1 00:00:00,060 --> 00:00:07,528 gone everypony in Manhattan is just gone 2 00:00:03,720 --> 00:00:08,730 I was talking to my best friend silver 3 00:00:07,528 --> 00:00:12,509 spoon over terminal chat when the 4 00:00:08,730 --> 00:00:16,350 connection went dead my my best friend 5 00:00:12,509 --> 00:00:18,750 is dead only she's just not laying dead 6 00:00:16,350 --> 00:00:20,310 somewhere one minute she was talking to 7 00:00:18,750 --> 00:00:23,009 me telling me about the concert she went 8 00:00:20,309 --> 00:00:28,079 to last night hoofbeats and then she was 9 00:00:23,010 --> 00:00:29,340 just gone erased they they said the 10 00:00:28,079 --> 00:00:31,079 ponies in a few of the ministry's 11 00:00:29,339 --> 00:00:33,329 buildings might have survived but that 12 00:00:31,079 --> 00:00:34,949 doesn't sound real shattered hoof is 13 00:00:33,329 --> 00:00:36,179 more than two days drop from Manhattan 14 00:00:34,950 --> 00:00:38,550 and some of the guards said they could 15 00:00:36,179 --> 00:00:41,488 hear the mega spell go off it was 16 00:00:38,549 --> 00:00:42,029 unnatural and alien not like a real 17 00:00:41,488 --> 00:00:44,488 sound 18 00:00:42,030 --> 00:00:46,590 a few of the guards ventured up to the 19 00:00:44,488 --> 00:00:48,718 highest Ridge and they came back 20 00:00:46,590 --> 00:00:50,640 describing a huge pillar of property 21 00:00:48,719 --> 00:00:52,020 green fire with a strange rainbow sheen 22 00:00:50,640 --> 00:00:54,119 wrapped with rings of black smoke 23 00:00:52,020 --> 00:00:56,390 lifting to the clouds from just over the 24 00:00:54,119 --> 00:00:58,878 horizon remain Hatton is supposed to be 25 00:00:56,390 --> 00:01:01,259 now they're saying Cloudsdale was it - 26 00:00:58,878 --> 00:01:02,369 that Equestria zone mega spells would 27 00:01:01,259 --> 00:01:07,079 have already been cast back at the 28 00:01:02,369 --> 00:01:10,349 zebras Oh No well with the Zebras hit 29 00:01:07,079 --> 00:01:13,739 Ponyville it's so small they wouldn't 30 00:01:10,349 --> 00:01:16,829 would they I I've got to go warn mom and 31 00:01:13,739 --> 00:01:19,140 dad maybe they can get into the sweet 32 00:01:16,829 --> 00:01:20,700 Apple acres stable oh please please 33 00:01:19,140 --> 00:01:23,099 please please please it's got to be open 34 00:01:20,700 --> 00:01:24,689 still last week silver spoon told me 35 00:01:23,099 --> 00:01:26,969 that stable tech was filing ponies into 36 00:01:24,688 --> 00:01:29,188 the stables around Manhattan but that 37 00:01:26,969 --> 00:01:31,408 was only some sort of test run nothing 38 00:01:29,188 --> 00:01:34,978 for ponies to panic about it's not like 39 00:01:31,409 --> 00:01:36,118 they knew I turned off the log while it 40 00:01:34,978 --> 00:01:38,310 had played several others have been 41 00:01:36,118 --> 00:01:39,780 downloaded into my pipbuck I've been 42 00:01:38,310 --> 00:01:42,090 finding bits of this pony's audio diary 43 00:01:39,780 --> 00:01:43,469 scattered all about the guard house I'd 44 00:01:42,090 --> 00:01:44,880 pulled a near bloom from my armored 45 00:01:43,469 --> 00:01:46,709 utility barding and turned it into my 46 00:01:44,879 --> 00:01:48,060 pipbuck allowing me to listen to the 47 00:01:46,709 --> 00:01:50,908 recordings in one year without giving 48 00:01:48,060 --> 00:01:52,680 away my position clamor to return from 49 00:01:50,909 --> 00:01:55,380 scouting ahead signaling with his tail 50 00:01:52,680 --> 00:01:56,670 that the path was clear movement through 51 00:01:55,379 --> 00:01:59,069 shadowed offal was proving swifter than 52 00:01:56,670 --> 00:02:00,659 I felt we had any right to expect our 53 00:01:59,069 --> 00:02:02,158 progress was partially due to keeping 54 00:02:00,659 --> 00:02:04,439 our hoof prints as small as possible 55 00:02:02,159 --> 00:02:06,659 no lining our saddlebags with items that 56 00:02:04,438 --> 00:02:08,189 can be missed I made an exception for 57 00:02:06,659 --> 00:02:10,289 the contents of lost and found safe 58 00:02:08,189 --> 00:02:11,459 justifying the theft with the reminder 59 00:02:10,288 --> 00:02:13,068 that the safe had not been open since 60 00:02:11,459 --> 00:02:14,539 before the mega spells and 61 00:02:13,068 --> 00:02:16,039 no Pony here will be suspicious if it 62 00:02:14,539 --> 00:02:19,068 was empty so long as I closed it and 63 00:02:16,039 --> 00:02:20,509 locked it again but more than that these 64 00:02:19,068 --> 00:02:22,098 ponies didn't seem to consider that the 65 00:02:20,509 --> 00:02:24,828 fortress could be infiltrated they 66 00:02:22,098 --> 00:02:26,929 weren't on guard I'm not a mistress of 67 00:02:24,829 --> 00:02:28,579 shadow but I hardly needed the advanced 68 00:02:26,930 --> 00:02:30,560 tutelage from zebra infiltration tactics 69 00:02:28,579 --> 00:02:32,989 to slip past ponies who were being this 70 00:02:30,560 --> 00:02:34,989 oblivious I'd skimmed the book while 71 00:02:32,989 --> 00:02:37,340 calamity was fetching the mattress cover 72 00:02:34,989 --> 00:02:38,900 calamity wasn't quite as good and nearly 73 00:02:37,340 --> 00:02:39,919 tipped off a shattered of Raider to his 74 00:02:38,900 --> 00:02:41,739 presence twice now 75 00:02:39,919 --> 00:02:43,790 but I'd managed to hide each time a 76 00:02:41,739 --> 00:02:45,560 figured once we got back to the terrain 77 00:02:43,789 --> 00:02:47,269 fort of God I'd pass him zebra 78 00:02:45,560 --> 00:02:49,098 infiltration tactics to peruse himself 79 00:02:47,269 --> 00:02:52,009 it's not as if books can only be read 80 00:02:49,098 --> 00:02:53,810 once after all the inside of shattered 81 00:02:52,009 --> 00:02:57,138 hoof proper was a cold monotonous gray 82 00:02:53,810 --> 00:02:58,609 much like maintenance in stable - except 83 00:02:57,139 --> 00:03:00,680 here all the walls are cracked and 84 00:02:58,609 --> 00:03:02,930 chipped the ceiling decayed the light 85 00:03:00,680 --> 00:03:04,459 weak and uneven cast from small lanterns 86 00:03:02,930 --> 00:03:07,280 hung from railroad spikes chiseled into 87 00:03:04,459 --> 00:03:09,468 the walls the darkening sky of clouds 88 00:03:07,280 --> 00:03:11,209 outside turned the hiset barred windows 89 00:03:09,468 --> 00:03:14,239 into dead eyes staring vacantly into the 90 00:03:11,209 --> 00:03:16,968 halls somewhere down the hall a terribly 91 00:03:14,239 --> 00:03:18,739 sad song was playing over a radio we 92 00:03:16,968 --> 00:03:20,930 were within range of DJ pony had 93 00:03:18,739 --> 00:03:23,329 broadcast again bone is on the 94 00:03:20,930 --> 00:03:26,479 expressway with no features with no 95 00:03:23,329 --> 00:03:29,629 faces ponies mailing about me trudging 96 00:03:26,479 --> 00:03:31,729 off some nameless places the song pulled 97 00:03:29,628 --> 00:03:33,198 a melancholy chord in my heart the 98 00:03:31,729 --> 00:03:34,790 singer somehow managing to make the 99 00:03:33,199 --> 00:03:36,889 Equestria before the war seemed as 100 00:03:34,789 --> 00:03:39,560 dreary and bleak as the wasteland itself 101 00:03:36,889 --> 00:03:40,909 I followed calamity and I considered 102 00:03:39,560 --> 00:03:43,400 turning on one of the other entries from 103 00:03:40,908 --> 00:03:45,108 the audio diary just to drown it out but 104 00:03:43,400 --> 00:03:46,849 I realized that playing with it only in 105 00:03:45,109 --> 00:03:49,219 one year the two would likely mix into 106 00:03:46,848 --> 00:03:51,619 something even more depressing waiting 107 00:03:49,219 --> 00:03:52,758 foals for the birthday have a body 108 00:03:51,620 --> 00:03:55,519 please be happy 109 00:03:52,758 --> 00:03:59,208 growing up all too swiftly losing hopes 110 00:03:55,519 --> 00:04:00,739 of what they might be well crap I 111 00:03:59,209 --> 00:04:03,128 muttered hourlies I hugged a shadow 112 00:04:00,739 --> 00:04:05,658 behind a placard hard workers