[FR] Day R and R in Ponyville

>Day Repair and Remodel in Ponyville.

>The sound of your close friend and under-the-table engineer working on tearing apart and restructuring the two ships you now own is making you cringe and whimper.

>”Quit being a foal Anon.”

>Cherry punches your leg as you whimper some more.

“I can't help it! It-It feels weird having my ship ripped apart.”

>Dar'sh is nibbling on her bandana, eyes as full of grief as yours.

>”D-Don't be too rough with her! She's a tender girl...”

>She loves that ship as much as you do.

>Ponka see's her friend and crew mate suffering.

>Knowing the navigator well, you know she won't stand for that.

>”Cheer up Dashie, she'll still be the same ship as before; just bigger and more piratey!”

>The suffering first mate nods and sniffles.

>Pip and Berry are distracting themselves with a game of cards.

>”Got any threes Berry ye?”

>The mare slaps down a five and a queen.

>”Go fish! *hic*”

>Pip does so as Berry pulls her cards back to her hand.

>Cherry takes a look around then turns her attention to you.

>”Why are they so worried? It's just a-”

>The mare can't complete her sentence; nearly every one of your crew and yourself has placed a hand or hoof over her mouth.

“Don't you DARE finish that sentence! A pirate's ship is the most treasured thing he has! Without it, he's nothing!”

>”Eeeyup.”

>Your engineer pokes his head out to agree with you before immediately heading back to work.

>Cherry smacks all of your limbs away from her mouth, grimacing at you all.

>”Plech! All right, I get it. A ship is a very important thing, jeez.”

>She grabs a paper towel and rubs her mouth off.

“Ugh... I can't take this.”

>You head towards the door, crew watching you.

>Pip steps beside you and follows.

>”Where are you going Captain?”

“I can't stand to watch this anymore. I need some air.”

>After a quick push of the hangar's big metal door, you have enough room to squeeze out.

>Big Mac was a smart cookie; hiding an underground repair shop in the deepest part of his family's orchard.

>Only problem was that it WAS in the deepest part, meaning that getting out of it was a pain in the ass.

>The rest of your crew follows you out, either eager to get some fresh air or to escape the view of your precious ship get taken apart.

>Ponka hops next to you and places a hoof to her mouth.

>”Hmm, what should we do while we're here Captain?”

“Whatever we please, so long as we're discreet. It's been a few months since we last landed in Ponyville, but I'm sure there are still those naysayers trying to turn us in.”

>Berry ye and Cherry look up at you with confusion.

>”Wha*hic*- What do you mean Cap*hic*in?”

>”Yeah, naysayers?”

>You make your way out of the orchard as you explain to the two newest members of your crew the situation.

“Turns out not many ponies want pirates flying around their skies. Once it became public knowledge that Dar'sh, Ponka, and I were taking to the skies... well, many of the elder and more conservative ponies made it clear we weren't welcome back here.”

>Berry ye nods, giggling for whatever reason.

>Cherry on the other hand, is looking at you as if you are an idiot.

>”SO WHY THE HELL ARE WE HERE ?!”

>Dar'sh shake her head, trotting ahead of Cherry to take her spot by her Captain's side.

>”Because we still need a place to do business. Canterlot is too clean, Appleoosa is too small, and Cloudsdale is too territorial. Ponyville is one of the only place where we can sell our booty and swag. There are plenty of black markets here, you just need to look for them.”

>Ponka giggles and hops next to Dar'sh.

>”Yeah Cherry Bomb! The Cakes, Rarity, even Twilight do business with us!”

>Your hot pink fuck buddy is gritting her teeth and glaring at Ponka.

>”The name is Cherry, only Cherry.”

>Ponka just hums happily before stopping.

>”Oh! We should grab the booty and sell it while we're out!”

“Good thinking navigator. Pip, Berry ye, help her out.”

>Your three crew members salute you and rush back to the hanger.

>Dar'sh looks at Cherry and squints her eyes.

>”I don't know what the Captain see's in you, but you better shape up if you want to stay with us.”

>Cherry meets her stare and scowls at the cyan Pegasus.

>”I can take this or leave it. I don't HAVE to be here. In fact; aren't you the one's who need me?”

>”We don't NEED you! We only need your bombs!”

