Sereinity

fyre-flye
I - 1
Sereinity

Fire. Fire everywhere. It was violet, encapsulating their foxhole in a sickening pastel glow. The purple light fell across Applejack's dirtied face and she brought up one hoof to wipe away the sweat from above her nose. It was getting hot in here. Their enemies had been shooting this fire for several minutes now, and AJ could only curse the unicorn who was dispelling it all. This one attack was particularly long, and the air was burning up. Luckily there was no smoke—the one saving grace that had kept the few remaining rebels breathing and alive. It was, perhaps, the only failing of the unicorn spell. But, then, a unicorn wouldn't know how to properly smoke a fox out of a hole, would he? That was Outer Rim stuff.

"Sergeant. Just heard from Command," came a voice from behind her. Applejack turned to face the blue pegasus approaching, his gait steady. With the purple falling over his coat, it turned into a strange, ethereal shade of periwinkle. Like her, he was wearing a drab brown coat—his, though, was held back around his wings, allowing for flight. Soarin was not smiling as he continued: "The Shadowbolts aren't coming."

"And why the hay not?" Applejack snapped back.

"Not yet," Soarin added, ever faithful to his special forces troop. "They're waiting till they can assess our status."

AJ's glare was directed towards the purple veil. Shouldn't have trusted those pegasi further than she could kick them. Soarin was a different story. He was… well, he was Soarin. He'd left Celestia's Wonderbolts a long time ago. AJ looked up at the sky, at the unicorn ship that was firing at them. That was probably a good thing. They'd had their fair share of run-ins with the Wonderbolts, and it wasn't always pretty. This wasn't all that pretty either. If only the rebel Shadowbolts were somewhere to be found, they might stand a chance. But no, the cowards were too scared to come anywhere near Sereinity Valley right now. Even though Soarin, one of their own, was getting burnt to a crisp.

"It's letting up," Soarin noted, coming to stand beside her. Applejack saw that the fire was starting to pale, the sky turning back to navy blue. The stars were a welcome sight.

"All right, let's go," Applejack told him.

"Go where? With what cover?" Soarin asked. "I think the smoke is getting to your head, sir." He used the playful term that had become his special nickname for his sergeant. For a long time in training, Soarin had heard stories of the tough-as-nails “Jack.” Naturally, he’d thought she was a colt. Even now, after fighting alongside each other so long, the name stuck. Applejack didn't mind so much. Not anymore, anyway. There were times when she would have preferred Soarin think of her as a filly, but now was not the time for that.

Applejack scanned the foxhole behind them. Only a hoofful of soldiers had even made it inside with them. Now, it appeared AJ and Soarin were the only ones left standing.

"Just the two of us?" she asked him dismally.

"Well… not exactly. Fluttershy's here. I think."

"The medic?" AJ raised one eyebrow. "Fluttershy. Medic. You here?"

"Here!" said a rock.

Applejack groaned, crossing the ground over to it quickly. Poking her head around it, she saw the yellow pegasus curled up behind it, quivering. "Look, sugar cube, you gotta toughen up. You want to be Harmonized or what?"

"No!" Fluttershy said, opening her eyes and looking up at Applejack. "B-but, I… I tried to save them," she said, eyes filling with tears. Her hooves were covered with dried blood as she gestured towards the bodies of fallen ponies. "I couldn't," she added with a whisper.

AJ looked around at her troops. "I know. But you did your best."

"It wasn't enough!"

"And me tryin’ to protect them wasn't enough either, was it? We ain’t gods. But we already made Sereinity Valley a living hay for those Alliance bastards, see?"

It didn't seem to cheer Fluttershy up. Applejack supposed that was more the kind of talk meant for soldiers, not for medics. She sighed. "Sometimes a pony just can't be fixed," Applejack said gently. She hesitated, considering trying to comfort the pegasus more. But that would only make it worse. Sometimes, the best sympathy was none at all. "Fluttershy, we have somethin’ else for you to do now. Ever shot a gun?"

"N-no."

"Soarin, help her out. Get her saddled up."

"I don't know how to shoot! I… I don't think I can!" Fluttershy protested, voice rising in a panic as Soarin went to one of the lifeless bodies and began to pull off the saddle.

"Saddles make it real easy. Me and Soar just need some cover," AJ explained. She tightened her own saddle straps, narrowing her eyes. As Soarin fitted the saddle on Fluttershy and quickly explained how to use it, Applejack traced the gun turrets around the valley with her eyes. Yes, Celestia's guard unicorns were trained for war, but they could be stupid when they had no orders. She could easily get a shot at them once she was out of the foxhole. "Let's go, Soar. While it’s still all un-fiery like."

Soarin gave a reassuring smile to Fluttershy and leapt out of the foxhole, right behind Applejack. The shaking yellow pegasus came to stand in the opening of the foxhole, weighed down by the single gun on her back.

Applejack raced across the field, grinning as she ran. No more sitting still—this was what she was meant to be doing. Dodging shots, she located one of the gun turret guards and glanced through her scope. Bracing herself, she bit down on the mouth trigger hard. The shot rang out amid enemy fire and the guard operating the turret fell. AJ looked towards Soarin. "Go!"

He leapt into the air, flying as fast as he could towards the turret. AJ's eyes went to the unicorn ship, hovering over the valley, and then back to the soldiers on the field. Nearby, an earth pony in camouflage showed too much purple coat and she fired at him, hearing the cry as the pony went down.

Soarin reached the turret and spun it around towards the unicorn ship. He quickly located the targeting system and began to fire. The huge gun's shots rained against the ship, hardly denting the metal. Soarin turned the gun back to the field, where AJ was in an agility course, dodging bullets and taking out one soldier after another. Soarin beat her to one orange earth pony and was about to turn the gun on a pegasus that was approaching the sergeant, when all of a sudden he felt a searing pain through his side. He whipped around, leaning his weight against the gun turret, and saw a pegasus who’d snuck up on him. His vision blurred as he realized it was none other than Spitfire, his former Wonderbolt teammate.

"Soarin," she murmured, apparently surprised at seeing him.

Soarin's mouth locked onto his bit and he shot at her. He was slow, though, and she easily moved out of the way. He tried again, and again she evaded. With this pain in his side making his thoughts all syrupy, he was too predictable.

Spitfire's eyes narrowed. “Should have stuck with us, browncolt.” Evidently she had remembered the task at hoof, and no reunion was going to change that. Steely-eyed, she opened her mouth over the bit—and was suddenly blown away, back into the valley brush. Soarin blinked and blinked again, not understanding. He looked down at the blood seeping through his fur.

Then, Applejack was by his side. "Come on," she ordered, shoving him away from the gun. He shook his head, trying to clear it, as he saw where AJ was trying to take him. Back to the foxhole.

"Yes, sir," he said, head still hazy as he limped back towards the cover as fast as he could. He was semi-conscious of AJ at his back as they crossed the several yards of the valley.

Applejack pushed Soarin into the foxhole violently, turning around and firing at a few more enemy soldiers before backing into the entrance. Soarin was breathing heavily, sitting down on his haunches. Fluttershy, tears hardening on her cheeks, had run to his side.

"You did good. That was you, shootin’ at his attacker, wasn't it?" Applejack asked, panting.

Fluttershy nodded wordlessly. She seemed ashamed of her action. Applejack was surprised—first, because the filly was a good shot, and second because she didn’t understand what there was to be ashamed about. She had saved Soarin, hadn’t she?

"Looks like you got what you wanted, medic," Applejack said. "A patient." She walked towards Fluttershy and yanked the saddle off the yellow pegasus, throwing it down on the ground. "Soar, belly to the ground. That’s an order."

"I'm not very good at saving ponies," Fluttershy murmured, before she unbuckled Soarin's saddle and slowly pulled it off his back. His coat was next.

Applejack was trying hard not to feel desperate. But this wasn't just any pony bleeding all over the ground. "You have to," she replied quickly. She took a deep breath, composing herself. "I know you can, Fluttershy. Luna don't just let anypony be a medic, y’know. Just stay calm. I'll guard the entrance, and you do what you're meant to do."

"It's through his wing," Fluttershy said calmly. "Through his wing and straight through his body. Even if I could stop the bleeding I can’t save his wing. It's worse than a lot of the others." Her voice was softer now, fresh tears spilling out of her eyes.

AJ grit her teeth. "No, it ain’t," she growled. "Just fix him!"

"B-but… Applejack… Sometimes a pony just can't be fixed. Right?"

"Don't gimme that! You ain’t even tried!" Applejack stamped her hoof, face reddening. She felt so childish, but this… this was Soarin! Her best friend. AJ turned her back on Fluttershy and walked to the entrance of the foxhole.

"I'll try," the medic said back meekly.

"Will I ever fly again, doctor?" Soarin was asking in a strange voice. He sounded tired.

"I… I hope so," Fluttershy replied quietly. She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them again, a look of determination crossing her face. She would do what she could for Soarin. He needed surgery, but that wasn't something she could do here. All she could do was prevent shock and blood loss.

The radio buzzed and Applejack strode over to it. "You better be sendin’ our angels. We're me and a medic right now."

"It's too hot, Sergeant. Command says they're pulling out. No Shadowbolts at all. The order is to lay down arms."

"What?" AJ demanded, stunned. "No. No, we can't do that."

"You're a medic and a soldier. You said so yourself."

"There must be somethin’. Anything. We lose here, we lose it all." Not just the war. But everything. She thought of the farm. Of Apple Bloom. Everything.

There was a sigh from the other side of the radio. "Shadowbolts are busy right now. The Wonderbolts showed up. They've got their hooves full. I can tell them to get to you as soon as possible."

"How long?"

"An hour, maybe. Three max. Who knows. Depends on their status after dealing with the Wonderbolts, AJ."

Applejack turned, looking back at Fluttershy. She looked up, the blood on her hooves fresh, her long pink mane hanging in her face. "Three hours?" she asked.

Fluttershy shook her head. "We have less than one," she murmured.

AJ turned away, looking back outside. She couldn't speak.

"Sergeant?" came the gravelly voice through the radio.

The earth pony took another step towards the valley. The unicorn ship was still hanging over it. She looked at the area where the control room would be and wondered what their next orders were. Why they weren’t shooting fire anymore. How Celestia would choose to celebrate this victory tonight. She could just hear her now. Her next live broadcast across the ‘verse—the 'verse that would soon be hers. Hello, my little ponies. I have wonderful news for you all!

"Applejack. You there?"

The powerful forces of good and friendship have managed to conquer the forces of evil. Those rebel forces that would keep us divided have surrendered to us tonight in Sereinity Valley!

Applejack still couldn't say anything. It wouldn't come out right. It would make her sick, having to make this decision.

"Sergeant. Do you read me?"

"Yes!" Applejack snapped. "Get us out. Soarin needs medical attention fast."

"Lay down arms and we'll be there as fast as possible."

But Celestia’s mocking voice wouldn’t stop playing in her head. I’m so delighted, my little ponies. Now peace can finally be restored to all the worlds. Your suffering can end. The light of friendship, of harmony, of Alliance—that can reach all worlds now. Even the furthest planets in the Outer Rim. After years of waiting, years of struggles... your time in the sun is here!

Applejack shook her head. The order was to lay down arms. She pulled off her saddle and placed it on the ground. She looked back at Fluttershy and Soarin. "Medic, I swear, if you can keep him alive til they come, I…" She didn't know how to finish that sentence. Applejack didn't even know how much longer she’d have to repay Fluttershy. Would she be a prisoner of war? Or would she be executed? "I'll do anything to keep him alive," she rephrased.

"I can tee dat," the medic replied, bandage in her teeth as she wrapped Soarin's wound.

Yes, it went without saying. Applejack turned from the pegasi again and looked out into the valley. She wondered how long it would take for the Harmony Alliance to call off their troops. Wondered if this was the end of the war.

We’re all going to have to work together. But I know we can do it. We have a great power on our side. Remember, my little ponies: friendship, harmony, alliance—they are all forces for good. And today begins the end of a seemingly eternal night for the Outer Rim. It is the dawn of a new era—an era in which Alliance is magic!

And that was when it began to rain purple fire again.

SIX YEARS LATER

"Steady. Hold steady, now. That stuff's fragile. We gotta move quick now before Alliance comes along." Applejack was hauling a space wagon of gray cubes—miniature cargo holds to maximize space onboard a ship.

"Yes, captain," Fluttershy replied, wheeling along with a wagon of her own. The two ponies wore space suits, guns and flashlights attached to them, as they maneuvered through the narrow halls of the wrecked ship. They'd come to salvage goods requested by an associate of theirs. It wasn't heavy stuff, but the wreck was close enough to Persepony to have a cluster of Harmony Alliance cruisers around it. Luckily, it was not quite close enough that the feds had already come through and picked its bones. That was a job for AJ and her crew.

"Eeyup," came the sound of her brother's voice from behind them. Like the two fillies, he wore a space suit and hauled two wagons behind him. Big Mac was a workpony, and Applejack thanked the stars for that every time they had to bring back lots of haul.

"Careful now," AJ warned them. She opened the wrecked ship's door and stepped out onto the surface of another ship. Her ship. Inching around to the cargo opening, she dragged the wagon behind her through open space, using the side of her ship to pull her along. AJ entered through the airlock, then waited for Fluttershy and Big Mac before she pressed the button to close the door. The ponies looped their arms and legs around metal bars, setting down their wagons on the ground as the doors closed and gravity kicked in.

AJ grinned, pulling off her helmet and shaking out her blond mane. "Shiny." She opened the door to the rest of the ship and pulled the wagon through before wriggling out of her suit. Fluttershy and Big Mac did the same, and they lined up the four wagons full of goods to hide later. Right now, it just felt good to be back home.

"We got a lot," Fluttershy said with a smile.

"Eeyup," Big Mac replied.

Applejack rolled her eyes at her brother. Never one for many words. At least he could shoot a gun better than he could maintain a conversation. She guessed that went for Fluttershy, too. Funny how that was.

AJ had realized the former war medic's skill for firearms during the battle at Sereinity Valley. The first shot she'd ever fired had saved Soarin. And that wasn't something Applejack forgot. Fluttershy had only gotten better, quickly becoming fierce when it came to protecting her friends. She was a force to be reckoned with, even if she often cried after a fight. For many things, still, Applejack had to rely on her brother. He wasn't amoral, but he was not quite as sensitive as Fluttershy.

"AJ! AJ!" came the sound of their pilot's voice. The blue pegasus came flying out from the direction of the bridge, landing on the catwalk above them. Rainbow mane sticking straight up, Rainbow Dash’s eyes were wide. "Alliance ship approaching."

"Enateh tebeda," Applejack swore. "C’mon, get this stuff hidden. Dash, get us outta here."

"I can't do it fast enough," Rainbow replied.

AJ left Fluttershy and Big Mac to tuck their goods beneath the ship and ran upstairs towards Dash. She raced into the bridge as Rainbow explained the situation to her: "They're close. If we run, they see us."

Applejack remained in the door of the cockpit as Dash returned to her seat behind the helm. "Shut it down. All but the air."

Dash nodded, quickly flipping switches and hitting the com with one wing. "Hey, Derpy. Little emergency. You there?"

"Yup!" came a cheerful voice from the other end of the intercom.

"Turn everything off but the air. Alliance cruiser."

"Okay!" In the engine room, the gray pegasus flew from one side to another, flipping switches. She flipped one, then realized it was the air – "Oops!" she said, flipping it back on quickly with a grin. Derpy flew to the top of the engine, shutting off the lights. The ship went black.

"And now we wait," said Dash from the bridge. She frowned out the window as she watched the huge ship passed by.

"Must be lookin’ for survivors on the wreck," AJ said. "If Trixie gets us killed for this, I'll have her hide as a floormat."

Dash shrugged. "You can do anything once you're dead."

Suddenly, an alarm sounded.

"What's that?" AJ demanded.

"Molestia's horn, they're scanning us!" Dash exclaimed. "They know we're here. Probably that we're salvagers too."

"Pull a cryfoal."

Dash pressed buttons rapidly, using her wings again. "Derpy, we're on again. Now!" she barked on the intercom. "Cryfoal. Gotcha." With a smirk on her face, she jammed her hoof against a button.

For a few tense moments, captain and pilot watched as the Alliance ship hovered over them. The cryfoal—a small machine that sent out a distress signal to Harmony Alliance ships—was meant to lead them away. But would it be enough to pull these cruisers away from the illicit activity they'd surely discovered here?

And, then, the ship began moving again.

Dash sighed. "It's heading towards the cryfoal."

"Get us the hay outta here."

"Aye, captain," Rainbow Dash replied with a grin.

Their ship's bulbous exterior lit up, then blasted white heat as they sped away from the wreck and the Alliance ship.

"Ain't no Harmony cruiser that can catch Sereinity," Applejack declared with a smirk. She leaned against the wall of the bridge, crossing one leg over the other, pleased with it all. "I just wish Soarin was around to see all this."

As if by magic, the door to the cockpit opened and a blue pegasus stuck his head in. "What in the 'verse is going on?" he asked. "I was trying to eat my gorram pie and the lights kept going on and off."

AJ grinned, happy as always to see her first mate. "Playing tag with the feds. No big deal."

"We're all clear now. Go and eat your pie, dear," Rainbow Dash said with a snicker.

Soarin stared at them for a few more moments, then nodded decisively and left the bridge.

Rainbow sat back in the pilot chair, relaxing. "Where to now?"

"Persepony. ‘Bout time to pick up our lovely lady, ain't it?"

Dash spun around in her chair lazily. "Those Celestia-huggers on the cruiser most likely put out a bulletin for us. Might have trouble showing up to the Core in a fyre-flye."

Applejack shrugged. "Doubt they I.D.'d us. We'll unload the goods as soon as we touch down. Besides, we're not to go breakin’ commitments."

Dash turned back to the helm. "You're the captain, captain."

Persepony, like most central planets, prided itself on being "civilized." As one of the most powerful worlds, it certainly lived up to its name. One current fad among the gentry was embracing the lost cultures from Equestria-that-was. Parties, music, clothing: they were all inspired by old-fashioned things from the old home planet before it had been used up. Yet, at the same time, areas of Persepony were incredibly impoverished. The great cities were encircled with sprawling slums. Private family estates clashed with the tenements and Alliance-sponsored housing units for those struggling to get by.

And, of course, like any major planet Persepony had a great mixing of ponies and other creatures from all backgrounds. Wingsdown Docks was such a place where the 'verse came to buy, sell, trade and refuel. As Sereinity touched down at the docks, the atmosphere onboard was lively. Or maybe that was just Derpy.

"We're here! We're here!" she cheered, flying out into the sunlight as soon as the airlock opened. The mismatched golden eyes of the pegasus took it all in: the market, the stalls, the ships—oh, all the ships! That reminded her. "Captain, can I go hunt for a new compression coil?"

Applejack walked out, eyes half-closed in the new, bright light. "Don't have the bits for that just yet, sugar cube."

"I'll pay! I'll pay you back."

"You just keep Sereinity flyin’," AJ said, walking past her. Her mind was clearly on other things. "And find us some passengers. Their bits'll help us buy a new compression coil somewhere down the 'verse."

Derpy sighed, wings drooping as she landed on the ground. "Okay, captain." She looked back towards the ship as the rest of the crew exited. Dash came to stand next to her, watching as the rest of them left.

"So finding new passengers is all in your hooves," Rainbow said with a grin. "I'm to find out where in the world our second shuttle is. Think you can handle meeting all those new ponies? Or griffins, or zebras, or buffalo, or whatever the hay else."

Derpy's eyes lit up. "Yeah! But I don’t know if anypony-who’s-not-a-pony-else would fit, since Sereinity’s a pony-class ship. Maybe a zebra. Or a small griffin... But yeah! I can handle it!" Of course. No compression coil was one thing, but making new friends, hearing all those stories… that was enough to make her happy again.

"Good," Rainbow Dash replied with a wink before flying back into the ship. As she flew through Sereinity, she wondered if she'd ever take the stairs. Nah. Probably not. After all, why do all that work when she could just fly up? Derpy did the same, and Soarin did at times, too. Back in the war, he'd been injured pretty bad and couldn't fly all that well anymore. His flight was coming back, but it was still not as great as everypony said it was before the war. Rainbow Dash didn't know what she would do if she couldn't fly, but Soarin didn't seem to mind all that much. After all, he said, he'd gotten away with his life and that was the important part. She tried not to show off her superior flying abilities too much around him.

Dash settled into her seat behind the helm and punched onto the screen, hailing one of their shuttles. "You almost here?"

A few seconds later, a white unicorn with purple mane appeared on the other side of the screen. "Oh, Rainbow Dash, I'm just coming into the Docks. I can't wait to see you all. I have plenty of stories—"

"Yuck, spare us, Rarity. I'm sure nobody but Fluttershy and Derpy will listen," Dash groaned.

"Hmmph. We just need to get more males on this ship. I'm sure they'd be interested in my tales." A smirk appeared across Rarity's face. "I expect Soarin would be, really."

Dash reddened. "Thanks, but why don't you leave the dirty talk with my husband to me?"

Rarity laughed. "Oh, I was only joking, darling. You're so adorable when you're possessive. I do say I know what Soarin sees in you."

That only made her blush more. "Yeah, yeah. Save the uninterested flirting for your customers, Rare."

Rarity pouted. "You're no fun. Anyway, do try to get some new stallions on the ship. With Soarin busy with you all the time, and Big Mac so… virtuous, it's getting a bit boring."

"Derpy's in charge of that, and I expect it'll be whoever's got the bits."

"Yes, dear, the proper bits are what I’m looking for too.” Rarity winked across the screen.

“Bits as in money. Coin,” Rainbow Dash corrected, her voice flat.

“Yes, yes. That. How droll. Well, I'll see you in a few minutes, darling."

The screen blackened and Dash chuckled to herself. Rarity's pockets were never exactly as empty as the rest of them. But, then again, her profession was a bit more… lucrative than theirs. The unicorn rented one of their shuttles as her own quarters, from which she also ran most of her business. And her business stayed her business... or at least it did most of the time. If only Rarity wasn’t so gorram generous. She hardly spared a detail.

With her duty complete, Rainbow Dash leaned back in her chair and pressed a button on the helm. The pre-war, vintage video recording she’d bought recently was calling her name. Rainbow Dash watched in glee as her husband, as well as several other pegasi, streaked across the sky, smoke trailing behind them. The Wonderbolts, before they became Celestia’s pawns. This was the kind of thing she didn’t see very often, and she was glad to finally have some time to herself.

"Now this is just horseapples! We had a deal." Applejack slammed her hoof into the ground, glaring across the desk at the unicorn seated behind it.

The purple-clothed unicorn met her gaze's intensity. Looking down her nose at AJ, she laughed. "A deal? Oh, the deal was that you don't get seen by the feds. The deal was that you don't bring Trixie goods that the government can trace back to your little mistake!"

"They didn't I.D. us," Fluttershy informed her. "Um, I mean, I don't think they did, anyway."

"Harmony-stamped goods. Trixie doesn't want your business." The haughty unicorn turned away from them slightly, eyes closed in refusal.

Soarin shook his head. "Well, aren't you just miss high and mighty."

"The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't need to hear insults from you. Trixie, of all ponies, knows that neighsayers are going to neighsay. What Trixie doesn't like is your attitude, captain. You come into her place of business and let your lackeys call her names. It's insulting! Begone, now." Trixie waved her hoof at them airily.

Only Fluttershy turned to leave, then realized the others weren't. She hurried back to her spot, standing up straight again.

"Or should Trixie's guards escort you out? Snips, Snails?"

Two male unicorns stepped forward. One was yellow, the other green. Despite their nonthreatening appearance, the artillery floating before them in their magical auras was not exactly pleasant looking.

Applejack shook her head. "Don't think I won't be remembering this, Trixie."

"It's the Great and Powerful Trixie. Why don't you try the border planets? Go associate with the filth from whence you came, browncolt."

Big Mac stepped forward, eyes narrowed. "I've a mind to make you pay for that remark," he growled, mouth hovering dangerously close to the bit on his saddle.

"Don't be stupid," Trixie snapped. “Everypony knows browncolts never win.”

"We'll be leaving," Applejack replied, glancing towards her brother. She turned to go, Fluttershy and Soarin on her tail. “And as far as I remember, Trixie, you wore a particularly dashing shade of brown as well.” Big Mac gave one last look to Trixie, then turned and followed his sister as well.

"Welcome, y'all, to Sereinity. Glad to see three new faces along with us." Applejack had assembled the crew and new passengers in the dining room, and was delivering some sort of welcome speech. Soarin, Rainbow Dash, Big Mac, Fluttershy and Derpy sat around the table. It was a bit more cramped thanks to the new passengers who had joined them: one unicorn and two earth ponies. The unicorn had a purple coat and streaks through her dark hair. It seemed her only possessions were books and one small suitcase. The gray earth mare had a black mane and had brought a large case on board with her. The earth stallion was brown with a darker brown mane. His add to the cargo was a small blue box.

"Now, I know y'all were hoping to get to Borears ASAP, but we've been ordered by the Harmonic Union of Allied Planets to drop some medical supplies off at a border moon called Whitefoal first," Applejack continued. "Hope it won't be too much of a problem. Shouldn't take us away for too long. The only other thing is that we gotta ask you to stay in your quarters when we're moving. Could be dangerous with y'all walking around."

"What about if we have to get to our things?" asked the dark-maned earth mare. "I do have some personal belongings in cargo, and it’s crucial that I can access them."

"We'll help you get what you need," AJ replied.

Rarity entered the dining area at that time, smiling broadly. Her mane was pinned up and she wore an elaborately-designed purple silk robe. "Oh, hello everypony! Sorry I've taken so long. A bath and a quick cleaning of my quarters was truly necessary."

"This here is our Rarity. Sereinity's own Ambassador," Applejack snickered.

"Wow! It's such an honor to meet a state official," the purple unicorn said in awe. "My name is Twi—er, just Twi. It's nice to meet you."

“Twi, it’s a pleasure,” Rarity replied, smiling warmly at the other unicorn.

"Oh, don’t get too excited, Twi. ‘Ambassador’ is just the term we use. She's only a shermuta," AJ laughed. "A whore."

Twi's face blanked. "O-oh! Er… Well…"

"I believe they're called Coltpanions," the earth mare replied.

"Octy's right," Derpy cut in. "And don't make fun, AJ! It takes a lot of training to get such a respectable job."

"I prefer Octavia, actually."

"Lotsa places don't let you land without a Coltpanion," Big Mac drawled. "Rarity here helps us with that."

"Yes, I am certainly in demand," Rarity said with a strained smile. She sat down at the empty seat beside Fluttershy. "So, Twi and Octavia. And what, may I ask, is your name?" she asked of the earth stallion, offering him a coy smile.

"Doctor… ah, you can just call me the Doctor," he replied.

Fluttershy's eyes widened and she leaned over the table. "Are you a doctor? Really and truly?"

Rarity leaned back, smile vanishing as Fluttershy’s enthusiasm stole the show. The newcomers Twi and Octavia seemed a bit taken aback. Fluttershy had that effect when she suddenly went from silent to gushing.

Yet, for some reason, the Doctor didn't seem surprised. "No, actually, I'm not," he laughed. "I, uh… I fix clocks. Put things back together. So ponies just call me that." He shrugged.

"Actually, I'm a doctor," Twilight said with a small smile. “I just became one.”

"Ooh, what a coincidence!" Fluttershy gasped.

"But… not a medical one. I have a doctorate, that's all."

"And Octavia here must be the real medical doctor," Dash joked.

"No, I also only have my doctorate," replied the earth pony. “I happen to be a doctor of Musical Arts.”

Applejack shrugged. "Hayuva lot more fancy pedigree than we got."

"Speak for yourself," Rarity protested. "And besides, Rainbow Dash went to that technical school to learn piloting. And Fluttershy, didn't you do medical school?"

"N-no… Just certification…" Fluttershy looked down, timid again.

Twi's eyes bugged. "You mean none of you have your bachelor's?! Or master's?"

They all stared at her.

"All that fancy learnin’ is kinda a Persepony type thing," Applejack said. "Big Mac and I are from the Outer Rim, same as Derpy here."

"Coltpanions don't really have those sorts of degrees," Rarity replied. "But if it came down to it, I'm certainly a master of Coltpanionship. Which, by the way, doesn’t limit one to simply colts." She winked across the table at Twi.

"Your mechanic must have surely gone to engineering school, no?" Octavia asked.

Derpy shook her head. "Nope! Learned it all on my daddy's farm. Playing with engines and the like."

The three newcomers were silent, looking between the faces of the crew they'd just joined.

"Sometimes you don't need a fancy certificate to be good at something," Soarin cut in. "Derpy here is one of the best. Machines just speak to her. It's spooky, really."

"No, I understand that. That's what being a musician is all about," Octavia said after a moment. "With instruments, of course."

"Okay, enough talk about school," Rainbow Dash interjected. "Who else is hungry? I could eat the ship, I'm so famished."

"Don't you dare!" Derpy gasped.

"Come on, Mac. We better get cookin’ fast. We're gonna need a lot of canned crap to fill Rainbow's stomach." Applejack stuck her tongue out at the pegasus before heading into the kitchen, her brother following her.

After dinner, Rarity, Fluttershy and Derpy sat in the Coltpanion's shuttle as she told them stories of her last stint on Persepony. Rarity had invited their new passengers, too, but they'd all returned to their own sleeping areas. Probably Applejack had scared them away with all her whore talk.

"Wow! So he basically proposed!" Derpy gasped, at hearing Rarity's latest news.

"Well, essentially. But he was horrid. Thank Celestia he was handsome, or there was no way I was getting through that. Terrible personality." Rarity shook her head. "But… I must admit he had a nice body. Yes, I have certainly had worse." She laughed.

Fluttershy blushed. Rarity always told them stories when she returned, and the yellow pegasus found herself getting even more quiet than usual. When Rarity and Derpy weren't talking sex, Fluttershy felt relaxed around them. But when this all started… well, it was just like being around strangers. She clammed right up.

"So how'd you turn him down when he asked you to stay with him?" Derpy asked.

Rarity shrugged gracefully. "I didn't say anything, really. He figured out his mistake and stopped talking about that sort of thing."

"Oh, but how romantic if you did actually meet somepony who made you retire!"

“Darling, you know how it is. Personal marestress, yes, but no respectable stallion is going to actually marry a Coltpanion. We’re simply not for that sort of thing.”

“Well, then, say somepony took you on as a personal marestress.”

"I can't see that happening anytime soon," Rarity laughed. "And anyway, after living like this for so long, it'd be hard to stay with one pony."

"Not if you found the one for you!" Fluttershy piped up.

Rarity looked towards her, amused expression on her face. "Yes, dear. That's terribly sweet of you." She looked to Derpy. "You two and your sentimental notions. I suspect I don't have a romantic bone in my body. They must be in your wing bones."

"Wing boner!" Derpy gasped. "I definitely got one of those the other day. Big Mac was lifting boxes, and…" She trailed off with a grin.

"Hmm, yes. He's well-built enough. Too boring for my taste, though. Why, he can hardly keep a conversation going."

Fluttershy frowned. "B-but… some ponies are just more talkative than others. It doesn't make them boring…"

"Oh, not you, dear. I know you're not boring. But Mac… sometimes I think he hasn't got a thought in his head. It works out well, though, as he takes orders from Applejack so nicely. But I'm sure you know that, darling, seeing as you and Mac are AJ's personal bodyguards."

"Hired saddles," Fluttershy corrected flatly.

"The muscle!" Derpy laughed, poking at Fluttershy's skinny forelegs.

Fluttershy gave a slight shrug, feeling down all of a sudden for no reason she could explain. Well, she figured it maybe had something to do with the fact that Rarity found her boring. Or ponies like her boring. That wasn't exactly what one wanted to hear from her best friend. But, she decided, she would prove that she wasn't boring. She would talk to the new ponies on Sereinity! Make new friends. She would talk so much her mouth would fall off! With her new mission on her mind, Fluttershy steeled herself for the rest of the sex talk.

Applejack grumbled to Big Mac as the two cleaned up after dinner. "Those three go running off to all their… matin’ talk and leave the two of us up to our necks in dirty dishes. Tain't fair!"

"Shoulda told all them doctors to do the cleaning," her brother replied with a chuckle. "Put those shiny papers to good use."

"I've a mind to tell Soar to do it next time. But Rainbow Dash is always wailin’ about not gettin’ time with her husband. Oh, big whoop. Rainbow shoulda known she was getting me and Sereinity along with that big lump of stallion when she married him."

Big Mac glanced towards her as he dried dishes. "Easy, AJ. Somepony might think you're, well, jealous."

"Jealous!" Applejack laughed. "Of Rainbow Dash? Look, if I'd wanted to have Soarin I could’ve, back in the war." She scrubbed hard at a dish, scowling at the bits of food that were sticking to it. "And speaking of having colts all up in you, I'm sick and tired of Rarity distracting Fluttershy and Derpy from important things. She's… why, she's a plain bad influence!" AJ declared.

Big Mac couldn't help but laugh at his sister. "Now, come on. You think those two are gonna leave you for Coltpanion school? Derpy? And Fluttershy?"

“Coltpanion Houses don’t let a pony over a certain age in. You know that. Besides, they’d never take an Outer Rim filly like Derpy,” Applejack muttered.

“It was a joke, AJ.”

"I know that! It's just not good to be filling their heads with that whoring business, pushing out guns and gears and… and common sense!"

