• Published 27th May 2012
  • 5,543 Views, 845 Comments

Fallout Equestria : New Roam - Delvius



The city of Roam is tortured by ambient and open hostility. Finally, a Praetorian arises to protect the city like the Legionnaires of old, and nothing will stop him. Nothing but himself, that is.

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Chapter 7- Crossing the Gap

Chapter 7
Crossing the Gap
"It. Is. On."




We had spent the last three hours hovering down the road. There was absolutely no noise for that entire duration, save tracks ‘Elevator #1’ to ‘Elevator #57’ and Zaita’s ever-present humming engine. The noise was extremely similar to my stable’s ever present humming, though this was significantly more noticeable. Neither Myst nor Skyfire had spoken, the former looking forlorn and lonely in her corner and the latter snoring loudly as she lay down on the seats.

Despite the obvious fact that no one wanted to talk, the music was actually making the trip even more uncomfortable than less. It was supposed to be adding a little life to the trip, but instead it was filling the minutes with an unchanging cycle of seemingly endless electronic beeps and sounds. I needed to take myself away from the uncomfortable trope of elevator music and silent companions, so I decided to use one of my many conversation starters.

“So, Zaita, how far are we from the Forum?” It wasn’t my best conversation starter, but it seemed to be a sensible enough question. Both Skyfire and Myst were incapable, and unknowing, of the answer. And I didn’t really expect them to answer anyway, as it was Zaita who spoke up first.

The Forum is an approximate 189 miles from our location, about a third of the distance to Equestria. Should we not be distracted, it will take, as I said, three days. However, my calculations say that we have a staggering 78% chance of being sidetracked. Further calculations have determined the local populace to be the greatest threat, next to the Legion.” She answered in that computerized, devoid of the zebra accent voice of hers.

Considering that I really didn’t want to stop talking just yet, and because I decided I needed to learn more about the place before we got there, I decided to ask more questions.

“Zaita, what is the Forum, anyway? Could you give me a description, as well as some visual aids?” I asked, causing Myst to look at me from her corner. Her eyes were still puffy from her sobbing, but she seemed at least somewhat interested in the topic. Perhaps she needed some distraction from her situation, just like Skyfire.

Very well.” Was all she said. A few moments later, the electronic red surface was replaced by a group of images showing a wide and very tall circular structure with a tower rising from the middle. The overall color of the structure was a polished white, but the brightly colored banners and the zebra honor guards gave it a feeling of life.

The Roaman Forum was the central seat of the Zebra Nation’s government. It was where the Caesar and the legates would meet, as well as being the Caesar’s home. It was also the cultural center of the city, being where most festivities and celebrations were held.” An image of a parade marching down the streets with a hovering vehicle above the crowd appeared, showing off the bright, warm colors of the city as the sun’s light reflected off the different surfaces.

Before the war, it also served as the economic center of the nation, acting as a bank of sorts. However, that was changed when the war broke out and the funds were instead transferred to the accounts of trusted legates. These legates, however, could only use said money if they obtained the Caesar’s permission.” She continued. So, it was some sort of bank? I bet they had a lot of security for that much money to be held in just one location safely.

During the war, the Forum was attacked a few times. The first was an experimental Equestrian stealth craft that we managed to spot just in time before it dropped a balefire explosive on the Forum. The second was an Equestrian special forces team that was snuck in by traitors. Both of these attempts were foiled by a combination of the security forces, the ZIB, or Zebra Intelligence Bureau, and a special operations team,” She continued.

“Equestrian stealth craft? Wasn’t it the zebras who had mastered stealth technology, and not the Equestrians?” I queried as an image of a crashed, sleek, sky blue plane popped onto the screen.

Yes, we did. However, the Equestrians stole stealth tech from us as retaliation to our obtaining of their balefire megaspell matrix. Ever since, they’ve utilized it against us to some effect. Luckily, we still knew our own tech better than they did.” Oh, okay. But that leaves one question in my mind…

“How did the zebras get balefire megaspells, anyway? Weren’t they an Equestrian invention? What, did the zebras steal it or did the ponies just give it away or something?” I asked, and that ‘loading valid response’ circle appeared on the screen. After a while, the APC answered.

The only files I have on that subject say that Legate Decarius obtained their megaspell matrix. I understand it brought him all the way up as the Caesar’s most beloved legate. However, the files I have access to say that he had simply obtained them, no explanation. Apparently, the Caesar and the rest of the nation were simply too relieved to care. After all, they had obtained their enemy’s one big edge over us. And, against a quickly revolutionizing Equestrian military, such a tremendous find was welcomed completely.” That’s it? He just ‘obtained’ them? My head was starting to ache from the amount of questions that was piling up...

We were passing under a massive monument, held aloft by intricate pillars at least a hundred feet high. The monument itself was a gigantic dome with a small, circular opening in the middle that allowed us to see the afternoon sky through it. The whole monument covered an area of several hundred meters; an area that was flat and, for the most part, looked like it had once been some sort of park. It was probably something else, but the stone walkways we were hovering over that went all the way to the center of the area seemed to suggest it was. The center, where the walkways intersected, was lit by an orange afternoon light coming down from a circular hole in the ceiling directly above.

“What is this place?” Myst asked as she stepped up behind me. I wanted to know as well, but even Zaita wasn’t fast enough to answer before my pipbuck did. The sound of a cash register opening played from my device, and I saw the little notification on the corner:

‘Oculus Roamae Discovered’ it said.

We are at the Oculus of Roam; one of the great monuments constructed by Roaman engineers in the ancient days. The original was made of stone, which was beginning to crumble about two decades before the war. The Caesar ordered that the monument be reinforced and that a second layer be constructed above and below the original. I myself am surprised it has lasted this long, considering the size and weight of the structure.” Well, add this place to the list places I'll visit again if I have time. I wondered how long it took to make this thing.

Turning my attention away from Zaita to Myst, whom I now wanted to engage in conversation, I faced the still sad looking mare. In response, she cringed away from me with wide eyes, as if afraid I might attack her (or do 'other things' that Tod suggested). She seriously needed to get some more confidence.

"Myst, do you want to talk about it?" I asked, and my question caused her to shake her head vigorously. "Are you sure? You certainly seem like you need to be talked to." I added, and again she shook her head. She started back to her corner, turning her head back to face me before she responded.

"No, I'm fine. I just need some time to get over it. Thanks anyway." With that, she huddled back into the corner of the vehicle, making a little noise as she accidentally bumped the box of supplies Road Town had given us. The noise caused Skyfire to shift to face Myst, who responded with ducking even lower. Luckily, Skyfire was a pretty deep sleeper. I shook my head, and turned back to the AI.

"So, what did you two talk about?" I asked quietly, and I saw a logo of a speaker with numbers below it appear in the bottom left corner of the screen. The numbers went from one hundred to twenty, and then Zaita answered.

"I attempted to find out why I thought she was with me before, to which I was not able to form a conclusion. After, I decided to try and comfort her on leaving her home to join you," She said.

"And what did she say?" I asked, hoping that Myst's response might be able to help me start a conversation with her later.

"The same thing she said to you just now." I sighed. Well, that was Myst; sharing as little as possible and keeping quiet.

Well, I didn't know what to do at this point. Myst obviously didn't want to talk. Skyfire was deep in sleep, and would probably test how hard my head was if I woke her up. Zaita was informative, but the information she shared with me gave me more questions than answers. I did not want to listen to more 'Elevator' tracks, and I definitely didn't want to fall asleep in case anything happened, even if I felt like I didn't get enough sleep.

Then, a thought popped into my head. I looked over at one of the sack cloths in the corner opposite of Myst. Amidst the pile, I could make out one that had a shape in it. Trying to make as little noise as possible, I trotted over to it. Myst only looked up at me before looking away again. As I reached the sack, I placed a hoof inside and dug out the contents.

Just as I expected, the contents were the memory-viewing metal helmet and the strange orbs. I trotted to the row of seats to the right of the vehicle, and sat down. There were two orbs. One of them I had viewed, the other I had not. Facing the dilemma of which of the two I had not, I just chose one at random and strapped on the headwear again.

"Zaita, watch out for any dangers while I'm in this thing. This could take a while." I said, hoping this thing didn't actually take a long time to finish. The last orb took one hour, apparently.

"Ah, I see you have some memory orbs. Those were an Equestrian invention, actually. Made by the Equestrian Ministry of Morale. The ZIB's agents simply managed to obtain the secrets of how to create them." Oh, really? So, balefire megaspells, memory orbs... What else had the zebras stolen from the Equestrians? Oh, great, ANOTHER question to find answers for.

"Alright, let's hope I chose the right one." I said to myself as I placed the orb into the depression, and the last thing I felt was my body slumping onto the seats before my world faded away in a blur.

ooooOOOOoooo

Well, the good news was I that had NOT chosen the orb I had already viewed. The bad news was I still wasn't used to the strange feeling of not being able to control my movement or my breathing. Oh well. At least I could still think for myself.

My host was yet another zebra stallion, who was trotting down a spiral metal staircase. The entire area was dark, almost as if the place wasn't supposed to be open yet. Two guards wearing power armor flanked him, making quite a lot of noise as opposed to the little sound he himself was making. He had something heavy around his body; something metallic. Wearing metal armor myself, I immediately knew that this guy, whoever he was, was wearing metal armor as well.

As he reached the bottom, there was a small hall that led to a chamber. The chamber was not very large, at least compared to the wide spaces zebra architects seemed so hell-bent on constructing. The chamber was cylindrical in shape, and the ceiling was domed. The walls I could see were decorated with small statues of zebras mounted on pedestals that emerged from the walls. There were several screens hanging down from the ceiling on metal supports, and in front of them was a console of some sort. My host's guards stayed at the foot of the stairs while my host went over to the console and pressed a button.

Immediately, the middle screen lit up with a similar electronic red with a white line across the middle. The only real difference between Zaita and this computer was the voice.

"Welcome, legate. Please state the entrance phrase along with your personal entrance password." The computer said in a deep, slightly resonant electronic voice. My host took in a breath, as if knowing what was coming was going to be tiring or something.

"I am Legate Autherius; general of the western Legions, commander and founder of the Shadow Corps, and wielder of the mighty Dragon Armada. I am the terror of Hoofington, the Black City cursed by the Stars. I AM the heart of the military, on sea, land, and in the air. I am Legate Autherius, and I demand proper clearance." My host then took in another deep breath, as he did not breathe once during that speech. In stark contrast to Decarius' voice, this guy's voice was the very description of 'iconic': proud, confident, powerful, and charismatic.

"Welcome, Legate Autherius. Entrance phrase accepted. Password." Was the computer's simple response.

"Omnibus," Autherius said in reply. The screen turned from the electronic red to... well, another electronic red. However, the blank screen was soon occupied by streams of data on the sides, with the center being occupied by an 'ANNOUNCEMENTS' with only two things under it. One said that the Forum's security was to be increased by ten percent, and the other said that the S2 Harpy would be deployed in under a month.

My host took one look behind him, making sure the guards were still outside. When he saw that they were, he looked up at the ceiling, specifically at a large silver triangle.

"Close." Just like in Decarius' house, a metal plate slid down to block the doorway and the silver triangle was revealed to be the body of an auto-turret. With the added security measures in place, Autherius approached the console and once more pressed several buttons.

Three of the screens lit up; the center screen, the left most screen, and the right most screen. On each of the screens was shown a different pony. On the center screen was an earth pony mare with an amaranth mane and a pale olive coat leaning on a table with a hoof on her cheek as she looked up at the ceiling. The right most showed a pegasus mare with a fuchsia mane and a gamboge coat, with a hoof on the side of her head as she idly ran a pencil over a piece of paper, which showed a great many circles drawn on it. The last screen showed a unicorn mare with a mane of grayish mulberry and grayish rose streaks and a light grey coat looking wide-eyed at a wall while leaning on her table and placing a hoof on her chin.

While at first glance I thought that they were in different locations, the camera showing each of the three screens adjusted simultaneously to show each of the mares better in each screen. Above each mare was a name engraved on a metal plate. From left to right, they were: Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo.

“Any ideas, guys?” The pegasus mare asked, and the other two responded with blank shakes of their heads.

“Nope. Ah’m afraid Ah don’t know what to do. Luna and the rest o’ Equestria appreciate our stables, but they take a lot of resources. Unless we find a good reason to build more, we’re limited to just twenty.” The earth pony mare, Apple Bloom, answered in a cowpony accent.

