Their free day was well spent. Black Bolt was heading to The SEED School of Baltimare. It was a private boarding school with a strong primary academic program geared to prepare students for secondary education.

The city had the area classified as a Level 3 no pony’s land. A high risk of running into Super Ponies, but not within their known stomping grounds.

Their journey sparked the formation of a scavenging team that wanted to join them. The team grew to a massive twelve ponies before they cut off the size for safety reasons. The ponies had to consent to the use of one side of their saddle bag for school supplies if required. There were four designated guards in the group and they pledged their full open space in their saddlebags.

It went without incidence and they were well rewarded. The school had escaped raids. Black Bolt, Nor and Thunder recovered large stocks of school supplies, textbooks and other materials that would greatly improve Dry Dock City’s feeble school. Nor even carried a terminal on his back because of the information store inside.

Along with bountiful school supplies, they found plenty of intact technology and even a full stockroom of packaged food that had survived. Ponies would be risking another, all pony, expedition to recover the food and more in the near future. Black Bolt had gotten all they needed for the school.

Guards on scavenging trips were rewarded with cuts from the other’s profits. They carried a good supply of ammunition and never had the time to poke around for something to take back. The scavengers would also add some of their finds to the spare room in the guards saddlebags.

In this case, Governor Silver Sifter also added a commission to the team’s guards cuts. Shadow was sure that the cost Governor Silver Sifter had spend over the past weeks was massive. Plenty of meals on the city, their rooms, and other things, including some clothes being made for Black Bolt and Crystal Kiss.

Yes, the city had reaped the rewards and were gambling with their new Super Pony residents. But they had not gotten caps out of the deal, only supplies and aid for the city. The city couldn’t have that deep of a bank account, even though they ran the bank.

Slice had spent most of the day covered in grease and often nopony knew where he was. They had gotten at least one turret on each ship in working order. They were able to test the cannons with a special dry fire case Slice had devised.

Shadow was also present when they tested the anti air guns for the first time. They were only small 25mm rounds compared to the turrets, but they were powerful, even against a dragon.

A single anti air gun would make a dragon think twice and could even down a persistent dragon. Raptor Cloudships were designed to hunt and kill dragons, these were designed solely for the defense of the ship, or the location, like in Fillydelphia.

Shadow enjoyed relaxing with the farmers and getting his hooves dirty a bit. He made sure they went over the new farming techniques again. He knew they had them down and was completely confident in their abilities, but he wanted to connect Crystal Kiss into everything.

Crystal Kiss was a born farmer. She knew what she was doing and would be a great asset. With her there, they would not forget any lessons. Her primary job was the care of herb garden and the compost. She was the most skilled at both and while others could, it was easiest to put the new farmer onto the new additions.

The herb garden would not be eight rosemary plants. Shadow had plenty of seeds, but he didn’t want to use them down here. He gifted four more to just Crystal Kiss. She alone was going to care for them. He believed they could survive the transition back to real soil, under her care.

The team that went out to the school also found an half dead and overgrown garden for the students to use for education purposes. There was a seed vault with packets of various flowers, trees and food, including plants for spices and herbs.

Thunder raided all types and wanted to see the city begin to farm it’s own trees for solid wood. He also carried back twelve plants he had pulled out, trimmed and potted. A Saffron plant was among the ones Thunder had extracted. Crystal Kiss was beyond excited at the Saffron plant and would be very busy.

Storm couldn't just ‘relax’ either. He was working with the team who was building Black Bolt and Crystal Kiss a house. They two of them had decided to build their house on the south side, past the farms. Unicorns made it easy to erect a building.

However, the ponies were used to having rooms all ready to be taken over as living arrangements. Storm was forced to design the whole thing, making sure it had a bedroom, a spare bedroom, for new Super Ponies to use until they had a home of their own, and a living area with a kitchen. Since the restaurants were mostly indoors, Storm made sure they could easily cook their own food.

