“Let me tell you something about these things called Pipbucks.” Holding up the aforementioned device on his hoof, a green unicorn with bright red hair grinned as, the lights overhead caused the green screen to gleam slightly, “What is a Pipbuck you ask? Simple, it’s a blend of unicorn magic and science. It allows the user to keep track their vitals, highlights what parts of you are damaged, and if you are carrying anything, it automatically sorts it into a few different categories based upon their type and usefulness. This particular model is known as a Pipbuck 3000-mark V, and unlike the others, it can be taken off at will, thanks to this latch.” Rotating his hoof, he showed the underside of the device, which, true to his word, had a latch on the underside, “I got this little baby thanks to a friend in Stable Co, these things aren’t even supposed to be available. But now, I've got the whole world in my hooves!”

He turned to his oh so captive audience, “So, what do you think?”

“We know Doc, this is the fifth time you’ve told us.” A sky blue Pegasus mare complained, her turquoise eyes closing as she yawned loudly. She wasn’t even looking at the unicorn, instead, she looking out the window of the train as the scenery rumbled on by, trying to ignore the itch her combat armor placed on her wings, her blue uniform emblazoned with her cutie mark, an infuriatingly adorable picture of a spiraling circle. The night sky was still hanging overhead, and the stars were still shining bright despite the rocky mountains blocking the light. Gazing to the stars, the Pegasus went on, “It was sort of interesting the first time, but you’ve been sort of skipping a few things here and there. Something about a map?”

The unicorn beamed, “Oh, that’s right! Thank you for reminding me, miss Gale. As I was saying, it can also show a map of any area in a one-hundred-mile radius, not only that but it can also-”

“You just had to remind him.” A well-built earth pony leaned over to the Pegasus with a small smile on his dark red features. A cutie mark with a flag sprayed outwards marked his flank, and the armor he wore, that they all wore, gave him a suitably heroic image.

“Just wanted to make sure he felt wanted sarge.” She responded easily.

“Why are we protecting this guy, again?” A voice called from a fair distance behind the two, “I thought we were being recalled back to Canterlot.”

Turning around, Gale rolled her eyes, “Admit it Screw, you like listening to this guy’s lectures more than any of us.”

A tan unicorn rolled his eyes in response, his horn alight with magic and a mechanical contraption floating nearby in amber light. It was currently halted mid assembly, bits and screws being frozen in midair, “Just saying.” He muttered.

“Saying doesn’t mean nothing, if it is just hot air.”

Bolted Screw, ever impatient, shot a glare at the owner of the voice. A mare in the back, striped by black, with a white coat overtaking a red mane, met his glare with an even stare. The tinkering pony growled, “What did you say, you filthy-”

“Bolted!” The older stallion snapped, “Simmer down.”

Grumbling, Bolted Screw sent one last glare at the mare in the back before slumping back down into his seat as best a pony could.

The unicorn opposite of Gale and the Sergeant glanced between them worriedly, “Is he, uh, normally like that, sir?”

“He’s just testy cause he didn’t get his beauty sleep, Big Bang.” The sergeant addressed, “And I’ve told you, my name’s Rightful Oath, not sir.”

“Oh, uh, what about him?” Pointing a hoof, Big Bang gestured to the one pony fast asleep on the rickety train, despite everything that had happened prior.

“Him? Ah, he don’t need beauty sleep.” Rightful Oath shook his head in bemusement, “He just likes it though.”

“Wasn’t he…”

“Yep, that’s him.”

“Oh, I didn’t think he’d-”

“He sabotaged some Ironshod factories, and got out of it by signing up for the army.” Gale spat, restrained disgust spilling over each word, “Where else you’d think he’d be?”

“Easy there Misty.” Rightful Oath said gently, “He pulls his weight, leave him be.”

“Hmfh.” Misty Gale grumbled about it, but nodded to her leader.

“Speaking of, Zecka.” The striped pony snapped to attention, “Could you wake him up?” Rightful Oath called over to the lonesome mare, “Gently, mind you.” He added.

“As you wish.” The striped pony nodded.

Trotting lightly over to where the sleeping pony lay, Zecka whispered into the sleeper’s ear, “Braeburn, time to wake up.”

“Zzzzktat?” Bright green eyes slowly drifting open from under a Stenson, the station yawned and stretched his hooves, “Arewethereyet?” He asked, his eyelids drooping up and down.

“Soon, we shall be.” Zecka said softly, taking a moment to look him over, she stiffed a laugh, “I must say, you sleep rather funny.”

“Ah do?” Braeburn asked, looking himself over in a sleep induced haze, “Well, strap me sideways, Ah reckon Ah do.”

Zecka laughed softly, “I beg to disagree.”

What position Braeburn was in, was in fact, fairly ridiculous. Forelegs sprayed out, body lying in such a way that it seemed like he should have enormous back pain, not to mention his neck sloped oddly on the seat of the train. After a short while to think of a proper response, Braeburn said: “Ain’t nothing wrong with how ah sleep Miss Zecka.”

