Fallout Equestria: Viva Las Pegasus -- Tails of New Pegasus
Chapter Eight: Pieces, not Players

I walk into the very same briefing room I was in yesterday. This time however, instead of a full room, I see a bored Brass Badge, tapping his hooves impatiently in front of Sundown, whose head was plopped on the desk as he was sleeping. The dull grayness of the room seemed to emphasize the boring mood that filled the air.

"Top o' the mornin' boys," I greet as I walk in, taking a sip of my coffee thermos.

"Morning? Look at the time! It's almost lunch time!" Brass scolded, pointing at his watch to emphasize.

"Well, lunch is relative you know. Some people don't have lunch till night," I replied.

"That doesn't even make sense," Brass puts his hoof on his temple in frustration. "Do you even- ugh, nevermind. Here you go." Brass reaches for a black, rectangular electronic device from his vest's pocket and hands it to me.

"What's that?" I ask.

"It's a walkie-talkie. Not a pre-War one, mind you. That was manufactured by the technicians of New Pegasus using old schematics so it might be a bit glitchy," he pulls out a similar device and puts it up to his mouth. "Hello?"

"Hello?" The same voice came out of the walkie-talkie.

"Woah."

I levitate put the device up to my mouth and press the big red button under the speaker. "Hello?"

"Hello?" Brass's walkie-talkie echoes.

"Every T.A.I.L. Agent has their own walkie-talkie. If you look to the side, you'll see some numbers." He was right, on the right side of my walkie-talkie, there was a number followed by two yellow arrow buttons facing opposite ways.

"60.3?" I mutter.

"Yeah, that's a frequency. If other walkie-talkies tuned in to 60.3 are in the area, they can talk to you. For example..." The chief nudges Sundown's chair, waking him up. "Sundown's radio is also on 60.3, so if you speak into the radio, he can hear you."

"Wait, so can other teams hear me?"

"Oh, no. But the standard T.A.I.L. frequencies are anything along the 60-range. 60.1, 60.2, and so on and so forth," Brass explained.

"So, what do we do with them?"

"Well, we at the station will use it to keep in touch with you. Keep it close at all times."

"So you called for us in the morning just to give us walkie-talkies?" Sundown piped up, finally awoken from his slumber. Apparently, he had come in early, because even if he looked proper, dressed in his brown suit and black tie, his bed head makes it blatantly obvious he rushed out of his place this morning. It almost makes me feel bad for being late. Almost.

"No. You also have an assignment."

Now he had my attention. He had Sundown's as well, since the orange pony rose from his chair, and his ears rose up in eagerness. "Lay it on me," I told Brass.

He proceeded to go to the back of the room, where the computer and projector was. With the flick of a switch and the push of a button, both began to light up. The bland walls in the front of the room started to be decorated with images of maps, charts, information files and the like. I noted that Sundown no longer showed any sign of grogginess, showing full attention towards the information of our first mission. Amidst the flurry of information, a definite map finally popped up. A part of the city I recognized. "Is that the Fleur de Lee District?" I hear Sundown instinctively utter

"Why, yes Sundown," Brass smiled at Sundown, showing how impressed he was, "This is the Fleur de Lee district. Abandoned before the unification, the Council decided that this is where the city should place a power system that would keep New Pegasus self-reliant when it comes to energy."

Brass pressed another button on the computer, then the overhead map image shifted into real time pictures of what appeared to be a massive construction site. "Gentlecolts, this is one of the most ambitious projects of the Council. If the city had this, one of the leashes the NER keeps on us would be no longer effective."

"Therefore helping us act for the good of the city without having to please NER." Sundown continued.

"Well, this is all nice and dandy," I state, "but why exactly are we needed? I mean, you said we were special ops. Unless when I was away, 'special ops' changed it's meaning to 'glorified construction worker,' I assume that this is useless."

"Who would have the most to lose from New Pegasus being independent when it comes to energy?"

"The energy police?" I suggested.

"No, I think he means the NER," Sundown corrected me with a smug look. I angrily glared at him, Show off.

"Yes, right again Sundown!" Brass stated like a teacher praising his star student, pressing another button on the computer. All of a sudden, a picture of a letter scribbled to the point that it's almost incomprehensible. "This is a threat letter, one of many sent ever since construction began."

"And nobody found it right to do anything about this?" I asked incredulously.

"Security has been tightened, mind you. Still, this does not deter the threats. As a matter of fact, the threat letters have been increasing as the building reaches completion."

"So you want us to investigate," Sundown finished.

"Of course."

"Anything you can give to help us?" I asked.

"This agency was established yesterday. We count on our agents to find assets. We do have firepower of course, but this is an investigative mission, so noise should be kept low." Brass emphasized, making sure to glare at me as if he knew I were going to fuck up the secrecy of this mission. Which I probably would have done.

"Any more questions? None? Dismissed."

