my friends looking at me in shock. Before she could fire her gun though I continued. “That being said, I won’t let you kill them either.” It was Gawd’s turn to look at me in surprise as I moved closer and took her weapon from her with a quick motion. “You told me when we first met that you and the NCR would do like Fluttershy says and do better. This isn’t better.” I keep my voice low but kind as I toss the weapon to Rogue, who caught it and nodded his agreement.

I then turned and faced the trio of bandits, all three of them looking at me with hopeful eyes. “You three are the worst bandits I have ever heard of.” I said before Honesty cut me off with a small smile. “But you have heard of us.” She said, and I ignored her. “The worst bandits I have ever heard of, and I doubt the job suits you. I am giving you just one more chance to change. I am vouching for each of you and sparing you the executioner.” Gawd flinched at my words, and I saw velvet grow a nostalgic look at my words, but I pressed on. “Zakk, you are in charge of these three.” At this Zakk groaned and began to whine. But he shut up when I rounded on him. “You left us to die and left a small foal to the same fate. This is your punishment.”

Cherry and the others nodded their approval and I continued. “You will make sure they are fed, and they will bunk with you.” I then turn and look back at the bandits. “If Zakk is asleep, and you aren’t, you will do anything the captain tells you to, this is her boat, and her word is law. Do I make myself clear?” all three of the bandits gave their understanding. And I walked away to regroup with my friends. “That was well handled Moonshine, I never would have thought to punish Zakk at the same time as keeping them alive.” Shady said with a smile. But that quickly fell too. “we will all have to be on our hooves now. Gawd isn’t happy, and while I spoke up for them, I don’t trust the bandits. So, we will take turns with guard duty.”

Shady sighed, and Cherry nodded, up until now, we could trust every pony onboard. I rubbed my temple again and groaned. Even through it all my head ache was still there, and now it was worse. Still I pushed it aside and walked up to the captain who was watching on with wide eyes. “You certainly know how to deal with situations.” She said as soon as I was close enough. I sighed and took a seat next to her. “I’ve had too when my life has been one situation after another. Now your boat has a working engine but be careful with it until you get used to it.” I said, and she nodded before kicking her crew in action.

“Raise anchor, lookouts get your heads outta your asses, we are moving this tub!” She shouted as she reset her hat upon her head. I watched on as she moved to the wheel, and once the anchor was up, she punched the throttle, and with a roar we heard the engine crank over and rev as it built power. Even in a boat this heavy, we all felt the ship lurch and begin to skim across the water like never before and head out toward the sea.

Rogue took off from the deck and patrolled the skies and the water below. Shady slumped on the deck, and Cherry moved off to make sure Zakk did his job with the bandits. Quick Shot went about servicing his wagon, and I flopped against the wheel house, before Velvet made her presence known with a short and polite cough. I lifted my head up and looked at her. “What is it Velvet?” I asked, not unkindly, just tiredly. She sat down beside me and sighed as well. “It’s been so long since I had to witness difficult decisions like that. You just remind me of LittlePip when she first found me in the wasteland.” Velvet said, and I narrowed my eyes at the mention of that cunt. But Velvet paid no attention to me, she was too far gone down memory lane.

“I know it’s hard to believe, but there was a time where she didn’t want death, just like you do now. But back then… the wasteland wasn’t kind to pacifists.” Velvet said, and I remained silent. “I know you hate her so much, and I can’t understand it because I wasn’t in your place. But you really remind me so much of her. I suppose I am just feeling sentimental.” I listened to her, letting her comment about me reminding her of LittlePip slide. She was tired as well, and I suppose she got like this with a lack of sleep.

She fell silent, as she then lit up her horn and scanned me once more. I didn’t move, and still said nothing as she looked me over. Finally, her horn dimmed once more, and she opened her eyes. “Your skull is healed, and you no longer have a concussion. But I suspect you are still having a headache?” I nodded the affirmative, and she slid a bottle of pain killers to me. “Take two with a bottle of water, then get some rest.” She said then moved off to get some sleep herself. I sighed and took the pills dry, and then pulled out my journal. I knew I needed to rest, but with the events of the day, I just couldn’t. so I pulled out a pen and began writing once again.

I spent the better part of the night working in my journal, the last little bit before I went to get some sleep, stretching my wings, ever since I had used them the draw my gun on Gawd, I had spent a little time each day trying to get control over them. I felt they were getting stronger and more useable, but still they caused me discomfort. I rolled my neck, and practiced flapping them, but the motion was uncoordinated. I knew I was still ways away from actually flying, but I felt practice would make perfect.

In the middle of my stretches, Quick Shot came over, having seen me from the sky wagon. “Hey, are you practicing?” He asked, and I grew self-conscious, which made my wings snap against my back. “Hey ummm, yeah. I felt it would be wise if I had some control of my wings before I try flying for the first time.” I admit, and cough into my hoof. “Anyway, did you need something Quick Shot?” I asked, and he shook his head. “Nah, but I figured you could stand to get some pointers from…ya know… another Pegasus.” He said and fluttered his wings for emphasis.

I rolled my eyes, and then sighed. “Sure, but not a word of this to any pony else.” I say, and he nods. “No problem.” He says before moving up beside me. “Now, spread your wings.” He commanded, and I did, with some struggling on my part. Quick Shot gently gripped my wing, and fanned it out, making the tendons stretch. I wince as he looks over my limb like a doctor. “Alright, primary feathers look good, and the secondaries are taking shape.” He says before gently releasing my wing. He then moves in front of me and spreads his wings. “Do what I do.” He says, and I nod before spreading my wings like him.

It took me a minute to get my shaky wings stable, but once I did, he ran me through a few poses and told me to copy him. I did, albeit slowly. “Alright bro, try to move the tips of your primary feathers, and only the tips.” I nod and clench my teeth as I try to make the motion happen. Quick Shot laughed at the face I made, and I shot him a glare.” Shut it, it’s not easy.” I said, and he laughed even harder. “Actually, it is, it’s you who is making it worse.” He says, and I look at him with confusion in my eyes. “You are thinking about it instead of just doing it. Do you think about walking or do you just do it?” He asks, and I give him a flat look. “You are over thinking it, just do it.” He said and folded his wings, before snapping them back out at will, and flexing his primary feathers.

I try to do the same, but it was difficult keeping my mind clear. “Alright, better, but not enough. I want you to tell me about the first time you met Cherry Wine.” He says, and my wings pop even harder from my back and I couldn’t fold them up again. “Oh… Wow my bad.” He says and tries not to chuckle. I blush and grit my teeth, both from embarrassment and my growing anger. “Hey, it’s not my fault she jumped my bones.” I growled, and Quick Shot fell over in laughter as Cherry moved over next to me and kissed my cheek. “It is your fault for looking so cute” She teases and then runs for it as I chase her around the boat.

She giggled and laughed, until she looked over her shoulder to see me closing in on her. “Oh sweet honey ice tea!” She says past her laughter and pours on the speed. I wasn’t about to let her get away so easily though, and with one push from the deck, my wings caught air, and I glided into her, and tackled her to the floor next to the sky wagon. She let out a soft “Eep” and lay on the floor under me. I panted, and shook, having nearly come close to flying just then, but my wings already hurt from bearing my weight for that short time. Cherry noticed, and placed a comforting hoof on my cheek, and then hugged me until I relaxed. I closed my eyes, and hugged her back tightly, and before I realized it, my wings were wrapped around her as well like a protective cocoon.

We remained like that for a short while, before she let go, and looked me in the eye. We were safely hidden behind my wings, and she whispered so low only I could hear her. “I know you have had so much thrown at you lately, good and bad. Ponies looking to you for leadership, ponies trying to rob you, and ponies trying to kill you. I have seen how much this has been weighing you down, and I want you to know, I will always be beside you to help shoulder the burdens that you carry.” I listen carefully to her words, and without realizing it, my eyes began to water, and soon fresh tears streaked down my cheeks.

Cherry was right of course, in such a short time it felt like the whole world had decided to bear its weight on my back and being me, I tried to hold it alone. What Cherry had said meant the world to me, and I knew she meant it. I held her closer and let my silent tears fall, both in happiness to have her with me, and in pain for all the bad stuff we had already been through together in such a short time. “We have had to keep moving for so long, and under such stressful conditions… Once we are done with our business at the dam, what do you say we all take a few days to recover. Luna knows we need it.” I say softly past my tears, as I look at her. For her own internal strength, she was still trying to hold back her own tears.

“I would like that.” She says softly and hugs me again. We remain like that for a short time, letting our eyes dry enough before we finally separate, and I fold my wings against my back. Funny how they didn’t feel sore any longer. Cherry and I hold eye contact for a while longer before we break apart. She needed to get some rest, and I did as well. Then she grabs my hoof and leads me to the wagon. “Let’s go.” She said and pulled me inside. Just before she closed the door though, I heard Quick Shot run up and try to keep us out.” Hey, I just cleaned in there, I don’t need to be cleaning up your after-sex mess!” He said loudly, and I flushed brightly. Cherry just shoved him back with her magic, and before shutting the door, she said loud enough for maybe half of Equestria to hear, “You wont need to, I’ll clean it up.” She said, before giving me a malicious smile. I gulped as she closed and locked the door behind her. “Uh oh.”