“No, but there is something wrong with your sentences.” Extending a hoof, she smiled softly down at him. Returning it with his own wide smile, Braeburn took the offered hoof and righted himself upwards.

“Good to see your up, Private.” Rightful Oath smirked, “Have a nice dream?”

“Reckon ah did.” Braeburn admitted, adjusting his hat so it’d fit on top his head better, “Was dreaming about Little Strongheart.”

“Your marefriend?” Gale asked, checking her hooves.

“That’s the one.” Braeburn confirmed happily.

“Pervert.” Gale snorted.

A rush of red covering his face, Braeburn sputtered out excuses, “What in tarnation-Ah did not-”

“Relax.” Zecka placed a hoof on his shoulder, “She is just trying to get you riled up.”

Glancing at her, Braeburn grumbled something under his breath, but nodded. Sitting down in the seat correctly, and Zecka joining him, an amiable silence fell over the train. The only sounds were that of Bolted Screw tinkering with whatever he was working on, and the humming of the Pipbuck Big Bang was playing with, other than that, it was almost completely silent.

Braeburn, unable to sit still even for a moment, took out his standard issue .10 millimeter pistol off his battle saddle and began fiddling with it. Ejecting the clip and the loaded round with practiced ease, he calmly lifted the barrel off of the gun itself with hooves. Taking out a screwdriver from a pocket and shifting it around in his mouth, he began to take the gun apart with mechanical precision.

Observing his work, Zecka nodded in approval, “You know your firearm well.”

Braeburn grinned, “Thank you miss Zecka, Ah used to make these kinds of things back in Ironshod with cousin AJ, before that whole fiasco went down. Even had a helping hoof with some of the stronger ones as well.”

“Indeed.” Zecka said, “Though I couldn’t help but ponder what it was that drove you to do what you did.”

Braeburn frowned, “Well, the truth is miss Zecka, Ah actually didn’t-”

“Final stop for Vanhoover station. All passengers, be ready for departure.”

Looking up towards the ceiling, where the intercom buzzed, the assembled group of ponies looked at each other and started shuffling about. Braeburn began to hastily reassembled his gun, but a motion from Zecka told him to simply stuff it in his bag. Bolted Screw did the same with his contraption, and Rightful Oath with Misty Gale began to help Big Bang with his luggage.

“Yes, thank you. I couldn’t ask for better guards.” The unicorn said graciously as his bags were started to come down from the overhead compartment.

“Anything for a member of the Ministry of Magic.” Rightful Oath responded easily.

“Remind me to take you all to Solaris later, I think you all will be impressed with what I’ve made.” Big Bang shifted a look to Braeburn, who was helping Zecka gather some of the squad’s supplies, “But, uh, remind me not to let him in. I don’t think I can trust him with...it…”

Rightful Oath glared slightly, but nodded in understanding, “We’ll see, but I would appreciate it if you didn’t bring it up when he’s in earshot.”

“Who’s in earshot?” Braeburn asked, walking up to them with heavy bags saddled across his back.

“Er, nothing Braeburn.” Rightful said quickly, “Why don’t you and Gale check out the station when we arrive, no surprises, ya hear?”

With a quick salute, Braeburn took off with the Pegasus in tow. Trying to ignore the look Misty Gale was sending him as she trotted off behind Braeburn, Rightful Oath looked to his unloaded shotgun and sighed, “Princess Luna, I sure hope this war of ours ends soon.” He mumbled, “Getting kinda tired of foalsitting these kids…”

As the train pulled into the station at one o’clock in the morning, it was understandably empty. Save for the odd officer that was patrolling the station, it was clear. Meaning, when the loud locomotive rolled up to the station, only the birds were scattered when the train finally pulled to a stop.

Stepping out of the train car, Braeburn shivered and pulled his hat closer with his hoof, “Sheesh, it’s colder than the Salt Block’s basement at Hearth Warming Eve.” He muttered, looking around at the large concrete station in front of him. A large clock near the drop off ticking along slowly with each passing second.

“How do you…Nevermind.” Misty Gale shook her head as she came up from behind him, “And it’s to be expected, we are near the western sea after all, not to mention, it is you know, night? It’s supposed to be cold.”

“Yeah, but still.” Braeburn replied, “Don’t have to be so darn gosh cold.”

“Mh,” Gale shrugged, letting the conversation drop.

Thankfully though, the awkward silence ended before it began when the rest of the crew began to spill out of the truck behind them, Rightful Oath leading the way, “Alright, Bolt, go around and get the wagon, Gale, go skyward and scout around, but don’t get too far. Braeburn, Zecka, try to keep your head down around here.” He ordered, sparing a look at the two, “I know you mean well, but a half breed and a felon may draw unwanted attention.”

Braeburn and Zecka shared a look, but nodded silently, consenting to the plan, albeit with a few grumbles on Braeburn’s part. As Misty Gale took to the sky and Bolted Screw went beyond their field of vision, Braeburn and Zecka took up positions near Big Bang, who was currently shivering his tail off. Apparently, Braeburn wasn’t the only one having trouble with the cold.

