//------------------------------// // The Eye of the Storm // Story: Beauty Is Where You Find It // by Verdigris //------------------------------// Chapter 7 (((()))) “Darling, I don’t know why I go to extremes. Too high or too low; there ain’t no in-betweens. And if I stand or I fall – it’s all or nothing at all – Darling I don’t know why I go to extremes.” – Billy Joel, I Go To Extremes (Storm Front) (((()))) Surestrike arrived at the outskirts of Oceanside with Blaze and Tango, the second being a Pegasus who he’d thought would do well as his replacement, when retirement came up. That wasn’t going to be for a few years, but Surestrike always planned ahead. They’d returned to the site near Verdigris’ home, as it was familiar. “Hmm, reminds me a little of home,” Blaze said after re-gaining his breath and bearings. “Guess it’s not the place so much as the ponies.” “What, you can sense them from here?” Tango replied. The Pegasus looked at his superior nervously. Surestrike pointedly kept his silence. This argument came every week, almost like clockwork. “Yes, and I told you I don’t know how many times I can’t read minds. All I can sense are surface thoughts, and those have to be fairly strong,” Blaze said with a long-suffering tone. “It’s nothing specific. It’s the general feel of this town.” He flinched. “Oh, ow.” “What?” Surestrike asked. “Speaking of strong, some stallion and his colt are having a nasty argument. I’m getting a sense of amused satisfaction, too,” Blaze reported. “And – incoming.” Just after he spoke, a greenish-white flash dazzled them. They blinked, and a mostly-green Alicorn colt stood there, a smile on his face. “Welcome to Oceanside. I thought Celestia wouldn’t send anypony until later.” “Ah, you must be Verdigris,” Surestrike said. He held out his hoof, and studied the colt – no, young stallion as they shook. To the veteran’s practiced gaze he looked like he could be trouble, if he wanted. “I’m Surestrike. This is Blaze and Tango.” “Pleased to meet you. Come on,” Verdigris said as he turned and led the way in. They followed, their eyes scanning for trouble more out of habit than anything else. “Thunderstorm will be glad to see you.” “Oh, that’s right. I’d wondered where he went after graduation.” Surestrike watched Verdigris out of the corner of his eye as they walked. He’d make a hay of a Guard, if I thought he’d go for it, he thought. Blaze openly studied him, noting the colt’s size, bearing and power hinted at more than they saw. Celestia supposedly gave him some of her blood to save him, and I’d say it did a lot more, he mused. Wouldn’t want to face him in a stand-up fight without back-up, from what I can sense. Tango looked around, taking in the environment. Word was sea-side ponies were made of hardier stuff than most other ponies, and he could understand why. It took a lot to make your home next to what was almost a hungry predator; the storms they faced made the sea an uneasy neighbor at best, and that was normally. The winter storms were often brutal. Verdigris led them along, ignoring their looks. He’d never seen the Royal Guards when they were here, and he’d expected them to observe everything carefully. They weren’t only Celestia’s personal security force, they were her eyes and ears. “So, what did you want to see first?” “Nothing specific,” Surestrike replied. “But we’d like to talk to those Rus. The Princess wants to know who made the arrangements.” “Oh, I can give you that. A mare named Tatiyana Horshkov arrived a year ago, and the others began to show up after that. The local ship-owner Full Sail needed crew, and she brought in some Stalliongrad ponies. Thugs. Criminals. Trouble,” he said, his ears flattening. “A bunch went after my mom and sister. You probably know the rest.” Surestrike nodded as Blaze said, “We came down after she went ahead. Didn’t see much. It was over when we got here.” “The Magistrate’s colt Bluestreak was the ring-leader. Well, he might have thought so, but they were willing to go along. They went after the wrong ponies,” Verdigris replied. “I’ve never been so mad in my life. I thrashed them.” “Wait, single-hoofed against nine Stalliongrad rough-necks?” Tango asked, incredulous. “How are you still alive?” “Ask Blaze. I’m probably giving him a headache.” The colt smiled. “The rumor about Celestia giving me her blood is true, and I know I’m not normal. Whatever the hay that is. I’m five this year, and way ahead of other ponies my age. I don’t know exactly, but the infusion did a lot to me.” He sighed. “I can’t really explain it. You’d have to ask her.” “I will, but I don’t know if she’ll tell me,” the Unicorn replied. “This is the Princess we’re talking about.” “She’s not that cool, distant creature everypony else sees,” Verdigris countered. “She’ll make sure you want to know, though. It’s painful, even after all those years, and I’m not talking about Luna. She doesn’t show it, but she’s very passionate. Nopony but those close to her know. She has an image to live up to, after all.” “That’s true,” Surestrike said. “I was surprised to find out, and it was the day she left an important meeting for you. You should have seen her, lad. That was a very different Princess.” “I’d like to talk with your parents,” Blaze said. “I need to see who and what they are, and then we’ll probably want to talk to any ponies you’ve interacted with.” “You won’t like it,” Verdigris replied. “Some I’ve had to beat down, so they’d leave me alone. I terrorized the Rus into leaving. I’m kinda on good terms with Breakwater and Full Sail, but we’re not friends. I’m still just a colt. A very unusual one, but still a colt.” “Your Uncle Mike would have something to say about false modesty, I think. You have no idea how proud of you she is,” Surestrike answered. “She told us about how you handled Bluestreak, and the rest, but not much else.” He decided to speak his mind. “You’d make one hay of a Guard, if I thought you’d go for it.” “My dad’s in the Coast Patrol. They get first call, if anypony does.” Verdigris changed course and led them toward the house. “He should be home; he’s got the duty every four days.” As Verdigris trotted ahead, Blaze said, “We can’t socialize. We don’t have time.” “I don’t remember the Princess giving us a time-table,” Tango countered. “And this isn’t socializing, this is information gathering.” “Knock it off, you two.” Surestrike sighed to himself. “Remind me why I keep bringing you along?” “I have the ability to take everything in, remember and analyze it, while he’s got sensitivity to all things magical,” Tango replied with a slight grin. “And we’re entertaining.” “So’s a swift buck in the head, at least to the audience,” Blaze commented. “Sir, if you didn’t want the show, you wouldn’t have brought us. That, and you seem to like joining in as the heckler.” Surestrike didn’t reply. They noted the mailbox, and looked to see Verdigris standing further down the path, watching. His stance seemed to say, Do you need an invitation? Surestrike shook his head as they followed. I’ll bet he’s wondering if she did the right thing, but he doesn’t know what the show’s all about, he thought. You might be surprised, Surestrike, the colt’s voice said in his head. He didn’t react, but immediately schooled his thoughts. Like Blaze, surface thoughts only, and they have to be either strong, or meant for me. No other way, so far. I think. He felt Breakwater and Bluestreak, I’m sure. Yes, he did, the Guard confirmed as they reached Verdigris’ position. “What’s your hurry?” “I’ve got some beach-combing to do,” the colt replied. “The last storm was nasty, and the bottom got stirred-up, I’m sure. Mom and dad can tell you more, and he can show you around. If I’m there, well, most ponies will clam up. The Princess pretty much informed everypony about our relationship last week. Was it only last week?” he said as they continued down the trail, which was raggedly lined by the mis-matched flowers Freewind had planted. “You should fire your gardener,” Tango said. “It looks like wildflowers along a path someone blazed.” “You can tell my sister yourself, and that’s what she was aiming for,” Verdigris replied. “None of us are