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>You are sitting at the bar waiting for Silver to return.
>She needs to get Diamond Tiara's buy in for the next part of your plan.
>Gilda wasn't at Applebloom’s biopod, so you need to attack Sweetie Belle's frigate.
>You see Silver approaching.
>It doesn't look like she has good news.
>”Diamond isn’t here.”
“Why can’t you authorize it?”
>Silver frowns at this.
>”We make all of our decisions together.”
>You can tell from her voice that it’s a lie.
>Silver Spoon has always played second fiddle to Diamond Tiara.
>”She’ll be back tomorrow.”
>You decide to change the subject.
”You did well out there.”
>Silver blushes slightly.
>”You’re just being nice.”
>There were a few hairy moments.
>Silver needs to practice using her tractor beam.
“No, I mean it.”
>”Thanks.”
”Let me buy you a drink. What’s your poison?”
>”Cider.”
>Cider’s going to be a lot more expensive soon.
>You should buy a few crates.
>It’ll be easy money now that Applebloom can’t produce anymore.
>You wave over at Gustav.
”One synthol, and a cider for Silver.”
>He quickly places drinks in front of you.
”Cheers.”
>She clinks her glass against yours.
>As usual, the synthol is rough.
>But you like it that way.
>It reminds you that you’re alive.
>”I never thanked you for saving me.”
”You’re talking about the mining thing?”
>”Yeah.”
>That was a few months ago.
>Why is she bringing it up now?
“I didn’t think three against one was a fair fight.”
1/10
>”But you didn’t have to do it.”
”They weren’t freelancers like you or I. They should have realized that you were trying to run.”
>You take a sip from your drink.
“They were just run of the mill mercs who thought they could make some money.”
>”So you didn’t do it because… nevermind.”
>You raise an eyebrow at Silver.
“I didn’t take you for the kind of girl who liked to reminisce.”
>She doesn’t answer.
“I know we've fought more often than not, but things can get complicated out here.”
>You think back.
>You were returning from a mission from Captain Spitfire.
>She needed some dirty work handled, but she couldn’t break the treaty with the Griffon Kingdom.
>
>”I’m picking up some ships,” Gilda informs.
“Anyone we know?”
>”One of the Stargazers, the other three I can’t identify. Probably griffon mercs.”
>Diamond doesn’t work with mercs.
“We should check it out. Send the coordinates to my screen, and start charting a course.”
>Gilda presses a few buttons, and green dots illuminate your monitor.
>You roll the ship to head toward them.
>”Why? It’s probably nothing.”
“We’re just going to take a peek.”
>”Your intuition is kicking in again?”
“Yeah. How’s the calculation going?”
>Gilda pushes aside the navcomputer, and buckles in.
>”It’s ready.”
”Do it.”
>
>When you arrive you see Silver Spoon’s ship fighting three light fighters.
>She’s trying to escape, but one of the ships is trailing close behind her.
>The two others fly on either side, as if waiting for her to turn.
”How’s her shields?”
>”Hard to say. Maybe 60%”
>Green plasma bursts create a rainbow of light as they explode against her shielding.
>Silver turns her ship sharply to her right, but her move puts her right in front of a wingman merc.
2/10
>The mercenary releases two cluster missiles and Silver’s auto-lasers spring to life.
>They shoot down about half of the bomblets.
>There are too many and some explode against her shielding.
>A few more sneak through the battered field and hit her ship.
>Silver dives as the third ship moves to meet her.
>She spins to dodge more plasma bursts and is barely able to avoid the attack.
>Her ship returns fire erratically.
>”She’s panicking.”
“I’ve seen enough.”
>You hail the merc ships, but they don’t open their communicators.
>Looks like they only understand one thing.
>Gilda doesn’t wait for instructions and pulls out the combat computer.
>Fighting in space is an art.
>Computers can help, but they are predictable and their attacks are easy to dodge.
>You have to lead a ship and any change in direction will upset the computer’s calculation.
>A person is much more likely to anticipate a pilot’s flight pattern.
>With Gilda handling the turret you focus on piloting the ship.
>Silver sees you and flies past your fighter.
>You fly to meet her pursuers.
“Let’s play chicken.”
>”Don’t do it, Anon. Our shielding won’t be able to handle that.”
>You ignore Gilda.
>She’s always too conservative.
>A fighter turns to meet your charge.
>You pull your trigger to fire as the other pilot does the same.
>The plasma bursts pass each other and slam into your shielding.
>He isn’t turning.
>You push the thrusters to maximum.
>You take several deep breaths as the other pilot continues on a collision course with your ship.
“He’s actually going to do it…”
>At the last moment the merc pulls away.