Big Mac set down the dish and turned to face Applejack. "Simmer down, now. Rarity's your friend, same as all the others. Shouldn't call her a whore. Now, I don't believe this is what you really feel. I think somepony is still a-fired up over Trixie."

"Gelding's tenders, Mac, 'course I am. So is Sereinity, going all the way to gorram Whitefoal to pawn off our goods for some measly Rim coin.”

"From a griffin who done shot you," Big Mac added.

"From the very same."

"Eeyup. But keep your voice down. Them doctors might be around," Mac reminded her.

"They got orders to stay in their quarters."

"Not sure doctors like followin’ orders."

"You're right." Applejack paused, glancing around. As if any of them would be spying on them from within plain sight. Still, she knew the creaks of this old ship better than anypony save Derpy. Applejack was almost sure they were alone. "I don't trust ‘em."

"Them doctors? Me neither."

"They seem a mite suspicious. All them boxes they brought in. I've a mind to cry ‘fed' on one of them."

Just at that moment, the intercom began to beep. "Dash here. AJ, you're gonna wanna see this."

"Go," Big Mac said before Applejack could reply. "I'll finish up."

The captain nodded at him. "Thanks, Mac," she said before taking off at a trot out of the dining area.

"Who the hay could have done this?" Applejack demanded.

"Can't tell for sure. Somepony on board." Rainbow Dash was glowering at the screen in front of her. "All I can tell is that somepony called Harmony on us. Not sure how much went through."

"You scrambled it?"

"Like eggs. But there's no doubt they got our location. Nearest Alliance cruiser will be on our tail soon."

AJ shook her head. I will not cuss. I will not cuss. I will not cuss. "And to think I was just jokin’ with my brother we'd taken a fed on board. How long we got?"

Rainbow shrugged, gritting her teeth. "About a half hour."

"Tebeda ena mut, Alliance assama," Applejack snapped. Oh well. There was only so long she could hold it back.

"Gimatam assama," Dash tacked on to the string of curses. "So, what should I do?"

"You stay here. Com Soar, Fluttershy and Mac, but be careful none of them doctors hear."

"And you?"

"I'm gonna go catch me a pig."

Fed

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fyre-flye
I - 2
Fed

One quick stop by her quarters and Applejack was saddled up. Climbing the ladder back into the hallway, she began to make her way down the belly of the ship towards the passenger quarters. She kept an eye out for any of her crew, but the halls were cleared. Going to get one of them would just eat up precious time now that a Harmony Alliance cruiser was on its way. As she began to descend the stairs into the cargo hold, the question of the fed’s identity played on her mind.

Twi. Octavia. The Doctor. Who was it? There was really none among their new passengers Applejack could rule out. They were all well-educated, wealthy and from the Central Planets. They wore outfits that probably cost more than Sereinity’s monthly food allotment. And they all seemed as if they had something to hide, the captain realized with a sense of dread. Damn. Maybe they're all in on it together, she thought to herself. Now, if only Fluttershy, Mac or Soarin was around, she wouldn't feel so bad going up against three feds. Though, really, she doubted that many lawponies had boarded the ship. Sereinity hadn’t done anything bad enough to deserve such government attention. More admittedly, it hadn’t been caught doing anything bad enough. One fed was a possibility, though. It always had been. Now it was a reality.

Still, one fed was bad enough. Especially since Applejack had no idea what sort of firepower he or she owned.

And that was when she remembered all those suspicious packages. What was more likely: a stowaway fed waiting dutifully in the passenger quarters, or rummaging through his or her bag of Alliance tricks? Applejack slowed her pace, treading carefully on the metal stairs. After taking the first two steps down, she realized Octavia and the Doctor were in the cargo hold. From the looks of things, they were caught in a disagreement. The captain crept down the stairs as silently as she could, glad the two were caught up in their own affairs, then crouched over on the catwalk above the cavernous room. She would wait here, listening, until she knew more.

But she wasn’t going to wait too long. That cruiser was on the way.

"You had better give yourself up right now," Octavia was saying.

"I haven’t the faintest idea what you're talking about," the Doctor replied, shaking his head and backing away from Octavia.

It was the Doctor. The Doctor who wasn't really a doctor at all. He was the fed. Applejack wasn't going to waste any more time with this so-called clock fixer. She rose and galloped down the stairs. "So what'd you tell ‘em, Persepony slime?"

The Doctor realized she was speaking to him. "W-what? Tell who?"

"Don't play stupid. I know everything."

Suddenly, Applejack noticed a shiny piece of metal sparkling off of Octavia and realized it was a gun. A saddle hidden beneath her fancy dress. An even fancier saddle; the kind that hid a gun and bit until activated. That meant—

"You. You're the fed," Applejack corrected herself, turning towards Octavia.

"Me?" the dark pony asked. "Oh, isn't that a position more likely filled by, oh, say, a unicorn?"

Applejack noticed movement from the shadows and turned her head. Twi was standing there behind them.

"Horse apples, you mean I guessed wrong twice?" AJ muttered. "It was you that sent the signal?" she asked Twi.

The lavender unicorn shook her head. "Captain, don't listen, she's just trying to distract you." She nodded towards Octavia.

Applejack looked back towards the earth mare, whose saddle was now pointed towards her. "Oh, for cryin’ out loud. I just can't catch a break on my own gorram ship, can I?"

Octavia smirked. "No, you certainly cannot. I apologize. That was fun. Yes, it was I. Now drop your weapons."

AJ hesitated, then slowly unbuckled her saddle with her teeth, dropping it onto the ground. She was caught. This was it. Smugglers and salvagers—okay, thieves—were not treated kindly by the Harmony Alliance. "Look, nopony else knew about it. Just me," she said. Least she could do was make sure the rest of her crew didn't get hurt by her stupid mistakes.

"Oh, really? You knew about Doctor Whooves' little secret?"

"Doctor who’s little what now?" Applejack replied, genuinely flummoxed. She frowned, glancing towards the brown earth pony stallion. "Wait. You're after him?"

"I certainly am. Shall I explain the whole sordid story? I'm afraid we don’t have much time. The cruiser is quite close." Octavia looked back towards the Doctor. "And so is your justice."

"Captain!" came a familiar voice from above. Applejack looked up to see Fluttershy swooping into the room, her pink saddle on her back. Soarin was behind her, and Big Mac thundered down the stairs. Both stallions were saddled up as well. The yellow pegasus looked between the three passengers, confusion on her face. But before she could figure anything out, the startled Octavia fired. The bullet tore through the air—

—and through Fluttershy's body.

"Fluttershy!" AJ gasped.

Soarin dove to catch the wounded pegasus just before she hit the ground. Her yellow coat was quickly reddening with blood, and shock was still plastered across her face.

Applejack spun and bucked Octavia with her rear hooves. The earth pony went flying, but landed on her own hooves and turned back towards AJ, saddlegun shining in the light. Not good, not good—

The captain leapt for her own dropped saddle and slung it across her, trying to secure it as fast as she could. But all of a sudden, Octavia's saddle was disintegrating, the gun warping in and out and all around itself. Applejack spotted the magical aura around it. Rarity's? But she wasn't here, and this aura wasn't the same color as Rarity's pale blue… She looked around, then realized it was Twi's magic. The unicorn lifted Octavia helplessly into the air until her weapons had all but turned to dust. Then, the aura vanished and the earth pony fell to the ground. Big Mac was beside her in seconds, slamming the side of his hoof into her head. It wasn't too hard, but it was enough to knock her out.

Applejack nodded at Mac, thankful he'd momentarily overcome his inability to hit mares, then looked back to Fluttershy. Soarin had laid her down onto the ground and was crouched over her. AJ and her brother ran to the pegasi.

"Fluttershy?"

"Never been shot before," the pink-maned pony replied, eyes still wide. "It… doesn't hurt as much as I thought."

"Oh, sugar cube." Applejack's mind was racing. She turned to Twi. "Look, you know any medical spells or any of that?"

The unicorn found herself shaking her head. "No, I don't. I'm so sorry. I specialized in defensive spells. I—"

"That's all right," Applejack hushed her. "Mac, go get Rarity. We're gonna need her spells. Try not to upset her and Derpy much." Her heart was pounding fast and she struggled to stay calm as she watched her brother gallop up the stairs. She turned back to the Doctor. "And you," she said accusingly, then reached down to her saddle and grabbed her trusty lasso with her teeth. Whipping it around, she threw it over the Doctor and dragged him towards her. "Jutht don't move," she demanded through gritted teeth, then spat out the end of the rope and placed it firmly under one hoof.

"I wasn't going to do anything," he replied softly.

"You got Fluttershy shot," Applejack snapped.

Dash's voice came across the com. "Captain, an Alliance cruiser just hailed us. Not sure what's going on, but it sounds important." She was playing dumb in case AJ hadn't caught the fed yet.

"I never thought it would be this way," Fluttershy was saying to Soarin. "Me down here and you there. Didn't even think you'd live, really."

Soarin blinked in surprise, realizing she was talking about the war. Sereinity Valley, when she'd saved him, six years ago. "Mine was much worse than yours is," he lied. His had been from about the same range, but they had found out later that the bullet had passed neatly through him, hardly nicking his insides, really. But Fluttershy… she had a stomach wound. He didn't know how much longer she would be able to keep talking like this. She was one tough filly, when it came down to things. He just had to keep her believing in her ability to breathe. "Rarity will have you fixed up in just a few minutes." The companion's healing spells could pull out a bullet and numb a pony, but they couldn't repair any organs that had been torn or damaged in the bullet's wake.

"Okay," Fluttershy replied. Her face twisted. "Kinda hurting more now. B-but, um, it's okay. I'm fine."

Dammit, Soarin thought to himself, fighting to keep his eyes dry. Luna damn it all. Fluttershy had saved his life, and he was helpless to do anything for her now. He jumped as he realized Applejack was standing beside him. "Captain. Should I take her to the infirmary?" he asked.

"Don't want to jostle her too much. She's losin’ a lot of blood," Applejack replied in a low voice.

"Am I? Oh, I'm sorry. Is the floor all messy? I'll clean it up later. Just used the mop last week." Fluttershy's breathing was labored. Her nose wrinkled as she strained to speak. "Hurts to talk."

"Don't talk, sugar cube. Save that for all us. You just work on breathing nice and steady now," Applejack told her. She looked back to Soarin. "We'll let Rarity do her work first, and then take her to the infirmary."

"I can levitate her there. Or magically keep her on somepony's back," Twi added.

"Well… Yeah. All right," Applejack decided with a nod. "The sooner we get there the better. Come on, let's hurry now." She glanced towards Soarin. "Soar, how 'bout you go catch up with Mac? Bring him and Rare to the infirmary."

Soarin nodded. Fluttershy began to glow, rising gently up into the air with Twi's magic.

"Wow, I'm flying! I'm not even using my wings…" Fluttershy marveled.

"Wait," came a voice. The Doctor. "I… I lied earlier. I am a doctor. A real one."

Applejack spun around to face the earth pony, still constricted in the lasso. She raised one eyebrow suspiciously. "A medical one?" she asked disbelievingly. "Or just some other rodeo trick like magic or music?" She glanced towards Twi. "No offense."

"Yes. I am a medical doctor."

"Can you help her?" AJ demanded.

The Doctor was nodding. "Yes. If you promise me one thing."

"What?" AJ asked, impatient.

"You won't give me to that Harmony Alliance cruiser. You turn and run."

She glared at him. "Turn tail on Alliance? That ain’t risky at all. I don't even know what you did. You think I want a murderer moseyin’ around my ship?"

"You'll be the murderer if you turn me in. Because as far as I know, I'm the only one on board who can save your pegasus there. She's dying."

"No she ain't! Don't even say that," Applejack hissed, pointing her hoof at him. The last thing Fluttershy needed to hear was that she wasn't going to make it. Nothing killed a wounded pony quicker than that.

"It's true. Do you want me to help her or not?"

It was always the same thing with Applejack. Doing the sensible thing any other sane pony would do, or saving her friends' lives? The problem was, a lot of the time it turned out that saving her friends made more sense than doing anything else. "Rainbow. Change course. Let's get the hay outta here," she barked into the com. Then she turned back to the Doctor and Twi. "Follow me. I'll show y'all to the infirmary.” She glanced at Octavia, still unconscious on the ground. She’d be back to lock her up. Fluttershy was more important right now.

Rainbow Dash, Soarin, Mac, Derpy and Twi waited outside the infirmary as the Doctor, Rarity and AJ worked to save Fluttershy. The doors were closed, but Derpy had her face nearly pressed up against the glass of one window as she watched, tears running down her face. Mac was at the other window, staring into the room with an unreadable expression. The others sat across from the doors, Rainbow leaning against Soarin and Twi using her magic to turn the pages of her book. She was reading Healing Spells: A Unicorn’s Hoofbook.

"There's so much blood," Derpy whispered. "It's not stopping."

Dash exhaled, exasperated. "Derpy, stop watching! You're only upsetting yourself. We got a doctor, a unicorn with healing spells and an army medic in there.” She’d done nothing but blame herself for making the calls to Fluttershy, Soarin and Mac that brought them to Applejack’s side. If Rainbow Dash hadn’t sent them the urgent message to find AJ, Fluttershy would never have been shot. It was all her fault, and she couldn’t stop hating herself for it. Still, that didn’t mean Derpy had to suffer for it. “It might be a messy operation, but that's the only way to do it."

Derpy looked back at her, puzzled expression on her face. "Applejack was an army medic?"

"Well… no," Rainbow Dash admitted. "But Fluttershy was."

"But anypony who's fought in a war knows a thing or two about bullet extractions," Soarin added quickly. "Me and AJ used to pull metal from our soldiers all the time in the war. We did it so much that she called it apple picking."

"Gross." Rainbow Dash grimaced. At the mention of the word apple, she looked towards Mac. He hadn't moved. With the exception of his own sister, Fluttershy was the pony on board he spent the most time with. The two quiet ponies really got talkative when one mentioned a certain kind of gun. They got along well, working as a team whenever the crew got into tough situations. They were each others' partners, so to speak. Kind of like Applejack and Soarin. A lot like Applejack and Soarin, Dash thought to herself, unintentionally glaring at Mac. But that wasn't fair. If anypony was partners with Soarin on board, it was his own wife, right? Maybe Rainbow Dash just needed to go on more salvaging missions with them. But she always had to stay with the ship. For all her attitude, Rainbow wasn't the best with firearms. Give Sereinity some guns, and she'd blow up any moon that looked at them wrong. But in her own hide, she'd never felt comfortable with a gun.

"So, Twi, right?" Soarin asked, breaking the long, awkward silence. Rainbow Dash hadn't even noticed it until he'd spoken, and her head snapped back to look at the unicorn. Like Rainbow, her husband was uncomfortable sitting still and doing nothing when one of their friends was in danger. Unlike Rainbow, he often tried to make small talk to pass the time. Which, for her, was almost as bad as sitting around and doing nothing.

"Yes," she replied with a tiny smile, the polite sort that must be used when one is not in an entirely happy situation. She didn’t seem upset with the reading interruption, though. After all, it wasn’t like she could learn a spell quickly enough to do anything for Fluttershy. She was still on the anesthesia chapter anyway. Lowering the book slightly, Twi tilted her head in thought. "And you are… I’m sorry, I just don't remember. There are a lot of new faces today."

"Soarin," he told her. "This is my wife, Rainbow Dash. Over there's Derpy, and that's Big Mac."

"Thanks," Twi replied. "And you are all permanent residents on this ship?"

"We're the crew," Rainbow Dash corrected, sitting up straight and pushing herself into the air. She was too restless to stay in one position for long. "Sereinity couldn't fly without me and Derpy here."

"Right, I remember. She's the mechanic. Machines speak to her," Twi recalled. She’d liked that description of the mechanic’s talents.

"They sure do. So what's a fancy Perseponian doing going all the way to Borears?" Soarin asked.

Twi smiled. "Well, uh… I just finished up my doctorate. I've been in school all my life. I was unsure what else to do at the moment, so I decided to travel a bit. A lot of my friends in school traveled around a lot, but I was always too busy studying over our vacations. So, here I am now!"

"Huh." Soarin frowned. They'd never had a pure traveler on board before. It was almost a foreign concept, traveling for the fun of it. Of course, he supposed that was a bit like what he did, but at least he had a job. He wondered how many bits this one had to her name, to be able to shoot around the ‘verse like so.

Derpy seemed surprised too. "Why didn't you take one of them fancy cruise ships, then?" The confusion over ship choice was one of the only things that could have pulled her away from watching the Doctor pull the bullet out of Fluttershy, despite Rainbow's warning.

Twi shrugged. "They're just not really that exciting. We're going to Whitefoal! How, uh... shiny is that?"

Shiny? She acted like it was the first time she’d ever used the word before. Maybe it was. Rainbow Dash stared at her for a moment, wings keeping her suspended in mid-air. "Not really that shiny. At all." How could she be saying things like that, when Fluttershy's life was at stake? Those Perseponians and their fancy doctors. They didn't know anything. It was easy to take life for granted when it was guaranteed to you. Out here in the sky, nothing was.

"Oh. Really?" Twi looked disappointed. “Wrong word, or...”

Soarin laughed. "Maybe it’s shiny for somepony who's never seen the Outer Rim before. Sure, it can be exciting. Until you get sold as some backwards tribe's bride-slave."

A look of horror crossed Twi's face. "W-what?"

Dash snorted, not amused. "Yeah. Or you get shot by feds," she snapped. Leave it to Soarin to joke around at a time like this. She knew him well enough to realize how upset he was. But he’d never show it—not in front of anypony besides Rainbow Dash, Applejack or Fluttershy, anyway. She should stay with him, support him. But she knew she couldn’t support this inane conversation any longer. Rainbow didn’t really understand how someone who cared so much for Fluttershy could act like he cared so little. "Derpy, come on. We gotta make sure we got away from that cruiser." She knew they had—wouldn't have left her post unless she was sure—but she couldn't stick around here anymore. Worrying over Fluttershy, or worse, making stupid small talk and jokes with some privileged Celestia's pet, didn't do anything but make her feel worse. Fluttershy getting shot was her fault, and the guilt was killing her. She needed a job to do. And Rainbow was fairly sure that Derpy could benefit from leaving the infirmary window as well.

"Okay," her mechanic replied reluctantly, before flying off after the pilot.

It was slow going in the infirmary, but they were able to pull out the bullet. The yellow pegasus lay on the operating table, magicked to sleep by one of Rarity's spells.

Finally, the Doctor stepped back. "That's all I can do until she stabilizes."

Rarity heaved a sigh, fighting the nausea that had nearly overtaken her during the bullet extraction. Sweat had beaded on her forehead as she worked her healing spells on Fluttershy. They weren't much, but it was the best she could do. And anyway, the Doctor had proved to be more than capable of dealing with the gunshot wound. His expertise manner surprised them all. There was a stereotype against earth ponies as doctors, favoring unicorns instead, as they could work healing spells and levitate tools. But the Doctor had the steadiest mouth any of them had ever seen.

"Will she stabilize?" Applejack pressed.

"We'll see."

"If she dies I'm turnin’ this ship around and taking you straight to the center of the ‘verse."

The Doctor studied her face carefully. “I wasn’t aware a ship of thieves would feel comfortable sailing into the ‘center of the ‘verse,’ as it were.”

“Are you kiddin’? Just call us the gorram Celestinium Express.”

"Now, now. Applejack. Be civil, please," Rarity scolded her. "He helped Fluttershy immensely."

AJ turned to Rarity, raising an eyebrow. "Don't take kindly to orders on my own ship, Rare. You know that."

"Only if they're from me," Rarity retorted with a roll of her eyes, turning back towards Fluttershy. "All right. Now, one of you better tell me what exactly is going on," Rarity continued, ignoring Applejack's warning. "I don’t require much information before I help save a friend’s life, but afterwards I need a bit more.”

"I'd like to know just that as well," AJ agreed, looking towards the Doctor. He’d turned away from them and was washing his hooves in the sink. "As far as I know, the Doctor here is on the run from the law. And the law—Octavia—so conveniently got a ride on Sereinity," AJ clarified. "Now, what we don't know is why exactly the Doctor is a criminal. Looks pretty clean, don't he?"

"Exceptionally," Rarity said. "Ordinarily I don't think it's right to get into other ponies' business."

Applejack shot her a look.

"Well, some of the time." Rarity shrugged. "But one of my dearest friends is lying here unconscious with a bullet wound to the stomach. I want to know what exactly is going on. Now." She looked towards the Doctor, imperious look in her blue eyes.

"Well, you see…" the Doctor began, then trailed off.

"Aw, forget him. Once he gets talkin’ again he’ll just twist it all up with his big fancy doctor words into nothin’. Nah, let's go have a looksie in that little blue box of his," Big Mac said. He'd stepped into the door of the infirmary. The usually mild-mannered stallion had fiery eyes as he stared down the Doctor.

"What? No! Leave that alone!" the Doctor protested.

"Well, you've got my attention," Soarin added. "See you there." He took off flying as fast as he could.

"Stop!" the Doctor shouted, running after him.

"I'll stay here," Big Mac told AJ as she and Rarity hurried past him. "Let you know if anything."

"Okay," Applejack replied, then took off at a gallop after the others. Twi was the last to follow, setting down her book and trailing after them at a much slower trot.

Soarin reached the box first, the pegasus winning the race with the earth pony. Even with the pain in his wing, he could usually move quicker than those stuck on the ground in the ship. Must have been all the stairs. "Let's see what the feds think is good enough to get Fluttershy killed," he growled, yanking off the lid of the blue box with his teeth. As he did, smoke rose from the opening and Soarin flew back a few feet, eyes wide. "What the hay?"

"Stop!" came the Doctor's voice as he ran across the catwalk and down the stairs, followed by Rarity and Applejack.

"What is it, Soar?" AJ called.

Soarin shook her head as he hovered over the box. He couldn't believe his eyes. "Um, it's a pony." He landed on the ground, breathing heavily from the exertion of flying so fast. The smoke was clearing from the box.

"A… a what?"

"A pony."

"Dear Celestia!" Rarity gasped as she trotted up to it. "You're right!"

Lying inside the box, curled into the fetal position, was a small grayish pink pony with a long, straight pink mane.

"I told you not to open it," the Doctor said lamely as AJ jumped around him to see the box.

"Well, this just got... stranger," Soarin muttered as he stared down at the pink pony.

"Eeyup," Applejack said, for lack of a better response.

Cargo

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fyre-flye
I - 3
Cargo

"So, Doctor, if you wouldn't mind. What exactly is a pony doing in your, ah, luggage?" Rarity asked. She continued to stare, wide-eyed, at the pink pony curled up in the Doctor’s blue box.

Applejack turned to the Doctor, although she addressed the Coltpanion: "Well, Rare, the funny thing about ponies who got more bits than problems is that they tend to do hay-brained things. Like buy little fillyfriends and transport ‘em halfway across the ‘verse before consummatin’ their love." The captain’s eyes narrowed as she stepped towards the Doctor. Her saddle remained strapped to her back—she hadn’t had the time to remove it while they’d worked to save Fluttershy. And besides, after her friend had gotten shot, Applejack didn't know who to trust on board.

"No!" the Doctor protested. "That's not true. Just let me get to her," he pleaded. "She's—"

"That's revolting," Rarity snapped. "Applejack, I don't care if he saved Fluttershy's life. Let's turn around and fly straight to the Alliance cruiser. Right now."

Applejack didn't so much as glance towards her.

"Please?" Rarity added, batting her eyelashes.

"Look, she wasn't supposed to come out this early," the Doctor said quickly. "She's supposed to be asleep still, I need to check to make sure she's okay—"

"Wouldn't want any damaged goods after paying such a hefty sum for her, would you?" Soarin asked, voice cold.

"Stop it! She's my—"

Suddenly, the pink pony sat straight up in the box with a shriek. Everypony jumped, and Applejack turned around to face her. The Doctor ran past the captain and AJ held her fire.

"Pinkie," he said, pulling her out of the box and onto the ground. The Doctor put his arms around the frightened pony, trying to calm her down. "Pinkie, it's me."

"Pinkie? Real original. Did you just name her on the spot, or was that a special name the slave ponies picked out for her?" Soarin retorted.

"O…obbie?" the pink pony suddenly asked. She was shivering beneath the Doctor's arms, eyes wild as she looked around at everypony. "Obbie, is it really you? I'm scared. There… there are voices."

"Obbie?" Applejack repeated, raising one eyebrow. Soarin shrugged, more concerned with the "voices" Pinkie was talking about.

"Yes, Pinkie. I… I'm here. You're okay. You're safe," the Doctor was whispering.

The pink pony's wide blue eyes met Applejack's, and the captain instinctively took a step back without knowing why. A shiver ran down her spine.

“Safe,” Pinkie repeated. She looked around at all the ponies assembled. “I told you you’d make friends in medical school,” she murmured. “Did they help me escape? I... I guess this calls for a...” She shook her head. “I don’t remember.”

“A party?” the Doctor supplied with a knowing smile. Pinkie flinched. Before the Doctor could respond, Applejack cut in:

“You know him, sugar cube?” she asked, clearly taken aback.

The pink pony began to giggle. It was quiet at first, but then rose until a grin stretched all the way across Pinkie’s face. “Well, duh, s-silly,” she laughed. “He’s only my favoritest brother in the whole wide universe.” Her laughter died as she looked back at the Doctor. “And... and he saved me,” she added, still incredulous. Applejack must have been imagining things—it almost looked like the pony’s mane had suddenly gotten bigger. No, it was still quite straight and long... Besides, there were more important things than Pinkie’s manecut.

"Br… brother?" Soarin looked between the two. The Doctor's dark brown coloring didn't exactly resemble the filly's pink.

"She always did look adopted," the Doctor replied. But he couldn't keep the huge grin off his face. It resembled his sister’s, from only moments before.

The Doctor had left Pinkie in the infirmary after her check-up and sedative, with firm orders not to disturb Fluttershy. The pink pony was asleep, but there was no telling when she would wake up. Big Mac remained in the room, watching over the sleeping pegasus—and, now, Pinkie. The rest of the crew, including Rainbow Dash and Derpy, had assembled in the dining area. Twi was there, too, looking more and more uncomfortable by the minute. The Doctor sat across the table from the rest of them, under careful scrutiny as he was interrogated.

"What. The. Hay," came Applejack's first question.

The Doctor smiled sheepishly. "Uh… well. Pinkie is my sister. She's… she was always the odd one out in our family. My parents were the owners of a terraforming company—specialized in rock structures and such. My father had different plans for me, though. He wanted me to be a doctor. And… well, I became one. Anyway, Pinkie was always different. All of us were gray or brown… with gray or brown manes. Then there's Pinkie." He grinned to himself, looking down. "She was the second sibling. My parents didn't know what to do."

"Me and Mac ain’t too twinnish, either. Ain't the end of the world. Get on with it, now," Applejack prodded him.

"Patience, dear," Rarity replied. "Perhaps the next time you think of something rude, you can keep it to yourself. You really are too honest, sometimes."

"Honest. Ha. I know you, Rare. That's your diplomatic Coltpaniony word for—”

"Both of you, shh! Apparently we’re on the run from Alliance because of this colt. Can you put your eternal bickering aside for once so we can hear why we’re risking our hides?" Rainbow Dash sighed.

The Doctor continued. "Pinkie was also extremely gifted. Truly. She... she had something like unicorn magic. She could predict things and... she could really do some creepy things, at times. Nobody really knew how. But the thing she was best at was putting smiles on ponies' faces."

Derpy smiled in response. "I like her already!" she exclaimed. "Sometimes it gets a little depressing around here."

"Borrr-ing," Dash groaned. "More about the creepy things, please."

"Just… well, it's not really that interesting," the Doctor replied, moving on. "Anyway, this government-sponsored academy contacted us. They wanted her as a student. We'd never heard of it, but Pinkie wanted to go. She never liked school much, but she wanted to make new friends. Mom and Dad wanted her to stay, to take over the business. I was off at medical school and our other sisters were still quite young. But I helped convince them to let her go. My younger sisters took over the family business.” The stallion shrugged. “And… well, she loved it at first. Sent me all kinds of cards." He stopped for a moment, exhaling. This was where the story got hard to tell. "She always had a big card collection. Birthdays, holidays, half-birthdays, quarter-birthdays..."

Soarin glanced over at Applejack. Her face was stoic, unreadable. If he had to guess, she was thinking of her own sister, Apple Bloom.

"Then she stopped sending me cards. For a long time, nothing. My... my birthday passed. Then, this one card that didn't make any sense. It was a card congratulating me for graduating from high school. I thought it was a joke. I tried to figure it out for a long time. Then, I realized… the card was in code. It just said help." The Doctor looked up at the crew. "I looked into it. I heard... I heard that the ponies were being hurt. They were doing things to them. Our... our government, Celestia, was hurting my sister."

"Dear, that's terrible,” Rarity said softly after a moment. “To imagine the Harmony Alliance would harm innocent fillies...” Applejack snorted, and the Coltpanion ignored her, continuing: “I'm so sorry we ever thought it was anything… well, unseemly," Rarity apologized. "So you took her out of the school? That certainly can't be a crime."

"It can under the Alliance," Soarin cracked. "You had to break her out," he guessed.

"Right. For a long time, I couldn't do a thing. Then some ponies contacted me. To this day, I don't know who they were. But they needed money. Funding, really. They said if I gave them money, they'd get her out. In... in a box. I could pick her up on Persepony and then… we'd be free," the Doctor explained.

"Except not. ‘Cause now you're fugitives," Applejack added. "And that's why the fed's here. That's why the fed shot Fluttershy." She stood up, walking away from the group. "It's a sad story, Doc. But it sure as hay ain't worse than them in the Outer Rim who got no money to fix things."

"I'm sorry for bringing you trouble." The Doctor's eyes were on Applejack, whose back was to him. "I truly am. I just… needed to run. I had no idea I was being trailed."

Applejack spun around. "You almost got one of our crew killed!" she spat. "Ain't no excuse for that. And I don't just hoof out forgivenesses to ponies who hurt one of mine. No matter how sorry their story is."

"Have some compassion, Applejack!" Rarity gasped. "Think of Fluttershy. What would she do in this situation? I dare say she wouldn't hold this grudge against this poor colt who didn't even know what he was doing. He wasn't the one who shot her!"

What was it about Rarity's words that always angered Applejack so much? It was true: she listened to the advice of Soarin, Mac, Fluttershy, anypony else but Rarity. Well, she was just a Coltpanion anyway. She didn't know anything about keeping them flying. "Compassion. Fine. Fluttershy lives, you and your sister can walk away from us on Whitefoal. We still got a job to do there."

"And if…?" the Doctor ventured to ask.

"If she dies?" Applejack enunciated, voice accusatory. "If she dies, then y'all can walk away from us a whole lot sooner than Whitefoal."

"No!" Derpy yelped. Everypony looked towards her. "You can't do that. You're just going to kill them? Captain, no," she begged. "That’s no better than the fed who shot Fluttershy."

"It's called justice, Derpy. You know just as well as the rest of us how things go up here in the sky."

"I don't." Twi's voice was calm as she finally spoke up. The rest of them turned to look at her. "I'm new to this, too. And I can't say I like what I've seen so far. He didn't mean to hurt anypony. Don't you understand what it's like to lose a sibling? You… you would do anything to get him back. Or… or her.” She looked back towards Applejack, determined. “Captain, you can't tell me that if somepony coltnapped Big Sam, you wouldn't do everything in your power to get him back."

Rainbow Dash coughed. "Big Mac," she corrected.

Applejack's mouth twitched. Then, disobeying her, it twisted into a tiny smile. The thought of 'Big Sam' being hauled away by captors was just too humorous.

"Anyway, I think I'll be staying behind when you reach Whitefoal. I… I just don't think I have what it takes to be a… well, a space pony." Twi shrugged.

"Not all of us are as heartless as Applejack, dear." Rarity's snide comment wiped the smile straight off the captain's face.

"Now that's not fair," Derpy protested.

"No, no. It's fine,” AJ growled. “We all know whores have the biggest hearts. They gotta share a piece with every damn pony in the 'verse." Applejack rose and left the room without glancing back. As far as she was concerned, Rarity could stay behind in Whitefoal, too. Good riddance to perfumed trash.

Applejack and Mac headed to the passengers’ quarters, leaving the Doctor and Soarin in charge of the infirmary. AJ had caught Big Mac up with the Doctor's story, and the plowpony had witnessed firsthoof the odd antics of Pinkie when she was brought into the infirmary, claiming Mac looked like a ghost she’d once met. As the siblings walked downstairs, Applejack turned her head slightly to look back at her brother. "Now, you don't need to do much. Just scare her. A pretty little pony from pretty little Persepony is gonna think twice about dealin’ with you if she don't hafta."

"Eeyup. I can handle it," Mac replied in a low voice as they reached the bottom of the stairs. "Not the first time I’ve done this, y'know."

"Not the last either, I reckon." Applejack slid open the door to the room that housed Octavia. She was conscious now, tied up, a gag over her mouth. AJ flipped the lights on and yanked out the gag. "Howdy, music doc. How's your head?"

"It's been better," Octavia snapped, glaring up at the captain.

"Well, I sure am sorry about my big brother's behavior. He tends to get a mite angry when feds go shootin' at his best friends." AJ shrugged. "Stallions, right? Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em."

"Does this have a point?"

AJ chuckled. "Aw, you educated ponies. Always wanting to get to the point. The point is, Octy, you know a coupla things I’d liked shared. Like, say, how much the Alliance knows about us. What exactly was in the message you sent. Those kinda specifics." She leaned down towards Octavia. "Is that enough of a point for you, sugar cube? Or should I have my brother bring out his favorite knife?"

