Rivet looked at them all and decided to go for a more formal report.

“The Captain, Sir, and Governor, we have been under attack all morning from various directions. But now two have come forward, asking to speak with Nor. They actually took the time to clothe themselves, but they have open wounds which may have been received this morning.”

Everypony was staring at Nor.

“What?” He asked looking back at them. “I don’t have anything special to say. This is up to my commander and your leaders.”

“I am going to go talk with them,” Shadow said stepping into his armor. “They get to talk to me, not my soldier. To start. I will have my com in if you need to reach me.”

“Lets go see what they want,” Governor Silver Sifter agreed. “They have never come forward wanting to talk. We should see what they have to say, especially after last night.”

“Are you sure?” Silver Targe asked. “The Sergeant said they could wipe us off the map.”

“Even more reason to find out what they want,” The Governor said leaving. “We don’t want to give them a reason to.”

The two Super Ponies were not near the gate. They didn’t appear to know where it was. The others stayed down. Only Shadow, The Governor, The Captain, Nor and Thunder went up onto the wall to see.

There were two guards down at a place where Thunder had added a bulwark on the rampart. He had added many more like it. Another was a good ways down at one of the many machine gun nests Thunder had designed. All of them had weapons pointed at the Super Ponies.

They were several dead Super Ponies around the area, not helping their case.

“That is Black Bolt and Crystal Kiss,” Nor informed them. “Has to be.”

“Which is which?” Shadow asked.

“I don’t know,” Nor admitted. “It was night and they had no clothes on. Plus, they didn’t have those wounds.”

Shadow dropped down like the height was nothing. He took his helmet off and met them mid way between them and the wall. The guards relaxed their weapons.

“I assume you are Black Bolt and Crystal Kiss,” Shadow said.

“Are you Nor?”

“He is too small to be Nor dear.”

“Well Crystal Kiss, you are right, I am too small,” Shadow smiled. “I am surprised you could make that comparison.”

“Are you saying I am dumb?” She scoffed.

“No,” Shadow shook his head. “I meant it was night and there was no pony to compare his size to.”

“Well,” She stammered.

“This is a dangerous place to be,” Shadow continued. “Especially since you stand among the bodies of dead Super Ponies. What makes this risk so worth it?”

“I don’t want to be like them,” Crystal Kiss blurted.

“I don’t want to be away from my wife,” Black Bolt added.

Shadow smiled. “Black Bolt, how long have you been an adult?”

“About six months,” He replied.

“And how long had Jade Kiss been an adult?”

“At least three years,” Black Bolt replied. “We have a lot of ponies in our vault. I didn’t really know her. Heard her name a few times, that was all. Our schools had grades for each age and each grade multiple classes. We were not in the same.”

“Damn,” Shadow swore. “That is a lot of ponies.”

“This city is the only place we know where we can get away from the others,” Crystal Kiss explained. “I don’t want to end up like Jade Kiss or the others. I don’t want my outburst at Nor to become me.”

“How did you receive those wounds?” Shadow asked.

“The last explosion of the night,” Crystal Kiss answered. “After Nor left, I was angry, disturbed, confused. I took a walk. Black Bolt came after me. The other explosions happened. We waited for a while to go back. There were a lot dead. So we decided to go to the place Black Bolt built for us when the last one happened. We were not close, but pieces cut us.”

“How fortunate for you,” Shadow smiled.

“Did you cause the others?” Black Bolt asked.

“Yes,” Shadow nodded. “We have cannons that can easily shoot exploding rounds out to Stable 50. We had gotten them working a few days prior.”

“Did you get them from Fort Strong?” Black Bolt asked.

“Yes,” Shadow nodded. “We got them when we stripped Fort Strong.”

“You are powerful then to be able to take it away for the time you did. Red Glow, my brother, left to lead them. He led the ‘recovery.’”

“How smart was he?” Shadow asked. It was an awkward question to ask.

“Like Jade Kiss,” Black Bolt asked. “They were about the same age. But he led those that were like the ones who attacked today. The ones who have degedation.”

“Mental degradation,” Nor said over the coms. “I used it during our talks. Non of them could say it then either. I think that is just a word they haven’t heard.”

“So they can be led,” Shadow replied. “Interesting.”

“Not well,” Black Bolt replied. “They have minds of their own, but will follow the strongest leader who has their approval.”

“Black Bolt,” Shadow smiled at him. “What is it that you want?”

“We...”

Shadow held up his hoof, silencing Crystal Kiss.

