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QUEST FOR ANCIENT CANTERLOT! An RP : PAGE 1, THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!

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QUEST FOR ANCIENT CANTERLOT!

An RP by @wind-the-mama-cat and @ask-de-writer

Scene setting Part 1 : LUNA AWAKENS CELESTIA

Scene setting Part 2 : AIRSHIP!

Scene setting Part 3 : ONE LAST VISIT

Scene setting Part 4 : SCOUT’S PRIZE

Scene setting Part 5 : REBOOT / START UP

Scene setting Part 6 : CELESTIA AND LUNA GO TO MEET TWILIGHT

PAGE 1, THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!

As usual for a developing story, new text is in BOLDFACE type.

Role Play begun 05/26/21

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All sorts of fan art, cosplay, music or fiction is actively encouraged.

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@wind-the-mama-cat

A New Town

Celestia and Luna landed just a mile outside of the Town they once knew as Ponyville. However, they had no idea if the town was still called Ponyville, or something completely different.

“Let us walk from here.” Luna suggested to her sister. “As we don't know what to suspect, it would be a safer option.”

“A wonderful idea, Sister.” Celestia said with a nod.

The two alicorns continued their trek on foot, passing farms and small cottages on the way. One farm, in particular, caught their eye.

The sign read “Sweet Apple Acres. Former Home of the Element of Honesty, and formerly owned by the Apple Family.”

Luna shook her head. “I wonder what happened to them.”

Celestia smiled weakly at her sister. “No need to worry too much, Midnight. Perhaps... after everything happened...” She sighed. “Best just to move on. I am eager to see if Twilight still rules Ponyville.

Luna nodded. “Good idea, Tia.” She looked around and narrowed her eyes. “Did you notice all those... odd looking cannon type devices?”

“I did.” Celestia answered. “It made me wonder if... this world is much more entrenched in war the the one we left behind.”

The two former Princesses continued walking towards Ponyville. As they got closer, they noticed the 10 foot wall surrounding the town proper. On the walls, every 20 feet or so, were large ballistae armed with large bolts.

They also noticed the armed guards, dressed in armor with shields and shoulder plates baring Twilight's Cutie mark.

They walked up to the main entrance, which was a combination of a large wooden door and in front of it, a large iron gate.

“Halt!” An Earth pony commanded as he and the other guard, a female Pegasus crossed their long spears. “State your business, Unicorns!”

Luna gasped. The way he said unicorn definitely made it sound like they were not welcome. Well, at least their disguises were working.

Celestia cleared her throat. “Our business? Well, we are traveling merchants here to trade with the locals. We mean no ill will.”

“Corporal.” The Pegasus spoke up. “Look at their weapons. Odd looking sword and bow. I they're Rom.”

At the mention of “Rom”, both of their hearts skipped a beat, but they remained silent. For now.

The Corporal snorted. “Rom? Nonsense, Private. Rom don't leave their plates.” Luna spoke up. “Um, actually... we are Rom. Midnight is my name, and this is my Sister, Tia. We came to Ponyville to barter for food.”

The lead guard narrowed his eyes. “You come here by merchant ship, then? I know you Rom don't have your own ships.”

Celestia and Luna shared a quick look.

“Yes. Yes we did.” Celestia nodded with confidence. “May we enter?”

“You may.” The Corporal nodded. He pulled out a magical net mirror, and spoke into it. “Open the gate. Two Rom merchants are coming in.”

“Be cautioned.” The Private said as the iron gate was pulled up, and the large doors swung open. “Unicorns aren't trusted, even if you are Rom.”

Celestia and Luna nodded in respect to the guards, and entered the town. The gate was quickly closed behind them.

“Tia...” Luna said in awe as she surveyed her surroundings “Nary a unicorn in sight...”

“I noticed that too, Sister.” Celestia sighed. “I wonder what happened all those... years ago.”

The mare of Dreams pointed with an elegant finger. “Best place to start is-”

“You there.” A sharp female voice said suddenly.

Celestia and Luna looked to their left.

A group of 6 soldiers, lead by a tall female Earth pony were standing in front of them. Unlike the guards outside, whom wore simple leather jerkins, these guards wore highly polished plate armor. On their shields and shoulders was Rarity's Cutie Mark, not Twilight's.

“Yes?” Luna asked in surprise.

“Her Majesty orders that you come with us.” The tall female ordered. “Now.”

Celestia nodded. “Of course. We mean no-”

“Hand over your arms.” She said curtly “No commoner shall be armed in front of Her Majesty.” She looked to her left. “Private? Take their weapons.”

Luna drew her sword, and Celestia her bow and quiver. A short Pegasus pony walked up and took them.

“You shall have them back IF the Princess allows it.” The Commander said. “Lets go.”

She did a quick 180 turn on her heels, and started to march towards the castle. The six soldiers surrounded Luna and Celestia, and began marching after the Commander. Luna and Celestia had no choice but to follow them.

As they walked through Ponyville, they noticed several things. The fountain in the middle of town was now a monolith.

“May we speak?” Luna asked the Commander politely.

The commander snorted. “If it's about the monolith, know that it bears all the names of those that died during the great shift, and all those whom have died since in the never ending war.”

Luna fell silent in shock, a tear playing at her eye.

“Did... the Elements survive... the shift?” Celestia asked cautiously.

“No.” The commander said softly, shaking her head. “Save your questions.”

The group remained silent as they kept walking towards the Crystal castle. As they entered the court yard, Celestia and Luna saw four statues.

Four ponies carved with exquisite detail in to marble. Each one wearing the Elements of Harmony.

Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

None of them were anthro shaped. They were all in their horse form.

The group stopped walking as they reached the main door of the castle. Two large Dragons similarly colored to Spike, stood on wither side with their arms crossed.

“Open the gate.” The Commander ordered, craning her neck to look up at them.

The two dragons moved in unison and each grabbed a handle. They easily pulled the thick wooden doors open.

The Commander, Luna, Celestia, and the Private carrying their weapons continued inside, while the other guards remained outside.

They walked upstairs to the main throne-room.

Celestia gasped.

There was Twilight sitting on her throne. Next to her was another Princess, though her face and body were covered, though her horn and wings were... pink. All along the walls of the room, every five feet were guards in black leather armor. One one shoulder was Twilight's cutie mark, the other was Rarity's.

The commander stopped walked five feet from Twilight, and bowed. “Princess of Dusk. The two visitors you requested to see.”

Twilight dipped her head. She waved her right hand, and the guards stationed in the room along with her, snapped to attention and left quickly. The Commander moved and stood next to Twilight. The young private stood next to the other pony.

Twilight stood and eyed Celestia and Luna.

“So, the Princesses return after 500 years.” Twilight said coolly. “Why now, I wonder.”

Celestia's eyes swelled with tears. “T-twilight...”

“Princess Twilight.” Twilight corrected her. “We are in court, Princess Celestia. You will and shall address me properly.”

Luna took a step forward. “Princess... what has transpired? Please... Celestia and I have been asleep for these last 5 centuries. A few mere weeks ago we awakened to these strange lands. We have no clue or idea how much Equestria has changed.”

Twilight's expression softened as she sat down in shock and surprise.

“What has happened?” The mysterious Pony sitting next to Twilight repeated. She removed her face covering to reveal the gaunt features of Empress Cadence.

“Empress Cadence?” Luna and Celestia said at the same time.

“Princess now.” Cadence corrected them. “We lost many during the Great Shift. I lost my entire Empire. My castle. My Husband. Everyone.” She shook her head. “I am the Princess of Sorrow now, for that is all I feel.”

Twilight reached out and touched her Sister's hand. “Too much has happened. The Changeling Empire is no more. The Griffon Empire has reduced to a single Island. The Diamond dog Monarchy... well, they lived underground.”

Celestia and Luna shook their heads in sadness.

Twilight continued. “It took nearly 50 years for me to figure out the cause. The night of the Lunar and Solar alignment, a Unicorn plot took place. They changed the scroll of creation. Altered it, so that Unicorns would stand above all others. To undo what they saw as 2000 years of suppression.” She smirked “As you know, the language of a scroll must be precise. Not open to interpretation. Well...” She gestured to the room. “As you can see, that language changed all surviving Ponies and horses to what you see now.”

“I... this is a lot to take in...” Celestia said in awe and sadness “Princess, you said that the scroll was re written to undo 2000 years of unicorn suppression?”

“Yes, Princess.” Twilight nodded. “All magical laws were undone. All magic was undone.” She held up her wand. “Magic can only be used by Unicorns. Alicorns, only just. Which is why I use this, my wand.”

“Earth ponies and Pegasi have changed as well.” Cadence said suddenly. “Earth pony crops do not yield as much food as they once did. Pegasi can no longer land on the clouds or fly as high as they used to.”

“Princess Twilight...” Luna said hesitantly “The statues of your friends. They...”

“The Elements, and, well, some unknown outside force, protected them during the shift.” Twilight explained,“ they didn't change to this shape.”

“Duchess Rarity was not among them,” Celestia said softly and kindly.

Twilight stood. “Come with me.”

Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and the Commander walked over to a small, wooden side door. Twilight opened it, and led them down a hallway. After a short journey, she opened another door, which lead outside.

Celestia and Luna noticed that they were standing in a round, neatly organized, garden filled with multiple species of flowers and trees. Above them was a glass dome. Butterflies of various species were fluttering about as well.

Twilight walked up to an statue made of pure sapphire depicting Rarity in her two legged form. She was looking serenely down at Twilight holding her right hand out towards her.

“Those are not statues of the Elements. They are the Elements.” Twilight explained. “They turned to stone as they used their magic to help those whom they could.” She looked up and took Rarity's hand. “Rarity wanted to help... but selfishly, I refused.” She sighed. “I couldn't stop the others, but I knew from my experience with Creation Magic... that it was a folly to try to contain it. They refused to listen.”

“Twilight...” Celestia whimpered.

Twilight shook her head. “Rarity she... well, she understood. Due to being elements of Harmony, their lives were already extended beyond normal ponies. Rarity, being that of Generosity, lived a bit longer. On our one hundred and fifth anniversary, not wanting to be remembered as old and frail, she turned herself into this statue that you now see.” Tears streamed down her face. “I keep her here so... that she can enjoy our garden.”

Celestia and Luna remained silent as Twilight collected herself.

“I do have some good news...” She said as her gaze remained on Rarity. “Due to the language of the scroll, the Edict of Banishment is no more. De Writer... he lives with the Rom, down on the desert plates.”

“What?” Celestia gasped in surprise. “De Writer... still lives? We... can see him again?”

Twilight turned around and smiled weakly. “Yes.” She looked at the Commander. “Commander. Give Luna and Celestia a small ship so that they can journey to the Rom plate.”

The Commander thumped her chest with her right hand. “By your leave, I shall make the proper arrangements.” She bowed and left.

Celestia walked up to Twilight. “Twilight...”

“I'll be fine, Celestia.” Twilight said as she looked down at her feet. “You and Luna have to find a scroll and reverse a this before it is too late. If you can.” She turned away from them. “Head to the barracks. You will find your ship there.”

Luna and Celestia looked at one another, and nodded.

“Be well, Twilight.” Celestia said simply. “Know that I love you. Always.”

She and Luna left the garden silently, leaving Twilight to her thoughts.

@ask-de-writer

Celestia whispered to Luna as they left the garden, “I am amazed that she sorted that out about the scroll being sabotaged. I knew that the Unicorns were greedy for power. I never thought of that “suppression” angle at all. That makes the whole thing easier to understand.”

Luna nodded slowly, “I never thought of that either. What has happened to the whole world and everyone in it is a perfect example of why you don't use words at all. Mathemagic and only mathemagic can be precise enough.

“I have a whole different take on the magic rules getting stopped though. Cadence pointed out that pegassi can still fly. That means that their magic is still there, just blocked in some way.”

Celestia thoughtfully agreed, “I see that. What about Earth ponies? Do they have any residual magic?”

Luna snickered, “They used it right in front of you. You are so used to it that you did not notice. They use Magic Net mirrors. You can't use those without magic.”

Behind them, the pegasus that was carrying their weapons interrupted, “Did you just say that pegasus magic is JUST blocked in some way? Do you mean that it can be restored? That we might be able to fly and do weather work like in the old stories?”

Luna glanced back and nodded. “I am not yet certain. I am a very good surgeon and know much of the restoration of magic where it has been damaged or lost. I would have to have permission to examine several pegassi and earth ponies before I can be certain. However, it does look as though both pegassi and earth ponies may be restored to their full magical potential.”

Celestia explained gently, “We are but guests in Princess Twilight's realm. We must have her permission before we can do anything.”

Indicating a nicely padded bench, the pegasus said, “Sit there. Please. I need to make some Magic Net calls.”

Taking her Net mirror in hand, she tapped practiced codes with a forefinger. The mirror's spell made her end of the conversation silent to the watchers. Soon she pocketed the mirror and more demanded than asked, “Follow me, please. The Princesses are most interested to hear what you have to say but want it private for now.”

They were led to a small conference room where both Twilight and Cadence were waiting. Twilight's lips twitched up into a smile. “Rom are full of surprises! First, you, who ruled for around 4000 years, do not want to take the throne that I have secured against attacks from above, mainly. Second, you turn out to perhaps be able to restore magic to my ponies.

“What all do you need for that last? If it is available in my realm, you shall have it.”

Luna sat at the table and began, “Princess,”

Twilight held up a hand and asked, “At least while we are in private, dispense with the titles. I have been Twi to you before this. Let that be my name when we can be informal. Now, what do you need?”

Luna and Celestia both smiled back. Luna went on, “For us to do it, Twi, all that I need is a reasonable room to work in and a proper operating table for the patients to lay on and flex wings. That table will need the usual medical laundry and housekeeping to keep it clean. There is no actual cutting in this work.”

Cadence asked softly, “Would it be possible for me to learn how to do it? If I can, it would give me something good to do. Perhaps I might even learn to be happy again. I would treasure that.”

Celestia tilted her head as she assessed Cadence. “It would please us too, Cadence. What is the state of your magic at the present?”

“Weak. Very weak. I can't lift more than a few kilograms and my range is short. I have to see what I am lifting or moving. Perhaps I can reach ten meters.”

“I see. What of flying? Can you get off the ground by fluttering?”

“I can a little. Not for long, though. I can glide pretty well.”

Celestia grinned, “That all means that Luna can help you! Your magic is getting through partly but something is sort of choking it off. If you would like, Luna and I can try restoring it to full power and ability.”

Twilight put both hands on the table firmly. “Let them try, Cadence. I know them well enough to be sure that they will do you no harm. I will observe what they do. If it works for you, I will have them try it on me. I will want you to observe what they do to me.

I hope that you will be able to duplicate the method and restore many of our pegassi first. Better weather control will be a major benefit to the whole Principality.”

Cadence added thoughtfully, “It may improve the already good aim of our anti-skycraft gunners too. That would also be a benefit to the Realm.” Turning to the Twins, she added, “What do I need to do so that you can try this?”

Celestia pointed with a thumb over her shoulder at a padded couch that had no back. “Lie down on that. We will pull it out a bit further from the wall, so that we can spread your wings out some. We will need you awake for this. Be warned that part of it will hurt some. Not a lot, but it will hurt.”

Casually, Celestia's magic of many soft hues reached over and lifted the couch with its heavy carved hardwood frame and put it where she wanted it. Slightly wide eyed at the show of strength, Cadence stepped over and lay face down on it.

Luna beckoned Twilight close and suggested, “This work requires finesse, not strength. Lay a light strand of your magic to the backs of my hands, just as I have done. The work is by feel alone, though you can learn to visualize what you are feeling. You will see that our fingers play an important part in shaping this magic. That is something that I could not do before we were changed, so the change is not all bad.”

Celestia told Cadence, “Use your magic to press lightly on the frogs, er palms of my hands. That will help Luna and Twilight to find and trace your magical pathways.”

Luna's fingers began to dance their way down the length of Cadence's horn. Twilight drew a breath of amazement. “I can feel right down inside her horn! Are those three sort of weblike spiral things the magical pathways?”

Luna nodded, “They are. Alicorns have three pathways like these in their horns. Unicorns have two.”

Reaching the root of Cadence's horn, she spoke to Celestia. “Sis, put your magic in with mine and feel this! Those tangles that were cutting back on our magic were not from our regeneration after the Creation Magic overload! Cadence's is exactly like ours was!”

Puzzled, Twilight asked, “If it was done by Creation Magic, how can you undo it?”

“Follow along and learn, Twi. Follow along and learn. Creation Magic, as you might guess by the size of the Scrolls that we used sometimes, is a tricky bastard. If something can be done by regular magic, the Creation Magic will just direct the ordinary magic to do it. THAT can be undone like any other magic.

“These restricting tangles are sort of not quite hereditary. The developing foal will copy the mare's pathways, tangle and all. When we fix it, that won't happen anymore.”

While she was speaking, Luna's busy fingers were directing the magic that was unsnarling Cadence's horn blockage. Cadence whimpered slightly.

Suddenly her whimper stopped! In wonder, she said, “It is like I was in a dark room and now it is all light! Are we done yet?”

“Not yet, Cadence. We still need to sort out the tangle that is keeping you from flying and fix your wings. Thanks to molting with the tangle in place, none of your flight feathers have their proper magical pathways. Fortunately, that is an easy fix.”

Luna's dancing fingers followed Cadence's spine to a place just before her wings. As Luna was starting to tease at the tangle, Twilight asked politely, “May I try?”

Luna shrugged and let Twilight's magic guide her hands. She gave one tiny tweak and the whole complex seeming tangle straightened out!

As Luna's total confusion showed on her face, the giggling Twilight explained, “It was just simple topology of a straight string knot.” At Luna's continued confusion, Twilight said, “Topology is fun! If a string is anchored at both ends, like these pathways, what looks like a tangle really isn't there at all, see?”

Celestia grinned as she said, “What I see is a Witchcraft trial coming up!”

They all giggled some as Luna began showing Twilight how the magical pathways in Cadence's wings worked and finally how to lead new pathways into the flight feathers.

Cadence sat up and fanned her wings. Across the room she picked up and put down a knickknack on a shelf. She asked, “Can I fly now?”

Celestia shook her head and said, “Not yet. You have the power but you will need to learn everything from scratch like a pegasus foal. When your body got changed, your center of balance and lots else all changed too. Trust me, it was frustrating for us, too!”

Twilight nodded at all that she was seeing and hearing. In utter surprise, Luna watched as Twilight's magic simply flowed gently down her horn, paused at the Magical Pathway tangle at her horn root and then progressed down to the one in her back, just above her wings. They saw her stretch out her wings and work on them too.

In only moments, the Princess of Dusk quietly asked, “Is there more that you are willing to share?”

Luna thought for only a moment and nodded. “You use your Rainbow staff to enhance your magic, right, Twilight?”

“Yes, why?”

“Then we want to go to the battlements or some such place. Until you learn proper control, you won't want to do this indoors!”

“You intrigue me,” she replied, picking up her staff and leading the way.

After a few staircases, they all emerged on a flat roof of stone with a parapet. Luna pointed to a rising fume of smoke and asked, “Is that a midden fire?”

“It is.”

“Can you tell the ones tending it to back off and take cover?”

Twilight took out a small Magic Net mirror and tapped some codes and spoke briefly. Turning to Luna, she said, “It will take a few minutes. What are you going to show me?”

A grinning Luna replied, “A variation of what I showed you for fixing Magic Pathways. Hold out your hands, palms up.”

Luna's fingers danced all the way from Twilight's horn root down to her hands. There, she did a bit of work, splitting the new pathways out into both of Twilight's hands, fingers and her palms.

Celestia suggested, “Maybe I ought to sort of reinforce that staff a bit?”

Luna nodded. “With your permission, your Highness? The staff won't be visibly altered by it.”

At Twilight's nod, Celestia began working on the magic enhancement spells of the staff. Handing it back, she suggested, “Try it for feel and then see what you can do to that midden fire.”

Twilight got an almost evil smile as she fondled the staff. “That is elegant work, Celestia. She pointed at the midden fire with the staff in her right hand.

There was a brilliant streak of blue magic that hit the fire, causing a substantial explosion! She shifted the staff to her left hand and repeated the feat! Then she took the staff in both hands and took careful aim. The magic streak from its tip was pale, nearly invisible. They felt the concussion on the battlements as the midden fire blasted up in a rising thirty meter fireball! Trees around the blast site had been flattened!

Cadence managed a snicker as she agreed with Luna's early statement, “Better not to use that indoors alright!”

Twilight thoughtfully aimed it down to one of the many open gardens about the palace. A single rose floated up and settled into Cadence's mane, just at the base of her horn.

“I do believe that I can use this indoors too. Let us repair to a dining room for some belated luncheon.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Becoming Rom

The Robot known as Wind, as well as Gale among the Rom, started up her systems from her “sleep” cycle. She mimicked the biological response of waking up of yawning and stretching. She didn’t really need to do this, of course. She just did these little quirks and nuances to better blend in with her Rom family and the Rom in general.

Scout, the young white mare with her blue mane, which was messy and disheveled, from sleep, yawned and stretched as well. She blinked a few times and from her sleeping position next to Wind, smiled at her.

“Morning, Wind. Did you have a restful recharge cycle?” The horse asked kindly.

Wind nodded as she sat up. “Affirm- er, yes. I did. My battery is at 100 percent. I am – I’m ready to ‘face the day’ as you Rom say.” She swung her legs over ‘her side’ of the bed and stood up. She then disconnected her power cable from her neck. “And you, Scout? How was your sleep?”

“Just fine, actually.” Scout said as she copied Wind in getting out of bed. She then reached for her glasses on her nightstand and put them on.

Wind nodded “I must admit Scout, ever since you invited me to recharge next to you 32 days ago, I feel as though I have been recharging more efficiently.” She paused for a second and turned away from Scout as the mare took off her long night shirt and got dressed. Her systems detected a rise in temperature in her central core and cheek dermal covering.

“I’m glad-“ Scout began to say something but stopped as she noticed Wind had her back turned to her and fanning herself with her hand. “Wind? Is everything Okay?”

“I’m fine, Scout.” The robot said as she stopped fanning her face. “I experienced a heat spike in my internal systems. They are returning to normal.”

Scout blinked and giggled. She then walked over to Wind to get a better look at her, and smiled “Well, why don’t you get dressed and then we’ll head over to Dark and De Writer’s caravan for breakfast. Dark can take a quick look at you.”

Wind nodded. “As you Wish.”

She pulled on her baggy pants and leather jacket. She then ran a practiced hand through her hair to brush it. 121 days ago, according to her internal chronometer, she during her monthly maintenance check-up with Dark, she had the young mare remove her orange hair, and replace with the wig that De Writer had given her 182 days ago.

While Wind was getting dressed, Scout used a brush to tame her mess of a mane.

Once both girls where ready, they exited Scout’s repaired caravan, and walked the short distance to De Writer and Dark’s caravan.

The Old blue horse smiled and waved from his comfortable looking canvas folding chair, as he cooked breakfast for his small Rom family.

Wind’s odor receptors detected eggs, bacon, toast, a pot of Rom black tea, and stuffed buns made with the Rom’s Ka'chek flour. “Good morning, Lovebirds. Ready for another exciting day?”

“The stew is for the other Rom.” Dark explained as she sat adjacent to De Writer, stirring a large pot of fruit stew with more Ka'chek flour. “The bacon and eggs are for me.”

“I am quite used to your dietary needs, Dark.” Wind said as she and Scout took their usual chairs across the fire from De Writer. She blinked a few times at De Writer’s lovebird remark but paid it no mind. That was his chosen nickname for her and Scout. She was used to it, even though it made little sense.

“You forgot to use a contraction, Wind,” Scout whispered in her ear. She then looked at De Writer. “Yes, De Writer. We’re ready for the day. Today is the third Wednesday of the month, so…”

“The third Wednesday. Ah, yes.” Wind said suddenly “That is Market Day at the Five Junction fair. The Pegasi and Earth Ponies come from their plates to trade goods with the Rom.”

De Writer smiled. “Excellently remembered, Gale.”

Wind was about to remind him that she had programmed the Rom’s routine in her memory but decided against it. Best to just take the compliment and not correct others, as Scout always reminded her. “Thank you, De Writer. I’m looking forwarded to trading.”

“Oh, Dark?” Scout said “After breakfast, and before we head over to the fair, could you take a look at Gale? She detected a temperature spike in her internal systems this morning.”

Dark spared a glance at Wind as she started serving the stew to Scout and De Writer. “Sure. I can do that.”

Wind, to keep up pretense to possible outsiders that she was biological, poured herself some tea. She couldn’t taste it, and it served no purpose. It did however make her feel included and less artificial. For some reason.

The Rom quickly finished their breakfast to get ready for the trip to the fair. Scout and De Writer headed over to his storage shed to gather up what they intended to trade. Dark and Wind headed over to Dark’s shop.

Dark pulled the heavy two-point contact switch in her shop, which turned on the lights and her equipment. “Okay, Wind. Please get on the exam table and I’ll take a look at you.”

Wind sat on the table, the same table she first woke up on 182 days ago, and watched as Dark gathered her tools. While She waited, she removed her jacket and chest wrap.

Dark set her toolbox on the table next to Wind, and pulled down her goggles. “Open up your power port, lets take a look at your battery.”

Wind sent a signal to the latch to her battery cover, and it popped open.

63 days ago, during one of routine check-ups, Scout had burst into Dark’s shop nearly beside herself in excitement.

“Dark!” The young girl had shouted, holding out an object wrapped in a cloth. “Look what I found!”

Dark took the object from her and uncovered it. It was a similar shape to Wind’s power-core, and it had two prongs. However, it was slightly wider, and the blue liquid inside was a blue gel.

“That looks like an upgraded power core.” Wind observed. “Where did you find that, Scout?”

Scout took a few breaths before answering “I… few, give me a second… I managed to get to the Five Junction Fair early. I was browsing the booths, and happened upon a Pegasi trader – gasp- who had all these gadgets and doo-hickeys on his counter.” She smiled widely “He said it was a battery from a new model combat droid.”

Wind blinked “They have new models?”

Scout nodded, and then looked sad “Sorry, Wind… I got caught up in my excitement. Um, he-he said… the new droids are now just robots. They don’t look like anything.” She sighed “I think the Unicorns learned from their mistake with…” she trailed off weakly.

The droid sighed “It is fine, Scout. No need to worry. I have no feelings to hurt.” She looked at Dark. “Dark? Your thoughts?”

Dark plugged the battery into her diagnostic machine. She then walked over to a screen and read the numbers that popped up on it. “Hmm. Well, it has a significant power output.” She fell silent as she kept reading. “However, due to that output, it only lasts a day instead of three like your current batteries.”

Scout looked crestfallen. “Aw… that sucks. I was hoping it could be a replacement…”

“Wait…” Dark said. She pulled out the battery from the machine, and then plugged it into a wire, which was connected to her solar array. After a few seconds, she cried out in triumph. “Ah-ha!”

“What is it?” Wind and Scout asked at the same time.

“It’s rechargeable.” Dark answered happily “Which means, Wind, you won’t have to shut down every night. Instead, you’ll only have to recharge while remaining turned on.”

Wind snapped back to the present, as she heard Dark say something. “Sorry?”

“I said I don’t see a problem with your battery.” Dark repeated, as she closed the covering “What were you doing when the spike happened?”

The droid thought for a second. “Nothing strenuous. Scout and I had just awoken from our sleep cycle. Scout was undressing-“ She felt her internals heating up again “Ah!”

Dark blinked and then giggled. “Oh? Ohhh~ Wind. I think you’re experiencing a change in your programming.”

“I am?” Wind asked “Again?”

Dark nodded. “They’ve happened from time to time…”

Wind watched as Scout danced during the nightly parties the Rom tended to have. The 20-year-old mare twisted and twirled, her freedom and sashes flashing and gleaming in the fire light and lamp light (which were strung up between the caravans).

Wind was still the learning the ins and outs of Rom life, after all, it had only been 15 days since she joined them. She knew that the Rom believed their dead friends and family were never truly gone. That their spirits remained with them. In fact, Scout told her stories about her Great Grandmother Angel being able to show horses the spirits of their loved ones, and in some form, being able to communicate with them.

She also had learned that the head dress that the Rom wore was called a freedom. It came from a tradition from their ancestors long ago. The Rom were once slaves, and as such, would never be slaves again.

She was also getting the hang of their language. She had decided to not simply speed-read the books that De Writer had plied her with, but instead, read them slowly and take her time with them. She had found it, oddly enough, to be a pleasant way to spend her free time.

The droid, however, wasn’t very good at dancing. So, she simply watched as the others danced.

As Scout twirled on her surprisingly flexible and mobile legs, a Rom stallion, whom Wind identified as Dustinar Bal Swiften, or, as Scout called him, Dusty, walked up to mare, and offered to dance with her. Scout nodded with a smile. Dusty took her hands in his, just as the music changed from a piece called the Twin Vines to another piece called Esper’s Lullaby.

Wind felt a surge in her systems. She stood up suddenly, feeling a need to pull the two apart. However, the feeling passed, and the surge died down.

Wind blinked at the memory as her thoughts, once again, returned to the present. “Yes. I recall. You told me that, due to my unusual… self-awareness, I am developing emotions. What emotion is this?”

“I would say that you could be falling in love with Scout.” Dark answered as she started putting her tools away. “Not surprising really. All the time you’ve spent with her – “

6 months, 2 days, 1 night, and 2 hours.” Wind rattled off. At Dark’s laughter, she waved a dismissive hand “Or something like that.”

“No need to be embarrassed. It’s cute.” Dark smiled. “Wind… you are familiar with Rom customs, yes?”

“I am.” The droid nodded as she got dressed.

“Tell me, then, what does it mean when one Rom asks another Rom to share a sleeping space together?” Dark asked her.

“It means that the horse who asked the other horse, or pony, that they wish to spend all their nights together with them. To be wed.”

“Once upon a time, yes.” The short mare said. “Things have changed since the great shift. Customs have changed. The new generation of Rom, well, they don’t wed as quickly as we once did. They like to take their time.”

Wind titled her head. “So, Scout wishes to wed me eventually, but… wants to take her time and court me.”

“So impersonal…” Dark muttered. “I can’t speak for Scout, Wind. And consider this. For 500 years we Rom have only married Rom. From time to time, Earth ponies from the other plates have come down and joined us.” She sat down on the table next to Wind. “You are the first non-pony to join the Rom in centuries.”

“The first being my namesake, and by extension, her family.” Wind added.

“Yes.” Dark nodded. “But, think about this… not to be rude, but you are a machine. A machine with thoughts, and memories, and developing feelings, sure, but still a machine.” She rubbed her chin. “I think, when Scout asked you to live with her, she wanted to try to figure out how she feels about you, how you feel about her.”

Wind stood up. “I feel very protective of her. I feel close to her. She lost her entire band. She hides it well, but from time to time I catch her… crying at night, when she thinks that I am recharging.” She looked at Dark. “I do not want her to be sad anymore.”

“Then talk to her.” Dark offered as she placed a hand on Wind’s shoulder. “Tell her what you just told be. But not so bluntly.”

“Very well.” The droid said. “My internal clock shows that the fair will start in one hour. Shall we go help and get ready?”

An 45 minutes later, Scout and Wind had just finished De Writer and Dark set up their booths to trade their goods.

De Writer’s booth sold jewelry, a tradition he kept from the long a go days, to honor his friend Marchhare.

Dark sold swords, spears, and other assorted weapons that she would melt down and forge from the scrap that she would trade with the Rom.

Scout didn’t have a booth. She liked to roam and see what trinkets the Earth and Pegasi traders from the other plates would bring.

Wind didn’t have a booth either. She, like Scout, like to talk to the other traders. She mostly stuck to the Rom booths. She liked listening to their stories and learning their heritage.

Wind looked up and watched as the Pegasi traders descended from their plates, passed the Earth pony plates, using Two large hang-gliders, their wings spanning 60 feet across, controlled by three Pegasi and carrying large boxes of their goods, landed just outside of the fair.

A few moments later, a MT medium size barge, flying trade flags, touched down just outside of the Fair. The cargo hold opened at the back, and several Earth ponies started to unload their goods.

Wind watched as the Pegasi and Earth ponies set up their booths. She hoped that the Pegasi had some salvaged parts from the battle droids. Specifically legs. Scout had mentioned that her legs kept seizing in with sand, and she wanted to get her new ones.

Once the ponies, and Rom, had finished setting up, the bell to signal the beginning of the Fair rang out.

Wind made a beeline for the Pegasi booth. Luckily, she was the first to get there.

“Oh. Hey there, Gale.” The Male Pegasi, called Stormy, greeted her. “Nice to see you again. What are you looking for today?”

Wind dipped her head in greeting. “Hey, Stormy.”

Stormy was a nice fellow. He didn’t know that she herself was a battle droid, and preferred to keep it that way. When asked what species she was, she just told him that she was from a line of cats that somehow got changed during the shift. The reason others hadn’t been spotted was due to their secretive nature.

“I’m looking for Droid parts.” She pointed a thumb over her shoulder in the direction of De Writer’s booth. “Got three boxes of Rom grain to trade.”

Stormy licked his lips. “That so? Well, come on back, Gale. Come see what we got.” He pulled back the tent flap and gestured inside.

Wind ducked into the brightly lit tent and looked around. They certainly had some damaged droid parts from the newer models. And some parts from her model.

She managed to suppress her gasp. “There’s a lot of… parts. Where did you get all these?”

Stormy stroked his grizzled chin. “Shooting down ships, mostly, for the newer model. The older parts? Well, to tell a secret? We raided a Unicorn recycling plant ‘bout 6 months ago. Couldn’t grab much, so we don’t always bring them down.”

Wind was relieved to not see any heads. Or torsos. Mostly armor plates, gears, and wiring. “Got any legs, Stormy?” She asked hopefully? Or other limbs? I know Dark would be grateful.”

“Got a box, sure.” He lead her over to a large crate and opened the lid. Inside were several arms and legs from expired battle droids.

Wind picked up a leg and examined it. “These are in good shape. How much do you want for the box?” She asked as she returned the leg and then looked at him.

Stormy’s eyes went wide, and his eyebrows shot up. “The whole box? Dang, Gale. That there is my whole supply…”

Wind cocked her eyebrow at him.

“… erm, well, okay. Shoot. Not my WHOLE supply.” He admitted “You said you got three boxes of Rom grain?”

“Yep.” She held out her hands to show how big they were. “Three chests about a foot wide and half a foot tall.”

“Dang…” He murmured. “You’re lucky you’re cute, Gale. Can’t say no to you. I’ll cut you a deal.” He held up his two fingers, “Two chests and this crate is yours.”

“Deal.” She nodded. “Help me carry it over to De Writer’s?” She asked as she batted her eyelashes, employing what Dark had taught her as ‘manipulation techniques’.

“Aww, no that isn’t…” Stormy grumbled. “Sure. Come on…” He grabbed one side of the crate, and Gale grabbed the opposite crate.

As they walked past the other fair goers, Stormy asked “Why so interested in these parts, Gale?”

Wind shrugged. “Like I said, they help Dark.” She nodded at the Rom and other ponies walking around. A few of them had metal legs and arms. Some Rom Pegasi even had metal wings. “So Dark can help others.”

They reached De Writer’s booth and set the crate down behind it.

“Thanks for the goods, Stormy.” Wind said as he handed him two chests of the grain she had grown. “Here’s your payment.”

“Thanks, Gale.” He winked and headed back to the Pegasi booth.

As he did, Scout came running up to her. “Gale. I just came from the Earth Pony booth. Seems…” She stopped talking as two unicorns came walking up to De Writer’s booth.

“May I help you, Gentlemen?” De Writer greeted kindly. “Looking for some jewelry?”

“Information.” The taller of the two said “About six months ago, we lost a rather expensive MT cruiser on course to the Rom plates. We recently discovered it had crashed and was stripped for parts.”

“As is the Rule of our plates.” De Writer explained. “If any ship comes within our borders, not flying any flag, we have every right to shoot it down.”

“Yes, yes, yes.” The smaller Unicorn said irritably. “We know. However, the pilot on that ship was a malfunctioning Battle Droid. Well, an obsolete model.”

Wind gritted her teeth. Scout silently held her arm.

“Battle droid? Hm.” De Writer pondered as he stroked his beard. “Scout? You’re a scaver. Did that ship have any droids on board?”

Scout pressed the bridge of her glasses up with her free hand. “Not that I saw. It’s tough to remember, really. So many ships have been shot down since then.” She giggled as the two Unicorns grew visibly angrier. “But no. Me and the other Scavers didn’t find a droid.”

“Hmph!” The two Unicorns pivoted on their hooves and stomped off.

Wind looked down at Scout. “How did trading go?”

Scout smiled at patted her bag. “Got a new leather bag for salvaging. What about you, Gale?”

Gale pointed at the crate. “Got a whole box of battle droid Legs and arms for Dark.”

Scout gasped “How much did that cost?”

“Not too much, actually.” The droid shrugged “Just two chests of grain. I got a good deal, because, and I quote, Stormy said I’m so cute.”

Dark had closed her booth and wandered over. “A whole box? May I see them?”

Wind and Dark and Scout walked over the crate. Wind opened the lid and smiled widely. “See? Pretty good condition.”

Dark pulled out a leg and examined it. She ran a practiced hand over it as she did. “Some battle scorching, but other than that? I can use them. I’ll have to add the magical pathways so that they can be used by Rom, but sure. Good trade, Gale.”

Wind smiled with pride. “Actually, Dark? Would it be possible for you to make new legs for Scout?”

Scout gasped. Again.

“My legs don’t seize up with the sand around here. Hers do. If you make her new legs from the parts in the box, I would really appreciate it.” Wind explained.

Dark thought for a second. “It will take me a few days… and I’ll need your help, Gale. But sure. I can make her new legs.”

Scout hugged Wind around her neck. “Oh, Gale. Thank you so much.”

Wind hugged her friend in return. She then felt her internal temperature spike again. “T-think nothing if it.”

Scout pulled away from the hug and looked at Gale confusedly. “Since when do you stutter?”

“I stuttered?”

“You did. Just now.” Scout answered. She then asked, “Did you overheat again? Like this morning?”

Wind looked at Dark. Dark gave her a look that clearly said, ‘if not now, then when?’

Wind looked back at Scout. “Scout, ah, My I’m overheating due to a new emotion developing in my software. Dark-“

‘Nope. Leave me outta this.” Dark mumbled as she headed back to her booth with a pair of legs.

“I… I’m developing feelings for you, Scout.” Wind explained. “Strong feelings, it seems.”

“Gosh, Gale…” Scout whispered. “I… I mean, wow.”

“I know it’s weird…” Wind continued. “You are a Rom and a horse. While I’m a… well, a robot. Surely other Rom will have something to say.”

“Let them talk.” Scout said as a bright blush dusted her cheeks. “I know whom I like, and I like you.”

“Even though… I don’t have, well, any biological parts?” Wind asked nervously.

“I do.” Scout nodded with a cute smile.

They hugged one another and sank to their knees as Scout trembled with happy tears.

They stayed that way for a good long while.

@ask-de-writer

Up in the castle of Twilight, Princess of Dusk, she, Cadence, Luna and Celestia were thoughtfully nibbling on a variety of treats. Twilight spoke first, “Cadence, they did not set up your hand and palm magic like they did mine. I know that I should have asked first, but I went ahead and tried to do it. Please turn your palm up, cup your fingers and try to make a small flame appear above your hand.”

Twilight demonstrated by upturning her hand and cupping her fingers. A blue flame, matching the color of her magic, rose up and formed a ball just above her outstretched hand.

Cadence put her hand flat to a napkin and lifted it up without using her horn at all. Letting the cloth fall, she turned her palm up and curled her fingers. A small, candle like flame grew there. It was the same lavender pink as Cadence's eyes. She closed her eyes and let the ball of flame grow to about six inches. Looking very pleased with herself, she flipped it up, causing it to vanish about a meter above the table.

Twilight turned to the pegasus private that had been carrying Celestia's and Luna's weapons all this time and had witnessed the whole set of events and ordered, “Private Stormcloud, please return their weapons to Tia and Midnight. It is my order that they be allowed their weapons in Our Royal Presence at all times. Please relay that order to your Captain. Written Standing Orders will be distributed in due time.”

Private Stormcloud pulled out her magic net mirror and tapped codes. “Commander, at Royal Order, the strange Rom have had their weapons restored and given Dispensation to be armed in the Royal Presence.”

We could hear the outrage in the replying voice. A now grinning Twilight took the mirror and said softly, “Private Stormcloud did correctly relay OUR ORDER. Yes, we do know that they came from the Everfree and further, we know WHY. They are survivors of the Edge Battery 41 incident.

“You are to take as many of our Royal Marines as you think needful and go by rail. Personally arrest every pony on duty when that shot was fired and bring them here. The charges are murder and treason through the criminal delay of information vital to this realm.”

Turning to Private Stormcloud, Cadence said kindly but firmly, “As of now, you are on detached duty serving your Princesses directly. Make no calls of any sort nor allow any calls from those that you select. This is STATE SECRET. Go physically to your barracks and select two more off duty pegassi and three off duty earth ponies. They will join you in detached duty to Us. When you return with them, knock at the door and wait to be admitted to Us here. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Princess! I am to proceed in and with secrecy!”

As the door closed, Cadence offered, “You must be confused. Trust us. We will give you what you need. The short of it is that recently some of our pegassi have become jealous of Rom horses that fly. All pegassi EXCEPT Rom were magically crippled, like Twilight and I were. All Rom magic survived the Shattering intact. Apparently the unicorns that altered the Scroll of Creation Magic did not think highly enough of the Rom to include them.

“This jealousy has recently extended to taking pot shots at smaller Rom gliders. It appears that Edge Battery 41 may have actually brought one down. It has not been found. It was last seen headed for the Everfree on a line to Ponyville.”

Twilight said grimly, “We are going to put a stop to all of that idiocy right here.” She produced a moderately thick file and gave both Celestia and Luna many drawings. “As you can see, that glider was a three passenger model, including the pilot. I do not know how they do it but they can connect their flight magic to their aircraft. Inside, you can see here, the magic net mirror for contact with Principality Flight Path control is mounted directly into the panel in front of the pilot.”

Celestia was looking at the drawings in delight! “Luna! Look how well the Rom have developed these since Angel Fluff's first glider!”

Dryly, Twilight agreed, “Indeed they have. See these flags? They were properly displayed. This one is the Rom identifier and that one is the Principality license flag. That is very important.

“Also, the glider was fired on without warning.

“Now to details that you need. You were passengers on that glider. You were carrying secret information vital to this realm. The shot was a complete surprise. It destroyed the controls, carried away the mirror and mortally wounded your pilot. At the direction of your dying pilot, you kept the glider's control surfaces locked by your magic for level flight. Shortly after the pilot died, your glider crashed in the southern Everfree.

“You gave the pilot such Lake as you could and burned the wreck, according to Rom rules for unrecoverable wrecks. You completed your journey on foot and were greeted as ponies know. Your information and vital medical knowledge were seriously delayed by the Battery's criminal action. If their aim had been only a little different, what you were carrying in your heads could have been lost forever.”

There was a quiet tapping at the room door. Twilight took the trouble to gather up all of the papers and return them to the Edge Battery 41 file.

When Twi was ready, Cadence opened the door. Outside, at parade rest, were the six that Cadence had asked for, three pegassi and three earth ponies.

She graciously invited them in. “Gentle ponies, as you were told, you will be engaged in activities that are State Secret. Before we begin, please take the time to refresh yourselves at the sideboard.”

Ponies used to military rations did not have to be invited twice! Around a mouthful of excellent clover top roast with expensive Rom apricots, Stormcloud asked, “Is it wrong to ask what our detached duty will be? I mean, I did hear what you said about it being connected to the Edge Battery 41 incident. Did they ever find that glider?”

Twilight sucked in her cheeks in thought before answering, “Not exactly. The survivors were injured, did not know where they were and could not call for assistance. They did manage to find their way to Ponyville where anti unicorn prejudice delayed their vital information even further.”

Cadence pointed out, “Private Stormcloud, in following her orders, did witness some of what should have been Utmost Secret. That is why she was detailed to get you. In short, we need to test whether what did us such good, will do the same for you. You cannot be harmed by the experiment and may recover some or even all of the ancient abilities of your kinds.”

Twilight picked up, “If this test succeeds, you and many others will be sent to a secret base while we explore what we can and cannot do, both singly and working together.

“That is a part of what Edge Battery 41 almost kept us from learning about at all. There is more but that will be your part.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Safe Keeping, Keeping Safe

‘I think, therefore I am.’ Wind read in the book that De Writer had lent her. She had asked the Blue Horse for books and materials to help her better understand what was happening to her.

“Friggin’…” Dark grumbled as she was working on the Droid’s new legs.

Wind put her book down and looked at the short mare.

Dark, using the parts that Wind had traded for, had managed to build new legs for Scout. As a side project, she had also managed to build, or rather, reshape new legs for Wind as well.

Wind had helped the Pegasus with both projects, just as Dark had requested.

The day before, Scout’s new legs had been installed with relative ease.

Wind’s legs were being difficult.

Since Dark had used the new model battle droids’ legs to upgrade Wind’s legs, she was having issues connecting the new legs' wires to Wind’s existing wires. And since Dark didn’t want to re-wire Wind in order to connect the new legs, she had decided to make it work.

The small mare had also installed a prehensile tail for balance during high-speed running. ‘Helps with balancing and cornering’. Dark had explained. ‘I’ve seen you run on all fours’.

Wind had nodded in agreement with that.

“Lotta redundant wires and back-ups…” Dark shook her head in frustration. With a ‘SNAP!’ she clipped the last wire into place. “There. Run diagnostic, Wind.”

Wind’s eyes flashed as she ran a systems check. “Both legs are showing 98.9 percent functionality. Well within operation parameters.”

Dark pushed both legs into the sockets with a grunt and a pop. She wiped her brow with a rag. “There. All done.”

Wind stood up and performed some squats. “Wow. They’re a lot more springy and responsive then my old legs.” She marched in place. “Lighter as well.”

Dark nodded as she put her tools away. “Well, I took out a lot of garbage pieces, as you know. Redundant systems, and back-up wiring.”

“Right.” Wind said. “I guess the Unicorns don’t want their droids breaking down mid-battle.” She pulled on her pants. “I wonder where they got the knowledge for them… for me.”

“I have no clue, aside from guessing, Wind.” Dark said with a shrug. “Centuries ago… two Rom, Angel and Flamilia, had artificial limbs, which I helped build. We based them off of the design of your namesake, Wind’s, arm.”

“I recall De Writer telling me that.” Wind said.

“Right, well, around the same time, The Mama cat happened to find a damaged robot in the middle of a maze.” Dark continued. “A very advanced model that was impervious to magic and had a complex nervous system. She claimed it was from an advanced ship that could travel through space and dimensions.”

“Arjat.” Wind said suddenly. “She wasn’t a battle droid. She gave it’s body to Din, after discovering that the unicorns that found her, had ripped out her internal systems.”

Dark looked at Wind with wide eyes. “How did you know that? About Din? You also said, ‘I gave Din’.”

Wind blinked a few times. “I…I did?”

Dark nodded slowly. “Did De Writer tell you that story?”

The droid shook her head no. “He didn’t.” She looked at her hands and flexed her fingers “I-I need to go.”

She ran out of Dark’s shop, leaving the stunned horse behind.

“Wind?” Scout asked, from her seat just outside the door. When the cat-bot didn’t stop, she stood up and called her again “Wind!”

Wind quickly jogged to De Writer’s caravan. She didn’t see him sitting outside. She surmised he must be inside having his nap.

She ran to the door, and pulled it open.

“Hello, my Dear.” De Writer greeted the droid. The old Horse was sitting at his dinner table. He had a pot of Rom black tea along with three mugs. “Do come in.”Wind sat down at the table opposite him. Before she could ask why there were three mugs, Scout came rushing in.

“Wind, what the hay is going on?” Scout asked. She then observed the scene before her. “Oh…”

“Perfect timing, Scout.” De Writer smiled as he gestured to the seat next to Wind. “Please.”

The white mare sat down with a confused look on her face.

De Writer calmly poured tea into the two mugs in front of the two girls, and then set the pot down. “There. Now that we have our tea, we can have a nice, calming, talk.”

Scout took her tea and sipped it.

Wind looked at her mug, and then at De Writer. “I don’t want tea right now. I want to know what’s happening to me. These emotions that keep developing. And just now, in Dark’s shops, memories that aren’t mine just popped into my head. They can’t just be glitches in my software. Sure, the initial incident that gave me self-awareness, maybe… but jealousy? Love? Anger? No machine aside from me has had… had…” She trailed off and looked down at Soulblade, which sat on her hip.

Her head snapped up as realization spread across her face. “I’ve been developing emotions ever since you gave me Soulblade.”

“As I said, my Dear.” De Writer explained as he sipped his tea. “Your sword contains within it several souls.” He smiled serenely, “It was no mistake when I gave you that sword.”

Wind blinked. “Will Wind’s soul take over my body? Will the others?”

“Hardly.” De Writer answered, “They are simply… helping you.”

“Helping me?” Wind repeated “How?”

“Helping you become you.” The wise old horse said simply. “Magic and magical artifacts aren’t my area of expertise, so, unfortunately, I have no real solid answer for you.”

Wind looked down at her hands. “So…” She sighed heavily “These emotions aren't really mine, then. They’re… they’re the other Wind’s.”

Scout gasped “Wind… you’re crying.”

The droid wiped her eye and looked at the teardrop. “I’m crying now?”

De Writer smiled and placed a beautifully crafted and carved wooden box on the table. It was 4 inches by for inches, and had no joints, except where the pattern allowed it.

“This box was carved by Wind from a single piece of petrified wood, when she first came to be with the Rom.” He smiled at it. “That was over 500 years ago. I have kept it with me ever since.” He opened the lid towards Wind and Scout. It was lined with soft red velvet, and holding a glowing, pink, diamond shaped crystal.

“Whoa…” Scout and Wind gasped.

Wind leaned forward and looked at the small crystal. “I detect a surprising amount of power emanating from it.” She tilted her head. “Not enough to power me, but… wow.”

“It’s called a harmonic crystal.” De Writer said calmly “This was the very crystal that powered Wind’s mechanical arm. Once upon a time.”

Wind blinked and sat back. “It’s very beautiful.”

De Writer picked the crystal up and held it between his finger and thumb. He held it out to Wind. “Here, Wind. It belongs to you.”

Wind hesitated in taking it. “W-why me?”

“This crystal helped and allowed Wind to control her arm.” De Writer explained. “I do believe it will help you with your emotions.”

Wind held out her hand. De Writer gently tipped it into her hand.

As She took the crystal in her hand, a hole opened on her forehead just an inch above her eyebrows.

“Ah!” Scout exclaimed. “What the hay?!”

Wind put her hand to her head and felt the hole. “Huh? Where did this come from?”

De Writer shook his head. “I think your software is reacting to the crystal. Almost as if it wants you to mount it on your person.”

Wind slowly placed the crystal in the hole in her head. The crystal glowed brightly for a few seconds, but then returned to normal.

Wind cried out in shock and surprise.

“AH!”

All of a sudden, she powered down. Her eyes closed as she slumped in her chair. Scout moved quickly and caught her to stop her from falling over.

“Oof!” Scout winced as she held the droid under her arms. “I forgot how heavy is.”

After a few seconds, Wind’s system rebooted, and she powered back on.

“Scout?” asked as she opened her eyes and looked at the horse. “What are doing?”

Scout helped her sit upright. “You shut down, Dummy. I caught you so you wouldn’t fall over.”

Wind blinked a few times. “I did?”

“You did.” De Writer said. “How do you feel, Wind?”

The droid touched the crystal on her head. “Different. I think my system shut down…” she paused for a second “From the power overload.” She noticed that Scout was starring at her eyes. “What?”

She pointed to a mirror hanging on the wall “Go look at your eyes, Wind.”

Wind stood up and walked over to the mirror. “My eyes!”

Wind noticed that eyes were no longer blue orbs. In fact, they were organic looking. There were still almond shape, but now, there were white, with black pupils and dark purple irises. “Whoa.”

She also opened her mouth, showing newly developed sharp looking teeth "Gah!"

She turned and looked at De Writer. “I…”

He shook his head. “Once again, my Dear, I had no clue that would happen. Magic isn’t-“

“-You’re area of expertise.” Wind said, as she turned her gaze back to the mirror. “Right.”

Scout walked up behind her and hugged her around her waist. “Well, regardless of how it happened, I think your eyes look beautiful.”

Wind’s new eyes swelled with tears, and she smiled at the compliment. She then looked surprise as she wiped them. “What the… tears now?”

Scout blinked too. “Geeze… this day is just full of surprises.”

“I suggest that you both go for a walk.” De Writer said suddenly. “This has been an exciting and overwhelming day for both of you.” He smiled warmly “Especially you, Wind.”

“A… Walk?” Wind repeated.

“Well, Dark did want us to put our new legs to the test. What better way than to go for a walk?” Scout said with a coy smile.

“Why don’t you two go check on Wrecker battery 25? On the outskirts of the plate?” De Writer suggested.

Scout looked at De Writer and then at Wind. “Lots of rocky terrain, too. Are you up for the challenge?”

Wind cocked her eyebrow. “Just try to stop me, Scout.”

They both giggled as they ran out the door.

@ask-de-writer

All six thoughtfully agreed, “We can easily see why this needs to be kept under wraps. The pegassi especially. Why earth ponies, though? What magic did we have? We have always been farmers, before the Shattering and since.”

Twilight sat comfortably and gestured them close. She pulled a different file from a drawer in the table. “You are right that earth ponies have always been farmers and builders. Do you all understand how to read yield charts for farms?” At their nods she spread out a substantial number of charts. “These charts start five years before the Shattering and follow through to the present. Each chart is, as you can see, for a particular kind of crop. Tell me what you see.”

All three of the earth ponies were tracing production curves on the charts in consternation. “If these are right then agricultural production has never recovered to more than a fourth of what it was before the Shattering.”

Both Twilight and Cadence smiled a bit grimly as they agreed, “Exactly. Before the Shattering, on average, one earth pony farmer could support about fifty other ponies. Now, it takes about five earth ponies farming to support fifty others.”

“Umm, Princess Twilight, why has production stayed so low? I mean, if you plant it and water it properly a crop grows, doesn't it?”

Cadence shook her head negatively as she replied, “Yes and no both. Earth pony magic, that was not easily seen or even detected in its use, not only helped the new crops to grow robustly, it served other purposes too. It helped at the harvest and improved the soils and composting. How their magic did all that, no pony now knows.

“When they built something, their magic made it stronger. Again, no pony understands how that worked. These are things lost to time.

“Except that restoration of your magics may allow you to do more than the ancient ponies could. Both Twilight and I gained enhancements to our magic that we never had before. It appears that the alterations to our bodies at the Shattering have allowed or caused changes to our magic and how we can use it.”

It was Stormcloud who asked, “I certainly see the need for restoring any magic that ponies may have, but why the secrecy?”

Twilight simply pointed up. “We have stopped unicorn food and slave raids, but it took almost a hundred years after they developed Mage Tech flight before our defensive weaponry was good enough to do it. Almost all of the food that they do raise on the unicorn plates is raised by slaves or the descendants of slaves that they captured back then. Their agriculture is no better than ours. Actually, due to their constant wars, it is worse.

“If our production suddenly increases as much as we hope it will, we may find ourselves back at war with them again. They only need to think that the risk is worth the possible gain. I know for a fact that they do have agents among our ponies.”

Cadence pointed to Celestia and Luna. “We almost do not need their agents to prevent us from any serious advances from idea exchanges from the Rom plates below us. Our own pegassi are shooting at them and stirring up ill feeling against the other Rom because they have a horn! It is all from jealousy because Rom pegassi CAN AND DO FLY!

“Take a close look. Those horns are long and either straight or curved. Their simple SIZE. They are horses and proud of it. Yet those hate mongers try to spread hate because the Rom have what they do not.”

One of the other pegassi replied, “Before I joined the Royal Service, I did farm labor. Flew down on our farm's MT steamer wagon to several Rom fairs on different plates of theirs. We had to follow their Wrecker Flight Control and show our license flags but the fairs were fun to go to. Always made good money too.

“I guess that what I'm saying is that not all of us pegassi feel like that.”

Luna spoke up quietly, “We are well aware of that. If we thought that you were all like that, we would not consider trying to restore your magic.”

You could almost see the wheels turning in the heads of the six. Stormcloud shook her head as she turned to ask Princess Twilight, “Those two were on that glider?” She shrugged her wings expressively, “And we almost lost them to that shoot down? That has to be stopped.”

Stormcloud flexed her wings out and said, “I saw what you did for Princess Cadence. Is that what you want me to do? Lie down on that couch while you do your magic?”

“Exactly so,” Twilight replied. “It will help if those two end tables are placed so that you can rest your wings on them.”

Two of the others immediately placed the end tables so that Stormcloud could rest her wings on them. Luna took one side of the couch and invited, “Tia, you take that side. Princess Cadence, you take a place at Private Stormcloud's head. Gently bring a small wisp of your magic to the backs of my hands and Tia's hands. Let our magic guide you for what to feel.”

Both Tia and Midnight's fingers began their dance of healing, starting right up in Stormcloud's skull and working their way down her neck to a place between her leg shoulders, just above her wing shoulders.

Cadence smiled as she reported, “I feel it! May I try to work this free?”

Midnight and Tia looked at one another and nodded. “Go ahead, Cadence. This will free up magic to her arms. That will be instrumental in weather working.”

Cadence nodded absently as she brought her own hands into the operation, letting her magic flow gently to them. Her fingers almost took a life of their own as she teased at the magical pathway knot. Suddenly, her hands separated, one following out each shoulder.

Tia offered, “You are doing this exactly right, Princess. It is important for this that you end your work where the pathway ends. You and Princess Twilight got a different treatment because of being Alicorns. Those pathways are quite different in location and strength from those of pegassi or earth ponies. Different from unicorns, too.”

Almost truculently, one of the pegassi demanded, “How would you know about unicorns?”

Twilight sort of grinned while Cadence was now working on the pathway knot at Stormcloud's wing shoulders and simply pointed. Then she added, “Nearly all Rom are either have single horns or wings. Does that answer your question?”

Cadence, with only light observation, was now finishing up with Private Stormcloud's hindquarters. She looked up, “I stayed out of her wings. They looked complicated. Would you show me how to do them right?”

Midnight nodded, becoming all business. Cadence's magic was following Midnight's hands as she both demonstrated and lectured, “You are right. Wing pathways are not quite like anything else that we know of. They have a three dimensional web like structure that mostly will only need reinforcing, like you did with the arms but a bit trickier to do. Where they become difficult is these leads going to each flight feather. There is a natural pinch at the feather follicle that is needed for molting. The path goes into the feather and branches out. Are you following this?”

Slightly awestruck, Cadence replied, “Those branches in the feathers get really small, don't they?”

“Yes, they do. Private Stormcloud has been doing a lot of flying for exercise which makes hers easier. A pegasus who has not done much flying or fluttering will be more delicate but will need the same basic work.”

“May I try the other wing? I think that I understand this now.”

Tia nodded vigorously, “We hoped that you would! You are an excellent student.”

Cadence set to work with a will! It only took her about ten minutes before she stepped back, a big smile plastered onto her face! “I did it! It's all working like it should!”

Private Stormcloud rolled off the couch and flexed her wings! She gave a rueful half smile as she said, “I wish that I could play in the unit's Flyer Games now!”

Compassionately, Princess Twilight offered, “If you can stay in this room, you may try your wings.”

Private Stormcloud stepped back to a wall and spread her wings to be sure that she would hit nothing. A power stroke had her half way to the ceiling! She rolled forward and stroked again, ending in a vertical bank to avoid colliding with the far wall! Pulling tightly around she alighted at Twilight's feet.

Eyes alight, wings half spread and smiling, her voice carried her delight! “I can really fly! It is nothing like before! What now?”

Twilight bowed her head to Private Stormcloud and turned to Cadence. “Sister, try one of the earth ponies next. I suspect that it will be a challenge. From what we know that they did, their magic pathway systems must be fascinating.

Cadence smiled, “I do hope so. This work is the first thing to give me hope since the Shattering.” Leading her selected test pony to the divan, she offered, “Just lay down on your stomach the way that Private Stormcloud did. There is nothing to fear in this.”

As Cadence was beginning her work, there was a loud ringing tone from Twilight's pocket. She produced a magic net mirror, frowned at it and made a pass in the air in front of her.

What appeared to be mirrored surface appeared in front of her. She tapped a fast single code and demanded, “This is Princess Twilight. What is it, Air Traffic Control?”

The reply had that forced calm of a well trained operator in a serious emergency. “It is the Royal Skyship Yacht, Imperator of Strongwall, commanded by Ashlar II, King Strongwall. She is refusing traffic control directions and demanding to land in the field next your palace.”

She tapped a different code and began at once, “Strongwall! This is Twilight! Follow the orders of Traffic Control or be shot down. At your present altitude there are likely to be survivors. Those will be ransomed as usual. The wreck will be seized and scrapped.”

“You cannot so insult Strongwall! I will land where I please!”

“I see,” she tapped another code. “Outer ring battery 22, take out the Imperator's port forward boiler. Fire!”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Treasure

Wind and Scout made their way towards Wrecker Battery 25, just as De Writer had suggested. The two girls traversed the sandy dunes and rocky terrain between De Writer’s fair and the outer edge of the Rom plate.

