//------------------------------//
// Chapter nine 
// Story: Traitors, Adventures, and Pirates 
// by Poppy green 
//------------------------------//

The port of Dear Hollow was a welcome sight to what was left of the beleaguered crew of the Crystal Palace. The ships list to the portside had remained unchanged thanks to the crew using the bilge pumps to keep the water out of the hold. Now with the port in sight Captain Compass ordered for the distress flag raised. One of the crewponies followed the captain's order and got the flag from a deck storage locker. The distress flag was small with an orange field and a black dot and rectangle in the center. The crewpony clipped the flag onto a rope he then raised the flag up the center mast. Within a few minutes two patrolling pegasi and a griffon came flying overhead. When they were just above the deck the pegasi swooped down till they were hovering just above the quarterdeck. Both had on Equestrian military uniforms. Their uniforms were somewhat old and ragged. The pegasus with an officer's stripes moved closer to the captain saluting him. The captain responded in kind with a salute of his own. With the formalities of soldierly done the pegasus officer introduced himself as Seargent Storm Surge head of the costal patrol he then gestured to the soldier behind him. “This is Private Intercept.” He said.  

The captain nodded at the private. 

“It is nice to meet you both. My name is Captain Compass this here is Mrs. Poppy.” 

Both fliers nodded at Poppy. Poppy returned their nods with one of her own.  

It was at this time that the circling griffin landed on the quarterdeck. The griffon saluted the captain and the Seargent.  

“Report lieutenant.” Seargent Storm Surge ordered. 

“The hull appears to have suffered multiple beaches. The are breaches located throughout the weapons deck. I cannot tell if there are any breaches below the water line however the ship is listing to the portside so I suspect that there are at least a few breaches in the hull.” The griffin answered. 

Seargent Storm Surge nodded to the griffon before turning back to speak to the captain. He did not look pleased as he confronted the captain about the damage. Poppy was not sure if he had also noticed the lack of crew on board yet, however it did not take long for her to receive an answer to that question. 

“What happened to your ship captain and now that I think about it where is your crew?” He asked in stern voice. 

“It's a long story sergeant one I would be happy to explain to you once we get to shore.” 

“I guess that will be fine. I want your report first thing when you get docked.” The sergeant ordered.  

The captain nodded. 

Watching the conversation Poppy decided to pipe up and ask a question of the sergeant.   

“Excuse me sergeant but what is the Royal Guard doing in Deer hollow?”  

The sergeant explained to her that he and his troops were part of a garrison of guards stationed at the port for search and rescue missions and to support local military forces.  

“I had no idea that Equestria was helping out the Deer.” Poppy said looking at the sergeant with curios expression on her muzzle. 

“We are but mostly as advisors and trainers.” The sergeant explained. With the question answered, the sergeant turned back to his private. The private seemed to read the sergeant's mind as he produced a pen and parchment from his bag. 

This was the first time that Poppy noticed the wing mounted rifle under his right wing. She recognized the rifle as a Vickers wing mounted rifle. 

Seargeant Storm Surge took the writing utensil from the private and quickly jotted down a message before ripping out the page and giving it to the private. The sergeant then gave the pegasus orders to deliver the message to the telegraph office at the base. Private Intercept gave a crisp salute to the sergeant before spreading his wings once again exposing the large wing mounted rifle. The private flapped his wings to gain altitude before angling himself back to the base. The griffon joined the private in his flight back to the docks. Sargent Storm Surge stayed on board to help Poppy guide the ship into the harbor.  

The Crystal Palace entered the large bay that made up the entrance to the port of Dear Hollow it neared a pony made bar. At this point the sergeant took over the wheel from Poppy and slowly began to guide the ship by the wall. Now that she was no longer having to focus on steering the ship, Poppy walked over to the rail to watch the large costal gun that was positioned at the end of the bar go by. 

“Sergeant if you don’t mind me asking why is there such a big gun on the bar? Shurley the pirates wouldn't dare attack a town as big as Dear Hollow?”  

The gun was mounted on a steel turret which allowed it to easily rotate. The Crystal Palace passed close enough to the gun that Poppy could make out several ponies and deer standing guard around the gun. Surrounding the main gun were several smaller cannons. At the top of the concrete fortification were several flags of the nations that belonged to the Imperial Protectorate. 

