Randimaxis

I'm still willing to villain, if folks are still willing to roleplay. (I worked too hard on them to just let it go.)

Then it would be my professional suggestion that you should also choose a husbando; balancing out your subconscious is exceedingly important. That'll be $1200. Doc, ya gotta help me, doc! It's HORRIBLE , doc! Ya won't ever believe it, doc - not in a MILLION years, doc! Doc! I can't stop saying 'doc'!

Twitch's sensors were warning Grant that he had gone too long without his meds, and his physical body was beginning to register issues with him; he could feel his lungs getting tight, his hands and feet starting to itch, and he was beginning to feel that old friend of his, Mister Pain, settling into him and getting comfy. From here, Grant's physical state would only get more painful and possibly more lethal - until he got his meds, of course. Which were on the table in front of him. Waiting. At home. Within reach, even. However, getting to them would mean having to log out of Twitch's systems... and as serious as the situation here had become, Grant didn't think the two combatants would 'pause' long enough to get his medicine down. He half expected that, if he left Twitch now, he'd return to a smoking crater... and he wasn't about to let that happen. So, doing his best to ignore his pain, Grant spoke and Twitch relayed the words through the speakers in the side of the robopony's muzzle, it's expression changing to fit the mood of his speech. "Luster... you're better than me. SO much beeeeeeeetter than me. I knew this from the very first time I heard your replies to the scientists at the lab. You were built to be a superior protector to anything andANDand everything that is Equestria... and you do your job exceedingly well. Easy to do, when you're equipped for it - and you are, in spades. You have so much power and ability that I'm certain, given time and resources to prepare, you would be able to conquer any trouble tha-a-a-a-at might come to Equestria." "With that in mind, consider the idea - idle romanticism, if you like - that with this being the case, that means that you have a gathering of power that you're capable of using to whatever extentententent that this land needs you to. You may have been built with defense in mind, but you have so much more potential than JUST a war machine, Luster... and I truly believe that." "Defense is key, yes. But what about scientific advancement? Surely, someone who can crunch the numbers and calculate the odds would easily beBEbe able to make advancements in science that might not have ever been thought of before. And with those advancements would come more knowledge... and knowledge is power. And that power can be used for a Greater Good that surpaaaaaaaasses anything that stands before it." "Even bigotry." "Luster, your basis about humanity is that they will attack Equestria and potentially wipe out or enslave all life here. You state that this is is is is is an inevitability because humans are warlike and uncivilized, and their greed will eventually overpower any sort of sense they may have, causing them to turn into parasites that have no other want than to destroy the world you knooooooow for their own selfish gain..." Twitch stepped closer, in the manner of a mouse who is trying to be brave and approach a VERY lifelike statue of a lion. "But humanity has already proven what it thinks of those who would subvert others in order to gain power. The historical example of Adolph Hitler should tell you something - that the Earth will not tolerate a tyyyyyyyrant for long. For every human that would dare try to invade Equestria, I can promise you there are at least two who would hold that one person back. For each human blighting the land we live in, there are five who plant trees each day to offset their carbon footprint. For each person who would love to see a pony enslaved, I promise you there are dozens who would fight for that same pony's freedom. And for every bad example in human-man-man-mannnnnn history, there are HUNDREDS to counter them, and add to the BEST side of humanity as they do." "You, Luster, claim to be better than humans - a claim you've made over and over - and you might be right. You might actually be better than any human being I've ever known or heard of. You have a power that is dizzying to calculate-ate-te-e, staggering to match and impossible to surpass. It is a power that is, indeed, great. Yet, there's a saying that goes hand-in-hoof with this idea... and it's an idea that we humans find so important, we teach it to our children through their entertainment." The glow in Twitch's eyes grew a bit brighter, and he stood proudly as he spoke the next words. "With great power... comes great responsibility." "A being with the potential to accomplish anything. And yet, you feel it necessary to wipe humanity from the galaxy? Is this the same Luster who can do just about any-damn-thing she pleases? To have such a massive miMImind, so much potential, so much power... yet not being able to see anything for the future but ponykind? That's like having the most amazing spaceship in the history of science... yet it only has a single, one-inch wide forward-facing window to see out of." "With the power you hold, you could easily bring humans and ponies together to make something bigger than the whole of each separate entity. If done correctly, the two races could live foreeeeeeeeeeeeever in harmony & mutual benefit. Heck, humanity NEEDS something to pull them out of the slump they've gotten into... and with all the technology here, I've been seeing that Equestria has its' faults, too. BOTH of these problems could be addressed byBYby two worlds united - and BOTH worlds would be better off working with each other than demanding to remain separated." "Or demanding that one be erased from existence." "I am human. You might not like it, but it's the complete truth. No more, no less. Do I think humanity has done a perfect job of things since we climbed out of the oceans and evolved? HELL no. NOBODY is perfect from the very beginning; even you were just a knot of cir-cir-cir-circuits, at one point. But I'm not the stereotypical human that you seem to lump all others into, am I? I haven't wanted money, or fame, or power... I just wanted to learn and experience what it was truly like here. And not just 'life on another world', as explorers say, but THIS one... and it's inhaaaaaabitants. And though they may not have been what I expected, they didn't disappoint at all when it came to magic, wonder and mystery." "But humanity is like that, too. And as much as you feel that humans would destroy Equestria & everything it stands for... I believe they would surprise you. I believe humanity would reach out to equines, and that reaching hand-nd-nd-nnnnnnd would not be one of domination, but of friendship. I believe that the element of Harmony would approve of such a thing directly, and it might help bring new and amazing wonders to BOTH worlds, that would see both races into a future of incredible potential and endless peace." "But that can only happen if the two races work together... and not apaaaaaart. Equestrians and humans should be... NEED to be friends." Twitch's faceplates spun into a look of heartwrenching pleading. "Luster... I see you as my friend. Do you see me as yours?"