“How are your new legs, Scout?” Wind asked as she easily jumped three feet onto a rock outcropping. She then turned around to offer her hand to the mare.

Scout looked up at her with a smirk. She bent down, and then jumped up. However, she didn’t quite make it, coming up a foot too short.

Wind reacted in a way that only a robot cat could, and grabbed her by the hand. She then pulled her a little too hard towards herself, causing the pair to stumble. The cat fell onto her back, with Scout landing on top of her. Scout caught herself on the palm of her hands, with her face coming within half an inch of Wind’s.

“Uh…” The mare blushed as she peered into Wind’s new eyes. “Thanks for catching me…”

Wind nodded as she held onto Scout’s waist. “Y-yeah. No problem.”

“Wind?” Scout asked as Wind sensors registered her warm breath on her face covering.

“Yes… Scout?” Wind nearly gulped.

“I want to try something… something that I’ve wanted to do since the Fair a week ago…” Scout said nervously. “Um… c-can I kiss you?”

Wind processed the request for a brief second. “I see no harm in that.”

Scout closed the half inch gap and pressed her lips against Wind’s. She held them there for a few seconds, and then pulled back.

“How was it for you, Wind?” Scout asked, her whole face turning crimson.

Wind was silent for a moment as she tried to process the sensation from her first kiss. “I… my emotions are still somewhat new to me, Scout. As I have never been kissed before, I’m uncertain as to how to describe it.” She fell silent briefly before continuing it. “However, I could best describe it as… pleasant.”

Scout smiled. “I enjoyed it as well.” She stood up, and helped Wind to stand up. “Thank you…”

Wind nodded and placed her hand on Scout’s cheek. “You needn’t be so shy around me, Scout. I know we are both… new to this… relationship.” She smiled, showing her new teeth. “Should you ever wish to perform physical acts of affection towards me, you needn’t hesitate to ask. You may simply perform them.”

Scout’s head felt like it was ready to explode from the blood rush. “O-okay… that was oddly forward of you, Wind.”

Wind tapped the crystal in her head. “I do believe this is helping me understand my emotions better, aside from changing me physically.” She titled her head. “Am I being to forward? I certainly wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“No.” Scout said as she shook her head. “Not at all. Just… surprising, that’s all.”

She suddenly stood on her tip of her metal hooves, and kissed Wind again. After a brief second, She pulled back.

“Just, uh, doing what you suggested…” Scout said with a blush. “Also, um… giving you more data… to help you process your emotions…”

The droid nodded with a warm smile. “Well, thank you. That does help. If you wish, once we return… to your caravan, we could always perform data collection.”

“Eep~”

“But come, the day is growing late. Let us hurry to the wrecker battery.” Wind suggested.

With a nod, the two girls set off on their trek towards wrecker battery 25 again.

Half an hour later, Wind and Scout approached the battery, waving to the crew.

The gunner captain, a tall male unicorn waved at them. “Hey Scout. Hey Gale.”

“Hey Lancaster.” Scout greeted him with a warm smile. “De Writer sent us out here. Hinted that something was going on?”

Lancaster nodded. “You could say that.”

The grey horse with his black mane turned away from Scout, and pointed towards the large, nearly skeletal frame of a Unicorn scout MT ship. It was similar to the ship that Wind had “arrived” in. It was a third the size of the Khal Haban, the Junk ship that had claimed Scout’s legs. The wrecker crew was stripping the hull off it, so they could then break down the frame.

“I’ve never seen this process of salvaging before.” Wind said as the three of them walked towards the wreck.

“Fair enough.” Lancaster said. “Well, typically, after the scavers and other wreckers clear out the ship of any goods, the gunner crew that shoots the ship down gets to claim the ship itself. Ammo isn’t cheap, after all, and those ships are powered by huge boilers, and have thick armor.”

Wind nodded. “I knew that, but go on.”

“Well, the armor is repurposed for our batteries. Helps protect our cannons if the Unicorns decide to shoot back. It’s also good for making rounds. After all, ammo made from the same material as their armor has a better change at piercing it.” The tall male explained.

“A logical conclusion.” Wind said in agreement.

“The boilers go to Dark. Always have ever since we started shooting down ships.” Lancaster said next. “She likes to study them, and then repurpose them to help the Rom camps. Especially the Plates below us where the sun doesn’t really last that long, so solar panels wouldn’t work too well.”

“Of course.” Wind nodded.

“Well, it looks like a typical scout ship.” Scout said. “What’s going on?”

Lancaster chuckled. “The Unicorns are getting smarter. Extra armor plating around their MT engines. Our torches are having a tough time cutting through it.”

Wind looked at the ship, and watch an earth horse she knew as Liam, use a cutting torch on the hull. After a few moments, the large piece, she measured at four feet by four feet, and one foot thick, fell down to the ground with a thud!

“An interesting tool.” She said. “How is it powered?”

Lancaster hesitated in answering her. “It’s… a Rom secret, Gale.”

“Ugh. Lancaster…” Scout said as she swatted his elbow. “Gale is Rom.” She shook her head. “Rom tools our powered by our… well, it used to be called hoof magic, now we call it hand magic. It’s how some Rom make seamless boxes, and how our caravans that last so long.”

“I see.” Wind watched as a unicorn ran over to the hull piece. She sent out her magic, and enveloped it. The cat then watched in awe as the Rom easily lifted it up, and carried it away.

“What the…” The droid said out of shock “That piece was easily a tonne.”

“That’s another Rom secret, Gale.” Scout answered. “The average Rom unicorn can easily lift one to two tonnes with their magic. We try not to if there are ponies around to see us do it.”

“The average…” Wind repeated “There are Rom that can lift more than that?”

“Black Lotus, from the before time, she could lift over three tonnes.” Scout explained. “My Greatest Grandma, Esper, from the stories I’ve been told, had no limit to what she could carry. According to De Writer, she once shifted 10 caravans two kilometers via her teleportation magic.”

“That’s amazing.” Wind asked in an impressed tone. “How much can you lift, Scout?”

“A little over half a tonne is my limit, but I’m still young.” The white mare said. “Lots of time to develop my power.”

Wind turned as she heard another piece drop. She walked over to it, and scanned it with her sensors. She estimated the piece weighed approximately 500 lbs.

She bent her knees and gripped the piece on opposite edges. She then stood up with a grunt. She walked over to the cart holding the other pieces and gently set it down.

Scout walked over to her “A-are you Okay, Gale?”

Wind nodded as she bent over, and rested her hands on her knees. “I wanted to test… my limit.”

Lancaster came over as well and whistled impressively. “I knew you were strong, Gale, but dang…”

The droid stood up and smiled at him. “Thanks, Lancaster.” She sighed, “So, what do you need us to do?”

“Well, since my crew is spilt between cutting the hull, lifting it, and hauling it off to Dark, I figured you and Gale could help us.” He looked at the ship. “Liam and Bug,” He nodded at the young unicorn girl that was helping Liam “Are on this side. Sando and Cheilion are on the other side.”

“If you gals could help us haul this scrap to Dark, Bug and Cheilion wouldn’t have to make so many trips.” Lancaster said as He patted the scrap cart.

Wind looked at Scout. “I think we can manage that for you.”

Scout nodded as she started hooking up the harness for the double tree. “Sure we can.”

Wind moved next to her, and allowed the shorter girl to put the harness on her and adjust it accordingly. She never hauled before, so she didn’t really know how to do it.

Once Scout was done, she smiled up at Wind. “Just follow my pacing, Gale.”

“Right.” Wind nodded.

The two girls began pulling the cart towards De Writer’s fair. Wind matched Scout’s speed and cadence so that the pull would be even.

After a few minutes, Scout giggled. “You’re doing well, Wind. Nice and even. We don’t want to wear out the wheels on one side.”

Wind nodded. “Fair enough.” She thought for a few moments, and then asked kindly. “You keep mentioning your Greatest Grandmother, Esper, Scout. Since we… well, since we, are growing closer, I would like to know more about her.”

“I don’t know any more then what De Writer has told me about her.” Scout said honestly. “What I do know, was that she wasn’t a horse or a pony. Well, not a first.” She thought for a second. “When she first came to live in Equestria, she was a hybrid of oryx and squirrel. When she met her wife, Breeze Chaser, her form changed to a pony/oryx.”

“Interesting.” Wind nodded. “I wonder how that happened.”

“De Writer said she had powerful magic within her that often acted on its own free will.” Scout explained. “Much later on, her horns were broken, and only one could be saved, so Princess Celestia and Princess Luna made her a unicorn.”

“How did that happen?” Wind asked in shock.”

“De Writer doesn’t like to talk about it.” The young mare said. “So, I don’t know. I do know that 100 years before the shattering, she was the horse of protection, much like how Celestia and Luna were the horses of the Sun and Moon.”

“And after?” Wind asked softly.

“No one knows, really.” She pointed up. “Her mountain, once known as the Lonely Mountain, still exists. Well, three quarters of it does. But no one, not even De Writer, knows what happened to her. He did feel her magic on the night of the shattering, as it tried to save the Rom, but that’s about it.”

She fell silent for a minute. “Even her caravan was lost during the shift, which is shame. It once belonged to a dear friend of De Writer’s name Rose. She was the adoptive mother of the original Sky Dancers, and very close to the Princesses themselves.”

“I-“ Wind began to say, then stopped. She even stopped walking, and grabbed Scout’s arm to stop her as well.

“Hey!” Scout said in surprise “What’s-?”

“I detect a sink hole 1.5 meters in front of us, Scout.” Wind said as she dropped her harness. “It’s covered by a thin crust of hardpacked dirt.” She walked the edge of the area she indicated and then punched the ground. The thin layer of dirt fell in, revealing an uneven, 10 foot wide whole. “See?”

Scout unhitched, and carefully approached the hole as well. “It’s slanted. How deep does it go?”

Wind shrugged. “It’s difficult to say. I am, however, detecting a larger area at the end of the tunnel.”

“Want to go look?” Scout asked as she pulled out her flashlight from her bag. “We might find something.”

Wind hesitated. “We could, yes. But we should call De Writer and advise him before we do. Just in case something happens.”

Scout pulled out her magical net mirror and tapped it twice. “De Writer? Wind and I are about 10 klicks from your fair” She paused for a second “We’re both fine.” Another Pause “Wind found a sink hole, or rather a cave that leads to an underground chamber.” She paused again. “Yes. We’ll be careful. Wind just wanted me to let you know.” She smiled and clicked her mirror.

“He said to be careful.” She said as she put her mirror away.

“Of course.” Wind said as she carefully walked down the slanted side of the hole. She heard Scout follow her.

After a few seconds, they hit solid, and somewhat, even ground. Wind adjusted her vision to let herself see in the dark. Scout clicked her flashlight on.

“I wonder how long this chamber has been down here.” Scout asked as they walked cautiously forward.

Wind thought for a few seconds. “Judging by the air quality, and the erosion of the rock… it would be safe to say since the Shattering.”

“I wonder why no horse has come across it before now?” Scout asked as she scanned the walls with her flashlight.

Scout shook her head. “Who knows? More than likely, the ground wasn’t thin enough for any Rom to trigger a collapse. We did have those wind storms a few months back. Maybe they uncovered enough of the ground.”

“Perhaps.” Scout nodded in agreement. She moved the light beam to in front of them, and then gasped. “AH!”

Covered in a thick layer of dust, yet in near perfect condition, was a Rom caravan. It was on its side, but still in one piece.

Scout and Wind ran over to it to get a better look.

“Wow. This is incredible.” Scout said in awe.

Wind looked at it as well. “I knew Rom caravans were built to last… but this is simply astounding.” She walked around to the other side. As she did, she noticed something.

“Scout. Come around the other side…” She called to the mare.

Scout jogged around to her. “What’s up?”

“Look.” She pointed further into the chamber.

Just behind the first caravan, was another caravan. This one was on its wheels, however. Yet just like the first one, it was barely damaged.

They walked over the caravan still on its wheels, and examined it. Being gentle, Wind wiped the dirt and dust off a section of the wood. It was a red mahogany, with roses carved into it.

“Wind…” Scout whispered as she noticed the Roses. “I… I think this is Esper’s caravan. Remember how I said that she inherited hers from a Horse named Rose?”

Wind nodded. “Yes.”

“Well, look.” Scout said as she pointed at the roses “What other Rom would have roses carved into their caravan?”

“That’s a logical hypothesis.” Wind said. “But how would we know for certain?”

Scout walked over to the door. “I guess we could always just… look inside?”

Wind rubbed her chin. “I guess we could.”

Scout opened the door. The hinges squeaked in protest from over 500 years of not being used. “Oof.” She complained as she winced. She then walked into the caravan and looked around.

“I’m not seeing too much…” Scout said as she examined the interior with her light.

Wind came in and used her low-light vision to look around. “There.” She pointed to the front of the caravan. “There’s a rather large chest.”

The two girls walked over to the chest, and knelt down in front of it.

Scout jiggled the lock. “It’s solid brass.” She looked around. “And I don’t see a key.”

Wind looked at Scout’s horn. “You could always try your magic.”

The mare blushed. “Heh. Right.”

She summoned her magic to her horn and sent her golden tendrils, the same color as her eyes, towards the lock. The locked glowed purple, causing Scout’s magic to bounce off of it.

“Ah!”

“It’s protected against magic.” Wind said. “After all these years.”

“Well, I think that proves it.” Scout said. “This has to be Esper’s caravan. Only her magic could still be active after all this time.”

She pulled out her net mirror, and tapped it twice. “De Writer? It’s Scout.” She paused. “We’re both fine. However, Wind and I made an incredible discovery!” Another pause. “That chamber I told you about? Well, we found two old Rom caravans in it!” Another pause. “Yes! And what’s more? One of them is Esper’s. We found a chest with protection magic on it.” Another pause. “Yes! Who else could have cast a spell over 500 years ago, and still have it active?”

Scout was silent for a few moments as she listened to whatever De Writer was saying.

“Well, both of the caravans are in good shape. So, in theory, they could be moved.” She paused again. “Well, since there are two, we would need four horses. Wind and I still need to deliver the scrap wagon for Wrecker team 25.” She grinned at the mirror. “Okay! See you guys soon!”

She clicked her mirror and returned it to her bag.

“De Writer and Dark are bringing some Rom to help move the caravans.” She explained to Wind.

Wind nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

Half an hour later, Wind and Scout, who were standing outside of Esper’s caravan, saw four torches appear at the mouth of the chamber. De Writer, Dark, and two other horses. A tall male unicorn named Durham, a short Pegasus mare named Adora, were with them. They were all carrying pulling harnesses.

“Over here!” Scout beckoned to them, waving her flashlight.

De Writer waved to her.

Dark looked at the other horses. “Okay. Spread out, and plant your torches at four feet intervals.”

The other horses nodded and planted their torches into the ground of the chamber. Dark and De Writer did the same. Once that was done, De Writer took out a flashlight and walked over to Scout and Wind.

“This is the caravan in question?” He asked the two girls.

“It is.” Scout said.

De Writer examined the caravan by the light of his flashlight. “Hm. There is no doubt. This is certainly Rose’s old caravan. I would recognize it anywhere.”

“De Writer!” Dark shouted.

De Writer, Scout and Wind looked towards Dark, who was standing near the first caravan.

She eagerly waved them over. “Come here.”

They walked over to where she was standing. She giggled and wiped some dust and dirt off the side of the caravan.

“Look. It’s made of bamboo.” She said. “It’s Moonbeam’s old caravan.”

De Writer examined the caravan more closely. “I do believe you are correct, Dark. She was the only Rom to have one made of bamboo.”

The always, somewhat emotionless, Dark was near tears. “What an incredible discovery…” She looked at Wind and Scout. “Congratulations, you two. You found two long lost pieces of treasure.”

Scout smiled. “Thanks, Dark.” She nudged Wind with her elbow. “It’s actually thanks to Wind. She sensed the sink hole… with her, um, magic.”

“Right.” De Writer said. “The day is fading. We need to get these caravans back to my fair so we can assess them and make repairs.” He looked at the two other horses. “Durham and Adora? Head back up and haul the scrap wagon back to the fair, will you?”

Echo and Billy nodded. They carefully dropped their harnesses, and then headed back outside.

“Dark? Could you carefully use you magic to upright Moonbeam’s caravan?” De Writer asked kindly.

Dark nodded confidently. “Certainly.”

Wind watched in awe as Dark used her hidden talents and lifted the caravan as easily as lifting a piece of paper. She then turned it upright, and easily set it down on its wheels.

“Dark’s magic is a closely guarded secret, Wind.” De Writer said in a gentle, yet stern, tone. “As well guarded as your origins.”

Wind nodded in understanding. “I promise I won’t tell anyone.”

De Writer smiled. “Dark? How are the wheel bearings? Are we able to pull the caravans out of this chamber?”

Dark knelt down next to Moonbeam’s caravan and examined the wheels closely with her flashlight. “The wheels are sturdy enough. Moonbeam certainly built it to last, that’s for certain. The bearings…” She fell silent for a moment. “Eh. They’re a little rusted from lack of use. I’ll have to grease them before we can move them.”

De Writer nodded. “That makes sense.”

“Also-“ Dark continued as she stood up. “The slope is really steep. All four of us will have to work together if we’re going to get the caravans up it.”

Wind thought for a moment. “You three can pull from the front. I’ll push from the back.”

“What about your battery?” Scout asked in a concerned tone. “What level is it at?”

The droid’s eyes flashed for a second. “It’s at 50%. I’ll have enough power to push the caravans up the hill, and haul them back to De Writer’s fair.”

“Well, I have an idea, then;” Dark chimed up. “De Writer and Scout? Why don’t you pull from the front, and I’ll help Wind push from the back.”

The four Rom nodded in unison, and got to work.

A half hour later, the three horses, and cat, stood next to the old caravans. De Writer and Scout, and even Dark, were trying to catch their breath. Wind was holding herself up using the corner of Esper’s caravan.

“I miss calculated…” She said. “My battery is now at 35%. I don’t believe I will be able to help pull a caravan back to De Writer’s camp.”

Dark nodded. “Don’t worry about it, Wind. I’ll pull Esper’s caravan. Scout? De Writer? Can you pull Moonbeam’s?”

“I do believe we can.” De Writer said with a chuckle. “Wind? Go rest inside Esper’s caravan in low power mode. We’ll come get you when we reach camp.”

Wind nodded. “Okay. I will.” She walked to the door of the caravan, and headed inside. She sat down on the floor, and went into low power mode.

Just as her external sensors were shutting down, she felt the caravan lurch as the horses outside began their pull.

@ask-de-writer

The others in the room with Twilight clearly heard the anger from that mirror like surface that she had produced. “What is the meaning of this outrage! I have come in peace to negotiate with you and you have fired on the Imperator! I shall destroy that insolent gun battery and proceed to your castle!”

Twilight calmly retorted, “Should you try either of those things, you will be shot down immediately and without further warning. I have only taken one of your six boilers. You are presently fully battle operational. You can lose two more and still sustain yourself in flight but will have no steam left for any other purpose. You could open your bomb ports to drop explosives but my guns will insure that you will crash directly on top of them if you do.

“By my order, every battery within range of your skycraft has you targeted. Follow Air Traffic Control orders and land where directed. If you do, that facility has in stock four salvaged boilers that have been pressure tested and should be suitable to replace the one that we shot out to get your attention.”

Twilight looked up and shrugged. “Unicorns that think that they are rulers of some sort will only listen to reason when they are out gunned. The lower ranking ones have a heavy dose of Unicorn superiority but are willing to follow orders and can even be pleasant company during trade negotiations.”

Cadence nodded, “I have seen unicorns like that before.”

Eyes alight with eagerness she went on, “Twilight, this earth pony is like nothing I have ever even heard of. He has THREE pathway knots and the pathways that I have traced so far are like a pegasus wing, sort of. I mean that they form a three dimensional pattern throughout his body, including arms and legs!”

She paused and added thoughtfully, “I am still trying to restore some of them. The connections can be quite subtle.”

Midnight nodded agreement. “Our one case like that was a mare, not a stallion, but yes, she was quite complex to restore. There was nothing in the literature to guide us, so we had to be very careful. Her twin foals followed the usual Rom development to be unicorn horses except that they were magically crippled too. Fortunately, we were able to restore their magic and they are now magically mischievous like Rom foals should be.”

Tia snorted, “We published the case in Medicine on the Road. Got a number of light hearted responses. Almost every horse that saw it thought that it was humorous.”

One of the remaining pegassi exclaimed, “What! How could something so important be humorous?”

Twilight interposed, “Because Rom are all born with their magic intact. They don't need restorative magical surgery. The article came to the attention of De Writer and he communicated it to me. We did not know if it would even work for certain but three successful restorations gave us hope. The problem being that only two Rom unicorns knew how to do it and anti unicorn prejudice is pretty bad. We have seen some of right here in this room.

“Public success or failure could both lead to riots. That was why that part of what they were bringing us needed to be secret. As you know now, they can restore your full magic. And Edge Battery 41 murdered their pilot and nearly killed them too, which means that none of us would have our magic restored.”

Her pocket magic net mirror chimed for attention once again. This time Twilight used its privacy function. The conversation lasted for nearly ten minutes.

She looked up eyes bleak and shuddered. “That was Captain Wingover's report. Besides placing the Edge Battery 41 crew under arrest for firing on the glider, she has collected a great deal of evidence, including proof that the pilot, Karat Bel Hona was murdered.

“They will arrive by rail tomorrow in the morning.”

Cadence thoughtfully said, “I have done all that I can for Private Greensward. I would like to see what all of that work actually does. Do you have anything for a test, Twilight?”

With rueful grimmace, she pointed to a window box. “Both me and my maids have a black thumb when it comes to potted plants. Think that you can do anything with them, Private Greensward?”

He shrugged, “Don't know. My family always raised hay of one sort or another. Never did much with flowers.”

He whistled tunelessly as he sort of felt the stems and leaves.

Quietly, so as to not disturb him, Cadence pointed to the soil in the pot. It was visibly swelling up as it went from flat and packed to loose. He reached for a small pitcher and lightly watered the loose soil. He moved on to the next plant and began to repeat his work on the first. While he was working on the nearly dead plant, his first one's stem visibly plumped out. The leaves went from wilted and drooping to lifted on strong stems and firmly turned to catch the light from the window. The three scraggly blossom buds opened to display well formed petals in vibrant colors.

By the time that he had finished the last one, the window box was filled to overflowing with several kinds of plants, all in riotous bloom.

Twilight nodded and got up to examine the plants closely. She felt the soil that had been loosened around their roots. She turned and pointed out, “If Rom pegassi and unicorns can be as ill treated as I know that my ponies do from simple jealousy, think what they will do when they find that you have your gifts but they do not. They will riot to demand what we cannot swiftly deliver. That is why this is under Utmost Secret for now.

“As soon as can be managed, a secret base will be set up where you can practice and develop your new magic skills. We will be sending you more recruits as fast as we can. You will be needed to train them. We will need at least a thousand each of pegassi and earth ponies trained to work together before we announce this.

“Our plan is for you all to be broken into militarily trained work units who will both restore our agriculture, weather management and seek more recruits. We hope that a military program with active recruiting will minimize civil unrest.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Conversations

Scout yawned and stretched, feeling sore, yet happy, from what happened yesterday.

De Writer, Dark, and Scout, had managed to pull the two ancient caravans, that once belonged to Esper and Moonbeam, back to De Writer’s fair.

Wind had wanted to help pull, but due to the effort it took her to help pull the caravans out of the underground chamber, her battery power level was much too low to do anything.

Of course ,by the time the group had returned to the fair, the sun was setting, and thus, it was too dark for them to make any repairs to the caravans. So, they had called it a night, and decided to work on them the next day.

Scout looked down at her chest, which Wind was currently using for a pillow.

The mare giggled and stroked the cat’s hair. “Wind?”

“Nmh?” Wind mumbled in her powered down state.

“Wind… it’s morning.” Scout blushed. “Also, you’re using me as a pillow.”

Wind’s eyes snapped open as she powered on fully. She sat up quickly and looked down at her close friend sympathetically.

“Was I too heavy?” She asked frantically. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No.” Scout blushed. “Just, um… what do you remember from last night?”

Wind scanned her memory files from the previous night.

---

Wind and Scout had retired to their caravan. They were both tired, well, Wind’s power was low, but they both had much to discuss. Or… rather, more ‘data collection’ to perform as Wind had so eloquently put it.

“Scout?” Wind had asked as they sat on the bed next to one another.

“Yeah, Wind?” Scout asked in return.

“Why me?” The cat-bot asked as she absent-mindedly took Scout’s hand in hers.

“Why you, what?” Scout asked as she turned her head to look at Wind.

Wind looked at Scout.

“Why are you interested in me, Scout?” She asked “Why pick me? A-a… robot?”

Scout sighed and thought for a moment.

“Hey…” She cooed “You’re not just a robot. Not to me, anyways. Even if you didn’t have emotions, I still would want you as my friend.”

“Just friends?” Wind asked quietly.

“I… honestly don’t know the answer to that, Wind.” Scout said with a shrug. “When it comes to us, I’m just as confused as you are. Why did I pick you? I don’t know the answer to that. Does it bother me that You’re a robot? No. All I do know, Wind, is that you make me feel safe. Th-that I…”

She blushed and hid her face with her hands.

“…I love you…” she whispered barely loud enough for even Wind’s audio sensors to pick it up.

“Scout…” Wind said as she moved to her knees and sat in front of her. “You love me?”

Scout, still hiding behind her hands, nodded yes.

“I love you as well, Scout.” Wind said confidently.

---

Wind nodded. “I remember, yes. We confessed our love to one another.”

Scout smiled “I also remember more… ‘data collection’.” She giggled.

Wind shook her head and giggled “Well, how else am I to learn about being in a relationship?”

“Fair enough.” Scout threw the blankets off her and stood up.

Wind’s eyes went wide as she noticed that Scout was not wearing any clothes. “You’re not…”

Scout shrugged. “You sleep naked Wind, why shouldn’t I?”

“It’s not…, well, okay. Fine.” Wind said as she stood up. “But I don’t have any biological parts like you do.”

Scout pulled on a pair pants and then then her shirt. “I wouldn’t say that Wind.”

Wind froze in putting on her pants. “Wh-what do you mean, Scout?”

The white mare giggled at her friend’s response. “Last night, while we were… data collecting… I noticed that… well…” She walked over to Wind and whispered in her ear.

Wind’s pupils grew wider and wider as Scout told her what had she noticed.

“So, um, yeah…” Scout finished. “Fair’s fair…”

She finished getting dressed and waited for Wind to do the same.

Once they were ready, they headed outside, only to be greeted by a large group of Rom, from other camps, standing around the caravans that they had found. There were about 20 or so.

De Writer and Dark were with them and seemed to be giving them orders.

The old blue horse spotted them and waved them over with a big smile.

Wind and Scout walked over to group, surprise and confusion clear upon their faces.

“Gale? Scout? These fine Rom have come to help us with the repairs to the caravans. Also, they wanted to see a piece of Rom history for themselves,” De Writer explained. “As is turned out, Adora and Durham had returned to their camp and told everyone about the discovery that you girls had made.”

“The word quickly spread to the other Rom camps.” Dark explained further. “As De Writer has said many times, ‘many hands make for quick work’.”

“Okay…” Scout said. “Um. Wow. Thanks for coming everyone.”

The other horses nodded their approval.

Dark called out. “Okay, Rom. We got a lot of work to do. These Caravans are over 500 years old, and haven’t been taken care of since the Shattering. They’re also heirlooms that mean a lot to De Writer, and once upon a time, Marchhare.”

There were hushed murmurs of surprise among the gathered Rom.

“So, we need to be extra careful when it comes to cleaning them and repairing them.” Dark continued. “I want ten horses on one caravan, and 10 on the other. Nothing is to be removed, repaired, or altered without checking with me first, or without my say so. Is that clear?”

The horses all nodded yes.

“Good. Those Rom with smithing skills will help me with removing the wheels and bearings.” Dark said next. “Those with wood skills will remove any damaged planks and repair them. First things first, we need to wash them and see just how much we need to fix them. Okay?”

“Right, Dark.” The crowed answered as one.

“Let’s get to it.” Dark ordered.

The Rom divided into groups to get to work on the caravans.

De Writer pulled Wind and Gale aside. “Come with me, Girls. There’s something in my caravan that I want to show you.”

He lead them to his Caravan, and then inside. Once they were inside, he closed the door behind them.

“As you can see,” De Writer said as he pointed to the large wooden chest on his dinning table, “I moved Esper’s chest from her caravan to mine. I didn’t want any snooping horses to find it while repairs were being made.”

Wind nodded. “It’s locked and has a protection spell cast on it. Scout tired to open it with her magic yesterday.”

“Do you have any ideas on how to open it, De Writer?” Scout has asked as she looked at the chest as it sat of his dinner table.

“Unfortunately not.” De Writer admitted. “As you mentioned, Wind, it is protected by Esper’s protection magic. And since we don’t have a key, I am at a loss.”

Wind blinked. “Esper didn’t leave the key with you, De Writer? She left her staff with you.”

De Writer smiled and shook his head no. “Sadly not, my Dear. As far seeing as Esper was, she didn’t leave the key with me. Instead, she opted to leave it as an heirloom with her other Daughter’s Band.”

Scout nodded. “Sadly, a lot happened to the Rom during the Shattering, Wind. Many Bands made it, but some did not. My Great Aunt Toffee’s band suffered greatly during the Shattering, and a lot of property was lost. Including the key.”

Wind nodded slowly. “I see.” She heaved a sigh, and took the lock in her right hand. “If only Esper were here-“

She stopped talking as something odd happened. The crystal in her head suddenly shined brightly, and sent a surge down her right arm. The power sparked against the lock, and with a brief flash of purple, and a CLICK! The lock, well, unlocked.

“What the heck?” Wind asked. “I didn’t know I could do that.”

De Writer chuckled. “Well, Esper and Wind were sisters. However differently they looked from one another. So, it’s only logical that Wind’s crystal would react to Esper’s magic. Or visa-versa.”

Wind’s eyes went wide as she looked at the old blue horse. “Okay… you guys never told me that.”

Scout blushed “Um… sorry?”

The droid sighed “It’s fine.” She pulled the lock off and set it on the table. “The chest is unlocked. Since Scout is the only surviving relative to Esper, I feel it’s only right that she open it.”

Scout looked at De Writer for confirmation. “I am?”

“Well, not the ONLY surviving relative, Scout.” De Writer amended “You are, however, the most directly related horse to Esper. It’s the reason why I gave you her staff.”

“Oh.” The short mare said softly. “Okay then…”

She stepped forward and gripped the lid of the chest with her hands. She then gently lifted it.

Both she and Wind gasped at what was inside.

Gold coins of various sizes, diamonds that shone like stars, rings, tiaras, sapphires, rubies, emeralds… all sparkled brightly.

“This… this is all mine?” Scout squeaked.

“All yours.” De Writer nodded.

“I…” She shut the lid suddenly, took a few calming breaths, and then opened it again. The treasure was still there. “Okay. So, um, I’m not dreaming.”

“When did Esper get this treasure?” Wind asked in awe.

“Wind and Esper were adopted daughters to a Dragon whom we, and they, called Mama Dragon.” De Writer explained. “She’s the same Dragon whose Soul resides in your sword Wind, and she is the one who forged your sword.” He paused for a second, and then continued, “600 years ago, or so, Mama Dragon passed on, and left a fair-sized treasure pile behind. Wind, your namesake, Esper, and Wind’s twin, Fade, all received equal shares of the treasure.”

Wind blinked rapidly. “Wait, wait, wait… Fade? Wind’s twin? My namesake had a twin sister?”

The old blue horse sighed. “It’s complicated… but yes, in a sense she did. We can discuss it later if you wish.”

The cat-bot nodded. “It seems we have much to discuss. So, yes. I do wish.”

Scout shut the lid and turned and faced De Writer. “Esper had this treasure for over 100 years, and it was never spent?”

“Oh, she tried.” De Writer chuckled. “Esper donated funds to pretty much every town she visited. Anonymously, of course. However, since she had so much, she could never quite spend it all.”

“What about the 100 years before the treasure was lost?” Wind asked.

“Again, they tried to spend it.” De Writer said simply. “Every time they did, the chest would… refill. You must keep in mind, girls, that Mama Dragon’s hoard was enormous. For over 500 years she collected her wealth, and before her, her mother did as well. Not to mention, Wind added her wealth and her parents’ treasure to the pile as well. ”

“Oh.” Wind and Scout said at the same time.

“So, do with it what you wish, Scout.” De Writer said with a smile. “It’s up to you.”

Scout looked back at the chest and heaved a sigh. “I’m just going to put it in my caravan for now, and worry about it later.” She looked at Wind. “If it’s okay with Wind, can we talk about… the other Wind, and her family tree?”

Wind nodded, and looked at De Writer expectantly. “I do want to know about Wind. As much as you can tell me…”

De Writer moved Scout’s treasure chest off of his table with his magic, and set it on the floor near his door. He then gestured to his table. “Have a seat, girls. The Mama Cat’s history is a long tale…”

Two hours later, Wind sat in silence. She just couldn’t believe, and had no idea about the life and adventures that her namesake had lived and experienced. Not to mention her sister Fade, and what became of her.

“I…” she mumbled “So, Fade… became Sarana, and after her wife, Puff, passed on, she and her daughter left the Rom?”

“She did.” De Writer said in a sad tone. “Sarana felt that Puff was her only anchor to the Rom. So, she took her only daughter, Bijou, and disappeared into the Everfree forest. As far as I know, and from the rumors I heard before the Shattering, Sarana and Bijou started their own race of Magical, intelligent cats.”

Wind looked at Scout, and then back at De Writer. “That’s funny… I’ve been telling the Rom and the other ponies from the other plates… that I’m an intelligent cat.” She shook her head in disbelief. “I had no idea that was a possibility.”

“If I’ve learned anything about living in Equestria,” Scout giggled “It’s that ANYthing is possible.”

There was a sudden knock at the door.

“De Writer?” Came Dark’s mumbled voice. “We’re finished.”

De Writer, Scout, and Wind looked at one another, nodded, and headed to the door. Wind opened it, and they all walked out of the Caravan.

Moonbeam’s and Esper’s caravans sat gleaming in the sun. They looked much better then when Wind and Scout first found them.

Dark gestured to them. “Brand new bearings and wheel hubs. Cleaned inside and out. All the damaged boards and shingles fixed. They’re as good as the day they were made.”

She took out a silver picture frame and handed it to De Writer. “Here, De Writer. I found this in Moonbeam’s caravan.”

De Writer took the picture and looked at it. It was a drawing of Marchhare and Moonbeam on their wedding day. The Old Blue horse nodded in approval. “Thank you, Dark.”

He cleared his throat. “The caravans look lovely. Excellent work, everyhorse.”

The Rom horses patted each other on their backs.

Scout blinked and narrowed her eyes. “Wait a minute… where’s my caravan?”

Wind looked around and noticed it was missing as well. “Hey.”

“Well,” Dark said as she handed a key to Scout. “Since you and Wind found the caravans, De Writer and felt it was only fair that we give you one as thanks.” She gestured to Esper’s caravan. “The Rom and I moved your belongings to Esper’s, or rather, your new caravan.”

Scout took the key, speechless from shock.

Wind was speechless as well. However, she recovered quickly. “What about Moonbeam’s caravan?”

“Well, we figured we’ll keep it here for now.” Dark explained. “Keep it as sort of memorial to Moonbeam. After all, she was a very special horse that meant a lot to Marchhare. She was his wife after all.”

“Did you figure out how those two caravans ended up in that cave?” Scout asked, snapping out of shock.

“I had the unicorns scan them with their magic.” Dark answered. “It seems that when Marchhare’s caravan… collapsed in on itself, it pulled Moonbeam’s and Esper’s caravan along with it, as they were closest to it when everything happened. Fortunately, no one was in them at the time.”

“That would be as good an explanation as any.” De Writer nodded with approval. “But come, my Rom. It’s still harvest day.” He pointed out with a gentle smile “Return to your camps to help.”

The crowd of Rom dispersed back to their camps, while Wind, Scout, Dark, and De Writer went to their field to harvest their crops.

@ask-de-writer

It was one of the remaining four who suggested, “Perhaps, Princess Twilight, we could send down to the Rom plates for more of their doctors. Even if they did not know how to fix magical pathways, they could learn how. That would really speed up your program.”

Twilight agreed instantly, “It would indeed. There is only one difficulty. Yesterday, even before we had confirmation that Edge Battery 41 had killed Karat Bel Hona, Dark concluded that she was murdered. After what happened to their weather working horses/pegassi, and now this new outrage, Dark has ordered that there will be NO Rom gliders nor MT flying steamer wagons of any kind coming to our plates. Our MT steamers will be turned back by Wrecker Control.”

Tia asked curiously, “What happened to the Rom fliers?”

Cadence pointed to the pegasus who had proposed the idea. “It happened in the barony that you came from, Private Nosebag. Perhaps you can tell Doctor Tia what happened in Dryhill Barony.”

He bit his lip and looked about, trying not to meet Tia's eye. “Well, there was a work gang of 25 of them horses! Won't even honestly call themselves ponies! They came up and was going to make a sort of weather pattern thing that would gather water from unicorn plate edge fall mist and make us rain, so they claimed!

“There they were, showing off like crazy, flying however they pleased, shoving clouds and twisting winds to blow unnatural ways! Hunh! Good as their flying was, they didn't look up when some of us pony pegassi got up over them! Dropped nets on them and watched them tumble out of the sky! Not such good fliers then! A bunch of us real ponies sort of roughed them up a little and . . .”

Princess Cadence interrupted, “That will be quite enough! You are not telling the truth! The five that were netted out of the sky had between them, three broken legs, six broken wings, five broken arms and many bruises! That was before your mob started kicking and beating them! The other twenty tried to come to the aid of their fallen friends. Three of them were captured and beaten with clubs! Two of those helpless captives were murdered!”

Nosebag snorted, “So? They never finished their job! Ran off and left the barony with totally messed up weather! Those Rom have plenty of those flying HORSES. They could of finished it easy.”

Tia was looking sick. Midnight nodded, “I see your point. Would you be so good as to get me a glass of water from that pitcher?”

While he was pouring, Twilight suddenly got a near diabolical grin, which she covered with her hand. He carried the water over to Midnight who smiled and said, “Thank you!”

Without spilling a drop, she did a powerful spin kick, hitting him in the middle with her hoof! He was driven back nearly two meters and landed on his back! Trying to hold his gut and scrabbling for his hooves again, he demanded in aggrieved tones, “What was that for? I did what you asked.”

Midnight agreed at once. “You did. And you got a small taste of what you did to those Rom who were doing what YOU asked. You wanted water. They were working to give it to you. For helping you, you murdered two of them in cold blood and seriously injured six others! Then you had the nerve to complain that they didn't finish the job!

“Think for just one second. If a grain buyer came out to your farm and took a club and beat you while you were harvesting the grain, how much would you sell him? Not a kernel, I would wager. Same with the Rom.”

“We tried to give those two that died by accident a decent funeral and the rest acted like we were giving them a deadly insult!”

Twilight nodded, “You were giving them an insult. They were murdered, not an accident. The Rom have particular rites connected to what they call a Lake. Technically, Lake is short for Gateway to the Lake of Paradise, which is what they call a grave. That riot was still going on when the Royal Guard arrived. They brought an MT steamer to remove the injured and dead. It was MY order that the effort to bring your barony water by controlled weather be terminated.

“We nearly lost our anti-skycraft guns and ammunition trade with the Rom over that little fiasco. Now, with what Edge Battery 41 did, WITH A ROM SUPPLIED GUN AND AMMUNITON, they have terminated our vital trade.”

Nosebag frowned and snarled, “That's what you get for trusting those unicorns!”

Cadence tripped his comment flat by pointing out, “Dark, who ordered the termination, is a pegasus! A flying HORSE! More to the point, THE ROM have been totally trustworthy for five hundred years.” She added somberly, “Tomorrow's trial will be seen by all seven plates of this kingdom. The Rom will get to see it too. We hope that Dark will relent and at least allow us to receive ammunition again.”

Midnight turned to Princess Twilight and shrugged. “Amazing. Nosebag and others like him think that somehow it is OK to murder our horses that are helping them but in spite of them murdering US for bringing them help, we need to keep sending you the means to keep on killing us.

“Personally, neither Doctor Tia nor I will have anything to do with restoring his flight magic. I would recommend that he not have his flight restored at all. If he could, he would use weather as a weapon.”

Nosebag snorted, “And why not? We could make lots of plates join the kingdom!”

Twilight pointed out, “We have seven plates now. We have two more negotiating to join our kingdom. None have needed any sort of force to make them join us. All that we have needed is honest trade and assistance. We have no need to MAKE them join us. They come to us voluntarily.”

He snapped, “You don't get it! The Rom plates has the ponies that we need to fix our weather and they are infested with unicorns that need extermination! We would only need a few armed skyships of our own and we could wipe out that De Writer's Fair! That would leave them without leaders and helpless! We could take all sixteen Rom plates in only a few months!”

Cadence laughed. “You are totally mad! The Rom Wreckers have far better guns than the seconds that they sell us! Just in case you are blind, how tall is a unicorn from the plates above us?”

He shrugged, “About earth pony size. Got a six inch horn. Why?”

“Private Greensward, you are an earth pony. Would you please stand beside Doctor Midnight? Thank you.”

Turning to Nosebag, she asked sarcastically, “Doctor Midnight is about average height for a Rom. Can you see any differences between them? Height? He is almost up to her shoulder. Horn length? Hers is FOUR TIMES longer than what you said.

“Rom are NOT like the unicorns from up above. More, WE are not like them either. We will defend ourselves but we WILL NOT make war beyond defense. We are very like the Rom in that regard.”

Twilight simply pulled out a mirror and ordered, “Guards! This is Twilight. You are to enter this chamber and remove one pegasus in irons. He is to be put into a spy cell. He will be unconscious when you take him.”

She then took up her Rainbow staff and pointed it at him. There was no flashy effect. Nosebag simply collapsed.

When the Guards entered, Twilight directed, “He confessed to us that he was an active part of the Barony Dryhill incident. Worse, he infiltrated our service with intent to foment a war with the Rom. He has gained access to Utmost Secret information that might allow him to do so. Restrain him and put him in a cell for spies. We will attend to his case later.”

He was efficiently secured and removed.

Sadly, Twilight addressed the rest. “Private Nosebag has revealed a problem that we did not anticipate. You will all have your magic restored. You will be given quarters here in the castle where you can practice your new powers. Tomorrow, Cadence and I will be busy with the trial of Edge Battery 41.”

The remaining pegasus asked, “May we be given facilities to watch the trial too, Princess? Um, don't know if we should say so, but we have some bets to settle about that incident.”

Cadence pointed to the couch and chuckled, “That is the best thing to come out of that ghastly incident. You will be given a one way mirror suitable for all of you to watch easily. Now lie down and spread those wings so that I can start on you.”

Tia and Midnight each took an earth pony and started on them.

At the end, Twilight suggested, “It has been a long and tiring day. Dinner and bed?”

@wind-the-mama-cat Secrets and Weapons

“This is Captain Huckerson of the Unicorn Trade ship, Renaissance, we are requesting clearance-“ The Unicorn Captain began to announce over the Magical Mirror Net but was suddenly cut off by Dark.

“All Air traffic to the Rom plates is prohibited until further notice, Renaissance. Turn your ship around immediately and return to your plate of origin.” Dark ordered the captain in a cool, yet calm, voice. “Or seek trade on another plate.”

“Who is this?” Huckerson barked in a demanding tone. “Identify yourself!”

“I am Wrecker Commander Dark, Captain.” Dark answered calmly. “I say again; Halt your decent to the Rom plates. All air traffic from Non-Rom plates is suspended. If you do not comply within 30 seconds, we will be forced to fire.”

Captain Huckerson scoffed “We are 10 kilometers up! Even your guns can’t fire that high!” He looked to his pilot. “Continue our decent, Commander.”

Dark sighed “Captain… I have no wish for any loss of life. If you do not-“

“Bah!” The Captain said with a hand wave. “You silly girl! This ship has been outfitted with he latest Unicorn armor plating! Your guns cannot pierce her hull!” He clicked off the mirror.

“Engineering!” She snapped into her comms “Full power to the engines!”

“Aye, Ma’am!”

She looked to her Pilot “Once we land, the Rom will see reason and trade with us.”

Dark sighed again.

Wind rolled her eyes. “Unicorns can be really stupid, eh Dark?”

The short mare looked next to her and nodded at the Cat. “They sure can, Wind.” She tapped her mirror. “Wrecker crews #5, #14, and #11. Bring that ship down. No deaths. Aim for their engines.”

Captain Huckerson was sitting in her command chair. She had her elbows resting on the arms and her fingertips pressed together under her chin.

BOOM!

The Renaissance was suddenly rocked by a Rom shell.

“Report.” Huckerson ordered coolly.

“A hit to our Port side engines, Ma’am.” The pilot said. “No damage.”

“Excellent.” Huckerson said.

BOOM!

“Two more shots.” The pilot reported without prompt. “One to our underbelly, and one to our starboard engine. They didn’t hit us, Ma’am.”

“Heh.” Huckerson said. “They’re trying to cripple us. Good luck to them.”

Dark clicked her mirror. “Yes, Rosa?”

“Dark.” Came the stressed voice of Rosa Hal Bala, the wrecker commander of wrecker battery #11. One direct hit to the Ships engines. Two misses. No damage. They weren’t kidding about that armor.”

Dark sucked in her cheeks and then let her breath out slowly. “They’re out of range. Switch to flak rounds, Rosa. Advise the other batteries as well.”

“Flak rounds, Dark?” Rosa asked in a confused tone. “That won’t damage them.”

“I know.” Dark responded. “But it will confuse and distract them.” She smiled hey coy smile. “Keep firing.”

“Yes, Dark.” Rosa nodded as she clicker her mirror off.

“So, now what?” Wind asked her somewhat stressed, yet mischievous, friend.

Dark tapped her chin in thought. “Well… I think it’s high time I show you what I’ve been working on for a hundred years.”

She stood up from her chair at her net mirror console, and walked out of her workshop. Wind, now curious, followed her.

Dark walked around the back of her shop and out into a seemingly empty field. Aside from a pile of rocks.

“What are you doing, Dark?” Wind asked as they stopped walking and stood next to the rocks.

The short mare looked up at Wind and winked. “Can you scan for that ship?”

The cat nodded. She looked up at the sky, using her enhanced vision. After a moment, she pointed up. “There she is. Those batteries lighting her up with their flak rounds.”

Dark nodded and squatted down. She grabbed the edge of a rock, and then pulled it away.

Wind gasped. It wasn’t a pile of rocks, but a rather large blanket. “Huh?!”

“It’s a magic blanket.” Dark explained. “Angel, once upon a time, had a magic cloak that could hide her when she pulled a layer over her head and body. It would disguise her as a rock.” She smirked. “A useful spell. So, I used the same spell on a tarp to hide my secret project.”

She pointed to a fancy looking cannon, now gleaming in the sun.

Wind blinked “What kind of battery is this? It’s so… sleek.”

Dark pointed ran a hand over the bottom of the barrel, which was thirty feet long. “This, Dear Wind, was a gift from your namesake. One hundred and five years ago, before she traveled to the Lake, The Mama Cat gifted De Writer with this cannon. It’s rather technology advanced. Far beyond anything what the Rom or the Unicorns have access to.” She paused as she pulled a level. Wind heard steam hiss. “It’s called a railgun cannon. It fires large slugs instead of shelled rounds.”

“Where did she get it from?” Wind asked as she looked at the gunner seat.

“Believe it or not?” Dark said as she sat in the seat, and twisted some nobs. “It was from a ship that could travel the stars called the Starblade. A ship that Wind was Captain of before it was shot down.”

Wind nodded. “Kinda like Dredd’s ship, right?”

“Only smaller.” Dark nodded. “Dredd’s ship, The Dark Aster, was 1500 meters long. The Star was only 300 meters.” She flicked a switch and the gun hummed to life.

“In order to power it, I have it hooked up to 20 boilers and under my shop.” She explained as she started to adjust its angle to where she could see the other Rom shells pelting the Unicorn ship. “The steam runs along those hoses-“ She pointed “-Which then spins a large turbine, which I repurposed from a MT freighter’s engines. That, then powers the magnets to shoot that special round over 15 kilometers with deadly accuracy.”

She pulled another lever. Wind watched the large chamber spin as a slug was loaded into the long barrel.

“So, why not use it before?” Wind asked. “Also… adjust your vector down by 5 degrees and left by 3 degrees.”

“Thanks.” Dark said as she adjusted her aim. “I didn’t have enough boilers until a month ago. Also, it requires so much power, I can only shoot it twice, at most, before it overheats.” She placed earmuffs over her ears and looked at Wind. “Also, in order for it to work properly, without the capacitors, well, blowing up, I have to use a lot of Rom magic to help keep it together.”

She belted herself in. “Fire in the hole!”

Wind clicked of her hearing and watched as Dark grasped the trigger.

Captain Huckerson rolled her eyes as shell after shell pelted her ship. “When will these Rom learn?”

Her Pilot shrugged. “I honestly do not know, Captain. It seems-“

The Renaissance suddenly lurched to the left as it was hit by something powerful!

The pilot, and the entire bridge crew were thrown from their stations.

Captain Huckerson was thrown from her command chair!

“What in the Blazes was that!” She shouted as she stood up and made her way back to her chair.

“I-I don’t know!” The pilot shouted back.

“Engineering!” The Captain shouted. “Report!”

“Starboard engines hit!” Came a startled voice “Something hard hit us!”

“Can you get them back?” Huckerson demanded.

“No!” The engineer answered “They’re gone! My teams are reporting there’s a large hole where they used to be!”

“WHAT?!” Huckerson bellowed “Impossible!”

“Ma’am!” The pilot shouted as she gripped the steering wheel with all her might. “I have minimal control, but I can get us to the Ponyville plate!”

Huckerson gritted her teeth as she walked to the viewing port. She looked down at the Rom plate with spite and anger clear on her face. “No.” She said icily. “I want… whatever hit us, destroyed.”

Wind watched the smoke trail pour out of the Unicorn ship. She blinked as the ship kept coming towards them.

“Nice shot, Dark.” Wind said as she switched her hearing back on. “But, um… they aren’t retreating.”

Dark watched the ship make a large turn and head towards De Writer’s fair. She shook her head in disbelief. “Wind? How’s your aim?”

Wind cocked her eyebrow. “I used to be a battle droid, so, um, I would say it’s pretty good.”

Dark stood up from the gunner chair. “Okay. The last shot is yours.” She pulled a lever and the gun vented steam. “Hit the bridge but don’t kill anyone. I want the crew alive. Can you do that?”

Wind nodded as she sat in the gunner’s chair. She then looked through the scope and copying Dark, adjusted the angle accordingly. “Got the bridge in my sights. Going to give them a new sunroof.”

Dark laughed at Wind’s joke. “Whenever you’re ready.”

“I see the location of that Rom gun!” Huckerson exclaimed with malice in her voice. “Those blasted Rom will Rue the day-“

Whatever the Captain was going to say was cut off as the viewing port glass shattered. She reacted quickly and shielded her face with her arms. However, she still felt the glass rip into her uniform and pierce her arms.

“Medics and Damage crews to the Bridge!” Her Pilot shouted behind her.

Huckerson cautiously lowered her arms and surveyed the damage. The view port was completely obliterated. Tiny shards of glass lay at her hooves. She looked up and saw the roof of the bridge now had a somewhat neat trail melted slag running along it.

“I…” She gasped.

“Captain?” The pilot asked. “Your… your orders?”

“S-status?” Huckerson stuttered in shock.

“I-I can get the ship safely to the Rom plate.” The pilot answered.

Huckerson gulped. “They could have killed us if they wanted to.” She said as she barely registered the medic ponies guide her to her chair and began working on her arms. “Land the ship. I’ll surrender myself to the Rom… and negotiate with them.”

“Aye, Ma’am.” The pilot said as she landed the ship, half a kilometer outside of De Writer’s fair.

Wind, Scout, Dark, and De Writer were standing in front of the badly damaged ship.

The boarding ramp lowered revealing Captain Huckerson standing at the top of it. She was holding her bandaged arms and hands up in surrender.

She slowly walked down the ramp, stopping six feet in front of the gathered Rom.

“I am Captain Huckerson of the Unicorn Trade Ship, Renaissance.” She said in a solemn tone.

“Wrecker Commander Dark.” Dark nodded. “This is De Writer.” She gestured to the old blue horse on her left. “He’s the unofficial leader of the Rom, and the leader of our Band.” She then gestured to Scout and Wind on her right. “Scaver Scout and Gale.”

Wind’s eyes narrowed at the pony. “Your name is Huckerson?”

The Captain slowly lowered her arms and looked at Wind. “It is.”

Faster then anyone could blink or see, Wind had Soulblade drawn and her tip under Huckerson’s chin.

“Gale!” Scout shouted in shock. “What’s going on?!”

“This is the Unicorn responsible for the disassembly of my sisters.” Wind said chilling through gritted teeth.

Huckerson’s eyes went wide. “You! You’re the missing droid! 2 of 10!” She gasped “We’ve been looking for you for months!”

“My name is Wind.” The cat growled in warning.

“You’re a malfunctioning piece of outdated machinery!” Huckerson said as she pointed a finger at Wind. “You’re nothing! You’re name isn’t Wind! It’s 2 of 10!” She smirked with an evil grin. “Recall code: Alpha-Beta-one-one- four.”

Wind blinked and lowered her sword, but other then that, nothing happened.

The Captain blinked in surprise. “W-why isn’t it shutting down?”

Wind took a deep breath. “As I said, Captain,” She said, putting emphasis on her Rank, “My name is Wind. You’re correct. 2 of 10 was an outdated model. I am no longer her.” She used her free hand to lift her bangs, showing the Captain her crystal “You and your friends no longer have control over me.”

“I-impossible…” Huckerson mumbled.

“On the contrary,” De Writer said leaning on his walking stick. “Nothing is truly ever impossible.”

The unicorn looked at him.

“Now, since you disobeyed our warnings, and were forced down, your ship and its cargo now belong to the Rom.” He said with authority. “Since you are the captain, and your crew were simply following your orders, they are free to leave.”

“What about me?” Huckerson asked in a near demanding tone.

“Well, since we can’t have you blabbing to your commanders about Wind, I’ll have to wipe your memory.” Dark said simply. “I-“

“You can’t-!” The Captain shouted.

“No. Don’t.” Wind said confidently. “Don’t wipe her memory. Let her tell her Superiors about me. I’m tired of hiding. Of… being afraid.” She raised her sword and placed it under Huckerson’s throat again. “Let them try and re-capture me. But tell them this; if any Unicorn comes to the Rom with the intent of enslaving me, I will kill them. I promise.”

“You-“ The Captain growled, but Scout cut her off.

“I will defend Wind with my life as well, Captain.” Scout said. “Just to give you some idea of what I can do…” The end of her staff lit up. She smirked, “Consider yourself lucky, Captain, that we’re letting you leave at all.”

Before Huckerson could say anything, Scout slammed the butt of her staff on the ground.

There was a flash of Golden light, and Captain Huckerson and her crew were standing outside of a Unicorn Stronghold. The crew were all looking confused as to how they arrived there.

“Captain?” the pilot asked as she looked up at her. “How did we get here?”

“I…” Huckerson said as she tried to get her bearings. “I… don’t know.”

Wind was helping carrying boxes out of the cargo hold of the Renaissance. “I didn’t know you could teleport ponies that far away, Scout.”

Scout was using her magic to carry boxes out of the hold with Wind. She giggled and shrugged. “Normally, I couldn’t by myself.” She gestured to her staff on her back with her thumb. “Esper’s staff really enhances my magic.”

De Writer was taking stock of each box as the girls placed them by his caravan. “Indeed, it does. Just be careful with it and don’t use it too much, okay Scout?”

Scout nodded as she and Wind set their boxes down.

“Yes, De Writer.” She said with a smile.

“De Writer!” Dark called out as she ran over to the group.

“Whatever is the matter, Dark?” He asked in a concerned tone.

The short mare was nearly beside herself with excitement. “Just got a call from Princess Twilight via net mirror…” She took a few calming breaths. “Luna and Celestia… they’re in Ponyville with her. She said… they’re coming here!”

@ask-de-writer

The morning, such as it was under the unicorn plates, brought an excellent breakfast. Twilight reminded the Twins, “This trial is not actually a sham. They really did shoot down Karat Bel Hona who was flying Utmost Secret information to Cadence and I. Putting you two on the glider only puts a pair of faces to the crime. It also gives a reason for your being here.”

Midnight nodded. “Realpolitic. We did the same after I was exiled to the moon for a thousand years. We let the surviving unicorns come up with the idea that I lost the Nightmare Wars, in spite of having Circle and Crescent lakes there and the loss of 1.75 Million unicorns in about ½ hour. Just over half of all of Equestria's unicorns died when those traitors murdered my dear friend Grumpeter.” Looking about sourly at the big unicorn plate up above them, she muttered, “It wasn't enough of them.”

Tia gave her sister a calculating glance and sipped her tea before answering, “Considering what they did this time, I believe that you may be right.”

Abashed, Midnight said around an excellent toast with preserves, “I didn't really mean that, Tia.”

“I know that, Midnight. I did, though. Did you see the paranoia in that pegasus yesterday? That was only from experiencing magic loss generations back. The unicorns must not have thought out the bit about to rule above all lesser sorts. I do remember that part. They are all up there, five hundred years later, battling it out over which specific unicorns will rule above all the lesser sorts. They have to be even more insane than Nosebag was.”

Cadence smiled, “I can't get over actually learning to restore magics as subtle and wonderful as you showed me last night.” Chuckling, she made air quotes with her fingers as she added, “You sound as if you have NEGOTIATED with these unicorns before.”

Both Tia and Midnight snorted! “I got tea up my nose! Um, no. Not with these particular nutcases. 4,000 years on a throne and you have pretty much seen and heard everything! Bet that their idea of negotiation is when you have weapons on them from all sides and they demand YOUR surrender!”

Twilight nodded. “I was on the mirror to Ashlar II, King of Strongwall, this morning. He was sitting in the Imperator which is being repaired from being hit by our guns. He did exactly that.

“Now, distasteful as it is, we must go to the Throne room and hold the trial for Edge Battery 41.”

The room was arrayed for a trial, with the Edge Battery 41 crew on benches along one side, the Crown's prosecutor team along the other. There was a center desk and a large magic net mirror so placed that not only Twilight and Cadence could see it, so could both prosecution and defense. An ordinary mirror allowed what was shown to be seen by the watchers.

Twilight opened the trial by saying, “This trial relates to an incident some seven days past. Edge Battery 41 fired upon and brought down a Rom glider piloted by Karat Bel Hona, a Rom pegasus. The passengers that she was bringing us were carrying information classified as Utmost Secret. Both the prosecution and defense are warned that no attempt to get Utmost Secret information into the Public Record will be tolerated.”

The prosecution shrugged and announced, “The defense has requested the right to speak first in this case. I have cautioned them against doing so but they say that they can show their innocence of any crime and will beg the Court to release them to their proper duties, manning the battery in the defense of this kingdom.”

Twilight inquired from her throne, “Is this breach of usual protocol your request?”

The battery commander nodded and said clearly, “It is, your Highness.”

“Proceed with your case, then, Sir.”

“Very well. I will begin by saying that we did indeed fire a single solid round at the glider in question. This was done completely within all protocols.

“So far as we know, we missed the glider and it was last seen flying over the region known as the Southern Everfree Forest maintaining straight and level flight.

“We have here all of our logs concerning the incident and our order flimsy rings to back up our claim. In fact we are surprised that the matter even came to your attention.”

He picked up a standard order ring. “This is the day's flimsies as delivered to the battery. There is no mention of any precleared flight, as should have been if there was a State Secret flight.”

He handed the flimsy ring to a page who brought it to Twilight. She spent a few moments examining it.

“Following protocol, we examined the glider by Net surveillance mirror. It was flying proper license flags. We hailed it by Net Mirror which it failed to respond to. For that reason, we fired a single solid shot toward it as a warning. It ignored the warning but was out of range by the time our gun was reloaded.

“I have both the Mirror recording and the log for the firing of our weapon.”

He gave a small mirror and a book to the page.

Twilight looked them over and the big mirror showed and voiced the call, “This is Edge Battery 41. Please respond and log into Ponyville Air Traffic Control. We will be forced to fire if you do not respond.” The call was shortly followed by the sound of the gun being fired.

He gestured eloquently as he summed up, “We followed all the rules. The glider did not. As far as we are aware, as our logs show, we missed and reported the missed shot. That report is in the gun log which you have.”

“We rest the case and move for our release.”

Sadly, Twilight asked, “Do you all agree that this is an accurate report?”

One by one, the all agreed. “It is, your Highness.”

She said softly, “That is unfortunate. We have other evidence that you should have heard before you presented this case. Captain Wingover will you please begin your presentation?”

Pacing back and forth behind the desk, she began, “Your Highness, I shall present a case for the willful murder of the pilot Karat Bel Hona, a Rom pegasus, and the attempted murder of the Rom doctors Tia and Midnight, both of the ancient and venerable Marchhare’s band.