what you’d call normal, never mind what’s normal for Oceanside. A Unicorn-Pegasus crossing never is.” “It happens other places,” Blaze said. “Not very often. You know why. The risks are too high.” “Yeah, but even though I’ve had a hard time, I wouldn’t go back. Well, maybe, but only if some things were the same.” He levitated the pendant he wore. “You can ask Celestia about this. She knows the story. That’s if you can’t figure it out on your own.” His smile told them he knew they were more than they appeared. “Laying it on a little thick, aren’t you?” “Once you meet the ponies here, you’ll understand why. They’re not all thick as cold tar in January, but most are just plain stubborn. Surestrike and Thunderstorm are from Cape Colt, so they know. Not a lot changes, unless it has to. Good in some ways, bad in others. You can guess what my looks do for me,” he said evenly, but Tango could detect some lingering resentment in his voice. He shrugged. “It’s Oceanside. What else can I say?” (((()))) Hawkfeather was reading the new Patrol procedural updates when Verdigris returned. Early, isn’t it? He looked when he heard multiple hoof-steps, and stood quickly when he saw the Guards. “What the hay?” “It’s okay, dad. Nopony’s in trouble. Surestrike and company are here to look around. Celestia’s orders,” his son replied. “I figured you’d be the one to show them around. Mom’s not up to it yet, and I sure as hay can’t.” He nodded to the Guards. “This is Surestrike, Tango, and Blaze. They were here last week.” He looked at the Guards. “This is my dad, Hawkfeather.” Hawk looked at the trio for a moment. “I remember you,” he said to Surestrike. “Aren’t you Thunderstorm’s cousin?” The captain nodded. “Should I ask what you’re here for, or will I figure it out?” “The Princess sent us to have a good look around Oceanside, and investigate how the Rus got here,” Tango said. “Can’t say exactly what we’re looking for, but it’s mostly for background. She wants to understand Verdigris’ situation better.” I know Hawkfeather from somewhere, he thought. “Horse apples. I know he and Gemstone send her letters, and she shows up when something significant happens.” Hawk tapped a hoof impatiently. “Give, or you can leave now. Not just this house, but Oceanside. Just because I’m Patrol doesn’t mean I’m not good enough to make the Guard, or you can treat me like an idiot.” “All right, now I remember you,” Tango said. He surprised everypony by removing his armor, revealing his true appearance, which was a pale grey coat with turquoise-blue mane and tail. His cutie mark consisted of two musical notes and a pair of dancing shoes. “Recognize me, ‘Thunderbolt’?” Hawk did a double-take, then face-hoofed. “Oh, horse apples. It’s you.” He looked at Blaze. “I didn’t mess with you, did I?” “Unicorns don’t go to Flight School, ‘Bolt.” Tango looked at himself, then said, “Y’know, maybe this will work better. Nopony will talk to a Guard if they don’t have to, but if we’re Hawkfeather’s school friends – ” “They don’t let dummies into the Guard, either,” Verdigris commented, earning himself a scathing glare from the Pegasus. “They don’t call some Pegasai flighty or feather-brained for no reason.” “Didn’t you say you had some beach-combing to do?” Blaze complained as he removed his helmet. “Yeah, thanks for reminding me.” He looked at the Unicorn, who revealed himself as having a olive-green coat and a black mane. His cutie mark was, naturally, a flame. “Hmm, have fun finding you in a forest or over-grown area.” “Verdigris,” Hawk said. “Okay, okay, I’m going. Later. Sheesh.” He collected his saddle bags and left with a huff. He didn’t slam the door, as they expected. “I guess he wanted to hear more,” Surestrike said as he removed his armor, showing his charcoal coat and bright copper mane and tail; his cutie mark was of an arrow in the bulls-eye of a target. “We’ll need to talk to him, as well, Hawkfeather. As I told him, we’ll need to speak with every pony he’s interacted with.” When the Pegasus started to speak, he added, “Verdigris told us he’d trounced a few, and we’d heard when we were here last week. The Princess hasn’t been silent, but she only told us the basics, so we’d come in with open minds.” “Maybe, but you can’t help feeling for him,” Blaze said. “Oh, he’s right. I just noticed the headache go away.” He shook his head. “It’s … it’s like being in her Presence when you’re not prepared.” “Hawk? Who’s there?” Gemstone’s voice preceded her into the room. “Oh,” she said as she noticed the armor. She studied them for a moment, then asked, “Is that you, Surestrike?” He nodded, and she looked at the others. “Blaze, and Tango, isn’t it?” “You have a good memory, Gemstone,” the Unicorn answered as the Pegasus nodded. “But then, being the Princess’ student, you’d have to.” “All right, I suppose we can start. Let’s get some tea, and I’m sure you left without eating, as usual,” she replied. At their questioning looks, she said, “I overheard. I just didn’t recognize your voices. Come on.” She pinned each stallion with a gimlet stare. “Breakfast first, the rest after. That’s an order.” She smiled. “Aye, ma’am,” Tango answered for them. He remembered her sharp tongue and determination; it was easier to give in than be polite. Surestrike smiled. “Well, maybe there’s hope for you yet.” “Shut it and get in here.” Surestrike flinched and lowered his head slightly, feeling very abashed. I’ll never understand how she did and still does that. It’s almost like the Princess is here, he thought as he followed her into the large eat-in kitchen. (((()))) Verdigris walked the beach, his eyes missing nothing. He’d become almost perfectly attuned to how the sand looked normally, and noticed any imperfection in its surface. He also knew what the back-channel foliage looked like, and noticed anything out of place. It was something that took time and experience, and he had a sharp weather-eye, which helped. As he walked, he thought about the reasons Surestrike and the others were here, what they’d told him, and he was working on what the real reasons could be. Celestia probably wants to know more about what’s behind Bluestreak, and I’m sure the Rus weren’t a nice surprise. Breakwater and Full Sail, too. Maybe, maybe she wants to know what I’ve been through that I haven’t told her. He smiled ruefully. She did say she thought of me as her own son. I still can’t believe that, really. As long as she’s lived, she’d have to have had foals of her own. I can’t see anything else. It’s not really possible, is it? A wave breaking in the wrong place caught his eye, and he turned to stand by the surf-line, studying it. So far, not much had washed up in the last storm, but this was different. May as well go in and look. He walked into the surf, pausing to let the waves break against him before continuing. Whatever it was, it was about ten yards out, where the beach still sloped gently before reaching the drop-off twenty-five yards out. He stopped and looked at what appeared to be a large cabinet, but it should have floated in further before grounding. He took a breath and plunged his head below the surface, then looked. He never failed to wonder why the salt water didn’t burn his eyes until after he surfaced. Must be the exposure to air that does it. Have to look into that. It was a cabinet, but he could see metal through the gaps in the frame, and as he moved around, he could see the dial and handle of a large safe. Well, that explains one thing, but not how it got here, he thought. Unless it’s air-tight, it shouldn’t have floated at all, let alone come this far. He pulled his head up, blinking as the salt stung his eyes, and shook his head. He stopped and searched his memory; there was something about a safe involving one of those last four ships, the one that burned. If he remembered correctly, it was registered and home-ported in Calais, Prance, and the name was Moulin Rouge, Prench for Red Mill. It would have taken this long for the current to push it this far, but I still can’t see how. Oh, wait. He concentrated, focusing on any residual magic, and found a buoyancy spell. Somepony meant for it to be found if the ship sank, which