Though Gearing had taken extreme pains to make sure everything was set up for his exit before he even started dismantling the barricades, that the hole he’d dug out and kept his prisoners in was properly hidden again, that evidence of his various tampering was eliminated, and all of the other things that he’d conjured up to help his cover, he still had to spirit himself away as quickly as he could away from the mining compound as he could clearly hear the ghouls’ rampaging inside of the building where he masterminded, and executed, Pancakes’ last stand. He’d have no excuse for not turning to check on the ghouls if anyone were to see him, so his only hope is that no one’s looking.

But, not trusting to hope, he uses every dirty trick he knows to practically melt into the environment as he makes good on his exit. And in doing so he quickly gets far enough away that even he can’t even hear the feral ghouls’ inequine cries. Not even on the wind.

So in short order, he manages to make it to a nearby section of the crumbling derelicts that used to be the boroughs that bordered the river and surrounded the outside of The Core. Walking through the practical rubble fields where family homes used to stand makes him a bit sad. And bitter. Very bitter. These were structures where simple ponies lived. Buildings built rapidly in some instances with the intended purpose of giving the local workforce a place to call their own and retire to after they are finished toiling at whatever job that kept them here. But, unlike the buildings that are mostly standing, they were built without any thought into warfare. They were made for comfort. For aesthetics.

Which means when the war did come to them they didn’t have the engineering, and resources, put into them that the government and big corporate buildings did. So, in a very real sense, the privileged got to stand while everyone else was trampled under hoof.

And the last thing Gearing needs right now is an inescapable reminder of his own failures and things to get him riled up. He needs to be calm. Collected. Intentional.

So the little pegasus in his head keeps mentally trying to massage his shoulders as he promises that they’ll find somepony who needs their ass kicked soon. ‘Just calm down. No reason to get your tail in a twist. Someone deserving of such dedicated attention will show up soon enough. After all, the world’s full of greedy assholes. Don’t ruin this by just trying to blow up Paradise Mall, as satisfying as that might feel.’

If it wasn’t for all of the potential slaves and innocent ponies in there I’d do it! Gearing mentally grumbles back.

‘I know you would, champ, but bite the bit instead,’ the little blue pegasus in Gearing’s head comments evenly.

I can do it too! Gearing mentally replies defiantly.

‘I know,’ the little blue pegasus replies evenly.

I got access to enough boom to bring the whole damn roof down! A trip to Megamart and back and all I’ll need is fifteen minutes and I’ll blow enough of the supports to wreck its structural integrity and turn them all into bastard pancakes! Extra flat! Gearing mentally rants and slowly turns into a whine.

‘Yeah you can… but then… what about all of the slaves?’ the little blue pegasus asks reasonably.

Gearing lowers his head as he groans. They’d die too. And, I’m not sacrificing any more ponies today…

‘So, we going to behave?’

For now… Gearing mentally grumbles.

‘That’s my buck!’

Fuck you, Gearing replies flatly.

‘Fuck yourself!’ the little blue pegasus retorts.

That’s what I just said, ain’t it? Gearing mentally chuckles.

While he’d had to move a bit slower than he’d wanted while he was getting away from the mining compound turned Red Eye’s Army base, once he was far enough away he didn’t care so much about being seen. So his pace steadily increased after that threshold. Especially as one frustration causing thought after another has crossed his mind. Of course he’s kept an eye out on his surroundings as he’s been going. He’s not a complete idiot, even while pissed off. But to anyone else looking on he’d seem like a pony on a mission. As the pace he’d set for himself was a rather fast trot that is so close to a canter that he looks ridiculous with his legs motoring away in rapid fire. But, somehow, despite his legs looking like a practical whirlwind, he maintains the same two-beat gait the entire time. Which actually draws a few looks in his direction as he’s passing a few other ponies.

However, he so utterly dismisses their existence, that he doesn’t even bother looking at them as he’s passing. At least, that’s how the heavily armed group of five ponies perceive it as he motors right past them on the way to Paradise without giving them a first, let alone second, look.

But, in truth, he’d switched his Eyes Forward Sparkle on and was already aware that four out of the five were yellow to him. The fifth was a mare that just seemed angry at the world in general. But, despite how much Gearing had actually hoped they would start something, and give both him and ‘Stubs’ all the excuse in the world to remove the whole lot of them from Equus, they keep walking on their own business. So Gearing doesn’t get the chance to strap the bomb collars dangling from their belts to their own neck before blowing their minds.

Although he does have a quick flight of fancy about clobbering them, strapping them with bomb collars, then hauling them off to join the two unicorns currently on their way to Fillydelphia. But he also knows that’s not exactly going to work either. Despite the sweet karmic justice of sending slavers off to die as slaves themselves just as they had done to numerous others.

But, they didn’t bother him. They didn’t even talk to him. Although the especially grumpy mare says overly loudly to her companions, “I wonder what got that Red asshole’s tail in a twist?”

But, despite the growing distance, and the much quieter tone, Gearing can clearly make out one of the bucks with her shush her and hiss at her, “He’s probably beating hooves because he’s got a message for Usury. Stay out of their way, we don’t need any more trouble than we already got.”

Whatever else is said among the group is lost to him as Gearing continues his uncomfortable looking hustle straight for Paradise.

The slavers he’d passed gave him a good indicator that he was on the right path. He’d noticed that this one in particular had some pretty heavy hoof traffic on it. Including carts or wagons, and recently at that. Judging by the tracks anyway. And after making an abrupt turn down a side street to walk around a store building of some kind, Gearing starts cutting straight across the open wasteland towards what he’s pretty sure is the main entrance instead of following the more meandering road. He’s a pony on a mission after all. And he wants everyone to know about it.

Paradise Mall strikes him as being odd. Not the old Paradise Mall that the new ‘Paradise’ is set up in. But the current era location in general. Given what it is, a din of degenerates that make money peddling pony flesh, he’d have expected some more serious defenses. Even as makeshift as they’d be. But this place isn’t exactly High Tower prison. He had expected some huge fences, maybe even multiple of them, like a typical prison. Maybe not as well built and supplied as Shattered Hoof or High Tower, but something more than what’s here. The large L shaped building, and property, looks much like it did before someone got a burr up their tail and decided mass genocide was preferable to living another day and initiated the equine apocalypse. There have been some changes, though.

Mainly in the form of the various wagon wrecks that Gearing assumes are the leftovers from shoppers who were caught out shopping on the worst day possible.

Various wagons, rent-a-wrecks, carts, and other vehicles have been consolidated in a few areas. Some of them have been converted and are currently being used as living space. Probably for the slavers. Then there’s a few that have been set up as some kind of guard outposts by flipping them on their sides. But, beyond giving a few ponies at a time cover, they really don’t do anything. Which seems to be a major oversight on their part, by Gearing’s calculations.