“It is they who were carrying the vital Utmost Secret information. I will not inquire further into what they carried but will stay with the events.”

She produced a book. “This is the battery's signal log. On the day in question, there is a rubbed out entry and an altered total number of flimsies placed on the day's order ring. Checking with the palace signal logs, we find an order for a precleared flight with identification provided. The time matches the rubbed out entry.”

She paused and rummaged among things from a package. This is their net mirror log showing the claimed time for the hailing call. This is the time recorded by Air Traffic Control. They do not match.

“This time is from the gun's firing log, which you have. Precisely to prevent false information, each gun's sighting mirror keeps a record of all activity connected to the weapon. I will not say how long that record is unless ordered to do so by your Highness. The important thing is that it not only recorded the loading of the weapon, it recorded the exact aiming point and precise time of firing. It also recorded the effect on the glider until it passed out of its sighting angles.

“If I may, will you allow me to put the gunsight images and information on the large mirrors for all to see?”

Twilight nodded, “You may, Captain Wingover.”

The images began to show on the big mirror. She stopped the image and pointed out, “These numbers and letters indicate the exact time of loading and the kind of shot. These do agree with the gun's log.” The image resumed. It showed the glider, with proper flags flying. The crosshairs were aimed harmlessly under the port wing. Suddenly the aiming changed to the side of the fuselage up near the front and held for over a half second. The gun fired! A hole showed up forward! Fragments could be seen bursting out the far side!

Captain Wingover stopped the image again. She pointed to the visible fragments. “The gun changed aim from a harmless warning shot to a deadly hit. It was not an accident. The exact point of aim was held on a moving target before firing.”

She left the damning image up. She pointed to the time marks.

“Now the story gets truly bad. I wish that I did not have to present this. The glider did stay on an even keel and fly into the Southern Everfree Forest. That part of what Battery 41 told you is true. I will come back to it later.

“With the palace confirming that the preclearence was sent, they knew what their target was. They fired on it without warning. They made a bogus hailing call and falsely recorded it as being made before the shot. Air Traffic Control comfirms the real time of the call. They saw the fragments fall from the glider. They knew that they hit it. They then destroyed the preclearence flimsy and altered the incoming record to make it appear to be an innocent error.

“This cover up destroyed any claim of innocence that they may have had.

“I promised to get back to the passengers on the glider. They are here in this Court. They are so important to the Crowns of Ponyville that they have been given dispensation to be armed in the Royal Presence. I do need to call them now.

“Tia Ja Marchhare and Midnight Ja Marchhare please come forward.”

Both of the Twins stepped forward.

“Which of you would prefer to give evidence first?”

Midnight raised her hand. “Neither of us wishes to but Tia is still far more upset about what happened than I, so I will go first.”

“Please tell the court what you can of these events, bearing in mind that part of your narrative is classified Utmost Secret.”

She nodded. “We had an unusual pediatric case that involved a developmental issue connected to their mother. That is as much as I can say about that issue.

“De Writer heard of the case and realized that Princess Twilight's realm might benefit from what we had learned. He communicated the item to Princess Twilight and she agreed that we should come up and begin experiments to see if the effect could be duplicated among ponies.”

Captain Wingover nodded sympathetically as she interposed, “I do understand that the next parts of your testimony will be difficult but we need you to tell the court as clearly as possible what happened.”

“Thank you, Mam. De Writer engaged Karat Bel Hona to fly us to the Crystal Palace. She was a young pegasus, but well thought of as a pilot. We took her personal glider after she set her clearance and license flags.

“The flight from De Writer's Fair seemed to be totally routine. We climbed in an upward spiral, passed the edge of your Plate and set a course for the Crystal Palace.

“With no warning at all, a shell blasted through the glider! It smashed my surgical kit, shattered Karat's left wing, and destroyed the controls!”

Midnight collapsed in tears. Tia supported her as she went on, “We don't often see a true hero down on the Rom plates. Our Wreckers keep our skies safe for us. Karat was mortally wounded. All that we could do was contain the bleeding. We could do nothing for the damaged magic that was killing her.

“She knew that she was dying but showed us how to use our magic to keep the parts of the wings and tail working for level flight. She was gone before the glider came low enough to hit a tree with its right wing and tumble down in a crash. I think that the left wing crumpling under us as we hit ground kept us from being killed.

“We both suffered several broken bones and many bruises. Those were routine magical surgery. It took us several days to be fit enough to dig Karat her Lake. We managed to form a pot from part of the wreck and a small spring nearby gave us her pure water and some fresh greens to lay with her for her journey. We used our sashes for her cloth of shade and gave her our Freedoms so that she should have her Freedom that she had not earned yet while alive. We had no question that she earned the honor in saving us. We closed the Gateway to the Lake of Paradise and laid the stones for her. After that we burned her glider according to Rom rules for an unrecoverable wreck.

“We were lost, our direction confused in the spinning about and tumbling of the crash. We wandered for several days and finally found our way out of the Everfree near a place called Sweet Apple Acres. From there, there were roads and we could see parts of the Palace. At Ponyville's gates we were taken by your squad, Captain Wingover, and finally brought to Princesses Twilight and Cadence.

“Because of the Utmost Secret nature of our knowledge, I cannot tell you more.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Choices

Dark watched her magical net mirror as Wind, Scout, and De Writer unloaded the cargo from the crippled Unicorn ship, Renaissance. Normally, she would also be out helping unload the supplies, but she had other important business to attend to. Mainly, the call she had received from the ruling Monarch of Ponyville, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Or rather, the invitation she had received from the Princess of Dusk to watch the trial of the crew of Edge Defense Battery #41. The very battery that had shot down a Rom Glider out of pure spite, and was partly the reason as to why all air traffic to the Rom plates had been suspended with extreme prejudice.

She was waiting for the Princess to call her when her mirror suddenly sparkled, indicating that it was time for the trial to begin.

The black and white mare clicked her mirror for times.

The courtroom swam into view. Dark had a clear view of the trail. Twilight’s mirror was set up so that it was just above and behind her.

She saw the back of Twilight’s head. She also recognized Princess Cadence’s head. She was surprised that the Princess of Sorrow was no longer wearing her hood and mask.

The short mare put that thought aside for the moment as the Trial began.

The commander was called and questioned by Twilight. He presented his evidence and answered her questions very professionally. However, his report contradicted the reports of the Witnesses that Dark had questioned, and the video she had recovered from the crash.

Once he was done, Twilight called forth another witness, and counter evidence.

Dark, however, gasped when she saw the next witnesses.

Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.

“The Princesses are… alive?” Dark murmured to herself.

With the testimonies and evidence presented, Twilight stood up. In most official voice, she stripped the commander and his crew of rank and command of the battery. She then sentenced them to hard labour at the local rock quarry, a once favourite punishment of Princess Celestia.

The trial now over, The four alicorns (two of whom were disguised) walked over to the mirror. Twilight lowered it, and clicked it twice.

“Dark?” Twilight asked “I switched to a private channel. You can switch to two-way now. I’m certain you have something to say.”

Dark clicked her mirror so that the four mares could see her. “Tia? Midnight? Is that really you?”

“Yes, Dark.” Tia nodded with tears in her eyes. “I am so happy to see that you survived the Shattering. Is… father there with you?”

Dark shook her head. “No. He’s busy with other Rom business. I-“ She choked up with her emotions “Where have you been?”

“In hibernation recovering from Creator Magic overload. If we weren't immortal, we would have been killed by it.” Midnight answered, her eyes were also swimming with tears. “We only woke up a few weeks ago in my old Fortress of Nightmare.”

The small mare nodded in understanding. “Will- will you becoming here? To the Rom?”

“They will once the travel embargo has been lifted.” Twilight answered for Tia and Midnight, as they had been overcome with happy tears. “What do you say Dark? Was my ruling just?”

“It… it was.” Dark nodded. “However, I cannot overlook that ponies shot down a Rom glider. Nor that another group of ponies attacked a group of Rom for trying to help with water collection.”

“I understand, Dark.” Twilight sighed. “Know that all involved have been dealt with accordingly. Also know that, should… trade resume between the Rom and the other non-Rom plates, any injustices performed against the Rom will be met with swifter justice up to and including execution.”

Dark blinked. “I see.”

Cadence spoke up. “We are also taking precautions, Dark. Any and all visiting Rom will be under escort by Our royal guards.”

“More specifically, my personal Dragon Guards.” Twilight added. “No pony would dare try anything with a couple of Dragons around.”

Dark nodded in agreement. “Very well. I’ll inform De Writer of this. I’ll also inform my Wrecker crews that the travel ban has been lifted.” She looked at Tia and Midnight. “I- shall I tell him? About you coming?”

Tia nodded “Yes, Dear Dark.”

Midnight smiled “We’ll see you soon.”

Dark clicked off her mirror, and ran outside to tell De Writer of the news. Suffice to say, he was just as surprised as she was.

Wind twitched her head. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna? They’re the ones that the Unicorns conspired against. They tried to kill them 500 years ago.”

Scout nodded. “And when that didn’t work, thanks to the protection spell Grandmother Esper has cast, they altered the Creation Scroll so that they could ‘stand above all others.’”

“Correct on both points, Girls.” De Writer said with an approving smile. He looked at Dark. “Did they say when they will be coming?”

Dark shook her head no. “They have other business to attend to first, and then they’ll be coming to here.” She sighed happily. “Shall I call the Rom and let them know?”

De Writer thought about that for a moment. “Hmm…” He hummed as he stroked his beard with his right hand. “Well… yes. You may. However, might I suggest you use their Rom names. Most Rom will know whom they are.”

Dark nodded. “I’ll make the calls.” She ran off to do just that.

Scout was giddy with excitement. “De Writer? Um, m-may we have a dance to celebrate the news of the Princesses being alive?”

The old blue stallion nodded with a beaming smile. “Of course!.” He reached out and booped her nose. “Let’s go and get ready!”

Some hours later, Scout, dressed in her best Gyptian dress, sashes, and freedom, watched as visiting Rom danced, played music, and ate. She was standing next to Dark. She too, as dressed in her best dress, sashes, and freedom. The usually stoic Dark was clapping along with music, which happened to be a popular tune that made fun of Marchhare called “That’s what Old Marchhare Hates!”

Next to Scout stood Wind. She was dressed in a simple tank top and loose baggy pants. Her arms and power core, which would normally be covered with her jacket and bandages, were exposed to the warm night air.

The robot cat had decided to no longer hide whom she was Among the Rom. She had told Scout that if she wanted to be Rom, truly Rom, she didn’t want to lie to them anymore. The Rom had been surprised to say the least, but didn’t hold her sordid past against her. In fact, they commended her on her bravery.

Scout looked up at her tall… mare-friend? Cat-friend? Girlfriend? Girlfriend seemed the most appropriate. She had always wanted to dance with her, but she had always politely refused. According to Wind, she was programmed to dance, and she didn’t want to trip and hurt others. Tonight, however, Scout wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Wind?” She asked the cat girl in a sweet tone. Wind, with her arms crossed over her chest, looked down at the short mare.

“Yes?”

“W-would you like to dance with me?” Scout asked gently as a blush came to her cheeks.

Wind cocked her eyebrow “You know I don’t dance, Scout. I-“

“Humph.” Dark said as she rolled her eyes. “You know how to dance, Wind. Just not in the way most Rom, if any, would.”

Wind and Scout looked at one another, and then at Dark.

“I do?” Wind asked in a confused tone.

“Sure, you do.” Dark nodded as she tapped Wind on her power core port. “You’re programmed in over 100 forms of combat. 40 of which, happen to be close-quarter combat. There’s a style of combat in your programming that your namesake was very fond of called Tai-chi. Slow your movements down to one quarter speed, and…”

She trailed off and stepped back. She then made 4 graceful movements that looked like movements from one of Wind’s combat sub-routines.

She smiled at the cat-bot. “See?”

Wind blinked. “I-I guess you’re right, Dark.” She looked at Scout and uncrossed her arms. With a warm smile, she held out her hand towards her. “May I have this dance, M’Lady?”

Scout silently placed her hand in Wind’s and nodded.

The cat girl walked with the white mare to the middle of the dance area. The other Rom silently cleared so that the two could have all the room they needed. After all, this was the first time Wind was going to dance.

The band started playing Shehan Ja Rom .

Scout started to sway her hips in rhythm to the music. She then lifted her hands above her head as her whole body moved with the music.

Slightly dumbstruck at Scout’s hypnotic movements, Wind simply watched the mare gracefully dance.

A cough from Dark snapped her out of her trance.

The cat loaded her combat program filed Tai-chi: Practice Mode at ¼ speed to match the rhythm of the music herself.

As Scout danced to the music, Wind moved and spinned around her. Two completely different dance styles, and yet, they appeared to the Rom watching them, perfectly in sync with one another.

With the final beat of the song, Scout and Wind each struck a final pose. Scout had her legs crossed with her hands entwined above her head.

Wind had her right knee raised with her arms spread in a t-pose. Her metal tail was wrapped around Scout’s hips.

Scout was breathing heavily. So, she noticed, was Wind.

Rom trills filled the air.

The two dancers blushed and curtsied to the crowd.

Scout then took Wind’s hand in hers and lead her over to the refreshment table as the other Rom resumed their celebrations.

Scout let Wind’s hand go as she poured them two mugs of iced Rom black tea.

“Here, Wind.” Scout said as she handed her a mug. “You’re panting.”

Wind blinked in confusion as she took the mug. Her eyes went wide as she realized that she was, in fact, breathing heavily. “I’m breathing?” She ran a diagnostic of her systems, and noticed new systems and subroutines. She discovered that she did indeed have lungs. Not organic lungs, but they were there. They were connected to her throat and nose via a tube that bypassed her voice box. They were filtering in oxygen to her coolant and oil systems, and expelling filtered waste gas.

“I…” She shook her head is disbelief. “New hardware and software.” Not knowing what else to do with this revelation, she sipped the cool drink that Scout had handed her. As she did, she scanned her systems again. The tea traveled down her new ‘throat’ for lack of a better term, and into a new chamber she hadn’t noticed. The chamber broke down the tea, and then using the same system as her lungs, cycled it into her systems.

“Wind?” Scout asked in a concerned tone.

“I keep changing.” Wind said softly. “My crystal keeps altering me. I-I don’t know…” She looked at Scout. “Eventually, I’ll be a completely different being then the day we first met. I wonder if I’ll be the same cat you fell in love with.”

Scout set her mug down on the table. She then took Wind’s mug from her and set it down as well. She then took both of Wind’s hands in hers and smiled.

“I honestly believe you will be, Wind.” She said softly. “You might look different, sure, but no matter what, I’d still love you.”

She lifted her right hand, and gently taped Wind’s crystal with her finger.

Wind’s gasped as she suddenly felt Scout’s emotions for the brief second that the mare touched her crystal.

Fear, love, worry, happiness all balled up, and yet, separate. Even fear.

“I felt you.” Wind said in shock and awe. “When you touched me… I felt how you felt. Your feelings for me.”

Scout gasped quietly. “Y-you did?”

The cat nodded. “Y-yeah. You’re worrying about something. Afraid to… do something.” She closed her eyes for a second to help process what she felt. “You’re not worried about me, but what the Rom will think if you do it.”

Scout let Wind’s hands go and took a deep breath. She then exhaled it slowly. “Wind… I…” She removed a gold bracelet, set with a single amethyst stone, from her wrist. “I wanted to ask you something for some time now, but I was afraid of what the Rom would think.” She looked up at her. “But, um, seeing how brave you were today what with the Unicorns and the other Rom, I’m no longer afraid to do what I feel is right.”

She held the bracelet to Wind’s left hand. “Wind? Will you do me the honor of spending the rest of your life by my side by marrying me?”

Wind’s eyes grew wide again. “You want to marry me?”

“I do.” Scout nodded. “More than anything.”

The cat-bot was shocked to say the least. She loved Scout. There was no doubt there. She knew that Scout loved her. She also knew that she would do anything for Scout, even die for her, and Scout admitted today that she would do the same.

“Scout...” Wind said slowly “I mean, uh, Willow Kil Hona, I-” Tears sprung to Wind's eyes and streamed down her face “It is my deepest wish to remain by your side for the rest of our lives.”

Scout placed the bracelet on Wind's wrist. She then wrapped her arms arms around her next and kissed her lover deeply.

Wind wrapped her arms around Scout's waist and returned the kiss, only breaking away when the other Rom trilled loudly.

Dark giggled from next to them.

“Wow.” She said as she placed a hand over heart. “It's about damn time you proposed, Scout.”

Scout blushed as she snuggled against Wind's side, “Heh. Thanks Dark.”

Wind thought for a second “Uh, Scout?”

Scout looked up at Wind. “Yes?”

The cat smiled awkwardly as she leaned in an whispered in her ear “Does this mean we can finally, um, conduct the final bit of Data Collection?”

Scout's face turned crimson. “Uh... s-sure?”

De Writer came over and hugged them both. “Congratulations, you two.” He pulled back and held them at arms length. “You both certainly deserve to be happy.”

He looked at Scout. “Scout... You came to be part of my band 10 and half years ago. An injured horse who had just lost everything.” He smiled warmly. “I had the privilege of watching you grow from a timid filly to the proud, confident mare you are today. I am so, so proud of you, and, consider you to be not merely an adoptee, but a true member of my family. I have had many daughters and granddaughters over my long years and I am honoured to tell you that I consider you to be one of them.”

Tears streamed down her face “Th-thank you, G-Grand f-father.”

De Writer then looked at Wind. “Likewise for you, Wind. Would you consider thinking of me as your Father figure?”

Wind didn't know what to say. “I... today has been rather full of overwhelming events, De Writer.” She admitted “I never had a family up until 6 months ago. Nor did I have friends. Now, I have a fiance and more friends then I could ever have hoped for.” She wiped a tear from her eye. “Would I consider you and Dark family? Certainly. Do I care deeply for both of you? Absolutely.” She rubbed her ear nervously. “You have given me so much since I first came to you. I...” she choked up and couldn't finish.

“Take your time, Wind.” He smiled. “But come. Not only are we celebrating the Twins' return to us, we now have an engagement to celebrate!” He clapped his hands together happily. “Maestro! The Twin Vines, please!”

The Rom lead the happy couple back to the dance square.

@ask-de-writer

Captain Wingover gently said, “I do understand your upset at being here. What must it be like to be in the same room as those who had not a care for any life but their own and utter disdain for the Law and Military Orders of this realm?”

Turning to Tia, she asked, “Do you have anything to add to what your sister Midnight has told the Court?”

Tia shook her head sadly and shuddering a little, said, “No, Captain. My sister covered those events very well.”

“I see. I hope that the next evidence will not be too upsetting for you. We all saw the bursting of debris from the glider in the weapon sight mirror's image.

“Upon seeing that myself, I did a few calculations based on the information in the image. I sent members of my team out and they successfully recovered some of the fallen parts of the glider.”

She laid out a mangled but easily recognized part of the flight control harness that the pilot had been wearing. Along side that were several middle sized wood fragments and two larger parts of a shattered magic net mirror. Last, she gently laid out three damaged secondary flight feathers with bloody bits of flesh from their wing follicles still clinging to their larger ends.

Captain Wingover shook her head. Pointing out items as she spoke, she said, “Each of these wood fragments is of a unique wood that we do not know how to duplicate. The Rom use it in making their gliders. It is light and strong. Whatever trees it is from do not grow up here on our pony plates. Like their blackwood, it is a Rom secret.

“Anyone who has seen a Rom glider up close can easily recognize these leather and wire rope parts as pieces of the control harness that the pilot wears. Those dark stains have been tested and are pegasus blood.

“Those magic net mirror parts being shattered as they are, show why there was no distress call after the shot. The projectile directly hit the mirror and, besides breaking it, carried it out of the glider. However, etched into the glass before being spell toughened and magic net linked, are identification marks that I have verified by calling Dark. This mirror was the one from Karat Bel Hona's glider.

“Last, we have these secondary flight feathers from the left wing of a pegasus. In the same information call to Dark that established the other things, I conducted some tests under Dark's supervision.” She swallowed hard. “The tests, according to Dark, proved that they came from Karat's left wing and the degree of damage, especially at the feather's roots prove that her wing was severely shattered, just as we have heard from previous testimony.”

She turned and faced the Thrones and bowed. “This completes my case. I have proved that the whole crew of Edge Battery 41 not only purgered themselves, lying directly to your Highnesses, they also conspired to falsify records to hide their murderous crime.

“I have refuted every part of their claims with actual evidence to demonstrate what truly happened on that deadly day. They did actually know that the glider was involved in matters relating directly to realm security at the level of Utmost Secret.”

Captain Wingover took a deep breath before continuing, “There can be no other conclusion than this. They took it upon themselves to actively and deliberately strike directly at the safety of the Realm by firing upon a glider carrying information classified as Utmost Secret. Besides committing the murder of Karat Bel Hona, they have deliberately committed Treason against your Thrones that they were sworn to protect by attempting to prevent your Highnesses from receiving that Utmost Secret information.

“I rest my case and offer them the opportunity to address the Thrones one last time.”

The battery commander bowed to the Princesses and gestured at the damning evidence and conceded, “It is true, as Captain Wingover has proved, that we did fire that round at the Rom glider. When we saw fragments burst from it, we realized that we might be in serious trouble. We were utterly relieved when it proceeded, apparently under good control. Nevertheless, we did try to cover things up as best as we could in the hopes that any inquiry would be a cursory one carried out after the glider landed. We did not find out until after we had made our attempt to hide what we had done that the glider never made it to you.

Even then, it was our hope that whatever secrets it was carrying either made it to you or that the Rom would simply send the secrets a second time. Without inquiring into the secret nature of what they know, could the Rom not simply send another doctor or team to replace them?”

Princess Cadence responded, “I fear not.

“The Rom have kept records of all of their medical work from their emergence from the Desert of Celestia's Anvil to the present day, including all that they had to do at the Shattering. What these two observed was unique in that record but worse, in a way, it was utterly inconsequential TO ROM. They posted the case in a journal famous for reporting silly accidents and the consequences of general stupidity and nearly forgot it.

“De Writer noticed the case and realized that it might be of value to us on our earth pony and pegasus plates. After consulting with Doctors Tia and Midnight, we agreed. The issue is such a sensitive one that all research connected to it is Utmost Secret. We can say that it will take many years to prove whether it is of value or not.

“You are fortunate that Doctors Tia and Midnight lived through the crash caused by your criminal action.”

“I see, your Highness. Thank you for clearing that up. We stand ready to receive any sentence that the Thrones see fit to give us.”

Twilight stood and pronounced, “We will give much thought to all that we have heard this morning and will set your sentences at our afternoon Court.

“Guards, please return the prisoners to their cells.”

In the same secure room that they had been using, Cadence leaned back in a comfortable chair with a tall narrow padded back, to go between her wings and observed, “Midnight, Tia, you did play your parts perfectly. If we had not briefed you, I would not have known that you made up your parts.”

Twilight pointed out, “Your “survival” also allows me to be lenient. I would have had to sentence them to death as traitors.”

She signaled for a page. “Get us two flagons of pineapple juice and two of pomegranite from the cellars, please.” The page left on the errand. She added, “I wish that we had something cooler but underground is as cool as we can get without sending an MT steamer to a snow mountain.

Luna grinned. “I know that you don't toss out much. Long ago, before the Shattering, you used to have a Rom ice making machine. Do you still have it?”

Twilight had to stop and think before nodding. “Yes, I do. It was inoperable. I never did learn how to fix it.”

Chuckling, Tia snorted, “We know how to make it work. If you will swear to absolute secrecy, we will teach you.”

Cadence snickered, “For ice on demand? My lips are sealed!”

Twilight was taken aback. “I was told that it was broken and rendered inoperable.”

Midnight nodded, “Correct. Attempts to use it by untrained oafs did break it. It happens that we do know how to make it work again. It will be tuned to you, Cadence and us. Idiots can still break it by trying to work it if they do not know its secrets.”

Just then the page returned with the flagons of juice.

“Thank you, Flegair. I have another task for you. You are to go to my physical archive and retrieve the device at this location for me.” She wrote briefly with a pen and gave the note to the page, who bowed and left.

It did not take him very long to return with the device. Tia and Midnight huddled over it. Twilight and Cadence, with their new-found magic could tell that they were doing something to it but could not make out what. Shortly, Midnight held out a hand and took Twilight's hand, palm to palm. Tia did the same with Cadence.

Tia smiled as she said, “This old ice maker is now tuned to you two. Use this nob to set the size of ice parts from fine slush to chunks about a centimeter on a side. Water goes in the top tank and you turn the crank to get ice in the tray. You can use it to freeze juices and the like too.

“One little thing. ONLY you two can use the machine. If any other pony cranks it more than just a little, the spells will break and it will be useless again.”

Cadence happily adjusted the machine and poured in Twilight's pineapple juice. Turning the crank produced a fine yellow slush in the tray. She poured it into a bowl, added a spoon and gave it to Twilight. She repeated the actions with pomegranate juice and the two sat happily spooning up the juice slush.

Twilight waived her spoon airily and invited, “Don't just stand there, make some for yourselves!”

Midnight promptly cranked out two bowls of the iced pomegranate juice and gave one to Tia! They were eagerly spooning up theirs in no time flat!

All too soon, it was time for the afternoon Court. Dark was called by magic net mirror to witness the sentencing. When all were gathered and seated, Twilight opened the Court. After the usual formalities she called for Edge Battery 41.

“Your case is a difficult one. No pony has presented any motive for the murder of Karat Bel Hona. It is beyond doubt that you killed her deliberately. In the process, since she was transporting Utmost Secret information to Us, the Crowns of the Kingdom of the Ponyville Plates, you knowingly committed treason against the Kingdom. I would prefer to know why you did such a bluntly vile deed.”

The gunner spread a wing. “Ain't it obvious? I was defending the realm from the evil unicorn hordes that the damned flying horses gonna bring up in them big gliders of theirs! Ask yourself, WHY did they stay able to fly? Why do Rom got magic when nopony else does? Humm?”

Twilight nodded skeptically, “OK, let's just take that apart for you. For a start, who made you battery's gun?”

“The Dark Armory. Says so right on the gun.”

“And where is the Dark Armory? I mean, where is that gun and all the others that defend our kingdom made? Who makes them?”

“Gotta be ponies somewhere. I don't know.”

“That is a lie. Part of your training covers the fact that our guns and ammunition are made by the Rom and flown up to us in those big six pegasus powered gliders of theirs. The ones you want to destroy to defend us from an invading horde that is never coming.

“About 200 years ago, the warring unicorns on the plates above us mastered Mage Tech flight powered by steam. At first we were helpless before their onslaught as they raided for slaves and farm produce. We did develop guns that could usually at least blunt a raid. We couldn't stop them.

“The Rom came to our rescue with good guns and ammunition. That did drive those unicorn raiders from the plates above us from our skies.

“About 30 or 40 years ago, the unicorns on the plates above us bribed agents here to start whispering campaigns against the Rom. They were trying to drive a wedge between us and our vital trade partners, the Rom. It appears that they have come dangerously close to succeeding.”

“Great story your Higness, but you ain't answered why their pegassi and unicorns never lost their magic in the Shattering, like us honest ponies.”

Twilight sighed, “That was the stupidity of the unicorns who caused the Shattering by altering the Scroll of Creation Magic that was being used. They took magic from earth ponies, pegassi and alicorns. They thought so little of the Rom that other than moving them to desert places, which wound up being the plates below us, that they didn't even consider that they had magic. The Rom were basically overlooked.

”You were giving the warring unicorns above us, exactly what they want.

”Now I do understand your motives. You were misled and committed actions that cannot be excused.

“You are sentenced to labor on our roads and in our quarries for a term to be no less than 20 years.”

They adjourned back to Twilight's secure room. There, she called Dark on the magic net mirror and asked, “Did you see the whole thing?”

“I did. Before you ask, we will reopen the inter plate trade. I do need to consult with De Writer on a few things, so it will still be a day or two before shipments can begin.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Rosie

Starshimmer, the daughter of Wind Whisper Soulblade, and the pony of Wishes looked at her little sister, Rose Luck Whisper. She blinked several times at the pink Pegasus pony/cat/otter.

The two girls where sitting in Rosie’s old room on her bed. Their Mama Wind was out in her garden with her other daughters and Penny.

The forty-year-old Rosie had told finally made up her mind of what she wanted her wish to be. Starshimmer could hardly believe it.

“What did you want your wish to be, Rosie?” the turquoise mare asked her sister.

“I said that I want to be immortal. Just like you. Every one hundred years I want to return to my 12-year-old self.” Rosie explained to the flabbergasted pony. “That way, I’ll never die of old age.”

“You… never want to die?” Stashimmer repeated.

Rosie nodded shook her head no. “Not of old age.”

“I…” Shimmer sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Okay. Um, why?”

“I want to be like Dark and De Writer.” Rosie answered simply. “Like Papa Marchhare. Can you do that?”

Shimmer sighed again and stopped pinching her nose. “There’s very little that I can’t do, Rosie.” She looked out the window and watched her two mothers weed and tend the vegetable garden that was originally planted by Wind’s Mama dragon. “What about your husband? Your twin girls?”

Rosie sighed and looked at her hands. “I love them deeply, Shimmer. I honestly do. I…” she looked deeply into Shimmer’s eyes. “Why do you wish yourself back to your youth every 100 years?”

“Starswirl told me that I have work to do.” She answered honestly. “That I’m destined to grant wishes. I can’t do that if I die of old age.”

“Well…” Rosie said as she spread her hands wide. “I feel the same way. That… I have something to do in the years to come. Something important.”

“Like what?” Shimmer asked in a kind tone.

“I, I don’t know.” Rosie sighed deeply. “I just get the feeling that something is going to happen, something big, and I… have to help.”

Starshimmer tilted her head and looked at her sister intently. “Where?”

“In Equestria.” Rosie said simply and bit her lower lip for a moment. “You know how I get flashes of the future sometimes, like Mama used to?”

Shimmer nodded.

“Well, I keep getting one.” Rosie explained. “A bad one.”

Shimmer nodded in understanding. “Well… how far in the future will this be?”

The pega-patter shook her head. “A long time in the future.”

“Hm.” The pony hummed in thought. “Well, tell you what. If Mama approves, I can wish you back to being 15 again, and then… I can put you in stasis, a magical cocoon made of crystal. When the time comes, when… the bad thing happens, your cocoon will open and let you out.”

“Okay.” Rosie nodded. “When would you suggest I do all of that?”

The Unicorn pursed her lips in thought. “Can you guess how far in the future your vision will come to past?”

Rosie sighed and closed her eyes in concentration. “Not for a hundred years, at least.” She opened her eyes. “So, what if I wish to go back to my youth and go into stasis on my hundredth birthday?”

Starshimmer smiled and patted her younger sister on her head. “Sure thing, Squirt. Now come on. The others are probably wondering where we are.”

Rosie gasped as her eyes snapped open.

The pega-patter fell to her knees as her magical cocoon, that was made of living crystal, melted away into a small shard.

“I’m…” she touched her face with her small hands. “I’m awake…” She looked around and studied her surroundings. Her eyes adjusted to the night vision that was her cat heritage. “Okay… I’m in a cave. I just hope I’m in Equestria.”

She stood up on wobbly legs. “I wonder what happened to cause me to wake up?” Her ears twitched as she heard voices.

“Uh-oh…” She murmured quietly to herself. She stealthily moved to the entrance of the cave she was in and pressed her back against the wall. She then strained her ears to listen to the voices.

“… Rose’s caravan…”

“… Moonbeam’s caravan…”

“…Scout… Wind….”

“Dark…”

“De Writer…”

Rosie gasped. Dark? De Writer? Wind? So, she was in Equestria, she thought to herself. She had to be.

She quietly moved and peaked around the entrance. Off in the distance she saw four bipedal beings. Three were clearly ponies. The other… bore a striking resemblance to her Mother Wind.

She watched as the group pulled two caravans from the underground cave and out, she assumed, to, well, outside.

Once she was convinced they where not coming back down, she walked back to where her cocoon was, and picked up her beige sleep roll. Inside it was her blanket, and her pillow from her Mama's cottage once upon a time. Next to her bed roll was her Mama's old walking stick, and her black dyed titanium sword. She placed her sword on her hip, and put her walking stick on her back, along with her bedroll.

She then tip-toed on all fours and followed the group out, making certain not to be seen or make any noise. Once she was outside, she hid behind a rock out-cropping and watched as De Writer, Dark, and a younger filly with a blue mane, pulled the caravans away from the entrance of the cave.

Once they were a good distance away, she slumped against the rock and let out a sigh. She looked up at the sky and watched the plates above her move slowly clockwise.

“If this IS Equestria….” She shook her head. “Things have REALLY changed…”

She looked around and noticed that there were cobblestone roads, much like the roads that the Rom traveled on when she was younger. “Well, I guess I could always follow these roads. Figure out what happened to Equestria and just how long I’ve been asleep.” She looked at the direction that Dark and De Writer went. “I… I don’t know if they’d even remember me.”

She looked to the left, which, she figured was East, and removed her walking stick from her back. “Best to try my luck with another Rom band for now.”

She used the magical stick to sight where she wanted to go, and set off on her journey.

Some hours later, she came across a Rom camp. The night had fallen, and they had several fires going. Some for cooking and others simply for lighting.

Rosie took a deep breath, and walked towards the edge of the camp. Remembering her lessons from her kittenhood, she remained on the outside of the camp until she was invited to enter.

The young appearing kitten cleared her throat to announce her presence.

“Excuse me?” She said in fluent Rom.

The Rom of the camp stopped their cooking and their music. All the gathered horses looked at the pink cat with wings.

“I am Rose Luck.” She continued. “I…”

“Are you Rom, Little One?” A wise looking mare Pegasus asked her suddenly in Gyptian. “You don’t look like a horse, nor… any species from Equestria.”

“She has wings.” A young filly said as she pointed at the cat. “Could she be a Pegasus?”

“Huh?” Rose blurted out. “Why do you ask if I am Rom?”

“You speak in our tongue, Child.” The mare answered kindly, as she walked up to Rose. “Only Rom and Rom-kin know our language.”

Rose looked up at the kind mare. “I… oh. Um… well, this may sound odd, but, um, would you believe me if I said, that I know Marchhare?”

The mare and the other Rom gasped in shock.

“What?” Rose asked in confusion. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No.” The mare said. “It is just… Even we Rom never met Marchhare. We only know him through stories that De Writer tells us.”

“Wait. How is it that she knows Marchhare?” A young stallion asked in a suspicious tone. “He disappeared over 500 years ago.”

Rose’s eyes went wide at that statement. “Wait… what?”

The mare smiled sweetly down at Rose. “Come sit by the fire, Little one. It seems that we have much to talk about.”

The young kitten sat by the fire and took the plate of food she was offered.

The kindly mare placed a hand on her own chest. “I am Galandra Bal Swiften. I am Rom of this band.” She nodded at Rose. “It is a pleasure to meet you Rose Luck.” She titled her head. “Tell me, how is it that you know of Marchhare.”

Rose looked around the fire at the other horses. “I… well, it’s kinda hard to explain. See, before… all this happened-“ She gestured to the floating plates above her “-I was put to sleep, only to wake up after the danger had passed…” she sighed deeply. “See, my full name is Rose Luck Whisper-“

The horses gasped again.

“Your last name is Whisper?” Galandra asked in awe. Rose nodded. “That is Esper’s last name. Or rather, the last name of my Great, great, Great, great Grandfather’s brother’s mother-in-law.” She rubbed her chin. “Tell me, Rose. Do you know Palom, son of Swiften?”

“I do, yes.” Rose nodded, as she remembered that Rom always speak of the dead as though they were still with them. “He is the brother of Ledger, Joey, and his twin, Parom.” She winced at the name. Her dear Parom…

“I see.” Galandra nodded. “This band is descended from Palom. We know of Esper from the stories De Writer tells us. From the stories passed down from Angel, her daughter.”

“Angel is my Cousin.” Rose said as she ate her food. “Esper is my Aunt. Wind and Penny are my parents.”

“You came to Equestria to sleep?” The little filly from before asked her. “How come?”

“Marinara.” Galandra said in a cautioning tone, scolding the young girl gently.

Rose looked at the beige filly with her strawberry coloured mane and tail. She smiled sweetly. “I came to help. In anyway I can.” She looked at Galandra. “I have been asleep for so long, Galandra. Over 500 years it seems. I-”

“That's quite the sword you have, Rose.” The young stallion said with a huff. “You any good with it?”

“Dalender!” Galandra exclaimed in a stern tone. “You keep your sharp tongue behind you teeth!” She shook her head as the rude stallion shirked back. “I am so sorry, Rose. I...”

She shook her head. “It's fine, Madam. Rom are wary of outsiders. They have and always will be. “Am I good with the my sword? I was once. I also was able to fly, once.” She ate more food. “However, that was back on my world. I don't know how the magic on this world works anymore.”

Galandra nodded in understanding. “Well, for now... finish your food. We can worry about your lost skills tomorrow. For now, if you aren't too tired, allow me to introduce you to the rest of my band.”

She gestured to the two young earth Horses. “You've met Mari and Dale.” She then gestured to the horses standing behind Rose. “Their parents, Sandor and Leondra.” they were pegasi. “Their Older brother, Theonder, and his other sister, Alamina.” they where Unicorns. She smiled. “Leondra is my daughter.”

Rose turned and dipped her head in greeting.

Galandra the gestured to the four horses behind her, whom were all unicorns “My Older son, Kennick, and his husband, Darrin. Their twin colts, Merrin and Pippin.”

Rose nodded and smiled at them as well. “A pleasure to meet you all.”

“Mother?” Kennick asked politely. “Is Rose going to join us for the night?”

Rose thought for a second. “Oh! Um... I would hate to impose.”

The older mare shook her head “Nonsense, Rose. You are Rom. Since you just woke up, would it be safe to assume that you have no where else to go?”

The pega-patter nodded sheepishly. “You would assume correctly...”

“Then you can join our band for now.” The motherly mare smiled warmly. “In the morning...” a sudden ping! Noise came from inside her cloak. She reached into it, and pulled out a mirror.

“Hey!” Rose exclaimed happily. “That's a magical net mirror. Esper used that all the time!”

Galandra giggled. “You certainly now your facts, Rose.” She tapped her mirror twice. “Yes?”

However, was on the other side couldn't be heard. However, whatever they were telling Galandra seemed to be good news, if the smile on her face was any indication.

After a few moments, she said goodnight, and clicked her mirror. She then returned it to her cloak. “Well, that was interesting.”

“What is, Mom?” Leondra asked curiously.

“It seems that Gale and her friend, Scout, found two long lost caravans.” The mare explained. They're in rough condition, but salvageable.”

“Caravan repair?” Darrin asked. “I can go to help tomorrow.” He smiled up at Kennick. “Want to come with me, Kennick?”

Kennick shrugged. “Mom?”

Galandra looked back at the two stallions. “Oh, like I can stop Darrin from going to help?” She waved a dismissive hand. “Of course, you boys can go.”

She returned her attention to Rose. “You can sleep in my Caravan tonight, Rose. I have plenty of room. Tomorrow, we can begin work on regaining your lost skills. Sound good?”

Rose nodded as she finished eating. “Oh. Yes. That sounds excellent-” her stomach jolted and gave a loud growl. “Oh! Um...”

Little Mari took her plate, and plied it with more food. “Here you go, Rose.” She said as she handed the plate back to her. “Grammy always makes lots of food.”

The pega-patter smiled at the young girl. “Thank you, Mari.” She then yawned tiredly.

“Finish your food, Rose, and then sleep, I think.” Galandra said with a motherly tone. “Yes?”

Rose nodded with another yawn. “Mm-hm~”

An hour later, Galandra and Rose were in her caravan. It wasn't as spacious as Marchhare's was, but it was large enough to fit 3-4 horses comfortably.

Galandra pointed to the far end of the caravan. “That's where my bed is, Dear.” She then walked to the opposite end and pulled back a curtain of another sleeping stall. “And this is where you'll be sleeping.”

Rose looked at the comfortable looking bed. “Th-thank you, Galandra.” She placed her sleep roll on the bed. She then leaned her walking stick against the wall. Next, she unbuckled her belt and sword, and hung it on a hook next to her staff.

“That really is a beautiful sword and staff, Rose.” Glanadra commented as the patter made up her bed. “Wherever did you get them?”

“One of my mother's, Penny D'Smith, was a blacksmith who studied under Dark. She forged that sword for me out of pure titanium, for my sixteenth birthday.” She fluffed her pillow and then sat on the edge of the bed. “My staff once belonged to my other mother, Wind Whisper. She received it from Marchhare, who bought the staff from a Rom woodsmith, Shana Dor Bala, who traveled to the Lake over 1,000 years ago.”

She yawned again and curled up in a ball on the bed. “Good night, Galandra...” she murmured as she instantly fell asleep.

Galandra smiled as she pulled her blankets up and around her shoulders. “Good night, Little one.”

The next morning found Rose, Alamina, and Leondra, after having a large breakfast, standing in an open area. Leondra was going to gauge Rose's flying ability.

“Okay, Rose.” The cream-coloured mare, with her bright purple mane, said with a kind smile. “I want you to try fluttering while keeping your hooves on the ground. While you do that, Alamina,” She gestured to her oldest daughter, a brown and white pinto with a mane to match, “Will scan your magical pathways, okay?”

Rose nodded and began flapping her wings. Slowly at first, as she hadn't used them in over 500 years.

“Excellent.” Leondra said. “Nice and slow.” She looked at Alamina “Minnie? Go ahead and scan.”

Minnie nodded and summoned her magic to her horn, a soft blue to match her eyes, and sent the tendrils towards the pink pega-patter. She gently let them soak into her wing muscles and feathers, making certain to not interrupt their fluttering.

“Hmm... her pathways are different from a Rom Pegasus, that's for certain.” Minnie commented.

“That would be because I'm not a... traditional Pegasus.” Rose explained. “I'm a hybrid of a pony, cat, and otter.”

Leondra blinked a few times. “An interesting mix.”

Rose smirked. “My one mother was a cat/otter, and her mate was a pony. Yes, she was a pony. My Papa Marchhare called me a pega-patter.”

“I see.” Leondra nodded. “Minnie? Will she be able to fly like she used to?”

“Her pathways are intact, as far as I can tell.” Minnie said as she ebbed the flow of her magic. “They're just atrophied from her hibernation.” She looked at Rose. “With daily exercise, I'd say you'll be able to glide and hover within a week. As for high altitude flying, well, at least a month.”

“A month?” Rose repeated. “That long?”

“Well, I'm no expert.” Minnie said with a shrug. “Also, I'm basing my analysis off of my knowledge of other Pegasi I've scanned.” She looked at Leondra. “If we want a second opinion, we could ask Princess Twilight to send one of her doctors down.”

“An interesting thought, Minnie.” Leondra agreed. “However, it isn't possible at this time. Not since Dark imposed the travel embargo.”

Rose blinked. “Wait... what? A travel embargo? Twilight is still a Princess?”

Leondra sighed and shook her head. “I'm so sorry, Rose. I forgot how much you don't know.” She gestured to the plates above them. “When the Shattering occurred, 500 years ago, The Rom were placed on the lowest plates. The Earth Ponies where placed above us, and the Pegasi above them. At the very top, and the perpetrators of the Shattering, are the Unicorns.”

“O-kay...” Rose said in a shocked tone.

“The unicorns, or so we guess,” Minnie continued the story, “Always felt that they should be the ruling class.” She shook her head, “They also cut off, or limited the Earth and Pegasi magic. The Earth pony's crops only yield a quarter of what it used to, and the Pegasi can't fly as high and can't manipulate weather anymore.”

Rose gasped in shock. “How cruel.” She thought for a second. “So, wait... what about the Rom? Was their magic affected?”

“No.” Minnie shook her head no. “The Unicorns don't give two wits about us Rom. They always thought of us as below them, and no real threat, so, aside from the occasional scrap dumping, they pretty much leave us alone.”

“Okay. I get that.” Rose said. “But, what's this about an embargo?”

“Right.” Leondra said “Well, since we Rom have our magic, and the upper plates don't, We help them out as best we can. Some ponies accept our help without issue. Others, well...” she trailed off.

“A group of Rom Pegasi, at the behest of Pony Pegasi, went to one of the plates to help set up a water collection devices.” Minnie continued “The ponies... beat the group of Rom. Some severely, others... to death.”

“Ah!” Rose gasped in horror.

“That incident, plus one more recently with a Rom glider being shot down by a Pony artillery gun, that was provided to the ponies by the Rom, forced Dark to impose a travel Ban to and from any Rom plate to a non-Rom plate.”

“And Princess Twilight?” Rose asked, “She still rules Ponyville?”

“And most of the other Earth and Pegasi plates.” Leondra answered. “She tries her best to broker peace between us and her subjects, but... jealousy seems to win sometimes.”

“That's a shame.” Rose sighed.

“Anyway,” Leondra said with a smile “You mentioned that you used to be able to fight with a sword?”

Rose nodded. “Once upon a time. My Mama Wind taught me how. I also knew how to throw knives.”

“Well, Sandor can give you lessons with sword fighting.” Leondra said, “As for knife throwing? Well, the only Rom that could help you with that is Dark.”

Rose thought for a moment. She wanted to see Dark and De Writer again, however, she wasn’t certain if they would remember her. Even if they DID, would they actually believe her that she was alive after all this time?

“Uh. I think I’ll just stick to the sword practice. For now.” The pega-patter said. “Focus on one thing at a time.”

“Sounds like a good idea to me, Rose.” Leondra said with a nod.

So it went that way for Rose over the next few days. She would wake up in the morning, and practice her fluttering for a few hours. She would then join her Rom friends with lunch, and then have her sword lessons in the afternoon with Sandor. After that, it would be dinner, dancing, and then bed.

One afternoon, however, while she was having her lessons with Sandor, she heard canon fire.

She looked up and spotted what she was told was Rom battery fire, well, firing on a ship.

“By the Spirits!” She hissed in surprise. “Are those the cannons you mentioned Sandor?”

Sandor looked up and shaded his eyes with his hand. “Huh? Oh. Yeah. That’s a Unicorn trade ship. Some Captains don’t like to follow our rules.”

Rose watched as shell after shell hit the ship. “They don’t seem to be doing much damage to it.”

The tall stallion nodded. “They’re using flak rounds. That’s like… small pellets instead of solid rounds. Don’t know why-“

BOOM!

A loud sonic boom was suddenly heard, and the ground shook. Rose tripped and fell on her butt out of shock and surprise.

“Ah!”

Sandor ran over to her. “Rose! Are you okay?” He held out his hand to help her stand.

Rose took it, and he easily pulled her up.

“I’m okay…” She winced as she rubbed her sore tushie. “What was that?”

“I don’t know.” He said. “But what ever it was-“ He pointed to the ship. Smoke was pouring out of it. “Did a number on that ship.”

“Wow. I’d say so.” Her eyes narrowed. “They aren’t retreating…”

“Yeah. In fact, it looks like they’re heading to De Writer’s fair.” Sandor observed.

“Well-“

Another loud BOOM! Was heard, and the ground shook again.

Sandor, who was still holding Rose’s paw, acted quickly to help her stay on her feet. “You okay?”

She nodded. “Yeah. I’m good.” She looked at the ship. “That second boom really hit them this time.” She pointed with her free hand. “They’re descending faster.”

By this time, the rest of then Band had joined them.

Galanada was quick to Rose’s side. “Rose! Are you hurt at all? I saw you fall over when that first… blast was heard.”

She looked up at Galandra. “I’m fine. Really. I just bumped my… tushie. No need to worry.”

The motherly mare looked the pega-catter over. “Hardly. You’re not moving your tail.” She crossed her arms. “Right. Inside. I have to examine you, Little One.”

Rose groaned and rolled her eyes. Over 500 years old, and she was still being treated as a kitten. However, she did as she was told as Galandra lead her into her Caravan and onto her bed bed.

After a full scan of her magic, and a physical examination, the Mare nodded. “It’s what I thought. You sprained your tail joint at your pelvis. You’re going to have to rest for a few hours.”

Rose let out a long, exaggerated, sigh of frustration. “Yes, Ma’am.”

Galandra scoffed as she placed a leather pouch filled with ice above Rose’s tail joint. “My goodness, Rose. It’s only until tonight. Don’t be so dramatic.” She sat on the bed and stoked her back between her wings. “My children like it when I pet them like this.”

Rose’s happy purrs answered her as she fell asleep.

@ask-de-writer

When Twilight was done, Midnight greeted her cheerfully, “Have you tried apple juice ice? Lovely! We made some for you too.

“On a different topic, Tia figured out how we can screen your magic restoration recruits. Bring them in to a large hall and give them all a purely phony written test and some “magic exercises.” While they are being individually evaluated, I will link to them by a bridge of dream. The good ones go out through one door, the others go to some further checking to see what we can learn of where and who they got their bad ideas from.”

Spooning up bites of shaved apple ice, Twilight nodded slowly, “That is a good idea. It will be a few more days before trade with the Rom plates can resume. I hate to put you to so much work, but we can begin that mass sorting this evening or early tomorrow morning. Cadence and I can handle the actual magic restoration.”

She grinned in near delight as she invited, “Come up to the battlements and see my new toy! I got the idea from what you did to my Rainbow staff.”

They all took the spiral staircase up to the battlements. There, a long barreled device awaited them. It sat on strong mounts that would let it be swung about in any direction, including straight up. There was a magic net mirror in front of the operator's saddle. It had finely drawn crosslines on it.

Private Stormcloud, the first pegasus whose magic they had restored, was standing proudly beside the device. Twilight commanded, “Private Stormcloud, insert your key!”

As Stormcloud was laying a short piece of woodlike material in a groove and latching it into place, Twilight explained, “Any pony who has their magic restored could use this device. In practice, they have to have a key that is specifically tuned to their magic and the magic inside the machine to connect them and let them use it.”

Private Stormcloud was now sitting in the operator's saddle and making the long part move effortlessly about without needing to touch it. She was touching different parts of the mirror. Each touch brought a different move to the long tubular part.

Midnight observed, “That is far too light to be a gun, isn't it, Twilight?”

“It certainly is. It would be a very ineffectual gun.”

To Stormcloud, she said, “You were showed how to calibrate the sighting mirror?”

“Would you please do so now?” Phrased as a question, it was clearly an order.

Stormcloud pointed the long part up at a feature on the rock of the plate above them. She centered it in the crosshairs of the mirror and then, looking puzzled, reported, “Princess, it does not appear to be working.”

“Remove your key at once. I smell something hot.”

Tia asked, “What was supposed to happen?”

Twilight responded, “It was supposed to produce a low powered hit like my staff can. The difference between the actual hit and the mirror's aim point would then be adjusted by the big vernier setting circles until mirror and weapon aiming points matched.”

While Twilight was opening the long part by using hidden catches, Midnight examined the setting circles. Both shook their heads at what they found.

Twilight snarled, “Guards! Bring me the Master Armorer NOW! This is NOT the staff that he was given to mount here! It has counterfeited runes and orientation markings!”

Midnight, looking up from the setting circles, gravely reported, “These circles and verniers have been sabotaged too. They are utterly useless. Both the main graduations and the verniers are so uneven that no reading can be taken from them.”

Tia pointed out, “Since the rune stave was not providing the magic to move the device, it has to be something else. I suspect that cylinder hidden by the operator's saddle.”

Twilight looked at it and her jaw dropped. “We need to get that out carefully! That writing on it is from Strongwall. MT power-cores like this are not for sale anywhere in the kingdom. They are required to be taken and stored in a bunker near the Mareimount Flying Ship Yard.”

Tia nodded, “This all fits. You have a unicorn influenced pony in the Armory or an actual unicorn spy. There is enough wrong here that it cannot be any sort of accident. That Strongwall MT power-core pretty well wraps up the case.

“If you can make detailed images of the power-core in place and of the sabotaged setting circles, I can erase these circles and make the marks correctly.”

Putting her tongue into her cheek, Midnight said quietly, “I have a passing familiarity with rune magic. If you have some copper and the safe runes and spells, I can rebuild the rune stave using a new piece of wood.”

Twilight nodded, accepting the offer of help. “The necessary information is in the second drawer down on my desk in the Secure Room. There should be a small copper ingot there too. That is where I made the stave.”

Turning to a Guard, she added, “Accompany Doctor Midnight. See that she is not disturbed while she works.”

Tia had her head under the machine, working on the setting circles as Guards brought up a dusty gray earth pony in a workshop apron. He was carrying five long straight sticks. He also had some brushes and a sweeping pan. In spite of the Guards he was swaggering arrogantly.

Even before he was spoken to, he declared, “I knew that dumb thing could not possibly work! Had no MT power source nor any way to launch the damned stick! Each time you tries to use it at any power at all, it will just turn the stick into ash! I brought you more sticks, brushes to clean out the ash and a pan to catch it.”

Twilight calmly replied, “Your recorded statement is now Crown's Evidence, exhibit D. Exhibit A is the recorded opening of the weapon and finding a counterfeit rune core. Exhibit B is the recorded inacuracies in the setting circles, a critical part of the weapon. Exhibit C is the presence of a Strongwall MT power-core that was not to be in the weapon at all, coming as it did, from direct enemies of this kingdom.”

“What!? The real enemies is totally pulled wool over your eyes! Strongwall and them unicorns is little guys with small horns. They ain't no threat, not like them huge Rom with their big horns and strong magics! They is setting up to invade us with hordes to seize our rich farmlands!”

Midnight arrived just in time to hear the outrageous claim. In spite of that, she offered Twilight a new rune stave made of a polished black wood.

Twilight covered her surprise by saying, “I see that you found my only piece of Rom Blackwood.” Running her hand down it and lightly touching it with her Rainbow staff she commented, “This is lovely spell and rune work.”

Wasting no time, she slipped the new stave into the device and locked it into place.

While she was doing that, Midnight asked casually, “Did you find out what happened to the rune stave that you made, Twilight?”

Twilight aimed a thumb at the Armory Master and said curtly, “Ask him.”

He snapped, “I don't gotta answer any enemy of the State!”

“Then answer your Princess. Where is the stave that I made?”

He pointed to a moderately large building about 300 meters from the castle wall. “It's in the Armory. My Journeymen gonna split it lengthwise to see what's so special about it. Looks like an ordinary stick with some marks on it.”

Frantically, Twilight grabbed her magic net mirror and tapped a code. “Kingdom Armory, how may I help you, Princess?”

“Don't split that stave!”

From the mirror, they all heard, “Hey, Morgan! Princess says don't . . .”

There was an intense but brief flash from the mirror! At the same instant there was a huge flash throwing stark shadows on the palace walls! A fraction of a second later, the sound hit like a solid thing! It threw everypony from their feet just before the shock wave roared past!

Getting shakily to their hooves they beheld the remains of the Armory. There was no trace of the roof. Two walls more or less facing the castle were blasted out ruins, the corner where they met stood a few meters tall, jagged and misshapen, like a rotten fang. Both remaining walls were visibly burst outwards and fractured. Several nearby trees were down in shattered ruin. Others, further away still stood, most or all their leaves blasted away.

Shaken, the Armory Master asked in a small voice, “What was that?”

Midnight answered matter of factly, “You ordered a battle rune of Baratted's design to be broken. That is never wise.”

In the background, Twilight could be heard calling, “Emergency Services! Ambulances and rescue crews to the Royal Armory! According to official rolls there were twelve inside at the time of the disaster.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Family

Wind, Scout and Dark stood in the short horse’s workshop. All three Rom where standing around Dark’s examination table, looking at the suit Wind had found in one of the crates that the cat had removed from the storage area of the Renaissance.

“What do you make of it, Dark?” Wind asked her friend.

Dark lifted her examination goggles and looked at the robot cat. “Well, it’s really advanced. Even for the Unicorn plates. As far as I can tell it’s a flexible body suit made from a bi-weave of carbon fiber and Kevlar.”

“Carbon fiber and Kevlar?” Scout repeated in a confused tone “What kinda materials are those?”

“Carbon fiber is the material my joints are reenforced with.” Wind explained. “Essentially, all the old battle droids were steel endoskeletons, carbon fiber covered joints, with steel armor plates. Then, to make us look like… my namesake, we were coated in a rubber-like skin.”

“What about the new droids?” Scout asked. “Dark mentioned that our legs were lighter and sturdier.”

“Well, from what I could study from the parts Wind bought from the Pegasi,” Dark answered, “The new armor plates are ceramic, and the new endoskeletons are titanium and carbon fiber mix.”

“Oh. Okay.” Scout nodded in understanding. “But, um, what’s Kevlar?”

“A very tough cloth that’s resistant to heat and high-powered impacts. It’s five times stronger than steel and 4 times lighter.” Dark explained, “I’ve only seen it once, and that was on Wind’s old world.”

“And even she didn’t make it.” Wind continued, “She found a spool of it after Dredd’s ship crashed.”

Dark shook her head. “Which makes one wonder how the Unicorns got their hands on it.”

“So, um, going back to the suit…” Scout said as she cleared her throat, “…why have it on a trade ship?” Scout asked out of curiosity “I doubt the Unicorns would want to trade a suit like that.”

“Maybe it was put in a crate by accident.” Wind said. “Or, more than likely, they had a combat droid on board, and had it on standby for it, just in case.”

“Right. Well, as far as I can tell, it IS made for battle droids.” Dark said as she looked up at Wind. “On the front it has a hole cut out for a power core, and on the inside on the back, it has connections that line up with the ports on your spine.”

Wind leaned closer and a whirling noise was heard as she zoomed her vision. “I can see those.” She stood up straight and rubbed her chin. “Should I try it on?”

“It’s up to you, Wind.” Dark said with a shrug.

The cat-bot nodded. “Might as well…” She her sword belt and Soulblade and laid her on the table. Next, she removed her tank top and pants, and laid them next to Soulblade. She lifted the suit, and slipped her legs into it. She then pulled it up, and placed the shoulder straps on her shoulders. She felt the connectors on the back plug into her ports.

“Hm…” She hummed as looked down at the sleek suit. “Definitely… form fitting.”

Scout blushed “Do you feel any different?”

Wind thought for a second as she ran a diagnostic check on her systems. “Huh… that’s weird.”

“What is?” Dark and Scout asked at the same time.

“Dark? When you first repaired me…” Wind asked hesitantly, “Did you check me over?”

“Kinda.” Dark answered honestly. “I made certain you would turn on, but that’s about it. Why?”

“I just found something in my arms.” The cat said, as she made fists with her hands. The armor plates on her forearms slid back suddenly, and two, foot-long, retractable blades, one on each arm, popped out and extended, just past her hands. “Concealed blades.”

Dark gasped. “Okay… I guess those connectors on the back of the suit… unlocked some software, or something?”

“I didn’t detect any software downloads.” Wind said. “I think it’s more likely it acted as a hardware lock.”

“What makes you say that, Wind?” Scout asked kindly.

“Well, since the Unicorns wanted to keep me and my sisters under their control as much as possible, I would guess they wanted certain features of ours locked away until needed.” Wind answered. She unflexed her fists, and the blades returned to inside her arms. Her arm panels then clicked back into place. “Believe me, if I had access to these during my escape, I would have taken out a few unicorns.”

“A girl after my own heart.” Dark said with a giggle. “Did you want to keep your suit on?”

Wind looked down at her body. “Yeah. I like it. It’s a lot less restrictive than my usual clothing.” She looked at Scout. “What do you think, Scout?”

Scout was blushing as she admired Wind’s curves “Huh? Oh, um, y-yeah. It looks good on you. A-are you sure, um…” She cleared her throat “You’re going to get a lot of looks from the other Rom.”

Wind giggled “I already did. A few more won’t hurt.” Her ears twitched suddenly. “Did you guys hear that?”

Dark and Scout shared a confused look. “Hear… what?”

The three girls ran out of the workshop. As they did, they ran into De Writer.

“I take it that you heard that explosion, Wind?” He asked as the girls skidded to a halt.

“I did.” Wind nodded.

“Wait, what explosion?” Dark asked in a confused tone.

De Writer pointed up “Near Ponyville. Some kind of explosion at the armory. Princess Twilight just reported it to me on my Net Mirror.”

“The armory?” Scout gasped “What happened?”

“She didn’t say, as she didn’t have many details. Or, any she didn’t feel comfortable telling me over her call. She did advise me that both Tia and Midnight are safe. However, half her stockpile of battery ammunition was destroyed. She has requested more.”

Dark thought for a second. “I’ll see what I can do.”

…

Leondra watched Rosie, perform her morning flight stretches. It had been two days since her Mother, Galandra had allowed her to resume her exercises and training, and she could tell that Rosie was eager to start practicing again.

Rose flexed her wings a few times, spreading them out as far as she could, and then folding them against her back.

Mari’s mother, Leondra, was standing 20 feet in front of her. “Okay, Rose. When you’re ready, I want you to fly to five feet, and then glide to me.”

Rose nodded and then let out a steading breath.

She then began to flutter her wings, faster and faster to gain enough lift to get to five feet.

“Slow your beats, Rose.” Leondra called out to her. “Make longer, slower strokes.” Rose did as she was told. “Excellent.”

The patter rose to 5 feet, and then angled herself to glide towards her teacher. She stopped fluttering, and spread her wings to their full width. She then glided the twenty feet towards Leondra.

The mare caught her around her waist and hugged her happily. “Well done, Rose. You’ve improved a fair bit over this past week.”

