The Road to Ornithia

by The FraudulentBrit

The Good Major/Loose Ends

The sun was shining brightly over the Hawkins, bathing the vessel in light. Old Silver took in a deep breath, relishing the salt wind as it entered his lungs. “Ah, this is the life.” He whispered to himself, making sure he didn’t distract any of the other sailors from their tasks.

It had been a day since Angel Wing’s failed attempt at a dance lesson, and not only was the ship still slowly moving on the ocean surface rather than the air, but tensions were starting to get just uncomfortable enough to make Silver nervous. True, a sailor’s life was never easy, and exhaustion and injuries were two of the only certainties in their lives, but the crew’s open disrespect to Angel Wings had Silver worried.

“Worried about something?” Wyvern’s signature raspy voice rang from behind him. Silver turned to his friend and replied, “Aye. Yesterday was a bit of a wakeup call.” He then let out a heavy sigh as he asked, “Wyvern, you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Ask away boy.” Wyvern replied with a cheeky grin. Silver let out a defeated sigh and asked, “Do you really think I’m cut out for bein’ Captain?”

Silver did not expect to be on the receiving end of a slap to the face from Wyvern. “Ow! What the bloody ‘ell was that for?” Silver asked as he rubbed his cheek.

“I don’t want to hear you doubting yourself anymore!” Wyvern sternly replied. “I know yesterday wasn’t exactly the best, but you know every-pony on this ship would follow you to Tartarus!” Silver took a moment to take in what he’d said.

“I know.” The wingless-Pegasus replied. “Guess sometimes I have to convince meself that.” He couldn’t help but let his eyes drift to Angel Wings. The mare was, to his surprise, talking with Skibby, pointing out the differences between the clouds above them.

Wyvern then remarked, “She’s taking to this like a fish to water. Better even.” Silver added, “I know. Even after yesterday she seems to be doin’ alright.” He couldn’t help but feel his face blush as he realized he was starting to gaze at her face.

Angel Wings noticed she was being watched and turned to see her captain and colt-friend. She then called out, “Oi, get back to work sir!” Silver realized he had been “put in his place” and, with a cheeky smile, replied, “Aye aye ma’am!”

It was then that Mr. Spyglass called out, “Castaway off starboard bow!” Silver and everyone on deck dashed over to the starboard railings to try and see what he was calling out for. Angel Wings asked, “Where is the castaway? I can’t see them?”

“There he is!” Perry shouted, pointing out into the horizon. Silver tried to squint his eyes, hoping he could see what it was. Perry noticed his Captain’s struggle and pulled out a telescope from his jacket pocket before trotting over to Silver as he presented him the device. Silver took the telescope and began to inspect the horizon.

Silver was shocked by what he was seeing. Off on the horizon, he saw a single damaged longboat that looked like it was barely holding together. What was more shocking was the longboat’s sole occupant, a satyr in a long red coat.

“Oh bugger, it’s a satyr!” Silver shouted to the crew. Almost immediately, Nelson rallied several sailors, and soon they had descended to one of the lower decks, only to return with cutlasses and other swords. Silver then called out, “Mr. Copper Bottom, get us up to the castaway!” The sailor replied, “Aye aye Cap’n!” Soon the Hawkins had rotated and was slowly trudging towards the longboat.

Once the Hawkins was up to the longboat, Silver peaked his head over the railing to the satyr and called out, “Mr. satyr, state your name, rank, and intention!”

The satyr immediately replied in an incredibly fancy voice not unlike Nelson’s, “I am Major Andre, formerly of the remnant intelligence division, and now…” The satyr reached into his longboat and began to reach for something. Nelson and the other armed sailors pointed their blades in his direction, only to be surprised when he revealed a white flag. “….My intention is to surrender.”

Silver was surprised by this to say the least. He may not have known many satyrs, but all of the ones he did know were fanatically loyal to the Storm King, and if what he’d heard was true, they had recently transferred that loyalty to Ecks. Thus the sight of one attempting to surrender was, if not out of the blue, certainly intriguing.

Silver then called out, “We will allow you aboard, but if you attempt anything, we will kill you!” Angel Wings gulped at the idea of seeing Silver kill anyone, but knowing what they were up against, she couldn’t entirely blame him.

Major Andre hesitated for a moment before he replied, “Your terms are fair.” He then reached into the long boat and gathered two objects. One of them was a simple black backpack, but the other object, an officer’s saber, sent the rest of the crew on edge. Perry and Wyvern then dropped a rope ladder, which Major Andre proceeded to climb, his backpack on his back and his saber held in his mouth.