‘For a group that’s entire business model is devoted to antagonizing ponies and mass manufacturing suffering, they don’t seem to be too worried about reprisals or needing to seriously defend themselves,’ the little pegasus in Gearing’s head comments as it gives the entire area a critical eye as it makes note of each and every weakness they might be able to exploit. Which starts becoming a long list indeed rather quickly.

We’ll make sure to properly educate them on their mistakes in thinking that fear alone will work as a method of control permanently, Gearing mentally replies to his tiny co-conspirator.

What the slavers do seem to rely on, is their reputation and their sheer numbers. Because the number of ponies walking around in the parking lot, and going in and out of the Paradise Mall, is astounding considering what the location is known for.

‘Apparently business is good,’ the little blue pegasus comments as he scowls at the building in the distance.

Not for long if I have my way, Gearing mentally replies as he starts walking past the mall sign that’s been sitting around for over two hundred years.

Gearing groans as he reads the sign, and has to check his temper yet again.

There’s the huge blue sign with white lettering announcing the location as Paradise Mall. It had, at one point, been up on giant supports and was a practical billboard. But sometime between him being magically locked down and now, the supports failed and the sign had fallen off. But somepony, seeing an opportunity, righted it up and leaned it back against the pillars that had once held it in the air. So the one corner may be mostly crushed, but it still does the job of announcing the location.

And then there’s the various announcements of ‘serving all kinds’ and ‘special requests accepted’. And then a sign that apparently acts as a reminder to the occupants as well as it states:

‘License bearers are off limits for capture. Violators will lose their own license and end up as stock. Don’t do it!’

As Gearing is heading past it, a group of four ponies converge on him from various angles. Two coming from the right around the sign, and the other two coming from around a burnt out bus. One of the bucks on the right yells, “Whoa! You there! You got a license?!”

Gearing comes to an abrupt stop as he stares at them and growls at him, “License? I don’t need no stinking license!”

The buck grins as his eyes enlarge. “It must be my lucky day!”

A mare coming from the other side looks Gearing over then yells out, “What are you doing here?”

Gearing reaches into his bag and quickly pulls out the wooden emblem he was given. Though his actions earn him a collection of weapons pointed at him for his swift movements. And of them all, the others actually seem a bit unnerved by it, because even though he is pretty much surrounded, and with so many barrels pointed at him, he doesn’t waiver at all as he holds the red and black token aloft. “In the name of Red Eye, I demand to speak to Usury!”

The buck on the right chuckles as he looks at the buck next to him and asks, “Who’s this bozo think he is?”

The mare on the other side runs across, and apple bucks him with both hindhooves right against his head, sending him sprawling and rolling impressively back towards the back side of Paradise’s sign. She spins around and snaps at him as she points a hoof at Gearing. Or, more specifically, the badge Gearing is holding. “That thing means he was sent here by Red Eye himself! Fuck a license, that thing trumps everything. Don’t even think about it! Don’t even joke about it! Because if they don’t get you, Usury damn sure will! Especially since he’s wearing Red Eye’s army armor! How stupid are you?!”

Gearing slips the badge back into his pocket as he slowly looks around and suddenly notices that the other ponies have taken interest in anything and everything else other than him. And their weapons are politely pointed at other things. Each other in a couple instances. “Hey, you,” Gearing yells as he points at the mare that’d apple bucked her own comrade. She swears under her breath as she flinches and seems to hope he’s talking to anyone but her, but her ears fall down when she glances over and realizes that, yes, in fact he is looking, and pointing, right at her. “You seem to have the highest number of brain cells among this group. Take me to Usury, you all have delayed me long enough and I’m under strict orders.”

She bobs her head around a bit before she asks with a sigh, “Yeah, sure, what do you need her for?”

Gearing takes a menacing step towards her as he says, “What does it matter to you?!”

She rears up and waves her forelegs defensively before she says, “Whoa there, just wanted to save you some time. If all it was was a new contract, I could take you straight towards the folks that handle that. No reason to wait on Usury.”

Gearing straightens up as he replies evenly, “There is a new contract, but my orders were to deliver it directly to Usury, and no one else… Because I have a message to give her and it’s for Usury’s ears only.”

She nods quickly before she shakes her head and sighs. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. Come along this way, I’ll show you there.”

The buck picking himself up out of the dirt and spitting out blood asks with a bloody toothy smile, “Uhh… heh… just a joke… you know? I mean… Not a joke… just… we got a job too. You know? Guarding the place, right? Heh… make sure no riff raff get in.” Gearing’s stare is piercing, even through the goggles, and the buck practically whines as he asks, “So can we like… forget this happened? Please? No harm no foul, right?”

“I don’t see any reason why we should have a problem with each other,” Gearing says as he looks at him.

‘Oh I see a lot of reasons to have a problem with him,’ the little blue pegasus in Gearing’s head comments.

“I’m not the kind that bears grudges and don’t have the time for it,” Gearing adds.

‘I once said I could hold a grudge until after the end of the world… I was right and I have plenty of time,’ the little blue pegasus quips.

“I have better things to do; I bear you no ill will,” Gearing comments as he abruptly turns and starts following the mare towards the Paradise Mall.

‘I’m gonna kill that motherfucker at the first opportunity I get… The others too. Just wait and see,’ the little pegasus in his head grumps as it angrily crosses its forehooves across its chest.

You’re the one supposed to be helping keep me calm! Gearing mentally chastises: himself.

The little blue pegasus sits and puts his forehooves together. ‘Imagine inner peace… Let the calmness encompass your entire being. Picture the peace. Peace of mind. Peace of body. As their bodies lay silent, cold, and empty of what little consciousness they have… yes… Rest in pieces…’

Gearing lets out a snort of amusement and disgust. Although it is mostly disgust generated, and comes across that way to the few others that actually hear it. While they read it as more of disgust at the situation, and with them for delaying him, it’s far more than that. He’s disgusted with himself as well. Disgusted for even being in this situation. For how ‘well’ he’s mentally handling it. Intrusive thoughts barge right in and help to escalate the mood, and his own general disgust, with reminders of his two hundred year old failure that made this whole situation possible in the first place. Then there’s the disgust of even being within proximity of such horrendous ponies. Disgust at not being able to do anything about it right now because of his own scheming. Disgust at actually wanting to do horrible things to these horrible ponies.

So, in short, he’s disgusted with them, himself, the environment, the situation, and the universe as a whole. And the only real ‘amusement’ factoring into his audible blast of air is the self deprecating kind that’s been steeped in the festering ebony juices of dark humor and self-loathing.

Misinterpreting the sound, and actually hoping to not have to deal with him in the future, the mare asks, “Why didn’t you use the V.I.P. entrance on the north side? The guards there are used to your messengers and you’d be closer to the offices. You’d get a proper escort instead of having to deal with the types of louts that typically get stuck on the other sides.”