“Well, maybe we could try to figure out if the zebras are doing anything dangerous that would make building more stables necessary?” The unicorn mare offered. The other two looked at each other before shaking their heads.

“It might work, Sweetie Belle. But it’s not like the zebras will just tell us what they’re up to. This war’s been on for like… seven years, and the only thing I’m sure we can know from the zebras is what the Ministry of Morale gets from traitors or POW’s.” The pegasus answered, causing the unicorn to deflate from disappointment.

“Heheheh, that’s funny. Because that’s exactly what I’m here to do,” My host interrupted casually, causing all three mares to jump from their seats in surprise. Once they had recovered a bit from their shock, the earth pony pointed a hoof at the screen.

“Who are you?!” Apple Bloom asked aloud, while the unicorn’s horn glowed and the Pegasus floated up.

My host just chuckled, before closing his eyes and shaking his head. He looked at each screen quickly, and responded to their concerns. “You three know very well that you can’t harm me through a screen, so I suggest you just save your energy and relax. As for who I am, I am Legate Autherius.” His response was calm and casual, as if they were friends. His calm demeanor caused everyone but the pegasus to relax.

“Autherius, huh? And just HOW did you get into our systems? And why are you here, anyway?” She asked, approaching the camera so closely that she occupied most of the three screens.

“As I said, I am here to inform you of what my nation is up to. And how I got in here is not important. Really, though, I’ve been planning to talk to you three for a long time.” That got a suspicious look from Scootaloo, but the other two had calmed down enough to take their seats.

“Scootaloo, he’s right. We can’t do anything to him, might as well relax.” The unicorn told her, eyeing my host suspiciously as well. With an annoyed groan, Scootaloo floated away and sat down on her chair.

“What makes you think we should talk to you? And, before we continue, what EXACTLY are you?” Apple Bloom asked, causing my host to narrow his eyes in confusion.

“Uhhhhh…what?” He asked, for the first time stepping away from his slightly disturbingly calm demeanor.

“You know, are you a traitor or something? Ah can’t imagine any zebra beein’ in yer position to not be a traitor.” She explained. My host thought about that for a moment, looking away from the screen.

“I am, and I am not. It depends on who you think I am betraying,” Was his simple response. The three mares looked at each other, before Apple Bloom finally shrugged.

“Well, why are you going to tell us, then? And what it could possibly be that’s SO important we shouldn’t just kick you out of our systems right now?” Sweetie Belle asked, and I felt a little smile form on my host’s face.

“Because I have Roam’s best interests at heart. The Caesar may be Roam’s representative, but he is an idiot. He does not know what Roam truly wants; he has lost contact with our culture, our legacy, and our ways. Me and my associates have decided to take this war into our own hooves. That, I think, should be enough to get your attention. At least enough to not kick me out just yet.” Scootaloo was looking at a red button on the table. The other two seemed to be considering it as well, but the Pegasus spoke up after a few seconds.

“And just WHAT are those interests? You people finally grown enough brains to realize this war’s stupid?” Scootaloo asked rudely, putting a small frown on my host’s face as he turned to face her. Were all pegasi rude, cocky jerks?

“Roam’s interests are none of your business, Scootaloo. And, unfortunately, only a select few have grown the common sense to see this war is childish. Really, though, all that matters is that I have information that will help both of our races, in one way or another,” Was his response.

“So, you want to end the war?” Apple Bloom asked with a hint of hope, but it placed an even sharper frown on my host’s face. But, as he turned to face her, he removed the frown and put on an easy smile.

“Yes, you could say I do. In one way or another.” His response visibly troubled the three, but Apple Bloom continued.

“Alright… so, uh, what’s the information? Is it gonna help put an end to this damned war?” She asked, and Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement. Scootaloo scowled at Autherius, but allowed them to proceed.

“Ah, yes, the information…” My host took a deep breath, even deeper than when he prepared for his little speech a while ago. All of them, Scootaloo included, leaned onto the table in anticipation. I expected him to pour out another passionate speech about either himself or Roam, but he surprised all of us with his next statement.

“We have megaspell technology, and we are willing to use them.” If I could have gasped and if my blood could freeze, I’m pretty sure I would have and my blood would be frozen solid right now. The three mare’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at the news, and Scootaloo charged up to the camera.

“You’re lying! Megaspells are our nation’s secret weapon! We don’t call them SECRET without good reason!” She looked so angry I was so sure she would have been able to find a way through the screen to get at my host. Still, Autherius stood his ground.

“No, I am not. And, as we speak, the Caesar is finding ways to weaponize them, despite their original purpose, and is VERY willing to use them once perfected.” Despite his frown, I could feel him suppressing a smirk. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were visibly horrified, both of them slumping against their chairs.

"That's...not possible... H-how long...?" Apple Bloom asked, her voice quivering from uncertainty. Sweetie Belle could only shake her head hard in disbelief.

"Three months. And believe it. I wouldn't want you to disregard this threat; it would be such a shame if our races were wiped out by idiots on thrones, wouldn't you all agree?" Despite his calm, reasonable tone, I could almost feel the treachery and deceit he was keeping in check.

"The princesses are not idiots!" Sweetie Belle yelled at the screen, and again I could feel my host suppress a smile. He turned to the screen with an even sharper frown than before, and looked the unicorn in the eye.

"I apologize, I suppose I should have chosen my words better. And I completely agree with you; such benevolent beings such as Celestia or Luna wouldn't make the mistakes my Caesar has. But, as much of a fool he is, he is dangerous. This is why I have come to you: to seek help." My host put on a pleading frown on his face, but I could feel the tension on his features. It was just another hoax.

"Help? You want us to HELP you? Why in Equestria would we help the fuck-tards who started this war?! Why, we should probably launch all of our megaspells at you right now!" Scootaloo shouted, no longer doing anything to try to hide her anger.

"Ah, but that would just give my Caesar a reason to use our own megaspells. They may not be perfected, but they are dangerous still. Would you be willing to risk it? Think about it: needless deaths on both sides, millions burned and vaporized in an instant, becoming the very air we breathe." My host took another deep breath and closed his eyes, as if emphasizing his last statement, before continuing.

"No. I will not let that happen. The best we can do is prepare for the very likely horror of a balefire exchange. No one else in my land will even THINK about it, much less plan for it. That is why I have turned to you." I could feel the extra effort he placed into maintaining his false expression.

The three mares looked at each other, before Apple Bloom called them together. As they whispered to one another, Scootaloo seeming downright disapproving while the other two seemed more willing to accept the news, my host took the opportunity to let out his suppressed smiles. After a about a minute, they turned back to him and immediately he put on his pleading frown again.

"So, what would you have us do?" Apple Bloom asked. Sweetie Belle looked like she didn't quite know what to do, while Scootaloo still looked disapproving as she glared at my host. I didn't quite like my host as well, especially because I could feel all of the manipulation and deceit he was hiding. I didn't like this guy at all.

"Well, with this information your company will have all the reason it needs to make more stables. More stables equals more lives saved, which, I think, is the very purpose of your company. You’ll just have to find a way to leak it out into the public. However, I must ask something in return. I must ask that you build stables for us, as well."

'Wow, that's a big request.' I thought, not yet realizing what this meant. In contrast to my fairly oblivious and uncaring personal thoughts, the three mares just sat there with their mouths hanging so low that they actually touched the table.

"You're fucking kidding me." Was Scootaloo's response. She didn't sound angry or amazed, but she definitely was at a loss for words. The other two were even worse off, not having reacted at all and with their jaws still on the table. I found their complete lack of a reaction kind of disturbing, as did my host, who approached the screen closely and inspected the image as if to see if it had frozen or something.

Finally, though, the three stirred and Apple Bloom was the first to regain her composure. As she cleared her throat and put on a more business-like expression, the other two still seemed to be reeling from the weight of the request.

"So, uh, Autherius, yes? What makes ya think that we should build stables in yer lands? After all, we ain't exactly welcome; there's a war, if ya forgot." She said in a tone much more befitting of a businesspony. The other two had finally managed to get their heads together enough to get their emotions under control. Still, all three of them looked a little uncomfortable.

"I thought I had made it clear. You ponies have what you need to save your race from destruction, but we do not. I think we can both agree that the destruction of my whole race for the mistakes of one Caesar and his subordinates is a little...too much. Really, all I want is to preserve my people, just like what you are doing." My host put on a reassuring smile, easing some of the tension in his facial muscles.

"I still don't buy it." Scootaloo said, the disapproving tone once again taking it's place in her voice. Sweetie Belle seemed to be taking a more or less neutral stance in this situation.

"Well, Ah can respect yer intentions. But how do we know yer not just tryin' to trick us?" Apple Bloom asked, and my host actually smiled further at that.

"Oh, Apple Bloom, think. What could we possibly gain from getting material to build stables? More resources to build more vehicles? No, we still have plenty of that. What we REALLY lack are zebras smart enough to know that this war is going to kill us all, unless we prepare. Or perhaps you think I seek to discredit you? No, as well. Why would I try to discredit the one group of ponies who seem to be actually THINKING of ways to SAVE lives?" He asked, and all three mares seemed to take that in for a moment.

As much as I really hated this guy, he was kind of right. About the whole 'this war will kill us all unless we prepare thing', at least. Unfortunately, I could sense that all of this was just a sham. It was such a shame that the one of the few zebras that seemed to want to do something to protect his people seemed to have some devious plan is store. It was also at this point that my sluggish brain had finally caught onto the fact that THIS conversation was why there were even stables in zebra lands.

‘Well, if what he says is true, it’s the reason you’re even alive.’ Thought Tod, whose sudden appearance would have made me jump up if it weren’t for the fact that I couldn’t control myself.

‘Nyah! You? Get out of here! I don’t need you right now.’ I thought back at it, and he fell silent.

"Ah see. And, just how do you propose we even get started on making 'em? It's not like we can just walk into your lands and start.” Apple Bloom argued, to which Scootaloo smirked a little at my host. Autherius didn’t mind, and instead responded.

“Oh, I have my ways. There’s this company, Four Stars, that can get the materials over to us. I suspect you know of them, over at Manehattan. Just, uh… well, they MIGHT ask you to make them a stable, too. Whether or not you’ll oblige is up to you, though.” Sweetie Belle seemed a little distraught at that, more so than the other two, at least.

“Four Stars is with you? Guys, you think we should tip off the MoM about that?” She asked, to which Apple Bloom looked at the screen. My host just shrugged.

“Up to you. They’re your people, you decide what to do with them. All I’m asking, for the sake of all zebra kind, is that you help us.” He put in a lot more effort into that statement, trying to make it sound authentic. He certainly sounded authentic. As much as I hate to admit it, I would have believed him if it weren’t for all the pain in his jaws.

“Well, that settles it then.” Apple Bloom sighed as she got up. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both looked at her with different expectations. Even my host held a breath and awaited her response.

“Alright, Autherius. Ya got a deal. Ah’ll talk to Four Stars and get the materials and the schematics over to ya. Just…please use them for the reasons yer talkin’ about. Saving lives and the like.” Apple Bloom looked a little uncertain, despite her own words. Scootaloo very audibly face-hoofed while Sweetie Belle let out a deep breath.

“Thank you, Stable-Tec. And don’t worry, I will use the material for that one and only reason. I swear on all my honor.” He pounded a hoof against his metal chest plate, probably as a sign of respect or something.

“Alright, alright. Now, we need to go. We still have to talk about… all this.” Sweetie Belle said, and Scootaloo perked up at that.

“Yeah, we have got a LOT to talk about.” She said in a foreboding tone, one that seemed to worry Apple Bloom as she trotted to the screen. With one final sigh, she touched a button I couldn’t see and the images on the screens disappeared, replaced by static.

My host stood there for a while, smiling deviously. I don’t know what he was thinking, but I bet it was full of personal gloating and celebrating. After a while, he closed his eyes and shook his head lightly.

“Degenerates.” He muttered under his breath, and turned back towards the door. At his approach, the metal plate slid up and the turret went back into it’s slot. The computer gave off a sound as it turned off.

As my host went back up the stairs and into a long hallway, the guards following close behind him, he kept up his disturbing smile. One that I was uncomfortable to share with him. After one final flight of stairs, he opened a door that opened out to a rocky cliffside. It was night time, and there was a moderate downpour dripping all around. He dismissed the guards, who immediately started up a stone path to a lit building on top of a mountain. The lights were just enough to show a circular structure with a tower springing up from the middle: the Forum.

