Keris marched across the struts of Red Barge, followed swiftly by Commander Seraphimus. Pulling up the rear were Windburst, Starstorm, and—at last—Raptr. The Sergeants looked around, their beaks agape at the sight of so many ponies working and recovering together.
“If everypony looks healthy to you, that's entirely due to the faithful and well-spirited cooperation of these locals here. Two days ago, this was a completely different scene.” He waved his good talon at the tents where hundreds of ailing ponies were still gathered, resting and being fed food and medicine. “Shortly upon Red Barge's liberation from the heartless control of Top Dredger Skagra, hundreds of enslaved souls were brought up to the surface. I'm talking about starved, steam-scalded, barely functioning bodies... all worked to the bone to keep this place afloat.”
“Goddess...” Raptr stammered, his hawkeyes blinking wide beneath his helmet. “They look like they just came back from the dead.”
“Many of them didn't come back, Sergeant,” Keris explained. “A grand total of twenty-eight have died since we attempted extracting them from the harvest chambers down below.” He exhaled. “The bodies of over a hundred overworked ponies still linger down there. I purposefully requested that we delay the burial at sea until after the Right Talon of Verlaxion had a chance to look for themselves.”
“And we shall document our observations in order to provide the Council with a full report,” Seraphimus said with a nod. “Very well done, Lieutenant.” She pointed at the pale white platforms floating due north. “Can you explain why White Barge is here?”
“Even before the power structure here collapsed, Representative Elsaack of the White Barge community had repeatedly offered their services in assisting the ponies of Red Barge,” Keris explained. “However, Skagra's dredgers were told to constantly refuse any and all help. From what I've been told, it's been this way for generations, with White Barge constantly improving itself while Red Barge fell into abject poverty and destitution.”
“And... and it's true?” Starstorm stammered. “The Red Bargers were... re-appropriating their own citizens into work slaves?”
“And making orphan laborers out of the children belonging to those sent below,” Keris calmly said. “Even going so far as to remove their cutie marks with steam burns.”
“Damn...” Windburst glared across the bulkheads. “These punks were asking for it.” He cocked his helmeted head aside, talons gripping a crossbow. “Where did you say the top dredger was sent again?”
“Skagra and many of his executive dredgers are currently being held deep in the lower chambers of White Barge,” Keris explained. “It... is feared that if they were kept here, then they might be subjected to multiple assassination attempts.” The Lieutenant cleared his throat and pointed at Windburst. “Sergeant.”
“...?” Windburst turned around.
“Do relinquish the crossbow, if you will,” Keris said. “The ponies here will not harm us... or each other.”
Before Windburst could sling it over his back—
“Belay that order, Sergeant,” Commander Seraphimus said. “And take wing. I want you on patrol of both Barges.” Her talons scraped over the rusted metal as she perched on the edge of a lofty bulkhead, overlooking the scenery. It may come as no surprise that this is the largest power shift in the seven seas' social structure since the mobsters in charge of Rust had their empire implode.” She looked over her armored shoulder. “These platforms are likely prime targets for pirates and privateers. I need you as our look-out in case the unthinkable was to occur.”
Windburst saluted. “Ma'am, yes, ma'am.” Thwoooosh! He flew high, curving into a counter-clockwise glide as he flew circles over the two Barges.
Keris was dead silent as Seraphimus swiveled about, speaking past him. “Starstorm. Raptr.”
Starstorm looked up while Raptr jolted, still shocked by the sights.
“Yes, Commander?” Starstorm swallowed. “You wish us to assist the locals?”
Seraphimus nodded. “Affirmative. Evidently, the Lieutenant's heavy injuries have immobilized him. No doubt these ponies will need help that goes beyond the limitations of the average pegasus. Seek out this 'Elsaack' and ask what he needs to accelerate the recovery process. Assist him in any way possible. If it's requested that you make a delivery trip beyond the Barges, consult me first. Is that understood?”
