//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 (edit) // Story: Fallout Equestria: The Flats // by GaleWind //------------------------------// In the days before the bombs, the salt flats and desert were a place one would have to visit at least once. Beautiful nights to see the stars, traverse mountain ranges, hidden caves, and caverns. A place where those who admire speed come to test their creations. But the war changed all that: explosions tore up the land, mountains and hills rose and fell, radiation pockets dart the area, and the once beautiful salt flats have been hardened by balefire. A mere shell of its former self. Even four years after the ‘Day of Sunshine and Rainbows’, it and the desert or The Flats as they now go by are still plagued by raiders, beasts, and secrets hidden with it. Tools and creations from the past are being used and re-purposed. Those that were meant for speed are now being used to survive. Yet now, there are those who use them for battle. And now, a scavenger must find a way to stop a storm that could threaten those that have made The Flats home. The wasteland changes everything, but war… war never changes. FALLOUT EQUESTRIA: THE FLATS `Knock` `Knock` `Knock` The sound of knocking rapped on the wooden door. I grumbled a bit as I turned in bed. `BANG` `BANG` `BANG` I groaned louder and pulled the blanket tighter over my head. “Come on dude, I know you’re awake. Time to get moving.” A voice called out. Muttering something, my right hoof came out of my blanket cocoon. I reached to my side and grabbed air until hitting something hard. Moving it and also cursing as stuff hits the floor, I felt what I was looking for and pulled it back into the cocoon. “Do I have to come in there to-” “Alright, ALRIGHT, I’M UP! Just give me a minute.” I shouted. Untangling myself from the blanket, I got out of bed, a pair of black tinted goggles covering my eyes. Rays of light shined through the small window and into my makeshift home. The wood floor creaked when I stepped on it and walked the short distance to the door. On the way, I grabbed my dark brown duster off the hook and put it on. I nearly tripped on something before I got to door. Cursing softly, I grabbed the handle and pulled it open. Blue eyes and a small smirk greeted me on the other side. The owner was a yellow, earth pony stallion wearing stained blue overalls. A green bandanna covered his head but some of his orange mane stuck out. His smirk turned into a grin when he saw me. “Rise and shine, Aero. It’s another beautiful day!” He declared with a grin. He couldn’t see it but I was outright glaring at his upbeat attitude. “It would’ve been better if you didn’t wake me up,” I mutter. “Sorry to interrupt your ‘beauty sleep’.” He sarcastically said with a smirk. “Come on, we got to beat the breakfast rush before you head out.” I was still half asleep, so it took me and my brain a second to register what he just said before answering. “Wait a minute, Sprocket. What do you mean ‘head out’? Today’s my day off.” I said. “Not anymore it’s not.” He said. “What?!” I nearly shouted. A couple of passerby’s stopped to look at me before moving on. Slightly embarrassed, I lowered my voice. “What are you talking about?” “Sand Trap sprained his hoof fixing his ride. He’ll be out for a couple days.” He explained. “Are you serious? Why can’t somepony else do it?! We usually have a few volunteers in reserve.” “They all have their routes. Even the reserves are occupied. Besides, you know how it is: ‘If someponies’ down, another picks up the slack.” He turned around and began walking away. I grumbled to myself as I closed my door and followed after him. That’s how it is in SunDown. Over sixty years ago, a caravan decided to take a shortcut to the SCC through ‘The Flats’. They soon learned it was a bad decision with attacks from both raiders and beasts, not to mention the harsh environment. Nearly half of the group was lost until they stopped. They knew they couldn’t go back or forward so they went with the next best thing. They decided to settle near a small cliff and salvage what they find out there. It was hard but the caravan grew and turned into a small settlement for salvagers and traders on their way to the SCC. It was composed of huts, trailers, and wagons scavenged from the wasteland to live and do business. We had arrived underneath a large metal pavilion with makeshift tables and a line leading up to where the food is. We took our spots in the small line and waited for our turn. “Alright, which route was he supposed to take?” I finally asked, resigning