happy work 113 00:04:03,128 --> 00:04:09,018 instead across the open rows of desks to 114 00:04:05,658 --> 00:04:10,578 the well-lit room beyond inside a pony 115 00:04:09,019 --> 00:04:12,169 matching God's description of dead eyes 116 00:04:10,579 --> 00:04:13,569 was sitting behind a desk reading a book 117 00:04:12,169 --> 00:04:15,859 applied gemstones 118 00:04:13,568 --> 00:04:17,569 he was flanked by at least one guard 119 00:04:15,859 --> 00:04:19,220 pony that I could see and possibly 120 00:04:17,569 --> 00:04:21,709 others that I could not 121 00:04:19,220 --> 00:04:24,200 the safe was directly behind him there 122 00:04:21,709 --> 00:04:25,519 was no way to get at stealthily even if 123 00:04:24,199 --> 00:04:26,779 I use the pipbuck he'd hear the safe 124 00:04:25,519 --> 00:04:30,049 opening less than a foot away from his 125 00:04:26,779 --> 00:04:33,379 ears time for the back-up plan I was for 126 00:04:30,050 --> 00:04:34,910 dilemma t got one claiming he raised his 127 00:04:33,379 --> 00:04:36,500 eyebrows yeah 128 00:04:34,910 --> 00:04:38,900 load him all up on the caboose and kick 129 00:04:36,500 --> 00:04:41,870 it free I winced as he reminded me of 130 00:04:38,899 --> 00:04:44,419 how one of his last plans had gone could 131 00:04:41,870 --> 00:04:46,220 be worse he whispered with a smile I'm 132 00:04:44,420 --> 00:04:49,090 sure of Elvis plan would be to go over 133 00:04:46,220 --> 00:04:52,100 and ask him nicely I closed my eyes 134 00:04:49,089 --> 00:04:54,500 dammit we couldn't just sit here waiting 135 00:04:52,100 --> 00:04:55,760 for the bastard to move the longer we 136 00:04:54,500 --> 00:05:01,329 hung around the better chance of getting 137 00:04:55,759 --> 00:05:03,110 caught okay I said finally we'll do that 138 00:05:01,329 --> 00:05:06,800 calamities eyes went wide 139 00:05:03,110 --> 00:05:08,210 how was justjoking he hissed thankful to 140 00:05:06,800 --> 00:05:09,980 the hot mayor statuette for returning 141 00:05:08,209 --> 00:05:11,629 some of my telekinetic magic I carefully 142 00:05:09,980 --> 00:05:14,480 levitated my sniper rifle assault 143 00:05:11,629 --> 00:05:15,680 carbine to calamity take these go back 144 00:05:14,480 --> 00:05:18,020 and hide in that side room with all the 145 00:05:15,680 --> 00:05:19,009 old flashlights I instructed recalling a 146 00:05:18,019 --> 00:05:20,120 room that looked like it hadn't been 147 00:05:19,009 --> 00:05:22,430 used for anything other than a few 148 00:05:20,120 --> 00:05:25,280 quickies in several months I'll go up 149 00:05:22,430 --> 00:05:28,340 and say hello and when they all shoot at 150 00:05:25,279 --> 00:05:30,019 you then was the plane I'm winging this 151 00:05:28,339 --> 00:05:32,199 here but if all those fails I still have 152 00:05:30,019 --> 00:05:34,819 the stealth luck that should get me out 153 00:05:32,199 --> 00:05:36,860 shooting starts don't wait for me get 154 00:05:34,819 --> 00:05:40,909 safely back to remedy with an 155 00:05:36,860 --> 00:05:42,410 afterthought please calamity scowled and 156 00:05:40,910 --> 00:05:43,640 moved off muttering something under his 157 00:05:42,410 --> 00:05:46,570 breath about the wisdom of leaving 158 00:05:43,639 --> 00:05:49,189 winging it to non Pegasus ponies I 159 00:05:46,569 --> 00:05:50,750 started up another audio long listening 160 00:05:49,189 --> 00:05:53,300 while I gave calamity time to position 161 00:05:50,750 --> 00:05:54,560 himself safely away the voice of the 162 00:05:53,300 --> 00:05:57,079 same mare lipped through my ear Blum 163 00:05:54,560 --> 00:05:59,449 sounding panicked the communication way 164 00:05:57,079 --> 00:06:01,819 was down I tried and tried to reach mom 165 00:05:59,449 --> 00:06:03,620 and dad but I couldn't get through at 166 00:06:01,819 --> 00:06:05,959 first it seemed like the web was flooded 167 00:06:03,620 --> 00:06:09,110 my calls kept getting bounced then just 168 00:06:05,959 --> 00:06:10,370 died away completely we can't reach any 169 00:06:09,110 --> 00:06:12,410 of the Ministry of morale helps either 170 00:06:10,370 --> 00:06:14,209 no pony was expecting the one in 171 00:06:12,410 --> 00:06:17,930 Manhattan to respond but not even 172 00:06:14,209 --> 00:06:22,099 Canterlot could zebras couldn't possibly 173 00:06:17,930 --> 00:06:23,639 be short Canterlot could they what what 174 00:06:22,100 --> 00:06:25,500 happened to Princess Luna 175 00:06:23,639 --> 00:06:28,050 having heard of the Canterlot ruins I 176 00:06:25,500 --> 00:06:31,408 knew the answer I toggled to the next 177 00:06:28,050 --> 00:06:32,699 log started raining outside was bright 178 00:06:31,408 --> 00:06:35,188 and sunny less than an hour ago 179 00:06:32,699 --> 00:06:37,710 I think the Pegasus ponies are mourning 180 00:06:35,189 --> 00:06:39,960 Cloudsdale most of the guards are gone 181 00:06:37,709 --> 00:06:42,839 now they've left new with the codes to 182 00:06:39,959 --> 00:06:44,938 open the cells Scoob said it was up to 183 00:06:42,839 --> 00:06:49,198 me nobody else was gonna risk their 184 00:06:44,939 --> 00:06:50,099 lives sending our guests free why me I'm 185 00:06:49,199 --> 00:06:53,939 not the one who's supposed to be in 186 00:06:50,098 --> 00:06:57,839 charge if I don't these ponies will all 187 00:06:53,939 --> 00:07:00,718 starve to death in here but if I do some 188 00:06:57,839 --> 00:07:02,158 of them are really bad ponies some of 189 00:07:00,718 --> 00:07:03,329 you even confessed to helping the Zebras 190 00:07:02,158 --> 00:07:06,089 at shadow to fridge when they tried to 191 00:07:03,329 --> 00:07:08,370 assassinate Princess Celestia if I let 192 00:07:06,089 --> 00:07:11,218 them go who knows what kind of harm they 193 00:07:08,370 --> 00:07:13,620 might do what is worse letting them die 194 00:07:11,218 --> 00:07:17,968 here or afflicting them on a wounded 195 00:07:13,620 --> 00:07:19,259 suffering Equestria no no no I'm just an 196 00:07:17,968 --> 00:07:20,990 inspector I'm not supposed to make these 197 00:07:19,259 --> 00:07:26,319 kinds of decisions 198 00:07:20,990 --> 00:07:30,579 mom dad silver spoon 199 00:07:26,319 --> 00:07:34,240 what should I do I wasn't sure why I was 200 00:07:30,579 --> 00:07:36,579 listening to these logs now curiosity or 201 00:07:34,240 --> 00:07:39,030 maybe in a way I was paying my respects 202 00:07:36,579 --> 00:07:41,439 to the Past by listening by learning 203 00:07:39,029 --> 00:07:45,429 either way it didn't matter 204 00:07:41,439 --> 00:07:48,160 time to go how do you get in here 205 00:07:45,430 --> 00:07:49,750 did I scalp staring down at me I had 206 00:07:48,160 --> 00:07:50,260 three magical energy weapons pointed at 207 00:07:49,750 --> 00:07:52,300 my head 208 00:07:50,259 --> 00:07:53,680 although the big brutish ponies did eyes 209 00:07:52,300 --> 00:07:58,960 left look like he'd rather kill me with 210 00:07:53,680 --> 00:08:00,189 his teeth I named it think watch her 211 00:07:58,959 --> 00:08:02,049 might call honesty of virtue but 212 00:08:00,189 --> 00:08:04,600 sometimes the ability to lie your tail 213 00:08:02,050 --> 00:08:08,020 off as a virtue to used magic 214 00:08:04,600 --> 00:08:10,800 I am a unicorn after all I felt a rush 215 00:08:08,019 --> 00:08:12,909 of relief that had sounded plausible 216 00:08:10,800 --> 00:08:15,490 even I might have bought it if I didn't 217 00:08:12,910 --> 00:08:20,650 know how much I suck at spells better 218 00:08:15,490 --> 00:08:23,340 question why why why I came in here no 219 00:08:20,649 --> 00:08:25,509 wire fillies different than Colts the 220 00:08:23,339 --> 00:08:29,469 slate gray ponies voice dripped with 221 00:08:25,509 --> 00:08:30,730 sarcasm what do you think stammering I 222 00:08:29,470 --> 00:08:35,080 realized I should have thought my 223 00:08:30,730 --> 00:08:38,289 approach through a