private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2021-12-02 at 7:19 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale didn't look too sure, "You... you don't have to do that for me. I'm not that good at cooking anyway. I was always much better at science and experiments, mechanical endeavors, not chemistry."

"Then someday, you can teach me something sciency, and we'll have fun with that too. Just like we're gonna have in making this recipe, once I find it. It'll be fun, and everyone can join in on learning how to cook some Cervid dishes. Besides, it's important to learn about other cultures, and what they eat is part of that."

Void was definitely going to go for this plan when she could now, that Vale seemed to be a little apprehensive to the idea. It wasn't to be mean though, but to try and get her into the deep water so to speak, with something she weren't familiar with, so she could learn along with the rest. It were like with the math class Void had sat in on, where she too ended up learning, but on a topic in which Void were actually proficient, and with a more cultural angle too. Making Cervid food, could bring the topic into why deer and does ate this, what their homes were like, where such ingredients grew, and so on, and so forth. It were important that the adorable younglings here, got exposed to more than just Equine culture. Just like how Elef were experiencing another culture, though without the same link to it, as he had by blood. It didn't change the fact that he were getting more enlightened, and learning all kinds of new, fascinating things. She'd want that for all of them.

On 2021-12-02 at 7:19 AM, Illiad Easle said:

They were all asleep at about the part where the dogs had returned to find Snow Hoof, Vale listening in as well, "You know, they have a story much like that one in Cervidas. The evil step mother was a reindeer in my version though."

She sighed, motioning for Void to join her in leaving the room, having taken care of the rest of the cleaning while the story was told, "Now, you owe me a good explanation. I won't wait any longer to hear what you've kept from me all day."

"It's a great tale, told on several continents. Even the dragons have a variant of it, although there the evil stepmother gets eaten at the end, and the boar is a wyvern.

*sigh* But I guess, we should get to it then, huh? Let me just grab my bag then."

Void would go over and grab her bag, then lead Vale outside, or at least well out of ear range of the foals. She'd then take the folded paper out of her back, though she wanted to say something to the doe before she hoofed it over.

"When you read this, know that I asked the consul, and he says it's legitimate. It's a transcript, from his meeting with Molotov."

She'd then hoof it over, and give Vale the chance to read through the whole thing, which wouldn't skip a beat. Not even how Molotov had needed to vomit from the shock and horror he felt, once he were faced with indisputable evidence. It'd all be there, from start to finish, including the last message dotted down from himself. The one where he didn't ask for forgiveness, but a chance to atone for what he had inadvertently taken part in. As well as the part about having something of hers, from the facility.

"I don't know what you're feeling right now, but... I'm here for you, if you need to speak about it."

She wanted to say a lot of things, including that she were going to meet up with Molotov eventually, but this might be an emotional point for Vale. She'd have to not pour gasoline on it this quickly, by saying stuff like that, and instead be supportive. Like a friend should be.

(Changelings)

On 2021-12-02 at 7:19 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin nodded, "Believe you me, I don't give praise lightly, or to any who do not deserve it. I hope she'll earn my approval, one day, but until then she will be properly evaluated. But yes, all the preparations appear to be in order, three days should be enough for them to get settled in their new roles, give the casino a trial run with a group of actors, and we'll be ready to open the doors to the populous."

"Best if we all got some rest before then, even if you won't be directly in charge it will expose the hive in a very new way, and you'll need to be ready for unexpected interactions and complications."

"I dunno. You praised me pretty early on, hehe.

Aaah, but jokes aside, I asked her to show up at 6 in the morning. Dunno if we really need folks that time of day, but it gives her and Ace plenty of time to get to know one another, and find some kind of harmony in how they work. Though I'm just happy we have everything filled out, and that barring me needing to do something about either of them, I don't have to deal with horrid stuff, like firing anyone. I don't know if I'd have the heart to do that."

"Doesn't mean he's not right. You have status now, your majesty. There's value in the hive now, and some will jump at that."

"sigh* I know, I know. You're both right here, but I'm not even sure what the first thing to worry about there is. The other casino's trying something, to not get more competition, I guess? That's probably something to be concerned about."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

On 2021-09-03 at 4:29 PM, Blitz Boom said:

I'm not asking for forgiveness, or understanding. I'm just hoping that in time, I'll be able to prove to you, that we weren't all bad.

Vale's expression was hard as she read the not that Void had given her, though it gave her pause when she read one of the last lines. She looked... conflicted, like she wanted to burn the letter and it's author to ashes, but also wanted to apologize.

 

Ultimately she set the note down, folding it carefully before stowing it away. 

On 2021-12-03 at 11:41 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I don't know what you're feeling right now, but... I'm here for you, if you need to speak about it."

She sighed, "You know how I feel about him, and this... calls a lot of it into question. I don't know how to feel about it all. Still, he has something of mine, or more likely my father's, and I best take it back before it can be used improperly. Plus... I've got to make sure he isn't about to unleash an even worse horror on Equis."

She looked back up at Void, "It'll probably take me a bit to sort all this out. I'll come by as often as I can in the meantime. Take good care of them while I deal with this, alright?"

 

Once she had Void's confirmation she would head out of the building.

 

(Molotov)

After confirming for herself with the Console that Molotov's account of events was accurate, as well as getting a better idea as to what she was supposed to evaluate, she left the city looking for wherever Molotov was waiting with his potential 'bringers of the end times' as the Consul had put it. Her Cervid sense of direction, augmented with minostralium as it was, would make finding Molotov trivial, the delay was solely in her reluctance to actually meet the stallion face to face again.

 

She stopped short of wherever he had taken shelter, electing to make him come the rest of the way. She called out, "Molotov. Let's get this over with."

 

(Changelings)

On 2021-12-03 at 11:41 AM, Blitz Boom said:

The other casino's trying something, to not get more competition, I guess? That's probably something to be concerned about.

Rasputin nodded, "That is a concern, yes, but no longer one you need to be concerned about. That's why you have Ace and Penny, to worry about the casino for you so you can worry about the hive. Once those two settle into their roles you can assign a member of your council to meet with them regularly to make sure everything is alright. What I meant was, now that the casino is reopening, and no doubt word has spread that the changelings have taken charge, it will shine a new light on changelings in the public space. More changelings will be coming to you for food and protection. More ponies will be coming to you to sate their curiosity, and others will come to sate their vengeance. The hive is moving to a more public light, and we'll need to be ready. I trust the casino will be able to handle itself given who we've put in charge of it, now's where we find out if you've got what it takes to run a hive well, when everyone is watching."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

10 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

She sighed, "You know how I feel about him, and this... calls a lot of it into question. I don't know how to feel about it all. Still, he has something of mine, or more likely my father's, and I best take it back before it can be used improperly. Plus... I've got to make sure he isn't about to unleash an even worse horror on Equis."

She looked back up at Void, "It'll probably take me a bit to sort all this out. I'll come by as often as I can in the meantime. Take good care of them while I deal with this, alright?"

"O-Of course. Take all the time you need. I'll let them know you're dealing with a personal matter, if they start to ask."

It had looked a little dicey for a time there, but it seemed like things had gone as well as could be. Vale did not look as if she wanted to slowly peel Molotov apart, layer by layer, so he might be able to survive their encounter. Long as he didn't say something stupid, so... That was a little harder to swallow. Hopefully he'd be alright though. They could probably use him for something, and she'd kinda miss him. Sure he was a little uhm... Him, but it weren't many faces from the past that were left. One should tresure the few that remained.

She'd look concerned as Vale took off, but did not try and stop her. Afterwards, she'd wait until the ones who looked after the foals during the night would be ready, before making her way home to hher family. She were sure that her parents, her sister, and Arcade, had a lot to talk about up until now, but she had questions too, to all of them.

*sigh* It were going to be a long night.

(in case Vale usually keep them under watch during the night, Void would do so now. I assumed there were guards)

(Molotov)

Molotov would've situated himself in the old research station, that the Consul had directed him to, and where he had made the data cube. It had the materials, and a roof over his head, so it'd function as a good place for him to work for the time being. With how much he had to atone for, he needed to be able to build something, long as he were able.

Vale would find that standing up high, there would be two pair of griffon eyes looking down upon her in silence. One pair being the one she had *sparred* with before, who'd not remove her steel gaze from the doe at first. Yet for some reason, both of them would retract, and seemingly signal that they were staying out of this. Just as the door opened, and a semi-depressed, tired looking Molotov came wandering out.

He had taken a nap, after whatever the consul had done to him wore off, but it hadn't gotten him fully up top. Enough to get to work on a few things though.

Behind him, yet quickly skittering over to his side, were the large, metallic spider, Felicia. And riding her abdomen, her much smaller, elder sister, Carmen. Though Molotov would hold a hoof out to stop Felicia from moving forward. Which she absolutely could still do, but she'd halt. For now.

"Guess it had to come to this. Dd what you feel you must. I won't be resisting this time. Just... Please make it quick. I don't want my girls to get scarred over this."

"ℂ𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣, 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥."

Felicia wandered more forth, but Molotov would step out in front of her, and put a hoof on her shiny, metallic head. A loving pat, that caused her to pause, though she could still easily sweep the pony aside.

"Felicia. You've always been a smart girl. More than I gave ya credit for at first. You understand that actions have consequences, and I've been part of something bad here. Whatever happens, this here's my consequence.

Take care of Carmen, alright?"

He'd take a step forth, whilst Felicia cautiously took one back. She might still charge in, to protect her creator, despite his words, but... She needed to mull over this for a few cycles.

As for Molotov, he stood ready now. A little cringed and tense, expecting some kind of harpoon to be trusted into his larynx, but... If that's what she felt like she had the right to, that was her right. Though he were hoping she would've given him a chance to do some good instead.

Vale would also find however, that Carmen were not as willing to stand back, and would rush over, as quickly as her legs could carry her, and crawl up Molotov. She dodged his attempts at grabbing her with his horn, and would go up on his head, and look right at Vale.

"Please. No hurt. No hurt."

Quite honestly, they were blowing this way of proportions, from Molotov thinking he'd get killed in retaliation. Good on the lot of 'em for making this a lot more awkward than it had to be.

(Changelings)

"Huh... That's it? Sounds like regular life, but on a larger scale.

We've been in the public eye, and under a lot of scrutiny since we first opened up and went public. Right after the announcement about Thorax. Might be it were legal for us to be open, but folks still had a lot of mistrust, so we had constant *surprise* inspectors, public pressure against our presence, and stories swirling everywhere. Whenever as much as a cat went missing for an hour, we'd be questioned, and the theater ransacked. So I'm used to the whole show of the lies and attempts at finding stuff to nail us down with, as well as how to educate others about us, so they know we're not monsters to be feared.

We'll have to figure something out about those who'd come in with an attitude of wanting to hurt us though. Back then, we just confused them with illusions and such, and the authorities dealt with them.  We got more numbers now,  and less authorities to go with now though, so we'll need to think about that for sure. Bruce? Do you think you can suggest some guards, and help them learn the ropes, just in case?"

"If you wish it, your majesty."

"Thanks. We'll compile a list later, and go over it.

About the bigger influx of other changelings we'd get, I'm hoping this will make the more solitary ones pop out of the woodworks, actually. I'll welcome all, and try to help them best I can, just like we've always done. Might be we can't hire them here, but I know some beings around town to chat with, and now we'll have the old theater as a more dedicated shelter, where we can put in some actual resources. It'll be nice not being reliant on the occasional donation, and small contribution from I dunno who, of the higher ups in town. It's always been appreciated of course, but it isn't reliable."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Vale would find her family waiting for her, with expressions ranging from bemused to concerned. Their mother got the ball rolling with, "So Null here thinks your hiding something from us, care to share?"

The foals must have stolen every subtle bone in her body.

 

(Molotov)

Vale was shaking, subtly, with rage at the sight of him. She didn't think she could have hated him more than when he seemed to believe that his death was a foregone conclusion.

She steeled herself, raised a hoof, and fired, cutting a clean hole through his left ear. By the look on her face, Molotov knew she hadn't missed.

She put her hoof down, "Having had you in my power, and choosing not to kill you, I forfeit my grievances against you. May your new scar forever remind you of this choice, and of the damage you were part of."

She sighed, calming herself. "I didn't come here to kill you Molotov, I'm better than that. And perhaps you're right. Maybe you will yet prove your own innocence. Don't think that because I spared you that we're friends now, or that I don't despise you with every fiber left in my being. I'm simply giving you the chance to prove yourself, and to make amends. First, you told me that your creation found something of mine. I would like to see it. Second, the Consul asked me to evaluate your creations, I am here to do so. You can rest assured that my hatred for you will not influence my judgment as to the potential danger of your creations. I know first hoof that a creation is not culpable for it's creators crimes."

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin nodded, "Self reliance is crucial for any hive to survive. It would be best to get out of any debts the hive currently has now that we have a source of income. Still, that can wait a few days. It's best if we rested, you especially, before the casino opens up and things get complicated again."

(If you have an event it mind go ahead, otherwise we can skip forward to the next event I have, a few days after the opening.)

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

"Wh-Wh-What?!"

She had just gotten in the door, and this were what they sprung on her, the second she entered? She didn't know what to say in the moment. What had even given Null the idea that she were hiding something? And if so, what would that even be?

"Saw the note in your bag sis, and you've been acting pretty weird. I know something's nagging you, that you weren't telling me about. And if you ain't telling me, it outta be something you think'll make me mad.

So, gonna ask you doirectly, and I wanna hear truth: Are you hiding a stallion?"

"U-Uhm... It's n-not like that..."

She'd blush up, and look to the side, whilst Null went over and shut the door proper behind her. She'd gotten her answer, with how the mare had acted. She didn't need to know more. Though she sure were gonna dig into it. Kept the heat off of her, and frankly, she'd like to know too. They'd see how she'd react about this.

"Then tell us what it is sis. I promise I won't go out and beat the snot out of him, if you're honest. Not right away at least."

"I-It's not like that, s-sis. It's... An old f-friend of sorts who heard w-we were here, and came to visit. And things uhm,... W-Well, they went poorly for him, and I'm w-worried about him."

"Another one? Bugger me. Who is it? Don't tell me it's that pegasus from Lilycove."

"It's uhm... M-Molotov Boom.

D-Don't do anything irrational! You promised."

She had seen the flicker of both recognition, and bubbling anger boil up in Null's eyes, as she had uttered that name. Might have been a short time they knew one another, but Null remembered alright. Persistent annoyance of a pony.

"I'll tell you e-everything, but can we at l-least just... Sit down? And I want to know how mom's doing f-first too."

"...Fine."

Null were displeased, to say the least, but this were a fair request, and push come to shove, her sister could literally just put her under her armpit, and hold her in place. Null couldn't just rush out and confront this dingbat herself currently.

(Molotov)

On 2021-12-06 at 4:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She put her hoof down, "Having had you in my power, and choosing not to kill you, I forfeit my grievances against you. May your new scar forever remind you of this choice, and of the damage you were part of."

She sighed, calming herself. "I didn't come here to kill you Molotov, I'm better than that. And perhaps you're right. Maybe you will yet prove your own innocence. Don't think that because I spared you that we're friends now, or that I don't despise you with every fiber left in my being. I'm simply giving you the chance to prove yourself, and to make amends. First, you told me that your creation found something of mine. I would like to see it. Second, the Consul asked me to evaluate your creations, I am here to do so. You can rest assured that my hatred for you will not influence my judgment as to the potential danger of your creations. I know first hoof that a creation is not culpable for it's creators crimes."