myself. “Dune Rat said the southwest route, near the old road.” He said as we moved up. “Why so far out?” “He mentioned about it being a month since we last scouted there and maybe something new turned up.” He explained. It wasn’t long until we were at the front of the line. A pink unicorn with a gray mane, in a smock, was behind a table, levitating trays and utensils for the next in line. She placed trays in front of us and began levitating various food from another table. Once she was finished, we picked up our trays and walked to a nearby table and sat down. “What is this stuff?” Sprocket asked, picking up a spoon and poking at orange mush. I scooped up some and brought to my nose to smell. “I don’t know but think it’s supposed to be carrots.” Sprocket scooped some up and with hesitance, put it in his mouth. When the taste hit him, his face scrunched up and after a minute was able to swallow. After it was done, he gasped a bit. “It tastes gritty and salty.” He muttered. Even with his reaction, I worked past the taste and ate it. “Just be glad we have something to eat. Our last caravan is still a couple days out.” I said through a spoonful of ‘carrots’. “I guess, doesn’t change the taste.” He reached to his right side and brought up a grey flask. He unscrewed the cap and brought it up to his lips. He tilted it back and downed something before moving it away and recapping it. “Why do you always need to drink when we eat?” I asked. “It’s the only thing that washes down the taste of this.” He answered. He then brought the flask over to me. “You want some?” I pushed it away. “No thanks and I watch what I say. You know how Soup Can gets when somepony insults her cooking?” As if answering, a spoon flew at us and hit him in the back off the head. He turned around to see said mare glaring at him while levitating a tray next. Sprocket gave a sheepish smile while holding his head before he turned around. “Besides, I don’t see having whiskey with my breakfast, is a good mix.” I asked. “Cause water’s scarce, and I ain’t paying no caps for a few small rations.” He said. In a way, he was right. Water was hard to come by out here. The caravans brought back what they could and we traded with the few traders that came by. We rationed what we had. Extra rations cost and even then they were small. Any other type of liquid found was valuable in its own way. Grudgingly, Sprocket finished his food and got up. “I’m heading to the motor pool to get ready. Go get geared up and meet me there.” I nodded and he trotted off after dropping off his tray with others. At this point, there was a good size of ponies getting food and Soup had gotten extra helpers. I finished up my breakfast and got up as well. I placed my tray with other ones and made my way back to my home. I moved past others going about their business until I reached the end of the small road. My home was basically an old salvaged wagon with a faded blue tint to it that matched my mane. I grabbed and turned the handle and pushed in. Inside was a little bit cluttered. Small shelves were full of scavenged bits and pieces of metal and little figures I made from them. Scraps of scavenged parts and tools littered the floor. Carefully, I made my way to a small trunk off to the side. Taking off the jacket and putting it back on its hook, I opened the trunk and dug through it. I began pulling out my equipment and putting it on. I got out a thicker, heavier trench coat lined with metal and put it on. Next were my leg guards made from radscorpion hide. Then came my canteen that I slung over my shoulder, the strap resting on my left. Finally, I got my brown scarf and saddle bags out. Once I got everything out, I closed the trunk. Before I put on my scarf though, there was more thing I needed to do. I glanced at the nearby table near my bed and found it. Next to a picture frame, hanging from a small, metal pony figurine was a pair of dog tags. I walked over until I stood in front of it. I stared at them for a while before bowing down and closing both eyes. Softly, I breathed in and out. “Princesses of the sun and moon, watch over this pony as he is about to depart.” I prayed and said the next part in Zebrican. “Wazazi, angalia na uniongoze ili niweze kurudi nyumbani salama.” That finished, I straightened up, threw the bags on my back and loosely wrapped the scarf around my neck. I opened the door and left. Leaving and closing my wagon, there was one more stop to make. Going up the trail and turning left, I noticed some of the foals were playing in the makeshift park in the square. I gave small smile as