open So who wants to rule the world?

[The Down Trotten 300]

@@J.R.,

 

"Alright, thank you for your time Mr Blizzard,  oh before you go. As you are an adventurer there is a chance you might see the princess, if you can remember, maybe mention that some of her subjects aren't all bright and happy?" he smiled 

 

Shortly after he rubbed his eyes and yawned "Oh excuse me, well you are free to go, feel free to stick around or simply go along your merry way, on and if you could please send up the next pony?" 
 

[J.R. 3,183]

@@The Down Trotten, @@Hazard Time,@@Unicorncob, @, @@BabylonSister,

Ice gave a nod. "Sure thing, boss. See ya." From there, he trotted back downstairs and spoke to everyone there as he made his way towards the door. "Yo, uh, whoever wants to go next and speak to the ringleader guy can go ahead. I'm done with what I was saying up there."

[Unicorncob 5,687]

@@BabylonSister

 

The pegasus behind the guise of Cosmic Cloud couldn't help but blush at Nix's compliment. "Th-thank you... that's really kind of you to say..."

 

She raised her head a bit and shook it at the mare's thought of feeling silly. "N-no, not at all! I still buy them myself nowadays."

 

@@J.R. @@The Down Trotten

 

He looked up at Ice and acknowledged his message, then turned to Nix. "Um... maybe I should go next. Don't worry about waiting for me if you need to be somewhere, though."

 

With that, and the tiniest smile under her hood, she stood up and headed upstairs to Rhetoric's room.

 

Perhaps a bit of one-on-one time will get me some real answers.

 

She took a deep breath and gently tapped the door with a hoof, before meekly slipping inside and sitting herself down. "H-hello, again..."

[The Down Trotten 300]

@@Unicorncob,

 

In mid stretch Rhetoric looked a bit odd as Cosmic walked in on him "Sorry... can't seem to shake this sleepiness , but please come in come in, pull up a chair and get comfortable... If you could please remove the hood, I promise I won;t care about your mane cut, I just really like to to talk to ponies face to face about these sorts of things" 

[Unicorncob 5,687]

In mid stretch Rhetoric looked a bit odd as Cosmic walked in on him "Sorry... can't seem to shake this sleepiness , but please come in come in, pull up a chair and get comfortable... If you could please remove the hood, I promise I won;t care about your mane cut, I just really like to to talk to ponies face to face about these sorts of things" 

 

'Cosmic' did as she was told, and pulled up a chair to sit across from Rhetoric, and stared him down under her hood.

 

If I keep my identity hidden, he'll become even less trusting of me... it's time to play diplomat.

 

"...now that we're alone, we can talk properly," she spoke up, in a real, clear voice that totally flew in the face of whatever he may have been led to believe so far. She lifted the hood off her head, revealing a long mane of brilliant orange. "My name is Star Crest, and I'm a Celestial Paladin. Before you panic or get any ideas, I'm not here to arrest you or anypony else who attended this meeting. I was sent in to make sure you weren't planning a coups against the Princess."

[BabylonSister 218]

@@Unicorncob,
 

Nix grinned and waived to 'Cosmic Cloud' "Maybe I'll purchase one then. I hope we'll see each other around."  She really hoped that the mare would join their movement. The quiet gal had quite caught her fancy : P

​Nix went back to tapping her hooves together. She would like to talk to the Baroness... But breaching that conversation seemed significantly more intimidating than speaking to the shy mare.

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@BabylonSister @@J.R. @

 

All this time, Carnelian had been leaning back, inspecting her hooves.  This was rather boring, but she had a feeling she was the only one here actually interested in regime change.  How many others among this rabble could say the same with any modicum of truth?  Carnelian had the resources, the know-how, the capability...and she found herself amongst a group of foals.  A pity.

 

"Color me curious," she began, her eyes travelling over everypony present.  "How many of you have ever engaged in political activism?"

[BabylonSister 218]

@@Hazard Time, @

 

Nix looked from the baroness to the rather violent unicorn beside her.

"Well... I have not. But... there must be a beginning for everything, no?"

Nix fussed with her hooves on the table, hoping not to be the only one to speak up at the Baroness' query.

...Although she feared the unicorn's response. Or rather the Baroness' response to their response.
The Crystal pony was unpredictable, to Nix at least, this was both a source of anxiety and intrigue.

Edited July 26, 2016 by BabylonSister

[The Down Trotten 300]

@@Unicorncob,

 

Rhetoric was of course surprised, not that he was being spied on but because.... well the sudden show of hoof.

 

"I...uh.... Well if you want honesty? I have no idea where this meeting was going to go. I had no intention of a cuop, but if enough ponies showed with invested interest in the manner, and I mean a lot of ponies I would consider.

 

This is just the interest meeting mind you, it seems for the most part we all want to approach this politically. But honestly ma'am, I can;t tell you where we are going to go from here"   

[Unicorncob 5,687]

Rhetoric was of course surprised, not that he was being spied on but because.... well the sudden show of hoof.

 

"I...uh.... Well if you want honesty? I have no idea where this meeting was going to go. I had no intention of a cuop, but if enough ponies showed with invested interest in the manner, and I mean a lot of ponies I would consider.