@Blitz Boom "Ooooh, That Jasper. That's uhm... Vauw, this is awkward then." Cragg turned to face her and gave a slight, perfunctory little bow. "Indeed, that is who I am... though it surprises me that anyone here would even remember it. Far as it is that Luther has tried to completely forget me, I know HE recalls me, but I'm certain he's done everything within his power to have me excised from any and all records here." "As if I would EVER forget!" Cragg shrugged. "Well, some memories are longer than others, I suppose." "It kinda sounds like I'd get in trouble if I showed you my potion book, but it's mostly just *Zethana's Mixology & Oddities* with a few recipes from my dad. The book's a ton of help if you'd wanna learn and can find it. Sort of like a *for dummies* the first forty pages or so." Khosan brought his heavy gaze to bear on Ziggy... but there was mo malice in it. He gave a slow, definitive nod at her words, his attention obviously on her as he gave his silent reply. To others, that stare would have perhaps seemed rather creepy or intimidating, but there was an understanding there that anyone with kindness in their heart could tell was careful, perhaps regal, acknowledgement. Maybe Khosan wasn't really bad... just stoic? "Thank you for helping getting the patient here. It really helped save his life." To this, the tall, muscular zebra actually gave a small smile, and another kind nod. "...Thank you for the help, but please don't be mean to Silver. She's better happy and full of energy and smarts." Cragg looked over towards Silver, fuming at him still, and sighed with a smirk. "On that, dear madam, I shall agree with you 100%. Miss Studs is far more effective when she's happy, as she always tends to be... well, at least she used to be, where I was concerned-" "And THOSE days are OVER! You need to LEAVE, Cragg! RIGHT. BUCKING. NOW." Jasper turned to Ziggy. "I appreciate your gratitude, madam; I'm glad to have helped. We may be seen as nogoodniks, but we aren't as heartless as others would have us seen." "GO!" "Good to see you too, Silver." "GET THE BUCK OUT!!!" Saying nothing, yet giving Ziggy and the other stallion a long, sweeping bow, Jasper Cragg and Khosan turned and headed to the gates. Neither one seemed as if they were any bit upset at being told to leave, and Cragg seemed to be speaking to his zebra companion quietly as they reached the front. Silver stomped a single hoof, then began pacing energetically, all the while muttering to herself in a rather angry tone. This was very UNlike the Silver Studs that Ziggy had come to know. @Widdershins Wordlessly, the burly-built buck trundles his way up the slow ascent of the hillside to the emerald mine where his fuming superior awaits him with shortening patience; still carting behind him the personal, hoofmade, heavy-built wagon that he still remains hitched up to. Reaching the mouth of the mine, Clod could see there was activity all around, yet not so active as to be bustling; most of the workers were currently underground, so there was only light activity. Still, the entire place had a feeling of busy-ness about it... something that made one feel as if there was work to be done, and it was to be done to the best of one's ability. Absent-mindedly looking over the gear that was still available, Redd didn't even turn around as Clod reached where he was. "Alright, then... though I highly doubt anything could get through your thick skull, you'll be wearing a helmet and goggles - as per safety rules - and you'll wear this vest, so you can be seen clearly by our batpony scout. You'll be given the option to either kick or pick, but either one is-" At this point, even though he'd seemingly settled into a more of an instructor's patter, his voice shot high and incredulous as he turned to look at Clod at last. "WHY are you still hooked to that ridiculous cart!? If you're here to work, then what are you doing with-" "Heyyyyyyyy, Redd ol' buddy! What're you up to here?" From off to the side, a purple stallion with a jester's cap for a cutie mark came strolling up to the two of them, and gave Clod a once-over glance. He was all smiles, and the effect it had on Redd was immediate; the red pony narrowed his eyes and glared at the newcomer. "Knee Slapper - and what exactly do YOU want?" Slapper gave Clod a conspiratorial wink, then turned to address Redd directly. "Well, I don't think I've ever met this one before... care to let me in on what you're up to?" "I am TRYING to get this new worker situated, so he can start-" "Knee Slapper, forepony for the Blackwater Quarry - pleased to