I saw them playing and laughing but slowly lost it when I saw one colt ran up and get hugged by his parents. Looking for a moment, I shook my head and continued on my way. Reaching the end of the street, I made it to one of the few buildings here. The building was a good two stories tall and mostly made with scrap metal and wood. On the front was a big sign with black letters that spelled: ‘ARMORY’. Opening the door, I walked inside. The wooden floor creaked as I moved to the counter, homemade and old weapons in the display case. I rang the bell and heard hoofsteps. Coming from the open doorway to the back of the shop was unicorn. He was an old stallion, some small graying in his dull orange mane but there was still some spirit in his brown eyes. The wrench set cutie mark blended well with his dark grey coat. “Aero, what are you doing here this early?” He asked, surprised to see me. “I’m heading out soon, I need my equipment,” I answered. “Ah, so you’re the one taking over for Sand Trap?” I nodded. “Alright, wait here, I’ll go get them.” He went back through the doorway and disappeared into the back of the shop. I stood there, glancing around the shop, waiting for Socket Wrench. My eyes landed on a nearby radio and with nothing to do, I walked over and turned it on. There was a little static at first until a male voice came through. “Hello all you wastelanders out there! This is your voice to the unknown, Audio Waves, coming at you from the edge off the SCC. Its noon, Celestia’s sun is shining down, and it’s time for some news!” Looks like I tuned in just in time. Audio Waves’ broadcasts were our only link to know what’s happening inside and outside The Flats. “Looks like it’s a slow day today but news is important. As you know, last week I got contact from a fellow radio head up in Manehattan about some help coming our way. Last night, I got confirmation! A Followers of the Apocalypse caravan is making their way here to our side of Equestria, so if you need aid, just hold out a bit more. Finally, raider activity has increased since yesterday. I don’t know what kicked the hornet’s nest, but they’ve been spotted along the borders and going up the road south of here. If you’re out scavenging, I be careful out there, word is that these raiders have got wheels under their flanks. That’s it for now, tune it later on for more but for now, enjoy some music. This is Audio Waves, your resident announcer, signing off.” The stallion’s voice was soon replaced by an upbeat tune and a mare’s voice. I didn’t pay much attention to the music after the report on raider activity. I swore under my breath and didn’t hear Socket Wrench come back. “Sounds like you’ll need these more than usual.” He gestured to the long weapon case floating in his orange magic. He placed it down on the counter and turned it towards me. Walking up, I undid the clasps and open it. Inside were the instruments that have kept me alive. The larger of the two was a black, modified .223 rifle with a sniper’s scope and a silencer at the end. The other was a 10mm pistol with a silver finish. I took the strap from the lid pocket an attached it to the rifle. I took it out and with ease, swung it over my shoulder until it landed on my back and the strap around my left shoulder. The pistol I took out and placed in a holster on my coat before closing the case. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay with just those?” He asked, concern in his voice. “Don’t worry, I’m not planning on getting into trouble.” I said. “But just in case, you got any .223 clips? I only got one spare.” Wrench walked over to a nearby safe, undid the combination and opened it. Taking a moment, he closed the safe and came back with one clip in his mouth before placing it on the counter. “I only got a few left, I can spare one but it’s going to cost 25 caps and no less.” He said, switching to his business tone. Nodding to the amount, I turned and dug into my bags before pulling out a small bag. Dumping all the caps out on the counter, I counted out the amount before putting the rest back into the pouch and away. He took the caps and placed in a nearby register while I took the clip and put it in my bags. That done, I turned around and made my way out. “Be careful out there. And tell that son of mine I need to talk to him.” He called out. “Got it!” I shouted over my shoulder as I walked out the store and made my way to the motor pool. The area itself was situated to the right of the town’s main gate, behind a walled-off section. Inside this part of the settlement, was where the vehicles where