"That will do," Octavia replied, the haughty look slipping for a moment.

"Good. She's all yours, Mac. Now, try not to get the place too messy. It was sure tough to clean up all them blood and guts after last time." Applejack headed out of the room, smirk on her face. It wasn’t entirely a joke.

"There’s no need for theatrics. I’ll tell you the information right now,” Octavia said as soon as the door closed after Applejack. "I sent everything to them. They have enough about you and your crew to start a whole library."

"Well, that's sure more than I know about us. Don't reckon I know what you learned about us all in such a short time. Guess you got better powers of observation than me and my folk," Mac replied.

"Most of it was about that pony who calls himself the Doctor. Do you even know what's going on?" Octavia paused, frowning. "I do feel sorry for you. Getting mixed up in trouble you don't even understand."

"What's there to understand about a clock-fixin' pony?"

"He lied. He's not who he said he is. The box he has with him--it contains something very valuable. The government won't stop until they get it."

"Let me guess, pink pony with mood swings who sees ghosties?"

Octavia's face paled. "You know?"

"Shoot, who on board don't know? That filly’s loud when she’s laughin’ and loud when she’s screamin’. Had to sedate her in the infirmary, though I reckon that ain't related to her energy level. She's restin' calm in there now. Same as Fluttershy. Remember her?"

"The… the pony that startled me."

Now it was Mac's turn to lean in close to Octavia. "Naw, she ain't the pony that startled you. She's the pony you shot with your fancy Core weapons, you Persepony bidatam."

Octavia stared at him, eyes wide.

Big Mac leaned back. "Now, I ain't much one for swearin’, but you deserved that. Hay, I could go on and you'd deserve that too."

"It w-was an accident." Her voice was softer.

"Don't care. You hurt Fluttershy, and frankly, that's all that matters here on this ship. That and giving you your dues."

"The pony in the box—her life is more important to the Harmony Alliance than anypony else's. If you kill me, they won't stop coming after her. They won’t care if I hurt this Fluttershy in the grand scheme of things.”

Mac's eyes narrowed. "Oh, I ain't gonna kill you. That'd be too easy. I'll take an ear, maybe a hoof, work away on you till you talk. Till you tell us what you sent in your message."

"This isn't fair," Octavia argued. "I told you, they know everything! You're just angry at me. You want to punish me for shooting your friend. Look…” She took a deep breath, composing herself. “I get that. I’m not a monster. I’m an equine being just like you. Just because we're on opposite sides doesn't mean I don't have ponies I care about, too. Ponies I wouldn't do anything to protect. I… I have this one special filly." Her face was reddening now, and she looked down at the ground. "She might get on my nerves, but the truth is, if something happened to her, I wouldn't stop until… well…"

"Justice had been served."

"Well, yes,” Octavia admitted. “So... I understand how you feel."

"Anypony ever shot that filly of yours?" His voice was cold.

"Well… no."

"Then no, you don't understand how I feel," Mac nearly shouted.

Octavia shrunk down slightly. "Y-yes… I'm sorry. I just…"

"Now answer me. How much do they know?"

"Everything."

"Try telling the truth this time."

"Everything," Octavia insisted.

Big Mac stared down at her, his determined expression meeting her fearful one. "They don't know nothing, do they?" he asked a moment later, voice softer.

Octavia sighed, finally admitting defeat. "Fine. They know about the pink pony. And her brother." She looked back up to Mac. "Now, you have to realize how much that pony is worth. Lots of money. And I mean lots. More than you can possibly imagine. If you help me, keep me alive so I can get back home to the ponies I love, I'll give you enough money you can buy your own ship. I mean… come on. I see how your sister orders you around. You're the older sibling, and still you have to do what she says? You deserve to be captain. Give someone else orders for once."

Mac never knew he was that easy to read. He had always prided himself on keeping his emotions under check. Nobody could ever tell what he was thinking. Yet, it seemed Octavia had figured him out more easily than he thought possible. The truth was, he did mind being under Applejack's command. He loved his sister, but he was older. Working for his younger sister was… well, just plain embarrassing. It wasn't as if he wasn't capable of leading his own crew, but money was tight. It always had been. Applejack had come to him, asked him for some money when she was looking to buy Sereinity. She had paid for most of the ship herself, and Soarin and Fluttershy had gone in on the other parts. But it still hadn't been completely paid for, and that was where Mac came in. AJ owned the ship by law, and was paying them back for it steadily. Big Mac saved his money dutifully, but it wouldn't come close to enough if he wanted to buy his own ship. Not for several more salvages, anyway.

"I can see I've got you thinking. There are lots of options for a first-time captain. So many ships to choose from. New, comfortable ones, not like this trash heap old model."

"Does helping you get home mean I hafta turn in the pink pony and her brother?" Mac asked.

"It does. I knew you were smarter than you looked."

"I sure am. I bet with all the bits you give me I could pay my way through school, too. Get a fancy degree like you."

Octavia smiled.

When Big Mac resurfaced from the passenger quarters, he heard voices coming from the infirmary. Taking off at a gallop, he reached the doors in a couple of minutes and looked in, afraid of what he was going to see. The whole crew had seemingly gathered inside, surrounding Fluttershy's bed. "Is she all right?" he called as he entered the room.

Applejack looked up, smiling. "She's awake, Mac."

Soarin and Rainbow Dash moved slightly, giving room for Big Mac to see Fluttershy. She lay in the bed, her head propped up by pillows. "Hi, Big Mac," she said with a tired smile.

"Hey there, Sharp," he replied, using his nickname for her. "You feelin' okay?"

"Yes, just a little sleepy."

Rarity and Derpy entered the room, carrying a drinking glass and blankets. "Here, darling," Rarity said as she used her magic to float the blankets on top of Fluttershy one by one, tucking her in. "Are you cozy now?"

"Yes, thank you," Fluttershy replied. "I… I don't want to trouble everypony. I'm feeling better. The bleeding stopped and everything. I can probably get up now." She tried to sit up, to the chorus of "no!"s from everypony else in the room.

"Don't want that stomach wound to open up again, do you?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yeah, come on, Fluttershy. You of all ponies know you have to heal. Were you an army doctor, or were you an army doctor?" Soarin joked.

"Medic," Fluttershy corrected, her eyelids starting to close. "Um, if… if it's okay with everypony, I think I might be falling asleep…"

"Not okay, sugar cube," Applejack replied with a grin. "Come on, let's let her get some shut eye." She moved past everypony, leaving the room. "Mac, you wanna stay behind this time?"

There it was again. The ordering. It hadn’t been direct, but it was enough to irk him anyway. "Eeyup," Mac replied, watching the others leave. They seemed so sure Fluttershy was out of danger, but Big Mac wasn't. He turned to look at the Doctor, sitting at the foot of the other bed where the pink pony lay.

They weren't out of danger yet, either.

Whitefoal

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fyre-flye
I - 4
Whitefoal

"Captain, we're being hailed." Rainbow Dash was back behind the helm, and Applejack had gone with her to oversee their landing on Whitefoal. The moon was coming closer now, looming before them with an eerie golden glow in the sunlight. This was a desert moon, with just enough terraforming to keep ponies alive.

"Put her on," AJ replied.

Rainbow Dash pressed a few buttons and the video screen lit up with the face of a griffin. Purple-tinged white feathers fell over her cruel yellow beak and her golden eyes stared back at the ponies unnervingly. "Hey, Dash. Applejack."

"Gilda." Applejack nodded in greeting.

"Hey, G," Rainbow replied. She was the one who'd first linked Applejack with Gilda, her fillyhood best friend. After the war, they’d each entered the not-so-legal salvaging business. The friends remained fairly close, yet competitive, until… well, until Gilda shot Applejack. That was the last time they'd traveled out here. Since then, apparently, the griffin had become the de facto leader of Whitefoal.

Applejack steeled herself, remembering all too well their most recent parting.

It was, apparently, on Gilda's mind as well. "Surprised to see you two out here after what went down last time. Especially since I took over this rock. Sharpened my claws a bit. I’m sure you’ve heard."

“Word does travel,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

Applejack ignored her. "Well, aren’t you just all socially mobile! Congrats, Gilda. I’m awful proud. But... refresh my memory. ‘Last time?’ I just don’t recall. See a lot of sky these days.”

Gilda rolled her eyes. “Don’t play stupid. You’re much too good at it.”

“Well, thank you kindly, ma’am.”

“I shot you,” Gilda huffed, impatient.

“Oh, that?" AJ replied, eyes wide in mock surprise. "Naw, that was nothing. It's all in the past now. If I avoided everypony who’d ever shot me, the ‘verse would get mighty lonesome. Just here to do business."

"Good. Thought you might be looking to get some kind of revenge. That would be very stupid, considering all of Whitefoal is just about mine."

"So you said. Rest assured we’re just here to sell," Applejack told her. No need to get in a fight over the video screen.

"Yeah. About that. Why so cheap?"

AJ gave a light shrug. "Well, now, it's government goods. Imprinted." The Harmony Alliance logo—the sun that served as Princess Celestia’s cutie mark—was stamped on the goods, clear as, well... day.

"An Alliance discount, hmm?"

"If that don't suit you, we'll find somepony—"

"Please. I'm not afraid of the government. Do you actually think they even come out here?"

"Well, not in droves, but I reckon they do every so often. Keepin' an eye over the whole ‘verse and all that. Wasn’t that the reason for the war?"

"The war’s over. Whitefoal’s my moon. I don't need Alliance poking their beaks into my moon and my business." Gilda scowled. She was no friend of Harmony Alliance, and after the great griffin massacres that had occurred in the war, it was easy to see why. Every creature that allied with the rebel ponies during the war found its population devastated. After the war, attempts had been made to repopulate planets or moons with griffins, dragons, buffaloes and other creatures massively wiped out in battle, but so far none of them had been entirely successful. And the griffins had been greatly vilified by Celestia, resulting in Core planet discrimination against the creatures. Hardly any griffins actually worked for the government, and Gilda knew this. “Their muzzles,” she corrected with a growl.

"I sure do share that sentiment. Minus, well, the moon part," Applejack chuckled.

Gilda looked bored. "Yeah, whatever. I'll send you the coordinates and we can meet up once you land. See you." She vanished from the screen, and it went black.

Dash turned it off, then turned around in her seat to face Applejack. "I don't want to be a downer, but I think she might be planning something."

"What? Why?" Applejack asked, frowning.

Rainbow Dash shrugged. "I dunno. I can just tell. Like, she would have haggled with you. That was too short of a conversation."

"Well, I reckon she didn't haggle 'cause I said we'd find somepony else. And it's cheap enough with the government stamp."

"Okay," Rainbow said after a beat. "But… be careful, will you?"

Applejack nodded. "I always am."

Rainbow Dash turned to face her, raising a brow.

"Well, usually."

"Just don't get my husband killed, will you?"

"Never."

"Well, if this don't look like a place for an ambush, I'll eat my hat," Applejack retorted to Soarin, looking around at the valley Gilda had told them to meet. The low hills rising above them had tall sagegrass—the perfect cover for somepony hiding up there on his or her belly.

In fact, the grass was even tall enough to be the perfect cover for a stallion like Big Mac. "I'm here, AJ." His voice came through the communicator strapped to Applejack's saddle.

She turned her head to speak into it. "You buried it all?"

"Eeyup. And right now I'm huntin' snipers."

"Now, watch yourself, you hear? Gilda needs to think they're still up there. When you get rid of 'em, take a gun and stay in place. Now, I'm not sayin' anymore. You need the element of surprise to get them snipers, and my voice coming over loud and clear don't exactly scream element of surprise."

"Got it." The communicator went silent.

Applejack and Soarin continued to walk away from the ship, deeper into the valley. Suddenly, the sound of hooves and wings sounded. Gilda appeared, flying out around a hill into the open. She was flanked by a band of ponies on hoof. Most were unicorns, weapons floating around them in a haze of magical auras.

"Maybe my wife has got me paranoid… but I have a feeling this is a bad idea," Soarin muttered. He reached down, tightening his saddle with his mouth. The clear armor that he and Applejack wore was tight, constricting. It was meant to be bulletproof, but it was so expensive that Soarin was almost more willing to get shot without the armor on.

"No, I reckon Dash is right about Gilda here. But we'll be fine. Mac's up there watchin' over us."

"Our angel in the sky," Soarin replied with a smirk. "Our giant, snipery angel."

Gilda was approaching, so they shut their mouths before she was in earshot. "Hey, Applejack! How are you doing, old girl?" she called amiably as she swooped towards them.

The Doctor walked away from the infirmary. He needed to stretch his legs, and Pinkie and Fluttershy could both use some more rest. He didn't want to return to the passenger area, where Octavia was being held captive, nor did he feel like stepping outside to take a look at Whitefoal. He was too vulnerable that way, and could lose Pinkie easily if the captain decided she wanted to cash in on the Alliance prize after all.

Not to mention he was hungry. The Doctor headed towards the dining area, stomach rumbling.

Inside, he saw the gray pegasus who, if his memory served him correctly, was the mechanic. Her back was turned towards him as she prepared food on the stove, humming a song to herself even as her mouth was clamped onto the handle of a pan. "Oh, hello," he greeted her.

Derpy jumped, sending the contents of the pan flying across the kitchen area. The flat, bread-like thing landed on the ground. The pegasus set down the pan on the stove. "Oh no!" Derpy gasped. She turned around to see who it was, a sheepish smile appearing on her face. "Oh, hi, Doctor."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he replied, frowning at the piece of food on the ground. "Or to ruin your meal. What were you making?"

"A griddlecake," Derpy replied, picking up the cake from the ground and setting it onto a plate. "You think it's still good?"

The Doctor looked at the bread. "As a medical professional, I'm going to have to suggest that you not eat that… griddlecake. Whatever that is."

Derpy giggled. "Well, okay. I'm not a germophobe but I don't think it was really cooked all the way yet anyway."

"Can I help you make something? I'm hungry as well," the Doctor offered, stepping further into the room.

"Sure!" Derpy affirmed, eyes lighting up. "What do you want? Griddlecakes?"

"Uh… why not?" the Doctor asked with a slight smile. Always good to try new things. Even if they looked like big flat rocks of bread. "Are they good?" He watched as Derpy flew around, grabbing ingredients to cook with and setting up the stove again.

"You willy don't know what dey are!" Derpy exclaimed, repositioning the pan on the flat blue burner again. "It's okay. Not everypony does. And sure they’re good! I make them with molasses a lot for...” She trailed off. “Well, you know, anypony who has a sweet tooth,” Derpy said quickly. “Foals, and such.”

The Doctor nodded. “You’ll have to make that for Pinkie. If anypony in the ‘verse likes sweet things, it’s her. So, what are griddlecakes... exactly...?”

“It’s a recipe from Equestria-that-was. One of the things that was passed down from my ancestors, I guess. Back in the war, I made them all the time." She clapped a hoof over her mouth. "I shouldn't talk about the war."

"That's fine. It was many years ago now."

"Okay. But don't talk about it in front of the captain." Derpy looked up at him guiltily. "And don't tell anypony I told you that, either."

"Let me guess… she was a rebel." The Doctor came to stand beside Derpy, looking over her shoulder as she combined the ingredients into a mush in a big bowl, then poured it into the bowl she'd already made for her own mix. "I don't know why they thought they could change anything, anyway. Celestia is all-mighty. But for some reason those browncolts are still always bitter about the war."

Derpy frowned, turning her head. "Well, there are a lot of things to be bitter about!" she replied.

The Doctor blinked. "Right. I won't bring it up with you, either."

Derpy's concentration was on the griddlecake again. "No, it's fine. But I was a rebel, too." She grinned. "And you, Dr. Alliance, are about to have a taste of some front-line rebel cooking."

Applejack stiffened at Gilda's greeting. "Old girl? Do I look like my granny?" she hissed to Soarin.

"Don't get all mare-ish on us, now. We've got a job to do," Soarin reminded her.

"Oh, doin' just fine," Applejack called back to Gilda.

The griffin landed before them. "Hey there, Dash's husband," she said curtly, looking down her beak at Soarin.

"Griffin," Soarin replied in the same tone. Even back before the shooting incident, Soarin and Gilda had never liked each other. There was just something about Gilda that Soarin didn't like. Maybe it was the way she treated… well, everypony around her. She tended to tease Fluttershy more than anypony else, and Soarin had to admit, he had a soft spot for Fluttershy.

"So what's the occasion? With all them ponies, I coulda sworn you were throwin' us a welcome back party," Applejack drawled, looking around at Gilda's partners. Strangely enough, the unicorns did not look exactly battle-ready. Their eyes were wide, their builds small. If Applejack was going to venture a guess, she might speculate that these were the only unicorns on Whitefoal. But just because unicorns could levitate weapons and use spells didn't mean they were tougher than a couple of non-magical ponies.

...still, that whole spell thing did kind of spook Applejack.

"Like I said earlier, I thought you might be looking for revenge. A griffin can never be too careful," Gilda explained. "Now, I don't see any of the goods around that you're trying to sell me. That sends a bit of a red flag, doesn't it?"

"Buried the goods, like always," Applejack replied. "Soarin's got a free sample, though, don't you Soar?"

Soarin nodded. Reaching his mouth into the saddlebag strapped to one side of him—the side that didn't hold his gun—he grabbed one of the gold bars and tossed it over to Gilda. She caught it in her claw and unwrapped it, revealing an orange bar. Biting into it, she chewed thoughtfully.

"Pure vitamin bars. Carrot flavored," Soarin told her.

Gilda's nose wrinkled. "I don't much care for carrots myself, but it'll do for the ponies. So, where's the rest buried?"

"Bits first, if you don't mind," Applejack said.

Gilda gestured towards one of the ponies, who trotted up to her. Reaching inside his saddlebag, she retrieved a sack. Tossing it over to Applejack and Soarin, she gave a broad smile. "It's all there. Now are you going to tell me where to find the goods, or is this going to take a turn for the worse?"

Meanwhile, Twi was headed down into the passenger area. "Um, Octavia?" she called as she crept down the stairs. "I don't know what they're planning on doing with you, but I wanted to tell you that we're on a moon now, and I was going to get off the ship here, and I think you could make it too if you ran for it." She stepped towards the door to Octavia's room.

Just as the door slid open. Twi's eyes widened. There was Octavia—free. She stood in the room, rope strewn about her in long pieces.

"Thank you," Octavia said with a slight nod. "Let's get out of here."

Twi blinked. “O-okay.” Well, nothing wrong with trying to get free from captors. Especially when they're criminals. Twi ordered away her sudden sense of dread and turned to run back up the stairs. The unicorn poked her head into the hallway. "It's clear," she told the musician. "Come on."

The two ponies crept into the hallway. "Okay, you stay here for a second. I'll make sure the coast is clear in the cargo room, and then we can run out the door there. It's already open, anyway," Twi whispered to Octavia as the two huddled in the doorway to the cargo hold.

"All right," Octavia replied. "I'll be here."

Twi stepped into the room and made her way slowly down the stairs, inspecting the huge room as she walked. Checking the nooks and crannies, and giving another look outside the ship to make sure nopony was assembled outside, she smiled with relief. Nothing was stopping them. Twi ran back through the room and upstairs, then came to a halt at the doorway.

Octavia was gone.

Applejack and Gilda faced each other in a sort of showdown. AJ and Soarin had already given the griffin the directions, but nopony wanted to move first. To move was to be vulnerable, and neither party wanted to let the other have any sort of advantage. That could turn ugly fast.

But AJ could see that Gilda wasn't going to move. "Well, all right, we'll be going now," the captain conceded, beginning to take a few steps back. If it was going to be this way, she was going to do it all in reverse. “Y’all best be off too, before the goods grow up outta the ground.”

"Now, hang on. Don't go running off yet," Gilda ordered.

Applejack halted, eyes narrowing. "What now? We made the deal, did our business. Nothing keepin' me here on this rock.”

"Well, you do have my money," Gilda purred.

"Your money? Now, look. This is how business works, Gilda. We traded. You bought them vitamin bars off me fair and square. At a low price, too! These bits are mine now."

"Oh no they're not. I have a whole world to run here, Applejack. I can't just throw money away if I don't need to."

"It's a moon," Soarin corrected flatly.

"What do you mean, you don't need to? You just gonna steal from us?" AJ snapped.

“I don’t need to, because I can take you both down easy. You’ll give me the money back if you’re smart enough to tell your tail from your mane.” Gilda's chuckle turned into a cackle. "And, you know, just because I've moved up in rank doesn't mean I'm all that different. No, I'm proud to say I've kept the same morals I've always held. That means I’m not above prying the bits out of your cold, dead hooves."

Fluttershy opened her eyes. She was staring up at the infirmary ceiling, and she'd been woken by the sound of a song. Turning her head slightly, she saw the pink pony on the other bed, singing to herself. It was a melody Fluttershy had never heard.

"You're awake!" the pony said, interrupting her own song. She looked towards Fluttershy with a smile. Apparently she was having one of her better moments. "I'm glad. I knew you'd be okay, but everypony else was so worried."

"Wh-who are you again?" Fluttershy asked, pulling the blanket up closer around her.

"I'm Pinkie!"

"The... the Doctor's little sister, they said?"

"Yup! And you're Fluttershy. Nice to meet you!" Pinkie slid off the bed and walked over to Fluttershy, her step wobbly. "I heard that you got all bloody trying to protect my brother." She balanced herself on her hind hooves, peering down at the pegasus’ covered abdomen curiously, as if searching for the blood she knew must be there.

"W-well, not exactly," Fluttershy replied. The blanket was now completely covering her face. "I didn’t really know what was going on. I just got in the way, and… and that Octavia pony shot me."

"And I'm very sorry about that," came a voice from the door.

Fluttershy pushed the covers back down quickly, and Pinkie looked up, surprised.

Octavia stood in the doorway, pink saddle on her back. Stitched into the leather were three butterflies.

Fluttershy gasped. "Th-that's my saddle," she said. "And my gun…" Angel, her favorite firearm, was attached to the saddle. It was the gun she'd grabbed when they had heard trouble in the cargo hold.

"Yes, they left it outside for you. Is it just me, or is there something about this crew? None of you are really the brightest suns in the ‘verse," Octavia said with a smirk. Her eyes flicked over to Pinkie. "Now, you're different, aren’t you, Pinkamena Diane Pie? That means you don't belong here. And you're coming with me."

"No, thank you," Pinkie replied, returning to the ground. Fluttershy noticed she was shaking, even when standing on four hooves. Whether it was from fear or from the effects of the sedative she wasn't sure.

"This gun is certainly not a toy," Octavia warned her. "I'm sure Fluttershy can tell you all about its firepower." She glanced back at the pegasus. "Be honest. Do you want to get shot again, or not?”

Fluttershy shook her head slowly. “Please don’t,” she whispered.

Pinkie's face fell. "Shoot her again?” She spoke faster, more urgently: "But I can’t go—they'll take me, they'll hurt me—" Her hooves covered her eyes in fear.

"And I’ll hurt Fluttershy right now if you don't come with me," Octavia informed Pinkie. “I am sorry for shooting you once, Fluttershy.”

“Oh... it’s all right. You didn’t mean to,” Fluttershy squeaked.

“No, I didn’t. I’m glad you understand that. Big Mac certainly didn’t. But now... Now I may have to shoot you with the intention of doing harm.” Octavia sighed. Despite her talk, she looked as if she wasn’t happy about her situation, either. “Come with me now, Pinkamena.”

"No!" Pinkie screamed. She was shaking more now.

Octavia took a few steps closer. "I'm not kidding around. Are you coming with me, or shall I drag you out?"

Pinkie's eyes narrowed. "I'm not afraid of you."

"Didn't your parents ever teach you not to tell lies?” Octavia cocked the gun and Fluttershy whimpered. The gray pony continued, her voice cold: “And, look. Fluttershy is certainly scared of me. I thought she was your friend. She already got shot for you once, Pinkamena. Don't make her go through that again. That's not something a friend would do, is it?"

"Fine!" Pinkie snapped. She walked towards Octavia. "Bye bye," she said quietly, without turning around towards the pegasus again.

The door to the infirmary closed. As soon as the shapes of Pinkie and Octavia had passed by the windows, Fluttershy sat up. Her abdomen shrieked in sudden pain and she lurched over, beads of sweat appearing on her forehead. All of her strength was focused on not screaming. When she'd recovered herself a bit, she reached one hoof out towards the com button on the wall. But it wasn't enough—she couldn't reach. Panting, she used her wings to propel her further—just a bit further—and she reached it. Pressing it down, she sent an urgent cry to the cockpit, the one place she knew would be occupied: "Octavia is l-loose and… and she took Pink—" Fluttershy's arm was weakening and it trembled to hold down the com button. Then, just as she heard a reply, she began to feel like she was floating, and she lost her balance. She fell to the ground, body hitting the infirmary floor with a sickening thump. And then everything went dark.

"I'm waiting," Gilda sneered. "Give me back the money, unless you're looking to get a few new holes put in your head." The griffin guffawed. “You don’t want to look like that old queen of the Changelings, do you?”

“Ain’t a style I’d prefer,” Applejack growled through gritted teeth.

“Really? I know you love the beaten-by-Celestia look.” Gilda snickered to herself. “Now, all insults aside, give me back the money. I’m deadly serious.”

Applejack hesitated. "All right. Soar, throw over the bits to her."

"But—"

"Do it," Applejack ordered.

The pegasus sighed, then turned. He reached back into his saddlebag and tossing the sack of money at Gilda's paws.

"That's better," Gilda said sweetly. "Now, this is strange. I have to admit... well, I don't like your faces much. Even with the money on my side."

AJ's brow furrowed. "Now, hang on. We gave you back your money. You got the bits and the goods."

"I am impressive, aren't I?" Gilda inspected her claws with a smug expression. "I guess that's why I'm running Whitefoal and you're stuck on that flying trash heap you call a ship."

Soarin kicked one hoof against the ground. “I thought all insults were aside.”

"Now, Gilda, you best not say that too loud," Applejack snorted. "I know a mechanic who'd have your hide if she heard those words."

"What, that Derpy Hooves? Yeah, maybe. If she could even see straight enough for one second," Gilda chuckled. "And Fluttershy would never let her. She seems to think that on her ship, she's the only killer allowed. Hmm. Derpy, or Fluttershy?" she asked, tapping a claw against her face in thought. "It's a toss-up for incompetence on your crew. That is, if you don't count that Core whore of yours. Or your little bedmate Soarin there."

"First mate," the pegasus replied, voice dry.

"Right. Dash was always upset about that. Didn't like the thought somepony had beat her to her own husband. Oh, but your real first mate was Spitfire, wasn't it? Wow, Soarin, you really do get around."

"Now, we're here for business, not a schoolfoal tussle," Applejack retorted.

Gilda ignored her. "Or did get around, anyway. You must have stopped that after getting married, right? Wait, maybe not. I mean, it's Dash. Have you seen that face of hers? Not to mention that flank."

"That's it," Soarin growled, stepping forward. "You insult my ship, my crew and me—fine. I'll hold my gorram tongue like I'm supposed to. But you say a word about my wife—"

"And what? You cry?" Gilda laughed. "Give me a break. You're just as pathetic as her. I can't wait to see what your foals are like. Oh, wait. You can't have any. Dash is a failure like that."

Soarin leaned over, face close to Applejack's chest. "Nice hat," he spat into it.

Before Gilda could comprehend what was going on, or AJ could groan at Soarin's dead giveaway, a shot rang out, blowing one of Gilda's ponies off his feet. The others jumped, springing into life and firing: at Applejack, Soarin, the direction Big Mac's shot had come from.

Gilda scowled, aiming her gun and firing straight at Soarin.

Ambush

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fyre-flye
I - 5
Ambush

The shot hit Soarin hard in the chest. He was blown back, his body skidding against the rocks of the ground before coming to a rest.

"Soar!" AJ cried, springing into life along with the rest of the ponies. The air became pierced by the sound of gunfire, bullets ricocheting and splitting rocks open. Dust rose from the ground where missed shots came to rest. Everypony was low to the ground, heads ducking toward bits on saddles, Gilda’s claws clutching her gun tight. Applejack dared to give Soarin a quick glance in between shots fired at Gilda’s bunch. The pegasus was forcing himself up, the dust cloud around him dissapating. "You all right?" Applejack asked, looking back at the advancing party. She closed one eye, aimed and knocked one of the unicorns off his hooves.

Behind her, Soarin was rising to his hooves with a wince. "Yup, the stuff's really bullet-proof," he said, nodding at the clear plastic armor enveloping his torso. His side ached, but that wasn’t his biggest issue right now. Soarin set his sights on another one of the trembling unicorns, taking her out before she could even think to pull her own trigger. Gilda had brought too many amateurs into battle simply because they were born with horns. At the same time, the shots from Big Mac’s stolen sniper gun above were confusing Gilda’s party below. Those were the griffin’s weaknesses in this fight, and Soarin could certainly play off of them. He only hoped that Gilda wasn’t wearing bulletproof armor under that coat of hers. With her ego, he doubted she was.

"Glad to see it works. Guess I got my money’s worth for that armor," Applejack replied, ducking to avoid a slow-shooting earth pony’s bullet. "And I aim to do so now, too!" She charged forward, dodging shots as she made her way towards Gilda. The griffin’s face twisted with surprise and she took a step back despite the still several paces that separated her from Applejack. But the pony was coming faster than Gilda could reverse. Extending her eagle wings, she rose into the sky, arrogant grin returning to her face.

"Sorry, earth pony. But I've got a wing up on you."

Applejack squinted up into the sky, where Gilda weaved in and out, remaining directly under the sun. AJ's eyes began to water and she snapped back to reality when a bullet burst a spray of dust into her leg. "Soar, Mac, you take Gilda," she ordered into the com, loud enough for her nearby first mate to hear. "Ground the boss while I get her little ponies."

Soarin took to the sky next, beating his wings hard to reach the griffin.

Gilda smirked at him. "You haven't been a good flyer for years. Admit it. It's over." Like the quick shot that she was, Gilda fired at Soarin in a manner of seconds, confident her bullet would find purchase somewhere vital.

But the pegasus dove to the side, straining his bad wing as he brought himself back up again. Hauling the weight of two weapons and his own body wasn't easy, but there was no alternative right now.

The whites of Gilda’s eyes grew. “How did you...?!”

"Physical therapy," he snapped, then bit down hard, letting out his own barrage of bullets against Gilda. At the same time, she felt a searing wind between her wings as one of Mac's bullets nearly grazed her. The griffin snarled and flew at Soarin, talons outstretched.

"Ohmigosh ohmigosh ohmigosh," Rainbow Dash whispered to herself as she stared at the screen in front of her. Fluttershy’s warning—that Octavia was free and had taken Pinkie—was urgent, yet Dash found her own thoughts sluggish. She was stumped. She didn’t even know if Octavia taking Pinkie was a bad thing any longer. Didn't the captain want to get rid of the Doctor and Pinkie on Whitefoal anyway? Or were they supposed to keep protecting the deranged pink pony? Rainbow couldn’t keep up with it all.

Well, she knew this much: if Octavia was free, that was definitely bad. Nopony who hurt Fluttershy could be up to anything good. So if she wanted Pinkie, then that was probably bad too.

She'd simply have to find somepony who could get her back. Applejack, Soarin and Mac were out doing business. Fluttershy was down for now. That left… Rarity, Derpy, the Doctor, Twi and herself. Rainbow Dash gulped.

That meant it was up to her.

With a sigh, and the annoying realization that she was nervous--no, maybe even scared--for her own life, Rainbow Dash pressed down on the com, signaling one of the walkies that the captain had taken. "Soarin? AJ? Trouble on board. You better come ASAP."

There was no response, leaving Rainbow feeling even more anxious.

“Big Mac?” she tried.

Nothing.

“Soarin!” she snapped. “Answer me!” Where was her gorram husband when she needed him?! Right—with the captain. As usual. “Soarin, if I survive this, you and I are going to have a long talk about your priorities!” She hated the way she was starting to sound like her mother. Even now, when she was alone, her face was red. There was no way of getting around it, though: she couldn’t do anything to stop Octavia.

No, that was stupid. Just because she didn't have much experience with firearms didn't mean she was helpless. Rainbow slid out of her chair, then made her way down the hall to the room she shared with Soarin. A quick punching in of their door code and she flew down the ladder. Hidden in one corner of the room, behind a piece of sky-blue drapery they’d bought to brighten things up a bit, were Soarin’s two extra saddles. Grabbing the smaller one and slinging it over her back, Rainbow Dash fastened it clumsily. She yanked the straps with her teeth, tightening it until it fit. Damn. This thing was heavy. She'd only worn a saddle a hoofful of times, and it seemed even less manageable now.

"Just gotta stay fast. That’s what you’re good at, Dash,” she muttered, giving herself a pep talk as she flew back up the ladder. Rainbow landed in the hallway, refusing to move until the door locked behind her. Then she was off, treading as quietly as she could to the cargo hold door. That was the most obvious way in and out of the ship, especially with the airlock open as it would be. If Octavia knew about the shuttles, or knew enough to fly one, she might have taken one of those. But Rainbow would have seen one leaving from the cockpit and could shut down its power if she saw it quickly enough. If Octavia had stolen a shuttle, she would have had to do so in the past two minutes the pilot had been away from her post.