They gathered the militia and headed into the ruins to secure things like a kitchen and heater, items the ships had installed when they were built. They didn’t have to go far and Storm soon had them hooked into the power grid. It was good that they already had spotlights set up on their wall.

Storm was concerned that the winters would be too cold for the steel house to keep itself warm and he didn’t want the heater to fight a losing battle. Plans were drawn up to build a wall of rubble around it like it was a stone house. It would insulate things well.

Likewise, they had to be careful about rain and flooding them out. Even a light rain could do that with all the concrete of the dry docks, so the floor was lifted up several inches and supported with beams.

A bed was the most difficult problem. They could go out and raid a super pony bed fairly easily, but they smelled and were not really comfortable. They settled on a platform bed stuffed with the oat stalks that would be discarded at harvest. It was not long until their oat harvest and it would give them plenty of time to make the custom ‘mattress’ to stuff and place on the platform.

A couch was recovered for their living room. It would soon be flat by their weight, but it was better than nothing for now. They cut the legs off so it sat square on the floor. It would give out and crack below it if they didn’t.

0900 of the next day found them all by the city gate, with the few ponies the Governor had allowed. The Captain was obviously there, Sweet Waters and Salt Waters, Metal Heart, Mineral Swirl and Dent. Black Bolt was helping teach the fillies and colts and Crystal Kiss was swamped with her new responsibilities.

Dent was their new City Defense Technician. It was his job to keep the turrets, anti air guns, cannons and the machine gun nests in working order. He had been the pony Slice had been working with and the Governor created the position to reflect the city’s new defense capabilities.

“It is been an honor having you here,” Governor Silver Sifter said. “You have helped us in ways we never realized we could have been helped. I do not believe luck brought you here. Fate, no, Equestria did.”

“I agree,” Shadow replied. “We came here instead of Manehatten for this very reason. Equestria called us here.”

The Captain shifted forward to speak. “We know you have a lot already at your outpost, but we believe you deserve more than the ammo we gave you.”

“We have more than enough Pegasus armor and spare plates. We want you to each take one, so that you can better go about the wasteland. Their Sea Grey color will confuse ponies and they will never connect them to your suits. Of course, you will need guns, so we have a battle saddle for each of you and plenty of spare magazines. I know it is heavy...”

“Thank you for your generosity,” Shadow smiled. “We will put them to good use when it comes time to head into other settlements and cities.”

“We wish you the best,” Sweet Waters smiled. “I have to say thank you. I know you didn’t come to rescue me, but you did. You gave me my life back and more. So thank you.”

Sweet Waters was holding it in as best as she could. He eyes were watery. She had grown attached to the Inquisitors. They made her feel safe, just by being around. Now she would have to navigate, again, on her own.

“The Captain, I have a request,” Shadow smiled.

“What is is?”

“I would like you blessing to name my first foal after you. You are a remarkable pony. I do not ask because of your wings. You embody the ideals and the values I would like my foals to see and know what it means to be a remarkable pony who makes a difference. A very good role model.”

“I understand if you say no, it is a big undertaking to be that for a foal, whether you even meet them or not.”

“I…” The Captain stumbled. “I am humbled you view me as such. If the time comes and the foal is worthy of it, yes, you may. But do not discount yourself. You make a remarkable role model yourself.”

“And I already am,” Shadow smiled.

“Wait a minute,” Nor interjected. “First off, what is The Captain’s real name. You pulled that dusty box off the shelf and then opened it.”

“And closed it,” Shadow shot back. “I never had time to catch him alone. It only just came to me this morning while packing.”

“And you obviously know his name,” Nor finished.

“He is The Captain,” Shadow replied confidently. “We got the chance to speak, to know each other a bit more. We got the chance to fly and fight side by side. What matters is that now, and has been for years, he is The Captain. The spells changed him and so have the years as he faced multiple challenges that have forged him into who he is now.”