“C-can we get somewhere-uh, not freezing?” Big Bang asked, “Isn’t there a hotel I’m s-supposed to be staying at?”

“The Grand Central.” Rightful Oath said, “It should be-”

“I-it’s that way.” Big Bang said, pointing to the north, “....Sorry, my Pipbuck just showed me the compass.”

“That thing seems mighty handy there mister,” Braeburn spoke up, looking at the Pipbuck on Big Bang’s leg, “Where can Ah get one of them?”

“Oh, well, um…” Big Bang took a breath, “You gotta sign up with Stable-Tec to get one, and agree to go one of those Stables too...I think there’s actually one not that far from here…”

“Stable-Tec?” Braeburn mused, “Ah remember when little Apple Bloom was just starting that whole thing. It was a little bit 'fter Big Mac’s funeral.”

“You know Ms. Bloom?” Big Bang asked.

“Ah reckon Ah used to.” Braeburn admitted, shrugging, “She ain’t never been the same since Big Mac died. Shoot, Ah ain’t.”

“Ah, yes, I’m sorry for what happened, by the way.” Big Bang said, “It’s a terrible thing to lose a family member, even more to those Zebras.” A stern glare from Braeburn made Big Bang look away, only to realize who was next to him. Looking at the half breed, the unicorn stammered, “Uh, no offense ma’am.”

To her credit, Zecka kept a straight face, “I do not care. I am not responsible for my father’s race.”

“Besides.” Braeburn smiled, “One day, this war’s gotta end. Then I can go back to sweet APPLE-SOOSA!”

The remaining three ponies just stopped to look at him in dead silence.

Blushing, Braeburn pulled down his hat and mumbled an apology.

“....Anyway, congrats Big Bang, you’ve just become the unofficial navigator.” Rightful Oath said cheerfully, “Group meetings are on Tuesdays at ten, bring your own drinks. It’s Braeburn’s turn to bring snacks.”

“Why is allus hafta to be me?” Braeburn grumbled.

“Because, dear Braeburn.” Zecka chided, “You bring the best apples.”

The group shared a small chuckle at Braeburn's expense, who merely rolled his eyes in return.

“Right then.” Rightful Oath stated, “Bolt will have gotten the wagon by now, let’s see if we can meet him half way huh?”

With a chorus of agreement, the four headed further into the station.

As they passed through a series of large doors, they were greeted with a smell all too familiar to them, the smell of sweat and tears. Contrary to the outside, there were a number of ponies inside the station, seeking shelter from the cold. Some of them were huddled up in blankets, others were sitting together in an effort to preserve heat. They're were a few awake, and trying to stay that way. A few were playing cards, taking notice of the new arrivals but paying them no mind.

A frown crossed Braeburn’s lips, “Gosh darn it, Ah knew the war was bad, but...are these all refugees?”

“The majority are, I suspect.” Zecka speculated, “Others may just be trying to start again, or may have just missed their train.”

“But if some of them are refugees, why come here? Don’t seem right is all…” Braeburn muttered.

“What would you expect?” Rightful Oath asked as they started to move through the station, “Most of the fighting is far down south, so it makes sense if some of the displaced ones decided to move up north.”

“Besides,” Big Bang chimed in, “Vanhoover is often seen as a hub of different cultures and change, so it makes sense ponies from elsewhere would want to settle in a place where everypony’s different.”

Braeburn was about to respond when something knocked into his shoulder, whirling around, he noticed that he had bumped into a mare wearing a heavy cloak over her body. “Ah, sorry ‘bout that miss.”

“Ah, there is no harm to be found, when there is no malice bound.”

Braeburn blinked, and the crew came to a collective stop.

“Er, what did you say ma’am?” Braeburn asked.

“I apologize if I had startled you so, with my way of speech.” Turning around to face him fully, Braeburn came face to face with a coat of both light and dark grey, “But you should know, I left my homeland long ago.” There was no mistaking it, no misidentifying it, the pony Braeburn had bumped into was no pony at all, but a Zebra. One that golden eyes and a golden ring around her left hoof, but there was something else startling about her, not her eyes or her coat, but her stomach. It was round, heavy.

Almost as if she was carrying a child, or had one too many sweets.

“Shouldn’t you be at Zebratown?” Rightful Oath asked, narrowing his eyes at the Zebra, “You’re a mighty long way from it.”

“Ah, I would be so, but the bits have laid me low.” The zebra replied, smiling softly despite the accusation lingering in his words. Her eyes drifted over to Zecka, who looked at her with curiosity unlike the others, “I must say, I was not expecting another of my kind, are the fates so blind?”

Zecka shook her head, “I am afraid you are wrong, I am not Pony, nor Zebra.”

The Zebra’s eyes widened, “Mbali Mtoto.” She spoke in a hushed whisper, taking a step back in fear.

Hanging her head low, Zecka didn’t respond.

But Braeburn did, “Now hold on there, Ah know that Zecka here ain’t exactly welcomed by you Zebra folk, but don’tcha think you’re being a little bit mean here? Ain’t like she can choose her parents after all.”