By the time the next morning came to pass, and every pony was out and about, I was still passed out curled up next to Cherry. Then we were rudely awoken by a splash of cold water to our faces. We screamed and flopped onto the floor, panting and gasping. Our manes clung to our faces and backs, and we both jumped to our hooves to face whoever had woken us up. Shady was standing there, holding an empty bucket and smirking evilly. “Rise and shine you two.” She said and bit her lip, trying not to laugh at the anger in our eyes. I snorted my discontent at her, and shoved her back out of the wagon, before slamming he door and making sure it was locked this time. “Fucking cunt biscuit.” I swore, and Cherry giggled despite dripping onto the steel floor. “I suppose it would be to late to try and go back to sleep?” I ask, and Cherry nodded. “Sadly, yes. I doubt the others will give us more than a few minutes.” Cherry said and sighed before slowly pulling on her armor.

I grumbled to myself the entire time as I too pulled my armor on and latched it into place. A few minutes later, after letting our selves dry off, we left the sky wagon, and both of us shot glares at Shady. Who laughed like a maniac as we walked past. I ignored her and went to the front of the ship. We had only been back on the move for a few hours, but already we were back at sea. I stood and stared out at the empty water, having to squint from the glare of the sun.

Rogue landed beside me after a few moments and joined me in looking out to the water. “You might want to hold onto something, the Captain is about to try the nitrous button.” He said. I looked over my shoulder to see Wrench talking with Salt Lick and a very eager expression on her face. Then everything went wild. At first, I only heard the engine grow louder, then I felt the G-forces pushing me back subtly at first but growing stronger. I wrapped my forehoof around the railing and held on as the bow of the ship lifted and we picked up even more speed. I heard the old hull creaking, but the ship was skating across the glassy water, leaving behind a spray of water nearly a quarter of a mile long.

I heard the Captain cheer over the noise, and I looked of to the starboard side to see yet another ship growing closer with our speed. Before long, I saw the Sea Horse for the first time in over a month, and they were headed to Hoofington like us. The White Rose shot past them, rocking their ship with waves left in our wake. I tried to look back, but my hoof slipped from the railing, and I was sent tumbling backward. Rogue tried to catch me, but he was a moment too slow. I shouted in surprise as I rolled along the deck and slammed hard into the wheel house.

I was pressed against the metal shell, but my perch wasn’t safe, Salt lick turned the ship to avoid another capsized ship, and when it did the forces pushed me around the side, and I tumbled past Cherry, and bounced off the deck and over the rear railing. Luck was on my side then, a long length of rope was swinging violently behind the ship, blown into the air by the spray of water down below. I reached out and bit down on it, feeling my jaw pop and shoot pain through my head. Still I bit down, and wrapped my hoof around the rope, trying to keep hold.

As soon as my weight was added to the rope, I felt myself beginning to sink lower toward the water, and the last thing I wanted was to be drug behind the speedy boat, I knew my limbs would be ripped off. So, I let the air pressure rip open my wings, and out of desperation, I struggled to angle them to increase altitude. I felt my feathers spread with air, and my wings extend even further than before. I also felt tendons stretching painfully, but I knew the alternative would be worse if I closed them. I knew the entire scene looked like I was some prewar kite being dragged along by a boat, but right now I was feeling extreme pain and fear.

I did my best to hold on, my heart thundering in my chest, as I saw a large purple alicorn come tumbling through the air toward me. Rogue had come to get me. His wings unfurled, and he wound up just beside me, and grabbed on to the rope. We couldn’t talk over the noise filling our ears, but I could see his fear for me as he wrapped a hoof around me, taking some of the stress off my wings. I grabbed onto him, letting him take the brunt of the work. We hung on for all we were worth, until finally the ship began to slow after Salt Lick released the button. Rogue sensed the change in speed and spread his wings before slowly flew us back to the boat.

We collapsed onto the deck and lay there panting and exhausted. Rogue was far better off than I was though, while he had some rope burns, my jaw had been dislocated, and my foreleg felt like it was nearly pulled off. But none of that was anything compared to how my wings felt. I lay there, gritting my teeth and trying to comfort my new appendages, but failing because I couldn’t reach the spot where they met my back. I rolled and thrashed, only making it worse.

I don’t remember everything clearly, I remember a needle enter my flank, and several sets of hooves trying to hold me down, so I didn’t hurt myself any further. Then everything went hazy. I lost any memory of the next few hours save the ponies I loved crowding around me.

I jerked awake after a while. At some point I had fallen asleep, and only now regaining consciousness. What had happened when I landed on the boat with Rogue? My eyes danced around as I tired to focus on where I was. I saw wooden slats above me, and I was laying somewhere comfortable. I felt the rocking of the boat from side to side, and I heard the steady hum of the engine. I rolled to the side, and slowly pieced together that I was on the White Rose. Shady was sitting nearby, her head resting on the bulkhead as she slept, and Cherry was sprawled on the floor beside my bed likewise asleep.

I felt like crap, my jaw hurt like crazy, and my foreleg felt like it was on fire, but my wings felt like they had been ripped off. I struggled to reposition myself and look at my back. I felt sore muscles stretch and tendons pop, but I was relieved to see my wings were still there, though they were bandaged to my sides, and I saw small spots of blood. I looked away, and silently pushed myself from the bed I was occupying. Many ponies were scattered around, sleeping in all different positions. I snuck past them, noticing all my gear was stored in a corner. I paid it no mind as I made my way above decks.

The sun was beginning its descent toward the western horizon. The ocean was still and calm, and a soft breeze grabbed at my mane. I struggled to keep my hooves steady, I was very weak and had no idea why. I grabbed onto a railing and held onto it. My vision swam a little, and I shook my head before toppling over. I never hit the deck though as a crimson glow enveloped me and caught me. I looked around for the source to see Velvet trotting up to me, her eyes wide.

“Moonshine, what are you doing up, you should have been out for a few more hours at least.” She said as she gently lowered me to the deck and began looking me over. “I just woke up, I didn’t choose to, it just happened.” I said as I lay on the floor and let my head flop down. “You are still under the effects of Med-x and my anesthetic spell. You should be a drooling SLEEPING mess right now!” She said loudly and double checked my bandages around my wings. I wince as she moves the limb, and she takes notice. “I see, you woke up because you are starting to feel your injury.”

I nod softly and grunt as my wing involuntarily pulls itself back to my side. Velvet sighs and takes a seat beside me. “It’s too early to give you more medicine, and I don’t think you would appreciate me using my anesthetic spell on you again.” I nod once more in confirmation. I wanted to talk more, but not only did I not have the energy for it, my jaw felt like I got hit in the face with a boat anchor. But I did have to ask at least one question. “What… what happened?” I asked through clenched teeth. Velvet sighs and looks out onto the calm water. “When you were flung from the boat, your wings were severely strained. While no long-term damage was done, you did pull several muscles and stretch the tendons almost to the breaking point. If it had been under normal air pressure you would have been fine, but they weren’t ready for that kind of strain.”

I nod once more and try to crack my neck, but when it did, it hurt like hell. Velvet just shook her head and tapped my head with a hoof. “No more of that for a while, your bones will need time to heal as well.” I grumbled and sighed. “How long will I be unable to walk properly?” I ask somberly, and Velvet smiled before replying. “Soon, you are still under the effects of my spell, but once it wears off you will be fine. Though you will hurt. A lot actually” She said and dug into her bag for the same pain pills she had given me a few days ago, but I shook my head and pushed them away. “I’ll be fine, just need some time.” I said not unkindly, and without another word she patted my head and moved off to get herself some much-needed rest.

It had been a few days since then, every pony was gearing up for the upcoming confrontation with the NCR, and there was a growing tension in the air around the White Rose. I could see it in the body language of every pony I came across. I could hear it when they spoke, and I could feel it when they helped me change my bandages. I still hurt from my unplanned flight lesson, but soon it was only an annoyance and not an inconvenience. There was one pony who seemed unaffected by the tension, and yes you guessed it, it was Zakk.

I came across him as he was busy making food for the three bandits. I was going to ask why he was mixing sugar apple bombs with sparkle cola, but I decided against it. I had to hoof it to him, the trio were oddly well behaved, and I hadn’t heard of any issues so far. I stepped closer to Zakk for the first time since installing the new engine and tapped his shoulder. He paused in his work, a bottle of sparkle cola held in his hooves that never seemed to stop pouring. “Uhm, what are you doing?” I ask as I point to the mess he was making in a large bowl. He took a quick glance, still spilling soda on the floor, and then answered. “It’s oatmeal.” He said and returned to his… cooking? “Doesn’t oatmeal require… ya know, oats?” I ask, making him glance back at me then set the bottle down and throw his hooves up in exacerbation. “well no one told me that!” He shouted.

I raised an eyebrow at him and then smirked. “Well to be fair it is kind of in the name.” I said, and Zakk seemed legitimately surprised. “Now it all makes sense, my entire understanding of the fabric of the… WHAT ARE YOU DOING!” He shouted and pointed over my shoulder. I turn to look, seeing Honesty walking past the door, with an old magazine between her teeth. “Uhm going to the bathroom?” She said cautiously after pulling the book from her mouth. Zakk looked indignant for a moment, before nodding and saying, “Carry on.”

I was confused at the behavior of this group, but that paled in comparison to what happened next. Slug, the larger bandit came passed at that point, and hearing Zakk’s words, he poked his head into the kitchen and in a deep voice he asked, “My wayward son?” I didn’t know what that meant, but Zakk did and whirled upon him, a wooden spoon clutched in his fetlock. “Did you just make a random reference?” Slug nodded, just now realizing that he stepped into Zakk’s territory without knowing it. Then Zakk moved closer and pressed his forehead against his. “That was a good one… Don’t do it again!” He shouted into his face, and slug nodded silently and ran off. Honesty had used the distraction to also run off to her own business.

