I had no idea what we would find when we left the safety of stable 155 but what we found was depressing to say the least. Cloudy Joy

We awoke the next morning I went to see about our downed personnel and storm went to check on other supplies we might need also asked her to check the rest of the stable out see what was functional and what needed repairs and have the Maintenance droids fix anything that needed to be fixed. For I wanted to keep the stable up and running as a base of operations and a home she agreed with me.

“So before I continue with the story I wanted to explain a few things. Not many know of its existence let alone its location only 6 ponies besides the staff and crew of the raptor nearly completed. Myself and my wingmare where two who knew of the bases location Two of them of course were the Princesses, Rainbow Dash Applebloom who was in charge of the construction Applebloom agreed to have the memories of the construction and location removed so none could find the location from her no record was made of the construction of the base or location it wasn’t even registered in the Stable Tech mainframe as a stable to everypony else MAW’s Recon Stable 155 didn’t even exist it was one of Equestria’s guarded secrets never shared with any of the other ministries. With that being said let's get back to the story.”

I was glad that the stables Automated Maintenance droids kept everything up and running smoothly minus the loss of my crew and staff for the base due to a collapse and main power being cut to the main pod chamber backup systems kicked in and revived everypony but due to the collapse access to the rest of the base was lost doorway was blocked by the debris.

A visual inspection of the passage showed it looked like an explosion happened after consulting with the mainframe and Diagnostics a faulty power relay blew damaging the local area killing main power to the pod chamber backup system kicked in and emergency procedures went into effect bringing the 200 personnel around to fix the problem but with the door damaged and no equipment available to the trapped ponies they died slowly a few left messages for Storm Wing and I asking for a proper send off they managed to get access to the Environmental controls for the room and Flooded the room with a fast acting poison after 5 days of brainstorming amongst the personnel all agreed it was better to die quickly then watching one by one as they turned on each other. I wasn’t going to leave without doing something for them So after cutting my way into the room I had some droids with me to help gather them up we took them to the furnace and cremated all of them I also took the Damaged Door and with some help from the droids made a memorial with the names of each and everypony's name that died there Placing it in front of the pods.

Storm Chaser came up behind me as I finished we held a moment of silence for them. “What have you found Storm Chaser was there portable com units around?” I asked my friend.

“Better.” She said before filling me in “I found some stealth bucks and pipbuck broadcasters and a few hoof heald units short range but can come in handy if we find any allies or new friends who wish to travel with us. I also found a small spark field reactor that would be useful for recharging the spark packs and spark generators. Unfortunately no other pipbucks were to be found checking the shipping report 300 were on backorder and never received according to the log they were being shipped to the MAW hub in Manehattan to be moved out here it also shows that they got the shipment in and getting ready to ship it that night but that was the same day we went into stasis. I think it would be a good idea to make our way to the hub and pick them up at least it would give us an opportunity to check the mainframe at the hub and the surveillance feeds from the SPP towers if the links are still up and running.” Storm Chaser said.

“Hmmm I agree would be a good starting point plus if the hubs defences are still up and running we should be fine but we should be cautious. We do not know if some of the survivors or even some of the stable population around Manehattan could have looked or scavenged the buildings I doubt that it wasn’t accessed at some point we can not get our hopes up. It's a starting point so what of our supplies?” I asked.

“Well the 20 ammo trunks we placed in the Tortoise has around 3000 rounds each for your weapons ranging from AP to HE for the 50 cal 5 of the trunks contain missiles for our launchers found the ammo for the Steel Ranger armors wasn’t much so I stored it in the armors ammo system the spell matrixes are up and running too allowed me to store the ammo there ready to go should we need them or find somepony who could make use of them. The other ammo 230 other ammo boxes have the ammo for the 350 weapons we have stored in the tortoise and supply wagon. We might be able to sell or trade with others out there I think we should keep at least 150 weapons with ammo for each at least 10 ammo boxes of each type of ammo for said weapons. This also has hardly made a dent in the armory of the base we were after all working without a full complement of personnel even though the stable was in full operation we didn’t have the Full base complement. Mainly we had the crew and engineering staff and a full squad of Royal Rangers that were also going to be on the ship the rest of the personnel was being screened for the base so we were understaffed at the time hence the automated maintenance droids were brought on line while we went into stasis. I found out that the manufacturing equipment is in tip top shape and had it start stock up on the ammo we would most likely use the most your minigun eats ammo like no other plus would be nice to be able to have a surplus to keep you with ammo doubt we would find many 7.0 mm ammo out there plus might be tough to find missiles as well and I doubt they would be cheap to acquire more should we run out. On the status of our other supplies we should have three months of food we do not have to worry about water with the water talisman. I stored Six cots with bedding in the tortoise as well as the tent and camo netting to hide the tortoise should we need to leave it behind for any reason.” Storm Chaser said.

“Good Idea on the surplus stockpiling as for the weapons and ammo I think it is a good Idea do we have the room in the tortoise for the weapons and ammo on top of our current ammo load out to store the weapons we will keep and not offer in trade or sell outright. If we do would suggest we place everything else that we do not plan on selling or trading in the tortoise. Plus i think it would be a good Idea not to take the tortoise into any of the town we might come across might look like we mean trouble so if we take the supply wagon into towns we might not be less of a hassle. Though if said settlements being attacked we will of course respond and use the tortoise. So I must ask what is the status of the Tortoise and the modifications done to the wagon how protected are the Vital areas on both?” I asked

“There as strong as they can be only thing i can think that would take out the supply wagon is your 50 cal no matter how much armor i place on vital areas that type of weapon will punch through it provided they use the right ammo even standard round has a chance of punching through it being shot from that Type of weapon was designed to defeat zebra warmachine after all.” My friend said.