“I want to protect my wife,” Black Bolt declared. “I want to keep her my wife even after becoming an adults. I want to keep her from suffering, harm, and the mind thing. I do not want to lose her to the mind thing and become like the others. I don’t want to become like the others.”

“Crystal Kiss?” Shadow asked.

“I don’t want my mind to become like theirs. I want to live in peace with Black Bolt, free from worry. I don’t want to live with those barbarians. They are bullies who just want their way and only care about themselves. I want my kids to come live with us as a family again.”

“Kids,” Shadow said. “Unrelated. How often were you pregnant while married?”

“I was always pregnant,” She replied. “Seven Foals. Like the others.”

“Seven,” Shadow marveled. “My sister has been married for six years and is just having her first. Back home, and well inside this city, it takes a lot longer for most couples to get pregnant.”

“That is horrible,” Crystal Heart said with as much empathy as her gruff voice allowed. It helped that she put her hoof over her heart.

“Now,” Shadow said getting them back on track. “What does this city have to do with what you want?”

“We want to join,” Black Bolt replied.

Shadow’s grinned had a hint of mischief.

“And what?” Shadow pressed. “In three years your mind goes and you are inside the city to cause problems?”

“Maybe,” Crystal Kiss admitted. “We want the opportunity to try. To try and keep our minds. We only have each other to keep it together. We want more support, more reasons.”

“Anything else to say before I go talk to the city?” Shadow asked.

“Yes,” Black Bolt replied. “If they say no, we will press on and find a place to make it work. We won’t stop. We have each other and we will find others.”

“What were there Cutie Marks?” Nor asked over the coms.

Shadow turned back to them. “What were your Cutie Marks?”

“Mine was a beautiful saffron flower, perfect against my yellow coat,” Crystal Heart sighed. “Well, before I got this ugly coat. I had lovely auburn locks as well.”

Black Bolt pulled Crystal Heart in close to comfort her.

“I had a music note and fountain pen,” Black Bolt replied. “I wrote songs and performed them at the local talent nights. I did from very early on. I was the first in my grade to get my Cutie Mark. Far earlier than the others. I just love writing music and performing it. I taught music in the schools until I became an adult.”

“Interesting,” Shadow said turning back to the wall.

He had to use his wings to get back up. Shadow led the others down off the wall. The others took their helmets off. Shadow looked at Nor. Everypony was waiting on him. They were all nervous. Nor took his time thinking.

“F. Oatbrien, an old poet, once wrote;”

Some say risk nothing, try only for the sure thing,

Others say nothing gambled nothing gained,

Go all out for your dream.

Life can be lived either way, but for me,

I'd rather try and fail, than never try at all, you see.

Some say "Don't ever fall in love,

Play the game of life wide open,

Burn your candle at both ends."

But I say "No! It's better to have loved and lost,

Than never to have loved at all, my friend."

When many moons have gone by,

And you are alone with your dreams of yesteryear,

All your memories will bring you cheer.

You'll be satisfied, succeed or fail, win or lose,

Knowing the right path you did choose.

“Is there a real reason to not allow them to try?” Nor asked.

“When did you become a poet?” Thunder asked confused.

Nor smiled warmly as he remembered. “When I was very young, and I was given the opportunity to go to science school, I had to take an entrance exam. I wanted in so badly. I wanted to become a scientist. But I was petrified of the exam. I wanted to not go, rather than fail.”

“My father gave me that poem to read. It was about a week before the exam. By the time the exam came, I had it memorized. I would say it as I went to sleep, I would say it as it faced myself in the mirror each morning. Still do.”

“I went into the exam and quoted it in front of the teachers testing me. And then I went on and faced it. I aced the entrance exam. I was placed in all the best classes and pushed to succeed. And all because of that poem.”

“Very touching story,” Silver Targe said sarcastically. “But words won’t stop them when they go on a rampage. Or when they let others in.”

“Why not?” Shadow asked. “They are capable of standing there and reasoning as well as you can, if not better. Reminding them of their choice might work.”

“I still say no,” Silver Targe grumbled.

“It is a good thing you do not get to make the decisions,” Thunder said, trying to light a fire.

“Your word is heard,” Governor Silver Sifter stated. “Head back to your job.”

Silver Targe trotted away before things got heated.

“You too Sergeant Thunder,” Governor Silver Sifter ordered. “I don’t need hotheads here.”

Storm caught a laugh in his throat. “Forgive me,” He let out. “Old joke.”

“Anypony have an opinion?” The Governor asked.