That night, with a heavy storm pounding down on us all, I stood on the bow of the ship once again, this time accompanied by my friends and acquaintances as we ease into the dock under the bridge of Chapel. The trio of bandits all hopped onto the deck and quickly tied off the boat, while Shady moved the gangplank into position. We all took care to ease down the gangplank. Velvet slipped, but Zakk caught her before she fell. Having avoided that catastrophe we, as a group, moved into town.

The rain soaked my flanks and covered my visor. I had left the second helmet on the ship and wore the one Gawd had given me. While I liked the second one, this one offered more advanced features. I kept the fastenings loose, only using it to keep the rain off my head, and the E.F.S. to scout for any threats. We were back in enemy territory, and there was no telling how deep the Generals network went. Cherry wore a burlap cloak, and Shady had used grease to dye her coat almost black. Gawd had told us to keep our heads low, say nothing, and never use our real names.

As we made our way to the office, I noticed the three bandits were still following Zakk. “If I can ask, why havn’t you all left yet? Last I checked we said we would drop you off and you could go safely on your way.” I queried. Honesty looked back at me, then her companions and shrugged. “We have no where to go right now, and things seem so interesting right now we wanna tag along.” She said curtly, and I shrugged, not caring either way. “Well if you are gonna stay then you will make yourselves useful.” Gawd growled lowly and Honesty nodded, not questioning the Gryphon.

We all walked with Gawd as she entered the old post office, Charity sitting behind her counter, just like I had seen her the last time I was here. “We need two rooms.” Gawd said shortly, not wanting to give too much away to the astute little mare. She looked up at us, and her eyes fell on Shady for a few seconds longer than the rest of us, but she shrugged it off and tapped the counter top. “Three hundred and fifty caps.” She said slyly, and Gawd didn’t even try to barter her down on price, instead pulling out a bag of caps and dropping it on the counter. “There is five hundred. We need food, water, and as many healing potions as the rest can cover.

Charity eyed the Gryphon suspiciously, then shrugged once more and went to the back room, before returning with a box of food, water, and eight healing potions.” Gawd motioned to Shady and told her to pick up the box and follow her. Shady did as she was told with no complaint, and together we left the shop, and made our way down the road some ways. Then we reached a larger building, rooms upon rooms stacked together to form a cheap hotel. None of us outwardly complained though and entered the building.

There were full grown adults walking around, some in old guard uniforms with guns holstered on their legs, I suppose Charity was paying them to guard the place. One of them asked for proof from Gawd for the purchase of our rooms, and Gawd produced the receipt from Charity as evidence. Having proved our purchase, Gawd led us to our rooms, three side by side. Gawd and Velvet took one, Zakk and his three bandit goons took another, and that left Shady, Cherry and I in the third. Once inside, we all stripped off our armor, and Shady flopped onto the bed. “mmm a bed that isn’t wobbling I can die happy!” She said chipperly. I smirked and rested my helmet on a nearby table while Cherry helped me from my armor.

We all stretched happily, and I took a seat on one of the beds, feeling my body relax in a way I wasn’t used to after being on a moving boat for over a week. I was still injured from my impromptu flight, but it was nothing I couldn’t handle. Gawd swung by a few moments later, and gave us some food, and a healing potion with directions from Velvet for me to drink it. Shady and Cherry turned on me then, both wearing mischievous smirks. I backed into a corner as the advanced on me. They already knew I wouldn’t drink it unless I really needed it. “Now I know what you’re thinking…” I said with a hint of nervousness in my voice.

“No no! get off!” I shouted as Shady held me against the wall, pinning me in the corner while Cherry used her magic to pull open my mouth and pour the potion down my throat. She then held my muzzle closed, and Shady plugged my nose. I struggled against them, and tried to free myself, but before long, I felt myself needing a breath, and with my nose plugged and mouth full of potion, I was left with only one option. I begrudgingly swallowed the potion, Shady seeing my throat work and hearing me gulp it down. As soon as they were sure I had drunk it all, the released me, and I flopped down, gasping for air.

“You two are fucking evil” I groan out much to their amusement. “Well we know how stubborn you are about it, and rather than bribe you with sex...” Cherry was saying before I interrupted her “Which you still haven’t delivered on!” Cherry ignored me and continued “We needed to make sure you drank, and this seemed more appropriate than holding a gun against your head.” I rolled my eyes and Shady and Cherry hoof bumped each other. I grumbled and coughed a bit as I stood back up. After some of the mirth died down, Shady excused herself to the bathroom to get cleaned up. Luckily, she brought more grease with her just incase she needed to touch up her coat.

Cherry and I went about making sure our room was orderly. There were two beds in the space, and I was getting my gear out to crash on the floor, but Cherry smacked the back of my head and gave me a sour look. “Ya know you can share the bed with me.” She said, and I smiled before responding. “I didn’t want to assume.” I said with a smile and her hoof came back up. But instead of slapping me she pressed it gently upon my cheek, and then her lips firmly against mine. Unlike the first few times we had shared a kiss, I kissed back almost instantly and wrapped a hoof around the back of her neck, pulling her closer to me.

We embraced, her wrapping both forelegs around my back as I guided us slowly to one of the beds. The back of her knees hit the edge of the mattress, and I heard a soft click as her kneecaps gave out and we fell onto the sheets. Our kiss never faltered as I lay atop her. I cracked open my eyes to see her own were closed as her hoof rubbed my back, and gently tickled the spot between my wings. I gave a little shiver and nibbled on her bottom lip as my wings sprung from my back. She pulled away slowly, and we both opened our eyes. I could see lust and love in her gaze, and I knew I wore the same look as her hoof slid even further down my back, and soon she was massaging my rump.

I gave her a little smile as I adjusted my foreleg and pressed it gently on her belly. I rubbed small circles in her fur as I looked into her eyes again, a question in my gaze that I knew she understood. Her breath came in hot gasps as she nodded softly, and I slowly trailed my hoof south. I felt her body heat grow warmer as I slid my hoof tip between her breasts and slide a little further down. She let out a small moan as my hoof reached the spot I was searching for. Hot fluids soaked my hoof as I tenderly teased her, making her breath come faster and her body tense under me.

I smile softly as I begin to work my hoof in such a way to increase her pleasure. She moans softly, and I feel her grow wetter for my efforts. I continue this for a time, bringing my lover to climax more than once. During her latest, she bit down on my neck to keep herself from getting too loud and arched her back. I winced but smiled as she tensed and squirmed under me until she calmed. When she relaxed once more, I pulled my hoof from her, dripping her juices onto the sheets as I leaned in to kiss her again.

We continued to kiss for a few more minutes, before Cherry wrapped her hooves around my back, and rolled us over. She lay atop me, kissing me deeply and rubbing her hooves through my fluffy chest. I held her close as I heard her horn alight, and a warm sensation grip my lower extremity. I blush brightly and bite my lip as she repositions herself. I feel her part around me, and warm fluids drip onto my thighs. I grit my teeth as I feel her warmth soak my member, making my heart skip a beat. I moan softly, muffled only by her own as she takes me into her.

Our hips press together again and again as Cherry begins to bounce herself atop me. Not a worry comes to mind as my forehooves, acting of their own accord moved to her breasts, and began to tease and massage her. She moaned more and more, proving her enjoyment by speeding up. She leans her head back, her mane cascading around her shoulders, and her eyes wearing a very needy expression. The bed creaked beneath us, but we paid it no mind as we continued our salacious activity. I give her flank a firm slap as she rides me. She wasn’t even trying to stop her moans now, and neither was I. I felt her growing tighter around me, and I knew she wouldn’t last much longer.

I add my own movements to the mix, pushing her over the edge as she clenches around me and halts her bouncing as her moans turn into a shout. Hot juices fall onto the sheets beneath us as she falls against my chest. I roll us over again, still inside her as I begin to push myself again and again into her. Cherry tangles her hooves into the sheet, and pants heavily as I take charge. I wrap my hooves around her middle and push myself as deep as I can into her. I was also at my limit, but I grit my teeth and held out as long as I could as my thighs slap against her flank. I feel her also building up again and together we both arrived with loud pleasure filled moans.

We collapsed onto each other and lay there panting and gasping for breath as we let our heart rates fall back to normal. I pushed her mane out of her face and leaned in to kiss her softly. I felt her kiss back tiredly, and I knew she was satisfied. We both lay there for a time, before Cherry’s horn lit up again, and levitated over a pack of cigarettes. I smiled as she put one between my lips, and then took one for herself before lighting them both with a flare of her magic. I lay on my back, ignoring the discomfort from my wings, more than content to just smoke.

Cherry lay beside me, a hoof draped across my belly as she too smoked. Neither of us spoke, having little need for words right now. That was until a very pissed off Shady emerged from the shower, her coat dripping with water, and her mane hanging around her face. “Seriously? You two are sharing a room with me, and you decide to fuck on my bed!” She shouts, and I look around to see her armor which had scattered and fallen onto the floor in our lust. Cherry blushes and tries to hide her face behind one of my wings, and I just shrug. “we just wanted to warm it up for you.” I said with a smile, and Shady’s scowl deepened. “Fuck you Moonshine, you two get to sleep in your own mess” She growled, and I just laughed while Cherry blushed and buried her face against my neck.

Shortly after our cigarettes had extinguished themselves, and Shady was lying in the other bed already snoring, Cherry and I fell asleep as well. Cherry and I had figured out how this worked, and instead of her holding onto me, I would hold her. That way neither of us woke up with broken ribs or a broken nose again. Cherry’s breathing was slow and deep, a far sight different than what it had been a few hours before. The only reason I was able to notice this was because, once again, I couldn’t sleep. I knew that the next day we would be facing the N.C.R. at the dam, and for the first time I was scared. Even with all of the seasoned fighters and survivors on our side, we would be hard pressed to be a match for the suit of power armor stolen from me.