“Granted I do hope we do not find many of this type of weapon out there but that might not be hard to do Iron shod was mass producing that weapon for the military I was lucky enough to get one of the first Sniper Rifle of this caliber only 4 were made last I heard but there were many others of the standard 5.56 ammo type heck we even had 50 on the wagon. Hmm I think we should hold on to them transfer them and sufficient ammo for them to the tortoise move 50 random rifles to the wagon in exchange. I think we should try and limit the weight we place on the tortoise if we can. Let us leave the power armor back in the armory and lock down the armory we can always come back for it should it be needed. Plus would allow us to place some more essential equipment. How magical energy weapons and spark packs do we have in the tortoise?” I asked.

“20 rifles and 200 spark packs that leaves 10 packs for each rifle I added 10 to the Supply wagon for the tortoise and wagon’s use even with careful recharging packs can wear out. I agree with you on the armor I was going to bring it up would free up some more room for medical supplies and food the stable was completely stocked and supplied well enough to replace with more than what we can take the medical droids are working to replace what we already have stored. I put a note into the system to keep it stocked up to the level it was at before we woke up.” Storm Replied.

I nodded “How powerful is that field reactor?” I asked.

“Well from the readings it could power up a field camps defencive cannons and provide power to the whole camp at the same time.” Storm said.

I whistled “Now that could possibly be extremely useful not only would it provide power to charge the spark packs but recharge the tortoise and wagons spark generators increasing the flight time and travel distances we could go plus the stealth bucks will help with recon hope you slotted one in your pipbuck if you haven’t do so and hoof one to me so I have one as well than store the rest in the tortoise.” I said getting a nod from Storm Wing as she hoofed me a stealth buck.

“Alright let’s get everything repacked and secured in both Tortoise and wagon register our pipbucks in the stables mainframe as well as setting up a remote code so we can return to the stable for resupply and rest than we can set out for the MAW hub and find out what is happening out in Equestria after of course we had one last hot shower.” I said with a giggle.

Storm Chaser laughed at that with a nod. “I can say I’ll miss being able to shower but it is something we have had to deal without before when in the field.” She replied I nodded in agreement.

We went about packing the Tortoise and our heavily modified and armored supply wagon I was packing the tortoise securing the weapons and ammo boxes crates and medical supplies food was placed where it belonged Storm was storing and securing the wagon adding some medical supplies to for barter and trade or for distribution to those in need.we had one final meal in the mess hall the went to take our last shower for a while the whole time we talked about our time with Rainbow Dash and our other friends was good to keep their memory alive and to think of better days when Equestria was peaceful and remember the friends and loved ones we lost to the war. After drying off and putting our power armor back on we set off back to the hangar after registering our pipbucks with the stables computer and placed a remote signal to open hangar door for quick entry that could only be accepted by Mine or Storm Chasers pipbucks anything else would set the stable into lockdown and activate the Auto Defences and would send our pipbucks an alert that somepony was trying to gain access to the stable that was not authorised to be there.

With that completed I hooked myself up to the supply wagon after checking to make sure Storm was secured in her harness to the tortoise we agreed that it would be better for me to fly the wagon to the ground then connect it to the tortoise as Storm pulled it for the first Two hours than I would switch with her and pull it myself. Storm made a visual inspection as I tested the harness of the supply wagon and we nodded to each other.

“Well let’s see whats out there remember we need to be on alert for anything Hostile we can not afford to be taken by surprised we got a lot of valuable military hardwear here stuff that could possible be hard to come by we also must keep a lookout for anything that could help us get the raptor going which will be hard enough we might get lucky at the MAW hub but I’m not holding my breath on that. I said as I hit the lever to open the hangar doors seeing the outside for the first time through the Illusion spell placed over the bases entrances. What we could see Equestria looked like a wasteland there was a solid cloud cover we could tell it was daytime but other than that we couldn’t see the sun at all.

Without the sun Equestria couldn’t properly recover from the megaspells the cloud certon was trapping all the magical radiation below it. I was saddened and angered that my fellow pegasi would maintain total cloud cover over Equestria essentially preventing any chance for the land to have a proper chance to recover.

Storm Chaser and I looked at each other I could tell she was saddened by what we saw. “Well If it’s like this everywhere in Equestria we know that it’s a wasteland struggling to survive. We might have to go to Navaro at some point in time to talk with the pegasi. It is not something I would willingly do though only if needed.” I said getting a nod from Storm Chaser.

“It looks like our brethren has forsaken Equestria and or thinks themselves as more important than any other pony.” Storm Chaser said.

“It’s sad really if they would help out down here Equestria could recover very quickly we could all start over we might have lost our Princesses due to the Zebras but we all have to deal with the aftermath of the war that nearly destroyed us all. If it wasn’t for Scootaloo Applebloom and Sweetie Belle and Stable Tech all could have been lost.” I said sadly.

I set the hangar door to close as soon as we flew through it I heard the hangar doors shut behind me looking back to see what looked like a solid stone behind me If i didn’t know that it was an Illusion not to mention that it had a shield you could literally lean against it and not pass through. As we landed I went and unhooked myself from the supply wagons harness and connected it too the tortoise we slightly modified so it would hover slightly while being pulled on the ground that with little to no power consumption. Opening the troop compartment up after getting the wagon connected I did a com system check “Storm can you hear me?” I asked

“Yes Ma’am I can marking this channel as private com channel for the two of us as command channel.” Storm replied.

