private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

On 2022-05-22 at 1:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She looked down, a bit of hardness in her expression, "They'll survive, they bounced back quick enough from the other three."

"Do not speak of yourself in that way. They won't just get over you, Ardee. And neither would I. Don't go throwing your life away for nothing, when there's so many here, who loves you, and would miss you if you were gone."

Void's tone would briefly qat the start, get harder, and more strict, before softening up again. She were a kind soul at heart, but hearing Ardee speak of herself, like her life mattered so little to those who looked up to, and treasured her... No, she wouldn't hear that. She heard enough of that from Null already, and it didn't hurt any less, when it came from Ardee.

On 2022-05-22 at 1:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Short, I'm not a gryphon. A knife is fine too, but I don't fly." There was a bit of fire in her eyes at that, "I'm plenty nimble on the ground, besides, I'll need my wings to shoot, can't fly and shoot at the same time."

And now, it were Null's time to get strict, though it wasn't such a turn for her.

"You're gonna learn to fly then. I don't care if you're the slowest flyer this side of Saddle Arabia, but you're going into the air."

Her own look were sparking with a fire of her own. One born of pain, and stubbornness, as the talk had come to flight.

"Big sis, maybe-"

"No. I'm not letting her throw away her advantage like that.

If you don't wanna think like a pegasus, then think like an archer, Ardee. You need range. Even if you're a wing shooter, and can't do it in the air, you'll need a safe position, and distance. Easiest way to get that, is flying out of range, then land somewhere with an advantage. Like out of the range of someone, trying to stab you.

Few meters up even, could be the difference. So, can you do that? I ain't asking about how fast, or how often you'd fly. I'm just asking you here, point blank, Ardee: If you had to, could you fly a few meters up, to a ledge? A roof? Anything out of range, to save your life?"

Frankly, she'd say that the young mare had to do way better than that, personal grudges against Rainbow Dash be damned. But if she could at least do that little, and get to a point where if she needed to, she could flap up to the roof of somewhere, she'd get off her back about it for now. She just couldn't accept, that Ardee would throw away her gift like that. And yeah, that came a lot from her own, personal experiences, with feeling the need to fly, but not having the ability, for the majority of her life. And so what? That didn't mean that she couldn't voice her opinion, about Ardee wasting what made her a pegasus. And this was even in a nice way. She could use way harsher, and direct words about this, if she wanted to.

On 2022-05-22 at 1:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"If they're not clawing through the walls trying to eat us, it'll be worlds better than it was in the facility." It was clear that Ardee didn't believe this, or perhaps anything, could be more dangerous than what they had previously had to deal with. "You're not going to scare me off of this. I accept your terms."

 

The other young ponies were starting to get worried and curious about all the hushed talking, Elef coming over, "What's going on? Is everything alright?"

"Then we'll get you started, soon as I get you some equipment. Though I'm not trying to scare you off of this. I think it's badly timed, and dangerous, but it's your choice. I'm just trying to make sure that your choice, doesn't end up getting you killed."

When the younglings came over, things were likely still rather tense, so Void would try and step in, and do her best to reassure them. Null were uhm... Terrible at that, to put it bluntly. Which were why she also had to try and talk to Ardee later, and see if she couldn't translate her sisters worry, into more constructive words.

"Yeah, everything's okay. Ardee and Null are just having a little talk, and we didn't want to worry you all about it. I'm sorry if it made you concerned."

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-05-22 at 1:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale was given pause by Carmen's pleas, but had still be about to retort when the Consul stood from his desk, "Enough." He could be very imposing when he wanted to. "I'll make sure the item is properly secured. Thank you, Molotov, for not trying to keep it for yourself." He turned towards Vale, gesturing towards the key, "Will it need anything more secure than a locked box?"

She thought a moment, then shook her head, "That's all it was kept in while in the facility."

He nodded, his horn glowed for a bit, then Selena entered the office, he passed the key over to her, "Put this in the vault, mark it as dangerous, thank you." Selena nodded, placing the key inside her body so it couldn't be stolen, then trotted out of the room.

He were mighty tempted to say something, but Carmen - whilst small, and unable to fight - did her part in saving him from his own stubbornness here, and skittered down to his mouth, to clamp around his muzzle, as best she could. It wouldn't last long, but it tended to make him get the hint, that he should shut up, before he made it worse.

Mostly she didn't have the time to react on these sorts of things, before he had already said it, or Felicia had whacked him in the back of the head, to get the point across, but she were lucky to do so this time, before it had ended up with the two of them getting into an argument. Or well, more of one. It was a whole cats and dogs thing currently, with the two of them.

She couldn't stop him though, from reaching a hoof up, and wave as Selena went into the room. Nor from him using his magic to adjust the lens over his eye a bit, so that he could zoom in on her a little. Nothing major though. He were just impressed with the vessel she were in, and wanted a closer look, without actually moving over there.

Due to his magic, he could also just pry off Carmen from his muzzle, but he knew she were just doing this for his own sake, and would just wait for a few, until she let go of him herself.

On 2022-05-22 at 1:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"There should be plenty of minotaur walker-golems that you could use as a base. They aren't very big individually, but I'm sure you could reverse engineer the runes to make one as large as you need. Again, anything you can salvage there is free for your use."

"A bit of scavenging, eh? Heh, nothing like that, to get the mind going. Thanks for the tip, Consul Easle. I'll keep it in mind. And I promise, I won't make the workshop into a proper AI. I'll make sure it'd something more rudimentary, that obeys orders. Don't want that sorta thing getting a mind of it's own, and go seek somewhere to scheme alone."

It was a real shame Blitz weren't here. His sister loved making stuff from scavenged parts. Why, her first explosive, had been from stuff she scavenged from a trash can. The amount of damage she had managed to do, were staggering, but man, were mom proud. Like a shard outta grandpa's eyes, as she put it. Though active way before that. None of 'em had figured she'd be blasting off like this, when she were just eight. Much less that it'd be working. Fun times though. Y'know, after they put out the fire, and put up a new wall.