Molotov had to admit, he closed his eyes when he saw the shot going towards him, and sent a silent prayer that he'd been a good enough pony intentionally, to perhaps not get him bashed down the bottom layers of Tartarus. He stood his ground though. He'd made up his mind on this, and he trusted that even if he went away, his girls were gonna do fine. Carmen would need work now and again, but Felicia had proven very effective in working with her chassis' limitations, and still be able to tinker. Even made modifications on herself, by directing Carmen back in the day. He trusted she'd be able to take care of her, and find them someplace that'd adore them, like he had.

Imagine his surprise when he imagined he were getting shot, then heard her talk, and slowly opened his eyes, heart pounding away like a jackhammer, and noted that he appeared to not be dead. His ear were feeling a little lighter though. Small price to pay, and he could probably put something neat in there. Like an antenna or something, so he could get some special frequencies. He'd have to think about that sometimes, when he weren't relieved, and pumped on adrenaline, over not being dead.

"Holy dynamite. I really thought I was a goner there."

"𝕀𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕓𝕖𝕖𝕟, 𝕤𝕠 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕙𝕖."

Felicia's voice were displeased. Might be there wasn't much emotion she could add in her currently rather basic voicebox, beyond the feminine voice indicating her self-decided gender, but the wordings should hopefully cover things well enough, as she fixated her eyes on Vale. She were not liking this doe so far.

"Hey! You won't be hurting her, Felicia, and that's final. And Doctor Conegher? I know this doesn't mean we're square, and friends. You got every right to hate me for the rest of your life, but I swear I'll use this chance to make amends for what I caused. Even if it was inadvertently, I assure you I don't feel innocent in this. Thank you for giving me a chance, to at least try and do more good, than I've done harm.

Felicia, get the lady her things, would ya? Please? And then tell her what you did me. I'm thinking the context is gonna be important."

"𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕗𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕤𝕥. 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕝𝕖𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥, 𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕤 𝕤𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥. ℍ𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥 𝕝𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕝 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕠𝕠 𝕙𝕚𝕘𝕙."

"*sigh* Well, since I can't force ya, I'll just go get it myself then. It's right in on the work bench. Feel free to come in and see what I'm working on right now, if you will, Doctor Conegher. If not, I'll be back soon."

If she did follow, she'd find her equipment on a long workbench, next to a half-finished, miniature version of the sun and moonlight absorber he had done back in the day. He were working on making a functional protoype, that would prove tampering proof. Integrated, self cleaning filters, a warning system, in case some unwanted chemicals were detected, that kind of thing. It'd be a lot of work, but he had a lifetime now, to make sure that what he had made, would become the tools of good that he had always intended.

If not, he'd have it hauled out a few minutes after. And Vale would have some alone time with Felicia, whom would not submit to a voluntary inspection. And considering she were a guard robot with a tough chassis, sharp movements, and even sharper legs, she could very much ensure that if Vale tried to force her, the doe were going to regret it. She might not kill the doe, but she were not thrilled about the doctor right now, and would not be adverse to bashing her about a bit, if given the chance to do so, in a setting where she were well excused. Her a Molotov might have a complicated situation going at times, but he were still her creator, and she had some degree of care for him, despite what she said and did around him. It would have caused her considerable distress, and anger, if he had actually been killed before.

(Changelings)

"It was all voluntary donations. We do have a few debts though, from when times got really tough, and we had to borrow some here and there, but it's nothing major. We learned to make due, with what little we had. I'll make sure we get square though, the places we do have some. Even small, it's good to be able to set it right."

The next days would be hectic. Training of Penny and Ace took time, and but the former were receptive to learn. She were a little cold and clinical in it at times, when it came to getting a degree of order in things, but she didn't mistreat anyone, or appear overly prudish and above all else. She were simply professional about things, and that made her more a sort of *Neutral authority*, in a sense. There were some degree of kindness she'd have to get into things, but she were dignified, and respectful. It was a start at least. She were no Ace of course, but then, who were, beyond the pony himself? That'd probably still be a standard she'd be held to for a long time though.

The sibling magicians had also shown, and been accepted as part of the shows. They enjoyed not having to get by on tips on the street, but they had haggled some, when it came to their contract including them not being allowed to scam the audience, with making betting polls on who could guess how they did things. They had accepted in time, that they couldn't do it at work, and if they wanted to get their jollies like that, they could do street shows in their own time.

The two were great magicians, that didn't rely on having actual magic to do their thing, but they did also enjoy scamming beings. They'd done so for so long, they had just gotten into it. Sort of a family tradition. Their mother were a pool hustler, and their dad a forger. Wasn't honest work perhaps, but it kept food on the table, and when the two had gotten orphaned during the crisis, they relied on their skills to get by. It worked, and despite the way others might see their parents, they were happy about everything they'd been taught. Kept them going in the real world.

That made for three acts prepared for the opening ceremony, along with Bling and Upbeat, leading a musical number too. A classic one, that didn't require too many participants. ANd it had gone over swimmingly. The various collector vats around the theater had gotten nice and filled, and honestly, it were pretty good too when the zebra's show had gone on. Fear wasn't something they had a lot that knew how to cultivate, without doing so in a very bad way, but here they had a good source of that emotions. A bit icky for Bling's taste, but it was good to have a wide variety of many emotions, so they had more for specific tastes.

Beyond the grand opening, things seemed to go well. No major issues, by the looks of things. Hopefully that would continue.

Edited December 7, 2021 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Their parents, and Arcade, looked concerned to see the interaction between Null and Void, it certainly didn't paint this prospective son-in-law in the best light. Their mother waved a hoof dismissively, "I'm fine, and the foals are too. Very active, like their sisters. Now, do tell us, what's so complicated about this stallion?"

Their father turned to Null, "It sounds like the two of you met him before, were there issues back then that we should be concerned about?"

 

(Molotov)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If not, I'll be back soon.

Vale wasn't about to follow Molotov anywhere she couldn't readily escape. While he seemed grateful enough at being spared she doubted he could be trusted, at this point, to be held to any Cervidan or Trojan standards of decency. Besides, it could still be a trap. So she spent the time outside steadying herself, dealing with the emotional fallout of her actions. Studying Felicia from afar provided a good distraction from her inner turmoil. Given Felicia wasn't technically alive, nor made of many, if any, organic components, it was much harder for her to be guided by her natural magics in regards to Felicia's actions. If they were to fight, Vale would not be able to rely on her guiding magics to protect her.

It reminded her of her brief interaction with Panic, which did not weigh to the AI's favor. Still, there was a distinction. While Panic had been a pure AI, Felicia, like everything made in Equestria, had some element of magic to her, imbued by her creator, consciously or not.

She wouldn't say anything to the AI yet, as Felicia was clearly on edge about her having attacked Molotov. She simply waited for Molotov to return.

Her expression grew more serious when she saw exactly what had been brought out, "Whe-" She stopped herself, "No, I know where you got that. I assume the giant spider is how. I just wonder what else is now loose from the facility."

 

(Changelings)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She were no Ace of course, but then, who were, beyond the pony himself? That'd probably still be a standard she'd be held to for a long time though.

Penny's neutral attitude lended to her rubbing the wrong way with a few of the staff that remained from before, causing them to go to Ace for their instruction instead. Ace could have held this over Penny's head, but instead told them to give her a chance to adapt. That the casino would only do well if everyone did their part, and was supported in their position.

(As an aside, I always thought of fear as a purple emotion, and set that as the primary emotion of the changelings in the Everfree Forest, cultivating it by serving as guides and guards for caravans crossing the forest. Given the distance, very few fear changelings would make it to Las Pegasus.)

 

A few days after the grand opening, Bling was visited while she was alone in the office. It was as if she had stepped right out of the wall, as one moment Bling was alone, and the next their was a fashionably dressed grey mare sitting across the desk from her. The gown, hat, and veil that she wore were all the same grey as her coat. "You seem to have adapted well." The mare's tone was even, not a hint of any emotion from her. "I was, disappointed, when the casino was not left to me, but I see there was some wisdom in leaving it to you. Now,"

She leaned forward on the desk, "There's a task I need to complete that requires the... unique... abilities of a changeling. There are a few among your ranks that have incurred enough karmic debt to be pressed into service, but I would prefer if they came willingly. I'll even take a bit extra off their debt if they do. Encourage them to come to the hall of justice at their earliest convenience, and I'll make sure you're suitably recompensed."

There was a knock at the door, diverting Bling's attention, and when she looked back the grey mare was gone, leaving just a note where she had been sitting, detailing the request, signed Grey Mare.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

"He's a big mouthed idiot."

"T-That's not fair. He's uhm... W-Well, I don't think he have much of a gap between his brain and his mouth."

"Told him twice to stop hitting on Void. Beat him up three times more, and he still didn't get the hint."

"He's very p-persistent, I suppose. And direct. It k-kinda scared me back then, but right now, that's not the important part. I need him, sis."

THe look that she got back from Null as she said that, made her realize exactly what she had said, and how it must sound. Made Void's face flare up like a deep red tomato, as she went back being flustered again.

"N-Not like That! H-He's an inventor, and uhm... He can make w-wings. You r-remember, right?"

"That was half the reason I beat him up in the first place. No good, poncy twonk just going about flying, when he's already got the unicorn magic. Should've made him eat those metal flaps."

"P-Please don't be mean. He's already h-had a bad day. He uhm... W-Well, apparently, some of his i-inventions were used for some pretty b-bad things, and it hit him p-pretty hard. He's not a b-bad stallion, sis. And his wings c-could help Toupé. Others too, who l-lost one. I know you don't w-want others to go through what y-you did, so please. Give h-him a chance?"

"I... *sigh* Fine. I won't beat the tar out of him yet. Unless he calls me munchkin, or shorty. I swear, I'm going to toss him into a barrel if he does that again."

"That's uhm... W-Well, I guess that's fair.

I guess, more details, so uhm... As I said, his name is Molotov Boom. he worked at some place called Center Zero, in Equestria, and he makes all kinds of things. Like robots, with something he called *artificial intelligence*. I've seen this little spider he walks around with, that he says is one. It's kind of cute, actually."

(Molotov)

Felicia did actually have magic in her design, but it were rather minute amounts.

Back when she had been made, there were a fair bit of it. Her original energy core - if you discount the bundle of wires she were attached to at first, before Molotov agreed to let her have more freedom than his workshop, and added a real core - were a mixture of technology and magic, where the programs he encoded helped to stabilize the otherwise unstable amounts of energy that was needed, to keep her perpetually charged. It had functioned, but the core were also an enormous risk. Something went wrong, and that core could have exploded, and obliterated most of Manehattan from the face of Equestria. He had found the margins for error there to be almost zero, lest someone pierced her core for some reason, but it had been a worry.

After her core had been used to deal a blow against various of Discord's troops, encroaching on the group of survivors he had been helping, he had to figure out a new one. It hadn't been easy, but he had blended solar panels into her design, and made her core more efficient. As well as allow it to store more, in a much safer way, as it were now fully mechanical. Something he had done to Carmen too, though she did not need as much, as she were small, so she could keep her fur and still be okay.

But there were still magic, yes. A little lingering in the metal he used, as it were hard finding metal in Equestria, that wasn't touched by magic in some way. As well as an emergency system, in case of a complete shutdown of her energy core. Unlikely as it were, he added this just to be safe, and the magic were needed to jumpstart it. Were she to go through a nullification field, Felicia would be completely fine, just more cleansed of magic.

She wasn't like Pain though, regardless. She were not just cold and clinical, nor wished for damnation upon all. World domination seemed a foolish endeavor to waste time on too. She simply wished to learn much as she could, find her place in life, and then perhaps rule over a grove of other giant spiders at some point. Make them more efficient, and less threats towards equines potentially, but she still pondered that, to some extend.

On 2021-12-08 at 6:42 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She wouldn't say anything to the AI yet, as Felicia was clearly on edge about her having attacked Molotov. She simply waited for Molotov to return.

Her expression grew more serious when she saw exactly what had been brought out, "Whe-" She stopped herself, "No, I know where you got that. I assume the giant spider is how. I just wonder what else is now loose from the facility."

"Far as she told me, she shut it up against 'fore she left. But she said she wasn't gonna tell the full tale, until she had this delivered. Somethin' bout *Need to know*."

"𝕀𝕟𝕤𝕦𝕗𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕟. 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕦𝕝𝕝 𝕣𝕖𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥."

And so, Felicia would. From the point where she got bored, and went out, and found this facility, to leaving it, and closing the hole up top again. Though as it wasn't an entire shaft that was collapsed now, something might well manage to escape now. It was hard to say, of the things that had been down there, but she did get to the one thing that had. And once her report was done, Molotov would give his first impression of the situation. A single, four letter word, starting with an F, that he got out of his system pretty loudly.

"Are you kiddin' me?! That guy reeks of bad news, and I weren't even there to see 'im. Bloody Tartarus, this here's gonna be one nasty can you just popped open, ain't it?"

"𝕀𝕟𝕤𝕦𝕗𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕒 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕕𝕖 𝕒𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕨𝕖𝕣. 𝕀𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟 𝕀, 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕧𝕒𝕝𝕦𝕖𝕕 𝕘𝕦𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕣. 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕕, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕦𝕗𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕒 𝕥𝕠 𝕕𝕖𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥 𝕝𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕝."

Credit to Molotov's AI design, where it was due: It did well to incorporate flaws that regular folks had to work with.

Or in other words, Artificial Intelligence, didn't mean that sometimes, you couldn't be darn stupid.

Vale - knowing about Pain - were probably not so focused on that, as much as the bad news that he was now out there. Even if Felicia had an estimate of his location, it were probably major bad news. And a mess that Molotov would then have to clean up, before it ended up causing a second apocalypse.

(Changelings)

On 2021-12-08 at 6:42 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Penny's neutral attitude lended to her rubbing the wrong way with a few of the staff that remained from before, causing them to go to Ace for their instruction instead. Ace could have held this over Penny's head, but instead told them to give her a chance to adapt. That the casino would only do well if everyone did their part, and was supported in their position.

Penny would take criticism, but also defend herself, in case Ace brought it up with her, by saying she was merely being professional. She were used to having to be neutral like this, as the ones she tended to deal with needed to be handled that way, lest it caused issues.

He would be able to point out this were not her regular kind of job if he wished to then, and advise her that this required a degree of personality. Of which she were sorely lacking, when it came to dealing with others. Which annoying as it were to be told, would be an argument she'd begrudgingly agree with.

If it had been brought up by him, she'd note down that she would seek out some of the affection changelings in town, and see if there were some tips she could learn there. She'd rather not go by her actual personality, as she tried her hardest already to keep the arrogance that came with pride, down to a minimum. As Rasputin had eluded to: Pride were not an emotion worth indulging in. She knew that well, from seeing her hive perish to their own pride, and wished not to follow them into the darkness.

So she tried to keep herself in complete control. Not giving in to any emotion, attempting to control what happened with her, and around her. Honestly, she'd probably do better with a therapist, but an affection changeling were a step in the right direction.

In case Ace didn't say something, Bling would've done so instead, eventually. It'd go down the same route this way, but she'd be doing so at a later time, so it'd take a day more before she had the chance to tentatively work on opening up a little, and be more personable. Though it'd be a long process, either way.