Nopony wanted to be associated one way or the other over this decisions. They wanted to avoid any possible ‘guilty by association’ allegations.

“The Captain?” Governor Silver Surfer asked.

“As head of the city guard,” The Captain hesitated. “I find them of medium risk. I wanted to kick out the Command Sergeant Major and his team the next day for their high security risk. They did end up drawing Super Ponies to the gates as they came here. But I was going to discuss it while they slept, until I spoke with them after the morning meeting. Telling them the story of the ships, the city, and we decided to attack Fort Strong, it made me confident they were not a risk at all, despite appearances.”

“What I mean is, we let them in on good faith because they had Sweet Waters,” The Captain said trying it wrap it up into an answer. “It could have been them who captured her and the others. But she was back. And when I got to speak with them, they only wanted to help and learn. No malice. Even though Shadow’s guns are bigger than he is.”

They laughed at the final comment.

“Shadow, you spoke with them,” The Governor asked.

“And I believe them,” Shadow replied. “But I have a few sciency questions to pose to Nor.”

“Ready,” Nor smiled.

Shadow fired the first question. “Their Cutie Marks were removed, can they come back?”

“Maybe,” Nor replied. “The genetic change may have wiped it away, but it may not be able to change who they are deep down, only mask it. It could only have disappeared as a physical change to their coat. Cutie Marks are not fully understood.”

Shadow fired the next question. “How would they serve the city?”

“Saffron is an herb,” Nor stated. “But duh, you know that and you are probably the only one here who knows what the flower looks like. The point is, she would probably make a great farmer. I assume she would have worked in the hydroponics farm.”

“And Black Bolt?” The Governor asked.

“You have a lot of fillies and colts running around,” Nor smiled. “Black Bolt may very well have more knowledge teaching than, who is your teacher?”

“Currently it is…” Governor Silver Sifter said trying to recall. “Yes, it is Sea Hammer right now.”

“Right now?” Nor asked for clarification.

“The job of teacher is passed around a lot,” The Governor admitted. “Sea Hammer took over almost a year ago after an accident prevented him from continuing maintenance work while he healed. He could tell them what they needed to learn and test that on them. There is no real formal education here.”

“Double check,” Nor ordered Shadow.

Shadow nodded and bounded over the wall.

“Everypony has a job,” Shadow said walking over to them.

This time he got closer, like they were any other pony. Crystal Kiss began to sit down so Shadow didn’t have to look so far up.

“It’s okay,” Shadow chuckled as he stopped her. “I am used to looking up at ponies. My father’s head would almost reach your bottom jaw.”

“You want us to tell you what job we would do?” Black Bolt asked.

Shadow nodded. “In there, everypony has a job. Some work for the city, some work for themselves. But you have to be able to make caps so you can eat and pay for things you need.”

“I got my Cutie Mark farming,” Crystal Kiss said. “Is there a farm I could work for?”

“Hydroponics?” Shadow asked.

“Mixed,” Crystal Kiss replied. “The good stuff was grown in soil, but that follows the harvest seasons. To supplement, we used hydroponics. I worked mostly with the soil, with the herbs. That is why I have a saffron as my Cutie Mark.”

“I taught a class, and then a music class after school,” Black Bolt stated. “Do they need a teacher?”

“There is no where near the number of foals needing to be taught inside,” Shadow advised him. “But there are still foals who need to be taught.”

“I know of a school. I can get textbooks there,” Black Bolt added. “If they are needed.”

“I have no idea about that,” Shadow shrugged.

“I don’t want to learn to use a gun,” Crystal Kiss added. “I don’t want to be the super soldier they wanted to make me with the virus.”

“Interesting,” Shadow replied shocked. “Very interesting. Do you think you can get your Cutie Mark back?”

“I want it back,” She replied firmly. “I want to try to get it back. I still know how to farm, Cutie Mark or no Cutie Mark.”

“I have no final answer yet,” Shadow informed them. “They wanted me to ask some of those questions.”

Shadow popped back over. The others had been listening in.

“It will be a change,” Governor Silver Sifter stated. “But I think it is worth the try. It is comforting to hear she doesn’t want to touch a weapon.”

The Governor began to walk towards the front gate. “Walk them to the front gate.”

Shadow dashed away and flew over, this time cruising to where they were.

“They have agreed to try,” Shadow announced.

The two of them embraced each other and Crystal Kiss was jumpy from excitement.