As my host stood out in the rain, a small light from below started to climb up from the foot of the mountain. After a while, a hovering, jet-like vehicle with an insignia of a black gladius with two broken wings on the side in a circular field of light blue floated before him, and a metal drawbridge emerged from it’s side. A zebra with a metal foreleg and what seemed like armor plating attached to his hide stepped out. He had the same insignia on his chest plate, but there was a golden orb on the hilt of the blade. My host stepped onto the drawbridge.

“Welcome back from the field, sir.” The cyber-zebra said in a formal, middle-pitched voice. My host trotted next to him and nodded.

“Thank you, Veltrio. It is good to be back. And, seeing as you have been in Equestria for nearly three years, it is you whom I should be welcoming back.” I felt my host give an honest smile before he stepped further in. However, he stopped at the doorway and turned back to the cyber-zebra.

"And good job with Fluttershy. Even if Decarius gets all the credit, you're efforts have made our plans possible. Take pride in yourself, as you have helped the bringing in of the New World possible." Autherius turned around and continued trotting in, but managed to catch the cyber-zebra, Veltrio, watch him in surprise.

"Th-thank you, sir. I...appreciate it." Veltrio sounded...pleasantly surprised, if anything. Outright jubilation wasn't really the correct term.

“So, where too now, Sir?” Asked a young sounding stallion from some speakers over head as Autherius entered. The cyber zebra got onto one of the two passenger seats in the vehicle. As my host got onto the other seat, he turned to face a small camera on the ceiling of the hover-craft.

“Take me to Decarius’, Daizan. And make it quick, I have… an important arrangement.” He said simply, and I could both hear and feel the grinding of metal from the vehicle. My host looked out a window on his side, and saw the engines on the wings of the vehicle change their orientation from vertical to horizontal.

“Ave.” The pilot said formally. As the VTOL started speeding towards Decarius’, my host started chanting.

“Our nation is the greatest and soon will be again. From Ursalania in the west to Felinia in the east…” The sounds of the engine going hypersonic drowned out the rest of the chant.

ooooOOOOoooo

I awoke from the orb with a start, jumping to my hooves as though I had run a marathon, my heart racing in my chest. I took a look at the other two. They were both sound asleep, Myst using the sacks as a head cushion. I spent a few moments trying to catch my breath, and I started thinking.

So, that was why there were stables here? As much as I appreciated being alive, it kind of sucked that my life was the product of some legate from two hundred years ago tricking Stable-Tec. What had he made the stables for, though? At least he kept his promise, but I was SURE he had some plan. Him and Decarius seemed to be doing something, but what?

“Oh, great. MORE questions.” I groaned as I sat up, stretching my back as much as I could under my armor. I noticed the vehicle wasn’t moving, and turned to face the screen. “Zaita? Why’d we stop?” I saw the images of sky tanks on the screen, but at the sound of my voice they disappeared and were replaced by Zaita’s ‘face’.

Ah, Goldwreath. You are awake. As for your question, I have stopped because we have reached a crossroads.” What did that mean? We had passed dozens of crossroads to get here, why would this be any different?

Perhaps I should explain. You see, we are about to enter the city proper. The areas you were in the past few days were mostly suburbs, mining sites, agricultural lands, small business sites, or inter-city processing stations. The road we take now will determine how we enter the city,” She explained.

“Ah, okay. So, what are the different paths?” I got closer to the window, and I saw a wide road leading further into the city straight ahead, a smaller road leading off to the right, and an overpass on the left.

The road straight ahead is the most direct path to the Forum. However, it is also, most likely, the road with the greatest number of threats, many of which are potentially very dangerous, even for me. On the other hoof, the overpass will lead over a bridge and into the open area around the city. There, we will most likely encounter less resistance. Lastly, the road to the right leads to the underground transport system. Should the rails still work, I may be able to save energy and perhaps we will get their quicker. However, I would ask that you consider the possible implications of going underground.” What, I was the only one who was going to make this decision? What about my friends? I looked back at them, but they seemed so tired that I would feel guilty for waking them up.

“Okay, because I don’t want to be the only one here with an opinion, and because you know the city better than I, what do you think?” I asked, to which the white line on the screen arced upwards.

You are asking me for my opinion?” She sounded rather surprised. Again, I thought of just how advanced an AI she was to be able to sound surprised.

“Yeah… what, has no one ever asked for your opinion?” She didn’t answer for a while, and the little spinning circle appeared on the screen.

No. Not even my former operators did. A fact which, now that I think back at it, slightly upset me.” Former operators? When I saw her in that garage she looked brand new. Maybe they didn’t do anything with her?

“Oh. Well, that’s…sad. Anyway, your opinion?” I didn’t really want to talk about her past right now, considering the weight of the decision to be made and that I already had two others who needed my help. At least, I thought they did.

Ah, yes. Personally, I would go for the overpass. It may take the longest, but ‘better safe than sorry’, yes?” True enough. I had to be careful the deeper I went into the city; no telling what weird shit we might find.

“True, but what are the chances the underground rails still work? And what dangers are we likely to face?” If I was going to make this decision, I was going to be as informed as possible. I didn’t want to get us into trouble we couldn’t get out of.

Calculating from a number of factors, there is a 23% chance the rails are functional enough to get us to our destination. As for threats, I have insufficient information to form a definite answer.” Twenty-three percent? Not really high enough to convince me… Then again, if it did work, it might save a lot of time.

‘I'm voting for underground.’ Tod said, popping out of nowhere once again. As much as I hated this guy, at least he was appearing less. I had seriously considered going underground, actually. But when this guy voted for it, those considerations were thrown out the window.

‘The fuck you are. That place is most likely a damned deathtrap. Caution should be paramount in pursuing unknowns.’ Thought Tom, whom I, again, completely agreed with. Why couldn’t this guy appear more instead? He only seemed to appear when Tod did. Still, the fact that I had two personalities in my head was pretty disturbing…

“Well, considering that that chance is too low to be convincing, I go against underground. Besides, you still seem to have a lot of energy…” Wait. That in mind, how much energy did she have left anyway?

“Uh, hold on. Your energy supply should be considered. Would you have enough energy to go the extra distance? And will we be able to replenish your supply in case you run out?” I asked, hoping the answer was ‘yes’. I really didn’t want to go underground if she said no.

Yes, you will. You may not be able to see them, but several external armor plates have miniscule solar panels on them. They are, however, not enough to power me for a prolonged trip. Periodic stops will be necessary to avoid running out of power, as opposed to going on continuously if the rails still work.” Alright, that’s enough about that.

So, IF the rails worked we would have a quick, but not necessarily safe, trip to the Forum. On the other hoof, periodic stops would be the only real nuisance if we went the long way. The direct path into the city was out of the question; it would simply be too dangerous, even if we were in an APC.

“Alright, I’ve made my choice. Brings us to the bridge, Zaita.” I could feel my muscles beginning to shut down from exhaustion, and the metal armor wasn’t helping. Still, a question formed in my head that I wanted answered before I took a little nap.

“Zaita, who were your former operators?” I asked, and to my surprise the AI didn’t react. At least not visually. Although I could have sworn I heard the sounds of the engine increase for just a few seconds. Finally, after almost a minute she answered.

I am sorry, Goldwreath. But I can't answer that. It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s just that the information is…personal.” Despite the monotonous tone in her voice, she sounded evasive. Could AI’s even be evasive?

“Oh, sorry. Well, if you ever want to talk about, I’ll be here. I can’t speak for those two, though…” I looked at the two of them. For yet another uncomfortable minute, the APC didn’t react. The ‘loading valid response circle’ wasn’t on the screen, which surprised me, seeing as it was on whenever she took a while to respond.

Thank you, Goldwreath. I will remember that offer.” Wow. So, first, a shy sniper pony, then a cocky Pegasus, and now a mysterious AI of a vehicle. What next, was I going to offer therapy services to fish?

“Alright, Zaita. Let’s go. The trip to the Forum is long enough without stops. I need to rest…” I removed the metal armor and lay down on the seats, easing the tension on my back muscles.

Very well. I will play some more ambient music.” Oh no, not again…

I spent nearly an hour trying to fall asleep as more ‘Elevator’ tracks started playing.

* * * Magnus et Potens Roamanus * * *

When I awoke, Myst and Skyfire were talking to each other, with Zaita’s voice occasionally chiming in. They seemed to be talking about the path we had taken to get to our destination, though my hearing was still waking up from my nap, so I wasn’t completely sure.

“…is why we should have went straight into the city.” Skyfire said with a matter-of-fact tone in her voice. I turned to face them, and I saw Myst softly shake her head in disapproval.

Skyfire, charging straight into the city to ‘kill those Legion motherfuckers’ while wasting my turret’s ammo and afterwards popping out of the hatch and firing as fast as you can and hoping for the best is a terrible idea. First off, Goldwreath would not approve. Second, chances of success on our mission following that tactic is 0.00003%. Third…” Zaita started to say, but Skyfire cut her off with a wave of her hoof.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Sheesh, I was just joking. Can’t a pony joke around for a bit?” She asked defensively, to which Myst quickly turned her head to look at her.

“Uh, but then what was that you did a while ago? You tried to take control of the vehicle, but luckily Zaita didn’t allow it.” Myst said.

“She did what?” I asked, that statement having woken me up completely, like a bucket of cold of water.

“Oh, Goldwreath. Your... um… awake.” Myst said in surprised stammering as she looked behind her at me.

“Yeah, I am. Skyfire, seriously? You tried COMMANDEERING the vehicle? Do you even know how to operate this thing?” I asked as she tapped her hooves together nervously.

“Well… uh, yeah, well, a little… uh… no. But, come on! Think about it! Along the way, with my guns, Myst’s sniping skills, Zaita’s speed, and your…um… leadership, we could have handled those guys with no problem!” She said as I got up and begun strapping on my armor. Just in case this bridge was dangerous, I didn’t want to be unprepared. The last time I went to sleep without my armor, I nearly had my forehooves chewed off.

“Ha! Well, as much of a GREAT idea that is, I highly doubt it would have achieved…anything. Your desire for vengeance is going to get us in trouble if you don’t control it, you know. And I also wouldn’t want to have haul your sorry flank while rockets are being shoved up my ass.” I said as I begun tying the leather strings of the armor plates.

“Yeah, heh, well, you know. The Legion hasn’t paid for what they did yet, okay? I haven’t really gotten over it, and I won’t until I make them pay ten times over. I didn’t make any promises, if you remember,” She pointed out. I sighed as I turned to face her, my armor not yet fully tied together.

“I know. And don’t worry, Skyfire. I hate the Legion, too. We probably haven’t seen all of them yet, but what we have seen so far shows them to be little more than more organized raiders. And, unless they give me good reason not to, I’m going to kick their asses.” She smiled at that, and we remained silent for several minutes.

‘DJ PON3’ signal found’ was all I needed to get something to break the silence that was making me uncomfortable. I selected it on the pipbuck’s interface.

“Alright, DJ, let’s see if you have anything interesting on the air.” I said to myself as the signal started to play. Skyfire and Myst both perked up at my statement, while Zaita showed no reaction. For a moment there was just static. Eventually, though, the signal cleared up.

“…ternoon, children! It’s a beautiful day here in Manehattan, if you count watching crumbling buildings collapse under their weight beautiful, that is. And as for the weather, I’VE GOT A SURPRISE FOR YOU… nothing. The sky’s still that dull grey we all know and hate, so don’t bother looking out your window.

“Now, you all know what time it is: News Time! Lots of new stories to get you up to speed, so stay tuned. Before I get to that, though, let me ask you a few things.

“What the hell is going on all over the place, children? I remember just a few years ago when the wasteland was just a horrible place. I mean, sure, it’s horrible all the time. But years back it was just NASTY! Raiders and slavers and monsters and mutants just ran all over the place, right? Redeye in Fillydelphia, alicorns from Manehattan all the way to Trottingham, Usury in Hoofington, and all the other nasty pieces of shit? No one to try and keep them in check or anything? I guess I’m lucky, being somewhere safe and all. Lots of other people ain’t lucky.

“But all that changed, children. In just a span of a few weeks, heroes and heroines have been emerging all over. In Equestria, we’ve got the Stable Dweller and Security and all the other people good enough to try to make this place better. And then, ALL the way down south, in Roam, that Praetorian dude showed up. Sure, he may be alone, but that just makes him all the more needed. I-j-just, doesn’t it amaze you, children? I mean, why is it happening now? Hopefully someone out there can find the answer, as I want to know why it seems like the wasteland might finally change, for the better this time.

“Alright, enough of that. Time for the news." Then he cleared his throat.