“Yes, I speak of a name he once went by, but his heart and mind have changed in ways. He is no longer that pony. It was ripped from him and he goes by a more suitable name. One that means something, that is respected for very good reasons. Like he said, if the foal is worthy of the name, then I may use it. But only if it is worthy.”

Nor nodded, laying it to rest for them all.

“Second thing,” Nor picked back up. “When did you take on that role model job?”

Shadow sighed. “My sister, Early Blossom, is third in the family. She is a very good farmer and married another expert farmer. They are filly foolers. None of us knew until they met each other. Both are from homesteads. Powerful ones with ancient knowledge about farming.”

“Anyway, a farm can not survive without foals to provide more hooves to help out. The Enclave has a science thing, expensive one, that can make it all happen with a donor for the stallion side and their medical science.”

“Invetro Fertilization,” Nor added.

“Yes. Anyway, since it was Cherry Tart having their first foal, they chose me. I accepted. Nopony in the community would have donated to either of them. Nopony in the community gets it. I barely get it. What matters is that they are having a foal and they want to name it after me, for it to have me as a role model.”

“Interesting,” The Captain replied. “You were a good choice. They certainly didn’t chose you because you were family. In my hay day, you could take me on, wing to wing. I still could give you a run for your caps. You are an excellent flier and soldier. A deadly combination that you worked hard to achieve.”

“I am truly honored to have known and fought beside you,” The Captain replied, bowing his head slightly.

“The same to you Sir,” Shadow said doing the same.

“Both of you are a pain,” Slice groaned. “We get it. Honor and impressive skill.”

“No, you really do not get it,” Shadow replied solemnly. “You can’t. You haven’t been in my shoes. You haven’t undergone the training I did. The Captain and I have done almost the same. It gives you a new perspective.”

“Silver Wings,” Nor said rolling his eyes. “Not to cut the goodbyes short, but we have more gear to carry and a long ways to travel.”

They said wrapped up their goodbyes and headed out. The gear was heavy. They felt the extra weight, despite their power armor’s aid.

“We can make it back in four days with a good push on hoof,” Shadow said. “I think flying will be slower.”

“Hoof it is,” Thunder replied. “Lets not forget about that glowing sea place.”

“We are already easily avoiding it,” Nor stated.

As they made camp for the first night, Shadow asked what was on his mind. “Anypony else get the feeling that the Governor spent most of the city’s caps on us?”

“Yes,” Storm replied. “But only because I know how they get caps. The thing is, almost everything is done by the city and paid for by the city. The stores are not run by the city, but they pay a licensing fee every few months.”

“A quarter of the city are scavengers. Most of them are not full citizens, but residents. Citizens get free housing, but pay for everything else. Residents have to pay monthly residential fee. It is a small cost for using the city. The have a monthly tariff levied on their profits.”

“The hospital is used by all. Costs are none for citizens and low for residents. And ‘typical’ for non residents. The store owners are all citizens. The city guard, every maintenance pony, farmer, restaurant cook, server, manager; they are all citizens who work for the city.”

“Citizens working directly for the city get minor pay, but they barely pay for anything and live comfortably. For meals, they only pay for ‘specialty’ food because the city owns and works the farm, taking all the food. They buy plenty, but get free housing, no medical costs, free protection and free schooling.”

“Residents pay for their foals to go to school?” Not asked, a bit appalled.

“Not directly,” Storm replied. “Technically it is free, but you could say it is covered by their residential fee. A nuclear family gets a cheaper rate than paying for every single member. Much cheaper. After two foals, they have small fees per foal to cover each one, since foals get free school and free medical care.”

“The residents risk a lot to scavenge,” Shadow stated.

“They do,” Storm nodded. “But they know where it is safe, where risks are and work in teams to bring in one haul instead of each pony for themselves. They used to head down south in caravans to trade with Fillydelphia and some even went as far as Manehatten on round trips. But recently, they were losing caravans. Now we know why, the Disciples.”