meant something important. I’ll have to check. This could be big. Nothing else makes sense. He walked out of the surf, shaking off the water, and noticed a splash of green among the grey and tan rocks. A quick glance confirmed his suspicions. Sky was watching him. Well, that explains how Full Sail found that crate after I dragged it out. So, they think they’re going to snatch my salvage out from under me, eh? I can fix that. He closed his eyes, visualized the top of the bluff and concentrated. His horn flashed, and he was pleased to see he’d arrived exactly where he wanted. He turned and trotted a few yards away, taking cover behind some scrub, and waited. Soon enough, Sky Watcher galloped up the path, panting as he tried to stay moving. He had to stop just past the edge to catch his breath, and when he looked up, Verdigris was standing there with a neutral expression. He backed away, stopping when his hoof touched open air. He glanced back, then looked at Verdigris as though fearing for his life. He’s got a reason, but it’s not me, the Alicorn thought. Verdigris crouched down to the Pegasus’ level, looking him in the eye. “So, that’s how he did it. The little snitch and spy’s doing dad’s dirty work,” he said calmly. “That crate was mine, Sky. Fair and square. They might not be written down, but there are rules about salvage, and your dad knows them by heart.” He cocked his head to one side. “Or was it your dad? It couldn’t have been Honey Bunch. All she’d have to do is ask, and she knows it. So who?” “S-Salt Spray,” the colt replied, shaking. “He said I could make some bits.” He scowled in spite of his predicament. “I never got them. He said I should be happy to be part of the job.” “Never play games like that, Sky,” Verdigris replied, backing away so the colt could move away from the edge. What, doesn’t he know how to fly? “As far as I’ve heard, Spray’s never told anypony the truth. I got burned once, and that was all it took.” Sky Watcher blinked. “What happened?” “He promised up and down he’d keep shut about me and Sea Grass, then the next day Fire Coral comes charging at me, screaming about how I’d ‘ruined’ her filly. All we ever did was sit on the bluff and talk. Well, then, but I’ve never touched her beyond hugs and kisses,” Verdigris admitted crossly. “I shouldn’t have told him,” Sky replied softly. “I didn’t know she was Honey’s best friend.” “Okay. Tell you what, want a piece of this?” Sky nodded cautiously. “All right. Let’s both report this, and do it right. Come on.” Verdigris led the way back down to the beach, and said, “Keep an eye out.” He walked into the surf, found the safe again and began rolling it out of the surf, using a hoof and telekinesis. After a few minutes, it was up on the dry sand, and Sky looked at it eagerly. “What do you think’s in it?” the colt asked. “No idea, but I’ll go to the Port Office to find out. We’ll go find out. But first,” Verdigris said, just before concentrating and moving his horn against the exposed metal. A glowing “V” appeared, then faded away. “There. Always mark your finds, or somepony will steal it and claim it as theirs. Lousy way to do business. Nopony’s gonna trust anypony else if it happens too often.” “Sorry. I shoulda’ known better.” Verdigris reached out and tousled Sky’s mane. “Hey, it’s okay. We both got burned, so we’ll both turn it around. He’s probably watching, somehow. It wasn’t just the crate, I had it marked with chalk. He had to have erased it. Well, not this time. Let’s go.” (((()))) After stopping at the bank to check his list and retrieve some documents, Verdigris and Sky trotted to the Port Office to report their find. They walked in to see Salt Spray signing a form, and a familiar safe sitting to one side. “Don’t say anything,” Verdigris warned quietly when Sky was about to yell. “There’s ways to fix this.” “Well, lookie who’s here. The Freak and the Spy,” the tan Unicorn sneered. “Something wrong?” Verdigris didn’t react, other than his eyes glinting unpleasantly. “Verdigris, what brought you here?” Steerage, the Port Clerk, asked. Five other ponies looked up from their work. Any time Verdigris came in, something interesting was ahoof. “Oh, nothing. I‘m here to report I’d found something from the Moulin Rouge.” Sky looked at the Alicorn curiously. His tone was normal, not angry. “Oh, really?” Spray looked at him curiously. “What’s that?” Steerage looked at him intently. “Moulin Rouge? She sank a few months ago.” “I know. Everypony heard about it.” He removed the documents from his saddlebags and set them on the counter. “One Caballeros brand high-security safe, model number twelve; the air-tight one. Serial number 184495, combination 72-44-29.” He turned to Spray’s find, concentrated and everypony there saw his mark glow brightly. “There’s my mark, and Sky here’s my witness.” Salt Spray’s eyes widened in shock, then narrowed in anger. No way you’re taking this back, freak. “That little snitch can’t be trusted,” he snapped. “And you’re a thief!” Sky exploded, surprising everypony except Verdigris. Sky’s probably never been treated decently by any of those sons-of-nags, he thought. “Stop it,” one of the Earth pony haulers said. “Steerage, prob’ly gonna need a truth spell.” “Verdigris?” The Alicorn nodded, and his horn glowed. A greenish-grey aura surrounded the colt. “All right, Sky, tell us what happened.” Sky told how he’d watched Verdigris as he walked the beach, noticed the safe and inspected it, then told of their bargain and how he’d marked it. The aura changed to blue and stayed that way as soon as he started speaking. “I’m satisfied,” Steerage said. “No, it’s mine!” Spray snarled. “Those two freaks don’t deserve anything!” “You realize you can be charged with piracy, and convicted easily,” the Clerk replied calmly. He blinked when the Unicorn glared at him. When Spray bolted toward the door, he shouted, “Stop him!” Verdigris noticed Spray’s eyes were locked on Sky, and he thought, Oh, no you don’t. A roiling greenish-grey shield enveloped the colt, and Spray’s passing buck bounced off harmlessly. He continued on, rushing to the door, until Verdigris suddenly boomed, “Stop right there!” He froze in place, his eyes wide in surprise. Everypony started when Spray was dragged backwards by a familiar aura and hung above the floor, eye-to-eye with a suddenly much larger Verdigris. A few ponies noted he looked the same as a few days ago: Tall and imposing, his mane and tail long and flowing, and his eyes lit bright white. His expression wasn’t calm, this time: Fury burned in his eyes. “How dare you? It wasn’t bad enough that you got caught, but you had to attack Sky when he told the truth. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t make an example out of you.” “Because he didn’t hurt me,” Sky said quietly. He stood firm when Verdigris looked at him. “Please. You said you didn’t want to be like Bluestreak.” Verdigris looked at him for a few seconds more, then nodded. He turned back to Salt Spray and said, “All right. Mercy it will be, Sky.” The distance between their faces closed until their noses touched. “You get a free pass, but you’re still going to pay. Nopony does that in my presence. Be glad I can be talked down, Spray. Next time, it might not happen.” The aura faded and Spray fell to the floor, landing hard. He looked up in awe-tinged fear. “Why?” Verdigris visibly shrank back to his usual size and appearance, and he began to breathe heavily. “Because everypony deserves a second chance, and Sky asked me to. You’re still going to answer for the rest,” he replied as two of the haulers grabbed Spray. “Let the Constables deal with him. I’m done.” He leaned heavily against the counter as they took the Unicorn out. “Can’t I have a calm day?” “Uhm, should we continue?” Steerage asked. “You have the proper documentation, and your mark is there.” “Sure. Let me catch my breath.” Verdigris staggered to a bench and dropped onto it heavily as Steerage referred to the documents and carefully opened the safe, a clipboard nearby. He paused, then passed it to Sky. “Here. I’ll call out what I find, and you check it off. That reminds me, does he get a part?” “A third. Besides