The little blue pegasus in Gearing’s head pulls out a drawstring bag, and rattles the contents. ‘Roll for bullshit… I hope they get it… because them starting shit with us now would make this whole thing a lot easier if they popped off the plan for us…’

Gearing snorts again before he curtly replies, “Orders.” When the mare glances over at him he continues, “I was ordered to come here, directly, as quickly as I can. We have too much going on to be wasting time unnecessarily. So I came in a straight line. There’s no point in walking around the entire place just to make things easier on idiots.” He looks right at her. “If your discipline around here is so bad that even the guards can’t follow common sense, Usury’s bound for failure. And soon. I mean, really, do you get a lot of ponies marching up, dressed in full Red Eye armor kit and bearing the official seal, trying to bluff and lie to get into this place?” He snorts again, in genuine amusement, as he finishes, “Just how dumb can you get?”

The mare bobs her head around before she says, “No. But we do get the occasional wannabe ‘hero’ snooping around trying to steal our product. I hope you can understand our caution, if nothing else.”

“I suppose I can commend your diligence to duty, if not the average intelligence of your personnel,” Gearing replies evenly.

The mare looks at him and smirks. “Thanks, I think?” She continues on, zipping around a few of the wagons turned living spaces in the crumbling parking lot as they cut across straight towards the old mall. “You have your job, and we have ours. That’s all.”

The little blue pegasus in Gearing’s head flops down onto its rear and lets out a long annoyed sigh. ‘Fuck… she bought it… Well, phooey… guess we don’t get to go running for ‘backup’…’ his frown turns into a malicious grin before he finishes, ‘yet…’

As they are traveling across the parking lot, Gearing takes note of the various ‘accommodations’ that are around as he’s passing through. A lot of them seem to be outright empty, but still used. Not abandoned. They give off an ‘owners off at work’ vibe. Which brings up a variety of problems for Gearing and he hopes his overall plan can handle this. He’s pretty sure it will, as the total numbers can’t be that high by his reckoning when he takes note of the other ‘large’ groups in The Hoof.

As they are rounding an old wheel-less bus, they come across a couple tables set outside where a few ponies sit around smoking, drinking, and playing cards. They seem to be having a grand ole time, but the merriment becomes quiet after one of them notices Gearing the ‘Red Eye Soldier’, and the mare walking by, and the change causes the others to look as well. They all stiffen up, and Gearing can feel their attentions directed right at him. Even their smoking takes on a slow deliberate quality to it as they watch them pass. But, he doesn’t meet their gaze. He tries his best not to make the same mistake they are as they are letting their hyper focus be too obvious. And, in doing so, he draws even more attention to himself as his blatant disregard for them, for all of them, starts to make them worry.

And, as they are getting a distance away, Gearing can hear one of the mares at the card table make an audible sigh of relief as they realize whatever is going on, doesn’t involve any of them.

After a bit of this weaving through the ancient wreckage turned camp, they emerge on the other side, closer to the mall. And he notices an apparently intentional gap between the old wagons, and the giant ‘L’ shaped building that makes up the old Paradise Mall. On this side, it’s rather busy, with various creatures walking in various directions. All of which seem to be decently armed, and about half of them have at least a few bomb collars and chains dangling from their bags.

One thing that caught Gearing’s eye, as they are vectoring for a section of wall that has multiple sets of glass double doors right next to each other, is the metal trailer sitting next to the side of the Paradise Mall. It’s not one that would normally be found in a place like this, he knows that. It’s one that’s more suited to be sitting in a construction site and used as a temporary office. And, to add to the weirdness of it, there’s a radio tower set up next to it that is so tall it goes up to the roof of the Paradise Mall. Sitting on the top of Paradise Mall’s roof is a variety of other dishes, pointed in various directions, and obviously used to extend the signal that’s being generated. But, the placement is a joke by Gearing’s standards. The radio tower looks like the kind that’s supposed to be deployed, for temporary usage, as the station’s mobile trailer moves around. But that’s it.

They should have taken the tower and put it on the roof if they really wanted to seriously do it. Gearing ponders.

‘What are the odds Mr. Red Bearded pain-in-our-ass is in that trailer?’ the little blue pegasus asks as it flutters around and stares at it. ‘Shit starts going down, we’re going to give it a bad case of religion, and make it all hole-y, right?’

A grenade through the window could do the job better, probably -theoretically speaking- because it’s such an enclosed space… Gearing mentally muses as he looks at it. Not that I’m planning or going to do anything like that unless I’m attacked… remember?!

‘Oh… shit… yeah…’ the little blue pegasus replies as his eyes go wide. ‘Sorry… yeah… calm… remain calm… No thoughts of attacking anyone… maintain hostility discipline… Never know when some fucker has an EFS… Calm…Remain calm… Nice cool breezes… Lots of spare parts to tinker with, and a clear ticket list… Wrapped up in Sable’s cables…’

Great… now you got me missing Sable… Gearing mentally groans.

‘Better than the alternative…’ the little blue pegasus retorts…

As the pair approach the set of glass double doors that lead into the old mall, Gearing slowly takes in the condition of them. Both doors have some damage to them. One has a spider web of cracks in it where something impacted the surface at high velocity. But whatever it was didn’t make it through. The other door looks far worse, but is still holding together despite the way it looks. The glass has entirely been shattered, but is still staying in place. Mostly. There are a few small squares of glass that are missing from the outside surface where they had fallen away from whatever glue or composite material that helps hold the safety glass together. When it comes to security glass, the original builders did a pretty good job of securing the building. Though at the time they were probably more worried about thefts than anything else.

Once inside, the atmosphere, and Gearing’s mood, take a sharp turn. For the worse.

As soon as he’s inside, he can see the various advertisements all over the place. Some old, really old at that, some new. At the kiosk that used to be Paradise Mall’s information desk, and indeed still has the giant text surrounding the mostly round desk identifying it as such, there is a large sign on an easel promoting current stock. Gearing can’t help but scowl at the euphemisms being used.

‘They’re reducing ponies down to numbers… and nothing more…’ the little blue pegasus in Gearing’s head comments softly as it takes note of the “units” of stock available.

And as the mare leads ‘Stubs’ deeper into the mall, Gearing sees that it’s far more than simply ponies that are being used as barter material. Goats. Griffins. He even sees a pair of felines sitting in their respective confinement zones.

Though the strangest group, to Gearing’s sensibilities at least, is the cage with the four ghouls. At first he’s not sure if they are feral or not, but it only takes a moment to realize that they aren’t snarling and gnashing at anyone and everyone within sight. They’re rather docile and have the same downtrodden air about them as the other captives.

Each of the groups of slaves have signs hanging in front of the cages giving various details. And prices. The weirdest of which, to Gearing, again, is all of the advantages for having a ghoul slave. Low upkeep costs because they don’t need to be fed. Don’t need to breathe. Can work in radiation contaminated areas. Can work long hours. All of which are unquestionably positive traits delivered in a factual basis.

A basis that’s so pragmatic in its cold treatment of life that it churns even Gearing’s inorganic stomach.