lot better I wanted 224 00:08:35,080 --> 00:08:40,900 to I glanced away mentally searching for 225 00:08:38,289 --> 00:08:42,639 inspiration my eyes fell on a frame news 226 00:08:40,899 --> 00:08:44,370 article yellowed with age which featured 227 00:08:42,639 --> 00:08:46,419 a faded picture of a pretty unicorn 228 00:08:44,370 --> 00:08:48,669 Sweetie Belle performs patriotism 229 00:08:46,419 --> 00:08:51,370 concert at shattered hoof my eyes 230 00:08:48,669 --> 00:08:53,620 snapped back to me dead eyes owned to 231 00:08:51,370 --> 00:08:55,990 join your crew your all escaped slaves 232 00:08:53,620 --> 00:08:58,810 right well I just escaped from old 233 00:08:55,990 --> 00:09:00,159 Appaloosa I realized just after I said 234 00:08:58,809 --> 00:09:01,569 it that I was wearing armored stable 235 00:09:00,159 --> 00:09:04,389 barding and probably looked nothing like 236 00:09:01,570 --> 00:09:05,500 an escaped slave dead eyes was regarding 237 00:09:04,389 --> 00:09:08,980 me with a deep and well-deserved 238 00:09:05,500 --> 00:09:12,159 suspicion if they started shooting I was 239 00:09:08,980 --> 00:09:13,990 probably dead small and fast is helpful 240 00:09:12,159 --> 00:09:15,309 against long-range gunfire but not so 241 00:09:13,990 --> 00:09:16,710 much against point-blank shots from 242 00:09:15,309 --> 00:09:19,299 weapons that will melt you into a puddle 243 00:09:16,710 --> 00:09:20,710 worse my heart sank when I realized that 244 00:09:19,299 --> 00:09:23,139 calamity would almost certainly share my 245 00:09:20,710 --> 00:09:24,730 fate from what I knew of my new friend 246 00:09:23,139 --> 00:09:26,980 running and hiding weren't in his normal 247 00:09:24,730 --> 00:09:28,750 book of tactics no matter what I told 248 00:09:26,980 --> 00:09:31,120 him to do I suspected he'd choose to 249 00:09:28,750 --> 00:09:31,450 join in the firefight and tell you what 250 00:09:31,120 --> 00:09:33,909 fili 251 00:09:31,450 --> 00:09:34,990 did I seemed to find his side fixing me 252 00:09:33,909 --> 00:09:36,279 with a glare 253 00:09:34,990 --> 00:09:38,049 let's see how well you deal with a 254 00:09:36,279 --> 00:09:41,889 couple of errands show yourself to be 255 00:09:38,049 --> 00:09:45,250 useful and we'll chat again I got well 256 00:09:41,889 --> 00:09:47,649 at least yet shopping yet and what do 257 00:09:45,250 --> 00:09:49,659 you need me to do I have a letter that 258 00:09:47,649 --> 00:09:52,600 needs to be delivered not far just 259 00:09:49,659 --> 00:09:54,009 yellow Hill Ridge 18 hours trot got a 260 00:09:52,600 --> 00:09:56,139 map you can download onto your pipbuck 261 00:09:54,009 --> 00:09:58,509 deliver it come right back we'll talk 262 00:09:56,139 --> 00:10:00,399 again as he pushed the sealed envelope 263 00:09:58,509 --> 00:10:01,840 across his desk to me I wondered if it 264 00:10:00,399 --> 00:10:04,539 said something like kill the pony 265 00:10:01,840 --> 00:10:05,379 carrying this letter oh and you'll need 266 00:10:04,539 --> 00:10:07,120 this leg bandit 267 00:10:05,379 --> 00:10:10,509 it'll let God ena know you're okay to 268 00:10:07,120 --> 00:10:13,120 pass through hoo I asked as ice lived on 269 00:10:10,509 --> 00:10:14,409 the leg man feigning ignorance the bitch 270 00:10:13,120 --> 00:10:16,360 of a Griffon he runs our welcoming 271 00:10:14,409 --> 00:10:17,679 committee honestly she's more trouble 272 00:10:16,360 --> 00:10:21,850 than she's worth but the boss seems to 273 00:10:17,679 --> 00:10:25,029 like her so she stays for now the boss I 274 00:10:21,850 --> 00:10:26,379 thought you were the boss den eyes 275 00:10:25,029 --> 00:10:29,529 clearly did not have the patience for 276 00:10:26,379 --> 00:10:31,230 questions that God did scramble if she 277 00:10:29,529 --> 00:10:33,549 talks again start pulling off her legs 278 00:10:31,230 --> 00:10:35,830 the grin on the brute two dead eyes left 279 00:10:33,549 --> 00:10:39,219 widened eagerly I left quickly and 280 00:10:35,830 --> 00:10:40,900 wordlessly I hadn't gotten very far 281 00:10:39,220 --> 00:10:43,180 before one of dead eyes guards came 282 00:10:40,899 --> 00:10:44,620 trotting out after me he motioned for 283 00:10:43,179 --> 00:10:45,989 another seemingly random shattered hoof 284 00:10:44,620 --> 00:10:48,129 Pony to flank me on the other side 285 00:10:45,990 --> 00:10:51,190 without words it was clear they were 286 00:10:48,129 --> 00:10:52,689 making sure I found my way out as we 287 00:10:51,190 --> 00:10:54,190 approached the small room where calamity 288 00:10:52,690 --> 00:10:55,860 was hiding I've lured it out as loudly 289 00:10:54,190 --> 00:10:59,470 as I could without sounding suspicious 290 00:10:55,860 --> 00:11:03,190 so escorting ponies out is that your 291 00:10:59,470 --> 00:11:05,440 official job the escort her outer shut 292 00:11:03,190 --> 00:11:08,050 up dead eyes guard said warningly the 293 00:11:05,440 --> 00:11:10,420 other replied easily actually no I'm 294 00:11:08,049 --> 00:11:15,029 just a rock breaker I raised an eyebrow 295 00:11:10,419 --> 00:11:18,240 a rock breaker so what's your story 296 00:11:15,029 --> 00:11:20,459 he seemed amiable enough slavers 297 00:11:18,240 --> 00:11:21,899 assaulted my family homestead brother 298 00:11:20,460 --> 00:11:24,690 and I fought back while my wife tried to 299 00:11:21,899 --> 00:11:26,250 hide our foals killed my brother took my 300 00:11:24,690 --> 00:11:29,160 lovely sugarplum and the foals and left 301 00:11:26,250 --> 00:11:31,710 me for dead as he spoke a cloud passed 302 00:11:29,159 --> 00:11:33,419 over his face his eyes narrowed and tone 303 00:11:31,710 --> 00:11:35,639 of sadness tinged with seething crept 304 00:11:33,419 --> 00:11:38,669 into each word crawled myself here for 305 00:11:35,639 --> 00:11:40,980 protection I'm not a raider don't do any 306 00:11:38,669 --> 00:11:44,759 of that shit just work the rocks and 307 00:11:40,980 --> 00:11:46,850 thank the goddesses for that and the 308 00:11:44,759 --> 00:11:50,059 fact I'm not alone out in the waist I 309 00:11:46,850 --> 00:11:52,139 nodded solemnly what else could I do 310 00:11:50,059 --> 00:11:53,519 and they have you quiet that followed I 311 00:11:52,139 --> 00:11:56,580 could hear the radio playing from some 312 00:11:53,519 --> 00:11:58,949 nearby room the music had stopped and DJ 313 00:11:56,580 --> 00:12:00,389 Pony was reporting the news been warning 314 00:11:58,950 --> 00:12:03,030 everypony for some time now to steer 315 00:12:00,389 --> 00:12:04,350 clear of Appaloosa well looks like the 316 00:12:03,029 --> 00:12:05,669 stable dweller either didn't get that 317 00:12:04,350 --> 00:12:07,769 messenger chose to ignore it 318 00:12:05,669 --> 00:12:09,419 I've got confirmed reports that little 319 00:12:07,769 --> 00:12:12,029 gal marched into Appaloosa Murat Hale on 320 00:12:09,419 --> 00:12:12,689 her hooves brood over a dozen slaves men 321 00:12:12,029 --> 00:12:14,759 even foals 322 00:12:12,690 --> 00:12:16,980 I'm happy report that they're safe and 323 00:12:14,759 --> 00:12:19,889 sound but there's a bitter note to this 324 00:12:16,980 --> 00:12:21,720 song a small army of slavers tried to 325 00:12:19,889 --> 00:12:23,460 take their captives back a heroine in 326 00:12:21,720 --> 00:12:25,769 the wasteland sacrificed herself make 327 00:12:23,460 --> 00:12:28,350 sure every pony got away safely this 328 00:12:25,769 --> 00:12:29,939 song goes out to you stable dweller my 329 00:12:28,350 --> 00:12:35,100 Celestia and Luna wrap you in their 330 00:12:29,940 --> 00:12:38,250 tales I stumbled missing a step my mind 331 00:12:35,100 --> 00:12:41,370 shocked by rapid realizations the radio 332 00:12:38,250 --> 00:12:42,690 was talking about me again the poor 333 00:12:41,370 --> 00:12:46,440 ponies I helped to freedom it made 334 00:12:42,690 --> 