On 2022-05-22 at 1:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He nodded, sitting back down, "Stars guide your path then until we meet again. Vale, a word?" He'd wait for Molotov to leave before speaking with Vale.

"Til next time. Consul Easle. Conegher."

He'd give a bow to the consul, and a nod to Vale, then turn around, and make his way outta here. He wanted to get back and start working on salvaging those minotaur parts, to get to work, but he had something he wanted to do first. Namely, see if Void were home. He weren't allowed over at her sneaky place, but the workshop, and her home, seemed like fair game. Though before that, he'd wander about a bit, to see if he could find the griffons. Outta make sure the two of 'em hadn't gotten themselves into trouble.

 

(Changelings)

"Yes sir. My first vacation in two years, I figured I'd go to the area near the quarry. I heard they had a lot of jade, and thought that perhaps, I could get a pretty souvenir, after my tent trip. Seemed reasonable to think they might have a souvenir shop in the area. I was about three miles away, when all Tartarus broke lose. More literal than I thought, but at least I made it there.

Stain sadly weren't as lucky. He were some ways off, and on his trip there, his group suffered heavy casualties. Sadly a common story, after the crisis started."

Mongoose were done with the surface of the table, and went on to the underside. Which as with the other tables, seemed rather nasty. What kinda filthy ponies, lived in this place?

He were listening in to what the others were saying, but it seemed best that he just shut his muzzle for now, and let Craven do the talking.

"I can't imagine it was any less of a horrendous time here in Troy though, when it all began to unfold. Maybe at first, before it spilled over the borders, but it isn't like any place got spared.

But a new day dawns, and we all have to try and get things back on track. Minor or essential, we all got our parts to play, I suppose. Not saying sweeping floors is as important as what you do though, Nimble. Pretty important work, to be a high ranking officer, for a place like this. Can't imagine Consul Easle didn't pick his best for this."

While speaking, he kept sweeping the floor, but that were soon done, and he'd have to reach for the mop. Not his usual gig, but he didn't mind. Like Bling had told them, there were no shame, in being a cleaner. Just another small, yet important cog, in the big machine of society.

 

(Bling)

On 2022-05-22 at 1:28 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Your reasoning is sound, we'll keep an eye on them for the time being, and make no move to hinder their operations for the moment. I agree that in these times we need all the allies we can get. We can save old rivalries for when we're both on stable ground. Is that all? Or is there something else I can do for you?"

"That's about it. I just wanted to keep you updated, now that I had the chance. I'm still new at the responsibility, that'd been set upon me, but I'm learning it, as we go along."

She were speaking of both the role as the casino leader, and defacto town section leader too, as well as her now more official role, as the leader of the local hive. Sure she had technically run things, if you asked others, but she hadn't seen it like that, nor officially done anything, so it were still new and a bit scary at times. A lot of learning as she went along.

"I figured since we're all working together to keep the town running, important information should be spread. And it gives me a chance to get to know you all a little better. Mr. House was the one I interacted with the most, and even then, it was pretty briefly, for the most part.

Anyway, as I said, I think that's about it. Filled you in about the Trojans, the Grey's interaction too, far as I know it, and the plans moving on... Yeah, think that's it, until something else happens.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I wish you a good day, and if there's anything, don't hesitate sending word. Most changelings in town, are affiliated with us, so poking any of them, should get you a message to me."

She'd give a deep bow towards the center of the room, where she felt the largest concentration of emotions, and if there were nothing else, would go out, and be on her way. She had a few things left to do with her time. Including looking into if there were others she could get to run a moth farm. It'd be so cool if these hats were something, you know? And it could be, if there were a readily available sample of them, that could be equipped, and spread around as a new kind of interesting pet. Like the cacklers, that sometimes rode along with Trojans, that came to town.

While she were thinking of which one(s) might fit though, perhaps she could go and ask the manager of this casino, what positions they might have, and what they expected out of applicants. The Mist had said that she should send some, so she would. Just had to first make sure they were ready.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Do not speak of yourself in that way. They won't just get over you, Ardee. And neither would I. Don't go throwing your life away for nothing, when there's so many here, who loves you, and would miss you if you were gone."

Ardee wouldn't, couldn't, meet her gaze as Void chastised her seemingly nihilistic attitude, She seemed to want to respond, to explain, but didn't. It seemed like she was used to suppressing herself like that.

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"You're gonna learn to fly then. I don't care if you're the slowest flyer this side of Saddle Arabia, but you're going into the air."

Her own look were sparking with a fire of her own. One born of pain, and stubbornness, as the talk had come to flight.

"Big sis, maybe-"

"No. I'm not letting her throw away her advantage like that.

Ardee looked absolutely furious at Null's comments, to the point where even Arcade looked worried. But again, she bit her tongue and let Null get to the end of what she had to say, calming down a bit as Null clarified what she expected.

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I'm just asking you here, point blank, Ardee: If you had to, could you fly a few meters up, to a ledge? A roof? Anything out of range, to save your life?"

"Yeah, I can do that." It was the first time in about a year that Ardee had been spoken down to like that, and she seemed to take it harsher than usual that Null was somehow looking down on her from below as Ardee stood taller than Null. Perhaps in a more private environment Ardee would express exactly how much she hated the researchers who had forced her to fly before.

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Yeah, everything's okay. Ardee and Null are just having a little talk, and we didn't want to worry you all about it. I'm sorry if it made you concerned."

Ardee would take that opportunity to distance herself from Null and Arcade, heading off to the bathroom, the sound of the sink running soon following.

The others did not seem convinced that everything was alright, their gaze alternating between Void, Null, and where Ardee had stalked off to. Teal and Toupé held Peal and Piecey a bit closer, not that the foals were in a mood to explore at that moment, they too having picked up a bit on the tension.

Arcade would step in if Null tried to, "We should come back later, give her some time to cool off."

 

(Molotov)

Void wasn't at her workshop, which was to be expected as she tended to be working on that secret project from before breakfast until after dinner. If he went by the house her father would answer, a bit of a confused expression, "Can I help you?"