>The two mares look like they are about to tear each other apart.

>Without a moment to waste, you separate the two hot headed ponies.

“Dar'sh, Cherry! Quit it, we're a team. We can't be at each others throats like this.”

>The rainbow maned gal looks up to you, a small glimmer of betrayal in her eyes.

>”B-But Captain! She is showing you such disrespect!”

>Cherry scoffs and steps to your free side.

>”I would never show Anon disrespect as long as he is my Captain.”

>”You just did! You must always refer to your Captain AS Captain! Then there's that comment you made back there about him being a foal!”

>Dar'sh continue to point out moments where Cherry has been a less than exemplary as a pirate.

>It's a surprising amount given she's only been with you a day.

>You run a hand down Dar'sh mane and scratch her ear.

“Dar'sh, it's fine. She's new, she doesn't know the rules we live by.”

>The once raging first mate calms herself at your touch.

>Cherry seems unamused.

>”So, are you his first mate or his pet?”

>Dar'sh scowls a bit, but keeps silent as you pet her head.

“Cherry, stop. She's right you know, about you being disrespectful. Pirates value many things, but nothing more than their ship, crew, and respect for one another.”

>The cyan mare nods under your hand, eyes closed and a smug smirk forming upon her lips.

>Your new cannon operator sighs, shrugging as she continues her way out of the orchard.

>”Fine. I'll play by your rules for now... Captain.”

>Dar'sh sticks her tongue out at the mare once she turns her back to you two.

“Daaaar'sh.”

>”What? Even Berry ye showed you the respect you deserve and was willing to change for us. Cherry Bomb... She is too stubborn and has a fuse the size of a rabbit turd. She won't last long if she doesn't change that!”

>A quick ruffle of her mane has the silly mare chuckling.

“Give her time, she'll either change and stay, or won't and leave. Right?”

>”Yeah, I guess... Captain?”

“Yes Dar'sh?”

>”Um... I-I'll always be your first mate, right? Cherry won't replace me over time?”

>You take a knee, looking the foolish mare dead in the eyes.

“Dar'sh, listen to me. A Captain's first mate is his most loyal crew member. One who would go through hell and back just because their Captain ordered them too. Cherry, Berry, not even Ponka would do that for me. You Dar'sh, you are the only one I can trust enough to say without a moment's hesitation would. You are now and always will be my first mate. Do I make myself clear?”

>Dar'sh is tearing up, lip quivering.

>She salutes you as you stand, sniffling.

>”Yes Captain! Loud and clear!”

>The bond between a Captain and his first mate is sacred, you must always make sure they feel appreciated and needed.

>A first mate like Dar'sh rolls around not even once in several life times.

>You are a lucky bastard to have her by your side.

“Now, we have booty to move and allies to consort with. Are you ready for a busy day of bargaining and avoiding the eyes of lawmen Dar'sh?”

>”Sir, yes sir Captain sir!”

>The mare flutters up and meets you on eye level, a face of determination and confidence upon her.

>You two are like this for a few moments, eyes locked.

>As Dar'sh seems to move a bit closer, the sound of jingling and hoofsteps has you turn your head.

>”Captain! All booty has been acquired and is ready to be moved whenever you are ready!”

>Ponka is pushing a large wheelbarrow full of gems and rare commodities.

>Pip and Berry follow, both moving  similar wheelbarrows while humming a jaunty tune.

“Excellent! Whoo, forgot how much we had... seems, heh, seems a bit larger than usual... like you could bathe in it if you wanted too...”

>Ponka giggles, eyes darting over the large piles of riches.

>”Y-Yeah... I mean, maybe there isn't enough to bathe in it. We would need to test it Captain. Right?”

>The rest of your crew who is present has the same look of concern and curiosity.

>It's clear you all want this.

“Five minutes, nothing more.”

>Ponka, Pip, and Berry dump the riches into one pile and you all jump in.

>You make a gold and gem angel while hooting into the air.

“Oh god, this feels so right!”

>Pip tries to bury himself in gold while Berry does the back stroke.

>Ponka lets a hoofful of gold pieces run down her mane as she laughs.

>”Whoo! We've never had this much gold at once!”

>Dar'sh rubs it on herself and laughs, burying her head into the pile.

>”We need to have this much ALL the time!”