“Okay, so, the Stable Dweller’s been busy lately. You all heard about that commotion going on Shattered Hoof ridge? That talk about a DRAGON being killed and some gem mine getting cleared of Redeye’s slavers? Well, guess what? That’s her! And from the looks of it, it seems like she might have made a few friends after…well, whatever it was she did. I just hope she didn’t do it for the gems.

“Alright, for all of you out east, near the Hoof… I got nothing. What can I say? Security doesn’t seem to be doing anything that goes around quickly. Aside from that ridiculous bounty placed on her head by the one, and thank Celestia only, Usury, I haven’t heard much about her recently. If any of you get wind of something, you let me know, alright?

“And, finally, for the zebras down south. Before I get to the Praetorian’s doings, I need to say a few things.

“Okay, first off, the Legion is NOT your friend! When they popped out of nowhere months back, I thought ‘hey, people who seem to want to help people out!’ Well, that changed. The Legion doesn’t want to help, children. In the past few weeks, they’ve systematically attacked and raided towns, buildings, settlements, and even occupied the, uh… ‘Forum’. Ever since, they’ve been rolling around the city of Roam, crushing and destroying everything under their treads. You might have noticed I said TREADS. Well, unfortunately, the area surrounding the Forum wasn’t hit. And that was where a shit-load of vehicles were, undamaged and functional. As I speak, they’re utilizing tanks, VTOLs, hovercraft, and even an artillery battery to enforce their will on the city proper.

“So, what do you do about it? Well, there isn’t much you can do, unfortunately. I mean, what can we do against tanks with four machineguns and two cannons? Or against their aerial superiority? The Enclave might be able to help, but I doubt they will. One of the few people I know of who just MIGHT be able to stop them is the Praetorian. But can he stop them all on his own? Let’s hope so, children. And if you see him, help him out, would you?

“Aside from him, though, there’s…well, this is strange. Alright, you know about the ‘fire raining from the skies’ thing, right? Rockets and artillery pounding on Roam from somewhere in the mountains? Well, strange as it is, this phenomenon has actually been keeping the Legion in check ever since they first showed up. What do I make of this? Just…strange. Unfortunately, there’s been quite a lot of collateral, so I wouldn’t count on it saving you.

“Okay, secondly, you might also have noticed the brand new…’wild life’. I always knew the zebra lands were worse off in terms of creatures, but, seriously, I’ve hearing a LOT of weird reports about the water lately. And gigantic elephants? Swarms of 'flaming dogs'? The Legion losing aircraft over the water? Them suggesting that we light all wooden structures on the water’s edge on fire? What are they scared of? What, did that calamari you thought was spoiled and threw into the ocean mutate or something? These reports are pretty recent, actually. They started just a few days ago. Just watch out; I’m pretty sure some more weird things are gonna start popping up.

"So, how did this happen? Beats me. There was an energy spike just a few hours before their first appearance, but it was only about as strong as about a ton of explosives. And with the Legion running around, I can’t really say if that spike was responsible. In fact, if it weren’t for the sight of a ‘strange meteoric object’ that came from the energy spike, and the fact that the spike occurred dozens of miles to the south of the city, I’d say it was the Legion. I’m going to try to see what else I can get on this subject, so just hold on.

“Okay, so to summarize: The Legion are bad, the ‘fire from the sky’ thing might be helpful, and watch out for the new wildlife. Now, I bet you’re wondering what Praetorian’s been up to? Well, then. *ahem*

“Well, children, I have some bad news. It seems the Legion has recognized just how threatening Roam’s defender was after he wiped out their base near Road Town. Just as the Praetorian left, the Legion came down on the poor town and forced them to choose between their lives or the Praetorian’s. Unfortunately, they chose their own. Now, don’t get mad. I understand they had to do it; the guy was leaving soon anyway.

“So, where is he now, you might ask? My latest report says that he and some friends of his were last seen speeding down the streets of Roam in an armored vehicle. Looks like he’s going to confront the Legion head-on. I just hope he doesn’t get killed along the way. Good luck, Praetorian. You’re gonna need it.”

The signal faded off into static.

“Well, that just sucks.” I said as I took in what I had just heard. You know, when I first thought of the Legion, I thought they were just some really big raider group with a fetish for an ancient Roaman theme. But, seriously? Tanks? Hovercraft? How was I suppose to go up against THAT? And, what new wildlife?

“Tell me about it. Sally and Mercedes can’t melt through that much armor. Well, I could always find some acid and pour that into the cockpits…” Skyfire placed a hoof on her cheek and looked up at the ceiling in thought.

“Well, um…at least the artillery thing can help.” Was all Myst said. I arced a brow at her, to which her eyes widened and she quickly turned her attention to the floor.

Interesting.” Was Zaita’s one-word comment. I turned to her, hoping to get more of out of her than just that. Come on, was I the only one with a serious opinion about this?

“So, Zaita, what are our chances of success now?” If she said ‘0%’, I would have just blasted my brains out right there; I was NOT going to go up against something I had no chance of taking down. The AI didn’t respond for a moment while several images appeared on the screen. One showed a monstrously large, over-armored tank with two main cannons, a quad MG turret, and rocket pods on the side. Another showed a picture of a group of baby octopi.

It depends on a number of factors. First off, the tank depots surrounding the Forum housed Omni-class Tanks; the most powerful tanks of the war. The VTOLs are most likely transport and medium attack craft, which were armed with rocket pods and a minigun. The power of the guns utilized by the artillery is also a significant factor. Lastly, I have no information about the local wildlife, after exposure to radiation, to provide a sufficient answer. All-in-all, though, I’m afraid to say that our chances just dipped from 34.76% to just 8.0001%.” Eight point zero zero zero one percent? That was like… barely existent! How could I feel confident with odds like that?

“Ugh… Well, no point thinking about that right now. Zaita, how close are we to the bridge?” I asked, and both Skyfire and Myst turned to the screen as if they wanted to know as well.

We are roughly twenty minutes from the bridge. If my images of Roam’s layout still holds true despite the apocalypse, there is most likely a few tall structures still standing near the bridge that we can use to scout the area out before going across.” She said, much to my relief. Twenty minutes would give me some time to plan. Hopefully, this plan would go better than my last one.

“Why don’t we just go in and kill everybody who tries to stop us?” Asked Skyfire, whom I gave a disapproving frown.

“Because the last time we did that we nearly got killed, Skyfire. I’m not taking that risk again if I can help it.I don’t want to go in unprepared, especially if the Legion is there. We’re going to scout out the area first, and that’s final.” I said sternly, and she frowned disappointedly

“I can go ahead and make sure the buildings are clear.” Myst offered quietly, seeming to want to take them back as soon as the words got out.

“You sure about that? Us hanging back while you clear out the place doesn’t sound like such a good idea. I don’t want you alone in case a Legion juggernaut appears out of nowhere again.” She looked at me and smiled with relief.

I agree. After accessing recorded field reports, I’ve determined that a total of 2,198 zebra soldiers were lost due to going ahead. While it obviously holds the advantage of knowing the area more, I think the risk isn’t worth it.” Zaita said.

“Ugh, fine. I still think scouting ahead is for pussies, but whatever.” Skyfire leaned back and placed her head against the side of the APC.

“Oh, really? Well, wasn’t that what you were sent here to do?” I asked, and I smiled smugly as her expression turned from relaxed to wide-eyed. She glared at me, but I just kept up the smile.

“Fuck you.” She said as she lay down on the seats again. Myst seemed to be tinkering around with her rifle to make sure it was prepared for whatever we might face once we got to the bridge.

After a few minutes of preparation, we seemed to have run out of things to do. While Skyfire and Myst may have been fine with just chilling around, I needed something to happen. A conversation, the radio signal coming back up, some music; anything! I just couldn’t handle quiet situations like this.

“Zaita, could you play some music? And, please, not more ‘Elevator’ tracks. Something that fits the situation we’re in, if possible.” Skyfire didn’t seem to care right now as she lay down on the seats, but Myst perked up a little.

Very well. I will play one of my former operator’s personal favorites: ‘Highway To Hell’ by ‘AC/DC’.” A logo with the letters ‘AC/DC’, with the two pairs being separated by a lightning bolt, appeared on the screen. The sound of an electric guitar started sounding over the cockpit, followed by drums. After a few seconds, the singer; a stallion, started singing.

“Living easy, loving free”
“Season ticket on a one-way ride”

“Asking nothing, leave me be”
“Takin’ everything in my stride”

“Awww, shit! This was like, my favorite song in Upper Academy!” Skyfire said as she got up from the seats. Myst seemed to be forcing her smile as she slowly backed up to her corner again. As the lyrics started again, Skyfire joined in.

“Don’t need a reason, don’t need a right”
“There ain’t nothin’ I’d rather do”

“Goin’ down, party time”
“My friends are gonna be there too”

The guitar started playing stronger, and I knew that this is where the song was really going to get good. I listened in anticipation as a huge grin formed on Skyfire’s face.

“I’m on the HIGHWAY TO HELL!”
“On the HIGHWAY TO HELL!”

“HIGHWAY TO HELL!”
“I’m on the HIGHWAY TO HELL!”

There was a moment of silence, the echo of the guitar being the only noise from the song. Skyfire sang the next few sets of lyrics, and I just joined her whenever ‘highway to hell’ came up.

“And I’m going down”
“On the highway to hell”

The song then ended, and Skyfire was grinning madly as she lay back down with a blissful look on her face. Myst was actually smiling, and not a forced one either. She closed her eyes and shook her head side to side, following after the tune of the song.

“Damn good song. Fits the situation perfectly, and it makes doing this quest of mine seem so much more exciting!” This was good, seeing my friends taking joy in something. Considering what they both had lost in recent days, I was glad they were enjoying the song. I was beaming with excitement, myself. That song just had a way of making doing this shit seem…worthwhile. And it definitely raised our spirits up as we played it again. As the song neared it’s ending once more, I sang the last set of lyrics.

“And I’m going down…” After being forced from my own stable, and later being forced from the first friendly settlement I had met, this song had banished a looming cloud of disappointment that I hadn’t known I had over me. Just like Celestia’s sun the first day out in the wasteland.

“…on the highway to hell…” Me and Skyfire sang together as the song ended.

* * * Magnus et Potens Roamanus * * *

“See anything?” I asked Myst as she looked through her scope. We were on the roof of the tallest stable looking structure near the bridge. It was around four floors high with a wide enough roof for Zaita to join us up there, but the stairs were collapsed and unusable. We wouldn’t have been able to get up to this spot if it weren’t for Zaita’s ability to hover.

The bridge itself was divided into a left lane and the right lane. The bridge seemed to be constructed near a port, as in the distance I could make out the shapes of a shipyard. Below it was a lake, with a river pouring in from somewhere in the city. The bridge was actually more of a tunnel, though, as it had a circular structure all around it that gave it the appearance of a really long straw as it extended all the way to the other side. However, there were openings in the structure to allow viewing of the outside. The two lanes were separated by a wall, with visible gaps in it to allow both lanes access to one another.

“I see five vehicles; they look like… makeshift attack trucks. There’s movement on the bridge, around… eight. They look like Legionnaires, but some seem to be…different. I can’t say more about them. However, we might be able to sneak past all of this if we stick to the left lane.” She shifted to look at the left side of the bridge, which had mostly collapsed. Despite the large chunks of missing road, there was probably enough left of that side that Zaita could hover on. After Myst had viewed it for a few seconds, she gave the rifle to Skyfire who then looked through the scope.

“Pfftt, we can take ‘em. Their vehicles are just a bunch of pieced together sheets of metal, anyway. And those Legionnaires will probably start running once they spot us. And if not, I’m pretty sure Zaita’s turret can handle them.” Skyfire said as she peeked through Myst’s scope, looking at the small moving specks near the bridge which I assumed were the trucks.

I will have to agree with Skyfire on that point. Considering the low quality of the armor of those vehicles, my 25mm chain gun would make quick work of them. And, further more- wait, what is that?” She hovered closer to the edge of the building, the camera turning to face a significantly larger speck which appeared from around the corner of a building. This speck, though, was much closer to us.

The three of us got closer to the edge as well, and Myst took back her rifle from Skyfire. I couldn’t make out a lot of details, but whatever it was seemed to have a large protrusion coming from near it’s top.

“Oh my…” Myst gasped as she handed the rifle to Skyfire, who eagerly took it back and looked down the scope. Immediately, her eyes went wide in shock.

“No fucking way…” Was all she said before I grabbed the rifle from her and took a look, wanting to know just what this thing was.