 

(Changelings)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Stain sadly weren't as lucky. He were some ways off, and on his trip there, his group suffered heavy casualties. Sadly a common story, after the crisis started."

Nimble grimaced at that, "Yeah, it really took Equestria by surprise. Well, it took everyone by surprise, just since Equestria was targeted first it gave them less time to prepare."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I can't imagine it was any less of a horrendous time here in Troy though, when it all began to unfold. Maybe at first, before it spilled over the borders, but it isn't like any place got spared.

Nimble snorted at that, "We liked to think that Discord attacked Troy last because we were the strongest, but I think it was just because we weren't convenient. You'll have to remember that before Discord revealed his treachery everyone thought it was just another Equestrian problem that the Elements would resolve, I mean, the Tar-Spawn by themselves aren't all that dangerous. But Equestria fell in less than a day from when Discord revealed himself, the rest falling in sequence, though slower as they each had more time to prepare."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

But a new day dawns, and we all have to try and get things back on track. Minor or essential, we all got our parts to play, I suppose. Not saying sweeping floors is as important as what you do though, Nimble. Pretty important work, to be a high ranking officer, for a place like this. Can't imagine Consul Easle didn't pick his best for this."

He nodded at that, "Well, I volunteered to come out here, and I'm not so vain as to think I'm the best. The best either left with the Æther, or fell defending it. I'm just lucky enough to survive, and unlucky enough to not have gotten on."

A good amount of his indecision and anger had faded during their conversation, the pegasus growing more and more amicable as he kept talking.

"You know, I was hesitant about having the locals work here in the embassy, but you two are alright. If the other locals they hire are half as cool as you two... I guess I could get behind that."

He sighed, looking at his mostly untouched meal before turning away, "You two can help yourselves to that if you want it, I need to get ready for my rotation. See you around."

 

The mess hall started emptying out at that point as the meal period ended, giving them much easier access to clean everything.

 

(Bling)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I'm still new at the responsibility, that'd been set upon me, but I'm learning it, as we go along.

"House seemed to believe in your abilities. I'm sure you'll do fine. Of course, you're more than welcome to come by if you ever need advice."

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I wish you a good day, and if there's anything, don't hesitate sending word. Most changelings in town, are affiliated with us, so poking any of them, should get you a message to me."

"Of course, don't be a stranger now, I hope you'll be back sooner, rather than later."

 

If Bling asked one of the staff to speak with the manager they would lead her to an office towards the back of the casino where a somewhat nervous, maybe anxious? Their emotions were a bit jumbled, but he didn't seem to share the almost apathetic look that the staff on the floor had, stallion was sitting at a desk going through papers. His gaze snapped to Bling and Bruce as they were shown in, "Ah, not satisfied with your visit? We'll of course try and make it right! Can you tell me what the issue is?"

If she mentioned that she was looking to get changelings hired there the manager would freeze, then visibly relax, the jumbled emotions falling away like a façade, "That's... a much more preferable outcome. You would not believe how many stuck up ponies I have to deal with every day expecting us to provide perfection like the world outside wasn't ground to dust. Anyway, how can I help you exactly?"

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

On 2022-05-28 at 7:40 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Yeah, I can do that." It was the first time in about a year that Ardee had been spoken down to like that, and she seemed to take it harsher than usual that Null was somehow looking down on her from below as Ardee stood taller than Null. Perhaps in a more private environment Ardee would express exactly how much she hated the researchers who had forced her to fly before.

"Then I won't push you for more."

Ideally, the mare should be soaring through the air, and shoot with her hooves, like one of those elite archers she had seen here and there, but she'd perhaps get there in time. Null's biggest issue had been, if she couldn't/wouldn't even do a short flap to get out of range. And while yes, she still thought Ardee wasted her gift, she were satisfied with this. Whatever else Ardee might eventually push into this, were going to be by her own choice.

She wasn't blind. She could see that there were something stirring beneath the surface of Ardee. Anger, maybe pain. Probably both. But while Void cared only for her feelings, Null had to think of her life too, and sadly, that meant having to poke at things sometimes, that were going to hurt. She hated doing it, but not as much as she'd hate, to come back here, with what were left of Ardee, and try and explain to the others, how she had failed her.

On 2022-05-28 at 7:40 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee would take that opportunity to distance herself from Null and Arcade, heading off to the bathroom, the sound of the sink running soon following.

The others did not seem convinced that everything was alright, their gaze alternating between Void, Null, and where Ardee had stalked off to. Teal and Toupé held Peal and Piecey a bit closer, not that the foals were in a mood to explore at that moment, they too having picked up a bit on the tension.

Arcade would step in if Null tried to, "We should come back later, give her some time to cool off."

Null had been watching Ardee take off, but made no motion to chase her, or stop her. She needed time time now. And she'd have it. But tomorrow morning, they'd need to begin. There were a whole lot of work to get done, before they were taking off to New Las Pegasus.

"Yeah, let's go. I've done enough for now."

She didn't specify the word *damage* in that sentence, but it were lightly implied.

She'd leave peacefully with Arcade, whilst Void would go straight for the bathroom, to try and hear out if Ardee were okay. Considering the running sink, she sadly assumed that meant that she were crying. Hearing it would break her heart, and make her tear up a little too. The poor little thing... How much had those monsters hurt her?

Might be that Serene had thought of her, as a possible servant of Mercy, but if ever Void met the ones who had done this to Ardee, and the others, the only mercy they'd get, were death. Unless they did everything in their power to push her buttons - such as questioning where the experiments were, and requesting that she helped them re-contain them - she probably wouldn't kill them, but she certainly wouldn't be nice to them either. 20 years on The Æther doing good, or not, some things should not be forgivable.

Regardless though, if she heard tears from Ardee or not, Void would remain out here, shaking slightly, and looking about ready to let the tears flow in earnest. Lest she were called for, or heard something that made her thing that Ardee might be hurting herself. In which case, she'd rush in, even if she had to break down the door, to get to her.