Rainbow Dash's mood improved a little as she crept to the top of the cargo stairs and heard voices. There was Octavia, wearing Fluttershy's pink saddle. Standing in front of her, with the gun to her back, was Pinkie. Her mane was almost completely straight, her face pale. Between them and the airlock door was Twi, four hooves placed apart in a battle stance. Huh. Apparently the egghead had received some combat training. But why was she here?

"I trusted you! I let you out. I was giving you a second chance. Why did you do this?!" Twi demanded.

"And they say I'm dramatic. Oh, please. You simply opened the door to the room I was in. If I'd had two more minutes, I could have done the same," Octavia snapped. "Now, do you want me to shoot her or not?"

"She's just a filly," Twi replied. "They said they were hurting her. Her brother saved her life. Look... you’re young. You said you studied music. You really sounded like you loved it. And I... somehow, I simply believe that you’re a good pony. You’re not meant for this kind of life."

The earth pony groaned, exasperated. "I have no patience for Core dramas, whether in shows or in real life."

"What did they do to make you like this? What is at stake for you here?"

Octavia's eyes narrowed and she stood up a little straighter. "You’re implying I’m being blackmailed into serving my own government? My own princess? That’s preposterous! I may have studied music, but that doesn’t mean performance is all I am capable of. I have chosen this path, and I truly believe it is imperative that this filly is returned. I have been sent to protect the law.”

“But... it’s wrong!”

“What’s wrong is what you’re doing. You are standing between a Harmony Alliance officer and her duty; thus, you are committing an illegal act. Do you have no respect for the law any longer, Twilight Sparkle?"

Twi stared at her. "How… how do you know my full name?"

"I'm a bounty hunter. You think your case hasn't gone unnoticed by Alliance eyes? Celestia's own pet run away?"

Rainbow's jaw dropped open. What? Had she heard her correctly? No, she couldn't have. It wasn’t possible. If Twi really was Celestia's pet—whatever that meant in non-Rim-slang—Octavia would have been concerned with returning her to the Central Planets. Pinkie was just a runaway student from some government school. She would have quickly been forgotten next to Twi.

"Now, I'll just be leaving now, unless you'd like her innards splattered across your front," Octavia threatened.

Rainbow's eyes widened. No! She couldn't let this happen. Not when the ship was under her watch. The pegasus leapt into the air, diving down into the room as fast as she could. That was when she remembered that she couldn’t shoot Octavia—she had Pinkie as her shield. Besides, Rainbow already knew what the fed did to pegasi that came flying towards her. May Celestia rip off my wings with her gorram horn, Dash thought to herself as she landed beside the three ponies. Twi and Octavia jumped, surprised, while Pinkie wore a knowing expression on her face. And, for some reason, the pony’s tail was twitching...

But Rainbow's entrance was just the distraction Twi needed. In an instant, Octavia was surrounded by her magical aura, rising into the air.

"No!" the gray pony gasped, struggling to move down her head to the saddle’s bit. But her body went rigid; Twi had temporarily paralyzed her with a spell. Pinkie stood safely on the ground as Octavia rose higher and higher.

Rainbow Dash watched, in awe of Twi’s magical prowess for a second time. "Uh... Don't mess with the saddle and gun again," the pegasus told Twi, remembering the disintegrated leather of Octavia’s saddle the last time the fed had gotten a levitation ride. "It's Fluttershy's."

The unicorn's teeth were pressed against each other with fierce determination. "I'll… try…" Twi narrowed her eyes, focusing her power, and managed to unbuckle the saddle. Shuddering from the effort of holding Octavia completely still in the air while performing such an exact task, Twi began to wobble. Her magical aura wavered for a moment until Pinkie ran to her side, holding her up. Fluttershy’s saddle began to ease off Octavia’s back and Rainbow flew through the air, catching it in her teeth.

“That was awesome,” the pegasus gushed as soon as she’d set the saddle down on the ground.

“Still... doing... two spells,” Twi choked out. Beads of sweat were dotting her face.

Dash scratched her head. “Oh. Right.” Think, think! “Of course! Keep up those spells. I’ll be right back!”

"Now is not the time for a bathroom break!" Pinkie yelled after her, but the pegasus was already gone, zipping out of the room with a rainbow trail.

Out on Whitefoal, Applejack had taken down two earth ponies easily. They were big and mean but not very fast. The lone pegasus was a tricky one, he flipping and diving all over the gorram place. Besides him, there was still one earth pony and two unicorns—who had used their magic to create a giant bubble-like shield around them. Panting, Applejack took cover beneath a large boulder. It was no magical barrier, but it would do for now. She was in close range now, and wasn't sure how much longer acrobatics would keep her safe. Peering past the side of the boulder, she positioned herself so that one of her guns was poking out. With a few missed shots, she was able to get the other earth pony. Applejack grinned. Now for the unicorns. They would be more difficult due to their smaller bodies. That, and the fact that they were still hiding beneath their magical shield. Cowards. They hadn't even invited their non-magical partners into the shield with them.

As Applejack reloaded, planning an attack, she realized the pegasus was missing. She pushed back her hat and glanced up to Gilda and Soarin, where the griffin had caught her first mate around his neck, wringing it as he tried to turn. AJ winced—in that position, Soarin was essentially helpless. Gilda's arms were so long she could hold him at bay without his powerful kicks being able to reach her. "Mac, Soar needs help—now!"

Then, a shadow fell over her own face. Whipping her head around, she spotted the enemy pegasus straight above her just in time to jump out of his way as bullets fell upon the dust she kicked up. The unicorns were no longer much of a danger, so she sprinted towards them, leaving behind her cover. The ponies’ eyes widened from inside the shield but they didn't do a thing to stop her. Applejack darted behind their shield, keeping the giant bubble between her and the pegasus as he rained bullets upon it. They melted in the shield and he held his fire. The pegasus flew over the orb only to have Applejack run to the other side. Before he could turn back around, she pressed one hoof gingerly against the magical orb. It felt bouncy—that was all.

"Go away!" one of the unicorns shouted at her.

Applejack smiled. She stood still, waiting for the pegasus to return. He flew past her again and she ducked behind the shield. Then, while his back was still to her, stopping in his flightpath, she sprang up, leaping atop the bubble. Bending her legs, she used it like a trampoline and forced herself up into the air. The pegasus was turning, but just before he did so, she focused her aim and shot straight through his wing. Crying out, the pegasus weaved down to the ground, falling and scraping against the rocky surface. He tried to get up, but without his wing he was nothing.

"I could get used to this whole flying thing," Applejack chuckled as she came to a rest atop the bubble. The unicorns glared up at her. Just to spite them, she stuck out her tongue and jumped from the springy bubble one last time.

Just as it burst into flames.

"Well, I didn’t believe you. But after Rarity’s glowing recommendation, I decided to give them a chance. And, after eating three, I have to say that griddlecakes are quite delicious," the Doctor was saying as he finished chewing a mouthful.

Derpy smiled. "They are, aren’t they?”

“Well... Perhaps. I shall have to try one more. For a more sound conclusion, naturally.” The Doctor used his hoof to gently slide a fourth griddlecake onto his own plate.

Rarity had joined them in the middle of cooking and had insisted he try Derpy's griddlecakes. Now she sat with them at the table, enjoying a plate of her own. She used her magic to levitate a fork and knife, cutting tiny pieces of the cakes.

Derpy attempted to do the same, though she could only use her hooves and mouth. Still, she was taking small bites. “I’m glad you like them! A meal like this'll keep you going the whole day."

"I have to admit, I'm not used to this kind of food," replied the Doctor. "You heard my story. I've no need for pretenses anymore. I grew up… well, I'm sure you know how wealthy the terraforming families are."

Derpy stared at him blankly as she chewed even as Rarity was nodding.

"You don't?" he asked Derpy, surprised.

"Didn't know there were terraforming families," she said with a shrug.

"Oh, yes," Rarity told her. "In fact, many of the ponies living on the Central Planets have their business in the Outer Rim. Not just terraforming developers, either."

At that second, a flash of blue streaked into the dining area and stopped right beside the table. It was Rainbow Dash, breathless. "There you are!" she exclaimed, eyes locked on Rarity. "I need you to..." She looked towards the Doctor, then clammed up. "Um... come on!"

Rarity raised her shoulders slowly. "Yes, all right, dear," she said, puzzled. "Please excuse me. Lovely meal, Derpy." The two exited, and Derpy turned back to the Doctor.

"So, you were saying? About the terraformers?"

"Ah, yes. So you've never heard of the terraforming families?" he asked.

"Nope. Sorry!"

"That's all right." The Doctor smiled. Derpy’s... provincial air was off-setting at first, but he admitted there was kind of a charm to it. It was exhausting being around other ponies of high intellect sometimes. Having a conversation with this filly—whose cutie mark was even bubbles, to denote her, well, airheaded tendencies—was something different altogether. It was fascinating to educate a pony his own age about something so basic. “Mostly earth ponies, of course. Many of them have roots back to the Equestria-that-was diaspora. My family isn't one of those, but we still do have several generations of terraforming. All the earth ponies who were able to come up with a way of creating livable places on hostile rocks became exceedingly rich… as you can imagine."

"I bet. But what about the pegasi?" Derpy asked. "I mean, we’re the only ones with weather magic."

"Right. One of the most important elements in terraforming is the atmospheric development. That was up to the pegasi. And the unicorns used magic to find planets and planetary systems that were suitable for terraforming. But the earth ponies created everything on the surface. Everything ponies needed was planned by terraformers on some world. When that was done, land barons would come to them requesting designer planets—full of beaches, for instance, where one might live. Or arable land for growing food. Or, like the Outer Rim planets, places where minerals could be extracted. That was where my family made its fortune. We prepared mining planets."

Derpy slurped up the rest of the griddlecake she'd been nibbling on. She was done trying to be dainty by copying Rarity's eating style—now she was just hungry. "I remember you said rocks," she recollected with her mouth full.

"Yes. Our little rock farm created many of the surfaces of Outer Rim worlds. I'm not sure which ones exactly. You’d have to ask my parents or my sisters, Inkie and Blinkie. They were the ones who stayed with my parents. But I really have no idea; there are probably too many to count. Perhaps we had a hoof in Whitefoal itself." He gave a nervous chuckle. "And now it’s to be my new home. Do you imagine they'd help keep me alive if I told them I was the heir to the company that made their moon livable?"

"No," Derpy replied earnestly. "If anything they'd just get rid of you sooner. See, everypony knows that the terraformers skimped on the Outer Rim planets. That's why they're harder to live on. And give you blacklung if you mine too much."

The Doctor sighed, staring down at the one remaining griddlecake. "That's what I was afraid of."

"You should just try not to act like you're from the Central Planets around here. Maybe take off your tie. Nopony likes ponies that still smell like Alliance," Derpy advised. "Hey, Doctor. Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"You said before that Celestia was all-mighty. That's why the rebels should never have tried. Well, if you really think she's all that strong, then why do you think you can get away with your sister?" Derpy asked, in between bites. She was still oblivious as to the effect of her disheartening words on the Doctor.

"Um… that's a good question. I guess… I guess I just had to try. Even if we don't make it. Even if it seems impossible. There's nothing worse than not trying to change things when you know there's something wrong."

Derpy grinned at him, pieces of griddlecake stuck in her teeth. "See, there you go! Now you're talking like a true browncolt."

As the pegasus went back to eating, the Doctor watched her, amused look on his face despite his desperation. Huh. Derpy was a lot smarter than he'd given her credit for. Maybe being bubbly didn’t necessarily mean being an airhead.

"Whoa, nelly!" AJ gasped, her legs flailing helplessly over the fireball. She was approaching it—fast—and so she grit her teeth, thanked every star in the ‘verse she’d never gone in for a hooficure and landed neatly on the bubble. As she did, she threw all her might into leaping off the fire as quickly as possible, tears filling her eyes with the hot lick of flames at her legs.

She landed on the hard valley earth with a groan, the smell of burning hoof and singed fur overwhelming. Nauseated, Applejack forced herself to her hooves and turned towards the ball of fire defiantly.

“Well, now, I ain’t never jumped on a giant ball of magic fire before. Just something to add to my resume, I reckon. Thank you kindly,” she drawled.

But the unicorns weren't done there. They stepped towards her, the fireball scorching the earth as they pulled it along with them. Applejack sighed. Probably shouldn’t have opened her trap. She began to run and the unicorns fell into chase.

The captain looked up to the sky to see if Soarin was in any position to help her. He’d escaped from Gilda’s clutches back when Big Mac had begun firing, and now the two winged creatures were locked in a shootout from close range. Soarin was holding his own: he skirted around Gilda’s bullets, living up to his name as he rode the winds. He wasn't exactly champion of the skies, but he was a lot better off than the last time she'd checked on him. Now she was the one who needed a little backup. "Soar!" she cried out, feeling the heat growing closer. Those gorram unicorns must have been using a quickening spell. Nopony that gawky could keep up with Applejack while working a giant ball of magical fire at the same time!

Soarin heard the call and saw the captain’s predicament. Gliding on a wind current, he let it take him up higher into the sky, above the patchy clouds. Looking around as quickly as possible, he spotted one cloud grayer than the others. Soarin flew to the cloud and jumped atop it, then pushed it down with him back towards the ground. At the same time, Gilda emerged through the cloud cover, looking around for him. She grumbled to herself as she searched for him, unaware that he had already headed back down.

Applejack was sprinting at top speed now, her tail tucked close to her legs after it had almost been crisped. "Soar!" she yelled again. "A little help!"

Soarin was coming towards her, riding the cloud straight towards the fireball. When he'd positioned himself directly over it, he leapt up and back down on the cloud as hard as he could. Rain poured out, drenching the fireball and dousing its flames. The bubble flickered around the unicorns, then vanished. The two enemy ponies looked exhausted, and Applejack and Soarin shared a glance before they simultaneously bucked each unicorn in the face. "Eat my charred earth pony hooves!" AJ added.

"She's still up there looking for me. Let's go. I'll get the money," Soarin said quickly, nodding towards the sack of bits that Gilda had left lying on the ground. He flew toward it with a trace of his old smoke trail behind him.

AJ spoke into her saddle com. "Mac, at a gallop, y’hear? Back to the ship. We're takin' to the skies." With one last look up at the cloud cover, she took her own advice and turned tail to Sereinity. Soarin caught up with her, money jingling in his saddlebag. When he reached Applejack, he landed and took to his hooves, folding back his bad wing with a wince.

The captain looked up at the hill. Come on, Mac, come on! Where the hay are you? Big Mac wasn't as fast as they were, but he was closer to the ship. As Applejack ran, she spotted a shock of red, then saw her big brother galloping towards the ship, sniper rifle gleaming in his saddle. She grinned, relieved and amused: it figured he'd take whatever shiny weapon Gilda's ponies were using.

“We’re back in the skies,” Applejack announced. Presumptively.

A roar sounded behind them.

"Dear, I'm really not sure what you want me to do," Rarity complained as she tried to keep up with Rainbow Dash.

"Sleep! Use your sleep potion! Octavia!" Rainbow panted as she flew through the hallways of the ship. She’d finally found the Coltpanion with Derpy and the Doctor in the dining area. Didn’t she understand that this was an emergency?! Well, no, probably not. Rainbow Dash had just asked Rarity to come with her, so as not to upset the Doctor. As far as he knew, Pinkie was perfectly fine, back in the infirmary.

"Oh my, all right. But isn't she restrained?” Rarity asked.

"No!" Rainbow Dash led her into the cargo room. From the catwalk, Rarity saw the free Octavia—and Rainbow’s heart sank. Twi was slumped over the top of Pinkie, sweat glistening across her body. The magical aura was gone, and Octavia had regained her footing. Her legs twitched, straining against the aftereffects of the paralysis. Without Twi’s magic to fuel it, the spell was quickly wearing away.

“We need to put her to sleep. Now!” Rainbow gasped. Rarity began to gallop down the stairs into the cargo hold. Octavia’s shoulders were stirring now. “Rare! Where are you going?” the pegasus cried after the Coltpanion.

“I need to be closer!” Rarity called over her shoulder. She reached the bottom of the stairs just as Octavia took one step forward.

“Just not good enough, I’m afraid!” the pony spat. She took another step, stiffly, towards Fluttershy’s discarded saddle. “Pinkie, be a dear and do what I said before. Nothing has changed.”

Rarity ran across the floor. “Now, you halt, right this instant!”

Octavia did not comply.

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. She vaulted off the catwalk and dove towards the fed for the second time that day, tucking her wings close to her body. The wind pushed back her mane, dried her eyes. At that moment, she felt the pressure of something—something she hadn’t felt for a long time. It was almost as if this could be the beginning of a Sonic Rainboom... but that was impossible. Dash hadn’t been able to perform a Rainboom in years.

Besides, that kind of thing took a much higher altitude. Before she could blink, Rainbow Dash was bearing down on Octavia, who struggled to make the last steps towards the saddle—just as Rarity came sprinting up. The last thing Rainbow Dash saw before impact was the fed’s widened eyes and in that second she believed she was innocent. But that was just as impossible as the Rainboom. Fluttershy’s wound was proof of that. In the next second, the pegasus’s front hooves collided with Octavia’s body, and the force sent the two sliding across the floor in a crumpled heap.

A barrage of kicks met with her side and Dash cried out, striking back just as hard. Then, she realized, the blows were softening. They died out completely, and Rainbow Dash sat up slowly to see that Octavia was lying on the ground, fast asleep in Rarity’s blue aura.

Back on the surface, another roar rang out behind the three fleeing ponies. "Don't turn around! Just keep running!" Applejack ordered Soarin and her brother.

But they could hear wings flapping behind them.

"She's gaining on us," Soarin cried. "I'll distract her. You two get to the ship."

"No, wait!" AJ argued, but the pegasus had already lifted off the ground. "Idiot!” the captain growled. “Keep runnin', Mac."

Soarin grabbed the money out of his saddle, waving the bag of bits back and forth. Gilda, gnashing her beak, took off after him. Throwing the sack back into his saddlebag, Soarin breached the cloud cover again and began getting himself lost. Back and forth he navigated through the clouds, taking advantage of his own sky intuition. The pegasi had their own special magic, too—a magic that griffins didn't have. And, then, he spotted the great gray cloud. It was humongous and—he realized with glee—shaped like an anvil. "Oh, Whitefoal, you are too kind to me," he murmured as he set his flightpath.

"Get out here, pegasus scum!" Gilda hollered into the clouds. "You think you can hide up here? I fly through these clouds every day! You must be the stupidest pony in the whole ‘verse. I knew there was a reason I told Dash not to marry you!" It was then that she got the idea. "She's even stupider than you! She thinks I wouldn't say a word about all the ponies she was with before you? Come on out and I'll tell you everything!" In her panic, Gilda began to blabber, becoming stupider with fear and wrath. She was not used to being on the losing side. "You want to know her favorite? I'll bet you do! You're only in the top three. She settled for you, Soarin!"

The pegasus was too busy rounding up the anvil cloud to care what Gilda was saying. Much.

The griffin continued. "She only liked you because you were a Wonderbolt! Dash would do anything for a pony in uniform. You know how much she always wanted to be part of the 'Bolts! She'd have gone for Spitfire next if you hadn't bit! She only wanted the connections so that she could get onto the team. She used you, you stupid pegasus!"

Soarin realized he was glad Gilda kept talking. It gave him an idea of where she was. He began to push the anvil cloud closer and closer to her screeching voice, working hard to keep himself flying. His bad wing was aching terribly, but he didn’t have the luxury of caring right now.

"I bet she even still talks to those colts she was with! Not to mention the fillies! You think somepony like Rainbow Dash would stick with you? No, you know how easily she gets bored."

He was above her now. She didn’t even know, red with rage as she was. He began to spin around the cloud, flying around the bottom of it until it began to grow a tail. This would be hard to do alone, but it didn't need to be big. That wasn’t the point. Soarin had experienced enough twisters to remember that, at least.

"You'll split up in a few years! Or now, even, once I tell you all the stories I have!" Suddenly, Gilda became aware of the sound of wind. She looked around, but couldn't see anything. She realized it was coming from straight above her too late. She shrieked, trying to fly away, but was caught up by the twister. No matter how hard she pumped her wings, she was suctioned in by the wind. "You can't… do this! This is… my world! Mine!"

Soarin gave one last flap of his wings, propelling the tornado further, then grinned and took off towards Sereinity without another word.

But Gilda wasn't done yet. She had a walkie of her own, and she managed to open up her coat and press the button. "Get… the fastest gunship… over here!" she screamed into the wind.

Flight

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fyre-flye
I - 6
Flight

On the ground, Octavia was stirring.

"Rarity! How long was that spell supposed to last?" Rainbow Dash asked, frowning at the gray earth pony. This damn fed sure broke out of magic fast. They could only be thankful that an earth pony had been sent after them instead of a unicorn. Without the land or atmosphere, earth ponies and pegasi were really out of their elements.

The Coltpanion was sitting beside Twi, who was breathing easier after some rest—and some chalky dark green potion that Rarity had given her. It was meant to jumpstart a unicorn’s magical battery, restoring it to full power more quickly.

“Oh, it’s not a spell,” Rarity informed Rainbow Dash, her eyes still on Twi. “Just a brew.”

“No, I meant–”

But Rarity wasn’t paying attention. “A client gave it to me on Celestinium a few trips ago. He assured me it had nothing to do with A.B.R.A., so don’t worry,” she directed towards the other unicorn.

Twi shook her head. “I don’t even know what that is.”

“Alternative Buyers and Resellers Association,” Pinkie informed her.

“Euphemism for the black market,” Rarity added with a sneer. “A truly despicable group of creatures.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. Save it for your clients. I meant the spell on the fed! She’s moving.”

Rarity glanced over, noting the restored motion in Octavia’s legs. "Oh, not this again. Not very long, I'm afraid. I just used enough to get her to sleep immediately.”

“We should return her to Persepony,” Twi spoke up.

Everypony else was silent. "Are you crazy?! She…" Rainbow Dash trailed off as she heard the sound of hooves approaching. She jumped to the entrance of the cargo hold, then realized it was Applejack, Big Mac and Soarin. "They're coming. And they don't look too relaxed. We gotta ditch her here.”

"She’ll die!” Twi protested.

“The Outer Rim is terraformed, you know,” Rainbow replied flatly. “Soar!” she called to her husband as he approached. “Help me out here!” She flew to Octavia’s side and looked down at the pony. Her eyelids were fluttering. Sliding one arm beneath the fed, Rainbow began to lift her into the air. Soarin landed beside her, chest heaving, and took up Octavia’s other side.

Applejack and Big Mac were quick behind him. "Giddyup, you two! We gotta close the doors!” the captain was shouting at the pegasi.

Pinkie began to bounce up and down. “Get rid of her, get rid of her!” Her eyes were still wide and trained on Octavia.

“I want everypony ready for the sky,” Applejack ordered as she trotted to the airlock control. She was still panting from the run.

“Did you get... burnt?” Rarity asked, sniffing slightly.

The captain chose not to answer that question, merely flicking her singed tail at the Coltpanion with a scowl.

"Well, you came back in one piece. Luckily, so did poor Twi here. You know, she was nearly blown to bits by that rude government agent on board. She worked wonders with her magic and saved Pinkie, Rainbow Dash… all of us, I presume." Rarity looked towards Twi, whose cheeks had reddened. "Well, at least that's what Rainbow Dash told me, anyway."

“Impressive. Now, orders, ponies. Rainbow and me on the bridge. Mac, you get Derpy into the engine room. Soar will take Pinkie here back to her brother and stay with them and ‘Shy in the infirmary.” Big Mac nodded and took off, running up the stairs to find Derpy.

“And us unicorns, darling?”

Applejack shook her head. “You just get to your shuttle.” She watched the pegasi as they lowered Octavia to the ground a fair distance away from the ship. “That’s a real nice way to treat a killer!” she shouted. “At a gallop, kindly, before Gilda’s hunting instincts kick in!”

“No task for me to do?” Rarity pressed.

“Ain’t part of my crew,” Applejack informed her, lowering her voice. “Especially as you’re the one who says so all the time.”

“I certainly have done my fair share of—”

Applejack turned to face Rarity, exasperated. “Here’s a task: take Twi to your shuttle and tell some funny little story about a colt you bucked.” She snorted, rolling her eyes. “What else would you do, Rare?”

The unicorn stiffened. She was silent for a moment. “This is because I called you heartless earlier, isn’t it?” she asked quietly.

Soarin and Dash came flying back towards the ship, and Applejack closed the airlock door. “I haven’t the foggiest,” she snapped, imitating Rarity’s accent. “Get to your shuttle. Take Twi. And stay there. Might be a bumpy ride.” She turned to the pegasi. “Rainbow, with me. Soar, get the Doc and Pinkie to the infirmary.”

Soarin nodded.

“Tell him Octavia’s dead.”

“You want me to lie?” Rainbow asked.

Applejack sighed. "Wasn't aware it was a lie. I suppose no killin’ gets done on my ship when the killers are away.” Wishful thinking. Feds didn’t give up easily and Applejack expected her crew would be seeing Octavia again. “Now, get along. Let's get this ship going.”

"Celestia's piss!" Rainbow Dash swore from the bridge. A vessel was approaching them—she could see that much on the screen. And it was a big one. Rainbow remembered Gilda's love for ships and expected this was one of her fleet. Many of the ones she owned were old, renovated warships from the rebellion. She collected them like AJ collected bruises.

"Go!" came the voice of the captain, who'd appeared behind her. Applejack buckled herself into the co-pilot's seat.

"I am going,” Dash replied, irritated. “But I'd feel much better going fast if Derpy was in the engine room. We need a little boost here.” Dash banged her hoof against the com button again, sending a call to every com on the ship. "Derpy, we don't got all day! Get to the engine room now!"

There was silence a few moments, and Rainbow tried to stay calm, even as the screen continued beeping—faster as the gunship closed in upon them. "Derpy. Derpy. Derpy. Der-"

"Right here!" came a frantic call from the engine room's com. "Ready!"

"Everypony hang on or buckle up. Whichever's faster. We're going now," Dash shouted to every com yet again. She flipped a switch and placed her hooves on the control yoke. Sereinity began to lift off the ground, burning hot before shooting into the air. It was shaky at first, and the pilot grit her teeth. As soon as they broke atmo it'd be a smooth ride. On the screen, the gunship began to follow them up into the sky. "Derpy, we're being chased," Rainbow called to the engine room. "Can you boost us any more? Not full burn. But a boost."

"You think Gilda won't follow us into the black?" AJ asked.

"Not sure.” Rainbow Dash’s concentration was on the scattering of monitors before her. “But she's probably not on the ship in case she needs to send out another. We're faster than that big old warship. Especially past atmo. Those ships were made for ground-level combat, not a space race."

"Positive?"

"Ask Derpy if you don't believe me," Rainbow Dash challenged. "Derpy, you there?"

"Yup. Just gave the boost. Now it's your turn!" Derpy said with glee.

"Here we go." She flipped another switch quickly and the fire propelling them up burned brighter. Their speed increased, and the gunship began to fall behind on the screen. "That's more like it!"

And then, a blast rocked the ship.

It had hit the side of Sereinity, and nearly flipped the whole ship sideways. Rainbow Dash leveled it, but her focus was on the damage done. "Everything's fine so far," she said. "Nothing's out. We—"

Another blast. The lights flickered on and off, and the alarm screamed into life, beeping to get the pilot's attention. This blast had been stronger, pushing Sereinity upside down. Rainbow Dash pulled it into a barrel roll, struggling to keep the ship on path. "Almost out of atmo. We just have to—"

"What's the alarm for?" Applejack yelled. "What got hit?"

"Shuttle. Got blasted. It's still hanging on. They’re using curveballs to—"

"Which shuttle?" Applejack’s face was pale.

"Oh, no. No, no!" Rainbow Dash cried as the radar begin to beep again. Faster this time.

"Which shuttle?" Applejack demanded. The words she’d spat at Rarity came back to her, accusatory. Just get to your shuttle. What else would you do?

"Empty one!” Dash snapped. The captain sat back, relieved, as the pilot continued: “Not a big deal. We have bigger problems." Rainbow pressed the com, addressing both Derpy and the captain. "Heat seeker."

Applejack groaned, pressing her head down onto her hooves. "Today is not my day."

"Any ideas?" Rainbow barked as she continued to watch the heat seeker approach. As it grew closer, the ship’s alert system beeps increased in speed.

"Oh, hay. I don't know nothin' about flying, Rainbow Dash. That's your own little ‘verse."

"We fire up the banged shuttle, drop it in the seeker’s path, the seeker goes to it. We try to get away fast enough so the thing doesn’t blast us too. Or we try full burn and crisp that missile up nice. We have to wait for closer range then, though. And no second chances. It might blast us that way too.”

Applejack lifted her head. "Any chance we can make it out of atmo before it gets to us?”

“Even if we did, that wouldn’t stop it. Unless we get all cozy up against the nearest star, which isn’t exactly a foal’s flight away. It’s...” Rainbow Dash suddenly trailed off. The beeping seemed to be blocking her thoughts. She needed to focus, to think! Wait—nearest star. Her eyes raced between two displays. Stars. What else could generate that kind of light and heat?

Well, that was an obvious one. Every foal in the ‘verse learned about how Celestia and Luna created the stars in the sky with the magic from their horns. If that was possible—even if it wasn’t entirely true—then maybe, just maybe, a unicorn’s horn could do something similar.

“Rarity! Twi!” Rainbow Dash yelled over the com, her voice booming throughout the entire ship even as the beeping became unbearable. “Get to the bridge, now. Like your life depends on it. ‘Cause it does.” She glanced back to Applejack, hoof back on the controls. “We’re going to magic up a little star.”

Before Applejack could reply, there was a flash of lavender light. When it dimmed, the two unicorns were standing in the bridge. Rarity looked queasy and Twi exhaled as her horn’s light faded.

“I don’t even have time to ask,” Applejack groaned, shaking her head. “We got a heat seeker on our flank. Need you two to create a little heat for it to seek. Between us and the missile, to one side of the missile, whatever works that saves our hides.”

The beeping was increasing.

Rarity’s face was blank, but Twi nodded. “Understood. Rarity, I don’t have all my magic yet. If you lend me some of your power with an amplification spell or something, I can use it to get rid of that thing.”

The Coltpanion was hesitant. “I don’t...”

“I’ll use an absorption spell,” Twi said quickly.

Rarity nodded. Both horns began to glow their respective colors, Rarity’s icy blue looping around Twi’s horn as if being drawn in, encapsulating Twi’s own magic.

Beepbeepbeep.

“Any time, now!” Rainbow snapped.

“Wait. Make sure you know where you’re aimin’ that thing,” Applejack advised. “Now, don’t blow up the monitor. You gotta make sure it’s actually outside, not just the place on the screen—”

“I’ve done this before,” Twi cut in, smiling. She closed her eyes. The beeping increased to a sharp whine and the bridge was filled with a sudden flash of light. Everypony was blinded, even as the ship was rocked with an explosion from behind.

Rarity shrieked and Applejack swore. As the light faded and their vision restored itself, they realized that the beeping had stopped. The ship was steady.

“It... it didn’t hit us.” Rainbow was incredulous. She stared at the monitor, where the heatseeker was still burning up in purple sparkles that began to fall to the dusty ground. It looked like fireworks.

“Of course it didn’t,” Twi said, catching her breath. She sat down on the floor, wiping her forehead with the back of her hoof. “Because I hit it.”

“They’re backing off!” Rainbow announced with glee. Sure enough, the gunship had stopped in its course. “Yeah, didn’t expect us to have guns, didja?!”

Applejack turned around in her swiveling chair slowly. “We... don’t have guns. Or at least, we didn’t use to,” she said, staring at Twi.

“Let’s leave the bridge to the professionals, dear,” Rarity said quickly, shooting Applejack a glance. She nudged Twi to her hooves and the unicorns left.

Rainbow Dash was too elated to care about AJ’s concern. “We’re good!” she cheered into the com, over the entire ship. “We’re fine now.”

They sailed on, silent until breaking atmo. The peaceful black engulfed them, and Applejack took one last look down at Whitefoal. “I reckon I should just be thankful to be breathin’ still,” she muttered.

“Plus. That was so awesome!” Dash exclaimed. “Wasn’t it? I can’t believe Twi just bombed a bomb.” The words she’d heard from Octavia’s mouth earlier—that Twi was Celestia’s pet—were forgotten.

“You and me both.” Applejack shook her head. “So, to Borears?”

“Ha. Yeah, right,” Rainbow Dash laughed. “Fuel station, please. We got a blasted-out shuttle and some other dings on our ass.”

AJ frowned. "What? Now, back when we were avoidin’ gettin’ blown up, you said it was nothing."

"It was nothing at the time. Compared to everywhere else it could have hit? We're lucky they just got the empty shuttle, especially since Gilda's been on Sereinity a bunch of times. She knows the layout and everything. You'd think that…" She trailed off, as if realizing something. "…that Gilda was just warning us. That she’s not done with us."

There was an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of Applejack's stomach, but she didn't feel like focusing on that now. It was more important that she still had a stomach to feel. "R.D., why would she send a heat seeker if she weren’t after us for real? That woulda blown us to bits something good. Nah, she just got mad and dumb, that's all." And she told herself to believe it.

"Mac?" Fluttershy was waking up again. The Doctor had found her, slumped over on the ground. Other than a few bruises, though, she was fine. Simply exhausted from the effort. It was going to be hard for her to stay immobile long enough to heal.