the rest, he kept me from mangling Spray,” Verdigris said. “He earned it,” he added with a smile. “Wow. Do you mean it?” Sky’s eyes were wide in wonder. “Sure do, Sky. I’m not joking. I was ready to braid his legs together.” The remaining ponies cringed. “Well, maybe not, but something as bad.” While Verdigris rested, Steerage opened the safe and began to softly call off items as Sky checked them off the list. Within ten minutes, he nodded in satisfaction. “Everything’s here.” “What’s so important they’d use that safe, and put a buoyancy spell on it?” Verdigris asked as he walked over. Steerage showed him the list, and his eyes saucered. “The Prench Crown Jewels? Were they out of their bucking minds?” “Maybe. There’s nothing about why,” Steerage answered. He looked the list over, calculating their share. “You might want to have Cash Box send somepony over. This is quite a lot of bits you’re getting.” “If it’s what I think it is, you’ve got that much in reserve? Good thing the Rus didn’t think of that.” “They met you before they could,” the Earth pony replied with a slightly mean smile. Verdigris chuckled. “Uh, how much?” Sky asked in a small voice. Steerage wrote it out and showed him. “Wow. I’m gonna need to open a bank account. Dad’s not gonna be happy.” He paused. “Maybe Honey can help.” “Can’t hurt to ask.” Verdigris kept a calm expression, but he smiled internally. Well, that solves some problems. All but a few. I can live with that. (((()))) After Gemstone and Hawkfeather told everything they knew, and answered questions, the Patrol pony led the Guards on a tour of Oceanside. He introduced them by their real names, and said Tango and Blaze were from his Academy days (not completely untrue), and Truestrike was Thunderstorm’s cousin (the complete truth). No mention was made of their actual duties. As they spoke to the townsponies, the Guards began to get an accurate impression of Oceanside and its inhabitants. Surestrike noted what he learned wasn’t far from Celestia’s original estimation; with only a few exceptions she’d been right. Tango didn’t say much; he was noting the ponies’ attitudes from their body language and tone. Blaze spoke to the ponies who had interacted with Verdigris the most; they opened up once he told them the reason. Everything seemed to be just another ordinary, regular day until they reached the Port Office. As they arrived, two haulers were dragging a tan Unicorn out. “What’s going on here?” Hawk asked. “This donkey tried stealing Verdigris’ salvage,” Boxcar replied tightly as they passed. Hawk face-hoofed. “It’s not that bad. Nopony got hurt, this time.” “That’s an improvement, from what he didn’t say,” Tango commented as they walked to the door and entered. They found Verdigris on a bench, looking very tired, while Steerage was talking softly to Sky Watcher. “What did we miss?” “That – that donkey tried to seriously injure Sky when he told the truth, Hawk,” the Clerk replied. “If Verdigris hadn’t reacted – well, let’s say it wouldn’t have been good.” “Did you ‘blossom’ again, son?” Verdigris nodded wearily. “There’s going to be more talk.” Blaze looked at the colt curiously. He did? Why I didn’t feel anything? “Big surprise. I’ll bet Full Sail’s on his way right this minute,” the Alicorn replied. “I’ve got a feeling I don’t like, dad.” Hawkfeather turned to the clerk and asked, “What happened? I’ll have to report this. Port Office business is Patrol business.” “As I’m well aware, Hawk.” Steerage gave him a factual telling of what happened, including what led up to it, and the inventory of the safe’s contents. “Your colt did the right thing. He might have been tempted to, as he said it, mangle Spray, but Sky asked him not to.” He smiled. “I have to say, it was interesting to hear the Royal Canterlot Voice again. I haven’t since my University days.” Tango and Blaze blinked and looked at Verdigris. “Really?” “If you’d been here a few minutes earlier, you’d have seen and heard it yourselves. Ugh. I’m tired. It always takes a lot out of me.” The doors burst open, and Full Sail’s voice barked, “What happened to my Ship’s Mate? Why was he hauled away?” The ship owner blustered in with his daughter behind him. Her eyes found Verdigris and Sky, and her expression asked a dozen questions. “He’s being charged with piracy,” Steerage replied frostily as Verdigris and the Guards watched. “Not only that, he tried assaulting your colt, but Verdigris stopped him. As he fled, he was stopped and given a stern lecture in why not. You should thank your colt for asking Verdigris not to hurt him. Some of us were there the last time.” Sail looked at Verdigris with angry, almost hateful eyes. The Alicorn bore the gaze for a moment, then his expression clouded up. “Oh, is that how you planned to turn everything around? You obviously didn’t listen to me about taking foalish risks, Sail.” Honey Bunch looked from him to her father, and her expression spoke of how she didn’t like what her mind was putting together. Sky walked over, ignoring his father and looked up at her. “I need to open a bank account. Can you help me, Honey Bunch?” She looked at Verdigris, who nodded. She nodded, and he said, “Let’s go. I want it done today.” He walked out, and she followed after giving Verdigris a You’ve got some explaining to do glare. She pointedly ignored her father. “You stole my daughter away, now you’ve taken my son,” Full Sail began, but he stopped when Verdigris stood over him. Though he wasn’t “empowered”, he was still taller than most of the towns-ponies. Sail stepped back, cringing slightly. “I didn’t do a bucking thing, Sail. You can congratulate yourself for chasing them away, just by treating them the way you have. When were you going to teach him to fly? Ever? Never? You’ve got some nerve, blaming me for your mistakes, bad decisions and maliciousness. If this is what you think is right, it’s no wonder Honey’s mom went back to Manehattan.” “You had no right – ” “To claiming what’s mine? Horse apples. If you hadn’t set Spray to high-jacking my finds, you’d still be getting away with it. Maybe I can’t prove it was your idea, but I’m sure you were desperate for bits. Why? I don’t really care. Stick to your business. If it goes under, so does Oceanside, more or less. I’m sure you don’t want that hanging over you, but it’s true. Masthead and Freeboard haven’t recovered from what the Rus did. You wanted to be number one; now you are, and you’ve got to carry the load that goes with it. I hope you’re up to it.” Verdigris walked out with a disgusted snort. “Well, I think we’ve heard all we need to know,” Surestrike said. “See you, Hawk. We’ve got a report to write.” He led the others out, and the ponies watched them leave in confusion. “I’m not saying anything,” Hawkfeather said. “You’ll guess wrong anyway. This will look good to somepony. Not.” He turned and left, shaking his head in disgust. (((()))) Verdigris stopped by the bank to find Honey Bunch and Sky Watcher talking with Cash Box. “Ah, good, this will help,” the banker said. “Oh, that’s right; he needs two to vouch for him. Slipped my mind.” Verdigris walked over to the counter and looked over the forms. “Good choice on the account. Should grow nicely.” He read and signed where required. “There.” “All right. Sky told us about the find; Steerage will have the total when we go to pick it up.” Cash Box looked at them. “The Prench Crown Jewels? Seriously?” “Yeah, I was wondering if somepony was drunk or something,” Verdigris said as the banker finished with the paperwork and hoofed Sky a bank-book. “Looks like you’re all set, Sky. Guess we’ll have to wait until you take delivery, so can you send them now?” He glanced at Honey Bunch, who was staring holes in him. “Can we wait in a conference room? I think I’ve got some explaining to do.” Cash Box glanced between him and the mare, then smiled. “Room two. I’ll be back in about a half-hour.” Verdigris thanked him and led the way. Once the door was closed, he said, “Okay, you can scorch my hide all you want. This room’s sound-proofed.” Honey blinked, then blushed. “Okay, maybe I deserved that. What’s going on? First you didn’t want Sky around you, now you’re