“The Governor, Silver Sifter, will go over some things,” Shadow said as they walked. “But they don’t just let any pony in. They all have to try in different ways. It will be odd. And me and my team will be leaving in a few days. Nor is apart of my team. But they are good ponies who took us in even though it was a big risk.”

“What was your risk?” Black Bolt asked.

“For one, we are heavily armed and you can’t see us, since our armor fully covers us. That is concerning because they can not tell our intentions. We also ended up having Super Ponies follow us to the city.”

“The only reason we got in was because we ran into and rescued one of their citizens. She had been caught a few days before and they had believed she was dead. The rest of the group she had been with was… They took us in on that good faith and it has been great for both groups since.”

“Then why do you leave?” Crystal Bliss asked.

“Because we do not live near here,” Shadow sighed. “Our job was to come to this side of Equestria and find our what was going on, and such. Warn our families back home of dangers, find any ponies that could be good friends, map the area and other things that matter.”

“The Super Ponies are dangerous,” Crystal Bliss immediately said. “Perhaps more can learn to try, a safe haven. But perhaps not. Those that are lost…”

“Must die, for the good of everypony,” Shadow finished.

“WHAT YOU DOING WITH PONY!”

“Fuck,” Shadow swore and he swung around to face a new Super Pony.

“SQUISH PONY!” It order.

Shadow put a round through it’s head without a second thought.

“No try,” Crystal Kiss replied sadly.

“Sorry,” Shadow said. “Squish Pony isn’t a good thing to hear. Neither is that!”

Super Ponies were yelling and charging through the rubble at a good rumble.

“That way!” Shadow pointed. “You can tell the gates by how the wall changes.”

Shadow backed up a bit and stayed at their rear to give them cover. Crystal Kiss and Black Bolt skidded to a stop as they were rushed by Shadow’s team.

“Its friends,” Shadow yelled, snapping them out.

They began to run as the Inquisitors became the front line against another wave assaulting the city.

“GPERs can be replenished,” Thunder reminded them.

“DON’T FORGET ME!” Slice yelled as he soared over the wall.

Shadow and Thunder were picking up on the two shots to the chest, one to the head method. The others just put multiple rounds in the chest. Shadow was forced to fight without his helmet. He also was getting good at picking up when the others put their E.F.S. to full use.

Their stance turned the focus to them and the Super Ponies forgot Crystal Kiss and Black Bolt, if they ever remembered. It was over after fifteen minutes. Shadow’s GPER had jammed, so he dashed in to knock some heads and slice up some necks with his hooves.

“Damn you Shadow,” Slice laughed as they walked to the gate. “You did more with your hooves than your guns!”

They all laughed and continued to the gate. It had been closed. Crystal Kiss and Black Bolt were patiently, but nervously, waiting outside.

“Are you sure you are clear?” A guard finally asked from above.

“Yes,” Shadow said annoyed. “What do you think will happen if we are wrong? We will turn around and blast them to bits while we stand in front of the gate. And if we want, we will fly up to the top without using it. Let them in!”

They walked in through the gate after the Crystal Kiss and Black Bolt. Once inside, the others removed their helmets. They were meeting everypony by Fleetfoot.

“How is Sweet Waters?” Shadow immediately asked Slice.

“Sleeping soundly,” Slice sighed contently.

“Please tell me you didn’t put her to sleep that way,” Nor joked. It had that hidden edge of anger, left over from the fight.

“Fuck off!” Slice yelled. “I would never be that stupid. No, she finally cried herself dry and then I just held her as she trembled and then fell asleep from exhaustion.”

“Enough,” Shadow ordered before they got out of control. “We have important business to attend to.”

“Crystal Kiss and Black Bolt, I am Governor Silver Sifter. I am the current leader here.”

“Current?” Black Bolt asked.

“We pick who leads us,” He replied. “Although, I have run unopposed every time. The few who are eligible to lead the city have other jobs they want to do. And I enjoy doing my part to make this city run smoothly.”

“I’m just going to call you Strategos,” Black Bolt admitted. “We both may. The Strategos leads the Stable. Governor is a weird word.”

“Okay,” Governor Silver Surfer shrugged. “Now, this is The Captain, he is the commander for our security guards and oversees our militia.”

“Will we have to be guard ponies?” Black Bolt asked.

“No, you do not,” The Captain replied. “You do not even have to own a weapon.”

“Good,” Black Bolt said.

“Now, forgive me, but who is Crystal Kiss and who is Black Bolt,” The Governor asked.

“And I am Nor,” Nor said after they had identified themselves.