00:12:48,810 safely and I was dead well according to 335 00:12:46,440 --> 00:12:50,100 the radio somepony must have assumed I 336 00:12:48,809 --> 00:12:52,739 had died in the train crash 337 00:12:50,100 --> 00:12:56,040 either that or somepony who knew better 338 00:12:52,740 --> 00:12:58,409 lied I wanted to stop go back and hear 339 00:12:56,039 --> 00:12:59,699 the rest of it to kick or shout the 340 00:12:58,409 --> 00:13:01,649 radio to somehow make it repeat 341 00:12:59,700 --> 00:13:04,230 everything from the beginning keep 342 00:13:01,649 --> 00:13:06,569 moving dead eyes guard barked as I fill 343 00:13:04,230 --> 00:13:09,389 momentarily behind I tried it fast and 344 00:13:06,570 --> 00:13:11,570 pull myself back between them looking at 345 00:13:09,389 --> 00:13:16,230 the guard I asked him this time and 346 00:13:11,570 --> 00:13:17,610 what's your story with a glare one my 347 00:13:16,230 --> 00:13:20,300 place here in the annual stomp an 348 00:13:17,610 --> 00:13:23,629 annoying unicorn to death competition 349 00:13:20,299 --> 00:13:25,069 back to being quiet it was then we were 350 00:13:23,629 --> 00:13:26,539 taking a slightly different and more 351 00:13:25,070 --> 00:13:28,670 direct path back to the art than the one 352 00:13:26,539 --> 00:13:30,019 calamity I and used the hall we were 353 00:13:28,669 --> 00:13:31,879 passing by now at several doorways 354 00:13:30,019 --> 00:13:34,309 opening to a combination of amphitheater 355 00:13:31,879 --> 00:13:35,929 mess hall there was an old stage in the 356 00:13:34,309 --> 00:13:37,609 back with tattered and defiled curtains 357 00:13:35,929 --> 00:13:38,719 which I imagined Sweetie Belle the mayor 358 00:13:37,610 --> 00:13:41,300 who would become stable whose first 359 00:13:38,720 --> 00:13:42,889 overmare performed on the room was 360 00:13:41,299 --> 00:13:44,569 crowded haphazardly with tables and 361 00:13:42,889 --> 00:13:46,519 benches and several dozen Raider ponies 362 00:13:44,570 --> 00:13:48,170 scarfing a pale stew the odor of which 363 00:13:46,519 --> 00:13:50,000 was mixing unpleasantly with the stench 364 00:13:48,169 --> 00:13:52,879 of unbathed ponies and an under scent of 365 00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:57,200 dry rot I kicked on the next log in my 366 00:13:52,879 --> 00:13:59,269 pipbuck distract me I wasn't fast enough 367 00:13:57,200 --> 00:14:01,459 I should have known better 368 00:13:59,269 --> 00:14:03,230 I wonder the rest of the staff fled so 369 00:14:01,458 --> 00:14:04,819 quickly I should have known that 370 00:14:03,230 --> 00:14:06,170 shattered hoof would go into lockdown as 371 00:14:04,820 --> 00:14:08,450 soon as the mainframe realized we were 372 00:14:06,169 --> 00:14:10,909 cut off from the outside assisted 373 00:14:08,450 --> 00:14:12,440 jailbreak prevention protocols by the 374 00:14:10,909 --> 00:14:14,269 time we made my decision released the 375 00:14:12,440 --> 00:14:17,180 guests from their cells who were already 376 00:14:14,269 --> 00:14:19,189 all trapped inside I know how the weaker 377 00:14:17,179 --> 00:14:20,509 ones fare I can only imagine what 378 00:14:19,190 --> 00:14:21,709 they'll do to me when they find a member 379 00:14:20,509 --> 00:14:24,169 of the staff that got locked in with 380 00:14:21,708 --> 00:14:25,489 them took the food from the guardhouse 381 00:14:24,169 --> 00:14:29,120 fridge and locked myself into this 382 00:14:25,490 --> 00:14:30,620 bathroom like several other doors - with 383 00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:32,570 luck they'll think it's normal for this 384 00:14:30,620 --> 00:14:34,310 door to be locked as well because if 385 00:14:32,570 --> 00:14:37,640 they really try to break it down I'm 386 00:14:34,309 --> 00:14:40,099 sure they can we've got maybe three days 387 00:14:37,639 --> 00:14:42,620 worth of food plenty of water a little 388 00:14:40,100 --> 00:14:43,879 bit of Medicine I only hope it'll last 389 00:14:42,620 --> 00:14:46,190 me long enough for them to find a way 390 00:14:43,879 --> 00:14:47,419 out of shattered hoof my only chance is 391 00:14:46,190 --> 00:14:50,930 if they leave before they realize I'm 392 00:14:47,419 --> 00:14:52,578 here as we exited into the yard the 393 00:14:50,929 --> 00:14:55,849 guard turned to me pushing me up against 394 00:14:52,578 --> 00:14:58,458 the wall you want to know my story he 395 00:14:55,850 --> 00:15:00,019 growled I'll tell you I was a merchant 396 00:14:58,458 --> 00:15:02,000 on a caravan that God's towns were 397 00:15:00,019 --> 00:15:03,500 supposed to be guarding so I'm tried to 398 00:15:02,000 --> 00:15:05,720 buck us over his slavers and saw her 399 00:15:03,500 --> 00:15:08,149 take them down so how'd I get here 400 00:15:05,720 --> 00:15:11,509 she flew me in just like we all know she 401 00:15:08,149 --> 00:15:12,860 flew you in my ears tilted could feel 402 00:15:11,509 --> 00:15:14,899 the Stonewall grinding against my 403 00:15:12,860 --> 00:15:17,060 backside I used to be one of those 404 00:15:14,899 --> 00:15:18,259 ponies out there following gone they 405 00:15:17,059 --> 00:15:20,088 don't become a good merchant if you 406 00:15:18,259 --> 00:15:21,789 can't read changes in the market so I 407 00:15:20,089 --> 00:15:24,140 made my allegiances with dead eyes 408 00:15:21,789 --> 00:15:26,449 merchants turned guard informed me his 409 00:15:24,139 --> 00:15:28,819 voice rumbling with warning God's headed 410 00:15:26,450 --> 00:15:30,140 for the chopping block and trust me you 411 00:15:28,820 --> 00:15:32,000 don't want to be standing on the wrong 412 00:15:30,139 --> 00:15:34,620 side when the ax comes 413 00:15:32,000 --> 00:15:38,250 the two then turned for me the other one 414 00:15:34,620 --> 00:15:39,720 chuckling you go teleport out now it 415 00:15:38,250 --> 00:15:41,879 left me in the rock yard locking the 416 00:15:39,720 --> 00:15:43,649 door behind them looking around the yard 417 00:15:41,879 --> 00:15:45,059 I realized that any structure designed 418 00:15:43,649 --> 00:15:46,559 to hold ponies prisoner would to have 419 00:15:45,059 --> 00:15:49,019 war to prevent unicorns from just 420 00:15:46,559 --> 00:15:51,379 teleporting out it was a rare magical 421 00:15:49,019 --> 00:15:53,250 ability but one they would anticipate I 422 00:15:51,379 --> 00:15:54,779 moved over to where the mattress cover 423 00:15:53,250 --> 00:15:56,370 had been thrown it hid myself 424 00:15:54,779 --> 00:15:59,279 clicking another audio log on as I 425 00:15:56,370 --> 00:16:01,289 waited for calamity voice was soft 426 00:15:59,279 --> 00:16:04,079 nearly drowned out by the sounds of 427 00:16:01,289 --> 00:16:08,909 heated argument in the background out of 428 00:16:04,080 --> 00:16:10,740 food made what I had stretch I think no 429 00:16:08,909 --> 00:16:13,139 real way to tell time in here but I 430 00:16:10,740 --> 00:16:16,590 think it's been a week at least four 431 00:16:13,139 --> 00:16:17,340 days after the food was gone I rated the 432 00:16:16,590 --> 00:16:20,009 garbage can 433 00:16:17,340 --> 00:16:23,460 some old apple cores they were brown 434 00:16:20,009 --> 00:16:25,710 mushy and tasted horrid the guests 435 00:16:23,460 --> 00:16:27,180 outside are doing much worse there was 436 00:16:25,710 --> 00:16:29,340 less than two days food in the pantry 437 00:16:27,179 --> 00:16:34,579 who went into lockdown now they're 438 00:16:29,340 --> 00:16:36,450 starving I I can hear them outside 439 00:16:34,580 --> 00:16:39,900 arguing about who they're going to eat 440 00:16:36,450 --> 00:16:43,560 first oh no no no no no they can't 441 00:16:39,899 --> 00:16:45,240 that's just beyond horrific the ponies 442 00:16:43,559 --> 00:16:47,339 voice was cut off by a muffled scream 443 00:16:45,240 --> 00:16:48,659 the chaos in the background