"Eeyup. Hey, Sharp. We're back from the job," Big Mac told her. After Dash had announced that they were out of danger, he’d headed straight to the infirmary. He was standing watch there again, as the Doctor fed Pinkie small bites of cold griddlecake one bed over. Soarin had returned to his bunk, looking exhausted. From the way he held his wing, it was obvious he had overexerted himself.

"The job,” Fluttershy repeated. “W-with Gilda?" Her eyes widened. "Oh, dear. Um, how did that go?"

"Tried to ambush us. Didn't work.” Big Mac shrugged. “We got paid."

The pegasus looked down at herself. She was strapped to the bed with the infirmary harnesses. "Um… why…"

"You’da fallen on the ceiling otherwise. Gilda chased us. We got hit, had to do some rodeo tricks. But we're all in the clear now, up in the black."

"Also, I didn't want you falling over again," the Doctor added. “No matter how smooth the sailing is from here.”

"Definitely not!" Pinkie said. "After all, you did that to save me. You could have really hurt yourself, you know." She seemed to be regaining some of her pink coloring, and her mane and tail had curled somewhat. Fluttershy wasn’t sure if anypony else noticed it, or if the several hours the two ponies had spent together in the infirmary had just made her keenly aware of Pinkie’s appearance. Even if most of the hours had been a hazy blur for the pegasus.

"And... and Octavia?" Fluttershy asked hesitantly.

"Gone. Rest easy," Big Mac told her. "Everything's fine, and we’re on the move again."

"Oh… okay. So nopony got hurt on Whitefoal?"

"Eenope. 'Cept Gilda and them.” Mac paused, the hint of a smile on his muzzle. “Coulda used you, though, Sharp. Had a sniper job and didn't do much good with it. You’da gotten it done much quicker."

"You're a good shot, Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked, blue eyes wide.

"Oh… N-no. I'm really not," the pegasus stammered.

"Eeyup," Mac corrected. "Sure is. A sharpshooter, this one. Where d'you think I got her nickname from?"

"Wow. You seem so gentle! I guess the most dangerous ponies can sometimes be the ones who seem the most harmless." Pinkie smiled widely—perhaps a bit too widely.

"You don't need to worry about danger, Pinkie," the Doctor was telling her. "We're safe now.”

Pinkie's smile faded and she regained the haunted look that sometimes lingered on her face when she was alone. She looked around the room—at the vial of sleep medicine the Doctor had used, at the extractor still resting after removing Fluttershy's bullet. Everything was clean and white. "Safe," she repeated, her voice quieter now. "I thought I'd never get out. I thought they'd take me, that you couldn't find me, that even if you could..."

"I will never stop looking for you," the Doctor told her. "No matter how far you go. But I'm going to make sure you never have to go far away from me again. I’ll make sure you’re safe." He embraced his sister in a hug, and she hesitated before reciprocating, her face still expressionless.

"Me, too!" Fluttershy announced, tears streaming down her cheeks. Big Mac blinked, taken aback by her emotional display. "And I won't let the captain dump you off anywhere!" she continued. "I think we should help anypony who needs help." There was the army medic in her—the one who had once tended to a Harmony soldier who, unwounded, might have killed her.

"Speaking of which. I think I'd better go talk to him about that," the Doctor said, releasing his sister. "I'll be right back, Pinkie."

She nodded, and he left.

"I… I let Octavia out," Twi admitted.

They were in Rarity's shuttle, after the violet unicorn had asked if she could talk to Rarity in private. There were some things she needed to confess, and this mistake with Octavia was just the tip of the iceberg. The Coltpanion lounged with her floating cup of tea on a claret-colored sofa, and Twi sat across from her on a small stool.

"Oh. My," Rarity replied, with only a minor expression of surprise. "Well, why did you do that, do you suppose?"

"I don't know." Twi looked down at her tea. Rarity had insisted on brewing a pot for the two of them despite Twi’s protests. Rarity made it just like the tea of the Core planets. Just like home. "I think I was… I was raised to trust the law. A bit more than the other ponies here," she said with a nervous laugh. "I didn't think she would try to get Pinkie. I thought she and I could just disembark at Whitefoal. I wanted… I wanted to give her another chance. And I really thought I could help her get home."

"Well. You were doing it for the right reasons," Rarity said. "Even if, perhaps, it was the wrong action."

"The thing is, I only opened the door." Twi looked puzzled. "She was already untied. But… who could have done that? I don't understand…"

"That is odd. But, such things have a tendency to happen. Perhaps you trusted her for her perceived weaknesses and overlooked her true abilities."

Twi nodded slowly. "I… I guess so." She sighed. "It's just that… Well, I'm not usually… All my life, I've been the one with the answers. Even as a filly in school, my hoof shot up before I even heard the end of the question. It didn’t matter. I was one of the best initiates in my magical training. But it seems like ever since I've been here—on this ship—I haven't had any idea what I'm doing. It's different. I'm just… full of questions. I have no answers. I just don’t think I’m meant for this kind of constant travel. I should have gotten off on Whitefoal, too. I guess I thought Octavia and I..." She shook her head. “Oh, it’s so stupid.”

“We’re all susceptible to pretty faces,” Rarity said with a knowing smile.

Twi’s cheeks reddened. “Wh-what? No, that’s not at all what I’m saying!”

“Don’t be embarrassed. It’s perfectly normal. I—”

“I’m not a fillyfooler!”

Rarity frowned. “Frankly, I couldn’t care less what sort of ponies you favor. I’m not in the business of judging others; I was simply joking. Though, of course, it is true that an attractive face is easy to fall for. How else could I make a living?” Rarity shook her head. "I’ve gotten off topic.” She took a sip of tea. "I don’t believe you should have disembarked. You said you received a magical training? Well, it’s obvious you have, after that last display.” Rarity smiled. “Then we're like sisters. At my training House, we had very close ties to the local Temple. And you must know as well as I do that the only way to live is through questioning."

"Yes, of course," Twi responded. "But not being able to come to a conclusion—that's frustrating."

"Oh, darling. If you really want to live a life with only answerable questions, then perhaps you should return to Persepony, or one of the other Core planets. There's nothing wrong with that kind of life. Billions of ponies do it. It's stable, being on the ground. But in the sky, you learn to live differently. Every day, you look quite directly into the eyes of infinity. All that black hides so much. Just as in fashion, dear; black is very slimming. It hides fat. Anyway. We may never know all of the secrets of the universe.” She laughed a tiny bit, wary of such a cliche. “We may even find more questions than answers. But for some, that really is the only kind of life."

Twi had nearly finished her tea. "Is that… is that why you did it? Took to the sky? In a small ship like this, instead of a luxury liner?"

Rarity smiled elusively at the other unicorn. "Oh, it's one of the reasons. I'm sorry if I've been a bit long-winded. I suppose I get sentimental after a good life-threatening danger."

"No, it's fine. But… the thing is…" Twi took one last sip of tea. "Even if I wanted to return to the Central Planets—which I'm not saying I do, because to be honest I really don't know—I can't. Because I'm from there."

"That’s no reason you can't return," Rarity said. "Why, I'm from the Core as well. I choose not to live there, but I do love to return. If not for the shopping—oh, and the clients, of course—just for the civilized feeling you can only really get in the Core. I've had some wonderful memories there. Eventually, I am sure I will settle down there. Perhaps I can retire in a lovely lake house or in New Canterlot, design clothing…"

"I have something else to tell you," Twi said, clearly uncomfortable. "Um… my real name is Twilight Sparkle. I'm—"

"Oh, I already know, dear." Rarity waved one dismissive hoof at the other unicorn.

Twi froze. "W-what?"

"Well, 'Twi' isn't exactly the most mysterious alias, to be perfectly blunt. And I did hear about your disappearance. Besides, I've seen pictures of you before. You're not exactly anonymous." She smiled, amused. "Even out here. We're not all savages, you know."

"Oh." Twi sighed. "Please don't tell the others who I am. I..."

"No explanations are necessary. Like I said before, I won’t judge you for who you are. You don't need to worry about your secret, Your Highness."

"Captain. I need a word," the Doctor said, after locating Applejack in the bridge.

She nodded. "Step right in. Rainbow Dash, get along. You deserve a break. Go find that husband of yours and make him thank you for saving all our hides. And vice versa, I bet." Once Rainbow had left, the Doctor tentatively took her seat. "What's this all about, Doc?" Applejack asked.

"It's about us. Pinkie and me. You didn't leave us behind at Whitefoal, but then again, there wasn't really time to leave us behind at Whitefoal."

"Sure wasn't."

"Fluttershy seems fine. She's recovering nicely."

"I ain't gonna dump you in space," Applejack informed him.

"So… where are you going to dump us, then?"

AJ turned to look out the front window. "Where's the safest place for y'all, you think?"

The Doctor thought about it. "I really don't know. I guess the Outer Rim."

"Nah. They'd eat you alive out there. Less you stumbled across some needy Luna-cult who won't slave you after you heal their sick."

"Well, maybe that's what I'll do."

Applejack shook her head. "It's a bad plan. You stay in one place too long, the feds come sniffin'. They're already sniffin'. Followed you out of Persepony, remember? No, the safest would be to move. And don't stop for long."

"I don't…"

"We don't stop for long. And we're not especially lookin’ to take on new passengers at the moment. Not with you and a whole host of other Alliance issues."

"What, you mean…?"

"I reckon I do. Don't mean you don't have to earn your keep, though, y’know. The closest we've ever had to a doctor on board is Fluttershy. You'd have reign over the infirmary. Keep us alive and we keep you on the boat. You become part of the crew." She hesitated, shooting him a warning glance. "Well, you stay in the passenger quarters with your sister. Keep her in check. Whatever crazy they put into her isn't to come out, y'hear? No more than it has already."

The Doctor nodded dumbly.

"You take orders from me. Soarin, if I'm out. Then Big Mac."

"Yes." That was the only thing he could manage to say at the moment.

"You do what we say. Even if it might not look too good to the law."

The Doctor laughed slightly. "I think I've proved I don't have a problem going against Alliance."

Applejack nodded. "Stealin' your sister right out from under their muzzles.” She smirked. “You sure do got a pair. That's a damn good thing. You'll need them out here."

Just at that moment, the door slid open and Derpy flew in, panting. "Captain!" she gasped. "I went to check on Fluttershy and she was in tears and said she didn't want you to kick out the Doctor and his sis, and then said he'd come to talk to you, and I finally found you! Please, captain, don't kick them out! Just because he's a Core colt doesn't mean he's all bad!"

Applejack laughed. "Now, calm down, Derpy. We were just talkin' business terms."

"Huh?" Derpy landed onto the ground.

"The Doctor's gonna stay on here. Fix us up when bullets hit. That sort of thing."

Derpy grinned. "Really? Really and truly?"

"Really and truly."

"Yay!" Derpy nearly tackled AJ in a hug. "Thank you so much!" She let go and flew up higher. "Okay, I’ll cook dinner tonight. I’m making muffins!" Derpy flew back out of the room, humming to herself happily as she went.

The captain shook her head. "Muffins again? Well, ain’t this been a day," Applejack remarked. "I've made so many ponies happy I think it just about makes up for me shooting all of Gilda's."

"I don't know what that means, exactly, but I suppose I will learn. In time." The Doctor froze. “I mean, I’m not saying that I want to be part of this whole shooting business. But...”

AJ snorted. "I get it, Doc."

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

The Doctor winced. "What made you change your mind? Why do you want to keep us on?"

"Let's just say I know how it is. We ain’t got heaps of differences between us, really."

"Why? Because you're on the run from the law, too? Or you used to be grounded and had to take to the skies? Or—"

"Enough questions, now," Applejack interrupted. "Don't make me change my mind, Doc."

"I won't," he said quickly. "Thank you again."

"All right," Applejack said gently. "You better get back to your sister now."

Big Mac returned to his quarters. Before he unlocked the door, he noticed a tiny corner of paper sticking out from under the doormat Granny Smith had sent him for Christmas. He pulled out the paper and unfolded it.

There, in small, flowery mouthwriting, was a message.

Thank you. Contact my fillyfriend in Persepony and tell her where I am. I'll make sure you get your ship.

Mac painstakingly used his hooves to fold it into a tiny parcel, then turned around, changing destinations. He headed back to the kitchen to burn the note.

Grounded

View Online

fyre-flye
II - 1
Grounded

Knock, knock.

"Who is it?" called Rarity from the inside of her shuttle.

"Big Mac."

"Come in, dear."

Mac pressed a button and the door slid open. He walked into the Coltpanion's room and was greeted by the smell of jasmine from a cat-shaped incense-holder atop an ornate mahogany end table. Rarity was sitting in a tub of water, using her magic to give herself a sponge bath.

"Uh, if this is a bad time—"

"Nonsense!" Rarity replied. "Oh, it's just dreadful, though. I have half a mind to sleep with one of you crew members just so I can use a shower for once. Are you interested? My standard fee applies."

"Eenope. Sorry."

Rarity sighed. How boring. She couldn't even ever joke around with him. He never blushed or got uncomfortable with her comments. Like the first time she'd ever met him:

Rarity smiled slyly. "Oh, Big Mac, are you? And how did you get that name, I wonder?"

"Why, on account of how many hooves I am tall, a’course."

Positively dreadful.

"So what can I do for you, then, Mac?" Rarity asked as she turned away from him again.

"Fluttershy's been askin' for you. Well, in a roundabout way, naturally. Said somethin' about wondering what Rarity was doing. I reckon it's what she meant."

"Ah, yes. Of course. I was meaning to get over there, actually. Just as soon as I finish bathing. It would be easier if I had more help." She hesitated, turning her head again. "Would you care to get your hooves wet?"

"Sorry, Rare. That sounds a mite slippery. I'm heading up to the bridge now. Wouldn't want to fall down all them stairs."

"No. Of course not," Rarity replied drily. Mac left, shutting the door behind him, and she rolled her eyes. It wasn't as if she wanted so terribly to seduce him—or anypony else on board, for that matter. In fact, quite the opposite, if she was going to be honest. It was simply a terrible idea. Coltpanions were taught to always keep their clients at a professional distance. And, well, she didn't think she could stay "professional" with anypony she lived with. It would just get too awkward and strange. She wasn't really sure why it had to be that way—after all, she regularly served tea and gave advice to Fluttershy, Derpy and anypony else who happened by her shuttle. Those were Coltpanion rituals, too. Not just the… well, what Applejack called the "whoring" part.

No, she didn't truly want to provide those kinds of services to Sereinity's crew members. But sometimes it was just… well, fun to joke around. Flirting was nothing serious.

Stepping out of the tub, Rarity magically called her robe to her side. She wrapped it around herself and unpinned her mane, then found her slippers. She thought about reapplying makeup, but decided not to. After all, it was unfair to show up looking so fabulous to poor Fluttershy's recovery room.

Big Mac watched Rarity leave her shuttle, then stole back inside. Parting the velvet curtains that hung over the cockpit, he switched on her computer. The Coltpanion-seeking database flashed onto the screen, opening to a page for Borears stallions. Rarity must have been searching for clients, and she had a long list to wade through. Big Mac navigated the system back to punch in Persepony as the location, fumbling with his oversized hoof. The faces of dozens of stallions and mares appeared before Mac found an option for searching a specific pony. The database could call up any pony's Coltpanion history, letting professionals like Rarity see if a client was blacklisted, where on a planet he or she was located… and how many stars he or she had earned. It didn't give names for Coltpanions one had hired before, but any of them could enter helpful comments anonymously on the site. There may have been more to the system, but that was what Big Mac had discovered in the few minutes he'd browsed.

Name? the website asked him. Mac typed in Octavia.

The database searched. Then, as if by magic, only one pony appeared. There was her image. The same fed who had boarded Sereinity and tried to take Pinkie with her. The same fed who had shot Fluttershy. The same fed who had promised Big Mac enough money for a ship if he helped free her.

It was then that Mac noticed something. Her name was in red. All the others he’d seen had been in black, with Rarity's own Coltpanion icon displaying her name in gold. What did the red names mean, then? Big Mac opened Octavia's profile.

He skimmed the information until he reached her short history. Former Coltpanion. Trained in Celestinium. Left the guild for other pursuits. Now resides on Persepony.

There was nothing else. Big Mac hurried to return to the Borears page and turned the computer off, heading back out through the shuttle. Quietly, he slipped out and closed the door, then headed up the stairs towards the catwalk.

Octavia… a former Coltpanion? She'd said she had a fillyfriend now. That was who she wanted Mac to contact. But she hadn't said who her name was, or how to find her.

It figured that she was going to make things difficult. She already had.

"Rarity! Oh, it's so good to see you!" Fluttershy gushed as soon as the unicorn walked in.

"Hello, dear. Getting bored, are you?" Rarity asked.

"N-no! Of course not!" Fluttershy protested. "Well… maybe a little bit. I don't like being stuck here."

"But the Doctor said that it wouldn't be that long, remember?" Derpy asked. She was sitting in the infirmary as well, and had been for some time now. The Doctor was giving Pinkie several tests, and Sereinity's mechanic was observing it all.

"Wite. One mo' day of bed west and you can start to 'oove awound again," affirmed the Doctor. He was holding an eye chart in his mouth as Pinkie stared at it in wonder.

Fluttershy nodded. "But I still have to sleep here for another week since the entrance to my bunk has a ladder."

"Why don't you move into one of the passenger dorms until then?" Derpy suggested. "You can get over there easy, and that way it'll be more comfortable! And private. Oh, and we could all have a sleepover down there!"

"Weren't you just talking about privacy?" Rarity asked, raising an eyebrow. "I think Fluttershy needs—"

"Sleepover!" Pinkie shrieked, cutting her off. "Yes! Let's have…" As everypony turned to face her, shocked, Pinkie trailed off. She was wearing the happiest expression any of them had seen on her face since she'd boarded Sereinity. But nopony else joined in, and her smile faded. "I don't… never mind…"

"No!" Fluttershy said quickly. "That would be fun!"

"Really?" Pinkie asked, uncertainty in her voice.

"'Inkie, do you see de diffewence detween de colors?" the Doctor asked.

"Ha! You called me Inkie! Not Pinkie! You're getting your sisters mixed up!" The glee had returned to her face.

The Doctor spat out the chart and put it on the counter with a smile.

"Hey, Doctor, you want to come to the sleepover?" Derpy asked. Rarity's eyebrows rose as she realized the pegasus was blushing.

"Well, it appears it will be held in the passenger quarters. I don't think I'll be able to miss it. But remember to let Fluttershy have some recovery time. She needs rest. She's been doing amazingly so far, though, haven't you?" he asked, grinning at Fluttershy. "All that color is returning to your face."

Fluttershy smiled back at him. "Oh, I hope so."

"Speaking of your recovery, are you hungry? I could run to the dining area and get some food. Pinkie, how about you?"

"Okie dokie lokie!" his sister said with a nod.

"I'm starved!" Derpy cried.

"Oh, I'm fine, thank you," Fluttershy replied.

"All right. Well, I'll get a little something and you can have it later." The Doctor left the room.

Derpy flew after him. "I'll come too!"

Rarity sighed, watching the blonde pegasus exit the infirmary. "I do need to give that filly lessons. Nopony likes such constant availability. She must learn to play games."

"Ooh! I like games!" Pinkie exclaimed. "So are we really having a sleepover? I haven't had one since… since… well, since before everything." The smile gradually faded from her face and she stared down at the floor. "We played games." Her voice had quieted into a whisper. "We played with a ghost wheel. Then we told fortunes… mine told me about stars. I don't remember…"

"Dear, are you all right?" Rarity asked, taking a step towards Pinkie.

"I don't remember!" the earth pony yelled. Rarity froze, sharing a look with Fluttershy. They both looked surprised.

"That's all right," Fluttershy said gently after a moment. "You don't need to remember right now."

Pinkie curled up into a ball, tucking her cotton candy tail over her nose. "I had stars in my eyes once. Twice. I don't know. They drew on my skin and made me look into the stars. It was like a big sun, but the longer you looked into it the more you saw the stars… It was all just made of little tiny stars."

"Are you feeling ill? Would you like to sleep, darling?" Rarity asked, her horn sparking into life.

The earth pony ignored her. "That's how it all is, you know."

Without Pinkie's consent to use her sleep spell, Rarity let her magic aura fall away. "What's that?"

"The 'verse."

"Look at the stars. Nice, huh?"

Applejack glared at her brother. "Mac, stop that. I ain't a filly you're romancin'. And there's no time to be lookin' up across the 'verse when we've got a problem this big." She reddened, realizing that was exactly what she had been doing. And he knew it. Applejack was sitting on one of the benches inside the fuel station, which had a clear roof and ample windows to let in the starshine. On a station like this, between galaxies, there was no sunrise or sunset. There were no clocks visible, which had the effect of making a pony feel quite disoriented. Especially when a pony was used to the go, and not the stop. Applejack had been staring up at the sky, restless, when her brother had appeared out of Sereinity's air lock door. "And where have you been, mister?" she added, changing the subject and hoping he didn't catch her mistake. Even if he did, she doubted he'd say a thing.

Big Mac waited for her to finish. Then he calmly replied, "On board. I'm here now. And don't go makin' suns out of shiplights, AJ. We were lucky to get off as good as we did after Gilda's warship. Ain't much more than a dinged shuttle."

The captain sighed, relaxing her shoulders as the breath left her body. This was what always happened. She ranted to Big Mac and he took it all, then calmed her down. She really needed to give her big brother a raise one of these days from all the emotional abuse she put him through. But then, that was part of having a sibling anyway. Didn't anypony get paid for that. "Aw, you're right. Sorry. I just get so impatient, sittin' up here when we could be… out there." She waved one hoof around her, at the black and the pinpricks of light surrounding them. Being here, stuck at a fuel station while Harmony Alliance cruisers had an alert for fyre-flye models, was painfully tedious. They practically had a big red and white target painted across the top of Sereinity.

"Be patient," Mac advised his little sister. "Frettin' won't get us nowhere. And 'sides, I bet Derpy and Rainbow Dash are doing a fine job lookin' for a shuttle match."

Applejack shook her head. "Naw, it's just that, Mac! Derpy's all googly-eyed over the Doc, and Rainbow Dash is…" She trailed off. "Last time I saw her, she brushed past me. Said she was late for a fight with her husband."

"Ain't very professional," Big Mac muttered. "Lettin' their feelings get in the way of their work."

"And I've a mind to tell them just that."

"Ah well. They put out an ad message for a shuttle, right?"

"Nope. I didn't think it was a good idea to be showin' off the fyre-flye model and our need for a new shuttle right now to all the 'verse. We still ain't far from Whitefoal, and Gilda's eyes were all but shootin' acid. She might just follow us off her moon with a temper like hers. Not to mention Alliance buzzin' through the sky like silverjackets."

Big Mac gave his sister a slow smile. "We sure do make enemies real good."

"Reckon we'd get an award for it. A big, shiny one. Full of apples."

"Now, how 'bout you use them roundin’-up skills of yours and drag Derpy and Dash to a computer to search for a shuttle?"

Applejack sighed. "Aw… fine." She knew she could corral them into place, but… they were her friends. She hated throwing her weight around, but that was what she had to do as captain. Still, sometimes she just wished somepony else could give the orders for awhile. "What are you gonna do?"

"I'm 'bout to stretch my legs a bit. Maybe head to the market, buy some food." He nodded across the fuel station towards the market. This far out, there wasn't much, but it was still better than most of the canned food they had on board. At some of the Core fuel stations, there were gourmet restaurants, five-star hotels, casinos and other luxury services. Here, they had just enough to keep ships and ponies going. Nothing fancy.

"Fluttershy loves strawberries," Applejack told him with a sly smile.

"I know," he replied, then turned to leave.

"Once, just once, I would love for you to report back to me. I'd like to see that happen! You are so gorram stubborn. You never do a thing I say! Fine. That's fine. That's equal. I don't order you around, and you don't order me. But Applejack—she says flap your wings and you flap your wings. You ask her for permission to do things. You…you ask her for permission to go to bed with your own wife! What the hay kind of a relationship is that?"

Soarin sat on the bed he shared with Rainbow Dash, leaning against the wall as he stared at her mournfully. His wife hovered in the air, flying to the left and then to the right as she yelled at him. He didn’t say a word. He knew it wouldn't go over well.

"Did you hear me? I asked you a question!"

But now, not speaking wouldn't go over well either. "Yes. I heard you. But I didn't think you would be all that interested in my point of view," Soarin replied in a monotone.

Rainbow's eyes narrowed. "Oh, what was that? Your point of view? Do you have one of those? I thought your point of view was the captain's. Maybe we should ask her for her opinions on this fight, seeing as that's the only way I'll get you to say anything!"

Soarin sighed. "Rainbow, this is ridiculous. I don't always agree with Applejack."

"Oh, yeah? Tell me one time you've disagreed."

Soarin was silent.

"Just one time!"

"I… I like apple pie. She prefers fresh apples."

Rainbow Dash stared at her husband witheringly. "You disagree over some overpriced Core luxury food. No, I'm sorry, you disagree over the preparation of some overpriced Core luxury food. Wow! I can't believe it! Now, is that the real reason for the war? Because, you know, that seems really serious. I'm surprised you two can even stand to be in the same room as each other with those kinds of differences!"

"You take orders from her, too, you know," Soarin replied.

"It's different! You… you never say no to her. You do whatever she wants. I'm lucky she's not attracted to you or you'd have moved to her quarters by now!"

"That's not fair," Soarin growled. Especially since Gilda said Rainbow would be the one to get bored with him and move on. Not that he wanted to think about all that right now.

Or ever again.

"I would never do that," Soarin continued. "She pays me, Rainbow Dash. I do what she says because if I don't, I don't get paid."

"Did you get that one from Rarity, or what?" Rainbow Dash snapped.

Soarin shook his head. "Look. I don't want to get into this. How many times do we have to fight about the same damn thing?"

"Until you stop obeying her like she's your master! Until you put your wife before her!"

"I do put you first. Always."

Rainbow laughed angrily. "Oh, okay. So when we planned to go on a tiny little two-night vacation last time we were on Whinnier and the captain suddenly needed you to work, you were putting me first. I see. That makes lots of sense."

"We had a job on that planet. She needed my help, or else we weren't getting paid. We need to get paid or else we can't afford to go on trips like that."

"But we don't go on trips!"

Soarin hesitated. "So this is about us not going on trips? Will that fix everything if we just go on a vacation?"

Rainbow's body went limp in the air as her wings kept her up. "You are so oblivious!" she complained. "I hate stallions! I should have been a fillyfooler," she muttered under her breath. "Spitfire would have treated me right."

"Can't hear you, Dash."

At that second, their door buzzed. Somepony was trying to get their attention.

"Probably the captain," Rainbow Dash snorted. "Go ahead. See what she wants now."

Soarin paused, then as it buzzed again, pushed himself off their bed.

"Big surprise," Dash muttered as her husband hurried up the ladder to the door.

Sure enough, it was Applejack. "Hey, Soar. Is Rainbow here?"

"Yeah. Why?" Soarin sounded tired.

"I need her to do somethin'."

Rainbow flew up the ladder, shoving Soarin aside as she exited their chambers. "Anything you want, your majesty," she sneered as she came to rest in the hallway.

Her attitude earned her a glare from Applejack. "Now, none of that from you, missy. I ain't payin' you to lock yourself away with your husband when you're needed elsewhere. Now, c'mon. We need to find a seller so we can get off this gorram station. Pick a direction and we'll go—we just need one. I'll go find Derpy and send her to you."

With a flick of her tail, Rainbow Dash turned away from her and began to walk towards the bridge, her steps quick and light. She didn't say anything more to the captain, knowing that if she did, it would not end well.

"So, you don't want to make griddlecakes again?" Derpy asked with a laugh as she and the Doctor looted the kitchen for something edible.

"As much as I would like to, I think Pinkie and Fluttershy might need a different kind of nutrition. Not just a large hit of carbohydrates."

Derpy shrugged. "Nutrition. That's another Core world luxury, I guess. In the Rim, we eat whatever we can get our hooves on."

The Doctor turned around from his rummaging in the cabinet, frowning as he looked at the gray pegasus. "But that's where most of the food comes from. You grew up on a farm, right? Surely you had plenty to eat."

An amused smile was spreading across Derpy's face. "Oh, you're real funny, Doc. Is that how you think things go? We all live on farms? And all the farms have food aplenty for those that work them?"

Before the Doctor could reply, another pony magically appeared into the dining area. The Doctor and Derpy both looked up, surprised, to see Twi standing there beside them. "Oh! Um, sorry. I was just practicing my spells, and—"

"That was amazing!" Derpy gasped, mismatched eyes widening. "How did you do that?!"

Twi laughed. "Well, it's just teleportation. I've been working on it ever since we've been, uh… here on this…"

"Grounded?" Derpy supplied.

"Right. Grounded." Though a floating fuel station wasn't exactly ground—at least not for Twi. "Anyway, I thought it might be beneficial to practice while we're not moving. Less of a chance that I'll teleport myself out into space." She shuddered.

"I've never seen nopony do anything like that before! Not even Rarity, and she's all fancy with her training," Derpy replied. "Is that real common or what?"

Twi hesitated, not sure how to answer the question.

"It's not," the Doctor said, his expression somber. "Teleportation is one of the forbidden spells."

"Huh? Forbidden?" Derpy asked, looking between the two of them. How did the Doctor know that anyway, as an earth pony?

The unicorn looked down at her hooves. "Well… it means that you're not supposed to do it."

"It means that it is forbidden to teach it except in certain circumstances. For promising unicorn teachers, or Alliance military ponies. That sort of thing," the Doctor cut in. "Which planet did you say you hailed from again?"

Twi stared at him. She'd come into the kitchen looking for food and had gotten an inquisition instead. "Celestinium. For the most part."

There was a silence as the Doctor and Twi met eyes. Celestinium—formerly Luninium. Along with Celehnon, it was one of the two sister planets of the Core: the two worlds first settled after the mass migration out of Equestria-that-was. Each of the alicorn princesses had held dominion over one planet. But, as Celestia told, Luna abandoned her own planet, protecting the chaotic and barbaric Outer Rim instead. It was a move that still made no sense to anypony. Why would Luna give up life on the great Luninium to help backwards farmers in their rebellion against Celestia?

After the war, and after Princess Luna's exile, Celestia had formally changed the name of the great planet to Celestinium. It became a great political world, the "capital" planet, so to speak, of Harmony Alliance. And Celehnon, the beautiful world of light, became less political. Celestia had allegedly given up her home on Celehnon for Celestinium, preferring to use her former planet as a vacation spot.

"Wow, that's like the center of the 'verse," Derpy said after a moment, hoping to lower the tension. "Y'know, Rarity's from Celehnon. Trained there and everything to become a Coltpanion."

Twi attempted to smile at the pegasus. "Yes, there are many Coltpanions there."

"So… does anypony want some… muffins?" Derpy asked, starting to feel uneasy. The captain would kill her if she used any more of their ingredients for baking muffins, but something had to diffuse the situation.

"Derpy!" Applejack called, rushing into the kitchen.

Derpy jumped, eyes wide. "I'm not making muffins!" she replied defensively.

Applejack looked puzzled. "All right. I need your help. You and Dash need to find a shuttle for us. She's in the bridge."

"Aw, but captain, I was just gonna make some food."

"Sereinity's flank is just about fixed. You find us a shuttle and we can finally get off this fuel station. Get back in the air once we got a location. I will buy you one of them giant muffins you like if you just get our shuttle."

Derpy's eyes lit up. Without another word, she flew into the air and out the door, heading towards the bridge as fast as possible.

"Good," Applejack said, then looked at Twi and the Doctor, nodding curtly before she left.

"I'm not a fed," Twi said quickly, once it was just her and the Doctor. "And I have no intention of hurting your sister. Or taking her back. Or anything like that." The Doctor didn't say anything, and his stare didn't change. Twi shifted her weight to the left slightly. "You were born on one of the Central Planets too, right? Not everypony wants to stay there forever. Sometimes leaving is the only option."

The Doctor finally looked away, back towards the cabinet and its rows of canned food. "I know," he said simply, exhaling.

"Hey. Is there a way a pony 'round here could access the Cortex?"

The grizzled looking pegasus pony behind the counter at the fuel station looked Big Mac over. The sag of his eyes and the smacking of his gums cried cud. The substance was bovine in origin; one of the so-called "natural" drugs that had no effect—on cows. Ponies, zebras, griffins and other creatures had long used it as a cheap, quick stimulant. It was especially popular among the Diamond Dogs who mined the Outer Rim and didn't see light for weeks sometimes. Adding other brewed chemicals to cud created different effects—for example, one could lace it with certain substances from those with hallucinogenic properties to pure pony tranquilizers. Mac had tried cud before; nearly everypony had in the Rim. But this pegasus, rooted on a Rim fuel station with nothing better to do, looked like he'd been chewing since he was born.

"It'll cost," the pegasus replied, spitting neon green into a dirty metal goblet. Mac did not want to know what that cud was laced with.

"Just need to make a quick call. I got the bits."

The pegasus sat back in his chair. "I reckon you're an honest colt. But we got some problems 'round here lately. Some Diebe from the Rim have been hackin' the system."

Big Mac frowned. "Griffins?" he asked, recognizing the word for thieves in the griffin language.

"Griffins and them ponies that work for griffins."

Sounded like Gilda and her crew. It made sense—they were close to Whitefoal still. And if they were hacking a public Cortex system, it meant they could access it anonymously. But why would Gilda want to? What could be so valuable to do anonymously that she would travel all the way out to that fuel station? There were public machines on the planet Whitefoal orbited. It didn't make sense.