“I….” The Zebra lowered her head, “You are right, I let my prejudice guide my sight. I am sorry, if you were to have any worry, let me know.”

“No,” Zecka shook her head, “You shouldn’t be blamed for believing superstitions, they have a way of infecting a mind.”

“Er, I hate to interrupt, but we have to go.” Big Bang injected, to his side, Rightful Oath nodded in agreement.

“Right, let’s move out.”

“Kila La kheri.” The Zebra said, bowing to Zecka.

“Kila La kheri.” Zecka repeated, imitating the motion.

Waving goodbye to the foreigner, the group continued on their way.

Leaning over to Zecka as they walked, Braeburn had to ask; “So, uh, what did you two just say to each, if’n y’all don’t mind me asking much.”

Zecka shook her head in bemusement, “Merely a parting wishing good luck, nothing more.”

“I wasn’t expecting a Zebra this far north.” Big Bang commented, “I thought they were all segregated into Zebratown near the border.”

“Ah thought she said she needed bits to make the trip.” Braeburn said.

Rightful Oath shook his head, “The authorities should have shipped her out a while ago. Either she was lying, or...”

“She was carrying a child, mayhap she simply could not make the trip?” Zecka wondered.

“She should have been deported a long time ago.” Rightful retorted, “I’ll call it in later, when we get to the hotel.”

As they came to the other end of the station, they were greeted with the sight of a large metal wagon with red stripes and an open top. It was being held afloat by four steel gray wheels, all being pulled by Bolted Screw, who currently had a harness strapped to his back that connected to the passenger section. Next to him was another harness meant for another pony to help pull the wagon. It was a given, it was too heavy to be pulled by a single pony, even with one with great strength. No, scratch that, there was one pony who could've in Braeburn's opinion, but he was....He was....

Braeburn's thoughts were interrupted when a shadow flickered across his eye. Glancing up, he saw the dark blue underside of Misty Gale hover above them. With a slight motion signaling her to come down, Braeburn caught the eye roll she made and stepped to the side.

As Misty Gale swooped in next to them and landed next to Braeburn, she eyed the wagon with a disdainful eye, “It’s red.” She muttered as they approached.

“What’s wrong with red? Always thought it was a pretty color myself.” Braeburn asked as they climbed into the back of the wagon as Rightful Oath took up position alongside Bolted Screw. Strapping a harness over himself to help Bolted Screw pull the wagon to their destination.

“It’s gaudy.” Gale responded, “Blue’s much prettier.”

“I do detect a hint of narcissism in there?” Zecka said, rubbing her chin as they sat on the wagon’s hard seats.

“What? It’s the color of the sky! The sky means freedom!” Misty Gale exclaimed, throwing her hooves apart as if the action would prove her point, “And red’s blood, which is icky.”

“Mh, but I couldn’t help but notice that you enjoy looking at our leader’s dark red flank.” Zecka responded, savoring the rush of red upon the Pegasus' face and subsequent sputtering, Zecka leaned over to Braeburn and whispered, “That, my friend, is how you get payback.”

Tilting his head, Braeburn could only mutter “Well I’ll be…”

As they navigated their way to the hotel through the cold streets, Braeburn couldn’t help but notice the fact aside from the occasional glance at the road, their resident scientist escort was almost completely lost in thought, muttering something about names, and golden eyes. Braeburn was tempted to ask what he was going on about, but decided against it. It was rude to ask after all, besides, they had a long day ahead of them. He knew that this Big Bang fella was a part of some...weapons development system, or something. There weren’t a lot of details about it in the briefing, after all. Eh, wasn't really his problem anyway, soon enough his term would end, he could go back to his job in Ironshod like AJ promised and back to his cozy little office.

Well, he could ask Big Bang about the finer details later. As Misty Gale and Zecka chatted about something or other, Braeburn felt his mind wander back to Little Strongheart. What was she doing? Was she alright? He made sure Appleloosa would be a safe place before he left, but it had been a while since he’d been there, could he say it would still be the same as he left it? Well, Sheriff Silverstar could take care of her, he promised after all, and woe behold to anyone who would hurt the chief’s daughter.

Heh, now who was lost in thought?

As Braeburn mused about the fate of his hometown and its occupants, he didn’t notice when they came to a stop. It was only when he felt a gentle nudge on his shoulder did he see that they had pulled up to the hotel where they would be staying.

“Come on Braeburn, it is time to go.” Zecka said, gaining his attention.

“Huh? Oh, sorry bout that.” Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Braeburn smiled widely at Zecka to show everything was alright. Looking around, Braeburn saw they had parked in front of a large building with an old timey look to it, almost like they were standing in front of a cathedral to the sun.

“Hm.” Zecka hummed, “A bit for your thoughts?”

Braeburn just shrugged as they hopped off the wagon, each of them carrying their own luggage along with the extras. “Ah, just thinking bout Appleloosa again.”

“You mention it often.” Zecka noticed, “Mostly at the top of your lungs.”