Once Andre had made it to the deck, he quickly found every armed pony had a blade pointed at his throat, with every-pony else watching him like a hawk observing it’s quarry. Tucking at his collar, the major remarked, “My goodness, I take it my old friends have left a poor impression?”

Angel Wings bluntly replied, “We found your handiwork a few days ago.” Perry added, “Yeah, we found a ship torn to pieces, only one survivor!”

Andre sighed as he replied, “I apologize. I deserted a week ago, that attack was made without my knowledge or consent.”

Silver then stepped towards the satyr as he made the gesture to his crew signaling them to lower their weapons. He then said, “Be that as it may Major, but they were your men, or at least your side.” He then gave Major Andre a look that made it clear he would not be buying any sob stories.

Major Andre nodded as he replied, “I expected as such.” He then took his saber and presented it to Silver. As Silver inspected the blade, Andre began to speak. “I believe it is customary for an officer to surrender his weapon to he who defeated him.”

Silver gently grasped the saber with his wings as he replied, “We did’ne defeat you in battle. You simply surrendered to us.” Major Andre shrugged as he answered, “You are now my captors, so I suppose you are as good as any to claim it. Besides, you are the pony known as Old Silver, are you not?”

Silver found himself somewhat embarrassed as he replied, “Aye.” Major Andre let out a chuckle as he continued, “Well I certainly seem to have a string of good luck.” However, as he stepped forward, several sailors raised their weapons to him, pointing their blades back at his throat.

Perry then asked, “Cap’n, should we escort our new friend to the brig?” Silver thought for a moment, his eyes momentarily glancing on Angel Wings, before he replied, “No. Escort him to my quarters.” The rest of the crew were stunned speechless, at least until Silver unsheathed the saber, faced Major Andre, and bluntly said, “I expect you will be there when I get back.” The tone of his voice made it clear what he was implying.

Andre nodded and allowed Perry and his posy to begin escorting him to Silver’s quarters. However, the last pony they passed was Aquamarine. She slowly began to walk towards the group, trying to appear as though she was always one of them. Angel Wings noticed this and called out, “Aquamarine, what are you doing?”

Aquamarine didn’t care. She didn’t care if the rest of the group, or rather the rest of the crew saw for that matter. She slipped through the group and up to Major Andre, and before anyone could react, kicked him in the “chain shot”, and when he collapsed to the ground, began to kick him in the face.

“Staff Sergeant! You will stop this assault right now!” Silver bellowed. Aquamarine didn’t say a word. She simply nodded and backed away from Major Andre, though not before spitting in his face. Silver turned to Angel Wings and ordered, “Miss Wings, please escort Miss Aquamarine to the galley. I will deal with her shortly.” Angel Wings replied, “Aye aye sir!” and began to escort Aquamarine below deck.

Silver then turned to the rest of the crew and cried out, “Alright boys! Back to work!” the rest of the crew replied, “Aye aye Cap’n!”

Angel Wings and Aquamarine sat across from each other at one of the tables in the galley. Aquamarine hadn’t said a single word since she struck Major Andre, and simply sat there, staring forward.

“So….” Angel Wings began, wanting to break the awkward silence. “Do you want to talk about what happened?” Aquamarine didn’t say anything, simply breathing through her nose as she looked away. Angel Wings then asked, “Anything you want to talk about? Like at all?” Again, nothing. Angel Wings sighed as she continued, “Ok. Well….”

“They’re all gone, you know.” Aquamarine interrupted Angel Wings. As she took a deep breath, the blue Pegasus mare replied, “My entire unit, my friends, they were all killed by those monsters.”

Angel Wings feared that was what happened aboard the ship they found her on, but to hear her actually admit it broke her heart. Aquamarine continued, “There was Lance Corporal Puffcake. She was the best baker I’ve ever known. She could easily have been famous if she didn’t want to serve in the guard.” It was then that Angel Wings noticed that Aquamarine was starting to tear up.

“Then there was Sergeant Rocker. Man….” Aquamarine reminisced whistfully. “He was the definition of rock n’ roll. One time he took this old guitar and shredded it so much that there was steam commin’ from the strings.”

Her smile then fell as she solemnly continued, “Then we were attacked by one of the Remnant’s mare-o-wars. We were completely overrun, there were just too many of those damn fuzzy wuzzies.” Anger and venom began to seep from Aquamarine’s mouth as she continued, “I did everythin’ I could, but their captain, a satyr just like our new friend, bonked me noggin with a club. When I woke up….”