“Alright, what the hell are you three getting worked up about…” I wasn’t used to sniper scopes, so it took me a while to focus on whatever this thing was. Finally, I got the thing in the center of the sights. Just like Skyfire’s, my own eyes popped wide in disbelief.

“Celestia’s magmatic clit juice.” I whispered to myself, though it probably wasn’t quiet as both Skyfire and Myst looked at me with a weird expression. But, seriously, I couldn’t believe this. Wasn’t having to get past assault trucks and Legionnaires enough? And what made it worse was that there were more of these things appearing around the corner.

“Those are fucking Omni-tanks, aren’t they?” Skyfire asked, still looking at the convoy in shocked disbelief. I couldn’t believe it as well. And, judging from the expression on Myst’s face and Zaita keeping quiet, they couldn’t either. I have to say, when I saw them in those pictures, there was no doubt they were big. But seeing them now, even if they were likely more than two hundred meters away, they were fucking gigantic! They were probably big enough to fit three S3 Harpies, which could already fit in around six people.

Yes. Four of them, to be exact. We will have to reconsider the plan, Goldwreath. Just a single hit from those cannons anywhere on my platform will most likely be enough to eliminate all of us.” She responded, much to my disappointment. Skyfire could only shake her head in disbelief. As we got away from the edge and closer to the center of the roof, she asked a question that had just recently popped into my mind.

“Why the hell weren’t those things deployed during the war? If they were, I’m pretty sure it would have been written down on history books or something.” Yes, Skyfire, I’m pretty sure they would have. Probably on books with titles like ‘Entire Equestrian Military Destroyed by One Tank’ or ‘The Apocalypse Has Arrived’.

They were supposed to be. You see, it’s like this: all of the engineering and vehicular advancements that you have seen were made near the end of the war. When the war started, we had little more than basic laser weaponry. We didn’t have Omni-tanks or VTOLs, nor did we have holographic technology or plasma based weaponry. Really, we stuck with conventional weapons and tactics throughout half of the war. That eventually allowed the Equestrians to land on our shores. Only then did we start pouring out these advancements, which I am sure would have turned the tide of war had we been deployed en masse. Sadly, the megaspells were utilized just as the new wave of vehicles and equipment were set to be deployed.” Skyfire looked away as she processed that, still looking disbelieving.

“Ugh. This changes everything. We aren’t getting past those things anytime soon. Myst, could you check what’s going on while I think? How the hell do I fit those things in this…” I started to think as Myst went back to the edge to take a look. I, on the other hoof, was starting to get a migraine from the amount of questions and information that my brain was trying to process.

“I’ll give the Legion one thing: those tanks AREN’T a joke. You know, the more time I spend with you the more I think about what the Enclave could do if they got their hooves on this place.” Skyfire said, and that gave me ANOTHER thought to have to process. Sure, give the ridiculously over-powered tanks to the one of the most advanced civilizations out there. That would just double their over-poweredness.

“Okay, so, we’ve got four tanks, an undetermined number of infantry, and five assault trucks. Zaita, anything that you could say that would help out? It would be just wonderful if you had stealth software.” I groaned from pain just after I finished my statement.

Okay, where did this migraine come from all of a sudden? My head felt like it was being pounded with an iron hammer, and my ears were throbbing as a strange combination of an eerie, high pitched ringing mixed with a dull hum. I reached up to touch my head as I winced from the pain. What sucked almost as much was that my split personalities were acting up.

‘Just go in! Everything will turn out fine!’ Said Tod, whom I, strangely, wanted to agree with.

‘Are you kidding me? He’s going to be going up against an OMNI-TANK. You try going up to those things and see how ‘fine’ you’ll be afterwards. If by ‘fine’ you mean ‘a fine, red mist’, then yes, he will be ‘fine’.’ Tom said, and I instinctively agreed with him, too.

‘Aw, come on! They aren’t that tough! Just go in and get the job done.’ Despite the obvious consequences, I felt like a part of my brain actually agreed with him. What, another split personality to name?

‘That’s fucking wrong. Listen, Goldwreath. Just start thinking of a plan. I’ll take care of this piece of shit.’ And, just like that, they both fell silent. The pain and the noise remained, though. As did the parts of my brain that agreed with Tod, taking the form of desires to just go in and hope for the best.

As I removed my hoof from my head, I noticed that both Skyfire and Myst seemed to be having a headache as well. Zaita was looking at me, but turned to face Skyfire and Myst, in that order, before turning back to me.

Are you three alright? You seem…troubled.” Yeah, ‘troubled’ isn’t really the best way to describe it, Zaita.

“Ugh, what the fuck was that? You two felt that?” Skyfire asked as she looked to me and Myst, and we both nodded.

Well, perhaps that phenomenon was caused by the two signals that I recently picked up.” Zaita said.

“Signals? What signals?” I asked, hoping to get a definite answer.

As the Omni-tanks appeared, they seemed to emit two signals. The signals coming from them were both weak, but, out of curiosity, I amplified them. I suppose that they are both emitted on harmful frequencies. I will do my best to limit the amount I give off.” I was disturbed by that, as were Skyfire and Myst. Wait, amount she gives off?

“What do you mean by that? You can’t stop emitting them?” Oh, please say ‘no, actually I can’.

Unfortunately, the signals both seem to have an override code embedded in them that prevents full blocking. At most, I can limit them to one percent. I hope that I did not make a dire mistake by taking in those signals in the first place.” For all of our sakes, I prayed to the Goddesses that she had not made that dire mistake.

Deciding to put that matter away for now and focus on the problem at hoof, I turned to face Myst.

“So, anything, Myst? Have the tanks moved on?” She was looking down her scope, while reaching up to touch her temples with a hoof. The pain hadn’t subsided yet, after all.

“Ugh…uh, not yet. They…uh…um, could you please take a look? I can’t really tell you what’s going on while feeling like this.” She took a few steps away from her rifle as she groaned in pain.

“Zaita, could you decrease the signal’s amplification? It’s really getting to us.” Skyfire was cradling her head in the corner of the roof, all the while muttering obscenities under her breath as she teetered around from the pain. I wasn’t going to be able to think while in this state, what with my head feeling like hammered shit.

But I will not be able to diagnose and analyze the signals unless they are of sufficient strength.” Despite her toneless voice, I could have sworn it sounded like she really wanted to know more about those signals. I, however, just wanted the damned pain to stop.

“You can do that later, when we stop to let you recharge. For now, though, we need to think. I need to find a way to get us this bridge without getting blasted to pieces.” I argued, and the pain immediately subsided. The three of us sighed in relief as Myst got back onto her rifle and Skyfire stopped moving just in time to avoid falling off the building's broken edges.

Very well. Although I suggest you not go too far away when I do later on; no telling what other dangers there are out there.” Again, I seemed to sense emotion in that calm voice of hers. It was… disappointment?

“Thank you, Zaita. Myst, anything?” With the pain gone, I didn’t need to have to look through the scope myself. As Skyfire walked away from the edge slowly, Myst spoke up.

“Okay, there seems to be something going on at the bridge. Apparently, and I’m getting this purely from assumption and their gestures, the tanks were sent here as backup. For what, though, I can’t say.” I got over behind her and gestured her to let me see what was going on. She scooted away as I peered through the scope.

Okay, there seemed to be another one of those centurion dudes talking with the leader of the non-Legion group. The tanks were just waiting on the road in a straight line and facing the entrance to the bridge. As I watched, the centurion gestured a hoof at the sky above the bridge, and I got off the scope to see what he was pointing at.

The sky above the hills to the south were a threatening black. They didn’t look like regular clouds, though. In fact, they seemed almost… unnatural. To the surprise of everyone on the ground, including the four of us up here, a massive bolt of red lightning struck down from the clouds, making an other-worldy noise as the sound reached us.

“Okay, what the hell is this shit?” I asked in exasperation. If there was yet ANOTHER danger in this city aside from the Legion, bandits, the ‘new wildlife’, artillery coming from the mountains, and super over-powered vehicles, then I would have just put a bullet in my brain then and there.

“Um, maybe it’s volcanic lightning?” Myst offered, and I looked at her with a questioning look.

“Um, well…volcanoes tend to have weird effects on the atmosphere, according to a science book I read. I…just thought that, maybe, you know, it might be a volcano.” She continued, not sounding quite convinced about her own theory.

‘Well, that MIGHT explain it. But what was that noise? It didn’t sound like thunder at all. In fact it sounded... deadly. Like if you were really close to it might kill you. Or worse,’ I thought, much to the dismay of my brain, which was still trying to recover from earlier.

“Okay, where was I…” I peered down the scope again, not wanting to think about this yet. Seriously, red lightning with thunder that sounded like it would kill you? And I thought that an APC with a sentient AI in it was weird.

The group on the ground had resumed arguing, with the operators of the tanks having come out to help their leader. The other group was outnumbered three-to-one, but they didn’t show any signs of backing down. I had hoped that maybe they would kill each other so we could cross without having to face the tanks, but they seemed to find a compromise as the Legionnaires trotted back to their vehicles.

And that’s when we heard it.

The sound was like…a guttural roar. No, not even a roar. This was a lot more like some kind of deep, prolonged, earh-shaking…vibration. I can’t really describe it aside from it being so loud that the water beneath the bridge shook and jumped up and down for the sound’s duration. All of us, including those on the ground, covered our ears with our hooves as the sound came again, this time louder.

When the sound stopped, the Legionnaires rushed to their tanks and got in. The non-Legion group had disappeared completely, as I couldn’t see any sign of them anywhere on the ground. The tanks began moving, first swinging their turrets around as if searching for the threat. Over here at our position, Skyfire and Myst started climbing up to get into the APC.

The lead tank started across the bridge, while the assault trucks began driving around near the entrance of the bridge and along the edge of the water. I looked through the scope one more time, catching the rest of the tanks starting across the bridge. The trucks were lined up on the edge of the lake, the gunners seeming to be watching the water closely.

“Goldwreath, get in!” Skyfire shouted at me as I began concentrating on the water as well. I didn’t listen. I just kept watching the water… It seemed so… hostile. And it was moving, waving around more than it should…

The tanks were pointing their turrets at the water on both sides of the bridge, watching the water closely, as well. The sound came again, this time seeming to be coming from directly below the bridge. The water bubbled and shook wildly as the tanks stopped, the centurion getting out and trotting to the edge of the bridge to take a look.

“Goldwreath!” Skyfire yelled again. I still didn’t listen. She sounded distant, as all of my attention was focused on what was going to happen next. The centurion gestured at the tank’s turret, and a Legionnaire with what looked like a grenade came out. He gave the explosive to the centurion, who then promptly threw it in the water. It detonated, but I couldn’t hear it. The centurion shrugged, and they started trotting back to the tank.

Wrong move.

A gigantic tentacle blasted out of the water, grabbing the two of them just as they neared the tank. As the two were dragged into the water, the other tanks started to move back. More tentacles erupted from the water, three of them focusing on the lead tank as the rest felt around for the others. As I watched, the lead tank was crushed to a heap of scrap metal while the others in the convoy made their way back across the bridge. The tentacles dragged the crushed remains of the Omni-tank into the water, and it disappeared into the murky depths in a bubbly splash.

The assault trucks began driving away, the gunners shooting wildly in the general direction of the tentacles. Most disappeared from sight, but one was grabbed by one of the slimy limbs and was immediately dragged into the water. The tanks began firing all their weapons, the sounds of all their cannons being almost as loud as the sound earlier. Their quad MG turrets opened fire, sending a visible stream of deadly metal into the mass of tentacles. They even sent out a barrage of rockets that zig-zagged their way at the incoming limbs.

'BJUG! BU-BU-BU-BUM! FWOOOOSH!' In just about a minute of showing off their fire power, the Omni-tanks had caused the tentacles, bloodied and blasted, to go slithering back down into the water.

The tanks got into formation, getting right next to each other to form a wall of armor. Once they were all side by side, their fronts facing the bridge, they began slowly driving backwards with their turrets still watching the water.

I couldn’t move, couldn’t tear myself away from looking down the scope. I could just stare at the scene below me. What was that? One of the ‘new wildlife’ the DJ was talking about? What could possibly be big enough to destroy an Omni-tank? My heart pounded in my chest as I just stared, stunned and shocked. Even Skyfire and Myst seemed to stop calling after me to take in what just happened.