I had laid awake most of the night, different ways the fight could go playing through my head, each scenario worse than the last. I think I managed to get some sleep, but my dreams were likewise troubled. I awoke, feeling more exhausted than before trying to sleep when Cherry rolled over and kissed me gently. My eyes flitted open slowly, and it took me a few moments to realize where I was, and how sore I felt. “Good morning.” Cherry whispered with a small and tired smile. I stretched out with a small groan as I felt my joints pop. “mmm Mornin’.” Came my reply as I rubbed my eyes and looked around the room.

Shady was still asleep on her bed, her mane having fanned out in all directions, and her rear leg hanging over the side of the bed. I swear that mare could sleep standing up if she had too. Cherry and I silently left our bed, and each took turns getting a shower. It wasn’t the best I’ve had, but it got me clean and that was enough for me. When I returned to the room, my mane dripping water onto the floor, Shady was now awake, and Cherry was pouring us all cups of coffee. I took mine with a small word of thanks and sipped it down as I let the caffeine flow through my veins and give me the kick in the ass I really needed.

Shady sipped her drink as well, while Cherry’s magic set about helping comb and re-braid the mess that was her mane and tail. It had been a while since I had seen her sport the braid, and it served as a reminder of what we were walking in to. I felt the tension in the room as we slid on our armor. Shady reapplying the grease in areas left uncovered and ran a comb through it. Cherry even tied her mane back in a tight bun. I cracked my neck, and tightened the armor down, and then slid my helmet over my head. Just as we finished getting ready, Gawd came knocking. Seeing that we were all ready, she remained silent and we followed her out.

Velvet, Zakk, and his companions were already waiting outside. I looked up to see Rogue in position far above, and I knew he was watching us through his scope. We all kept our silence as we left the small town and made our way out of town. “Celestia! I hate this cloak and dagger shit.” Shady whispered in complaint. “Quiet!” Gawd hissed, and Shady shut up. However once out of town, we let our guard drop a little. “If it keeps being tense like this I will go crazy.” Cherry finally sighed as she fell into step beside me, and I nodded.

“You’ll get used to it.” Velvet tried to reassure, but it had the opposite effect she was hoping for. “it still sucks.” Shady whispered. Once again, I nodded, keeping my own council. The tension didn’t bother me as much as my worries did. I just had to hope that the General hadn’t discovered that we were on our way, and that he wouldn’t put up a fight. “What are your thoughts Moonshine?” Gawd asked, and I could tell in the tone of her voice that she had thought along the same lines that I had.

I sighed and looked at everyone and came clean about my worries. “I am just hoping that everything will go according to plan. There are so many things to go wrong. I mean what if the General is ready for us. If it comes down to a straight up fight against the General in my power armor, then I don’t see us doing very well. I think we are going in blind, and no matter what I think of, I can’t for see everything.” I admitted, making a hushed quiet fall amongst my friends.

“Well, not entirely blind.” Velvet said and Gawd sighed and shook her head. Whatever Velvet was talking about, Gawd didn’t approve. The rest of us though were confused and waited with bated breath for the charcoal mare to continue. When she finally did, it didn’t exactly make everything better magically. Go figure.

“Homage clued me in to a little secret, some pony we all thought to be dead actually isn’t. and no pony knows Hoofington better.” Velvet said confidently, though I could see that Gawd wasn’t so enthusiastic. “She is a liability and crazy. Not to mention the fact that she is about as reliable as a fishing net holding water.” Gawd countered. I rolled my eyes as Velvet and gawd began a heated discussion about this mysterious pony we were going to meet, but the rest of us tuned it out. Either they would help us, or they wouldn’t no point speculating on it now.

We walked for nearly twenty minutes before a small cottage appeared. We had seen it the first time we walked this way but didn’t feel like stopping by. And just like the last time, it gave off a creepy, almost haunted vibe. Velvet seemed undeterred though and led the way toward the front door. I felt every pony tense once more and heard several small clicks as weapon safety’s switched. Velvet approached the door and dug through her bag with her magic for a time, before finally pulling free an old and weathered key. Before she slipped it into the lock though, she turned and spoke with a deadly seriousness. “Don’t touch anything. Don’t even look at anything funny. She will sense it.” I raised an eyebrow, and as one we nodded. Except Gawd, who rolled her eyes.

Velvet, as quietly as she could, unlocked the door, and slowly eased it open. None of us were expecting the wave of odors to wash over us, and every pony placed a hoof over their nose. Well I didn’t because I had the respirator. Still. Velvet, eyes watering entered first, followed by the rest of us. The room was dark and smelled like a sewer mixed with a brothel. Once in the main room, I looked around. The helmet’s visor automatically filtering the low light, letting me see in greater detail.

The whole home was filthy. There was trash piled up in the corners, and the carpets were stained beyond recognition. But past that, there were piles upon piles of empty whiskey bottles. I never knew there was enough booze in the wasteland to warrant this level of mess. In one corner of the room was essentially a mountain of empty bottles and empty snack cake wrappers. Velvet’s eyes struggled to adjust to the light, and she instinctively turned on her pipbuck lamp. The whole room came into sharp relief, and I saw the walls for the first time. There were distinctive star patterns everywhere. “Welcome to Star House.” Velvet whispered as she led the way into the messy room.

We all followed behind, a little perturbed at the level disregard for what was at one point a beautiful home. Then a bottle fell over. We all whipped our heads around to see that Honesty had accidently knocked one over in the low light. We all held our breath, and just as we thought nothing was about to happen, everything did. “For thousands of years I lay dormant. Who dares disturb my… HURRRRRKKKK.” Spoke a mare somewhere in the house, followed by the wet sound of some pony vomiting. Then there was a flash of white light at the top of the mountain of bottles.

We all stood, frozen in fear as at first one bottle topped and smashed, followed by four, then a dozen. In less than two seconds, the entire mound of glass began to crash down onto the floor, but that all went ignored as a figure appeared, Floating amidst the avalanche of discarded bottles. “Fuck this I’m out” Honesty shouted before bolting through the door. The rest of us would have followed suit but were too afraid to. I watched as the figure slid down the mound, and finally came to rest right before Velvet and myself. I hadn’t realized until later that I had jumped in front of her to defend the pregnant mare. Then the light faded from around the figure, revealing a unicorn mare. And even though I had the respirator I could still smell her. She smelled like alcohol, sex, and depression. She was a white mare with a red and black mane and tail. And her horn was half the size of a mare like Cherry. But what I did notice were her eyes. While she was still drunk, I could see a level of intelligence and cunning that I had rarely seen before. I knew then, just from that one gaze, that this was not a mare to fuck with.

“Bit short to be an N.C.R. Ranger.” She slurred, and I tilted my head sideways in response before realizing her meaning. “Oh, the armor.” I said and made to take my helmet off before halting. This had the vague air of déjà vu. I then looked down at her hooves to see she was standing in a pet basket, also filled with whiskey bottles, one of them half full. The odd mare followed my gaze, and her eyes lit up at the sight before lifting it with her magic and downing the contents in less than a second. Then the bottles holding up her basket shattered under her weight, but her balance didn’t falter in the least. Just who was this crazy mare?

I got my answer a moment later as Velvet took a step around me and approached the drunk pony. “BlackJack. It’s Velvet.” Spoke the charcoal mare. I looked back and forth between the two, the name hitting a familiar chord with me but Shady filled in the rest for me. “Wait, BlackJack, the Security Mare?” Shady asked in disbelief, and I whipped my head back around to look at the mare once more. BlackJack was supposedly the mare who had saved the entire planet from a centuries old project designed to kill an evil spirit or something. But what’s more, she was supposedly dead as well.

As soon as the word “Security” left Shady’s mouth, her gaze turned dark as she looked upon my friend. And the look she hit Shady with made my friend take a couple of steps back. I had never seen some pony who could make Shady back down like that with just a look before, and that reaffirmed my original thought about this mare not being one to mess with. “I don’t use that name anymore. It’s too dangerous these days.” BlackJack said with a slur and tossed the empty bottle onto the pile behind her. Velvet tilted her head too, and said slowly “Then what should we call you?” Velvet asked, and Blackjack let out the loudest and heartfelt belch I had ever heard in response. “Go Fish used to be my real name.” She said, and Velvet nodded.

“Alright Go Fish, we need your help.” Velvet said softly and Go Fish’s ears lifted to convey mild interest. Velvet coughed politely into a hoof and pressed on as we all remained silent. “We are preparing for… well an assault on the Dam. And no pony knows the Hoof like you do.” Velvet said, sliding the compliment with expert poise. BlackJack nodded unsteadily, and then looked around the messy house for a few moments. I could see her lips moving as she looked back and forth between two spots. Almost like she was having a conversation with some pony. I spared a glance at Velvet, who subtly shook her head at me.

After a few seconds of this, BlackJack looked back at us all, and stood up a little straighter. “I think it would be a good idea for me to get some fresh air.” She said chipperly, before her eyes crossed, and her cheeks poked out and she retched, puking at our hooves. “yeah we’re off to a great start.” I heard gawd grumble before turning and leaving the house. The rest of my friends followed suit, but as soon as I turned my back on BlackJack, she stopped me with a hoof on my flank. “Take off your helmet.” I heard BlackJack say. I felt my skin crawl at her touch but sensed nothing dangerous in the action. So, I turned to face her, and pulled my helmet from my head.

