"Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria..."
The light illuminating through my window almost instantly awakened me. One of the cons of living above the clouds, I guess. I threw the covers over my head, not wanting to get out of my precious, queen-sized bed.
Yep. I should not have stayed up last night, sewing.
My sewing machine was my soulmate. I could spend hours on the old thing, really. I say old, but I meant ancient. It's been in my family for generations. My passion, like my grandmother and her mother, is creating something beautiful out of just fabric and thread. The stress of my job practically melts away when I'm "in the zone". I know what you're thinking, "Oh, she must be a seamstress or fashion designer."
I wish.
While it would be super nice to do the one thing I love for a living, I wanted a better life for my grandparents. The families of officers receive benefits and since I am not married, these benefits go to them. They did raise me, after all. My parents died when I was only a filly. Or rather, that's what everypony tells me. Being raised on the belief that nothing else exists except for what's above the clouds never really made me question anything else. At least, not until I enlisted. There were rumors about what inhabited the so-called wasteland. I remember a few mares discussing the "civilization" on the surface. Major Fruit Salad quickly put an end to those rumors, though. "Nothing but savages and mutants", he told us.
Finally finding my inner strength, I rolled out of bed. I rubbed my eyes, groggily, and looked around my bedroom. Average. Very few paintings or decor, save for my home made drapes and bedding. Why buy something you can make, right? A big fancy house just wasn't my style, either. I prefer homey, comfortable, and boring.
"See you tonight." I whispered to my bed as I walked to the bathroom.
It was also small. A shower on the right, a sink to the left, and a commode by the back wall. The only pop of color was my blue toothbrush. I found the mirror over the sink and looked over myself. My shoulder-length, wavy mane had a few strands out of place. Tiny bits of thread stuck out from between the feathers on my wings. Oh, I looked tired, too. Frowning, I forced myself through my normal morning routine.
Once I was done brushing my teeth, I made my way down stairs for breakfast. I was in no hurry, so I strolled, looking at the same photos on the wall that I saw everyday. First, my grandparents and me after I graduated high school. Second, my friends/coworkers, Lantern Wick and Bolt Chaser. He loved to flirt with her. Third, a photo of me in my uniform. and lastly, the green coat and lilac mane of my best friend in the whole world: Violet Horizon.
I sighed. I miss you every day, Violet.
She had been missing for months. It was like she vanished into thin air. My commanding officers suggested a suicide, but I know my Violet. She loved life, no matter how boring it was up here in Thunderhead. I say boring because she loved a good thrill. She was not like me at all. I liked it boring, she liked to party. That's why I figured she wasn't even gone, just hiding out from her asshole of a boss at Alfalfa and Oats Cafe. It wouldn't be the first time, either. She had hid from him for four months before he finally went to her parents' house looking for her. Why they keep rehiring her is beyond me.
Deep in my mind, though, I always wondered if she finally fled to what was left of Equestria. I was constantly worried if she was being tortured or murdered. My anxiety was pretty severe, so I had these negative thoughts on a daily basis. I would just remind myself, "Violet will be Violet".
Dragging my hooves through my living room, I tried to imagine a tidy home. Unfortunately, the fabric and sewing supplies thrown everywhere said, otherwise. Half-made decorative pillows were strewn on the only couch I had. I picked up my crumpled uniform off the coffee table and tried to straighten it. The badge on the front read, "First Lieutenant Sienna". I shook my head at the wrinkles and went on my way.
"I'll clean later. I need coffee!"
I trotted into the kitchen. Grabbing a coffee mug, I started my next routine: Breakfast. On the menu today? Warm oatmeal, a cloud grown apple, and of course, coffee.
It's probably a little strange hearing the term "cloud-grown". The pegasi repurposed the S.P.P. towers to allow us to grow crops since returning to the ground was completely out of the question. They aren't too juicy, though. I know I said I like boring, but food is something that should not be boring.