Just as the tanks got to the road in front of our building, an even bigger mass of even larger tentacles flew out of the water. They wrapped themselves around the different buildings, with ours being too far to grab onto. The buildings gave groans of stressed metal and concrete as the creature began pulling itself out of the water. The tanks had resumed firing, but this time the tentacles didn’t back away.

“Okay, Goldwreath! That’s it! Get the fuck in!” Skyfire yelled at me with a hint of worry, and this time I obliged. Whatever was coming out of that lake was going to be a lot larger than an Omni-tank, and we had to get as far as possible from here as we could.

The sound came again, this time almost deafening as the creature’s body slowly emerged from the water. Had we not been inside of the APC, we probably would have been become deaf.

“Zaita, get us out of here!” I shouted at the screen, and the APC immediately began racing towards the edge of the building, the electronic hum of the engine signaling the presence of it’s hover thrusters. Skyfire and Myst both looked scared to death of whatever that thing was, and they were grabbing onto any surface they thought would support them. Just as the APC neared the building’s edge, it exploded.

Well, not really an explosion. More like thirty feet of concrete and rusted metal getting blown out from under us by an explosion we couldn’t see, really. The APC stopped short, but not quickly enough to fall into the floor beneath the roof. The building groaned from the destruction, threatening collapse. As the vehicle struggled to stop itself from falling off the building, it crashed into one of the building’s corners.

The creature was completely out of the water now, and it was the most grotesque thing I ever saw. It was like a giant octopus, but with way more than just eight tentacles. It’s visible body could only be seen as a huge maw with hundreds of spiky protrusions coming from within. It’s body was being held above the water by four extremely thick and large tentacles that made the others look malnourished. It’s skin was glistening with moisture and covered with dozens of tumors and other growths I couldn’t even begin to describe. All in all, it was probably larger than the building we were in.

“Zaita, GET US OUT OF HERE!” Skyfire demanded, but Zaita couldn’t move. The engine hummed as the vehicle tried to back out of the wall in futility.

I can’t. My platform is stuck. If someone could go out there and remove the obstructions, I will be able to remove us from this location.” Toneless or not, I was just SURE that she was really worried at this point.

“Alright, that’s me. I’ll get Tankbuster and blow the obstacles out of the way. Just be ready to let me back in when I do!” And with that, I got out of the APC to take a look at what was preventing Zaita from getting away.

As I got out of the vehicle, I was nearly choked by the amount of dust and debris the explosion (wherever it came from) had threw into the air. Jumping off the APC and going prone to get more air, I started looking around for the obstruction. Meanwhile, the creature was coming closer as the tanks slowly drove backwards.

There was a pair of metal beams stuck into an opening on the roof plating, jamming the vehicle in place. Below the APC, there was also the remains of a concrete column pressed up between the engines. I took out Tankbuster and pointed the muzzle at the metal beams first.

“Alright, Tankbuster, I need you to work right now!” I fired off a pair of shots, but perhaps only one was necessary. With the beams broken away, I turned my attention to the obstruction beneath the vehicle.

That was when one of the smaller tentacles latched itself around our building, with three of the large, oozy suction cups sticking onto our APC. The smell of the slime made me gag, and it nearly brought tears to my eyes, as well. As I watched, the creature pulled itself further into the city, chasing the tanks as they backpedalled. The creature’s body was directly in front of me, only partially visible through all the cracks and gaps in the wall. The monster’s head was probably bigger than the space between the buildings, as it’s slimy flesh pressed into any entrance in the building. I saw a massive tentacle reach up, then slam back down. I heard the groans of the crushed metal remains of a tank as the tentacle flung it into the city. I could only imagine what Zaita and the other two were thinking right now.

“Oh, shit…” I whispered to myself, taking cover behind an old wooden desk. I looked through the windows opposite of me, and I saw all the hundreds of suction cups of the tentacle as the limb slowly crushed the building. Turning to look out the windows facing the lake, I also saw that all the buildings the creature had latched onto had entire floors ripped off.

“Fuck fuck fuck…” If I couldn’t get us out of here soon, we were either going to be crushed by the building as it was torn apart by the strength of the limb, or get sucked into one of those cups and get dragged around the city until this thing decided to go back in the water.

Slowly, I approached the vehicle again and looked for the concrete. To my dismay, a smaller tentacle had wrapped itself around it, and if I shot the tentacle the monster would know we were here.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me…” Come on! Couldn’t I get a break right now? All I wanted to do was cross a bridge! Was that so much to ask, even in the wasteland? Seriously!

I paused for a moment, thinking of what exactly I should do. Okay, so, if I got us free, could we outrun this thing if it decided to give chase? Would it even notice one of it’s tinier tentacles being shot off? It was pretty small, being about just as thick as my body.

‘Okay, I’ll need to risk it…’ I thought as I reluctantly pointed the shotgun at the tentacle. I had trouble forcing myself to squeeze the trigger, as I wasn’t quite able to convince myself about this plan yet.

‘Come on…just pull the trigger twice, and get out of here. You can’t kill this thing, but you CAN get away from it.’ Thought Tom, whose voice I could hear clearly in my head despite all of the noise coming from that…thing.

‘Or just wait, it’ll pass by eventually.’ Suggested Tod. Damn it, I wanted to agree with them both. But only one of the two choices would get us out of here. Wait or pull the trigger? Damn it!

I had decided to just pull the trigger, and was about to finally force myself to do it when I heard a loud, fiery, fleshy explosion. After a great ‘FWOOSH’ of fire that washed over the creature’s head in a bright orange, which was visible from my spot in the building, a large amount of slimy blood and tentacle bits erupted from the creature, showering me and the APC in the most disgusting, foul smelling, viscous, greenish slime I ever had the misfortune to get into my mouth. The creature let out a deafening roar of pain and released it’s tentacles from our building, nearly pulling the APC out of it’s predicament, as my throat struggled to cough out all of the disgusting ooze. Finally, with the tentacle gone, I pulled the trigger twice, which blasted the concrete to bits, and got onto the APC.

Then there were more explosions, each one striking the creature itself or somewhere near it. One of the blasts shook our building hard, causing me to slip from the slime just before I got the hatch open. As I slid down the body of the APC, I managed to get a hoof into one of the other gaps in Zaita’s armor plating before I fell to my death on the streets below.

“Fuck! Of all the times for my wing to be busted, it has to be now?!” I yelled as I struggled to get another hoof somewhere I could hold onto, but the slime wasn’t making it easy. I could see my two friends through the window, and Skyfire raced towards the hatch. As she got out and tried to help me out, one of the monster’s tentacle slammed against the concrete directly below the vehicle, causing the APC to fall free.

“Shit!” Skyfire said as she tried to balance herself on the free falling APC, which managed to hover unsteadily towards the second floor of one of the buildings the creature had wrecked. I, however, was dangling around like a ragdoll as the APC shook from the explosions. After the APC landed on the second floor, I let myself fall off onto the ground and jumped back up onto the APC before Skyfire and I got in.

“Aw, fuck, you smell horrible!” Skyfire told me as I ran for the controls.

“YOU DON’T SAY?!” I shouted at her, feeling all the slime sliding around on my coat; it made me want to bathe myself in fire. I already knew I smelled like pissed on, puked on, spat on shit, so I didn’t need her to tell me! I could feel the disgusting goop slide around beneath my armor, and I really hoped that all my wounds were closed because I did not want that stuff in my bloodstream! I turned my attention towards the screen, breathing hard as I fought to get myself under control.

“Okay Zaita, go!” I yelled, and immediately the APC sped over the edge and hovered down onto the slimy, broken streets below. More fiery explosions shook the entire area, almost as if there was an earthquake.

The creature was beginning to go back towards the water, the artillery’s napalm shells pounding on it and dousing the creature in orange flame. The Omni-tanks had had enough of being pushed back and were pursuing the bloodied and weakened creature back to the lake, all weapons firing mercilessly in revenge. The streets were riddled with debris and slime while the buildings were coming down all around us from a combination of the creature’s tentacles and the napalm artillery.

Goldwreath, we can’t stay here. After we reach street level, I will take us far from this location as quickly possible. If the bridge is clear, I will take us across. If not…” She started to say, when one of the creature’s flailing tentacles smacked our transport, sending it crashing against the side of a building.

The three of us fell to the back of the APC as it started free-falling towards the ground. The vehicle tilted in midair, sending me smashing into the controls. I turned around to see Myst and Skyfire crashing into the walls, but that wasn’t really what got my attention.

“Oh, fuck…” That was all I got out before the very heavy supply box Road Town had given us crashed into me and I got knocked out cold.

* * * Magnus et Potens Roamanus * * *

When I woke up, Myst and Skyfire were both struggling to get up into a less painful position. The APC was upside down, and the contents of the supply box were spilled all over the cockpit. I felt like my back was broken, and I tried getting up, worried as to whether it was broken or not. I sighed with relief as I found out that I had NOT broken my back. But that was the good news. The BAD news was that I had broken my other wing.

“Aw, come on…” I said as I reached back to cradle my numb wing, but at the touch of my hoof I felt a stinging pain emanate from it. I winced before I turned to the other two, who seemed worse off than me.

“You two alright? Myst?” I turned to face her, and all she did was stretch her back. Her eyes popped wide as her spine gave off a series of cracking sounds, but she nodded. “Okay, good. Skyfire?” She was holding out one of her hooves and flopped it in front of her. As the hoof touched the ground, she hissed in pain.

“Yeah, aside from this thing, I’m fine. It’s probably just a sprain.” I got over to her and picked up her limb. I glanced at her as I extended it slowly, and she nodded in response before she bit her lip and closed her eyes. I yanked her limb hard, causing her to scream in pain and the limb to make several snapping noises.

“Ssssss…gah. Aw, yeah. Ok, ok, I’m good.” Was all she said as I let the hoof go, after which she inspected it. I turned back to the controls, which, because we were upside down, were above me. I looked up at the screen, and I saw a small notification on it:

‘System reboot : 99%’ As it reached one hundred, the screen flickered to show Zaita’s ‘face’.

“Zaita, you okay?” I asked worriedly. Her screen flickered for a few more seconds, before it became as clear as it was before.

Data-wise, my memory of my experiences with you are unharmed. Physically, however, I will require significant repairs to deal with the blunt trauma caused by my crashes and the debris that I have collided with. On a whole, I am not alright. However, I am still capable of combat duty.” Ok, ok, that was good. At least she could still bring us around.

“Okay, good. Can you see what’s going on out there?” The three of us inside couldn’t as the window view was obstructed by concrete slabs and rocks, with the occasional green slime on them. There was a beep, and an image of the outside appeared, but it was upside down. The image rotated itself to allow us to view it correctly.

The outside was a mess. There was green goo and tentacle bits everywhere, and there were two smoking Omni-tank carcasses. The buildings all around were wrecked, with entire floors worth of concrete and other materials littering the street. The streets beneath the slime were charred and blackened, as were just about all of the buildings outside. Dozens of large craters littered the road, making it look rough and uneven. There were the remains of very large missile in the craters, some of them still oozing out the jelly-like napalm. What caught my attention, though, was the lifeless mass of burning tentacles that was the giant octopus-thing near the bridge’s entrance.

“At least that thing’s dead.” I muttered to myself.

“Um…so, how do we get of here? I don't want to be stuck in an upside down APC...” Myst asked, her eyes darting all around as if she were paranoid. Still, I knew what she meant. We were upside down, and the APC was most likely buried under a ton of rubble. If we died in here because we couldn’t get out, that would be the shittiest death ever.

Leave that to me.” Zaita said, and immediately the engine hummed loudly as the thrusters struggled to being the vehicle upright. There was the sound of rocks tumbling to the side as the vehicles slowly rose. Finally, after more than two minutes of steadily rising, the APC had gotten itself out from under about a ton of rubble and slime.

“Alright, well, we should probably cross the bridge before MORE of these things show up.” Skyfire suggested, to which both Myst and I nodded in agreement. The APC started hovering towards the corpse of the giant monster, it’s corpse oozing with slime and blood.

After the crazy shit that we had gone through today, I had hoped that the rest of the trip would go smoothly. The tanks were busted, this thing was dead, the assault trucks were gone, the Legion and non-Legion groups were gone as well, and the bridge was still intact. All we had to take care of was our own wounds and clean up the inside of our transport, right?

Wrong.

As we neared the creature’s gigantic corpse, a pile of rubble near it began to move. The stone and concrete shook to the side as an exposed metal pipe shifted to face the creature’s carcass. As the rubble fell off of it, the remaining Omni-tank rolled over to the corpse, seeming to inspect it. As Zaita began slowly backing away, the tank’s turret turned to face us.