 

This is just the interest meeting mind you, it seems for the most part we all want to approach this politically. But honestly ma'am, I can;t tell you where we are going to go from here"   

 

Star crossed one hoof over the other, and looked Rhetoric right in the eyes. She showed no malice in her gaze; it was more one of... intrigue?

 

"I'll be frank with you, Mr Rash," she went on, "the only lies I've told during this meeting were about my name and my mane. I'm truly concerned about the Royal Guard, and the shape it's been in since Shining Armour took the Captain position. I mean, the Thousandth Summer Sun Celebration was an utter embarrassment."

 

She put her hoof to her forehead in shame. "A bad day to be stationed in Ponyville..."

Edited July 26, 2016 by Unicorncob

[The Down Trotten 300]

@@Unicorncob, 

 

Her real concern really put Rhetoric in a bind, did he include her and risk the possibility of having a constant  royal ear around 

"Ma'am you must realize... this is rather awkward. I am really happy you shared your concern with me and if I ever have any success whatsoever I would certainly try to address the issue, but I guess I should get to the point. What are you looking for from me?" 

[Unicorncob 5,687]

Her real concern really put Rhetoric in a bind, did he include her and risk the possibility of having a constant  royal ear around 

"Ma'am you must realize... this is rather awkward. I am really happy you shared your concern with me and if I ever have any success whatsoever I would certainly try to address the issue, but I guess I should get to the point. What are you looking for from me?" 

 

"What I'm looking for from you, Mr Rash," Star explained, raising a hoof to point at the earth pony, "is civility. The same kind you've been displaying throughout this meeting. You're a level-headed individual, and I hope the ponies downstairs are the same.

 

"Changing the kingdom for the better is one thing, but if you disturb the peace, I'm afraid I'll have no choice but to take action. However, keep your methods and intentions peaceful, and you won't have any legal trouble."

 

A small grin crept onto her muzzle. "Besides, having a Paladin on your team would be pretty cool!"

[The Down Trotten 300]

@@Unicorncob,

 

Rhetoric smiled "alright alright you convinced me, if your truly interested in attending the next meeting, it'll be held at Nightshade Acres, it's a couple miles out side of the city, can't miss it. Meet me there around noon time.... But before you go why don't you be honest with the ponies down stairs? It'll save me a lot of trouble for later." 

 

He took a deep breath and got serious for a moment "...If it turns out your just trying to earn my trust so you can stab me in the back... You and your Princess will regret it" 

[Unicorncob 5,687]

"Nightshade Acres," Star repeated, and nodded, "I know the place. I'll be there."

 

At Rhetoric's suggestion to be honest with the ponies downstairs, she felt a small ache of fear in her chest. Not from what the likes of the Baroness would think, but more from what Nix would think. She seemed like a really nice mare, and a potential friend.

 

Then again, she meant it when she said she only lied about her name. She really did have a secret nerdy side that only a select few ponies knew about.

 

At the earth pony's warning, the Paladin simply raised a hoof. "If I planned to betray you, I wouldn't have revealed myself or my intentions to you. Just keep your actions within the law, and you and I will get along fine."

[The Down Trotten 300]

@@Unicorncob,

 

"good! Its nice to see some of Celestia's finest to think for themselves..." he meant it, even if it was a slight jab at the blandness of the royal guard themselves

"Anyway your free to go, send up the next willing pony, I await them with baited breath"  He got up and politely held the door open for the guard "Thank you for your time Ma'am" 

[Unicorncob 5,687]

@@The Down Trotten

 

"I know what you mean," Star agreed, rolling her eyes, "I don't understand why Celestia's royal guards have to be so... bland. I always hated having to dye my coat and put in those eye colour changing lenses."

 

She stood up and walked to the door, halting to nod at Rhetoric. "This was certainly an... interesting meeting. I'm expecting the same for the next one." She smirked, before heading downstairs.

 

She returned to the table below, where the remaining ponies awaited to be called up.

"Everypony, I have kept one truth from you all," she explained quietly, "my real name is not Cosmic Cloud. I am Star Crest, a member of the Celestial Paladins. I was assigned to keep an eye on this gathering, and to make sure nopony strays outside the law. Refrain from disturbing the peace, and I will take no action."

 

@@BabylonSister

 

She glanced around for Nix, hoping that she wouldn't think badly of her.

[BabylonSister 218]

@Unicorncob,

 

Nix was a bit shaken by the news. A celestial Palladian?

 

She sighed and resumed her anxious hoof taping, taking some time to observe the floor.She respected her sense of duty, and that she had had the guts to be honest.

 

But her sigh was one of disappointment. Not that Cosmic Cloud was false, but that she would likely never speak to the mare again. Surely Rhetoric Rash hadn't allowed her to know the time and place of the meeting? So she would be on her merry way and about official business once again.

 

Nix wondered if Cosmic Cloud had been an alter ego assumed with faux quirks and personality, or simply a false name. Nix couldn't help but hope Star was like Cosmic Cloud, despite the circumstances. She had rather fancied the mare...