"Well, I ain't here to do any of that. Don't even know how to do any of that. Computers ain't exactly my cutie mark. My ship'll be here for a spell, and I still got another errand to run at the market."

The cud-chewer nodded, finally acquiescing. "It's three bits a minute. Right over there." He gestured with his muzzle towards a shadowy screen. "You can pay with a scan or in coin."

"Thanks," Big Mac replied, heading to the screen. He turned it on and accessed the Cortex, hoping the station was close enough to the Core to allow for a video call. Searching through the database, he stopped at a familiar name and selected it. The hailing icon appeared, and Mac waited as a connection was attempted. After several seconds, he was about to close the program—just before the icon turned green. The connection was made, and he watched as the Cortex tried to hail the recipient.

Suddenly, the plum-colored face of a mare appeared on the screen. She was smiling warmly and a faint blush seemed to have spread across her face. "Well, hi, Macintosh," she said in an enthusiastic voice, though the quality wasn't great. "I haven't heard from you in a long time!"

He nodded back at her. "Hey there, Cheerilee."

"How are you doing? Where in the 'verse are you?"

"Well, Outer Rim. We were just in Persepony the other day, as a matter of fact."

Her face fell. "You should have paid a visit! The foals would have loved it. I would have, too."

Mac had been prepared for this. He didn't hesitate in his reply. "Next time. We didn't exactly have spare hours."

"You have to make spare hours when you have a responsibility, Mac. Especially when it’s a responsibility to foals."

"Like I said… next time."

Cheerilee shrugged, looking away. "I suppose it's better that you didn't come. Things have been… strange here. There's some sort of epidemic on Celestinium. Politicians are leaving in herds. Temporarily, of course. A lot come here, so it's been busy."

"I reckon it's crowded."

"It sure is. And there's a lot of talk about Celestia, too. Some royal family emergency."

"That ain't nothing new. Always drama there."

"Well, all right. So what's this all about? You sound far away. Do you want to talk to—"

"I am far. And no, I need to talk to you. I got a favor to ask."

"Well, ask away."

"I need to find somepony."

"That's my specialty."

"She ain't easy to find. She lives on Persepony. Was a Coltpanion, but now she works for Harmony."

Cheerilee was frowning. She looked down, silent a moment before replying. "What trouble are you in now, Mac?" she asked, her voice soft.

"Not enough that I'd worry 'bout you being involved. It's fine. She asked me to find her."

"What? I don't understand."

Mac sighed. His time was ticking away and he wanted enough bits to go to the market. "I don't have spare hours now, either. Sorry. Look, I gotta find her. The name's Octavia. No last name that I know. Former Coltpanion, lives on Persepony."

"And you want me to find her?"

"No. Her fillyfriend."

The mare's eyebrows wrinkled. "So this isn't some Coltpanion you got pregnant?"

Big Mac stared at her disbelievingly. "No. It ain't. You gonna help me or not?"

"I will," Cheerilee said. "What's the fillyfriend's name?"

"Dunno. That's all I know about her. She's the fillyfriend of Octavia."

Cheerilee nodded. "Okay. I'll try. I can't promise anything, though, Macintosh."

The stallion shook his head. No fact finder could. "I know. Thanks."

"Mac…"

"Yeah?"

"Oh… nothing," Cheerilee said quickly, the blush returning to her cheeks. Mac waited for her to continue, but it appeared she wasn't inclined to do so. "So, that's all, then?" she asked, smiling a bit too easily.

"That's all. Say hi to the fillies for me."

"They'll just ask where you are."

"Well, then, you tell them I'm on Sereinity."

"May Celestia shine on you," Cheerilee said, giving the standard Alliance parting wish. She vanished from the screen and it returned to the search. Big Mac exited the system and went to pay for his time, thinking that her farewell was more of a threat than anything else.

"'ow err oo 'eeling, Inkie?" asked the Doctor, poking his head into the infirmary. He narrowly missed being hit by a flying book.

"I can't do it!" his sister was wailing. She'd thrown the book across the room, leaving poor Fluttershy cowering beneath her blanket.

The Doctor set down the basket with two bowls of soup he'd concocted and rushed to her side. "Pinkie! Pinkie. Calm down. What's wrong?"

Pinkie was trembling again. Her mane and tail had straightened somewhat and her blue eyes were round with fear. "I can't read!"

"What do you mean?" he asked, puzzled.

She shook her head. "I see the words but they don't make sense. Not anymore. They're too weird. They don't make sense. They don't make sense!" she screamed, covering her eyes with her hooves. "Nothing does anymore!"

"Shh. Pinkie, just breathe," the Doctor instructed, his arms around her. Yet even as he was trying to comfort her, his own fears abounded. What had they done to her? Pinkie had never been an egghead; she’d simply been abnormally skilled at random tasks. But she’d always gotten joy from reading in the past. Especially if that reading involved delicious baked goods recipes.

But now was not the time for reminiscing. It was the time to think about how to fix her. Pinkie had complained about not being able to read before, which was why he'd performed a vision test earlier. But everything seemed fine. Whatever was wrong with his sister wasn't in her eyes.

She had relaxed slightly in his arms, and after a few more minutes she pushed herself back out of his grip. Lying back down on the bed, she stared up at the ceiling with her arms hugged around herself.

"Pinkie," the Doctor began gently, "I know you don't want to hear this. But I need to do a blood test on you."

His sister sprang up again, terror in her eyes. "No!" she snapped. "Don't! I can't…"

"I need to find out what they did to you," he argued. "It will only be a quick test." He paused, not knowing what to say. "I… I won't hurt you. I want to help," he said, unsure what Pinkie even believed anymore. "It's vital that I figure out what kind of medicine to give to you."

"No!" Pinkie replied again. The look on her face reminded him of the old Pinkie. It was an expression she'd used when she was stubborn or having one of her tantrums. She was always such a dramatic filly. Not quite a brat, but she definitely could have her moments. Even in the old days she could go from sobbing to giggling in sixty seconds. He'd always believed that her tears were of the alligator kind, since she could bounce back so quickly. Now, though, it seemed as if her laughter was the thing she was playing at; as if she was trying to remember how it all worked. How she worked.

"Don't you want to get better?" he asked.

But she was beyond reason. She'd scooted as far away from him as she could and she was huddled around her pillow, staring at her brother like he was a stranger. Worse—like he was an enemy.

The Doctor couldn't stand that look anymore. So he did the only thing he could do and appeased her. "Okay," he said quietly.

Pinkie searched his face until she decided he was telling the truth. Burying her face in her pillow, she began to sniff into it, hiding her tears. She didn't move. After a few minutes, the Doctor turned away from her bed with a sigh. He was doing nothing but scaring her. As he moved, he met the eyes of Fluttershy. The pegasus immediately reddened and looked away, embarrassed she'd been caught. Then again, it was nearly impossible for her to not have noticed the whole conversation unless she'd been dead asleep.

He was more embarrassed she'd witnessed it all.

Then, Fluttershy did something he would never have expected. "Pinkie," Fluttershy said softly. "Maybe you could share that song you were singing earlier with your brother?" The Doctor looked back at her. The pegasus's eyes were on the floor and her face a beet red. "I… I mean, if you want to. Anyway. I know you said you wanted to share it with him…"

The Doctor smiled wanly at Fluttershy. "That's all right," he said without a second glance at his sister. He knew she wouldn't do it in this kind of mood.

But, to his surprise, he heard muffled words coming from the pillow. "It doesn't matter now if you are sad or blue. 'Cause cheering up… 'Cause I love to…" She lifted her head from the pillow. "Make you smile, smile… smile."

The Doctor smiled.

"What about Borears? We were supposed to go there anyway. Might as well make Rarity happy; she can scrounge up some decent clients while we're in the world." Rainbow Dash looked towards Derpy, who was staring blankly past the helm to the fuel station around them. Pointedly, at the stars visible beyond the fuel station structure.

Rainbow cleared her throat. No response. "Derpy." Nothing. "Derpy."

"What?" The mechanic suddenly sprung back into life, turning around towards Rainbow Dash quickly. "Did you say something?"

"Borears," Dash repeated, tapping the computer screen with her hoof. On it, several shuttles, their prices and locations were displayed. "I was saying we can go to Borears."

Derpy's attention was lost again.

"Derpy!" Rainbow Dash cried.

"Yes?"

The pilot glared at her friend. "What is up with you? Normally you're not so… well, not this much… what are you doing?"

"I was just thinking about how pretty the stars are, and how nice it'd be if I had some stallion to share them with," Derpy replied, unable to keep the smile from her face.

Rainbow stared at her for a moment. "Um… okay. Can… can you maybe save that for Rarity or Fluttershy or somepony else? Anypony else? I think now would probably be a good time to handle the job? Our captain is waiting." She remembered the interrupted fight with Soarin and her frown intensified. "Stallions aren't all that great anyway," she grumbled.

"Oh, I don't want a lot! I just have my eyes set on one," Derpy giggled.

"Uh… again… Rarity? Fluttershy?" Dash pleaded.

"He's just so… so… shiny!"

"Derpy, I don't want to hear about your little crush," Rainbow Dash snapped.

She regretted it the next second. Derpy's smile faded away and her tail lowered. "Oh… okay. Sorry, Rainbow Dash."

"No, I'm sorry… I…" Dash sighed, tapping one hoof against her forehead. "Look, let me order this shuttle—if you think it's good—and then you can tell me all about him."

"Really?" Derpy asked, brightening up.

"Really."

"Okay! Well, this shuttle's no good. Look, right here. The thrusters need to be replaced. That's why they're selling it. Thrusters are worth more bits than the shuttle is. Some ponies will go for it, cheap bits and all. We could be fine if we don't have to get far in it. But it's not reliable. Could be we have an emergency, we can't get off the ship, or we get lost out in space with not enough push to get us to anywhere. I'd say…" Derpy squinted at the screen. "I'd say we go for the Celehnon one. Hardly been used."

"That's… more bits than the captain's willing to pay."

"Right, but anypony selling a fyre-flye shuttle in Celehnon's gotta be some kind of shady.” Derpy’s eyes brightened. “Maybe it's somepony we know! Anyway, we offer them a trade."

Rainbow's eyes widened. "So we can deliver them any parts they might need from the Outer Rim while we're here."

"Or any job they need done. We make a new friend along the way!"

"Not bad, Derpy. I'll send them a message."

"Thanks! Now… can we talk about stallions?"

"Go for it."

Twi rapped one hoof against the door to the infirmary.

"Come in," called the Doctor. He was hoofing through a medical book while Fluttershy and Pinkie napped.

"Hi," the unicorn greeted him quietly with a sheepish smile. "I really hope I didn't frighten you earlier, with the whole teleporting thing."

"It's fine," the Doctor replied in a hushed tone, shaking his head. "Like you said, we both have Core world pasts. There's a reason we gave up that kind of lifestyle for… well… this." He motioned around at the ship interior with his head. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"I'm not sure. I…" Twi's words trailed off before she began again. "This is going to sound strange. Insane, even. But I've never been sick before. I just… haven't."

The Doctor chuckled. "Well, that I find hard to believe. It's impossible. Everypony gets sick. In fact, getting sick is not a bad thing. Small viruses help build our immune system and protect us from—"

"Please, believe me. I never have," Twi interrupted. She hesitated. "Or… any time I've started feeling ill, I've been cured right away."

"All right," the Doctor replied, brow furrowed.

"Until now. I… I've been feeling a bit… I don't know. I have a headache, and my vision's a little blurry. And my chest aches a bit."

The Doctor grabbed a stethoscope from the counter and used his teeth and one hoof to secure it in place. "These things aren't made for earth ponies," he complained once it was hooked into his ears, walking briskly towards Twi. "Now, I'm going to listen to your breathing. The headache may be a lesser side effect of whatever is causing your chest discomfort."

Twi nodded and breathed deeply as he pressed the contraption against her upper ribs. She'd only seen this done in shows, and usually it signaled somepony's sudden demise. Core planet shows always ended in tragedies.

"Everything seems fine," the Doctor replied, stepping back and sliding off the stethoscope. "You sound like you may just have mild congestion. A common cold, so to speak."

The unicorn shook her head. "No, that can't be possible. I got my vaccine for the common cold as a filly, like everypony else."

"Well, there are many forms of cold-like viruses. Your immune system is still learning how to fight off Outer Rim germs. That's why further vaccinations are often necessary when a pony goes to certain planets. I dare say Whitefoal might fit the description." The Doctor saw the disappointment in Twi's face. "If you'd like, I can perform some more tests. But I'd guess that this new life has taken a toll on your body. Never underestimate the effects of lifestyle changes. Stress can wear down your immune system."

Twi nodded. "You're probably right," she admitted. "No, I don't need any more tests. I was simply wishing I could take some miracle drug and feel better instantly."

The Doctor laughed. "That's usually not how it works. Even our miracle drugs take awhile to kick in."

"I guess everything is different out here," Twi murmured. "Well, thank you, Doctor."

"My pleasure. Get a good night's rest and let me know how you're feeling tomorrow."

Twi nodded and turned to leave.

"And, Twi?"

The unicorn stopped, turning her head to face him.

"Try not to read or use any magic tonight. That might help your headache."

She hesitated, then nodded. "That’ll be a miracle on my part,” she said with a laugh.

"I've already contacted them by message. They sent back one in return, agreeing to some kind of trade. They asked to call them. Think I should give it a go?" Rainbow Dash asked. She and the captain were at the bridge. Rainbow sat in one of the chairs, swirling herself around in the seat. Applejack stood beside her, a mug of warm cider hooked in her hoof.

"Why not? Not too keen it's on a Core planet, especially with the bulletin going 'round about a fyre-flye ship. But I reckon we see who the seller is, look 'em up or ask around for credentials. It's Celehnon. We can ask somepony like Cheerilee for help."

Rainbow Dash nodded. "All right, captain. You talk to them." She shifted the computer screen towards Applejack before punching in the call to the Celehnon seller.

He picked up the call immediately. On the screen in front of her was a white unicorn, his blue mane matted. A liquor glass floated in the air next to him, enveloped in his magical aura. "Yes?" he asked in a Celehnon drawl.

"Hey there. Hear you're sellin' a part we need. Fyre-flye shuttle?" Applejack replied.

"Yes. You are correct." Despite his uppity accent, his words were slurred.

Applejack raised the cider in one hoof. "Cheers," she said.

This brought a smile to the stallion's face. "Oh, you're lovely," he replied, knocking back the rest of his drink. "Ahh. Refreshing. Now, my dear, you sound as if you're from the Outer Rim. Are you from the Outer Rim?"

"Born and bred," AJ affirmed.

"But you're willing to come all the way to Celehnon for me? Oh, that's just wonderful."

"This a good time to talk about deals or not?"

"Why, yes. Why wouldn't it be? So…" The stallion hesitated for a moment, face contorted in confusion. "You want the shuttle. But it's too expensive. So you want to trade?"

Applejack nodded. "Something like that. I was thinkin' we could bring you a part you need, do some job for you that you can't get done in the Core."

"Oh, lovely!" The stallion slurred again. "I… Well, now, I am not opposed to a trade."

"Now that's some good news," Applejack replied with a grin. What a relief.

"But I don't want any parts or Rim materials. Nothing of that sort. No, my problem is more... ah, pony-related."

Applejack hesitated, letting the words sink in. "If you're lookin' to take care of somepony, I ain't sure if we—"

"Yes!" he interrupted. "Take care of. I'm looking for somepony to take care of Fancy Pants."

The captain shared a glance with Rainbow Dash. They'd been hired to do a lot of things, but assassination was not exactly in their—self-written—job description. Putting a bullet in a pony while on a job, or for self-defense, that was different. They weren’t cold-blooded killers. "Well, I reckon I'm sorry, but you'll have to get somepony else to do that."

The unicorn apparently found that hilarious. "Oh, I know that!" he choked out between chuckles. "You're not exactly one to pass for a Coltpanion, to be quite frank."

Applejack stared at the screen blankly. "Come again?"

"I am Fancy Pants! And I need somepony to take care of me.” He offered a winning smile. “If you hire me a Coltpanion, I'll give you the part at a discount. Can you… is that possible?" The unicorn—Fancy Pants—took another swig of alcohol.

Rarity's gonna kill me, Rarity's gonna kill me.

"Why, sure," AJ replied with a huge grin. "I got just the lady in mind."

Oh, yeah. I'm deader than a white dwarf.

Virus

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fyre-flye
II - 2
Virus

"No. Absolutely not," Rarity snapped, bringing one hoof down on the floor of her shuttle sharply. "That is completely inappropriate and… and against the law!"

Applejack stared at her, unable to come up with a rebuttal.

Rainbow Dash had advised her to go alone after Fancy Pants had called them, claiming it would be easier to ask for Rarity's… er, skills to be loaned one-pony-on-one. But maybe the pilot had just been trying to avoid this exact situation.

The captain had known it would be bad, but somehow she had been too happy about the favorable coincidence to really think things through. A stallion was offering them a cheap shuttle in exchange for hiring a Coltpanion? Of course, depending on his needs it might end up being rather expensive, but a night or two with somepony wasn't going to cost more than a shuttle. Especially when the crew had a Coltpanion for hire, right on board! And maybe for a friendly discount, too!

…or not. Rarity continued: "I don't know who—or what—you think I am. Look, Applejack, you're from the Outer Rim." She took a breath, calming herself, then continued to speak, her tone patronizing: "I understand that. You're used to common whores there. But Coltpanions are different. We don't appreciate being treated like objects in a bartering war. We choose who our clients are. And we set our own prices, in accordance with Coltpanion standard rates and services offered."

AJ searched for something to say. Anything. "…His wife just up’n left him," she managed.

Rarity frowned, unimpressed. "And?"

"And… and he's lonely. He needs… a special mare. Right now," Applejack fumbled. "Come on, Rare. He's chompin' at the bit to meet you."

"Charming. Well, if he wants to hire me, he shall have to do it legally, through the Coltpanion database!"

"He asked us to hire you. For him."

Rarity had been pacing and now she turned to face the captain, tail swishing behind her. "I am not one of your crew members. I am a respected businessmare, and you cannot order me around!"

"Ain't ordering, just… er, asking. Very respectfully and politely and whatnot."

"Yes, well, despite your impeccable manners, I believe I've made my answer extremely clear." Rarity turned away from her again, using levitation magic to adjust the decorative pillows on her lounging sofa.

Applejack didn't respond. She had nothing to say.

"Now, please leave my shuttle. If you are confirming Celehnon as our location, I shall see which eligible ponies are requesting my services."

"Look, Rare, you know I can't confirm it. The only way we're buyin' that shuttle is if we hire a Coltpanion for this stallion. We just ain't got the bits to afford something so new and all."

The unicorn moved through the room, dusting off a mirror atop an end table absentmindedly. "If it's funds you need, I would be willing to lend you some. With interest, of course."

AJ shook her head. "I ain’t in the practice of borrowin’ bits. Especially not from friends. Gets too messy."

Rarity turned to face her, a coy smile alighting on her face. "Oh, so now we're friends? I was under the impression I was simply your tenant."

"Well…" Applejack's eyes met the ground. "No rule sayin' tenants and landmares can't be friends."

"Hmm. And I suppose you want me to do this as your friend, do you?"

"Look. I wasn't kicked in the head by a mule as a filly. I get it. It ain't gonna work out. I'll tell Fancy Pants it's off and we'll go to—"

"Who?" Rarity interrupted.

"Fancy Pants? The stallion that contacted us."

"Fancy… Pants," Rarity repeated. "But he is… But he has a wonderful relationship… How can that be possible?"

"Well, I just don't know, but somehow it is," Applejack replied, unable to keep the sarcasm out of her voice.

"I mean that he's quite the celebrity. He's not married. He has a personal, long-term Coltpanion. She's living the dream of every pony in the Guild, I suppose. And she's quite the legend. Many Coltpanions treat her as their hero or idol."

"Buckin' a celebrity is quite heroic."

"Oh, stop." Rarity took a deep breath. "I'll do it."

Applejack's eyes widened. "You'll what now? I thought you just said—"

"It shan't be too horrible," Rarity said too quickly, though with a shrug that implied she didn't care. "And anyway, I've always been interested in the private life of Fancy Pants."

"All right," AJ replied slowly. "If you really mean it. I wouldn't want to, y'know, treat you like an object or nothin’."

Rarity rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know. I can handle it. I choose to accept Fancy Pants as my client." She could hardly keep from beaming.

"Thanks, Rare."

"It will be my pleasure."

Applejack stared at her. "I'm sure," she snorted.

"Oh, enough! You're terribly… uncouth," Rarity accused, though she couldn't keep the amusement from her face.

"I ain't sayin' no more. Except… you better watch out. I hear his pants are real fancy."

"Out!"

Rumbling through the black had never been quite so beautiful, Rainbow thought to herself. Being stuck on a fuel station for a week was the closest thing to hell she'd experienced—after the war, anyway. Now that they were back in the sky, with a course set for Celehnon, things felt much more certain. Still, she kept feeling the pangs of paranoia that reminded her Gilda could be somewhere out there, ready to finish the job.

But hunger was stronger than paranoia, especially for a pony like Rainbow Dash. Her stomach grumbled and she slid out of her chair, heading towards the back of the ship to the dining area. The others were already gathered there: Derpy and Rarity chatting at the table, the Doctor and Soarin scrambling together a very awkward meal, and Applejack and Mac playing a card game.

"Hey, RD," AJ greeted Dash as she made her way to the table. "Want me to deal you in?"

"No, I'm fine." She looked around, puzzled. "Hey… where's Twi?" she asked.

Applejack shrugged. "She must not be hungry."

"She must be crazy! I'm starved. Hurry up, husband!" Rainbow Dash turned to grin at Rarity. "Thanks, by the way. For agreeing to sleep with that colt."

The unicorn glared at her. "Honestly, was everypony on this ship raised by Diamond Dogs? I agreed to a mutually beneficial business arrangement. The same sort of thing I always do. And it's not with just any old colt. This is Fancy Pants, the most gallant stallion on Celehnon."

At that second, a faint alert was heard at the com in the dining area. Rainbow's ears twitched and she unfolded her wings, rising into the air and flying over to the transmitter. "Looks like we have a call. Do I ever get to leave the bridge?" she added with a scowl. "I'll go see who it is." She narrowed her eyes and took off at top speed, leaving behind her rainbow trail.

"Oh, do you suppose it's him?" Rarity gasped.

"Whoa, nelly. Don't get too starry-eyed, now. You'll be seein' a big ol' heap of him soon," Applejack chuckled.

"Fancy Pants, you said?" the Doctor asked from the kitchen before Rarity could reply. "Well, that is quite a smart business move. Even I know him. And… and… Fleur?"

Rarity nodded. "Yes, but don't bring that up around him," she said in a quiet voice. "It seems she's left him, the poor dear."

"Don't imagine the Doc will be spending time with him. That's your bread and butter, missy," AJ reminded her.

"And don't make me regret doing it," the Coltpanion snapped.

Before Applejack could reply, there was a thud towards the door. All heads turned to see Twi, slumped against the doorframe. Her coloring was pale, and she was gasping for breath.

"Darling, whatever is the matter?" Rarity asked, rising from her seat and making her way towards the door.

"You all right, sugar cube?" Applejack was frowning.

"I… I… don't feel so good," Twi stammered. She shook her head. "I mean… well! I don't feel so well! I can't believe I just… my grammar… What's wrong with me?!"

The Doctor had set down his food and was walking over. "It hasn't gotten any better?" he asked, concerned expression on his face. "Have you been overexerting yourself?"

"No! I haven't used any magic—except a levitation spell or two—since last night."

Rainbow Dash's voice came booming over the com: "Mac, it's for you. Cheerilee."

Several heads—those in the know—turned to Mac for a moment. But no gaze was as heated, or as lingering, as Applejack's. Big Mac got up quickly, avoiding his sister's suspicious glare. She watched him as he left, shaking her head. "Always ditchin' everypony," she muttered to herself, throwing down her cards.

The Doctor was looking closely at Twi's face. "I suspect it's a fever. That can be part of the common cold. You should stay in bed; it'll make you feel better."

"But… I feel like there's something wrong with my head. I can't think clearly."

"Yes, that can happen. Why don't you return to your quarters and I'll bring you some food?"

Twi exhaled. "Fine," she said. "I'll just… go read. I did want to get back to my chapter on conjuring shields within vacuums, anyway."

"Feel better, dear!" Rarity called as the unicorn walked away.

Applejack shook her head once Twi had vanished. "That filly is a force to be reckoned with, I reckon."

"I sure got to say, you're powerful quick." Big Mac closed the door to the bridge behind him, much to Rainbow's annoyance. She'd been sent back to the dining area, mumbling about how she went back and forth incessantly—with a few more swears thrown in.

The image of Cheerilee smiled from across the 'verse. "Thank you, Macintosh. I do try. Lately, it's been… well, chaos around here. One would think Discord's on the loose again."

"Nah, I expect him and all Celestia's other war trophies are sittin' pretty in her rock garden, all shined up. So, you got results for me?"

"I do." The smile wavered. "Macintosh, I need to preface this a little. I… I'll tell you the information you want. But I need to ask you to stay away from this mare."

Big Mac could only stare at her for a moment. What was the point of this, then? "Ain't sure I understand."

Cheerilee ran a hoof through her mane. "She's dangerous. I don't want you going near her. Or her fillyfriend, for that matter."

"Whatcha think I do for a livin'? It's dangerous this and dangerous that out here in the black. Little ol' Persepony filly don't scare me more'n a bugbite."

She shook her head. "Well, not all bugs are born equally. Parasprites can cause quite the damage, you know."

"Only if you got something edible to look after. I ain't got no apple trees anymore, Cheers."

The mare stared at him, frustrated. "Why don't you listen to me? This Octavia mare alone is a Coltpanion-turned-Alliance-agent. Celestia knows how many things you've done to incur the wrath of Harmony!"

"Well, I sure hope Celestia don't," Mac chuckled.

"Take this seriously! You're on a suicide mission, Macintosh."

"That's funny. Seein' as Octavia's the one who asked me to help her."

Cheerilee looked like the wind had been knocked out of her. "You… you're helping a government agent? Mac, what's…?"

"Can you just tell me this fillyfriend's name already?"

The mare closed her eyes. "Vinyl. Vinyl Scratch."

"Vinyl Scratch. Got it. And who is this?"

"She… well, she was once a performer. Musically, you know. And now… She's apparently on house arrest. Indefinitely."

"What the hay? What happened to get that?" Mac was really frowning now. Celestia didn't just hoof out house arrest punishments to ponies. Those were reserved for those in her inner circle who'd fallen. Not those who'd fallen so far they deserved something else entirely, though—not like Luna.

"I don't know."

"You know something."

"You're correct. But believe me, I have no idea why this filly fell from Celestia’s grace. I just know how she earned it in the first place." She exhaled for a long moment. "Remember when we first met?" Cheerilee asked gently.

Big Mac felt a cold sensation creeping up over his shoulders.

Cheerilee continued without waiting for a reply. "She… Vinyl Scratch is the one behind bassbombs. She created them."

Big Mac couldn't reply. The very word left him on the brink of nausea. He ended the communication without another thought, Cheerilee's face freezing on the screen.

Bassbombs.

It had been the middle of the war. Things were tough but the Independents were tougher. The Harmony Alliance ponies might have more horsepower, better technology, but they were coddled and not used to hardship. That was where the browncolts excelled.

Applejack had gone offplanet to fight in the big battles. She wanted to travel. She wanted to be part of anything where gunfire was exchanged with the enemy. Applejack's sights were set on heroism; of winning the war out of the world and coming back home safe and sound, victorious—or not at all.

Big Mac was not one for great feats. Besides, with AJ gone he had the family and the farm to take care of. He'd stayed on green Horsperides, the "apple planet," one of the crop staple worlds relied on by everypony in the 'verse. Yes, Mac had stayed at Sweet Apple Acres, ready to protect his family. His planet.

The attack came when Applejack was preparing for what would be her final battle, in Sereinity Valley. Mac was working on the farm, with Apple Bloom and Granny Smith helping. It was warm that day, and sweat kept clouding Big Mac's eyes.

There was a sound nearby; a blast. Back in those days, the war was so far away that nopony expected anything. Apple Bloom thought it was a stampede or some mechanical problem, and she would have been right any other time. What else could it be on the apple planet?

The ships bore down on Horsperides, blocking the sun from the farmers' faces.

As soon as he knew what was going on, Big Mac galloped to the barn. Granny Smith and Apple Bloom hardly made it inside, and the stallion had hardly saddled up, when the first bomb hit their orchard.

A wave of terrible, deep, booming sound came rippling out from the bomb, tearing the apples and leaves from the trees and leaving a deafening trail. Big Mac found himself thrown back from the blast, back connecting with the outside of the barn, lungs empty like a closed bellows.

That's when he realized his entire body was aflame.

Or it felt like it, anyway. Every inch of the stallion was burning, an excruciating, white-hot pain that forced him to the ground, rolling back and forth on the dust and blasted shards of branches, trying to alleviate the agony of burning alive. He cried out, not knowing what he was saying, screaming, praying for—the blast had taken his hearing. His eyes were filled with water, dust, little pieces of torn-up apple parts. He writhed on the ground for what felt like a century before the invisible fire began to subside. Mac lay still, blood trickling from his mouth, and then he remembered his family.

That was when Big Mac realized he was truly selfish.

Deaf, half-blind, itching with pain, the stallion hauled himself to his hooves, staggered into the barn, tried not to notice the structural damage from the trees, and went to save his family. He made it two steps into the barn before he toppled over, unconscious. When Mac woke up again, his hearing restored, he found himself being nursed back to health by a filly from the Core working as a Celestia missionary with foals in one of Horseperides' big trade cities. In the devastation of the planet, she didn't care whose side she was on. Everypony on-planet who wasn't injured pitched in; everypony became an emergency medic. Big Mac had just been lucky enough to wake up in the capable hooves of Cheerilee.

The battle of Horsperides was a small one. It was hardly a battle at all. Nopony had the insanity to think that Harmony would stage an assault there. All browncolt efforts were focused on winning the battle at Sereinity Valley. Horsperides had nothing vital to protect, anyway. Why would Harmony want to destroy its own food source?

The battle was small. But not to the ponies who lived there.

Big Mac and Apple Bloom buried Granny Smith at the edge of the once-orchard, below soil that had turned gray. Her memorial service was a gathering of extended family, but her eldest granddaughter was nowhere to be seen.

A few days later Applejack returned home. The war was over.

Bassbombs had been a deciding factor in that.

"Oops. Ouch. Sorry."

"Sorry."

"Ow! Sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?"

"I'm sorry… I'll stop!"

The Doctor sighed. Moving Fluttershy was a lot harder without Twi's levitation powers. Damn that pesky virus of hers. "It's all right. Look, we're almost there." He pushed the makeshift stretcher along slowly, careful not to jostle it too much.

"Hear that, Fluttershy? Almost to your new room!" Derpy informed the other pegasus cheerfully, flying over the stretcher.

The Doctor slowed in his tracks, feeling the breeze over his head from Derpy's flying. He took a breath. "Derpy, maybe you could stay on the ground? For a bit?"

Derpy landed behind him. From what he could hear, she didn't make the most graceful landing. "Oh! Yeah, sure!"

The earth pony nodded, pleased, and began to push Fluttershy gently towards the spare passenger dorm again. It wasn't that Derpy was annoying, really—in fact, she was a refreshing change from many others on board. Applejack, for example, who hadn't exactly warmed much to the Doctor and Pinkie. Or how about Twi? After that whole teleportation thing, he'd had his guard up around her. Something about Big Mac made him rather uneasy, too. And Rainbow Dash had recently been in a huff, storming around the ship ever since they'd been grounded.

No, the Doctor was rather relieved that Derpy—since she seemed to spend the most time with him, for some reason—was easier to get along with than those ponies. And she really wasn't annoying.

Mostly.

Except when she'd brought him the wrong medicine to give Fluttershy. Or nearly dropped a scalpel on his hoof. He'd narrowly averted both disasters in time, but still. Derpy wasn't exactly a dependable medical assistant. And yet she really tried to be.

"Should I get anything else from the infirmary?" Derpy asked. Case in point.

"Actually, if you could bring any of Fluttershy's things, that would be excellent," the Doctor replied.

Derpy leapt into the air. "No problem!"

The Doctor heard her fly away and eased Fluttershy's stretcher through the narrow hallway of the passenger quarters. The spare room was already open before them, and he brought her gently inside. In peace.

"There you go," he said, nodding to the yellow pegasus once he'd finished lining up the stretcher with the room's bed. "Do you need help, or…?"

Fluttershy shook her head, interrupting his question. "No… I'm really okay… but thank you." She rose shakily to a sitting position, then began to scoot over onto the bed. It was obvious it was taking much of her strength, but far be it from the Doctor to ruin her determination. The next few days were about recovering her energy now that the wound had mainly healed. The earth pony watched as she struggled, then smiled with relief as she completed her task and relaxed onto the bed.

"I must say, you're recovering quickly. You're already using your abdominal muscles quite well for somepony who's been shot in the stomach."

The pegasus dragged her blanket from the stretcher and pulled it around her, covering herself up to her big teal eyes. "Well, it hurts," she said simply, embarrassed at the attention.

"I know it does." The Doctor smiled. "That's just it. That's what makes you so strong."