“Ah do?” Braeburn tilted his head, “Aw shucks, ah hadn’t noticed.”

“Mh.” Zecka chuckled, “You are quite lucky that you are cute, if you were not, I’d imagine that doing so would be quite grating.”

“Ah shucks, thanks miss Zecka.” Braeburn grinned, “But I’m rightfully spoken for.”

Zecka grinned, “Mh, clueless as well, you must’ve been quite the heartbreaker”

“...Fraid you lost me there.” Braeburn admitted, tilting his head in confusion.

“Oh, nevermind.” Zecka chuckled, “Come, we must make sure our guest is comfortable.”

Despite feeling even more confused than before, Braeburn nevertheless followed Zecka’s lead and guarded Big Bang as Rightful Oath and Bolted Screw took the wagon into the parking lot. Being more of a “ponies pony” then the rest of the crew, Misty Gale was at the front desk, checking them in.

Needless to say, she wasn’t doing the best job of it.

“Now listen here buddy, I know for a fact this isn’t a five-star hotel, so why are you telling me the room, which was government issued by the way, is taken?” Misty hovered over the poor clerk, her body armor and furious glare causing the stallion to feel like he was on the receiving end of an artillery barrage.

“Uh, l-let me just check again….” He whimpered, opening up his desk’s terminal as he fiddled with the controls.

“You do that, buddy.” Misty Gale narrowed her eyes at the clerk, only turning around as Braeburn, Zecka and Big Bang approached.

“Is there a problem?” Zecka asked as they came close.

“Oh, just General Incompetence over there says the room we had was taken by somepony else.” Sending a glare over her shoulder for a moment, she looked back to her comrades, “It was either a filing error, or someone really doesn’t like us.”

“Oh, uh.” Big Bang brought a hoof to his mouth, “Is...my room taken too…?”

Misty Gale shook her head, “No, you’re fine Doc. It’s our room that’s been taken.” Spreading her hoof out to Braeburn and Zecka, making it clear who was indicating.

“Aw, ah was lookin’ forward to a little off time.” Braeburn muttered.

Misty Gale rolled her eyes, “You’ve had enough “off time” already Braeburn. You sleep more than a minotaur does.”

Raising an eyebrow, Braeburn turned to Zecka, “Do Minotaurs sleep a lot?”

Zecka could only shrug in response.

Thankfully though, the clerk called Misty Gale back over to the terminal, sparing the two the pondering of whether or not Minotaurs sleep in. Looking around, Braeburn had to admit, the lobby looked much better than the outside. It reminded him of those old streets in Canterlot he used to see way back when, stone work like the royal castle, fancy drapes over the windows, interspersed by the current trend of smoother metal benches and sleek looking pillars. Mister Handies levitating around, assisting whomever they could with their luggage. Some artwork was plastered about the walls, and of course, the ever present “recruitment posters” for the Equestrian army, Ministry of Morale’s “Pinkie is watching you FOREVER” and his personal favorite, the Ministry of Peace’s “War? Fear? Death? We must do better!”

“Do better.” Heh, what damning words. It was funny, how six mares could be turned into figureheads of war so easily. Or perhaps, it was the other way around?

Braeburn’s gaze shifted from poster to poster, until finally settling on the Ministry of Wartime Technology one, the gears and bisected sword marking it and making it stand out from the others. As he stared at it, Braeburn felt a tinge of regret as the mind brought up recent memories of events he rather put behind him.

“Ah wonder what you think of me now, AJ.” He muttered, so quietly that nopony else could hear him.

“Braeburn, are you alright?”

Well, Zecka wasn’t nopony.

Forcing a smile, he tilted his hat at the hybrid, “Ah, don’t worry bout me. Just drugging up some memories is all.”

Looking at the posters herself, Zecka nodded, “I can imagine.”

Turning his head to her, Braeburn opened his mouth to speak, but for the first time, no words came out. Thankfully though, two new arrivals caught his attention before any more conversation could be made.

“Look, all I’m saying is twenty bits for parking is overcharged, it should have been fifteen.” Bolted Screw complained to Rightful Oath, who merely rolled his eyes as they walked towards them.

“It’s just five bits more, what’s the problem?” Oath asked in return as they walked.

“Five bits that could’ve been used to get a drink, or pay for your kid’s college. That’s what.” Bolted Screw replied.

“I don’t have kids.” Rightful Oath said obliviously.

“....You need to get laid.”

Rolling his eyes, Rightful Oath nodded in greeting as they approached, “Everything in the clear?”

“The doc’s room is golden, Gale’s still working on ours though.” Braeburn explained.

“Mh, I see military personnel aren’t very respected here then.” Rightful Oath sighed, “I’d better go make sure Gale doesn’t rip out the clerk’s throat.” Resigning himself to his stalwart duty, the sergeant went over to his subordinate, who was currently making the clerk wish that he had taken his mother’s advice and become a teacher.

“You know,” Big Bang started, “Tall Tale is often heralded as a leading industrial city, I’d imagine you rugged military types would like it down there.”