Rose hugged Leondra around her neck. “Thanks, Lea. Your lessons have really helped me remember how to fly.” She sighed as she was let down. “I remember dancing with the Sky Dancers. Flying seemed so easy back then…”

“You danced with the original Sky dancers?” Lea asked in awe.

Rose nodded, “Yeah. Breeze, Puff, Whisk, and Gust. My aunts taught me all that they knew. They taught me how to fly, and once I was big enough, how to dance.” She looked at Lea with a furrowed brow. “Original?”

Lea nodded. “Your Aunts are the Original troupe of Sky Dancers. Before they each traveled to the Lake, they all took on Protégés to replace them.” She looked up at the plates above them. “After the Great Shift… the art was lost for a while. However, once things had settled down, De Writer and Dark and a few of the Sky Dancer’s descendants, formed a new Sky Dancer Troupe, and have continued on ever since.”

“Wow.” The patter said in an amazed way. She then crestfallen as she looked down at her hooves. “I… I really miss him. And Dark. And… all the horses and ponies I knew before.”

Lea placed a comforting hand on her shoulders. “If you wanted, Rose, we could always go to De Writer’s fair and see him and Dark. I’m sure they would love to see you again.”

Rose looked up at Lea. “Do you think he would remember me? It’s been so long since I last saw him.”

“I’m sure he would.” She smiled warmly at her young-appearing charge. “Would you like to go now?”

Rosie crossed her arms and put her chin on her chest as she thought for a moment. “I… I can go by myself, if that’s okay.” She looked up at Lea. “Which way is it?”

Lea pointed to the Road next to their camp. “Follow this road West. When you come to the first Junction, head North.” She pointed to Galandra by the fire next to her Caravan. “You should tell Mom where you’re going, so that she doesn’t worry.”

Rose nodded, and walked over to Galandra.

“Galandra? I-“ She began to say, but the elderly mare smiled at her.

“My ears work perfectly, Rosie.” She giggled. “By all means, go and visit De Writer.” She handed Rosie a headdress. “I found this among your belongings. It’s your old Freedom.”

Rose took the Freedom and held it in her hands. “My Mom… must have packed it for me. I didn’t even know I had it.” She put it on, and adjusted the buckles to fit her much smaller head. “How do I look?”

“Like the true Rom that you are.” Galandra nodded her approval. “Call me if you plan on staying the night, okay?”

Rosie hesitated. If De Writer did remember her, she wouldn’t want to leave him. Not again. She was put to sleep for a reason, and she had a feeling that reason had something to do with him.

She sighed. “Galandra… I… I appreciate all that you’ve done for me. Taking me in and… helping me regain my old skills.” Tears played at her eyes. “But… I was put to sleep for a reason. If De Writer remembers me, I’m… I won’t…” She looked down at her hooves and folded her hands behind her back. “I won’t be coming back.”

Galandra stood up and placed her hands on Rosie’s shoulders. “I understand, Rosie. He’s your family, and you were originally part of his band many years ago.” She used her right hand to tilt her face up. “Should you ever want to visit, you know here to find us.”

Rose wrapped her arms around Galanda’s waist in a tight hug. “Thank you so much for taking me in and taking care of me.”

The mare stroked Rose’s head “No problem at all, Rose. It was our pleasure.”

Rose pulled away, and smiled sadly at her. “I’ll go and get my stuff.” She ran quickly into Galandra’s caravan.

Lea walked up to her mother with a confused look on her face. “Mom? What happened?”

She looked at Lea “Rose’s time with us is at an end. She’s going to go and try to live with De Writer. Figure out why she came here.”

Lea frowned at the news. “Awe. I’m going to miss her. I liked having her around.”

Just then, Rose came back out with her equipment and belongings. She saw Lea’s sad expression and stopped in her tracks.

“Uh…” She muttered. “I guess Galandra told you?”

Lea nodded. “It’s okay, Rose. I understand.” She smiled weakly “Don’t be a stranger, okay?”

Rose shifted her bedroll on her shoulder “I won’t be. Trust me, I’ll never forget you guys.”

“Well… just to make sure that you don’t,” Lea looked at her mom “Mom?”

Galandra blinked and the realization dawned on her “Oh!” she looked at Rose. “Wait just a moment, Rose. I have something for you.” She ran into her caravan, and then, a moment later, came out with a brown paper package. “Here you are.”

Rose leaned her staff against the caravan and took the package. It was really light. She unwrapped it, and revealed a canary yellow Rom dress with matching gold and purple sashes. She gasped at its beauty.

“This… this is for me?” She asked in shock.

“It was my old dress,” Lea said happily. “Minie is too small for it yet, so, well, I figured that you could have it.”

Rose teared up again. “I don’t… I don’t know what to say…” She sniffled “Thank you, Lea.”

Lea ruffled Rose’s mane. “You’re welcome, Rose.”

Rose re-wrapped the dress and carefully tucked it carefully into her shoulder bag. “Um… I’m really terrible at goodbyes…”

Galandra nodded “Not goodbye, Rose. More of a… see you later.”

The kitten nodded in understanding. She picked up her staff and jogged out of the camp. Once she was on the road, she headed towards De Writer’s fair, her heart beating excitedly.

Around 4 hours later, she approached the camp.

She saw Dark at her forge, forging… something. De Writer was reading in the shade of his caravan’s awning. The young mare she had seen in the cave was using a practice wooden quarter staff in a sparring session with the cat… lady… she had also seen in the cave. She was using a wooden practice sword. As she got closer, she noticed that while she did look like her Mama, she was much taller and had more robot limbs.

The cat girl stopped sparring and looked over at Rose.

“Rosie?” she asked aloud.

The white mare stopped and looked at her as well.

De Writer put his book down and stood up. With delight on his face and sparkling eyes he jogged over to the pink patter. Dark joined him.

“My Dear Rose Luck!” He exclaimed as he and the others reached her, “Is that really you?”

Rose blinked. She could hardly believe it. “Uh, Yeah… Papa… it’s really me.” She titled her head. “You remember me?”

“Remember you? Of course I do!” He chuckled “How could I ever forget my Granddaughter? The first and only Pega-patter to ever exist.”

Dark giggled. “I don’t remember things as well as De Writer does, but even I remember you, Rosie.” She looked her up and down. “You look a lot younger then when I last saw you on your 95th birthday.”

Wind looked down at the young kitten as she rubbed the back of her neck. “So, um, you probably have a few questions for me…”

Rose looked up at the robot cat and nodded. “I think we all have questions for one another.” She said with a knowing smile. She looked at De Writer. “May I have some iced tea, please?”

De Writer nodded “Of course. Come inside my caravan, my Dear.”

The troupe of Rom headed into De Write’s caravan. Scout, Wind, Dark and Rose, all sat at the table as the old blue horse busied himself with making the tea.

As he did, Rose looked around the caravan and noticed that the inside corresponded with the exact dimensions of the outside.

“Wait a second…” She said as something clicked in her mind. “De Writer… this isn’t Marchhare’s caravan. Also, the other Rom never mentioned what happened to Marchhare at all. Did he…”

De Writer set a tray of 5 glasses of iced tea on the table along with a plate of Esper’s Honey grain bread. He then sat down and smiled at his granddaughter.

“A lot of things happened during the Shattering, Rose.” He said. “And after, as well. Marchhare, he, well, during the Shattering, his caravan collapsed in on itself. Unfortunately, he was inside it at the time, so, he disappeared with it.”

“Oh.” She said quietly. “So, uh, you’re probably wondering where I came from and why I look so young?”

Dark nodded. “Like I mentioned, last time I saw you, you were 95 years old.”

“Well, it was my wish from Starshimmer.” Rosie explained, “I had her wish me back to my 15-year-old self. She then put me into hibernation on Equestria in a magic cocoon crystal.”

“Okay, but, um why?” Scout asked. “Sorry. I’m Scout.”

“Well,” She smiled at Scout and then looked at De Writer. “Know one knew about this, except for my Mama Wind and Shimmer… but I have my Mama’s pre-cognition gift. I get flashes of things that might or could, happen in the future.” She paused as she sipped her tea. “I had one when I was forty, about something that was going to happen in Equestria. I felt it best… that I would be put to sleep so that I could help.”

“What bad thing?” Scout asked.

Rose shrugged. “I don’t know.”

De Writer stroked his beard in thought. “I didn’t know of any magical cocoons in Equestria.” He looked at Rosie. “Where was your crystal?”

Rose blushed. “Um, I was sleeping in a hidden chamber next to where you guys found Moonbeam’s and Esper’s caravans.”

“What?” Wind asked in shock.

“Huh?” Scout balked.

“You were?” Dark asked. “Why…?”

“I wasn’t sure if you guys would remember me.” Rose admitted. “I had just woken up, and had no idea how long I had been asleep. So, instead of following you guys back here, I went and found another Rom band to help me.”

“Which band?” De Writer asked.

“Galandra’s band.” Rose answered. “They helped me with learning how to fly again, and to fight with my sword.”

“You don’t remember how to fly?” Dark asked in a concerned tone.

“I do.” Rose said “It’s more like… my magical pathways had atrophied. I’ve managed to recover enough to hover and glide. I still need some rehabilitation. Also, Dark, I need some lessons on knife throwing, and…” she trailed off as she looked at De Writer. “My Alchemy skills are rusty too.”

“Alchemy?” Scout asked “Like… mixing potions?”

“No.” Wind said, answering for Rose, as she looked at her. “You mean transmutation skills. Like Esper used to do.”

Rose tilted her head. “You call yourself Wind, and you look a lot like my Mother.” She frowned. “You also knew my name when I came to the camp, and,” she crossed her arms. “You carry her sword, Soulblade.”

“Well, Rose, I look like your Mother, due to the Unicorns on the upper plates designing me to look like her, and using me and my sisters to fight in their never-ending war with the other plates.” Wind explained. “De Writer gifted me her name, because I reminded him of her. He also gave me Soulblade, only after the sword recognized me as its new owner. As for me know things about you? Well,” she tapped her forehead, “Your mother’s old crystal and her sword have been changing me, and giving me memories.”

Rose looked at De Writer “Papa?”

“Wind… is telling the truth.” He admitted “Ever since your mother traveled to the Lake, I have missed her dearly. When I met the new Wind, it was like having her back… in some way. Had I known that you would come back to us, I would have called her something else.” He sighed “The same goes for Soulblade.”

Rose’s eyes flicked between them. She then settled her gaze on Wind. “De Writer trusts you. So, I shall trust you, as well. Soulblade chose you, so you can keep her. As for calling you… my mother’s name?” She shook her head “I… it doesn’t feel right. I’m sorry, Alita.”

“What did you call her?” Scout asked.

“She called me Warrior in Dragon tongue.” Wind said, as she answered for Rose. Again. “I think. I’m working off old memories from Soulblade.”

“Warrior Angel.” Rose clarified. “If it’s okay, I’ll call you that.”

“Alita…” Wind nodded with a smile. “I like it.”

De Writer checked his clock on the wall. “Goodness! Look at the time! It’s almost supper time!” He smiled at Rose. “I trust your cooking skills haven’t suffered from your sleep?”

Rose shook her head. “No. I still remember how to make Rom food.”

“Excellent!” De Writer clapped his hands. “Let’s get dinner started. I remember you liking Dark’s meat pasties, correct?” He asked as he stood up.

Rosie’s stomach growled at the thought. “Oh… yes. I still do.”

De Writer chuckled as they left the caravan to get dinner started.

@ask-de-writer

The guard who had brought the Armory Master spoke up, “Princess, your summons seemed urgent so I did not give Master Aldershot time to sign out. There should be eleven there, if there is anything to find of them.”

“Thank you, Guard Hayes.” She returned to the mirror, “Emergency Services, this is Princess Twilight. We have a correction on the official number of victims for the Armory disaster. There should be eleven. The Armory Master did not check out when he was summoned to the castle.”

They could all see the ambulances and fire wagons converging on the still smoking ruin. Ponies in protective gear started cooling the wreckage with fog nozzles, laying a dense mist over the hot and charred rubble. A few were combating blazes in nearby brush and trees.

Visibly shaken but clinging to duty, Stormcloud asked, “Princess Twilight, Mam? Shall I continue the calibration of the aiming mirror?”

“Very good, Private Stormcloud. Wait until the tower has been cleared except for Guard Hayes. He is of my personal Guard and is cleared for Utmost Secret. When you are done, secure the weapon and report to my Secure Room.”

Turning to Guard Hayes, she instructed, “Allow none to enter this area. Use lethal force if needed. The only exceptions are myself, Princess Cadence and the Rom doctors, Midnight and Tia. Others may only be allowed if they are accompanied by one of the exceptions named.”

He saluted, “Very good, Princess.”

They all retired down the staircase. Twilight and Cadence were sadly shaking their heads. Tia was supporting Midnight, who was now openly weeping and shuddering.

Twilight helped to lay Midnight down on a couch and went to the ice machine. She returned with a bowl of finely shaved apple juice ice and a spoon.

As she came to herself, Midnight demanded, “Where is that monster, Aldershot, the Armory Master? He's a traitor!”

Cadence, still spooning apple ice to Midnight, responded soothingly, “We do know that. He has been confined to a Solitary Cell for now, while we consider the exact nature of the charges to bring against him.”

Twilight asked, “Are you up to studying the basis for that toy upstairs?”

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Midnight answered, “I don't have to. Perhaps you noticed that I reworked your focusing a little bit. The spacing between the power and the two focus runes is critical. Baratted taught me all about his attack and defense runes. I helped to make the wands of the Witch Brigade.

“Your rune staff is not so different from some of the things that we used in the Nightmare Wars.”

Twilight carefully produced an antique book from a cabinet. “Perhaps you can help me to understand this better, then. So far as I know, this is the only existing copy of Doctor Daring Do's monograph, NIGHTMARE WAR RUNES Their known uses and dangers. We do not need to open it. We only need clean paper enough and I can make us a fresh copy of every page of the book.”

She quietly busied herself producing the fresh pages of the ancient monograph. As she worked, she commented, “I happened to see this in the Royal Library in Canterlot and checked out this copy out of curiosity. About two weeks later, the Shattering happened and I was too busy trying to get something like a stable government going. You know how that is. I never got back to it. Then I saw the power rune that you neatly tied into the existing spells of my Rainbow staff.

I remembered the book and started to study it. I can't make head or tail of most of it but I found that power rune and notes on what appeared to be controls for it.”

Twilight was interrupted by a knock at the door. Papers were neatly hidden and the book restored to its cabinet. “Enter.”

It was private Stormcloud and a pony in Emergency Services Hazmat gear. Stormcloud ducked her head and said, “Apologies for interrupting, Princesses. It did not take a genius to see that Doctor Midnight was in a bad way after that blast at the Armory. I was giving you time to deal with her. Mister Rafe, here was working in the Armory, looking for remains. What he found is why I knocked.”

“We see. What did you find, Mister Rafe?”

He proffered a moderately big wooden case. “This is a victim identifier case, Princesses.” He took a breath before explaining, “This seems pretty ghoulish, but in cases like this, major fires or the like, where bodies are pretty destroyed, our first step is to find identifier parts and keep them separate. These parts are unique to each individual. Preferred is the portion of skull from eye socket to eye socket. That is what we were finding. Lots of busted up bones and some seared flesh.

“We expect to find all twelve individuals.” He held up a hand and went on, we have found six of the eleven ponies that had business there. This is the seventh that we found. Brace yourselves. It is pretty gory.”

He opened the case. Twilight drew in a breath and then demanded urgently, “Who all knows of this?”

“Only me and the battalion chief, Princess. When I found it, I called him over. He helped me to collect the rest of the pieces and sent me to you at once.”

“You both did very well. Leave the case here and re number the remaining ones to make it look like just the eleven expected ones are to be found. If you find another, notify me by mirror that you have found an unexpected victim who may be a relative of a worker. Thank you, Mister Rafe.”

As he was leaving, Twilight's pocket mirror chimed it's emergency notes!

Twilight made a pass in the air in front of her. What appeared to be a mirror surface was floating in the air. She did not waste time with codes! “What is the emergency, Air Traffic Control?”

A tightly held voice responded, “The Imperator of Strongwall raised steam, ostensibly for a boiler test. She lifted off and opened fire on the Mareimount defense batteries! They returned fire but did little damage before falling silent.

“The Imperator then opened fire on the civilian quarter of Mareimount. Her present course is toward Ponyville, but she is stopping to fire on the small villages and towns along the way!”

“Thank you, Air Traffic Control! Let me know of any change in course or tactics.”

Now tapping a code, she called, “All batteries in the Ponyville rings! This is not a drill! We are under attack by the skyship Imperator of Strongwall! She is following the Mareimount road and firing on civilian targets! If she comes into your sights, take out chin and side turrets as first priority! Use heat aiming to take out as many boilers as you can! I want that ship down hard!”

Turning to Stormcloud, she commanded, “We are returning to your weapon! Insert your key as soon as you can mount the saddle! Search to the north by wide set sighting mirror. As soon as you have the Imperator, regardless of range, refine your aim and blow off that chin turret under the bow!”

They all sprinted up the spiral staircase to the tower where the new, untested weapon sat! Seeing who was coming, the guard simply stood back!

Stormcloud leaped into the weapon's control saddle and pushed her key into the slot! Swinging the weapon to the north, she tapped parts of the aiming mirror.

In a carefully neutral voice, she reported, “I have her, Princess. The range is presently 51 kilometers.”

“Can you find that chin turret?”

With few more taps, resulting in minute movements of the long part of the weapon, Stormcloud reported, “I have it but it is hard to hold target.”

“Set to force 3 and shoot. If you have to, try again.”

Stormcloud just nodded, concentrating fiercely. She tapped the firing key.

An almost invisible blue-white streak shot from the end of the weapon! Almost at the same instant, the barely visible Imperator jolted fiercely! A fire ball of blazing green from vaporized iron was all that was left of the dangerous chin turret!

“Turret neutralized, Princess. What is my next target?”

Just then, Twilight's mirror sounded. “Vassal Twilight! You must submit immediately and give me that weapon! If you do, I will allow you to rule as my vassal. If not, I shall make you a slave to serve the lusts of my troops!”

“No, Ashlar, I am the one with the weapon that can reach YOU. You have none that can reach me. You must surrender or be destroyed.”

“For that insult to Strongwall, I am ordering you replaced! You shall serve my troops for however long you may live!”

Twilight blanked the mirror, which continued to chime angrily for her attention! She turned to Stormcloud and said quietly, “I have changed my target priority. Do you see that glassed in structure at the top of the forward superstructure? Destroy it. Then just use force 3 strikes at your discretion to see if you can cut the Imperator in half before she crashes.”

That brought a brisk, “Yes! My Princess!”

Her next shot produced a second green fireball, gouging out a large part of the foreword superstructure! The skyship continued to move but had lost her purposeful action. Twilight's mirror fell silent.

Stormcloud drew careful aim at the now aimlessly drifting Imperator. The fire ball struck just at the bottom of the skyship, blasting her open across almost to the far side! A huge gout of smoke and steam blasted out of the gash!

Her next shot was a bit above the previous one, striking the side hull armor! The fireball did not stay at the surface but penetrated into the helpless wreck. They could see fire spreading through the wounded ship, which had begun to settle towards the ground far below! An ordinary but huge explosion rocked the ship! She rolled part way over! To the sound of tearing and rupturing metal, she folded some and lost all of her lift at once! She plunged to the unyielding land below!

When the dust raised by the sky ship's impact cleared, her blast damaged nose could be seen rising above some trees that were otherwise blocking their view of the smoking wreck.

Twilight took out her mirror but found that Cadence had beat her to it. “Ponyville anti skycraft batteries may stand down. The enemy skycraft has been destroyed.

“Ponyville infantry, this is Cadence. Prepare to move as swiftly as possible! MT Steamer sky craft are authorized. You are already cleared with Air Traffic Control.

“The Imperator of Strongwall has been shot down about 50 kilometers up the Mareimount road. Take at least a hundred unicorn horn caps and manacles for any survivors.

“As soon as the wreck is secured for the Crowns and the prisoners taken, proceed up the road and give us reports of damage, deaths and injuries in the towns and villages shelled by the Imperator's attack, including Mareimount.”

As she dismounted from the weapon saddle, bringing her key with her, Stormcloud started to quietly break down weeping. Impulsively, Midnight stepped forward and wrapped her in a hug.

Softly, she inquired, “You did your duty perfectly. What do you weep for?”

Snuggling close, Stormcloud wept, “My family lives in the village of Stony Meadow. I know that the village was hard hit. What can I do?”

Midnight nodded and gave Twilight a questioning look.

Twilight stepped close and took her grieving subject into her arms and replied gently, “First, you must do the hardest thing that either of us can do. We must await news of what damage your village has taken.

“If your family has lost home or worse, suffered injury or death, I will grant you compassionate leave to help them. Further, I will grant you an open Royal Benefice to do with as you need.

“You may trust me that I do know what it is to lose friends, family and home. My family, their home and all my living childhood friends were in Canterlot at the Shattering. All of my best friends here, in Ponyville died too. Of them all, only my sister, Princess Cadence survived.

“We offer you this help in the hope that you do not have to suffer as we have.”

Stormcloud slowly regained her composure and stepped back saying, “I am sorry, Princess Twilight. This was not seemly of me.”

Cadence answered, “What would not be seemly, Private Stormcloud, is allowing one who has so notably served us to suffer alone. We do not simply rule a nation of plates, we also serve the needs of our ponies as well as we can.”

Stormcloud smiled through her tears and replied, “We also love and serve the Crowns that love us so. I will wait for news with you and hope for other duties to distract me.”

They had barely settled into the Secure Room when there was a call from Emergency Services. “Princess Twilight, Mam! We have recovered eleven skulls that are identifiable as unique individuals. We have other remains that indicate the likelyhood of a twelfth individual but can find no trace of a skull to prove it.”

“Very good, Emergency Services. You all deserve commendation for your willingness to enter so unstable a situation. I must order you and all other personnel, including especially news ponies to withdraw to a safety line at 800 meters. We have received intelligence that what was being worked on could detonate a second time.”

“We will order the evacuation at once. I would have to wonder what could possibly survive that first blast in a condition to go off again?”

“You may release this to the news ponies. A Nightmare Wars bunker was found by some who tried to enter it illegally. We have those laws about reporting such finds for a reason. One, severely injured got back to report it.

“Our team of experts managed to remove two of the deadly Baratted Runes guarding the bunker. They were in the Armory being studied when one of them detonated. Our experts have detected the second rune stone still in the ruin and still active.”

“I see. We will notify everypony as fast as possible! How could it survive that blast from the first one?”

“That was the deadly genius of that ancient goat, Baratted. His bunker runes were designed as interlocking sets. Fire one, and the next becomes deadly, awaiting any foolish enough to approach.”

“I see. It survived the blast because it was made to. I will pass that along.”

Whistling tunelessly around her mouthful of iced apple juice, Stormcloud noted, “We in this room know that there is no second rune stone in there, and that there was no first one, either. Why lie about it?”

Twilight gestured to the identification box. “Take a look inside and tell me what you see.”

Undoing the catches, Stormcloud looked in. Going utterly grave, she reached in and carefully moved something. Shaking her head she closed the box.

“That was a unicorn, like the ones that I shot down. He was in the Armory?”

Twilight nodded slowly. “Yes, and according to Master Aldershot, he directed making the fiasco that was first delivered to us, before Doctors Midnight and Tia fixed it. He ordered the splitting of the rune staff that I made.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Equivalent Exchange

Rosie sat with her new and old Rom family around the camp fire. She nibbled on her meat pasties, rabbit with thick Rom gravy (her favourite, once upon a time), and was surprised to see that Scout wasn't bothered by it.

“Scout?” Rosie asked as she looked at the white horse “You're not bothered by Dark's and mine meat pies...”

Scout giggled and shared a knowing look with Dark. “I've lived with Dark for 10 years, I'm used to it.”

The pink cat nodded, and then looked at Wind, or Alita, as she called her, and noticed that she was eating despite being told that she was a battle droid.

“Alita? You can eat?” she asked in a polite yet, intrigued tone.

Wind nodded “It's rather complicated.” She moved her bangs and revealed her crystal “I assume you recognize this?”

Rosie nodded “Aye. That's... my mother's crystal. The one she used to control her bionic arm.” She looked at De Writer and then back at the droid. “It suits you.”

Wind smiled. “Well, when De Writer gave me this crystal to help me... control my developing emotions and memories, thanks to Soulblade, I found that it was changing me physically. First it changed my eyes and gave me teeth. Over the last few weeks, I discovered that it also gave me tear ducts, lungs, and a... stomach in a sense.” She took a deep breath and then continued. “I also noticed that my dermal covering is crowing to cover more of my metal exoskeleton.”

The pink cat nodded “It's making you a cyborg?”

“You mean am I part organic and part robotic? No.” Wind said as she shook her head. “I would say it's more like the crystal is doing it's best to mimic organic functions. As for why? Well, I'm not really sure.”

Rosie titled her head “That's incredible. I never knew my mother's crystal had that ability.”

De Writer cleared his throat “Yes, well, it is a harmonic resonating crystal that Mama Dragon made herself.” He smiled and looked Rosie up and down. “Rosie? Are those the same clothing you were wearing when you out to sleep?”

The kitten nodded. “Aye. They were.”

“Well, that won't do. We'll have to remedy that.”

“How?” Rosie asked in a confused tone.

“Well, I might have some clothing that will fit you. If not, I can always alter them so that they will.”

Dark grinned her toothy grin. “I can always give you a hair cut, too.”

Rose looked at her cousin. “Huh?”

“I said I could cut your hair.” Dark repeated. “I remember that you always had kept it short.

“Oh. Yeah. Um... sure.” Rosie said with a nod. “Go ahead.”

Dark stood up and stood behind the pink cat. “How short would you like it?”

“Uh...” Rosie said “Very? Yes, very. Like how Mama Wind used to have it.”

The short mare gathered Rosie's long locks in her left hand and drew one of her many hidden knives in her right. “Don't move.” She said as she took aim.

Rose swallowed but did as she was told.

The black mare swished the blade through her hair. As it fell away, it stood up on end.

De Writer handed her his net mirror, which was currently switch off. She took it so that she could see what Dark had done.

“Well...” She said as she examined her reflection “It's really short now.” She handed the mirror back to her Papa. “Thanks, Dark.”

Dark went back to her place and sat down. She then started to braid the two foot length of hair. “My pleasure.” At Scout's curious look, she giggled. “It would be a shame to let such lovely hair go to waist. I'll keep it and make a wig from it.”

Rose nodded her approval. “Oh. Right. Like how Auntie Meg used to do.”

“Excellently remembered, Rose.” De Writer chuckled. “But come inside my caravan. We'll find some new clothing for you.”

The two disappeared inside the old blue horses caravan. As they did, Dark's net mirror chirped.

Dark set the braid down, and answered it, setting it on private mode. “Dark, here.”

Whomever was on the other side couldn't be heard, but whatever they were saying was clearly not good news.

“The unicorns attacked Ponyville?” She asked in a cool tone “How many-”

Dark fell silent as the horse on the other said continued their report. Dark's cool demeanour slowly changed to silent rage as they went on.

“Well, send any ponies down to see me if they need new limbs.” She said quietly “I'll speak to De Writer and we'll send volunteers up to the Ponyville plates to help with search and rescue and clean-up.” The pony on the other side spoke again. Dark nodded and shut off her mirror. “Those stupid, ignorant, self-important... Idiots.”

“The Unicorns attacked Ponyville?” Scout asked in a shocked tone.

Dark nodded. “Several Towns were fired upon before the Ponyville batteries could shoot it down.”

“How horrible.” Wind shuddered “How many... injured?”

“They don't know.” Dark said, as De Writer and Rose came out.

Rose looked at the scene before her. “What happened?”

De Writer looked at Dark. “Dark?”

Dark looked at De Writer with tears in her eyes. “The Unicorns attacked Ponyville. Princess Twilight is organizing search and rescue parties. They don't know how many injured or how many dead... but it's bad.”

De Writer sighed and shook his head “I see.”

“I said we would send a team of Rom to help.” Dark said. “Also, when they have a final number of injured to send them down to me to get new limbs.”

The old Horse nodded. “Fair enough. I-”

“Dark! De Writer!” Someone shouted in a panic.

Two Pegasi, holding a third, clearly injured, Pegasus between them, landed in his camp.

“Desdemona? Owen?” De Writer asked the two pegasi, as he and the others ran over to them. “What happened?”

“Some kind of attack happened on the Ponyville plates.” Owen said as he helped to support the injured horse. “We flew up for recon, to see what was going on.” He shook his head. “A shock wave hit...” he looked down at the the female he was holding. “Riza got hit. Her wings...”

Dark walked behind Riza and examined her crumpled and broken wings. “Get her to my lab right away.”

The four horses walked quickly to her work shop while the other waited outside.

An hour later, Dark and Desdemona came out looking grim.

“I did what I could, but...” Dark said as she spoke to the others. “But she'll need new wings. They were beyond saving. I had to amputate.”

“Do you have the parts for new wings, Dark?” Wind asked in a concerned tone.

“Sadly not.” Dark said with as she sighed “Legs and arms? Yes. Wings? I can make them, but it will take me at least a week to make them.”

“I can give her new wings right now.” Rose chimed in suddenly.

Desdemona looked at her. “How?”

The pink kitten looked at her. “I have a special kind of magic not native to Equestria. But with it, I can make your friend new wings.”

“Wow~” The pegasus said in awe.

Dark shook her head. “You said give her new wings, not make.” She crossed her arms. “What are you planning, Rose?”

Rose crossed her arms in return. “What I came here to do.”

De Writer placed a hand on Rosie's shoulder. “Let her help, Dark.”

The short mare nodded and uncrossed her arms. “Okay. Come on then.”

She lead the pega-patter into her shop and to her surgery room. She looked at Owen, who was currently sitting next to the resting Riza. Riza, in turn, was laying on her stomach and crying softly.

“Owen is it?” Rose said kindly. “Could you give us the room, please? Dark and I need to prep for surgery.”

Owen looked at Rose and then to Dark. “Dark?”

Dark nodded “Rose can help me with Riza's recovery. However, we need you to wait outside.”

The stallion stood up. “Riza?”

Riza nodded. “I'll be fine, Owen.”

Owen sighed and left the room. Rose walked over to Riza and looked at her bandaged back. “It's a pleasure to meet you Riza. I'm Rose. I can use my... magic... to give you new wings.”

Riza moved as much as she could to look at Rose. “What magic?”

“It's called Alchemy.” Rose explained. “Essentially, I use what's called equivalent exchange to make new things.” She looked at Dark. “Dark? Could you gather the items you usually use to make wings?”

Dark nodded and left the room and headed into her supply room.

While she was doing that, Rose took a piece of chalk out of her pocket, and then started to draw a pentagram circle under Riza's bed.

“What are you doing?” The injured Pegasus asked. “It's called a transmutation circle.” Rose as she stood up. “It's how I cast my spell. We both need to be inside it.”

“Oh.” Riza said.

Dark returned with the materials she normally used to make wings. “Here you go, Rose. This is everything you will need.”

Rose smiled. “Thank you, Dark. Just place the pieces in the circle.”

Dark set the pieces down, just as Rose asked. Once she was done, she took a step back. “Anything else?”

Rose shook her head no. “Just don't move.” She looked at Riza. “Riza? Close your eyes.”

Riza nodded and did as she was told.

Rose stepped inside her circle and then clapped her hands together. Her blue eyes glowed brightly as her hands did the same. She pulled her hands apart as the circle under her and Riza illuminated.

Dark gasped as she watched Rose's wings melt away and appear on Riza's back. She then watched as the mechanical parts melt into the circle and then assemble themselves into wings, a much different shape and design that she would use, on Rose's back.

Once the wings were fully formed, The circle, Rose's eyes and her hands, stopped blowing blue.

Rose was sweating but looked happy. “There... Riza... you have wings again.”

Riza opened her eyes and looked behind her at her new, pink, wings. “Wh-what? I thought you were going to give me mechanical wings. You... gave me yours instead?”

The pink patter took the rag that Dark offered her. She nodded as she wiped her brow. “Yes. I gave myself mechanical wings.” They whirled as she spread them out fully and then folded them against her back. “I grew up with fake limbs. My Mother, sisters, and even my cousin and Aunt had them. So, I'm used to them. I figured you'd like natural ones.”

Riza fluttered her new wings slowly. “They feel... weird.”

“Your magical pathways have to grow to match mine. I did my best to connect them to my old pathways, but I... couldn't match them exactly.” Rose explained. “With some physical therapy, you'll be flying at your full skill within a week.”

Riza smiled as tears sprung to her eyes. “It's fine. Better then fine. Thank you, Rose. How can I ever repay you?”

Rose wiped her sweaty bangs “Just be careful next time, okay?”

Riza scooted off the bed and hugged Rose, being careful of the younger girl's wings. “I will, Rose. I promise.” Rose hugged Riza in return. “You're very welcome, Riza.”

They pulled apart. “Dark? Could you...” She yawned “you take me somewhere to sleep? I'm exhaust-” She said as she passed out.

Riza caught her around her shoulders, and then lifted her bridal style. “Heh. Poor kid must of used a lot of her energy.”

Dark giggled. “Come on. Let's go take her to a bed.

The two chuckled as they headed out to join the others.

@ask-de-writer

As they waited, the sticks that Aldershot had brought were taken down to the Secure Room. Smiling now, Stormcloud was given a large bowl of finely shaved pomegranate ice and told, “I fear that you must wait out on that bench for a bit. What we need to both study and do must remain among us four for now.” Giving her a small magic net mirror, Twilight went on, “We will relay to you all damage and casualty reports. Take paper and pen too. If you would organize that data for us, it will be most helpful.”

In the room, Twilight watched in careful concentration as Tia and Midnight each took two of the ordinary staves that Aldershot had provided, stroking and working them over for several minutes each. What had been two staves of ordinary wood each, quietly and with no fuss, became single staves of Rom blackwood, one held in the hands of each of the sisters.

Candace looked on from her chair and luxuriated in fanning her wings gently as she observed, “No wonder that no pony has ever found what tree Rom Blackwood grows from. Does it make any difference what kind of wood that you start out with?”

Celestia laid her staff in her lap and replied, “Yes, it can make a great deal of difference in the finished Blackwood. It will affect everything from final hardness to grain structure. It is even worse if the Blackwood is to be used in or as part of any sort of magic. I fear that the words to describe it would mean nothing to you. It is all in our ancient language of Gyptian and in that Blackwood has a terminology that only a few know.”

Luna added, “These will do but it was a lot of extra work to make them up.”

There was a knock at the door.

Alicorn magic hid the two new staves in a holder of walking sticks and staffs.

When the outer door was closed and the inner one opened, it was Stormcloud who stood there, in a rigid brace. Her voice shook as she presented her papers. “Your Highnesses, I . . .” Taking a deep breath as a tear leaked from her eye, “I have your preliminary report on damage and casualties from the recent attack.”

Cadence asked in a soft voice, “We thank you for so hard a task. Stony Meadow? Your family? Do you need that compassionate leave that we promised you?”

She queitly enfolded Private Stormcloud in her arms and wings. Stormcloud did break down then. After weeping for a bit, she shuddered out, “Stony Meadow was badly hit and there are many dead and injured.

“All three guns of the chin turret hit my family's house at once. It was luncheon. Two injured hands survived by being at the well getting water when the house was hit. The rest, my whole family, and the house that I grew up in, is only a crater. There is nothing left to bury.”

Twilight joined her sister in comforting the weeping pegasus. “What can we do for you who have served us so nobly?”

Stormcloud asked, “If I do not go, is the offer of an open Benefice available to the village? The farm is now mine alone. It can do much good for the village if it has some serious money too.”

Twilight replied, “If it can be placed with somepony that you trust to use it well, yes. The magic net is down in the whole attacked region by our order. We can call in. Who should we call?”

Stormcloud wasted not a moment in thought. “Get Mayor Stronghoof and have my hands, Roul and Wheat Berry to listen in.”

“It will take a few minutes,” Twilight smiled, “in an emergency like this, even we have to jump through a few hoops.” She got onto her Magic Net mirror and began working to get their call through.

With Mayor Stronghoof in the mirror, Twilight instructed, “Get the injured farmhands Wheat Berry and Roul to hear this call as well. We are putting our Private Stormcloud on to give instructions about the Long Field Farm, which is now hers alone.

“While you are getting them, Mayor, we have some important questions for you. First, do you have a secure storage place for important documents and money?”

“We do. The bank took lobby damage but is basically sound. The antechamber to the vault and the vault are solid.”

“Good. How are you as far as ledgers and paper office supplies?”

Mayor Stronghoof shuddered and a tear leaked onto the fur of his face. “We have plenty. The town hall was hit by a shell but the office storage closet came through intact.”

Stormcloud asked, “What about Cherry, the town clerk?”

Weeping openly, the Mayor replied, “We are burying her this afternoon. She was dead before we could get to her to get her out.”

Just then Wheat Berry and Roul arrived. Both were limping and Roul had bandages on his left arm and wrapped around his chest.

Twilight interrupted, “Mayor Stronghoof, do not leave after Private Stormcloud is done, We, your Princesses have further business with you.”

The two farmhands took one look in the mirror and both tried to bow.

Twilight smiled, “You are excused from bowing and such courtesy for now. Stormcloud wishes to speak to you about the use of Long Field Farm in this emergency. She cannot come in person because of work that she is doing for the Crowns.”

Stormcloud bit her lips a bit before starting, “I have seen the farm from aerial images. The big storage barn and the work barn both look intact. Are they?”

“Yes mam! The work barn needs a little roof work but we have everything that we need for that. If we can get the help, two days at most.”

“Good. Pull out our rolling field kitchen and clear such space as you can in the ground floor of the work barn. We can house any seriously injured ponies there. We should be able to sleep about fifty up in the loft.

“Clear the wind mill tower wreckage from the flour mill. Dad made it with the idea that a storm might bring it down. There are push bars to turn the mill by hand in its shed. Set aside our seed grain for next year and start grinding the rest to flour. Mom's old stone oven can be fired up. That will give the whole town fresh bread as fast as it can be baked up.

“One other thing, keep the storage barn locked against looters and thieves. We are close to harvest. Fill the barn with the new harvest and keep on using last year's for feeding everypony.

“Hire workers with offers of food and shelter and money later.

“Make notes of all of our provisions that are used by the workers and the town. Also make notes of who works for us and how long. That includes nursing the injured. Give the notes to the Mayor every day. We will get paid and any who work for us will too.”

All three in unison asked, “How will that happen? The bank can't just go handing out money!”

Candice chuckled and replied, “Actually, it can do exactly that. We are giving Mayor Stronghoof an Open Benefice to use. Each documented expense is to be paid by the bank in return for a draft drawn against the Benefice. Let us know if money in the vault is getting low. We will redeem the drafts with gold sent by MT Steamer to restore the bank's reserves.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Healing Wounds

Scout sat next to the bed where Rose slept. She had been watching over since she had passed out from healing Riza. Scout had no idea that Rose had such, well, abilities.

“Huh?” Rose snorted as she sat up and looked around quickly. “Where am I?” She blinked as she got her bearings as her gaze fell on Scout “Huh? Scout?”

The Unicorn smiled and placed a calming hand on top of Rose’s hand. “Easy, Rose. You’re in your caravan.” She squeezed her hand gently. “De Writer and I have been watching over you in shifts.”

Rose frowned and ran her free hand through her spikey mane. “How long have I been asleep?”

“A day.” Scout answered as she poured a cup of water from the pitcher next to the bed. “Here.” She handed Rose the cup.

Rose smiled and drank the cool water. “Thanks.” She set the cup down after draining it. “Where are the other horses? Riza and her… friends?”

The mare giggled. “They went back to their band. Desdemona and Owen supported Riza. They live on one of the lower plates.”

Rose nodded. “Oh, okay.” She looked around the caravan. She didn’t recognize it at all. “This is my caravan?”

Scout giggled. “Well, if you want it, it can be. It used to be mine.”

“Used to be?” Rose asked with a confused look on her face “Did you get a new one?”

“In a sense.” Scout answered, “After we found the two caravans in the cave where you were sleeping, De Writer gave me, well, your namesakes Caravan.”

Rose looked at her friend. “Oh. Okay. Thanks, Scout.” She stood up and stretched. “Nhm. I’m starving.”

Scout nodded. “I bet you are. Come on. We’ll get you something to eat.” She said as the two girls walked out of Rose’s caravan.

De Writer was sitting by his caravan, reading. Wind, Scout and Dark were nowhere to be found.

The old blue horse looked up from his book and smiled. “Ah! Rose. You’re awake. I was about to come and relieve Scout from her shift.” He closed his book and set it on a small table next to his chair. “Feeling better?”

Rose nodded as she took a chair adjacent to him. Scout followed suit, and sat across from Rose. “Yeah. My magic took a lot out of me. I’m okay now.”

“Does it normally take so much out of you?” Scout asked in a concerned tone.

“No.” Rose answered. “I’m just out of practice. Also, that was a big job. Normally when I transmute things, it’s something small.”

Scout nodded. “Makes sense.”

De Writer’s mirror chirped. He took it out of his pocket and tapped it twice. “Hello?”

“Hello, De Writer. It’s Princess Twilight. We have a final count of injured Ponies.” Twilight spoke through the mirror. “20 in total. I’m sending them down via one of my medical MT transports.”

“Do they require surgery?” De Writer asked in a kind, yet concerned, tone.

“No.” Twilight responded. “The initial surgical amputations have been done in Royal Emergency Military Horsepitals.” A scroll popped into the air in front of De Writer with a burst of green flame. “Here are the injured pony’s names, and which limbs they need.” She sighed heavily. “Thank you for this, De Writer. And thank Dark for me.”

“It’s a pleasure, Princess.” De Writer said with a courteous nod. “Dark and her assistants are already prepping the beds.”

“That’s good to hear.” She lowered her voice “De Writer… some of the ponies that are being sent are, well, very resentful of the Rom. Or rather, envious that the Rom have their magic and they don’t.”

“Thank you for the warning.” De Writer said. “When will the ship be here?”

“I’m sending it now; they should be there within the hour.” She looked to the left as though someone was speaking to her. “I’ve got to go. Again, thank you, De Writer.” The mirror returned to normal.

De Writer placed it back in his pocket. He unfurled the scroll and read it. “4 legs - left and right, 5 arms left and right, 5 feet – left and right, 3 hands – left and right, and 3 wings – left and right.” He rolled the scroll back up.

“I can help Dark make the parts.” Rose offered. “In secret, of course.”

Scout looked at Rose. “Why in secret?”

“Her magic is unlike anything that has been seen in Equestria.” De Writer said in a kind, yet serious, tone. “If the other plates found out about it, it wouldn’t be too long before the Unicorns on the upper plates did.” He shook his head “Imagine, Scout, a type of rune magic that can create nearly anything, instantly. Given the right materials, the Unicorns could create powerful weapons, fleets of ships, and entire armies over night.”

“Okay.” She nodded. “I understand.”

De Writer looked at Rose. “Is there anything we can do to help you with your energy? So that you don’t keep passing out?”

Rose thought for a second. “I don’t know, De Writer. I guess I’m just going to have to take it slow.”

“What about my staff?” Scout offered “It’s full of magic energy. I bet it could help Rose.”

Rose looked at Scout and shook her head. “It’s kind of you to offer, Scout, but my Alchemy isn’t like your magic. The magic in your staff, while useful, won’t help me. It’s tuned to Equestrian magic. My skills are different.”

De Writer thought for a moment. “I might have something.” He stood up and walked into his caravan. The two girls could hear him opening his chest, and moving things around. After a few moments, he came back out with a ring box. He handed it to Rosie.

Rosie opened the box. Inside was a silver ring shaped from three weaved bands. A square sapphire, two inches by two inches, sat on top. She looked at it, and then at De Writer.

“I just remembered that I had that. Long ago, I met another Alchemist. She said she was a Sister of the Crystal Tower.” He explained. “The same school that Esper learned her gifts from. The Alchemist I help called herself Sister Anna.” He smiled at the thought. “I helped her get out of a tight spot with some deadite demons. As thank you, she gave me that ring from her finger.”

“Sister Anna? Rosie asked as she placed the ring on her right middle finger. “Auntie Esper once told me that was the name of the Grand Sister of her order.”

“Indeed.” De Writer said with a nod. “Although, at the time, she was simply a student.”

Scout blinked “So, you met a member of Esper’s old Order before Esper was a member? What are the odds of that?”

“Very good, considering all the travelling I did in my… youth.” De Writer chuckled.

Wait…”Rosie said as she examined the sapphire more closely. “The sapphire has a transmutation circle carved into it.” She closed her eyes for a few seconds, and then opened them again. “Wow… the crystal is teaming with energy stored in it.”

Scout looked at her and blinked “Wait… What’s a transmutation circle?”

Rosie smiled. “Without a transmutation circle, Alchemy can’t be performed. Normally, I would have to draw one.”

She stood up from her chair, and the knelt next to a granite rock, about the size of a grapefruit. She clapped her hands together, and then placed them on either side of it. In a flash of blue light, the granite rock changed into a chunk of silver the size of an orange.

“Woah!” Scout gasped as Rose stood up and handed the chunk of silver to De Writer. “

“I’d say the ring works perfectly. I’m not even tired.” Rose commented as she sat back down.

De Writer examined the raw silver with his jewellers’ glasses “I would say so.”

Dark and Wind came out of Dark’s shop just the, and walked over to the others. Dark smiled at Rosie.

“Hey, Rosie. Feeling better?” the black mare asked kindly.

Rose nodded. “Much better. Thanks, Dark.”

De Writer removed his glasses and set the hunk of silver, and them, down on his side table. He then handed the scroll to Dark. “Here is the list of appendages that you’ll need for the ponies that Twilight is sending down.”

Dark took the scroll and examined it. “The legs and arms won’t be and issue. Neither will the hands and feet. I’ll just have to take them off the arms and legs.” She sucked in her cheeks.

“Look Dark.” Wind said as she pointed to the scroll. “Some of those are mid-limb. They won’t need the whole leg or arm.”

“Ugh.” Dark grumbled. “That makes things a little more complicated. I don’t have enough legs and arms to accommodate all of them.” She shook her head. “And I still don't have wings.”

“I can help with that,” Rosie said, “If you have the spare parts, I can make the limbs for you.”

Dark lowered the scroll and looked at her cousin. “Can you make 20 unique parts? Sorry for being so blunt, but when you made your wings, you passed out for a day.”

The pink catter blushed “I’ll be fine, Dark. What I did to Riza was more complicated then just making the Wings. Also,” She tapped her new ring “This ring that De Writer gave me boots my Alchemy. I’ll be able to make the parts you need as you need them.”

“In secret, of course.” Scout chimed in.

Dark nodded. “Fair enough.”

Wind looked at Rosie’s wings and titled her head. “Rose, if I may ask, why do your wings look so… different from the wings that Dark makes?”

Rose grinned and spread her wings wide. “My Mama Wind was a very creative catter. For a time, she was a captain of inter-dimensional travelling ship-“

“The Starblade.” Wind said suddenly. At Rose’s befuddled look, the cat tapped her crystal.

Rosie nodded. “Right. Well, the ship had two means of creating energy. A generator that used a special kind of fuel for space travel, and an external set of four turbines when they were in an atmosphere.” The fans on her wings started spinning quickly and silently. They then pointed down, and she started to hover a foot off the ground. “Instead of flapping my wings, I can use these fans to generate lift. Mama Cat came up with the idea, though she never had the means to implement it.”

Dark nodded approvingly. “Impressive. Although, I think we’ll stick to my designs for now. We don’t want the Unicorns to find out about them, and start giving their droids a means to fly.”

Rose nodded as she landed and shut down her wings, folding them against her back. “Good idea, Dark.”

Wind’s ears twitched as she looked up. “Sounds like the ship is coming.”

Dark’s mirror pinged. She took it out from her belt, and tapped it twice. “Hello?”

“This is Captain Ironhooves of the medical transport, “Fluttershy”.” A female pony greeted. “Requesting permission to land outside of De Writer’s fair. We have 20 wounded ponies needing replacement limbs.”

“This is Dark of De Writer’s camp. Permission granted. Fly your medical flags and proceed along your current heading.” Dark greeted the Captain.

“Acknowledged.” Captain Ironhooves said as the mirror turned blank.

Dark then tapped her mirror three times. “All Wrecker batteries, this is Commander Dark. The approaching ship is the Medical MT Transport “Fluttershy”, from the Ponyville plates. She has permission to land. Do not fire upon her. I say again, Do not open fire.”

Scout shaded her eyes against the sun as she looked up. “I’m guessing these ponies won’t want to see a Unicorn, considering what happened to Ponyville.” She lowered her hand, and looked at Wind. “Nor, I’m guessing, a former battle droid.”

“I would have to agree with that.” Wind nodded.

“Ponies are that mistrusting of Rom Unicorns?” Rose asked in shock.

“Sadly, yes.” De Writer answered. “However, not just Rom unicorns. Unicorns in general. You have to keep in mind, Rose, that the whole Shattering happened because of the Unicorns. Ever since the Shattering, Unicorns have been conducting Raids on the pony plates. Food, water, kidnapping ponies for slaves…” He shook his head. “Not to mention, the Unicorn Nobels have been waging war on one another trying to become the one true ruler.”

“Which is where their fear of me comes in.” Wind said with a sad smirk. “Before my sisters and I were… decommissioned… we were part of the War and the raids.”

“Oh.” Rose said softly. “And their hatred of the Rom? Galandra mentioned how a group of Ponies attacked the Rom Pegasi.”

“Not really hatred. Just… jealously and spite. And that would also be because of the Unicorns.” Dark said. “They spread anti-Rom Propaganda. Not all ponies believe it, mind you. But some do.”

“They’re also jealous that we Rom were left out of the Unicorns changes to the scroll of creation when it came to magic.” De Writer added. “The pony Unicorns, as you know, always thought they had the true form of magic. Even before the Shattering.”

“Right.” Rosie nodded. “The Church of Celestia and after, the Church of the Dawnguard. To name a few.”

“Excellently remembered.” The blue horse said with a proud smile. “Well, since they believed that, we Rom kept our full access to our magic.”

“The ship is here.” Wind said as she pointed to a mid-sized MT transport ship. It touched down a few meters from the camp.

Scout nodded. “Right. Wind and I will retire.”

As Wind and Scout disappeared into their Caravan, the back ramp of the Fluttershy lowered. Ponies of different ages, and races, came down the ramp. Some where on crutches, others where being supported by the crew. A female pony, clearly Captain Ironhooves, walked up to the edge of the camp.

“Captain Ironhooves of the Ponyville Medical ship, “Fluttershy”, requesting permission to enter the camp.” The tall White pony said courteously. She was wearing a purple dress uniform with Twilight’s cutie-mark on the shoulder.

“I’m De Writer,” De Writer greeted as he, Dark, and Rosie walked to the edge to greet the injured ponies. “This is Dark. She and I will be performing the limb attachments.” He gestured to Rose. “This is Rose. She’ll be helping with the assembly of the required limbs.”

Ironhooves nodded and relaxed as relief washed over her. “Thank you, De Writer. It’s very kind of you Rom to help us.” She leaned in and whispered, “Considering all that happened over the last month.”

“We Rom don’t hold grudges.” Dark said simply. “Especially against innocents that Princess Twilight asked us to help.” She walked up the group of injured Ponies. “Welcome to De Writer’s camp. I’m Dark. My Shop can hold 5 at a time. While the others wait, we’ll have refreshments for you to enjoy and shade to sit in.”

Her eyes scanned the crowed. “Those with missing legs will go first, as those parts are ready.”

A little filly, no older than 13, who was missing her right arm, walked up to Dark. “C-can you really make us whole again?”

Dark nodded as she smiled at the young girl. “Of course we can. What’s your name?”

“Lavender Heart.” The filly said.

Dark looked at the filly’s bandaged stump. She then looked at the crowd, and noticed that Lavender was the youngest of the group of ponies. She turned her attention back to her. “Tell you what, Lavender, you can join the first group.”

The young girl smiled through her tear brimmed eyes. “Thank you, Dark.”

Dark lead the group of ponies over to De Writer’s caravan. While Dark and Rose had been talking, the blue horse had been setting up a large open sided tent and plenty of chairs. He had also brought out several pitchers of water and pastries.

“While Dark, Rose, and I work on the first group, please, enjoy these refreshments.” De Writer said with a warm smile.

“Humph.” A tall stallion grumbled as he remained standing, while leaning on a set of crutches, as the other sat down.

Rose looked at the pony, who was clearing missing his left leg. “Is there something wrong, Sir?”

He looked down at Rose. “Yeah… there… is…?” He frowned as he got a better look at her. “Wait, you ain’t no pony.”

“You are correct, Sir.” Rosie giggled. “I’m a mix of cat, pony, and otter. A patter if you will.” She flexed her wings “More specifically, a Pegasus patter. But, going back to your complaint…?”

“Uh, yeah.” He said. “I know all about you high and mighty Rom. What, with your fancy limbs and your magic still working.”

Rose heaved a sigh. “I agree that our limbs are fancy, and our magic does work, but why are we high and mighty?”

“Yer always showing off.” He shot back. “I live near the edge of the plate. I see how high you Rom Pegasi fly with no effort. I can also see your food fields. A lot bigger then the Ponyville fields.”

“Well, okay. Sure. But we hardly think we’re high and mighty.” Rose said in a calm tone. “We just use our magic as we always have.” She shrugged “Besides, we’re always helping when we can.”

“Only if asked.” He grumbled again.

“Well, yeah.” Rose said “But when we do help, we’re always met with hostility. Like now.” She crossed her arms. “Were you forced to come here?”

“No…” He mumbled.

“Then, why are you here?” Rose asked kindly.

“I... I want to walk again.” He mumbled while looking down at his... hoof.

“Well, it's a good thing you came.” Dark said. “Lavender? All ponies missing legs? Follow me.” She nodded to Rose. “Rosie, could you go to your work room, and start making the parts?”

Rose nodded. “Right behind you, Dark.”

Dark, along with Rose and De Writer, lead the group to her workshop. “Mind that you don't touch any of the equipment.” She cautioned as they walked by her exam room and into the surgical area. “It's very sensitive.”

She opened the door, and gestured to the five chairs. “Please sit in one of the chairs.”

Lavender and the other four ponies sat down, while De Writer and Dark washed and gloved their hands.

Rose, meanwhile, remained behind in the equipment room, and gathered the parts she needed on Dark's work bench. She used her alchemy to alter an arm from a three fingered full arm model, to a two fingered half arm model. With the extra parts left over from the arm she created a part that her Mama Wind used for her arm. A coupling that allowed Wind to remove her arm at night and allowed Mama Dragon to attach new arms as she grew up without extensive surgery each time.

She then got to work on changing the legs from cat shaped models to pony shaped models, basing them upon the drawings that Dark had for Scout's legs.

She placed the limbs into a bin, and carried them into the surgery room.

“Here, Dark.” She said as she placed the arm and coupling onto the medical tool tray that was next to Lavender's chair.

Lavender looked at the new arm and coupling. “That's... going to be my new arm?”

De Writer nodded as he removed the bandage from her stump, “It will be, yes.” He then swabbed the end with a clear solution. “This is a freezing solution. It will help you not to feel anything as we attach the robot arm to your existing one.”

What the solution really was, was a cover for De Writer using is Rom magic to make certain the little Pony didn't feel any pain at all, and, to help the replacement limbs attach more easily.

Dark picked up the coupling and looked at Rose. “Oh, um, you...”

De Writer smiled as he looked at the coupling. “Ah. Yes she made a coupling. Makes it easier for arm replacement.”

“Huh?” Lavender asked in confusion.

“Well, as you grow older, My Dear, you'll grow. Since your other arm will grow with you, “De writer explained as he set the solution down, and took the coupling from Dark “and your robot arm will not, we will need to replace your arm from time to time. This little device will make those upgrades a lot easier.”

He placed the coupling on the end of her arm. It made a mechanical click as it attached to it.

The little filly flinched but didn't cry out in pain. “Huh. That numbing stuff really works.”

Dark nodded as she started connecting the wires from the arm to the wires on the coupling. As she she finished, she looked at Lavender.

“Okay, Sweetie. Before I attach the arm to the coupling, try moving the fingers.” Dark said kindly.

The pony concentrated on her robot hand. Ever so slowly, the fingers wiggled back and forth. “I... can feel them!” Her eyes swelled with happy tears. “I... can feel the whole arm!”

“Excellent.” Dark nodded as she clicked the arm into place. “Stay seated for now, Lavender, and wait until the other ponies are done, okay?”

Lavender leaned forward and hugged Dark and Rose with both her arms. “Thank you, Rose and Dark. I...” She said before she broke down in tears.

Rose and Dark returned the hug. De Writer gently pulled her back after a few seconds, so that she was sitting comfortably in her chair.

“Here, Lavender.” He said as he handed her a cup of water. “Drink some water and rest.”

Lavender nodded as she took the water. “Th-thank you...”

“Right.” Dark said. “Now to the others.”

A few hours later, Dark, Rose, De Writer, and the 20 ponies, stood outside the ramp to the “Fluttershy”. All the ponies had new limbs, and couldn't stop looking at them.

Captain Ironhooves shook Dark's, De Writer's and Rosie's hand in turn. “Thank you so much for helping patch these ponies up.”

“It was our pleasure.” De Writer said happily.

The grumpy pony from before, whose name was Winchester, walked up and held out his hand to Dark. “I'm... sorry for acting the way I did. Thank ya for making me able to walk again.”

Dark took his hand and shook it twice. “No thanks needed, Winchester. Just make sure you tell the other ponies that you know, that we Rom aren't your enemy. Okay?”

“Right. I'll make sure to tell everyone I know.” He said with a nod. He then walked back to the others.

“Okay, you guys. Load up and we'll head back to Ponyville.” Captain Ironhooves ordered. With a final salute to the Rom, they all loaded up into the “Fluttershy”.

The MT engines roared to life and the mid-sized freighter lifted off and up, towards the Ponyville plate. As the ship lifted up and away, Wind and Scout came out of their caravan.

“All the ponies taken care of?” Wind asked as they joined their family.

“Yep.” Rose nodded as she suddenly slumped against Dark. Dark giggled and supported the pink cat around her waist.

“That's good to hear.” Scout said with a nod.

De Writer looked at Rose. “I think dinner is in order.” He ruffled her mane affectionately. “You did a lot of excellent work today, Rosie. I don't believe we could have helped all those ponies so quickly without you.”

Rose smiled tiredly. “Thanks, Papa.”

Wind nodded “I agree. Come on, Scout. Let's get dinner ready while the others rest.”

Scout nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

@ask-de-writer

Twilight turned away from the mirror with a deep sigh. “Now we need to do something rather ghastly and I would rather not do it. The Principality of Ponyville needs a hero. Stormcloud, if it were in my power, that hero would be you, for destroying the Imperator of Strongwall. Because of the Utmost Secret nature of the weapon that you used, it cannot be, at least not yet.

“We are still setting it up, but Ponyville Outer Ring Battery 34 will get the credit for that. The hero of the hour will be Mister Aldershot.”

Midnight looked up from her cushion where she was still recovering from her shock by absently shaping the remaining stave into short and solid wand that looked to be carved intricately down its length. “I should like to know how the Traitor Aldershot can be a hero.”

Twilight nodded and answered with a single word. “Posthumously.”

Midnight nodded, “I see. We keep the knowledge of his treacherous activities to ourselves and he is celebrated for his sacrifice in dying to save others.”

“Precisely. We need a hero that we can present who will not contradict Us or give away genuine secrets.”

They adjourned to a small Open Court and after seating themselves, Twilight summoned both Master Aldershot and some news ponies.

She began simply, “Master Aldershot, you have the apologies of the Crowns for your temporary incarceration. After careful review we have determined that it was not necessary or proper.

“You did send up to us a very faulty piece of work, presuming it to be a weapon, which it is not. It is, now that it is repaired, a very precise range finder using almost no power at all. The device is based on one used back, nearly four thousand years ago, in the Nightmare Wars. The original was crafted by the inventor of Non Equine Magic, Baratted the Goat.

“I tried to stop the splitting of the rune stave that is at the heart of the device because it took me months to translate the language of Old Middle Goat that the description was written in. Making the stave took me weeks of effort. It should not have been possible for it to explode at all.

“When the attempt to split the stave and the explosion that destroyed the armory happened at the same instant, we had to shut you away for Security reasons, while we investigated the incident.

“I will state plainly that We of the Thrones disagree with your stated political views. Your views are not in themselves a crime. Though widely held, We only act where such views lead to criminal acts, like the recent Edge Battery 41 incident.

“Our investigation has uncovered the actual cause of the explosion and we know you to be innocent of it. We do, however, have a favor to ask of you that you are best qualified to do, if you will.”

Cautiously, eyes squinting slightly, Master Aldershot asked, “What favor could that be?”

Twilight nodded, “Fairly asked. To understand the situation you need some background.”

Looking up with an utter lack of guile, Twilight spoke to the news ponies. “Please take notes carefully of what I am going to tell Master Aldershot. It could save lives.”

Turning back to him, she smiled and inquired, “Do you remember about six months back, that two carved rune stones were delivered to the armory?”

He pulled a face, “Sure do. They were on separate carts and bedded with straw. They were handled like they were bombs or something.”