“Once we hit that freighter, we'll make sure to do that!”

>You all enjoy this for a little more than five minutes, just taking in the joy of being pirates with amazing crew mates.

 

 

>”Hmmm, this gem seems to be a bit scuffed. Was it handled properly?”

“But of course Rarity! Who do you take us for? Perhaps it was damaged during the plundering.”

>The pristine white mare nods in thought while looking over the gem in question.

>”It's still in near mint condition... The best I can do is one hundred and twenty though.”

>Now comes one of your favorite parts of being Captain.

“Rarity, do you take me for a fool? My crew risked their lives to grab that gem, a gem you will not find anywhere near Equestria! It may be the slightest bit damaged, but nothing a new cut can't fix. Hell, you could even separate it into smaller more -exclusive- pieces and nearly triple your profits!”

>The mare sighs and lower her head, rubbing it as she contemplates whether you are bull shitting or not.

>”... Fine, three twenty five. Not a bit more.”

“Fair enough.”

>She takes the gem and starts to pull out the bits needed to pay for it from her large safe.

>No one would ever suspect the fashion diva of Ponyville to own an underground gem exchange, let alone a literal underground gem exchange.

>”Here it is, three point two five hundred gems. Now, shall we discuss that dazzling little sapphire cat statue? It is simply divine, I MUST have it!”

>Considering you just pounded her ass raw with that last transaction, you decide to give her a small discount with this one.

“Seventy five and it's yours.”

>She squeal and hugs you, taking the statue and rushing to get your gems.

>Dar'sh chuckles while polishing off a pure gold platter adorned with rubies.

>”You're such a sap sometimes Captain.”

“Doesn't hurt to have a heart from time to time Dar'sh. Besides, we'll still turn a profit, as will she.”

>Rarity passes you another sack full of bits.

>You toss it to Dar'sh who then puts it in the wheelbarrow.

>During this exchange, you wonder how Berry and Ponka are handling their exchanges.

 

 

“I sa*hic*said that this is a '72 chic le vontait! You questi*Hic*tioning me on this?!”

>”I-I'm sorry! I-It's just that only forty two bottles were ever released to the public, I find it very hard to believe you have one!”

>Sucker doesn't know that only thirty six are left.

>Wait... that'd make this even rarer!”

“Well I*hic*-I've had six of these in my life. I KN*hic*KNOW a '72 chic le vontait when I see one!”

>The lanky orange stallion is sweating bullets, unsure whether you are being honest or not.

>His wife seems to believe you though.

>”H-Honey, if we could sell this, why, we'd be set for years!”

>Being pressured by his wife seems to push him over the edge and right into your pocket.

>”How much?!”

>Hmmm, what would Captain say... normal going rate is five hundred.

>Given that six are gone, it's gotta be worth at least six fifty now.

“S*hic*Seven twenty.”

>The stallions jaw drops and he rubs his forehead, shaking his head.

>He is about to speak when a very light grey stallion wearing a monocle walks into the building.

>”Hmm, I say, Rarity was quite right about this town. How charmingly rustic.”

>He trots over to the counter possibly about to order, but his attention is brought to the bottle next to you.

>”Why, that couldn't possibly be... It is! A bottle of '72 chic le vontait! My word, how did you ever get a hold of such a priceless wine?!”

>Deciding to give him an answer, you drag it closer to your body.

“Well my good sir, when you are a connoisseur of such fine commodities such as myself, acquiring them is nothing but a simple toss of rope.”

>Not a single hic or drunken slur.

>Captain would be so proud of you right now.

>The stallion gives you a knowing smile and nods.

>”All too true, may I perhaps purchase this bottle from you?”

>Hmmm, a clearly upper class stallion or a family who seems to have fallen on hard times.

>... Captain, please forgive me.

“How much would you be willing to offer?”

>”Well, I don't have much on me at the moment. Only two thousand, six hundred, and fifty four bits.”

>The couples eyes tear up, as if their livelihoods have been ruined.

“Excuse me, I need to finish speaking with this fine couple first. A moment of privacy please?”

>”Ah, but of course.”

>He leaves the building, a smile as large as the moon itself on his face.

“No*hic*-... Now, how much did we say it would be?”

>The husband and wife look at you, confused and shocked.