His reply was a chorus of “eh’s” “maybe” and “There any good bars?”

Needless to say, the last one was from Braeburn. As Bolted Screw and Zecka turned to look at him, he grinned sheepishly, “What can I say? I’m a sucker for some good whiskey.”

“....Well, the convict isn’t wrong.” Bolted Screw said, turning to Big Bang, “Are there any good bars?”

“Uh, I think there’s one called Seven Heaven, but I don’t know if-”

“It’ll work.” Bolted Screw asserted, “I’m going to need some vodka after this.”

“Betcha I can drink ya under the table Screw.” Braeburn challenged.

“Oh, you think so?” The unicorn snorted, “Please, I’d like to see you try.”

“Boys, boys,” Zecka giggled, “You’re both very pretty, but you both know who would win that bet.”

Sharing a look, Braeburn and Bolted Screw nodded in sympathy. Taking off his hat, Braeburn lowered his head while Bolted Screw did the same. “You’re right miss Zecka.”

“It was silly of us to guess which one of us would win.” Bolted said somberly.

“After all, y’all know who the best drinker out of us all is.” Braeburn meet Zecka’s gaze, “I don’t rightly think we can beat an alcoholic like you.”

Zecka’s eyes widened, “What.”

“We didn’t want to say anything at first.” Bolted Screw “mumbled,” “We each have our own demons to face.”

“And I reckon some of us find it in a bottle.”

“Even so, we just want you to know,” Bolted Screw began.

“You’re picking up the tab.” Braeburn finished cheerfully.

“....No, buck this, buck you two.” Zecka groaned, “I do not have a drinking problem.”

“Who has a drinking problem?” Misty Gale’s voice cut in. Turning around to see the two, Rightful Oath clutching a hotel card in his mouth, with Gale by his side, who was raising an eyebrow.

Braeburn grinned, “Zecka. We were thinking of staging an intervention.”

Tilting her head, Misty Gale looked eager to contribute to the conversation, “An intervention? Will there be drinks?”

“Ah reckon so.” Braeburn confirmed.

Smiling as wide as her face would allow, Misty Gale clapped her hooves together in excitement, “Yay.”

“Heh, alright, that’s enough goofing around everypony.” Oath spoke up, “Let’s just get to our rooms for now, which reminds me.” Turning to the group, he gave them a stern look, “Our room will be a shared room, so no complaints about who gets to use the bathroom first in the morning, just wait your turn.” Finally, he turned to Braeburn, “And on that note, don’t take too long washing your mane.”

Stunned for a moment, Braeburn sputtered something out about not needing to wash anything, but it fell on deaf ears as the squad moved towards the elevators.

“What in Tartarus, cousin! Braeburn!”

“Traitor.”

“Zebra-humper.”

“Why?! Just, why?! What in Celestia’s name made you do this?!”

“Please Braeburn….Just, be safe.”

Emerald eyes shooting open, Braeburn threw himself upwards from his spot on the floor, heaving and covered in sweat.

“Good to see you’re up.”

Looking up, Braeburn saw Rightful Oath dressed in full combat gear, tilting his head, the squad leader pursed his lips, “Are you alright? You looked like you were having a nightmare.”

“Be safe.”

Braeburn shook his head in reply, “Don’t worry, I’m just fine and dandy.” Getting to his hooves, he looked around to see that the rest of the squad had either left, or was currently getting ready for the day. Checking a nearby clock, he discovered that it was a little after six o’clock in the morning. Not that bad, Braeburn was used to waking up at the crack of dawn, those Apple orchards didn’t buck themselves after all.

Throwing his body armor at him, Rightful Oath nodded, “Alright, get yourself together, we’ve got a long day ahead of us. Be ready to go in five.”

Nodding in agreement, Braeburn quickly, with months of practice, donned his armor in under a minute or two. Wasn’t like it was power armor or nothing, just a few zippers and adjusting the straps. Soon, he was a model example of an Equestrian soldier, if you add in a long mane of amber that is.

Fitting his saddlebags to his Battle Saddle, Braeburn adjusted his chest armor’s pistol holster. Snuggly putting the now repaired .10 millimeter pistol back in place, he sent a look at Rightful Oath to show he was fully ready.

“Right then.” Clearing his throat, Rightful Oath spoke out clearly, “Misfits, move out!”

Now, despite how that sounded, “moving out” consisted of mostly grabbing Big Bang from his room and dragging him to the elevator while he staggered about in a sleep induced haze. He was also apparently unable to function without coffee, so they had to make a stop at the local coffee stand, and so, that is the story of how Braeburn was forced to give up five bits for the addict.

Now on the road and heading west, this time they were using something called a “truck” made by some “flimy” or “flammy.” From what Braeburn had seen of these things, they were a mostly recent invention that were starting to make their way into the civilian market. A four wheeled vehicle like the the carts used in Applesosa's Applewood derby, expect bigger. Unlike the carts, the driver was accommodated by a side seat and two more behind them, along with a long "bed" in the back for storage.