As soon as my mane popped free, I slung the helmet under one of my wings and silver met red as I looked her in the eye. “You’re young. About the age I was when I left ninety-nine. What’s your name?” She asked, a curious look coming across her eyes. “Moonshine.” I said curtly. She nodded and then pressed her hoof on my chest. “that’s a good name, and an even better drink. I bet you taste just like it.” She says, a salacious tone entering her voice. I scowl and take a step back from her. “You’ll never know.” I say shortly before replacing my helmet over my head and leaving the house. Just before I did, I heard her laughter followed by her shout. “Playing hard to get will only make me try harder!” I ignored her and stepped through the door.

We all sat around as the mid-day sun beat down on us all. Velvet had been inside the house with BlackJack for thirty minutes already, and we were growing anxious. Gawd stood by, chewing on a grass stem. Her irritation barely contained as it was, but I could tell her patience was nearly spent. Cherry and I stood a few meters away smoking and just content to be with the other. Shady was laying on the grass, adjusting her leg brace. Zakk was standing with the trio of bandits, all four of them having a quiet but heated discussion. Finally, Gawd reached her limit, and moved for the door to see what the hold up was, only to come face to face with BlackJack.

Gawd moved aside begrudgingly, and I could tell Velvet had done what she could to sober the white unicorn up. I think she may have even had a bath, but I wasn’t sure. “Alright!” Blackjack crooned before cracking her neck and stretching her legs. “Been a while since you’ve been outside?” Cherry asks, and BlackJack adopts another seducing gaze as she looks at my friend. “Well if I had known such a pretty mare was around, I would have been out sooner.” She said tantalizingly. Cherry flushed, and I protectively put a hoof on her and moved her behind me.

BlackJack pays it no mind though, and stretches out, popping her back. I keep my eye on her, unsure how to take her. The first impression left a lot to be desired, but I was always willing to give the benefit of the doubt. BlackJack rolls her shoulders and takes a deep breath of the fresh air. “So Velvet filled me in on what’s going on. I wouldn’t mind helping y’all out, but I’ll have you know I’m pretty rusty. Havn’t had a good fight in years.” She said and looked around at us all. “Any pony spar with me for a few minutes? Just to get my edge back?” She looked around, and I did as well. Every pony was looking at me, and as one they all said “Moonshine!” I balked and was at a loss for words for a moment. “Well fuck you all too.” I finally squeaked out before turning and facing the Security mare.

“You’ve got guts, lets see if you have the nuts.” She purred before leaping at me. I took the hit to my chest. By now I could tell when some pony was holding back. When I didn’t flinch, she looked at me and smirked again. We stood like that for a second, but then she moved faster than I expected and switched hooves. I felt my teeth slam together as she hit me with a hard uppercut, and I knew this was no longer just a pissing contest. I took a step back, and got into a defensive crouch before she came at me again. This time I blocked her strike and shoved her back. Despite being more experienced, she was still light.

She came at me again, swinging her hooves at my head. I dipped and ducked under her punches, before seeing an opening and lashing out myself. My rear hoof caught her in the stomach, and I heard the wind rush from her lungs. She staggered, and I used the opportunity to press the advantage. Well I tried, but it was all a ploy. I hadn’t knocked the air from her, she had exhaled, and was now moving back at me. I didn’t have time to move, so I braced for the impact, and sure enough, her rear hoof connected with my helmeted head. Now I stumbled, and she pressed her advantage.

I roared my defiance at the mare and kept taking her hits. I could tell, even though I was angry, melee fighting like this wasn’t her thing. And soon enough that showed as her balance was affected by a small divot in the ground. As soon as the attack let up for a moment, I leapt at her, wrapping my hooves around her belly and tackling her to the ground.

We rolled, but I took control of it, and pinned her down before sitting on her belly. I pulled my hoof back to strike, but a small shield appeared between my hoof and her face. That didn’t stop me though, I slammed my hoof down, hitting the barrier and firing one of my shotgun shells. It was still a blank, but the recoil sent my hoof back, and once more I slammed it down. Cracks appeared in the magical barrier, and BlackJack’s eyes widened a little as they grew bigger with the next punch. On my fourth, the barrier failed entirely, and my hoof moved back to strike once more. “I yield.” Blackjack said calmly, and my Hoof halted in motion, only an inch from her muzzle.

“I was just getting warmed up, what the hell?” I asked in surprise and she pushed me off her effortlessly with her magic. “I don’t want you to get hurt, I think we should stop for now.” She said, and I bristled. I was pushed into this sparing match, and now that I was getting into it she backed out. “Hey, you can’t just lead me on like that! Get back here and fight me!” I said excitedly, and she turned to look over her shoulder, giving me a seductive look. “Or what Moonshine?” She asked playfully, and I looked her in the eye and pulled the same card Shady used on me in the past. “Well if you won’t then I guess the stories about you are bull shit. I bet you and your friends made up a huge story just to get some attention.” I taunted.

Her playful attitude changed, and I knew I was in much greater danger, but I was so eager for the fight to continue, that I didn’t care. “You don’t know what your…” I cut her off by punching her square in the muzzle. She staggered, blood trickling from a cut lip, but the strike seemed to have gotten through to her. Instead of speaking again, she took up a more defensive posture, and her horn ignited. From thin air, as if materialized by her magic, an elegantly shaped sword took shape, made entirely from her condensed magical aura.

I narrowed my eyes and I too took up a defensive stance. For nearly a minute neither of us moved, and then as one we lunged. Her blade pointed straight ahead, a strike I easily side stepped, before pushing my hoof into her belly. I felt the strike land, and then the ballistic hoof took over. One more shell fired, singing her fur and blasting her onto her back. She rolled with it and leapt to her hooves faster than a regular pony could. But damage had been dealt, and she knew it. But like her, I also knew rage outweighed experience by miles.

This time she got into a different stance, one more offensive than before, and I knew what was coming next. She leapt at me, her sword slicing this way and that. I blocked most of the deadlier ones, but even still some tore at me. I felt flesh part easily, and I knew that magical blade was surgically sharp. I bore the pain as well as I could, until I got an opportunity. But it took a while, she was much more skilled with a weapon than without. Still, she did slip up, and I wrapped my hooves around the hilt of the blade and held it against my side. I winced as I felt it slice my side when she tried to pull it away, but I ignored it as well, before running at her. If she was going to use the blade against me, then it was fair that I use it against her.

Her eyes widened as she realized what I was doing but had no time to prepare herself as I leapt into her midst. I held the blade tight against me, and then rotated, showing my back to her as trying to jab it’s pointed tip into her. She dodged and dipped, still receiving multiple gashes on her cheeks from her own sword. Seeing that her own weapon was now a hinderance, she canceled her magic, letting the blade disperse. We separated again, blood dripping into the dirt from both of us as we stared each other down. She seemed content to circle around as she worked her brain to figure me out. I didn’t want to give her the time. So instead of lunging at her again, I used my still sore wing to draw my pistol.

She saw the motion and ducked, but I knew she would. Once my wing was outstretched, I pulled the trigger. I jaw her jerk as the bullet slammed into her side, lucky for her it was a rubber round. She looked back at her side in surprise, it hurt, but it wasn’t lethal. Too bad for her, she showed her face. Another rubber round hit her in the forehead, snapping her head back as I advanced on her. Another round hit her belly, and again her neck. With one last round in the cylinder, I closed with her and pressed the barrel against the side of her head. “I thought you were supposed to be the Security mare, yet you, can’t defend yourself from a stallion with rubber bullets.” I snarl as I pull the hammer back again.

“You don’t know what I went through!” She shouted, and I could see a familiar pain in her eyes. Still holding the gun against her skull, I removed my helmet again and dropped it to the dirt. “You think I don’t? look into my eyes BlackJack. I mean really look!” I shouted back at her. Her eyes met mine again, and this time I could see that same cunning intelligence at work. “I also lost every pony I ever loved. I watched as LittlePip gunned them down. I watched as my home burned because of her rage. Don’t tell me I don’t know what you’ve been through.” I growled as I finally pulled my weapon from her. “Are you from…” She tried to ask, and I cut her off. “Arbu. Yes.” I said simply. “And yet you have the audacity to call me the weak link when you are curled up in that mess you call a home, drinking yourself to death.” I snarl once more before re-holstering my pistol. “Now pick yourself up. We have work to do.” I say before grabbing my helmet and returning to my friends, who already had a healing potion on standby.

I didn’t hesitate to drink it this time, only because I knew what the alternative was. Cherry was looking back over her shoulder and I saw her eyes widen. I didn’t even hesitate to draw my pistol again, and without looking I shot behind me, then heard a whinny as the rubber round hit BlackJack. I looked over my shoulder to see her pressing a hoof to her eye and rolling on the ground. “Ah right in the fuckin’ eye! Why is it always the Goddess damned eye!” She shouted. I walked over and looked down at her as I felt the cuts in my hide mend themselves. “Rule one of Shady’s training, always expect a sneak attack.” I said then kicked a little dirt on her.

Velvet ran over to BlackJack, and after stuffing another healing potion down her throat, she fixed me with an unapproving gaze. My friends however were all more enthusiastic. “Moonshine that was awesome!” Cherry gushed, and even Shady gave me a kind pat on the shoulder. “I never expected your wings to handle six consecutive shots from that revolver.” Gawd added, looking at me, impressed. I look at her, then back at my wing, I still held my pistol between the feathers, but I didn’t feel like my wing was about to rip itself off this time. In fact, it felt like it had before.

I re-holstered the pistol with little effort, the motion feeling more natural than before. Was I finally starting to gain control over my new limbs? I gave them both experimental flaps and noticed for the first time how strong they felt now. I suppose the damage that had been done on the boat had strengthened them more than hurt them. I smiled softly inside my helmet and folded them against my side. While I wanted nothing more than to see if I could fly yet, I just wasn’t ready, and I knew it.