heightened 444 00:16:47,340 --> 00:16:53,190 and I can clearly make out a pony 445 00:16:48,659 --> 00:16:56,389 shouting Carver up no oh no no no no no 446 00:16:53,190 --> 00:17:00,690 don't make me hear this Celestia Luna 447 00:16:56,389 --> 00:17:02,370 please I can't hear this night hog 448 00:17:00,690 --> 00:17:04,980 doesn't as darkness as calamity carried 449 00:17:02,370 --> 00:17:06,299 me towards the yellow Vale Ridge and now 450 00:17:04,980 --> 00:17:08,970 why have we helping this dead eyes 451 00:17:06,299 --> 00:17:11,279 fellow again still trying to get a 452 00:17:08,970 --> 00:17:15,660 chance at that safe for God remember 453 00:17:11,279 --> 00:17:16,910 velvet yep he said dourly we flew in 454 00:17:15,660 --> 00:17:19,170 silence a few more minutes before 455 00:17:16,910 --> 00:17:20,730 where's this place supposed to be again 456 00:17:19,170 --> 00:17:21,000 I can't see a damn thing out here 457 00:17:20,730 --> 00:17:23,640 tonight 458 00:17:21,000 --> 00:17:25,529 I had the location marked on my pipbuck 459 00:17:23,640 --> 00:17:27,600 sought of map but I hesitated to lift my 460 00:17:25,529 --> 00:17:29,309 leg and look shifting myself around by 461 00:17:27,599 --> 00:17:32,099 being carried by a flying Pegasus seemed 462 00:17:29,309 --> 00:17:34,619 unwise instead I brought up my eyes 463 00:17:32,099 --> 00:17:37,019 forward sparkle to check the compass 464 00:17:34,619 --> 00:17:38,219 nothing ether I'd forgot to set the 465 00:17:37,019 --> 00:17:40,160 compass to keep drag of yellow Hill 466 00:17:38,220 --> 00:17:43,799 Ridge or we were off course 467 00:17:40,160 --> 00:17:45,180 dagnabbit who was shot claim he banked 468 00:17:43,799 --> 00:17:47,250 the cool night wind cutting through my 469 00:17:45,180 --> 00:17:49,558 coat in Maine the term brought a number 470 00:17:47,250 --> 00:17:51,180 of flickering lights into view this is 471 00:17:49,558 --> 00:17:54,379 what we're looking for looks a whole 472 00:17:51,180 --> 00:17:56,400 mess of campus to me I checked my EFS 473 00:17:54,380 --> 00:17:57,630 now I could see the marker 474 00:17:56,400 --> 00:18:00,570 it was pulsing the very edge of my 475 00:17:57,630 --> 00:18:03,450 compass no we're still of course it's 476 00:18:00,569 --> 00:18:06,089 back that way claimed we didn't turn a 477 00:18:03,450 --> 00:18:09,029 hold on hush I want to see what this is 478 00:18:06,089 --> 00:18:11,730 then he swooped a little lower aiming to 479 00:18:09,029 --> 00:18:13,470 fly pass above the lights as we neared I 480 00:18:11,730 --> 00:18:16,230 too could make out a mass of tents cook 481 00:18:13,470 --> 00:18:19,558 pots and ponies and as we drew closer 482 00:18:16,230 --> 00:18:21,210 banners red and black a stylized white 483 00:18:19,558 --> 00:18:23,759 eye with a crimson iris dominating the 484 00:18:21,210 --> 00:18:25,950 center the ponies down there were armed 485 00:18:23,759 --> 00:18:28,109 there were a lot of them I spotted two 486 00:18:25,950 --> 00:18:29,640 Griffin's amongst them Talon mercenaries 487 00:18:28,109 --> 00:18:31,308 buy their armor but wearing neck bands 488 00:18:29,640 --> 00:18:34,290 of red and black with the distinctive I 489 00:18:31,308 --> 00:18:36,599 clearly not gods talons different 490 00:18:34,289 --> 00:18:39,869 company towards the back of the camp I 491 00:18:36,599 --> 00:18:41,730 spotted the rows of slaver widens clammy 492 00:18:39,869 --> 00:18:42,928 beat his wings grunting softly in pain 493 00:18:41,730 --> 00:18:44,730 as he pulled was hired to the darkness 494 00:18:42,929 --> 00:18:47,250 hopefully before any of those below had 495 00:18:44,730 --> 00:18:50,429 taken a glance up laying this a barrel 496 00:18:47,250 --> 00:18:53,730 of bad apples calamity I whispered not 497 00:18:50,429 --> 00:18:54,990 able to unhear that grunt your Wayne I'm 498 00:18:53,730 --> 00:19:00,150 fine 499 00:18:54,990 --> 00:19:02,130 hush now we continued to fly I was now 500 00:19:00,150 --> 00:19:04,140 keeping a closer eye on my EFS compass 501 00:19:02,130 --> 00:19:06,090 yellow Hill Ridge was a quarter mile 502 00:19:04,140 --> 00:19:07,710 back towards shatter tough with just 503 00:19:06,089 --> 00:19:09,058 enough hills between us to have ensured 504 00:19:07,710 --> 00:19:11,670 that we wouldn't have spotted the camp 505 00:19:09,058 --> 00:19:13,139 and we come straight to it this time I 506 00:19:11,670 --> 00:19:15,750 spotted the tiny speck of the waiting 507 00:19:13,140 --> 00:19:17,250 couriers Lantern I suggested to calamity 508 00:19:15,750 --> 00:19:19,670 that we fly past and let me draw up a 509 00:19:17,250 --> 00:19:21,690 lone coming from the expected direction 510 00:19:19,670 --> 00:19:24,240 dead eyes clumped his hooves together 511 00:19:21,690 --> 00:19:27,269 reading me I had mentioned nothing of 512 00:19:24,240 --> 00:19:29,700 the red ice labour army good work he 513 00:19:27,269 --> 00:19:32,069 said finally go get yourself some rest 514 00:19:29,700 --> 00:19:33,330 you look like a Griffins play toy come 515 00:19:32,069 --> 00:19:35,819 back tomorrow I'll have one more job for 516 00:19:33,329 --> 00:19:39,179 you do that you're in 517 00:19:35,819 --> 00:19:41,399 with that he waved me off this time to 518 00:19:39,180 --> 00:19:43,529 my surprise no pony jumped to escort me 519 00:19:41,400 --> 00:19:45,150 I was only a few yards down the hall 520 00:19:43,529 --> 00:19:46,349 when did eyes come in to buy all of his 521 00:19:45,150 --> 00:19:48,080 guard has simply walked out of his 522 00:19:46,349 --> 00:19:50,399 office leaving the door open behind them 523 00:19:48,079 --> 00:19:53,909 they turned moving off in a different 524 00:19:50,400 --> 00:19:57,710 direction I stopped the safe was 525 00:19:53,910 --> 00:20:01,340 unguarded this was almost too easy 526 00:19:57,710 --> 00:20:04,559 no it was definitely too easy I 527 00:20:01,339 --> 00:20:07,049 activated the stealth buck the safe was 528 00:20:04,559 --> 00:20:09,480 tricky but within my range of skill it 529 00:20:07,049 --> 00:20:12,509 popped open with a snap the only thing 530 00:20:09,480 --> 00:20:14,279 inside was a ledger I slipped the legend 531 00:20:12,509 --> 00:20:15,569 my saddlebag was just snapping the safe 532 00:20:14,279 --> 00:20:18,389 shot when dead eyes and his entourage 533 00:20:15,569 --> 00:20:19,769 returned looking around if it hadn't 534 00:20:18,390 --> 00:20:22,110 been for the spell they would have seen 535 00:20:19,769 --> 00:20:23,490 me dead eyes began to trot around the 536 00:20:22,109 --> 00:20:25,139 back of his desk from the right his 537 00:20:23,490 --> 00:20:27,870 brutish bodyguard circling from the left 538 00:20:25,140 --> 00:20:29,850 trapping me it didn't matter that they 539 00:20:27,869 --> 00:20:32,459 couldn't see me the slightest bump would 540 00:20:29,849 --> 00:20:34,289 let them know that I was here as they 541 00:20:32,460 --> 00:20:37,470 drew close I scrambled up to the desk 542 00:20:34,289 --> 00:20:38,970 itself the two other guards one of them 543 00:20:37,470 --> 00:20:41,880 the ex merchants took their positions by 544 00:20:38,970 --> 00:20:43,470 the door I turned on the desk crouching 545 00:20:41,880 --> 00:20:46,190 and prepared to crawl down now between 546 00:20:43,470 --> 00:20:50,039 them one of them shut the door 547 00:20:46,190 --> 00:20:52,380 Luna fucked me with the moon I turned 548 00:20:50,039 --> 00:20:55,589 slowly dead eyes had stopped and was 549 00:20:52,380 --> 00:20:58,170 staring it is safe think she took it the 550 00:20:55,589 --> 00:21:00,750 former version asked my heart sank in my 551 00:20:58,170 --> 00:21:02,940 stomach oh I think our little Spy did 552 00:21:00,750 --> 00:21:05,759 whatever God Deanna wants her to do that 553 00:21:02,940 --> 00:21:08,480 I smiled all the better let the Griffon 