Supposedly, the idea behind that was a “smaller, faster tank.” Trading armor for speed, the “truck" was designed to be a small troop carrier where a medic could offer medical services on the move, a heavy weapons platform, or a mobile command center. That said, they proved to be finicky at best. For one, they required a unicorn’s magic to work properly, as their magic was needed to start the engine, not to mention it was insanely loud. Though Braeburn had to admit, he liked the way it sounded when starting up, it just made too much noise to be effective when stealth was needed. That, and the exhaust pipe belching out smoke with each passing second which would give away its position. It was however, reasonably fast. While it certainly couldn’t match a Pegasus at full tilt, it saved everypony a lot of running.

That said though, not everypony was enjoying the ride.

“It’s slow.” Braeburn muttered, sitting in the backseat and crossing his hooves.

“And nosy.” Misty Gale added.

“It pollutes the environment.” Zecka growled.

“....Well, it’s comfy!” Big Bang suggested, weakly.

As soonas Big Bang said that, spring came out of Braeburn’s seat, hitting his rump and causing him to make a funny squeaking sound, “Agupk!”

“Heeeehhh…” Big Bang gulped, “I don’t suppose this car has a radio?”

“No.” Bolted Screw said curtly from the driver’s “seat.”

“Oh, that’s okay.” Big Bang said, “This here Pipbuck comes with one, let me just….”

“-nterlot being protected by a shield, Cloudsdale has suffered a direct hit by a Balefire bomb! I repeat, Cloudsdale is destroyed, oh, sweet Celestia…..”

“....Uh, that’s a messed radio station doc.” Braeburn observed, “Ya wanna try another one?”

“.....This is an official news station.” Big Bang replied.

“Manehattan has been hit! By the stars….Fillydelphia too.”

“Stop the vehicle.” Rightful Oath said flatly.

Slamming on the brakes and grinding the truck in the countryside, the squad all turned all turned to face Big Bang’s Pipbuck.

“They were right….They were so right. War….War never changes.”

“They’re joking...right? RIGHT?!” Bolted Screw looked from side to side, trying to find something that agreed with him, but the solemn faces around him told him different.

“We need to go back; some ponies are going to need our help!” Rightful Oath stated, somehow, someway, keeping his cool.

“....Does anyone else hear that?” Misty Gale asked looking upwards, towards the sky.

Slowly, one by one, the squad looked upwards.

“Hey, what’s that thing…” Braeburn muttered, looking at the mountains.

Turning, the squad saw a small, but fast travelling object sail through the sky, it overshot the mountains with ease, and headed right...towards….the city.

And missed.

Misty Gale breathed a sigh of relief, “Oh, thank-”

The very next thing Braeburn knew, his world became a mash of red and orange. His hearing was deafened, his body was assaulted by scorching winds, and his hat went flying. Regaining his senses, he looked to see his friends weren’t doing any better, and Bolted Screw with Big Bang were starting to hyperventilate. Looking towards the city, Braeburn saw something that scarred his soul for the rest of his days.

A mushroom cloud over the city of Vanhoover.

“W-We need to get to a Stable!” Big Bang shrieked, “We’ll be safe there!”

“What he said!” Bolted Screw agreed, slamming the truck into drive, “....Where is it?!”

“......That way!” Big Bang said, leaning over to the driver’s seat and showing his Pipbuck to Screw. Glancing at the device with frantic eyes, Bolted Screw, in a panicked rush, swerved the truck around, pushing his magic to its limit to make the truck go as fast as it could over dirt roads. The sky was a bloody red, and the horizon behind them was engulfed in flame.

As they picked up speed and headed towards the mountains, Braeburn felt his breath come in heavy and dry, was this really happening? Was it all a dream? Was it a nightmare? By Celestia, what was happening?!

“Rightful Oath!” Misty Gale screamed, panic in her eyes, “W-what do we do?”

“....Keep heading to the Stable.” The dark red leader muttered, “It’s all we can do.”

“....Why would they do this?” Zecka muttered, “Father...is this what you wanted?”

“We’re almost there!” Big Bang yelled, almost sounding happy despite himself, “We’ll be safe! We’ll be-”

“STOP THE CAR!” Braeburn screamed.

For the second time that day, the truck screeched to a grinding halt.

“Braeburn, what are you, insane?!” Bolted Screw yelled as Braeburn leaped out of the vehicle.

“Ah saw something!” He yelled back, checking a bush.

“We need to get to a Stable and you’re sightseeing?! What is wrong with you?!” Gale screamed.

“Just let me…” For once, his hunch was right. Throwing aside some branches, Braeburn saw an all too familiar sight.

The Zebra from the train station, and her leg was bleeding, badly. A gunshot wound, by the looks of it.

“You….” The Zebra said, weakly. No longer wearing that cloak, Braeburn saw her stomach, it was round. Too round to be simple obesity, she was well and truly pregnant.

Breathing heavily, Braeburn made a split second decision, and hoped it wouldn’t backfire on them.

He picked her up, and threw her on his back.

“Braeburn! We are leaving-Who is that?!” Bolted Screw demanded to know as Braeburn came back into full view.