All of a sudden, Brass signaled two big burly ponies dressed in the classic blue NPPD uniform to escort us out. "Hey there, Shades," I snicker, a familiar, emotionless pony violently grabbed my collar and started to drag me outside.

Once again, we're surrounded by the same ochre walls endowed with failing wallpaper and dim lights. Today was a slow night, from what I could gather. The bartender sat there, looking a bit more bored than usual while he gently wiped used glasses, letting his thoughts get lost in Celestia knows what. The place was peppered with a few interesting ponies here and there, an old stallion face down on the bar counter, probably passed out from drinking too much, while there was a group of colts all gathered around one table in a corner, merrily drinking and celebrating some occasion. Just then, a scantily clad mare with menus on her back walked up to our table. "What can I get for you, sugar?" she asked, in the most seductive manner. Of course, the dim light did little good to hide the trainwreck that was her face.

"I'll have an ice-cold Applelooza Beer, thank you," I curtly replied. "What about you Sundown?"

"Maybe just some cider," he smiled politely.

As the mare walked away, I took out my pocket watched. 6:30, it said. Where is he?

Sundown, bored out of his mind, was fiddling around with a straw, suddenly asked, "What exactly are we doing here? It's been weeks since Brass gave us the assignment and yet we spend the whole night drinking?"

"What?" I replied, mocking an offended tone, "Is that all you think of me?"

"Aren't I right?" Sundown smirked.

"Of fucking course!" We both started laughing. "Anyway, we're waiting for some-"

"Hey hey hey!"

Sundown and I turn our attention towards the voice. A maroon pony in a beat up leather jacket had just walked into the bar. His goofy smile and his gelled up mane really brought me back to the old days. "Did you guys miss me?" he smiled at us.

"Misfire!" Sundown grinned, approaching his old friend and hoof-bumping him. "What are you doing here?"

"I asked him to come. Both of you, take a seat." I beckoned them to the ruined leather chairs. When they both finally settled down, I started.

"Misfire, you've still got your eyes and ears all over the street, right?"

"Yeah, of course. I mean, a pony's got to make a living."

"So, you know about the Fleur de Lee Power Plant?"

At the mention of our target, Misfire shifted uneasily in his seat. "What about it?" he inquired, trying to hide his discomfort.

"Well, you know I only stick my snout into important things. What do you think I'm asking about?" I smirked, knowing that I got him right where I wanted him.

Misfire leaned in closer and signaled us to do the same. Softly, he whispered, "Well, if it's about the threat letters, you'll have to meet me at this address." He quickly took a napkin, "I'll walk out, then you follow me 5 minutes later."

"Wha-" Sundown was about to say, looking startled by how sensitive this topic is turning out to be.

"Shhh...." Misfire hissed. "Well," he took a relaxed position again before standing up. "I'm going to hit the hay. Goodnight!" He hastily left, leaving us wondering what exactly we were stumbling into.

Ten minutes later, we were in front of an old, worn down building. The street we were in was totally desolate, save for a few tumbleweeds. Nopony else was even close to our area, as it had been abandoned for Celestia knows how long. The desolation of the street was made more obvious by the single, flickering street light right above us and the deafening silence gave the air an eerie vibe. We approached the old, brown door of the building, whose green paint had already worn off long ago. Why Misfire picked this place, I might never know. But he sure as hell could've picked a better place, I thought, as a cold desert wind swept through the isolated boulevard.

"This is really scary," Sundown shuddered, looking ready to piss his pants at the drop of a hat.

"Meh, nothing we can't handle." I put my hoof up to the door, then take a deep breath. "Here goes nothing."

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

"See? Nothing to-"

I was cut short by a hoof going over my mouth and pulling me in the dark, cold room. Last thing I heard was Sundown's muffled screams.

"Don't knock so loud!" Misfire yelled. Well, as close as you can get to yelling while still whispering, with fear in his eyes as he continually peeked outside as if he was expecting someone to be following us.

"So, you wanted to know about the Fleur de Lee Power Plant?" he said grimly, as he walked towards one corner of the room. He grabbed a cord hanging from the ceiling with his mouth and cocked his neck down. CLICK!

A weak light revealed to us a big bulletin board with multiple pictures, letters and blueprints pinned to it. Misfire glared menacingly at it, as if he didn't like the board itself. A closer look revealed that everything has something to do with the Fleur de Lee Power Plant.

"Information is one thing, but this is pretty obsessive." I chuckled.

Misfire disregarded me, intently approaching the bulletin board. "Fleur de Lee Power Plant," he grimaced. "Controversial, at best. The council took out a lot of funds from the rebuilding of New Pegasus for this baby." He beckoned us to come closer and look at his board. It was obvious he had done a lot of work. "I know you want the scoop on the threat letters."

"Normally, you have your snout in these kinds of things, Misfire," Sundown said, growing concerned as he saw his friend's mood darkening.