Twilight nodded, all trace of a smile gone. “They were the remaining two of a set of three rune stones set by Baratted or one that he trained back in the Nightmare Wars. The first was accidentally set off by the finders of an ancient bunker. It killed five of the six who found it.

“Our Principality experts discovered and recovered the remaining two without further incident. One of those stones was the cause of the blast that destroyed the Armory.”

Aldershot sucked in a surprised breath. “Just one? Not both?”

Shaking her head, she confirmed, “Just one. We have an expert on such runes. They have confirmed that the stones worked as designed so many ages ago. The last one is in the remains of the Armory and active. It must be deactivated before we have another Unicorn raider attack us.”

“I see. Wait! ANOTHER raider attack? Were we attacked? Who did it?”

“My apologies, Master. You were in a cell and did not get the news. Can any of you good news ponies show Master Aldershot the attack on your mirrors? Once he is better informed, We shall be giving to both him and you what is known of both the Armory explosion and the attack on our plate by the Imperator of Strongwall. It turns out that the two events are connected.”

Master Aldershot looked up from the images in the mirrors being shown to him. His head was shaking in disbelief. “What could King Ashlar have thought to gain by that? It was an utterly senseless slaughter. That gun from the Ponyville Outer Ring Battery 34 was destroyed. I have never seen an anti-skycraft gun wrecked that way before. What happened?”

Twilight stood from her throne and paced back and forth nervously as she told them all, “I am going to be breaching Principality Secrecy in the balance of this interview. You of the press are specifically permitted to release what you hear and record with your mirrors.

“I will begin with the Armory blast. That detonation was so violent that the rising fireball from it was seen by members of the crew of the Imperator of Strongwall that was grounded at the Mareimont repair yard. King Ashlar II concluded that we had tested some new and deadly weapon.

“Determined to have it for himself to use in the conquest of the Unicorn plates first and then all of the plates of other ponies, he ordered the Imperator to lift. The attack proceeded as you all now know. His object in attacking our helpless towns and villages was to force me to give over a weapon that I do not have to save my ponies.

“Now we get to what was secret. Shortly before the Rom embargo of all trade between our Principality and the Rom Plates, Dark developed a new form of ammunition and the gun to fire it. We had received four of the new rounds and were awaiting the first of the guns to use them. The caliber of the new weapons is the same as our present guns so that the new guns could, if necessary use our old ammunition.

“The new rounds, with the caution that they were unsafe in our present guns, went to battery 34 to await one of the new guns to test.

“With the Imperator bearing down on the Ponyville defenses but still far out of range of any available anti-skycraft guns, the commander of battery 34 loaded one of the new rounds and requested our aid in aiming. We linked their sighting mirror to that new range finder. That link allowed the round to be adjusted for the range.

“The first shot was perfect. The deadly chin turret was destroyed. The second shot, aimed for the steering planes was wild from damage that the gun took from firing the first round. It hit the flying bridge and destroyed the controls there.

“The third ripped across the lower hull, destroying most of the boilers and part of the MT lift engines. The fourth and last shot hit her amidships about half way up. We think that it triggered a magazine explosion. That broke her back and she dropped like a stone from about a half kilometer up.

“The commander of battery 34 saw the damage being done to his weapon and had all of his crew take cover when the last round was fired. The crew all lived and are in the horsepital recovering from moderate to serious injuries from the bursting gun.”

She turned from her pacing and sat her throne. “Now, Master Aldershot, you can see what favor we need of you. That last stone is still in the ruin of the Armory. We can give you a hazmat suit and careful instructions to render the stone safe. Any error could be fatal. Will you do this for us?”

He paused and thought carefully before saying, “My Princesses, I will.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Ship Shape

Rosie was deep in thought as she ate her dinner of meat pasties and salad. Something had been bothering her ever since she woke up two weeks ago, but she couldn’t quite put her paw on it. Equestria had been shattered due to a group of Unicorn supremacists, as she had been told by Galandra and her Rom. She was also told that the Unicorns lived on the highest plates, and while they had a “King”, her and the other “Lords” were constantly fighting over said plates. She was wondering, though, if this King lived in Canterlot.

“Papa?” Rosie asked, as she looked at De Writer “The Unicorn Usurper King, does he live in Canterlot Castle?”

“No, he doesn’t, Well… not in the true Canterlot.” Wind answered for De Writer, a grim look on her face. “No Unicorn King or Lord does. He lives in his Castle on the highest plate, which is called Neo Canterlot.”

“Oh.” Rosie said softly. “Then, where is the original Canterlot?”

“Ancient Canterlot?” Dark asked in response. “Down below, on the lowest plate, with Equestria’s mantle. Where the sun and moon barely shine, if at all. It is rumored that my Mother, the Alicorn Murder, lives there, freed from captivity.”

Rose nodded in understanding. “So, um, why hasn’t anyone tried to go there, then?”

“Well, no one has ever had a reason to.” De Writer answered “We Rom don’t have our own ships. The Ponyville plates do, as do, as you know, the Unicorns. But neither of them have any interest in traveling that far down.”

“What about Princess Twilight?” Rose asked in confusion. “Surely…”

“She has other uses for her small fleet, aside from defending her realm from Unicorn ships.” De Writer said kindly. “Supply routes to her plates, and to ours.”

“That, and, well, the Gravity on the lowest plate is incredibly dense, and the magic surrounding it very thick.” Dark added. “When the Unicorns rewrote the language of the Creator scroll, they might not have been specific in what they meant when they wanted to stand above all others. However, I can guess they intended that Ancient Canterlot could never be found again.”

��Okay, but why?” Rosie asked.

“I do.” Wind said solemnly. “When I was a… slave to the King, he and his nobles and Commanders would often talk about the Ancient Unicorns. They had no idea that I could hear them. That I was aware of their conversations.”

“What… did they talk about?” Scout asked suddenly.

“Heh.” Wind smirked “That the Ancient Scroll that the Unicorns used… exists in Ancient Canterlot.”

“It does?” Dark asked in shock.

“Well, they think it does.” Wind said. “They believe it enough that they would more then likely send their War Fleet to the Core in order to prevent anyone from finding it.”

“I would have to agree with Wind.” De Writer said sadly with a nod. He then looked at the Moon. “It’s been a long day, and it’s growing late. Come, my Rom. Let us wash up, and retire for the evening.”

After washing up, Dark retired to her shop, De Writer retired to her caravan, and Scout and Wind retired to theirs. Rosie went into her caravan, but didn’t go to sleep. Instead, she lit a lamp on her writing desk. She sat on the chair, and started searching the drawers. After a quick search, She managed to find a stack of paper, a quill, and an ink pot. She dipped her quill and started drawing and writing…

A few hours later, she sighed and rubbed her eyes. “Good enough.” She hummed as she resealed the ink, and laid her quill on the desk. She stood up from her desk, and changed from her day clothing, and slipped on a night gown, courtesy of De Writer. She laid down in her bed, and as soon as her head hit the pillow, she fell asleep.

She woke up the next morning, and got dressed. She gathered up her papers with her drawing and writing, and then headed out of her caravan and into the morning sun.

De Writer was up, and was cooking breakfast, which consisted of eggs, bacon, and fruit skewers. Dark was adjacent to him, boiling some tea.

The pink cat hurried over to them and smile widely. “Dark? Papa?” She said as she held out the drawings to them. “I-I spent a few hours last night before going to bed, and came up with, well, a design for a new kind of airship.”

Dark and De Writer exchanged a look and took the drawings from Rose. They perused through the sheets as she continued.

“See, it’s different from the Unicorn ships, and the Ponyville ships. It has a wooden hull, and with a reinforced steel frame. It’s long and sleek, making it really fast. The Hull is armor plated-“ She began to explain excitedly, but Dark shoved a piece of bacon in her mouth.

“Easy, Rosie.” She said as she kept reading the papers. “Eat something before you pass out.” She examined one drawing closely. “Huh. Turbines for pitch control. Neat. Like your wings.”

“And armor plating at critical points.” De Writer said with a thoughtful hum. “What’s this extra extension at the… oh, it’s a hammerhead ram. For…?”

“Pushing ships out of the way.” Dark said with a nod. She looked at Rosie. “Rose, this ship is really advanced, and will need a lot of power. The amount of boilers it would require-“

Rosie pointed to a page as she finished chewing her piece of bacon. “I also thought of a new type of boiler. See?”

Dark flipped to the page that Rose had pointed out. “Oh. I see. Insulated Copper instead of steel, and steam turbines.” She squinted her eyes. “Also, Air intake vents for cooling and air flow to the fires.”

“What’s all this?” Scout asked suddenly, as she and Wind joined the group by the fire.

“It seems Rose is quite the Engineer.” De Writer said as Scout and Wind looked over his shoulder. He angled the papers to show them.

“Wow.” Wind whistled impressively.

“I’m impressed, too.” Scout said. “But this will take weeks to make. Where are we going to get a frame for the hull?”

Rose pointed to behind De Writer’s caravan. “The Renaissance. You guys can strip it down, and we can reshape the frame.”

“A nice thought.” Wind said as she sat down, with Scout next to her. “But that ship is heavily armored. So much so, that it had to be shot down with Dark’s, that is, your mother’s railgun canon from the Starblade. It would take the Rom cutters a very long time to strip it.”

“What’s the rush?” Rose asked, somewhat defensively, “We can’t launch until Tia and Midnight arrive, anyway. That, and since the Unicorns have wised up, at least with the Rom plates, by not sending ships to shoot down, I assume the scavers have some free time on their hands.”

Dark pursed her lips in thought. “That is true. I would say it would take 5 crews at least a week to strip The Renaissance. She isn’t the biggest ship in the fleet, however, she is the heaviest armored, like Wind said.” She glanced towards the crippled ship. “Her M/T engine, the one that is still intact, can be reused for your design, Rosie.”

“What?” Rosie blinked in confusion. “Dark. My ship design isn’t as big as the Renaissance. Look again. My Ship is only a hundred meters long and three decks deep. Smaller then any Unicorn Scout ship.”

Dark rechecked Rose’s drawings. “Ah. I see that now. Wow, she is tiny, isn’t she?”

The catter blushed. “Like I said, I want her to be small and maneuverable.”

“I don’t see a name.” De Writer chimed in. “On your wonderful drawings and notes, you neglected to name your ship design, Rosie.” He flipped a few pages. “Also, the class of ship it is.”

“Hey. Yeah.” Dark said as she checked her pages. “It’s not a warship, or a transport. Too small to be a scout ship… what is her class?”

“Well, I was thinking of classifying it as, well, intrepid. Essentially, we’re going to be flying her to an unknown region. Fearless and adventurous, just like my Mama.” Rose explained with a smile.

“And what of its name?” De Writer asked gently. “You have one percolating in your head, don’t you, Rosie.”

“Penny’s Hammer.” Rose said softly. “My Mama Penny was the best smith on our world. And, second only to you, Dark, on Equestria. Her hammers were as tough as she was. This ship will be just as strong.”

“I like it.” Scout said with a nod and smile.

“I do, too.” Wind said.

“Well then.” De Writer said as he set his papers down on his side table. “We have a lot of work to do. Let’s have some breakfast, and then call the crews to help us get started.”

Dark and Rose stood in front of the bow of the Renaissance. Five scaver crews, consisting of four horses each, stood in front of them. Their hauling wagons and their cutting tools were just off to the side. Wind, Scout and De Writer stood just behind them.

Dark looked at her crews. “Thanks for coming everyhorse. As I told you over the Mirror network, I have a big job for you.” She patted the armor of the ship. “We’re going to strip this ship of her armor.”

“What?” A female unicorn said suddenly in disbelief. “Dark, are you kidding? That’s the ship that the Wrecker batteries couldn’t even damage! You had to use your fancy new battery to shoot it down. How are we going to strip it?”

Dark looked at her. “With determination, Willow.” She shrugged. “The same determination that we Rom always have. Sure, it will take few weeks, but who here doesn’t have the time?”

“I…” Willow began to argue, but stopped. She bit her lower lip for a second. “Okay. Fine. Do we get our usual fee?”

“De Writer and I have agreed to give each horse double their fee.” Dark answered. “So don’t worry about money, Willow.”

“What about the frame, Dark?” A male Pegasus asked. “A ship with that much armor is going to have a heavy frame.”

“That’s a little more complicated, Shoran.” Dark said as she turned her head to look at Rose. “Rose?”

The catter cleared her throat. “We’re going to reuse and reshape part of the frame for a new airship that I designed. Yes, the Rom are going to build their very first airship.” She handed the drawing to Shoran. “Her name is Penny’s Hammer, and she’s going to be a new class of airship.”

The gathered Rom each took a turn to look at the drawing as she spoke.

“So, like Dark said, it’s going to be a big job.” Rose continued. “But I think we can do it.”

“What’s this new ship for?” Shoran asked. “It’s too small to be a cargo ship… actually, it’s too small to be anything.”

“It’s an exploratory ship.” Rose answered. She looked at De Writer. He nodded for her to go ahead. “Once it’s completed, she’s… going to be flown down to the core, to look for Ancient Canterlot.”

The gathered horses gasped in shock and awe.

“What?” Willow gasped. Again. “Ancient Canterlot still exists?”

“It’s always a possibility.” De Writer said suddenly. The scavers turned to look at him. “But no one knows for certain.” He gestured towards Rosie. “That’s why young Rosie here designed her ship to be so sleek and small. The core is surrounded by thick magic. A large ship wouldn’t be useful. The Penny’s Hammer design will.”

Dark smiled. “Right, so, let’s start with the outside first. Since we’re also going to be reusing some the armor for the new ship, you haulers will only need to drag the pieces to my forge. Should speed things up.”

The crews got to work setting up scaffolding around the ship to begin working on stripping it. While they did, Dark looked at Rosie with a grin.

“Right, while they do that, let’s head inside to the bridge, Rose.” She said as she walked up the personnel ramp. The very ramp, that Captain Huckerson had used.

Curious, Rose followed her. Wind and Scout were quick to follow as well. “Why the bridge?”

“Strip it for parts.” Wind said as they headed inside the ship. Once they had reached the top, Dark started to climb a larder towards the top of ship, where the bridge was.

“You mean, what’s left of it, right?” Scout asked rhetorically as Rose started up the ladder after Dark.

Wind gave a chuckle as she went next. Scout followed her.

Dark reached the top of the ladder, and walked onto the bridge. She surveyed the wreckage as the others joined her.

Rose looked at the shattered front window, and then to the roof. She let out an impressed whistle. “Wow. Mama’s railgun really did a number on the bridge, didn’t it?”

Dark nodded. “It did indeed.” She looked at the melted instrument panel. “Well… that’s no good for parts.”

Wind walked up to the steering wheel, and gripped it with both hands. “This is still good.”

Scout was sitting on the captains chair, and was bouncing up and down on it. “The Captain’s chair is good, too.” She wiggled left and right. “Might want to add more cushioning to it, though.”

“Don’t worry, Scout,” Rosie said as she walked over to the useless control panel “I can reshape it and make it more padded.”

Wind looked at Rose, as the pink catter was flicking switches on the instrument panel. “Hey, Rose?”

Rosie hummed and looked at Wind. “Yes, Alita?”

“Could you, if you wanted to, use your magic to, well, reshape the Renaissance into your ship?” She asked curiously.

Rosie shook her head no. “Even my alchemy has its limits, Alita. Just like the Rom do.” She scratched her right ear. “Besides, I want the Rom to have the satisfaction of building their very own airship. They’re very artistic. I want to see what liberties they take when it comes to the hull, and other, designs.”

“Is that why your drawing were basic, Rosie?” Dark asked as she looked at the kitten. “To leave a lot up to Rom ingenuity?”

“Yup.” Rose nodded with a toothy grin.

“Fair enough.” Dark nodded. “Now, come on you three, this bridge isn’t going to disassemble itself.”

The four girls got to work taking the bridge apart.

@ask-de-writer

Twilight nodded her appreciation for Master Aldershot's acceptance of the task. “There is a bit more to know. I did mention a hazmat suit for you. There is a reason for it. That 800 meter safety perimeter that we have ordered is not solely for safety from an explosion of the rune, if things go wrong, which we do hope that they will not. The last two of the bunker protection rune set also trigger some form of deadly magical miasma. That can be dispelled fairly easily but not with the live rune in there. The suit will protect you from its effect while you secure the rune stone.”

While Master Aldershot was being led out to get ready for effort to disarm the “last runestone,” Twilight turned her attention to the press. “Good ponies, you now have been told all that Realm Security can allow. From what you have heard and seen, I hope that you can appreciate the restrictions that We, your Princesses, have placed upon this news and you who report it. We want none of you to be harmed by the toxic effects or if anything should go wrong.”

One raised a hand in question.

“Yes, News of the Kingdom?”

“You allowed first responders into the disaster area, immediately after the blast. If it was toxic, why did you do it?”

“We had not yet been advised of that danger. However, simply by following proper protocol for events like that, they were wearing full hazmat gear. That gave them the necessary protection. When our experts warned us of both the toxic effects and that there was a remaining fully armed runestone in there, we immediately ordered the evacuation.

“I hope that you will report the danger should anypony discover another such rune or runestone, left from the Nightmare Wars, so that our experts can deal with them. Over 4000 years past, and that war has not stopped being deadly.

“Now, you may go to file your stories. If any of you have distance viewing apparatus for your magic net mirrors, you may follow Master Aldershot as he works to find and render safe the remaining stone.

“I must go now. We still have much to do to render aid to the towns and villages attacked by the Imperator of Strongwall.”

Back in the Secure Room, Twilight asked, “Stormcloud, are you up to using our little device to covertly kill the traitor, Master Aldershot? If not, I will need your key to do it myself.”

Stormcloud turned to her, face held rigidly, a slight snarl showing at her left lip corner. “I will do it, Your Highness. Just let me know exactly how you need it done.”

Twilight enfolded her loyal private in her wings and arms as she soothed, “This will be the beginning of vengeance for your family and friends. There will be more.”

Carefully stepping free of Twilight's hug, Stormcloud inquired, “More? Ashlar is dead and the Imperator is scrap. What more could there be?”

Pulling her brows down in a vee and shaking her head, Twilight responded, “Since we put down the Imperator, we have had mirror calls from five different unicorn kingdoms on three of their plates, each demanding our immediate surrender to their kingdom! Each of those kings has said bluntly that they are the sole rightful ruler of all ponykind. I have just as bluntly refused them all. We may be back to the old days of unicorn raids. I have put all batteries on high alert.”

Cadence suggested mildly, “Perhaps we should go up to the weapon? It is time. Aldershot has had his briefing and got the hazmat suit on.”

They all climbed the stairs to the new weapon's platform. Stormcloud mounted the aiming saddle and inserted her key.

Twilight laid a hand upon Stormcloud's knee and said quietly, “Your aiming mirror is connected to a magic net mirror on Aldershot's suit. It is very important that you do not aim at HIM. He will find the runestone. It really is there. THAT is what you must aim for. Many of the newsponies have excellent distance viewing spells on their mirrors. We want the first spark of the detonation to come from the stone. Because it is NOT iron, it will flare a different color from the hits on the Imperator.”

Stormcloud nodded slowly and then raised a point, “If their distance viewing is that good, won't they see the weapon's strike?”

Twilight grinned. “No. It is specifically made to not show on magic net devices! That was originally done to make it harder for airborne attackers to locate the weapons. What they will see is the results.”

Midnight tilted her horn to one side skeptically, “There IS one of Baratted's bunker defense runes down there? Tell me, was Aldershot given honest directions to render it safe?”

It was Cadence who replied with a chuckle, “There is and no he was not.”

Midnight thought only for a second, “Stormcloud, hold your fire unless the rune fails to detonate. It was not made to be obvious as a danger. If it is tampered with, it should go off on its own. You are a backup plan, OK?”

Stormcloud pointed to her aiming mirror and reported, “He has found the stone. I have it in my sights. He is setting some sort of clamp to the stone . . .”

The detonation was easily as thunderous as the first one! The flash and shock wave only failed to take them all from their hooves because they were ready for it!

Stormcloud removed her key and dismounted the aiming saddle. She joined the others in watching the ascending fireball of the massive rune blast.

She turned to Midnight, whose face reflected ancient horrors as she watched the destructive power that had just been unleashed. Softly, Stormcloud questioned, “Doctor Midnight, how do you know so much more about these runes than Princess Twilight and her experts?”

Thinking for only a moment, Twilight stated, “Private Stormcloud is cleared for Utmost Secret, Midnight. You may tell her the truth.”

Doctor Tia was holding Doctor Midnight closely, stroking her mane and whispering, “It is over, Luna. The Nightmare Wars are over, my sister.”

Seeing the situation, Stormcloud turned to Princess Twilight. Shaking her head at what she was seeing and hearing, she began to puzzle out, “Nightmare Wars are over? Luna? How could she be so affected by so ancient a thing? She acts like she was there.” Pausing, her brow furrowed, she added, “Is THAT how she knows so much of such ancient things? She was there, wasn't she? The legends from before the Shattering say that Luna and Celestia were immortal. Where have they been for the last 500 years?”

Cadence nodded, “You are pretty right, Stormcloud. Where have they been since the Shattering? Immortal is not the same as invulnerable. It took them 500 years to heal from the damage caused by the Shattering. That poor wording in the Scroll of Creation that the unicorn supremacist cabal put there caused the Shattering but it also effectively shattered both of them. They only awakened from their injuries, a little over a month ago.

“Princess Luna used two deadly runes crafted by Baratted the Goat to create Circle Lake and Crescent Lake. They ended the Nightmare Wars but you can see at what cost to her.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Forging Secrets

Dark, Scout, Wind and Rose carried what they could salvage from the bridge out of the ship, and into Dark’s shop. They had managed to strip the bridge of its wiring, steering wheel, the captain’s and crew’s chairs, the windows that hadn’t been shattered from the railgun, toggles, and instrument gauges that where still functional (once fixed) and the floor paneling.

Dark had them place the pieces neatly into different bins, so that she could work on later. “Excellent job. We have a lot to work with once we start construction on Penny’s Hammer.”

Rose looked around the shop. “You know… I’ve always wondered something, ever since I woke up…” She frowned. “Dark? The other Rom have told me that you make the cannons for the Rom plates, and the Ponyville plates. But, um…”

“You’re wondering how I make them, right?” Dark asked in returned. Rosie nodded yes. “Well, clearly I don’t make them in my shop. The pieces wouldn’t fit. I make them in my Forge.”

“I saw your forge when I first showed up,” Rosie pointed out. “I didn’t see any cannon pieces.”

Dark smiled and sighed as she shook her head. “That’s my public forge. And you’re quite right, Rose.” She spared a glance at Scout. “Scout knows where I make those larger parts. She has since she joined our band 10 years ago.”

Wind looked at Scout “You do? Why did you never tell me?”

“I do. And I promised to keep it secret.” Scout said. “And, well, you never asked, Wind.”

“Fair enough.” The cat-bot said with a shrug.

Rose looked a little surprised, but recovered quickly. “So, uh, can I see it?”

“Sure.” Dark said. “But it’s secret for a reason. Do you promise not to tell anyone where it is?”

“I promise.” The pink catter said with a firm nod.

“I promise, too.” Wind said with the same nod.

“Good.” The black hose said. “Come on down.”

She walked over to a pile of bins, and pushed them aside. She then slide a small panel up, revealing a… scanner of some kind. She placed her hand on it. It beeped twice and a pair of doors slid open, revealing an elevator. She stood aside, and looked at the stunned Rose and Wind.

Scout giggled at their expressions.

“Step inside you three.” Dark said as she gestured inside the elevator.

Wind, Scout, and Rose walked towards the elevator, and stepped inside. Dark then stepped inside, and pulled a lever that was made of brass, that was attached to the floor backwards. The doors slid closed, and then the elevator started to descend.

After a minute or so, the elevator came to a stop. Dark pushed the lever forwards, and the doors slid open again.

The four girls stepped out of the elevator, and into a large stone chamber. Dark went over to a wall, and pulled up on a switch. The shop was suddenly lit up with lights on the ceiling. The floor was paved stone. The walls and ceiling waere at least 15 feet high, and looked natural, as if it was the roof a cave.

“This is my forge.” Dark said as she stood next to a large, round, device. “This is the Melter. Simply put, it melts the scrap the scavers give me. Once the scrap is melted…” She pointed to a large pipe that ran along the ground “It gets pumped through this pipe…” she walked along the pipe, which lead to a large cauldron type tub. “This device, The Sorter, stirs the metal, separating the impurities, like paint and whatnot from the metal.” She explained further. “Also, it separates the different metals, which is easy enough, since they all have different densities.”

She pointed to the different pipes which lead from the Sorter, along the floor and up the walls into other cauldrons.

“From there, the different metals get poured into these cauldrons. I then chose which molds I want to make, like casings, projectiles, armor plating, and barrels for cannons.”

“Very impressive, Dark.” Rosie said with awe. “But, um, how does the metal get down here? Sure you don’t carry it, right?”

“Nope.” Scout said. “See that slide over there?” She pointed to the wall next to the Melter. “The scrap gets dumped into the slide, and it gets sent here from the surface.”

“I take it that all these things run on Rom magic?” Wind asked curiously.

“They do indeed.” Dark said. “Since this place isn’t ventilated, I don’t want toxic fumes smoking up the place.”

Rose looked at the far wall at all the different sized molds. “Uh, Dark? I don’t suppose you have armor molds for, um, ships?”

“I don’t.” Dark said as she shook her head. “I could use the cannon armor molds, and reshape them, but that would take a lot of work.” She walked over to another device. “So, what I’ll do instead, is use this 3D printing device instead.”

“What’s that used for?” Wind asked as she, Scout and Rose joined her.

“It’s what I use to make my molds.” Dark answered. “However, I can use it to make the armor plating for Penny’s Hammer instead.”

“So, um…” Rose said as she looked around. “How do you get the parts out?”

“Easily enough.” Dark said as she pointed towards where the elevator was. “Next to the elevator which we used is a larger cargo elevator. I use it to haul the parts up, and assemble them in my shop.”

Wind looked around the forge. “It almost looks like cave in here…”

“It was.” Dark said. “It seems that ever since the Shattering, as the land on the plates where, I guess, settling after being ripped apart, a lot of caves where formed.” She pointed up. “Also, keep in mind that the plates aren’t smooth underneath. Plenty of gaps were left behind.”

“Makes sense.” Wind said. She turned and looked at Rose, who looked deep in thought. “Rose? Is there something on your mind?”

“Hm?” The pink cat said as she looked at Wind, snapping out of her daydream. “Huh. Oh. Did you say something, Alita?”

“You looked deep in thought, Rose.” Wind said with a smile. “What’s on your mind?”

Rose took out a piece of chalk. “Dark, do you mind if I draw on your walls? I just had an idea.”

Dark, now curious, nodded. “Sure. Go ahead.”

The kitten walked over to the wall and started to draw the basic shape of Penny’s Hammer side profile. Scout, Wind and Dark walked over to the wall, and watched her as she drew.

“I was thinking…” She drew a circle that encompassed the ship. “We’ll need a magic shield to help protect against cannon fire and the magical forces on and near the core.”

“Makes sense tactically.” Wind said as she crossed her arms. “How would we generate them?”

“Well, historically speaking, mages of high caliber could summon magical shields.” Dark said. “Esper in particular could form nigh impenetrable shields.”

“De Writer told me about that.” Scout said. “Her shields could also be kept active even while she slept.”

“So, we use Unicorn magic then?” Wind asked with a furrowed brow.

“Magic, yes.” Rose said, as she drew a large picture of a multi-facet crystal next to her drawing of her ship, “Horse powered? Nope. A charged crystal about the size of me, could generate a shield.”

“But how would we charge it?” Scout asked as she studied the drawing. “It would take a lot of Rom to store enough energy in a crystal that large.”

“Solar power could do it with a, well, magical converter.” Rose said as she drew a box around the crystal and then drew a converter next to it. “My Mama traveled to worlds that had them.”

“A neat idea…” Dark hummed. “I’ve seen them too. However, with our solar panel tech being borrowed, at best, from the unicorns, we would need a lot of panels on the Hammer to power the crystal. They would be far too heavy to even get the ship in the air.”

Rose went back to her drawing of the ship, and started to draw flat angled sails.

“I was thinking, we could use these…” She explained. “They’re a mesh enforced canvas used for solar collection. Light, but tough. They can even double as shade and, protection from the elements.”

Wind nodded. “How would we make them?”

“I can make the solar catchers easily enough.” Rose said with a nod. “I just need the material. The crystal? Well…” She looked at Dark. “I don’t suppose Papa has a kiln big enough for what I have in mind?”

Dark shook her head. “Oh, he as kilns. But no, not large enough to grow a four-foot crystal.”

“Why not just… make one?” Scout asked. “Using alchemy?”

“The same reason Mama Dragon made Mama Cat’s crystal herself, instead of using a random one,” Rose explained. “The crystal pathways have to be flawless and exact in order for it to hold enough power without shattering. While the crystal grows in the kiln, I have to watch it, and form each facet. Any flaw or fracture that forms could spell disaster.”

“Oh. Okay.” Scout nodded.

“Going back to the kiln…” Dark said. “I would have to make you one. What about the raw ingredients?”

“Hmm.” Rose hummed as she crossed her arms and placed her chin on her chest. “Guess I’m going to have to do some trading, or, make them myself.”

“Keep in mind, Rose, that in battle, it’s always prudent to have a backup.” Wind said. “One crystal might drain too quickly in a prolonged fight. Always best to have other charged crystals, just in case.”

Rose lifted her chin, and looked at Wind. “You make a good point, Alita.” She groaned at the thought of making several crystals. “A basic formula contains 25% zinc oxide 25% silica and 50% flux. I then need to include a colorant such as copper carbonate, cobalt carb, manganese dioxide, red iron oxide, rutile, or nickel oxide.”

“That’s a lot of chemicals.” Scout said. “I wonder if we can find all of that, and enough to make three or four crystals.”

“Ugh…” Rose groaned some more.

Dark walked up to her, and placed her hands on her shoulders. “Easy, Rose. One step at a time. First, let’s make your kiln. Then, we can ask De Writer about your chemicals. I’m certain he would know where to get them.” She smiled warmly “That, or we can put in a call to Twilight, and see what she can come up with. She owns several mines. I’m certain she would have some of those materials.”

Rose smiled and nodded. “That sounds like a good plan, Dark.” She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Right. I can do this. Just… one step at a time.”

“Atta girl.” Dark winked.

The four girls looked to the slide as a chunk of the Renaissance’s armor came sliding down it with a THUD! The piece hit two sturdy looking poles, causing it to stop.

“First piece is ready.” Dark said as she walked over to the armor. “Time for you girls to see how my Forge works instead of me just telling you.”

She easily picked up the large piece and placed it into the Melter. She then pressed a button, which ignited a set of blue/white flames. The piece of armor melted nearly instantaneously.

“Ah!” Rose gasped as the metal turned to liquid. “How-?”

“Plasma flames and Rom magic.” Scout giggled. She walked over to the wall of molds. “Which mold are we using, Dark?”

The short mare looked at Scout. “We need to make some barrels for Twilight, so, grab the big cannon mold, Scout.”

“Right!” Scout used her magic to maneuver the largest mold Dark had. She then placed it under one of the larger cauldrons.

“Is there enough material for a cannon barrel, Dark?” Rose asked as Dark flicked a switch.

The Melter drained, and she could hear the liquid metal moved along the pipe towards the Sorter. Wind, Dark and Rose walked over to it, just in time to see it fill.

“Should be. The Renaissance has, or rather, had, thick armor. Thicker then all the other ships we shot down.” Dark answered as she pulled the stirring paddles down and into the metal. She flicked another switch and the paddles started turning counter-clockwise. “Now, this part takes a little while.”

Wind watched as the metal stirred and the impurities started to rise to the surface. “Well, there you go.”

Dark placed a bucket of water next to the Sorter, and handed Wind a large ladle which had holes in it. “Here, Wind. Start skimming the surface of the metal and put the junk in this bucket.”

The cat-bot nodded and took the scoop from Dark. She then, carefully, started to scoop the junk off the surface of the metal, and dump it in the bucket. The water hissed and steamed as she did.

After 15 minutes, Dark smiled. “Looks like you got all the junk out, Wind. Excellent.”

The droid smiled and set the scoop in the bucket. “What next?”

“Next?” Dark smirked. “We drain the Sorter and send it to the cauldron that Scout so kindly placed the mold under.”

She flicked the same switch as before, and the paddles shut off. She lifted them out, and then flicked another switch. The Sorter drained and sent the metal into yet another pipe.

Rose watched as the liquid poured into the cauldron that Dark indicated.

“Rose?” Dark asked as she held out a face shield, gloves, and a leather apron to Rose. “Put these on. You’re going to use that chain attached to the cauldron, and pour the liquid into the mold.”

Rose gulped but took the protective clothing from Dark. “What if I…?”

“You can’t mess up.” Scout said as she too, got dressed with similar safety equipment. “The top of the mold is funnelled. Also, I’ll be on the other side helping you pour. So, no worries!”

Rose nodded as she finished getting dressed.

She and Scout walked over to the cauldron, and each grabbed a chain. Together, they pulled the chains, which caused the cauldron to tilt, and pour the metal into the mold. Once it was empty, the two girls pulled the chain in opposite direction, righting the cauldron again.

Rose and Scout lifted their masks as Dark clapped happily.

“Excellent. Now, we let it cool.” Dark said as she patted Rose on the back.

“So, um, what now?” Rose asked.

“Now?” Dark smiled “We wait for more material to show up.” She looked at the slide. “If you want Rose, we could start designing your large kiln.”

Rose nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

@ask-de-writer

Private Stormcloud shook her head as she thought aloud, “I thought that it was bad that I lost my family and village. What must it be like for Midnight? How does she manage to continue and not even show it most of the time?”

Luna looked up from the safety of Celestia's hug and shook her head to clear it of the past, for now. “One does what one must, Stormcloud, and then you go on. There is no other way to go but on.

“I recognized that rune as soon as I saw it. It came from our Southwestern Front horsepital refuge bunker number 3. Baratted used making the set that it was part of to teach me the finer points of non Equine magical rune work.”

As they descended back to Twilight's secure room, Twilight got a sudden thoughtful expression. “Could you make runes similar to that one that could drive an anti-skycraft shell with enough force to actually do what I claimed, thinking to keep our little toy a secret? It would need to be capable of an accurate range of 35 to 50 kilometers.”

Slowly nodding, Midnight said, “Yes, that part would be fairly easy. I can make the bullet detonate properly, too. That is only slightly trickier. From what I have seen, I can design the gun to fire it, but it will be a quite different weapon that what you are now using. I don't know if you have shops that can make it.”

With assurance, Twilight replied, “We don't. But I do know who does. When you have the prototype designed, I can order it from Dark. We will not trust the magic net system, as secure as it is, for this.

“She will want some of the special ammunition to test. I am sure that she will want to know how to make the shells too.”

Luna furrowed her brow and pulled out her circular calculating device. Tongue stuck into her cheek as she slid rings and flipped the center mounted hairline about, she looked up, took a shuddering breath and pronounced, “We should be able to make a hybrid shell. It will be driven by your regular ammunition but the warhead will carry a detonating rune instead of an ordinary explosive. It should hit any unicorn skyship with the same effect as the hits on the Imperator.”

Celestia nodded, “Well done, my sister. That will further conceal the rune stave weapon of Twilight's. Better, it can be fired safely by her present anti-skycraft batteries.”

Cadence sat and began drafting a notice. Looking up, she offered, “We can credit this advance as the last work of Master Aldershot. Further, it explains the runes in his shop and the disaster that came from them.”

Nodding absently, Luna was studying the plans for the anti-skycraft ammunition. She pointed out some details to Celestia. Celestia set a compass and inscribed a circle.

“Here, Luna. The runes will have to fit inside this circle.”

Taking a compass, straight edge and French curve in hand, Luna began drawing. As the others looked over her shoulder, Luna commented, “What I am making is not the true rune. This is a guide for the power that will be the rune. This is safe and can be duplicated any way that you see fit. Once it is properly mounted inside the shell, we will activate it. When the shell's fuse goes off, that will set off the rune.”

Pointing to the shell plans, Stormcloud asked, “Would it hurt anything to put some of the explosive powder back in the shell? If some spy took off the fuse to find out what was in there, all that they would see is the powder.”

Luna grinned and put a wing around her as she said, “Stormcloud, I like the way that you think! As long as the rune guide gets broken, that is all that matters.”

Twilight was making a number of calls on her magic net mirror. She reported, “We have 100 shells arriving soon. Each one will have its fuse removed and all the powder removed from each warhead will accompany each batch. The palace print shop will make a batch of 500 of the rune guides.

“Let us break for a meal and then the press announcement of Aldershot's last work. We can commence loading the shells immediately after.”

Celestia waived her fork load of Thistle Top roast with Pomegranate sauce as she suggested, “Better yet, let's not announce these shells. Getting them together will alert the newsponies of the press corps that something is up. Do you have another really arrogant Master of Armory? One who will be likely to disobey a Royal Order to leave those shells alone?”

It was Cadence who looked up, slightly horrified at what she saw being suggested, but answered, “Master Cutshort of Armory #4 has actually done that before. What are you planning?”

Luna looked up innocently from her iced tea. “Lovely thought, Celestia.”

Turning to Cadence, she added, “We have four thousand years each of politics. Politics is not always a nice business. What Celestia is suggesting will let us announce the hero Aldershot's last work and underline the necessity of NOT messing about with the new ammunition, all at once.”

Twilight nodded thoughtfully, as she chewed a bite of her cheese serving. “I think that I see what you are getting at. It should be pretty easy to set it up.”

By the evening Common Court, word of the hundred anti-skycraft shells being brought to the Castle was out. Sitting their thrones, Twilight and Cadence were peppered with questions from the newsponies. All that they would answer was, “At this time we cannot comment beyond saying that we are trying something that was found in the late Master Aldershot's notes.”

Down on a lower level, packing the last of the modified shells into its safe transportation caisson, Private Stormcloud commented, “I might resent not getting credit for so much that I am doing, but I have noticed that neither you or Doctor Tia are getting any credit either. I guess that it is the price of keeping the realm safe for every pony.”

Luna, Doctor Midnight, agreed, “I am afraid so. I wish that I could see another way to do it.”

They called in a dray pony to pull the load out. As soon as he was in harness, he was told, “Stay with this load. You will be delivering it to Armory #4 temporarily. It may take up to a day to get your final destination orders, understood?”

He nodded, “Got it. Stay by the load and haul for the final as fast as possible.”

They sealed the castle gate behind him.

The call came in just short of midnight.

They were all aroused by the alarms in the castle going off! Sprinting for the secure room, they were greeted by Twilight, still in her sleeping robe, using her emergency mirror! “Master Cutshort! Replace that shell into its caisson at once!”

“Relax, Your Highness. I got this under control. Note says that they got something in them that Aldershot come up with. Been over his notes and they got nothing about any advance in explosives. Just gonna take it apart real careful to see what it got and then put it back together just like it was.”

“Cutshort! We redacted that part of his notes! What you are planning is very dangerous! Replace the shell, now!”

“Just keep your shirt on, Your Highness. I am mounting it into the bullet puller now.”

Suddenly the unholy din of the armory's emergency claxon sounding came over the mirror!

Twilight tapped a code and called, “All dray ponies on the ammo delivery, get your caissons at least 800 meters from the armory, NOW!”

Another code and she called, “Emergency services, clear out all civilians to an 800 meter safety distance from Armory #4, as fast as possible! Stay at least 800 meters from Armory #4 yourselves, except for supervising evacuations as ordered.”

Cutshort called in, “What in tartaros is going on? I got the bullet out, no problem. Just the usual load of ordinary powder in it. About to release the fuse. When it's out, the shell will be totally safe!”

Twilight snapped, “No, it will not be safe! Reassemble the round NOW!”

“Princess, you don't understand these things. This is my profession. I got the fuse out. See, nothing to it. Hum, that's odd. Only about a fourth of the usual explosive charge in there.”

“Please, Master Cutshort, wait! We are still trying to get all the civilians out of the danger zone!”

“They aren't in any danger! Just removed the explosive charge. It is way undercharged. Just tested it. Normal explosive charge. See, it's totally safe. Just checking with a light.

“There is some gizmo down at the bottom. I am gonna pull it out with a long hook to see what it is. Don't appear to be anything dangerous . . .”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Shadow Play

Sarana and Bijou sat in front of their Rom family, more specifically, her adoptive father, Marchhare. It had been a week since her mate, Puff Chaser, former member of the famous Dance troupe, the Skydancers, had traveled to the Lake. She and her daughter had mourned and celebrated the loss of their beloved wife and mother. After the week, however, Sarana had decided to leave the Rom. She had always felt like an outsider after her transformation, with Puff being her only anchor to the Rom.

De Writer heaved a heavy sigh as he looked at the black and turquoise cat, with the crystal horn in her forehead. “Are you certain you want to leave, Sarana? Bijou?”

Sarana nodded “Yes, I am certain, Father.”

Bijou nodded as well. “I want to go where my Mama goes.”

“What of Sol?” Marchhare asked .

“Sol is his own bird, Now.” Bijou said simply. “He lives mostly in Ponyville with his Daughter, Orna. Besides, it’s not like we’re leaving Equestria. He can come and visit us anytime he wishes.”

“Where are you going?” Dark asked, curiously.

“We’re going to go and live in the Everfree forest.” Sarana answered. “There are a few caves there, and plenty of animals to hunt.”

Marchhare heaved another sigh. “I don’t suppose there is any way of talking you out of this, is there?”

The uni-cat shook her head. “No, Father, their isn’t. We’ve made up our minds.” She looked at the rest of the Rom. “I have always felt welcome among the Rom, ever since I met you 100 years ago. I do consider you my family, and, I will always love you. That being said, however, there has always been a… whisper… at the back of my mind, a feeling that I never truly belonged among horses. So… out in the open.” She teared up “That feeling went away went I met and married Puff… but since her passing, it’s come back.”

“Do you feel the same, Bijou?” Black Lotus asked.

“I’ve always been an outsider. Ever since I was born.” Bijou answered honestly. “Did I feel different? Yes. Did I feel like I was truly loved like family? Absolutely. As I mentioned, I wish to go with Mama.”

Marchhare nodded. “Very well, then. You will… at least come and visit from time to time?”

Sarana smiled “Of course we will.” She looked at Bijou. “Come Bijou.”

The two cats suddenly disappeared as Sarana teleported them away.

Over the next several years, Sarana and Bijou met several other feral cats living in the Everfree forest. Sarana, using her magic, along with the free-flowing magic of the Everfree forest, helped the feral cats to become as sentient as she and Bijou were. She taught them how to talk , to speak and understand other languages like Gyptian, Equestrian, and otter.

She also discovered that the feral cats had their own, very basic, form of unique magic. Not as powerful as pony magic, or Gyptian, or even goat, but they did have it. And much like Gyptian magic, she found that her cats could manipulate objects with their paws. And while they were capable hunters, they had no understanding of weapons. So, She taught them how to use swords and spears, as well as how to set traps for easier hunting.

Word eventually spread amongst the cats of Equestria, and more cats joined Sarana’s clan. Eventually, her clan grew to be quite large. Her cats decided to make her and Bijou Matriarchs, so that she could appoint Clan Elders, to rule over the sub-clans. There were five in total; Hunters and Gatherers, Warriors, Blacksmiths and magic users.

Bijou herself, took a mate, a White male cat named Moon Fur. Together, they had several kittens, who turned out to be part Were-cat, just like she was.

Sarana was a fair an honest leader, right up until she traveled to the Lake just a year before the great Shattering, at the old age of 215. Her sword, Spiritblade, along with her black-gold ring, which bore Luna's crescent moon, became heirlooms. Along with those, The smiths also made a simple crown of brass, with a single sapphire crystal, to match Sarana's horn. The three items became symbols of the reigning Matriarch.

Bijou, due to her were-cat blood, managed to live to be 509, living to get her clans through the Shattering, and 400 years after, managing to rebuild what they had lost.

They had also added a new clan, clothing makers. Bijou thought it necessary for the cats to wear simple clothing, like jerkins and tunics, since she and the her cats were standing somewhat upright.

After Bijou had traveled to the Lake, her Oldest Daughter, Shadow Claw, at the age of 250, became the next to Rule. She, herself, much like her grandmother, Sarana, took a female mate, and together they adopted the kittens whom parents had passed either during the Shift, or from the Dangers of the Everfree.

Shadow Claw, or Shae, as her mate, Marble, called her, was just outside their hut one particular morning. She was going through her morning sword training exercises with her Grandmother's sword, Spiritblade.

That was, until, Marble, along with clan leader of the Mages, Cat-Aract, came running up to her.

“Shae!” Marble said gleefully, nearly beside herself with excitement. “the Mages have some great news!”

Shadow paused her exercises, and sheathed Spiritblade on her back. “What news?”

Cat-Aract smiled and bowed to her Queen. “The best kind, Your Majesty. Do you recall those two strangers that our hunters spotted two weeks ago? Walking through the Forest towards Ponyville?”

Shadow nodded. “Aye. Those two ponies that... seemed to have appeared from nowhere.”

“The very same.” Cat-Aract nodded enthusiastically. “Well, I and my mages have been keeping a, well, “magic eye” on them. Curiously, those two ponies have been using powerful magic. So powerful, in fact, that it seems like they're increasing the magic of other Ponies.”

Shadow looked shocked and confused at her mage leader. “How is that possible? Only Alicorns could use such magic. My Mother, Bijou, and her mother, Sarana taught us as such.” She shook her head. “The only remaining Alicorns are Twilight and Cadence.”

“While that is true, you said 'remaining' Alicorns. Before the Shattering, there were two others.” Marble giggled. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”

“My Grandmother's adopted mother and her sister?” Shadow asked as confusion washed over face. “How? They were killed during the great Shift.”

“No quite, my Lady.” Cat-Aract corrected her. “They were lost, and presumed dead. Their deaths were never confirmed.”

Shadow crossed her arms in thought. “Well, if that is true... I must go and see them. I have heard so many tales about Celestia and Luna from my mother and her mother, I dreamed of the day that I could meet them.”

“Shae!” Marble exclaimed in surprise. “We cats have never left the Everfree. To do so would run the risk of us being discovered.” She placed her hands on Shadow's shoulders “What if you were caught?”

Shadow shook her head. “I won't be.” She looked at Cat-Aract “Cat will be with me. She and I can use our shadow magic, taught to us by Bijou, and sneak into...” She paused, “To wherever they are?”

“They appear to be in Ponyville.” Cat said with a smile. “I'm guessing that they are within the castle, along with Princess Twilight and Princess Cadence.”

“The Castle?” Marble frowned. “Your shadow magic is useful, Shae, but the Castle has strong protection magic. There is no way you can sneak in.”

Shadow quirked and eyebrow at her mate. “Always the dotting mother, Marble. I am not one of our kittens. You needn't treat me as such.” Marble huffed at that comment. “When we arrive at the Castle, Cat and I will simply announce ourselves, and ask to see the Princesses. I am the Queen. The Pony state law, as was taught to us by Bijou, states that all visiting rulers, so long as they come in peace, must be granted an audience with the Princesses.”

“Yes. I recall.” Marble shook her head and sighed. “There is no point in arguing with you any further, is there?”

“There is not.” Shadow answered with a toothy grin.

“Mage?” Marble said as she looked at Cat, “Do you wish to go as well? I know Shadow volunteered you, but you don't have to go.”

“I thank you for asking, Lady Marble, but my duty is to my Queen. If she is to travel to Ponyville, then I must go with her.” Cat said with a bow to Marble. She then stood up and looked at Shadow. “Someone has to make certain she returns to the clans safely.”

Shadow smiled. “Then, if you are ready, let us depart.”

“Shae.” Marble said with an exasperated tone. “At least wait until nightfall. Your shadow magic will be more effective then.”

Shadow looked at Cat-Aracts and the two shared a shrug and a nod. She then looked at Marble with a loving smile.

“As you wish, My Love. Cat and I will wait until sunset, and then travel to Ponyville under the cover of darkness.” Shadow giggled. “I swear to you.”

Marble rolled her eyes and shoved Shadow's right shoulder playfully, though a little roughly as well, causing the Queen to take a step back.

“You're such a kitten sometimes, Shae.” She said as she shook her head.

“Keeps me young.” Shadow said back. “Go and gather what you need, Mage. We leave at dusk.”

Cat-Aracts bowed to her queen. “By your leave, My Queen.”

Some hours later, Shadow and Cat-Aracts stood on the edge of the Everfree forest. Some 5 miles away, stood the Crystal palace of Ponyville, and surrounding it, Ponyville itself. As they waited for the sun to lower behind the trees, a group of hunters, along with their Clan leader, a gray tabby cat with one white paw, named White Paw, stood watch.

White Paw plucked the string of his bow. “One is not... liking this idea, Our Queen.” He said in a deep voice.

Shadow looked up at him, and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “As you said many times these past two hours.” She smiled at him. “As I have said, if I did not deem it important to see Luna, I wouldn't be going. Take comfort, White Paw. Cat-Aracts will be with me. She will keep me safe.”

White paw nodded. “What will One do, if Our Queen doesn't return?”

“I will return.” Shadow amended. “However, if I do not return to this spot within three days, or, if no word is sent, then my Rule passes to Marble. She will decide what to do.”

“One will follow Lady Marble's decision, then.” White Paw said with a stiff nod. His eyes drifted West. “The Sun is down. Time for Our Queen and The Mage to depart.”

Shadow nodded, and shifted the light around her, leaving a shimmering blur in her place. Next to her, Cat-Aracts did the same. Together, they lowered themselves to all fours, and took off at a run towards Ponyville, leaving the Everfree behind them.

“I know you are fast, My Queen...” Cat said in a low whisper, as they ran towards their destination, “However, I must caution against using your top speed. We must have enough reserve strength to be prepared for... whatever might, or might not, happen.”

Shadow smiled, though Cat couldn't see it. “I will heed you words, Cat.”

Some twenty minutes later, Shadow and Cat-Aracts arrived at the outer wall of Ponyville. The two cats came to a halt, and shifted out of their shadow form.

“I...” Shadow breathed heavily. “Phew. I'm not as young as I used to be. I can't keep my shadow magic up.”

Cat-Aracts nodded. “I understand. Allow me to scan the area while you rest, My Queen.”

The Mage closed her eyes as she stealthily scanned the immediate area with her magic.

“There are patrols on the wall, stationed at each parapet.” Cat said as she withdrew her magic. She tapped the wall with her staff. “Do you have enough strength to climb the wall, My Queen?”

Shadow unsheathed her claws and huffed an irritated sigh. “Keep up, Mage.”

She sunk her strong claws into the brick and started to climb the wall as quietly as she could. Cat-Aracts unsheathed her claws, and followed behind her. Together, they climbed the 10 foot wall. Once they reached the top, Shadow looked along the wall, to make certain no patrol was coming. Once she made certain that no one would spot them, the two cats flipped over the edge, and crouched down.

“These ponies are non the wiser to our presence.” Cat said as she breathed a sigh of relief. “Now...”

Shadow placed a finger to her mouth in a shushing gesture. Her ears twitched as she listened to the guards.

“...just received word from the Princess...” A male guard said to someone, Most likely the other guard he was partnered with. “The outer perimeter sensor spell was tripped.”

“Where?” his partner, clearly a female, asked.

“Just 5 feet from us.” The male guard said. “Let's go.”

Shadow's eyes went wide. Why didn't they think that the Ponies would have security spells. She motioned for them to jump off the wall and into the town. Cat-Aracts nodded. The two cats jumped from their spot and onto the grass below them. They then ran into an alleyway between two houses.

Shadow calmed her heart enough in order to listen.

“...saw something...” the male guard said to his partner. “...two... blobs jumped from the wall all quiet like.”

“Saw that, too.” The female said. “Made no noise. Quiet as mice.”

“Not ponies, then.” The male guard said. “See where they went?”

“No, Sir.” The female answered.

Shadow looked around the corner of one of the houses to watch the guards. The taller guards, clearly the male, and the shorter guard, clearly the female, where using focused lamps to scan the area below the wall.

“I'm going to call it in. We need hooves on the ground.” The male guard said. She watched as he pulled out something from his belt, and then speak into it.

Cat-Aracts silently tapped her on the shoulder. “I hear two others coming this way.” She meowed quietly in cat. “What shall we do?”

Shadow looked at her and then to the street. “The street is too well lit...” She looked up. “We will try our luck on the roofs of the houses.”

She scampered up the wall. Cat-Aracts followed quickly behind.

Once they were on the hay covered roof of the house, they paused to listen. The ground patrol guards had made it to the alleyway, and where looking around.

“There's nothing here.” A different female guard said as she lifted a garbage can lid.

“Yeah. Aint' nothing here.” A deeper voiced female confirmed. “Sarge.” She said as she walked to the wall. “You sure you saw something?”

The 'Sarge', the male pony sighed. “Yes, Corporal, I did. Whoever, or whatever, they were jumped from the wall. There is something or someone in Ponyville. Find them.”

The Corporal sighed. “Yes, Sir.” She walked back to the alley. “Come on, Hoofer. Let's see if we can find these... shadows.”

Shadow heard the two new guards walk away. She sighed a breath of relief and then looked at Cat. “Any ideas, Cat?”

“I can't use magic.” She answered. “It might be detected. I doubt even or Shadow skill will help us.”

Shadow nodded. “The let us use our cat skills. Stealth.” She quickly and quietly jumped to the next roof.

Cat nodded and followed her.

For the next ten minutes or so, the two cats jumped from roof to roof. They would stop and pause every so often to listen for any guards. When they were certain that they hadn't been seen or heard, they continued jumping from roof to roof.

That was, until, they ran out of roofs to jump on.

“Curses.” Shadow huffed. “No more roofs.” She looked around. “No more... anything.”

Cat-Aracts looked around as well. “Well, there's the Castle.”

Shadow looked at the mage with a sideways glance. “Yes. I see that. However, due to... the guards being alerted to our presence... the castle is surrounded.”

“Shall we make ourselves know, then?” Cat-Aracts asked.

The black and white cat sighed. “We have no other option.”

The two cats jumped off of the roof they where on, and onto the cobblestone road below. They were immediately spotted by the guards.

“Look!”

“Over there!”

“Surround them!”

They both stood up, and raised their fore-paws in surrender.

Six guards ran over to the two cats and formed a circle around them. They pointed their long spears at their necks.

“Stay still or taste our spears... Cats.” The Female Corporal from earlier ordered. “Explain yourselves immediately.”

“I am Mage Cat-Aracts.” The shorter then the shortest pony said in fluent Equestrian. “This is my Queen Shadow Claw. She is the ruler of all cats of the Everfree Forest.”

The ponies were taken for surprise. First, that the cats could speak Equestrian, and second, when the cat said the other was a Queen.

“You're a queen?” The Corporal asked in shock as she looked at Shadow.

“I am.” Shadow said with a nod. “I am Daughter of Bijou, Daughter of Sarana. I come here seeking a pony that... has the darkest blue fur.” She swiveled her right paw, showing the ponies her ring. “This ring was passed down to me. It was gifted to my Grandmother by Princess Luna.”

“P-Princess Luna?” The Corporal asked in surprise. She then shook her head. “Well, despite that, why did you two sneak into Ponyville?”

“This is our first excursion outside of the Everfree.” Shadow answered. “We had no idea how... you Ponies would act upon seeing two bipedal cats.” She looked around the grow and nodded at their spears. “Especially ponies that fire their... magic at boats that fly.”

The Corporal narrowed her eyes. “Far enough. However...”

“I invoke Parley. I am a visiting Ruler, and I seek and audience with your Princess.” Shadow Claw said, interrupting the Corporal. “Please, take me to see her.”

The Corporal quirked her eyebrow. “I see.” She took out her mirror. “Princess Twilight? I found the... intruders.” She fell silent as Twilight said something. “Yes, your Highness. They're cats from the Everfree. One is claiming to be a Queen. She wishes to speak to you.” She paused again. “At once, Your Highness.”

She put her mirror away, and lowered her spear. She then waved her hand to the other guards. The guards lowered their spears as well.

“Princess Twilight has agreed to an audience with you, Queen Shadow Claw and... Mage Cat-Aracts.” The Corporal said. “However, you are to surrender your arms to me.”

Cat-Aracts handed her staff over to the Corporal. Shadow sighed, and removed Spiritblade, still in her sheath, from her back, and handed her to the Pony.

“Thank you.” The Corporal nodded. “Follow me.”

She turned and headed towards the castle. Shadow and Cat followed quickly behind her.

@ask-de-writer

There was the briefest of brilliant flashes from Twilight's mirror. Turning to the rest of us, she asked, “I shut my eyes and I still see spots. Is everypony OK?”

We all answered affirmatively.

Twilight returned to her mirror. Tapping codes, she called, “Emergency Services, did all the civilians in the danger zone get evacuated safely?”

“Emergency Battalion Chief Rainbow, here, Princess. We are not sure yet. We are putting out fires on several structures and at least three are going to have to be torn down because of the blast damage. We are searching the structures as fast as we can. We have lost contact with two of our own that were evacuating civilians. We are trying to find them.

“Do we need special hazmat procedures to enter the blast zone? Remember the last one, in Armory #1.”

“No, Chief Rainbow. Hazmat is only the usual for any large explosive event.

“I have a separate question. The Ammunition Caissons. There were ten of them, with ten shells each. Are they and the drovers pulling them alright?”

“Yes, Princess. One of the caissons was hit by debris and lost a wheel. All the drovers are OK. One of the caissons appears to have been opened. The drover says that Armory Master Cutshort removed one shell.”

Twilight sighed, “That is unfortunately correct. We were pleading with him to stop tampering with that round when it detonated. We will send a new caisson as soon as we can. The ammunition is safe to handle according to the usual protocols for live ammunition.”

They could see the Battalion Chief looking at the wreckage as he asked incredulously, “That was ONE round of this stuff?”

“I am afraid so. Good fortune in finding the missing. Let us know what you find, regardless of the hour.”

The next morning as they were at breakfast, Twilight received mirror calls from the unicorn plates above. They were silenced at her end so that no pony could overhear what was being said. She did take many notes and ended the lot of them with a firm shake of her head!

Looking up from her notes, she shrugged. “That could have gone better. We are at war with the unicorn kingdoms of Strongwall, Dark Forest, Iron Mountain, Raven's Roost and Colland. They have all demanded our unconditional surrender and the giving to each one alone, the new and deadly weapons that we have developed! I pointed out to them all that we have driven all of the unicorn kingdoms from our skies and recently destroyed the Imperator of Strongwall, along with the death of then King Ashlar II, King of Strongwall.

“They did not like my response and now we are at war with all five of them. What I expect is that if any of the five do attack us, they will immediately be attacked by the kingdoms around them!”

Stormcloud, getting a second helping of sugared clover leaves with milk, snorted, “They all want the new ammo but none of them want any of the others to have it!”

This was greeted by laughter all around the table!

The Open Court that followed was a bit of a surprise. Instead of the usual rowdy collection of reporters, they were there, but sort of huddled together. Only one raised a hand for recognition.

Twilight looked askance at the single reporter and recognized, “Kingdom of Ponyville Times, what is your question, please?”

The reporter responded, “Melissa Newsnose, Your Highness. My question is from all of us. We have all seen certain common events and have questions about them. Consulting among ourselves, I have been given the question.

“We will abide by your answer, whether it is a matter of Kingdom Security, refusal to answer or be bound by any secrecy that you impose. We are certain that we are not the only ponies with the question, after last night's explosion at Armory #4.”

Twilight nodded, “Well said. Whatever your question, I will try to give you all as much of an answer as the Kingdom's Security allows.”

Melissa took a deep breath and inquired, “We were told that the Imperator of Strongwall was shot down by Ponyville Outer Ring Battery 34, which was using a new and secret form of ammunition which destroyed the gun in bringing down the Imperator. Many of us saw and recorded the strange color of the rounds hitting the skyship. Neither of the explosions at Armory #1 was that color at all.

“Thanks to responding to the Emergency Services Call, many of us did get the Armory #4 detonation recorded. Aside from apparently being much more powerful than the rounds that hit the Imperator, the initial flash color of the blast WAS the exact same color as those rounds.

“Are they related?”

While Twilight, on her throne, was thinking carefully of what to say, Candice asked, “I am very curious about why you pooled this question?”

Melissa nodded, “Fair enough. We all love this Kingdom. We all sorted out that we might be touching on something that might harm it. We don't want to do that.”

Twilight put her Rainbow staff across her lap and replied, “You are right that it was quite secret but it appears that not only is the cat out of the bag, so to speak, We of the Thrones can trust you. The ammunition that brought down the Imperator and the explosion at Armory #4 are related.

“Master Aldershot was conducting very secret investigations into the nature of those two runestones in his shop. All of those notes were made directly into Royal Custody by secure Magic Net mirror. Understand that I cannot give you any details about the runes themselves. The experimental rounds that we did receive from the Rom used recently developed runes as both propellant and warhead. You all saw how those worked.

“Master Aldershot had an inspiration only a little before he went to try disarming that final and fatal ancient runestone. Thanks to that inspiration, our experts have been able to devise a rune based warhead to be mounted to a regular shell casing, launched by our regular anti-skycraft guns. Unfortunately, rune based warheads are radically different from ordinary ones, but only on the inside.