“Wonderful to meet you Nor,” Crystal Kiss smiled that ugly, but this time soft, smile.

“There are some things we have planned for you,” Nor said. “First off, all we know is that Super Ponies minds end up deteriorating. However, I believe that since you were designed to be super soldiers, you just need the right structure. That your mind will stay sharp, like it is now, if you have a strong social order. Jobs that you have to do. Orders you have to follow. And just be a strong part of the community.”

The Governor picked up after Nor. “And I believe his is right. We believe we have the best jobs for you. Nor thinks that Super Pony minds are effected because they do not have their Cutie Marks. Maybe you can get yours back, maybe you can’t. But that can not stop you from being you, and neither will we. Jobs and things that fit your Cutie Mark should help things.”

Crystal Kiss was hopping a bit in excitement.

“It is good to see that enthusiasm in the citizens and those who want to be citizens,” Governor Silver Sifter smiled. “Crystal Kiss, we have openings at the farms in the city. No hydroponics, all dirt. And Black Bolt, we have no official teacher. I was hoping you could start by helping Sea Hammer teach the fillies and colts. And maybe we can figure our music lessons somehow. We have no instruments.”

Crystal Kiss thanked him a hundred times. Black Bolt just nodded his head in thanks, but it was evident in his own way that he was pleased.

“A few others to meet,” Governor Silver Sifter continued.

He introduced them to Metal Heart, who was going to patch up their wounds, and two others, who were going to be their aids. Sea Hammer would be helping Black Bolt and Sunset Leaf was a farmer and would be helping Crystal Kiss. They would be there to help the ponies get used to the two of them and help them integrate into the city as best as possible. It was a big and fast adjustment for Sunset Leaf and Sea Hammer.

“We are still trying to figure out sleeping arrangements,” The Governor informed them. “We all sleep in the ships, but they are close quarters for us. They won’t do for you.”

“All patched up,” Metal Heart announced.

They thanked Metal Heart and she headed back to the several ponies still recover from Fort Strong. She had two wounds that had become infected.

The Governor walked them over to the farm. Super Pony facial expressions were lacking, but you could see the joy in Crystal Kiss’ eyes. Shadow broke off with them to talk with a concerned Mineral Swirl. He had just learned of the new development, but was doing his best to take it all in with a smile. Shadow and Sunset Leaf were already thinking of ideas.

“Is that rosemary I smell?” Crystal Kiss asked immediately.

“Yes,” Mineral Swirl smiled. “Shadow Flare gave me a dozen seeds from his stash for our use. Eight have grown, four did not make the transition back to soil.”

“Back to soil?” Crystal Kiss asked.

“Long story,” Shadow deflected. “Two hundred years later, they are used to what they were grown from. My mother gave me a good amount of seeds. They have no spices and herbs, so I started their tiny garden.”

“Spices and Herbs are my favorite. A saffron flower might have been my Cutie Mark, but it was just because it was the prettiest spice. Mace, turmeric, ginger, cloves, onions, fennel, cayenne and so many more.”

“Then the herb garden is your special project,” Mineral Swirl smiled. “I have enough to do with the regular crops and none of us are specialized in herbs. We need somepony who knows them as soon as possible. We do grow onions. Shadow Flare here help us with new farming techniques, so we are still learning some new things.”

“Crystal Kiss should know how to irrigate properly, compost, and aerate,” Shadow added.

“I do,” Crystal Kiss smiled.

Mineral Swirl shied away at the smile. “Sorry,” He quickly recovered. “That smile will take some getting used to. A lot will. But you seem promising.”

“He isn’t easy to impress,” Sunset Leaf chuckled.

“Yes, yes,” He waived her off. “Sunset can get you plugged in properly.”

“Do you rotate your crops?” Crystal Kiss asked.

“Crop rotation!” Shadow exclaimed. “I knew I was missing some lesson. We never could rotate on our farm. But I was taught the principles.”

“There is your answer,” Mineral Swirl chuckled. “I look forward to learning how we can grow more and make sure we all have good food in our bellies.”

“We will get out of your way and finish the tour,” Shadow said leading them away.

“Good,” Nor said quietly as they got back to them. “Black Bolt, Sea Hammer, Silver Sifter and The Captain have been discussing school. Something tells me we will be wrapped up in helping recover supplies from a school Black Bolt knows.”

“Is that a problem?” Crystal Kiss asked.

“No,” Nor shook his head with a smile. “It’s just another dangerous task.”