“Ma'am, yes, ma'am,” Starstorm said with a salute.
“Very well. Dismissed.” Seraphimus squinted for a moment. “... … …and look after the rookie.”
“Huh?” Raptr stammered.
Starstorm sighed, then smiled slightly. “Come on, featherweight. Stick close.”
“Erm... y-yes, Sergeant.” And both took wing.
Keris turned to face Seraphimus. “On the topic of privateers, it may interest you to know that Monket—the infamous 'Slaver of Waves' was here at Red Barge, working closely with Skagra... as well as with a third party that I believe may be connected with the Main Land.” He gulped. “If I may be so bold as to suggest—”
“You may not,” Seraphimus said bluntly, marching past him. “Your boldness ends here.” She motioned with an icy talon. “Come with me, Lieutenant, where nopony can see or hear us.” Her cold charcoal eyes narrowed beneath her helmet. “We need to talk...”
With a shudder, Keris nevertheless stood up straight and limped after her. “But of course, Commander...”
The two headed down a metal ramp and into a chamber below deck...
A light blizzard showered the forest outside a two-story shack with powdery frost.
Sonikah shivered, but she tried not to show it. With numb limbs, she trotted up the stone steps that made the foundation of the partially collapsed household. Several strips of dry wood balanced on her flank, and a rosy light covered her coat and burlap tunic as she approached a soothing heat source. The mare squinted, coming to a shuffling stop several feet from a flickering fire.
Theanim Mane squatted between two weak pilgrims parked by the flames. He helped one sit up, half-cradling him with a forelimb. Meanwhile, he tilted a mug of steaming soup to the emaciated stallion's lips.
“There... please... sip to your heart's content.” Theanim smiled. “Or—in this case—your stomach.”
The stallion winced slightly, but found the pace at which to relish both the taste and nourishment of the broth beyond his aching limbs. He raised two hooves and used it to support the mug in Theanim's grasp.
“I threw in a special, curing agent made from a herb I discovered on the Nealend Atoll,” Theanim said in a pleasant tone. “It relaxes the inner organs of the body. It should help ease your hunger pains as you get used to a healthy diet again.”
The stallion paused in drinking. He coughed once, then wheezed: “Any... m-meat...?”
“Heh... no sir.” Theanim shook his head. “I've done my fair share of research on the pilgrims of the Quade. I've no intention of disrespecting your time-honored beliefs.” When the pony was done with the soup, he helped lay the stallion down, then drew a blanket over him. “However, as a member of the Scientific Order, I would be remiss if I allowed you to suffer anymore than you already have.”
“Mrmmfff...” The stallion sputtered, wheezed. He nevertheless curled up beneath the fabric. “Through p-pain and labor... we... m-meditate on... on...”
“So I've been told,” Theanim said with a nod. “But what is the point of such a method if it threatens to end your life? Hmmm?” He arched an eyebrow. “You've suffered many indecencies since arriving here. It would be a shame to perish from your circumstances. After all... how would one meditate then?”
“Perhaps...” The other stallion stammered to the side of Theanim. “...it would be the Goddess' will.”
“Ah. A very good point.” Theanim made a show of leaning back and tapping his chin in thought. “Or... just perhaps... it may have been Verlaxion's will that I showed up to nurse you back to health.”
Sonikah's nostrils flared. She trotted forward and dumped the firewood inordinately at Theanim's side.
Theanim jumped slightly.
“Thank you most kindly for your gracious assistance, Professor,” Sonikah said. “But it is no longer needed.”
“I beg to differ, madame.” Theanim pointed at the two stallions. “Your associates here are still suffering digestion problems. And with this blisteringly cold weather all around us, it's a wonder that all of you haven't come down with a case of hypothe—”
“Your actions are most welcome,” Sonikah said. “But your words are not.”
“I'm afraid I don't quite read you.”