On 2021-12-08 at 6:42 AM, Illiad Easle said:

A few days after the grand opening, Bling was visited while she was alone in the office. It was as if she had stepped right out of the wall, as one moment Bling was alone, and the next their was a fashionably dressed grey mare sitting across the desk from her. The gown, hat, and veil that she wore were all the same grey as her coat. "You seem to have adapted well." The mare's tone was even, not a hint of any emotion from her. "I was, disappointed, when the casino was not left to me, but I see there was some wisdom in leaving it to you. Now,"

Bling visibly jumped when she saw the mare suddenly in her office. This wasn't something that generally just happened. Bruce had done a good job thus far, of making sure no one got past him. Which had to mean that this one somehow manifested inside the office. She'd be horrified at what this might mean, if she hadn't guessed who it were. From the reports she had gotten, about The Grey, and then only made even clearer after what the mare said, there were no doubt about this.

So in the brief pause that were there, after Grey Mare had ended her sentence, after mentioning the casino, Bling would stagger a few words out of her muzzle.

"Epsilon. I'm-"

More she wouldn't manage to say, before the mare went on, and Bling's own dried upon her tongue. Epsilon were a mare she had a lot to tell. Apologies. Explanations. Condolences, and maybe a congratulation for her new position, though it seemed more a curse than a boon. This and much more, yet when The Grey spoke you listened. Much as she wanted to say so very much to this mare, that basic survival tip, made the word falter before they left her, as she sat shocked in her chair.

On 2021-12-08 at 6:42 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She leaned forward on the desk, "There's a task I need to complete that requires the... unique... abilities of a changeling. There are a few among your ranks that have incurred enough karmic debt to be pressed into service, but I would prefer if they came willingly. I'll even take a bit extra off their debt if they do. Encourage them to come to the hall of justice at their earliest convenience, and I'll make sure you're suitably recompensed."

There was a knock at the door, diverting Bling's attention, and when she looked back the grey mare was gone, leaving just a note where she had been sitting, detailing the request, signed Grey Mare.

Before she answered the door, Bling would say the last of at least her first sentence, though it would hardly cover much.

"I'm so sorry for everything."

She'd say more, but as her eyes returned to the seat, Epsilon were gone. There were now only a note, detailing the *request*, she had arrived with.

Bling felt a stone in her chest. She wished so deeply to tell the mare so many things, and yet now, the time had passed, and she had barely gotten anything out. Among it, the sadness she felt, over having a fairly good idea of what had happened.

It were all just guesswork of course, but the small mare who sent her these performers, had come to town, and things had changed. Grey Mane were gone, so were she, and she heard from a few other changelings the last few days, that they'd seen her with less than pleasing attitudes towards The Grey. It didn't take much for her to fit the pieces, even though again, it were still guesswork. A lot would want to harm Grey Mane for their own gain, and several other tourists had come and gone, but there was just something about that little one. A sickening, burning hatred she had felt when near her, that made her think the mare had not come to town, with the best of intentions. But she had brushed it aside, thinking little off it. Just another with reason to be angry, in this wreck of a world they now inhabited.

She couldn't have known, but Bling still felt bad that she had not thought more of it, and maybe had someone watch out for the two dwarfs. Maybe then, they wouldn't have gotten to this point. Grey Mane might still be alive. Epsilon were free of his duties, and could have worked together with Bling, after House died, and maybe others in her life would still be alive too. Of course she didn't hear everything, but she knew that Vector hadn't been seen yet/had gotten a funeral (don't know how public Epsilon wanted knowledge of his death to be), and the two had been close. It couldn't be easy to bear for her.

*sigh* But maybe next time Epsilon would have a time, and they could speak. For now, she needed to find changelings for this request´. And if it had to be the guilty, she knew whom she had to seek out. A few that had more than a few layers of dirt on them. But first, she'd like to discuss this with Rasputin, if possible. She had come to see him as a trusty king to have around, and valued his words and opinion greatly. So she informed him of practically anything she felt were important, if not take him along. It depended on how his time might be.

She'd go outside the door, and turn to the right, to see Bruce now looking back at her.

"My queen? Is something the matter?"

"Sadly yes. I'll need a word with him. Do you know where he is perhaps?"

"I'll send someone to look."

"Thank you."

Bruce would wait until he saw a changeling wander by, that were part of the cleaning crew, and motioned them over. He'd pass along the message that Bling were looking for Rasputin (or whatever cover name he went by in public), and that she were waiting in her office. If he wasn't at the casino, they were asked to send word along to someone with more time, that could go ask around. It seemed imperative that he were found, in Bruce's eyes. SO he'd work with that.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Their parent's looked concerned as the sisters went back and forth, and looked more concerned when Void mentioned Center Zero. Their father spoke first, "Hold up, Center Zero? Are you certain about that?"

It almost looked like they had seen a ghost, their father continued, "Back... back when we were researchers in Celestia's Academy, there was a rumor among the academics that those who tried too hard, who discovered something they weren't supposed to, would get 'reassigned' to Center Zero."

"No one who was sent there was ever heard from again, we all thought it was a code for getting, well, disappeared."

"We were going to get sent there, for our research into anti-magic, but we ran away, fled the country before they could send us there."

"To hear that it is, or was, a real place... I wonder what happened to everyone who got assigned there."

They sighed, thoughtful, their father spoke up again, "Anyway, you sure you don't have any romantic interest in him? Or is that something we should be looking out for as well?"

 

(Molotov)

Vale, to put it lightly, looked furious, but wasn't as prone to outbursts as Molotov evidently was, "This," she said, sharp and cold, "has gone straight from rot to a full blown PLAGUE. Do you have any idea how hard it was to get that monster contained in the first place? How much I suffered to keep it there? And then you just let it walk right out the front door?"

She started pacing in the sand, "Wow Molotov, is there anything you've made that isn't going to be a massive pain in my flank?" She hit her false flank with a limb for emphasis, revealing with a metallic clang that it was fully artificial, "At least I can tell the Consul that there's nothing to be worried about, there's not an ounce of intelligence in them." She gestured towards the spiders.

She stopped pacing, breathing heavily as she sat down and rubbed her forehead, "Just had to put it in the Codex didn't you? Couldn't leave well enough alone? Now Panic knows where all the other facilities are, what they contain, how to release them." she threw up her hooves, then just laid the rest of the way down, covering her head with her forelimbs, "I should have just killed him when I had the chance."

 

(Changelings)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Epsilon. I'm-"

She shot her a look that stopped her from continuing, there was a little bit of anger, a little bit of loss, then back to the facade.

 

It wouldn't take long for Rasputin to arrive in Bling's office, while he was an expert of hiding, he had told a few changelings how to get his attention, including most of those in the cleaning crew, who he had been training into the perfect discrete courier service for the hive.

He walked into the office without knocking, as was his custom, "You're looking for me? How can I be of service?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

On 2021-12-12 at 3:26 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Their parent's looked concerned as the sisters went back and forth, and looked more concerned when Void mentioned Center Zero. Their father spoke first, "Hold up, Center Zero? Are you certain about that?"

It almost looked like they had seen a ghost, their father continued, "Back... back when we were researchers in Celestia's Academy, there was a rumor among the academics that those who tried too hard, who discovered something they weren't supposed to, would get 'reassigned' to Center Zero."

"No one who was sent there was ever heard from again, we all thought it was a code for getting, well, disappeared."

"We were going to get sent there, for our research into anti-magic, but we ran away, fled the country before they could send us there."

"To hear that it is, or was, a real place... I wonder what happened to everyone who got assigned there."

"Peh. That ain't the way he spoke about it. He said it were where the best and the brightest went, to do work in peace, and really make a big difference. Figured it was just bragging."

"It wasn't, but they didn't g-get as many good things done, as he thought. Apparently, they made h-horrible things there. Toxins, and weapons. That kind of d-destructive things. He were crushed once the consul proved it to him, since he thought they made things that'd help others. *sigh* The look in his eyes, when I passed him after... The poor stallion looked so haunted.

He could tell you more about it than I could. But not yet. There's another who needs to speak with him first. Maybe once that's done, and I get a chance to speak with him too, I could ask him some questions. Maybe have dad go and talk with him too, if he wanted. I don't want you to have that kind of stress near you right now though, mom. It could be bad for the foals."

"I'm with her on that part.

I remember him chatting up what happened to the place too. Said something about the town having been attacked by something, while he had been out for some reason, and when he got back, everyone were gone. Something like that? Void? You remember?"

"That's pretty much what I remember, yes. That's why he were in Ponyville. Some sort of protocol, to deliver the paperwork to the right scientists, in case a catastrophe happened to town? I think he were there to deliver some things to Princess Twilight, but had trouble with that overzealous guard she had gotten."

"I remember her. Got a look of someone who'd seen fighting since before even we did, and weren't afraid to show it."

"Well, whatever the case, we're happy they didn't send you there. You might've vanished along with everyone else too."

On 2021-12-12 at 3:26 AM, Illiad Easle said:

They sighed, thoughtful, their father spoke up again, "Anyway, you sure you don't have any romantic interest in him? Or is that something we should be looking out for as well?"

"Of course she doesn't. She could do better than someone like him. She's just trying to get his help on stuff. Right, sis?"

Null looked up at her sister, and raised an eyebrow as she saw how Void looked awkwardly to the side, and didn't answer her.

"You have got to be kidding me."

"L-Look, it's nice to feel wanted, o-okay? We met briefly, years ago, and still, he c-came all the way out here from Equestria, once he heard I were alive. Said he h-had been thinking about me. It felt... Nice.

I won't just j-jump into anything though. I have all the foals to worry about now. I have to think of them, and how it m-might affect them, before I even begin to think about something like that."

She would be lying if she said she hadn't thought about it a little though. It had felt good to see Molotov again, and now that she wasn't always worried and paranoid about others, and could appreciate his words, rather than be terrified, she did think about him more favorably. Though she still barely knew him, and they both had a lot of things on their plate these days, so it were hard to say where things might end. It were nice to feel wanted though, in that sort of way.

(Molotov)

On 2021-12-12 at 3:26 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale, to put it lightly, looked furious, but wasn't as prone to outbursts as Molotov evidently was, "This," she said, sharp and cold, "has gone straight from rot to a full blown PLAGUE. Do you have any idea how hard it was to get that monster contained in the first place? How much I suffered to keep it there? And then you just let it walk right out the front door?"

She started pacing in the sand, "Wow Molotov, is there anything you've made that isn't going to be a massive pain in my flank?" She hit her false flank with a limb for emphasis, revealing with a metallic clang that it was fully artificial, "At least I can tell the Consul that there's nothing to be worried about, there's not an ounce of intelligence in them." She gestured towards the spiders.

"𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕗𝕒𝕚𝕣."

"Naw naw. I'm with Doctor Conegher on this. That was a wholesale idiotic move Felicia. Carmen wouldn't even have fallen for that, and she have less than a tenth of your processing power."

"𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕠 𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕤. ℍ𝕚𝕤 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕒 𝕔𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕗𝕚𝕥 𝕖𝕩𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕝𝕪 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕕𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕜𝕖𝕡𝕥 𝕒 𝕦𝕟𝕚𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪. 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕕𝕚𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕒𝕗𝕖𝕥𝕪 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤."

"And that was stupid as all Tartarus on their part. Doesn't mean you weren't dumb for letting him out anyway."

Felicia would look towards Carmen, and let out a series of whirrs and clangs. A language they had used, before getting proper voice boxes, and one which Carmen would answer with in kind, albeit reluctantly. It were not important for Vale to know the language to see, that Felicia had sought out someone who'd agree with her, and then - as the larger spider let out a surprise whirr and took a step backwards - hadn't found it. Carmen liked her larger sister, and supported her in much, but in this one, she couldn't agree with her decisions. She were far more rudimentary, as she did not have the hardware storage and power that Felicia had, due to her far larger size. And yet she heard the story, and had quickly found that the logical move would've been to leave the place, collapse the tunnel,. and bring news of this to some kind of authority. Especially after the other AI began communicating with her.

Carmen meanwhile, would skitter further back on Molotov's back, to avoid looking at Felicia. She felt guilty right now, and would prefer not facing her.

On 2021-12-12 at 3:26 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She stopped pacing, breathing heavily as she sat down and rubbed her forehead, "Just had to put it in the Codex didn't you? Couldn't leave well enough alone? Now Panic knows where all the other facilities are, what they contain, how to release them." she threw up her hooves, then just laid the rest of the way down, covering her head with her forelimbs, "I should have just killed him when I had the chance."

"𝕀𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕚𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕙𝕚𝕞 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕤, 𝕞𝕒𝕪𝕓𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕙-"

"Felicia, enough! Go inside, and back up. You too, Carmen. Then be helpful, and prepare my toolbelt."

"𝕎𝕙𝕪? 𝕊𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕞𝕖?"

"It's so I can fix your mess. The sooner we move out, the better, before this weirdo starts messing things up a lot more.

And don't ever joke about that. You bucked up royally, but that doesn't mean you're getting decommissioned. It means there's a mess out there, and it's time you take responsibility for it. Now go back up, in case somethin' goes wrong."

Felicia grumbled, but would skitter inside, with Carmen in tow soon after. Molotov on the other hoof, would look like he was close to getting a migraine. There'd be time for Vale to give a response to Felicia though, in case she had something further to say to the spiderbot.

"Just gotten to the point where I think I can start doing somethin' good for the world, and then this here just rolls in. *sigh* Bugger.

Doctor Conegher? Felicia's my responsibility, and I'll make sure that she takes part in fixing this too. Is there anything you can tell me 'bout this *Pain* fellah, that'd help get him rightly trashed? I know my word probably ain't worth a lot to you, but I swear that I'll give it my all, to stop him from causing the second calamity. Then figure out how to erase him for good. I ain't one for killing sentient folks, but from what I'm grasping here, it sounds like it ain't good to have him continue on."

(Changelings)

Epsilon's glare made it fairly obvious that saying her real name, were gonna be considered one of those *Taboo* things, that were best to keep in mind.

On 2021-12-12 at 3:26 AM, Illiad Easle said:

It wouldn't take long for Rasputin to arrive in Bling's office, while he was an expert of hiding, he had told a few changelings how to get his attention, including most of those in the cleaning crew, who he had been training into the perfect discrete courier service for the hive.

He walked into the office without knocking, as was his custom, "You're looking for me? How can I be of service?"

"Bad news I'm afraid. E- Grey Mare, just came for a visit. Says she needs some changelings for a task. Gave me a location, and said that if it were some with a karmic debt, it'd help them to shave some of that off.

She put it as a request, but it sounded like this were less of a request, and more of an order.

I'd like to talk about it with you, since I trust you, and value your opinion on things. Also you know more about some stuff I haven't even heard about, like when The Grey started, so I figured you might know something about what she meant about karmic debt? Because all I can think about, is that she wants those who have something to stone for.

Probably the former gang members, that came asking for forgiveness, once the leadership started to vanish. There's other too, but those are more current, so might be those. I know most of them have looked for a chance to prove they're all in for doing good now, so it could prove a benefit for them. I'm just wondering what your perspective might be on this, before I end up sending them into something where I don't know both the destination, and premise properly."

There had been a few changelings that had lost faith in the hive, and gone to join the gangs for some degree of camaraderie. Others still, had been lured in, and others threatened to join up.

Regardless of reason, after The Grey started to get to work, they were getting a trickle of them, that either eyed the chance to escape, or feared for their safety, with their gang slowly falling apart. Among other reasons.