“Confirmed channel logged and secured.” I said. “I’ll start scanning the com channels when a channel i thought would be dead came in M.A.S.E.B.S. ( Ministry of arcane sciences emergency broadcast system ) a song had finished and I heard a stallions voice saying. “...been warning everypony for some time now to steer clear of Appleloosa. Well, seems like the Stable Dweller either didn’t get the message, or chose to ignore it. I’ve gotten confirmed reports that the little gal marched into Appleloosa, and brought hell on her hooves. Freed over a dozen slaves, many of them foals. I’m happy to report that they’re safe and sound. But there’s a bitter note to this song. When a small army of slavers tried to take their captives back, our heroine of the wasteland sacrificed herself making sure everypony got away safe. So this next song goes out to you, Stable Dweller. May Celestia and Luna wrap you in Their tails...” The voice said shortly after that music began to play one I have heard in a live performance by Sweetie Belle.

I paused with a hoof to my chin. “Storm I just heard something that can be considered disturbing seems that somepony a buck is using the M.A.S.E.B.S system to broadcast news and music across Equestria or as far as the signal will go possibly using the spp towers to retransmit the signal. I just heard a report that mentions slavery and a pony known as the stable dweller just freed a bunch of them but at the cost of her life when the slavers tried to take them back so we have slavers we have to keep an eye out for and help anypony who is captured by these individuals.Appleloosa was evidently made into a slaver town they dealt in selling other ponies as property including foals so that is something we can help put an end to I hope others will be willing to pony up and help others like this Stable Dweller did.” I said.

“The M.A.S.E.B.S. really wasn’t that located in Manehattan’s MAS hub.” Storm replied.

“Yes I’ve been there before with Rainbow when discussing something arcane with Twilight last time I seen Twilight she wasn’t looking so good frantic didn’t look like she hadn’t slept in a few days I didn’t see her again after that meeting that was shortly before being assigned to 155 working on the raptor that i was given command of when completed so I wanted to be there for its construction so I would know it inside and out you joined me shortly after that I was happy to see you and to know that you would be by my side like old times I was so relieved when i looked at your pods readouts that you were okay. I was afraid that I was going to be all alone with nopony the Deaths of our crew hit me harder than I thought I staggered over to check your pod out as soon as I got the info that the crew and support staff were dead at least they died with smiles on their faces considering the mares were being rutted as they all died was one mass orgy going on in there as they poisoned themselves to prevent them losing their minds some of the mares were still mounted when they died with the stallions still in them as they died too that was hard to gather them up to properly give them the send off they asked for. What little video survived I saw several of the mares being rutted hard and they were happy and no none of it was forced on them I have to say it was hot I had to take a moment to compose myself after seeing that.” I said if Storm could have seen my face it would have been beat red.

“Oh my did it get you hot and bothered under the tail CJ.” She teased me.

“Storm Chaser you know damn well that I am into both mares and stallions! Hell I even asked Rainbow Dash out she turned me down of course but that's besides the point If you seen what I did in that Recording you would be extremely wet you kinky mare you I know what you are into and I know you to are also a bisexual as well but damn I kind of wish some of the stallions had survived I wouldn’t have said no to a roll in the hay with them. Some were well hung.” I said with a huff.

BLAM

Gunshots could be heard in the distance. “Heads up CJ we have gunfire up ahead efs shows Seven hostels attacking Four Friendly targets correction 3 one just went down.” Storm reported.

“I see it Lets get in there and assist.” I flew out of the tortoise took up position to snipe activated my scope and took a battle stance. “Storm Park the tortoise and offer support as they retreat looks like they are trying to get to cover.” I said as I lined up the shot and fired.

My shot rang true and took the head off one of the attackers they all scattered and looked around for the sniper I picked off three more before Storm came in with guns blazing at the other attackers but the group we were protecting lost another before the battle was over I hooked myself up to the Tortoise and flew it and Landed Next to Storm Wing. “Is everypony Okay?” I asked as i directed my questions to the two survivors of what looked like a caravan of some sort.

I stared down the barrel of a double barreled shotgun. “Easy now we just want to make sure you are okay we mean you no harm. We heard the gunfire and came to assist.” I said.

“Aye call horseapples not a single enclave pegasus would help us wastelanders.” Said the mare with the shotgun they were showing as yellow on our E.F.S’s.

“We are not a part of this enclave as you put it but we are Military officers let me introduce myself I am Commander Cloud Striker this is my Wingmare Storm Wing of the Equestrian Airguard. We are sworn to protect Equestria when The Omega Protocols were placed in effect myself Storm Wing and Two Hundred ponies went into cryo stasis on a base we just came out of stasis yesterday to find ourselves in a what has become the Equestria we loved and our base in shambles and Two hundred ponies we went in cryo with dead my friend and I the only survivors. So tell me would I willingly harm a pony who is not hostile I would rather not fight others if need be but for Celestia’s sake we are not going to harm you or your companion.” I said as I took my helmet off.

The unicorn mare lowered her shotgun after the earthpony mare placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Easy Misty I don’t think they mean us any harm after all they just saved our tails from that Raider ambush.” She said.

My ears perked up with an eye raised “Sorry to sound ignorant but what are raiders you mentioned?” I asked.

“There a bad lot of ponies who will shoot rape and kill yea for the hell of it than take all your supplies they do not care for anypony but themselves and sooner kill you then help you.” The mare said.

“I see.” I looked over at Storm Wing and got a nod from her.

“Thank you for telling us about the raiders I was kind of shocked to see ponies attacking other ponies not to mention the broadcast I heard a moment ago about slavers. Is there anything else we should keep an eye out for Also we can provide you with an escort to your destination. May I ask were you where heading and what brought you out this way?” I asked

“No problem at all I’m a trader a merchant I sell things from guns and scavenged good I come across I also do supply runs to towns who need certain items that I may have on hoof My husband and I run this trade caravan Misty here is one of our guards Don’t get too far in the wastelands without protection The Raiders ambush took us by surprise My husband was the first one taken out followed by our brahman and the other guards. An escort would be of great help I should be able to recover some of the losses hopefully at the town we were going to. Might even be able to get an escort back home hell good old Ditzy might be willing to assist a fellow merchant out with a cart or something that I could use until I get another brahman or two Btw the names Daisy.” Daisy said.