As they are walking down the center of the hall, with old shops on both sides, Gearing takes careful note of the layout. For the most part, these slavers have converted the old stores into displaying and promoting a new type of merchandise: Pony flesh.

And they’ve done an excellent job of transforming this place into something more suitable for them.

The only information booth, designated by its huge circular desk where helpful ponies once directed shoppers to their desired stores, has been converted to a dual purpose guard post. Armed ponies guard the area from inside of it, keeping watch on the surrounding area, and a few of the computers have been set up to monitor a few cameras on their displays for the guards to see. The displays show various areas of the old mall, and clue Gearing in on where he needs to keep an extra eye out for security cameras if he ever decides to do something personally, and directly, about this place.

The little pegasus in his head zips around staring at the various monitors as he comments, ‘Well, at least we know for sure that they have a functioning security system, and eyes on them as well. Limits options, but at least we know to be cautious…’

In place of the old information and advertisements that used to be on the outside of the Information Booth’s desk, and above it hanging from cables and chains, there are more recent advertisements. All of which talk about the various costs for the various creatures they are willing to sell into servitude.

Gearing can’t help but snort when he consciously realizes the euphemism they use for slave. ‘Units’. A pony’s life distilled down to a single number: its cap value.

The little pegasus in his head doesn’t draw attention to the fact that he already noticed, and commented, on that a few moments before and instead muses, ‘Why bother trying to avoid saying what it is? Some psychological affirmation so they can have a veneer of deniability? Why? Because they fear if their mooks actually confront what they are doing on a daily basis, they might have a change of heart or something? Maybe have a spontaneous conflict of conscience? Curious…’

Just beyond the information desk is an area set up for auctions. Clearly labeled as “Auction Block” and written in rather clear script -using various supplies and on various materials- are the times and days of the various auctions which seem to be themed. The elevated stage on the far end looks to be made out of old metal boxes that make up the bulk of it with repurposed wood used to make the actual walking surface and displays. In front of the stage is a roped off area where apparently no one is allowed outside of the auction times. It’s pretty immaculately cleaned and Gearing assumes that keeping it that way is the real reason for the prohibition of traffic through it.

Of the advertisements, there are a few talking about how high value the auctions are, and tout some of the auctions’ ‘goods’ held in the past. With particular emphasis seemingly placed on the rare or unusual.

‘Wait, seaponies? Like literally seaponies? For real?’ the little pegasus in his head asks as it stares open mouthed at an advertisement for some highly successful sale in the past.

Can’t be… right? Gearing replies. Maybe they just got some changelings to trick them?

‘But wouldn’t that be really dumb and come out rather quick?’ the little pegasus retorts.

Yeah, Gearing agrees. They’d be found out… and a place like this wouldn’t be advertising it so hard and long because the ones who got scammed would be making a stink. They would have taken the adverts down at least… So they had to have something that passed the muster...

‘There’s also that funny phrasing about ‘administrating’ the auction for ‘the menagerie’… I bet it was somewhere else for someone else and they’re trying to ride coat tails off of some well known event among the high rollers…’ the little pegasus adds as he scrutinizes the strange ad closely.

Maybe, but keep an eye out either way. This isn’t like Tower Towing… these fuckers are well organized and have their shit together. Mag’s said they were extremely efficient and I can see it. A very well running machine. It’d be commendable, if it wasn’t a disgusting nightmare factory…

‘Yeah, it’s like taking Bottlecap with her business sense and work ethic, but then removing her morals, scruples, conscience… really, everything about her that even remotely makes her a decent pony, and then replacing the gaps with pure distilled greed and contempt for your fellow pony…’

They are sisters, Gearing points out.

‘Well… when it came to Usury’s turn, her father should have made his deposit elsewhere… like a fire… or up the tailpipe with the rest of the piles of shit… or anywhere else on Equus that wouldn’t result in the creation of this monster.’ the little pegasus quips.

The display windows for various stores in the mall have been converted over to display other “products” as well. Mainly they seem to be higher end “merchandise” compared to the others crammed in cages, judging by the prices at least. One store that used to be a lingerie chain store, now has a few ponies gussied up for obvious sex work purposes. Mares on one side of the door. Bucks in the display window of the other one. All of which give cringey forced smiles when they see Gearing being led in their direction.

And as he is led further into the mall by the slaving guardsmare, and they start actually passing the old lingerie shop, he can’t help but wholeheartedly agreeing with his mental roommate.

On either side of the store’s entrance are large windows where ponaquins used to be dressed up with the latest in ‘bedroom accessories’. But, now, instead of random happy looking pony-shaped inanimate objects showing off barely there lacy bits, now it’s obviously unhappy ponies that are the merchandise being offered to those passing by. On the left side is a pair of young mares. Not quite fillies anymore, but still way too young for what’s being implied. In the display on the right side of the door is a pair of bucks. One dressed up with a yolk and a lot of gear to seemingly show how much work the earth pony is capable of. The other is a more trim buck, dressed up like some kind of heart throb idol from the prewar era with his mane immaculately trimmed. Both of which were targeting different, yet similar, audiences.

And all four of the ponies have a bomb collar strapped around their neck preventing them from doing anything they’d really want to do that their owners don’t want. Like leaving.

Gearing and the smaller buck stare at each other for a fraction of a second as he’s passing the window, before the buck quickly looks away. And Gearing’s eyelid twitches inside his mask as he catches the micro movements of the buck’s tail tucking in more between his legs and the muscles of his haunches flexing with an involuntary clench.

But Gearing keeps his head rotating in general casual sweeps as he keeps pace behind his guide.

‘So, that plan you’d talked about earlier? I’ve noted optimal locations for placing the charges, and extrapolated based on what I’ve already seen for where the other best places would be,’ the little pegasus in his head starts commenting evenly as it looks over some papers. ‘I’ve also taken the liberty of taking pictures of each and every future point of failure for easier reference for whenever you decide the need has arised.’

Gearing keeps staring ahead as his lips form a slight smile under his mask as he mentally replies, Thank you. Be sure to save that for the party later…

The little pegasus salutes and then quickly starts storing the detailed information in filing cabinets that just pop out of the cloudy ground of the mental space of Gearing’s head.

Not long after Gearing has detailed flights of fancy about just blowing the entire mall to hell, the slaver that’s providing him escort makes a turn and heads down a side hallway. As Gearing follows her, he takes note that this side hallway wasn’t for shops, but was a small area where offices were and it even has a large conference room that the old mall used to use for its own meetings, and would even let ponies rent it out when not in official use.

And from that conference room a buck’s voice comes through the door that’s been left ajar.

“-and with Tower Towing out of business, we don’t have to worry about them poaching our hunters anymore.”

“I know you didn’t like them, but don’t celebrate too much,” a mare’s voice replies evenly. “With them gone, we can’t use them to supplement orders on that side of the mountains. So that entire zone is a waste to us. Too costly to set up ourselves over there and with that menace running around down there slaughtering hunters, we’re not likely to make any positive arrangements with anyone new anytime soon. So we’re out a harvesting source even if they won’t be taking our workers. It’s a net negative overall.”