[The Down Trotten 300]

@@PonyOfWar,@@Contrast,

 

The pony looked at the two different stallions a bit oddly "Oh thats what yer here fer... I thought you were part o the circus." he chuckled wildly "Well we ain't have to much going on here, but some of the locals have been hearing some stuff coming from the swamp. Not the normal stuff mind you, something different, but of course, it's hard to tell" he guffawed again  

[Unicorncob 5,687]

@@BabylonSister

 

Star spotted Nix sitting at the table, tapping her hooves nervously. She bit her lip, feeling a little bad for technically lying to her, so she walked over and whispered in her ear.

"Will you be at the next meeting? Maybe we can talk about which Batmare story arc is the best one?"

 

She grinned, hoping Nix would catch on that she only lied about her name.

[cwhip9 1,078]

@@The Down Trotten,

@@Unicorncob,

@@BabylonSister,

@@Hazard Time,

@@J.R.,

 As cresent was making rounds in manhatten he kept seeing a group gather at the inn and soon his curiosity began to get the better of him. The idea of a government change had been herd in pockets and such in some of the locals, it didn't bother the batpony too much as he mostly lived in the everfree. That was until he saw the flyer on the meeting it was odd yet satisfying how another pony had put the dots together.

 

Ever sense his nghtmother got back from the moon things for the batponys in general had been....decent. A lot more room to change but its not what he'd imagined when Luna did return from her stay in the moon, maybe this could help the batponys out finaly. With bat hunting and fears of vamponys  still being a problem it was a main reason cresent didn't often venture into manhatten but he couldn't let the idea go hence why he was here.  

 

He blinked at the inn then looked at the paper

 

"crap I'm late!" he said soon flying towards the inn.

 

The batpony slowed his approach seeing the guards, were they the leaders or the inns? he cheerfuly nodded at them before entering seeing the group of ponys gathered he happily found a table near by them.

 

 "hope I didn't miss to much is this the meeting?" he asked the group at large

 

(just ignore this post everypony)

Edited July 28, 2016 by cwhip9

[Hazard Time 1,127]

@@The Down Trotten @@J.R. @@BabylonSister @@Unicorncob @

 

Carnelian burst into laughter, unashamed of who was around her.  She brought a hoof to her lips to bring herself under control before she fell out of her chair, straightening herself out as her mirth died down into giggles.

 

 

"I'm...I'm sorry," she said in between chuckles.  "I'm not sure whether you expect me to be surprised or frightened.  Congratulations, you successfully infiltrated a group meeting of which there were no standards, clothed in a ratty cloak that screams 'Don't look at me, just trying to hide my identity', and then proceeded to make yourself as obvious as possible.  Once more, bravo to you and your under-financed superiors for this incredibly impressive display of guilelessness."

 

After another fit of guffawing, the baroness stood up from the table.  "I believe it's my turn," she announced, walking up the stairs and towards Rhetoric's room.

Edited July 26, 2016 by Hazard Time

[Unicorncob 5,687]

"I'm...I'm sorry," she said in between chuckles.  "I'm not sure whether you expect me to be surprised or frightened.  Congratulations, you successfully infiltrated a group meeting of which there were no standards, clothed in a ratty cloak that screams 'Don't look at me, just trying to hide my identity', and then proceeded to make yourself as obvious as possible.  Once more, bravo to you and your under-financed superiors for this incredibly impressive display of guilelessness."

 

Star narrowed her eyes at the Baroness, cheeks flushing red with embarrassment. She knew her disguise wasn't the best, but it was a last minute plan. It was the best she could do in a matter of hours.

 

Either the crystalline mare had forgotten she was once in charge of protecting her, or she remembered full well and just didn't care. She wouldn't be surprised either way.

[BabylonSister 218]

@Unicorncob,

 

Her eyes snapped wide open before a look of confusion clouded her face.

 

Then... Rhetoric Rash had allowed her in? Or was she guessing... ';.o

 

Oh well, what really mattered was that the mare still seemed to like Nix. And comic books.

 

Nix grinned with a sidelong glance and rested her head on her hoof. "I think that would be splendid."

 

She extended a hoof "Star was it? Pardon me, I'm terrible with names. If you couldn't twll when I refered to you as Clou... ClouClomurmph..." She chortled amicably

 

Nix was going to read all the Batmare comics.

Edited July 26, 2016 by BabylonSister

[Unicorncob 5,687]

@@BabylonSister

 

Star turned her attention back to Nix, who didn't seem to be mad at her for slightly deceiving her. She smiled and hoof-bumped with her.

 

"Just Star will do," she nodded, and glanced aside self-consciously, "well, 'Cosmic Cloud' was inspired by how I was as a filly. And you're one of the select few ponies who knows my secret hobby." She snickered.

[The Down Trotten 300]

@@Hazard Time, 

 

Not sure who was going to be entering Rhetoric found himself sitting down at the small table, taking a hearty drink of water. So far things had been rather stress free, who knew maybe he didn;t have anything to worry about 
 

Of course he didn't have a whole lot of time to reflect though as he heard hoof steps once more make their way to his room "Come in, come in! Doors open" he called out into the hall way