“Well, if it comes to it, she is yours,” Shadow smiled. “Yours and probably just Thunder. Your call on if it is safe enough or not. We can not risk Black Bolt being preyed upon for helping the city. Remember that.”

Right,” Nor nodded.

The discussion soon ended and the Governor gave them the tour of the city. Typically, newcomers would just learn on their own, and with their aids, the Governor didn’t have to give them the tour.

He was giving them the tour because it would bind everything together and solidify his choice. And it also put them visually in with The Captain and the Inquisitors, which would increase pony’s trust in Crystal Kiss and Black Bolt. Every single pony had a difficult transition coming.

“I will buy lunch, or dinner,” Nor announced. “Whichever it ends up being since its now mid afternoon. Before I forget, we need to figure out our housing cost.”

“That is on us,” The Captain replied.

“Another thing free?” Nor protested.

“This one I have no problem with,” Shadow laughed. “And half of our stay I spent in the hospital.”

They all laughed except for Black Bolt and Crystal Kiss, but they understood the wouldn’t get it.

“No, this will be on the city,” Governor Silver Sifter replied as he calmed down. “Because with this start, we have brought birth to hope that one day, more will be freed from what we thought was an inevitable demise. That Super Ponies can live good, productive lives and be friendly and work with all of pony kind.”

“I agree,” Shadow smiled. “Perhaps one day, Dry Dock City will expand to take back Fort Strong, from the Super Ponies, for the real Super Ponies.”

“Baby steps,” Nor reminded them. “But there are a lot of good futures we can dream of.”

“Food was mentioned,” Thunder stated. “I am now hungry since it was mentioned.”

“The Cafe is closed, so the only other outdoor seating is the Discord,” The Governor replied. “We will head there.”

“I will go ahead to get things set up,” Thunder replied, trotting away.

“I am ditching my armor,” Shadow added bolting into the battleship.

Storm and Slice dashed off after Shadow without a word, leaving The Captain chuckling.

“Ah, to be young again,” He sighed.

“How old are you?” Crystal Kiss asked without batting an eye. “Obviously the elements have not been easy on you.”

“They have not,” The Captain replied. “I am a ghoul. Many ghouls lose their minds and become feral. Killing and eating at their discretion. Much like the Super Ponies, but ghouls lose it all. They just won’t attack other ghouls.”

“But I am over two hundred,” The Captain continued. “I was on these very docks when the spell hit. It turned me like this. Killed half my team and made the others ghouls like me. We built this city from the beginning.”

“Slowly, they each lost their mind. When they did, I put them out of their misery. They would have been uncontrollable and killed the other ponies who joined us in the city.”

“Nor mentioned that when he came,” Black Bolt stated. “And it was part of his questioning of why we do not kill the ones who lose control. I guess, from a military mindset, it is best. From outside, it is…”

“Brass,” The Captain finished. “Harsh, heartless, disturbing, and the list goes on. It is why I personally put them each down. With as much military honor as I could give them.”

“I remember when Mighty Greaves was honored,” Governor Silver Sifter added. “Mighty knew he was going after a close call. He requested a public retirement ceremony where he could smile at all the ponies he loved and had protected their entire lives.”

“I was a small colt, but I watched as The Captain announced to us all his meritorious accomplishments and honors. Mighty gave a touching retirement speech before he faced The Captain. He smiled with all the love in his heart as The Captain shot him in the head. It was peaceful, respectful and an honorable way to go before we forgot who he really was.”

“It had been a good fifty years since the time before him,” The Captain added. “Nopony remembered the others. Some were peaceful, others horrible and messy. We made a lot of mistakes, but Mighty had set up and requested the model for his retirement. I have given orders for the same thing to be done if that time comes for me. His was perfect.”

They were at the Discord. They ran into Thunder who was going to change. Black Bolt and Crystal Kiss had to watch their heads, but made it easily. It was a straight shot down a hallway and up the stairs. Ponies just timed things and stepped into rooms for them to easily pass.

“This is a wonderful view,” Crystal Kiss said in awe.

She skipped the table and walked to the edged of the ship to look out over the bay.

“It truly is beautiful,” Shadow said arriving. He set his hat down at a spot and joined her.

“Back home, we do not have water like this,” Shadow added.

“What is your home like?” Crystal Kiss asked.

“Where I am from, it is flat,” Shadow replied. “All farms. We get the cold winds from the north, making it hard to keep warm in the winter. We get no breaks. The soil has to be constantly maintained. Or its equipment that needs work.”