BlackJack was back on her hooves, her eye swollen from the rubber round, but she was still smiling. “Been a while since I got my ass kicked, I needed that.” She said and patted my shoulders. This contact was friendlier than before, and I didn’t feel my hide crawl at the contact. “Where did you learn to fight like that?” She asked after a moment, and I looked at Shady. BlackJack looked at my larger friend and smiled. “You taught him well, but I don’t think hoof to hoof is your style.” She said with a grin, and Shady nodded.

“I taught him what I knew which admittedly wasn’t that much. Moonshine here has a knack for improvisation, most of his moves were his own design.” Shady said, offering me a rare compliment. BlackJack put a hoof under her chin, thinking about something. “Ya know, I know some pony who fights like he does, maybe someday I can introduce you two?” She said and looked back at me. I nodded my approval, but Gawd spoke up. “I know he could use the training, but we don’t have time to trot around Hoofington right now. The longer we wait, the greater the chance Eucalyptus will discover our presence.”

That thought sobered us all up, and the tension returned seven-fold. BlackJack then stopped and looked around at the group, really looking at us for the first time. “Wait, where are the rest of you?” She asked, and we all looked at her in confusion. Our response told her all she needed to know, and her response was not what we expected. ‘While I am all for the whole underdog stealth approach, getting in will be easy, but if a fight happens like you all are thinking it will, then getting back out will be impossible. You may not believe it, but I have been watching the dam for some time now. Between the amount of chems, guns, and trained soldiers even I wouldn’t be crazy enough to assault the place. What you need is a diversion, an army, something to keep the dam from turning into a kill box.” Blackjacks words hit like a ton of bricks, and all of us finally realized that this plan was borderline suicidal.

“We have an idea.” Honesty spoke out, much to the annoyance of Zakk. All of us turned to look at her, and the small smile she wore. “Really, you have a plan?” Gawd asked, and Honesty smirked before looking at her companions. “Yeah, there is a group of ponies like us not too far away. They don’t cause too much trouble, in fact they are more like mercenaries than bandits these days.” She said and continued to smile. Shady looked at Gawd and spoke slowly. “What have we got to lose?” Gawd remained silent for a moment and shrugged. “I guess we can give it a shot.”

Later that afternoon, Honesty, Slug, and Wrench entered an old prewar building, the brick structure was sound enough, though mostly everything wood was either rotten or missing. Now getting in would be an issue unless you had some proof of your loyalty. Luckily Honesty had such proof in the form of a brand on her neck in the shape of a two-headed beast. One head enraged, the other dying and sickly. That was the mark of a stalker.

Even if one could get by the few guards patrolling the area, there were even more turrets covering all approach points. It was well defended for a bandit camp, but Honesty’s words about them being more like mercenaries was not an exaggeration. The trio were given access, and they went inside. Honesty had to be careful, she was amongst her own type here, it felt more like home. But she had grown to know the ponies on the boat and had gotten kind of attached. She was at a crossroads now and had no idea what direction she wanted to go. Wrench and Slug, she knew didn’t have it in them to be proper bandits. They could probably leave and make a proper life for themselves. But what would she do?

Honesty mulled these thoughts through her head and didn’t even realize it until she bumped into some pony. When she looked up, her ears folded back. She was looking eye to eye with Dozer, the leader of this merry band. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Honesty.” He said, his voice rough and sounding like gravel in a rock crusher. Honesty’s eyes widened as he lifted a hoof and put it gently under her chin. She knew where this was going before it began. Dozer had a reputation for starting gentle but getting more and more violent as he went on. Honesty was one of the few to have survived his particular “style” of love making. And even fewer to have done so more than once.

Honesty knew what he planned for her, but she did still have a job to do. “Wrench, Slug, go take care of the supplies. I will be along shortly.” Honesty commanded. Wrench opened his mouth to say they didn’t have supplies, but Slug clamped a hoof over his mouth and picked him up before trotting away with his brother on his back. Honesty though, being unable to go with them, prayed to either of the Goddesses, or any other deity that they didn’t fuck it up. “Let’s go babe, been a while since we had some fun.” Dozer growled in what he thought was a playful manner but sounded more like a threat. Yes, this was her life, the only life she had known. It was indeed too late for her, but maybe she could make sure Wrench and Slug didn’t turn out like this.

It had been two hours since the trio of bandits had entered the compound. Every Pony was sitting by, waiting for the signal and being very patient. Though secretly everyone of them were doubting if they could trust the bandits at this point. Gawd had even begun to question the wisdom of waiting for a possible ambush. Cherry and I sat side by side, smoking and idly talking, while Shady stuck closer to Velvet and Gawd. Zakk was taking a quick “Power nap” as he put it, and BlackJack was standing of on her own. I assumed having fully sobered up by now, she was none too pleased with having been dragged along.

By now it was late afternoon, and all our patience was wearing thin. That was until finally we got the signal we were waiting for. A blue flare had been fired from the roof, the very flare gun I had given to Slug. BlackJack and Rogue wasted no time, together they teleported to the building, and both dropped the guards at the door. They didn’t kill them, just knocked them out. Then Blackjack, her magic more honed, teleported again, and dispatched several turrets with her magical bullets. Rogue also moved and dispatched the rest of the guards silently and quickly.

Shady grabbed Zakk and shook him awake. By the time he opened his eyes, Rogue and BlackJack reappeared. We tossed Zakk across the back of the Alicorn, who was anything but happy about having the very pony who terrorized him so close. Then with a purple flash he was gone again. BlackJack though was excited, and impatient for us to do our part. Cherry and I would go first and put out hooves on BlackJack. There was a bright flash, followed by the sensation of being squeezed through a small pipe, and then we were next to Rogue. And I felt like I was gonna be sick, but I didn’t have time to let it bother me. Then in another flash, BlackJack left us on the roof with a small pop as she disappeared again.

It had been a few hours since she had left the rest of the group, a few hours since Dozer had intercepted her. He had been displeased that she had not found a single thing for “salvage” as he called it, though it was still robbery. He had not been kind to the mare. Honesty was sporting a few new bruises, most notably a black eye, and a few broken ribs. Not to mention she felt like her flank had been fucked by a train. But that paled in comparison to what he did next. He had chained her up next to his seat, a tight collar having been fixed around her throat. He was sitting and laughing with those closest to him, and smoking a fat cigar with a repulsive stench. The worst part of it were the burns on her neck and back when he had used her as an ash tray.

Yes, Honesty’s degradation was complete, and her place was here, being used and abused. But the last week had changed her fundamentally, where before she would take the punishment without complaint or thought, she now held a certain feeling that was alien to her. She wondered if those she had spent time with lately would even care about her.Just as that thought flitted through her brain, everything went dark. Confusion began to reign around the mare, but despite herself, a small smile split her lips. It looked like Slug and his brother had succeeded.

Then there was chaos as a bright purple flash lit up the room for a second, followed by silence as a low and psychotic laugh began to drown out any other sound. Every bandit in the room froze as the sound amplified. “Some say that he has an irrational fear of ducks, and that he also wears the skin of his enemies underneath his own skin.” Came a deep, booming voice. Every Bandit in the vicinity remained frozen in place as a purple glow appeared, highlighting the face of a large and menacing pony, their features cast in shadow, and their eyes a blazing purple. “Some call me crazy, others friend, but you all know me… as the laughing ghost!” now bandits left and right dropped that they were doing and fell to the ground in reverence around the shadowed pony. That is all except Dozer.

“You call yourself the laughing ghost. But I’ve seen him. And last I checked he wasn’t a purple alicorn.” Dozer growled dangerously. “You’re right.” Came a softer voice. One right in front of the bandit king. Then the alicorn’s horn lit up more, casting light all around the room. And standing right before him, only an inch from his face, was Zakk. On his left stood Moonshine, his pistol drawn and likewise an inch from the bandit’s skull. On Zakk’s right was Blackjack, her magic sword materializing again right against his throat. Dozer froze in place, but his subordinates all drew weapons and pointed them at the trio but Dozer stopped them with a wave of his hoof.

Honesty looked up at Moonshine, who was standing on his rear hooves next to her. She couldn’t see his eyes, but she did feel his gaze upon her. Then he spoke, low and a dangerous tone in his voice. “Did you do that to her?” He asked, motioning at her. His pistol rock steady against Dozers skull. BlackJack spared a glance at the Bandit mare, and she could see the Security mare’s eyes narrow as she looked back at Dozer. Even Zakk managed to look angered by the sight when he noticed.

Zakk pressed his forehead to Dozers, and this time Dozer had nothing to say, for this was indeed the Laughing Ghost. “You want to explain yourself?” Zakk asked lowly as he stared into Dozer’s eyes. The bandit’s mind went blank, and he knew there was no favorable way he could explain the damage done to Honesty. Instead of any noise from him, the doors at the end of the hall were blasted off their hinges. Gawd, Velvet, Cherry, and Shady entered then, Shady carrying a smoking missile launcher. Honesty was at a loss, it seemed that those she had been traveling with did in fact care.

Slug and Wrench entered just after Shady, and BlackJack moved around Moonshine to look at Honesty for herself. Upon closer investigation of the mare, BlackJack shoved Moonshine aside before pressing her blade against his throat once again. “Answer the question, did you do that to her!?” She shouts, a bead of blood dripping down Dozers neck.Through it all he kept his façade of control, but it was starting to crack. “What’s it to you, who are you to ask?” He growled, trying to be brave in the face of such danger.