helping him. What’s going on?” “It’s like this,” Sky began, then told her of the find, not leaving anything out. As he spoke, her eyes widened, then she scowled. “Dad probably didn’t know, or didn’t want to, Honey,” the colt finished. She looked at Verdigris. “It’s true. One thing you don’t do around me is go after foals. You know how I feel about bullies.” “What is it about you? You’re either lecturing or thrashing ponies when you’re in town. I don’t know if I’ve seen anything else.” “You tell me,” Verdigris replied with a shrug. “I don’t know, Honey. I’m not sure I could explain if I did.” He paused, then said, “It’s got to be the town. There’s only two reactions to me, really. Like or hate, or close to that. Most just ignore me, unless I’ve got business with them.” She looked at him steadily, then glanced at her brother. “What about Sky? You shifted gears awfully fast.” “Once I got over my mad, it occurred to me Sky was doing his tricks to get approval. You’ll never guess who from,” Verdigris replied sarcastically. When Sky nodded, Verdigris continued, “As far as I could tell, nopony really liked him. They were just using him, and Spray was just the latest. I’ll bet your dad was nice when you told him some things,” he finished, looking at the colt. Sky looked down, in embarrassment or shame; they couldn’t tell. “Yeah, he did,” he replied thickly. “’Specially after he found out about you two splitting up, as he put it.” He looked Verdigris in the eye. “You’re the only one who didn’t put up with it, either. Can’t blame ya for backing me into the corner, either. I had it coming.” “Maybe, but I wasn’t happy about acting like Bluestreak, Sky.” “It’s okay. I wasn’t expecting ya to give me a piece of the prize.” “You bought him off?” Honey Bunch asked, incredulous. Verdigris scowled at her. “That wasn’t what I was thinking, but call it what you like. It’s easier than trying to explain something I’m not sure about myself. It just felt right, okay? Can’t I do something right without having another reason?” “I think you mean ‘ulterior motive’,” Surestrike said, startling them. They looked to see him, Blaze and Tango standing nearby, watching neutrally. “You can talk up a storm when you’re going, lad.” Verdigris looked at the Unicorn. “You’re good. I should have felt the silence spell.” Blaze smiled, and they all held up a hoof to show they were wearing very soft shoes. “Oh. Dopey me.” “We need to talk to you about some things,” Surestrike said. “Official business.” He glanced at Honey Bunch when she gasped softly. “Not officially official, or anything like that. We’re here at the Princess’ request. She wants to know what’s going on. Usually, what’s been happening here lately is more or less confined to big cities like Manehattan, Fillydelphia, Stalliongrad or Trottingham, not small coastal towns.” He looked at Verdigris. “And, of course, she’s wondering how you’re doing. You are her god-son, after all.” “Oh, yeah, she said so,” Sky commented. “So why’s dad acting like a donkey about you?” “Been wondering that myself,” Verdigris said. “You’re too different, and you’re not from an ‘Old Oceanside’ family is all I can come up with,” Honey said. “Go figure.” “That’s roughly as great as being Prince Blueblood,” Tango replied. “Trust me, he makes them all look good.” “We have to wait for the recovery reward to arrive,” Cash Box said, startling the guards. “Oh, please. Everypony knows bankers and accountants are so interesting that we fade into the background.” “I won’t say it,” Blaze commented. “Too easy.” “Stop stealing my lines,” Tango half-scolded. “All right, enough,” Surestrike snapped as the pursers and guards arrived, setting the strong box on the table. “Oh, good. Maybe we can get on with it.” Cash Box waved Sky and Verdigris over as the strong box was opened and its contents counted. They blinked when a pair of matching horn rings were removed. “Hmm, I think somepony’s hinting you might need these,” the banker said with a smile. “Put them in my box,” Verdigris replied. He refused to look at Honey bunch, but the blush told everypony how he felt. “All right, the totals match. Let me record them, and we’re done. Oh, by the way, are you still interested in the Grange?” “I am. My family needs a real social life, and I’m getting in the way.” Verdigris’ brow furrowed in thought. “I’m not old enough to own it in my name, so I’ll have to get dad down here, some time. But that can wait a while, at least a couple years. ‘Lance won’t need his own room until then.” Honey’s hopeful expression faded. “Nothing’s changed, Honey. It’s still not the right time.” Surestrike looked back-and-forth between them, and a few things fell into place. “You’re not of legal age. Your parents are still responsible for you until you’re fourteen. You can wait that long.” He paused, then continued, “But I guess you already knew that.” “It’s still not fair,” Honey Bunch sighed. “Okay, I’ll wait, but you know why,” she said, looking at Verdigris. He nodded. “Are we about done here, Cash?” The Earth pony nodded. “Okay. ‘Strike, you go on ahead. I’ll meet you at the house. I need to talk to Honey Bunch for a few minutes.” Surestrike nodded and led his ponies out while Cash Box filled out and returned the bank-books, and he and the pursers left. Soon, Honey, Sky and Verdigris were alone. “What did we need to talk about?” “Why hasn’t your dad taught Sky how to fly? You should be able, but I haven’t seen you even try,” Verdigris said, turning to the colt. “He kept promising, but something always came up,” Sky Watcher replied sullenly. “So, after a while I stopped asking.” Verdigris muttered a few imprecations under his breath. “That is so not right.” “Sky, would you like me to teach you?” Honey asked, finally catching on. “I thought you didn’t like me.” “I never said that. Dad wouldn’t let me get close to you, and I think that hurt you a lot. It’s not too late, if you really want to try,” she replied gently, crouching down to his level. “I’ve seen how Verdigris and Freewind are, and I realized I wanted that, too. Would you like that?” Her tone was almost pleading, and Verdigris looked away. It hurt to see the looks on their faces. Sky waited until he was sure she was serious, then tentatively wrapped his wings around her. “Yes, more than anything,” he said fervently. He sounded half-way to tears. “Then let’s go. We didn’t get off to a good start, but that doesn’t mean we can’t now. Run ahead, I’ll be along.” Sky trotted out, and Honey grabbed Verdigris in a near-crushing hug, gently sobbing. “Thank you. I wasn’t sure if this could ever happen.” “Like I said, I don’t know why things go the way they do, but I’m glad this happened, Honey. You both deserved better,” Verdigris said as she kissed him. “You’d better move it. He’s probably going to climb on the roof.” She giggled. “He probably would. See you,” she replied before giving him another kiss, and leaving. He listened to her hoof-steps until they ended, then sighed gustily. “Yeah, sometimes, you gotta do bad to do good. Hope this time my luck holds.” He walked out slowly, thinking and wondering what Surestrike and his comrades would be asking. (((()))) Verdigris arrived at home to find the Guards outside on the deck, watching the clouds roll by. The afternoon sun seemed watery in the early winter sky. “I’m going to guess mom and dad don’t need to hear this.” “Not really, but you probably won’t answer some of these questions with them present,” Blaze replied. “Nopony wants to tell what might be considered a deep, dark secret, even if it’s nothing.” Verdigris looked at them, focusing on Surestrike. “Celestia’s the only one who’s going to hear this?” “Despite what they think, we work only for her, not the nobles. They treated us like servants, and she put a stop to that ten years ago. We’re only required to answer questions about public concerns, and nothing else.” “I’ll bet they’ve tried wiggling that to fit what they want.” “It didn’t work. Like you said, we don’t take dummies.” Verdigris took a breath and let it out slowly. “All right. Ask away, but don’t be too surprised if I make you wait on a few.” (((()))) “I guess that’s it, unless you’ve got something, sir,” Blaze finished. He glanced at Tango, who nodded. The Pegasus was known for having a near-perfect memory, which was sometimes a pain, but definitely useful. He’d be able to quote the entire exchange word-for-word with only a few mistakes, and those he could fix after talking through a few points again. Tango didn’t mind being a recorder; it made things easier. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, but can you turn it on and off at will?” The Captain watched Verdigris, wondering what his reaction would be. Instead of being angry, the Alicorn looked thoughtful. “Not really. I’ve got to be upset. It’s been getting easier, though. Hang on.” Verdigris closed his eyes and concentrated, remembering what had made him angry. Within a few seconds, his body changed, growing larger, until he resembled a very large, well-toned Earth pony in stature. His wings and horn lengthened, as did his mane and tail, which floated in the same way Celestia’s did, with stars seeming to flicker in them. His eyes glowed greenish-white when he opened them. “Well, it worked,” he said, startling them. “Now I know how to do it when I want to. I’m not sure I like it.” He closed his eyes, and visibly shrank, returning to his original appearance, though his coat seemed to shine a little more. “Wow, so that’s why everypony’s nervous about you,” Blaze said. “I was right. I didn’t feel it, then or now, though I could when you were talking. You’re a lot like her.” “I’m still wondering what her blood really did. I shouldn’t be able to do any of this,” Verdigris said as he looked out to sea. “I’m worried. What’s going to happen next time?” Surestrike knew what it took for him to admit that, and wished he had an answer. “You’ll have to ask her, lad,” he replied softly. “Despite being her Guards, we don’t know her that well. Not even me, and I’m one of her personal Guards. I don’t think anypony’s had the nerve to ask.” Verdigris nodded, then sighed. “Like she and Uncle Mike said, I’ll have to take it a day at a time, and be careful. So far, it’s worked.” Tango thought for a moment, then said, “Didn’t she send you a book of calming and centering exercises? I know I saw it in the pile that was coming your way.” “If it’s there, I’ll start on it tonight. I’ve got some ponies’ respect. I don’t want them afraid of me.” I don’t want to end up like Luna, he thought. I don’t want to be hated and feared, after being misunderstood. I couldn’t live that way. “Then we’ll go and report. I think she might want you to write,” Surestrike said. “Maybe you can explain in writing what you can’t in words.” Verdigris nodded. “Then we’ll see you next time, Verdigris. As Celestia says, ‘Sometime again’.” Blaze raised his head and his horn flashed, leaving Verdigris standing there, blinking. “Okay, I’ve got some reading and thinking to do. Better get after it.” (((()))) “Had a dream: I was born to be naked in the eye of the storm. And now it's standing right in front of me; what's it going to do to me? Who knows? Had a dream: It was time to be taken to the front of the line. Well, that is not a place you wanna be: Sleeping with the enemy, you know.” – Roger Hodgson, Had a Dream (In The Eye Of The Storm) (((()))) Four years had passed, and little had changed in Oceanside, other than ponies had grown and gotten older. The notable exception was how Full Sail’s family and business matters had evolved. Honey Bunch and Sky Watcher were now much closer, almost as close as Verdigris and Freewind. The business had turned around after some stringent measures had been taken to reduce expenses and restore confidence and trust all around after the Rus left so abruptly. Full Sail had to admit his daughter and her paramour were right, even though he didn’t like to. Being wrong was bad enough. Verdigris had purchased the old Patrol Grange with his father’s assistance and permission, and had set it up as part residence, part business, and part laboratory after getting the attached lighthouse working again. He’d thought the quality and purity of the verdigris he, Driftwood and his ponies collected could be improved, and he’d set out to find out. About six months’ worth of experimentation rewarded them all with a greater share of the perfumers’ patronage. Verdigris was surprised when he was approached to have his name attached to the premium line; he reluctantly did, with restrictions. He didn’t want his image on the product (too distinctive), but agreed to their using his cutie mark. Sea travel and transport had grown more dangerous. The storms’ violence had grown over the years; ten ships had been lost, three with all hooves. None had been from Oceanside, but everypony knew somepony who’d died, or lost family. The time hadn’t been pleasant; it seemed more like an equivalent trade of luck for tragedy. Verdigris’ letters to Celestia had reflected the changes, including the last. I’ve done some hard thinking since Surestrike’s visit. It took a while to figure out what he – and Uncle Mike – meant, but I understand, now. You can’t rush things. They have to come in their own way. You can help it along, but you can’t force change or progress. That’s why I’ve stayed away from Full Sail, mostly. Now I know what it means about being the bearer of bad news. That aside, everything’s been improving all around, other than between myself and Honey Bunch. We’re still keeping our relationship at forelegs’ length. There’s no reason to irritate her father. She and Sky get along wonderfully now, I’m happy to say. Not as close as Freewind and I; they started much later, but made up for it by really working at their relationship. Something that hasn’t changed is he’s still the “town spy”, but he’s been keeping an eye on strangers. It looks as though the Rus are trying to get a hoof-hold on Oceanside again, and I guess that means rousting them. Again. I really don’t want to, but we really don’t need them coming in and ruining all we’ve done. Mom and dad are doing well, and while they miss me, they enjoy having a real social life again. Freewind and Firelance like having their friends over, too. I have to admit I envy them, but I know they’re better off without me under hoof. Sometimes you have to give up what you’d like so those you care about can have it, and I don’t really miss it like I thought I would. How can you miss what you never had? I appreciated the Gala invitation, but I couldn’t accept last time, and I can’t now. The storms are getting worse, and I’m standing watches with dad as an associate Patrol pony. I’m not sure if I’ll join, but I want to help. If somepony had been on our section of shore when the Distant Sun foundered, everypony could have been saved. I still can’t believe we were short-hooved and over-stretched like we were. It’s almost as though somepony’s making it happen at the worst time. I may be imagining it, but I can’t shake that feeling any more than I could my suspicions about Luna. We have, what, another seven years, more or less? Anyway, that’s all I can think of, for now. It’s been good and a little unsettling living and working on my own, but so far the benefits outweigh the draw-backs. Enjoy the samples. I’m rather proud I made them possible. I’m still not going to accept the fame, though. I don’t think anypony will forgive me if tourists start dropping in to see me, and ignore the rest of Oceanside. I might have years ago, but it’s just not worth the hassles, and I’m not interested in playing that game. It’s demeaning to and for everypony. All my love, Your god-son, Verdigris P.S.: You’ll like these pictures. Freewind’s going to be a real beauty, and ‘Lance is already charming every filly about his age. I guess dad’s going to have to lock them both up, before too long. I’m kidding, of course. He’s got his crossbow. Heh. V Celestia set the letter aside with a smile, and removed some items from the box. Scented soaps, candles, shampoos, lotions – Good heavens, how much does he have going? she wondered. The packet of pictures floated out, and she looked at them. The group shot of his family made her smile. They did look happy, even if Verdigris had to live on his own, for the most part. The