“We have to get rid of them,” Thunder growled. “Both of them. They cause chaos and pain where there shouldn’t be.”

“We don’t have the strength by ourselves,” Shadow cautioned them.

“We know,” Nor groaned.

“So,” Storm said pushing on. “To answer your question Shadow, we cost a lot but they spent very little. We were their guests and treated like we were citizens. They did order some special food for us, but board was free, and even with all the medical care Shadow needed, it was free. They got more for the city out of anything we cost them.”

“How does citizenship happen?” Shadow asked.

“That is a lot of work,” Storm stated. “Only citizens vote and can hold city jobs. You have to be there for years and prove your worth in the community. It is kind of arbitrary. If we were to head back to live with them, we would be citizens automatically.”

“But we proved ourselves,” Nor stated.

“In ways, but worth is viewed arbitrarily. Enough ponies have to believe you have worth to become a citizen. They are a socialist style city. And you have to be socially accepted as a citizen. Most of the scavengers might find the city their home, but it is not their city. Those that are citizens and scavenge still have to pay the tariffs.”

“We would be bypassing a lot if they made us citizens and some would resent it. We would get to vote, you know we would be put into places where others work for years to achieve. We might have the skill, and proved our worth, but we have not proved it socially.”

“Can you marry into citizenship?” Shadow asked.

“Not technically,” Storm replied. “But it would improve your social acceptance and speed that process up. Ponies would begin to really view you as a citizen. Now, do not get me wrong, they love most of the residents. But being apart of the citizenship and being a well trusted friend are very different. It is a community, a giant family, where everything is shared. They want to share it only with those they trust like family.”

“Very intricate,” Shadow replied. “What about Crystal Kiss and Black Bolt?”

“That is an interesting case,” Storm replied. “I was speaking with the builders while building their house and its mixed. It looks like they will be brought in as full citizens, a gesture to help bring in more security and better relations with Super Ponies. Most of the builders were not against the move.”

“The two of them are doing jobs only citizens can do and are qualified to do those jobs. On top of it, they are not pushing anypony out or taking away a hard earned promotion or job. They desperately need somepony as a permanent educator for the foals, and not even a resident is interested in that job. Crystal Kiss’ farming job is not really understood, but few understand the farming. They understand she has crucial knowledge and skills.”

“In the end, I get the feeling that the citizens recognize their skill and need for them while also realizing that it is best for all if they become citizens. Like I said, it can be arbitrary. The citizens are willing to accept them as fellow citizens alongside the change of the first two Super Ponies in Dry Dock City. They go hoof in hoof.”

“Interesting,” Shadow nodded.

“I have second watch,” Shadow ordered a minute later.

“I’ll take first,” Slice said speaking for the first time since they left.

“I’ll take third,” Thunder replied.

Second watch was the toughest. You got to sleep, were interrupted, and then back to sleep. Otherwise, you got continual sleep. Shadow was well rested and could easily handle the second watch for the next few days.

The trip proved easy despite their load. They were passing through land that was not used much, if at all, pre-war. It was semi normal and was healing well after all the devastation.

As they approached the final mile of their journey, they began to hear the occasional ping of metal striking metal. Shadow had them fan out as they approached Sanctuary from the east. It was a good thing they were on hoof.

As they got up to the tree line of the Sanctuary Ruins, they finally heard voices.

“I don’t care! We are trying to build a safe home here. We have only been here a few days. You are the first evidence of any other ponies we have seen in days now.”

“My job is to find these pests!”

“Well then go find them elsewhere. Just stay out of our way!”

More banging clanged out.

“Fine, we are going. My dragoons have canvased the area and have found nothing. But if you find any evidence of heavily armed ponies or pegasi, armed or unarmed, report it to the Fillydelphia Steel Rangers. I am”

“Crusader Dahlia and her Dragons, I got that the first fifty times.”

