//------------------------------// // Loose Ends // Story: The Road to Ornithia // by The FraudulentBrit //------------------------------// The Road to Ornithia Part 13; Loose Ends Angel Wings had never been down to the brig before. It was something she had hoped wouldn’t have needed to be done during her first true voyage. She knew that a brig was essentially a simple jail cell that was used to keep some-pony prisoner during a voyage, usually a trouble maker like Arrow Bolt. But now, the pony she needed to see was Staff Sergeant Aquamarine, the EUP marine who had flogged Arrow Bolt without Cap’n Silver’s permission. As much as she knew Arrow Bolt was an insufferable bully, Angel Wings knew that the punishment crossed the line, and she wanted to know why. Entering the brig, Angel Wings found Aquamarine lying on her back on the brig’s simple bed. Though her face was obscured, the young weather officer couldn’t help but sense her aura of disgust and fury at her situation. “Aquamarine?” Angel Wings said, gently enough to not come off as angry but still just forceful enough to make it clear that she wanted attention. “I need to ask you a question.” Rolling over, Aquamarine, clearly annoyed at her silence being annoyed, replied, “What do ya want Miss Wings? Can’t a mare enjoy her solitary confinement in peace?” Angel Wings replied, “I don’t think Silver said anything about no-pony seeing you in here.” Aquamarine simply sighed as she fell back on her uncomfortable bunk. Angel Wings then asked, “Look, I know that Arrow Bolt is a jerk, but what makes you think whipping him so hard that he bleeds is a good idea?” The mare on the other side of the bars didn’t say anything. “Seriously, I need an answer.” The weather officer pleaded. “You wanna know why I did it?” Aquamarine angrily asked as she rose from the bunk and stomped over to the bars, startling Angel Wings. “I’ll tell you why, to maintain discipline. Silver was not able to keep that bastard under control, and he needed to be taught a lesson. It’s what they teach you in the marines, you lay down the law and punish the trouble makers.” “By assaulting them?” Angel Wings angrily retorted, steam blowing out her nose. “You really think that the best way to deal with a bully is to stoop even lower than they do?” Aquamarine rolled her eyes as she replied, “I’ve overheard Mr. Skibby, and he says that the bugger started punchin’ him for his clumsiness. You think he doesn’t deserve a good kick in the teeth for that?” “There’s a difference between a hoof-fight and using a whip!” Angel Wings shouted back, her muzzle pressed against the brig’s bars. “And there are some lines you just don’t cross!” From behind Angel Wings, she heard the recognizably scratchy and raspy voice of Wyvern ask, “What is goin’ on down here?” Turning to face the older stallion, the pink mare nervously reply, “Sorry. I just wanted to know why Aquamarine flogged Arrow Bolt.” She then added, “Hope I didn’t get too loud.” “You didn’t young lady.” Wyvern replied. “Besides, the rain is drowning you two out. For the most part anyway.” As Angel Wings let out a sigh of relief, Wyvern made his way up to Aquamarine and continued, “But she is right. As much as Arrow Bolt has been a pain in the arse, you did not have Cap’n Silver’s authority to perform punishment, especially somethin’ as serious as a flogging.” Aquamarine simply rolled her eyes as she replied, “Well it’s how we do things in the marines.” Angel Wings defiantly replied, “We aren’t marines.” This really irked Aquamarine, who rudely commented, “Really? ‘Cause it seems you’re only here because you and Silver like each other.” Angel Wings glared daggers at the mare who the thought was her friend as Wyvern replied, “Miss Wings is one us, and you will not dare insult her relationship with the Cap’n.” He then leaned closer to the bars, actually forcing Aquamarine to back away as he calmly yet firmly stated, “And you will NOT insult my friend.” As soon Aquamarine nervously nodded, Wyvern’s usually chipper attitude returned turned to Angel Wings as he said, “Oh Miss Wings, Cap’n wants a word with you.” Angel Wings replied, “Aye aye sir. It should be nice to have a chat with some-pony who has manners.” Aquamarine could only roll her eyes in annoyance as Angel Wings departed to see what Silver needed with her. That was when Wyvern began to speak, “Since it looks like you need company, how about I tell you about the time I sailed under the great sailor Ol’ Stormalong?” The Staff Sergeant could only shrug as she thought to herself, ‘Why not?’ Silver’s Quarters As Angel Wings entered Silver’s cabin, she found her captain and colt-friend laying on his bed speaking to their new guest Major Andre. The two were finishing a conversation of some sort, with Silver saying, “Alright, that should be enough for now.” The good major turned to see that he and his host were no longer alone and said, “Sir, we appear to have company.” “Angel Wings!” Silver said as he rose from his bed, looking slightly better from earlier that day but still noticeably pale and exhausted. “Sir, you look awful.” Angel Wings said as she trotted up to her colt-friend. Silver sighed as he replied, “I know. It’s the downside of command, ya have to keep pushin’ through it.” After taking a deep breath, Silver continued, “There are two things. One, I think it’s time I did something I should’ve done earlier.” With that, he removed his shirt and turned around, revealing the series of scars on his back. “Oh my.” Angel Wings said. As she stepped forward, Silver added, “After me chat with Mr. Arrow Bolt, I realized I should have shown you already. I know I said it was the kind of thing that you had to understand but….” He was stopped by Angel Wings caressing a hoof across his back as she asked, “I take it it hurt?” growing a guilty smile, Silver replied, “Before all those chats I had with the Raiders, it was the most painful experience of me life. Sorry I didn’t want to show you yet.” Angel Wings replied, “You don’t have to apologize. Besides, it’s only been a month right?” Silver couldn’t help but admit, “Not quite, but it’s been absolutely fantastic.” He then gave a cheeky smile as he added, “You know you’re my favorite pony right?” Angel Wings giggled as she and Silver began to lean in to a kiss, but Silver began to go through the motions of a sneeze. Realizing what was going to happen, he turned his head away and into his elbow to block the sneeze. “Sorry.” He apologized before playfully asking, “Don’t you just hate colds?” Angel Wings then asked, “What was the other thing you wanted to talk about?” Silver wiped his brow as he replied, “I’ve been talking to the Major here, and it turns out that our good friend Ecks has been up to more than just recruiting the Storm King’s scraps.” Major Andre then added, “Just before I deserted, I got word that several Equestrian prisons were attacked and the prisoners recruited to the Admiral’s cause. Several of these prisoners are members of the Raiders.” The Raiders. The gang of bandits, deserters, and pirates that had been recruited by Wind Rider to kidnap Scootaloo and Cap’n Flint. The gang that cut off Flint’s horn and allowed Scootaloo to contract tuberculosis. The gang that had attempted to kill all of them. Just hearing the name “Raiders” made Angel Wings’s pupils shrink with fear. Then, Major Andre continued, “This included three of their main leaders. Three known criminals by the name of Bounty Jumper, Snipe Hunt, and…” “Somers.” Silver interrupted, his voice calm but starting to struggle to hide his fury. “The Major here said Somers was given command of a group of light ships.” As he finished, Silver’s anger began to become more and more apparent, and Angel Wings knew that his fury was anything but unwarranted. Taking a shaky breath, Silver said, “Angel Wings, I need you to make me a promise. Promise me that you’ll help keep me grounded, because I’m scared I’ll lose myself if we run into him again.” Angel Wings could tell that Silver was scared, probably more scared than she’d ever seen him before. “I promise.” Angel Wings replied. “If you start to fall down that hole, I’ll help pull you back out.” Silver nodded as a smile grew on his face, saying, “Thank you.” With that, he wrapped his hooves around her, an action that Angel Wings quickly reciprocated. As they finished, Angel Wings quipped, “I should probably wash my hooves.” Silver let out a guilty chuckle as he replied, “That sounds like a good idea.” With that, Angel Wings turned to leave the cabin, though she pause when Silver added, “I love you.” Angel Wings replied, “I love you too.” Once Angel Wings was gone, Major Andre remarked, “I take you are dating then?” Silver simply rolled his eyes as he replied, “What made it obvious?” Admiral Ecks’s Flagship, The Meeting Room Twenty Five of the greatest officers in his fleet seated at the table around him, a table full of the most luxurious food in the known world, and a storm raging outside were the three things that brought a wicked smile to Admiral Ecks’s face. He had summoned his officers and immediate subordinates to a meeting, and felt it was appropriate to throw a party for them. Rising as he rang his glass of wine with a fork, the Admiral began to speak. “My friends…” he said, rolling his rrs. “We are on the verge of greatness! Soon, Ornithia will fall to our combined might!” The other officers began to applause and call out, “Here here!” Ecks then continued, “And once Ornithia has fallen, we shall do what our glorious forbearer, the Storm King, could not! We shall conquer EQUESTRIA!” The whole room erupted into thunderous applause, with some of the satyrs cheering and raising their glasses. That was when he heard the sound of glass breaking from behind him, silencing the rowdy celebration. Admiral Ecks turned to see a cabin boy, a young satyr, standing guiltily next to a pile of glass and stained wine that would have been the next round of beverages. Shaking his head, Ecks began to walk over to the scared cabin boy as he scolded him. “Tisk tisk dear boy. What am I going to do with you?” As the cabin boy began to back away, the Admiral continued, “We are trying to have a nice little party, and here you are being rude and ruining my nice glasses.” Admiral Ecks rested his hand on the cabin boy’s shoulder and asked, “I’m afraid you’ve gone and upset me. Do you know what happens when someone upsets