Aquamarine’s lips quivered for a few moments before she broke down. As she allowed her head to fall to the table, Angel Wings rose from her seat, made her way over to her, and wrapped a wing over the marine.

“There. Let it all out.” Angel Wings said gently. She patted Aquamarine on the back as the mare belted out her sorrows. “It’s alright.”

“No it isn’t!” Aquamarine angrily countered. She turned to Angel Wings, her eyes now a burning red as tears dripped down. “My entire unit, my friends, they’re gone! They’re gone and never coming back. And that fancy prick is just….” Aquamarine couldn’t help but lower her head as she continued to cry.

It was then that Angel Wings heard the sound hoof steps coming from the stairwell. She turned to see Silver walking up to her, a look of worry evident on his face and a blanket held on his back.

“I figured she’d let it out eventually.” Silver said as he pulled the blanket off his back with his metal wings. He then walked over to the still crying Aquamarine and draped the blanket over her. As the mare immediately pulled the blanket over her to make herself comfortable, Silver asked, “Feel any better?”

Aquamarine managed to regain just enough of her composure to nod yes. Silver let out a sigh as he said, “For the record, it was kinda funny to see you kick ‘im in the widdershins.” Before either of them could react, Aquamarine and Angel Wings started to chuckle. Aquamarine in particular soon found herself laughing her flank off.

Once she had managed to calm down, Aquamarine turned to Silver and said, “Thanks. Guess I needed that.” Silver nodded as he replied, “Trust me, I know that the right kind of joke can be theuropedic. Just don’t expect Perry to understand that.” Of course, from one of the lower decks, they heard Perry’s voice call out, “I heard that!”

Angel Wings then asked, “So, what do we do with that satyr guy?” Silver let out a defeated sigh as he answered, “That’s what I need to talk to you about. Our new aquaintence, the good major, has been insisting that he be placed in the brig as our prisoner. But the brig isn’t big enough for two people.” Angel Wings suddenly realized what he was implying.

“I want your permission first.” Silver finished, making it clear that this time, he wanted Angel Wings’s explicit permission. After a few moments, Angel Wings gave her answer.

“You can let Arrow Bolt out of the brig sir.” Silver immediately replied, “I was afraid you were going to….. Wait, what?” He asked, surprised by her answer. “I was certain you were goin’ to…”

Angel Wings raised a hoof as she said, “I’m not going to let him get to me anymore.” Silver was stunned speechless, especially since it was concerning Arrow Bolt. After managing to regain his composure, he continued, “Very well. I will escort Major Andre to the brig and release Mr. Arrow Bolt. Luckily I have something regarding him I want you to see.”

“Really?” Angel Wings asked. Silver nodded as he replied, “Aye. Would you mind fetching a mop and pail?”

Old Silver, Angel Wings (who was hiding something behind her back), and a handcuffed Major Andre approached the ship’s single cell. As they did, it’s only occupant, a grumpy gray Pegasus stallion in a red jacket sarcastically greeted his “guests.” “Well well well, if it isn’t his majesty, a fuzzy wuzzie, and a no-pony. I’m honored.” Silver immediately shot back, “Stow it Arrow Bolt.” He then pulled a key out from his jacket and unlocked the cell door.

Arrow Bolt then rudely asked, “We make port already? ‘Cause I haven’t heard any damn gulls yet.” Silver ignored his crassness as he sternly replied, “I am going to give you ONE chance to prove you can behave.” Arrow Bolt gave him a confused look as he asked, “What do you mean?”

Silver nudged his head to Major Andre, who was trying to squeeze his way past the two, politely apologizing, “I’m terribly sorry for the inconvenience.” Arrow Bolt turned to Silver and asked, “Sir, why is the fuzzy wuzzy in the brig?”

Silver answered, “Given our circumstances, we have decided to place the prisoner here.” Arrow Bolt caught on to what Silver was implying as he replied, “Well that sounds just dandy. I need to stretch me wings anyway.” He was about to strut out, but Silver stretched his wing out, blocking him.

“However, there is one wee condition.” Silver said, a wry smile growing on his muzzle. As Arrow Bolt gave him a confused look, Angel Wings stepped forward with a bucket and a mop. As she presented these items to a confused Arrow Bolt, Silver dryly added, “Hope you brought your rubber gloves, ‘cause you’re the new cabin foal.”