Shadow had moved his team around to the north to slip up to the stable. He was last around. He caught a group of eight Steel Rangers moving out, south along the road and over the river. They all had half cloaks draping over their left shoulder and weapons. The orange Steel Ranger symbol in the trailing corner stood out against the black.

Shadow backed away and met up with the others at the gate to the plateau. It was untouched. They hopped over it and still found no evidence that somepony had poked around. They slipped down and into Rosemary. To home.

First thing was to get their gifts to the armory. They would deal with them later. They went to the overseers office to see if there was any new messages. One was waiting for them. Shadow took a deep breath in before opening it.

Inquisitors,

A new development above may require support from below. More to come as things change.

“At least it is something clear,” Shadow sighed. “Not much, but a reason to stay below. Head to bed, I will see what we are looking at. This message is seven days old.”

Just arrived from an exploration trip. Any new details?

Shadow was shocked when a message immediately came back.

Nothing new. Playing the wait and watch game.

Shadow shrugged.

Can you give us a time line of expected events? If we are just waiting, we have other places we wish to explore.

The reply was again, quick.

Be back within two weeks.

Shadow typed the one word response.

Understood.

The terminal flashed as a message came in.

Report on your exploration.

Shadow yawned. He had forgotten that.

Trip to Baltimare:

Avoid until there is nowhere else to expand to. Baltimare is home to Super Ponies. A genetically altered Earth Pony or Unicorn. The goal was to make a super soldier. They are twice the size of an average pony with exponentially more strength. They are highly aggressive and do eat pony flesh. Their minds degrade until they are retarded, with bumbling speech and only want to kill.

As dumb as they are, they do believe they are superior to ponies. They are in ways, including the ability to survive the harsh environment without the need for meds or anything. As far as we can tell, age is not a factor. They can use weapons and readily do. And anything can be a weapon.

The city is saturated with them and they have Vault 50, where they are rapidly reproducing. Sergeant Major Nor’easter believes that the DNA virus that is inside the vault, which forces the change, can be stopped and their systems flushed of it before it changes them.

Until that happens, the city will have too many. There is no way to bomb or flush them out. They are resilient and will required close and forced extraction. Given the proper structure, they may be able to be pacified.

Baltimare is the last place you need to worry about. It sticks to itself.

Shadow waited for what would be a quick response.

Interesting. Baltimare is marked to avoid until a later time when we have the strength to face such an enemy.

Shadow headed off to bed without responding.

After a silent breakfast, they went to the overseer’s office to plan.

“We have two weeks to make our next exploration trip,” Shadow announced. “I am starting today as the countdown. Day 14.”

“It was a slow, but uneventful trek home,” Nor said. “I say we leave tomorrow.”

“Where?” Slice asked.

“Anywhere,” Nor shrugged.

“South,” Thunder suggested. “We can head down to that New Appleloosa. That is a short trip. We can take a few days and head further south if we wish. See what is there. Manehatten could lock us up longer than two weeks.”

Shadow shrugged. “Any objections?”

Nopony had any.

“Prepare to head out in the morning. Early. 0400 so we can pass over Sanctuary without being detected.”

“What are we going to do about that?” Storm asked.

“Nothing,” Shadow smiled. “Dahlia and her Dragoons were the ones mentioned when we first ran into the Steel Rangers outside Fillydelphia. So we want the new residents below. They cover our movements to and from here. Done right, they will only end up below to ask questions and deflected away again.”

“It is a risk,” Thunder replied as he calculated things in his head. “But we have the aerial advantage. We will have to watch the noise from the hatch, but it will give us a much better screen. Approaching Rosemary will have to be done with precision from now on.”

“I will poke around below,” Shadow announced. “Get a better feel. Without my armor.”

“Good call,” Thunder replied.

“I will get that electrical security measure in place,” Slice added.

“I will poke at the cameras again,” Storm sighed.

They headed out to silently prepare for the upcoming mission. Even though they were all together, nopony felt like speaking, even idle chatter.