“What about the rumors that the same buck’s set up shop up here in Hoofington?” the buck asks.

“Don’t even joke about that!” the mare snaps. “That bitch Security’s a damn symbol that needs to be stomped out before too many others get any bright ideas. Once Sanguine gets what he wants from her, and that monster of his is through with her, we’ll all be better off. According to Sanguine it shouldn’t be long now. So we’ll be able to get back to business as usual soon after that happens. But that murderer rampaging around Tower Towing is something else entirely. He’s a psychopath. A serial killer. He’s not fooling me. He didn’t take payment for anything he did, his payment is the ‘opportunity’ to kill more. He gets his jollies wasting folks, and was smart enough to be choosy about his targets so most ponies wouldn’t give him a second thought about what he’s doing. But as long as he’s far away from us, we’ll be fine. He’ll eventually show his true colors and then someone else will take him down. Probably Red Eye with the way he’s stirring up trouble and disrupting the supply chain.”

“You don’t think he’s connected to the buck that smashed that bounty hunter’s head in, in front of like a hundred witnesses, by Megamart? With his bare hoof? Really, Usury?”

“Celestia’s solar-powered mareheat, I hope not! If he finds us, he’s going to set up shop and start popping us one by one like-”

The mare inside stops midsentence as the mare guiding ‘Stubs’ knocks on the metal door frame of the conference room.

As she is announcing their presence, the little pegasus in Gearing’s head is grinning with sparkling eyes. ‘Ohhhhh she knows me! Awwwwww!’

I wonder what she’d do if I just pulled this head covering off as soon as I walk in…

‘Probably shit herself and start repenting to whatever god a slaving bitch like her believes in…’ the little pegasus giggles.

Yeah… that would be funny.. Oh, show time! Gearing mentally responds.

The door opens as the mare’s annoyed voice from the inside indicates she hasn’t moved a step while the buck opened the door, “What now?”

The guardsmare cringes a bit before she replies, “An envoy from Red Eye is here to see you.”

A loud and meaty, and predictably painful, sound escapes the conference room as Usury facehoofs herself. She lets out a sigh as she mutters quietly, “Just what I need right now…” Her voice picks up as she says louder, “Show them to my office, I’ll be there shortly.”

The guardsmare gives Usury a cringey smile as she says, “Uhm… about that…” Her eyes dart sideways towards Gearing a few times as no one says anything.

Gearing takes the opportunity and walks around behind the guardsmare to reveal himself to the occupants of the conference room as he looks in. The older stallion -that is still standing by the door after opening it- has a pleasing expression on his face, at least to Gearing, as his eyes bug out the moment he sees ‘Stubs’ and realizes he must have been next to the guardsmare the entire time. And there, behind the stallion, and standing overlooking a large hoofdrawn map with a practical library of paperwork around it and pinned to the walls is the only other individual in the conference room. The infamous Usury. A mare who, by Gearing’s reckoning, has a far too cheerful color-pallet about her for the atrocities she oh so regularly commits. Though, unlike the still flabbergasted buck, Usury quickly recovered and got in control of her emotions before her eyes entirely fell out of her head from surprise.

Although his muzzle doesn’t move after pointing straight at Usury, Gearing’s eyes travel over her form at record speed. He takes in every detail he can of the individual as he confirms his target and gathers every iota of information about her as he can. The fact she’s wearing an immaculately taken care of business suit gives Gearing a slew of ammo. The suit’s still rather old and used. But not nearly two centuries plus old. It was tailored, for her, on this side of the apocalypse. And then there are the small barely noticeable patch jobs over the entire thing. So well fixed that if it weren’t for the fact that his mother was a seamstress he might have not noticed. It’s a practical work of art. And she’s wearing it. While most other’s are wearing rags, rusted armor, and other decaying hand-me-downs.

‘Noble’s level of excess… perfect ammo… stored for later…’ the little blue pegasus in his head comments as he flutters around and makes a flurry of notes about every little thing he can use against her later.

Before she can say anything though, Gearing seizes the initiative by engaging her in conversation first. “Usury, I come officially representing Red Eye.” He flips up his hoof and balances the wooden Red Eye’s token on his booted hoof. The sight of which does actually make her visibly twitch. “I would like to get down to business at your earliest convenience… but there’s no need to make any preparations for me. If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather skip all the unnecessary pleasantries and just get down to it. The faster we’re done the better for me. As soon as we conclude my business here I’m needed elsewhere and will be leaving directly.”

Usury gives him a wide smile as she nods. “Yes. Of course. Let’s go take care of that now. Always time for our favorite customers.” She starts trotting around the table at a pace that seems like she’s forcing herself to be casual when she’s really wanting to run. “Follow me please, and we’ll conclude our business in my office.”

The guardsmare slinks out of the way on one side of the door as Gearing casually side steps the other way and allows the business mare to pass. He turns and follows her closely while being slightly off to the side as she continues down the long side hallway back towards a sign that says “Offices”. The other two ponies fall in line behind Gearing and bring up the rear as they march side by side behind him. But Gearing, even after taking note of their positioning by their footfalls, doesn’t so much as look back over his shoulder at them. Instead he keeps his head high and straight on as he follows Usury.

The little blue pegasus in his head starts panting and drooling as he says, ‘Shoot me… come on, you two… shoot me! I want you to! Right in the ass! Give it to me!’ He starts breathing hot and heavily as he says, ‘Hurt me. Maim me. Destroy me! At least try! Daddy likey hot and hard!’

And if they do, we get to introduce them to the taste of their own bowels by shoving their heads up their own asses… Gearing mentally retorts.

‘Ohhh yeeaahhh… that’s hot…’ the little pegasus groans as it hugs itself.

Calm down, you fucking freak, before you wake up a real monster and make it awkward to walk… Gearing chastises the giddy part of himself that’s having delusions of grandeur about running stampede over this whole place by himself.

A door on the opposite side of the hall is wide open under the “Offices” sign and Usury turns and walks right in. Gearing takes note of the brass plaque on the wall to the right of the door in the hallway that declares “Administration Offices”. Inside the Admin Office Gearing takes quick stock of all he can see. The room just inside the door looks like a combination waiting room and secretary staging area as there’s a desk where somepony typically deals with paperwork and transcribes written documents onto the computer that is powered on and seemingly fully functional. There are five doors leading out from this central point. One on the left and right walls, and three in the one directly in front of them in the remaining wall, respectively. The two left doors are closed, and the right door of the central three has a table covered in junk blocking it off and showing it’s not used as an entryway anymore.

From the very center door a mare comes out of the room, seemingly drawn by Usury’s hoofsteps. The young mare is pushing a small cart loaded with paperwork and boxes, and seems particularly well off. Her hair is well maintained and her blouse and skirt are not only clean but neat and tidy. She looks like a stereotypical secretary, maybe even on the fetish side of it when her glasses are factored in, and would have fit in in any office setting pre-apocalypse. At least, she would, if it wasn’t for the fact that her outfit is completed with jewelry adorning her neck of an explosive nature.