Setting the mug of coffee on the dining table, I sat and waited for my oatmeal to be warmed. I sighed, tapping my hoof on the table. With how quiet it was, the tapping was pretty loud. Living alone was... okay. I had moved across the city from my only family. I thought about having a roommate, but never got around to actually going through with it. If- no, when Violet comes back, I'd probably ask her. I had a spare bedroom, anyway.
She's probably dead.
I swallowed, panic forming in my chest. Where did that come from?
"N-No, she is only in hiding." I told myself.
I ate, quickly, and cleared the small mess. Feeling for my head with a hoof, I sighed, again. Morning wasn't even over and I was already on a verge of a panic attack. This was going to be a long day. Being afraid of everything... sucked. I had a medic see me about my anxiety attacks, and she suggested small doses of Med-X to calm my nerves if I really need it. Weird, right? A First Lieutenant who is afraid of danger.
A soft-bristled brush lay on the counter, so I picked it up and went over my orange mane until the few streaks of yellow fell into place. I preened my feathers, then slipped on the all-black uniform. They really could have used some color in there. Sheesh!
As soon as my pistol was holstered, I made my way out the door, grabbing my bag. I stopped on the sidewalk and stretched my wings, breathing in the cool air. Pegasi were flying back and forth to work or school. You would think the open sky would be big enough to keep traffic from forming, but there was plenty of congested airways. Same thing every day. Just how I like it! My therapist said that since change overwhelms my anxiety, trying new things that aren't too "out of the way" would help.
The ten minute flight to my office at the S.P.P tower was peaceful. Well, except for dodging sky carriages and other ponies. I greeted the usuals with a "hello" or "good morning". Most smiled, one even replied with a "how are you". Must have been a good day!
The enormous, gray building grew before my eyes as I got closer. At least it was a safe environment. I approached the balcony that was outside of my floor and heard a familiar "Good morning, Lieutenant."
I set my hooves down and turned to quickly salute Major Fruit Salad. "Good morning, sir."
He was well respected there. For many of us, he was like a father. The years in the Enclave showed on him. The scars were scattered on his face. He could be terrifying if he really wanted to be. Of course, he did bring comfort in my life when I needed it.
"At ease. How are you?" He smiled and dipped his head, a small part of his gray mane fell from under his beret.
"I'm doing fine, sir. What about you?" I beamed.
"Excellent." His smile faded. "Have you or your new recruits heard from the raptor, Typhoon?"
I cocked my head. The Typhoon? Why would I be communicating with the airships? That wasn't my department. "No, sir."
He seemed troubled. "The ship has vanished. We've not heard from her crew in forty-eight hours. They were only supposed to make a routine scan below the cloud curtain. Incognito."
My eyes widened. "V-vanished?"
He nodded.
I gulped. We almost never lost a ship. This was definitely a big deal. Raptors are huge, equipped with turrets and other defense systems. It's not like they were simple targets. It could take out armies if the captain was skilled enough!
"What about the scouters? Have they been deployed?" I asked, taking a notepad out of my bag to write the order down.
He stopped me from writing, sighing. "I know you don't do a lot of field work, Lieutenant, but I need you to accompany a mission to scout the area. I'm sending you because you have a keen eye for detail. I have no doubt you'll be a great help."
Did my heart just stop? It did. It definitely did. Is he mad?!
My demeanor quickly shrunk. "The s-surface? No disrespect, Major, but I sit at a desk! I-I can't go down there! Can't you send someone else?"
"Those are orders." He tried to be stern, but his empathy betrayed him.
Panic slowly clawed its way through my chest, making me rub my hoof across my heart to get it to stop. "W-We'll be killed! I've never been in true combat!" I looked around nervously. "Oh, I can't do this..."
"Compose yourself!" He raised his voice slightly to catch my attention. "What about your fellow pegasi? You cannot abandon them in an hour of need. We strive for a better life above this cloud barrier and that means helping each other. Life is not fair, Lieutenant. Would you rather us be savages like those wastelanders? The council would be disappointed with your behavior! They would surely demote you! I expect you to do as you are told, understood?"