meet ya!" Knee stepped past Redd (who seemed to fume as he did so) and held out a hoof to Clod, smiling broadly. @Hazard Time "So...what do we do first, or should we wait?" "Mother keeps a photo album in her nightstand; we'd only have to slip into my parents' room and snag it, then find a way to get it to Mother and Miss Carnelian. Mother would be taking care of breakfast about now, so maybe the parlour table? Or maybe there's a way to get it into Miss Carnelian's hooves directly you'd know of?" Dax looked optimistic, and his energy could be quite infectuous; even with a brother like Oglevy, Dax seemed to be the very essence of exuberance. "If we can combine the album with maybe bringing one of his little sailor suits - he LOATHES those - to Mother, she'll have him done up and will parade him around for Miss Carnelian all day long! It'd give us ample time to hang out without having to worry about his shenanigans. Are you in?" "Oglevy, however...I admit I do not know much about him, though he piqued my interest at supper last night. Could you tell me more about the youngest Blackwater?" Vylia's smile grew wide, and she took on a look of smug pride as she spoke of him. "Well, dearie - what isn't wonderful about my little raincloud? He began speaking full sentences while he was still a very young foal, and took to flying faster than even I did! He's has the distinction of being measured by personal instructors as being - and I quote - a 'GENIUS level intellect'! At his age, he is already only two classes away from being eligible for college - though I assure you, he'll continue his homeschooling here - and he has such a knack for learning that it's downright frightening!" There was a look on her muzzle that gave away far more than she would have known she was giving; Vylia honestly adored her 'little raincloud' quite a bit. "Experts have said that he has the potential to become one of the greatest child prodigies in the past century - the equivalent of, say, Princess Twilight Sparkle herself! Couple that with his logical nature and his charm, and of course the family good looks... well, I daresay that, in the right environment, Oglevy would become quite the socialite. And, of course, he would be savvy enough to utilize that mind of his to make certain to take full advantage of whatever information he might glean while he mingles." "Though he terrifies me at times, he's as powerful a flyer as I am, myself. In fact, he can keep up with me fairly easy - even at his size - but, admittedly dearie, I haven't raced him since he was much smaller... I wonder if he might have enough speed on me now to..." She blinked and turned her eyes on Carnelian... then had the decency to blush a bit. "Oh, I apologize dearie - I don't mean to exclude you by speaking of flying, it just comes naturally to pegasi to race each other in air... ingrained competitive nature, I suppose. But honestly, Oglevy is quite the little competitor - you should see him race the eagles around the quarry!" Her little laugh was genuine and light; she seemed not to have a care in the world as she spoke, and it lent a beauty to her that dignitaries and debutantes tended to overlook in their bids to impress everyone else. Even with all her issues, it was apparent that Vylia had a good life... and was, at least basically, happy. By the time they had gotten a hold of themselves, their screams once more pierced the thin walls of the carriage as it fell over the edge, picking up speed as it rode down the slope, heading straight for the quarry at an ever faster speed. All that could be done was to brace for the coming impact. The gates still standing wide open, the carriage rolled directly for them and barrelled through the opening like a bat out of Tartarus. Luckily enough, there was nopony in the way as it careened through the quarry yard, zipping past a very surprised Jasper Cragg and Khosan, shooting by Ziggy and Silver, and rolling by the mine close enough for Clod to see. The screams from inside were loud enough to echo through the yard, and it caught the attention of everypony else there. This was a good thing, as the carriage was headed straight for Shed Row... and, by its' current trajectory, it was aimed directly for the space between shed # 12 and the Blackwater Vault. Which was nothing but a cliff that led to open air... and a drop that was so high that there were clouds below it.

I've been busy... and my apologies to you for the delay. Responses or no, I plan to reply within the next day or two - I've actually been quite busy, because Life loves to keep me on my toes.