554 00:21:05,759 --> 00:21:11,309 cook herself he turned to his guards 555 00:21:08,480 --> 00:21:12,509 best prepare the others red eyes forces 556 00:21:11,309 --> 00:21:14,819 her set the raid shattered hoof the 557 00:21:12,509 --> 00:21:15,990 sunrise after tomorrow we want to make 558 00:21:14,819 --> 00:21:19,529 sure they have no trouble getting in 559 00:21:15,990 --> 00:21:22,710 it's time to meet the big man himself my 560 00:21:19,529 --> 00:21:25,259 mind reeled dead eyes was making deals 561 00:21:22,710 --> 00:21:26,759 with the slavers he was going to let red 562 00:21:25,259 --> 00:21:27,900 eyes forces come in and capture the 563 00:21:26,759 --> 00:21:30,480 ponies he was supposed to be protecting 564 00:21:27,900 --> 00:21:32,340 here the treachery mirrored the betrayal 565 00:21:30,480 --> 00:21:35,490 of God's talents but on a much larger 566 00:21:32,339 --> 00:21:37,259 scale dead I strode behind his desk and 567 00:21:35,490 --> 00:21:38,970 clop his hooves down on forcing me to 568 00:21:37,259 --> 00:21:41,069 lift one of mine to avoid being touched 569 00:21:38,970 --> 00:21:43,230 it feels sweat break out across my 570 00:21:41,069 --> 00:21:45,210 forehead as I balanced silently 571 00:21:43,230 --> 00:21:46,788 did I was leaned forward to grab his 572 00:21:45,210 --> 00:21:49,139 copy of applied gemstones in his teeth 573 00:21:46,788 --> 00:21:51,599 with a fright I realized I was standing 574 00:21:49,138 --> 00:21:54,148 on it I lifted my hind Lake away with 575 00:21:51,599 --> 00:21:56,369 just barely enough time now my balance 576 00:21:54,148 --> 00:21:57,959 was much more strenuous my whole body 577 00:21:56,369 --> 00:22:00,028 was a key from a sleep deprivation 578 00:21:57,960 --> 00:22:01,880 I searched frantically for a place to 579 00:22:00,028 --> 00:22:04,769 put one of my raised hopes before I fell 580 00:22:01,880 --> 00:22:06,059 the door banged open I toppled it onto 581 00:22:04,769 --> 00:22:08,638 the floor with a thud as a pair of earth 582 00:22:06,058 --> 00:22:10,788 ponies burst in dead eyes jumped back 583 00:22:08,638 --> 00:22:12,808 startled his book dropping to the floor 584 00:22:10,788 --> 00:22:15,269 sorry sorry to interrupt but we've got 585 00:22:12,808 --> 00:22:18,178 an intruder did I stare at the two 586 00:22:15,269 --> 00:22:21,298 ponies little unicorn girl about this I 587 00:22:18,179 --> 00:22:25,860 yes casually raising yourself no sir 588 00:22:21,298 --> 00:22:27,298 this one's a Pegasus with the moon my 589 00:22:25,859 --> 00:22:29,519 pipbuck alerted me that my invisibility 590 00:22:27,298 --> 00:22:31,679 spell was about to wear off I didn't 591 00:22:29,519 --> 00:22:33,298 have a choice I lodged my hooves and 592 00:22:31,679 --> 00:22:35,159 scared it around the ponies barely 593 00:22:33,298 --> 00:22:38,158 slipping between them then dashed out 594 00:22:35,159 --> 00:22:39,659 through the open door I galloped to the 595 00:22:38,159 --> 00:22:41,880 meeting spot as fast as my weary legs 596 00:22:39,659 --> 00:22:44,070 could take me calamity was waiting for 597 00:22:41,880 --> 00:22:45,690 me hidden under the mattress cover no 598 00:22:44,069 --> 00:22:48,509 need for that now they spotted you got 599 00:22:45,690 --> 00:22:50,730 the ledger let's go we were airborne in 600 00:22:48,509 --> 00:22:53,579 moments I could tell how tired calamity 601 00:22:50,730 --> 00:22:54,839 was we kept dipping in the air I went to 602 00:22:53,579 --> 00:22:57,928 the workout we were giving his mending 603 00:22:54,839 --> 00:23:00,839 wing we get back to God and we sleep no 604 00:22:57,929 --> 00:23:02,820 matter what else we have to sleep he 605 00:23:00,839 --> 00:23:05,720 hadn't complained but katella's wing was 606 00:23:02,819 --> 00:23:07,829 killing him I played another audio log 607 00:23:05,720 --> 00:23:09,929 this time the mare was no longer 608 00:23:07,829 --> 00:23:13,138 whispering but I could still barely hear 609 00:23:09,929 --> 00:23:16,620 her over a thundering racket damn it 610 00:23:13,138 --> 00:23:17,699 they know I'm in here I woke up for my 611 00:23:16,619 --> 00:23:18,898 nightmare with such a start that I 612 00:23:17,700 --> 00:23:20,909 kicked over the garbage can and they 613 00:23:18,898 --> 00:23:24,119 heard it they'll break through the door 614 00:23:20,909 --> 00:23:25,559 soon I could hear one of the ponies on 615 00:23:24,119 --> 00:23:28,349 the other side of the bathroom door call 616 00:23:25,558 --> 00:23:29,548 it abysmally profane promises 617 00:23:28,349 --> 00:23:32,730 I don't have to guess what they'll do to 618 00:23:29,548 --> 00:23:35,579 me anymore they want me to know but I'm 619 00:23:32,730 --> 00:23:37,110 not going to let them go figure 620 00:23:35,579 --> 00:23:39,629 this crappy little gun is gonna save me 621 00:23:37,109 --> 00:23:42,149 after all he's the handle shatter the 622 00:23:39,630 --> 00:23:42,690 mirror this is gonna hurt but if I do it 623 00:23:42,150 --> 00:23:45,990 quickly 624 00:23:42,690 --> 00:23:49,440 won't hurt for long there was one audio 625 00:23:45,990 --> 00:23:52,500 log left Junction r7 swam into view 626 00:23:49,440 --> 00:23:54,259 through the darkness exhausted clam leer 627 00:23:52,500 --> 00:23:56,460 Otteson for a slightly rough landing 628 00:23:54,259 --> 00:23:59,038 ponies pointed glowing magical energy 629 00:23:56,460 --> 00:24:01,650 weapons at us from all directions God 630 00:23:59,038 --> 00:24:03,808 stepped forward welcome back I was 631 00:24:01,650 --> 00:24:07,110 beginning to worry about you too she 632 00:24:03,808 --> 00:24:11,129 looked us over got the ledger I nodded 633 00:24:07,109 --> 00:24:13,558 shakily yes but before you look at I 634 00:24:11,130 --> 00:24:16,820 want to look at it and there's something 635 00:24:13,558 --> 00:24:21,480 you should know God raised an eyebrow oh 636 00:24:16,819 --> 00:24:23,308 she asked appraisingly dead eyes nose he 637 00:24:21,480 --> 00:24:24,480 pretty much let me steal it I overheard 638 00:24:23,308 --> 00:24:28,158 him saying something about letting you 639 00:24:24,480 --> 00:24:31,620 cook yourself God sat back regarding me 640 00:24:28,159 --> 00:24:35,010 finally I'm impressed you didn't have to 641 00:24:31,619 --> 00:24:37,609 tell me that then with an arrow look so 642 00:24:35,009 --> 00:24:41,788 why did you what's in it for you i 643 00:24:37,609 --> 00:24:44,009 swayed on my hopes there's more but I'll 644 00:24:41,788 --> 00:24:47,220 only tell you that after my friends and 645 00:24:44,009 --> 00:24:48,349 I get some sleep here under the safety 646 00:24:47,220 --> 00:24:51,029 of your protection 647 00:24:48,349 --> 00:24:53,419 God's beak broke into a grin the scar 648 00:24:51,029 --> 00:24:55,599 twisting it on one side 649 00:24:53,420 --> 00:24:58,070 alright you've got yourself a bargain 650 00:24:55,599 --> 00:25:01,789 pointedly but while you sleep 651 00:24:58,069 --> 00:25:05,000 I want that ledger I nodded what I won't 652 00:25:01,789 --> 00:25:07,339 out it won't take long God guided us 653 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:09,230 back towards on the cattle cars as I 654 00:25:07,339 --> 00:25:11,029 stepped a hoof inside I felt a rush of 655 00:25:09,230 --> 00:25:13,519 relief you see velvet remedy curled on a 656 00:25:11,029 --> 00:25:15,259 bed of slightly moldy hay she was 657 00:25:13,519 --> 00:25:16,789 talking softly with another Pony as she 658 00:25:15,259 --> 00:25:18,319 watched over a third whose hind leg was 659 00:25:16,789 --> 00:25:20,440 wrapped in what I had to assume was some 660 00:25:18,319 --> 00:25:22,519 of our precious reining bandages I 661 00:25:20,440 --> 00:25:25,400 wondered how many medical supplies we 662 00:25:22,519 --> 00:25:26,809 had left they found he fell for em he 663 00:25:25,400 --> 00:25:29,600 