Now, Bling had welcomed them back, though she could not give them work at the casino, for obvious reasons. She helped them however else she could, and had convinced about half of them so far, to help out at the old theater, to connect with the ones they had turned their backs on. It were a slow process though, and not all had a lot of trust to go around. Maybe if they showed they were willing to do something dangerous, yet important for the hive, it would show they were serious to the others. And whatever the *karmic debt* were, that Epsilon spoke of, it were probably good to have reduced. No one wise, wanted The Grey on their backs.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Their parents and Arcade watched as the sisters discussed Molotov, their mother offering at the end, "Well, the whole incident, the war, everything that's happened over the past few years, have changed a lot of creatures. I'd imagine Molotov would be very different now from the one you met so long ago."

"Whether he's changed for the better remains to be seen. You'll have to bring him over some time so we can meet him, give our impressions you know? Like we did with Arcade and Null here."

They chuckled at that, "Still, it's getting late, anything else you need before we head to bed?"

 

(Molotov)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Doctor Conegher? Felicia's my responsibility, and I'll make sure that she takes part in fixing this too. Is there anything you can tell me 'bout this *Pain* fellah, that'd help get him rightly trashed? I know my word probably ain't worth a lot to you, but I swear that I'll give it my all, to stop him from causing the second calamity. Then figure out how to erase him for good. I ain't one for killing sentient folks, but from what I'm grasping here, it sounds like it ain't good to have him continue on."

She shook her head, "I'm not a doctor. I was only ever a researcher. Dr. Conegher was my father, well, he was the buck who saved my life, made me my replacement limbs." She stood back up, "If we're going to stop Panic... we'll need the Consul's help and guidance, lest we inadvertently cause the very disaster we tried to prevent. After that... if we get back into the facility, I can connect to Codex again and see what exactly Panic got access to, maybe figure out what their plan is. But what I do know, Panic isn't from this world. It came along with another, a little blue unicorn colt named Euclid Fastar who revolutionized rune-mancy and invented a magical form of artificial intelligence patterned after Panic but that's irrelevant. Panic used to be useful, they helped design the facility, so long as they were with Euclid they were fine. The moment that Euclid left on the Æther and Panic was left behind... that's when the issues started. Panic is very intelligent, perfectly driven, and fiercely single minded."

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin looked thoughtful, "That's... unusual behavior, for the Grey at least, but it definitely wasn't an order. When the Grey demands something, they don't give you opportunity to deny. What she gave you was an offer of mercy, allowing those with debt to come forward willingly rather than being pressed into service as has been the M.O. previously. All that's in your power right now is to make an announcement, those with debt know who they are, and they should jump at the opportunity to go willingly. If they were going to be tortured or killed, they wouldn't likely be warned, and even if they were, there isn't much they'd be able to do to avoid it."

He thought a moment longer, "It isn't unheard of for creatures to seek and be granted an audience with the Grey. You could possibly seek them out for more information if it would clear your conscience any, they did tell you where to meet them after all."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

"*sigh* We can always hope, that things have changed for the better.

Anyway, I didn't mean to cause a stir. If you're tired, it's best you get some rest. And make sure to call us, if anything happens, okay?"

"It's probably fine right now. Let's get on with it, aight? I could use some rest too."

Null and Void would wave goodbye to their parents, and leave the building. The workshop were going to have to be the next place to go, so that Null and Arcade could have someplace to sleep. They didn't want to disturb their parents, and frankly, Null would prefer a bit of distance from them tonight. It had felt a lot like they were two seconds away from asking for grandfoals already. It'd be nice to cool off a bit.

"*sigh* What a night. Sorry for the interrogation by them, Arcade. Didn't think they'd go all out on you this early. Though there's a lot of things I hadn't expected to hear tonight."

"Big sis...""

"Yeah yeah, I know. It's your life, and it's your decision. Doesn't mean I'm gonna stop worrying about you."

(Molotov)

"Aight, Researcher Conegher then. If you think a trip to the Consul's the best action to take here, I'm following your advise on it. If we're going back to the facility though, I'm gonna need a bit of time to jury rig some weapons. Think I can get like, twenty minutes after we go there to see 'im? Provided I don't get torn up for inadvertently causing trouble already? Judging by what Felicia's telling 'bout the place, I outta have something that'll work to immobilize various types of subjects.

As for Panic... If he's otherworldly, and partially magic, it ain't gonna be easy to have his disabled, though the question really is what's causing him to go in the deep end? If he's missing his creator, why try 'an cause more havoc? Think his code's gone haywire or somethin'?

*sigh* Wouldn't be surprised he was left without proper guidance, and not enough training in empathy. Ain't good leaving something to be guided by brains alone, y'know? Without a heart, it'll start thinking too rational. Had that issue with #2341. Seemed promising, until it started going over logically on how to achieve peace, and figured the simplest way, were simply to eradicate all sentient life, since emotions made us weak and irrational, so it'd be impossible to keep us from getting all up in one another's faces. Which y'know, is technically true, but a real messed up attitude, that had to be removed at the core.

Is that his issue, or is he driven by somethin' else? And if you dunno, I'm sorry for snooping into it. Just trying to sort if he can be fixed, or removal's the only way, y'know? Might be my girls haven't been made the same way - hay, I never even patented their design, cause I was afraid how it'd go if it got into the wrong hooves - but it still doesn't sit right with me to mess up another's crowning achievement, lest it's for the better of all."

Above them, a shadow would briefly fall, as one of the griffons that had been watching them, took to the skies, and headed towards Troy. It was impossible to say who it were, between the darkness, and the cloaks they wore, but whomever it were, seemed to care little about them right now. So it were probably Ashclaw. Why she'd go towards town now though, were anyone's guess. Maybe it were at behest of her mistress. Or she went to see if the coast were clear, in case Vale and Molotov went towards town right away.

(Changelings)

"Yeah, I know where to go, but I also know it isn't smart to snoop around in The Grey's business too much. Might be they have a new leader, but I'd prefer not to test face first, if their policies on this have changed.

*sigh* I'll send a latter along with whomever would go, with my thoughts. For now, it's best to just send word around the hive wire, and see if anyone volunteers. Might be I'm getting worried for nothing."

The hive wire were the nickname the drones had started to use some time ago, when there had gotten enough overview on things from the base of Hive Cheshire, to be able to spread messages, or get hold of a specific changeling, with some degree of ease. The communications network they had made, where they'd spread word around, had started to be joking chattered about as the hive wire, and the name had just kinda stuck. It had a nice ring to it, so Bling didn't see a reason to either. It were better than what she'd have thought of, and easier to say.

Simplest way were to have a message sent to her brother at the old theater, and then ask the couriers who dealt with sending out food, spread the word. It were by far the fastest way to get gossip, or widespread messages around, as it'd hit a lot, who'd then start to chatter with their friends about it. Few hours, and almost every changeling in town should've heard the call.

"Just have to phrase it right. Like... *Grey Mare's looking for some volunteers for a special assignment. No one is getting forced to do this, but she mentioned it would help any volunteer to atone for past wrongs. Please report to Bling before tomorrow at noon, if you're interested.*

Short and precise, but might need some fine tuning. Upbeat would know some better words for it, and a few variations, to make it less clinical. He's always been good at that.

As for Grey Mare herself, I'll write a note to her, letting her know she'll have our cooperation in the future, long as it benefits New Las Pegasus. I'm not sending any changeling to wage war without a serious, extremely dire reason. Though she'd probably avoid that too. They're usually more secretive. But you know that, heh."

She'd also write her condolences, and an offer of an ear to listen, and a shoulder to rest her weary head on, in case Epsilon wished to unburden her worries and concerns, with someone who wasn't gonna tell. At all. She'd even include a promise that she wasn't gonna tell anyone of the mare's real name either.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

(You didn't ask about Gemini, let me know if you left that out on purpose, if you didn't I can add their answer in my next post.)

Arcade waved a hoof dismissively, "Far from the worst questioning I've gone through, and it's not like I had any experience to go off of in terms of being prepared. He at least seemed to like my answers, so that's good? Your parents seem like good ponies for what it's worth."

 

(Molotov)

Vale shrugged, "I wasn't intimately involved with Panic nor Euclid, so I couldn't hazard a guess as to motivations or flaws. Still, it might be better for me to go report to the Consul alone while you prepare, I'll come back for you when the time comes."

With that she pulled a paper out from her robe, added a small line to the symbol written on it, set it down as it started to glow, then stepped on it, disappearing with it.

About an hour later she would return, garbed for exploring the wasteland and burdened with supplies, "Alright, are you ready?"

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin nodded, "That sounds very reasonable, it is a good idea to get on their good side early, just in case. Hopefully it means we get more of these 'requests' in the future, rather than reports of changelings going missing."

That business concluded he continued, "I've started making preparations for the next phase, with the new surplus of energy we should be ready to begin the process in about a month's time."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

"They are good ponies. They were just meant to watch over us, but they cared for us, like we were their own. Even risked their lives to try and give us a better one. There's no one else, I'd rather have as my parents. Nor could I be prouder of them."

Null shifted her gaze away after saying that, and mumbling a bitunder her breath. Void knew though, that she were saying something to the tone of *They deserve a better daughter than me*. The larger mare, genuinely worried about that, and how she apparently still couldn't see, that they were proud of her. Or worse yet, that she saw it, but still didn't think she deserved it.

Sadly, Void felt sure it was the latter. Null had long been the sort who felt like she were never gonna be given something. She had to earn it by the sweat of her own brow, and sadly, she were still weighted down by thinking she hadn't done enough for her family to deserve anything. No matter how much they'd all told her that she didn't owe them anything, she kept latching on to every wrong she had done, and downplaying what good she had caused. She'd never end up feeling she had done enough, but at the same time, live with a constant desire to keep pushing, to try and maybe get there the next time.

She were doing better, and were a bit more in control these days, but Null were still a broken mare. Void just begged whatever deities she could think of right now, that she wouldn't end up pushing Arcade away, because of this. Some twisted logic, about him deserving better than someone like her.

Maybe it would be best, if Void had a chat with him about that soon, so he'd be ready for it, actually... Null had probably told him some things, but she may well have skipped over her psychological traumas, and what demons she had to wrestle with. It'd be best if he knew.

"They're great, and loving parents. And they seemed to have taken a liking to you too, Arcade. From what I've heard from the others, your mi- Oh! Oh no..."

Void halted, and facehoofed herself. Which caused Null to glance up at her, with a raised eyebrow, wondering what this was about.

"I forgot, I was supposed to ask them about Gemini."

"Why? You ran into some sorta notes from her, or something?"

"N-Not exactly. I asked the others to make a picture of their mistress, so I could turn it into a mosaic, then asked her name. It was her, sis. Gemini was their mistress."

"That... Awh bugger, do you think what mom and dad did, ended up inspiring her? Bloody Tartarus. So even now, Eponsilon's shadow is having fun creeping all over the place."

(Molotov)

Molotov nodded when he were talked to about it being best that Vale went an addressed the consul alone. It'd save time if she sorted that, and he made sure to get some stuff prepared.

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

About an hour later she would return, garbed for exploring the wasteland and burdened with supplies, "Alright, are you ready?"

"My girls are backed up, I've got the essentials... Yeah, looks like I'm as ready as I'll ever be, in a reasonable amount of time."

Molotov would wander out, Carmen sitting in his mane, and Felicia following behind him. Felicia had gotten a leg replacement, so she were back at 8, though the one in question, he hadn't had enough time to really get done with the right processes. So it were a bit of a darker color, and made of just regular metal, he'd been able to scrounge up in here. Form fitted though, and while it weren't as durable as her usual stuff, it'd get the job done for now. She'd also have a kind of extra layer, underneath her abdomen, that were clearly attached beyond the regular form, as the metal wasn't consistent. It'd work as a bag slot of sorts, where they could hold various things. Fairly sizable, and the place where Molotov had gathered what currency he did have, some supplies, and a few extra tools, along with a couple miscellaneous stuff. Weren't pretty, and she had been sure to moan about it, but she'd have to live with it. He couldn't just magic the sort of exterior he usually did to her, out of thin air. It'd take time to process the metal right, and they didn't have that time.

Carmen also wanted to be helpful, so he had strapped a small pouch with a few useful things in, around her neck. Wasn't something massive, but he couldn't say no to her.

As for him, he had his tool belt strapped on, with various tools for regular jobs, as well as a few highly unusual ones - probably home made - and then another belt, holding something to his torso. That being on one side, a two-part cylinder. The main one being the primary, and about the size of a firer extinguisher, and the other more akin to a half liter soda bottle. Both were connected via tubes to a *weapon* of sorts, on his other side. Looked to have been made from an old leaf blower, without the motor part, so it's work more as a hose of sorts. The tubes were inserted in various ways, and the tanks had a few cranks one could turn, to turn up or down the pressure of the power coming from 'em. The tanks also had some other machinery attached, that were likely meant to keep it functioning proper, and a jury rigged, sort of solar panel, with a wire connecting it to a couple blue gemstones.

"Ain't my finest work, but it'll do in a pinch."

(Changelings)

"Wha- Already?! I thought that'd end up taking like, a year or something. You must've really gotten everyone into the mix way better than I thought."

There were a lot of parts to this. Her motivating folks, Upbeat and the other *forelings*, keeping things going, and the general cooperation by the majority of changelings in town. Rasputin though, likely had the biggest part. He knew how to optimize things the best after all, and had set everything in motion, by both teaching, and hyping folks up about maybe getting a queen again. Literally nothing would've started, had it not been for Rasputin, but Bling certainly hadn't expected things to go this quickly.

"Waaauv. That's heavy... Is there any sort of preparations or something, I need to go through? I honestly have no idea."

After saying this, she'd take a letter, and an envelope from her desk, and scribble down something on the paper, which she shielded from Rasputin. She then folded and sealed the letter, and wrote *To Grey Mare* on it. That should stop anyone with more than three brain cells, attempting to open it.

Afterwards, she'd write another note, and put that in an unmarked envelope, that she didn't seal. Just mark with a hasty smiley, going *To you, bro*. This one were the message for the hive wire, that she'd have Upbeat begin to spread around.

She'd listen to what were being said too, but nothing wrong with being a multi tasker, right?

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Arcade looked concerned as the sisters talked about Gemini, "Wait, hold on, what do the two of you know about Gemini? It sounds like you've met her before, and by the sound of it this isn't a happy coincidence."

He held up a hoof before they could respond, "Please, for my sake, don't leave something out if you think it would hurt me, I can take it, and I think I deserve to know the truth about the pony I've looked up to and trusted for most of my life."

 

(Molotov)

Vale gave Molotov and his creations a once-over before nodding, "It'll do, let's get going then."

Vale wouldn't volunteer much information as they traveled, unless spoken to she'd only call out pitfalls and the occasional wandering Spawn while leading the way back to the facility. If she were asked a question, well... it would depend on the question how she answered.

 

A few hours of traveling later they arrived at the ruined remains of the facility, the sight of which seemed to dismay the doe a bit before she set about setting up a camp in one of the more intact structures near the elevator opening, "I... This is the first time I've seen the outside of the facility since, well, everything happened. It was beautiful before, I had hoped more of it would have remained intact here on the surface."

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin smiled, "Your hive has proven very industrious, and with the wide variety of changelings hosted here, getting a wide array of emotions is much easier than it would otherwise be. The process itself will certainly take about nine months to a year, given that's about the difference in the gestational period between a normal changeling and a queen, it can be shortened based on if we gather a surplus and if your body can handle it. Still, just because the preparations are ready does not mean you'll have to get started immediately, they can wait until you're fully ready, whenever that might be."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

"I ain't got a lotta bad to say 'bout her, and that's saying something. Back where we grew up, she were one of the few who seemed like she had half a heart to work with."