BlackJack narrows her eyes back at the stallion and adjusts her sword angle. “You fuckin’ ass” She growled and slid her sword tip down his chest, before giving it a single swipe. Every stallion in close proximity winced and grabbed at their groin as Dozers testicles fell to the floor. He howled in pain and rage and reached down to clench his nether region before BlackJack shuts him up by pressing her blade back to his throat. “I am some pony with a very particular set of skills, which makes me a nightmare to ponies like you. Now I will give you a choice, leave now, and start a better life, because if you don’t, and you do this shit again, I will find you, and I will kill you.” She growls and shoves him back onto the floor and turning to walk back to Velvet.

Every bandit around felt a pang of sorrow for Dozers bits. But there was also pity, which made it so much worse. With another howl of rage, he withdrew a pistol from his armor, and pointed it at Velvet, whose attention was solely on BlackJack, horrified by her actions. “You fuckin’ CUNT!” He shouted as he pulled the hammer back. BlackJack was faster though and whirled just as he fired. The whole event was over in a millisecond, but her sword was in a new location than it was before, and there was a new bullet hole in the floor at her hooves. He roared again and began firing at her again, but each bullet fired was slapped aside by Blackjack as she advanced on him. Before he could fire the last two rounds, she closed the distance, and with crazed intent, and in a single swipe, BlackJack decapitated the stallion. His head fell from his body and rolled to the floor. To any ponies around where the head landed, they would tell of his last expression being that of fear.

Every pony was in shock at the quickness of her motions, even the speedy Zakk was impressed. But none more so than Moonshine. He had fought her only a few hours before, and their fight had gone nothing like that. But he shook it off as he motioned to Slug and Wrench. “Get Honesty, she needs help.” He said, and the two brothers didn’t hesitate. Dozer looked down at his pet mare as Wrench cut her chain, and Slug, as gentle as ever, grabbed her and carried her over to Velvet Remedy.

While I didn’t particularly like Honesty, after all she did try to rob us, I still felt enraged at the treatment she had received. I didn’t care that a pony had died behind me, because to me, he wasn’t a pony, just another piece of trash in the wasteland. I looked back to Go Fish, her hooves and chest soaked in the blood of the dead bandit. Her sword was gone, and she was now the defacto leader of the bandit group, though I knew she wouldn’t keep it.

Blackjack proved it as well, by grabbing his gun, and taking it over and dropping it in Honesty’s hooves before turning and addressing the remaining bandits, who watched it all without making a sound. “I give leadership of your band to Honesty. If any of you have a problem with that say so now. If any pony decides to undermine her or attempt to seize power from her. Just remember who showed up here today. Remember the friends she has standing behind her.” With that BlackJack moved aside and into the shadows. I moved over to Honesty and looked down. She was pretty banged up, but I knew she was in good hooves.

“Will she be alright?” I ask and Velvet nods as she dribbles a healing potion on her multiple cigar burns. “Yeah, she is pretty roughed up, somethings I won’t tell you about, but she should be alright.” Velvet whispered as she worked over the mare. I knelt beside her and pulled my helmet from my head and locked eyes with Honesty. “Why… Why do you all care?” She asked, then looked at the chromed .44 pistol in her hooves. I sighed and relaxed a little as Cherry walked up and put a hoof on my shoulder. “I don’t like you, you tried to rob us. But we gave you a second chance to do better. To be better than you used to be. And you have shown us that you are willing.” I said softly. Very aware of two red eyes on my back from where BlackJack was standing.

“Now we need your help Honesty. We are headed into a fight with the N.C.R. at the dam, and we need your bandits.” I said, emphasizing the fact that these were now her ponies to lead. I just hoped we didn’t make a mistake in giving her the power. I watched as Honesty looked to Slug, then Wrench, who both nodded encouragingly at their leader. When she looked back to me, she nodded, and I saw the steely gaze of a pony determined to make their lives better. I reached down, and grabbed her hooves, before pulling her to a standing position.

Honesty looked around at the bandits surrounding us, and each one of them looked away from her gaze. From what I knew of Bandit culture, any who did not would be a challenge to her authority nearly every pony averted their gaze from hers as a sign of submission, but there was one who refused. Honestly locked eyes with her and began walking to the would-be challenger. I watched Honesty at work. Her gait was off, there was a severe limp, and the way her back legs moved indicated the humiliation she had been given.

Honesty closed in on the other mare, who still refused to look away. When she was only a meter away the mare spoke. “You were a plaything less than an hour ago. You are not fit too…” he last words were cut off as Honesty used her new weapon to turn the mares brain into pulp. When her corpse hit the floor, not a single pony would look at Honesty now. And we all knew she had succeeded in establishing her dominance. “Listen up. My friends over here need my help. And I will help.” She began, and not a single pony made to interrupt. “We are going after the N.C.R. at the dam. None of them are to be killed. We are going to help them. Their leader has been stringing them out on Chems, and as such they are more raider than governing force. Tonight, I am going to help my new friends, and you lot… are coming with me.” She said, and not a single bandit argued, or even looked like they would.

Gawd then stepped up beside Honesty, and every eye was on the Gryphon then. “For those who don’t know me. I am Gawdyna Grimfeathers, the leader of the N.C.R.” several grumbles began to spread through the crowd, but Honesty quieted them by firing her gun into the air. “We do not do business with raiders or Bandits. But, if you help us all tonight, you will all be conscripted into the N.C.R. there your needs will be taken care of.” Gawd then pulled out an old red beret and held it out to Honesty.

I watched on silently as Honesty eyed the beret for several moments. Weighing her options. But she knew Gawd better now, and with out another moment of hesitation, she took the cap, and pulled it over her dirty mane. GAwd smiled, and I could see the happiness in her one eye, before addressing the Mare. “Honesty, see to your ponies, get them ready for tonight. I want all guns and ammo counted and sorted, and every pony outfitted in two hours.” Gawd commanded, and Honesty nodded before barking orders at her newly minted soldiers.

I moved up to Gawd as the entire place became chaos as every pony leapt into action. “You are one slick politician. Ya know that?” I say with a whisper, and Gawd just smirks at me and taps her beak with a talon. “That’s why I am the leader.” She says slyly before moving off to help organize the ex-bandits. As Gawd left, Honesty ran buck up to BlackJack who was leaning against a pillar in the shadows. “Bla…Go Fish, do you know of any Radscorpion nests around here?” She asks, making me look at the exchange curiously. Blackjack though Smirked and nodded, before suddenly grabbing the mare, and with a soft pop, teleported Luna knows where.

It actually took two hours for the bandits to gather up all their stuff, and sort through it. But by the time they did, BlackJack and Honesty returned. At first there were shouts of alarm, then confusion as an entire swarm of Radscorpions surrounded the building but did nothing else. I ran out right behind Cherry and Shady to see both Honesty and BlackJack topple from the backs of two scorpions, both laughing their asses off. “What the fuck?” Cherry asked softly, and I just shrugged. Either way, Honesty seemed to know what she was doing as she randomly chittered at the scorpion she had been riding, and it lay down, making the rest do so as well.

I filed the sight under “shit to think about later”, and rejoined Shady, who was reloading her missile launcher, and Cherry was checking the load in a .45 pistol. Seeing her rack the slide, and check the sights, renewed the sense that things could go crazy very quickly. “Moonshine, did you check your gear?” Shady asks without taking her eyes from her own work. I paused, and struggled to remember if I had or not, which Shady took the pause as proof that I hadn’t. “Check it now.” She said coolly, and the edge in her voice was unmistakable. I pulled my pistol from its holster with a wing and flipped open the cylinder.All five rounds within had been spent earlier in my fight with Blackjack, and I had been holding an empty gun to the Bandits head earlier.

I flushed, and Shady gave a knowing smirk as I set about reloading my gun with the rubber rounds I had bought from TenPony incase I got my previous pistol back. Cherry paid us no mind as she pulled another .45 from her bag, and likewise checked the magazines. Then I watched as her magic hefted the two pistols, and she gave them both a twirl in her magic, which had taken the shape of a talon like Gawd’s. She then slipped them back into the holsters strapped to her shoulders. She couldn’t grab them with her mouth, but it didn’t matter with unicorns.

Seeing Cherry so casually handling guns unnerved me. I could imagine her using them, and I hoped I wouldn’t have too. It then made me put myself into perspective. I was armed and armored more than the rest of them. I had two shotguns strapped to my forelegs, and a high caliber pistol on my flank. Yes I was using non-lethal ammunition, but I was sure it gave even the hardened ponies in the wasteland pause to see a pony like me wandering around like this. It honestly scared me to think how far we were willing to go, the pony we were after had fucked up our lives, but had it really been that bad? Here we were, only a month later, and more prepared than we had ever been. And now, we had roped an entire tribe of Bandits into our fight. How much further would we go?

Just as I was about to have a crisis of conscience, a voice nearby snapped me out of it enough to focus. “Moonshine, come here!” Gawd said staring at me with a scolding gaze. I re-holstered my weapon and moved over. The Gryphon leaned down and whispered lowly, “Follow me.” Was all she said, and started walking off toward a side room. Once we reached the door, Gawd roughly grabbed me and shoved me inside. I grew nervous, as I felt there were more ponies inside, one who smelled like a bar, meaning it was BlackJack.

Gawd followed me inside, and shut the door, while another pony lit up the room with a pipbuck. It was velvet, and she was looking at me with concern. BlackJack looked amused, and Gawd looked just as concerned as Velvet. “Moonshine, are you alright?” Velvet asked as she immediately scanned me with her horn. Blackjack snorts and giggles, “Look at his face, he is on the verge of a panic attack.” She said, and the Gryphon slapped her head. “It’s not funny BlackJack.” She scolded and gave the white mare a deadly glare.