I nodded, “Well Daisy like I said we would be willing to assist you to the next town this merchant in the town you mentioned her name was Ditzy would that happen to be Ditzy Doo?” I asked.

Daisy nodded “Yes good old Ditzy has been around for since the war from what I understand can’t speak though her tongue was cut out by slavers awhile back but she wrote the wasteland survival guide. She’s what’s known as a ghoul pony there ponies who were hit by too much magical radiation and survived some ghouls go zombie or fairall and are mindless but Ditzy is beloved nopony would harm her besides raiders and maybe slavers Ditzys been around since the war from what I understand.” Daisy said.

My expression saddened. “Ditzy is a friend of mine back before and during the war I know her If it truly is Ditzy I must talk to her and get one of these survival guides she’s written I will have to go without my helmet or remove it so she could see that I’m not one of these enclave ponies but her old friend might smooth things over for she knows me we use to live in PonyVille but those were happier time before the war happened. As for the enclave I do not hold any loyalty to the pegasi who abandoned Equestria to become what it is now instead of helping the land recover was one of our responsibilities I was a weather pony before I joined the guard Followed my Idol even became a member of her ministry I rose through the ranks quickly was given command of a recon scout team. Storm Wing here is my second in command.” I said.

“Ma’am Nothing of note worthy on the raiders that you nailed Mine im sorry to report were vaporized anything on them as well sorry ma’am.” Storm said.

“No problem Storm nice shooting for a 225 year old mare.” I teased.

Storm Wing Burst out laughing “I could say the same to you Ma’am.”

I shared a laugh with Storm Wing then turned back to Daisy anyway Like I said we will help you get to your destination. We might need help when we get there so that we maybe allowed in to talk with Ditzy be advised though Do not touch anything in the Tortoise there are sensitive equipment and our personal privations that are not up for trade or sell we do have things we are willing to trade and or sell speaking of which Misty I noticed your shotgun is in need of some repairs and you could use with some better firepower as a back up as a sign of good faith.” I said as I walked to the supply wagon climbed in came back out with a mid range sniper with Twenty clips ten clips marked in yellow and ten plain clips I hoofed her the rifle and clips. “Take this as a gift each clip has Twenty rounds the yellow marked clips are armor piercing ammo military grade you will find that rifle is in mint condition like it was straight off the manufacturing line if you wish more ammo you will need to barter for it as for your shotgun Let me see it I’ll fix it for you free of charge and if I can’t I’ll replace it with a better model I have combat shotguns that hold more ammo and can pack a much bigger punch and before you say anything I understand it is your weapon and by the look in your eye when I said that i would fix it or replace it if I couldn’t It has sentimental value to you probably passed down to you from a family member So I will do my best to fix it for you Storm please help Daisy with her wears while I help Misty here with her shotgun also Misty you might want to get a little practice with that rifle I’ll give you a clip that you can practice with.” I said as I looked around for something she could shoot as a target spotting what looked to be a dead tree I pointed.

“See that tree there look through the scope pick some a point on it that you wish to shoot take a breath and hold it then shoot.” I said as I watched her do as I suggested I had activated my scope to watch she hit the tree dead on. “Good shooting Misty you would make a good markspony that rifle is a mid range sniper doesn’t have the range mine does but it’s a good rifle to have keep in mind what I just told yeah about how to fire a scoped weapon I can also offer you another rifle that is a fully automatic rifle in other words an assault rifle. We can talk about it later.” I said as Daisy and Storm Wing brought up her supplies.

I had to admit I was surprised with how much she had. “So Daisy as I said before there are stuff in the Tortoise that are the personal effects of mine and Storms please keep to the rear compartment because you lost your brahman I’m allowing you to ride in the tortoise Myself and or Storm Wing will also be in the tortoise manning the weapon systems and communications equipment we are still trying to find out what’s going on around here. So please abide by the rules please. The tortoise is in essence mine and Storms home housing our munitions for our equipment and supplies that is not up for sale or trade. The stuff in the wagon being pulled however are for trade and or sell.” I said.

“Fair enough.” Daisy said. “I do appreciate your assistance back there and will abide by the rules you laid out Celestia knows I do the same whenever a pony approaches my caravan for trade I wouldn’t expect any less from a fellow traveler in this wasteland Misty and I do understand.

“Thank you so where is this town you're heading to?” I asked.

“The towns called New Appleloosa If you would allow me to mark it on your map on that there pipbuck I see you too wearing it would be quicker.” Daisy said.
“Alright Here.” I held out my hoof bringing up the map making sure the location of the base was hidden thank goodness for security measures Only my armors onboard map showed the location of the base. A new marker appeared on my EFS I sent said info to Storm Wing so we both would know where to go.

“Storm it’s time to switch pulling on pulling even though the last half hour we have been sitting still I’ll pull for a bit monitor the com frequencies but keep an ear on the EBS’s frequency it seems like the best place to find news about the wasteland as well as give us music to listen to but do not forget to scan for any other broadcasts see if you can’t tap into the enclave’s channels I want to find out what is up with the pegasi as well as see why they haven’t come down and helped down here. I don’t like this one bit Storm Wing. If they came down and helped down here Equestria could recover and not be what it is now a wasteland could have been green and beautiful like before the war. But with that cloud blanket all it is doing is trapping all the radiation down below instead of allowing it to dissipate.” I said getting a nod from Storm Wing.

“What do you mean by the cloud cover trapping the radiation?” Daisy and Misty asked.