jumped at our return giving us a weak 664 00:25:26,809 --> 00:25:32,809 but bright smile what did you two do 665 00:25:29,599 --> 00:25:36,199 take the scenic route hit something like 666 00:25:32,809 --> 00:25:38,450 that clamored responded and what did I 667 00:25:36,200 --> 00:25:39,950 say about this wing valve already pushed 668 00:25:38,450 --> 00:25:41,090 calamity towards the corner of the train 669 00:25:39,950 --> 00:25:43,610 car that had clearly become her 670 00:25:41,089 --> 00:25:47,059 impromptu clinic let me take a look at 671 00:25:43,609 --> 00:25:48,469 it and change those bandages shaking my 672 00:25:47,059 --> 00:25:51,440 head in a combination of adoration 673 00:25:48,470 --> 00:25:53,029 despair and followed behind her I was 674 00:25:51,440 --> 00:25:55,549 too tired to even appreciate how nice a 675 00:25:53,029 --> 00:25:57,440 tail side she had finding wood of hay 676 00:25:55,549 --> 00:25:58,579 that looked filthy with soft I curled 677 00:25:57,440 --> 00:26:00,320 down and levitated out the ledger 678 00:25:58,579 --> 00:26:03,049 flipping through I found entries going 679 00:26:00,319 --> 00:26:05,480 back many many years the newest ones I 680 00:26:03,049 --> 00:26:07,549 felt were suspect whatever dead eyes was 681 00:26:05,480 --> 00:26:09,740 up to I rather expected he had doctored 682 00:26:07,549 --> 00:26:11,389 the ledger as part of it but the older 683 00:26:09,740 --> 00:26:13,460 entries faded as they were couldn't have 684 00:26:11,390 --> 00:26:16,100 been altered without being obvious at 685 00:26:13,460 --> 00:26:17,630 least not by an earth pony I found 686 00:26:16,099 --> 00:26:20,240 myself wondering what if forgery cutie 687 00:26:17,630 --> 00:26:23,210 mark would look like it was easy to find 688 00:26:20,240 --> 00:26:24,470 entry I was looking for some of the 689 00:26:23,210 --> 00:26:26,329 nearby farmers had began to put up a 690 00:26:24,470 --> 00:26:27,470 resistance armed themselves from that 691 00:26:26,329 --> 00:26:29,750 merchants Caravan that passed through 692 00:26:27,470 --> 00:26:31,400 last month one of them took a few shots 693 00:26:29,750 --> 00:26:34,099 the Raider party i dispatched the east 694 00:26:31,400 --> 00:26:36,410 side mister topaz doesn't care just 695 00:26:34,099 --> 00:26:37,879 wants the rocks to keep coming so i 696 00:26:36,410 --> 00:26:39,590 think it's time we reminded the rock 697 00:26:37,880 --> 00:26:41,990 farmers just why they'd have to do what 698 00:26:39,589 --> 00:26:43,279 we say tomorrow I'm sending some of the 699 00:26:41,990 --> 00:26:45,259 boys up to the bell farm making an 700 00:26:43,279 --> 00:26:46,700 example told them to make it real 701 00:26:45,259 --> 00:26:48,700 graphic so the rest of these ponies 702 00:26:46,700 --> 00:26:51,110 don't have any room to misinterpret I 703 00:26:48,700 --> 00:26:52,430 slammed the book closed to the far more 704 00:26:51,109 --> 00:26:54,769 telekinetic force than I thought I had 705 00:26:52,430 --> 00:26:57,279 left in me the ledger went flying across 706 00:26:54,769 --> 00:27:00,069 the cattle car bouncing off the far wall 707 00:26:57,279 --> 00:27:01,450 now I didn't want to sleep now I wanted 708 00:27:00,069 --> 00:27:03,069 to march back in there stuffed little 709 00:27:01,450 --> 00:27:06,640 Macintosh down dead ice throat and 710 00:27:03,069 --> 00:27:08,349 opened fire instead I got up and fetched 711 00:27:06,640 --> 00:27:13,360 the ledger walked out to have a talk 712 00:27:08,349 --> 00:27:15,129 with God so what now God looked up from 713 00:27:13,359 --> 00:27:20,048 the ledger gazing at me from across her 714 00:27:15,130 --> 00:27:22,210 desk now now you get some sleep tomorrow 715 00:27:20,048 --> 00:27:24,369 we chat a bit over breakfast then you're 716 00:27:22,210 --> 00:27:25,538 free to go by then all the Border 717 00:27:24,369 --> 00:27:27,869 Patrol's and outposts will know I've 718 00:27:25,538 --> 00:27:30,190 said you're free to pass you did the job 719 00:27:27,869 --> 00:27:33,279 verbal contract is still a contract and 720 00:27:30,190 --> 00:27:35,590 I don't renege go in front slightly too 721 00:27:33,279 --> 00:27:39,428 bad too we could really use a skilled 722 00:27:35,589 --> 00:27:42,069 Medicare I let that sink in still not 723 00:27:39,429 --> 00:27:45,490 really what I was looking for how about 724 00:27:42,069 --> 00:27:49,689 you what about me I pointed the hook for 725 00:27:45,490 --> 00:27:52,298 the ledger what do you do now God huffed 726 00:27:49,690 --> 00:27:54,038 then drew herself up mister topaz 727 00:27:52,298 --> 00:27:56,319 contracted me protect shattered oaf and 728 00:27:54,038 --> 00:27:57,970 its ponies from any threats ain't hard 729 00:27:56,319 --> 00:28:00,279 to argue that dead eyes become just such 730 00:27:57,970 --> 00:28:03,460 a threat she jabbed the ledger with the 731 00:28:00,279 --> 00:28:04,808 Talon I can't ignore this I knew dead 732 00:28:03,460 --> 00:28:07,600 eyes was up to something Shady but this 733 00:28:04,808 --> 00:28:10,329 is beyond the pale a little too on the 734 00:28:07,599 --> 00:28:11,829 nose part of me thought almost like dead 735 00:28:10,329 --> 00:28:13,960 eyes treachery was custom-tailored to 736 00:28:11,829 --> 00:28:17,589 get under God's feathers I told her as 737 00:28:13,960 --> 00:28:20,579 much she laughed now better but still he 738 00:28:17,589 --> 00:28:22,808 would laugh I think I don't see that I 739 00:28:20,579 --> 00:28:25,259 can guess what she must be planning and 740 00:28:22,808 --> 00:28:27,399 another question surfaced in my brain 741 00:28:25,259 --> 00:28:30,480 what would you do with this place if you 742 00:28:27,400 --> 00:28:34,440 were in charge she gave me a look 743 00:28:30,480 --> 00:28:38,150 shattered oh if I mean what would you do 744 00:28:34,440 --> 00:28:40,820 slowly evenly she in toned 745 00:28:38,150 --> 00:28:42,740 I'm not in charge I'm not going to be 746 00:28:40,819 --> 00:28:44,779 even with that I was gone 747 00:28:42,740 --> 00:28:47,829 mr. toe past runs this joint and I'm 748 00:28:44,779 --> 00:28:52,190 still contracted to him right I thought 749 00:28:47,829 --> 00:28:53,389 but what if you weren't velvet remedy 750 00:28:52,190 --> 00:28:56,330 approached me as I returned to the 751 00:28:53,390 --> 00:28:57,940 cattle car I was so tired but my heart 752 00:28:56,329 --> 00:29:00,289 still flooded a little at her approach 753 00:28:57,940 --> 00:29:03,410 so is this Griffon actually letting us 754 00:29:00,289 --> 00:29:06,079 go I nodded velvet remedy looked 755 00:29:03,410 --> 00:29:09,350 surprised more than relieved we get to 756 00:29:06,079 --> 00:29:10,639 spend the night we need sleep I would 757 00:29:09,349 --> 00:29:11,899 insist calamity has done more damage 758 00:29:10,640 --> 00:29:13,940 with his wing with all that flying 759 00:29:11,900 --> 00:29:17,420 around he needs time to heal 760 00:29:13,940 --> 00:29:18,680 I winced painfully velvet remedy 761 00:29:17,420 --> 00:29:20,360 switched topics with what my 762 00:29:18,680 --> 00:29:24,230 sleep-deprived mind insisted was a 763 00:29:20,359 --> 00:29:25,699 jarring abruptness little pip I had the 764 00:29:24,230 --> 00:29:28,220 most interesting conversation while you 765 00:29:25,700 --> 00:29:31,789 and calamity were out stealing I sighed 766 00:29:28,220 --> 00:29:33,890 weakly I wasn't really up for this see 767 00:29:31,789 --> 00:29:35,329 that buck over there she asked pointing 768 00:29:33,890 --> 00:29:36,320 hoof towards a dark shape that I assumed 769 00:29:35,329 --> 00:29:40,159 was a sleeping pony 770 00:29:36,319 --> 00:29:41,569 his name's preacher I nodded vaguely 771 00:29:40,160 --> 00:29:44,750 recalling God saying something about a 772 00:29:41,569 --> 00:29:46,039 preacher he says he came here to spread 773 