next picture showed him, Honey Bunch, Sky Watcher and Sea Grass taking part in Founding Day events, the fifteen-hundred-yard air relay, in this case. Their smiles were wonderful to see. Other pictures were of his work on improving the scent-stabilizing ability of the verdigris they gathered; included was a copy of the patent application. Well, my god-son is turning out to be quite a business-colt. Good. He’s standing on his own hooves. Her smile faded when the last picture showed him standing on the bluff, wearing his Patrol regalia and looking out to sea with a very focused gaze. He was obviously on duty, and he still seemed lonely. He didn’t seem unhappy, but there was an undefinable something that gave her that impression. Celestia shook her head sadly. Verdigris seemed to have everything he wanted, except the mare he loved. Celestia sighed. Love. Such a strong yet fragile thing, so easily found and lost, and so light and heavy a burden, all at once. It can take you to the highest of heights, and bring you to the lowest of lows, make you wise or foalish, a hero or a villain, all for that wonderful feeling nothing else brings. She looked at the earlier picture of Verdigris and Honey Bunch, and noticed a sharpness she didn’t see before. They were happy together, but angry that they had to stay apart. I hope everything works out the way you want it, Verdigris, she thought. (((()))) The pair stood there, nearly still as statues, except when a hard gust of wind pushed them. They looked out to sea, watching for ships, and mentally checking their schedules or waiting for a signal when they saw one. A green rocket meant they were all right; yellow meant they had some trouble, but could manage. Red obviously meant serious trouble, with double-red signaling an emergency. Red-white-red meant Disaster! Send help! It was the one signal nopony ever wanted to see, as it always meant several someponys were likely to die. Verdigris and Hawkfeather scanned the horizon, occasionally glancing closer to shore at the Rise, the part of the sea floor that rose abruptly to three fathoms from the surface. Its margins could be estimated by how the waves would rise and break when they reached it. During good weather, it was safe to cross, but in a storm, a ship being tossed by heavy wave action could – and sometimes did – strike the formation hard enough to crack it straight through. Verdigris had once flown out, and dove to see for himself, and the wrecks scattered over the bottom gave mute testimony of how deadly the Rise was. Most of the gaping holes matched the shape of a very prominent outcrop of rock that refused to break. They called it the Sea’s Fang, for obvious reason. They hadn’t lost a ship to the Rise in years, but everypony knew it was a matter of time. Every few hours a ship’s silhouette would appear, and they’d nod, mentioning the ship’s name, cargo and destination. Verdigris was keeping the log; as an Alicorn, he could multi-task more easily than his father, and it was something he found satisfying. It was akin to checking records for lost cargoes when he found a particularly interesting item. He could almost ignore the storm. “Son, what in hay is that?” Hawk said, breaking Verdigris’ reverie. “I don’t recognize her.” Verdigris looked, squinting his eyes, his face stern with concentration. “I can just make her out, dad. A full-rigged, three-masted sidewheeler, red over white freeboard, blue wheel housings, about seventy feet long.” He searched his memory, as he faintly recognized the ship. It was unusual, and that stuck out, obviously. His eyes widened when he recalled. “Sweet Celestia, it’s the Comet. The first sail-to-steam conversion. I didn’t think she was still running.” “Wow. She was ten years old when I was a foal. Well, log it.” Hawk thought a moment. “She wasn’t listed. Didn’t some private party buy her? What the hay are they doing, sight-seeing without a course plan?” “I don’t know. Let’s see what she signals.” They waited. Verdigris flinched, and his eyes widened. “Oh, no. Her wheels aren’t turning, and they’re full-rigged. The wind’s blowing her shoreward, straight for the Rise.” Hawk narrowed his eyes, trying to see what his colt saw, but only the ship’s profile was relatively clear, and that was occasionally. “Who’s piloting her? Can’t he see what’s happening?” Verdigris shrugged, then started. “Uh, oh. Dad, send the signal. I see red – no, double-red.” He opened the equipment shed and began digging out teleport locators, along with the rescue gear saddlebags. “Something’s telling me we’re going to have the big one, and as Celestia is my witness, nopony’s gonna die on my watch.” Hawkfeather looked at his son as he shrugged into the harness. “Are you sure?” He drew back in surprise as Verdigris stiffened, his face etched with dread. “No. Oh, no. I didn’t want to be right. Dad, look.” Hawk did, and through a break in the rain, there it was, plain as day: Red-White-Red. Disaster. Hawkfeather’s hoof struck the launch mechanism, and the rocket shot into the sky, arcing over Oceanside to explode, releasing the red and white stars. “Okay. I’m outta here!” Verdigris looked at the ship for a few moments, then closed his eyes, concentrated and vanished. Hawk watched and saw the greenish-white flare appear near the ship. “Good luck, and Celestia watch over you, son.” (((()))) Verdigris’ first act was to recover as a strong down-draft sent him plunging toward the ocean. He regained control barely fifty feet above the surface, about twenty feet from Comet’s port side. Nopony was on deck, and he could see an Earth pony’s silhouette in the pilot house. The ship’s stacks belched out smoke, but not enough to indicate she was using much power. What’s going on here? he wondered. As he watched, the door of the pilot house opened to reveal the pony in charge, or at least that was the implication. He was a rather foppish-looking Earth pony, dressed in what appeared to be velvet, lace, crinoline and chiffon. Verdigris wasn’t sure if he was actually seeing it, or if his mind refused to accept something even worse. He doesn’t belong on the sea, he belongs on a duck-pond. He made his way down to the deck, carefully walking along its slick surface as the ship heaved. When he reached the pony in charge, he asked – having to shout over the storm – “What the buck are you doing? You’re headed for shoals!” “What? I can’t be. My charts have nothing about shoals here.” The voice and manner spoke of some city-pony who’d made his money recently. “I say, can you tell me where I am?” Verdigris mentally face-hoofed. “Let’s go check your charts!” They returned to the pilot house, and the pony pointedly ignored the engine telegraph’s bell. He removed a thin book, and its battered condition somewhat prepared Verdigris for the disaster he knew was coming. The charts were ten years out of date, and somepony had spilled coffee on them, obscuring large areas. Are you serious? You shouldn’t be out here, he thought. “Okay, we’ve got a problem. First, who sent up the rockets?” “Oh, my lily-livered pilot and that laughable First Mate. They think we’re in trouble. I’ve never had any trouble.” Verdigris glanced at the stallion’s cutie mark, which was a question mark combined with a Royal Flush. “Could I ask your name?” Please, Celestia, let me be wrong. I didn’t do anything. Don’t let the universe troll me, he thought fervently, almost praying. “Dumb Luck. Why do you ask?” his companion said, unfazed. “Because your luck just ran out. The storm’s blowing you into a large rock that will break this ship in half, and I don’t see any safety gear. This ship should be in a maritime museum, not at sea.” “Oh, don’t be silly. I’ve never— ” Whatever he was about to say was interrupted as a large wave smashed into the deckhouse, shattering the windows and flooding the space. “You were saying?” Verdigris pushed him aside, shoving the telegraph handles forward, with the port wheel’s indicator at full. The response was quick. “Listen to me. You have to steer, because I have to see if there’s enough crew.” “Oh, there’s only myself, and fifteen others. They’re all in the engine room.” Luck seemed completely