I rubbed my chest, again. He was right. If I neglected my duties they would probably ban me to the surface, anyway. I took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, sir." I looked down to my hooves.
Oh, Celestia, please be with me.
"Good. Now, you will not be alone on this mission. Captain Bolt Chaser and Scouter Lantern Wick will be in your company. I have also sent for our top technicians and the best crew members for the ship. All you need to do is get in, search for the Typhoon, and get out. You may even be able to avoid any immediate danger." He explained.
Ha. Immediate danger.
The fear died down to an uncomfortable tightness. Bolt Chaser had been on several assignments to the surface. He was very good at his job. Lantern Wick was pretty brave, too. That brought some comfort.
Chaser had a cocky attitude, but he's as loyal as they come. He's a lady's buck, too. Well, not to me. He's more like an older brother to me. He has his eye on Lantern Wick. Shes like a younger sister to me. Chaser and I helped her along when she was a new recruit. Ever since he first saw her, he has been trying to go on at least one date with her. I think she secretly likes him, too, but she just won't say it out loud. Wick actually lives a few houses down from me. We could probably fly to work together if not for the fact that she had to be there earlier than I do.
"What exactly will I need to do once on the ship?" I asked.
"Captain Chaser will have your orders once you're off. You will meet the others on the landing dock in zero five-hundred hours. Raptor 27 will be your vessel. Until then, gather your thoughts and for the love of Luna, Sienna, take some Med-X" He shook his head, saying that last part quietly.
I grinned sheepishly. "I-I'll do my best, sir." I saluted, again.
As I began to trot off, Major Fruit Salad cleared his throat. "And Lieutenant."
I turned.
"Good luck." He wore a fatherly smile.
I returned the smile and continued on my way into my office. Maneuvering through the hall, I passed the other pegasi. It was probably my imagination, but I could have sworn they were giving me mournful glances. Never have I been more afraid for my life, but I had to go along with this assignment. It would be better to be under the clouds for a couple of hours than to be permanently banished there. Still, the sweat forming under my bangs wouldn't stop.
The walk to my office felt like forever. Passing door after door, I finally stopped in front of the large metal door. The same title as my badge was painted in neat, bold letters. As much as I love sitting at my desk, I guess I need to accept that the Enclave is not an accounting firm. Training was grimmer than the actual job. I practically flew through the ranks (no pun intended). Of course, I think Chaser pulled a few strings to get me there. He often redirects dangerous missions to somepony more skilled if they are originally assigned to me. It's probably wrong, but I am truly grateful. I guess this time I just have no choice.
I closed the door and locked it, backing into it and sliding to the floor with my hooves over my face. I whimpered a few times, pathetically.
What if I end up like my parents? Or Violet?
I shook the thought from my head and took a deep breath, sitting up. "I can do this. It's gonna be okay. No more fear. No more anxiety." I stood and paced between the four dull, gray walls. "M-maybe we won't find the ship. Then we can just come home!" I paused. "No... That's an awful thing to say. I just have to put on a brave face. Yeah, that's right! I'll show everyone who made fun of me in grade school that I, Sienna, will be the next-"
A sharp rap on the door made me dart towards the light fixture. "Sia? Is everything okay? Why is your door locked?" A familiar voice called.
I sighed, ashamed of myself, and hovered back down the floor.
"Are you in there?" She asked.
"Erm, yes! Everything's... fine. One moment, Wick!" I lied.
I fixed my mane and tail and straightened my uniform and pins. When I opened the door, Wick's auburn eyes met mine. Her cropped, peach colored mane was the same as it has always been. She was only a year younger than me, but I looked old compared to her. She was absolutely stunning! I would probably have a crush on her, too, if my barn door swung that way!
Her smile flattened when she saw me. "Are you sure you're okay?"
I faked a cough. "O-of course! Just think I'm coming down with something." I waved it off, nervously.
Nothing could get past her. I don't know why I even tried to hide anything.
She raised a brow. "Okay... Well, I just came by to see if you were given the news, yet."
"Yeah..." I let that word trail for a couple seconds. "Major gave me the news." I folded my ears back.