"After our uhm... A-Accident, where we lost my leg, and her wing, we got taken home by someone. From what little I remember of what were talked about by mom and dad after, I think it was Gemini. Sadly that also means that uhm..."

"It means she were in the crowd of those who'd used ropes and nets to force me down from the skies, and tied me down to the ground to cut my flight feathers. Or at least showed up to join in on the ones looking on as I were screaming for them to let go of me. Only one who reacted though, were Void. Came crashing in and then things just got chaotic. All I remember is pain, and something hitting me hard in the head. Then I woke up, with an amputated wing, and my life torn apart, whilst Void's lost her leg."

"Mom said my leg was a clean cut. But big sis... Dad had to amputate her wing himself. It couldn't be saved. Him and mom rushed to pack up a few things, then run off with us before the sun even rose right the next day. I'm not sure but I think that's part of why she did the same with you. I think she might've gotten inspired, by seeing what they did."

"Or she felt guilty."

"N-Null!"

"I'm not saying what she did for them was any less nice, nor that she went up and were wielding the cleaver herself. I remember his face right as rain. But looking on, and not getting into things before the damage was done? We've met others feeling guilty for less.

...Should've seen it coming. Before he died, f- Grey Mane, said something about her. Something about her letting an amulet out, that caused others to start that attack? I wouldn't take everything he said as truth, but if that have any merit, that'd cause some guilt. Though why she weren't flogged like the enforcers he said he killed, I dunno. Sounds like something's not right."

"The others said something about that. A transfer, after she did something, and that's where she met them. And if she used to be in our town, that whole thing, might circle back to her. They talked about a Gemini a few times before, but I guess I just never imagined... T-This is kind of messy, huh?"

"*sigh* Guess so, but whatever. I ain't got beef with her. Never known her for intentionally hurting others, and even if she did do a thing, she saved Arcade and the others. Whatever karmic debt she had, it's gone, far as I'm concerned."

(Molotov)

On 2021-12-31 at 3:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale gave Molotov and his creations a once-over before nodding, "It'll do, let's get going then."

Vale wouldn't volunteer much information as they traveled, unless spoken to she'd only call out pitfalls and the occasional wandering Spawn while leading the way back to the facility. If she were asked a question, well... it would depend on the question how she answered.

Molotov wouldn't ask questions during the travel, nor would Felicia. They'd just wander along, and avoid the spawn if possible. If not, Felicia would do hers to handle them, the way she were used to: Violently. Though they were likely scattered, and less of a threat now, so it'd be less problematic.

One who did want to speak however, after a few minutes, were Carmen. Te little spider bot, would jump over on Felicia, who were closer to Vale, due to her placing herself between the two flesh beings. There, she'd place herself on her sisters abdomen, and let out a whistling sound, whilst waving her small front arms, trying to get Vale's attention.

"Smart lady? Smart lady? You are special, yes? Are you creator too?"

Carmen were worried before, when Vale had shot at Molotov, but it seemed to be okay now, so she were now curious. So she'd try to make contact with Vale, and try to get a friendly chat going with her. Carmen hadn't done something bad, and were unable to be worth much in a fight, as she had not been made for that kind of thing. Maybe that'd give her a bit of leeway with Vale, that Felicia and Molotov didn't have.

On 2021-12-31 at 3:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

A few hours of traveling later they arrived at the ruined remains of the facility, the sight of which seemed to dismay the doe a bit before she set about setting up a camp in one of the more intact structures near the elevator opening, "I... This is the first time I've seen the outside of the facility since, well, everything happened. It was beautiful before, I had hoped more of it would have remained intact here on the surface."

"Yeeeah... It ain't pretty. Thinking it shouldn't be too bad to clear up though. Few bots with some base level programming, some effort, and a few months to work with... I dunno. If this place had a point in getting running, I could see how to salvage it. Least on the outside. Inside's gonna be the issue. 'Specially with all them things down there on the loose.

Mind me asking 'bout that? I'm getting the idea that it were supposed to house the sort of nasties, that were best kept down there. So what're we gonna need to watch out for the most? And would it have to get up and running again at some point? I refuse trapping something innocent, but if it's only looking to harm, and needs handling, maybe there's some good I could do here, long term."

Molotov were fishing a bit perhaps, but he wanted to know more about this place, and how important it were. It seemed now it were a proper mess, but surely there'd be some way that could be cleaned up, and then get running again. If it was the right thing to do. Something told him it hadn't always been all nice and dandy here, but ergh... It was a tough one. He were just trying to find some way to be helpful, and do some good though, y'know? Make up for all his failings, in whatever way would help the most. Long as it didn't mean he would be cut off from Void, hopefully. Things had gotten messy here, but he had come here, looking to rejoin a mare he hadn't been able to get outta his head, since he met her some three years back. Seeing her alive and well, he wanted to have a shot at going for her.

(Changelings)

"It's good to hear that everyone's doing beyond expectations. But for when the right time's gonna be... *Sigh* It's a tough one, but honestly? Whenever everything's set up. The timeframe you presented, should be enough time for me to have plans ready., Gonna need someone else to take over in my absence, and be sure that Ace and Penny can handle the hotel together. Upbeat and Gloop is already in on how most things work, and have kept things running in the past, when I've been ill, or had to deal with other things. I trust them, and you, could lead well.

I'm not trying to rush it for myself though. The changelings in town... There's a centralized leadership, and a king, but the vision of a queen gives them hope. A sign of a new age, where we can blossom, and thrive, rather than scrape by and survive. The promise of it happening have fired them up, but it won't last forever. For the sake of everyone, there has to come a queen, and the longer it gets dragged out, the more they'll start to lose faith, that it can actually happen.

I know it's presumptuous to think I'm the best for it, but... Well, you've seen the survey."

She sent out word to have a survey done, to hear from every changeling, willing to give a vote, who they'd like for ascension. Ignoring those who only got one or two votes, because they voted for themselves, there were four candidates with actual votes. And she were currently beating them by miles, with her having far more votes in her favor, than the others combined. Them getting the casino, and her getting in charge of it, had certainly helped, in the opinion of those uncertain if she could deal with things. As had the days with the gang siege, where they had witnessed her dealing with things in a crisis. Some claimed it were mostly due to Rasputin, but it wasn't him taking center stage, and ordering things around all that much - beyond the orientation of the leaders of the various hive functions, of course - so most were still in her favor.

Honestly, most still against her, were those not thinking she had been tested yet, the selfish, or those still thinking that a member of such a previously small, insignificant hive, shouldn't be queen.

"Man is it gonna be weird. Being a queen too sure, but just... Further then that. With the eggs. I haven't seen a hatchling in years. It's going to be such a strange experience to see those again.

...Heh... Guess I'm getting way ahead of myself. There's things to handle today, and the time before the big event. Should keep some focus on that.

Have some performance reviews to work on later. Ace and Penny seems to slowly get into their roles well. Ace haven't cracked yet, and Penny is... Professional. I can see she's struggling being open and personal, but I hear she's getting some help. Can't be easy for a pride changeling, so I'll wait and see what happens there. Hopefully she'll find a way to be friendly, mixed with her own way of dealing with things.

What do you think of Ace's performance thus far? I can't really put much of a bad hoof on his work currently. Things are going pretty well. Nothing's on fire for starters. That's always a plus."

She'd grin, and pull her tongue slightly, playfully towards Rasputin. She'd like his opinion, but that didn't mean she couldn't have a small jest too. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Arcade looked down as the Sisters described their relationship with Gemini, waiting for them to finish before speaking up, "I... She told me something similar once, about things she regretted, I had hoped that she was wrong, or that it was simply a story meant to teach the others and I not to touch things that we didn't know were safe. Still, I'm glad to hear that you two don't harbor any ill will towards her, I'd agree in saying she's done a lot of good since then. Hopefully she's still doing good now, wherever she is."

Arcade would be silent for the rest of the trip to wherever they were going unless prodded for input.

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-01-03 at 2:48 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Smart lady? Smart lady? You are special, yes? Are you creator too?"

Vale raised an eyebrow as she looked over at the small spider, pondering for a moment how exactly to respond, she did, at the very least, enjoy being called 'Smart Lady'.

"Special? I don't know what you mean by that, but I am unique at the very least. Still, most everyone is special in their own way. As to creator, if you mean inventor, like... him... then no, I am just a researcher. I guide the inventors along with data and theories, but I haven't invented anything myself. If, however, you mean mother... then also no, I haven't had the opportunity to create fawns."

 

On 2022-01-03 at 2:48 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Mind me asking 'bout that? I'm getting the idea that it were supposed to house the sort of nasties, that were best kept down there. So what're we gonna need to watch out for the most? And would it have to get up and running again at some point? I refuse trapping something innocent, but if it's only looking to harm, and needs handling, maybe there's some good I could do here, long term.

She sighed, motioning to the ruins around them, "On the surface, this was nothing more than a TrUST research facility, Silver Sigma, no more special than any other research station, there's nothing on the surface worth rebuilding, and without an oasis to keep the community alive there's be no point. Underneath though, it was a Deep Science facility. Deep Science, their purpose was three-fold: Security, Comprehension, Progress. Taking the anomolous, strange, and unique things of the world, studying them, and hopefully gaining some new understanding from it. Innocence depends on your terms of morality, is a cursed creature innocent of the curses effects? Maybe, but they are nonetheless dangerous, and need to be kept contained until such a time as they are not dangerous. I won't ask you to agree, just that you understand: We prioritized the safety of the many over the dignity of the few."

She looked away, "The facility was designed well to keep them in there, especially if everything collapsed. All this loose sand would ensure they never escaped if the halls collapsed. I've no doubt they'll be secure down there if left alone. The only one intelligent enough to get out would be the mask, maybe the doctor, but the rest are just items or animals. You've nothing to worry about with me guiding you."

She closed her eyes for a bit, the exposed metal on her forehead glowing faintly, "We should rest, best to enter the facility in the morning, at full strength, we can discuss the more individual dangers then."

 

(Changelings)

On 2022-01-03 at 2:48 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Man is it gonna be weird. Being a queen too sure, but just... Further then that. With the eggs. I haven't seen a hatchling in years. It's going to be such a strange experience to see those again.

Rasputin nodded, "I assume the transition for you will be no less jarring than it was for me to become a King, though you don't have to learn how to transform or eat like I had to. Still, there will be some things that I will not be able to teach you about being queen, perhaps it would be best to delay only enough that we could ensure a visit from one of the other queens soon after your emergence, to serve as your guide? I could travel to Blackwater for Queen Oracle while you are metamorphizing."

On 2022-01-03 at 2:48 PM, Blitz Boom said:

What do you think of Ace's performance thus far? I can't really put much of a bad hoof on his work currently. Things are going pretty well. Nothing's on fire for starters. That's always a plus."

He smirked, "The both of them are performing admirably. I suspect that Mr. House was training Ace to some capacity before his death, which would explain his apparent aptitude for the task. I don't think you'll have anything to worry about on their part."

He nodded, "If that's all then?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

"I'm sure she is, Arcade. Soon as they come back, she'll probably have a lot of stories to tell."

""Got a few tales I wouldn't mind asking her myself, but it'll be friendly. I promise I ain't gonna kneecap her."

Primary one being why she left the foals alone underground, with monsters around them, but that was for another time. Arcade seemed to be thinking right now, and weren't too grand on talking.

He wouldn't have long to think before they got to the workshop though. About 5-7 minutes, depending on traffic, before they were at the workshop. But they wouldn't be alone.

Standing near the door, around, and then settling her eyes on them, were Ashclaw. Her eyes scrutinizing the three, and the reactions she saw from the two mares, at the recognizable robes. That being worry and beginning fear from Void, and bubbling rage from Null, who took a step forth, and were about to spew off something. That were, until the griffon suddenly rushed towards her, and quickly reached a hand out. Null took a step back, and readied herself to jump at this griffon, wanting to beat the tar out of her. But then, something strange happened.

As Ashclaw had jumped forward, Null had missed the whooshing sound of something flying through the air. And a few inches from where her face had been, she would now notice that there were something pointy towards her. Not talons, but an arrow, clutched in the grip of Ashclaw's now motionless hand. She had noticed the arrow, and rushed forth to stop it from killing this one. Which it likely would've. One nasty piece of work this arrow. Sharp as all hay, and ragged, which meant that it wouldn't have been easy to get out. Honestly ended up hurting Ashclaw's hands a bit, but she didn't dignify that annoyance with any sort of yelp. She were more busy looking up at the roof of the workshop, where she'd see a motion. More it didn't take for her to growl slightly, and in a low voice going "Pesky prey", before taking off up there, on her hunt of the one who had been about to kill Null.

In case Nine had interfered first, she would go straight to hunting the assailant regardless, intending to ask questions about the potential interference later.

Either way, Null and Void would be left with hearts pounding, and a broken arrow on the ground, that had almost been embedded into Null's head. Specifically, her right eye socket, to make sure it went in and did as much damage as possible.

Both were baffled, and not sure what to say for a moment here.

As for why Ashclaw had helped them? Well, she had many reasons. One being a vested interest in not being present on a scene of a murder, considering her full acknowledgement of how shady she looked. The blame would easily be shifted towards her. And on some level, she supposed she cared a little, tiny bit about Molotov, and figured it wouldn't go well, if she let his crush's sister get impaled.

(Molotov)

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Special? I don't know what you mean by that, but I am unique at the very least. Still, most everyone is special in their own way. As to creator, if you mean inventor, like... him... then no, I am just a researcher. I guide the inventors along with data and theories, but I haven't invented anything myself. If, however, you mean mother... then also no, I haven't had the opportunity to create fawns."

"No creator. But smart lady still, yes? Research important. Helps make. Inventor and researcher, help make special things. You make special things some day too. I believe."

"She's a sweetheart, ain't she? My first success into making a proper AI, and harmless as can be. Though she'll jump a clown, any day. Used a clown head toy to run some tests, and ergh... Might've given her a phobia, or somethin'.

Anyway, bear with her on her speech a bit. As I said, she's the first, and as such, she ain't as advanced as Felicia here is. She lacks the components to really expand her intellect, but she's doing her best. Even working on a concept for a new chassis for her, that's more equine, and allows for enough space for proper, equine levels of intellect, without going overboard. Offered it to Felicia too, but she weren't a fan of going away from her arachnid chassis.."

"Large sister, put creator head in web. Stuck to wall. Small filly laugh long at him."

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Security, Comprehension, Progress. Taking the anomolous, strange, and unique things of the world, studying them, and hopefully gaining some new understanding from it. Innocence depends on your terms of morality, is a cursed creature innocent of the curses effects? Maybe, but they are nonetheless dangerous, and need to be kept contained until such a time as they are not dangerous. I won't ask you to agree, just that you understand: We prioritized the safety of the many over the dignity of the few."

She looked away, "The facility was designed well to keep them in there, especially if everything collapsed. All this loose sand would ensure they never escaped if the halls collapsed. I've no doubt they'll be secure down there if left alone. The only one intelligent enough to get out would be the mask, maybe the doctor, but the rest are just items or animals. You've nothing to worry about with me guiding you."

She closed her eyes for a bit, the exposed metal on her forehead glowing faintly, "We should rest, best to enter the facility in the morning, at full strength, we can discuss the more individual dangers then."

"Ergh... Bit torn, if I'm honest. Cause I get you folks. Considering everythin', it ain't unreasonable to wanna take the bad stuff outta rotation, and then try and save some lives that way.