 

(Molotov)

Hadn't taken him too long to find Ashclaw actually. She had been looking for him too, and figured he might be around here, so they had met within a few minutes. They both gave some variation of *I had personal stuff to deal with, don't ask* as to their whereabouts, and after a brief exchange, she'd mention that her, and the other cultist, were hiding out in a shelter in the desert. He'd give them the direction to his currently makeshift workshop instead, and told them to make themselves at home. It was a better shelter, than what they had set up before.

She had taken off to group up there, and then he had gone looking for Void. Hadn't been at the workshop, so he tried her home. A brief moment, he were hopeful when he saw the door opening, but that were shot down, when an older stallion opened the door instead, seemingly mighty confused at his presence.

"Oh, my bad mate. Must've gotten the wrong house. I was looking for Void, and the little firecracker. Didn't mean to intrude on ya.

You know what house Void's in by chance? I'm an ol' friend from Equestria, wanting to have a chatter with her. Name's Molotov Boom."

All he knew, were that her parents were dead, and that she apparently were still single. Even if she wasn't, this one seemed a bit old for her. So that this were her father, didn't cross his mind at all.

 

(Changelings)

On 2022-05-28 at 7:40 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Nimble snorted at that, "We liked to think that Discord attacked Troy last because we were the strongest, but I think it was just because we weren't convenient. You'll have to remember that before Discord revealed his treachery everyone thought it was just another Equestrian problem that the Elements would resolve, I mean, the Tar-Spawn by themselves aren't all that dangerous. But Equestria fell in less than a day from when Discord revealed himself, the rest falling in sequence, though slower as they each had more time to prepare."

Craven remembered alright. Not the sequence, or how so many had figured it would just be sorted internally. No, he remembered the death. How everyone around him got slaughtered, or worse. The world were fire and blood, and there were no hope for salvation. No matter how many voices cried out for help, they weren't answered, as young and old alike, were killed in the streets.

He remembered surviving not because he were stronger, or smarter, but because others were slower, or stupidly brave enough, to think they could fight the rising tide. Idiots... Brave, selfless idiots, all dead by now. While worthless cowards like him, had somehow managed to survive.

Troy could see it coming from far away, and had time. Others like him, hadn't any. They just went from one minute enjoying life as normal, and the next run away, in a chaotic mess of ruins and empty eyes, starring out in horrified silence. As if their last thoughts had been *Why?*

He'd give no words in response to this, but would nod, thinking it best if he did not voice his experiences now. Better to keep going with what he had meant to say, rather than go on a tangent.

On 2022-05-28 at 7:40 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He nodded at that, "Well, I volunteered to come out here, and I'm not so vain as to think I'm the best. The best either left with the Æther, or fell defending it. I'm just lucky enough to survive, and unlucky enough to not have gotten on."

A good amount of his indecision and anger had faded during their conversation, the pegasus growing more and more amicable as he kept talking.

"You know, I was hesitant about having the locals work here in the embassy, but you two are alright. If the other locals they hire are half as cool as you two... I guess I could get behind that."

He sighed, looking at his mostly untouched meal before turning away, "You two can help yourselves to that if you want it, I need to get ready for my rotation. See you around."

"Being among the best of the rest, is still nothing to scoff at. Neither is it to volunteer for this job. It says a lot about your character."

As did it, that the anger, and confusion, seemed to dissipate as they talked. Made him think that the one from before, had done something to mess this one up a lot. Appeared to be a pretty regular, nice stallion beneath all that stuff that had burdened him down.

"We will. Have a good shift."

The two of them would continue to clean in peace, and not even speak after the whole place were empty. Just continue the work. They figured that The Grey had seen what they needed to, through their uniforms, and that they didn't need to do anything else for now, about this. Except for informing Yannit about it later. But they couldn't leave halfway through this, without it seeming suspicious, so no luck there.

As for the food, Craven wasn't feeling hungry, but Mongoose would little by little, nibble the stuff on the plate down. Didn't really matter to him if it went cold. Food were food.

As for Yannit herself, she were probably still dealing with paperwork, or something of the sort. Whatever the case, they'd find her. Just had to take this one step at a time.

 

(Bling)

On 2022-05-28 at 7:40 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"House seemed to believe in your abilities. I'm sure you'll do fine. Of course, you're more than welcome to come by if you ever need advice."

"To be honest, I never imagined he thought of me so highly. This whole thing have been one massive surprise, but hopefully it'll all work out well. Don't wanna tarnish his trust in me after all."

On 2022-05-28 at 7:40 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If she mentioned that she was looking to get changelings hired there the manager would freeze, then visibly relax, the jumbled emotions falling away like a façade, "That's... a much more preferable outcome. You would not believe how many stuck up ponies I have to deal with every day expecting us to provide perfection like the world outside wasn't ground to dust. Anyway, how can I help you exactly?"

"I've known complaint desk employees, before the crisis. They talked about the sorta things they had to listen to as well, and it was crazy sometimes. I'm sorry you have to deal with stuff like that, sir.

But yeah, we're not here to add to it. The Mist told us he wouldn't mind having some changelings here, and there's usually some who'd be happy to work, in whatever way they're offered to. So I just wanted to hear about what - if any - job openings you might have, and what the requirements might be? You know, looks, experience, that kind of thing."

She'd be nice, and smile a good deal at this pony. He had clearly had enough that weren't doing that, in his life. No need for her to add to it.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

As she and Arcade were leaving the building they'd run into Vale as she was returning from her meeting with the Consul, she picked up on their less than positive expressions and looked concerned, "I assume it didn't go as well as you'd hoped?"

Arcade sighed, "Two stubborn mares are bound to have some friction, While it didn't go as well as I'd hoped, it went better than I feared. I'm sure it will work out in the end. I'm sure the others can use your comfort in the meantime."

Vale nodded, and would continue on unless Null stopped her.