"Normally, I should, you're right." Misfire seemed to sulk even lower, as he softly whispered this. "I've lost three foals this week." At this point, we could see tears streaming down his eyes. "They were just colts. Oh dear heavens, the youngest one was just twelve." He was shaking from the sobbing, slinking down to his knees.

Sundown approached Misfire and put a supportive arm around him. "Come on. It's okay," Sundown comforted the crying pony, "What happened? What was that about colts?"

Misfire tried his best to stop sobbing, but it didn't do any good. Nevertheless, he continued. "Information is very hard to come by. Ponies don't trust other ponies. However, they seem to have a soft side for foals."

Oh dear Princess. "So you've been using colts and fillies as information gatherers?" I wish I could say I didn't approve, but that was a smart move. "What happened to them?" I asked.

"We heard news of threats against the plant. Big money? Threats? Government protection? Even if there weren't any requests, some bigshot with a big purse would come around interested in a hot topic like that." Misfire shifted his eyes from being sad and regretful to cautious and determined.

"When we first heard about the threats, it was interesting. Who would have the guts to threaten the government like that? Whoever it was, he was a big player." Did I see him... smirk? I couldn't tell, because as soon as it came, the expression left, bringing Misfire back to a cold look.

"The threats are more than empty words. From what my ponies could gather, the web stretched much farther than I imagined." He started to begin breaking down again, tears once again pouring down like raindrops. "I was so stubborn. I sent in three colts to ask around. I didn't hear from them for a while, then I heard news of a butchering right outside the city walls." He put his hoof over his mouth, trying to resist puking at the memory. "It was them. They were cut into pieces. Found in a dumpster."

"Those merciless bastards..." Sundown muttered, looking teary-eyed himself. "It wasn't your fault." His words seemed to comfort the maroon pony, but not enough.

"It's still my fault. I shouldn't have made the call. The least I can do is..." He walked over to an old ruined painting, bit the frame and threw it out of the way. "You can never be too safe," he chuckled past the tears, as he got to work on opening the safe hidden behind the painting. "Ever since you came to me a month ago, I've been digging deeper and deeper, not just for you, but for the colts."

CLICK!

The safe screeched as it swung open, revealing its contents; a single folder, thick with files which I assume are about the unknown assailants. "Avenge those pure souls," he sternly told me, his eyes still bulging from the crying, as we walked towards me. I almost didn't notice the red dot appearing at his temple.

"MISFIRE! GET-"

BAM! CRACK!

It was like slow-motion, seeing his brains splatter across the wall, like a beautifully sad fountain spurting. I could barely contain my scream as I saw my old lieutenant's lifeless body hit the floor. He was like a brother to me. I could barely hear my own shout as it is drowned out by Sundown's equally horrified scream. He just saw one of his closest childhood friends shot down in front of his eyes. He rapidly went to the body, screaming at it to stay alive. I was sad about it too, but I knew that Misfire was gone. The best I could do is to deliver sweet vengance for Misfire. I took out my shotgun and ran outside.

I rushed into the street, scanning around frantically for any hint of the attacker. Then I spotted it. About a few blocks away, I saw a shadow shifting from a second floor window. "STOP!" I thundered at the top of my voice, but to no avail as I saw the shadow move away from the window. I knew it was hopeless to run after it, but I didn't care. I ran anyway, and in a fit of desperation, I offloaded my shotgun towards his general direction. Of course it didn't hit, but I couldn't let him leave without a fight. All I could do was sigh afterwards. I slowly trudge back towards the building where Sundown and Misfire were, feeling defeated and hopeless.

We sat there on the roof of the old abandoned building, watching the dazzling orange rays illuminate the city slowly, the magnificent beauty of the sunrise slowly engulfing the city. The vibe was calm, cool and relaxing. Totally different from what we just experienced.

"That went badly," I chuckled half-heartedly.

"Yeah, it sure did," my young friend replied non-chalantly.

"What do we do now?"

"This." Sundown levitated a folder towards me. "It's the least we could do."

I open the folder and flip through it. Names, locations, possible motives. Everything we needed for this case. I take out my walkie-talkie and put my hoof on the red button. "NPPD, this is Boulder, is anyone there?"

A few minutes of silence passed before the radio crackled to life. A mare's voice came across from the other side. "Boulder, this is NPPD. How may we assist?"

"We found some information regarding the power plant case."

A few moments of silence passed before a reply came.

"Copy that Boulder. Orders are to stay off this case. Repeat, hands-off this case."

"What!?" We worked our ass off and this is what we get? "Why?"

"New intelligence suggests that you are needed elsewhere."

"But-"

"NPPD out." A click, then once again silence.

"What do we do know?" Sundown quizzed.

"Well, we follow our orders. They'll need us soon enough." I knew I was right. It might not have been obvious yet, but this is much bigger than small-time gangs. This is just the calm before the storm. Might as well enjoy it, I thought, as I watched the dark sky light up with the magnificent orange of the sun.

We're not players, we're pieces. There's nothing to do now but to wait for the next turn.