“Horseapples.” Skyfire muttered as my heart stopped beating for a moment. Myst had let out a quiet gasp the moment the tank had spotted us. To our immense relief, the tank didn’t open fire. Not even after ten seconds. After almost a full minute, another centurion got out of the tank and trotted over to us, a heavy pistol strapped to his side. I could feel Zaita slowly hovering backwards.

“No. They don’t know we’re hostile yet. Try getting closer to him, instead. Slowly.” I suggested, and Skyfire grinned. Myst, though, didn’t seem to like the plan as she sat nervously on one of the seats. Zaita reluctantly hovered forward at a casual pace, meeting with the centurion half-way. The tank, though, was still watching us closely; it’s turret swinging to follow us in case we tried anything.

The centurion got onto our APC and knocked twice on the hatch. Myst’s eyes snapped to me as she watched me nervously. Skyfire readied her plasma rifles, the grin still on her face.

“Okay, we’re going to solve this peacefully if possible. I don’t want unnecessary bloodshed, especially with that thing watching us.” I gestured outside at the tank, it’s two massive guns silently threatening to obliterate us before we even had a chance to react.

“Grrrr….ugh, fine.” Skyfire said, and she powered her rifles down. Myst seemed to approve, smiling at me from her seat. I took a deep breath as I trotted under the hatch, and made sure Tankbuster was ready, just in case. I also tore a piece of cloth from one of the sacks and wrapped it around my face, so it wouldn’t be too obvious I was a pony. Taking one last deep breath, I opened the hatch and popped my head out.

“Te saluto, amicus. Magnus die, huh?” I did my best to put on a casual smile, and I really hoped that my zebra speak was correct. The centurion seemed pleasantly surprised to hear me speak in zebra, putting on a friendly smile in place of his suspicious expression.

“Ah, good, another Legionnaire. And, please, there’s no need to be so formal. And as for it being a ‘good day’…well not really.” He took a look behind him at the massive corpse, then past me at the destroyed tanks. He sighed before he spoke again.

“Anyway, what are you doing out here? The Legate did not say he was sending in an S3 Harpy to help us deal with the…’situations’ near the lake and to the south. What is your cohort, soldier?” Cohort? Oh, right! That was an army unit used by the ancient Roamans. But, what were the different cohorts? I needed to get that info out of this guy…

“Come again, sir?” I asked, hoping he was one of those officers who would repeat themselves.

“You’re cohort, soldier. Felinixia, Griffinixia, Hydraxus, Ursalanix, Equestrius, or Roamanus?” He elaborated, seeming a little disappointed he had to repeat himself. But at least I had a set of choices.

“Equestrius, sir. They sent me here to check up on the…auxiliaries; the assault trucks. But, as it turns out, they have fled the area. Cowards.” I hoped I knew what I was talking about. I also hoped this guy wouldn’t question me further about this, as I didn't really take the ancient Roaman history classes seriously.

"Ah, so Thanus sent you here? Why would he...oh, I see." He made a disgusted facial expression as he scowled. Under his breath, he muttered obscenities in zebra. Despite the impracticality of it, I actually felt concerned about this. After all, I was going to be going up against the Legion, so anything that concerned them concerned me.

"What about Thanus, sir?" I asked, much to his surprise. He smiled and seemed like he was about to answer, before a pained expression got onto his face. From what, though, I couldn’t tell...

Ugh, Goddesses, the headache was back.

I tried to hide my pain, I really did. But not even the centurion was able to keep it to himself, as he soon began grunting from the sudden headache. And from the sounds of commotion coming from inside the vehicle, Skyfire and Myst felt it, too. The worst part? My split personalities.

'Put a bullet in his head, Goldwreath! The tank'll be too slow to react, and you'll be gone in no time!' The higher pitched signal was stronger than the other, and I felt an inexplicable desire to follow what Tod said. I even began to bring up my shotgun, but I stopped when I felt something metallic touch my leg. I looked down to see what it was, while the centurion was preoccupied trying to deal with his own pain.

"Skyfire! Myst! What the hell are you doing?!" I hissed at them, shocked at what was going on down there. Myst was, for no apparent reason, pointing her rifle at Skyfire, who, in turn, pointed both of her rifles at me. Skyfire looked angry at me, but for what I couldn't say. The centurion, despite his visible pain, slowly pulled out his pistol and began to point it at me.

But then the other signal became the stronger of the two, it's droning hum drowning out the piercing note of the other. Immediately, Skyfire's 'anger' subsided as she put her rifles away, a shocked expression on her face. Myst was even worse off; looking like she had just committed a terrible crime as she hid her face from me in shame. The centurion seemed confused as to why he even had his pistol out.

'Don't do it, Goldwreath. Think about it; ONE shot, anywhere on this vehicle, and you and your friends are dead. Are you willing to risk it? Chances are it won't work.' Tom argued reasonably, and I felt myself agree with him, too. Unlike with the other signal, my agreement on that thought felt... natural. Like it was really me agreeing to it and not some dysfunctional part of my brain.

"Ah, sir, I don't mean to disrespect, but I need to get across the bridge soon. I have, um... another detail to tend to. Some... rebels going against the Legate's will." This whole thing had gone on longer than expected. The Forum was THREE days away, and this whole event at this bridge was zapping our time.

The centurion shook himself out of his pain-induced daze, before refocusing his attention on me. He looked at his pistol with a questioning look before he placed it back in it's holster.

"Ah, yes, of course. Very well, soldier. You may pass. Just, uh... try not to get killed out there. Remember the Legate's announcement of needing to recruit more? There's a pretty good reason for that; we're running low on experienced soldiers, and have to supplement out forces with these trigger happy profligates." He said the last word with disgust, and looked at the tank with a look of disdain. I looked at it as well, and I saw that the turret was looking around idly. He sighed as he shook his head.

‘So, the Legion are having trouble maintaining their numbers? Interesting…’ This info would definitely help me out, one way or another.

"Uh, thank you sir. Operator, bring us across the bridge. We've tarried long enough." I tried to sound as Legion-like as possible, and my efforts were rewarded with him getting off the vehicle after he wished me good luck.

Just as I got back into the vehicle and began closing the hatch, a bullet pinged against it. The force made a dent in the armor plating, and I saw a large bullet in the indentation.

The sniper was on the second floor of one of the buildings, an electronic blue glow fading off of his vest. The centurion turned towards the sniper with a look of rage.

"You! What are you doing?! And where the hell were you when this creature attacked?!" He bellowed, catching the attention of the sniper. The sniper merely pointed his rifle at the centurion and fired a round at him, the bullet visibly piercing his armor and burying itself into the cement. Blood exploded from the centurion's side as he fell to the ground with a metallic thump.

Immediately, the five assault trucks appeared from a side road, blood smeared all around the seats, and began encircling the tank and the centurion. The tank's turrets swung to open fire, it's rockets launching from their pods to destroy the ambushers.

But then two blue-glowing cylinders were thrown from the trucks, and they detonated with a burst of electricity that zapped at the tank. The tank went dark; the humming of it's engine stopped, as did the pain caused by the two signals it emitted. The rockets went out of control and struck areas at random, one nearly hitting the centurion.

"Zaita, get us out of here!" I yelled at the screen as I closed the hatch, with the machineguns of the vehicles outside pinging against the APC's armor plating. One of the vehicles, the largest and most heavily armored, got below the window where the sniper was and the sniper jumped in.

The APC began speeding towards the bridge, with the five other vehicles pursuing us. We hovered over the grotesque mass of tentacles, getting to the other side quickly while our pursuers had to go around. Unfortunately, our lead was nullified by the fact that their vehicles were faster than ours by a fairly large margin.

"Get out of the way, I got this!" Skyfire pushed me aside and opened the hatch, exposing just enough of herself to let her rifles out. She began firing Sally at speeds I didn't think the rifle was even capable of; about as fast as an assault rifle. The vehicles weaved to dodge her shots as they got onto the right lane to avoid falling into the water below. Leaving her to that, I turned towards Myst.

"Can you get the drivers? I'm pretty sure you're aim's good enough for that!" I had to yell it over the sound of the machineguns and Skyfire's plasma rifles, both of which seemed to be firing at a similar rate. Myst nodded before she got up next to Skyfire and began to aim, her rifle swaying only slightly, despite the roughness of our hovering, as she began lining up a shot.

I got up as well, but I didn't join them at the hatch; there wasn't enough room for all three of us. Instead, I pulled out Tankbuster, got onto the roof of the vehicle and went prone as I looked for somewhere I could place my hoof in. The fact that we could hover actually wasn't making going over the remains of old vehicles on our lane that much easier, and we still had a long way to go. It seemed that our lane had more vehicles on it, as ours was going out of the city. There were also a large number of skeletons here, in contrast to the few I saw in the city. Perhaps the zebras had tried to evacuate?

One of the vehicles approached, firing it's machinegun at my friends. They got down just in time to not have their heads blown to bits, and the gunner focused on suppressing them. Thinking it the opportune time, I popped up and took a good look at the gunner before I pulled the trigger.

He was a zebra, just like the driver. They both wore a similar heavy kevlar vest with more ammo pouches on it than the standard. One thing stood out on their outfit, though: a logo of a black gladius with two broken looking wings on each side on a circular field of light blue. They both wore armored gasmasks built into a metal combat helmet, which made their heads look about as armored as a Legion juggernaut's. Their limbs were covered in leather, and their weapons were slung across their backs.

I pulled the trigger, and the shotgun's pellets tore away his forelimbs, but did nothing that I could see to his heavily armored torso. The driver took one look at me and slowed down enough for him to get out of my range. Myst and Skyfire had popped back up, the former resuming trying to take aim while the latter opened fire immediately.

One of the other vehicles had a gunner who, instead of using the machinegun, had a rocket launcher. He fired it off in our direction, and only because of Zaita's maneuverability were we able to dodge it. However, I had nearly fallen off into the water below, making me lose my breath just as I managed to grab onto one of the APC's armor plates. As I struggled to climb back onto the vehicle and into a less precarious position, which was not easy due to my metal plated hooves, the concrete wall behind me exploded from one of the rockets and the force of it got me fully onto the vehicle, though it also nearly pushed me over the other edge.

"Woah! Zaita, try not to over-dodge things! I happen to be up here!" I shouted at the camera, and it turned around to face me.

"Very well. Though, need I remind you that it is exactly for situations like this that I have a turret. If you could get on it, it would be quite helpful." Oh, right. I facehoofed; an action that just because it hurts a lot the first time doesn't really mean it will hurt less the next time around. Mentally berating myself for forgetting the turret, I jumped back in and got onto the controls.

The interface was... weird. The sub-cockpit that housed the controls only had a few levers and buttons, but that didn't make learning how to use it any easier. The screen was alight with a red targeting reticule in the middle, with an ammo count near the bottom left. Finally, after several seconds that seemed all the more crucial each time Zaita had to dodge a rocket, I managed to learn how to swing the turret. The screen had one of the vehicles in the reticule, and I actually grinned in anticipation.

"Alright, let's do this." With that said, I pressed the button on the control stick that directed the turret. Immediately, the vehicle began rocking slightly each time the turret fired.

'BUG-BUG' 'BUG-BUGBUGBUG-BUG-BUGBUG!' Next to the sound of the Omni-tank's cannons, THIS was the most glorious sound that came from a gun that I ever heard! The truck's engines began to smoke, and blood erupted from the driver's seat. It was such a shame the ammo was likely very limited...

Sparing a glance out the window, I saw that we were approaching a large mass of old vehicles. Our pursuers, apparently, had not let up, having found some way to give chase despite the extreme difficulty. Another rocket shot towards us, striking the roof of the circular structure and causing large chunks of debris to fall down.

Zaita automatically dodged the pieces as they struck the ground around us. As the smoke cleared, I continued firing the turret into the group of vehicles. I disabled another vehicle, this time getting both the driver and gunner, and the truck lost all sense of control as it rammed into another of the vehicles. Another rocket came at us, and this time we had to raise our altitude and go upside down to avoid being hit.

While upside down, I heard Myst pull off a shot that, looking at the vehicles using the turret, pierced into the driver's seat of one of the remaining trucks. Just like last time, the vehicle lost control and crashed into one of the old vehicle carcasses. But, amidst all of this, I saw something crash onto the ground behind an old car in the mass of vehicles we passed over. Something I couldn't quite make out...

"Goldwreath! Skyfire fell out!"

What?