Arcade would comment once Vale was far enough off, "Once we're somewhere private, maybe I can shed some light on Ardee's reaction? It might make future interactions smoother if you understood her perspective."

 

(Void)

Here's a diagram of the young ponies' apartment:

Spoiler

The door wasn't closed, so Void could see in once she got close enough. Ardee wasn't actively crying, but there were some tears in her eyes, her expression was one of frustration. She didn't acknowledge Void's presence as she continued, somewhat aggressively, preening her wings. Despite her seeming disgust with flying, she was clearly capable of taking good care of her wings when she felt like it. So she wasn't using the water to hide her tears, rather it served a constructive purpose in washing her wings.

If Void turned her attention away from Ardee to look around, she'd find a single, short, primary feather that had seemingly been preened too early, if she then looked closer at Ardee she'd be able to find the small gap near where her left wing met her body, it wouldn't limit her ability to fly, and was hardly noticeable if you weren't looking for it.

If Void tried to enter, to stop her, hug her, or otherwise, she'd find a wingtip pressed forcefully against her chest to stop her, though Ardee wouldn't turn to face her, "Don't. Touch. Me."

In either case, her gaze was locked on her reflection in the mirror, by her breathing she was barely holding it together, "Every time I look in the mirror, all I see is her. Her perfect wings. That's all they cared about, all that mattered. Everything else, everything they taught them, was only secondary, an afterthought, something to keep me busy in the rare moments they didn't make me fly. Unlike the others, they didn't make me as a replacement, not entirely. They made me so Rainbow Dash would have a spare set of wings."

It was then that the fire went out of her, and she slumped down crying silently, her freshly preened wings hanging limply at her sides. At that point she'd let Void approach if she felt so inclined.

 

At the other end of the room the door opened, Vale entering, "Hello again every- one...?" Her voice losing confidence as she examined the scene, she'd quickly trot over to where the rest of the young ponies were, asking quietly, "Is everything alright?"

Void wouldn't be able to hear their response, especially if she were in the bathroom comforting Ardee, but Vale would respond, "Don't worry, I'm sure things will be alright again soon. Let's let Void focus on Ardee for now, and the rest of us come over here."

If/When Void came out of the bathroom she'd find Vale and the others in the play area, the former doing her best to keep the attention of the letter with some sort of activity.

 

(Molotov)

Molotov wouldn't be able to miss the recognition that flashed across Void's father's face, but he simply shook his head, "Sorry, I can't say I know anyone by that name. Did they give you an address? Maybe I could point you the right way, these streets are notoriously easy to get turned around on if you don't know how to read the address." He stepped out of the house, closing the door securely behind him. While the name Molotov was familiar to him, as Void had mentioned it before, he also remembered that she wasn't sure about him when she mentioned him, so he decided to play it safe until Void herself said that he was safe.

(I imagine Null and Arcade heading back to the house at this point, such that the four of them can interact.)

 

(Changelings)

Supposing that Yannit were following Peace's schedule, then she would be in her office catching up on the paperwork that had accrued in her absence. Yannit was lucky that Peace had kept such meticulous notes on how to do everything, it was almost like she had anticipated needing to be replaced and had prepared in advance.

Still, it would be easy for Craven and Mongoose to find her, though just as soon as they were all together they'd get a message in their blindfold to secure the room and report. Yannit was instructed on how to magically lock the door and apply a silence spell to the room, then the face of Watch would appear in front of them, an image overlaid by their blindfold (Like AR, or something similar) "Report, what have you discovered? While we know what you have seen we do not know what you have sensed, or what you have surmised."

Another face appeared next to Watch, similar in color but younger, with the opposite eye covered, "We are especially interested in your encounter with this local. We've dug up his record, but would like to know your thoughts before we tell you more about him, lest that knowledge cloud your judgement."

 

(Bling)

The manager rolled his eyes when Bling mentioned that The Mist had requested it, "Of course he did." He sighed, looking through the papers on his desk, "First of all they'll need to be comfortable with being... felt. I'm sure you're aware by now of his fascination with your kind? Anyone that you send will need to be comfortable with that, or they won't enjoy working here. As to working here... We could use a pair of croupiers, one for a roulette table, and one for a blackjack table. We could use another security guard, and a cashier, and we always need more members of housekeeping. Especially ones who are good at furniture repair. As to looks, well, the clientele prefer that front facing employees look impeccable, and of good breeding. So solid coat colors, well styled manes without evidence of dye, that sort of thing. For the background employees they prefer to see what they consider 'lower class' so they can feel superior, I'll leave that to your judgement. Personally I don't care so long as they do their jobs well, and to be honest even if they don't The Mist will likely keep them around anyway."

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2022-05-30 at 11:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

As she and Arcade were leaving the building they'd run into Vale as she was returning from her meeting with the Consul, she picked up on their less than positive expressions and looked concerned, "I assume it didn't go as well as you'd hoped?"

"No, but it went about as well as I expected. Ardee's not in a good mood right now, so keep that in mind. I think Void's on that, so maybe check up on the others."

Void had always been the caring sort. It were more than plausible, that she were currently going after Ardee. Seemed to Null at least, that she had bonded well with the various foals, and younger ponies, and she knew what sorta pony, Void became then. Overbearing like a mother, and just as concerned for their wellbeing. Which had annoyed her at times, when she were younger, but this bunch needed it.

And they needed to put some distance between here, and them, so off they went. back towards home.

On 2022-05-30 at 11:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade would comment once Vale was far enough off, "Once we're somewhere private, maybe I can shed some light on Ardee's reaction? It might make future interactions smoother if you understood her perspective."

"Only say what you feel comfy with. All I know, is what Void have told me, and it ain't pretty. Maybe when we get home, we can go to my room, and have that chat? I don't trust the public. Walls have ears out here.

Whatever you gotta say, I know I were hard with her, but it just gets to me, to hear one with a perfectly good set of wings, not wanting to fly. Not even leisurely.

