“We are putting you on the front lines.”The general said. “It wouldn’t be this case if you contributed to the war in any way.”
“But I have contributed! More than the average citizen!” She said, panicking more and more.
“And in what way have you, Miss Swirl? I’m sorry but if you refuse, you will be eliminated.”
“I contributed! I donated most of my metals, and I even made soldiers treats!” She looked around wildly.
“Eliminate her.” Said the general. But this time it was in a robot’s voice. His eyes turned red, and Sapphire felt a searing heat on her forehead. Everything went black.
Sapphire eyes flickered open, but then she immediately closed them. Sun was pouring into the cracked windows, producing a brilliant light.
6:15. Perfect time to wake up and open the shop. Sapphire got out of bed and put on her uniform. She then walked down the stairs.
Oddly, she was in a good mood. Even considering the circumstances. She cheerfully sang as she prepared her breakfast. She whipped up some pancake batter. She picked out bacon slices and placed them on the griddle with the flapjacks, and read the newspaper as they cooked.
She ate, and then paused. She heard ponies outside, probably waiting for breakfast. She quickly finished, and flipped the sign to open. A steady stream of hungry customers made their way in.
“Hello, welcome to Hoofington Bakery, how may I help you?” Sapphire rang out cheerfully.
Suddenly she saw the line. It was long. So, so, so long. She wouldn’t be finished with these orders until dinner!
“Um, can I get a Vegan croissant?” The filly ordered, in a very valley girl voice.
Sapphire nodded and motioned to a seat. She prepared to take the next order.
Suddenly, a stallion galloped in. “Sapphire!” He shouted. It was the same stallion in the corner yesterday, the one who order the flapjack. But he didn’t have the English accent. Was the accent yesterday just a cover?
She noticed something she didn’t notice the night before. His mane was black, with a yellow streak through it, similar to a lightning bolt. He wasn’t wearing his black outfit either, showing off his wings. And his white coat of fur.
“Sapphire!” he said once more. “I’m so sorry I’m late!” He yelled in a penetrating voice.
My ears went flat, mainly because he was loud. What was he playing at anyways? Help me? He stared at me with his amber eyes.
“Here, you cook. I’ll take over front.” He whispered to me, motioning with his back hoof to the kitchen.
“Don’t try anything” Sapphire Swirl hissed.
He looked hurt. “What do you mean? I’m just here to help.”
Sapphire Turned around and started on the filly’s order. She topped on the ingredients, glancing ever so often at the stallion. He was acting normal, talking to a pony to get their order. But was he going to pull something bad?
No of course not. He was part of the PWD. Probably
She trotted to the counter and placed the croissant on the table, with a pretty china plate. “Order number one!” She shouted out. The filly came and picked it up, placing the bits on the table.
“Sir, may I ask you your name?” Sapphire asked to the stallion.
“Yeah. The name is Fallout Shieldhunter. Pleasure to meet you sapphire. I’m your new employee.”
“Do I have to pay you?” She asked Fallout.
“Nope. I’ve always wanted to work at a bakery.” He replied with a smirk. “Also next order is three flapjacks, no gems.”
“Ok, will do.” Sapphire replied and walked to the back.
_____
Hours passed, and the two ponies were almost done cleaning the shop. They both did this in silence, only talking when one needed the washcloth or food item. Finally Sapphire broke the silence.
“Sir, do you have a place to rest? If not, I have room specifically for employees here. If you want, I mean.”
Fallout Paused, then said in a soft voice, “Call me Fallout, not sir. And I was thinking about spending a night at a hotel, after the meeting of course. But if you’ll allow it I can sleep here.”
Sapphire nodded. She finished up the area she was cleaning and went to inspect Fallout’s work.
“Very good. Shall we go?” She inquired.
He nodded and informed her, “You need to be blindfolded. Maybe even put out.”
She put her ears back. “Why?”
“The place that we’re going to is confidential. Ready? I’m going to give you a shot and blindfold you.” He replied seriously.
She stiffened. “What happens if I resist?”
“The PWD will come and you’ll be forced to come anyway. And mind you, injuries will happen.”
“I’ll take the blindfolds thank you.” Sapphire muttered.
Everything went black and Fallout sighed. “Sir, I’ll bring her now.”
“Well done Fallout. She is an important part in this war. Maybe the meaning of win or lose.”
“Yes sir. I’ve seen her work as well. I don’t think she’ll fail us.”
“Good.”
“Yes.”
Fallout drove on in the night and at one point stopped for cocoa. He was getting sleepy, but he couldn’t stop. This was an important meeting, and Sapphire was close to waking up.
“So Sapphire… I’m sorry I put you asleep.” He murmured.
No answer. Obviously.
“Sapphy… Do people call you Sapphy?”
“What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? Mine’s Vanilla.”
Fallout sighed.
He kept driving. Small white flakes started falling from the sky, making the night even more beautiful than before. He turned the corner and went into the underground parking lot. He pressed a button in his car and a gate opened, letting him into the base.
He drove into the darkness, turning on his headlights to a dim setting. He pulled into an empty space, putting the car in park. He got out, and woke up Sapphire.
“Are we there yet?” She asked drowsily.
“Yeah. Now get up, we need to hurry.” He replied.
She stood up, brushing herself off. Her head started to fall.
“Wake up Sapphy” Fallout muttered.
“Sapphy?” She asked.
“Er, I mean Sapphire miss.” He corrected himself. “Look, just follow me.”
Sapphire Swirl Started stumbling along, pausing every now and then to yawn. The medicine’s effects still had their effect. “Fallout I can’t go on… I’m too tired…” She whispered, almost tripping.
“Don’t worry. We’re here.” Fallout replied.
He opened the door and stepped inside to a well-lit room, filled with chairs and a table.
“Have a seat.”