00:29:44,750 --> 00:29:48,700 the word of the goddess out from under 774 00:29:46,039 --> 00:29:52,369 the hoof of red-eye my ears perked 775 00:29:48,700 --> 00:29:55,220 velvet remedy had my full attention the 776 00:29:52,369 --> 00:29:56,389 word of the goddess I asked the way she 777 00:29:55,220 --> 00:29:59,120 spoke made it clear that she wasn't 778 00:29:56,390 --> 00:30:01,790 talking about Celestia or Luna Belva 779 00:29:59,119 --> 00:30:03,199 remedy nodded he claims this goddess of 780 00:30:01,789 --> 00:30:05,869 his has been speaking to him in dreams 781 00:30:03,200 --> 00:30:07,700 since he was a tiny Colt her tone 782 00:30:05,869 --> 00:30:10,879 suggested her prognosis didn't involve 783 00:30:07,700 --> 00:30:12,980 the divine I wasn't ready to dismiss it 784 00:30:10,880 --> 00:30:16,130 so quickly though looking sternly 785 00:30:12,980 --> 00:30:19,480 developed it I whispered back he might 786 00:30:16,130 --> 00:30:21,560 be right her eyes widened disbelief 787 00:30:19,480 --> 00:30:24,289 before she could even open her muzzle to 788 00:30:21,559 --> 00:30:25,579 mock I elaborated ever wonder how the 789 00:30:24,289 --> 00:30:27,500 slavers got ahead of our train like that 790 00:30:25,579 --> 00:30:31,069 I've been wondering if there might be 791 00:30:27,500 --> 00:30:32,380 some sort of telepathic magic involved 792 00:30:31,069 --> 00:30:34,240 somehow 793 00:30:32,380 --> 00:30:36,910 I felt a sudden urge to travel to a 794 00:30:34,240 --> 00:30:38,410 tenpony tower and talk to DJ pony he 795 00:30:36,910 --> 00:30:41,019 seemed to have an incredibly good if 796 00:30:38,410 --> 00:30:42,370 imperfect network of informants or 797 00:30:41,019 --> 00:30:43,660 possibly some sort of magic or 798 00:30:42,369 --> 00:30:44,229 technology it was giving him the lay of 799 00:30:43,660 --> 00:30:47,110 the land 800 00:30:44,230 --> 00:30:49,480 I wanted to trade information find out 801 00:30:47,109 --> 00:30:51,099 what he knew there was a puzzle here I 802 00:30:49,480 --> 00:30:53,470 was still several pieces short of seeing 803 00:30:51,099 --> 00:30:57,699 the picture if anypony had those pieces 804 00:30:53,470 --> 00:31:00,279 it would be DJ Pony revel remedy seemed 805 00:30:57,700 --> 00:31:02,980 to be digesting my comment finally she 806 00:31:00,279 --> 00:31:04,359 spoke again well if this is true it puts 807 00:31:02,980 --> 00:31:06,880 the rest of what preacher said in a more 808 00:31:04,359 --> 00:31:08,789 ominous light she led me to the far 809 00:31:06,880 --> 00:31:11,140 corner of the cattle car whispering 810 00:31:08,789 --> 00:31:12,759 according to preacher the goddess 811 00:31:11,140 --> 00:31:16,710 chooses to speak to very few ponies 812 00:31:12,759 --> 00:31:18,910 I found myself questioning that chooses 813 00:31:16,710 --> 00:31:22,029 where are their limitations to this 814 00:31:18,910 --> 00:31:24,070 so-called goddesses powers and the pony 815 00:31:22,029 --> 00:31:27,779 redeye is the one she speaks to the most 816 00:31:24,069 --> 00:31:30,269 however preacher isn't so sure redeye is 817 00:31:27,779 --> 00:31:33,819 velvet remedy paused searching for words 818 00:31:30,269 --> 00:31:35,289 and getting the message right he seems 819 00:31:33,819 --> 00:31:38,529 to think that red eyes reception is 820 00:31:35,289 --> 00:31:40,599 being garbled and clearly velvet remedy 821 00:31:38,529 --> 00:31:43,690 was not satisfied with the analogy but I 822 00:31:40,599 --> 00:31:45,490 got the idea Eva that velvet continued 823 00:31:43,690 --> 00:31:47,710 oh he's just not listening 824 00:31:45,490 --> 00:31:50,319 either way preachers here to spread the 825 00:31:47,710 --> 00:31:53,350 true word of the goddess away from red 826 00:31:50,319 --> 00:31:55,359 eye in his bands of slavers I thought of 827 00:31:53,349 --> 00:31:56,789 the arm can't parked a few hours trot 828 00:31:55,359 --> 00:31:58,719 outside of shadow tooth territory 829 00:31:56,789 --> 00:32:03,490 preacher didn't go far enough 830 00:31:58,720 --> 00:32:05,799 I hesitated to ask and what is the true 831 00:32:03,490 --> 00:32:08,319 word I really didn't want to ask 832 00:32:05,799 --> 00:32:09,819 preacher directly sure I'd get an answer 833 00:32:08,319 --> 00:32:12,099 that wasn't tainted by felt remedies own 834 00:32:09,819 --> 00:32:14,740 prejudices but at the cost of being 835 00:32:12,099 --> 00:32:16,230 roped into sermon I was too tired even 836 00:32:14,740 --> 00:32:20,319 contemplate back tonight 837 00:32:16,230 --> 00:32:21,789 to paraphrase praise me worship me and I 838 00:32:20,319 --> 00:32:25,809 will lift you up and he will all become 839 00:32:21,789 --> 00:32:27,599 one unified under me velvet remedy had 840 00:32:25,809 --> 00:32:29,829 clearly suffered through hours of this I 841 00:32:27,599 --> 00:32:32,099 could understand why God had been 842 00:32:29,829 --> 00:32:35,250 whereof gaining another preacher 843 00:32:32,099 --> 00:32:36,558 I'm out of development there's a pile of 844 00:32:35,250 --> 00:32:38,700 hay calling my name 845 00:32:36,558 --> 00:32:40,379 we're going to talk to God again at 846 00:32:38,700 --> 00:32:43,440 breakfast tomorrow but after that we're 847 00:32:40,380 --> 00:32:44,520 free to go I wasn't so sure however but 848 00:32:43,440 --> 00:32:47,160 I wanted to leave just yet 849 00:32:44,519 --> 00:32:47,940 I played the last audio log before I 850 00:32:47,160 --> 00:32:50,250 headed to bed 851 00:32:47,940 --> 00:32:53,400 this time the banging on the bathroom 852 00:32:50,250 --> 00:32:54,599 door was much louder rhythmic sounded 853 00:32:53,400 --> 00:32:56,269 like the ponies outside we're using a 854 00:32:54,599 --> 00:32:58,469 piece of furniture as a battering ram I 855 00:32:56,269 --> 00:32:59,269 could hear the structural cracking from 856 00:32:58,470 --> 00:33:01,860 the doorframe 857 00:32:59,269 --> 00:33:05,548 the mares voice was weak and she spoke 858 00:33:01,859 --> 00:33:09,298 in a serving singsong I hear you knockin 859 00:33:05,548 --> 00:33:11,940 but you can't come in I hear you yeah I 860 00:33:09,298 --> 00:33:13,259 hear you Wow 861 00:33:11,940 --> 00:33:14,788 I just realized I've got all these 862 00:33:13,259 --> 00:33:17,158 Diaries and the only ponies I'll ever 863 00:33:14,788 --> 00:33:22,759 hear them are you fuckers fuck you wall 864 00:33:17,159 --> 00:33:28,140 every last one of you my oh wow dizzy 865 00:33:22,759 --> 00:33:31,429 what was a what was I you know I kind of 866 00:33:28,140 --> 00:33:35,038 think red is my color splish Splash 867 00:33:31,429 --> 00:33:40,110 clip-clop hey silver spoon let's paint 868 00:33:35,038 --> 00:33:40,940 the town red or you know at least the 869 00:33:40,109 --> 00:33:44,389 bathroom 870 00:33:40,940 --> 00:33:47,279 they'll keep talking you bastards 871 00:33:44,390 --> 00:33:50,280 doesn't go with my cutie mark though so 872 00:33:47,279 --> 00:33:51,808 Kay's a stupid cutie mark anyway really 873 00:33:50,279 --> 00:33:53,668 a crown of diamonds 874 00:33:51,808 --> 00:33:56,609 what the fuck's that's supposed to mean 875 00:33:53,669 --> 00:33:58,770 I mean I get the diamonds less you know 876 00:33:56,609 --> 00:34:01,250 as I've inspected enough of them so the 877 00:33:58,769 --> 00:34:03,058 best ones below for years now huh 878 00:34:01,250 --> 00:34:06,059 there's something else you're never 879 00:34:03,058 --> 00:34:11,800 gonna get huh 880 00:34:06,059 --> 00:34:14,409 just like you're not gonna get me my my 881 00:34:11,800 --> 00:34:20,080 name is diamond tiara and you fuckers 882 00:34:14,409 --> 00:34:23,019 didn't get me I got I got away I mean 883 00:34:20,079 --> 00:34:27,969 really though a crown what's that 884 00:34:23,019 --> 00:34:34,889 supposed to mean hey hey you can't get 885 00:34:27,969 --> 00:34:34,889 me you can't can't get