“She needs our help!” Braeburn snapped, climbing into the back seat and assisted by Zecka, who immediately attended to the Zebra’s leg wound, “The world might be ending, but my conscience ain’t!”

“What was she...nevermind, drive!” Rightful Oath ordered. Bolted didn’t need to be told twice.

Taking off again, the squad plus two hurried to their probable salvation.

“Why would they do this….” The Zebra muttered as Zecka wrapped a bandage around her leg, “There’s nothing to be gained from such pointless destruction, nothing!”

“Hey, you’re not speaking in rhyme anymore…” Braeburn observed.

“The world is becoming ash, and you’re worried about how I speak?!” The Zebra snapped.

“Sorry Ma’am.” Braeburn muttered, “What’s your name?”

“......Zidatti.” The Zebra confessed, “My name is Zidatti.”

When they got to the Stable, it wasn’t what they were suspecting. Instead of a large door drilled into the eastern mountains like the symbol on Big Bang’s Pipbcuk, they were greeted with a crowd of ponies on a hill facing the northern forest, hidden under the shade of the cliff. A lift was being lined with ponies of all kinds, unicorns, pegasus, earth ponies, some of them were wearing armor with a blue jumpsuit underneath, others regular civilian clothing. The lift itself was large, connected to the back of the mountainside. Above it, was an open hatch in the mountain’s cliff, a large airlock which would prevent anything short of a direct hit from a missile getting in. Magic wires connecting the lift to the airlock and safety above, there were guards lining the sides, but two of them were dressed in steel gray power armor and armed with miniguns and rocket launchers.

Steel Rangers.

When the truck pulled up on the hill, it was naturally aimed at and was about to be riddled with bullets, but thankfully, that was prevented with Rightful Oath shouting out, “Military! Sergeant Rightful Oath and Misfit Squad!”

Raising his Sargent sun, the two Steel Rangers visibly relaxed. One of them, adorned with a series of tally marks on his helmet, “Good to see you Sergeant.” The Steel Ranger greeted, his voice coming through a robotic filter, “What are you doing here?”

“We came to assist with the evacuation.” Rightful Oath explained, “We also have a VIP that may be able to help with the Stable.”

“Who is this VIP?” The Steel Ranger asked.

“That would be me. Doctor Bang, I...I….” Tears were starting to well up in his eyes.

“Easy there Doc, have you signed on with Stable Tec?” The Steel Ranger asked.

“Huh...oh, yeah, yes!” He held up his Pipbuck, “See? Wouldn’t have one of these if I didn’t.”

You could almost see the Steel Ranger’s eyes boring into the scientist, but nodded, “Fine, doesn’t matter to me anyway, get these ponies inside the Stable, and-ZEBRA!”

As Braeburn climbed out of the truck, carrying Zidatti on his back, the two Steel Rangers aimed their heavy weapons at her, and by proximity, him.

“Now hold on there!” Braeburn yelled.

“Everypony just calm down!” Rightful Oath ordered.

“Why do you have a Zebra on your back you flithy-” A Steel Ranger began, but Misty Gale’s voice cut through the rest with ease.

“HEY, THE WORLD’S ENDING, CAN WE NOT ARGUE ABOUT THIS?!” The pegasus screamed at the top of her lungs, gaining everypony’s attention. As eyes lingered on her, some of them startled, others suspicious, she spoke up as best she could, despite the circumstances. “She’s pregnant, and about to have birth, I sincerely doubt she’s an infiltrator.” She stated calmly.

The leading Steel Ranger was still for a moment, but stepped back, “Ah, screw it. Get on the platform, NOW!”

As the ponies shuffled by, Braeburn and the Steel Ranger shared a look. He nodded, and the Ranger nodded back.

As they finally assembled onto the platform, the Steel Ranger nodded at the lift operator and made the signal to raise the lift upwards into the Stable. As the platform slowly rose, Misty Gale looked up.

“...Hey guys, it’s that sound again.” Looking around, she peered towards the northern forest.

Rightful Oath turned, too late,“Don’t lo-”

Once again, Braeburn’s world exploded.

What happened next, the farm pony didn’t know, he had turned and threw Zidatti off his back and shielded her with his body. His armor did nothing, his skin and fur feeling like they were on fucking fire. Misty Gale screamed and clutched her eyes as she toppled backwards. Rightful Oath, ever the hero, protected Zecka as best he could, and Big Bang cowered behind Bolted Screw.

As the lift closed behind them, and shielded them from nuclear fire, Braeburn dropped. Pain was his only sense, but he could make out a few things.

“Get these ponies to the medical center!” He heard somepony yell.

“My eyes, I can’t- I can’t….” Was that Gale? What happened….

“Hey, Zidatti, are you alright?”

“I’m fine...thank you Sir Bang…”

Well, at least the two of them were alright…

“Get this pony into stasis, now! He has third degree burns all over his back!” He felt himself being lifted up with magic.

“....Strongheart…..” Braeburn muttered one last time, and closed his eyes.

Experience points: 100/200.