Poppy angled her ears towards the wheel as she listened to the sergeant answer her question. “You would be right Mrs. Poppy. Those guns are not to defend from pirates. No, those guns were added a few years back during the Changeling invasion of the Dear Republic. The guns you see now are ones that the Royal Guard loaned to the Deer to help protect the port. The main gun there is one of the largest naval guns ever produced. You may have even seen the gun years ago on the deck of the City of Canterlot.” 

Poppy had seen the City of Canterlot when she was a little filly. She had seen the ship when her mother had taken her to the summer sun celebration in Portmareland during the city's fleet week. The ship had been retired some years later but she now found its guns still being used and she had to admit that even after so many years its guns still dwarfed the Crystal Palaces. 

Once the ship had passed through the ports' defenses Poppy got her first glimpse of the port town. The dockyards were a bustling scene of activity. Poppy watched as various merchant vessels were loaded and unloaded with winches. Poppy looked at each of the vessels counting just how many different ships were there. She counted at least ten merchant ships but figured there were probably more throughout the large harbor that she could not see. Seargent Storm Surge maneuvered the Crystal Palace into a small channel on the northern side of the harbor. A buoy floating in the water marked the entrance to the channel. On the buoy Poppy read: Military Vessels Only No Trespassing. The channel was filled with warships and patrol vessels of different shapes and sizes. Most of the ships flew the flag of the Dear Republic but a few had Equestrian and Crystal Empire flags. Seargent Storm Surge brought the Crystal Palace up the channel slowly before gliding her into an open berth.  

Captain Compass ordered the anchor dropped. Cabin Boy followed the captain's order lowering the anchor. The large iron anchor made a loud splash as it hit the water. Poppy helped the two crewponies tie the ship to the moorings. Using her strength, she took a heavy rope in her mouth that had been dropped from a pegasus dockhand onto the main deck. Once the ropes had been securely fastened to the moorings the dockhands pulled the ship close to dock. 

The next few hours were hectic. The sergeant had ordered the crew, including the captain and Poppy, to his office to give their statements. Poppy was questioned for what seemed like hours. When he was finally done Poppy took her leave of the sergeant and went back to the Crystal Palace. This would be the first chance she had had to examine the specimens that she had collected on the island. Her cabin on the Crystal Palace had been undamaged during the attacks and so she spent the next few hours on board examining everything she could. At around 5pm she her a knock on her cabin door. Turing to see who it was she found Private Intercept standing in the doorway. 

“Is there something I can help you with private?”  

“No mam. Well, I mean yes mam I am here to take you to the officer's mess. The sergeant would like for you to attend.” Poppy nodded at the Private asking if she could have a moment to get ready. The private said he would wait for her on deck before trotting off. Poppy spent a few minutes brushing her main and tail. Double checking her appearance in the mirror Poppy straitened her bows. When she was satisfied Poppy trotted up to the main deck where the private was leaning against the rail. She noticed he had contented expression on his face as he staired out to the horizon. Not wanting to disturb him Poppy trotted up alongside him. She could see a few lights at the mouth of the harbor where the large gun fortification was sitting. Poppy turned to the private who still had not noticed her presence. 

“A bit for your thoughts private.” She asked. 

Startled by her sudden presence the private jumped back his wings splaying out at his sides in surprise. Poppy laughed at the private sudden startled reaction. “I am sorry Mr. Intercept I did not mean to startle you.” The poor pegasus face turned a few shades of red before he quickly tried to cover for himself by saying he was not startled. Poppy just laughed even more. When she had finally calmed her laughter the private escorted her down the ship's gangplank to the officer's mess. 

The officer's mess hall was a small brick building near the sergeant's office. On the inside of the building Poppy found several long tables arranged in two rows. The food was served in a buffet style. Poppy had expected something a bit fancier for the officer's mess but at the moment her stomach was grumbling. Looking around for the sergeant Poppy found him sitting at one of the tables talking to several other officers. It took a moment for the sergeant to notice her standing in the doorway but once he had he came over. Giving her a small bow, he greeted her with a smile. 

“Good evening Mrs. Poppy thank you for agreeing to join me for dinner.” 

“Of course, sergeant.” Poppy said genuinely. 

Expecting he would head to the buffet line Poppy was surprised as the sergeant trotted out of the mess and out into the dockyards outside. Following behind the sergeant Poppy eventually found herself outside another building that read officer's mess. Poppy was surprised to find a second officer's mess on such a small base. This mess building was of a newer design and appeared to have notes of Equestrian design.  