>Claxons spring to life.
>Shields down.
>Fucker scraped his shields against yours.
>You jerk the joystick to follow him, but he pulls too hard and crashes into some debris.
>The monitor flashes brightly before focusing on a different ship.
3/10
>As you turn another merc flies to meet you.
>The ship shudders against his plasma bursts.
“FUCK!”
>Your armor plating won’t be able to take another salvo.
>A high chirp indicates that shields are back online.
>As he overshoots you, you pull to turn the ship behind his.
>He anticipates this and reverses course to meet you.
>The two ships fly in a scissors formation like spiraling dragons.
>Each turn is sharper than the last.
>Gilda fires the turret and weakens his shielding.
>He tries to break away to avoid more damage, but it gives you just enough room to pull behind him.
>You fire another plasma burst and the pilot ejects.
>The third ships breaks away from his fight with Silver and uses his tractor beam to rescue his comrade.
>You watch as they fly away.
>There isn’t any point in pursuing them.
>Your monitor springs to life and you see an angry Silver Spoon.
>”I can take care of myself, Anon!”
>The screen flickers off, and Silver jumps into subspace.
>”Nice girl.”
”Yeah.”
>
>Back at Fair Haven.
“Why wasn’t Diamond there?”
>”We tried to run. She was able to jump into subspace, but I wasn’t fast enough.”
>Silver taps her glass a few times nervously.
>”Let me buy the next round.”
>You wave a hand to say no. 
”That’s alright. You don’t need to thank me.”
>You think for a moment.
”Actually, you can. Get Diamond to agree to send some ships with me tomorrow to rescue Gilda.”
>”That’s a tall order. Do you –“
”No, I only have a few chits left, and I promised to spend that on anti-matter.”
>”We don’t work on credit.”
”You know I’m good for it.”
>A minute passes in silence.
”Anyway, I need to get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
>”Maybe.”
4/10
>
>It’s a short stumble back to your ship.
>You don’t want to rent a room until your navigator can do the same.
>It’s sort of a self-imposed punishment.
>You don’t mind sleeping in Juno. 
>Her leather chairs can fully recline.
>You’re careful not to treat her like a home, though.
>Things would get messy.
>Juno was designed as a cross between a heavy fighter and a light cargo ship. 
>The Griffons only used them for 10 years or so.
>Newer models were created to fight against the Equestrian Navy.
>Now these ships are a common sight in the Neutral Zone.
>The door easily opens.
>You are pretty sure you locked it.
>”Hello, Anon.”
>You turn to the voice.
>It’s Scootaloo.
”How did you get in here?”
>She smiles at this.
>”Shorted out your panel. You really should get that upgraded.”
>She flies the same class ship as you.
>No doubt she has all the latest upgrades.
“Thanks for the head’s up. I’ll get a mechanic to price it out tomorrow.”
>You continue facing her.
>One hand is looking for your hidden blaster.
>”Looking for this?”
>Scootaloo pulls out your gun with a mechanical hoof.
>Her robotic limb gleams in the light.
>Though her hooves usually look like a solid piece right now it's seperated into four sections.
>That probably makes it easier to hold things.
>She carelessly throws it behind her.
“You thought of everything, didn’t you?”
>Her raises herself with her robotic hind legs and takes a step toward you.
>She’s nearly your height now.
“I appreciate you dropping by, but I have to get some sleep.”
>”You can sleep all you want in my ship, Anon.”
>Another step forward.
>Now you have to make a decision. Fight in your ship, or chance it out on the dock.
”No thanks.”
5/11
>You try to punch her but she easily grabs your arm.
>You lash out to kick her but she catches that with a hind leg.
>Your hand rotates to grab her and you throw your weight down.
>The motion easily flips her over you.
>Scootaloo quickly scrambles back up.
>You dash toward the blaster, but she’s too fast.
>Two hooves grab you and slam you to the ground.
>She's standing over you now.
>”Get up.”
>You take this chance to look around for something, anything that you can use as a weapon.
>Your bag is in the corner of the ship, but there is no way you can get the knife out in time.
>Still you try.
>You push against the ground to jump toward your bag.
>A hoof grabs you and pulls you back toward Scootaloo.
>You swing again at her, but she’s too fast and easily catches your hand.
>Another hoof grabs your elbow and you feel your arm being wrenched.
”No! Don’t do it!”
>”Do what, Anon?” She says sadistically.
>Her hooves again jerk your arm, and you can feel your tendons stretching.
”Don’t break my arm.”
>”Just like you didn’t break my legs?”
>Fuck.
“AAAaaagggghhh!”
>Her motion is quick and you can feel pieces of bone ripping apart muscle.