“Master Cutshort, defying direct Royal Orders, tried to open one round to find out what was so special about it. We were on a magic net call, pleading with him to stop before he set it off. We failed.

“These new rounds have about the same force as the ones fired at the Imperator. The one that Master Cutshort set off appeared larger because he had already damaged a key part before it was set off. That allowed the round to explode radially in all directions. When they are functioning properly, about 70% of the blast is channeled along the direction of the shell's flight.

“Look at hit number three on the Imperator which blasted across her bottom and burst many of her boilers. That is how they are supposed to work.”

Princess Cadence spoke from her throne, “We do hope that you are satisfied with the answer that you got. We will not be taking further questions on this topic. You and all but our guards will be removed to comfortable quarters while we conduct a high security conference with our Armory Masters from all parts of the Kingdom, the Gryphon Empire, and the republics of Cornhall and San Herro. These ponies have been traveling, some of them, since about midnight to be here.

“We do have a further announcement to make after that conference.”

When the Court had been cleared and the new ponies brought in, Princess Twilight began, “Good Masters, We do appreciate your heeding our summons so promptly. There is good reason for interrupting your rest.

“We have, this morning, received not one but FIVE separate declarations of war from unicorn kingdoms on the plates above us. I personally suspect that the other unicorn kingdoms will attack any that actually send any serious force against us. Still, we must be prepared.

“A new ammunition is being distributed to you as swiftly as it can be made. I know that your procedures require that any round that does not pass an external inspection must be taken apart and the cause of the problem found.

“IT IS VITAL THAT YOU DO NOT DO THAT WITH THIS NEW AMMUNITION! The new shells will weigh about a kilogram light.”

While Twilight was speaking, Cadence set up large mirrors for the assembled Masters to see.

Twilight went on, “This is a direct recording of my urgent call to Master Cutshort of Armory #4. Directly after it you will see the result of his failure to follow Our orders, as seen by Emergency Services and several newsponies. That is why you must not try opening any of these shells.

“What follows is the destruction of the Imperator of Strongwall, shown for a comparison. That ammunition was similar but not the same as what you will be receiving.

“We will take your questions immediately after.”

@wind-the-mama-cat Prototype

Rose, Dark, Wind and Scout exited the elevator from Dark’s forge and into Dark’s shop. They had been melting the armor from the former Unicorn ship, the Renaissance, all morning and had decided to break for lunch.

As they walked towards the main door to the shop, Rosie spotted a bin of parts labeled “Obsolete”. Curiosity piqued, the kitten walked over to the bin and looked into it.

Dark stopped walking and looked at Rosie. “What’s up, Rosie?”

“Huh?” The pink cat asked as she looked at Dark.

“Just wondering what you’re doing?” Dark explained. “That box caught your eye?”

Rosie nodded. “Just wondering about all these… parts and pieces. Looks like you a have a lot in here.”

“Yeah.” Dark said as she walked over to Rose and looked in the large bin herself. “There’s are limbs, armor, and components that I can’t use, or rather, don’t really want to use on ponies and horses.” She explained. “Thanks to Scout and Wind being good traders, I have newer parts that are lighter and tougher. If I ever run out of those parts, then I’ll use these… junk parts.”

“Oh.” Rose nodded. “Makes sense.”

The four girls walked out of the shop, and over to where the Scaver crews where lining up for lunch. De Writer had things will in hoof, but it looked like her could use some help. Rosie and Dark quickly joined him to help serve the hungry horses.

Once the line had cleared, Rosie, Dark and De Writer took what they wanted for lunch, and joined Wind and Scout in their shady spot under the open gazebo tent De Writer had set up for breaks.

As she ate, Rose looked at the Renaissance. The Scaver crews had managed to strip about 1/9th of her hull in the few hours that they had been working. Her eyes then fell on an area 50 feet from the ship, which had been roped off.

It looked to be the approximate size and shape of the Penny’s Hammer. Though, from her vantage point, she couldn’t tell for certain.

“Papa?” She asked De Writer. “Is that area roped off for the Hammer?”

De Writer pivoted in his seat to look were Rose was pointing. “Your eyes miss nothing, Little Kitten.” He turned back and looked at Rose. “Yes, I roped that area off for building the Hammer. Once we have enough of the Renaissance’s frame exposed, we’ll move it to the roped off area.”

Wind looked to the Renaissance. “The Unicorn ships are fully metal. So different from the Ponyville ships, which, like Rosie’s design, are a mix of wood and metal. Mostly metal, though.”

Scout looked at Rosie. “Have you thought about what kind of wood you want to use for the Hammer, Rose?”

Rose’s eyes went wide in realization. “Oh! Um… no. I hadn’t. I never thought to ask if the Rom have their own trees, or, if I had to go up to the Ponyville plates to negotiate for lumber.”

“Oh. We have our own trees.” De Writer said with a chuckle. “In fact-“

“-Oh, no-” Scout mumbled as she felt a ‘De Writer lesson’ coming.

“-the Rom plates do their forestation at or near the edges and the other crops are planted and maintained toward the middle.” He explained, “We do not raise crops in regular fields like the usual farms of upper plates. We have unfenced large patches of various crops. Each patch has a record box where passing bands leave notes of what they did for the patch. At harvest, the crop is split according to the work done.”

Rose blinked, not expecting a lesson on Rom crops. “So, uh, the trees and forests are on the edges?” She looked around. “Which way?”

Dark pointed to the West. “That-a-way. If you walk, it’s two days travel. Flying is One day.”

Rosie’s wings whirled as she though about flying to the forested area of the Rom plate. “Any other way?”

“Well, there’s always the Net Mirrors.” Scout said. “But I think you would want to see the trees for yourself. There’s plenty to choose from.”

Rose nodded. “Yeah. You’re right, Scout.”

She ate some food as she thought about the journey ahead of her. An idea popped into her head as she thought of something. During her time living with her Papa again, she’s seen Wind and Scout hold races with other visiting Rom. Wind, being the robot cat she was, often ran on all fours, like a cheetah. She was significantly faster when she did.

The patter looked at Wind “Alita? What’s your top speed on two legs and then on all fours?”

Wind titled her head. “Huh? Oh, um… I would say 30 miles per hour on two, and 55 miles per hour on all fours.”

“How long can you maintain that?” Rosie asked next.

“I, um, well… maybe and hour? Or two?” Wind said with a shrug. “I never really tested to find out.” She tapped her chest. “I’ve had two batteries in my lifetime. My new battery is more powerful, but drains more quickly than my old batteries. That being said, my old batteries weren’t rechargeable.”

“Old… batteries?” Rose asked in confusion.

“Power cells.” Dark explained. “The Unicorns created power cells to power their droids.”

“So, like the fusion cells that Mama found?” Rose asked, “kinda like the one that powered Arjet?”

“Not so powerful or dangerous.” De Writer said, “But a similar idea.”

“Wait… fusion cells?” Wind said as she quirked an eyebrow. “What are they?”

De Writer smiled. “It’s very complicated to explain, Wind. Rose’s Mama was more knowledgeable about the subject then I was, or am. However, it’s a cell that used nuclear fusion instead of... whatever your battery uses. They were small, and compact, and if the outer case was ever ruptured, could cause an explosion about half a mile wide.”

Wind’s eyes went wide in thought. “Yeah. My batteries don’t have a tendency of blowing up.”

“Anyway…” Rose said as she cleared her throat. “Do you still have any around? Your old batteries?”

Dark nodded. “Yes. I kept a few just in case.” She smirked as her eyes narrowed. “Okay, Rosie. Come clean. What are you planning?”

Rose smiled. “Just another idea I have. Can we go to your shop to talk about it?”

The black mare nodded. “Sure.”

The two girls set their empty plates down and headed back to Dark’s shop. Wind and Scout giggled.

“Well, since they’re doing… whatever they’re doing,” Scout looked at her girlfriend. “Wind? What say we wash up, and help with the armor removal?”

Wind nodded. “Sure.”

De Writer, curious as to what Dark and Rose were up to, headed to Dark’s shop. He opened the door, and found the two young appearing girls hunched over one of Dark’s work tables.

“And just what are you two girls up to?” De Writer asked kindly.

Rose started at De Writer’s sudden appearance and whipped her head around. “Papa! You startled me.” She placed a hand on her chest. “I, um, well… Dark and I are designing a, well, mechanical mount.”

Dark held up a drawing of what appeared to be a four-legged robot wolf. “Our Rose seems to be quite the engineer. If she keeps this up, I’ll have to become her assistant.”

Rose giggled. “I highly doubt that.”

De Writer took the drawing and examined it with a gleam in his eyes. “Looks to be the size of a large wolf. Almost as large as werewolf. Where does the pilot sit?”

“On the back, just before it’s haunches.” Rose explained. “And those fins on the back are where the pilot inserts their hands to steer it.”

“So, it isn’t autonomous?” He asked.

“Oh. No.” Rose shook her head. “Nope. It’s simply a mount. 100 percent controlled by the pilot.”

“I see.” The blue horse hummed in thought. “I take it that it will be powered by Wind’s old power cells?”

Dark shrugged. “We’re hoping they can handle the power output. We’ll remove as much weight as we can, but we only have six of them. The problem will be the weight of the rider, really. The cells were meant for a lightweight combat droid, not for a, well, vehicle.”

“Could you perhaps… make more?” The unicorn asked “Using your alchemy, Rosie? Or perhaps, make a different kind of power cell?”

“I don’t know what’s in the cell, or how to make them.” Rose said as she shook her head no. “And, I know Alita said they’re stable, but I don’t really want to start taking them apart.”

“Aside from the fact that I don’t have clothing to protect us from potentially hazardous materials.” Dark added as she looked at one of the cells.

Rose thought for a second. “What about the cargo you guys got from the Renaissance? Alita found her, well, battle suit. Did you guys find any power cells?”

Dark looked at Rose while she rubbed her chin. “That’s a really good question. I don’t think we went through all the boxes.”

“I did.” De Writer said. “And sadly, I didn’t find any power cells. Aside from the suit that Wind found, the other boxes where filled with scrap and spare parts for the ship.”

“Darn.” Rose huffed.

“You didn’t answer the other question I posed…” De Writer reminded his granddaughter “What about creating your own power cell?”

“Well, there was an idea that I had down in Dark’s shop…” Rose answered. She then explained to De Writer about the power crystal to generate magic and weapon proof shields.

“Ah. I see. Like your Mama’s crystal, but… the size of you instead of the size of a coin.” De Writer nodded in understanding. “If we were to apply a similar idea to your… wolf, the crystal would have to much smaller.”

“In order to power it, the crystal would have to be, at minimum, the size of a dragon egg.” Dark said. “It would also have to be flawless.”

“I doubt even Mama Dragon had a flawless gem of that size in her hoard.” Rose sighed.

“That is true.” De Writer said. “But I would think that you, Rosie, could be able to make a crystal of that size using your magic.”

The pink cat blinked a few times. “I… I’ve never tried making one that size before.”

De Writer smiled warmly at her. “That’s a fair point, Rosie. However, I think you would be able to. You will just need to practice.”

The kitten looked at her cousin and shrugged. “What do you think, Dark?”

“Worth a shot, Rose.” the mare said with a smile. “It's really the only viable option. While you practice making gems, I'll start with the sorting through my junk bin to find the parts we need.”

Rosie smiled in return, and then looked at De Writer. “Actually, Papa... do you have any gems I can fuse together? It would save me some time and effort.”

De Writer stroked his beard in thought. “Me? Oh, I have plenty of gems. However, I need them for my booth and jewelry making.”

“Oh. Right.” Rose sighed.

“There is, however, another option for you.” De Writer continued. “Go and talk to Scout.”

Rose looked confused. “Scout?”

The old blue horse nodded yes. “You'll see.” He handed the plans back to Dark, and then walked out of the shop whistling 'That's what Old Marchhare Hates'.

Rose, now even more confused, walked out of the shop herself , and looked towards the Renaissance. She saw that mare in question using her magic to move a large chunk of armor over to the chute of Dark's forge.

The pega-patter walked over to the unicorn and waited for her to put the piece into the chute. Once she was done, she wiped her brow with her sleeve and and looked at Rose.

“Hey, Rose. Done with your project already?” Scout asked, curiously.

Rose shook her head no. “Not yet.” She took a deep breath. “I need to make a dragon egg sized gem, for a power source. De Writer, well, he suggested that I could make one using alchemy.” She looked around at the rocks on the ground. “While I could use rocks to make them, I asked if he any gems I could fuse together.”

“I guess he didn't have any?” Scout asked.

“Not so much. He said the gems he has he needs for his booth.” Rose explained. “He did suggest that I ask you for help.”

Scout nodded. “Ah. I see.” She pointed her thumb towards her caravan. “Come to my caravan, Rose.”

The two girls walked over to Scout's and Wind's caravan. The mare opened the door, and they walked up the stairs and inside. Scout then walked over to a large chest at the foot of her bed. She knelt in front of it, and then opened the lid, revealing the treasure within.

As Rose looked at it in surprise, Scout picked up a large, tear shaped, ruby, the size of an apple, and stood up. “You could say that I could help with you.”

“Where...?” Rose squeaked out.

Scout placed the gem in Rosie's hand. “Your Auntie Esper left this chest behind as an inheritance to her family. It's a inter-dimensional chest linked to Mama Dragon's hoard.”

The pink cat examined the gem with her eyes and with her magic. “It's perfectly flawless...” she looked at Scout. “So, um...”

“You can have as many gems as you need, Rosie.” Scout said with a simple shrug. “Esper is your Aunt, and she's my greatest Grandmother. I figure that this treasure is as much yours as it is mine.”

“Well, then, let's see if we can sort through it, and find more gems like this one.” Rose suggested.

At that, the girls knelt down and got to work sorting through their treasure.

An hour later, Rose walked into Dark's shop.

Dark was busy welding the frame of the wolf mount together. The Pegasus had managed to assemble the body and the legs. Of course, Rose knew that Dark wasn't really welding the metal together. She was simply channeling her Rom magic through the “welder” to fuse the metal together.

“Hey, Dark.” Rose called to her.

Dark shut off her welder and set the handle down. She looked at Rose, and lifted her goggles. “Hey, Rosie.” She nodded towards the frame. “What do you think?”

Rose nodded her approval. “Looks great. You really work fast.”

“It's a habit.” She stood up and looked at the cloth cover object that Rose was cradling in the crook of her arm. “Is that...?”

Rose nodded, and unwrapped the cloth. She was carrying a dragon egg sized ruby. “Scout and I worked on it. I think this will work for a reliable power source.”

She held it out for Dark to take.

Dark took the gem in her hands and examined it. “It's perfect Rose. How did you make it so... flawless?”

“I used 4 flawless gems from Mama Dragon's hoard.” Rose explained “I just had to be careful during the fusing process.”

Dark whistled. “Well, I'm impressed.” She handed the egg back to Rose. “Now, we just have to charge it.” She pursed her lips in thought. “We have to either use Rom to do that, or, we can use my solar charger. Kind of like a proof of concept of your solar set up for the Hammer.”

“Your solar charger can charge gems?” Rose asked.

“Eh...” Dark said as she walked over to her charger. She waved Rose over. “I use it for charging Wind's batteries, mostly. Or batteries for other things, that I send up to Ponyville.”

She gently took the egg from Rose, and placed it in the chamber, placing it between to rubber suction cups. She then then flicked a switch, turning the charger on.

“Now, we wait.” Dark said as she watched the indicator light on the side of chamber. “It's on the red level now. When it hits the top of the green, it's charged. I'm going to guess... it should be ready by tomorrow.”

Rose nodded. “That's not so bad.”

Dark smiled. “Well, we'll see. Like I said, I've never charged a crystal of this size before.” She placed a comforting hand on Rose's shoulder. “For now, let's get this wolf built.”

Over the next few hours, Dark and Rose assembled the wolf mount, which Rose named Fenrir. Together, they finished welded, wired, and made certain all the joints and the controls moved without pinching or seizing. Once the crystal chamber was installed, they placed the armor on the frame. Next, they installed the pilot seat, and adjusted it so they could reach the control yokes.

Rose took a step back, and looked at the completed wolf. “Looks good...”

Dark stood up, and moved to her bench. She picked up one of Wind's old power cells, and handed it to Rose. “Here, Rosie. Plug this in to the power chamber.”

Rose opened a panel on Fenrir's back. She then plugged the cell into the universal connectors. She then closed the panel. Next, she climbed onto the saddle seat, and grabbed the control sticks. She swallowed nervously, and looked at Dark.

“Well, let's turn him on.” Dark said.

Scout flicked the on switch on the right handle.

With a growl, Fenrir's power indicator lights, located on his back and in his eyes, glowed a bright blue.

“Ah!” Rose exclaimed happily. “He works!”

Dark giggled happily. “Yeah. Phew.” She placed her hand on his head, using her magic to check the internal systems for any overheating. “I can't find anything wrong with it so-”

She stopped talking as Fenrir suddenly shut off. She looked at Rose.

“Rosie?”

Rose shook her head. “It wasn't me.” She said as she switched the power toggle off. She opened the top panel, and pulled the battery out. It was drained.

“Buck.” Rose cursed. “The battery is drained.”

Dark sighed and took the cell from Rose. “He uses a lot of power... that's for sure.” She hook her head. “At least we know he turns on.”

Rose unmounted from Fenrir, and stretched. “Well, it's as much as we can do now. Want to get lunch?”

Dark's stomach jolted. “Sounds good to me.”

Rosie threw a blanket over Fenrir to cover him, and then she and Dark walked out of the shop to get some lunch.

@ask-de-writer

Subdued masters of Armory carefully studied what they had been shown. After conferring between themselves. One asked, “Since these shells are about a kilogram lighter, will they fly the same as standard ammunition?”

Twilight agreed, “That is the purpose of the lighter weight. They are exactly flight matched to your usual ammunition.”

After another huddle, one with a distinctive accent asked, “The Council of the Republic of Cornhall allowed me to come, but have a question. Why are you including us, who are not a part of your kingdom at all?”

Twilight smiled as she replied, “How many unicorn raiders have you had to shoot down in the last year?”

“Three, your Highness.”

“Exactly. We have had six and the Rom plates have had two. Since we are all at continual battle with a common enemy, we all benefit from being able to repel them with minimal losses.

“Add to that, your Republic and our Kingdom have a long history of friendly relations and trade. The same is true for the Gryphon Empire and the Republic of San Herro.

“The production of this ammunition is slow at the present time. We can speed up both production and distribution of it but, because we are working with things that we do not fully understand, we must proceed with caution.”

“Republic of San Herro, Your Highnesses. My question is simple and may speed up the production of the ammunition. If we can have the specifications for the loading of the shell cases, you could concentrate your efforts on the bullets. Loading shell cases is something that we all understand.”

“That is well thought of, San Herro. I will consult with the ones who are working with the new shells. If there is no reason not to, we will make that a policy.

“Now do wait a short while longer. We are announcing the State of War to the newsponies. After that, we will have your answer and safe handling instructions distributed to you all within an hour.”

The newsponies were escorted back into the room. Twilight stood to face them, her Rainbow staff in hand. “My good ponies, your honor and discretion have been well proven this morning. We have this to add to the information that you received earlier. We are at declared war with the unicorn kingdoms of Strongwall, Dark Forest, Iron Mountain, Raven's Roost and Colland.

“They will not listen to reason. They all detected the two large rune blasts from the ancient Nightmare War runes that you know of. Each of them is demanding us to surrender to them alone the weapon that they believe us to have, and which, in reality, we do not. In this they are driven by the unicorn megalomania forced on them by the Shattering.

“We do expect some increase in raids, but we feel that their disunity will prevent any massive attack. Still, we wish our populace to be prepared. The Imperator's attack has showed how much harm a single modern raider can do. In the event of a unicorn strike, warnings will be sent by magic net mirror to all parts of the kingdom and our allies.

“I regret that I do not have better news for you. You may now go and file your stories.”

They retired to Twilight's Secure Room. They found Midnight busy at a magic net mirror. She was flipping sheets of paper against it and laying them out in neat piles. Without stopping her task, she explained, “Safe handling manuals for the Masters to take home with them. That idea to just send bullets makes things much easier for us at this end. I am including the loading of the shells as part of the manual. I am only telling them what they need to know to load and handle the shells. No whys. No clues to what makes them work. Tia is down in the loading area locking the fuses to the bullets so that they cannot be taken apart like Master Cutshort did. That they cannot be opened is a thing covered in this manual.”

Tia came in and smiled at the Princesses. “We made wands to set the runes in the bullets and gave one to Private Stormcloud and one each to two of the earth ponies that we restored magic to. They are doing great. Any pony that you restore to magic can use these wands. We did take the security precaution of setting them to the individuals so that if any other tries to take one, it will not only fail, it will disable the thief in the process.

“We need more bullets. They were loading the last ones when I came up.”

The Princesses happily trooped down to the basement. They were in time to see the last rounds being loaded into wooden crates holding ten bullets each. The crates were much smaller and lighter than the caissons needed for the fully loaded shells. Tia verified that each case had its ten bullets and sealed the tops.

The whole work crew was invited to dine in the castle's banquet hall. They accepted with a cry of, “Gotta be better than military rations!”

While they were eating and bragging about how many bullets they could load with runes in such a short time, Twilight calmly told them, “I hope that you can keep this up. As you know, we are at declared war with five of the Unicorn Kingdoms. Our aim is to replace ALL of the anti-skycraft ammunition in the whole kingdom with these new rounds.”

With a satisfied smirk, Stormcloud retorted, “If they try to come down here, they are going to think that they sat on a porcupine!”

Private Greensward, an earth pony, asked thoughtfully, “Could we load shell casings with runes, like the bullets? I know that it can be done because ones like that are what brought down the Imperator.”

It was Midnight who replied, “Technically, yes. Practically, no. There is a very big difference between a rune blast and an explosion from a chemical source. Even though very quick, a chemical detonation builds up and tapers off, producing expanding gas that propels the bullet out the gun barrel.

“A rune blast is nearly instantaneous and does not produce the expanding gas. The apparent concussion comes from the rune blast reacting with the air or other things around it. In a shell, there is only the metal of the casing, powder and breech of the gun. Not enough to drive the bullet without serious damage to the weapon firing it.

“The bullets that we are making are cast and forged iron. Nearly the whole bullet is vaporized when the runes go off. It is that mass of instantly vaporized iron that is doing the job. That is why those old battlefield runes were carved into carefully selected flawless stones. The stones provided the vapor source to make the explosion.”

Greensward nodded slowly, “So, the erosion of the breech with each shot is why that gun exploded on the last shot. I see. I would never have thought that there was more than one sort of explosion.”

Tia shook her head sadly, “Non equine magic has many pitfalls for the unwary. Masters Aldershot and Cutshort both found that out the hard way.”

Their rest that night was interrupted by alarms blaring throughout the castle! In her Secure Room, Twilight was speaking urgently to her mirror like spell floating in the air in front of her! “What is it, Traffic Control? How many and where are they?”

Looking up as the others entered the room, Twilight began without preamble, “An attack has begun. They are still up between the Strongwall plate and the Raven's Roost plate. It appears to be three heavily armed Skyships, one each from Strongwall, Iron Mountain and Colland. There may be more that we do not yet see. I have ordered that all unicorn plate gaps be watched in case this is a feint to draw our attention from a strong attack elsewhere.

“Stormcloud, you are needed on your 'range finder.' You will be given targets once you are in the saddle. Set to force four, as the range is great.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Unexpected

Lunch went by quickly and so did the afternoon. Soon, night had fallen, and the Scaver crews working on the disassembling of the Unicorn ship, stopped working as it wasn’t wise to work on a ship when you couldn’t see properly. Even with lights and torches.

The Scaver crews, had set up camps near De Writer’s caravan so, instead of heading back to their caravans, they could just wake up and start working again.

While dinner was being prepared, Wind moved to her training circle, and started her evening training with her sword, Soulblade. As she swished the sword easily through the air, Rose watched her, just as she once watched her Mama Cat.

Wind ran through her warm-up exercises, and then looked at Rose. “Something on your mind, Rose?”

Rose hummed in thought. “I was just curious about something.” She walked over to Wind, and nodded at her sword. “De Writer mentioned he gave her to you, as you reminded him of my Mama. I was wondering if he told you her secrets?”

“Secrets?” Wind asked. “No. As I mentioned, Soulblade and my… crystal, have been changing me. But other than that, what secrets does she hold?”

Rose looked around, and then pointed at a large boulder. “Go ahead and strike that stone with her.”

Wind looked at her sword and then at the rock. “You sure?”

Rose nodded “Trust me.”

The cat robot walked over to the boulder and swung Soulblade down in a vertical cut. The boulder split in two as the blade moved through it as easily as cutting bread. She looked at the blade of the sword in awe. There wasn’t a mark on it.

“How…?” She asked Rose in shock.

“Mama Dragon forged her out of a metal she found from a meteor that had crashed near her cottage when she was all but 100 years old. The metal could only be melted by dragon fire, and once it solidified, or hardened, it became unbreakable. She also discovered that the blade held its edge no matter how many times you strike it , so that it never needed to be sharpened.” Rose explained.

“Wow.” Wind gasped.

“Soulblade also has a twin named Spiritblade.” Rose explained further. “It belonged to Mama Wind’s sister, Fade.”

“I was told about Fade.” Wind said with a nod. “Apparently, she left the Rom 300 years ago, to start her own clan of cats.” She pointed up to the Ponyville plate. “Rumor has it, they live in the Everfree Forest.”

Rose nodded. “Huh. Okay.” She nodded at Soulblade. “There’s one more thing about Soulblade.” She held her hand out. “May I?”

Wind, now even more curious, held the handle towards Rose. “I thought that Soulblade could only be lifted by me and your Mama.” She said. “Well, and De Writer, since he gave her to me.”

Rose wrapped her hand around the handle, and lifted the sword easily. “Mama gave permission to De Writer because she trusted him with her life and loved him as a father.” She swished her through air. “I’m her blood, so I too, can lift her. You must know, Alita, that she is sentient. In a sense. If anyone tried to use her to kill an innocent being, she would weigh as much as a world.”

“Oh.” Wind said simply.

“That being said…” Rose laid her on the ground, and took five steps back. She held out her hand towards the sword, and spoke in Dragon tongue “(Soulblade, I need your help!)”

Soulblade flew to Rose’s hand. The pink cat caught her by the handle. “She also comes to those she trusts.”

She held Soulblade handle first towards Wind. “You try.”

Wind took the sword and then placed her on the ground. She walked 10 feet away, and held out her hand. “What are the words you said?”

“I spoke Dragon tongue.” Rose said “Soulblade, si rigluin dout letoclo. Loosely translated, I asked her to help me.”

Wind nodded in understanding. She looked at the sword, and repeated the phrase. “Soulblade, si rigluin dout letoclo!”

Soulblade flew to Wind’s hand, just as she did with Rose.

Wind blinked. “That will come in handy. Literally.”

Rose giggled at Wind’s pun. “That pun was worthy of Marchhare.”

The cat-bot looked at Rose. “Right. You actually knew him.”

The kitten nodded. “Yes. He’s my Papa. All of his grandkids call him that. Angel, Charlie, Rouge, Starshimmer, Bijou… and Toffee.”

Wind smiled at those names and tapped her crystal. “Right-“ her ears twitched, and she looked up at the Ponyville plates. “By the Spirits!”

Rose’s wings shot up as Wind uttered her curse. “I’d say so! I felt a huge magic discharge!”

The two girls ran over to where the other Rom where. All of whom were looking very worried.

De Writer had his net-mirror out. “I understand Princess. As always, the Rom are at your service.” He fell silent as he listened to Twilight speak. “Of course. Send the wounded down when you have a final count.” He tilted his head. “Yes. Your order will be finished by tomorrow. Dark will send them up as soon as possible.” He shook his head sadly as he clicked his mirror off.

“The Unicorn plates lead an all-out assault on Ponyville.” He explained to the Rom. “Dark, Wind, Rose, and Scout? Please come into my caravan.” He looked at a female Pegasus. “Kayla? Would you be so kind as to serve dinner?”

Kayla nodded. “Of course.”

De Writer and his band went into his caravan. The group took their usual seats around the table.

“Why are we having a meeting away from the other Rom, Grandfather?” Scout asked as she sat next to Wind.

“I didn’t want the other Rom to know HOW Twilight managed to repel the three ships from the Unicorn plates.” De Writer explained. “It seems, with some help, that our Dear Princess has made a new canon to rival Dark’s railgun.”

“How?” Dark asked.

“She developed a new canon using Rune magic.” De Writer explained. “It seems that Twilight managed to complete her project after Tia and Midnight unlocked her latent magic.”

“Impressive.” Rose said. “No wonder my wings sprung up.”

“I was wondering about that.” Wind said as she looked at Rose. “Can all Pegasi sense magic with their wings?”

“All Rom Pegasi can.” Dark answered. “Angel is really good at sensing magic. So much so, she could sense different types of magic – be it unicorn, goat, or whatever. She could also sense magic from miles away.”

“Whoa.” Wind blinked. “Kind of like Rose did.”

Rose shrugged. “I… I didn’t even know that my wings COULD sense magic. Let alone, being able to sense magic from so far away.” Her wings whirled and shifted as she spread them. “It must have been a sub-conscious side-effect when I formed them.” She folded them back against her back. “I guess I need to do some training with them.”

Dark smiled “I can help you with that.”

The pink kitten looked at her cousin. “Sounds good.”

Scout’s stomach gave a loud growl suddenly. She blushed, “Um… excuse me.”

“I concur with Scout’s stomach.” De Writer said as he smiled. “Dinner first. Then training.”

De Writer, Dark and Rose walked out of the caravan.

Wind, however, looked at her fiancé and titled her head. “Scout? You look paler then usual. Is everything okay?”

The white mare nodded. “I’m fine. Just hungry.”

The cat tapped her right ear. “Scout. You know how good my hearing is.”

Scout blushed. “I…”

“How did it happen?” Wind asked softly.

“I don’t know.” Scout whispered. “It… just did. That night when we go engaged… when we, well, you know… somehow… I…” she fell silent. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you when it did.”

Wind moved and hugged Scout. “It’s okay, Scout. I understand.”

Scout whimpered and hugged Wind tightly. “I’m so confused and scared, Wind.”

“I am too.” Wind said. “But, we can figure this out. Together.”

Scout pulled back as her stomach growled again. She giggled as she wiped her eyes. “Ugh. Demanding little thing…”

Wind stood up and held her hand out to Scout. “Well, let’s get you two something to eat.”

Scout giggled again as she took Wind’s hand. They then walked out of the caravan to get dinner.

@ask-de-writer

From her command center, Twilight ordered, “All batteries fire at will as the attackers come within four kilometers. Save the new rounds until you are hitting on target with the ordinary ones. As soon as you are sure of your aim, start using the new rounds!”

She had the visual images of the strike being broadcast to every magic net mirror in the kingdom. She sent it to the Rom plates as well, so that they could be warned in case any wreckage should fall between her plates and land on the Rom plates below them.

Nearly every pony in the kingdom could follow the deadly menace from the plates above! The attack was being led by a skyship far bigger than the Imperator had been. It was flying the colors of Strongwall. No sooner had it cleared the stone walls of the plates than she set course for Ponyville! She had two of the deadly chin turrets and two more at the stern. Her sides held five more heavy turrets and galleries or decks sporting smaller weapons behind shields.

She was taking the hits of ordinary anti-skycraft ammunition with only small damage as she began her charge! Her heavy turrets were hurling a deadly barrage at the defending batteries below her!

One of those fired one of the new rounds at the monster overhead! Instead of chipping away at the ship's boiler room armor, its green blast tore a hole through the underside armor! One of her four smoke stacks simply burst apart under the force of the blast rising from the boiler rooms!

She began a steep descent, still under control and firing her heavy guns! Encouraged by the success of that single hit, three batteries of three guns each returned fire! Eight of the rounds got there first! The last one only missed because the green fire of the earlier rounds had torn the target in half!

Guns silenced, the Strongwall ship's remains plunged three kilometers to the unforgiving plate below!

With greater confidence, the defending batteries turned to the remaining two skyships. Those chose a diving attack to present the smallest targets while concentrating their firepower. The lead vessel took three of the new rounds directly on her chin turrets! The green blasts ripped a huge tunnel like hole deep into the ship's vitals! Steam and smoke erupted from all of her stacks at once! She went from a dive to a ballistic fall!

The last of the sky war ships tried to turn and flee! Two of the new rounds took her stern in flares of green! She continued trying to rise for the safety of the space between the plates above her. She was trailing a thick cloud of smoke from inboard fires. She almost escaped when there was an onboard explosion! She began to drop though not swiftly. She broke out a white flag as she continued her controlled fall. She could not maintain herself level, her wrecked stern considerably lower than her bow and it was clear that she had no directional control. All of her remaining lift was being used simply to bring her down as safely as possible.

Twilight had four heavy MT steamers full of troops converging on the descending wreck before it reached the ground! It hit fairly hard, stern first. The impact and her inner damage caused her back to break partly as she settled with a crunch to the Ponyville plate!

Twilight announced the victory and reported, “We had three fatal injuries among our brave anti-skycraft gunners. Two of our anti-skycraft batteries sustained serious damage but are still functional and will remain so during the repairs.

“Only the last skyship, the one from Colland, had any survivors. We are still getting the count of the prisioners and seeing to their injuries. The count is subject to revision but it appears that we have over 300 unicorn prisioners.”

About two busy days later, the number restored to full magic had swelled to over a hundred. They each had a wand and were helping to turn out thousands of rune loaded bullets per shift. The wrecked unicorn war skyships were providing a bonanza of material for the many greedy foundries and forges of the Kingdom's seven plates!

In the midst of this massive hive of activities, Twilight held a meeting with the captive unicorns in her throne room. Of course, they were all horn capped and in irons. Things began on a totally strange note.

“I am Captain Sourgrass of the Colland Skywarrior Dominator and I demand your immediate and absolute surrender! You are but a Vassal in revolt and have no lawful rights! Your petty claim to a kingdom is not recognized by the true King of Colland!”

Twilight leaned back comfortably in her throne and pointed out, “You are hardly in a position to make demands of me. All three of your expeditionary skyships were shot down and are being reduced to useful scrap as we speak. As for recognition, I do not need King Abalard's approval. His kingdom of Colland occupies less than one fourth of the plate that it is on. My Kingdom of Ponyville has SEVEN whole plates.”

She gestured with her staff and two larger cases and one smaller one floated to the floor in front of Captain Sourgrass. “These cases contain all of the identification tags that we have recovered from your fatalities so far. There are 728 from the Ruler of the Skies, out of Strongwall. There are 648 from the Indomitable, out of Iron Mountan. There are 237 from your own Dominator. If you are returned to Colland, we will send these tags with you.”

Suddenly less sure of himself, Captain Sourgrass gave her a calculating look and demanded, “What do you mean, IF you return us! You must. It is the only way to prove that you are civilized at all.”

Cadence spoke for the first time, so mildly that this import of her words took a moment to sink in. “What my Sister Ruler means, Sir, is simple. Colland must pay a ransom for you all. If they will not, there are plate edges in the kingdom where we can be sure that you will not sully the Rom plates below us as you fall.”

“That is inhumane! It is both murder and torture!”

“Oh, that is simply remedied. We can easily and painlessly execute each of you before dropping you. You prate of inhumanity toward you and your crew.

“What of your attack on us? You and the Imperator both fired heavy guns at our peaceful villages, injuring and killing many innocent of anything but tilling fields and tending orchards. Where was your humane action that we should have any towards you?”

“Those were mere pesants, of no consequence at all!”

“And unless King Abalard will pay your ransom, you are mere captives of no consequence or value at all. That leaves you as a nuisance to be removed, that is all.”

@wind-the-mama-cat Timber

The following morning, Rosie woke up in her bed, and got dressed quickly. She grabbed her sword, and a pair of googles (to keep the sand out of her eyes). She then ran out of her caravan, into the early morning sun, and headed towards Dark's shop. She wanted to get an early start, since it would take a long time to reach the edge of the plate, where the tree farms were.

Rose opened the door to the shop and was greeted by Dark standing next to Fenrir.

“Hey, Rosie. You're up early.” Dark greeted her cousin with a cheeky grin.

The pink cat smiled in return. “So are you.”

Dark nodded. “Been up for a while, actually.” She patted the cloth covered mechanical wolf mount. “Just making certain Fenrir won't fall apart when you take him to the edge of the plate. Also...” She pulled the sheet off with a flourish.

Fenrir's armour was more streamlined and slicker. It looked to Rosie that Dark had replaced it. Or painted it. She wasn’t sure which.

“You changed his armour?” Rosie asked as she walked over to him and knelt in front of his head. She ran her hand over hit snout.

“Yeah. I found some carbon-fibre mixed in the hull of the Renaissance.” Dark explained. “Spent the night reshaping it into the armour for Fenrir. Should help with the weight issue. He sure does weigh a lot less.”

Rosie nodded. “Wow. Thanks, Dark.” She looked at the charging station, where the egg-shaped jewel was charging. “Is the gem charged?”

Dark walked over to where the egg was, and read the meter. “It's green, so yeah... I guess it is.”

“You... guess?” Rosie asked as she joined Dark.

Dark shrugged “Yeah. I guess. I've never charged a gem this big before using solar energy.” She explained as she disconnected the gem from the charging station and lifted it out. She handed it carefully to Rose. “Go ahead and put the gem in Fenrir, Rosie.”

Rose nodded as cradled the gem against her chest. “Right.”

The catter waked over to the Wolf, and using her free hand, opened the panel that contained his power source chamber. She placed the fully charged gem (she hoped) into the chamber, and then took a step back.

With a growl, Fenrir turned on. His power indicator LEDS flickered on, and shone a bright blue. His eyes blinked as he turned his head, and seemed to look a Rosie.

Rosie, cautiously, approached the Wolf, and shut the panel on his back. She then kept her hand there as she used her magic to see if all of his internal systems were operating properly.

“So, Rosie?” Dark asked “Does everything check out?”

Rosie nodded. “Everything seems okay to me?” Her eyes locked with Fenrir’s eyes. She knew he wasn’t sentient, but for some reason… “What about it Fenrir? Feel like a test ride?”

The Wolf lowered itself to allow Rosie to mount it easily.

Rosie blinked. “Uh, he can understand me?”

Dark walked over to Fenrir, and placed her hand on the top of its head. She closed her eye as she used her magic to examine it.

“I… sense logistic paths growing.” Dark said, “He’s not sentient. However, he seems to understand basic commands and words.”

Rosie looked confused. “We didn’t install logistic paths in him.”

“I really don’t know what to tell you, Rose.” Dark said as she looked at her. “We did use parts from destroyed combat droids, and we are using a new type of power source.” She shrugged. “You also used your alchemy to build and shape him. With all those processes, who’s to say what will happen with him.”

The kitten nodded as she placed her goggles on her head, and then over eyes. She then mounted him on her seat, and placed her hands on his control yokes. “You don’t think he’ll… become sentient, like Alita, do you?”

“I highly doubt it.” Dark said as she walked over to the large bay door, and opened it with the chain.

Once it was fully open, Rosie looked down at Fenrir. She gripped his handles a little tighter. “Okay, Fenrir, take us outside. Slowly.”

The black wolf walked outside and into the sun. Once they were clear of the door, he stopped and looked around.

Wind and Scout, who were just coming out of their Caravan, spotted the wolf, and walked over to it.

“Wow, Rosie.” Wind said as she whistled impressively. “I see you and Dark have been busy.”

Scout nodded her approval. “Is that why you needed all those gems? To power… that thing?”

Fenrir growled and shook his head.

Rosie patted his back. “Easy, Fenrir.” She looked at Wind and Scout. “Yes, Scout. He’s the reason that I needed those gems. It’s the only power source Dark and I could think of. Also, while he isn’t sentient, he can understand words. Or so it seems.”

Scout blushed. “Oh. Sorry, Fenrir.”

The rest of the Rom had gathered, aside from the Rom that were cooking breakfast, and were admiring the Wolf that Rose and Dark had built.

One Rom, a tall grey stallion nodded his approval “Nice Wolf, Rose. Does, um, he have any weapons?”

Rosie shook her head no. “Nope. He's a mount, plain and simple,” she explained as she patted his head. “Just a means of getting from point A to point b.”

De Writer had joined the group, and handed Rose her leather shoulder bag. “Here Rosie. Some food for the road.” He turned to the gathered Rom and smiled warmly. “I know you're impressed with Rose's wolf, and you all have many questions, that being said, she has to go to the forests today.”

The Rom nodded in understanding.

“So, if you give her room...” He said as he waved his hands to get the Rom to move out of the way.

The Rom moved to give Rose and Fenrir plenty of room. Rose, in turn, gripped his yokes tightly.

“Okay, Fenrir...” She said cautiously, “Let's go.”

Fenrir took off at a quick pace in the direction Rose had him pointed. The wolf easily ran over the sand and rocks and seemed to react instinctively to her course corrections. As he ran, Rose kept her eyes on his instrument panels. His power meter was holding steady at 95%, and his speed was holding steady at 25 miles per hour.

At this pace, she would arrive at the forest by nightfall. Which was good, however, she wanted to see if should good get to the forest and back to De Writer's fair in one day.

Rose took a deep breath. “Okay, Fenrir... do you want to open it up to full speed?” she asked, not knowing what his full speed was.

Fenrir came to a stop and shook his whole body. A safety-belt formed over Rosie's waist. His armour shifted as panels opened on his shoulders. With a growl, Fenrir took off an incredibly fast pace.

Rosie shrieked at how fast he was moving. Once she had calmed down, she read his speed meter, which read 125 miles per hour. She then read his odometer, and saw that his power was dropping at 1% every 10 miles.

She was impressed at just how fast he was moving, and how well his power was holding. She lowered herself so that her body was resting closer to his back.

4 and a half hours later (Rosie had taken a half hour break for breakfast), Fenrir and Rose arrived just outside of the forested area. Rose pulled back on his yokes, bringing him to a gentle stop. The wolf's armour shifted to normal. Now that he wasn't running a full speed, Rose realized that those panels where spoilers, or rather, a means to generate down-force to keep him from skidding all over the place.

She noticed that Fenrir had retracted the seat-belt from her waist, so she unmounted him, and then stood next to him. She patted his head as she checked his power level. It was at 48%.

“Oh...” she cursed silently. There was no way he would have enough power to return to De Writer's fair tonight.

“Good job getting me here, Fenrir.” Rosie said. “But unless we can charge your gem today, we're going to have to sleep here tonight.” She lifted her goggles and ruffled her hair to free it of sand and dust.

Fenrir laid down on the ground as a group of three Rom walked up to her.

“Greetings, young one.” A tall yellow female unicorn, with a blue mane greeted. “I'm Elora. I'm the lead botanist for the forest.” She gestured to the other two horse. A shorter male blue Pegasus with a matching mane, “This is Clydesdale, and...” she gestured to a female Earth pony, with a brown coat and whit mane, “and this is Choco.”

Rose waved to them. “I'm Rose Luck, or... rather Rosie. I'm part of De Writer's-”

“De Writer's band. Yes.” Elora smiled. “He called ahead and told us that you were coming.” She looked at Fenrir. “By, um, unusual means.”

“Oh!” Rose giggled and gestured to Fenrir. “This is Fenrir. He's a mount that Dark and I built.”

“Ah. I see.” Elora nodded. “Well, welcome to the Rom Forest. De Writer mentioned that you would need some wood, although, he didn't specify for what. Not over the Net mirrors, anyway.”

Rosie nodded. “Um, yes. I need enough wood for a... sky ship. It's going to be 100 meters long, and 3 decks, or about 24 meters tall.”

“That's a small ship,” Choco stated, “Never heard of one that small, actually.”

The pink cat looked at the mare. “That's because it's my own design.” She took the drawing of the ship out of her belt pouch, and handed it to Elora. “She's called the Penny's Hammer.”

Elora took the drawing and studied it. Choco and Clyde did too. “I see. Well, if the wood is for a ship, then might I suggest ironwood?”

“Ironwood?” Rosie frowned. “Okay. May I see it?”

Elora nodded as she handed the drawing back to Rose. “Come with us.”

The three horses, and Rosie, walked away from Fenrir, and towards the forest. They passed by other Rom, caravans, and several lumber mills.

Elora pointed out all the different species of tress, all grouped separately from one another. “We have cedar, oak, elm, and rosewood.” She gestured to a bamboo forest, “And to honour Marchhare's wife, Moonbeam, a forest of Bamboo.”

Rose's heart skipped a beat “Very lovely.”

The group stopped walking as they reached the Ironwood trees.

“This is our Ironwood section.” Elora said as she pointed to the trees.

The trees in question were at least 100 feet tall. Their bark looked like raw Iron, which, Rosie assumed, is how they got the name.

“Is the look of their bark the reason you call them Ironwood?” She asked Elora.

“Originally? Yes.” Elora nodded “However, the wood of the tree is incredibly dense, yet lightweight. Once upon at time, the wood was used for ships used for traversing the ocean. Now, we use it for mostly for caravans, and the Ponies use it for houses and bridges.”

Rosie nodded, “I see.” She walked up to the tree and laid her hand on the trunk. “How many would you think I need?”

“Considering the size of the Penny’s Hammer?” Choco said as she crossed her arms in thought. “Well, are you planning on using the Iron wood for the deck floors and walls as well?”

The catter shook her head no, as she turned away from the trees. “I hadn’t considered the inner walls and floors. I’m guessing a softer wood would be better.”

“You would be correct.” Clyde said with a nod. “Our cedar or rosewood would be best for that. Would smell really nice, too.”

“Yeah. I guess it would.” Rosie nodded in agreement. “So, um, if I go with cedar for the inner decks, and the main deck, how many trees would I need?”

“Well, I’m guessing seven Ironwood, and…” Elora said, “Our cedar trees are smaller, so at least 10 for the decks and walls.” She thought for a second. The Ironwood is dense, and will take some time to cut down and process it.”

“So, um, I guess it will take a couple of days?” Rosie asked nervously.

“A week at most.” Choco said. “Plus, 3 days to deliver it.”

“Deal.” Rose nodded. “How much for everything?”

Elora shook her head. “De Writer already arranged a deal with us. So, I’ll get my crews started right away.”

Rosie was shocked and surprised at that news. “Oh. Okay.” She looked towards where Fenrir was… resting. “Um, I don’t suppose you guys have… solar panels by chance? Or a means to charge my mount?”

Choco, Clyde, and Elora looked at one another.

“We use some solar panels for lights,” Elora answered. “But a means to charge you mount? Uh, no. Not really.”

Rosie sighed. “Okay. That’s fine. I’ll have to send Fenrir back to Marchhare’s fair by himself, and then fly back by myself.”

“Not today, surely?” Choco said suddenly. “Um, please. Stay the night. I-I think you’d enjoy seeing how we do things here.”

Rosie nodded. “Okay. Sure.” She smiled at Choco. “Sounds interesting. But, um, where will I sleep?”

“I have a bunk bed in my caravan.” Choco offered. “You can sleep in mine.”

“Okay. Thanks.” Rosie nodded. “Let me go and send Fenrir back.”

She powered up her wings, and flew towards Fenrir. She landed next to him and folded them against her back.

“Fenrir?” She called the wolf. “Head back to Dark. You don’t have enough power to carry me.” Fenrir tilted his head. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll fly back tomorrow.”

Fenrir stood up and shook himself to get rid of any dirt. He growled once, then took off at a steady clip. Rose watched him as until he disappeared behind a hill.

“That’s quite the mount, Rose.” Choco said suddenly. “How did you and Dark build him?”

The pink cat smiled. “That’s a long story.”

“I got time.” Choco said, “Why not tell me over lunch?” Her ears twitched as she heard a bell. “Speaking of which…”

Rosie giggled as she followed Choco to the lunch serving line.

@ask-de-writer

The audience over, a subdued and quiet Midnight asked in small voice, “Would you really put them over a plate edge?”

Cadence nodded, “Reluctantly, but yes. We cannot risk so large a force of unicorns in our kingdom. They have to be fed because if we free their hands enough to feed them, they can reach the straps of their horn caps.

Even one managing to free their horn or the horn of one of the others, will lead to the group becoming a deadly danger that will be difficult to put down. This is sad and hard lessons that I am speaking of.”

Twilight nodded, “Even burying their bodies or burning them, will lead to attempts to recover their dead. Such times always lead to attempts to raid us again.

“We are not dealing with rational foes.”

Tia put an arm around the slightly shuddering Midnight, “They are right, my sister. It is hard, but they are right.”

Midnight shook her head no. “There is another way. All of their magic in their horns is controlled by just four nerves. Sever those nerves and they have no magic at all.”

Twilight nodded agreement, “True, Midnight. What you have left if you do that is a pony driven insane by a different route. Both cutting the nerves and removing the horn have been tried. They have the same result. Madness.”

Shaking her head to clear ancient memories, Midnight replied softly, “I had hoped that things had changed since the Nightmare Wars. We had many similar problems in keeping unicorn prisoners then, too.

“Pony genetics are so mixed that you should have unicorns born of earth pony or pegasus mothers. What of them?”

Cadence nodded closing her eyes in pain, “That happens. Sadly, they too are aflicted by the curse of that ancient bungled scroll. We do send them up to the unicorn plates to give them their best chance to survive.”

Midnight paused, “Perhaps we could examine a prisoner? It is possible that the root of their madness is the same as in magic blocking. I mean, it may be reversable, like magic loss is.”

Twilight agreed decisively, “You shall have your prisoner to examine. If we can get sane unicorns our whole society would benefit greatly.”

The guard at the outer door to the secure room stepped forward and bowed deeply, “I regret that I was not able to stop Count Roaring Falls from entering, Princess. He had one with him that forced the lock. I have captured that one. He is in the side chamber.”

Twilight, noting the blood on the arm of her guard and the scattered fragments of his magic net mirror, replied, “I understand. As soon as a replacement comes, you must go to have your wound seen to.”

Cadence looked up from her mirror. “I have a squad on the way. Unauthorized magic net is being blocked from the secure room. All exits, including the windows, are now sealed.”

Twilight told the squad, “Use any force needful to secure the prisoner. By entering that room without Our leave, his rank has become irrelevant. We do wish him alive for questioning.

“The side room also has a prisoner. One who knows locks. We wish to question him as well.”

In only moments, the side room prisoner was taken.

As they entered the outer door, they could hear the sound of a desk being closed with haste. The squad spread out around the room, boxing in a portly pale blue pony wearing the pectoral necklace of a Count.

He took one look at the five crossbows aimed at him and raised his hands.

Cadence ordered, “Secure the prisoner.”

Twilight was looking through the drawers of her desk. Shaking her head at the prybar damage that had forced them open, she lifted her eyes to the now chained Count. “Rucus, how did you ever expect to get away with this? You know that simply entering this room without specific permission is grounds for declaring Roaring Falls vacant. You have broken into my desk and stolen files from it. I know which ones, too.”

Cadence immediately ordered, “Search him. Bring all that you find to Twilight's desk.”

A quick search of Rucus, late the Count of Roaring Falls, produced two rumpled but intact folders. Twilight leafed through them both to be sure that nothing was missing and replaced them in her desk.

An almost invisible wisp of dark blue magic, shot with nearly unseen stars reached out from Midnight's horn and entered his head. She said quietly to Twilight, “Ask him what you will. I have him in a Bridge of Dream. Whether he speaks or not, I will have what he knows and tell you.”

Twilight made herself comfortable in her desk chair and asked, “So, who were you working for?”

Rucus remained stubbornly silent. Midnight nodded briskly and replied for him, “He is in the pay of Dark Forest. They have promised him full Vassalage of this kingdom.”

Twilight made notes. “What were you to give Dark Forest for that title and rule?”

Midnight spoke over his silence, “They want all that he could find on the ancient rune blasts and whether they are connected to the new ammunition.”

Twilight made more notes. “What have you already given them?”

After hearing his thoughts relayed to Princess Twilight, Rucus slumped, and muttered, “A copy of the handling manual sent to my Armory Master and better detail on the news reports. I could not find much.”

“I see. How did you contact Dark Forest?”

Rucus looked down and scratched at the floor with a hoof before answering, “I went to the Dark Forest desk in the War Scrap Sales Office. My reports were simply inserted into the pages of legitimate ordering business.”

Twilight turned to her sister, Cadence, “What should we do with this traitor?”

Cadence looked about the room, drumming her fingers on a desk as she thought. She smiled, “We should not shed his blood. Let King Abalard decided what to do with him. I am sure that he can use another slave. We can send him up in irons with the other prisioners.”

Twilight nodded agreement. “Well thought on, Cadence.”

Rucus exclamed, “But Abalard is King of Colland! I should go to Dark Forest!”

Cadence chuckled, as she pointed out, “No, we don't care where you go, so long as you are gone! Abalard will soon be ransoming our prisoners, their transport will be the easiest and quickest way to be done with you.”

After Rucus was escorted out, Cadence head tilted in curiosity, asked, “Will Abalard ransom the prisoners?”

Twilight nodded, looking up from a mirror of her own, “He has already agreed in principle. We are but haggling over details of the payment. They will send it down by an unarmed transport lighter. He wants to pay with battlefield scrap and I have pointed out that the three skyships of the attack have already given us a surplus of scrap.”

That was met with giggles from all present.

Tia quietly suggested, “A partial payment in selected war scrap might actually be a good thing. Those skyship wrecks are giving you a lot of ferrous metals. You actually could use copper, brass and other such non ferrous metals. Perhaps split the ransom in half. Gold and silver for one half and the rest in the brass, bronze and copper that you also need.”

Twilight simply got onto the mirror of her desk and began a call that was silenced to any listeners. It was obvious to all that it was a spirited negotiation. As she closed the connection, Twilight grinned hugely and punched the air with a fist!

She announced with glee, “We are getting a hundred kilos of silver, fifty of gold and TWENTY TONNES of copper based scrap! That will almost double our present ammunition supplies!”

Celestia pursed her lips and asked, “Double your ammunition supplies? I know that you are reloading fired shell casings. Those should last you for years each.”

Cadence replied with a negative shake of her head, “You would think so, but they are only good to fire three or four times. They get hardened more with each shot and will split if fired too many times. They have to be melted down and re manufactured after three shots.”

Luna grinned savagely as she stated, “Someone is cheating you! We had the same problem with shell cases used in our coastal defense fortresses. It turned out that the contractors were simply anealing the brass to soften it and polishing them to look new. Then they charged us for new cases. Right up until we caught them.”

Twilight returned thoughtfully, “That will actually be easy to check. I think that you may have saved the kingdom a lot of money.”

Tia helped herself to some iced apple juice and settled back comfortably to eat it. She offered, “We are glad that we have been able to help you as much as we have. We do not want to get so busy fighting alligators that we forget that we planned to drain the swamp! Midnight and I do need to get to De Writer's Fair so that we can begin searching for any Scroll of Creation Magic. It will not matter if it is used or not, nor even if it is whole. A small fragment will suffice.

“From all that we have heard and seen, it is likely that the only remaining Scrolls or fragments are still in ancient Canterlot, wherever it may be. The observations that we have been able to make lead us to believe that this whole system of plates is unstable. We cannot find any solution to our observations that will allow this system to last more than another thousand years.”

Cadence nodded slowly, “I see. What will you do when you have a new Scroll to work with?”

Midnight rolled her eyes as she replied, “IF WE ARE NOT INTERRUPTED AGAIN, we will seek to restore this system of plates to a safe equilibrium. We can't undo what Creation Magic has done, so we have to work with what is here now.

“Speaking of undoing, I checked that unicorn prisoner out. Their mass delusion is the direct result of Creation Magic from the Shattering. It cannot be undone. It is unfortunate but you are stuck with megalomaniac unicorns.”

Twilight simply reached for her magic net mirror and tapped codes. She was enclosed in the spell's silencing effect but it was plain that the conversation was a friendly one.

After she broke the connection, she announced, “Dark has cleared you for your flight down to De Writer's Fair. Our MT Steamer Cloud Queen will carry you down as soon as she can raise steam, a matter of about four hours.

“We shall miss you but what you have to do is far more important than your staying here.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Untethered

Wind watched with fascination as Rose rode her new mount, Fenrir, off into the horizon. The cat robot watched them for as far as she could with her enhanced vision. She was simply astounded how Rose and Dark not only managed to develop and build a fully functional mount, that was somewhat self aware, but also managed to power it efficiently using a prototype power source.

With a sigh of her new lungs, she looked down at her chest. More specifically, she looked at the cover of her battery. No matter how much she had changed over the last 6 months, be it with her teeth, her eyes, her stomach, and yes, even her lungs, she knew, deep down, she would always need a battery to power herself.

A battery, which, always needed recharging on a daily basis. She could never go on an adventure without being too far away from a power source.

“Wind?” Scout asked, as the small unicorn nudged her shoulder with her nose. “Something on your mind, Love?”

Wind averted her gaze from the kicked-up dust on the horizon, and looked down at Scout. “Huh? Oh. No. I mean… kinda.” She shrugged. “I just feel… no matter how I change, I’ll always be tethered.”

“Tethered?” Scout repeated with a frown. “Wind… you’re free to come and go from here whenever you want.”

“I know.” Wind said as she tapped her chest with her index finger. “I mean that I can’t go anywhere too far from my charging station.”

“Oh.” Scout said as nodded in understanding.

“Also, it would be nice if I… didn’t have to recharge everyday.” Wind admitted. “It’s a constant reminder of how, deep down, I’m just a robot.”

“I wish I could say that I understand how you feel, Wind.” Scout said as she hugged her fiancé. She sighed happily as she felt Wind return the hug. “Sadly, I can’t. I also wish… I…”

Wind frowned and pulled back from the hug as Scout trailed off.

“You wish… what?” She asked kindly.

“I…” Scout said as she pulled away from Wind as her eyes went wide. “I need to do some reading.”

“Huh?” Wind blinked, now even more confused.

Scout nodded rapidly. “Give me a few hours, Wind. I… I need to check on something.” With that, she ran back into her caravan and closed the door behind her.

The cat-bot blinked as Scout ran into their caravan. She then shook her head, and walked over to where De Writer was making breakfast. She joined him behind the serving tables, well aware that De Writer was giving her a curious look.

“Scout is up to something.” She said simply as she poured tea and or coffee for the Rom. “You know how she gets.”

“All to well.” De Writer chuckled.

After breakfast was served and cleaned up, Wind, along with the scraping crews, went back to work, for the third day in a row, on stripping and gutting the Renaissance. Dark, meanwhile, went down to her forge to melt the hull pieces, in order to repurpose it for other projects. While the scaving crews worked on the outer hull, Wind worked on the inner decks.

She had started on the upper deck, just below the Bridge, on removing any and all furniture, floor panels, wall panels, lights, wiring, and basically anything that wasn’t nailed down. If it happened to be nailed down, she would use her renowned strength and remove it anyway.

Along with removing parts for scrap, she also found a lot of personal effects. Clothing, mane brushes, uniforms, and family photos, all belonging to the crew, were still on the ship. She and De Writer had agreed not to keep them, and instead, put them all in a large crate to be sent up (eventually) to the Ponyville plate, which in turn, would be sent up to the unicorn plates.

Wind had the most fun stripping and emptying Captain Hawthorn’s private chamber. The whole room had been lavished with thick red carpeting, tacking gold curtains, and an exceedingly extravagant and lavish bed.

She didn’t bother saving any personal affects of the Captain's. Not after she tried to reprogram Wind and make her a slave again. No, the Captain's belongings went right into the fire pit. Well, except for her officers sword, and a few uniforms.

Wind had decided to keep those for Rosie.

Secretly, De Writer, Wind, and Scout as a surprise, decided to make Rosie captain of the Penny’s Hammer. Since she was going to be captain, she was going to need to look the part. So, Wind had sent the recovered uniforms off to a Rom clothing maker, to alter them and redye them.

The sword had been given to Dark for now. Wind just wanted to make certain the quality of the sword was up the Smith’s standards.

While Wind was busy working on removing the wall panels on the second deck, her net mirror pinged three long beeps and 2 short beeps. She immediately knew that Scout was calling her.

She took the mirror out of its belt pouch and tapped it twice.

“Yes, my Love?” She asked with a smile.

“Hey, Wind.” Scout smiled in returned, “Could you come to our caravan?”

Wind tilted her head “Uh. Sure. I'll be there in a couple minutes.” She tapped her mirror off, and returned it its pouch.

She then walked/climbed up to the upper deck of the ship, and then over to the edge. She placed her hands on the railing and looked over it. She saw the scaver crews stripping the armour and moving it over to Dark's forge.

“Hey, Wind.” Willow greeted the robot as she sat on her seat harness. She lifted her goggles as she shut off her cutting tool. “What's up?”

Wind looked at the horse and smiled. “Hm? Oh, hey Willow. Just taking a bit of a break.” She pointed to her own caravan. “Scout wants to see me.”

Willow looked over her shoulder to where Wind was pointing. “Huh. Okay.” She pointed to a rope next to her. “Want to use a rope to climb down?”

Wind smirked and shook her head no. She suddenly leapt over the railing, much to Willow's, and the other Rom, surprise. She fell four of the five stories of its height, and then unsheathed her claws on her right hand. She sunk them into the hull of the ship to slow her descent. She landed gently on the ground and retracted her claws.

“That was impressive.” A tall male horse named River said as he waited for Willow to finish cutting the hull piece. “Must be nice to have claws that sharp.”

Wind smiled, and winked. “They come in handy.”