>”U-Um... I don't quite remember.”

“Let's s*hic*say we call it an even thou*hic*sand and we all end up happy?”

>The lanky stallion nods as fast as he can, rushing to grab the bits to pay you.

“Ju*hic*just to clarify. I'll be selling it to him too.”

>The mare looks at you, worried.

>”W-What?”

“No no no. Don't worry. Wha*hic*what'll happen is I'll sell him the bottle, then we trade bits so it's li*hic*like I sold it to you first. Get it?”

>She smiles wide, tears coming to her eyes.

>”Got it. Thank you so so much.”

“Eh, don't men*hic*mention it.”

>Sorry Captain, but you have to go with what's right.

 

 

>”Oh my, and you say he was scarred by the cruel Minotaur who raised him?”

“Mhmm, absolutely ravished.”

>Fluttershy gasps and tears up.

>”You poor baby. Why, Dr. Aknop, how much would it cost to keep him here with me?”

>The cow's eyes dart to you, fear that if she stays with you, she'll meet the same fate as the rest of your -animals-.

“Now now Fluttershy, you know that I couldn't possibly accept more than five hundred.”

>The yellow mare rushes into her house, as fast as her legs and wings can take her.

>The cow gulps and speaks.

>”Wh-Why're you doing this? What's the catch?”

>You remove your glasses and mustache, glaring at the cow.

“The catch is that you keep your mouth shut and the Captain gets a butt load of bits. That a good enough of a catch for you?”

>”Y-Yes Ma'am! Thank you so much!”

>Fluttershy is coming back.

>You quickly put your disguise back on.

>”Um, Dr. Aknop, did you just...”

“Oh! The sun was glaring in my eyes, I had to adjust my glasses.”

>The mare nods and smiles, handing you a large bag of bits.

>”I see, thank you again for going on another dangerous rescue for these poor poor animals. You have a heart of gold sir.”

>Your old friends kind words cause you to chuckle with a light heart.

“Oh Fluttershy, I simply do what I can.”

>It's a good thing she has no idea Captain is in town or getting out of here in time would be a major pain in the butt!

>Huh, wonder what Cherry and Pip are up to right about now.

 

 

“Um, what about sunflowers?”

>”No.”

>Cherry places her hoof against her cheek and lowers her head, bored.

“Puppies?”

>”No.”

“Rainbows?”

>She glares at you and growls out.

>”NO.”

>Her expression causes you to cower and step back a bit, almost hitting the walls of the hangar.

“U-uhhh, the Captain?”

>She stops glaring and looks down.

>”A little. Not much. He's a good lay, that's about it.”

>You step back to where you were and look to the newest crew mate.

“Oh... what's a lay?”

>”How old are you kid?”

“Eight.”

>”You'll find out when you're older.”

>Cherry sighs and lays both her forelegs down, crossing her hooves so she can lay on them.

>”Hey kid?”

“Uh huh?”

>”What's the Captain's deal with Dar'sh? Are they... close?”

>What a strange question to ask.

“Dar'sh and the Captain are best friends. I always see them talking and playing. They even drink cider and wine together then sing. He's the Captain and she's the first mate, they get along really really well.”

>”I see... how long they known each other?”

“I dunno, I never asked them.”

>The mare nods and sighs.

>”You think the Captain likes her? And I mean LIKES her likes her.”

>Huh, could the Captain like Dar'sh?

“I don't know. He never tries to take her on dates or anything.”

>”Ah, that's good... for the crew I mean.”'

>The sound of the big red guy working stops.

>”Ah'm all done. Tha ship is ready whenever ya need it ta be!”

>You two look over to the finished repairs and remodel and both your jaws drop.

“Whoa!”

>”Holy sh-... shmoke?”

>Cherry looks at you and raises an eyebrow.

“Shmoke?”

>”Errr, yeah. Holy Shmoke.”

>The Captain is going to love this.

 

 

>”Hoooo hooo boy! The others are going to lose their shit Captain!”

“I know! Did you see all those bits? Looks like we'll be swimming again soon!”

>Dar'sh punches your arm and shoots up into the air.

>”Aw, yeah! I can't wait to get back to the ship!”

>You wrap an arm around Dar'sh and chortle as you two walk back the the orchard.