“For a few weeks we get a ‘break’ at the very heart of winter, but we have to spend that time all bundled up in the living room, talking, reading, telling stories and whatever we could to keep the cold away. It is even too cold to make warm meals. We have to prepare ahead of time for that.”

“But it was a good, honest life. A good community that loves and supports each other. That is much prettier than our flat nothing with farmhouses spread way out. And most of our farms were root vegetables like turnips and parsnips. So we didn’t get anything nice springing out of the farmland.”

“We never had weather in the stable,” Crystal Kiss sighed. “I guess I get to finally experience it now. I always wished that we had to deal with the cold winters that were written in our farming manuals. That break for the land. We just planted again. We had to.”

“Some of the apple trees in the center of the area we come from produce all year around,” Shadow replied. “And other farms can keep crops on rotation all the time, but we are too far north.”

“You say all that, but you have never told me where exactly you come from,” Crystal Kiss poked.

Shadow sighed. “We don’t because our homes are not sure what to do with the wasteland. We do not know how we will really be treated. That is why we are here. To gain information, not give. So far, its been bloody and what we feel, unproductive.”

“We learned a lot about Fillydelphia despite the blood. We know that the only way to deal with the ponies there is to wipe them out. They made that clear. They wanted no alliances, no friendships, only our technology, or our ponies for slaves.”

“But, we found here. And we found a rare flower among weeds with you and Black Bolt. We do not want to leave, but we have a duty and family to go back to. I married my wife right before I left.”

“We will do everything within our power to make sure this is preserved and protected. Ponies who have not been here and spent time will want to take it away. That is why we need to be able to get back home, so we can really explain it to them.”

“I wish we could help more,” Crystal Kiss sighed. It was a grumbly heave exhale. “I caused you to blow up the dish.”

“Nah,” Shadow replied. “It never would have worked. We would have needed to be there a good week or two, not including fixing it. If it could even be fixed. There is no way we could have done it safely. Another hope we chased that turned into nothing. We will get home, when the time comes. Seeing it all out here makes you want to be back to safety quickly.”

“The others arrived,” Crystal Kiss stated. “We should get back to them. But it was good to hear about your home.”

“Home taught me something,” Shadow said as they walked over to the others. “It was about marriage; commitment gains approval. Approval is earned by commitment. Commit and you will earn the approval of others.”

“Again, marriage. But the words are true for here. Commit this to being your home and taking care of it and the others, and ponies will come around. If not this generation, the next because it is all they know. Especially with Black Bolt teaching.”

“That will be interesting,” Crystal Kiss laughed. “But I have faith in him. Once we work out if we are moving the school.”

Crystal Kiss stopped. They were a few feet from the table.

“We need a home, and the rooms here are tight like they said,” She stated. “I think a home built past the farms is a good place for Super Ponies to be. Around but away.”

“That is understandable,” Shadow said with a nod. “But look into the future and where you will want to be. Away, or close?”

Shadow left her to think on that as they went to what was decided as an early dinner.

“I hope you can fit one more,” Slice called all the way from the stairwell.

A second later a timid, but smiling, Sweet Waters came out behind him. Shadow was shocked she was even trying after this morning.

“Hello everyone,” She greeted them. “I am feeling much better. Slice stopped in to check on me after he ditched his armor. He caught me up, and I wanted to join you. If that is okay, Governor.”

“Of course dear,” Governor Silver Sifter smiled. “I am surprised. Glad you are up, but shocked. You are resilient, I just hope you are not pushing yourself to hard.”

“You must be the one Nor said they rescued,” Black Bolt smiled.

“Forgive me, but it is comforting to hear you remember something so easily,” Sweet Waters smiled. “Yes, I am. And I was held by a bunch of idiots who would forget what they said the minute before, and argue over things they didn’t even say.”

“We are sorry you had to experience that,” Crystal Kiss smiled. “I hope that we can eventually redeem many of them.”

“That would be wonderful,” Sweet Waters yawned. “Sorry. It has been a long day. It is best left there. But I look forward to seeing you join our city and make a contribution like anypony else, whatever it may be.”

“Crystal Kiss will be farming,” Black Bolt replied. “She did it as an adolescent and her Cutie Mark was with farming.”

“Is. Is with farming,” Crystal Kiss insisted. “I will paint it on myself every morning if I have to. I will not let go of my Cutie Mark.”

“If Nor is right, then that will be key,” Sweet Waters smiled warmly. “And you Black Bolt?”