me?” The cabin boy, tears running down his eyes, asked, “People get punished?” “People get hurt.” The Admiral replied as he grabbed the cabin boy with both hands and, to the surprise of the rest of the officers, chucked the cabin boy out the window and to his doom. Once his screams faded, Ecks, straightening his coat, said to his subordinates, “I’m terribly sorry about that. It is incredibly difficult to get good help these days.” From the other side of the room, Captain Kruger emerged from the door as he reported, “Sir, the equestrian mercenaries are waiting for you.” “Ah, the Raiders.” Admiral Ecks said as he rubbed his hands together. He then said, “Gentleman, it appears that I must entertain some other guests. Enjoy the banquet and I shall return very soon.” The rest of the officers raised their glasses before proceeding to gourge themselves on the bountiful feast they had been provided. Ecks proceeded to make his way to Captain Kruger and proceeded to exit the meeting room. Once the door was closed, Ecks sighed to himself as he asked, “Why did you have to interrupt me? I was having the most splendid time.” Captain Kruger nervously replied, “Sir, you did request I inform you when the Raiders arrived, and personally, I would prefer those pirates only spend as much time on this ship as necessary.” Ecks walked up to his subordinate and, resting his hand on the captain’s shoulder (to the latter’s terror) as he began to chuckle sinisterly. “Oh Captain Kruger.” The Admiral said patronizingly. “You are so very lucky that I enjoy your presence.” With that, Ecks released the Captain as he asked, “So tell me, where are our new friends?” Admiral Ecks’s Quarters Admiral Ecks entered his quarters to see that, just as he had been informed, three ponies were waiting for him. One was an orange Pegasus wearing a red shirt with a blue coat and forage cap, a blue unicorn with a gray beard and blue coat with a red kepi, and most shockingly, a very certain yellow Pegasus in blue clothing with a round sailor’s hat. “Gentleman.” Admiral Ecks said as he stepped towards the trio of criminals. “It is an honor to make the acquaintance of the Raiders.” “Fine lookin’ place ya got here.” Somers said as he approached the lanky Satyr. As he extended his wing, Ecks quipped, “Certainly classy for a hog pen.” Somers couldn’t help but snicker as he complimented, “Ah like your sense of humor.” Bounty Jumper stepped forward as he said, “Thanks for springing us out of the joint.” Snipe Hunt joined in with, “Yeah, I can’t stand bein’ stuck in a cage.” “Of course….” Admiral Ecks began. “You fine gentlemen understand that I did not orchestrate your release out of the kindness of my heart.” He then walked up to the tree criminal ponies as they backed away in fear. “In return for your freedom, I request that you three do a little…. grunt work for me.” Somers nodded nervously as he asked, “What do ya need us to do?” Ecks quickly backed away as he began, “Oh good. I have a brig available and a crew available, but it’s captain proved to be a bit of a disappointment.” Bounty Jumper, confused by his benefactor’s wording, asked, “What do you mean by that?” From below the group, the sound of a brand being pressed against something followed by a painful scream rang out, clueing the three ponies in on what the Admiral meant. Bounty Jumper could only shrug as he added, “I stand corrected.” “As I was saying….” Admiral Ecks continued, “I have a ship that needs a captain, as well as few extra officers. I figure you fine gentlemen might like to take it and engage in a little….” He paused for a moment before, wicked smile growing on his face, he continued, “… Privateering.” “Let me get this straight.” Somers began. “You want us to take one of your ships and attack anythin’ without your flag?” The Admiral stepped forward again as he replied, “Precisely.” With the confirmation he desired, Somers said, “Well Ah’m game sir.” Snipe Hunt joined in, bashing his front hooves together as he said, “Me too. ‘Sides, it beats rotting in a jail cell like Cutthroat.” Bounty Jumper then added, “This is gonna be fun. But, which one of us do you want in charge.” Pondering for a moment, Admiral Ecks answered, “I believe the best choice would be……” The Hawkins, the Next Day “We’re all clear Cap’n!” Mr. Spyglass shouted from the crow’s nest. The sun was shining and the wind was in their favor, two things that the crew needed desperately. “Alright boys! Let’s get this old girl moving!” Silver shouted to the rest of the crew. several ponies began to loosen the sails as the engines began to rev up. Angel Wings herself was working one of the sails just below the crow’s nest with Skibby, the latter having surprisingly good luck at his job. Once the sails were entirely unfurled, Angel Wings called out, “Full sails Cap’n!” “Fine job Miss Wings!” Silver called back to his subordinate and mare-friend. He then added, “Same to all of you. Fantastic job!” As the sailors began to descend from the rigging, Angel Wings floated down and, eyeing her colt-friend, couldn’t help but compliment, “You’re looking better today.” Silver replied, “Guess it helps to have a good night’s sleep.” The ship then jolted forward, forcing