“Welcome Mrs. Poppy to a slice of Equestria or at least the closest thing to it in Dear Hollow. This is my private mess hall for the most part.” Poppy gave the soldier a questioning look. She highly doubted that the Royal Guard would give a sergeant his own mess hall. The sergeant laughed at her look of doubt before stretching his hoof behind his head and giving her a sheepish look. He ended up explaining that it was the mess for Equestrian officers but being the only permeant, one based in Dear Hollow most of the time it was just for him. The sergeant showed Poppy to one of the small circular tables. The two ponies took seats opposite each other and after a minute a small doe came over to take their order. Poppy found the sergeant made nice company. They talked about their homes and missing their families. Poppy enjoyed talking about her work at the botanical society and the sergeant listened to every word. She explained that the society could not afford to pay for a portable lab. After a little while the doe came back serving the two their food. The sergeant had ordered a large, steamed carrot sandwich while Poppy had asked for a dandelion salad. The two ate in relative silence for a time before the sergeant asked about Captain Compass. Poppy answered his questions but at no point did she mention the letter she had found onboard the Crystal Palace. When the questioning had ended, he invited Poppy back to his office for a nightcap, but Poppy decided that it was getting late, and she wanted to turn in. The sergeant said he understood and escorted her back to the Crystal Palace. While repairs were made Poppy was staying in her cabin. She said her goodbyes to the sergeant before trotting down to her cabin. She took her bows out a bathed before getting in bed and blowing out her lamp. 

The next morning Poppy was surprised to find Private Intercept once again standing in her doorway. 

“Well, this is a surprise Mr. Intercept. I feel like you were just here.” The private laughed at her stupid remark so she gave him her best just out of bed smile. “So, what can I do for you private?” 

“I am here to escort you to the University of Military Studies. The sergeant said you needed access to a laboratory, so he has arranged for you to use theirs.” Poppy's ears perked at the news that the sergeant had arranged for her to have access to a lab. Deciding to skip breakfast Poppy began to gather her specimen containers in her saddlebags. Once her saddlebags were stuffed the private escorted her out of the cabin and eventually off the base. The two worked their way through the throngs of creatures in town before finally arriving at a large, gated estate. Private Intercept went up to the security guard at the gate. Poppy watched as the two exchanged some words eventually Private Intercept stepped back and the guard opened the gate. The campus grounds of the university were covered with antique artillery and statues of famous military figures. Poppy noticed as students walked past her that most were dressed in military uniforms.  

Private Intercept led Poppy through the main doors of the school and down a hallway. The two ponies ended up at a door that read explosives and ordinance testing room. That was not what caught Poppy's eye but rather another sign that read beware high explosives. Private Intercept led Poppy through the door where she found herself in an unoccupied laboratory. The lab had many types of instruments making it a gold mine for Poppy.  

Setting her saddlebags down on a table Poppy made herself at home. Grabbing instruments and test tubes Poppy began to examen the soil samples she had taken at the hot springs. Private Intercept never left her alone as she ran tests and recorded their results. The private explained that he could not leave her alone in the room due to many of the substances in the room being highly explosive so with the private literally hovering over her shoulder Poppy decided to put him to work.  

The two ponies continued working throughout the day only stopping to grab a bite to eat in the student cantina. It was not until long after the light of the sun had gone down did the two stop working. Poppy could tell that Private Intercept was getting tired, he had been documenting all her notes for hours. Packing her stuff up Poppy and the private left the lab and out into the humid night.  

The university's location was at the far end of the old city. The security guard opened the gate and the two trotted out into the vibrant night life of the old town. Right outside the gates was a small café called Celestial Nights. The lights and music drew Poppy to look in through the large plate glass window. The private came up next to her looking in as well. There were patrons of all types eating and drink under the dim candle lights that flickered on their tables. A piano was setup in the corner of the cafe where a beautiful unicorn mare was sprawled out over the top. She was singing in a low sensual voice. Behind the mare was a deer playing along and rocking back and forth to the melody. Without asking her poor tired escort Poppy trotted into the café. A griffin host was standing just inside. The griffin escorted the two ponies to an open table near the piano. Private Intercept pulled out her chair before taking his own. Taking her seat Poppy turned to look at the mare who was now playing a new song about a sailor leaving his lover and her waiting for his return. Poppy listened to the song. The beauty of the mares voice even lifted the privates tired disposition. At some point another griffin came and took their order. Poppy ordered the house recommendation which was a coffee with a bit of whisky thrown in and the private ordered himself a cup of coffee black.  