I had one flight, before I had my wing amputated. And I spend over twenty years after that, yearning for the sky, and getting so angry, over losing it. Hearing her not wanting to fly, grinds my gears. Especially since she'd gonna need it to stay safe. I don't care how much she say they get over things. I do not want to return from our trip, with her in a box. It'll break you, and your friends hearts. And my sisters too. I'd have to be blind, to not see how she's attached herself to the whole bunch. She'd be devastated too."

 

(Void)

On 2022-05-30 at 11:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

If Void turned her attention away from Ardee to look around, she'd find a single, short, primary feather that had seemingly been preened too early, if she then looked closer at Ardee she'd be able to find the small gap near where her left wing met her body, it wouldn't limit her ability to fly, and was hardly noticeable if you weren't looking for it.

If Void tried to enter, to stop her, hug her, or otherwise, she'd find a wingtip pressed forcefully against her chest to stop her, though Ardee wouldn't turn to face her, "Don't. Touch. Me."

In either case, her gaze was locked on her reflection in the mirror, by her breathing she was barely holding it together, "Every time I look in the mirror, all I see is her. Her perfect wings. That's all they cared about, all that mattered. Everything else, everything they taught them, was only secondary, an afterthought, something to keep me busy in the rare moments they didn't make me fly. Unlike the others, they didn't make me as a replacement, not entirely. They made me so Rainbow Dash would have a spare set of wings."

It was then that the fire went out of her, and she slumped down crying silently, her freshly preened wings hanging limply at her sides. At that point she'd let Void approach if she felt so inclined.

Of course, Void had followed Ardee, worried how she were taking things, as this whole meeting, had clearly hit some sensitive topics, for the young mare..

She saw the specific feather on the floor, as she saw several others, but didn't think too much on what kind of feather it were. Null had preened herself, as well as any pegasus, and sometimes ended up taking a larger, or unprepared feather with her. Far as Void would guess, this weren't meaning anything. Though if she had looked, and seen a bag of feathers, she would be far more worried, about how Ardee had taken things.

It might get worse, but it wasn't that worry, which compelled her to move forward, as much as the worry for Ardee's state of mind. If she were in pain right now, she did not want the young mare to take it alone. She wanted to support her.

The feather against her chest, would realistically, do nothing to stop her. Void were a large, physically strong mare. If she wanted to, she could easily press forward, and lift up Ardee. Yet the wingtip, and words, stopped her in her steps, as well as any metal wall would, and caused her to halt instantly, mid step. Though her increasingly worried eyes, did not veer away from Ardee. Especially not as she began to speak, and another sickening revelation were made, oft he monsters that had her in their care once, came to light.

When Ardee broke down crying though, Void stopped thinking about that, and the combination of disgust, sympathy, and anger, that it build in her. All were pushed aside, to go over, lower herself down, and embrace Ardee in full.

"It's okay. It's okay. You're safe now."

She'd keep doing this for a bit, and slowly stroke Ardee's mane, whilst she were in her gentle embrace. She would not begin to speak, until she felt that the young mare, were ready to hear her opinion, over simply needing the safety, and assurances, of someone who actually cared about her, for whom she were, rather than what she were.

"They told you lies, Ardee. You're not a set of wings, waiting for some banished pony to collect. You're an irreplicable, beautiful young mare, with a rich life ahead of her. A pony deserving all the love and adoration, that any other does. And gods help them, if I ever get my hooves on those who told you differently."

She'd aim to tell Ardee what reassurances that she could, that she were loved, and adored, for whom she were, for as long as were needed. Minutes. Hours. Let it be days. Vale could care for the others for a little while, whilst she made sure, that Ardee knew that to her, she were far, far more, than a wandering pile of replacement parts.

On 2022-05-30 at 11:58 PM, Illiad Easle said:

At the other end of the room the door opened, Vale entering, "Hello again every- one...?" Her voice losing confidence as she examined the scene, she'd quickly trot over to where the rest of the young ponies were, asking quietly, "Is everything alright?"

Void wouldn't be able to hear their response, especially if she were in the bathroom comforting Ardee, but Vale would respond, "Don't worry, I'm sure things will be alright again soon. Let's let Void focus on Ardee for now, and the rest of us come over here."

If/When Void came out of the bathroom she'd find Vale and the others in the play area, the former doing her best to keep the attention of the letter with some sort of activity.

She'd come out, when Ardee either forced her out, or felt better, and came out with Void. Either way, she could feel the tension in the room too, but did not know what to say. Vale looked to her for answers, and so would the others, and she were not sure how to tell them, what had transpired. Just saying nothing were wrong, felt so hollow, and insincere.

 

(Molotov)

(assuming this is a bit later, after Null and those came around)

Huh... Funny look that guy gave him. Almost like he knew something... Maybe he were just getting irrational, after the whole debacle before though? Erh... Err on the side of caution, and don't mention it for now. He could always ask Void later. Might be this one were some sorta stalker, or overprotective neighbor. Could be anything really.

"Nah, never got an actual number. Went looking for her, and could've sworn I saw her go in around here. But I ain't local, so I must've messed it up in my mind, or somethin'. Ain't no biggie. I know where she works, so I can just leave a message there, and see whe-"

"What the hay are you doing here?"

Molotov's ears perked, as he heard a familiar, annoyed voice, and lo and behold, not far from behind him, stood the little rascal. A wing more than he remembered her, and with a friend, but other than that, it didn't look like she had aged a day.

"Munchkin! How're y- *ouf*"

Mentioning the first word, Null had rushed over, and hammered her hoof into his chest, causing him to stumble backwards, and hit the ground. He'd raise a hoof to his aching chest, not far down from his neck, and felt on it. He were gonna be feeling that one a fair bit more later, he'd recon.

"Right, right. No nicknames. Sheesh. Someone haven't been skipping leg day lately."

"Next nickname from you, Boom, and I'll personally tear your wings off, and make you eat them raw."

"Note to self: Make edible wings, heh.

Urgh. Sorry 'bout that. Just got a lil' excited, and my mouth went running. My bad.