At the same time, things starts getting iffy, when it comes to real beings. You say curse for example, right? Void's a good example here. She's got a curse going. Ain't strictly harmful, long as she ain't somewhere 'round life-supporting magic, or other important sorts. Think her living in a more rural area, and things are probably fine and dandy, yeah? Would she have gotten tied up, and forced into one of these things, because of it? Just because there's a few cases, where it could go wrong, despite it being easy to handle? I'd argue it's a case per case, sort of thing here.

So like, say someone had one of them curses, where folks around them would develop some serious illnesses, or mutate. There, best for them, and others, would be to get them somewhere safe, where they ain't hurting another. Make sure they're comfy where they go, and treat 'em with some dignity though, 'til they can get helped. They're still living creatures after all. Can't go treating that sort like objects. Not saying you did, just giving my two bits on the whole shebang.

So yeah. I get the point in everything here. Sounds like there might be need for somethin' like it again, down the line too. Just hoping whoever gets with that, remembers not being soulless. Ain't nothing good ever come from reducin' folks to objects and numbers.

Anyway, you got a point. Felicia? Mind bringing the tent over?"

He'd get the tent from her, after she skittered over to him, and he pulled it out of her *bag*. Just a matter of setting it up then, but that weren't all that hard. Pretty standard thing really. Didn't have room for Felicia, but she tended to dislike tents too. Said they felt restrictive. Frankly, Molotov figured that she had some level of cabin fever, after her early existence, were being tethered in his workshop. His bad on that one.

(Changelings)

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin nodded, "I assume the transition for you will be no less jarring than it was for me to become a King, though you don't have to learn how to transform or eat like I had to. Still, there will be some things that I will not be able to teach you about being queen, perhaps it would be best to delay only enough that we could ensure a visit from one of the other queens soon after your emergence, to serve as your guide? I could travel to Blackwater for Queen Oracle while you are metamorphizing."

"I've met one who had been transmuted to a changeling before. Not a king, just regular. From what he said, it wasn't easy getting used to. Said he was horrified at first, and ran away, scared and confused. Cheshire helped him best she could, but he eventually wandered off. Said he needed to find himself somewhere out there. Best we could do, was to tell him about Fright's temple, and then direct him towards it. We heard she helped others, who were confused, and needed guidance. *sigh* I hope he found some peace, before it all went wrong.

Anyway, your point about another queen, It'd be lovely. And I hear many good things about Queen Oracle, so it'd be a pleasure to meet her."

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He smirked, "The both of them are performing admirably. I suspect that Mr. House was training Ace to some capacity before his death, which would explain his apparent aptitude for the task. I don't think you'll have anything to worry about on their part."

He nodded, "If that's all then?"

"Yeah, that's all. Figured I'd keep you in the loop, y'know? There'll probably come some responses over the next few hours, if anyone want to join in with what The Grey are cooking up. Guess I should go inspect things a bit. See you later, Rasputin. Take care of yourself."

She'd see Rasputin off with a big smile on her face, but when he left, she'd sit on her own again. At which point, her smile would falter a bit, and she'd let out a deep sigh.

"Oh Epsilon. What have you gotten yourself into, you poor thing?"

She supposed, there were nothing she could do to change the mare's fate, but she did feel sad about it. The poor mare had enough weighing on her, and then this, on top of it? She seemed to carry herself well, but honestly, she wondered...

But there were little she could do now. Best to just try and get on with her day, and right now, that meant finding Ace, and seeing how he did personally. Couldn't hurt, right?

So she'd go out of the office, and go around looking for him. With Bruce silently in tow of course. As a good guard, he didn't leave his queen alone, even within their own casino. One could never tell what might happen.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

(That was unexpected, care to explain what happened there? I assume the would-be assassin is one of yours, so I won't step in on that for now.)

Given it was night, Nine was able to extend itself out of Null and would have intercepted the arrow if the griffon hadn't stopped it first, "That's not good. Who wants you dead?"

Arcade as well was shocked by the sudden nature of the attack, but to his credit the surprise didn't freeze him, rather he was immediately on the lookout for any other potential attackers, "We should get inside. It is apparently unsafe out here."

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-01-07 at 1:55 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"No creator. But smart lady still, yes? Research important. Helps make. Inventor and researcher, help make special things. You make special things some day too. I believe."

Vale smiled and nodded at that, though her demeanor chilled considerably when Molotov spoke up, only paying the minimum of attention to what he had to say, inasmuch as it was related to Carmen. Though she smirked at Carmen's following statement, "I'm sure he deserved it."

 

Vale stayed quiet through Molotov's thoughts on the purpose and philosophy of Deep Science, it wouldn't help to discuss it at this point. She hadn't fully agreed with them to begin with, and they weren't around anymore to change. When the resources existed to rebuild, then the discussion could be had as to what was acceptable behavior.

Vale, unlike most deer, was not used to an outdoors lifestyle, or she would have just settled down in a flat enough corner for the night. Instead she pulled out a small deployable shelter, which set itself up with the push of a button, giving her her own small, private, room among the debris. "Rest well, we'll descend into those forsaken depths tomorrow."

 

Provided nothing happened during the night on Molotov's end, Vale would get up just a bit after the sunrise, leaving her shelter deployed with most of her supplies inside she packed a smaller utility bag to go with her into the facility before moving over to the elevator shaft that Felicia had used to explore, "Alright, you all ready do go down?"

 

(Changelings)

On 2022-01-07 at 1:55 PM, Blitz Boom said:

So she'd go out of the office, and go around looking for him. With Bruce silently in tow of course. As a good guard, he didn't leave his queen alone, even within their own casino. One could never tell what might happen.

She'd find Ace at the front of the Casino, attempting to interact with a mare who had a distinctly vacant expression, a hallmark of those who had spent too much time close to the dragons of Tartarus Pits and had been enthralled by them. Her expression gained some small amount of lucidity when she saw Bling, but Ace was faster in approaching her, "Ma'am, this mare here," he gestured to the enthralled one, "says she's supposed to pass a message to you personally, I was about to send someone to look for you actually."

He stood a bit to the side, still standing mostly in between the mare and the changeling in case something happened. The mare approached, bowed, then began, "Portens and Fortis (The dragons) extend their congratulations on your successful acquisition and re-opening of the Top Suits. They are inviting you to take the late Mr. House's place in the casino head meetings so that cooperation may continue to your mutual benefit. If you agree, another will come with the details."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

On 2022-01-09 at 9:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"That's not good. Who wants you dead?"

Being in her head, Nine could pick and choose between those who got into her head as the adrenaline rush started. He could make quite a long list frankly, and these were just folks off the top of her head, though most wasn't local. Except for Vale. She had her up, due to how they still had a pretty strained history, after how Null had exploded at her and Pen some time ago. She really had to go and swallow her pride, to give them an apology for that honestly. Wasn't like she could keep claiming to herself, that she were in the right there.

But in regards to the current situation, Null weren't gonna just let this go. After the initial shock, she'd spread her wings, and fly up. Her teeth clenched tightly, and eyes starting to flare with anger, as she sought out whoever had figured it a bright idea to impale her face. She were gonna strangle them, with their own intestines!

Void would reach up as she saw Null rise, and with a desperate voice call out her name, clearly wanting her sister to stay down here, and seek shelter. But Null wasn't hearing it. She might have been the one attacked, but she saw this as an attack that could go on Void, and she needed to protect her family.

But there were nothing up there. Whomever had been there before, were just gone. No one were in the air, no one were on the roof. Just... Nothing.

That is, until someone went with substantial haste, out of a darkened alley below her, right towards Void. Though they did not get far, before Ashclaw came out as well, and basically dived into whomever this were, with her talons, causing whomever it were to ride across the ground, under the pressure from own body weight.

A meter or so forth, and she'd then push down hard, to force the one she hit further along, whilst jumping off, and landing calmly on the dirt. Right in front of Void, who were looking to be in a mixture of fear, and being a few seconds away from randomly kicking things, until she hurt someone.

Ashclaw took a step forth, and from the ground, picked up a spear that the one she stomped, apparently had been grasping, and broke it in half.

"Are you done?"

The one laying on the ground would rise up, and shake the dirt from themselves, before turning around. The ratty cloak they had used, now more or less entirely ruined, and not able to hide the identity of the griffon, whose wings laid thinly down her side.

No, they were not thin. As she stretched, one could see it were more severe, as not a feather were seen upon them, nor were any flesh. They were skeletal in nature as if this were a member of the undead. An assumption which were not quite accurate, but not without some truth to it, as the griffon turned, and put her angry, steely gaze upon Ashclaw. The latter of whom got a spark of recognition in her own eyes, as she faced one, whom she had thought wouldn't be part of her life any further.

"Fheng."

"𝔗𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔦𝔰𝔫'𝔱 𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔯."

Fheng had seen better days. Her wings were but one thing, but after the treatment she had gotten, when they left her for dead at the entrance, her entire coat of feathers looked bad. A fair few missing, with charred and frozen patches, somehow mixed across several areas of her body. Most of which could be dealt with, with the right sort of ointments, and time. Maybe even all of it, but she wasn't here for treatment. Her wound laid far, far deeper than this, and she were here to get the real cure: The life of the mare, whom sent her to damnation. And if possible, her brat of a sister too. Both of whom deserved to burn through flames far hotter than those she had endured.

Null recognized both the look, and the voice, and she swooped down, wingblades on the ready, prepared to strike. But she'd get nowhere near, before Fheng threw down a smoke bomb, and when the smoke cleared - helped in part, if not solely, by Ashclaw bashing her wings - Fheng would be gone. Some steps would indicate where she had gone for a brief time, but they'd vanish soon after. Might be she couldn't fly anymore, but she wasn't gonna be easy to track regardless.

As for Null, she'd just hit barren dirt, and look around, infuriated, and looking for a fight, whilst Ashclaw looked around, and listened in, prepared for a nother arrow to fly. Yet none would come. It seemed she had withdrawn for now.

(Molotov)

On 2022-01-09 at 9:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I'm sure he deserved it."

"ℍ𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕕. 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕟𝕠 𝕦𝕤𝕒𝕘𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕨𝕖𝕒𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕟𝕠 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕦𝕝𝕥𝕤."

"Big words, from someone whose existence came 'bout cause my head ain't all that weak."

The two of them would bicker low key for a bit after that. Carmen however, would rather continue to address Vale.

"Large sister and creator, they always argue. I want to know about smart lady. Smart lady is helping with problem, yes? Not hurting creator more? So... Smart lady is safe? Friendly?"

Carmen wanted to make connections with any and all, non-clown creatures, that seemed to be broadly speaking, a good being. Vale had not started off well in her estimates, but she were hoping that maybe now, things were different. She'd like to make friends, like ponies did. It were one reason she for one, were happy to hear about the other design, that Molotov had in mind for her. She were not one like Felicia, that liked what she were, as it were efficient for combat, and she were proud of it. Carmen were a smaller mind, that grew up full of wonder, and curiosity, about the world she had been brought into. She did not feel an urge to fight all that much, and even then, were too harmless to really do something. She'd much rather live among ponies, looking like them, and experience the world like they did.

If Vale said she were safe, at some point, Carmen would likely try and get closer, and make physical contact. Hesitantly at first, and not today, but eventually. Though in fairness, Vale had blasted a hole in her creator's ear. There were reason for skepticism.

On 2022-01-09 at 9:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Provided nothing happened during the night on Molotov's end, Vale would get up just a bit after the sunrise, leaving her shelter deployed with most of her supplies inside she packed a smaller utility bag to go with her into the facility before moving over to the elevator shaft that Felicia had used to explore, "Alright, you all ready do go down?"

As the subject wasn't gonna go further, the lot of them would get to rest. Carmen shutting down in the tent, along with Molotov, and Felicia running on power saving alert mode. Long as nothing registered nearby, she'd remain stationary, and using very little power. Were something to happen, she'd jump into action though. Lest it were too far away. There were a certain radius, one had to work with, in this mode of hers.

As morning went up, Carmen would scurry out, and bask int he light, to recharge a little. Something Felicia had done since the sun rose, and basked itself across her metallic, and glas-laiden surface. Nothing had happened in the night, beyond some tracks indicating that a few dune foxes had gotten close by, and curious. Likely scared off by Felicia, once they got close enough, and she started to move.

With nothing else going on, Molotov would've geared up, eaten a fruit, and then come over to the shaft, chewing the last mouthful down, whilst looking down.

"Well ain't that something? Aight, you first, Felicia. This here's your mess. Only fair you clear first."

She'd go, but would 'accidentally* hit Molotov with the flat of her front-most left leg, as she passed them and would then make her way down.

A minute or so later, barring something making noise, Molotov would spread his wings, and crack his neck.

"Aight, sounds safe'ish. Let's see what we gotta deal with."

And with that, he'd make his way down the elevator shaft too. Time to see what sorta menaces they'd end up dealing with.

(Changelings)

On 2022-01-09 at 9:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She'd find Ace at the front of the Casino, attempting to interact with a mare who had a distinctly vacant expression, a hallmark of those who had spent too much time close to the dragons of Tartarus Pits and had been enthralled by them. Her expression gained some small amount of lucidity when she saw Bling, but Ace was faster in approaching her, "Ma'am, this mare here," he gestured to the enthralled one, "says she's supposed to pass a message to you personally, I was about to send someone to look for you actually."

He stood a bit to the side, still standing mostly in between the mare and the changeling in case something happened. The mare approached, bowed, then began, "Portens and Fortis (The dragons) extend their congratulations on your successful acquisition and re-opening of the Top Suits. They are inviting you to take the late Mr. House's place in the casino head meetings so that cooperation may continue to your mutual benefit. If you agree, another will come with the details."

The mare didn't even need to say who'd sent her. The vacant expression, and odd feelings wafting off of her, were pretty clear indicators. The dragons had a certain effect on others after all, and especially for changelings, it were a weird, unmistakable blend of emotions, somewhat akin to slowly dampening euphoria, and waking up from a pleasant dream. With a few extra layers for extra spicing.

Ace wouldn't have to bother standing where he did though. Bruce would take a step forth, and be between them himself. Allowing vision for the infatuated mare, but not passage. It'd be over his dead body at least. Or more likely, hers. Though he'd probably not kill her. Just slam her away, in case something happened. He'd been well explained what sort of response were okay, based on the various threat levels of others. Murder were an extreme situation, sort of thing.

"Oh how lovely of them. Of course I agree. Though might I offer you something before you leave? A cup of tea? A snack? I don't want it to seem unfriendly here."

Real case were that she wanted to give her a chance to *sober up* a little, so to speak. It wasn't good to be near the dragons for that long, and frankly, she'd prefer to use her own changelings for stuff like this. They had some varied resistance to the two, with likely their best being Glum Plumb. She'd succumb eventually, like everyone else would, but she could last hours, and frankly would probably like to deliver some messages back and forth with those. She liked the more gruff, dark atmosphere, over this light and bright place. It were more her vibe, and since the messages likely wouldn't be so frequent, maybe the apathy changeling would be able to deal with it well enough.

Alternatively, it'd have to be Fluttery-Doo, though there the problem were the opposite. Wasn't that she didn't care being around the same creatures, for long periods of time. More like other creatures, mostly couldn't deal with interacting with her, for more than a half hour at a time. With a few exceptions.