oblivious to the danger. He only took off and wrung out his jacket. “Steer? I can do that.” “Good. Come to course oh-nine-oh and hold steady, please. I’ve got to set these out,” Verdigris responded as he removed the teleport locators and opened the door. “Erm, could you tell me what that meant?” The urge to strangle the dandy was almost overpowering. “Turn the wheel to the right and hold it until your compass shows – ” Verdigris finally face-hoofed when he saw the compass pedestal had been converted into a liquor dispenser. “Where is it?” “Oh, it’s stored away somewhere.” That’s it. “Okay, just stay here. I’ll be right back.” Verdigris trotted out, pausing as the ship rolled. Comet’s original sloop design was sound, but it still wouldn’t withstand being slammed into the Rise. He set and activated the locators, then worked his way back. As he closed the door, he felt the ship surge with power, and the remote steam pressure dial rose dramatically. The hull shook as power thrummed into the running gear, and the wheels began to turn. We might just make it out of this, and I’ll have this foal’s license to operate anything revoked. Verdigris removed his harness and clipped it to the telegraph stand, then steered east, pointing the bow out to sea. When he had the ship pointed in the right direction, he shouted into the speaking tube, “All spare hooves on deck! Oceanside Patrol is onboard!” “Thank Celestia!” somepony shouted back. “Ten coming up, Patrol. Stand by.” “That’s really unnecessary,” Luck smarmed as he poured himself something, ignoring the spray that flew into the pilot house. “I was told this ship is unsinkable.” Again, Verdigris face-hoofed. “I say, you’ll hurt yourself doing that.” “Celestia, I don’t ask for much, so please let us get through this so I can have his brain removed for study into how brain-dead some ponies can be,” he muttered under his breath. “I promise, whatever I’m doing wrong, I’ll stop it.” There was no reply, which meant nothing. He tied the wheel into place, adding a little rudder angle for good measure. I can’t believe this is happening. Did I fall asleep on my hooves and I’m just having some sick, twisted nightmare? The ship bucked almost like an Earth pony, and shook as a wave passed over the bow. Nope, no such luck. He looked forward, and he could see they were making progress against the wind, though the rigged sails greatly slowed them, and made the masts creak and groan ominously. He started when the hatch amidships slammed open, and ponies began coming up on deck. The Mate barked, “Get that canvas put away, afore we lose a mast!” An Earth pony who had to be the pilot slowly made his way aft, almost dancing as Comet rolled and pitched. When he reached the door, he looked up and asked, “Who’s – Oh, Patrol. Uh, who are you? I don’t remember you.” “Verdigris. I’m Hawk’s colt. Can you take over? I’m flying blind. Even then, I’m probably better at this than Lucky here,” he said, noticing the stallion somehow managed to fall asleep in a hammock meant for the duty wheel-pony. “Please tell me he didn’t breed.” The pilot laughed and held out a hoof. “Name’s Barnacle. I got this. Do what ya can.” He gave Verdigris a looking-over. “Associate? Your dad must have done something right, then. Anyway – ” The loud groaning, crackling and tearing noise made them both look forward. “Oh, Celestia, not now.” The broken mainmast leaned aft to fall against the mizzen, the ropes making a strange keening as they were stretched to near-breaking. The deck ponies looked up, frozen in place. They couldn’t move until they knew if the mast would fall, and which way it was going when it did. The ship rolled; the mast remained where it was through inertia, and its rigging snapped, sounding like guitar strings as they parted. “Take cover!” the Mate shouted. The mast fell, the sails and rigging fouling the deck, sweeping a half-dozen ponies overboard with it. Verdigris’ eyes flared, and he felt himself change as he thought, No. This can’t happen. Not here, not now. Not to them. It’s not their fault. “I’ve got them. Get us away from the Rise.” The Pilot barely had a chance to give a wide-eyed nod before Verdigris and the saddlebags vanished in a flash. He emerged in the air, the bags in place as he looked down. Three of the six ponies were floundering, but kept their heads above water. The others weren’t in sight, and Verdigris didn’t hesitate. If they were tangled in the ropes or caught under the sails, they’d drown. He swept his wings back and dove, heading for the surface, which bobbed and heaved. He pointed his horn and felt the water pass by almost without resistance as he broke the surface, then looked around. Two Unicorns were caught under the topsail. He willed himself forward, reaching them within seconds, then grabbed them with his wings. The last, a Pegasus, was tangled in the ratlines, and was being pulled down. Verdigris reached out with telekinesis, snapping the heavy rope like twine, then grabbed the pony as he passed out, pulling him into his forelegs. Once he had them secure, he concentrated, picturing the bluff before vanishing. (((()))) Hawkfeather kept watch as more ponies arrived, looking for any kind of sign. He relaxed slightly when smoke began pouring out of the stacks, but cringed when the mast fell. That always meant trouble, especially for those under the sails. He was about to call out when a bright greenish-white flash nearly blinded him. He blinked, and his eyes cleared to reveal Verdigris in his full power holding three ponies, one unconscious, two badly battered and gasping. “Medic!” his son boomed. “I’ve got three more,” he added as he gently laid his charges down. “Wait, report!” Birchbark snapped. “Ship’s under power, pilot’s in control. Making way due east. Rigging’s slowing, but not stopping her. Six went overboard. I’ve got to get the rest,” Verdigris replied. “Locators are set; you can start now.” Birchbark nodded. “Then get back to it. We’ll be right behind you.” Verdigris nodded, and vanished. The lieutenant watched until the flash appeared near the ship, then looked at Hawkfeather. “If he doesn’t join on his own, I’ll drag him in myself, Hawk. That’s a promise. I think we’ve got this licked.” (((()))) Verdigris reappeared above the water to Comet’s port, then dove again. He plunged down, then drew the large, razor-sharp knife from the saddlebags’ straps and cut the remaining rigging, setting the snapped mast free so it wouldn’t drag the ship over, or slow its progress. Once that was done, he swam to and grabbed the three Earth ponies, teleporting them to shore with the others. He didn’t pause; there wasn’t time, and he wasn’t tired. That would come later, he knew. When he appeared, he was ten feet above the foremast, where he could scan the nearby area. Nopony else was in the water, and he called, “They’re safe ashore! Save the ship!” The Second Mate waved a wing in acknowledgement. As he looked, he thought he could hear malicious laughter coming from the storm itself, and he found himself wondering if the legends about powerful storms having sapience weren't true. So far it seemed as though everything had gone wrong for Comet. He dismissed the thought as he shook water out of his mane, even though it was futile. A sudden, gusting downdraft caught at him, and he flapped his wings hard. Instead of dropping, he managed to stay aloft, though he drifted close to the mast. The tingling in his hocks made him tense, and he looked down to see Saint Elmo’s Fire envelop the ship. Instead of receding, it grew stronger, and Verdigris felt his blood freeze as he glanced up. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as he saw the lightning stroke leader move down, heading right for him. His mane and tail stood out, which told him the ship was now acting as a lightning rod, and he was caught between the cloud and ground strokes, without any time to escape. Sorry, Celestia. I guess I won’t make it next year, either. His last thought would have confused most ponies, but it made perfect sense as his muscles twitched, and his eyes focused on the lightning that seemed to pause inches from his horn. Oh, this is gonna sting.