“Teacher, for the foals,” Black Bolt replied. “Sea Hammer will be helping me learn how to teach your foals. I taught in the stable and a structured school system; but now I am a Super Pony, not an adolescent pony, and this school has some big differences in structure. I will have a different student teacher relationship. They will be afraid of me when I begin to teach and the new students might begin their school years by fearing me.”

“We are going to need to get you better clothes,” Sweet Waters stated out of nowhere. “Because with the right clothes, we can make you look better to the foals. And we can tell you two apart easier. I know you are two different shades of the same color, but some way to tell from a distance would be good.”

“A look to separate us from the bad ones would be nice,” Crystal Kiss replied. “It would make you all more comfortable. A good idea.”

The ship’s bell rang out. And then it rang again and then a third time.

“I’ll go,” Thunder said standing up. “We said we would assist with the guard after last night.”

“I better go too,” Shadow said. “Everypony else, stay. Nor, you know them better. Slice, you are good support for Sweet Waters. Storm, if we need you, we will let you know. I am not concerned, I won’t be putting on my armor. The pistol will be fine.”

“I am only grabbing a regular guard rifle,” Thunder added.

“Don’t get shot,” Nor sighed annoyed. “We can’t afford you to get shot again.”

“I won’t,” Shadow said launching up.

Thunder was right on his tail. From this height, they got a good view. The attack was being made at the front gate. The Super Ponies had a rocket launcher.

“I got rocket pony,” Shadow said diving into a fast pace.

Shadow grabbed his pistol. It was odd to have it in his mouth. He had never used it, not even a test fire. But they had shot pistols in basic and they were the same set up. The other advantage was the Super Ponies had not spotted him.

Shadow dive bombed their rocket launcher pony. He fired three times, the third slamming into the head of the Super Pony. Shadow pulled out of the dive as the Super Pony succumbed to the head wound. He pulled away into evasive maneuver to get back to the city walls.

With the rocket down, at least temporarily, the guards began to light them up. Thunder finally got them to load the cannon as Shadow touched down. He watched it pop up over the wall and then deafen them all with it’s blast.

“That should do it!” Thunder yelled. “They can’t piece together that rocket launcher and it struck them in the heart! FOR YOUR FAMILIES!”

Shadow shot his pistol some more, but when the Super Ponies had found shelter and were attacking from strong positions, he definitely couldn't hit them. He put it away and grabbed a spare guard rifle.

“Pointers?” Shadow asked Thunder.

“None,” Thunder yelled back. His hearing wasn’t recovered yet. “Trial and error.”

Shadow worked his best, but he never got the rife down by the time the Super Ponies were dead and the last few ran off. He helped make noise, that was all.

“That didn’t take too long,” Thunder said as they walked back to the dinner. “At least now it is actually dinner time.”

“I didn’t get shot!” Shadow smiled. “That is a win.”

They laughed and picked up the pace to a brisk trot. Everypony was still there, enjoying themselves.

“You didn’t take a bullet!” Nor exclaimed like it was the greatest of all miracles.

“Nope,” Shadow smiled. “First time not taking a hit, I think. I know I took one or two when I dove to cover Silent, or it was when they lit up the building I was in. Something.”

“It was a good battle then?” Black Bolt asked.

“There are no good battles,” Thunder replied sitting down. “Something our superiors have lost. Something I had to painfully learn down here. The outcome was favorable. Two minor wounds and minimal ammunition spent.”

“You fired the cannon,” Slice commented.

“We did,” Thunder nodded. “To take out their missile launcher permanently. It was also a strong strike at their core, destroying or injuring a quarter of the attacking force. But the city should not make their use a common tactic. You do not have the ammunition for that.”

“How did the pistol go?” Slice asked Shadow.

“Fine, at short range,” Shadow replied. “Like when I dive bombed the one with the rocket to start. Good, solid head shot. Dropped him. Powerful round. Great pistol. Otherwise, I had to resort to trying to learn how to shoot the guard rifles. All I was able to do was make noise and maybe keep heads down. I was as good as I was at the start of Basic.”

The Inquisitors and The Captain laughed, remember their own training. The others got the gist.

“My orders still stand,” Shadow continued. “Tomorrow is free. The morning after, 0900 departure back to Rosemary.”

“Next goal?” Slice asked. “If not home?”

“We shall see,” Shadow smiled. “New information awaits us back at Rosemary. Lets put this behind us though and enjoy the evening and the rest of our stay.”

Next Chapter: Chapter 48 - Departing Strong Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 18 Minutes