Noticing the active bomb collar on the young mare makes the little blue pegasus in Gearing’s head shove both forehooves into his own mouth to keep from blowing his lid, and their cover.

The young mare’s gaze locks onto Usury as she speaks, “Madam Usury, I have placed the documents you asked for at your desk. The other relevant files are here and I was about to bring them to you in the conference room. Shall I continue with that or has your schedule changed?”

Usury replies flatly, “Change of plans with the arrival of an important guest. Remain on standby in case we need anything.”

The young mare nods and smiles as she dips her head in acknowledgment. “As you wish.” As she’s bringing her head up, the smile on her face freezes for a moment as she locks eyes with the goggled full headed mask that Gearing is wearing. Her eyes momentarily shoot so wide they practically rattle inside her head. But, as Gearing notes, in that short time her eyes zipped all over his body taking in the various details of his Red Eye’s army regalia.

That’s a survival skill trauma response if I’ve ever seen one… Gearing mentally mutters.

‘Mmmhmmm’ the little pegasus in his head agrees around a mouthful of hoof.

The young mare grabs the loaded cart and slides it sideways out of the way, not that it really was in the way in the first place, and quickly stows it by her apparent work desk. She dips her head respectfully, avoiding eye contact with all of them as they pass her, as she replies quietly, “Let me know if you need anything...”

Usury continues leading the procession and once through the doorway Gearing quickly takes stock of the layout of Usury’s office. And it explains that one door being partially covered up with a table from the other side.

Usury’s office is made up of all three offices on this side of the Administration Offices area that make an ‘L’ shape comprised of the center office and the two on the right. The walls that separated them have been torn down to their large metal studs, and most of the vertical metal studs had been removed as well. And though the floor plan had been so drastically altered from its original construction, there are still three very distinctive areas. Right in front of the door that leads to the secretary’s desk, the one they’d just entered through, is a collection of tables covered in documents and paperwork. Along with a ring of filing cabinets that take up the remaining three walls.

The area that used to be the right corner office has been converted into something that resembles a lounge of sorts. There’s multiple cushions arranged for pony’s to sit in a way that then can all converse. Along with a loveseat and a full sized couch. On the wall where the door to this office is, and is now blocked on both sides, there is a large wooden and glass china cabinet that is slam full of various liquors. The craftsmanship of it, even from a distance, tells Gearing that the furniture itself is an expensive piece. Even before the bombs dropped, this was the sort of thing that only nobles had in their homes. Or maybe the odd uber rich CEO. He can’t even begin to calculate how much that one piece alone would be worth in current society. And that’s before the crystal containers with their gold and silver utensil sets were added on. It’s an intentional display of wealth that quickly threatens Gearing’s discipline.

For it was all, quite literally, paid for with innocent blood and lives.

Usury notices Gearing staring at it as she’s looking over her shoulder on her way to a large wooden desk near the far wall. She casually pulls a chain around her neck and bats a key on it before she playfully twirls it with a hoof. “Would you care for some refreshments? We have the full line of Sparkle Colas… ice made from purified water… Chips, popcorn, snack cakes, pretty much anything you could want. Or, if you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, my private cabinet is at least on par with those Elysium Nobles, if not better.”

Gearing casually shakes his head and replies, “No thanks. I’m on duty and have more work to do before the day’s over.”

Usury gives him a coy smile as nods lightly. “I see. I see. Well… Do let me know if you change your mind, hmmm?” She motions with the key towards the couch as she says, “Please, have a seat, and we can get down to business,” and then continues past the lounge area as she’s stowing her key again.

Gearing walks right past all of the sitting furniture, keeping pace with her, as he says, “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather stand. Besides, I had a rough start to the day and wouldn’t want to get them dirty.” He tilts one of his legs to the side where there’s still a smudge of clearly ghoulish blood.

She grimaces at the sight, and more so as taking more of a look at him makes her notice the rest of the dirt, grim, and extremely recent battle damage on his armor. “Ah, now I see why you want to hurry up and get home! Thanks for your consideration. It’s appreciated.” She settles onto the other side of the desk and turns to face him as she asks, “Well now, how may we help the great Red Eye today?”

As Gearing is getting into a neutral position in front of the desk, keeping his face towards Usury, he narrows his focus on the third area that makes up this ‘office’. Through the gaps in a couple dividers that are set up, Gearing gets a pretty good mental picture that the old office has been converted into her private quarters. Much like her sister Bottlecap, the overall room has multiple purposes to it. But through the gaps he noticed a rather large bed, neat and tiddly made, and a couple other pieces of furniture that scream ‘bedroom’.

His EFS also lets him know that there’s no one lying in wait behind there to stage an ambush on him. A fact that he has mixed feelings on.

Gearing pulls out the scroll that Wild Strikes had given him earlier in the day and holds it up with a hoof as he says, “I’ve brought a contract that I’ve been ordered to give to you, directly.” He walks up casually and sets it on the desk in front of her, but keeps his booted hoof on it.

Usury nods and smiles as she reaches for it, but the smile fades and she raises an eyebrow as Gearing is putting just enough force on it that she can’t actually grab it.

Gearing adds, “I also have a message to deliver to you.”

Usury frowns as she relents and lets go of the scroll. “Well, if it’s so important, let me have it and I’ll see what we need to do.”

Gearing keeps his face on her for a moment before tilting his head enough to look behind him and replies flatly, “Your ears only… Direct orders.”

Usury cringes out of Gearing’s line of sight, or so she thinks, before she says amicably, “It must be important…” She makes a show of leaning sideways to look at the other two behind Gearing. “You two go wait in the conference room. We’ll call if you’re needed.”

The buck gives a snort and glares at Gearing disapprovingly as he’s turning to leave. “Yes ma’am.”

The guardsmare smiles widely as she says, “Well, actually, I could just go back to my guard post...?”

Usury shakes her head. “No. You brought him. You can lead him back out when we’re done here. He’s in a rush, obviously.”

The guardsmare slightly deflates as she bobs her head around and starts walking out. “Alright, alright…”

Before they get too far away Gearing calls after them, “Shut both doors, and make sure to take that slave out there with you.” They all look at him with a raised eyebrow before their eyes uniformly jump open in shock at his next line. “Otherwise if I catch her eavesdropping I’ll have to give that collar a little yank and you’re going to have a mess to clean up shortly after.”

“Whoa, brutal,” the guardsmare says as she starts picking up her pace. “Yeah, I’m not messing around any Red Eye’s bucks…”

The young mare in question had poked her head in, and her eyes are wide open as she visibly shakes and looks at Usury for some kind of relief.

Usury scowls as she stares at Gearing’s back as she says, “There’s no need to go threatening my help like that.”