I looked back and forth between the trio, and their attitudes toward me was beginning to ruffle my feathers. “Enough!” I shout to get their attention. “I appreciate you guys looking out for me, but this whole “Keep an eye on the newbi shtick is fuckin’ old.” I growl, and Blackjack smirks before clapping me on the shoulder. “Good buck, keep your head up and you’ll be fine.” She says confidently, but I shrugged her off. “Look, I am just overwhelmed by how crazy this all got. We have three fuckin’ legends of the wasteland traveling together and gathering a fuckin’ army. This wasn’t what I had in mind when we left TenPony almost three weeks ago.” I grumble, making Gawd arch an eyebrow, and Velvet cough politely in her hoof.

BlackJack just grinned wider and gained a thoughtful expression. “wasteland legend huh? Has a certain ring to it.” She purred, and I face hoofed. “What Moonshine is saying, is that this whole operation is on a scale they didn’t plan for.” Gawd said, putting my words in a smore simple format for BlackJack. Her expression sours as she looks back at Gawd. “I’m not that dumb.” She grumbled, but Velvet cut the two off again and looked at me. “What did you have planned Moonshine?” She asked, and I sighed.

“I thought with just the four of us, we would sneak into the dam, and catch the General off guard. If Shady killed him silently we could gather up our shit and get out.” I said honestly, and Gawd’s eyes widened. “That… could have worked.” She said after a moment, and Velvet sighed. “True, but I never was a fan of assassinations myself.” She said darkly, though I distinctly remembered her being the distraction for one. “I could’ve done it.” Blackjack said, and Gawd rolled her eye.” Yeah when you were at your best and had your friends with you.” She snapped, but then clamped a talon over her beak and Velvet gasped. Suddenly the whole room felt ice cold, and the source was BlackJack. Despite her clenched teeth, and a tear in her eye, she restrained herself and without a further word, she left the room with a sharp “Pop”, the only sign of her teleporting.

Gawd hung her head, and Velvet pattered her shoulder. “Moonshine, your plan may have worked, but this is the result of Ponies and Gryphons with more experience in these matters. We have all been where you are now, overwhelmed with how things are shaping up. But there is more at stake than just what he did to you all. He is hurting good Ponies by exposing them to chems.” She said, and Gawd took over. “And he is abusing his command and besmirching the name of the N.C.R.” velvet nodded and continued. “Plus, there are many, many settlements who are under his hoof, innocent ponies who can’t do anything against the force he has made for himself. Sure, you could kill him and leave, but there are those under him who would be just as bad. Think of it like an infection and us the bodies antibodies. We sort through the good and bad and destroy the bad while leaving the good unharmed.” She said, putting it a way I could understand.

I sighed and nodded, feeling a bit better, but still like this was getting out of hoof. Then Gawd patted my back and said something even more meaningful. “Also, Don’t tell any pony this, but it is possible, only possible, that Eucalyptus was working with Phanes.” She said, making me snap my head up. The look in her eye told me she made no promises, but that there was some evidence to suggest it. “I didn’t get you all geared up just for this fight, but for the ones to come.” She said, assuming we would go after Phanes, which she wasn’t wrong about. I still saw the image of the foal getting his brain blown out by the Ranger in Respite.

Now the fear I had been feeling was replaced with burning rage and sorrow, which only fueled my anger further. “Atta Boy.” Gawd said, seeing the change in my expression. “Use that, hold onto that anger and use it.” She said, and for the first time, I couldn’t agree with her more.

Later, after the sun had descended on the horizon, a small group of ponies appeared in a flash of purple. It went mostly unnoticed as it was inside the structure of the dam, and in a small concrete room with a pair of bunk beds, and a small shower.

Rogue slumped, having teleported a sizeable group in the structure after BlackJack removed the memory of this room from my head, and gave it to Rogue so he could bring us here. Shady hit a light, and took up a post beside the door, a light machine gun clutched in her hooves. Cherry joined Shady, one pistol drawn as she stood by the door. Velvet went about casting numerous spells, including one that would protect us from a life threating injury, but it only had one charge, and the energy to keep it active drew from our own. Gawd cracked her neck, and silently unslung her shotgun, while I pulled my pistol. Rogue curled up on one of the beds, having exhausted himself bringing us all here at once.

I stood next to Gawd, doing as she had instructed. Zakk was first at the door, his hooves tapping on the floor. As soon as Gawd gave the go ahead, the door opened, and Zakk disappeared. We paid it no mind and filed out, Gawd in the lead, and me behind her. Cherry and Velvet in the middle ans Shady bringing up the rear. We made no sounds, even our hoof falls were muffled thanks to Velvet’s magic. We slowly wound our way through the maze of catwalks, which were mysteriously empty.

The large turbines howled as the powerful water was filtered through the create electricity, which further served to hide our movements. We clung to the shadows, hugging the concrete wall tightly until we approached our first flight of stairs. At first, I was concerned about Cherry freezing up, but her mind was so in the moment that she was able to ignore her fear. I looked back over my shoulder to see her looking down the sight of one pistol, while the other floated beside her. Her eyes so focused on the task at hoof, that she didn’t even notice me looking at her. I should have been paying attention instead.

I misjudged the distance to a stair, and missed it entirely, which made me loose my balance. Due to my small size, I fell through the gaps in the railing, and would have toppled all the way down had Zakk not suddenly appeared and pushed me back onto the platform. Then like that he was gone again, and Shady was looking at me, fear in her eyes. I waved her off, letting her know I was alright as I stood up again, and we continued along, despite my heart thundering in my ears and my breath coming in heavy gasps.

After a few more flights of stairs, we silently pushed our way into the armory. As soon as the door was shut, and locked, I pulled my helmet off and slumped against a shelf and panted heavily. Had Zakk not been there, I would have been a pile of goo, or worse. Velvet was there in an instant, using her magic to make sure I was alright once more. While I was getting tired of it, I welcomed it this time as I felt like I was going to have a heart attack.

Cherry looked at me with concern, realizing herself for the first time what had almost happened. We all still did our best to remain quiet as Velvet gave me a very mild sedative, just to calm my nerves, while Shady and Gawd looked around for anything useful. Feeling my heart rate slow, and my breathing becoming less labored, I pulled my helmet back on, and buckled it in place. While Gawd found little of use, Shady was more successful. Some of our old gear had been stashed here. Grace was well taken care of, slung in a rack with the other shotguns.

Shady scooped it up with love in her eyes but had to struggle not to squee in delight. Velvet looked at me with a raised eyebrow, and I quickly explained. “I gave it to her when Ditzy gave it to me. Cause at the time I still, ya know, hated you.” She sighed and nodded but said no more about it as Shady reloaded the drum mag with high impact slugs. We took only a few more minutes to recollect ourselves. Cherry levitated out two silencers from a drawer and screwed them onto her pistols. While it did bother me to see her looking so deadly, it also excited me a little bit.

Once we were good to go, Gawd opened the door and we all moved out, falling back into silence as we made our way up more and more stairs to the office where I was sure we would find Grunt. Finally, all of us sweating, we reached the door. Shay and Gawd knew it well. Cherry and I had never seen it before, but we knew we were in the right place judging by the self-important signs everwhere. Seriously this buck pissed me off. And now that I was standing outside his office, the nervousness I had been feeling was replaced with a cold determination and firm resolve to do what needed to be done. There were only three ponies in all of Equestria I want dead. One is Littlepip for obvious reasons, the second is Phanes, and the last is Eucalyptus Grunt.

With a nod from Gawd, we cracked open the door slowly, and then burts in, guns drawn and aimed all around the darkly lit room. Velvet toggled the lamp of her pipbuck, and the room alit. We all looked around. Eucalyptus was standing next to a bank of monitors, already wearing my suit of power armor. I knew he was in it, because he moved his hoof to point at a series of screens wordlessly.

At his motion, a lone screen flickered to life, showing a black and white image of the whole camp on alert, and surrounding the dam. “Fuck some pony sold us out!” Gawd snarled and looked around the room. I knew no pony here would do it, we all had a stake in making sure this went off without a hitch. “You’re right, and incase you were wondering whom it was...” Came the voice of Grunt from my power armor. We all looked to the screen again as it switched to a live feed. Sitting there, her wings splayed and her torso sporting several deep wounds, was Gawd…

It took me several moments to remember the Gawd look alike we had left behind in Junction Town. She wore a sorrowful expression, one that would never leave her face seeing as her heart had been pulled from her chest. “You heartless fuck!” Shady then looked at Gawd apologetically for the unintentional pun. The Gryphon flinched, and I could see the rage and pain in her eye. “I’ll kill him.” The Gryphon grumbled, her look of pain turning to one of pure rage. A feeling I empathized with. Then Zakk was right beside us, a pack of Snack Cakes in his hooves, which he began lobbing at the General.

He didn’t even try dodging. Why would he, snack cakes were less effective on power armor than a bare hooved punch. Then Zakk ran out of projectiles and leapt at Grunt. “let me at ‘em!” He shouted as his own hoof held him back. I knew he was trying to ease the mood, but his efforts were in vain, already my heart was pounding in my chest as I stared at the pony who had stolen my armor. Then Shady, typically, unslung her shotgun and fired slugs in his direction. The first one hit, and left a deep dent, but the next missed as he moved incredibly fast despite being so large. And so it was, the first shot of the fight was fired, and we knew it would be the hardest we ever had to deal with.

No level up, no perk points awarded.