“Storm Wing and I where weather ponies we helped the crops grow and managed the weather around Equestria I served as a weather mare in PonyVille for Seven years before I joined Rainbow Dash in the Equestrian military as a member of the Airguard. My job was to help with crop land bringing rain to town to keep the trees and crops growing strong I am a trained weathermare so is Storm Wing we know what happens when a cloud blanket like this is displayed Hell with it in place Canterlot fell We learned that a magaspell was used in canterlot and evacuations were underway in the surrounding area from what the last reports I got from what was left in the com logs at the base we woke up in a magaspell was detonated inside the shield Princesses Luna and Celestia put up to stop the missiles that were bombarding Canterlot from what I understand is once that bomb went off Canterlot was considered lost The princesses were considered dead and retaliatory strikes were authorized we launched our own magaspells in response to the destruction of Canterlot from the reports I heard they used the same bomb that took out Little Horn what we called the Little Horn agent I do hold hope that The Princesses managed to make it into Stable One but I do not know if it would have survived for very long from what I understand the shield around Canterlot stayed up for a long time but when it finally fell with the winds produced by the condensed air underneath the cloud blanket along with the Pressurized air that was being expelled by the released shield would spread the fallout of the bomb used in Canterlot almost if not all the way to Manehattan.” I said.

“As for the cloud cover trapping in Radiation think of it as a jacket which is meant to keep body heat in and the cold out same principle but with the added downside should it rain it’s irradiated water instead of clean and safe to drink some places like were the bombs fell you wouldn’t want to be out during a storm so to speak you would want to be indoors or in a shelter.” Storm Wing said.

I picked it up from there “Equestria didn’t become a wasteland the day the war ended oh no it happened over years the plants died because of the lack of the sunlight the land started to dry up from the heat being trapped by the clouds In other words this cloud blanket is what finally ended our once beautiful land of green fields and crops If it was gone the land could finally begin to heal in Five maybe ten years crops could be sown for fresh foods that would be healthy and not irradiated you wouldn’t get sick from eating it.” I said.

“I see so what does this mean to us down here?” They asked.

“It means that whoever Is in charge of the enclave is being selfish and paranoid maybe even a bit of a bigot being completely devoted to pegasus superiority thinking that they are better than the ponies down here to be honest I do not know how the pegasi have survived this long without the assistance of earth ponies and unicorns for that matter because we can not grow crops in the sky wasn’t possible back then doubt it’s possible now there were a few stables built for pegasi they could be still functioning as farms for them but again this is only speculation on my part when the recall order was sent out for all pegasi armed forces to retreat and close the sky Myself and Storm Wing refused the orders and remained at our stations helping evacuate personnel for cryo sleep securing equipment for stasis conditions before going into stasis ourselves. I was the first to be revived when stasis was to end so I could wake the others and check the status of the base I was the Ranking officer on base so in effect I was the base commander Storm Wing and I where the last ones to go into stasis myself being the very last making sure everything was secured and the base was on lockdown defences were up and running. When I awoke yesterday I was dismayed by what I was looking at the base was in shambles systems were failing and my personnels cryo chamber had lost primary power connection backup systems kicked in and did an emergency revival waking them up to fix the problem but they were trapped by debris according to the computer they spent several days trying different means of getting out but none were successful. In the end they decided that it was better to die quickly then to lose themselves to cannibalism so they activated a one of the bases defencive measures which is a gas that is a knockout gas but in sufficiently high doses is fatal they flooded the chamber with a fatal dose of gas. That was Seventeen years ago according to the report. I lost everypony under my command except one that day.” I said.

“No pony is better than another we all have our parts to play in the world Earth Ponies are extremely good at agriculture not only that but with tech art and other things Unicorns are good with magic they are great scholars and teachers pegasi are good with weather control and are good fighters the Royal Guard was comprised of all three tribes of ponies known as the EUP guard pegasi military leaders at the end of the war broke the oaths that governed the military founded on Unity of the three tribes. I have a sneaky suspicion that the our enemy at the time was trying to sow dissent amongst the tribes to weaken us to divide us given birth to the enclave the princesses could not lower that shield with the cloud blanket up for fear of dooming everyone who was being evacuated to the stables or shelters around Equestria I say everyone because not everyone who was being evacuated were ponies Equestria had a zebra, griffon, dragon and so on so forth citizens that had just as much right to survive as we did they were given that chance I would not deny them it either I had a zebra friend she was murdered for no reason. Only reason i could think of was because she was a zebra. Hell she even helped The ministry of peace with healing potions elixirs and tonics.” I said sadly.

“Not every zebra was bad anyway let’s get underway we have a ways to travel I do not relish the idea of being out in the open come nightfall.” Storm Wing said getting a nod from me as I hitched myself up to the Tortoise.

“Alright everypony secure your wears Daisy find a sit down and relax a little Misty if you wish to walk beside me and get some pointers on the use of your new rifle you're welcome to. Storm Wing can contact me if need be.” I said.

“Might as well walk beside yea I’m still on guard duty after all you may not be part of the caravan but you are helping the caravan with their wares so I might as well do the job I’m being payed for.” Misty said.

“I admire that.” I said giving Misty a smile before putting my helmet back on. “Ok be on the lookout for trouble that might not have been the only raiders in the area I rather not be ambushed by a group of would be thugs.” I said.

“EFS is active Ma’am we should have a heads up on anything hostile to us.” Storm said, “Copy that Storm keep an ear out and Eyes open.” I replied getting an affirmative from my friend.

Twenty minutes later Storm Wing interrupted my lesson on weapon maintenance.

“Ma’am you might want to hear this switching to internal com speaker.” Storm Wing said.

“What’s up Storm?” I asked.

“Daisy please repeat that story for Cloud Striker.” I heard Storm Wing request.