As for what the meetings with the casino heads would entail? No idea, whatsoever. Good that Ace were here then, to fill her in later. He probably had some sort of idea about it. She just somehow kept things going from a hive perspective, and had a last say in some things, whilst he were dealing with things in general. Which suited her better. Meant she could still do good deliveries at times. Didn't sit right with her, not to interact with others. It felt... Icky.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Arcade had also stood ready to defend Void, having actually lunged forward to intercept Fheng when Ashclaw came down from above, causing Arcade to be the one crushed and smeared across the ground with Fheng and Ashclaw on top of him, which was likely why Fheng was sufficiently uninjured to make her escape, leaving Arcade dead on the ground.

With a 'POP' Arcade reappeared a short distance away, shaking himself off before coming back over to the sisters, "We should get that cleaned up before creatures start asking questions." With a few sparks of his horn he set his dead body on fire, a hot blue flame to consume it quickly.

Nine, on the other hoof, was also busy, activating the Eye for Null, "She won't escape you, but that doesn't mean she isn't expecting you to follow." The trail, like she had seen with Elef back in the second facility, appeared before her, as dark as Fheng's heart, showing the path that Fheng had taken. "Again, it may well be a trap."

 

(Molotov)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Large sister and creator, they always argue. I want to know about smart lady. Smart lady is helping with problem, yes? Not hurting creator more? So... Smart lady is safe? Friendly?"

Vale seemed surprised by the question, "I.... er..." She took a breath, "Yes, I want to help solve the problem, and I've already done all the harm I intend towards him. You don't need to worry about that. I... I am safe to be around, usually. I try to be friendly, but I don't have many friends." She seemed sad about that, but not extremely so, more like she was disappointed.

 

As the other two made their way down the shaft, Vale stood at the edge, looking about, "Hmm... how am I supposed to get down there?" She of course was not asking Felicia nor Molotov to carry her down, she wasn't comfortable enough with either of them to be so close for an extended period. Despite all the metal in her she was not magnetic to simply walk down the side, though that would have been impressive, she made a note to correct that for future expeditions.

She looked around a bit more, orienting herself with the facility and lining it up with a mental map of the facility, before nodding to herself. She came back over to the shaft, "I'm going to find another way down, don't wander far once you get down there, I'll make my way to you." With that she would bound off into the ruins of the facility, following an unseen path to another entrance.

 

Arriving at the bottom of the elevator shaft, the air was stale, musty, and the light was dim. It was like the whole facility had been abandoned for years. There was no sign of anything living in it, at least in the first room, which seemed to be a loading area of sorts.

If they ventured into the next room they'd find a cubical area with a few scattered papers, some broken tech, and a security card sitting on one of the desks.

 

(Changelings)

The mare didn't react to anything that Bling said, almost as if she had stopped listening after hearing the affirmative. She bowed again, "Another will come," then turned and walked, calmly, out of the casino, turning to head straight back to the Tartarus Pits at a leisurely pace.

Ace shuddered once the mare had left, "Those ponies always give me the creeps, that vacant look?" he shuddered again, "I'm glad they don't come by here often. They only ever came here before to relay messages to Mr. House, which I see is why she came today, for you."

He shook his head, reasserting himself in a professional attitude before turning to face Bling again, "Anything else I can help you with Ma'am?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

On 2022-01-11 at 7:25 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Nine, on the other hoof, was also busy, activating the Eye for Null, "She won't escape you, but that doesn't mean she isn't expecting you to follow." The trail, like she had seen with Elef back in the second facility, appeared before her, as dark as Fheng's heart, showing the path that Fheng had taken. "Again, it may well be a trap."

A dark trail it was indeed. Le Perinne's faithful were not exactly the most moral of creatures, but Fheng had been something else entirely. Ferocious and vile, she had done things in ways she weren't even asked to, for her own amusement, and well deserved her stint in Tartarus. A stint that seemingly, had taught her nothing of consequence, as she returned to cause havoc once given her freedom. She deserved to return to down below, and Null were really, truly in the mood to cause this.

"Void, go back to mom and dad. Protect them."

""W-What? But I-"

"No arguing! I'm going after her. Arcade?"

Void were none too thrilled, especially after seeing Arcade just dying - which had nearly caused her a heart attack - and then suddenly appearing again, to burn his own corpse. That stallion were a strange, strange one, and she had to know about this. But later. Null were right. Fheng just tried to attack them both, and she might also try to go after their family then, SHe dreaded how the foals might fare, if the griffon knew about them, but they had some guards. Their mother were too pregnant to move around, and vulnerable in her state. She needed her protection the most, until this issue could be solved.

So she'd scurry along, running as fast as she could back home, whilst Null readied to chase after Fheng. Though she barely got a step, before Ashclaw held a hand out in front of her.

"I'll deal with her. Go home."

"Bite me, puppet! She just tried to kill me and my sister! I'm going to tear her apart!"

Ashclaw noted that she hadn't mentioned how Arcade had died, but she had seen what happened there too. Something very unexpected, that she needed to report back later. Le Perinne were not responding currently. Likely more interference. So it would need to wait. And at that time, she would likely already have dealt with Fheng, but she couldn't do much, if she had to babysit this one.

Then again, she supposed the mare had a right to partake in the hunt. She had been the prey, and Fheng already had a history with her. This were personal, so she had a claim on this hunt.

A second's thought, and she'd remove her hand again. At which point, Null would take flight, and chase after the trail. Followed shortly after, by Ashclaw, who would fly higher, and scour things out, as well as observe this one. Or two, likely. Arcade had been killed before, as he had stood at a bad position, and been terminated, quite violently. Fortunate his death didn't stick, but he likely weren't too thrilled about it regardless. Or at least, would go and try to keep his marefriend safe. A foolish idea. Fheng were no amateur, and the only one who'd be able to keep this small pony safe, would be Ashclaw. Fortunate for Null then, that they had the same goal. For now.

(Molotov)

On 2022-01-11 at 7:25 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale seemed surprised by the question, "I.... er..." She took a breath, "Yes, I want to help solve the problem, and I've already done all the harm I intend towards him. You don't need to worry about that. I... I am safe to be around, usually. I try to be friendly, but I don't have many friends." She seemed sad about that, but not extremely so, more like she was disappointed.

"Wanna try be my friend? I like smarts."

Carmen were sad to hear that the doe had issues getting friends. She wondered if it might have something to do with her violent tendencies, but terminated that line of thought, as it did not seem nice. Molotov always told her to think the best of everyone, so she'd do that. Unless they were clowns. Or door to door salesponies. Molotov had warned her about those. Hearts cold and empty, with words dripping of false promises. He told her to be cautious around those.

On 2022-01-11 at 7:25 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She looked around a bit more, orienting herself with the facility and lining it up with a mental map of the facility, before nodding to herself. She came back over to the shaft, "I'm going to find another way down, don't wander far once you get down there, I'll make my way to you." With that she would bound off into the ruins of the facility, following an unseen path to another entrance.

 

Arriving at the bottom of the elevator shaft, the air was stale, musty, and the light was dim. It was like the whole facility had been abandoned for years. There was no sign of anything living in it, at least in the first room, which seemed to be a loading area of sorts.

If they ventured into the next room they'd find a cubical area with a few scattered papers, some broken tech, and a security card sitting on one of the desks.

Aight, so just the three of them down here for now then?

Landing on the dusty floor, Molotov would fold his wings in, and have a look around. Rather dim, but a little tinkering with his horn, and the lens on his eye, and... Aaah, much better.

His eye wasn't robotic, or false. The lens he had on it, just wasn't blending in well, with his regular eye. It were highly practical though, with helping him to zoom in on things, whilst he worked. That were just one of its uses though, and right now, he had another one done. That being to add some magic, and filter it through to cause a sort of luminescent, less eye-glarinf flashlight, beaming from the lens. He'd love to have just a flashlight in it, but he'd probably just fry his eyeball if he tried. He needed to tinker on this technology some more, before he could do it safely.

Anyway, now he had a bit more light to work with, he'd go and explore the immediate area a bit, whilst they more or less waited for Vale. Weren't much to look at here in the first room, but peeking into the next, were a fair bit more interesting. Why, it had some paperwork and everything. Might be something to learn from that.

So whistling softly, Molotov would gather the papers up, and have a look at what might be there. Once that were sorted, he'd pocket the key card, and then look over the broken tech. Might be something salvageable here, that'd be useful for them. Or it'd implode the entire facility. You never knew with strange tech.

"Well ain't this a fancy place? Sure needs a good clean though. Maybe a few new layers of paint, and a rug here and there, would do wonders."

(Changelings)

"It's worse if you're a changeling. The emotions rolling of of them are kinda creepy sometimes. I really have to talk to them about letting some of us changelings help a bit more. We're dealing with this sort of pressure of theirs better. Well, most of us, anyway. Excluding the changelings who feeds off of worship. They tend to gravitate towards their followers, when they're feeling hungry. Had to help drag a few of them away from there actually...

Anyway, I just wanted to come by, and ask you how you're doing? And hear how you're thinking that Penny is handling your old gig? Pretty new for the both of you, so just wanna make sure you're holding up. You were closer, so figured I'd start with you.

Although speaking of the enthralled, You say you've dealt with them before, when they came for House? Do you know what their meetings were about?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Arcade looked conflicted, but decided to go with Void, "I'd only hold you back, can't follow you in the air after all." He would also serve to encourage Void to move with speed, his jagged knife at the ready and eyes alert for any potential ambush.

 

As Null followed the trail she felt her coat grow cold, numb, she could still feel everything well enough, but all the aches and pains of exertion were dulled to the point they could be ignored. "Figured this might help, going into a potentially dangerous fight after all. If you were wearing the cloak I could turn it to armor, now that I'm not stuck inside you, but that's neither here nor there. Stay frosty, she's got quite the list of transgressions behind her, enough even to rival that Briar we met in New Pegasus."

 

(Molotov)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Wanna try be my friend? I like smarts."

Vale looked intrigued, smiling a bit, "I... I'd like that. Thank you."

 

As to the documents that Molotov found: The first one, The second one. (Neither have strong bearing on the story)

As to the tech he picked up, it looked like most of some sort of navigation system, but the screen was cracked and the antenna broken off. With time he might be able to repair it, but not here.

Overall it was quiet in the facility, almost oppressively so, the stale air dampening Molotov's breaths. This quiet made the sudden crackling of static all the more surprising as the facility's PA system sputtered to life. "Welcome ba-" more static "-r earlier than expected. Still, your place in this tomb awaits you."

The voice Felicia would recognize as Panic's.

There was a shuddering in the walls, a metallic groaning, then dust started to blow out of vents near the ceiling as the air circulating system started again, as well as the main lights coming on, though they were still dim, they were better than the emergency lights they had had before.

There was the sound of motion through the door deeper into the facility, like someone was walking past it.

 

(Changelings)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Anyway, I just wanted to come by, and ask you how you're doing? And hear how you're thinking that Penny is handling your old gig? Pretty new for the both of you, so just wanna make sure you're holding up. You were closer, so figured I'd start with you.

Ace looked surprised, but nodded, "Nothing I can't handle Ma'am. Honestly it's a lifelong dream come true to be here. Penny seems to be doing well enough too, it's obvious enough that she wishes she had my job, but alas."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Although speaking of the enthralled, You say you've dealt with them before, when they came for House? Do you know what their meetings were about?

He shook his head, "House never mentioned anything to me about what was discussed. Best I can guess it was the casino heads discussing policy for New Pegasus, since Grey, or, the old Grey, put them in charge. I'd guess they want to go back to that, maybe since there's talk of the Trojan Empire moving to annex the city." He shrugged, "He never seemed concerned when he went, though he had that bodyguard of his, Vector, to keep him safe."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

On 2022-01-13 at 7:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade looked conflicted, but decided to go with Void, "I'd only hold you back, can't follow you in the air after all." He would also serve to encourage Void to move with speed, his jagged knife at the ready and eyes alert for any potential ambush.

The two of them wouldn't be ambushed on their way to Calligraphy and Bunsen's home, but Void would certainly look around her, as if she were expecting it to happen at any moment. As it thankfully didn't though, and they'd make it there without incident. Lest something were wrong in there, Void would tap the door, trying to see if perhaps one of her parents were still awake, so she could warn and protect them. And failing that, she'd hyper-ventilate a little here, on their front step. She'd need a calming presence, one way or another.

On 2022-01-13 at 7:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

As Null followed the trail she felt her coat grow cold, numb, she could still feel everything well enough, but all the aches and pains of exertion were dulled to the point they could be ignored. "Figured this might help, going into a potentially dangerous fight after all. If you were wearing the cloak I could turn it to armor, now that I'm not stuck inside you, but that's neither here nor there. Stay frosty, she's got quite the list of transgressions behind her, enough even to rival that Briar we met in New Pegasus."

"Bugger me. I forgot how cold this was. And the cloak's home with our parents. Stashed it before I left. Go figure that I'd need it now then. Whatever though. We'll still break that scrawny, evil little witch, before she manages to hurt another.

And the other chicken can go down with her, far as I'm concerned. She best stay out of my way."

Ashclaw did not have the laundry list of evil over her, but right now, Null were in a bad mood, and not as logical about this, as she probably should be. She just knew who Ashclaw worked for, as being the same dragon that employed Fheng, back in the day.

And speaking of Fheng, she seemed to be rather quick to come around, despite her lack of functional wings. Her path were going through the nooks and crannies of town, making for a tough route to follow, if you didn't have this trail to follow. She must've done well in keeping hidden, and map out the town. Hard to say how long she'd been here, but potentially days, plotting her revenge. Maybe less.

Frankly, Fheng were running and jumping faster, than Null could catch up with her right now. Unless something odd happened, she'd never manage to catch the griffon. Although a pattern began to show, whilst following the path. A path which were starting to loop around, and... Oh no. Nononono. Where she... Were she headed back for their parents house?! The angle were fitting, but how well did the griffon know town? Could she risk that?

That was a dumb question frankly, and Null would veer off the path, and rush home again. She'd be able to save some time going that route, and might be able to intercept Fheng. Meanwhile, Ashclaw would keep on route, and look for the griffon. She doubted Fheng would go back for an attack already. She were vengeful. Not stupid.

And she would be right. Fheng had gone back in that direction, but were not actually going there, at this point in time. She were laying in wait instead, about two blocks from where their parents house were, in a direction veering right off her path. Though Null hadn't seen that. Lest Nine pointed it out - or argued for the fact that Void could handle herself, and that she'd best just try and speed up, and follow the trail - she'd end up back at their parents house, and Fheng would escape. For now.

(Molotov)

On 2022-01-13 at 7:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale looked intrigued, smiling a bit, "I... I'd like that. Thank you."

A whirring sound of joy came from the little spiderbot. Seemed like after all, the one she were afraid would kill her creator, would be a friend instead. Joyous times, and far easier than she had anticipated, that it might be. Other creatures were far less willing to get along with her, so her own friends were rather few. In no short amount though, also because a lot of creatures were dead now, and hence, the picks were few. She tried making friends with the large dragon lady too, but she didn't know if the dragon accepted it. Her answer were weird.

But for now anyway, she had a smart new friend, it seemed. Maybe tomorrow, she'd try and go over, and touch Vale. Give her a chance to see that she were just a harmless little AI.

On 2022-01-13 at 7:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

As to the documents that Molotov found: The first one, The second one. (Neither have strong bearing on the story)

So, religious fanatics, making a cult out of some wonky stuff, causing havoc, and a coffin that made others go a little crazy, and might have a monster. They sure didn't deal with regular stuff here, that's for sure, though neither of them seemed to be something he'd actively need to be all that worried about. Best to store 'em though, along with what other documentation he'd be able to find in this place, as they dealt with whatever they had to. So he'd fold 'em up, and have them floated into Felicia's storage space. The tech he'd keep in his own bag. He couldn't sort it here, but it looked like a simple enough thing to get together, and it could come well in handy. If for nothing else, then as spare parts. Never knew when you might need some of those.