>A familiar Pink navigator is hopping in the distance with a wheelbarrow full of bits.

>”Captain! Look at what I sold Burt for!”

>Who the fuck is Burt?

“Fantastic Ponka. We did pretty well too.”

>The navigator looks around for your wheelbarrow.

>”Uhhh.”

>”There was too much for the one wheelbarrow, so Rarity had our bits delivered to the hangar. It's weird how detailed the system is she has down there.”

“I know, right? How does she not get lost?”

>As you and Dar'sh continue this discussion about your friends underground tunnel system, Ponka pushes you two into a bush.

“Ow! Navigator wha-”

>She shushes you and puts on a goofy looking mustache and set of glasses.

>”Fl-Fluttershy! How good to see you, is there something I can help you with?”

>Surprised, you and Dar'sh peek out to see Butterbeard conversing with Ponka.

>”Yes Dr. Aknop! I was so worried that you might not have enough funding for your next expedition, I brought you a larger donation. Oooh, I hope you'll be okay!”

>The yellow menace embraces your navigator in a death grip tight hug.

>”Krrph! I-I'll be fine. Crushing... me...”

>Butterbeard eeps and lets go.

>”Sorry! Um, if it isn't too much to ask for. Who were your friends you were talking too earlier?”

>Oh shit.

>”Hehehe, friends? What friends?”

>Ponka starts to sweat a bit, grinning a bit too wide.

>”The pony and the biped you were talking too. You pushed them into the bush?”

>This is bad, if Butterbeard discovers you and Dar'sh...

>She'll force you to fuck her and live with her!

>Oh, and your crew will end up in jail...

>Your crew will end up in jail!

>Dar'sh sees the fear in your eyes and hands you a pair of glasses, a bowler cap, and a cigar.

>Don't question where she got them from, just put them on.

“Well now! I think I can introduce myself. I'm Mr.... Mouse.”

>The yellow mare gasps, bringing her hooves to her mouth as her cheeks turn red.

>”O-Oh my. It-It's nice to meet you Mr. Mouse. I'm Fluttershy!”

>She extends a hoof and smiles wide.

>With an air of caution, you shake the mare's hoof and pull back.

“I'm a business partner of Dr... A-Aknop?”

>Ponka nods and rubs sweat from her forehead.

>”Oh, I see. Are you going with him to rescue more animals from abusive kingdoms?”

“... Yes.”

>She squeals and hops up and down around you.

>”U-Um, I like a man who can appreciate animals... Man... Huh, I thought Anon was the only human in Equestria.”

>Your cover is about to get blown!

>Without much thought, you spit out the first lie you can think of.

“I'm not a human.”

>”You're not? But... you look li-”

“I'm a BLUE... man... we travel in groups.”

>Butterbeard *oohs* and nods.

>”I see. Why are you called blueman? You aren't blue...”

“I'm... sick... I'm dying.”

>The mare gasps and starts to tear up.

>”Oh no! I-Is there anything doctors can do?”

“Thaaat's why we're going on this expedition? Yeah, to find a cure. Yep.”

>She is buying it; hook, line, and sinker.

>”W-well... if you are ever in Ponyville again, um. I-I happen to like bipeds a lot. A whole lot~”

>Butterbeard winks at you, running her tail over your crotch.

>Words cannot begin to describe how uncomfortable you are right now.

>”Ahem! Honey!”

>Turn and see Dar'sh wearing a wig and lipstick.

“Y-Yes?”

>Your first mate steps next to you, taking your hand with her hoof.

>”Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?”

>Butterbeard look shocked, eyes wide as she changes her gaze to you.

>”W-Who is this?”

>”I'm his wife. Mrs. Mouse. And you are?”

>The yellow mare pulls back, hiding her face behind her mane.

>”I'm Flu...”

>She only managed to get the first syllable out before going full mumble.

>”Pardon? I didn't quite catch that.”

>”I'm …”

>She sinks lower, eyes looking up to you two.

>Ponka and Dar'sh seem to be having a good laugh at her expense.

>You would join them, if you weren't two feet from rape.

>After a few more minutes of mumbles and stifled laugh, Ponka speaks up with one of the largest grins you've ever seen.

>”W-Well Ms. Fluttershy, as much as I'd love to stay and chat. We are running late. Come now Mr and Mrs. Mouse, let's get a move on.”