“Sure okay I am former Knight Daisy Streak of the Manehattan contingent of the Steel Rangers Twenty years ago I was a freshly graduate from Steel Ranger training I was part of a recon squad sent out to locate potential resources that could be used by the Rangers we were following a report of an abandoned stable that supposedly didn’t last but was still closed up tight could have valuable resources for the rangers to use or a foreward ops base we found the location of the stable but it was had a New Village around its entrance each one of the inhabitants were in stable barding marked with stable thirty our orders where to locate the stable and report back. We did report back. A week later I was sent out to a forward outpost with supplies at first I didn’t realise where I was going until I got close to the stables location what I found was to put it frankly was disturbing There was smoke coming from the town's location when I got there the place looked like a battle hit the area. I learned that my fellow Rangers attacked this new village after they refused to leave there home there was no survivors from the stable population they welcomed the Steel Rangers for what they where I learned from going through the stables school was that they learned that the steel rangers where or I should say are the guardians and protectors of Equestria that they were a military force of the Equestrian government and they slaughtered every single pony filly’s and colts alike because they refused to give up their rightful home. When I learned that this went against the Oath I swore to when I put on that armor I made a commotion I was stripped of my rank forced to remove my armor then held at rifle point marched out by the perimeter of the village to be executed as a traitor.” She took a deep breath and had a drink of water for I heard her drinking.

“The stallion that became my husband a year later was on his supplie rounds he made contact with this Village and was returning with what they required to expand into a proper town most of the residents still lived in the Stable proper looks like they put up quite the fight to defend their home when I went through the stable To complain about the massacre. Anyway Im going off story He and his guard contingent saw me being escorted and rescued me three of his guards lost their lives that day but they saved me from being executed. I learned later that Orders were passed down to all steel ranger should I be spotted anypony with me were to be shot on sight no questions asked. After our stop at New Appleloosa we were going to Tenpony tower in Manehattan to visit our daughters who run a shop in the tower was our last stop before going home. My filly’s took Two years working for that shop owner to earn citizenship at Tenpony tower now they own the same shop they worked in. I have to say I’m proud of my filly’s as any mother would be. If I’m not able to rebuild the caravan I would like to accompany you as far as Tenpony so that I can make my final delivery and pass on what the Caravans rains to my daughters well what’s left of it anyway and Pay Misty what she’s owed. My daughters can found the reconstruction of the caravan if need be we were going to pass it down to them anyway would have been a great opportunity for them to showcase their talents you see they own and operate the clothing and armorer store in Tenpony quite talented at it we do carry some of their works on our supply runs hell Misty is wearing one of there best armors.” Daisy said.

I looked over Misty for a moment Appraising her armor. “Well I’ll be dose look like it would offer the best amount of protection with the least amount of weight.” I said nodding in approval.

Taking a moment to think [i/] I guess seeking the aid of the Steel Rangers is out if they have become nothing but well organized tech hoarding raiders. “Daisy what do you know about what is going on within the steel rangers. This sounds like something that would cause a lot of internal conflict that could lead to a civil war amongst the steel rangers.” I asked.

I heard a sigh “You have that right Ma’am and I think it could have been avoided if Steelhooves accepted the position of Elder from what I hear Steelhooves was one of the first steel rangers of course I don’t know if it is true but he holds the true meaning of the oath at heart he is a Star Paladin in the Manehattan contingent. If he did accept the position any Steel Ranger could transfer to his contingent and live the true meaning of the oath we swore from what I hear many would have followed him and still would, but now it would be succeeding from the Other Steel Rangers it could very well lead to internal conflict within the Steel Rangers any ranger who would follow SteelHooves would be labeled a traitor an outcast and would be hunted down by the other rangers so we could be looking at a complete and utter shackdown of the steel rangers should something bring it to the breaking point.” Daisy said.

“Hmmm…” I said… “So in other words if the final straw was pushed and this SteelHooves responds and others follow there could potentially be a great ally in these outcasts provided help could be provided.” I said outloud.

“Possibly Ma’am it also depends on how it happens. If I can’t rebuild the caravan on my own and decide to pass it on as is to my daughters I wish to accompany you on your mission Ma’am to help the ponies of the wastelands. My family already knows that if there was an opportunity to help more then with just supplies that I would help in anyway possible I swore an oath to Equestria even if it was misguided in its interpretation by the elders I still hold steady to that oath I helped out with problems when in towns did eliminated problems that I could deal with on my own or with some volunteers from amongst the guards protecting the caravan I always payed extra for the assistance in these matters My husband agreed with me and approved of it. He would not want me to waste a chance to really help out in a big way he would do the same if he was as trained as I was in combat.” Daisy said.

“I’ll think about it, but don’t rush into anything without first talking to your daughters this will affect them as well. I know what I am hoping to be able to accomplish will not be easy or a quick fix nothing is ever easy hell I was fighting in a war that nopony or zebra would win all throughout the war we made several attempts at ending the war peacefully each of them failed. I would rather not have to fight again in another conflict but I can’t see it all I can tell is something is happening and I do not like some of what I have heard already.” I said and sighed.

“I agree.” Storm Wing said.

“We have business in Manehattan checking on something we found in a shipping manifest when we woke up that could be important plus would give us access to data that could help us understand some things better. If you do come to Manehattan with us on your way to Tenpony Tower we will escort you there if this tower you speak of is the Ministry of Arcane Sciences in Manehattan that would be a place we need to stop at as well there is something we have to discuss with a pony there.” I said.

“You talking about Dj Pon3’s radio broadcasts from the M.A.S.E.B.S.?” Daisy asked.

“If he’s the stallion I heard when I was listening for broadcasts then Yes I need to speak with this Dj Pon3 nothing bad mind you just he maybe able to shed some light on some things that are troubling me.” I said with a nod.

“Well Tenpony Tower is the MAS hub in Manehattan what did you hear if you don’t mind me asking?” Daisy asked.
“Storm hit replay on that broadcast I played for you before we heard the gunshots.” I said.

“Yes Ma’am.” She replied shortly after that I heard the broadcast again.