"You aren't stoked about it? Come on, it's an adventure for us! Why wouldn't you want to explore the surface? What if we spotted something amazing?" She clopped her hooves together in excitement. Good old Wick. Thinking positive, as usual.
"Like what?" I smirked at her enthusiasm.
"Like new technology! Or new species of plants and animals! Who knows? We might even be able to find ancient treasures! Oh, what about-"
"Savages? Pain? Death?" I interrupted. "It's a rescue mission. We aren't going to educate ourselves. Besides, let's face it. There is nothing down there but unnecessary danger."
Her giddiness faded. "Sia, I know you're afraid. You can't hide that from me. I can't stand seeing you so miserable and unable to enjoy the small things in life." I looked away from her as she spoke, but she pulled my face to look at her. "I promise, you will not end up like Violet. As long as I'm alive, you will be safe. Chaser and I have your back, you know that."
That made me smile a little. "I-I guess."
"Hey, maybe when we get back we can take a trip to the spa! You've never been right? I'll treat you! Besides, you look like you could use a facial." She giggled. "You need to relax before you start getting wrinkles."
I gasped, playfully.
She rolled her eyes, grinning. "Come on. Let's go help with the supply run and get snacks for the trip. I think Chaser is looking for us."
I trotted after her as she hovered along.
Wrinkles?
Wick and I eventually trotted together towards the landing platform where Raptor 27 waited for us. It was quite a sight. The ship was about the size of a large house, if not bigger. It was covered in sleek, black metal that made it stand out intensely against the sky. I could see the windows to the control room on the upper level. I was actually a little proud of what we were able to accomplish.
The large door was open on the ship so I could see inside. The interior space was large enough for pegasi to fly around. Smaller doors, terminals, and other technology lined the walls. I've only ever been on a Raptor twice, both times were only test runs around the sky. It definitely wasn't below the clouds. I looked around at the various pegasi scattered around the platform. Some tinkered under the ship while others carried supplies back and forth.
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I'm going to be okay. Everything will go smoothly.
Wick smiled as she drew a breath. "I am so excited!"
"I'm... less excited." I rubbed my chest. "Where is-"
I started to ask before a sea foam green streak flew past, making my head spin. Chaser landed in front of Wick and I and saluted. After stopping my eyeballs from going in circles, I saluted back. He flipped his pale yellow mane out of his eyes and winked to Wick. "Ladies."
She blushed, profusely. "C-Captain, we aren't supposed to give suggestive signs to other personnel on duty. It's against code 4-2D in the-"
"Yeah, yeah." He waved her off and smiled my way. "How's it going, sis?"
"Good, sir." I nodded.
He rolled his eyes and playfully punched my shoulder. "You know you don't have to be so formal when it's just us. Save that for when we are in formations."
"Yes, sir. I mean, Captain. Er... Chaser!" I facehoofed.
They chuckled as Chaser walked off.
I stuck my tongue out at Wick then smirked, myself. "You know he's still waiting on that date."
She glared at me. "Very funny. He's just a flirt. I don't like show-offs, anyway." She said, trying to hide her flushed cheeks.
"Are you sure? I saw you turn red when he winked at you!" I taunted, puckering my lips at her. She laughed and pushed me away.
"Let's go, before I tell Major Fruit Salad you have the hots for him." She giggled, cantering away.
I was taken aback. "Hey! I do not!"
We met Chaser at the entrance of the air ship and went inside. After the crew were accounted for, I heard the hum of the engine, followed by the sudden jerk of it taking off. Finally, we were in the air. I decided to wait in the barracks while Wick went to check the ship's course. I propped my head in my hooves and stared out the small window. Nothing unusual, so far. I looked down at the energy pistol strapped to my shoulder. It was nothing compared to the weapons in the armory. I was actually a little frightened by the appearance of some. I liked the smooth design of the gun I had. It wasn't big or alarming. Hopefully, I wouldn't need it on this mission. All we had to do was get in, search around, and get out. Easy to do in the ship.