>The pink -doctor- grips the handles of the wheelbarrow and makes her way back to the orchard.

>Dar'sh pulls you as she does.

>Once you are a good distance from Butterbeard, the two break out in hysterics.

>”BAHAHA! D-Dashie, are you actually wearing lipstick?”

>”T-That depends, are YOU actually wearing a mustache?”

“I'm wearing a bowler cap while chewing on an unlit cigar as a yellow Pegasus thinks I'm a terminally ill blueman.”

>Silence.

>Followed by all three of you losing your shit.

>”C-Caha-Captain? Permission to speak freely?”

“P-Permission granted Dar'sh-sh-sh-sh.”

>You first mate wipes away a few tears before calming down.

>”How did I look?”

>You pass the orchards front gate, making your to the hangar.

“Seriously?”

>Dar'sh looks away, rubbing her hoof.

>”Yeah. Was I... cute?”

“Dar'sh, we're pirates. We don't do cute.”

>”Oh... I see.”

“... but yes, you were cute.”

>The mare smiles and wipes off the make up.

>”Thank Captain.”

>She may be your first mate, but she is still a mare.

>Sometimes you forget that.

>”Let us in!”

>”Or not, I would much rather prefer not.”

>There are two ponies banging on the hangar doors, trying to get in.

>One is a blue maned white Unicorn with shades, the other a black maned grey earth pony.

>”Come oooon! I just want to talk with your Captain! Just two minutes! All I'm asking here!”

>The Unicorn continues to beat on the door, face one of pure determination.

>You approach behind them as the earth mare buries her face into her hoof and lets out a long sigh.

“Something I can help you two with?”

>With your sudden introduction, the earth mare screams and takes a few steps to the sides while the Unicorn rushes in front of you.

>”Are you Captain Anon?!”

“That'd be me.”

>She takes your hand in her hoof and shakes it as fast as she can muster.

>”Hi there! My name is Vinyl Scratch, that's my best friend Octavia Melody. We want to be pirates!”

>”SHE! She wants to be a pirate! I am simply here trying to talk some sense into her!”

>Vinyl is looking up at you, pure inspiration in her eyes.

“Mhmm... Okay, what are your qualifications?”

>”Um, well, let's see...”

>She looks down and thinks, humming to herself.

>Her friend steps forward and looks you dead in the eyes.

>”None. She has not so much as stolen a roll of bread, let alone entire ship loads of jewels!”

>Vinyl pushes her back and stutters to try and save face.

>”Th-That's not true! I've stolen plenty! See these shades? Pilfered them while I was doing a gig in Canterlot! Not just shades either, I've taken plenty from ponies who tried to stiff me for shows! I-I'm good at fighting to! Watch!.”

>The mare pulls out weird looking white and blue neon orb.

>”I THOUGHT YOU GOT RID OF ALL THOSE!”

>Octavia's eyes go wide as she pushes you back, hitting the ground as the Unicorn throws the orb into an empty space nearby.

>It explodes into a dome of light and electricity, playing loud dubstep as it does.

>”See? I even have a theme song made for you and your crew!”

>She pulls out a cd player and slams a disc into it.

        ~Ya-yo Ya-yo! Dreamin', don't give it Anon. Dreamin', don't give it up Dash. Dreamin', don't give it up Pinkie! Don't gi-give it up give it up give it up give it-no!

        Here's a little story about a menace in the grand sky, there's no doubt. The human who rides them looks down and sings, “I'm king of the pirates, I'm gonna be king!”

        His name is Anon. That's Captain Anonymous, going to be king of the pirates! He's not of this world, how did that happen? Yo-ho-ho nobody knows!

        Her name's Dash, she's strong and brash. And L.A.D.Y. Pinkie's not shy. This pirate crew, coming through, doing their thing. Riding with the king of the pirates, he's gonna be king!

        Ya-yo Ya-yo, uh-oh. Set sail for the free skies, stealing treasure from the rich guys, set sail Anon!~

>"Well? What'd ya think?"

>... That was pretty damn good.

>Give a quick look to see what Ponka and Dar'sh think.

>Your first mate is nodding excitedly.

>Navigator Ponka is hopping up and down.

“Well, looks like you have your answer. Welcome aboard Vinyl.”