Heh, but just look at ya. Spry and full of life, just like I remember ya. But with a full set of wings now, I see. Was feeling all giddy on the way to Troy, as I figured I were gonna ask if you'd want some help with an artificial one, but I see I was late to the party. Good for ya though, that's the important part. Does it work?"

"Yes. Now what do you want?"

"Awh, like you don't know it. I went round, looking for Void, of course. Seems like I hit the wrong house though, go figure. Molotov Boom: Can create a functional AI, but can't find the right house, heh.

Say, who's the lad? That wouldn't happen to be..."

Molotov noted a slight blush on Null's face, and got an even bigger grin on his face, and took a few steps towards Arcade.

"Well I'll be a griffons uncle. This I didn't expect, but darn if it ain't a positive. Hey there sport. Nice meeting the lad who's been able to tame this firecracker. Molotov Boom. How's it going?"

He'd reach a hoof down to shake, if Arcade wanted to. Or he could kick Molotov if he wanted. Gods knew the stallion were used to it, and often deserved it.

If he shook it or not, Molotov would go on, undeterred though.

"Say, you've seen Void? Wanted to see if I could have a lil' chitter chatter with her. You know why, eh? We ain't too different on that sorta chase."

Yep... Leaning up against that flank whooping again. He were probably not leaving a good first impression on his potential father in law either.

 

(Changelings)

With the peace and quiet, it were fairly easy for the two of them to finish the cleanup. And at least in Mongoose's opinion, they had done a pretty bang-up job of it. Gave him a nice, calm feeling of satisfaction in fact, to look over the clean mess hall. It carried well as he went further on, and they looked for Yannit, making him feel quite frankly, calmer than he had in a long, long time. Creeped Craven out a bit in fact, but it was a good thing, he supposed.

Didn't last though, as The Grey intervened, once they were all gathered, and had the room set up for a meeting. His nervousness began creeping in again then, as he went on with the tasks at hoof.

Once everything were said and done, Yannit opened her mouth to start, but reconsidered, as she saw Craven seemed to want to talk, and nodded in his direction, to start it off.

"A few things about the place comes to mind, but the local... He's concerning me. He went into the washing room, and effortlessly started to manipulate us. I am not used to being that angry, and Mongoose ended up hitting me. I'm still not angry about that, either. It was his fault.

It's just... I only know of a few changelings who can do that sort of thing, and being such a void of emotions like that. It takes either good control, or... An empath. And I really hope it isn't an empath. Those beings are creepy. And dangerous, far as I heard."

There were a lot of things, that Craven would sign up for here, but dealing with empaths... Yuck. Creepy at the best of times, and outright dangerous at the worst. No thank you.

"I agree with his point. Empaths are bad news. As are rogue changelings, that know how to heavily influence others like this.

Beyond him, I haven't learned much yet, beyond spotting two under his influence. That being Peace's roommate, Sandy, and then the officer that you've seen too. Both seem influenced. I don't know what his deal is, but Sandy seems to be inflating some deep rooted jealousy, among other things, that makes her easier to push towards murder. Seems it was even her that sold out Peace in the first place.

I don't think she's to blame truly though. She appears reluctant.

What have you learned of him? He seems to be the one instigating things, and pulling the strings. Take him out, and things should improve vastly, yes?"

 

(Bling)

"Well, that's the thing about changelings. We can look, just the way you want us to.

Going over your specifications, I know a few applicants that might want to try at those roles. Cleaning in particular. Been training a fair bit of them to do that, ever since the town were retaken. It's an easier job to get, than many others, and I wanted them to be realistic. Sure got some with aspirations too of course. I'll make sure they're briefed on the requirements, even if a few won't do it, due to the touching.

Though, what's the policy of someone who like, Really enjoy that? I don't mean inappropriately, but the sort who thrives on attention, or close connections like that with others... Aaand might feel a little too happy about the touching. I know at least two who'd enjoy this sort of thing, and make them all tingly in their exoskeleton. Sadly, some are just a little weird. Don't worry though. I won't send anyone who doesn't know how to behave in public. Wouldn't do that to The Mist.

He might want to keep them around, but that doesn't mean that it is alright for me to just waltz in, with a bunch of slackers. I make sure to inform them, that they're supposed to actually do work.

Would it fit if I send some down tomorrow? Maybe the day after? Whatever suits your schedule the best."

She made sure that the poor manager didn't get more of the *You will do things when I want you to, and because I say so!* attitude. He clearly heard enough of that as it were, and did not deserve to have that hanging over his head, in her opinion. He were a pony, that deserved as much respect as the next one, and she frankly couldn't wrap her head around what were wrong with the sorts, who'd get all riled up or nothing, and then come around to yell at a manager, just because every little thing in the universe, did not in fact, revolve around them. Some creatures really needed to learn some humility.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2022-06-04 at 5:16 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Only say what you feel comfy with. All I know, is what Void have told me, and it ain't pretty. Maybe when we get home, we can go to my room, and have that chat? I don't trust the public. Walls have ears out here.

Whatever you gotta say, I know I were hard with her, but it just gets to me, to hear one with a perfectly good set of wings, not wanting to fly. Not even leisurely.

Arcade looked a bit concerned, but nodded, "Of course, I was thinking the same place."

He'd listen to the rest of what she had to say, saving his comments for when they were in private.

 

(Void)

On 2022-06-04 at 5:16 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"They told you lies, Ardee. You're not a set of wings, waiting for some banished pony to collect. You're an irreplicable, beautiful young mare, with a rich life ahead of her. A pony deserving all the love and adoration, that any other does. And gods help them, if I ever get my hooves on those who told you differently."

"No." Her voice was weak, almost choked by the tears, but there was a certainty to it. It took her a bit to regain her voice and continue, "What they told me was the truth, their truth. That's what they made me for, what they wanted me to be, what I was, was."

She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, "But, that's not what I am. Not anymore. Maybe someday I'll be all those things that you said, but I can't make myself believe that, not yet. That's why I need to get out there, be my own pony, finally have only myself counting on me, so that I'm free to become what I want to be."