“What?” Arrow Bolt indignantly asked. “You can’t expect me to serve as some lowly cabin foal.” Silver stepped right into Arrow Bolt’s personal space as he coldly replied, “Are you challenging my authority?”

Angel Wings realized this was Silver reasserting his authority. Arrow Bolt, sweating nervously, backed away in fear as he replied, “Nn-n-n-no sir!” Silver let out a brief chuckle as he replied, “Good deal. Now I want you to mop up the brig.” Arrow Bolt replied, “Yes sir.” As he began to mop the deck in front of the cell, Angel Wings cheekily called out, “I want it looking spotless by tonight.”

As Arrow Bolt grumbled to himself, Silver and Angel Wings couldn’t help but start giggling at the sight of the disgruntled bully having been put in his place.

Angel Wings sat next to Aquamarine as the two began to dig in to their dinner. Bully Beef had prepared a simple apple and carrot stew, and now both mares found their mouths watering. Taking a deep breath through her nose, Angel Wings remarked, “Mmmhh. I have a good feeling about dinner tonight.”

Aquamarine replied, “Yeah, today’s been a long day.” She then let out an exhausted sigh as she realized her nose was starting to run. Angel Wings knew she was still upset about their current new guest, but didn’t know how to cheer her up.

Aquamarine realized her new friend was worried about her and said, “Don’ worry about me. I’ll eventually recover.” Angel Wings let out a sigh of relief as she replied, “Ok. I’m just worried about you, especially with our new guest.”

From behind the two, Perry’s voice rang out, “I wouldn’t worry about the good major too much.” Aquamarine turned to see her new guest walking over to the table with a bowl of stew. The unicorn set his bowl on the table as he asked, “You ladies mind if I sit here?”

“No problem Mr……. Uh….” Aquamarine began before she asked, “Uh, your name again?” Perry then performed a dramatic bow as he replied, “Gunnery Officer Perry, at your service.” As he rose, he added, “Might I say you look beautiful m’lady?” Aquamarine rolled her eyes as she sarcastically replied, “I’m flattered.”

“Mr. Perry bothering you two?” Silver asked as he joined the group. Angel Wings replied, “He’s just being him.”

Aquamarine then leaned over to Perry and whispered something into his ear. The gleeful smile on his face quickly faded into a horrified expression as his lips began to tremble as he rose to his hooves and said, “I gotta go and….. and….. Bang my head against the hull.” He then proceeded to quickly walk out of the galley, leaving everyone else curious as to what had just happened.

Silver then asked, “What did you say to him anyway?” As he took a bite from his stew, Aquamarine whispered the same thing into his ear, Silver spit out the stew in his mouth as he replied, “For celestia’s sake, we’re eatin’ here!” Aquamarine simply shrugged as she shrugged, “Hey, when you’re a mare in the marines, you have to deal with a lot of stallions who think they can “take advantage” of you.”

Angel Wings then asked, “So is Arrow Bolt behaving?” Silver replied, “As much as ever. At the very least we won’t have any more trouble from him for the rest of the voyage.” Angel Wings then asked, “Speaking of that, how much longer is it till we get to Ornithia?” As Silver took another bite from his stew, he replied, “At most, three more days, four with bad wind. Best case scenario, forty eight hours.”

At that moment, Wyvern popped up behind Silver as he reported, “Cap’n, we have a problem.” As Aquamarine jumped up in surprise of his sudden appearance, Silver asked, “What is it?”

Before he could react, he heard the sound of something crashing on the deck below, as well as Barricade shouting, “SKIBBY!” Silver let out a sigh as he said, “I’ll go handle it.” he then rose to his hooves and turned to Angel Wings as he cheekily remarked, “A captain’s work is never done. I’ll be right back.” Angel Wings playfully replied, “Don’t be too long.”

Once Silver was gone, Aquamarine asked “You and the Captain close or somethin’?” Angel Wings felt her face blush as she replied, “He’s my colt friend.” Aquamarine couldn’t help but laugh as she said, “No wonder you had some trouble with respect yesterday. These buggers probably think you’re only here for “certain” reasons.

Angel Wings blushed even harder as she replied, “We’ve never done anything like that! Silver’s never done anything more than kiss me!” Aquamarine rested a wing on her shoulder as she reassured her, “I was only messin’ with ya. Besides, he seems like an effective commander.”

Angel Wings couldn’t help but shrug. As the memories of the previous few weeks came back to her, she simply replied, “You meet a lot of interesting ponies in a place like this.”