kept. We used modified carts and wagons we either salvaged from the wasteland or built them ourselves with scrap. The rare times we find one with a sparkle powered engine, we either keep them locked up or give one to our best teams for their ride. Half of the metal we salvaged that didn’t go into helping the settlement, went here. I walked through the entrance, my hoofs clacking against the metal floor. Sparks flew as mechanics worked on repairs or upgrading the vehicles. Each vehicle had a designated mechanic and or co-driver and the main driver, so with a total of eight vehicles in total, the pit chief and volunteer helpers, a total of thirty ponies worked in here. I made it to my pit and my ride. A couple years ago, I found the remains of a mostly intact, old bombing chariot. Hauling it back took some time but when I did, it was time to work. The bar that connected the two halves was snapped in half on one side and the harness part wasn’t going to work with me. I used pieces of metal to make a makeshift floor and welded the two parts together. I built a roof above it to cover the top and added doors to the sides and repaired the back of the carriage part. I modified the chassis with some spare parts for armor and some spare rubber tires we had. Making an entire engine system from scratch and putting in a steering system took months of trial and error but, with sprocket's help on that end, it was finally ready. Throw in some seats and a steering wheel, a coat of dark blue paint with yellow accents and the ‘Sky Runner’ was born. It was lighter and faster than the others but could take some hits. Sprocket was busy underneath to hear me coming. When I got close, he finally noticed and slid out from under it and got off the board. A wrench was in his mouth which he soon spat out into a tool chest. “She’s all set, just had to patch up the axle and tighten some bolts. Engine’s fully charged and ready.” He said. Nodding, I went over to a nearby device that was hooked up to a barrel hanging from the roof. I brought up my canteen and took the cap off. I placed it under a funnel and pulled down a nearby lever. Water came from the barrel through a hose and into the funnel, filling my canteen. Once it was nearly full, I let go of the lever and the water stopped. Putting the cap back on, I walked back over to where Sprocket was, just in time for somepony to call us. “Nice to see you made it.” A deep voice spoke over the noise. A tall earth pony trotted up to us. Despite being a little older than Socket, Muscles rippled under his tan coat as his greying black mane was tied back and dark brown eyes regarded us. “I hate to ask you on your day off Aero, but I got no one else for this.” He said. “Why the sudden urge to turn up the south end though, Dune Rat?” I asked him. “After that dust storm we had a few days ago, I wanted to see if something turned up from the ground. I would’ve checked sooner but we had to repair the outer wall.” He dug in his bag and brought out a rolled up paper. He unrolled it on the hood which showed a map with a part circled at the bottom. “This is the area that you should look at, find anything and bring it back, basic procedure.” He rolled up the map and hoofed it to me. “I heard on the radio, you spot any raiders out there, you stay out of sight, got it?” I nodded in agreement, took the map and put in my bag. That done, he walked away from us and wen towards the gates. “You sure you’re going to be okay out there?” Sprocket asked, a tone of worry in his voice. “I’ll be fine. By the way, your dad wants to see you.” I said. “What about?” “Don’t know, he just told me to tell you that.” I explained. I walked to the right side and grabbed the handle. The door swung open and I got in the driver seat. The dash board was made from one of the old panels I tore off. I pressed a button behind the steering wheel and a sharp hum came from under the hood before it evened out at a constant pace. “No matter how many times it does that, I will never understand how you got this thing to actually work. And I helped you build most of it!” He exclaimed. “Trial, error, and sheer stubbornness to not pull this thing everywhere, my friend.” I said with a grin, closing the door. “ONE HEADING OUT!” Dune Rat’s voice sounded over the homemade intercom. The gate leading outside began rolling up until it was wide enough to get out. I gave one more nod to Sprocket before grabbing the shifter and took off park. I pressed on the gas and slowly made my way out. Once I made it outside, the garage door closed, I pressed harder on the gas and sped off.