Gearing looks back at her and says, “Stating fact. Your ears only means Your. Ears. Only. Don’t need her hearing something she shouldn’t and becoming a liability.” He turns back and stares right at the young mare. “I’m serious about it too. I don’t care what Usury says. I find out you’re eavesdropping, I’ll trigger your collar without a second thought or hesitation.”

Usury scowls even harder before visibly taking in a deep breath and letting it out with her eyes closed. She opens her eyes, which become especially sharp, as she looks right at the slave mare. “Go into the conference room with them and start organizing the papers we were working on before we had to stop. If anything happens that needs my attention, knock on my bedroom door and wait for me to come out.”

The young mare looks at her and a genuinely grateful smile appears across her muzzles before she dips her head and says happily, “Yes, Madam. Thank you, Madam.” And then she turns around and zips out of there as quickly as she can.

The buck gives Gearing a glaring scowl with a snort before he too finally leaves. The guardsmare had already made good on her own escape just before the slave did. And only ended up being the second one out in the hallway because the young slave ran so fast to get away from Gearing that she passed her during her blitz to the conference room.

Gearing stands there staring at the door as it’s closed, then makes a show of turning his head and tilting it in the direction of the door as he listens for the soft closing of the hallway’s door. But it comes across clearly as the buck had slammed that door on his way out into the hallway.

As he’s staring at the door, Usury asks flatly, “Want to go open the door and double check?”

Gearing shakes his head as he turns towards her. “No. Their hooffalls were pretty definitive.”

Usury casually grabs the scroll and opens it up as she says, “Now let’s see what the big deal is all about.”

Gearing notes that she intentionally changed subjects and decided not to prolong the meeting by chastising him for his behavior. Or, he realizes, she either doesn’t want to open that particular can of worms, if not actually being used to such abrasiveness.

Usury purses her lips to the side as she reads the document. During her second read through she nods slowly as she says, “This certainly is a big order…” She glances up at him. “But why the need for secrecy?”

Gearing shakes his head as he says, “The contract is just that, the latest contract for us to receive more volunteers. That’s a separate issue.”

“If this isn’t the message, then what is?”

The little blue pegasus pulls out an oversized boom mic, and wears a headset as he hovers over the conversation and looks at Gearing. ‘You got this, champ. Do your thing.’

Gearing replies, “In short we’re really disappointed with the ongoing problems with supply. And the most recent delivery was unacceptable. The team that’s relaying them was displeased to say the least.”

Usury’s eyes go wide as she says, “Well- You see- I know you need more volunteers, but, what you have to understand is-”

“There have been difficulties that are causing you to not live up to Red Eye’s expectation?” Gearing interrupts and asks.

Usury cringes a bit as she says, “Well, yeah, but it sounds so much worse when you phrase it like that.”

“Usury, we all have expectations and obligations that we need to rise to. I understand you’re having difficulties rounding up volunteers for us. You’ve had losses. So had we. But the shortcomings are starting to cause problems and we’re feeling the pressure from above.”

Usury frowns as she says, “We’re doing the best we can to fulfill our agreements with Red Eye. The market’s just a bit… unstable right now.”

“Usury, I’m not trying to make things difficult for you. The fact is, we need those bodies. Whatever is going on needs to be dealt with.” He steps a bit closer and says a bit quieter, “Look. I completely understand, alright? It’s not your fault. I get that. That’s why I’m trying to help you.”

“Help me? How?” Usury asks with clear shock in her voice.

“The pressures coming down hard.” He shakes his head. “Red Eye has big big plans, and he needs the resources to see them happen. And because of that there’s less leniency with underperformance. I’m trying to warn you that you need to get your house in order and prevent any further problems. Or you’ll have to answer for it personally.”

Usury blinks a few times before scoffing. “Personally? Me?”

Gearing waves a hoof as he says, “Look, the way it is we’re having to make up for Paradise’s shortcomings. Red Eye states his displeasure to his right hoof. His right hoof complains to their subordinate. Her subordinate yells at my boss’s boss. My boss’s boss threatens my boss. And my boss, Commander Pancake, gives me an ultimatum to either get this shit fixed or it’s my flank in the hot seat and I’m not dealing with that. As it is, Pancake’s personally trying to round up some volunteers to pad the numbers as we speak…”

Usury looks genuinely taken aback as she asks, “Pancake’s out hunting? Him?!”

Gearing nods and Usury’s face takes on a grime expression as she starts quickly doing some mental math of her own. “Usury, I need something I can deliver, not more excuses,” Gearing finally says.

“Hmmm,” Usury mumbles to herself, “something to deliver…”

“Did you have something in mind?” Gearing asks with a bit of hope in his voice.

Usury taps her forehooves together a bit as she ponders it all over. “Our entire pipeline’s been shaken up by a few unfortunate disruptions. But I’m anticipating that to only last a bit longer. The core problem will be solved in a couple days, and then, after that, things will start getting back to normal. And we’ll be able to return to previous output levels… I just need a bit more time to sort out a few problems -problematic individuals- and the damage to my supply line will stop. Then I can fix what’s been broken.”

“Usury, that just sounds like promises. I can’t take promises back to Red Eye,” Gearing replies with a sigh.

Usury taps her forehooves together a few more times, deliberately, before she says, “I’ll tell you what… We can help each other…”

Gearing tilts his head. “How?”

Usury waves her hoof nonchalantly. “Well, you need something to deliver, and I need a bit more time to sort things out so I can truly deliver. You scratch my withers and I’ll scratch yours. A Win–Win all around.”

“And I’m meant to make time for you somehow?” Gearing asks.

Usury waves towards him. “We already have contracts established. We’ve been working together for quite some time. And it’s been a very profitable relationship from our standpoint. I’d very much like to see that continue. So, I have a proposal.” Gearing motions for her to continue, so she smiles and does. “Red Eye’s main concern is the lack of bodies. He needs more. We can provide that. That’s our entire business, after all. And if you need a token to help you convince them that we’re going to be able to meet our future obligations, I’m more than willing to help you by providing them for you by moving around fulfillment orders.”

“And you want me to… what exactly?”

“You just take them, and help fill in the holes you’re having. My hope is that it will bridge us over this bit of unpleasantness and get us back on track to where we should be,” Usury comments reasonably. She smiles as she waves a hoof at him. “Since Pancakes is already out hunting, you could even claim responsibility for the extras. That should give you some breathing room and ease the pressure from above, right?” She waves a hoof for emphasis as she grins. “Earn yourself some glory in the army. Who knows what might come from it? I’m not asking you to fudge paperwork here. You’ll have the numbers… I’ll even keep it off the books on our side so nopony’ll know where you got them. All I’m asking in return is a bit more patience and understanding while we deal with a couple nuisances… sound good?”

“Usury, it’s not about ‘personal glory’,” Gearing replies sharply and earns a just as sharp frown from Usury. “It’s for the future of Equestria. For Red Eye… But, that said,” he bobs his head around and cheerily responds, “I accept your proposal… Get them ready, the ones in the first stage of this order, and the ones you’re offering. They all belong to Red Eye. I’ll personally wait at the drop off location to take them in myself.”