She giggled an walked over to her caravan, and opened the door. She headed inside and was greeted by a sweating Scout.

“Hey, Wind.” Scout said as she wiped her brow, “Wait... how'd you get down so quickly?”

Wind looked abashed as she bit her lower lip.

The white horse sighed heavily and shook her head. “You did the claw thing again, didn't you?”

The cat smiled guiltily and nodded. “Yes?”

Scout rolled her eyes but let the subject drop. “Well, I guess you're probably wondering why I ran off so suddenly and, what I've been doing for the last couple of hours, huh?”

Wind crossed her arms and nodded. “Just a little curious, yeah.”

The mage smiled and walked over to her desk and picked up a flawless, heart shaped, 1100 carat diamond that radiated with a golden inner light, the same colour of Scout's magic aura. She held it out to Wind to look at.

Wind examined the diamond and let out an impressed whistle. “Very impressive, Scout. Did you make that gem?”

“I found this in my treasure chest.” Scout said. “However, I did charge it with the magic from my staff.”

“Your...” Wind looked at the wooden staff that was leaning against the wall next to the desk. She noticed that it had lost its... aura. “I though De Writer advised against doing that?”

“He did.” Scout said. “But it was worth it.” She gestured back to the diamond. “You never asked why I charged the gem with my magic.”

Wind looked at the diamond again. “Okay. Why did you charge the diamond with your magic? I'm guessing to power a device, like Fenrir?”

“Yes.” Scout nodded. “More specifically, it's going to power you, Wind. This is going to be your heart.”

Wind's eyes went wide and her jaw dropped in shock. “What?!”

“Shh!” Scout said. “Not so loud, Wind.”

“What?” Wind repeated. Albeit quieter.

“It's going to be your heart.” Scout said. “I studied all of my books and even books borrowed from De Writer. With the magic stored in my staff, I managed to create a reliable, self-rechargeable, self-sufficient power source.” She offered Wind the jewel. “Well, self-rechargeable in a sense.”

“In a sense?” Wind asked as she held the jewel in her hands.

“Well, in theory.” Scout answered. “Your new systems allow you to eat and digest food. In its own way.” Scout explained. “Hypothetically, that energy should be able to charge the gem as well, right?”

“I guess so.” Wind scanned her gem with her sensors. “You really did put a lot of magic into it. It's humming with power.” She fell silent for a second. “It's... beating.”

Scout blinked. “It wasn't beating before...” She summoned her magic to her horn, and scanned the jewel. It was indeed pulsing, or beating, much like an actual heart would. “It must be reacting to your other crystal.”

“That's as good of an explanation as any.” Wind said. “But, with the charge you put in it, I would imagine it wouldn't need to be charged for a bit?”

“Again, this is all in theory.” Scout said. “However, to answer your question, yes.” She gestured to the bed. “But we can't know for certain until we install it.”

Wind took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled. “Right. Well, we might as well do it.”

She handed the gem back to Scout and then moved to their bed. She laid down on it on her back.

Scout walked to the bed, and stood next to her. “Okay, Wind... just like the first day we met, I need to you shut down.”

Wind smiled and looked at Scout. “See you in a bit.”

With a click, Wind shut herself down.

Scout took a deep breath, and then opened the panel to on her chest. Her current battery was glowing blue. She grabbed the end of it, turned it 45 degrees, and then pulled it out. She then set it on the beside table.

She then brought the diamond heart to the chamber. The chamber layout changed and altered itself, just like Wind's forehead did when she first received the harmonic crystal from De Writer.

“Okay. Wow.” Scout whispered at the sight.

She placed the gem into the newly reshaped chamber. It made an audible 'click' as it snapped into place. She then shut the panel and waited for Wind to turn back on.

If she turned back on.

Scout curled up next to Wind and waited.

“Scout?”

Scout snorted and woke up. She must of drifted off.

“Wind?” She said sleepily as she sat up and rubbed her eyes.

“Hey.” Wind cooed.

Scout blinked and looked at Wind. “You turned back on. How do you feel?”

“I...” Wind thought for a second, “I feel good. Better then ever, actually.”

“I'm glad.” Scout said with a sigh of relief. “I really am.” She looked at Wind's chamber. “Your chamber pulsing gold now.”

Wind looked down at her chamber. Just as Scout had mentioned, it was indeed pulsing a gold light, instead of the usual blue, steady glow.

“That's... going to be distracting at night.” Wind said. “also, that's going to be getting a lot of looks...”

Wind and Scout were taken aback, when all of a sudden, the cover to Wind's heart chamber shift and changed. It went from a semi-transparent, convex, glass cover, to concave and covered in her synthetic skin.

“Uh...” Wind said in surprise.

“Okay...” Scout finished, just as surprised.

Wind shook her head. “I...”

Scot smiled and placed her hand on her cheek, and then kissed her gently. “Hey. Remember what I said to you when we first confessed our love to one another?”

Wind nodded. “Yes. You said that no matter how much I change, I'll always be Wind to you.”

“Right.” Scout giggled. “Always remember that I love you, Wind.”

The catbot giggled. “Love you too, Scout.”

@ask-de-writer

There remained one issue to deal with before leaving. Hopefully it could bed managed in the time before Cloud Queen finished raising steam.

Twilight chuckled a bit as she told the Twins, “This is an odd case. These two, Queen Shadow and her Mage, Cat-Aract came out of the Everfree and requested an audience. That was no problem, right up until they asked for the two of you by name. Queen Shadow said that her cats watched you as you grew in strength and learned to fly again. They were certain that it was you. They said that you came out of a cursed place where no cat could go and exercised, practicing magics and learning to fly in a large meadow. They tracked you nearly to Ponyville.

“Later, the Queen and her Mage literally sneaked into Ponyville, all the way to the Plaza in front of the Palace. There they allowed themselves to be found so that they could ask for an Audience. Do you think that you can talk to them?”

Doctor Tia chuckled, “That sounds like fun! We should make it private, though. Us being Celestia and Luna is still a State Secret.”

Doctor Midnight added, “We can use your small Audience Chamber. You and Cadence take your usual Thrones. Celestia and I will take places at the foot of the dais on either side. Our positioning will show them that you are the ones in charge.”

Cadence nodded, “Well thought on, Doctor Midnight. We will do that.”

It only took a few moments to make the arrangements. The doors to the Small Court were ceremoniously opened and Queen Shadow Claw and Cat-Aracts were shown in. The Herald announced them, “The so-called Queen Shadow Claw, claiming a realm in the Kingdom of Ponyville! Cat-Aracts, who claims Mage Craft!” He got no further.

Princess Twilight had pointed her Rainbow Staff at him. He was slammed through the five Guards, flattening them like a nine-pins strike and fetching up against the doors! Shaken, he struggled to his hooves, demanding, “What was that for?”

“Your tasks were two, neither of which was done. I ordered Spiritblade returned to Queen Shadow Claw and Cat-Aracts' staff returned. They do not have them. You were ordered to introduce them, not make or pass judgments. You have five minutes to have that sword and staff here.”

He blustered, “You don't get it, your Highness. That blade looks like a valuable antique. Got an appraiser coming to make a bid on it. She can have any sword she wants out of the Armory.”

Cadence froze. Twilight snarled, “Guard! Strip him of his Herald's tabbard and throw him in a cell! This Kingdom does not need thieves!

“Spritblade is indeed an antique. I knew Sanara of the Rom, whose blade it was, hundreds of years before the Shattering! After this ex herald is secured in a cell, bring both the staff of Cat-Aracts and Spritblade here for Our guests.”

As the herald was being led away in chains, they all hear his guard ask, “How could somepony as smart as you be so dumb?” Shortly after that, the guard returned with both blade and staff.

As Cat-Aracts and her Queen rearmed themselves, Twilight ordered, “My good Guards, await the end of this meeting outside the doors. It is State Secret. I thank you.”

Twilight and Cadence both stepped down from the dais. Twilight used her staff to summon chairs from the side of the room for all of them to sit comfortably. Smiling, she told her visitors, “We sat as we did when you entered to let you see that We, Cadence and I, rule the kingdom of Ponyville. Doctor Tia and Doctor Midnight are visitors here and have been a great assist to Our kingdom but will be gone soon on important business of their own.”

Cat-Aracts looked shrewdly at her Queen but let her speak. “We came forth from the Everfree in search of two that we watched develop both physical strength and magic over a period of weeks. They exactly resemble your Doctor Tia and Doctor Midnight. I would bet a week's hunting kills that they have wings under their robes and in fact are Alicorns like you and Princess Cadence. They worked and exercised in a large meadow but would vanish into the north side of it. My scouts who watched them found that no matter how they tried to approach a substantial area to the north of that meadow they always found themselves turned away from it without realizing that they had been turned about.

“I believe that Doctors Tia and Midnight are none other than the ancient Princesses Celestia and Luna. Among our ancient traditions one tells that Princess Luna's Fortress of Nightmare should be somewhere in that area that we cannot approach. Am I right?”

It was Luna who replied, “You are correct in every detail but one. Celestia and I are no longer Princesses. We have no land to rule and would not try to wrest this one from those who now rule it so ably. We do need to begin making corrections to this whole system of plates.”

“Corrections?” asked Cat-Aracts. “What do you mean? Trying to put this all back together as a single world?”

Celestia sighed, “No, not that. We could not even if we had the power to do it. Creation Magic has a great limitation. What is done by Creation Magic cannot be undone or set against itself. The Shattering was caused by Creation Magic guided by faulty words put onto a Scroll of Creation Magic by a conspiracy of Unicorns.

“When we do a correction, we use no ordinary words at all. Each correction is done through a very precise form of mathemagic that was taught to us by Skyglow, the Titan of Life Creation. Because the Shattering was done by Creation Magic, it cannot be undone. What we can do is stabilize this system of plates. Without our corrections, the system will begin a disastrous collapse in around 1500 to 2000 years.”

Cat-Aracts shrugged and lifted her left lip to expose a fang. “Knowing the little problem with the plates above us, it is a pity that you can't safely crash them while leaving all the rest alone!”

Luna chuckled darkly, “The idea does have a certain appeal. Pity that it IS impossible.”

Celestia added, “Our problem is a simple one. The Scrolls of Creation Magic are very special and we need to find one or even a fragment of one. Even if it has been used, we can use it to make more of the Scrolls that we need to guide our work. So far as we can tell at this time, all of the Scrolls, used or unused, were in ancient Canterlot. No living pony or other being that we know of knows where Canterlot is now. Locating where it has gone appears to be our best hope for finding the Scroll or bit of one that we need.”

Cadence thoughtfully asked, “You and your cat folk live in the Everfree. How do you get along with the wolves and assorted monsters that live there?”

Queen Shadow Claw responded, “We get along well with the wolves. The revenant ghosts of Sunny Town we lay to rest if they wander past their rightful place. The Alicorn Murder no longer resides there to defend them. Still, we do not disturb them willfully. We have learned to be aware of the Hidden Ways and avoid them.

“By recognizing and respecting the assorted dangers, we get along with little conflict.”

Twilight nodded sagely and offered, “I am minded to offer you something that you already have. I mean, We will give you the Everfree as a Grant of Lands, yours to do with as you see fit.”

Cadence chuckled as she pointed out, “We surround the Everfree but even with the thousands of years that Equestria and later the Kingdom of Ponyville, have done so, no pony has ever lived there. There have been a few who lived in the edges of it but even they could not even cut trees for firewood. Somehow, you cats can and do live there. We will not ask you to submit to Us. Just go on living there as you do now.

“That forest is already yours. We will simply recognize you as a nation in your own right. It will make the map makers happy.”

Queen Shadow Claw nodded. “Now that we know that our ancient rulers are not here to try ruling us all again, we have done what we came here to do. We have met you, Princess Twilight and you, Princess Cadence. We have seen your honesty and honor. Better, we have our place in the Everfree without the need to do battle for it.”

Luna, “Doctor Midnight,” asked, “You said that the Alicorn Murder no longer lives in the Everfree? Do you know where she is to be found? She used to be one of the few immortals. We actually had a friendship with her, as far as friendship was possible with one like her.”

Cat-Aracts shrugged, “I fear not, Luna. All that we know of her is that she vanished during the Shattering. That is all that our Lore tells us. I wish that we could offer you more.”

They broke the meeting, Twilight, Cadence, Queen Shadow Claw and Cat-Aracts to consult with map makers and arrange the public Court where the transfer of the Everfree to its Cat folk would be announced. Luna and Celestia, still under the guise of Doctors Midnight and Tia, left for the flying field where their MT Steamer awaited to take them to De Writer's Fair.

They walked in a leisurely way to the boarding ramp of the Cloud Queen. She was small for a skyship. Only two short but streamlined smoke stacks rose above her upperworks. Her lines were sleek and she carried no obvious guns. Her license and trade flags were already displayed on their staffs.

As soon as they boarded, the ramp was lifted and stowed. The Cloud Queen lifted off with the silence of well functioning MT Lift Engines. Magic, enhanced by the raw power of steam, lifted the ship into Ponyville's skies. She set her course from Ponyville, across the near edge of the Everfree, headed for the edge of the Ponyville Plate.

@wind-the-mama-cat

New Friends/Old Friends

After Rosie finished her lunch with Choco and her band of tree farmers, Choco took Rosie to watch how they cut down and processed the wood.

Rosie watched (from a safe distance, of course) as a pair of Rom used a rather long saw to cut the tall iron wood tree at the base. Once the tree was cut, a team of four Unicorns caught the tree in a web of combined magic, and laid it gently on the ground. Next, the six Rom used either their magic, or tools (or both) to removed the branches, leaving only the trunk.

“What will they do with the branches?” Rosie asked as two Rom gathered them all up and placed them in a uncovered wagon.

“the larger branches will be used for axles for new caravans.” Choco answered. “The smaller ones will go to the the Rom that make wooden crafts. Like toys and furniture.” She pointed. “The branches that are too small to used to make anything, will either be used as fire wood, or, chipped, and used to help cover the forest floor.”

“Huh. Neat.” Rosie said as she watched the team of Rom lift up the now bare trunk. She and Choco moved aside as the Unicorns carried the trunk past them, and towards one of the mills.

“Come on, Rosie.” Choco said as she took the catter's hand and lead her to the same mill. She handed Rosie some ear plugs as she put some in her own ears. “It gets really noisy in there.”

Rosie nodded and gave a thumbs up.

The two girls walked into the mill and watched as the large tree moved along a conveyor belt to a set to what looked like a set of grinders.

“Are they going to grind the tree?” Rosie mouthed to Choco.

Choco shook her head.

Rosie turned her attention back to the tree. The trunk spun around as the grinders took the bark off of it, leaving the bare trunk.

The tree then moved down to the next station, where it was grabbed by large claws. The claws held it in place as a large saw blade cut the tree into 4, 25 foot sections.

The claws let the pieces go as they continued their journey down the conveyor and into the next section of the mill.

Choco lead Rosie through another door, and back outside. The mare pointed at Rosie's ears, telling her it was safe to take the plugs out.

Rosie removed her ear plugs and handed them back to Choco. “So, what happens next?”

Choco threw the plugs into a bin, along with hers and then smiled at Rosie. “Next? The trunk is cut into boards. That process is too noisy for anyone to to be inside.”

“Huh.” Rosie nodded in understanding.

Choco eyed her wings as they shifted against her back. “Uh, Rosie? Can I ask you about your wings?”

Rosie smirked “That they're different from the other wings you've seen?”

“Well, yeah.” Choco nodded. “But, um, you look like a cat, why would a cat need wings?”

“It's... complicated.” She said as she gestured to a log laying on it's side. As the two girls sat down on the log, Rosie let out a sigh. “How's your Rom history, Choco?”

“Well, I've read all the books that De Writer has written about the world and Rom before the Shattering.” Choco answered. “Why?”

“Did he write about Marchhare's band?” Rosie asked.

“Oh, yes. De Writer and Marchhare are best friends. Closer then any Rom. When Marchhare... disappeared during the Shattering, De Writer made certain that all future generations of all Rom would remember him, and his family.”

“Okay. So then you know how Marchhare's band is an odd mix of horses and cats.” Rosie asked. Choco nodded. “Well, his daughter, Wind Whisper... was my father in a s-sense and, um, her wife, Penny D'Smith, was my mother.”

Choco's eyes went wide at that. “So... you were alive before the Shattering?”

“I was.” the patter nodded. “But you see, I'm not just a cat. I'm a really rare mix of cat, pony, and otter. Due to Mama Penny's genetics, I'm also a Pegasus.”

“Wow.” Choco breathed out. “But if you were born a Pegasus, why...”

“I have mechanical wings, because I... gave my wings to another Pegasus, using a... special magic that I have.” Rosie explained.

“Oh.” The chocolate mare nodded. “Thank you for telling me all that.” She sat in thought for a second. “So, what was... Equestria like before the Shattering?”

“Well...” Rosie smiled, and spent the next few hours telling Choco about Ancient Equestria and the Rom way of life. She even told her about Marchhare, and did her best to answer all her questions about the fairs, the Knights of Justice, the Princesses, and her family. She even told her about the lost races, like the Diamond dogs, the Zebras, Bulls, and what the Griffons where like before the became secluded.

At the end of her tale, Choco was seemingly dumbstruck. “I wish... I wish I could have seen all of that.”

“Heh. My Sister, Starshimmer, granted Wishes.” Rosie said. “I doubt she could grant THAT wish, though.”

Choco shook her head in awe. “You've had quit the life, Rosie.” She placed her hand comfortingly on her shoulder. “Do you miss them? Your husband and... daughters?”

Rosie nodded sadly. “I do. I know that our loved dead are always with us... but I would give anything to see them one last time. To hold them and tell them that I love them...” She sniffled.

“I know how you feel.” Choco said as she pulled Rose into a sideways hug, letting the young girl to rest her head on her shoulder. “My parents... travelled to the Lake a year ago. I miss them everyday.”

Rose sighed contentedly. “Thanks, Choco...”

She perked up, however, when her ears twitched and her wings sprung up as she sensed someone, or someones leaving the Ponyville plate and head towards the Rom plate. She extracted herself from Choco and stood up.

“I... sorry, Choco. I have to go back to De Writer's fair. Someone... I've been looking forward to seeing is coming... a little earlier then I thought.” Rosie explained.

Choco sighed sadly. “Oh. Okay.” She nodded “Are Midnight and Tia coming?”

Rose looked at her new friend and thought for a second. “Yes. How did you know?”

“We were told by Dark a while ago.” The mare explained. “Go and see them. I'll see you again when we deliver the wood.”

Rose hugged her friend goodbye, and took a step back. Her turbines whirled to life, and then she took off towards De Writer's fair.

Some six hours later, Rosie, panting heavily, landed a little roughly as she arrived at De Writer's fair. Wind ran over to her, and helped her stand up.

“Are...” Rose began to ask, but stopped when Wind pointed to Tia and Midnight hugging De Writer tightly.

“Let them have their moment, Rosie...” Wind said, as they were joined by Dark and Scout. “It's been over 3000 years since they have seen him.”

Rosie nodded and watched the reunion along with her family.

@ask-de-writer

Their passage above the peaceful landscape below left the Twins with the impression that other than farming, nothing of importance was happening down there. Having just come from Twilight and Cadence's Court, they knew better. They were aware of the hive of activity that distributing the new ammunition had created across the whole plate.

As they flew out into the wide gap between the plates, the Captain began calling on his magic net mirror. “Hello, Wrecker Control. This is Cloud Queen, out of Ponyville. Our flight destination is the landing area by De Writer's Fair. Our passage is pre cleared by Dark and De Writer.”

From the mirror a familiar black furred face with pure white forelock and mane replied calmly, “Hello, Cloud Queen. This is Dark. We have you and are laying your course into your mirror now.”

“Thank you, Wrecker Control. Our load is two passengers named Tia and Midnight. We also have fifty rounds of a new bullet for anti-skycraft guns. They are much more powerful than the previous ammunition. Along with them are included instructions to make more and the necessary precautions in handling them.”

Dark's face in the mirror grinned her disturbing razor fanged grin as she replied, “Is this the kind that make a green flare when they detonate? We did observe that battle. You really stompped them!”

Cheerfully, the Captain replied, “We sure did! And yes, these are the same kind of bullets that chewed them up and spit them out! They fit ordinary ammo casings but the charge is a bit different. It is all in the manuals that you will get.”

“Thank you, Cloud Queen. We look forward to your arrival!”

They continued to descend for several kilometers before they passed the lower edge of of the Ponyville plate. During the descent, more and more of the Rom plate below them came into view. It was obvious that, while it may have been a desert at the Shattering, it was no longer a desert. Parts of it were still desert but large swaths were now the oddly mixed and rich uniquely Rom agriculture. There were far more lakes and streams than one might expect.

That was explained as they cleared the bottom of the layer of plates. Under the gap between them pegassi were industriously gathering invisible but present water vapor into clouds which other pegassi were shuttling to assorted destinations across the many Rom plates, giving them the necessary rainfall exactly where and when needed. It was an impressive sight.

Following the course that they were given brought them over De Writer's Fair. It could be seen that part of the Fair was a permanent settlement. The larger part of it was taken up by Rom bands happily camping, trading, singing and dancing!

Luna's eyes misted with tears of happiness as she leaned on Celestia and wept, “Look, Tia! With all the evil that has befallen them, the Rom still dance and sing!”

Smiling around her own tears, Celestia nodded, “I know, Sis. Rom have danced from the very beginning, just as it says in the Shehan Ja Rom and they obviously still do! I am so glad to see such happiness still among them.”

The Cloud Queen descended to a gentle touchdown exactly in the marked off area. There was a party waiting to greet them when the ramp was lowered. Luna and Celestia walked down the ramp into the waiting arms of old De Writer!

Hugging them close, De Writer said simply, “I have missed this, these last three thousand years!” The old blue unicorn wept a few tears of happiness.

Dark joined the hug. She sniffled, “Marchhare is gone. He was in his caravan and it disappeared during the Shattering. There was nothing that I could do to stop it. You both went away too and I couldn't stop that either.

“I did do one thing, though. The specific unicorns that altered that Scroll were in Canterlot and went with it. I checked. Been getting revenge on the rest when and as I can.”

Luna ruffled the fur between Dark's wings as she replied, “Little things, hum? Like giving the Ponyville plates anti-skycraft guns and ammo?”

Dark nodded happily, “Um hum. And the Xibians, and the Chineighese, and all the Soricans and the Gryphons! I left those stupid unicorns with no source for slaves or any place to raid for farm harvests. They are their own only source for slaves or food, so they have to raid each other! And they make absolutely rotten slaves!”

Luna turned her attention to old De Writer and Rosie, who was considerately standing back and letting a close family separated for over three thousand years finally get together.

@wind-the-mama-cat

(Re)Introductions

Rosie couldn’t believe that another part of past, her history with the Rom, were standing right in front of her. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, her adopted God grandmothers, or rather, her Nana’s as she called them, had come back to her, just as she did with De Writer and Dark.

After they had finished greeting and reuniting with Dark and De Writer, Rosie ran up to them and hugged them each in turn.

“I’m so happy to see you two again.” Rosie sobbed happily. “I have so, so much to tell you and show you.” She looked back at Scout and Wind, who were still waiting patiently. “But, um, you guys still have to meet the others.”

Wind and Scout walked up to the two former Princesses as Rosie stepped to the side.

“A pleasure to meet you both.” Wind smiled. “I’m Wind Gale Alita Soulblade. Dark, De Writer, and Scout-“ She gestured to Scout, “Call me Wind. Rosie calls me Alita, and the other Rom call me either Wind or Gale.”

Both Princesses looked shocked at Wind’s appearance.

“Yes…” She nodded. “The reason I’m called Wind IS because I look like Wind. Even more so when my hair was red.” She shook her head. “The Unicorns designed and built battle droids based off of the other Wind. Your Wind.”

“I’m, uh, Scout.” Scout greeted. “I heard so much about you two from De Writer.”

Rosie couldn’t contain herself. “Nanas. I want to show you guys something!” She eagerly pulled them over to the partially dismantled Renaissance. “See this ship we shot down? Well, we’re recycling her to make a new ship. The Rom’s first ship!” She pulled out her drawings and showed it to them. “Penny’s Hammer. We’re planning on using Her to explore the lower plates and to try to find Ancient Canterlot.”

“That’s the plan, anyways.” Wind said as she and Scout followed the eager patter. “Any design input you have would really be appreciated.”

“Huh?” Scout asked/blurted out.

“In means for defenses other then the shields you thought up, Rose.” Wind explained. “Weapons, for example.”

“Ohhh~” Rose said with a nod. “Right.”

Rose noticed that Tia and Midnight were looking her up and down. She looked at De Writer, who in turn, gave her a thumbs up.

“Yes, Nanas…” Rose began, whispering softly so the other Rom couldn’t hear her. “The last time you saw me, I was Ninety years old. Starshimmer granted me a wish to return to being fifteen again. Both physically and mentally, but keeping all my memories.” She explained. “I was put to sleep 500 years ago, and placed in a magical cocoon by my Mama Cat, here, on Equestria.”

The former Princesses shared a look.

“I had a… vision… when I was younger, kinda like my Mama used to have, about something happening on Equestria.” Rose explained. “I wanted to be able to help, well, prevent it.”

“She’s also been helping us Rom with other things as well.” Scout said. “She’s been teaching the Rom about our history. Telling stories, much like Marchhare did, about the adventures from the past. She’s also been helping Dark” she lowered her voice “with her Alchemy” she then spoke in her normal volume, creating new limbs and improving their designs for injured horses and ponies.”

“She’s also been creating other things, aside from Penny’s Hammer.” Wind said with a smile as she gestured to the sudden appearance of Fenrir. “This is Fenrir. A mechanical wolf mount that Rose and Dark built.”

Rose looked at Fenrir, and walked over to him. “He was originally just a mount.” She said as she pet his head. “But, uh… he’s growing smarter, somehow.” She scratched his right ear. He titled his head in response. “Like that.”

“Um…” Scout said suddenly. “Who’s that?” She pointed to a female Rom Pegasus landing just outside the camp, holding a carboard box.

“That’s Hanar Bel Galand.” Wind said as she waved to the Pegasus. The brown Pegasus with a black mane walked over to her. “Hanar helped me with a special project. Remember, Scout?”

Scout nodded. “Oh. Right.”

Hanar smiled. “It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.” She handed the box to Rose.

“Huh?” Rose blinked as she took the large, but light, box. “What project?”

“Open it and see.” Wind said as Dark, and De Writer joined them.

Rose balanced the box on her left hand and body, and lifted the lid with her right. In the box was a jacket and skirt, along with a hat in the same design of a Navy uniform, much like the Captains of the Airships wore. The jacket was white, and the shoulders had gold stitched Captain bars. The leaves also had the same bars at the ends. The jacket was double breasted with gold buttons. The skirt was black and had gold lines on either side. The hat was white, with a black brim, and also had the same gold bars stitched in the middle.

“A captain’s uniform?” Rose asked in shock and surprise.

“Your captain uniform.” Wind corrected her. “The Hammer is your ship. You’re the captain.” She gestured to Hanar. “I had Hanar alter a few uniforms that I found on the Renaissance.”

“Indeed.” Hanar said. “I bleached the red out of it, and redyed them. I also altered the backs to accommodate your wings, Rose.” She picked up the jacket, and showed them the neatly stitched holes, with zippers under them. “Easily reachable for you to zip yourself.”

Rose was speechless.

“This was the first uniform that I finished.” Hanar continued. “The other three will be done tomorrow.” She smiled. “Your thoughts, Rose? Did you want them to be a different color? Blue? Or purple?”

Rose slowly shook her head no. “N-no. Uh, this is perfect.”

“I’m glad you think so.” Hanar giggled. “I’ll drop of the others when they’re ready. Along with the boots.”

“Boots?” Rose repeated.

“Knee high leather boots.” Wind explained. “Black, white, and gold. To match.”

“Or would you rather them be shin high?” Hanar offered.

“Shin high would be great.” The patter said. “Th-thanks, Hanar.”

Wind smiled. “Go ahead and try it on.”

Rosie nodded, and headed to her caravan to try on her new uniform.

“So, uh…” Scout said as she looked at Tia and Midnight. “What do you guys think of everything?”

@ask-de-writer

Luna looked on approvingly. “Having a Captain's uniform is pretty spiffy. Just right for the pega-patter that designed that ship under construction over there.”

Celestia nodded agreement, “I hear that you are doing quite a lot around here. Designing and building things, not to mention, providing all those limb implants. That must be tricky work, getting the magical pathways to line up right.”

De Writer smiled fondly at his long lost Twins. “She did them perfectly, using her Alchemy. Very talented, my dear Rosie.

“Dark and I are both very curious about your return to us. Glad of it, for sure. From what I gather from Princess Twilight, you were in Luna's old Fortress of Nightmare. The Shattering was starting while you were trapped by that Scroll of Creation Magic's spell in Canterlot. How did you wind up in the Everfree?”

Luna put an arm over Celestia's shoulders as she replied soberly, “I grabbed her and teleported to the only place where I was pretty sure was safe. Teleporting that far had serious consequences. We were both so badly destroyed by the Shattering that it took us 500 years to recover at all. I woke up first. It was pretty awful. I was a starved husk and Tia was no better off. She wasn't awake yet.

“Our whole stomachs and guts were totally atrophied. Getting water and any nourishment into us was a real pain in every sense. I managed to get us hydrated by teleporting tiny amounts of water and fodder directly into our stomachs. It took weeks before we could recover enough strength to re learn flying.”

Dark winced at the thought of somehorse that she loved in such a bad state.

She changed the topic to one that was safer, for her anyway. “You brought some of that neat ammunition down with you? How does it work? I have never seen an explosive that made a green blast like that!”

Luna hugged her close and fluffed the black fur between her wings as she replied casually, “Oh, that? The green glow is just super hot iron vapor from the shell.”

Dark hugged more tightly as she whispered, “I KNOW how hot that is! Are you going to let me have even more fun?”

Celestia, from the hug that she was sharing with De Writer, responded first, “As long as your ideas about what is fun haven't changed, yes.”

Dark gave one of her patented shark toothed grins as she replied, “Never fear that! The Shattering may have broken my connection to Mother Murder and taken Marchhare from us, but it did nothing for my personal feelings.”

There were tears leaking from the corners of her eyes as she added, “I don't have anyhorse to play murder Grandpa with.”

Luna crouched down so that Dark could cry on her shoulder. Being immortal herself, she could understand how long grief could last. She simply held her Goddaughter, in spite of the many lumps made by the multitude of near perfectly concealed knives. They had always been a part of the Dark that she knew and loved.

Holding the weeping Dark close, Luna looked up to De Writer helplessly shaking her head. “What did happen to Marchhare? I guess that it was something to do with the Shattering?”

De Writer stepped over, bringing Celestia with him to join in comforting his many greats granddaughter. As they all surrounded her with caring arms, De Writer explained, “We really don't know exactly. His caravan was a nexus of the whole multiverse, as you know. During the Shattering, every witness, regardless of angle saw his caravan go straight away, as if going to and past some horizon in fractions of a second. Dark saw it happen. She was flying, about 30 meters up. Besides the change in her body messing up her ability to fly, I think that she was trying to save him. She hit the ground exactly where his caravan had been. She broke at least seven bones when she hit. She was unconscious for a week while she was healing.”

In a bleak voice, her eyes gone empty of anything but pain, Luna whimpered, “Marchhare was our GHOST Who Guides. He died on the Anvil, guiding the Rom to safety from that deadly desert. He came back from the Lake of Paradise for us. Didn't he go back to the Lake? Have you asked?”

Dark snuggled into the deep blue fur of the Alicorn that she loved and bawled her eyes out. “Of course we asked!” She sniffled, “We visited the Lake of everyhorse that we could find and we did ask. We still do. Now it is a tradition. But the answer is always the same. He is not there with all of those horses that he guided and saw to the Lake himself.”

Celestia nodded slowly, thinking what to say. Finally she snorted, “All this MOONING about is well and good but we have fifty of the new shells for you and when Luna can stop MOONING about, she was going to show you how to make lots more of them and some other bits of nastiness of the murderous sort. I see that the Captain of the Cloud Queen has unloaded the crates with your favorite kind of toys, as soon as you feel up to playing, that is.”

Dark's head perked up out of the cuddle puddle and her gaze zeroed in on the crates of anti-skycraft ammunition. She replied with assurance, “Definitely fine toys, those. I still think that my favorite remains something nicely pointed and properly edged.”

Luna had pulled herself together again with the skill of long practice. Thousands of years of it. She shifted mental gears and snickered, “Oh, you don't want to learn how to do rune magic, like what Baratted taught me?”

Staring at the crates of shells with new eyes, Dark nodded, “So that's how they get so hot when they go off. They use rune magic in some way?”

De Writer nodded to himself as he extricated himself from the pile. “You really intend to release that kind of deadly work into the unicorn conflict?”

Luna did not hesitate, “In a flash. I have seen what the unicorns have become and seen first hand some of the things that they do. They need to be stopped.

“Come, Dark. We need a reasonably private place to begin your studies.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

O Captain, My Captain?

Inside her caravan, Rosie tried on the Captain’s jacket, skirt, and hat that Hanar had altered for her. The uniform fit her perfectly, and snuggly, but with enough give to allow her to move freely if action was required. Somehow, Wind, or rather, Alita had managed to give Hanar her exact measurements. The patter suspected that Alita had some kind of scanner, which she used to obtain them.

Captain Rosie, Looking spiffy in her nearly finished uniform

She removed her Uniform, and hung it in her closet. She quickly got dressed, and went back outside to help with the building of… well, her ship, she guessed. She would have to get used to the fact that while she did gift the Rom the Penny’s Hammer, as usual, the Rom had decided to give it right back to her. Fair trades, and all that.

She walked over to the area where De Writer had roped off for the Hammer’s construction. She watched as two wrecker crews, ironically, where assembling the outer frame for the hull of the ship. From what she saw, they were using a large wooden outer frame to bend, weld, and rivet the old frame of the Renaissance into the new shape of her ship, using their Rom magic. She also noticed that since they had started with the bow of the Unicorn ship, the Wrecker crews were staring with the bow of the Hammer.

One of the Wrecker crew members, a large, black female horse with a matching mane, who reminded Rose of Swift, stopped her welding, and lowered herself to the ground. She walked up to Rosie and smiled warmly at her. As she came up to Rosie, the kitten noticed that she was nearly as tall as her Mama, Penny. Her heart panged a little at that thought.

“What do you think, Captain?” She asked kindly, as she gestured to the frame. “Is the frame looking like how you imagined it?”

Rosie sighed at the use of Captain. “You guys really don’t have to call me Captain.” She said. “Uh-“

“Ebonina Na Swiften.” The black mare said. “Or Ebony.”

“Ebony.” Rosie nodded. “The ship isn’t even built yet, and I’m not in uniform. Just, uh, call me Rose. For now.”

Ebony giggled and tapped Rosie on the head. “You’re wearing your Captains hat.”

Rosie crossed her eyes as she looked up at her forehead and noticed that she was. “Oh. Uh… It’s really comfortable. I forgot that I had it on.” She blushed. “Wait… did you say that your last name was… Swiften? As in… Swift? The largest horse among the Rom?”

The taller Earth horse nodded. “Yeah. My Band is descended from his son, Joey.” She smiled. “My mom mentioned that I’m the first black horse in 300 years to take after him.” Her eyes narrowed a little “How do you know how big he is? Are you a historian, or something?

Rosie thought for as second. “Well, I guess you COULD call me a historian, since, well, I’m part of history.” She smiled gingerly. “You see, Ebony… I know how big Swift is, because I was there.”

Ebony blinked rapidly. “You… how old are you Rose? You don’t look a day over 15.”

Rose ticked the fingers on her left hand with her right index finger. “Let’s see… I was 100 years old before the Shift… so, a little over 600 years? Give or take.”

“Whoa.” The mare said as her jaw dropped. “So, uh…”

“I’m also married to Swift’s son, Palom.” Rose answered Ebony’s unasked question.

“Oh. So, you're technically my ancestor?” Ebony asked in a curious tone. “Gosh... I never would have guessed, in a million years, that I would ever have a conversation like this.”

Rose giggled “I guess I could be your ancestor. Well, kinda.” She shrugged. “I would be happy to answer any questions you have.”

“Sure, um, well...” Ebony began to say, but was cut off by a whistle. Rose and Ebony looked towards the frame of the Hammer.

Another mare was waving at them. “Hey, Bon! We got a frame to weld!”

Ebony turned walked towards the frame. Curiously, Rose followed her.

“Relax, Shara!” The black mare said, as she called up to her other horse. “This is the Captain and we're discussing details about the Hammer!”

Shara visibly blushed “Well, how was I supposed to know?”

“That's why you keep your snout out of other horse's business.” Ebony shot back.

Shara grumbled, but said nothing as she went back to work.

Ebony turned back to Rosie. “So, going to back to our conversation...”

Rose giggled “Well, I know how to use a Rom welder, so we can talk while we weld.”

The taller mare nodded, “Sure.” She pointed to a spare Rom welder. “Go grab that set and we can work next to one another.”

The kitten nodded, and jogged over to the welder set as Ebony returned to her swing and raised herself back to where she was working. Rose strapped the welder to her back, and then flew up to Ebony.

“Is the frame stable enough for me to stand on?” She asked.

Ebony pointed to a section to her left. “That section of frame is stable enough.”

Rose nodded and landed on the section that Ebony indicated. “So, where would you like to me begin? About the history of the Rom?”

“Well, how did you come to be Rom?” Ebony asked, as she started welding.

“Heh, well...” Rosie began, as she too, started welding.

@ask-de-writer

De Writer chuckled as he watched from a distance. Celestia watched too. Shaking her head a little, letting the tears flow that she had held back to help her sister, whose PTSD was far worse than hers. She whimpered her hurt, “He's really gone? Our Marchhare? Our Rom for so many years? Just gone? His whole wonderful caravan and all? Have you given him a Lake? Have you laid the stones for him?

De Writer snuffled in his old blue nose, where the white of age showed so clearly. He gave his precious foster daughter a fatherly hug as he responded, “I am afraid so. He was in his caravan when it happened. There was no horse to bury, of course, since he was a ghost, or whatever he was, that could have been expected.

“As fast as we were sure that he was gone, we gathered all of the Rom that we could find. Back then, we did not have as many pegassi as we do now, but they flew for days in all directions and across plate boundaries too to spread the word.

“We could not cross plate boundaries yet due to having so few gliders. We made a tradition of making him a new Lake on every Rom plate. Now when we open a plate, the first thing that we do is survey it from the air and choose the place for Marchhare's Lake.

“For us, his Lake is over in that grove of trees. There was only one tree there back then. It is where his caravan was parked when the Shattering happened.

“If you have a stone, I am sure that wherever he is, Marchhare will appreciate the Laying of the Stones from the hands of you and Luna. He loves you, you know.”

Celestia nodded, heaving a deep breath. “I have no stone yet, De Writer, but I will let Luna know and we will find ones that are good. We will lay them together. He deserves that from us. We love him too.”

De Writer gave an unhappy smile as he replied, “I know that you do, both of you. I know how he feels about you too, because we spoke of it often while he was here.”

Celestia's now calming thoughts led her to one of the oldest of Rom sayings to take some comfort in. “The Loved Dead are always with us, Non More Loved Than He.”

Old De Writer added, “And none more loved than the Living by those dead that they love. We see it so often when we visit their Lakes and they are there to hear, see and share our lives.”

They strolled back to the camping area of De Writer's fair, chatting quietly. The assorted booths and acts were closed for the evening. Several of the horses of different bands got together with lyres, flutes, tabors and the sweet wail of a Rom double scale violin. They struck up a tune that Celestia knew!

Delighted, she trilled, called out in her loved old Gyptian tongue, “The Two Green Vines!” and then requested, “May I join your dancing? I may be a little rusty because it has been a while!” Behind her, De Writer nodded vigorously.

The other Rom all invited in the same tongue, “Please do! What other dancing do you do?”

Cheerfully calling back, “Let's find out!” She struck a starting pose in the center of the green and the band restarted the tune!

Celestia began with a twirl that ended in her wings full spread. She became a dream of white, her wings fanning, covering, spreading high, sweeping low, never still as she stepped, leaped, and carrying out sways and slides coordinated with her wingwork, ending exactly as the tune did, crouched low, wings spread in a big circle with the center line between them aimed exactly at her beloved Godfather, De Writer.

The trills of applause were nearly deafening! Among the Rom trills of delight, there was the sound of a pony, clapping and not enthusiastically, either. He was an earth pony in overalls, rather than Rom sashes and harness.

He snorted in Equestrian, “What's the lot of you doin' playing about before dinner, Huh? When do we eat around here?”

A strikingly handsome dapple gray Rom, with a horn the color of aged ivory, having distictive spirals up its curved length, responded to his rudeness in Equestrian, “You eat whenever you want of whatever you have bought. Water from the spring is free. You, Crawdad Sandwich, have no welcome in any camp of the Rom.”

He blew a raspberry of exasperation and pointed to Celestia! “What about her? I saw her get off a Steamer from up Ponyville way. Why you treat her any different than me?”

The dapple gray replied, “She is wearing our sashes and pulling harness. She knows Gyptian. She was with De Writer, which means that she has earned the Freedom that she wears. She offered us a wonderful dance and, to judge from the grace and facility of it, I would wager that she has many more. Such a one is always welcome.

She reminds me of the legendary Rom, Tia Ja Marchhare, from before the Shattering.

“That is why she is welcome.”

“I came down here to join up to one of your bands, you know, for the freedom of the open road. The carefree wandering life. I went into one and after only a day on the road, they chucked me out! No justice at all!”

The dapple gray nodded, lips pursed in distaste. “You got an opportunity to Pull with the band of Sha Carra. You refused proper clothing. You complained of being hitched to a caravan. You would not pull your share of the load. You refused to join Road Songs and would not stay in step. At luncheon you tried to take extra from a foal who was pulling her share earlier. You complained of the food the band made and tried to 'learn the secret of K'chek' because you were Rom now.

“You were about as much Rom as a meadow muffin. That has not changed. You are still unwilling to do your share, will not dance, play an instrument or do any other thing for your keep. You interrupted a wonderful dance because even though you have done nothing all day, not even beg, you still demand to be fed. That is why the PONY Crawdad Sandwich is unwelcome among us.”

More voices came from the evening, speaking perfect Gyptian, “You are dancing, Tia? Can we join you?”

Stepping into the torch light were Midnight and Dark.

@wind-the-mama-cat

Wind’s Wings

Due to the fading sun, the Wrecker Crews, along with Rosie, Wind and Scout, stopped working on dismantling the Renaissance and assembling the Penny’s Hammer, and joined the nightly festivities.

Rosie pulled out a pan flute from a pouch on her belt. She had remembered her pan flute lessons she had with Moonbeam all those many centuries ago. She had commissioned a Rom flute maker, Named Gallant Sal Torel, a wordsmith whom lived and worked with the Rom Foresters. She had him make a pan flute from rose wood whilst she was there. She sliently joined the other musicians. Her knowledge of Rom songs was a little rusty, but the other musicians didn’t seem to mind.

Scout and Wind watched Tia, Dark and Midnight dance to the music. The two girls knew that Dark was as skilled a dancer as she was a blacksmith. They had no knowledge, other from the stories De Writer had plied them with, that Midnight and Tia were nearly as skilled as Dark was. However, Wind did notice that Midnight was a touch more skilled then Tia.

Wind was tapping her feet and swaying her hips to the music, enjoying its rhythmic, and almost hypnotic, notes.

Rosie started playing a new song that Wind hadn't heard before. The other musicians let her play solo for a few seconds, then joined her in this new tune.

Tia smiled, and pirouetted to the cat robot in one smooth motion, and held her hand out to her, offering the young girl to join them on the dancing area.

Wind, now curious as to why the former Princess was offering to dance with her, took her hand. Tia smiled broadly, and spun the both Wind and herself to where Dark and Midnight were.

The Rom trilled as Wind took the dance floor.

Tia silently stood behind Wind and took both of her hands in hers. She then started to guide her in a two step and slide.

Wind's crystal on her forehead started to glow brightly as memories of the other Wind, once again, were, for want of a better term, “downloaded” into her memory banks. This dance was the first dance that Wind had created during her first visit with the Rom. From what she could “remember” this dance was called 'Wind's Wings'.

Dark and Midnight joined the Tia and Wind in dancing. The cat then found herself passed gracefully from Tia to Midnight, whom showed her even more moves. After a few minutes, Midnight then passed her to Dark, who, just like Midnight and Tia, showed her even MORE steps.

Dark then spun Wind into the waiting arms of Scout.

Scout giggled. “I had mentioned to Tia that you weren't much of a dancer.” She and Wind started dancing together, repeating the steps that she was just shown. “Tia understood why you weren't, but also mentioned that a Rom that didn't know how to dance had to be rectified.” She giggled again.

“So, you four planned this?” Wind asked, a bemused smile on on her face.

“She mentioned that she would give you lessons.” Scout answered honestly. “I had no idea that she would teach you this way.”

“Fair enough.” Wind said as she twirled Scout out to her arms length, and then spun her back to her and against her chest. She then dipped the small mare down and held her there.

Scout gasped at the move.

Wind smiled. “I guess you can say I'm a fast learner.”

The white unicorn blushed and nodded. “Uh, yeah. I can see that.”

Wind righted her “Are you okay, Scout?” She whispered into her ear. “I didn't mean to cause you too much stress...”

Scout shook her head. “N-no. Just need a break.”

Wind nodded and dance them off the dance square. They then walked to the refreshment table to have some tea.

Rosie, seeing her chance to dance with her Nana's, after so many years, tucked her pan flute back into its pouch. She then walked to the square, and joined them and Dark in a new dance as the band started to play “That's What Old Marchhare hates!”

Rosie, feeling daring, spread her wings and 'feathers'. Her feathers then started to glow with a blue light. The gathered Rom gasped at the sight, but then quickly recovered and trilled.

Rosie blushed and stopped dancing. She looked at her Nana's and Dark. “Sorry...” She grimaced “I-I didn't mean to steal the show from you three.”

@ask-de-writer

That was met with general laughter of a light hearted sort! Dark chortled, “You really have been away from us for a long time, haven't you? No horse holds the dancing green unless the rest of us allow it! If we can figure out how to do that, you can bet that it will become a regular part of our dance routines! I thought that you knew that there is nothing more welcome than new dances or steps!”

Old De Writer waggled his long mane and beard at her, offering, “I would love knowing how to do that with these old flappers! Not as lovely as the effect that your wings make, but hilarious for the rest of the dancers!”

Midnight thoughtfully lifted her huge but graceful wings up tight, almost like a dark blue spindle. She began a spin, balanced on a single hoof as she slowly spread her wings out, slowing as she did. As she came to a stop, she lifted both wings up, fanning them into wide arcs, each feather limned in a pale blue glow!

All the watching horses threw back their heads and trilled!

Dark stepped close and lifted her black wings. She did a spin, ending with her wings spread to the sides, each feather glowing around its edges with a sharp, crisp definition! She pulled her head back in a trill of delight and followed up by calling, “Doing something to make me MORE visible!? I will never live this down! And it's FUN!”

Without missing a beat, she produced three knives from sheaths that were still hidden invisibly about her person and began to juggle them in time to the music. They became a glittering blue circle of deadly steel. Dark casually caught and re sheathed them and still no horse could guess where they were hidden!

With no pause in her dancing, Dark used her wings in the more traditional way, each beat timed to the music. The sudden flat spin ended with her arm extended, fingers pointing at the refreshment table!

No longer dancing, she stooped like a hawk but in utter silence! The shocked Crawdad Sandwich was trying ineffectually to free his hand, nailed to the refreshment board by Dark's stiletto! His fingers almost held the blackberry Ka'chek that he had tried to steal!

Tisking, she pulled the dagger free of the table first, and only then, when it had dragged his hand away from the snack, did she remove it from his hand. Commenting, “Good throw. Drove it right through the carpal bones but not too deeply into the wood. We can easily fix the table.”

His outraged demand of, “You are more concerned about that lousy table than Me!? What makes it more important than a true pony, huh?”

Dark's amused tones reached us all as she explained, “The table is useful and does its job. It is well made and does not complain.

“You are a scoundrel, thief, trespasser, liar and escaped convict. Sadly, you are less than worthless at all of those.

“If you were any good at being a scoundrel, you would have made an effort to fit into the band, worn the clothes and pulled, tried to learn the road songs. And bided your time to be evil. Stupid you did not even try, which is why the band of Sha Carra threw you out as the garbage that you have proved to be.

“Thief is self evident. That is why you got a knife of mine through your hand.

“Trespasser is also self evident. You violated Camp Privacy and rudely interrupted Tia's dancing. Among the Rom, THAT is a serious offense.

“You are a liar, and a bad one at that. You claimed to have come here for the freedom of the open road, whatever that may mean. Claimed to want to become a Rom. But were too stupid to even try to fit in.

“Besides, since you were not on the invoices of the Gray Cloud, we called Princess Twilight about you. That is when we got proof that you were a petty thief, caught in the act, and sentenced to six months hard labor on Ponyville's roads.

“So, to eat, there is grass and a boxed spring on the commons over there. The grass and water are free. If you do anything to the spring, the commons field or the grass of it, besides eat it, you will be executed on the spot. We know that you contaminated Wayside springs up on the Ponyville plate. You try it here, you will die. And I will enjoy killing you.”

He saw into her red eyes and shivered. But just had to try shouting, “Did you all hear that? This here black pony is a cold blooded killer! She just threatened to kill me over trivial shit!”

He was horrified by the near universal nodding of Rom heads all about the green. “She sure is! Finest killer that any of us know! Does a fantastic job of it!”

Adding insult to injury, a young filly wandered up and poured herself a large mug of Rom black tea and took the blackberry Ka'chek that he had been trying to steal.

@wind-the-mama-cat

Soul and Blade

As Crawdad Sandwich grumbled and walked over to the grass patch, Scout's ears twitched. She summoned her magic to her horn and sent it towards his pockets. She managed to snag a leather bag and pulled it out, much to his surprise. He made an attempt to grab it, but wasn't quick enough. Scout brought the bag to her and dropped it in her hands.

“Hey!” Crawdad Sandwich shouted. “Those are mine!” He started to walk towards the unicorn in a threatening manner, but stopped as Wind stepped in front of him and crossed her arms.

“Think about your next move very carefully.” She said in a chillingly low voice as she towered over him.

Crawdad Sandwich, who barely came up to Wind's chin, scowled at her. “What can you do to me, you... cat... thing?” He went to move around her, with his uninjured hand, and tried to grab his money bag from Scout.

Wind caught his wrist with her hand and gripped it. Hard. Crawdad Sandwich fell to his knees as Wind forced him to them. ��Try to attack my fiancée again, and I'll take your arm.”

His eyes went wide at her threat. He looked at De Writer and the other horses. They simply nodded.

“She can lift 5 tonnes of metal.” Ebony said honestly. “So yeah, she can easily take your arm.”

Scout, meanwhile, had fished out a few coins from his coin bag. She held them out for Tia, Midnight, and De Writer to see. “I thought Crawdad Sandwich didn't have any property with him... how did he get these Rom coins?”

She shifted them in her hand as Tia and Midnight walked over to her. “See Tia and Midnight? We Rom have had our own bits since the Great Shift. Ponyville bits have Twilight's face profile on one side, and Rarity's cutiemark on the other. Our bits have, as you can see, a combination of a moon and sun on one side, and Marchhare's face profile on the other.”

Wind, knowing that Crawdad Sandwich was no longer a threat, let his wrist go. Her attention suddenly shifted to her and Scout's caravan. Her ears flicked and her eyes narrowed.

“Dark?” She said suddenly to her small... cousin. “I know this goes without saying, but keep an eye on this idiot.” She quickly walked away from the crowd towards her caravan. She opened the door, and stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

Soulblade was pulsing and her runes were glowing, from her position on the far wall. Wind walked over to her, and gripped her handle.

Wind suddenly shut down.

“Wake up, Wind...” A voice said to her suddenly.

Wind, confused, opened her eyes. She was in ... a white void. Standing in front of her... was a tall anthro Dragon. “Wait...” She said as she recognized the being in front of her. “Mama Dragon?”

Natalia smiled at the robot cat. “Yes, Wind. I am the Mama Dragon.”

“What's going on?” Wind asked in a confused tone. “Why am I here?”

“I felt it was time that we met.” Mama said simply. “You've had Soulblade for six months now, and my Daughter's crystal for almost a month.” She smiled sweetly. “I am here to help you understand both of them.”

Wind sighed in relief. “Please. I am tired of being surprised and confused.”

“I'm sure you are.” Mama said. “You have many questions.” She suddenly sat on a bench and gestured for Wind to join her. Wind walked over to the bench and sat next to her.

“Soulblade is a very unique sword,” Mama explained. “I named her so, as she holds the souls of many. Wind's parents, Shia and Donovan, Penny, mine, and of course, Wind herself.” She reached out and gently took the sword from Wind. “I never told Wind this... but Soulblade is older than she knew.”

“You were her first owner.” Wind said suddenly.

Mama nodded. “Yes.”

Wind looked at the blade. “How did you add the souls to her?”

“Simply put...” Mama answered, “Soulblade absorbs the souls from blood that touches her.” She tapped the edge.

“Oh.” Wind said. “To what end?”

“The loved dead are always with us.” Mama said as she repeated the often said Rom phrase. “Once a year, if Wind wanted to, she would lay the blade on the final resting place of the Soul bearer... and speak with them.”

Wind sat in silence for a bit. “May I ask... why is the blade and... the crystal changing me? Altering my body and memories? Am I becoming Wind? The original Wind?”

“No, my Dear.” Mama shook her head. “They are simply showing you what you CAN do.” She said as she tapped the crystal with her claw. “Freeing you from your previous owners.”

“What I can do.” Wind repeated. She looked at her right arm, and focused. Her synthetic skin, which stopped at her bicep, grew and changed to cover nearly all of her arm. She then looked at her bare body, and watched the skin cover all of her limbs and tail. She looked at Mama Dragon.

“Just like that.” Mama said.

Wind thought for a second. “I noticed in old photos of Wind... that Soulblade was a different shape.”

Mama nodded and handed the sword back to Wind. “Soulblade is a sentient blade. She wants you to choose her shape. Since you don't have blood, she can't choose for you, like she did with Wind.”

Wind held Soulblade, and concentrated. She watched as the handle and blade changed its shape. “Whoa...”

She looked at Mama. “Wait... was it my hidden abilities or something else that caused Scout to become pregnant?”

“That was you, Dear.” Mama answered. “When you were in battle, you were able to self repair, yes?”

Wind nodded.

“Well, that was from a system you had called microbots.” Mama explained. “A technology that the Unicorns must have taken and studied from Wind, somehow.”

“But if they can create life...” Wind began to say, but Mama shook her head.

“Only you can do that, thanks to your crystal.” Mama said. “The other droids can't.”

“Oh.” Wind sighed in relief. “So... should I expect any more random changes?”

“Only if you decide to.” Mama said “So no, more random changes.”

Wind nodded in relief. Again. “I'm glad.” She placed Soulblade on her back. “Thank you, Mama Dragon. I hope I can live up to Wind's legacy.”

Mama moved and hugged Wind tightly. “You already have, My Kitten.”

Wind's eyes snapped open and was looking up at Scout.

“Scout?”

Scout was looking at her worryingly. “Wind? What happened?”

Wind stood up and looked at Scout. “Well... I met Mama Dragon, and she helped me understand myself.”

Scout looked her up and down. “So, that's why you look different.”

The Cat nodded. “It is.” A thought popped into her head. “What happened to Crawdad Sandwich?”

Scout handed Wind her suit. “Come out and see.”

Wind quickly got dressed, and followed Scout out of their caravan. She looked the gathered Rom, and noticed Crawdad Sandwich tied to a tree.

“Wha...?” She asked in a confused tone.

“Dark insisted he be tied there until the Ponyville soldiers come here to collect him.” Scout explained.

@ask-de-writer

Dark grinned her disturbing many fanged grin as she pointed out, “It was either tie him up or kill him for stealing from the Rom. He is so used to stealing that he claims to not remember whose pockets he picked for those coins.

“I would have loved murdering him but I did not want to mar Midnight and Tia's homecoming to us.”

Midnight smiled, and her ancient title, the True Embodiment of All Nightmares, showed in small flames licking out of her nostrils, eyes gone to flame entirely and ten centimeter long fangs that showed in her jaws. “I really hate to see you limit yourself so for our sake, Dark my dear. It is true that we are no longer Royal Princesses but we do love our ancient Assassin Royal. You have our leave to be as creative as you wish.”

Crawdad Sandwich had been paying close and horrified attention to the sudden change in Midnight and, worse, Tia behind her, nodding serenely. He bawled out, “Hey! Petty stealin' ain't a death sentence!”

Old De Writer nodded agreeably, “Up on the Ponyville Plates, you are absolutely correct. If you bother to look carefully about you, you might notice that you are not on any of the Ponyville Plates. You are on one of our Rom Plates.

Sadly, here it can be. Knowing that you had money sufficient to buy the Ka'chek that you were stealing, even if it was stolen money, only makes it worse.”

He turned to the eagerly waiting black and white pegasus, “Dark, my beloved many greats granddaughter, before you do anything, Crawdad Sandwich was given leave to graze the commons and use our boxed spring. He was warned about the consequence of abusing that privilege. Do see if he has done something that he KNEW was a death sentence. Do take two witnesses. We will wait.”

Dark came flying back! “We need a stretcher bearer and stretcher! Camara took a fall from a deliberate trap! Get Gale to scan the commons for more like it!”

Scout and Gale took a stretcher and sprinted for the commons! Soon, Scout and Hanara came back, carrying the fallen Camara between them on the stretcher.

De Writer told them, “Take her to my examination room. Stand ready to move her to my Operating Room.”

Midnight and Tia stepped up, “Father, allow us to take care of her. I know that we have some healing arts that you do not.”

“Very well, my Dears. I would like to observe and ask questions. Perhaps I can learn something new about healing. That would be a good thing.” He followed them to the examination room.

Dark, flying slowly, watched Gale plant the last of seven marker flags on the small pit traps that had been dug in the commons. She landed briefly by the spring, opening the box that was meant to keep the water clean for the outfall, where horses could drink or collect water for cooking and cleaning.

She returned by the same slow but utterly silent flight that she had used while she watched Gale mark the traps set in the commons. She gave Crawdad Sandwich a smile of such angelic innocence that he was very sensibly horrified.

Happily humming a tune that she had learned literally ages ago, from the still famous Doctor Daring Do, she set about mixing and rolling out a quick pie crust of ordinary flour. Still humming the Funeral March of Kings, from the ancient Nil Eya civilization vanished over two thousand years before the Shattering, she simply folded the crust about the filling and put the pie in an oven to bake.

While she was waiting on that, she simply made a pass in the air in front of her. A perfect mirror surface floated there. She tapped codes. Princess Cadence appeared in the mirror surface. In only moments, Princess Twilight joined her sister.

“What is it, Dark?”

“You remember our discussion about Crawdad Sandwich?”

They chorused, “We do. What has he done now? I mean besides refusing to Pull his Share, the petty theft and Camp Privacy violations?”

“He has contaminated a commons spring water box and set seven shallow pit fall traps in the foal's play area of the commons.”

It was the usually compassionate Cadence who nodded, “Much like his violations up here. The two ponies that died of the contaminated water could not be positively proved to be murders by him. Did you catch him in the act?”

“I am afraid so. We have one mare undergoing treatment for an injured leg. The remaining traps and contamination have been found.”

“I see, Dark. We know your laws on such things. He has no living relative who will claim his corpse. Do you want to keep it for fertilizer or return it to us for disposal?”

Crawdad Sandwich yelled, “They can't do that! I am an Equestrian Citizen!”

Twilight nodded agreeably, “That is why we asked about the disposal of your corpse. Unfortuately for you, you are an escaped prisoner. The Rom actually gave you a chance to fit into their life. You refused to do so. They allowed you free grazing and water in spite of your many transgressions.

“You were warned that contamination of the spring or damage to the commons were capital crimes among the Rom. It will be fascinating to see how Dark manages your execution because in all the hundreds of years of her life, to my knowledge, she has never actually done a public execution. All of your previous killings have been less public. I assume that the crowd I see in the background is here to watch.”

“It is.”

“Um, would you do us a favor? We would like a brief introduction about his crimes and a Magic Net recording of the whole execution. We think that it could serve as a useful lesson to certain ponies up on Our plates.”

“I can do that, your Highnesses. It will not be pleasant, easy death, like, oh say, a strangulation hanging. I am waiting for the assistance of Midnight, if she will be so kind.”

A soft voice interposed, “What is it that you want me to do, Dark? We are done with Camara. She is now up on her hooves but won't be able to Pull for the next two days. She will have aches for the next week or so.”

With the worst timing on all the plates anywhere, Crawdad Sandwich crowed, “See? Just a prank! Any foal bust or strain something, you can fix it right up! No real harm at all!”

Midnight turned to look at him and he shivered all over! He was staring a true nightmare dead in the eyes and it was staring back. Her voice, still soft and gentle only made the words more horrid. “I do see it. Seven traps. Seven broken leg bones? Heal each one right up, so it can be broken again?”

“Just so, dear Godmother Midnight. But first, there is the matter of deliberate contamination of a Commons boxed spring and its outfalls.”