>She lets go, and you move to cradle your arm.
”You crazy bitch!”
>She just laughs.
>”What about this one?”
>She grabs your right leg and you try to kick her off.
>Every motion sends sharp pain up your arm.
>”Still feisty?”
”I’ll go, alright? I’ll go!”
>She grabs your shirt and pulls you up.
>”Com’n we’re going to my ship.”
>You slowly let her take you away.
>All you can do is cradle your arm.
>
>It’s a long flight.
>Scootaloo doesn’t bother chaining you up.
>She knows that you won’t be able to fight her off in your condition.
6/11
>Maybe she gets a kick out of knowing that you can’t possibly beat her in single combat.
>You open your shirt and snap the bottom button to the third from the top.
>It’s difficult with one hand, but well worth the effort.
>The makeshift sling helps keep your arm in place.
>Still, you are careful not to make any sudden movements.
>Scootaloo doesn’t offer any pain killers, and you don’t ask for any either.
>
>”What happened to his arm?” Sweetie Belle asks.
>”It was the only way.”
>Sweetie doesn’t look happy, but she doesn’t chastise her friend.
>”How bad is it?”
“It’s bad.”
>She frowns.
>”Follow me.”
>The loading dock is fairly large for a frigate.
>You could easily park four fighters here.
>Maybe five if you were willing to accept some scratches.
>Cerberus class frigates are truly beautiful ships.
>Equestrian craftsmanship is far superior to the Griffon’s.
>Ponies easily blend form and function.
>Griffons just want their ships to work.
>They spend very little effort on aesthetics.
>As you walk down the corridor with Sweetie, you try to make a mental map.
>The engine room is directly next to the loading dock.
>Next are a few mechanical rooms.
>They are unmarked, but you assume they are either environmental or for the servebots.
>Restrooms and crew quarters are next.
>Finally you arrive at a small medical bay.
>There are two beds and a single examination chair.
>A servebot is charging against the wall.
>All servebots are easily distinguished by an insignia showing their specialty code.
>You can tell this one specializes in medicine by its articulated hands and the white badge with a red cross.
>It also has improved optical sensors.
>It’s possible to have any servebot perform any function.
>All it really takes is installing a new control module.
>Their replaceable nature quickly made them ubiquitous.
7/11
>It takes a moment for this one to wake from hibernation.
>”Have a seat, Anon,” Sweetie says.
>The servebot moves toward you.
>”[Request] State nature of visit.”
“I have a broken arm.”
>The servebot scans you before stuttering to a halt.
>”[Statement] Subject not recognized.”
>You should have expected this.
”Treat me like a griffon.”
>The servebot makes a few chirping noises before returning to the examination.
>Its small digits quickly undo your sling.
“Fuck, be careful.”
>The servebot makes no verbal response, but its motions are now slower.
>It lightly moves your arm into position before scanning.
>”[Diagnosis] Broken limb, arm, right, multiple fractures.”
>It scans again.
>”[Recommendation] Inject 20cc Hydropriaxzine. Apply regeneration splint.”
>”[Query] Do you accept treatment?”
“Yes.”
>The servebot goes to the backroom to retrieve the supplies.
>You want to ask why Scootaloo didn’t just get her legs fixed, but you stop yourself.
”Is Gilda alright?”
>”She’s fine, Anon. We treated her very kindly. I didn’t want you to be upset.”
”You should have taken me.”
>Sweetie frowns at this.
>”We should have,” she concedes, “and, you shouldn’t have blown up our biopod. It’ll take a while to get a new one. We’ve both made mistakes.”
>The servebot returns and injects you with Hydropriaxzine.
>It’s a localized analgesic and your nerves quickly calm down.
>With the pain gone the servebot easily fits the regeneration splint.
>It goes past your elbow and locks your arm at a ninety degree angle.
>As the servebot fills the splint with blue fluid you turn to Sweetie again.
>Her look of concern has changed to uncertainty.
>”[Statement] Refrain from sudden movements. Return in one week for splint removal.”
>The servebot returns to its charging station.
>You move your arm cautiously.
8/11
>Pain only returns when you try to form a fist.
>”How do you feel?”
“Much better. Can I see Gilda now?”
>”Soon enough, Anon.”
>She motions to you to follow her.
>You both continue down the corridor.
>The crew mess is the next door you pass.
>The next looks like a recreation room.
>Finally you arrive at Sweetie’s quarters.
>This is the moment you have been dreading since you were forced into Scootaloo’s fighter.
>”Do you want something to drink? Some cider perhaps?"
”No, thank you. I don’t think alcohol and pain killers mix.”