Usury claps her hooves together once loudly in excitement. “Great!” She grabs a piece of paper from her desk and quickly scribbles on it. “I’ll have them brought here… today… All you have to do is pick them up and take them in the rest of the way to get credit for them.” As she’s holding out the paper for him she grins. “Thank you, and I look forward to working with you more in the future.”

“In the future?” Gearing asks as he stows the paper in a pocket in his armor.

“Of course. I can see a long working relationship with a reasonable, and flexible, buck like yourself….” She smiles widely enough that her eyes partially close. “Give my regards to Flapjacks.”

The little blue pegasus in Gearing’s head shivers before he asks, ‘Is she just happy… or is she intentionally trying to flirt and give us those bedroom eyes because, honestly, it's creeping me the hell out...’

I’m pretty sure she’s just thinking about how lucky she is to have found a useful idiot for herself… Gearing mentally replies as he gives Usury a nod of agreement.

Usury walks around from behind the desk as she says, “Well, if there’s nothing else, I’m sure you’d like to be on your way.” She starts heading towards the same door they’d entered through and as she’s walking she motions towards the cabinet again. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like a little something? Perhaps for the road to enjoy this evening?”

“No thanks. I’m not expecting to be able to take a break for a while anyway. After all, I have to be there to pick up the delivery… Speaking of, how soon can they be ready and at the location?” Gearing replies.

Usury stops at the door, before opening it, and looks back at him. “I’ll get it started shortly after you leave. I’ll have my assistant go and fetch the transfer ponies and have them get on the way as soon as they’re ready. I’ll make sure they leave within the hour so they should arrive at the meeting place just before nightfall with a typical traveling pace.”

Gearing nods. “Great. I’ll hurry and report back to Pancakes before going to the meeting location. That’ll give me a couple hours to get everything ready before they arrive.”

Usury blinks a couple times before she smiles widely, “A couple hours extra? You must move quick!”

Gearing shrugs. “If I don’t have to worry about anyone but myself, and don’t have collars to watch out for, I can make good time… speaking of.” He motions towards the door.

Usury nods quickly and opens the door. “Right, we both have work to get back to.” She trots on through and opens the second door, the one that leads into the hallway, and calls out as she’s walking toward the conference room, “Okay, we’re finished… Our guest is ready to leave, so guide him out.”

The guardsmare walks out of the conference room and lets out a sigh as she looks around. “Okay, lets go.” She waves back down the hall from where she’d originally brought him, and then starts slowly walking away as she clearly wants to hurry up and get this over with to get away from him and the situation as a whole.

As Usury and Gearing are approaching the door, the buck from before steps out and asks, “Everything alright, boss?”

Gearing keeps walking past, following the guardsmare.

Usury’s focus follows over to Gearing’s back and she says a bit quietly, “Just a… delicate matter that needs addressing…”

Gearing turns his head to look back at her, and Usury’s eyes go a bit wider as she realizes he clearly heard her and knows her intentions. Though she relaxes a bit as Gearing says, “My orders were to deliver it to your ears only. What you do with it after that is on you and none of my concern. If you decide to tell others that you trust, that’s your decision.”

Usury tilts her head, but then actually smiles widely before she nods. “Right. Thank you.” She waves and gives a friendly smile as she says, “Have a safe trip back home.”

Gearing gives a nonchalant wave with a forehoof as he keeps following the guardsmare.

As Gearing gets to the end of the hallway that leads out into the rest of the mall he hears a familiar sound of Usury facehoofing herself. Then her muttering with more than a little bit of venom in her voice, “Sanguine needs to hurry up and kill that bitch before any more headaches crop up-”

As Gearing takes the corner into the main hall, towards the exit, the rest of whatever Usury was saying is lost in the ambient noise of the old mall. And, before they get too much further, Gearing calls out to the guardsmare, “Not the main entrance. Back where I came in from. I’m on a big time crunch to get back quickly.”

The guardsmare nods and start walking a bit faster, and actually seems happier about it, and even more so as her charge equally picks up the pace without any complaints. “Sure thing, we’ll have you out of here and back on the road as soon as we can.”

True to her word, the guardsmare takes as straight of a path as she can to get them out of the mall itself, and out of Usury’s domain as a whole. Now that she’s not only not walking intentionally slowly as a guide, but is actively trying to speed up to hurry up and get rid of him, they are making excellent time on the way out and it only takes a fraction of the time to return to where they’d first met compared to the trip in.

As they are walking up to the guard checkpoint where the old mall sign is lying, the guardsmare calls out cheerfully, but with a slight pant that betrays the fact that she really did just push herself to get here, “Welp, here we are. Thanks for stopping in! If you need anything else, you know where to find Usury.”

Gearing trots on past her as he nods. “That I do. Thanks for the escort.”

As he is heading out, a familiar voice calls out from near the fallen Paradise sign, “Hey, friend!”

Gearing looks over and sees the buck that his guide had kicked in the face, still with traces of blood in his mouth. And the smears of blood are easily detectable given the shit eating grin he’s giving Gearing at the moment before he says, “You got everything taken care of, right? You’re good? We’re all good? No problems, right? Sorry about the dumb stuff earlier! No hard feelings, right? Tell you what, next time you come through, I’ll escort you myself! No problem!”

The guardsmare’s facehoof is so sudden, loud, and forceful that Gearing wonders if she didn’t just injure herself in the act.

Gearing looks between them and then says to the buck, “My job’s done. You didn’t delay me too much. The offer’s appreciated. I might take you up on it if the need arises.”

The buck perks up and smiles even wider. “Hey, thanks! That’s swell! No hard feelings! Have a safe trip home!”

Gearing nods and as he’s turning he says, “Right. I’m off.” Then he goes back to motoring back toward the Red Eye’s army camp.

Before he even manages to turn back around, the little blue pegasus in his head starts grumbling. ‘Oh, I’m gonna kill that motherfucker… Just watch… If I get an opportunity, I’m going to introduce them to the god of their choice, free of charge… This whole place is even scummier than I thought… and the bar for that was already pretty fucking low and these fucks decided to limbo under it… I need to poke the hornet's nest a few more times to get this started, they both need to have their numbers pruned…’

Gearing mentally grumbles back, We get the chance, they’re getting removed from the equation… There’s far too many to go after directly… If it wasn’t for all of the hostages I could just blast the whole place to the moon, let Nightmare Moon deal with them, and pick off the survivors with my rifle… Gearing’s head visibly hangs as he snorts in frustration. I miss having support and a fire team on standby…

Footnote:

Please Stand By. . .

Please Stand By. . .

Please Stand By. . .

Attempting Synchronization… Please Stand By…

The long anticipated first run in with Usury and the Paradise Slavers' base of operations.

Along with other tidbits and hints about things. Some more blatant than others.