Silver to bump into Angel Wings and sending them crashing to the deck. As Silver rose back to his hooves, he apologized, “Sorry Angel Wings.” The pink mare replied, “It’s alright. But what was that?” As she finished her question, Angel Wings was surprised to see that The Hawkins was starting to rise into the air. Running to the railing, she found that the distance between the ship’s hull and the ocean surface was growing. From the sides of the hull, the propeller engines began to emerge and rotate themselves so that they propelled the ship upwards. With that, The Hawkins was once again airborne. Angel Wings took in a deep breath, absorbing the now salt-free air. “I’m gonna miss the salty air.” She said as she took one last look at the ocean below her. “Don’t worry.” Silver said as he rested a wing against her. “This line of work, we’ll be seaside before you know it.” Angel Wings leant against her colt-friend before sneaking a kiss to his muzzle. “That’s for yesterday.” She said in a playfully teasing tone. She then kissed him on the lips before continuing, “And this is for today.” Silver couldn’t help but blush as he said, “You’re amazin’ you know that?” The pink mare shrugged as she replied, “I try.” From behind him, Silver heard Wyvern call out, “Cap’n, if I might have a word.” The metal winged Pegasus turned to face his old friend and asked, “What is it Wyvern?” The elderly earth pony replied, “Miss Aquamarine wants to have a word with you and Miss Wings.” Silver turned to Angel Wings and asked, “Shall we go see what Aquamarine wants?” Angel Wings nodded as she replied, “Aye aye sir.” The Brig Silver and Angel Wings were surprised to pleasantly surprised to see Aquamarine waiting for them. Rather than sulking on the brig’s bunk or standing rigidly at attention, she was simply seated on the deck floor. Silver proceeded to ask, “You wanted to see us Miss Aquamarine?” The light blue mare replied, “I would like to apologize for my uncalled-for behavior.” She took a shaky breath as she continued, “Seein’ me whole unit wiped out, stuck on a ship with an enemy officer, I guess I just broke. I needed to get my anger out, and Arrow Bolt’s behavior was the perfect excuse I needed to justify it.” “I understand the feeling.” Angel Wings said. “Trust me, even I’ve wanted to slug him in the past.” Aquamarine couldn’t help but let out a guilty chuckle as the pink mare continued, “Besides, if there were any who came close to deserving a flogging, it’d probably be him.” “Be that as it may…” Silver began, dampening the mood. “You understand that you will be spending the rest of the day in the brig, do you not?” Aquamarine nodded as she replied, “Aye aye sir. Besides, it helps to have a little peace and quiet.” Feeling that everything was accounted for, Silver continued, “Very well then. I will be back to check on you this evening.” With that, he and Angel Wings began o depart. However, Aquamarine called out, “Angel Wings, can I ask you a wee question?” The pink mare turned to face the Staff Sergeant. Taking another nervous breath, Aquamarine asked, “Does this mean we’re still friends?” Angel Wings hesitated for a moment before she replied, “If you promise not to do anything like that again, then yeah, friends.” She extended her wing to slip in between the cell bars, a gesture Aquamarine returned as she shook her wing. Nodding, Angel Wings turned to depart the brig with her captain and colt-friend, but not before she added, “Just don’t expect Arrow Bolt to show the same kind of forgiveness.” Aquamarine couldn’t help but let out a guilty chuckle as she realized how true her friend was. That Night…. The stars were shining brightly over the Hawkins, providing the crew of ponies not only light, but a form of beauty that could not be found anywhere else. On nights like this, Angel Wings could only stare up to the skies and marvel in their natural brilliance. “Enjoying the stars?” Silver said as he walked up to her. Angel Wings nodded as she replied, “Yup. Reminds me of that night right before we arrived at Botany Bay.” Silver let out a chuckle as he replied, “How could I forget? I remember Spitfire stormed out of the quarters and revealed she had a nightmare about the mutiny.” He then pointed to a position of a crate as he quipped, “Of course right before that, I noticed a certain mare’s bow.” He then gave Angel Wings a playful smile as he continued, “And I found out said mare had a wee crush on me. Good thing I kinda had one on her too, eh?” Both ponies then leaned in and gave each other a kiss. Once they finished, Silver remarked, “One of these days it’s gonna lose it’s magic.” Angel Wings simply shrugged as she replied, “Maybe, but tell me you still don’t love it.” Silver booped her on the nose as he playfully quipped, “Not as much as I love you.” From above the duo, Mr. Spyglass shouted, “Land Ho!” Silver and Angel Wings ran to the railing to see, to their amazement, lights off in the distant, plastered on what appeared to be a small lump in on the edge of the horizon. Angel Wings felt her heart soar. As a smile of pure joy grew on her face, Silver turned to her as he said, “Guess it’s a first for me as well, but Angel Wings, Welcome to Ornithia.”