Going to the cooling rack, she brought back the pie and a tumbler of water. “Here, Crawdad Sandwich, eat and drink this. It is the turd that you put into the spring box for horses to drink. The water was scooped out right next to it. I did it myself.”

Defiantly, he demanded, “And if I don't?”

She was quietly cleaning her nails with a fifteen centimeter stiletto. “I rather hope that you won't. If you don't eat it all and drink it all, I will put this through your belly. I can absolutely guarantee that it won't kill you for at least four very painful hours during which you will find out all about the harmless prank of breaking the bones of foals for fun.”

Distrustfully eyeing the deadly knife Crawdad Sandwich took a disgusting first bite and sipped some water. Trying to delay swallowing he whined, “Don't you have any conscience at all?”

From the ring of watchers, staying back at a respectful distance, came a chorus of, “NOPE!” “Not a trace!” “Finest killer that we ever heard of!” and the like.

Dark contradicted slightly, “None of my own, they are right. I trust the judgment of De Writer, and now that they are back, my godmothers Midnight and Tia. In your case, by the way, they are all in total agreement.”

As he swallowed the last of the nauseously filled pie and water, Dark stepped up to him and stumbled! The crack of the breaking canon bone could be heard across the assembled watchers!

Dark caught him and tried lifting him to his hooves, which caused the broken bone ends to grind painfully together! She laid him back to the ground while Midnight gripped his leg, which went still. She pulled hard, which Crawdad Sandwich could clearly feel! The pull did line up the broken ends. She laid her hands briefly over the bone, deep blue magic flowed from her horn to the backs of her hands.

Pulling them away, she said mildly, “The bone is fixed.”

He squalled, “It ain't either! It still hurts something awful!”

It was a filly among the watchers who stated the simple question, “Why are you upset? You wanted to cause pain. Now you are getting what you wanted.”

Before he could retort, Dark stepped away from him and faced him with spread hands. A thin, almost invisible sheet of electric blue-white hit him from hips to hooves!

His back arched in agony as his long tarsal bones, just above the hocks, flexed and broke with muffled reports! Sharp fragments pierced out of the sides his legs! In his heavily muscled upper legs, the true knees made a grinding noise as they ruptured! Due to the thickness of his leg muscles, his femurs, between true (and ruptured) knees and hips made little noise as they broke! The ends did not penetrate his hide but did make visible lumps where no lump should be!

Dark loomed close over the agonized pony. He saw a strange sort of compassion in her gaze. She offered, “I have done to you what I was bidden to do by those who are my conscience. From here, Crawdad Sandwich, I can offer you three paths. You will die, regardless. I can simply leave you as you are to suffer. In about four hours or so, you will pass on in the pain that you are presently in. I can remove the pain. You will still die, just as I have said. If you wish it, I can end your life instantly, with no further pain. Which you chose is up to you.”

“You can't, like heal me up? I gets the lesson, for sure.”

“Afraid not. You do not seem to grasp that your so called pranks were multiple capital crimes. You were sentenced to die and die you shall.”

He took a deep shuddering breath and winced, “You are some sort of monster, you know that? Do it quick then.”

To his plain surprise, she responded, “You are right. I am a sort of monster. I am the daughter of the Alicorn Murder. I was never born. She shaped me from her will and magic and a single living cell from another. I was fortunate to be given to a loving and kindly old donkey to raise as a Rom. The Princesses Luna and Celestia took me as a goddaughter. From all of them, I did learn what Love is. Conscience? Not possible, but trust in them to guide me in who and when to kill? Very much so. I am the luckiest monster in all the plates.

“Now, it is time for you to die.” Her long, thin dagger plunged into the back of his neck, just at the base of his skull, slicing both spinal cord and brainstem all at once.

Crawdad Sandwich simply stopped. He did not even have time to close his eyes.

De Writer stepped close and gently closed the empty, staring eyes. He offered, “I know a place where the grove and brush will benefit from his body. He gets no Lake. He was no Rom or friend of Rom to merit such respect.”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Guardian of Dreams

After the debacle with Crawdad Sandwich, and celebrating for a bit longer, the Rom retired for the evening. De Writer had very kindly given Midnight and Tia Moonbeam's caravan for them to sleep in. After all, it was empty, and they needed a place to day. That, and, De Writer had reasoned that Moonbeam would have been honoured to give the former Princesses her caravan.

Scout and Wind returned to their caravan, again, and got ready for bed. Scout looked her fiance up and down.

“You really look different, Wind.” Scout said. “I wonder... do you feel any different? To the touch?”

Wind looked at Scout with a smirk and beckoned her with a curled finger. “Come over and see for yourself, Love.”

Scout blushed and walked over to Wind. She placed her hands on Wind's forearms and ran them up and down. “You... have fur now. Hmm. It's soft.”

Wind giggled and moved her hands to her stomach. “It seems that... my new fur is very sensitive.”

Scout hugged Wind and ran her hand through the fur on her back. “Well, I love it.” She whispered. “Wind? During your visit with... Mama Dragon... did she tell you how, well, you gave me our child?”

Wind nodded as she returned the hug. “Aye. It turns out that each droid has a repair system with something called microbots. Thanks to Soulblade and my crystal in my head, I can do things with them that I was never able to do before. Thanks to Mama Dragon, I can fully control them.”

Scout pulled back from the hug enough to look up at Wind. “Wind? Take me to bed.”

Wind frowned. “Um, weren't we about to go to sleep?”

The shorter mare shook her head and kissed Wind's neck. “Take me to BED, you silly cat.”

Wind took a fraction of a second to understand what Scout was saying. Scout could swear that she could hear the gears in Wind's tick as she thought.

“Oh. Ohhh~” The cat nodded. “As you wish...”

Some time later, as the lovers slept, they found themselves in a dream plain that looked like a pine forest with a small cottage. Wind looked around.

“I... can dream now?” She said as she suddenly spotted Scout sitting on a bench in front of the cottage. “Scout?”

“Wind?” Scout said as Wind walked over to her. “You're in my dream?”

“I think we're... sharing a dream. But, um, I've never dreamed before.” Wind said as she sat next to Scout. “I know this place.”

Scout nodded. “This is Mama Dragon's cottage. I often come here in my dreams. It's so lovely and peaceful. I always wanted to visit. Maybe, one day, have a cottage of my own.”

Wind nodded and then thought for a second. “I thought Rom really don't settle anywhere.”

“We didn't before.” Scout answered. “A lot has changed since the Great Shift. I just, one day, especially after we're married, it would be nice to have a cottage to raise our child. We can still pull and travel, and do all that Rom do, just...”

Wind took Scout's hand in hers. “I know what you're saying.” She looked around the Dreamscape. I still want to know how I'm dreaming, and, how we're sharing a dream...”

“That would be my cue...” A ethereal voice said suddenly. A tall, white, pegasus mare, with a golden mane and tail, wearing knight armour, appeared in front of them. “Nice to meet you Wind and Scout.”

“Angel?” Scout and Wind said together.

“Are you visiting us from the Lake?” Scout asked her great, great, great, great Grandmother.

Angel giggled. “No. I'm the Guardian of Dreams. Ever since Luna was lost during the shift, I've been the Protector of Dreams. Watching over those whom need help or guidance.”

“Like me?” Wind asked.

“Yes.” Angel nodded. “You've never dreamt before, Wind. I didn't want you getting lost in your dreams. Possibly having a bad one. So, I brought you here, to Scout's dream.”

The cat dipped her head in respect. “Thank you, Angel.”

Angel waved her hand dismissively. “Just doing my job.” She turned her attention to Scout. “I also, finally, wanted to meet you, Scout.”

“And I, you.” Scout said in return. “Why now, after all these years?”

“Well, suffice to say, the Dreamscape is a big place.” Angel explained “That, and, this was the perfect time to come out and meet you.”

“Makes sense.” Scout nodded. “I get that you wanted to help Wind. But, um... do I need help as well?”

“Kinda. It's... complicated.” Angel walked up to Scout and touched the tip of her horn with her finger. “I just wanted to help you reach your full potential.”

“My...” Scout trailed off. “Huh?”

“Before I travelled to the Lake, and then, to the Dreamscape, I could use my magic to communicate with those horses and ponies, and yes, even cows, that had passed on.” Angel explained. “A gift that all of Starswirl's descendants had.” She smiled. “And now, you can too.”

“I can... speak to my Parents again? See them again?” Scout asked in shock an surprise. “In a sense.” Angel nodded. She looked up at the starry sky. “Just don't do it too often.” She looked down and hugged her granddaughter. “I must be off. I got others to visit, and not much time to do so.”

With a swirl of her wings, she was gone from Scout's and Wind's dream, and was suddenly in De Writer's and Luna's Dream.

She smiled to both of them. “Hello, Papa. Nana. Nice to see you again.”

@ask-de-writer

Luna stretched and flexed her magnificent wings as she awakened inside her dream. “Wonderful to see you, Angel Fluff. So, you are the reason that generally sane ponies still have reasonably sane dreams. If I may say so, you have been doing an excellent job.”

Angel literally glowed at the compliment. She looked about and was not surprised really, to see that they were in a happy Rom camp, with De Writer sitting on the steps of Marchhare's old caravan. She saw another caravan that she knew very well. The caravan of Esper and Breeze, just as it was when she lived there for so many years after they adopted her into the Rom.

Her own eyes brimming, she smiled a truly serene smile.

“Thank you, Midnight, for including me and my home in your dream of home.”

De Writer spoke quietly from his place, “Not only your home, her true home and mine too. Our good Midnight is an expert dream crafter and she loves you.”

Midnight breathed a deep breath, full of the scent of Rom horses, cooking fire smoke, and wonderful things cooking. “I have missed this, Angel. When you gave it to me, I simply had to share it back. You were such a good part of our lives as Rom.

“Another amazing part is being able to be with our dear Foster Father, who was lost to us for so many thousands of years.”

Celestia opened the upper half of the Caravan door and offered, “Can you please stay here in our dream long enough to see Midnight dance? I have found my old favorite lyre and Father's fine drumset. Do you know flute music? That would make the set perfect.”

“The radient pegasus that was Angel nodded, “I can indeed. I have had ages to learn it and other instruments as well.” She sat on a stool to De Writer right. Celestia took a seat to De Writer's left and carefully began tuning her lyre. There was a soft patter of rhythm from the drums between De Writer's knees. Angel took a few practice puffs to get used to the instrument.

Midnight took her place and the three swung into the oldest tune of the Rom, the Shehan Ja Rom, the Salvation of the Rom. Midnight's movement began with the unfurling of her amazing wings. She swept into motion, taking advantage of her new, upright form and free arms and hands. As she danced, she began the ancient and original chant telling of the original Seven Horses, the founders of all the Rom.

“They were cast off as slaves because of drought and famine in the ancient long lost Kingdom of Gyptia. They were lost and dying of thirst and hunger in the Desert of the Sunhorse's Anvil when they were found by a merchant donkey, carrying water and fine foods to sell in Gyptia. He gave up his profits to save those seven and led them to safety. The hardships of the desert and the long journey wore on them all. Only a day away from life giving water and browse, he could not go on, after giving them directions to that shade and water that he would not live to see, he died there in the shade of a stone ledge. Mourning, the rest pushed on.

“Three days they camped in the meadow that Marchhare, the old donkey, had led them to. The spring that fed the pool in the meadow they named Sha Ja Shehan, the Spring of Salvation. On the third day, they heard hoof beats coming up the stones of the pass towards them. It was Old Marchhare! He was no longer gaunt from starvation and thirst. Asking permission, he drank from the spring and was given a biscuit baked from the clovers and grasses of the meadow.

“From that day he guided the Rom and never faltered nor abandoned us!”

Angel looked up, tears in her eyes at Midnight, in her final pose. “I did try to give him to you in this dream, but I could not. When the Shattering happened and he was taken from us, he was lost in a way that not even a dream can undo, even for a moment.”

Midnight, relaxing and furling her wings replied, “I do understand, Angel. I cannot bring him back either.

“I have a different question, though. Literally the survival of all life on all the Plates depends on Celestia and I finding a Scroll of Creation Magic. It can be a mere fragment. Even a used one. The only ones that we ever made were all in Canterlot and it is gone. Has your work with the dreams of ponies or horses let you know where either a Scroll, a bit of one, or Canterlot itself is?”

Angel smiled, gently returning the flute to De Writer, as she replied, “No, I am afraid not. While I do not know were Ancient Canterlot is, I do know where it has to be. It is on the Last Plate, somewhere. At the very core of all the plates is a ball, in area, no bigger nor smaller than the largest plate above it. Canterlot is down there.

“The altered Scroll that caused this all, read in part, 'Canterlot is cast down below all and unicorn ponies raised up. The true unicorn shall rule.'”

Celestia chuckled while carefully putting her precious lyre back into its case, “That, at least gives us the best clue so far, Angel. We thank you.”

De Writer put in, “It also explains why the unicorns have their plates up above and why they are all crazy. Unicorn ponies raised up gives them the upper plates. Unfortunately, the change to THE true unicorn shall rule, without saying what the will rule, leaves them fighting between themselves because every unicorn believes that he or she is the TRUE UNICORN who will rule.”

Angel nodded, a secretive smile on her lips and in her eyes. “Their idea of a good dream is along those lines, yes. Have I given them good dreams to keep them squabbling among themselves? Again, yes.

“Now, I must go. Try to not be surprised at how the dream ends.”

As Angel faded from sight, the sounds and scents of an active Rom encampment filled their ears and noses! They quietly realized that their eyes were open.

They were surrounded by Rom of all ages. Their heads tilted back and the trills were deafening!

“That was an amazing rendition of the Shehan! Can you teach us? Never saw wing work like that before!”

Celestia laughed out loud and replied, “Not until after breakfast! We do have some other work to get done but we have at least a few months, perhaps a year before the Penny's Hammer is finished. We will sit down with everyhorse involved right after breakfast and set up a class schedule, OK?”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Prototype

Rosie breathed a sigh of relief as slumped in chair in at the workbench in Dark’s workshop. The shop had become a regular haunt of hers as she and Dark, and even Wind, designed the defense systems for the Penny’s Hammer. In fact, over the last week, since Midnight and Tia came back to the Rom, the pink catter kitten had spent more time in the shop, then out of it.

She rubbed her eyes with her fists, and then looked at her newest Prototype.

It was a scaled-down version of her proposed Shield generator that she had first thought of when Dark first showed her secret forge. Rosie didn’t want to commit to a full-sized version yet. She had no idea if her crystal-based power source, for the shields, would even be viable for a ship as large as the Hammer.

She and De Writer had discussed at length about power options for the shields and the main power. Rosie had designed and suggested solar catcher sails. De Writer pointed out, that while those could be used for the initial charge, there wouldn’t be enough sunlight down below the core to keep them charged. So, the Hammer would still need to be powered by M/T boilers for the main engines. Using, of course, Rosie’s design for the advanced copper boilers, instead of the old steel design.

As for the full-sized Shield generator, the power source could be sorted out later. After all… the Hammer wouldn’t be ready for her Maiden flight for at least another year. So they had plenty of time to sort things out.

Another example being that Tia and Midnight had brought with them the new canon designs, compliments of Twilight. So they had to alter Rosie’s initial 3 deck design of the Hammer to have a fourth deck. The scavers and wrecker crews that were building the Hammer’s frame, weren’t too happy to hear that, but went along with it.

Rosie rubbed her eyes with her fists, and then blinked to clear them. She looked at her small shield generator. It was the size of an arm, and, hopefully, could stop any and all attacks thrown at it. However, she had no idea how long the shields would last, or even how to test it.

Fenrir could work for a test subject, but he couldn’t give her feedback. Also, she didn’t feel comfortable throwing things at him. Sure, he could understand basic things, somewhat, but she had a feeling he wouldn’t understand why she was suddenly attacking him.

No… she needed a willing test subject with a crystal power source. Which would be Wind.

She gathered up her generator and walked out of the shop. She let her eyes adjust to the sun light, and then looked around for the robot girl.

She spotted Wind, not-so-surprisingly, sitting next to Scout under their awning of their shared caravan. She smiled and walked over to them.

“Hey, Alita. Hey Scout.” Rosie greeted them.

“Greetings, Rose.” Wind nodded.

Scout smiled. “Hey Rosie. How are your projects going?”

“Slowly.” Rosie admitted. “Hitting a few snags here and there.” She shrugged. “But I can’t really complain.”

Wind’s head tilted. “What’s that you got?” She nodded with her chin at Rosie’s device.

“This?” She said with a grin. “It’s a prototype shield generator. I based it off the design the Starblade used, once upon a time.”

“It’s… small.” Scout commented at she looked at it. “Was it that small on the Starblade?”

“No.” Wind answered. “From what I remember, the shield generator on the Starblade was as tall as me. They then used several emitters on the hull to project the shield.” She looked at Rosie’s device. “What Rosie has is an emitter. A common misconception, as the two terms are interchangeable.”

“Right,” Rosie smiled. “Except this device is both. Hence, why it’s a prototype. Once I can confirm it works, The Generator will be placed in the engineering bay, and the emitters will be placed on the hull.” She looked at Wind. “Which is why I’m coming to you, Alita. See, I-“

“You want me to attach your device to test it. To see if a crystal is able to power it.” Wind said as she nodded sagely.

“Well, yeah.” Rosie said. “Also, to run other tests. To check for overheating and power drain.”

Wind stood up and held out her right arm. “Well, who am I to deny an upgrade?”

“Huh?” Scout asked as she stood up too.

“Simple.” Wind said as Rosie placed the device on Wind’s arm. “The way I see it, I can keep this device on me. Should we get attacked on land, or say, boarded by an enemy while we’re flying the Hammer, I can still use it to help defend us.”

“Oh.” Scout hummed. “But if it’s a prototype… wouldn’t Rosie need to work on it? To make improvements?”

“Not on this unit.” Rosie said as she looked for a spot to plug the unit in. ”Uh…”

Wind took the wire from Rose, and flipped her arm upside down. A panel on her inner forearm opened, revealing a port. She clipped the wire into it. The device powered on with a low hum.

Rosie giggled excitedly. “It works. Any burning? Overheating?”

Wind’s eyes flashed as she ran a diagnosis on herself. “Nope. All systems normal. There is a slight increase to my power output… but that’s to be expected.” She rotated her arm as she looked at the unit. “There’s no power regulator for this, is there?”

Rose shook her head. “Not yet. Couldn’t make one small enough with the parts that dark had in her shop.”

Wind nodded and closed her eyes. Rosie and Scout watched as small power regulator formed on the unit. Wind opened her eyes, and nodded. “There. Power output has dropped from an increased 2.5 percent to 1 percent.”

Rosie gasped. “How did you do that?”

Wind smiled. “It’s something I learned I can do a week ago. I can change my body as I see fit. With certain limits.”

“Wow.” Rosie said. “So, um…”

“Right. Let’s go over to the sparring circle.” Wind suggested. “Test this thing out.”

The three Rom walked over to the sparring circle, where Wind and Scout would practice their sword skills.

Wind clenched her fist, and a yellow, translucent, circle made of energy, about half the size of her, formed in front of the device. She examined the shield closely. “Power output has increased to 5% for my crystal. Well within normal operations.”

“Good.” Rosie said as she picked up a rock, about the size of a grape. “Ready?”

Wind nodded.

Rosie took a few steps back and then tossed the rock at the shield. The rock hit the shield with a ‘pe-tang!” noise, but bounced off harmlessly.

“It seems to be working.” Wind said with an approving nod. “No heat increase yet.”

Scout picked up a larger rock, about the size of a softball. “Ready, Wind?”

Wind braced herself and smirked. “Show no mercy.”

Scout threw the rock with all her might. It bounced off the shield with a louder noise than Rosie’s rock.

“Shield integrity down to 99%.” Wind reported. She looked at Rosie. “What else do you got?”

“Okay…” Rosie said as she opened her coat to reveal her throwing daggers on her belt. “Titanium throwing daggers, forged by my Mama Penny.”

Wind used her left hand to silently gesture for Rosie to commence her attack.

Rosie threw all five knives in quick succession at the shield. Each knife hit the shield and fell to the ground.

“Shield down to 95%.” Wind reported. “Those are some serious knives. Also, good grouping.”

Rosie giggled. “What else can we throw at it?”

Scout summoned her magic to her horn. “I can use my magic. I’ll only go half strength to begin with.”

Wind nodded. “Okay.”

Scout sent out a ball of magic towards the shield. Wind had to brace her right arm with her left arm in a t-pose as she was pushed back half a foot. The magic ball splashed against the shield like a water balloon.

Wind blinked as she recovered. “Uh… shield is down to 80%.” She was silent for a second. “The unit is a little warm… but it’s still not at risk of overheating.”

She looked and noticed that De Writer, Dark, Tia, and Midnight had joined them. “Um…”

Rosie giggled. “Do you guys want to help us test my shield prototype?”

@ask-de-writer

Dark looked askance at the projected shield and asked thoughtfully, “I take it that the object here is not testing it to destruction? I notice that it is tied into Wind's systems and I would not want to cause her any harm.”

Rosie gave Dark a respectful glance before inquiring curiously, “Do you think that you could break the shield?”

Old De Writer, nodded emphatically, “If Dark asks in that way, you may be certain that she can.”

Actually curious, Wind held out her arm with the shield and stated, “I do not recall any shield stronger, for its size. How would you go about breaking it?”

Dark shrugged both wing and arm shoulders. “Not easily, I grant you. That is one stout shield. I would have to call on a combination of magics from both of my mothers. Then I would add the little that I know of Baratted's runes. The result would be powerful enough but unstable and and dangerous to use in so small a space as this is.”

Midnight nodded, “Wise, Dark, dear. We need to spend some time in study so that you can learn better how Baratted's runes work. It will open up the whole realm of Non Equine Magic to you. I would like to include Princess Twilight in the lessons, if possible. She is more likely to actually need the knowledge than we are.”

Dark smiled a shark toothed smile and spun about, flipping one of her daggers at the shield! The glittering spin stopped, knife standing out from the shield for almost a quarter of a second before it dropped to the ground!

Rose's jaw dropped! “That should not be possible!”

Dark skipped forward and retrieved her weapon. “The shield is purely technical in design. The knife, besides being technical, forged steel and all that, has a substantial amount of some of Mama Murder's finest magic worked into it.

“I suspect that to make it hold up against a properly designed mixed attack, you will need to work in some of Midnight's rune magic. As it stands, it was the magic that caused the knife to penetrate even that small amount.

“I will say that you have a very impressive prototype. Like many prototypes, it needs some work but it demonstrates the principle perfectly.”

Midnight thoughtfully suggested, “Rose, if you are going to be making things of that nature, you should be included in a small class that I am going to be teaching.

“Besides you, we will include De Writer, my sister Tia, Dark, Princess Twilight, and Princess Cadence. We will be studying the design and control of Baratted's runes. They have many applications, both to destroy and to heal or build.”

Unplugging the shield and regulator from her systems and returning the prototype to Rosie, Wind volunteered, “I know that my original structure was simply technical but that is no longer true. Between various crystals and Soulblade, I have become something else. If you could include me in that class, I would be most interested in seeing if any of its magic applies to my new state.”

Midnight paused and stared at Wind for several seconds. “That should be interesting indeed. I do wonder whether your combat systems, using regular mathematics can adapt to mathemagic, which is quite different. I should have thought of inviting you just to see whether that is a possibility. Do join us.”

De Writer made that simple pass in the air that the Twins were now getting used to. What appeared to be a Magic Net mirror was floating in front of him. He tapped codes into it. Princess Twilight appeared in it in only moments.

“What is it, De Writer? I assume that it is important for you to call in person.”

The old blue unicorn nodded, “We would like to have an hour of your day for both you and Cadence. This will be at a regular time for some weeks. Doctor Midnight wishes to teach a class in the Mathemagical underpinnings of Baratted's rune magic.”

“I see. Will it be putting better weapons into our hands?”

“Yes, it will enable that. The knowledge can also have many valuable applications in peaceful life too. Just as Midnight made wands that allow the setting of runes in the new artillery shells, ones can be made to allow earth ponies or pegassi to build better and more easily at the same time. Healing ones in a wide variety can be made too. The applications are nearly endless.”

Princess Cadence put her head into the view of the mirror and stated flatly, “Healing and other peaceful wands? We WILL make the time for it.”

Midnight suggested, “The first hour after luncheon, then?”

Cadence nodded, “We will have our Protocol Ponies clear that time on a daily basis until further notice.”

Twilight joined her in asking, “Can we begin today? This is too important to delay.”

Midnight nodded, her horn making an arc as she did so. “Today then, just after luncheon. We will begin our lunch immediately. Give us a Magic Net call when you are ready to begin.”

Up on Ponyville's plate, in the Crystal Palace, there was an uproar. Bragin, the Chief Protocol Pony was waving the book of daily schedules while expostulating, “An HOUR of your time just after the Royal Luncheon!? Today? Impossible! I have your schedule drawn up for the next month and there is no place for a daily HOUR of your Royal time!”

Twilight smiled grimly from her throne and aimed her Rainbow staff at Bragin like a spear! The book was snatched from his hands by the potent magic of the staff!

Twilight opened it and leafed through to the current page. “I see no problem with clearing this hour. Grabmor Bank's offer to assume the management of the Royal Exchequer is denied. Baron Cheatin's scheme to handle the firewood supplies for the Royal Roads and Railroads from centralized wholesale woodlots is denied. That clears the entire hour.”

With an angelic smile she handed the book to Cadence who promptly leafed through the whole upcoming week. He pen bobbed as cheerfully as her smile was wide while she crossed out appointment after appointment!

Looking up brightly, she pronounced, “There! The whole of the next week has been cleared for this class, which is a matter of State Secret. Any detected effort to learn what is being covered in it will result the ponies involved being put to the Question and then executed.

“As the classes progress, we may need to clear more time for working on or with what we are learning. Hold yourself ready to work around Our Royal needs, Bragin.”

At the appointed time, Twilight and Cadence were in their secure room, quietly glued to Magic Net mirrors.

Down at De Writer's Fair, the rest of the class was assembled in Dark's workshop. Midnight began, “Before we can get to designing runes and the devices to use them, we must begin by learning the basics of Mathemagic. Without that understanding, you will not be able to grasp how a rune works or what it does.

“The first two things that you need to know are that zero is an eleven faceted variable. The second is that EVERY rune works through a matrix of eleven balanced inequalities. I will get to setting up and processing matrices to derive runes a bit later.”

She wrote on a slateboard while saying, “This is the basic set of variable values for zero . . .”

@wind-the-mama-cat

Wooden you know it

Choco and Clyde, along with a team of six other Rom from the Forestry section of the Rom plate, pulled into De Writer’s fair with Rosie’s wood order for the hull and decks for the Penny’s Hammer. Normally, Choco wouldn’t had been one of the hauling horses, but she wanted to see her friend Rosie again. After all it had been almost two weeks since the pink patter had placed her order.

The team of eight Rom were greeted by the oldest blue Horse, De Writer.

“Ah, greetings.” He said with a broad smile. “Welcome to my fair.” He pointed towards the area where the Hammer’s frame was coming along. “Feast your eyes on the Penny’s Hammer. The first and only Rom airship.”

Choco looked to where De Writer was pointing. “Wow. How long until she’s ready?”

“Oh… not for some time, Dear Choco. At least a year. There’s much to be done in order to get her ready.” De Writer said as he stroked his beard with his right hand. “That being said, I feel the Rom are up to the challenge.”

His eyes looked at the extra long Rom wagon that they were pulling. “Is that the Iron wood that Rosie ordered?”

“Yup.” Clyde nodded. “Got enough of it for the hull.”

“The Rosewood for the decks will be here tomorrow.” Choco said with a grin. “There’s more of that than the Iron wood.” She chuckled “That was even before you added to the order for the extra deck.”

“Understandably.” De Writer nodded. “If you Rom would be so grateful, you can off-load the wood next to the Hammer.”

“Right.” Clyde said. “Come on you guys.”

After 15 minutes or so, the Forestry horses had unloaded the wood into a neat pile next to the Hammer, and covered it in a large tarp, so that it wouldn’t be affected by the sun and wind.

Once they were done, Clyde and the others headed for the refreshment tent, while Choco tracked down De writer.

“Um, De Writer?” The small mare blushed. “Is… is Rosie around? I don’t see here anywhere.”

De Writer looked down at the short 15-year-old and cocked a bushy eyebrow. “Rosie is currently having a lesson with Tia and Midnight.”

“Oh.” Choco hummed. “S-sorry to ask… it’s just, well, I haven’t seen her in two weeks, and well…”

“I see. You miss her and want to visit with her.” He smiled. “She’ll be done shortly.”

The chocolate and white horse was literally and physically shaking with anticipation. So much so, that De Writer took her hand and lead to the refreshment booth. He poured a mug of tea, and handed it to her.

“Here, Choco.” He said kindly. “Drink this. It’s Rosie’s favorite.”

Choco took the mug in both her hands and sipped it. She snorted at the taste. “How is it cold and hot at the same time?”

“It’s called peppermint tea.” De Writer chuckled. “Rosie’s Mama, Wind, always drank it. Marchhare always kept a few plants around to make her tea. After he… disappeared, I started keeping one or two plants.”

Choco sipped the tea again. “It’s… an acquired taste. But I can learn to like it.”

“Indeed.” He looked at his caravan. “Hm… you know something? Other Rom seem to enjoy it as well as Rosie. I should plant more peppermint plants.” He looked back at Choco. “What do you think?”

She nodded in agreement. “Sounds like a good idea.” She sipped her tea some more “Did you need any help planting your mint plants?”

De Writer nodded in thought. “I could certainly use a green thumb. I accept your offer, Choco.”

Her ears flickered as the door to the entrance to Dark's shop, next to De Writer’s caravan opened. She turned and watched as a tall cat girl walked out. Next, was a shorter, but taller than her, white unicorn girl. Next came a very tall white horse, which Choco knew from the pictures De Writer had shown the Rom, was Tia. Following Tia was a tall dark blue horse, that Choco knew was Midnight. Next came a short black horse. Lastly-

“Rosie!” Choco shouted in excitement. She dropped her mug, and vaulted over the table. De Writer caught the mug in his magic, as She ran over to the startled patter.

Rosie gasped and braced herself for the excited hug. Choco skidded to a halt suddenly, as Midnight snared her in a gentle web of her magic.

“Huh?” Choco asked as she floated six inches off the ground.

“And whom might you be, O Excited one?” Midnight asked kindly.

“Her name is Choco.” Rosie answered. “She’s my friend from the Forest area.” She looked at Midnight. “She doesn’t mean any harm.”

Midnight nodded and placed Choco down. She then released the young girl from her magic. Choco, in turn, hugged Rosie around her waist. Rosie giggled and hugged her around her shoulders.

“I’ve missed you, Rosie.” Choco sighed happily.

“I’ve missed you too.” Rosie admitted. “What are you doing here?”

Choco pulled away from the hug. “Oh! Right. I, um, well, me, Clyde and a few others brought your Iron wood. For the Hammer.”

“Ohhh. Okay.” Rosie nodded. “But… I thought you were a Wood smith and planter? Not a hauler…”

Choco blushed. “I…” She pulled out a bouquet of white lilies from her bag. “I really missed you, Rosie…”

Rosie’s eyes went wide at the sight of the flowers. She knew what those meant. What Choco was asking her. She shook her head sadly.

“I can’t accept these, Choco…” She whispered gently. She sighed deeply. “Please understand…”

Choco looked down-trodden. “But… I thought you liked me.”

Rosie bit her lower lip nervously. “I think we need to talk, Choco.” She gestured for Choco to follower her next door to her caravan. “In private…”

The patter lead the young mare inside. “Have a seat on the bed, Choco.”

The mare nodded, and with flowers still in hand, sat on the edge of Rosie’s bed. Rosie picked up her desk chair, and placed it two feet in front of Choco and sat down.

“Choco… I do like you. Very much.” Rosie began. “You’re a sweet, adorable girl. You’re kind and funny, and I would like very much to be your friend. But-“ She said as she held up a finger.” I’m not attracted to girls. My Mama was, and yes… even my Auntie Esper was… but I’m not. You also have to remember that I’m six hundred years old, despite what I might look like.”

“Okay. I get all that.” Choco said. “I don’t care that you’re… older than me. I don’t. And no, I’m not just some… dumb, stubborn, horny kid. I like you Rosie. I really do. I want… I want to make you happy.” She sighed and brought the flowers up. “You told me, two weeks ago, that you miss your husband every day. That your heart aches for him. Can’t I… help you with that pain?”

“Choco… that’s very sweet of you to offer. But that fact remains… that I’m straight.” Rosie said.

“S-so… so am I…” Choco gulped as her face turned deep red.

“You’re… huh?” Rosie blinked. “Choco… you want to date me. And you’re a mare. How can a mare, who wants to date… a female… be…?”

“I might look like a mare, talk like a mare, act like a mare… and dress like a mare…” Choco cleared her throat and her eyes welled up. “…and wear make-up…” Rosie noticed that her voice got a note deeper. “I’m actually… a colt, who identifies as a mare…”

“You’re… a boy?” Rosie asked in awe. “Err… I mean… biologically?”

Choco nodded silently as tears streamed down her face.

“Uh… wow. Okay.” Rosie said. “Had me fooled.” She pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and handed it to the weeping horse. “Does… anyone else know?”

“My parents know, before they traveled to the lake… and Elora does too.” Choco said as she wiped her eyes. “So does Clyde…” She sniffled. “He asked me out a year ago… had to tell him. He understood.”

“So, uh… you’re really serious… about me, aren’t you?” The kitten asked. “To tell me all that.”

Choco nodded. “I am, Rosie. I… felt so empty when you left. My heart ached.” She sniffled again. “I won’t go so far as to say that I love you. Not yet. But…”

“Hey… it’s okay.” Rosie said as she sat next to the mare and wrapped her arm around her shoulders. “I understand.”

“Y-you don’t think I’m weird?” Choco asked as her voice went back to normal. She rested her head on Rosie's shoulder.

Rosie shook her head no. “I don’t judge horses like that. You do whatever makes you comfortable.” She sighed. “You are right. I am lonely. I see Alita and Scout... being in love, and I miss that.”

“Can I… I mean… would you mind if…?” Rosie asked nervously.

“Why I feel like I’m a mare?” Choco finished for her. “It’s hard to say. I just… ever since I was young, maybe around eight, I always felt… different. Like I was meant to be born as a filly. Wearing these clothes, and wearing make-up, just felt… right.”

Rosie thought and nodded. “So, um… do you plan on… becoming a mare? Physically?” She asked tentatively.

Choco shook her head no. “No. I’m comfortable with my body. I just feel more myself in dresses and skirts, and long hair.”

“But… um…” Rosie blushed. “Your body looks really feminine…”

“Well, I’ve had some… help.” Choco explained. “A kind unicorn Rom… well she… helped me with her magic. I won’t ever have to shave my face when I’m older… and my, well, my body will always be slim.”

“Oh.” Rosie nodded. She gently took the flowers from Choco and sniffed them. “I’m really flattered, Choco. I truly am. You’re so incredibly brave telling me the truth. You remind me of how My Mama Cat was always brave. Is still brave. No matter what.”

Choco sniffled.

“Tell you what…” Rosie said as she stood up and placed the flowers in her water pitcher. “Since you were brave for me, I can be… brave for you. I’m willing to try this… whatever this is… with you. We can date, and be a couple. BUT-“ She emphasized. “I sleep on the left side of the bed and I’m the big spoon. Got it?”

Choco nodded. “Wait… we’re going to share the bed?”

Rosie quirked an eyebrow. “Where else would you sleep?”

“I… uh…” She shrugged. “I was going to bring my Caravan here…”

“Right. And how long will that take?” Rosie asked as she placed her hands on her hips.

“… be here tomorrow…”

“Which means…?” Rosie said with a giggle.

“That I won’t have another bed until then.” Choco said with a blush.

Rosie walked over to her, and took her hands in hers. She then easily pulled her up, showing her hidden strength. “I know I said I’ll date you, but you’re still young. Yes, we can share a bed, but that’s it. No… adult relations. Understood?”

Choco nodded. “Yes, Ma’am.”

“Good.” Rosie nodded. She kissed Choco on the nose. “Now, you have to go and ask De Writer to join our band. Also… we have to find a job for you.” She took Choco’s left hand in her right hand and led her out of her caravan. She then led her to where De Writer was… talking with Midnight and Tia near the wreck of the Renaissance.

“De Writer?” Rosie asked “Choco has something to ask you…”

“I, um… I asked Rosie out and, well, she said yes. But, um…” the young mare stammered. “C-could I join your band? Just until… the Hammer is built?” She had no idea why she was so nervous. “I... I'm a really good woodsmith. I can even help you with your mint plants-”

De Writer smiled warmly at the nervous girl. “I have no problem with you staying here with us. However, I am not your Rom Leader. Elora is. Shouldn't you ask her about leaving the Forestry bands?”

“I... already told her...” Choco blushed. “She said she will miss me... but, well, she had no issue with me staying here. But only if you approve...”

Rosie looked at De Writer while holding Choco's hand in hers. “Please, Papa?”

@ask-de-writer

I grinned and pointed to the developing Sky Ship. “Go and find something to do. This band doesn't put up with any slackers except this old blue Rom! Only I get to be lazy around here.”

As they scampered off towards the ship, I overheard, “What was your class about?”

“Zero. This sounds weird but it's really complicated.”

I asked Midnight, “So, how well do you think that the class went? I know a good bit of mathemagic but that bit about zero being a different value in each of eleven dimensions was new to me.”

“Surprisingly well, De Writer. Twilight especially, seems to grasp the whole idea of zero being a variable with eleven facets, each one being different but reconsilable in a matrix. My real surprise was Wind. I really thought that she would have trouble with it, since she is used to computing in three dimensions. Her computing parts simply said, 'Oh, is that all?' and is eagerly awaiting how to set them up properly.”

I snorted, “I always wondered how Baratted figured that out!”

Midnight shook her head at the memory, now thousands of years past, and replied, “I really do not know. For his first six months with us in the Fortress of Nightmare, he delved into many esoteric things, then sort of from nowhere, he came up with the wands for the earth ponies who became my Witch Brigade.” She chuckled at the memory. “The attacking unicorns actually made a protest because it was just WRONG for earth ponies to wield magic stronger than theirs!”

Wind smiled at that and pointed out, “No, Midnight, I don't compute trajectories in three dimensions. I need Four. I have to account for not only how the projectile will fly but also, where the target will be when the projectile gets there. In some cases, I need to solve TWO complete four dimensional matrices to a single solution. One is for my shot and one is for the target. Adding extra dimensions to a matrix is basic math. I will be very interested in how you process a matrix like that since the values of zero seem to vary.”

Midnight nodded, “You are right. Each of the values follows a precise rule. I will get to that as soon as the rest of the class catches up to you.”

Dark snickered. “Changing the subject, when are you and Scout going to be married? You two are getting so mushy that I might forget that this is a desert plate. Besides, some of us have bets on when it will happen.”

Wind archly retorted, “When, not IF? I mean, Scout has two artificial legs and I am sorta all artificial and not horselike at all. What will other Rom think?”

Dark grinned her patented shark like grin as she nodded, “No takers on IF at all. Just look around. From here, I can see four horses with artificial limbs that I made for them. No Rom cares about trivial things like being all or part mechanical. You Pull whenever and whatever needed. That is the heart of being Rom and you are welcome among us.

“None of us doubts that De Writer will give you your Freedom soon.” She paused and grinned wider, if possible, and pointed with a thumb at me, “Including De Writer, there.”

I nodded cheerfully, “DEAD right, Dark! There are a few things that I still need to see before I offer Wind her Freedom of the Rom.”

Dark nodded and offered softly, “The original wedding sashes of Nore and Marchhare were in Grandpa's caravan with him and they are gone wherever he went. The Rom have continued to be my loving family.

“Because of that, and the fact that I have seen them many times, I have done something for the Rom. It took me years to duplicate those sashes woven by Sarel those many ages ago but I did it.

“If you and scout would like to use them, I would be honored.”

Wind, realizing the deep emotions that Dark was showing, replied, “I would really like that, Dark. The decision is not mine alone. I must ask Scout too.”

Dark nodded understanding. “Why not go scout up Scout and put the question to her?”

Wind wandered off from our little group. It was nearly evening before the two of them returned. Both she and Scout were smiling.

Wind pushed Scout gently forward to the fire ring where the whole band were busy cooking.

Dark looked up. “You certainly look happy, Scout.”

“I am. You gave Wind the push that we needed. I agreed immediately. We spent the rest of the time talking and walking the Road, looking for suitable stones. We found these in a road cut and I think that they will be perfect.”

Dark smiled in a confused way. “Those petrified wood pieces are lovely but for a wedding?”

Wind prodded Scout, “You tell them. You say things better than I do.”

Scout nodded and replied to Dark, “Right. You are Marchhare's adopted Granddaughter.

“When I was little, Unicorn scrappers murdered my band. Between you and De Writer you saved my life but not my legs. Later you made me good legs so that I could live normally.

“Those legs let me find Wind in that wrecked Unicorn skyship, she was broken and not working. You fixed her and since then you have played a large part in both of our lives.

“We all love Marchhare, your grandpa, and we love you too. We want you to marry us in Marchhare's Grove with the sashes that you wove and then we will Lay the Stones for him and share our joy with him.”

Midnight said softly, “That sounds so perfect. Wind, Scout? Where did you find those lovely petrified woods? We would like to Lay the Stones for Marchhare, too. He was our Rom for over eight hundred years.”

Wind and Scout shared a smile as she replied, “There was a way marker that said “Pull 15, Wayside number 7.” The Road cut is just beyond it and the petrified wood is about half way up the cut.”

Dark nodded slowly as she turned a simple Ka'chek patty filled with peaches and ground almonds, she offered, “I do know that place. Tia, Midnight, I will guide you there after we eat. Those two have had a perfectly lovely idea and I will be wanting a Stone to lay myself. I expect from what you just said that you want ones too.”

As soon as the dishes and cookware from dinner were washed and properly put away, Dark, Tia and Midnight spread their wings and flew away.

On their return, they each had a small but fine piece of colorful petrified wood.

A softly smiling Dark entered De Writer's caravan. De Writer snorted goodnaturedly to Midnight, “In spite of all the fixed buildings and shops here at My Fair, I do still stay and sleep in a caravan. It is the only right way to be Rom.”

The caravan rocked slightly and Dark opened the double door. She was carrying a flat box of Blackwood.

She led the way to the quiet and peaceful grove that had grown up around the place where, centuries past, Marchhare's caravan and the Ghost Who Guides vanished during the Shattering. At the center of the almost perfectly round glade were the Stones Laid for him by thousands of Rom.

The small heap, glittering in the light, said more than words how much Marchhare was missed by the Rom. Of all those gone to the Lake, only he could not return enough to share his wisdom with those who still loved him.

Dark was not alone in shedding some tears.

Turning to face the crowd who had followed the wedding couple, Dark held up the case for all to see. “We are here to celebrate the wedding of Willow Kil Hona, known as Scout and Gale, Alita, Wind, bearer of Soulblade.

To make these wedding sashes, I had to learn weaving. The original wedding sashes of Marchhare and Nore, the first wedding of Rom at all, were in Marchhare's caravan at the Shattering. They are gone to wherever our beloved Ghost Who Guides has gone.

My teachers in the weaving craft were De Writer, who let me watch the creation of those sashes in the Orb of the Ages and Sarel, who wove them first. I found her Lake and Laid the Stones for her. She taught me much.

“Even so, it took me years to do it well enough. Sarel, from the Lake, has seen my work and approved it as good.”

Dark paused, took a deep breath and turned to Scout and Wind, “Knowing that I am the created Daughter of the Alicorn Murder but raised to know love and care by these amazing Rom and Grandpa Marchhare, you have asked me to marry you here, at Marchhare's Lake. Please come forward if you still want me to do that office for you.”

Serenely smiling, both Wind and Scout stepped up to face Dark.

“Willow kil Hona, you have asked Gale Wind to be by your side for so long as you both shall live. Is this still your wish?”

Scout stood proudly, in her finest sashes, and replied, “It is my dearest wish.”

Dark turned to Wind and asked, “Gale Wind, bearer of Soulblade, Willow kil Hona has asked you to be by her side for so long as you both shall live and you accepted her wish. Is this still your wish?”

Wind, following Scout's example, stood proud as she replied, “It is my dearest wish!”

Dark took the lovely, shimmering white on whites sash from its case and instructed, “Willow, hold forth your right hand and Gale, your left, so that neither hand is higher than the other.”

She draped the sash over both extended wrists. Taking the end hanging from Scout's wrist, she pulled it up between Scout's and Wind's wrists, letting it fall over Wind's wrist. Taking the end that hung from Wind's arm, she brought it up between their wrists and let it fall over Scout's. Drawing both ends around and over the tops of the extended wrists, she loosly knotted it.

Dark pronounced joyously, “You twain are now bound as wives, friends and lovers, side by side for so long as you both may live!”

Without prompting, Wind and Scout wrapped their free arms about each other and kissed deeply, in front of all the watchers!

Still bound by the wedding sash, the two stepped over to the glittering pile of semi precious stones and gently Laid their pretty Stones at the peak of the pile and Scout offered, “Whereso you are gone to, Marchhare, know that your wonderful Granddaughter Dark has brought us the greatest of gifts, my life and these legs that she made for me. They let me find my amazing Wind.”

Wind Laid her Stone next to Scout's and offered, “Wherever you are, Marchhare, know that your Granddaughter Dark brought me back from being, first a slave, then wrecked and unconscious in escaping that slavery. She repaired and awakened me to my marvelous Scout.”

Together, they added, “Who but the Ghost Who Guides could raise the Daughter of Murder and do it so well that she can bring together lives like ours?”

Dark retrieved the wedding sash and, as she closed its box wiped a tear from one of her red eyes. She knelt by the Stones and Laid hers there too.

Smiling her disturbingly shark like smile, she snickered, “Gotcha, Grandpa! I got to play Murder Grandpa again! I dipped mine in poison just for you! I hope that you like it.”

Tia and Midnight followed, gently Laying the Stones and saying, “Dear Ghost Who Guides, we hope that you are happy. I guess that turning your back on the Lake of Paradise was a thing that even you could not undo. We treasure the time we had with you as our Rom. Our loved dead are always with us and none more loved than you.”

All the rest of the watchers, followed, one at a time, adding more pretty stones to the pile.

The feast that followed was plentious, even by Rom standards.

@wind-the-mama-cat

Wind and Scout, along with Rosie and Choco, after gathering what they wanted to eat, sat at the large trestle table, along with De Writer, Dark, Midnight and Tia. There was also an empty chair, with a plate filled with food, between De Writer and Midnight.

Rosie smiled at the spot. Her Mama Wind told her what that meant, so many years ago. They were honoring Marchhare. After all, the Loved Dead were always with them, even though he wasn’t physically with them. Or even Spiritually. But in their hearts and minds. Rosie glanced at Scout, sitting next to her new wife, Alita, at the head of the table. Rosie knew that she shared her Aunt Angel’s gift of sensing and showing the spirits of those who had passed. All of Starswirl’s relations could. However, just like all the Rom before her, she couldn’t bring Marchhare’s spirit back from wherever he had gone.

Alita had even tried to use Soulblade on his Marker. Alas, since his physical body wasn’t actually buried at his Marker, he was the Ghost Who Guides, after all, even she was unable to call his Spirit back.

“Hey, Rosie?” Choco asked from next to her.

Rosie snapped out of her thoughts, and turned her attention to her new marefriend. “Yes, Choco?”

“Could I ask you more about your wings?” She asked cutely. “We barely talked about them last time.”

Rosie’s heart pinged at just how adorable she was. “Sure. Go ahead.”

“Well, how do they connect to you?” Choco asked. “Are they similar to the other Rom? Using the special connectors for a quick swap for repairs?”

Rosie smiled and shook her head no. “You mean couplings? Nope. Wings lift too much weight to be connected by couplings. At lest my wings aren’t. They’re connected directly to my wing bones in my back.”

“Oh.” Choco nodded in understanding. “How are they powered?”

“Like any other artificial limb. By the pony or horse themselves.” Rosie said. “It takes as much energy for me to fly with these wings as it would any other Pegasus to fly with their wings.”

“So, I guess, hypothetically, if say, a non-Pegasus wanted artificial wings, that would really be possible?” Choco asked next.

Rosie narrowed her eyes knowingly. “Choco… why do you want wings?”

“Um, to be able to fly with you…” She sighed, letting out a defeated sigh. “I know that long ago; Angel had a glider that she could use by herself. The Rom have their own gliders, but they’re huge. You need at least one Rom pegasus to fly them. I’ve always wanted to fly, truly fly, by myself.”

Rosie titled her head. “You have?”

Choco nodded. “Yeah. Both of my parents are Pegasus. So is Clyde. Most of the Forestry Horses are as well.” She looked up at the stars and Rosie did too. “I’ve always wished to… fly.” She smiled serenely. “Now that I’m dating you, I would love to be able to fly with you.”

Rosie stared at a particularly bright star, right next to the moon. She smiled at it. It was Mama Dragon’s star. The one that Princess Luna had blessed for the Dragon Matriarch hundreds of years ago.

Rosie inhaled and let it out slowly. “I wish I could grant you your wish, Choco. I really do. Giving a Pegasus new wings is one thing. Giving a non-Pegasus a set of wings is completely different.” She looked at Choco. “Earth-pony bones and, even earth-horses, are too dense.”

Choco looked down-trodden.

“However… it’s not impossible.” Rosie said as she lifted the younger girls chin up with her right index finger. “We just have to think of a different way. Might take a few weeks of planning, designing and… testing. But… I think it can be done.”

Choco cheered up at the thought. “You would do that for me?”

“Sure.” Rosie nodded. “You’ve made me happy, Choco. I also love a challenge.”

The chocolate mare threw her arms around Rosie’s neck. Rosie giggled and hugged her back.

“Whoa.” Alita giggled. “What’s all that about?”

Rosie extracted herself from Choco’s hug. “Huh? Oh. S-sorry. Choco just gave me an idea.” She explained. “Portable wings that Non-Pegasus can use.” She shifted her wings. “Ones that don’t attach to the user.”

“Portable… wings?” Scout repeated. “Like… a glider?”

“Only smaller.” Rosie answered. “What’s the one thing about using gliders that’s inconvenient?”

“They’re not entirely portable.” Scout said with a nod. “Unless you’re flying with them.”

“The Rom gliders are very large.” De Writer added. “Not like Angel’s old glider. Even hers was cumbersome.”

“Right.” Rosie nodded. “Imagine, with a lot of testing and designing, we could make a set of foldable, portable wings.”

“Well, that’s always possible.” Wind said as she nodded. “The wings would have to be 8 feet wide. Each. So a wingspan of 16 feet, in order to lift a non-Pegasus.”

Rosie smiled. “Just add this to the list of things I’m already designing.” She sighed happily and shook her head.

Scout’s stomach growled suddenly, and her eyes grew wide. “Uh…” She blushed as she stood up. “E-excuse me…” She ran to her caravan as fast her legs could move, and she ducked inside.

Wind gasped. As did many, if not all of the Rom.

The Cat-bot stood up and ran after her.

“What the hay?” Choco asked in shock.

After a few moments, Wind came back out and made a beeline for Luna. Once she was next to the blue horse, she bent down and whispered in her ear. Luna nodded, and together, the two returned to Wind and Scout’s caravan.

Luna stepped inside and noticed Scout laying on the bed, looking a little pale.

“What I’m about to tell you, Luna, must be kept between us.” Wind said as she walked over to Scout and took her left hand in hers. “Scout, through a miracle of her body, and my micro-bots, a system that I use to repair myself, is, well, pregnant.”

Luna’s eyebrows shot up in shock. “I… see.” The Moon Goddess walked over to Scout and sat on the bed next to her. “How far along are you, Scout?”

“A month and… a half.” She admitted. Her horn lit up, and she removed her illusion spell, concealing her bulging stomach and… larger chest. “See?”

“Hm.” Luna nodded as she began scanning the small horse with her magic. “What happened when you ran off?”

“I was sick…” Scout admitted. “I thought I would be past the whole morning sickness part.”

Luna nodded and kept scanning her. “Well, my Dear Scout… the baby is healthy. As are you.” She hummed. “The Baby simply didn’t like the food you ate. Oh.” She smiled and looked between Scout and Wind. “Would you like to know the gender and species?”

Wind and Scout looked at one another, nodded, and then looked at Luna.

“Yes, please.” Scout nodded.

“It’s a filly. And she’s a Pegasus.” Luna told them.

“She…” Wind gasped. “She already has wings developing?” She looked confused. “My records show that pony fetus don’t develop their horns or wings until 3 months.”

Scout’s pupils dilated in realization. “Luna… I’m not 1 and half months pregnant… I’m 3?”

“3 and a half.” Luna amended. “This is the first and only case of a, well, cyborg baby. I suspect, with how Wind’s systems work, your pregnancy won’t take as long.”

“She’s a… what?” Scout and Wind asked at the same time.

“A cyborg.” Luna repeated. “A being mixed with living tissue and mechanical parts. Much like the original Wind. And Angel. And the other Rom with artificial limbs. Just more advanced.” She scanned Scout’s womb again. “Her technological parts are indistinguishable from her biological parts. Just like you, Wind,” She looked at the cat, “her reflexes and stamina will be enhanced.”

Scout placed her free hand on her womb. “I can’t wait to meet her then…” She sighed. “So, can you tell me what food she does like? I don’t want to be sick again.”

Luna used her magic again. “Hmm… it seems she doesn’t like solid food. Well, anymore, that is. My goodness, even her umbilical cord is bio-mechanic.” She noticed Scout’s worried face and unasked question. “You needn’t worry, Scout. Wind’s micro…. Bots, won’t spread to you.” She nodded and kept scanning. “We’ll need to put you on a high protein liquid diet, however.”

Scout sighed. “Okay. I can do that. I guess… I should tell the others then. I can’t really hide it if they notice that I’m only drinking instead of eating.”

Luna smiled. “That is entirely up to you, Dear Scout.” She ebbed the flow of her magic. “If I may ask, why were you hiding it in the first place?”

“We weren’t sure how the Rom would react,” Wind admitted, “Much like us getting married, I was concerned that while the Rom did accept me as an individual, they wouldn’t except Scout and I getting married. Or, having a child.” She sat next to Scout and placed her hand on top of Scout’s womb. “Now that I have seen that they are accepting of our union, I suppose they will be accepting of our child.”

Scout smiled. “I think they would love to meet her.” She looked at Luna. “Thank you, Midnight. I guess you’re my doctor now.”

Luna nodded. “Well, I have delivered many Rom babies before the Shattering, so yes, I would be honored to be you doctor. So, as your doctor, no strenuous activities. No lifting, climbing, or building. In fact, I would prefer that you don’t work on either ship at all.”

“Okay, that’s fair.” Scout nodded. “Then what can I do?”

“Well, I heard De Writer and Choco were planning on planting a sizeable mint garden. You can help with that. Taking long walks will be fine, so long as you don’t go off on your own.” She tapped her chin in thought. “Might I suggest finding a safe hobby as well? Choco is an excellent wood carver. Perhaps she could teach you.”

Scout smiled. “Sounds fun. Perhaps we can use the petrified wood that we found.”

“Excellent idea.” Luna nodded in agreement as she stood up from the bed. “Now, with that decided, are you feeling well enough to rejoin your wedding party?”

With Wind’s help, Scout stood up from the bed. She paused for a second before answering. “It seems my daughter is behaving. So yes, we can go back to the party.”

Luna, Scout, being supported by Wind around her waist, and Wind exited the caravan, and returned to the party. The Rom had began the dancing part of the party. However, they stopped dancing and all eyes turned to Scout and Wind.

Scout took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Everyhorse? Wind and I would like to announce the soon arrival of the newest member of the Rom…” She stood so her tummy was noticeable, “Our daughter.”

All the Rom threw their head back and trilled.

Scout’s immediate Rom family came up to her and Wind and congratulated them both.

Scout smiled. “Thanks everyone. Wind and I were kinda nervous, but it seems we were worried over nothing.” She looked at Dark. “Dear Dark, Wind and I would like to ask you something. Would you like to be the Godmother to our baby?”

All eyes turned to Dark.

@ask-de-writer

Dark grinned her justly famous shark like grin as she stated, “It would be my delight! Just one question. Are you sure that you want a Godmother who is the daughter of Murder? One with no conscience?”

Scout nodded with total assurance. “You left out having superstrong ethics and a deep understanding of what love is. We all know that before the Shattering, you deliberately took a crossbow bolt aimed at Midnight and killed her attacker at the same time. And said that your oath to her left you no choice.

“Yes, absolutely, we want you to be our foal's Godmother.”

“Then you guys have a Godmother! You have asked me in front of this whole wedding party, so you can't back out now. Besides, I won't let you!”

Scout snorted, “We wouldn't dream of it, unless it was a nightmare!”

The next morning, Dark was doing her usual and self appointed duty behind the serving line for breakfast. As Rosie and Choco came by, she overheard, “Just think, Rosie, we could make a sort of a wing suit that I could use to fly with you! I don't really think that it has to be very complicated. I mean, just sort of wings, maybe attached to my arms and sides. Then I could glide up there with you!”

Serving done, she quietly joined the other two. Choco kind of swallowed hard and gently moved her plate away from Dark's. Rosie shook her head and tisked, “Choco, Dark can't help being a carnivore any more than you can help being a vegetarian. I have known her for nearly 600 years, before the Shattering and that is just how she is.”

Choco paused ears laid back as she thought. “600 BEFORE the Shattering? And 500 since? Really? That means that you are over a thousand years old, Dark. How?”

Dark relaxed and grinned her very shark like grin as she picked up a pork and fish skewer, waving it like a wand. “Proper diet, good exercise and being created immortal! I thank my mother Murder for that gift!”

She paused to nibble at her breakfast skewers before saying, “I sort of overheard what you two are plotting. I mean about that wing suit idea.

“From what I heard, you were thinking of cloth from your wrists and arms going down to your ankles, with maybe some stiffeners to help it hold shape, right?”

Choco nodded, “Basically. I kind of thought that it should have some sort of wings attached to my arms. Pegasus wings aren't all that big, so I was thinking of something about that size.”

Dark grinned, “If you were an enemy, I would love to see you do that! It would allow you to control your descent. But you would be dropping quite fast enough to make a lovely splat when you hit!

“The reason that pegasus wings are as small as they are is simple. Magic. We pegassi have an amazing amount of magic that is specialized for flight in our wings.”

Choco suggested, “Wind thought that perhaps we might need a wing spread as big as 16 feet.”

Dark shrugged, “A good starting point, at least. Means that you will need to make the wings fold for storage. The joints will have to be pretty rigid when the wing is extended too.”

Rosie extended her mechanical right wing, noticing how to set it for simple gliding. Nodding to herself, she began to make some sketches.

As she was getting up, Dark casually suggested, “Try making some smaller models first. You can test how they work before building something big and expensive. Not to mention, you are less likely to get hurt if a model doesn't work. Aim for something small enough that you can throw it by hand.”

Rosie looked at Choco and nodded, “You know, that idea makes a lot of sense. I'd hate to see anything happen to you.”

Choco grinned as she put her dishes into the soapy water to soak, “So would I!

“I do have an idea for making the struts that the suit will need.”

While Rosie looked on with interest, Choco gathered a small armload of grass. She laid some out with the stalks and leaves lined up and then a layer crosswise to that. Laying her hand close but not quite touching the grass, she began to make overlapping passes over it. It shrank in thickness and began to turn a light yellow. Then she picked up the panel that she had made and began to stretch it out lengthways and compact it at the same time.

Rosie snickerd as she watched. Exclaiming, “Rom grasswood! I didn't know that anyhorse still made it!”

Choco nodded happily. “Right! Actually, we horses use it a lot. Nearly all the wood in a glider is grasswood. Caravan sides and tops are made of it. It makes superior sounding boxes for instruments. We just don't let any pony see it made or sell it to them.”

Rosie smiled softly and muttered, “Still a secret, just like old times!”

“Right,” Choco agreed absently. She was doodling up a basic idea for how the wings should go.

Rosie nodded and suggested, “Real plans need a top view, a side view and a front and back view. That last one we split down the vertical center line. One side is front view and the other side is from the back.”

Choco nodded, muttering, “This is already more complicated than I thought that it would be!”

Rosie snorted and quipped, “Welcome to the real world!”

Pausing thoughtfully, she added, “Our first models don't need to have wings that fold, as long as we keep in mind that they will have to in a big one. We could cover them with paper instead of cloth, since they are just temporary test things.”

Choco nodded, going back to her drawing and using her fingers like a pair of dividers to get quick measures, she started to re work the basic shape of the extended wing.

TO BE CONTINUED

Return to MLP Fan Fiction

Return to Role Plays with De Writer

Scene setting Part 1 : LUNA AWAKENS CELESTIA

Scene setting Part 2 : AIRSHIP!

Scene setting Part 3 : ONE LAST VISIT

Scene setting Part 4 : SCOUT’S PRIZE

Scene setting Part 5 : REBOOT / START UP

Scene setting Part 6 : CELESTIA AND LUNA GO TO MEET TWILIGHT

PAGE 1, THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!

#QUEST FOR ANCIENT CANTERLOT #Page 1 #ROLE PLAY WITH @ask-de-writer and @wind-the-mama-cat

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