>The mare squeals and shakes your hand again before running next to Ponka and Dar'sh who congratulate her.

>Octavia brushes herself off, glaring at you.

>”You cannot be serious! You're a dangerous felon, you'd be putting her life in danger!”

“She asked and I can't see a good reason to say no.”

>”How about this for a reason; if you take her, I alert the authorities to your position and dealings! They'll have you in the royal dungeons within a week. Well?”

>The mare is serious.

“... Okay, guess I have no choice.”

>With your comment made, Octavia gives off a smug smirk.

>What she doesn't notice is Ponka and Dar'sh sneaking up behind her.

 

 

>”Vvvv! et e o! Ll ill ou! Inyl! Iinyl!”

>Ponka, Dar'sh, and your new eye in the sky -Shrapnel- Scratch are carrying a bound and gagged Octavia into the hangar.

“Sorry we're late, we had to... to... oh my sweet baby Jesus and Buddha.”

>The sight before you has left you speechless.

>It's your ship all right, but three times as large, with nearly six more cannons around it!

>It now has a rear access panel for easy loading and unloading of anything you may carry.

>There are two added sails and four more propellers.

>The balloon atop it now has two secondary balloons attached.

>It... it...

“It's beautiful! O-Ohhh! Oh ho ho ho!”

>”I kn*hic*know! It's soooo*hic*ooo huge now!”

>Pip runs towards you with Berry ye right behind him.

>”Captain! We have so many bits stored at the bottom deck that we could fill a pool! A real pool!”

>Cherry is walking atop the beaut, inspecting it for any faults.

>”Not bad work. Everything looks tight and fortified. THIS is a ship.”

>Big Mac trot up to you, covered in grease and oil.

“H-how did you-”

>”Turn two regular sized ships inta that with only tools 'n a lot of will power in only a day? Magic.”

>Nod while you place your hands on your head.

“I know we paid up front, but how much more do we owe ya?”

>”Thirty.”

“Thousand?!?”

>You have maybe close to ten thousand at best.

>”Na, just thirty. I sprained ma hoof while workin' on the last cannon 'n need to go see a doctor.”

“O-Oh... Okay, Ponka?”

>Your navigator hands the handyman a sack and pecks his forehead.

>”Thank you thank you thank you! Our ship looks so much more air worthy now!”

>She kisses him once more before bounding off for your new vessel.

>Shrapnel pokes your leg.

>”So, who are the other three?”

“Huh?”

>”I've only heard of you, Rainbow Dar'sh, and Ponka. Who're the other three?”

“Ah, that's Pipsqueak; our cabin boy. Berry ye treasure Punch; our recon gal. And over there is Cherry Berry; our new cannon operator... don't call her by a nickname or she gets a wee bit angry.”

>Shrapnel nods and goes to introduce herself to her new crew.

>Dar'sh chuckles and steps next to you.

>”You have quite the crew now Captain.”

“That I do Dash... Dar'sh.”

>She smiles before jerking her head to the tied up mare.

>”So, what should we do with her?”

>If you let her go she'll alert the police, army, and possibly the freighter you want to hit. Kill her and it will hurt Shrapnel...

 

 

>”HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP! SOMEPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONY! HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!”

>Octavia is screaming down below as you start to ascend into the clouds.

>The entirety of your crew is covering their ears as she does so.

“Settle down! No one will be able to hear you from up here! Besides, most of the town is probably asleep, fuck!”

>The mare continues this futile attempt until the sun starts to rise.

>Once it is clear she is stuck with you all, she just falls to her knees and starts to sob.

>You walk up behind her and place a hand on her back.

>”I-I don't want to be a piiiiiraaaaate.”

>Hand her a bandana and vest.

“It's either that or we could make you walk the plank... You know, to a near five mile high drop.”

>She sniffles and takes the bandana.

>”I-I'm not going to do anything illegal!”

>Just nod, she'll give in eventually.

“Navigator! How long till we reach the freighter?”

>Ponka salutes you before pulling out her maps.

>She does some quick math and shouts out.

>”A day, possibly two, Captain!”

>You have enough firepower to penetrate the ship, enough space to take all it has, and the ponies with the skill to pull this off.

>The next heist you pull may very well be your greatest!