Upon hearing those words, my heart nearly stopped completely. I could just stare at the screen, staring blankly at it as the remaining vehicle slowed down and crossed over into our lane. But I didn't care; that wasn't really important right now. I didn't even have the will to open fire. I could just stare at the screen, my mind struggling to take in what I just heard. All the while, I could hear the slow beating of my heart in my ears.

'She's...gone?' I thought to myself, feeling my heart sinking into a deep pool of depression. This was worse than when I had left the stable; at least I knew my friends would be able to take care of themselves. And I knew that whoever the new security chief was wouldn’t let that damned murderer make another kill.

'Just leave her! You're almost at the other side!' No, Tod. I won't do that. I had already lost my home, my family, my life, and my friends. And I'd be damned if I let myself lose another.

"Zaita, take us back!" I finally got myself to say, but I still didn't quite believe what had just happened.

"Goldwreath, the chances of her surviving that fall are extremely low. At most, given her angle and our speed, I calculate her chances at..."

"I. Don't. Care! Take us back! I am not leaving ANYONE behind!" I yelled as I got onto the controls. "I'll commandeer this vehicle myself if I have to!" I yanked hard at the controls, but it didn't have any effect. Out of frustration, I slammed my hooves down on the controls. "TAKE US BACK!" I demanded, and this time Zaita complied; turning around and speeding past the remaining pursuers.

I climbed out onto the roof and pulled out the heavy pistol. There were still a few shots left in it. I turned around, seeing the trucks skid to a stop before coming after us again. I lifted the pistol as one of them got closer.

"Come on," I said to myself as the vehicle came closer. The gunner opened fire, but only a few of his shots struck me. While the bullets may have penetrated my vest, the armor beneath, despite denting painfully against my chest, managed to stop them.

“Come on!” I growled as the vehicle got closer, the gunner still shooting at me. This truck had four people in it; a driver, a gunner, and two rocket-wielding zebras at the back. As the three combatants opened fire on our transport, I spotted the mass of vehicles just a few dozen feet from me. Despite having a clear shot of the driver, I managed to tear myself away from the desire to blow his head apart and instead prepared myself to jump.

To my surprise, I saw one of them, the gunner, fall out of the vehicle. Whether he fell out or was pushed out, I didn’t really know. Either way, he landed in between two trucks and disappeared from sight in a bluish glow.

“Myst, Zaita, cover me!” I yelled below me, and jumped off the APC. I touched down hard, denting my metal hoof plates before I rolled. The APC zoomed over me, still being pursued. I took cover behind one of the broken cars as the truck roared by, still shooting after out transport.

When they had passed by, I started looking around the vehicles for Skyfire. Come on, an orange Pegasus in a world of dull grey and rusted brown; she couldn’t be that hard to find. In the distance, I heard the explosion of rockets mix with the sounds of Zaita’s 25mm chaingun.

I searched for almost a minute, looking in-between the cars and even inside them, just in case. I was almost sure I wouldn’t find her when I finally spotted her orange tail from around a corner. Fishing out a healing potion, I galloped towards her.

“Skyfire, get up! We have to go before more of… of…” I stopped short, my mouth hanging open in horror. My eyes went wide, involuntarily taking in the gory seen before me. As much as I wanted to look away, I just… froze. After a moment, I managed to make myself move again, and I fished out another healing potion.

“No! Dammit, I won’t let you die!” I pulled the rusted piece of a car’s door out of her stomach, blood spurting out as the sharp metal was pulled out of her. I then proceeded to snap her legs back into their correct position, and only the fact that she was unconscious prevented her from screaming in pain. Next, I started pouring the first healing potion down her throat before she bled out.

I had gotten about half of the restorative fluid into her mouth, which I had to hold open to make sure she didn’t choke, when a heavy weight slammed into me. We rolled once, before the zebra threw me into one of the old cars. If I hadn’t been wearing metal armor, I was sure I would have been pierced by the rusted metal. I began pulling myself out of the vehicle, growling in anger, when the zebra approached Skyfire. I could hear his regulated breathing through his gas mask as he passed by me.

He was a fairly large zebra, being about my size, and perhaps just a little taller. His gear and vest were significantly more faded and used than those of his allies.

“Don’t. Touch. Her.” I said threateningly, and the armored face of the zebra’s gas mask turned to face me; it’s translucent gray visor not letting me look him properly in the eye. I also noticed he had a sniper rifle slung across his back; probably the one that tried to kill me a few minutes ago.

“Why would I do that? She’s not the one I came here for. She’s not important.” He said in a muffled, raspy voice. He circled around her to stand directly in front of me.

“YOU are the one I need to talk to,” He said, after I had gotten myself out of the vehicle’s remains.

“Yeah? And what could you possibly need from me? I’m no one special.” I had seriously hoped that I would be able to convince him of that, but I guess my uniform was pretty distinguishable at this point.

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Praetorian. Taking out a Legion base? Interfering in Specter business? Moving around the city in an S3 Harpy, of which only a few were made during the war? Like it or not, you’ve become a very prominent figure in Roam. The Legion wants you dead, Redeye wants you for the reputation, the people want you to save them, and just about everyone wants you on their side. You can’t side with one and expect the rest to be fine with it.” He moved away at a casual pace, trotting to the edge of the bridge.

I took the opportunity to charge at him, hoping to send him off the edge. But, despite the heavy looking outfit this guy was wearing, he was unbelievably fast. He jumped to the side just in time to not get rammed, and I nearly fell over the edge myself.

“So predictable,” He taunted me from his position on top of a car. He pulled out a heavy revolver and pointed it at Skyfire. Reflexively, I galloped to her just as he squeezed the trigger.

The bullet pierced all of my protective equipment easily, blasting out of my right side and burying itself in the ground. I staggered from the pain, nearly falling over as my blood dripped in rivulets onto the concrete. He rushed to me and knocked me down, then pointed the barrel of the revolver at my face.

“How do you expect to protect this place if you don’t know how to keep yourself from being manipulated? From being controlled? There are more ways than one to stop an individual such as yourself from accomplishing even the most meager of goals. You’ll need to learn how the wasteland works before you can even hope to go up against it.” He pointed the gun away, and I landed a solid punch against his helmet which caused him to drop the revolver. I picked it up as he regained his balance.

“You’ve disarmed me. Now, what are you going to do?” He asked, and I felt the urge to shoot him in the face. Another part of my brain, though, told me he expected that and would probably have some plan to deal with it.

“I…don’t know,” I admitted, feeling a little pathetic about it. The blood loss was beginning to make me feel dizzy. If Skyfire were awake, I could only imagine what she would have felt like.

“Exactly. Unless you learn to pull the trigger without thinking about it, you’ll be easy prey for these people. Scavenger, foal, Legionnaire, mercenary, or innocent townsfolk; you’ll need to learn to kill each one without remorse or second thought if you’re going to try to help this gods-forgotten hellhole out.”

“Are you saying I should just… kill? Kill until there’s no one left who’ll oppose me? I-I won’t do that. I want to help this place to get better; a city without killing or murder or rape or slavery.” I responded, feeling disgusted at the words coming from his mouth.

“What you want is a dream; an illusion. A perfect state of peace and security? There is no such place, and never will be, in this world. Even in better times, it was impossible. The only peace you can give these people is the peace of the gun.” He pulled out a similar revolver to the one I now possessed from one of his vest's many pockets, then calmly loaded some bullets into the empty chamber and approached Skyfire.

“You’ll have to learn to put people out of their pain.” He looked down at my friend, who was losing quite a lot of blood while I was having this conversation.

As much as I hated this guy for his words, I actually considered them. Was he right? Was my whole idea of restoring this place to a peaceful, secure city all a dream? A mirage of perfection keeping me chasing after it? I began to doubt myself, and seeing Skyfire bleed out in front of me wasn’t really helping to prove against his point. Her and the dozens of skeletons around us. Who the hell was this guy, anyway?

“But… then what about the innocent? The people who’ve done nothing wrong? Aren’t they worth fighting for? Worth saving?” I asked, the doubt chipping away at me. I felt so unfaithful, especially to myself and my friends. Lighthouse would've been disgusted at me.

He didn’t answer for a moment, seeming to think about it. “No one’s innocent. Not you, not me, not this pegasus, not a mother caring for her children, and not even a foal begging on the streets. We’ve all done wrong, and we all have to pay for it. One way or another.” Only now did I realize something about this guy; he, unlike all of his compatriots, did not have the insignia on him.

“So you’re saying we should all die, then? That none of us deserve to live because of our mistakes?” I asked, rewarded with him turning his attention to me.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. Nothing’s gonna last for forever, why fight for the future? In the end, no matter what we achieve, we’re all losers. We’re all gonna turn to dust and be forgotten. Fighting just brings us pain and raises hope only to break it down. Fighting makes you think you can do something, but you can’t. There’s no point in fighting for a better tomorrow.”

He pointed the gun at Skyfire’s head, and I could hear him pull back the hammer. Despite my great desire to, I couldn’t find it in myself to move; to go over there and buck this guy upside the head so hard he flew back to the other side of the bridge. Instead, I just stood there; thinking about what he said…

“Pain… there’s only one way to end it. And that way is to lose what we care for. Keep losing until we don’t feel the pain anymore.” His armored face turned to me, the gun barrel still on Skyfire’s head.

“Keep losing until you feel nothing. Just a mind, unhindered by the uselessness of emotion. And when you feel no emotion, you’ll be immune to lies. Immune to manipulation. Immune to irrational mistakes and ethical boundaries.” He looked back down at Skyfire’s feeble, fragile form.

“Then you can start thinking about saving people.” He slowly squeezed the trigger…

‘BUG-BUGBUGBUG-BUG-BUG!’ Zaita’s turret pounded the ground near us, one round landing a little too close to Skyfire for my comfort. The zebra turned to face the APC in surprise, pulling out one of the blue cylinders. Unfortunately for him, one of the heavy bullets struck him square in the face, causing him to drop the cylinder on the ground.

To my immense surprise, his head didn’t explode in a shower of bloody bits. And not even later on, when more rounds struck his vest. They didn’t even go through the vest! All they did was completely wreck his uniform as more struck him. He staggered away, gasmask broken and uniform obliterated, but not even bleeding. He took cover behind an old van as 25mm rounds pounded on it, but then I saw a blue glow reflect off the metal.

“Goldwreath! Are you okay?” Myst asked as she got out of the vehicle, after which Zaita circled around the van and took a look.

‘No, Myst, I am not.’ I thought, trying to hide my heavily bleeding injuries.

“Yeah, just help Skyfire out. She’s hurt pretty bad.” I clutched at my wounds, hoping that the blood seeping through the armor segments wasn’t too noticeable. Myst looked at me worriedly for a second, then took a look at Skyfire. Her eyes went wide at the sight of my pegasus friend’s pale coat, reddened by the pool of blood she was lying down in.

“Oh my. O-ok. Where are the healing potions?” She asked, and all I could do with my quickly shutting down body was shake off my saddlebags. Myst got the message, rummaging through it and fishing out the healing fluid.

My eyes were beginning to feel heavy, as they started involuntarily trying to close. I had given up on trying to suppress view of my wounds, letting my hoof fall down onto the asphalt. I felt really light-headed, and I began swaying around. The world through my eyes looked really… wavy. Like everything was melting or something. Through all this, though, I managed to make out Myst putting the side of her head onto Skyfire’s chest.

“She’s not breathing!” Yeah, that was probably what she said. I think it was, at least. My hearing just really sucked right now.

“Goldwreath?” I heard her ask, but she sounded distant. Like she was trying to talk to me through a sound-resistant barrier.

“Goldwreath?” She asked one more time, and I felt myself fall begin to fall onto my side. Right before I touched the ground, I saw what looked like several rockets and a tank shell strike the vehicles nearby, sending skeletons flying around.

“Goldwreath!” I barely heard her that time, and my vision was beginning to darken. I could see darkness creeping in on my vision from the sides, and any sounds I heard afterwards, whether or not it was supposed to be loud, were almost as quiet as whispers. Zaita came back and began descending, one of the tank shells nearly striking her square in the front window.

The last thing I saw was Skyfire's blood crawling towards me, the flashes of the explosions reflecting off of it with a red tint.

'I'm sorry, Skyfire.' I thought, 'Sorry you lost your life for nothing... sorry you lost your life following me...'

Finally, I lost all my senses, and darkness took over.







Footnote: Level Up
New perk gained: Zebra Speech, Level One – Thanks to your diligence in learning Zebra talk, you have an easier time with all zebra characters. You gain an additional ten points to your speech and barter skills when talking to zebras.