“...been warning everypony for some time now to steer clear of Appleloosa. Well, seems like the Stable Dweller either didn’t get the message, or chose to ignore it. I’ve gotten confirmed reports that the little gal marched into Appleloosa, and brought hell on her hooves. Freed over a dozen slaves, many of them foals. I’m happy to report that they’re safe and sound. But there’s a bitter note to this song. When a small army of slavers tried to take their captives back, our heroine of the wasteland sacrificed herself making sure everypony got away safe. So this next song goes out to you, Stable Dweller. May Celestia and Luna wrap you in Their tails...”

“Oh my…” I heard Daisy say…. “Well to shed a little light on what happened a week ago Two ponies left stable Two near PonyVille one of them took on the Raiders living in PonyVille and rescued a Five ponies being held captive by the raiders. Appleloosa is a slaver town under the direction of Redeye he runs the main slaver army out of Fillydelphia His Right Hoof gal stern is a griffen merch who actually manages the operation there from what I understand I use to be a part of the steel rangers there in Fillydelphia before I was transferred to Manehattan. Redeye is a hard pony to keep track of nopony knows where he truly resides besides Stern and she’s not telling. All I know is Redeye is trouble he has help from the goddess as he refers her to. All I know is that she has a lot of what steelhooves calls alicorns they're smart and hard as fuck to kill. SteelHooves has a reputation as being called the Mighty Alicorn hunter amongst the steel rangers.” Daisy said.

“Alicorns!!!” I exclaimed.

“Yes.” Daisy said.

“Damn it that changes things.” I said.

“What do you mean Ma’am.” Daisy asked.

“It was a secret kept only to the ministry mares and the princesses but I know about it because I was directly under Rainbow Dash’s command and was present during the presentation Twilight Sparkle the Ministry Mare for the MAS was working on a project to create alicorns through magical means in essence create an army of Alicorns that could force an end to the war. I heard that pony testing was taking place shortly before the bombs fell Twilight was overseeing it in Marapony in splendid valley something must have happened when Marapony was hit and this goddess was created. This is only a hypothesis at the moment, but this goddess could be the source of the alicorns but using unwilling ponies as experiments to find the right dosage to create an alicorn. Just out of curiosity what is the most prized type of pony looked for by slavers what tribe of pony would fetch a high price so to speak.” I asked.

“From what I learned from the last time I ran into a slaver it was Unicorns. That Redeye would pay high for unicorn ponies.” Daisy answered.

“That is what i thought....” I said... “Would make sense considering Unicorns have the Highest level of magic capability amongst the three tribes, but again this is only a hypothesis at the moment I have no real proof that this is what is going on or what is happening.” I said.

“Anyway I have some things to think about so do you Daisy. Storm Wing switch with me I have a shotgun to repair and you know that it helps me to think about things better when I’m cleaning and maintaining weapons.” I said.

“No problem CJ.” Storm replied as I came to a stop and began to unhook myself from the harness.

Daisy and Storm Wing exited the Tortoise as me and Misty walked up to the back. “Go ahead dear I know you would want to be present when your shotgun was repaired.” Daisy said to Misty.

We both nodded in passing Misty and I entered the tortoise I went up front for a moment to collect my kit. When I came back Misty was resting with her shotgun in across her legs.

“Ok Misty let’s repair your shotgun.” I said with a smile.

Misty smiled back with a nod “Okay mind if I watch i should probably see how to properly maintain it Daisy helped me out a lot with maintaining it, but I think I should learn how to properly care for my weapons If she does give the caravan to her daughter's I’ll be out of a job unless they hire me to continue to protect the caravan.” Misty said.

“Well you don’t have to rush things too quickly we have a long way to go before we reach Manehattan and Tenpony Tower.” I replied as I broke down the shotgun for a proper cleaning some parts were worn down enough to needing to be replaced I took one of the raiders shotguns apart using the best parts to repair Misty’s Shotgun reassembled it and hoofed it back to Misty.

“There we go good as new well as best I can get it with what I had on hoof. If you like I will gladly help you with a more combat oriented shotgun.” I said.

“What do you mean.” She asked.

“Well I do have Two battle saddles equipped with what was at the time the best combat shotguns available they pack a punch let me tell you I’ve used them myself before not pegasus friendly. Knocked me on my flanks and into a wall wasn’t prepared for the recoil didn’t properly brace myself got used to using enchanted weapons for Pegasi. You see the weapon on my battle saddles are enchanted to have a feather of a kick almost no recoil even my minigun and my sniper can be fired while in flight my missile launcher can be but it does have more of a kick than my other three weapons.” I said.

“Ah I see.” Said Misty

“So if the shotguns you mention where the top of the line would they be the Mac?” Misty asked.

My eyebrow shot up as well as my ears. “The Mac huh looks like somepony has seen a magazine for Ironshod Firearms and Yes it is the Mac shotgun two mounted on a battle saddle Big Mac was the only pony I know who could handle that shotgun without it being mounted on a battle saddle.” I said as Misty’s eyes glazed over in ah. [i/] I snickered to myself She looks like she just had an orgazim.

“We can work something out if we need to but it is something I will consideration if your interested.” I said.

Misty nodded “My Father taught me how to use a battle saddle but I never could find one that would fit my style of fighting I always preferred short to mid range fighting was never good with close quarter combat, I know it’s important to know how to defend yourself in close quarter or hoof to hoof combat it just never felt right to me I rather not have to fight somepony hoof to hoof if it can be avoided.” Misty said.

“I can understand that, This battle saddle I mentioned was designed according to the logs for a unicorn She was about your body size maybe even weight. Can’t say I know her personally besides talking to her briefly when she arrived there was only Five Mac’s ever produced to my knowledge and she got two of them mounted on a battle saddle. I do know that they're compatible with most combat shotguns so spare parts shouldn’t be a problem provided you keep them well maintained you won't wear them out quickly best thing to do is clean and maintain your weapons as much as possible cleaning them after a fight is a good idea that way they have less chance of failing on yeah in the heat of combat most military and guard weapons were made sturdy and tough security forces also had high quality weapons but no where near what the Equestrian military had.” I said.