“Oh, but I think you do, Professor,” Sonikah said. “If you so desire to nurse my fellow pilgrims back to health, then I welcome your good grace and compassion.” She shook her head. “However, I cannot and will not stand for you insisting on what is or what isn't Verlaxion's divine deliverance.”
“I only meant to imply that it may not be your lot in life to suffer unnecessar—”
“Our lot in life was altered the very moment we suffered a New Plight of Luminar!” Sonikah snarled.
“Oh, is that what you're calling it?” Theanim smiled.
“This conversation is over,” Sonikah said in a growling tone. “I've allowed you to perform your services up util now, but I'm afraid I must ask you to leave.”
“My dear madame—”
“When we were brought here, we were told that this place was a sanctuary for the Luminards to conduct their mourning in absolute purity before the presence of Verlaxion,” she said. “I cannot allow you to disturb that any longer.”
Theanim adjusted his goggles. “And just who said this, pray tell?” He arched an eyebrow beneath his brown bangs. “The materialist ruffians who unceremoniously dumped you into this woodland ghetto?”
Sonikah chewed on her lip.
Theanim squinted. “Are these the same members of the Shoreline Trade Consortium that hauled you up to the Council at Frostknife just so you could act as a figurehead for Chandler's platform?”
With a sigh, Sonikah shuffled past him. “I have no concern for the Consortium's politics. Or for yours.”
Theanim spun about. “But perhaps you should, seeing as how you and your friends here have been brushed under the rug. Do you even know where this place is?”
Sonikah squatted by the fire, tossing in one log after another. “It's secluded. By Verlaxion's grace, that's all that matters.”
“Ms. Sonikah, this is Elm Prefecture,” Theanim exhaled. “It's the least populated province on the east side of Frostknife.” The Professor shook his head. “Chandler and his stallions didn't send you here so you could meditate. He sent you here so you could disappear.”
Sonikah clenched her jaw, staring into the flames.
“And I bet Chandler orchestrated it... knowing that you in your current miserable state of mourning would accept whatever was given to you.” Theanim frowned. “Well, I will not stand for it.”
“Professor...”
“As a foal of Verlaxion myself, I am honor-bound to protect my brothers and sisters of Unification—”
She flashed an angry frown at him. “Do not twist the Goddess' good virtues against me!” She planted a hoof over her chest. “I dealt with that enough back in... in...”
Theanim stared.
Sonikah sighed, hanging her head. “I know the real reason why you're here, Professor.” She gulped. “It is simply to find some foolish way to exonerate Rainbow Dash.” She shook her head. “I am telling you right now that such a thing will not come to pass. By Verlaxion's glory, I cannot condone the actions she committed in the Quade.”
Theanim calmly said, “I am here to ascertain the truth, Ms. Sonikah. Whatever that may be.” His eyes narrowed. “Including Rainbow Dash's guilt.”
She looked up at him.
“And... if that may be the case... or even if it may not be.” He gulped. “I-I do believe that I share in that guilt, madame. I was a close companion to hers... and now I fear that I may have left her out of my sight too soon.” His brow furrowed. “I aim to fix that. I aim to fix you.”
Sonikah slowly shook her head. “There is no fixing us. We are damned... forsaken.”
“You are also alive,” Theanim said, smiling gently. “And life is the greatest gift Verlaxion has allowed us since the Thawing.” His eyes narrowed. “Would you deny her the joy of such godly generosity?”
“... … ...”
“Mmmm... something to meditate on indeed.” Theanim stood up, gathering some supplies. “I shall let you be.”
“You shall leave us alone entirely—”
“I'll be upstairs. Just shout—for anything—and I will come straight down to provide more warmth and food.” Theanim saluted as he trotted by, smiling. “Cheers.”
“Mmmmmfffnngh...” Sonikah face hoofed with a sigh.
One of the two stallions coughed, wheezed. “... … …more soup, please?”
“Verlaxion, spare me,” Sonikah droned.