Shadow slipped down to Sanctuary. There were so many places to hide.

It was just five of them and they were doing what they could to put siding back on one of the houses in the center. It was in good condition compared to the others. They were optimistic, having a small farm already going, and a mare was working to expand it. They were more than capable of building a good place to live and the land begged to grow stuff.

There were no fillies or colts. They were all middle aged and one was old. They had a fight on their hooves to make this place a real home. But even with the stale group structure, they looked like they would succeed. Or die trying.

Shadow went back to the overseer’s office. He had forgotten to give an update about the team.

Command Sergeant Major of Recon Shadow Flare

Concerning First Lieutenant Silent Wind:

Posthumously awarded the Silver Star for service to the Grand Pegasus Enclave. Despite the known danger, First Lieutenant Silent Wind stood face to face with a large force of ponies from an unknown faction. He spoke with them and held his ground as things became more perilous. Valuable information was gained from the talks, information that could not have been obtained otherwise. He knowingly let them take advantage of the situation in order to obtain the information and paid for it with his life.

Posthumously awarded First Lieutenant Silent Wing the Purple Heart with a Black Stripe for dying in the line of duty.

Request for Posthumously promoting First Lieutenant Silent Wind to Captain for his service leading the first reconnaissance team, in the new program, below.

Concerning First Sergeant Storm Eye:

First Sergeant Storm Eye has been field promoted to Sergeant Major for his meritorious and uncompromising effort into making sure the team is in top shape and the missions continue on schedule and with as little incidences as possible.

The success of Outpost Rosemary has rested on First Sergeant Storm Eye’s back since the beginning. He has worked to improve the outpost at every opportunity.

Sergeant Major Storm Eye has been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for handling and securing unstable technology. His unwavering dedication to protecting the team from the technology was astounding and inspirational. He successfully disarmed and neutralized the situation with speed and tactfulness, reducing the stress on the rest of the team. All while we were facing off against a heavy assault by the Super Ponies.

Concerning Sergeant Major Nor’easter:

Sergeant Major Nor’easter has proven time and time again his ability to act and hold his own in multiple roles outside his specialized job in as the team’s general scientist. His combat skills are top notch and he has had no issues dealing with any role the team needs him to function in. Some of these roles are: Aerial bomber, point pony for clearing buildings, heavy weapons roles, tank roles, and medic.

I recommend that Sergeant Major Nor’easter be awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for those actions. All of them happen inside of the Baltimare expedition. He expertly handled himself in direct combat when we were unable to retreat. He stood for what we stand for and our survival is in large part because of his outstanding skill and performance.

Concerning Sergeant Thunder Clap:

Sergeant Thunder Clap has been field promoted to Master Sergeant for exemplary performance in leadership roles above and beyond his rank. Sergeant Thunder Clap has lead missions on his own and lead teams in congruent with the group action as a whole. His tactical knowledge has saved the team multiple times. He also has acted in roles outside of heavy weapons and explosive ordinance, including tactically holding back in order to trap and outwit opponents. His skill in aerial combat has grown as well.

It is my belief that he has more than proven he deserves the rank of Master Sergeant.

I recommend that Master Sergeant Thunder Clap be awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for his skill and effort in Baltimare. He secured the front line and held it as we were beset by the Super Ponies, with no way to retreat. He is the reason we survived. And he did so without care for personal safety, above and beyond what was expected of him.

I have an amazing team which has performed above and beyond expected. My recommendations and awards are given after careful thought. No one is seeking promotions or awards, but the truth still stands and the best way to show that is by the awards given for their actions.

Command Sergeant Major of Reconnaissance Shadow Flare

Shadow leaned back in the chair. It was not his intention, but perhaps these promotions and awards would prove to be strong evidence for their return. That it would give more credit to their mission reports and requests.

Next Chapter: Chapter 49 - Two Of A Kind Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 58 Minutes