I groaned and returned my gaze to the window. Clouds were passing by, slowly, as we began to descend. I gulped. My chest already began to tighten as the clouds thinned. It felt like slow torture. Then, we were free of the curtain. What I saw should not have surprised me.
The mud covered wasteland stretched into eternity. The pictures I saw of old Equestria were nothing like this. Dead plants and trees scattered throughout, lifeless. I noticed the skeletal remains of buildings in the distance. Trash scattered the ground and debris had merged with the environment, creating warped mounds. It was as if a great storm tore through the land, destroying everything in its path. I could almost hear the screams and cries of ponies everywhere as sirens wailed, warning of impending disaster. The screams grew louder as I looked skyward. Gray. The clouds were dark gray, producing large raindrops. The screams suddenly stopped.
BOOM!
I jumped, looking around for an explosion. It boomed again, and I realized it was only thunder. This world was truly amazing and disturbing. I took a shaky breath, wishing I was back home in my bed. My whole life was nothing but blue skies and sunlight. This...
"Pretty dull, huh?" I jumped at Chaser's voice.
"Oh, yeah. It's so different from the books I've read about Old Equestria. It's so depressing." I wiped a tear I didn't know had formed in my eye.
He winced. "That it is. The day the megaspells hit was the greatest catastrophe that's ever happened to ponykind. Now, it's nothing but beasts and mutated wildlife. Ponies kill for fun. I've even heard of zombies living here." He looked on with a mix of sadness and weariness.
"Z-zombies?" I heard my teeth chattering.
He quickly shrugged it off. "I'm sure it's just a pony tale, but look at this place. Nothing would surprise me."
I closed my eyes and placed my hoof on the window. "Why does it have to be this way."
"I don't know, but I wish things would return to the way they were before the ministries."
I looked up and gave a small smile. "What do you think it would be like for us if the war never happened?"
He smiled, sincerely. "Better." With a nod, he turned and walked away.
I watched him disappear into the corridor. I had never seen him so down, before. Maybe this ghost of a country just made ponies this way even if they don't live here.
"Officers and scouts report to take-off deck." The loudspeaker coldly demanded.
What?! Take-off deck? That was only for...
"Fuck."
I left the window. Wick hovered just outside the hall. I galloped after her. "Wick!"
She spun and waved after realizing it was me calling her. "Sia! Isn't this awesome?" Her enthusiasm was painfully sincere.
"What's going on? Why are we going to take-off?" I asked in a hurry.
"We're inspecting the ground while the ship stays aloft." She smiled even brighter.
I couldn't move. On the ground? No, no, no! This is terrible! All those... monsters! Have they lost their mind?!
Wick must have noticed my distress, because she landed next to me with concern on her face.
"Sia?"
I couldn't speak.
"Sienna!"
I snapped out of it. "The ground level?!"
This time, she jumped, startled.
I frantically rubbed my chest "No. Way. No bucking way am I going down there! The radiation will destroy our bodies! We can't do this! There are monsters! There are murderers! Killer plants, rogue ground-walker technology! Maybe even ZOMBIES! WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!"
I was met with a stinging cheek. Wick glared at me as I placed a hoof on the spot she slapped with her wing. "Ow."
Ponies had stopped to watch the mad mare lose her cool.
"Lieutenant! Get a hold of yourself! Those are orders from the General. We have to do this." She lowered her voice. "We will have special armor to protect us from the radiation. If there's any dangers, we can just fly away. Sia, you are not going to die. Remember my promise."
"B-but..."
"No." She cut me off and grabbed my shoulders. "No more. You are going to face your fears and I will be there the whole time, okay?" Her face showed genuine care.
I sniffed. "A-are you sure?"
She let out a sigh of relief. "Yes! You are my friend. We have to stick together, right?" Her hooves wrapped me in a hug.
"You two are supposed to be at the deck." A gruff stallion interrupted.
Wick rolled her eyes. "Yeah, we know." She looked at me. "Let's go, Sia."
I nodded and followed. I hoped she was right. Oh, Celestia and Luna be with us.
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