About the time that the drinks were served the song came to an end but rather than staring another song the mare asked the audience for suggestions. Poppy shouted out to the mare Land I Love. The mare nodded at Poppy; her light purple mane bobbed along with her head. The mare began to sing her voice drifting throughout the small café.  Poppy watched as the unicorn began to walk around some of the tables in the audience. The unicorn made her way over to their table. She was just finishing the last verse when she finally arrived next to Poppy. Looking at the slender shapely unicorn she could not help but admire her figure. It was lean with a very beautiful feminine appearance that most mares would kill for. When the song ended the mare took a seat next to Poppy.  

“Hello beautiful what is your name?” She asked. 

Poppy noticed the mare had a Manehatten accent. 

“Poppy.” 

“Well hello Poppy. Thank you for suggesting that song it's been a long time since I had a chance to sing it.”  

“I would bet you don’t get that suggestion much in the nation of deer.” The mare nodded her head looking forlorn. Shaking her head, a little the mare perked back up and for the first time seemed to notice the private who was trying to look anywhere but at the two of them. 

“Well, I do apologize who do we have here?” 

“This is Private Intercept he's my escort from the naval base.” 

“Well Mr. Intercept my name is Smooth Silk and its a pleasure to meet one of you soldier colts.” The private said nothing. Poppy could tell he wanted to be anywhere but there so she told him if he needed to get back to the base, she could find her own way back to the base. He simply nodded his head and quickly left leaving the two mares to spend some time together. Poppy looked back from the door to Smooth Silk her face was illuminated by the candle that sat flickering on the table. Poppy looked at the mare but just as she was about to say something Smooth Silk got up flicking her tail across Poppy's muzzle. The unicorn trotted back to the piano where she nodded to the piano player whispering something in his ear. Poppy watched curiously as the mare began to sing. It was a song Poppy recognized from her filly hood. The song was about when Twilight Sparkle took the throne from the royal sisters. Smooth Silk swayed to the music as she sang but just as she had reached the second chorus a bright light flashed through the windows of the café. Every creature turned to the windows of the café; everyone could see a massive plume of smoke rising in the distance. It did not take long for every creature to filter out into the streets to see what was wrong. Poppy already knew the source of the explosion it was the shipyards on the naval base. Using her strength Poppy pushed her way through the crowd outside before beginning a gallop back to the base. Poppy had already sprinted halfway back when she felt the presences of another pony at her side. Turning her head as she ran Poppy found Smooth Silk running beside her. They exchanged a nod and kept running. 	The base was a mess when they ran through the gates. Ponies and deer were running around. The soldiers had already started a bucket bigrade to what had been a warehouse building. Several soldiers lay on the ground with wounds and burns, some serious. Knowing her first aid skills would be best served by helping the wounded Poppy rushed over to the closest injured creature.  It turned out to be a griffin. Approaching the wounded griffin, she found a familiar beak. It was the griffin that had landed on the Crystal Palace just a few days before. He was badly wounded and had lost a lot of blood. His right wing had been severed. Using her bows Poppy made a makeshift bandage in an attempt to staunch the bleeding. Poppy yelled for Smooth Silk to find some medical supplies. Smooth Silk did not move fear had over taken her but Poppy yelled again snapping the unicorn out of her trance. Poppy now found herself alone with the griffin who suddenly pulled her close to his beak with his still intact wing. He tried to speak but as he did blood spit up into her ear. 

“What is it? What are you trying to say?” 

For a moment the griffin was quiet again Poppy tried to cox him into speaking. After another cough of blood, he began to speak. At first to Poppy, it seemed like babbling. The color was beginning to fade from him as what he said began to make sense.  

“Captain Compass he... he... he did this. He did this.” And with that the griffin fell limp in her hooves. Poppy turned to look at him, he was still no breath came from his lungs. Poppy knew he was dead. Just as she stood back up on all four hooves Smooth Silk arrived with a medical bag.  

Smooth Silk looked at Poppy and back to the dead griffin lying in a pool of his own blood. Poppy said nothing. The two moved on others needed their help. Poppy decided to say nothing about what the griffin had said to her. 

The two mares worked for hours helping the wounded. They were still helping when the sergeant can by. His coat was covered in black soot and what was left of his uniform was in tatters. He sat down next to the mares and let them know that the fire was out and that more medical help was on the way. He told them they were both free to leave and get some rest.  

Poppy was unsure where she would sleep though with the fire having been near the Crystal Palace. Smooth Silk offered her a bunk at her place it was just above the café where they had met. Poppy could not think of a better place to spend the rest of the night then with Smooth Silk