"No… n-no, you're wrong. I mean, I don't want to be rude, but I think maybe you're thinking of somepony else, because I'm really not very strong at all; in fact, I'm probably the weakest pony on board, and, actually, forget the probably." Fluttershy took a deep breath. "I am definitely the weakest. Oh, and I'm just talking your ear off! I do that all the time. I'm so sorry."

The Doctor shook his head. "You've done nothing for which you need to apologize. But I'm no idiot. I can see past that soft shell of yours to the rock-hard Fluttershy within." He chuckled. "And that real Fluttershy is the one who's not afraid to take a bullet for my sister, or spend that much time with her without thinking you're going to catch the crazy. I think you're just about fearless."

Fluttershy shook her head from beneath the blanket. "No! I'm really not. And I didn't even actually take a bullet for Pinkie, I just—"

"Thank you, Fluttershy," he interrupted. "Thank you for being so kind to my sister." And, with that, the Doctor leaned down to the only exposed part of Fluttershy—her hoof—and kissed it.

With an "eep!" the hoof immediately disappeared beneath the blanket. Fluttershy was, effectively, a blanketed corpse in a morgue. If she weren't lying in the fetal position.

The Doctor couldn't help but smile. "I'll check on you in a few hours. I'll leave this com here in case you need to get in touch with anypony." He picked up the com in his teeth and set it down on the table beside her bed.

"…okay," came a tiny whisper from beneath the blanket.

In the hallway, the Doctor nearly tripped over something. He peered down, surprised, to see that a green book had appeared there since he'd been inside the room. "Derpy?" he asked, glancing around. But nopony was there.

How odd.

"Eeee!"

Applejack blinked as a white flash of a unicorn raced past her, squealing as she ran.

"Uh. Rarity?"

But the unicorn had already vanished down the hallway. She was headed for the passenger quarters, and was working up quite the unladylike sweat in her hurry. She nearly knocked over the Doctor as he ascended the stairs, then she galloped down them and to the door of Twi's quarters, before she stopped, took a breath, and checked her mane by touch. Flawless, as usual.

Rarity rapped one hoof against the door. "Twi, dear? How are you feeling? Oh, I simply have to speak with you!"

"Huh?" came a congested voice from the other side.

"Darling, you sound a bit hoarse," Rarity quipped, giggling to herself. "Are you feeling any better?"

"No. I'll open the door. Just give me one minute." Then, under her breath, "Everything's so much harder without magic. How do earth ponies do this?"

Rarity smiled to herself. She couldn't contain the news any longer. "Well, I just received a welcome letter and a bit of an itinerary from my next client, Fancy Pants!"

"Uh huh," Twi said after a moment.

Rarity could hear her moving around in the room. What was taking her so long? Oh, she didn't even care, this was such important news! "Apparently I'm his date to the Royal Harmony Tea Party. Can you believe it?! One of the biggest parties of the year in the entire 'verse! I… I mean, ahem, the universe."

"You have my condolences," came Twi's flat response.

"Beg pardon?" Rarity replied, startled.

"I hate that event. I don't know how it got so popular."

The door finally opened. Rarity opened her mouth to rebut Twi's claim, then left it hanging open when she saw Twi's appearance.

The unicorn's mane and tail were limp. Her eyes were bloodshot and she seemed to be having trouble keeping her balance. And, strangest of all, her horn was gray at the tip, its lavender hue fading down the length of it.

"Twi. Are you all right?"

"I'm sick," Twi replied. "So, no. Not really."

Rarity stared at her for a moment longer. "Shall I get the Doctor?"

"No. Thanks. He already gave me a diagnosis. I'm just supposed to rest. So I'd like to be alone, without having to hear about any of that Celestinium nonsense from you. There's a reason I left, you know!" The unicorn turned, closing the door behind her.

Rarity's eyebrows rose. "Well, yes! I can take the hint, your Highness!" She swiveled around, muzzle in the air. Passing an open door, she glanced in to see Fluttershy. The pegasus met her gaze, then quickly averted her eyes.

"I didn't hear anything," she said quickly.

"Well, it's quite all right if you did!" Rarity stepped into Fluttershy's temporary room. "How are you feeling? You look quite red. Perhaps I should get the Doctor for you?"

"No!" Fluttershy gasped, uncharacteristically loud. Her face deepened in hue.

"Fluttershy…?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Just, um, kind of warm. Right now. You're going to Princess Celestia's tea party?"

Only something this important to Rarity could kill her suspicions about Fluttershy's odd behavior. "Yes, as the date of Fancy Pants. Quite the social move, isn't it?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I'm sure it'll be just wonderful. But… be careful, okay?"

"Darling, I have nothing to hide. I'm from the Core anyway. And you know what side I supported during the war." Rarity's eyes flickered down to the ground. "That's why the two of us never talk about the war."

The pegasus smiled. "You can't really talk about the war with anypony on board, I don't think."

"Well, maybe Twi and the Doctor, now that we have them. Maybe Pinkie, too, but I'd hate to bring up anything that dark around the poor filly. Her brother's a saint to take such good care of her. I only wish I had the time…" Rarity cleared her throat. "It will be nice to be back in the Core for a bit. I think I'll see Sweetie Belle."

"Oh, that's a great idea! I'm sure she misses you."

"Yes… I know the feeling."

There was a silence between them, and Fluttershy searched for something to change the subject.

"Is Twi okay?" she asked, almost in a whisper. "She seemed a little… out of sorts."

Rarity shrugged, tossing her mane to complete the motion. "She's certainly in a bad mood. I'd leave her alone, if I were you. Just because she's not feeling well, it doesn't mean she can treat the rest of us like common rocks in a diamond mine."

"Maybe… oh, nothing," Fluttershy said quickly.

"What is it?"

"Well… I was just thinking. I used to take care of animals before the war."

Rarity frowned. "Darling, you're from Bellerophon. What creatures besides ponies and griffins live there?"

Fluttershy examined her friend's hooves, unable to meet her eyes. "I took a little trip to another planet. For awhile. Um, but anyway, I took care of some animals. Bears, birds, squirrels… and some bunnies." She looked at Rarity, gauging her reaction.

The unicorn stared back at her. Why hadn't Fluttershy ever mentioned this before? And what exactly had she done? Bunnies were… Well, not just anypony was allowed to interact with them. Especially before and during the war.

But she dismissed it, though she was dying to know more. Rarity was a lot of things, but she wasn't judgmental.

Well, not about something like this. Just fashion, or manners, or certain stallions… but that wasn't the point.

"Go on, dear."

"All I know is that when animals are sick, or injured, they lash out at everypony around them. It's just their way. I think ponies are a lot like that too. Maybe Twi needs help."

Rarity frowned. As much as her feathers had been ruffled by Twi, she understood Fluttershy's point.

"I'll get the Doctor. See if he can do anything."

Fluttershy nodded. As Rarity turned to go, she called, "Um, and please don't tell anypony. What I said. Also I'm going to be asleep. So tell the Doctor that. In case he wanted to check up on me, or anything…"

"Of course not. Your secret's safe with me." Funny how many secrets she was burdened with. That was the life of a Coltpanion, Rarity supposed.

"I think we should quit."

The words hung in the air between Rainbow Dash and Soarin. She'd been trying to fix the gorram television screen in their quarters and he was being useless as always, lazing on their bed and looking through some old vids. She'd been grunting away back here in the wires for almost an hour now and only once had he offered to help.

He wouldn't know where to begin, anyway. She was doing it herself because she had a certain fear of letting Derpy into her room, but she was ready to give up. This was hard, and boring.

Until her husband had opened his mouth, that is.

"Excuse me?" Dash finally spat out, looking out from behind the monitor at him. "Quit?"

"Yeah. This job is great and all, but look. It's causing enough problems in our marriage. We should settle down somewhere, you know?" The way he said it made it sound like it was such a logical conclusion.

Rainbow stared gobsmacked at her husband as if he were speaking zebra. Where the buck had this come from?! This was Soarin, the first mate. He couldn't just quit. He practically knelt to the ground in worship every time Applejack came in the room! Hadn't they just fought about that?

"Settle... down?" She was so shocked she could only manage to repeat after him. Like get a place and start a family or some kind of insanity like that?

"Right. I was thinking in Persepony. We're going to the Celehnon anyway. It’ll be close." He sounded like he was discussing his latest mission with the captain.

Dash grit her teeth, frustrated. "Oh, of course! Of course Persepony. Where we have so many friends, like the Reasonable and Loving Trixie, and, and where Celestia practically has her backyard!"

Or something. That last part didn't really make sense, but Rainbow was beyond caring if she was making sense. Soarin certainly wasn't making any sort of it.

Soarin frowned, looking up from the vids. "I thought you'd be happy. I thought this was… I don't know, me putting you over Applejack. Like you said you wanted me to do."

God, how stupid! Why couldn't stallions ever figure this kind of stuff out? "You thought I'd be happy giving up my perfectly well-paying job with a crew I like and settling down on some Harmony-infested rock with no ground skills and no ability to work."

"What? You could work."

"Yeah, doing what? I'm a pilot, for buck's sake! What could I possibly do that would allow me to not travel around the ‘verse in a spaceship?"

"I… I don't know," came his sheepish reply. "You could fly things in-world."

"Delivery mare Dash, that's me!" Rainbow snorted. "Do you ever think anything through or do you just say things as soon as they appear in your tiny little mind?"

Soarin sat up, shaking his head. "You think that just because we're married you can talk to me however you want," he began, his voice low. "I always have to be the peacemaker and concede everything just because you can't. You start fights but you can never seem to get out of them." He slid off the bed, facing his wife. "Have you ever once apologized to me for anything you've said? Any insults you've flung my way?"

"I stand up for myself. So what? If you wanted some lame mare who doesn't speak her mind, you should have gone for Fluttershy!"

"And now you owe her an apology, too. I don't get you, Rainbow."

She didn't get herself either. But then she'd never really been the loyal type. That went as far back as she could remember.

"All I'm asking is that you actually consider moving to Persepony when we're in the Core next. It wouldn't have to be a ground life. It doesn't have to be Persepony. It doesn’t even have to be soon.”

"Why don't we just move to Bellerophon?" Dash retorted. "At least that way you could rejoin the Wonderbolts and relive your glory days."

"I don't even know what that means."

"It means you apparently want us to hang up our hats and admit defeat to Harmony. Live like some beaten-down cowards."

"You're starting to sound like Applejack. And I don't just mean the hanging up your hat thing."

"Must be your dream come true," Rainbow Dash muttered.

Soarin uncurled his wings and pulled himself up into the air. "I'm not asking for much. You don't need to become an earth pony or a housemare or something. You don't even need to stop being pissed off at me." He hesitated, then added, "Though that would be nice. All I'm asking is that you consider it." He looked at her meaningfully. "We can't make selfish decisions all our lives, you know."

As her husband flew to their bedroom door, Rainbow Dash was about to start working on the monitor again—fueled by anger—when she remembered the vids Soarin had been looking at. She made her way to the bed, then looked down. The moving photograph on top of the pile showed a short clip of a pegasus filly jumping into the air. It played on a loop. Dash watched as the young pegasus tapped her cutie mark—a shooting star—once for good luck, then pumped her wings and made an arc through the sky.

Dammit. She hated to admit it to herself—and she'd rather eat griffin shit than admit it to her husband—but maybe Soarin was right.

"Twi?" the Doctor rapped on the unicorn's door with one hoof. "Twi, it's the Doctor. Rarity told me you weren't feeling so well and that some of your symptoms seemed to be getting worse? Why don't you let me in and I can do a short check-up?"

There was no answer.

Rarity, standing beside the earth pony, frowned. "Twi, darling, I'm here as well. Do be a dear and open the door."

Still nothing.

"Now, I know you didn't mean to be rude before. That was just the headache talking. I daresay I know that feeling!" Rarity laughed to herself, more nervously than anything.

"Twi?"

The Doctor knocked again. Then, he turned to Rarity. "Perhaps she's sleeping. I'll check back in a few minutes."

But the unicorn's eyes were narrowed. "A filly's intuition is never wrong, especially if she happens to be a trained and registered Coltpanion. I don't like this. She'd answer." That unicorn's been answering to questions of authority all her life, Rarity thought to herself. She hasn't gotten a royal upbringing to be so rude as to not say anything. "Stand aside."

Rarity stepped directly in front of the door and her horn lit up with magic. "I was the first one in my class at the academy to perfect lock magic." She began the spell, navigating her way through the inside of the lock. It wasn't too tricky; these old fyre-flye passenger quarters weren't exactly the Royal Archives.

"An odd skill to go with your healing magic."

"Yes, well, my magical specialty is a bit of an odd one. And a Coltpanion education teaches many different skills for ponies of all kinds. Now, though, I hardly use anything besides simple levitation and healing magic." She smiled as she concentrated on the lock's mechanisms. "It's rather fun to put some of these old tricks to practice."

"I can't imagine the captain not using this spell."

"Well, she certainly thinks it's amusing that a Coltpanion knows it, what with her lewd key-and-keyhole analogies. Perhaps that's why I don't let her use it for her own… salvaging, is the euphemism. I prefer not to engage myself in acts entirely illegal," Rarity retorted, her eyes closed now. She was almost there. Just another turn of the magical key and…

The lock clicked. Rarity opened her eyes, smiling as her aura fell away. "Twi, we're coming inside now."

There was still no answer. Rarity placed a hoof on the door and slid it open.

There, lying slumped on the ground, was Twi.

"Twi!" Rarity gasped, hurrying to her side. She placed a hoof gently on Twi's back. "Are you all right?"

The Doctor was right behind her. He leaned in, then turned Twi over onto her back. "She's unconscious," he said, frowning. The possibilities were racing through his head. Low blood sugar, or perhaps dehydration? Those were possibilities when a pony was sick and had no appetite. Or maybe the effects of the fever.

Then he saw it. Her horn. Nearly a fifth of it had grayed considerably from the point.

"We need to wake her up," he said. The Doctor had never seen anything like this. Could it be lack of oxygen? A bruise, maybe, from falling to the floor? Either way, it wasn't good.

"Twi!" Rarity cried, shaking the other unicorn's shoulders. "Wake up!"

Her eyelids flickered, then opened. Twi's bloodshot eyes stared blankly at the ceiling for a moment, then looked from Rarity to the Doctor. "Wh…what happened?" She struggled to sit up, and then curled over her abdomen, inhaling sharply.

Her breath came out ragged. And then she began to cough blood.

Celehnon

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fyre-flye
II - 3
Celehnon

Twilight Sparkle, open your eyes. It's still dark outside. Today's the day I'm going to teach you to control a world's gravitational pull.

Twi's eyes flew open and she sat up in bed with a gasp, blankets tangling around her rear hooves. She knew that voice. How could she forget it? "P-princess Celestia?"

"No, just me, dear." Rarity was sitting by her bed, and that was when Twi saw that it wasn't her bed. She was on Sereinity—in the infirmary. The white lights seemed to press against her tired eyes and her body and head ached like they sometimes did when she overtaxed her magic. Fluttershy's hospital bed reeked with the pungent smell of disinfectant and now, apparently, belonged to her. Pinkie sat in her own bed across the room and was sitting up as well, staring at the unicorns with those huge blue eyes that Twi found so unnerving.

"You must have been having a bad dream if that big meany queeny was in it!" Pinkie remarked.

"Pinkie, dear, would you mind finding your brother and bringing him here?" Rarity asked, turning her head slightly to smile at the earth pony.

Pinkie frowned, not understanding. "But… I don't think I'm supposed to leave."

"Oh, nonsense. Did he ever actually tell you that? You leave when you need to use the lavatory, and this is certainly just as urgent. Besides, wouldn't you like to stretch your legs a bit? I daresay it gets a bit, well, boring around here."

"Yeah," Pinkie replied mournfully. "It is boring. I hate boring." She frowned but it didn't seem to take much to convince her. "Okie dokie lokie! I'll go. But if I get in trouble, it's your fault!" The pink pony slid out of her bed and left the infirmary, a little hop to her step. Rarity felt bad for the filly. It was hard to be so enclosed. That was how it felt on land, sometimes.

When Pinkie was gone and the door had closed behind her, Rarity turned back to Twi. "All right. We don't have much time and we have much to discuss. I have a shuttle and so I can take you home once we land on Celehnon. It should be any minute, now."

"No!" Twi protested, eyes wide. "Wh-why would you say that? I can't go back!" She brought a hoof to her head, trying to massage her sore skull. Now she had even more to worry about.

"This is getting a bit silly, your highness, if you don't mind my honesty. Nothing should be more important than your own life. Perhaps you don't remember it in such detail as I do, but you were… Well, you were coughing blood. Your horn is turning grayer and grayer with every hour. The Doctor has done his best, but it won’t last forever. We do not have time for this tired family drama."

Twi's mouth hung open. "You… really are being honest."

"Yes, I am."

"But…" Twi sighed. "I just can't go back."

"I simply won't allow you to be so foalish. You may not ever have been responsible for somepony's life before, but I have. And making the wrong decision is something that I simply will not face again."

"What do you—"

"There is simply no time. Celestia will be able to cure you. We need to go to her at once. Any petty problems you have can be worked out; there is more at stake here. Am I making myself clear?"

Twi stared at her, trying to find out what to say. She looked down at herself. She was hooked up to an IV. There was some horribly cold feeling in her throat and chest. She was dizzy and her whole body felt constricted, like a star on its path to implosion. And wasn't that so horribly apt?

"I can't see her."

"Surely your brother—"

"I can't see any of them. It's not petty. It's not."

"I see no other option."

Twi hesitated. There was another option, but she'd hoped she'd never have to do this. Especially not so soon after leaving. "I have a friend. He… he stayed behind. He had to. But he said he'd always be there for me if I needed help. He still has the second-highest security level. He won't tell them I'm there. I trust him." She took a quick breath. Speaking so much seemed to take all the air out of her lungs.

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "What makes you trust this friend more than your own family?"

"I don't trust anypony."

"Then—"

"He's not a pony."

Rainbow Dash let out a long whistle. "I don't know why, but that never gets old."

She was on the bridge with Applejack and Soarin as they began their landing on Celehnon. The planet—although it once had been—wasn't as populated as other Core worlds like Celestinium or Persepony, but it had an elegance to it that was visible even beyond atmo. The gently sloping edges of continents, the calm blue color of the generous oceans—but most of all, the lights. The planet twinkled like it was alive with millions of tiny stars. It had always been that way, even before the war.

Luna’s old world, the planet now called Celestinium, had certainly changed since the war. It was close enough to appear as a bright beacon across the black, with a steady stream of full-sized ships and shuttles coming from that direction. Even with this distance, Rainbow Dash felt uneasy at the sight of it. Once, the “blue planet” had paled in comparison with Celehnon’s bright glow, but there had always been a beauty to it that escaped Celestia’s world. After all, it was impossible to look right at the sun.

Now, though, that beauty was all but lost after rampant development. The cities jutted up towards the sky in high-rises, some with several hundred stories; parks were rooftop gardens. Those who occupied the first several floors of a building rarely saw the sun. Aflame with industry, central government and a culture that seemed never to sleep, Luna’s old world was now even brighter than Celehnon.

Still, after the Rim, Celehnon’s lights were nearly blinding. Rainbow sat in awe, but not all ponies appreciated their retinal burn.

Including Applejack, unsurprisingly. "Seein' as it's all lit up with the blood of Rim ponies, it's real pretty."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean. Don't you ever think something is just, you know, shiny? You don't always have to think about where things come from or what poor Rimtrotter's getting tebeda for them."

Applejack shook her head. "Says a true native of Horsperides."

"Okay, okay. We don't need a fillyfight right now," Soarin broke in. Two sets of glaring, narrowed eyes turned on him. With a nervous grin, the pegasus continued: "Seriously. This is about the closest we're going to be to Celestia in a long time. The princess and all the royals will most likely be attending this party."

"And you'd know because you used to go to all these things as her little wusha," Dash muttered.

"Hey, at least I was one. You never even made it into the Wonderbolts."

Applejack tapped her hoof against the ground. "C'mon. Soar's right. We're all a mite testy from this whole party-crashin’. Let's at least be civil to each other. If I can manage that, so can y'all wedded folk."

"Party-crashing?" Soarin looked surprised.

"Well, Rare's going to the tea party. We're just gonna be on the same planet. Cow pies still stink, even at a few paces."

The mentioned planet was drawing nearer and nearer to them as they spoke. Rainbow Dash turned back to the helm. She pressed the com to announce their position to the rest of the crew. "We're about to go into atmo. Seatbelts, please. It'll be a little bumpy."

The pilot surveyed the traffic around them as Applejack and Soarin buckled themselves into the two extra bridge seats. The air congestion wasn't terrible, but still much worse than usual. Celehnon's traffic was never great—it was a vacation world, after all—but this was altogether different. Elegant cruiseliners, sleek shuttles and a few multi-gun warships descended upon the planet.

Once Sereinity joined the crowds, Dash was forced to pull back, reducing speed. "Ugh. I hate traffic."

"Careful. Don't want to dent one of them fancy ships, seein' as their hulls are no tougher than a 'Corn," Applejack chuckled, using the derogatory term for unicorns from the Central Planet. It fit—most of these ponies would be unicorns. And they were certainly not from the Rim with ships like these.

Thankfully, Fancy Pants had added their ship to the list of those allowed entrance for the occasion. Otherwise, by force of some invisible barrier or some, more unpleasant unicorn magic, they wouldn’t be able to go much further.

They entered atmo and, in a few seconds, the turbulence began. Rainbow rolled her eyes as she noted the floating signs dotting the air around them:

REDUCE SPEED AND KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM OTHER SHIPS.
MERGE INTO LANES CAREFULLY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMPLIANCE. HAVE A HARMONIOUS DAY!

"Who said this was a good idea again?" Soarin asked with a nervous laugh.

"Derpy. And I trust her, even if you don't," Rainbow snapped, still irritated with her husband from their earlier fight. And for that comment about her never making the Wonderbolts. All of a sudden, the ship began to pass through the clouds. They were almost on land. The lanes would begin once they'd cleared the cloud layer. And then, there they were. Pegasi wearing Wonderbolt uniforms sat on a few scattered clouds, pointing the ships into lanes.

Soarin shifted, uncomfortable with the Wonderbolts nearby and his wife's accusation. "I know. I was just—"

"Why don't you stick to doing your job? I'm doing mine," Rainbow Dash said as she began to merge into the lanes, "and Derpy can do hers, too. If you want to fly out there and join the Wonderbolts, you’re welcome to it."

"I was joking."

"Sheesh. Y'all are having the least harmonious day I can imagine. Better comply with the wishes of the princess.”

Nopony replied.

The captain groaned. “Hurry up and land already, R.D. I can't take much more of this marital bliss," Applejack quipped.

Nopony replied.

The lane moved along steadily, eliciting several heavy sighs from Rainbow Dash, until Sereinity began to come into dock. Summersun Docks was everything Persepony’s Wingsdown Docks was not: It was highly-organized, clean and minimalist. All the displays had been set to the same broadcast—harmonized, so to speak. On every screen surrounding the Docks, Princess Celestia smiled.

"Welcome to Celehnon," her gentle voice came over the loudspeakers. "If you've come to attend my Royal Tea Party, I'm so excited to meet you. Please remember to bring your invitations, as they feature a hologram scan individual to you. And please do enjoy your time here on the beautiful planet of light!"

Rainbow Dash landed as the image flashed to attractions the planet had to offer. Beaches and mountain vistas, upscale casinos and Wonderbolt race tracks, vineyards and showrooms. This was certainly where the elite came to play.

Sereinity's engine hummed down and Applejack looked around at the world.

"Best get started."

Sunlight.

Derpy stepped out into it, took a deep breath of real world air, and sighed in relief. Farmpony born and raised—never mind the wings—she always felt a kind of joy about being back on land. Sure, being up in the air with an engine to care for was her calling. Her cutie mark, after all, was an assortment of ship engine nozzles with the light blue color of flames. Only a pegasus pony with clipped wings, who spent her days on land looking up at ships taking off across the 'verse, would recognize that symbol.

Still, there was something about returning to a world; of feeling dirt beneath her hooves.

Derpy looked around at the ponies milling around Summersun Docks. Ordinarily, she'd be struck by the glamour of these Core ponies. Their dresses and suits—she couldn't imagine a pony wearing those for traveling instead of a ball!—clashed with her own crew's drab attire. Of course, Rarity always dressed in style and the Doctor had his share of Core vests and coats, but Derpy's own mechanic's shirt was dotted with grease, and brown-outfit-lovers Applejack, Soarin and Rainbow Dash always got a hoofful of glares from those who remembered the war colors.

"It seems strange to feel the heat from the sun after such a long time," murmured the Doctor.

Derpy jumped. He'd snuck up on her somehow and she turned around quickly, taking a nervous step away from him. "Yeah… Um… You'll get used to it. I mean, if you stay on Sereinity much longer. Who knows, right?"

"Well, I think Pinkie quite enjoys it. And a doctor always comes in handy."

Derpy didn't say anything.

He frowned. "Are you feeling all right? Do I have something on my face? You're not looking at me."

Well, how could she, when she'd seen the dumb colt kissing Fluttershy!

"I have to go find a shuttle," Derpy replied, turning around. There! She was cold, just as Rarity said a mare should be when something like this happened.

Rarity never would have already cried over it, though.

And it was easy for Rarity to act cold, anyway. There were dozens of stallions tripping over each other to be with her. That wasn't the case for Derpy.

She'd never been good at acting cold, either. It just made her feel guilty. She was about to turn around and apologize—though, for what, she didn't really know—before she caught the sight of Rarity exiting the ship. The Coltpanion didn't know about Derpy's crush, but she knew that Rarity would support her decision to keep her distance from the Doctor. After all, if Fluttershy was his type, Derpy certainly wasn’t. Fluttershy was quiet, and elegant, and always so gentle… nothing at all like Derpy.

"Rarity!" she called out as she hurried over to her. "Are you going to meet your stallion now?"

Rarity shook her head. She was wearing one of her ensembles, as she put it: a dusty rose jacket and matching headscarf, along with large black sunglasses. "No, I'm afraid I have some shopping to do first. We're meeting for brunch tomorrow before the tea party."

"Shopping! I wish I could come!"

"Don't you need to find the new shuttle, dear?"

"Yes. Hey! I guess I get to meet your stallion before you do!"

"Well, have fun. I expect to hear about the meeting later tonight." As Rarity trotted away, Derpy turned to look at Applejack and Soarin. They were trying to work out the coordinates of Fancy Pants' location.

Big Mac and Dash were next outside of the ship, the former headed to his sister's side.

"Derpy, Dash, y'all are coming along. Need you two to look over the part," Applejack was saying.

“Don’t worry about that, AJ. I already memorized the route,” Rainbow Dash said proudly, stretching her wings.

Derpy stepped over to them as the captain continued: "Mac and Soar will come too."

Big Mac shook his head. "Ain't certain the ship'll be safe under the watch of the Doc. We got Fluttershy and Twi down, and that Pinkie's a loose gunship if I ever seen one."

Applejack turned to him. "Summersun Docks're gonna be a mite safer than the back alleys of some parts tradin' district."

Mac snorted. "AJ, we're on Celehnon. Ain't nopony here rougher'n Celestia's hooficure."

"And that's exactly what's going to get us in trouble," Soarin pointed out, his voice low as he glanced around the docks. "You can't say anything about Celestia, or the war, or Harmony, or anything like that here. Rim barons might be angry and tough but these weak-fetlocked gentry folk are the ones with all the power in the 'verse." He paused, grinning at Big Mac. "Nice one about the hooficure, by the way."

"Got it from Rare. The lady can be real improper 'bout Harmony with a few mugs of cider in her."

"All right, then, Mac. You want to stay, you can stay. We walk into a snakepit, my cold pony ghost is gonna haunt you," Applejack warned her brother.

"Saddle up," he advised, then looked at Derpy. "Not you."

She grinned, the thought of herself with firearms ludicrous. "Never!"

"Excuse me, dear, but could you kindly point me towards the Sunrise District? I seem to have gotten a bit turned around with the redevelopment of the Terrace District."

The unicorn Rarity asked looked at her, suspicious. "The Sunrise District?" she repeated. "If you don't know how to get there, how will you get in?"

"Beg pardon?"

"The Sunrise District is gated," the unicorn said with a sigh, impatient. "They don't just let anypony in."

"Gated?" Rarity frowned. She was no newcomer to Summersun City; in fact, she'd been raised there. She had only visited a couple times after moving to Amberglade, where Celehnon's Coltpanion temple was. After her studies, she'd left the world, with a few visits back on occasion. But the Sunrise District, although the most exclusive, had never been gated before. "When did that happen?"

The unicorn raised her eyebrow. "Where are you from?" She gave Rarity's outfit a quick once-over. "The Outer Rim?"

Rarity's eyes widened. "As a matter of fact, I grew up in this very city and later excelled in my studies at Amberglade. I simply haven't had the time—or desire—to stay around my city of birth for such a long time. So, please, at what point in my travels around Celestia's glorious universe did you notice the Sunrise District becoming gated?"

"Ah… well, after the war. Of course."

"Of course," Rarity repeated, looking down her muzzle at the unicorn. That probably explained why the Terrace District’s street names had changed, too. "Thank you for your assistance."

She continued on her way, trotting down the familiar streets towards the Sunrise District. The westernmost part of the city, before the suburbs began, was where the elite few lived. With cobblestones and sloping thoroughfares with filtered light through tree cover, the Sunrise District was quaint and charming. It was up the hill from the rest of the city, with a view of—predictably—the sunrise over Summersun's spired skyline. At the center of the district was one of the twin Core palaces—and one of Celestia's two official residences.

After traveling a few more minutes, the district came into view. Surrounding it was a tall and translucent barrier, with the leafy mansion-filled portion of the city behind it in full view for those outsiders. Rarity continued on the street straight up to the massive wall, where shuttles, rovers and ponies on hoof were being stopped at the gate. She joined the line of ponies, careful to keep her poker face—and keep in character. She was tired, she was bored and she was ready to be past this dreary line.

Luckily for her not-all-that-fictional character, the line moved quickly and soon she was facing one of Celestia's royal pegasus guards. "Name?" he asked.

"Rarity."

"And… your last name?" He looked up at her.

"I am a registered Coltpanion here to meet a client. The name I use in my business is, simply, Rarity."

"And which resident are you here to meet with?"

Rarity glanced behind her at the line, lowering her voice. "Out of discretion, I cannot say in good conscience."

The guard sighed. "Madam Rarity, I'm afraid we just can't go by the honor system here."

"And sir guard, I agree with you entirely! After the horrors of the war, how can I not? Those… savages out there, ready to… do Celestia knows what to somepony like me!" She shook her head. "I shudder at the thought. Your wall here does a lovely job of keeping out the unwanted, but I assure you I am very much wanted. May I please remind you of Article Six of the Coltpanion Book, in which it is written that any registered Coltpanion, regardless of rank or gender, may be allowed to pass into the home of a legitimate client unmolested?"

"Un…what?"

"Unmolested. Yes, dear sir. Unmolested and undeterred. Without this, Coltpanion rights can be severely undermined by local customs and guidelines, which, as you know, are prone to sudden and catastrophic changes thanks to the capricious minds of those in power. Without a single law, such as that of Harmony, all those little worlds could be running themselves, destroying each other and performing acts so vile a strong stallion like yourself would faint like a filly. The law is necessary, and this is the law, sir guard."

The pegasus stared at her for a moment. "Well…"

Rarity sighed. "Shall I have to contact the local Coltpanion representative?" She hesitated. "I do believe she lives in the Sunrise District herself."

"No… no, I apologize. Let me just scan your cutie mark and make sure you're a registered Coltpanion."

Rarity raised her eyebrow. "You expect me to know all that legal information otherwise? Oh, very well." She sighed, taking a step forward to the scanner. This sort of treatment was something she did not miss about living in Celehnon. Certainly there were scanners in some of the bigger cities outside the Central Planets, but they were much harder to come by.

The lights of the scanner traced the three diamonds of Rarity's cutie mark, then turned them blue for a split second before giving a friendly beep. The pegasus guard read over the words that appeared in the air, above the scanner. Although they were invisible to her from this angle, Rarity knew exactly what they said.

He gave a nod. "Registered Coltpanion. Yes, you're free to go through. I apologize for the wait."

"It's quite all right," she told him, adopting a gracious smile. It was her responsibility as a lady of stature to be patient with underlings, after all. "Mistakes happen." She stepped through the gate, and then she was in. The sweet smell of flowers wafted over her and she suddenly felt calm, warm inside. Rarity looked back; found the outside of the wall dreary-looking compared to the Sunrise District. Here, ivy crept up the sides of stately buildings and the cobbled steps up the side of the hill were framed in moss. Willow trees swept the streets; hanging flowers on trellises provided small archways. Everything was gorgeous, serene, surreal in the way that only an illusion of the Core could be.

Rarity frowned. Where had that come from? Applejack was certainly rubbing off on her. This was no illusion, simply a better life.

She continued along the curves up the hill. The homes were stunning, with stained-glass windows, pillars, balconies overlooking the city. Luxury shops, restaurants, bakeries lined the streets. This was new: Rarity did not remember the district having its own shopping area, but perhaps that was what happened when it became gated.

She was nearing the top of the hill. Around a turn, she was left breathless from the view and the climb. There, nearly at the top of what felt like the entire 'verse, was the palace. It was still a few levels up, occupying its own space while clothed in tree branches and climbing flowers. The area she was in now had the largest homes. That was when she saw the tree house.