As for what Felicia were doing? Seemingly just standing still, near him. In actuality, she were scanning the area, and keeping on high alert, in case ean enemy approached. They'd get potentially eviscerated, depending on her own evaluation of the threat level, though for now, things seemed nice and sim-

On 2022-01-13 at 7:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Overall it was quiet in the facility, almost oppressively so, the stale air dampening Molotov's breaths. This quiet made the sudden crackling of static all the more surprising as the facility's PA system sputtered to life. "Welcome ba-" more static "-r earlier than expected. Still, your place in this tomb awaits you."

"ℚ𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕪"

"Hey, language there, young lady. Although granted, that right there? Ain't a good sign. Guessing your lil' friend left you a present."

Felicia didn't use regular swear words. As with the language she had used before she had an actual voice box, and had to rely on mechanical sounds though, she made use of something else instead.

Going over some of the files that Molotov had made, in the process of creating his AI's and robots in general, she had found than when he were frustrated, he'd write/type in a series of letters. Like that on a word pad, and the more frustrated he'd get, the more it'd be some in line. As if he'd hammered down on the word pad with his hoof, in an angry outburst. This simple line typing, in a frustrated manner, seemed fitting to her, as use as a robotic kind of swearing, and had embraced that, for when the situation called for it.  Molotov wasn't a fan that she had done so though, and called it *A foul mouth, that a promising young AI like her, shouldn't be using*. Like she cared what he thought though. Just wait until the day that he found out how many of them she had taught Carmen.

First time that he'd hear Carmen say Cvbnm, he were gonna end up swallowing his own tongue in bafflement.

Anyway, to go back to their impending doom:

"ℕ𝕠𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝕗𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕. 𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕞 𝕚𝕞𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕙𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣. 𝕎𝕖 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕧𝕒𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟."

"Well, ain't happy 'bout it, but that sound before, ain't filling me with a lot of confidence. Just a right bugger. We'll end up getting separated from Vale already... But yeah, if we can find a control room, so I can shut off this thing, it'll probably be best. Think you can lead us there?"

"𝔸𝕗𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖."

She'd briefly stop, to use one of her strong legs to cut a line , with a slice at the end, making it look like a rather bad arrow. That arrow, pointing the way they were going, as Felicia began trying to lead the way she knew were to the control room. All the while, Molotov would turn off his own light, and follow her. Horn on the read, and figuring he were gonna need his shooter here sooner or later. This here had just gone and become the start of a right big pain in his flank...

(Changelings)

On 2022-01-13 at 7:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ace looked surprised, but nodded, "Nothing I can't handle Ma'am. Honestly it's a lifelong dream come true to be here. Penny seems to be doing well enough too, it's obvious enough that she wishes she had my job, but alas."

"She's a prideful sort, but you don't have to worry. She won't try and abotage you, or anything like that. Penny know she'd only end up getting punished for that. Sides, she's a pride changeling. She's gonna put her effort into doing her current job right, and look irreplicable. If ever you didn't want the general manager role though? Oh yeah, she'd be on it in a heartbeat. But it sounds like you're both doing well right now. Heard reports saying mostly that too, fro others. A few minor things with her, but there's ways to help with that.

Anyway, just good to hear you can handle it, Ace. Everyone knows you deserved the chance, and you're really looking like you were the right pony for the job."

Had she his review right now, she'd give him a gold star, but that'd have to wait until his actual performance review.

And yes, she actually had a folder of star stickers ready. It had been in a drawer at the theater for ages, and come Tartarus or high water, she'd make use of it. What'd they do? Complain to her boss? Hehe.

On 2022-01-13 at 7:30 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He shook his head, "House never mentioned anything to me about what was discussed. Best I can guess it was the casino heads discussing policy for New Pegasus, since Grey, or, the old Grey, put them in charge. I'd guess they want to go back to that, maybe since there's talk of the Trojan Empire moving to annex the city." He shrugged, "He never seemed concerned when he went, though he had that bodyguard of his, Vector, to keep him safe."

"Guess I'll just have to wait and see then. Not too concerned though. I got my own guard around, isn't that right, Bruce?"

"My life for my queen."

His expression were stone as he said that, and uttered in a rather dark, serious tone. Bruce really wasn't as bad as he looked, but he were a very dedicated changeling, and effective at making himself rather intimidating to deal with. Though given the option, he'd prefer to have not gone through what he did to get these scars, that helped him with the act. And it'd be nice to have vision in his other eye, but what could he do about it? Just had to roll with it, and focuson what mattered.

"Hopefully that won't end up being something that has to happen. I much prefer you alive and well, Bruce.

Guess I should l go off and see if there's something else that needs sorting. Though before I go, anything important happened today? Things seems mostly smooth, over the last few days, but you never know. Might be Pip and Scruffy were trying to hustle at the pool tables, or someone got stuck in a vending machine. Dunno, just keep expecting something to go iffy, but everything's sounding relatively smooth so far."

Pip and Scruffy were the magicians. They didn't try hustling at pool though. In their own words: There's no challenge in that. And if there's no challenge, where's the fun?

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And the other chicken can go down with her, far as I'm concerned. She best stay out of my way.

"Focus Null, don't let your anger cloud your judgement."

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

That was a dumb question frankly, and Null would veer off the path, and rush home again.

"Hey! I know you're scared, but you can't loose sight of the trail. Here. You can see the path from any distance, it's not going to fade too soon given how dark it is. If you fly up we can see the path from above, see where she's going and not just where she's been, then head her off. You need to remember that not only can you fly, but you can soar."

If Null pulled up to get a higher view of the situation she'd be able to see the path through the buildings, to either were Fheng was actively extending it, or to where it ended with her waiting. Though even if Null didn't go after her, Fheng's rapid pace through the city had attracted a good amount of attention from the city guard, who were patrolling and closing in on where she was hiding.

 

(Void)

Arcade would do his best to calm Void as they waited for an answer at the door, it took a few moments before her father opened the door to great them, his face quickly growing concerned as he saw Void's state, "What happened? Where's Null?"

Arcade took charge, pushing Void inside almost as soon as the door was open, "She'll be fine, but best we spoke inside, quickly."

Her father stepped aside so they could come in, closing the door behind them, his face even more concerned now, as he waited for Void to explain herself.

 

(Molotov)

The next room was a T with a door to the right and the left, the right path being the one that Felicia had been down before, but that was secondary to the pair of spawn like ponies shambling across the room, who stopped when the door opened for Molotov and Felicia, turning to shamble after them instead.

From the door on the left emerged the Plague Doctor, no worse for wear from Felicia's last struggle with them. "Another infected with the disease, and one who returns. I knew you would see reason in time. Come, I am the cure."

 

(Changelings)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Though before I go, anything important happened today?

Ace shook his head, "Other than that mare just now? Everything has been business as usual, nothing to concern yourself with Ma'am. I and the rest of your management staff can handle things."

 

Unless Bling wanted to do something else at this point, the next day one of the staff of the Stacked Deck would arrive, one of the ones that looked like an identical but subdued twin of the Host, to drop off a chip for Bling to get to the meeting, along with instructions that the meeting would happen the following day, two hours prior to the start of the weekly penthouse party.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

Nine's interference, slowed Null down, and then make her stop entirely. He were right. Void co8uld handle keeping their parents safe. She'd do best in tracking her down, and do so with haste. And getting some height would help her get a better view of where to look.

So she'd fly up high, and get a better look at where the dark trail went, which thankfully wouldn't be going home to her parents. So bullet dodged there at least. And now, she had a good idea about where Fheng were hiding away, and likely preparing for her next strike. But it seemed she wasn't alone. The local law, were drawing in too, likely curious about the rushing griffon with the bone wings. Fools were gonna end up getting hurt.

One force who were going in too, who weren't afraid of that though, were Ashclaw, who were already about to enter the building Fheng hid in. She knew the griffon better than any of the others in town, and as such, she hadn't a hard time to spot something of note, that lead her to the right building. In parts also because said building, were obvious, to those who knew her. Narrow entry way, only one obvious way in,a nd with high advantage point, that she could swoop down from. She may not have functional wings right now, but she were vain and didn't change easily.

The griffon would've entered before Null even came down there, and behind closed doors, were quite the amount of noise. Outbursts of pain, and an angry shriek. Null would get there before the local law regardless, as she swooped down, and broke right in, just to find a scene in front of her that were... Not expected.

A fair amount of arrows on the floor, as well as spears. A few of them bloody, and one currently, still stuck in Ashclaw. She did not seem to care one bit about it, being impaled into her upper right shoulder.

The outbursts of pain were not from her either, but rather from Fheng. The mare having her right wing now broken, and with several slash marks across her exposed flesh, consistent with griffon claws.

As she saw Null enter, Fheng would try and rush over towards her, to get a hit in, but Ashclaw would strike, and clutch her talons around the other griffons throat, before slamming her into the floor, so she slid back on the dirt.

"You were always a failure."

"𝔄 𝔣𝔞𝔦𝔩𝔲𝔯𝔢? 𝔄 𝔣𝔞𝔦𝔩𝔲𝔯𝔢?! 𝔄𝔰𝔠𝔢𝔫𝔠𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔴𝔢𝔯𝔢 𝔦𝔫 𝔪𝔶 𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔰𝔭, 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔠𝔞𝔩𝔩 𝔪𝔢 𝔞 𝔣𝔞𝔦𝔩𝔲𝔯𝔢?!"

She rushed forth, angry as could be, and got parried, then nailed to the ground. Null could interfere, but frankly, she were enjoying seeing Fheng getting the tar beaten out of her. She'd get her chance soon though, even if she had to tear Ashclaw away from her by force.

"You had your uses, but you were too emotional, and you clearly haven't learned a thing. Open your eye, and see the truth."

As she said that, she'd tear the glass disc on her eye off, and pushed it against Fheng, who suddenly started to get very pale, as the draconic eye in the glass, began flaring up, and covering her own eye entirely.

"𝔚𝔥𝔞- 𝔐𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔰? 𝔗𝔬 𝔰𝔢𝔢 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔞𝔤𝔞𝔦𝔫, 𝔦𝔱 𝔦𝔰 𝔰𝔬... 𝔑-𝔑𝔬. ℑ 𝔴𝔞𝔰𝔫'𝔱. 𝔖𝔥𝔢 𝔩𝔦𝔢𝔡. ℑ 𝔴𝔞𝔰-"

Fheng seemed to be struggling with something, apparently in a discussion with Le Perinne, whom didn't give her much room to put in her own words here. Judging by her facial expression, it did not seem to be a happy meeting, but she were at least not running away anymore.

Ashclaw would look over at Null, neutral in tone still, and would still not seem to be too bothered about the jagged arrow in her shoulder, despite her bleeding from it. The red line going over her ruined robes, down her painted, fire-red feathers, and then dripping down on the floor.

"She's all yours."

"You better not try something here, or you're next."

Null would move forward, and intercept Fheng. Time to see what being part of Vengeance really meant.

(letting you take over fully here now, for the next post)

(Void)

"She's gonna be f-fine, but she were attacked. A griffon, f-from when we were at the gates to Tartarus. She t-tried to shoot Null in the eye, then s-stab me. Another griffon came and interfered, but big sis got so mad. S-She's gone out to hunt the griffon down. She told us to go and keep you and mom safe."

Telling them the truth were gonna make them worried, but it wasn't like she could hide this. Void were nervous, Arcade and her had clearly rushred here, and the two of them were not stupid. They'd know something were amiss, and as Null weren't here, would probably guess that it had something to do with the dysfunctional mare.

(Molotov)

He had just about started cursing, when the two spawn had started to go after them. Bloody pain in his rear, that even now, he had to deal with these things.

But he didn't have the chance before some creepy weirdo with a plague doctor mask, came waddling towards them, and caused Felicia to go on high alert. She hadn't needed to warn him though. This guy gave off major creep vibes. Weren't no hiding that this one were off his rockers, and not to be trusted.

"Ain't falling for that one, Bio Grade."

One of the scientists from Center Zero, running the virology lab. The bugger had seemed nice enough, but when an assistant of his had gotten a rather nasty cough, he'd gone in and said he were the cure for it. Sure it cleared the cough, but it also turned the one who'd had the illness, into a raving lunatic, screaming and trying to rip off his own skin. It'd taken weeks to detox the poor fellah, and from what he'd been told, he'd been transferred elsewhere, as he didn't want to work there anymore. Right now though, Molotov wasn't so sure. Might've been the guy got made into a test subject, like Magma Del Ray had been. Except Magma had been an accidental fusing with an elemental, and had ended up melting through her containment, and the better side of the whole east wall outta town, to escape. Never did figure out what happened to her either, actually...

Anyway, this guy were bad news, so best to deal with him.

Molotov would raise his gun, and fire off a blob of green goo, that'd engulf the *doctor* and goo him to the wall. The goo was utterly harmless, and even breathable, but you weren't getting out of it with any ease. A little invention by Molotov's second cousin, Crackler Boom, that they used for unruly folks, as well as sudden bouts of fire. Which tended to happen at times, in their workshops. This stuff would quench the fire, and keep safe anyone anyone who'd gotten hit, so it were a far better alternative then the old foam ones.

It just required a bottle of the concentrated stuff - which he had in the small container on this gun - and some water. Frankly he had more of the mixture than the water right now, but they'd cross that bridge when it came. For now, they had some spawn to run from. And eventually this guy too. If he could get out of the webs, he'd be finer with this too. Might slow him down for like, 10 minutes or something.

As the path Felicia knew, had spawn, they had to run down the other hall, and hope there'd be a passage to make use of somewhere.

(Changelings)

On 2022-01-15 at 6:48 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ace shook his head, "Other than that mare just now? Everything has been business as usual, nothing to concern yourself with Ma'am. I and the rest of your management staff can handle things."

"That's good. The less trouble, the better after all. I won't be disturbing you more than, Ace. Have a good day."

Honestly, with all that had been going on in the last week or so, she were frankly expecting something to be going wrong, or needing her oversight on the daily. It were nice hearing that at least this, were fully handled. In no small part, due to Ace's leadership, she could imagine.

On 2022-01-15 at 6:48 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Unless Bling wanted to do something else at this point, the next day one of the staff of the Stacked Deck would arrive, one of the ones that looked like an identical but subdued twin of the Host, to drop off a chip for Bling to get to the meeting, along with instructions that the meeting would happen the following day, two hours prior to the start of the weekly penthouse party.

Hadn't been much more to handle, except for some volunteers for Grey Mare's task, that she had been told about during the evening. They'd get prepared and ready for the task at hoof, at the place and time they'd been asked for. 3-4 changelings, far as she'd been told. Hopefully it'd go well.

As for herself, she'd try and be friendly when the new message came around too, although she were initially confused for a moment, as to who this were. The resemblance to the honestly crazy stallion that acted out in the murder parties, were pretty staggering. Though once the brief confusion had passed, she'd get her instructions, and the entry chip. Now it were just waiting another day, huh? Well... She had to figure something out to do today first then. The paperwork were done, so perhaps she could go and help out at the theater for once. She had far lesser time for that these days, than she cared for.

(dealers choice: We got to the theater, or deal with Grey Mare's thing)