“So Misty if you don’t mind me asking, Tell me about yourself.” I asked.

Misty looked at me for a moment before nodding. “Well not much to tell My mother was a stable dweller as most of the wasteland ponies would call a pony that came out of a stable maintenance pony she helped Maintain the stable’s systems about Thirty years ago something happened to the stable which prompted the need to open the door and send out a search team to find something don’t know what it was wasn’t born yet, from what mom told me the search turned up failing so the stable had to be abandoned so preparation were made to leave the stable. When they left they had stripped everything they could that was usable and was easy to carry they put together a cart that was placed there for when the stable doors opened so they could move things they settled down and started a town Five years later I was born my older brother was happy to have a little sister I was taught raised knowing how to survive in the wasteland went on a few scavenging forays with my mother and father Dad was a good stallion that had helped my mother settle in when I was fifteen the town was attacked by Slavers my mother, father, and brother were all captured I managed to escape by playing dead I was injured not fatally, I couldn’t move. I was covered in blood from killing a slaver so I played dead I couldn’t move think i might have gotten hit by something prevented me from being able to move anyway about thirty minutes after they left I was able to move again managed to find a healing potion the slavers seemed to be in a hurry for some reason they didn’t take much of anything except who they captured leaving everypony and the young foals. When I got up kind of scared a few of the colts and filly’s they thought I was dead. It was one of the filly’s that got me the healing potion she was scared and looked for to me wondering what to do the foals were scared and sad because there parents were gone either killed in the attack or taken by the slavers. A week later a trade caravan come into town we asked and paid for escort to friendship city. When we got there ponies of the city welcomed us took us in even offered to raise the foals I myself was taken in I joined the city guard to protect what was left of my family even if they were not related by blood the ten foals are my family I still hold hope to find my brother father and mother but I have no clue where to look or even begin to look that was Ten years ago.” Misty said.

I stared in shock at what this young mare went through in her life. I pulled her into a hug and held her close as she sniffled. “I think I know what happened to you and why you couldn’t move i think did one of your family use a needle gun?” I asked i got a short but firm nod. “Mom had one to help keep the varmints as she called them away or when hunting.” she replied.

“Did she have any poison darts manticore maybe?” I asked

“Yes when i was five the town had a problem with manticores as she called them the town got a hunting party together to eliminate the problem they came back with quite a few manticore stingers and meat which we bartered for with the next trader to come into town with we had the hydroponics system from the stable that provided for everypony in town we traded one of the water talismans for escort to Friendship city they even helped us pack and load the Hydroponics system which mom taught me how to maintain so i was able to break it down for transport. Friendship city was thrilled to get that system the other water talisman was for the hydroponics system.” Misty said.

“There we go your mother must of pegged you with a dart at some point near the end of the fight takes a moment to kick in but it will paralyze a pony for about an hour being hit by depending how strong the dart was dosed with the poison can kill in high concentration ten to twenty darts could kill a pony unloading a dart pistol’s clip that was loaded with manticore poison would kill anypony.” I said…“I think she was trying to protect you from the slavers.”

“Ma’am I think it would be prudent if we set up camp for the night doesn’t look like we will make it to New Appleloosa tonight.” Storm Wing announced over the com.

“Alright Storm look for a good place to set up camp you and I we will take watches tonight so Misty and Daisy can be well rested I’ll take first watch I’ll wake you 5 hours after you go to sleep. I’ll get things together for Dinner tonight Be nice to cook again outdoors again kind of reminds me of camping with my mother before the war but only diffence is that damnable cloud blanket.” I said.

“Yes Ma’am should we unpack the tents ma’am?” Storm asked.

“No not tonight would be a hassle to pack it up in the morning.” I replied as we set up camp for the night drawing on the tortoises tank for a vegetable stew.

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Footnotes Cloudy Joy, Level up:

New Perk: Sniper Pony – Your chance to hit an enemy’s head in S.A.T.S. is increased by 25%.

New Perk: Cherchez La Filly -- +10% damage to the same sex and unique dialogue options with certain ponies.

New Perk: Organizer – You are efficient at arranging your inventory in general. This makes it much easier to carry that little extra you’ve always needed. Items with a weight of two or less are considered to weigh half as much for you.

New Perk: Counter Canter – Your fancy hoofwork (or agile flying if you are a pegasus pony) keeps you out of harm’s way. Opponents suffer a -5 to combat skills when attacking you.

Storm Chaser Level up

New Perk: Cherchez La Filly -- +10% damage to the same sex and unique dialogue options with certain ponies.

New Perk: Organizer – You are efficient at arranging your inventory in general. This makes it much easier to carry that little extra you’ve always needed. Items with a weight of two or less are considered to weigh half as much for you.

New Perk: Counter Canter – Your fancy hoofwork (or agile flying if you are a pegasus pony) keeps you out of harm’s way. Opponents suffer a -5 to combat skills when attacking you.

New Companions Daisy Streak and Misty Spark: Currently traveling with you may or may not become permanent companions

Daisy Streak: Former Knight of the Manehattan contingent of the Steel Rangers

Misty Spark: Wasteland Caravan Guard. You have told your story your experiences have hardened you. New equipment 5.56 cal mid range scoped rifle with 400 rounds 200 each of Ap and standard ammunition

Author's Notes:

Well Cloudy Joy and Storm Chaser have now met there first wasteland survivors Daisy Streaks and Misty Sparks and have learned Some information. Are things looking up for The Two Pegasi From the war? Let us see how things play out.