>”You won’t mind if I have some,” she says as if she is telling you, not asking.
>She pours herself a glass and magics it over to her nightstand.
>Sweetie takes a seat on her bed and motions for you to sit next to her.
>”I’ve waited a long time for you, Anon. Can’t you see that we are perfect together? I can handle anything with you at my side.”
”I’m sure we would Sweetie, but that can never happen."
>”Why not, Anon?”
“If you hadn’t forced yourself on me, then maybe one day I would have come around. But any chance for that is long gone.”
>”Just think about it for a moment.”
>She takes a sip from her glass before leaning against you.
>”All of this could be yours. All you have to do is be mine.”
>You shake your head.
>Sweetie frowns at you.
>She places the drink back down on the nightstand.
>”Think about your friend. You wouldn’t want us to hurt her, would you?”
>This girl is insane.
“No.”
>”Good. Now we are getting somewhere.”
>She smiles widely and nuzzles into your chest.
>Her magic forces your left arm to hold her.
>She’s soft.
>”We can do this the easy way, Anon. We’ll be one big happy family. I think you will even enjoy it.”
>She lays back and motions for you to lay next to her.
>It would be easier to just give up.
9/11
>You tried your best, but it wasn’t good enough.
>You move to lay next to Sweetie.
>”I know you’re hurt, so I’ll be gentle this time.”
>She lays her head against your chest, and her magic removes your pants.
>You close your eyes.
>
>When she finishes with you, she has a servebot take you to the brig.
>She wants you to think about your new place in life.
>”Is that you, Anon?”
“Gilda?”
>”Yeah.”
>The voice is coming from the cell next to yours.
>Instead of bars, a force field keeps you locked away.
>”I knew you would come for me you cocky bastard.”
>At least she’s in good spirits.
>”Of course you would pretend to get caught.”
“Gilda.”
>“You always had a thing for theatrics, but leaving me here for seven days? Com’n I’m not that bad.”
“Gilda.”
>“You smuggled in some explosives didn’t you?”
“Gilda!”
>”What?”
“I was caught, alright?”
>”Gustav always said you were full of shit.”
>Her cell's force field buzzes loudly.
>She probably kicked it.
>She has some anger issues.
“I know."
>”Anon, we can still do this. We just need to think.”
>You hear her claws grinding on the floor as she slumps down.
>”Who caught you? Scootaloo?”
“Yeah.”
>”She got me too.”
>You don’t know how to break it to her.
>No one is coming for you, and neither of you will be missed.
“It’s over... We’ve lost.”
>
>
>Be Silver Spoon at Fair Haven.
>Anon isn’t at the bar.
>Maybe Gustav knows where he is.
“Is Anon still here?”
>”He should be. His ship is still in the dock,” Gustav says without looking up.
“Thanks.”
>You get up to visit Anon.
>You hope your mane looks alright.
>When you arrive at his ship you knock on the door.
>No response.
“Anon?”
>Still nothing.
>You undo the latch and ask again.
“Anon?”
10/11
>You enter to find a disheveled ship.
>There was obviously a fight here.
>Anon doesn't have any enemies besides the CMC.
>Theres a few drops of dried blood next to his bag.
>You take a closer look.
>Beside it are multiple dents in the old metal.
>You place a hoof beside it.
>It almost looks like a hoof in four pieces.
>Scootaloo.
>He was probably beaten here.
>You have to save him.
>
>"Absolutely not. We had a deal with Anon and we finished it.”
”Di, when we first started we said that we would make all the decisions together.”
>You slam a hoof against the table.
“Instead you decide everything. Why can’t you just listen to me one time?”
>”I do listen to you. You always go along with what I think.”
“That’s just to be nice.”
>Diamond slinks in her chair.
>”Anon is nothing.”
“He isn’t. When you left me in the lurch Anon was the only one there to help me.”
>”It’s suicide. There is no way I’m going out against a sixth rate!”
“Just once I want you to trust me!”
>”I’m not doing it.”
>You quickly finish your drink and slam it down.
“Fine, I’ll go by myself.”
>You get up to leave.
>”Wait, Anon isn’t worth it.”
>You frown.
“Anon saved me once. I owe him.”
>”Then buy him some synthol next time you see him. It's like you have a crush on him or something."
“No I don't!”
>Diamond frowns.
>Diamond is your best friend, but you have never told her how you feel.
>You were mean to him when he saved your life.
>It’s the least you can do.
“I do,” you say without looking at her.
>Diamond sighs.
>”Am I going to regret this?”
>There is a time to speak and a time to be silent.
>You don’t respond.
>Diamond sighs heavily.
>”Get our ships ready.”
fin
11/11