In Celehnon's eternal quest to be one with nature—a nature lost long ago on Equestria-that-was, a nature created by science ponies in labs—a tree house did not surprise her. It wasn't as big as the mansions surrounding it, but it was built up into the trunk of the plant, with balconies and makeshift turrets on every side.

This was it. Rarity strode up to the front door and rapped on it with her hoof.

"Who is it?" came a male voice from within.

"I'm here on business. I hear you're a collector?"

"Not interested."

She frowned. "I need you to find a book for me," she said carefully, trying to remember what Twi had told her. "It's called The Wane. I hear it's rare?"

There was a silence. Then, the sound of the lock clattering and the door opening quickly.

Rarity was looking directly into the face of an adolescent dragon, his green eyes wide as he took her in. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice a whisper.

Rarity smiled. "Lovely to make your acquaintance, Spike."

"And we can do each other's manes!"

"Y-yes. As long as we're careful and don't pull each other's manes too hard, because that—"

"And we can eat lots and lots of chocolate!"

"Well, that sounds nice, but chocolate is so terribly expensive, so maybe we can—"

"And we can dance for hours!"

"Well, I can't because of my gunshot wound, and anyway I don't really dance, but you probably can as long as you turn off the music when it's time to go to bed, because we all need a good night's—"

"And we can tell scary stories!"

Fluttershy stared at Pinkie. "Oh… um… w-what?"

"Scary stories!"

"You mean like the story of the pony who lost her favorite stuffed toy but then later she found it?"

"No! Like the story of the pony who lost her head and never found it again!"

Fluttershy disappeared beneath her blanket.

Pinkie had come into the pegasus' temporary passenger quarters to hop up and down and talk about their plans for the upcoming sleepover. Unfortunately, Rarity couldn't come. She was, as Pinkie put it, “having a sleepover with that pony with fancy pantsy pants.” So it was doomed to be Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Derpy.

The pegasus did not want to hear the scary stories either of them came up with.

"Aw, come on, silly! It's just a story."

Fluttershy peeked out from the blanket.

"A true story!" Pinkie cackled.

Fluttershy was gone.

Pinkie grinned. "Well, okie dokie lokie. As long as you're getting your sleep now, we can stay up all night!"

"The sleepover isn't tonight. Your brother said I need to get another good night's sleep before having all the… uh… fun."

"So get as much sleep as possible. It’ll be really fun!" Pinkie left the room, her bouncing a bit more exaggerated. She skipped up the stairs, humming to herself. Ever since Pinkie had been allowed free reign of the ship, her pink color was returning, her mane and tail curling ever so slightly. And the bouncing was happening. And the giggling.

Right now, with nearly everypony off the ship, Pinkie could do whatever she wanted! What she really wanted was to go and eat chocolate, now that she'd brought that up with Fluttershy. But the pegasus had told her it was expensive…

An idea dawned upon Pinkie as she reached the top of the stairs. She knew who had money! Not her brother anymore. Not her, either. But Rarity had lots and lots of money! She must have it, anyway, with all the pretty dresses and things.

Of course! Pinkie could also buy a pretty dress! She wasn't wearing one, which was sad and boring. Ooh, it could be frilly with lots of pink and ruffles and things! Or, no, maybe she wanted a green one because her coat was pink and pink and green went together well. But yellow was nice too! Yellow would match Fluttershy and then Pinkie and Fluttershy could both be pink and yellow! They'd be like sisters! Pinkie knew that her brother had already kissed Fluttershy, anyway, though she wasn't actually there and so she shouldn't mention it or they'd look at her funny like they kept doing when she said things she wasn't supposed to say. Remember to try and act like you're ordinary, Pinkie—there are boundaries! But anyway, that kiss, even if it was just on her hoof, meant they were probably getting married soon. So Pinkie and Fluttershy would really be sisters! Yes, Pinkie knew she had to have a yellow dress immediately!

The door to Rarity's shuttle was unlocked, so she opened it and pranced into the room.

"Hmm… money. Money, money. Where would I keep money if I were a fancy lady like Rarity?" Pinkie mused to herself.

Well, of course, she'd probably keep it in one of the banks or something, like Pinkie's parents did.

Of course! Rarity wouldn't have money. Having money was for poor ponies. Rarity would have an account that she would use to buy things. But—Pinkie's heart dropped—her account was only accessible through her cutie mark. And unless Pinkie was a Changeling—which she was pretty sure she wasn't—she didn't have the same cutie mark as Rarity.

Pinkie sat down on Rarity's chaise lounge with a sigh, resting her head on one hoof. She looked up at Rarity's collection of gems that rested above her bed.

Wait. Gems could buy things, too!

Pinkie's grin returned to her face.

She was going shopping!

Saddlebags packed and stored beside his weapon wall, Big Mac went to go see about his partner.

First, though, he stopped by the infirmary. Twi was there, eyes half-open in a state of semi-consciousness, a cough-suppressing band around her neck. The faint smell of sneeze leaf hung in the air, and the Doctor was scowling as he ground pieces of the leaf together.

He noticed Mac as he entered the room and turned to face him. "What, exactly, is wrong with this crew? I ask your sister where the cold medicine is kept and she gives me these… tree branches!" He gestured towards the leaves, exasperated.

"Sneeze leaves," Big Mac informed him.

"Of course. Typical Rim superstition as a replacement for real medicine. Why should I expect anything else?" he grumbled.

"Ain't no other cold remedies growin' on trees," Mac told him, patiently.

The Doctor continued to grind up the leaf. "Does anypony out there even use the medical supplies we send? Celestia, there must be hundreds a week, going to every remote location missionaries and do-gooders can think of!"

"Sure, we use 'em. We use tourniquets and adrenaline."

"But not cold medicine?"

Mac snorted, amused. "There ain't none of that. Supplies sent to the Rim are for emergencies. What else you use tourniquets and adrenaline for? Ponies get chopped and thrown around real good in the fields with machines all gone haywire. The mines're where they need med kits the most, but nopony in the Core wants to waste nothin' on Diamond Dogs."

The Doctor was silent for a moment. Then he looked down at the sneeze leaf. "What about the other supplies?"

"Sell the pain meds and them other things we ain't got use for."

"Well, maybe you should tell the ponies who send them what you need."

"Oh, but we do got a use for ‘em. For bits, anyway. Pain meds fetch a pretty penny. Too pretty for us to use them ourselves. Besides, we got cider and the like." Mac paused, looking at the Doctor's hoof work. "Here, you don't got to grind it too much. Just enough so as you can smell it. Put it beside Twi, save the rest for later when the smell's gone."

The Doctor looked up at Mac, smiled tightly. "Thanks," he said. "I'm sorry. It's just… frustrating."

"Sometimes all you got's superstition."

The Doctor nodded, then noticed the small saddlebag on Mac's shoulders. "What's that for?"

"Just a delivery. Good luck, Doc." Big Mac nodded and left the room, heading to the passenger quarters. It was surprisingly quiet; a rare thing lately since Pinkie Pie had been bouncing all over Sereinity. Mac came to the door of Fluttershy's temporary room and knocked on the door.

He heard a tiny voice behind it.

Mac opened the door and stepped in. "Hey there, Sharp."

Fluttershy, in bed, had a book open across her belly. "Hello," she squeaked.

"How you feeling?"

"Um… I'm just fine."

"You must be itchin' to get up, huh."

Fluttershy shook her head. "No, I'm fine! I mean, maybe a little bit, but being here… is… it's… nice."

"Nice."

"Yes… Um, relaxing."

Big Mac glanced at the cover of the book she was reading. "Dragons: Carin’ for Our Scary Friends." Mac read the title aloud in his own accent. "What's that all about?"

Fluttershy looked down at the book. "Oh, just what it seems like, uh, caring for dragons."

"Where'd that come from?"

"It was just, well, I ran out of books and I asked Rarity if she had any. She brought me some, but she mostly just uses her tablet to read, so after awhile all she had left was this one called the Pony Sutr—" Fluttershy cut herself off, face reddening. "Um, soIcouldn'treadthat!" she said quickly. "S-so, I asked Twi before she was sick and she gave me this one." The pegasus took a breath. "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm talking too much, please tell me what you've been up to. Also, did everypony go and get that shuttle?"

Big Mac stared at her, amused. "Eeyup."

"But you didn't go?"

"Somepony's got to stay here, look after the ship. The Doc ain't more'n a pile of string beans and Twi, magical as she is, is all knocked out. Wouldn't trust them Central folk with the ship, anyway. Only one I'd trust is down here."

"Y-yourself."

"Eenope."

"…Pinkie? She was down here earlier."

Big Mac didn't respond to the inane question. "Sharp, I'm headin' out soon. On a little side mission. Can't tell anypony, not even AJ, you hear me?"

"What…what do you mean?"

"Can't tell you details. But I need to know—and this is real classified—if I left this ship… would you come with?"

Fluttershy stared up at him, puzzled. "What?" her question came out as a whisper. This was too much to think about. Why would he ever leave Sereinity? His sister? Everypony else?

"Don't need an answer now. But here. I got you somethin'." Mac hoisted the small saddlebag over his head and set it down beside Fluttershy. "Rest up now, Sharp."

He left the room, leaving a bewildered pegasus behind. She opened the saddlebag with some difficulty, then peered inside. Sitting there were three strawberries. The air left her body as she saw them. Real strawberries. They must have cost Mac his whole paycheck.

Fluttershy closed her wet eyes and breathed in the scent. They might not have been fresh. They might have been created in a science lab. They might not have been like the ones she used to eat, that came growing from the shade beneath trees.

But right now, they were everything.

"…so she gave me the directions and told me how to get here. She said she trusted you and that you wouldn't tell anypony about this."

The dragon, Spike, had hardly closed the door to the treehouse before Rarity began to tell him the entire story of Twi's running away. He'd attempted to lead her into the sitting room, but the usually proper pony was now determined to talk as quickly as possible. They'd moved into the room now, the unicorn speaking all the while. Unlike the outdoor appearance of the house, it was all modern without a hint of that attempt towards nature. It was almost impossible to tell they were actually inside a tree.

"You won't tell anypony, will you?" Rarity pressed.

"No! Of course not." Spike was finally able to lower himself onto a couch. He looked down at his feet, his spiny tail curling around him. "I would never betray Twilight. She's the closest thing I have to family."

Rarity took a seat on the opposite couch. It had a low, long seat, meant for a pony. Spike's was taller, a place to sit for two-leggers. At Spike's words, Rarity tilted her head. "Strange, a bit. I've never heard of you, and I know all about the Royal Family."

"Twilight raised me. Since she was just a filly. I guess she always wanted to protect me from that kind of life. She never wanted to be a part of it, either. She just wanted to study with the princess…" Spike sighed, pressing his face into his claw palms. "When did it all go so wrong?" he muttered. The dragon seemed younger than Rarity, even if he was taller. His belly was green and the rest of his scales purple. Tiny wings protruded from his back; they probably weren't big enough to support him in flight yet.

"My apologies, Spike, but there is no time for this. Twilight needs help, and she needs help fast. She's very sick."

"Right." He took a deep breath. "You said that. So, what exactly are her symptoms?"

"She said she's been feeling congested. It escalated into her coughing blood. Her horn has turned gray, and—"

"What?" Spike looked up at her, startled.

"Her horn. It's gray around the end. She can't use any magic or she gets very dizzy."

"No. That's not possible."

"Well, it is, apparently. I know she's quite the magician, but—"

"The virus."

Rarity leaned closer. "Come again?"

Spike closed his eyes for a moment. "The virus. It's afflicting a huge number of ponies in the Core. Haven't you heard of it? No, I guess you've been out there in space."

"I have, but I imagine I would hear about the big things happening in the Core."

"Well, it started here. On Celehnon, of all places. All of a sudden, ponies were getting deathly ill. It starts as a kind of fever, then turns into… I don't know. Something terrible. Ponies are completely incapacitated. They lose their energy, lose their will to live… and all the while, it breaks down their bodies."

Rarity shook her head, holding a hoof to her chest. "That's terrible. Celestia, how awful...” She frowned. “But how would Twilight catch something from Celehnon? There haven’t been any royal vacations here until now, for the tea party.”

Spike scratched his head. “Well... I guess Twilight trusts you or she wouldn’t have sent you here, so...” He looked up at Rarity, watching closely to see her reaction. “She didn’t live on Celestinium. Not anymore. She had left and had come back here, to her first adult home. She... wasn’t happy there. I don’t know if she ever had been.”

The unicorn looked around the room silently. There were pictures of Twi and Spike together, books lining the walls, pony-designed furniture. It made sense. “I see. And she caught the virus when she was here. But, Spike, my home planet is Celehnon. This is my home city. Why wouldn't I hear about something like this?"

"The only thing I can think of…" Spike grimaced. "The Royal Tea Party is coming up. Celestia wouldn't want to make a scene."

She watched the dragon carefully, without saying anything. Did he truly mean that? She couldn't imagine Princess Celestia acting in such a way. After all, no information could really be hidden.

"Healthy ponies began to flee Celehnon. Many went to Celestinium or Persepony. Any other world they could get to."

"I certainly would have heard about that," Rarity protested.

"No, it's…" Spike's eyes widened. "It's not that. Celestia's tea party is simply overshadowing all of this. When news gets too big, create something bigger," he murmured.

"How do we cure the virus?" she asked, trying to direct him back to business. Certainly Celestia had her flaws, but she didn’t want to think of her in that way.

The dragon looked back at her. "It's not that easy. The other thing the virus does is attack ponies based on their cutie marks."

"I don't quite understand."

With one claw, Spike pointed at Rarity's own cutie mark. "Your cutie mark is three diamonds."

Rarity narrowed her eyes. "Yes, though I'll thank you not to stare at my flank."

He averted his eyes, mischievous smile on his face.

The Coltpanion rolled her eyes. Teenagers.

"Anyway, that means your talent is, what? Jewelry-making?"

It was Rarity's turn to smirk. "No, actually. My cutie mark stands for my ability to make the best of a situation. Some see bland, basic rocks while I see the potential, the gem within. And I have the ability to help ponies see their own potential themselves. Figure out what there is good, deep in their hearts."

Spike whistled. "That's pretty deep."

"I also make jewelry on occasion, when an outfit calls for it."

"So let's say you contracted the virus. It's hard to say exactly what it would do, but it would make you incapable of that in some way. Maybe you wouldn't be able to see the good in ponies anymore; maybe you'd grow malicious and show them all the bad about them. Maybe it would just affect your ability to find real gems for your jewelry-making." Spike shrugged. "As you can see, it's pretty serious."

Rarity narrowed her eyes. "I don't appreciate sarcasm, young man. Gems are not to be taken lightly."

"I know that!" Spike replied. "Of course I know that. I'm a collector. I have a whole room of gems."

"Well, you'll simply have to show me another time. Right now, we need to help our friend."

"Twilight's cutie mark is a star. It means she stands out. She shines the brightest at whatever she chooses to excel in. That happens to be magic. If she can't use magic… I imagine Twilight would feel pretty useless. When a pony feels useless, their will to live can't be… It's…"

"Please, Spike. The cure."

The dragon leaned back, crossing his arms with a humorless smile. "And that's the issue. There is no cure."

Rarity stared at him in shock. She couldn't find a word to say.

"For now, anyway. Celestia is producing one as we speak. She's going to disperse it."

That was a relief. The unicorn nodded.

Spike raised an eyebrow, dubious. "Uh, I don't think you understand. Celestia is going to disperse it. She will choose everypony it goes to. It's not like you can just go to a hospital and get it. She knows."

"What can we do?" Rarity's voice was quiet. She was not used to feeling powerless, but this was something beyond her control. It was a horrible feeling.

Spike considered this for a moment. He set his jaw. "I know where it's being made."

"We're getting close now. It should be up here on the right."

Rainbow Dash didn't often go along with Applejack and Soarin on their hoofed missions, but the captain was starting to wonder why. With the mind of a pilot, Rainbow's navigational skills were superb. She was proving to have a near photographic memory when it came to a location she'd seen on a map.

Not far from the Docks, this part of town looked to be a smuggler's dream. Of course, all that was hidden by the legitimate claims of warehouses left and right, but anypony knew better than to trust those companies as entirely lawful.

Well, almost everypony.

"Ooh, Orange Sun," Derpy gasped, pointing out the logo on one of the warehouses. It spelled out the company's name in block letters, with a half-sun almost identical to Celestia's cutie mark showing itself below the words. "You think this is headquarters? I mean, it seems big enough to be headquarters. "

"No," Applejack replied. "Keep a move on, filly. Don't want to get stuck too close to that."

"Yeah, except we have a problem." Rainbow Dash, in the lead, had stopped. She pointed down an alley. "That's our location."

Applejack stepped beside her, then looked at the path of Dash's hoof.

It was one of the loading docks for Orange Sun's warehouse.

"Scheiße," Applejack muttered.

"I thought this guy had his own business?" Soarin said in a low voice.

"Maybe Orange Sun is his own business!" Derpy suggested.

Three sets of eyes turned on her.

"Or… or not."

Applejack shook her head, stepping forward and making her way towards the loading dock. "Come on. It ain't headquarters or nothin'. Less belly of the beast, more like… ah, a hoof. Hoof of the beast. That's right. Not so scary."

The rest followed. Although unarmed, Derpy looked the least nervous about entering the warehouse.

Before AJ could knock, the door swung open. Standing there was the stallion she'd spoken with over the com. His sloppy drunkenness gone, Fancy Pants looked like the respectable gentlecolt he was: vest, monocle and everything a proper ‘Corn should have.

"Yes, hello, hello. Please do come in. Quickly, now." Fancy Pants' eyes scanned the street, the whites a bit too large for Applejack's liking.

"Pleased to be acquainted. I'm Applejack." The captain craned her neck, looking around the place. The loading dock was separate from the rest of the warehouse, with a couple of huge garage doors lining the wall. Other than a pile of crates marked with the Orange Sun logo, the dock was empty.

When they were all inside, Fancy Pants closed the door behind them, then exhaled with relief. "Just on time. Thank you very much." He looked over the group, an expression of puzzlement appearing on his face. "I say, quite the assortment here." From Rainbow's odd-colored mane to Derpy's eyes, it was easy to see why they stood out. Besides, AJ herself wasn’t exactly groomed like a Core filly. Soarin, too, stood out if one had a good Wonderbolts memory. Those were the Wonderbolt glory days, after all, and he was the highest-level traitor there was.

"Thanks, I'm sure," Applejack replied. "Now, I know you'll be wantin' to get ready for this here tea party everypony's on about, so we won't keep you." She reached up, pressed a small button on a device clipped to her saddle. If he was recording the conversation for any reason—but did a Core colt need a reason?—it would be garbled. Time to get to business. "Should we take the shuttle now or pick it up later? At night, or when we drop off the Coltpanion would be best—"

"Oh, heavens, no!" Fancy Pants exclaimed with a laugh. "My dear, I trust you understand our agreement."

Applejack raised a brow.

"I require payment first, before any goods exchange hooves."

"So that means…"

"You may certainly take the shuttle. After the tea party, and after my date with the lovely Coltpanion you've arranged."

Rainbow narrowed her eyes. "No ruttin' way! And how do we know you're not going to buck her and pretend you've never heard of us when the time comes to get the part?"

"Rainbow Dash," Applejack warned her. She turned to Fancy Pants. "My less-than-eloquent friend here makes a point."

Fancy Pants looked amused by Rainbow's display. "And I assume my word is not exactly valuable to strangers such as yourselves?"

"Valuable, I'm sure, but not so dependable, beggin' your pardon. Like you said, strangers and whatnot."

"Then what would be dependable?"

Applejack shrugged, the guns on her saddle gleaming in the dim lighting. "Maybe something with a bit of jingle."

"And how do I know you won't take my money and run, leaving me all alone with nopony?"

"'Cause of this." Applejack turned, grabbed a slip of paper from her saddlebag with her teeth.

"It's a certificate proving we've already paid the Coltpanion for her services," Soarin explained.

Fancy Pants' horn glowed and he tugged the certificate out of Applejack's teeth. He examined it. "Yes, this looks legitimate. Rarity, you say? What a charming name." He sighed. "I suppose this is as much security as I'm going to receive. Very well."

"'Less you want us to do a switch at the same time," Applejack said carefully. That was the plan, anyway. Her plan. It would be a lot simpler that way.

"Oh, I most certainly do not! No, my dear, the optimal time is the day after the party. In all the hubbub, there shan't be many eyes on shuttles aloft." Fancy Pants drifted the certificate back to Applejack, rolling it and tucking it into her saddlebag. "I'm sure you understand."

Applejack nodded. This wasn't her way, but she was getting this shuttle for a damn good deal and she wasn't going to complain on such a little thing. That sort of whining could turn a deal sour fast. The captain hadn't spotted any weaponry on Fancy Pants; he was also alone. But that hardly meant a thing in a place like Celehnon. Appearances were never trustworthy. Besides, the mere face that he was alone meant that he was not concerned about his safety. Even alone, Fancy Pants had an edge on them. It made Applejack a bit anxious, but anxiety was never something to dwell upon in a deal.

"Can I ask a question?" Derpy piped up.

"Later, Derpy," Rainbow Dash hissed.

Fancy Pants ignored Rainbow. "Certainly, my dear." He smiled at Derpy, just the slightest bit off guard.

"Is Orange Sun your own business? And also can we get a tour or samples or something?"

The unicorn stared at Derpy, then began to chuckle. "I'm afraid not. The warehouses are closed to the public. They're rather dull, as well." At Derpy's clear dejection, he added: "What sort of products do you fancy?"

"Well, there's…" The mare glanced at Applejack. "Never mind. I just…"

Applejack fixed her with a lopsided grin. No matter her antics, Derpy had certainly calmed her nerves—even if stealing her thunder, a bit. She needed to give the filly more credit. "Go ahead."

"Oh. Well, the unicorn fizzy. I mean, is there maybe just a vending machine?"

"Unicorn fizzy?" Fancy Pants repeated. Orange Sun carried three speciality lines of carbonated beverages for each type of pony. Each line had six flavors in all the colors of the rainbow—apple, carrot, hay, grass and so forth. And every can of fizzy came with a collectible item, such as a certain spell in unicorn soda, or cloud dust for pegasi.

"I've been looking for the hay flavor," Derpy told him. "It comes with the spell to make little fireworks."

To his credit, Fancy Pants didn't remark on the absurdity of a pegasus looking for a unicorn product. "I'm afraid there isn't a vending machine around here. Perhaps try around the Docks, or on Flare Promenade?"

Derpy nodded. "Shiny. Thanks!"

"You're traveling on a fyre-flye-class ship, correct?" Fancy Pants asked, turning back towards Applejack. "I haven't seen one of those for years."

"She's as solid as any, without all the flash to weigh her down," Derpy said quickly.

"I agree. Charming model."

"Where'd you find the shuttle, then, if you ain't seen any?" Applejack asked.

"Oh, parts come and go. Shuttles aren’t so rare. Now, where shall I have the payment made?"

"We're at docking station three-nineteen in the blue section," Rainbow Dash supplied.

"Three-nineteen, blue. Perfect. I'll arrange for a delivery to be made there."

Applejack nodded. "Thank you kindly. We'll be seein' you day after tomorrow, I reckon."

"As do I. It's been a pleasure." Fancy Pants bowed to them deeply before his magical aura opened the door for them.

Back in the squinting sun of the outside, Soarin caught up with Applejack. "You trust him?" he asked under his breath.

"‘Course not."

Behind them, Derpy was remarking to Dash, “Hey, he never told us if Orange Sun was his own company!”

"What's the plan?" Soarin asked.

Applejack shrugged. "The plan is we don’t care. The plan is we need a shuttle."

Soarin nodded slowly.

"And also that we stay saddled up."

When Rarity returned to Sereinity, she was greeted at the door by Big Mac. If she didn't know better, she would have thought the relaxed stallion was nervous about something. He seemed to be pacing back and forth and jumped as soon as she entered.

"Rarity. I got a favor to ask."

The urgent tone to his voice startled her. At the same time, it was slightly irritating—she had urgent business to attend to, as well, and she had a favor to ask of him. "Yes? What is it?"

"I need to get over to Persepony. With the spare shuttle busted and all, there’s no way for me to get there except…" He trailed off, looking at her knowingly.

At first, she didn’t understand. And then it dawned on her. "Oh, no," Rarity gasped. "My shuttle? My petit boudoir?"

"I can pay you for the trouble. I just… got to get there."

Oh, but what a dilemma. She couldn't help but soften. After all, Rarity knew all too well that ache of distance.

"I won't take it until you leave tomorrow. You got my word."

"Yes, that's all right, dear." Her words almost surprised herself. She studied Big Mac's eyes. "I understand. Even being here on Celehnon… Why, it's simply impossible. If I didn't have these cursed responsibilities… to Twilight, and to…" She froze, realizing her mistake.

Big Mac caught it, too. "Twi…light?" he repeated with a tilt of his head.

"Don't tell anypony that," she said quickly. There was a chance none of them would know who Twilight Sparkle was, but it wasn't worth it. Somepony like the Doctor or Pinkie would probably be happy to educate the rest of them. In fact, they might already know. Twilight Sparkle was not exactly a public figure, with her bookish tendencies, but she certainly made some appearances before the universe. How could she not? "Yes, let's have that be our trade. You won't repeat that to anypony, and I will allow you to use my shuttle. For transportation purposes only, of course. My bed is made and shan't be used under any circumstances. And believe me… I know when it's made properly, with my own magic, and when it's made by some earth pony." She cleared her throat. "No hard feelings."

"Ain't got none," Big Mac drawled. "I'll fly'er there and back, won't do nothin' else in’er."

"Perfect. Now, dear, please come with me. I have an announcement to make." Rarity walked to the com in the cargo bay and pressed the button with one dainty hoof. "Everypony, this is Rarity. I request your presence down here at once. Please. This is extremely urgent." She stepped away, turned back to Mac. "I suppose you'll be leaving for Persepony and won't be able to help with my favor. Quite a shame, but I know how you feel. I wish I could…"

"I'll help in any way I can, Rare."

"I don't know if that's possible," she replied as the flutter of wings brought Rainbow Dash and Soarin into the room. Following them were Applejack and Derpy, while the Doctor emerged from the infirmary with Pinkie bouncing behind him. She was wearing a new yellow dress; a bit of an obtrusive color in the light. It wouldn't have been Rarity's choice, but fashion was not the focus right now.

"Hello, everypony. I have a job for you all."

"What's this all about, Rare?" Applejack asked, drawing closer. "We already got a job."

The unicorn turned towards the Doctor. "How is Twi?" she asked, making a mental note to keep abbreviating her name.

He shook his head. "She's not doing so well. She's stable, but not improving. Perhaps if I had some more advanced medicine than those sneeze leaves…"

"Twi doesn't have a cold. She has what's called the virus. It's a new epidemic afflicting many ponies on Celehnon at the moment. It attacks a pony's Celestia-given talent."

There was silence. Rainbow Dash was the first to speak. "No offense, Rarity, but that sounds kind of fake."

"It's not. I don't know how it works, but somehow it is able to attack whatever a pony's cutie mark stands for."

Applejack shook her head. "That's a mighty shame. What's the cure?"

"There's a cure being made right now by Celestia. Only certain ponies can get it. Twi, for whatever reason, cannot," Rarity told them, glossing over the other parts. "That is why I need you to break into the laboratory where it is being produced and steal some of it for Twi."

"Can I go?" Pinkie asked.

"None of us are goin’," Applejack said decisively. "Are you crazy, Rare? Thinkin’ we can just waltz right into Celestia's royal laboratory or whatever the buck?"

"Yes. I do." Rarity's fiery blue eyes met Applejack's.

"And why in tarnation would you believe some horse apples like that?"

"Because I made a friend today. He has the second-highest security level in the 'verse. And he'll help you."

"No. I ain't trusting' somepony with the second-highest security level. That's just askin' for death by Celestia-fire."

"You'll be entering the lab during the tea party tomorrow. All eyes will be on that event. Most security will be there. Celestia will be distracted."

"I agree with Applejack," Soarin added. "We're already going way out of line trusting Fancy Pants to deliver us the shuttle. I don't think I can handle to make any more Core deals with devils."

Rarity's eyes narrowed. "Do you not care about the life of Twi?"

"We haven't known her that long. It kind of makes more sense to care about our own lives," Rainbow Dash told her.

"Look, she's from the Core. I reckon if we take her to a hospital they'll take care of her. They treat them on the inside real good. It's us from the Rim they hate," Applejack said.

"That's not an option!" Rarity slammed one hoof against the ground. "Does anypony—anypony here—think that Twi should not die a horrible death?

“I just said—”

“Is anypony willing to help her? In the way I proposed?"

Nopony responded at first. Then, Big Mac nodded. "I am."

Rarity smiled at the colt beside her. "Thank you." She didn't feel like it was the time to divulge that he wasn't going to be around for her proposed heist.

"I am, too," came the Doctor's voice. "When I became a doctor, I pledged my life to helping those in need."

Rarity was touched. "You… you're a fugitive. You have the most to lose."

"Even so." He took a deep breath. "I know that Pinkie is safe in your hooves." He gave a crooked smile. "And, anyway, I'm assuming that there are other medicines or cures in this laboratory. Stocking our infirmary with the most up-to-date products would be lovely. There might even be something there to help my sister."

"Other meds?" Applejack asked.

Rarity frowned. "Beg pardon? Does that interest you?"

“Well, yeah, but it still ain’t worth it.”

“Perhaps, then, I shall have to go with my new friend. Just the two of us. Of course, I’d have to miss my engagement with Fancy Pants, poor dear, but I’m sure he’d understand.” She considered then, then shrugged. “Or perhaps he wouldn’t. You did him such a favor, after all.” Rarity didn’t care if she was threatening them. Twi’s life was more important than that, and it wasn’t fair for them not to help her. Besides, Applejack, Soarin and them—they always came through all right. They were of tougher stock than poor Twi.

There was silence for a moment, Rarity’s words hanging in the air.

"Do y’all have any idea how much Rimtrotters need meds?" Applejack asked.

Soarin nodded, slowly at first. "Yeah, or how much other ponies are willing to spend on royal products?"

The Coltpanion stared at them. "Let me see if I understand. You're not willing to do this to save Twi's life, but you are willing to do it for money."

"Nah, Rare, you got that all wrong. It's not just for money. It's for a huge amount of money," Applejack corrected her. “And a shuttle.”

Rarity rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Applejack, I don't understand this mercenary side of you." False.

"Course you do. You're a…" Applejack trailed off as the heat from Rarity's glare intensified. "…a lovely young mare."

"A mare? How dare you call me that, like some… old mare!"

Applejack laughed, then looked towards Soarin. "You'll come with. Big Mac, too."

"And what about me?" the Doctor asked.

"We need you to stay with them invalids. Fluttershy, Twi, Pinkie. They need you."

"You'll never know what to take. I know what's the most expensive."

The captain snorted. "Sugarcube, you're underestimatin' us. You might know what fetches the most coin here, but out there it's a 'verse of different. Painkillers, sedatives. That's what we're lookin' for."

"I have a job of my own, AJ," Mac broke in. "Already made the payment on a shuttle rental to Persepony tomorrow."

Applejack stared at him. "Everypony, you're dismissed. We'll go tomorrow during the tea party, as Rare said." She watched the ponies file out of the room, Rarity glancing back at the siblings before heading off to her shuttle.

With everypony cleared out, Applejack turned to her brother. "Big Macintosh, what am I going to do with you?" she hissed, stepping closer to him. "I hired you as a brother, a friend and a hard worker. You're s’posed to be all them three."

"And I am all of those things, AJ. But I got to go tomorrow."

"Why?"

"Well, I promised I'd visit when I was back in the Core."

Not this. Not this again. Luna, would he ever learn? Applejack was sick and tired of dealing with this! "You… you're impossible!" she spat. "You know, I'd like to take some time off, too. Take a little trip. I ain't got that luxury, 'cause I'm stuck as captain of y'all, and y'all are incompetent sometimes! If I weren't always havin' to be crewmother all the time, maybe I'd get to have my own life, too!"

Big Mac stood there, silent. There was nothing to do but stay silent and let Applejack vent. As always.

"I hired you 'cause I thought you'd be there when I needed you. I needed you when we went to meet with Fancy Pants today. And I need you tomorrow if we're breakin' into Celestia's damn bedroom."

"I can't go," he told her, his voice low. "Ain't nothin' gonna change my plans."

"Fine. Go break that poor filly's heart again. Be irresponsible. You know, we're your family, too, Mac. I thought it was always about family for you."

"Everypony’s gotta be selfish sometimes."

"I see that." Applejack turned away from her brother, not wanting him to see her eyes, watery with frustration. Betrayal. "Maybe I'll ask Fluttershy to come, then. Need a set of guns along."

"AJ, she ain't all healed yet—"

"I know. It ain't fun to think you might lose the pony who matters most to you, is it?" Applejack reddened, ashamed of the mind trick while at the same time getting a thrill from his reaction. What had it come to, if she was playing games with him like that?

"I'll be back as fast as I can."

"Unless you decide to stay this time."

"I won't. You already predicted I'd break that poor filly's heart; whatever you said before."

"Yeah. Well, hers or mine. There's no winning." Applejack closed her eyes. That was enough. She didn't want to fight. She didn't want to talk to her brother, either. All she wanted to do was crawl into bed and try to sleep off all these years of heartbreak. In a place like Celehnon, the only way for Applejack to escape the light was by going into her little hole in Sereinity. It felt too much like hiding, but she didn't care right now.

Applejack walked away from her brother without another word.