[Manehatten - Toward Stable 29]

"Well... do ya have somewheres ya might keep it 'till ya get home?" the huge earth pony inquires. He won't give up! "Ain't gunna keep forever."

Hopefully her supperors wouldn't just take it and experiment on it. Or something.

"And I got a sneakin' suspicion Sour let herself get caught. She's one smart pony and her magic is top-notch. Expectin' us to show up, sure. But if anypony can take care of herself it's Sour," Corn says, giving his friend quite the vote of confidence.

"We're getting pretty close now," Rye pipes up. "Keep your eyes open, everypony."

Swiss remains uncharacteristically quiet.

Our heroes will soon find themselves nearing the blasted remains of a Skytram station, the twisted remains of vehicles littering the shattered ground. And red bars.

Lots of red bars.

A few manticores.

But also ponies! Fairly well armed ponies, too. These aren't your average Raiders. These ponies have pretty well maintained equipment. Several turrets are set up near what is no doubt the entrance to the Stable. Some milling around. Some patrolling. All on the lookout for trouble.

Good thing our heroes have EFS! Otherwise they might have stumbled headlong into a hornet's nest.