She turned towards the door, the faint sounds of the others talking with Vale wafting in, "Even here, I have to be what they need me to be. It... it hurts so much, to know that."

Void would likely have more to say before Ardee would be ready to leave the bathroom, but if she didn't, Ardee would take another 15 minutes to recompose herself before leaving the bathroom of her own accord, moving to take a seat with the others.

 

(Molotov)

Given Null's initial reaction to Molotov, both Arcade and her father were on the defensive in regards to the stallion. Arcade taking a step back when the hoof was offered, and her father moving closer to Null, "So, Null, care to fill us in on who exactly this pony is? You two seem familiar at least."

They both looked cautious as they waited for Null to say her piece, their perceptions of the colt would be determined by how favorable a picture she painted for them.

 

(Changelings)

Watch and Ward nodded once they had finished their report, "That lines up with the information we were able to gather, and we believe you are correct that this is the source of our problems. Still, we'll need more evidence before we can have him judged. Please keep a close eye on him going forward, but don't neglect your investigations into the other suspects."

"Here's what we know about this pony, he matches the description of one Cranberry Pie, one who was previously judged by the current Consul Illiad Easle when he was first taking up the mantle of Vengeance. Cranberry is an empathic who was judged for using his abilities to manipulate his friends into attempting to murder the Consul and the Vice Consul back when they all lived in Canterlot. If this is the same stallion, it seems he's reverted to his old tricks."

"The question remains, what motive does he have against Peace? If his target was even just her. We need to figure out-"

There was a knock at the door, "Peace? An urgent message came in for all the staff,"

Watch and Ward faded from view as they were given their full vision back, "We'll get a full report later, resume your efforts."

If Yannit went to open the door she'd find the earth pony stallion from the front desk waiting outside with a sealed scroll for her, "Here you are, your specific instructions, the short of it is that Consul Easle is coming here in just under a week, and we've got to get everything ready. We're talking extra security and everything." He chuckled, "No rest for the weary eh?"

 

(Bling)

On 2022-06-04 at 5:16 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Though, what's the policy of someone who like, Really enjoy that? I don't mean inappropriately, but the sort who thrives on attention, or close connections like that with others... Aaand might feel a little too happy about the touching. I know at least two who'd enjoy this sort of thing, and make them all tingly in their exoskeleton. Sadly, some are just a little weird. Don't worry though. I won't send anyone who doesn't know how to behave in public. Wouldn't do that to The Mist.

The manager seemed almost relieved to hear that, "Well, the rest of the staff would surely be grateful. If the Mist had two or three changelings that they could focus their attentions on, then the rest of us wouldn't have to deal with it as much, and we could all use a bit of a break. I'm sure the Mist would especially enjoy interacting with those who enjoy their attention."

On 2022-06-04 at 5:16 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Would it fit if I send some down tomorrow? Maybe the day after? Whatever suits your schedule the best."

He nodded, "The sooner the better, I'm here all day during business hours, my only real obligations are to deal with unhappy customers and serving as an intermediary between the staff and the Mist, as the Mist handles most of the real business decisions. Come on in whenever you're ready, and tell the front desk that you've got some new workers for me to approve, and they should send you back without issue."

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-06-06 at 7:56 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, "But, that's not what I am. Not anymore. Maybe someday I'll be all those things that you said, but I can't make myself believe that, not yet. That's why I need to get out there, be my own pony, finally have only myself counting on me, so that I'm free to become what I want to be."

She turned towards the door, the faint sounds of the others talking with Vale wafting in, "Even here, I have to be what they need me to be. It... it hurts so much, to know that."

"If you need this... I'll support you, like I promised. *sigh* You'll need gear, and weapons. I'll get to work in the forge tonight, after you're all put in bed.

When you're feeling better, would it be okay if I took some measurements? Gonna try getting you some maps too. Saddlebags, currency- Whatever it takes, so you're ready for everything. Just please try and be careful."

She did not want to let go of Ardee. Not not, not ever. Not until a genuine smile, would at some point, creep back on her face. But she understood that now, wasn't the time. The young mare had made her mind up, and much as she hated it, she had to let Ardee go, and become her own mare. But she'd be damned if she were going to let het go out there, without having her prepared. Null might want to make sure she were trained enough, but Void would be adamant, that she had to be geared up for the ordeals ahead.

She'd probably end up overdoing it, but that would be a worry for a later time.

"I'll go make sure they're okay, but if there's anything, just call, okay? I'll be back right away."

Void would slowly get up, and move towards the door. If nothing came up though, she'd halt in the doorway, and turn around. The look she gave to Ardee, being one filled with worry.

"...I'll always be there Ardee, if you need me. No matter what life you chose. Please don't forget that."

She knew what it could do to someone, if they had no one to rely on, when things got bad. She didn't want Ardee to go through that, nor any other hardships. But sadly, if she went out in the world, there would be some. The best she could do, were hoping that she managed to overcome them, and if things got rough, to come home again, or send word.

With that - if there were no more - she'd go out to the others, and would remain there, unless Ardee called for her.

She'd do her best out there, to keep a smile on her face, as she addressed the others. And while it took a bit, she'd eventually find some words to share to them.

"I'm sorry if you got worried. Everything is... It's going to be okay. My sister just accidentally poked at some bad things. Just give Ardee a few minutes, okay?

...So, what're you doing with Vale then? Could you show me?"

 

(Molotov)

"What he is, is a great big pain in my flank. Met the leech back in Ponyville. He started hitting on Void, and I told him to beat it."

"She also kicked me around a few times. Was really surprised the first time she slammed me through a fence. Didn't think she had that sorta strength in her."

"And I'll bloody do it again, if you keep interrupting me."

Molotov looked almost tempted to say something, but eventually shut his yap, and elected to just let Null finish her talk, before she made good on her threat. Which she would, if he tested her.

"But yeah, I kicked him around. Didn't want anyone messing around with Void, and she was mortified at the attention. Ideally, I'd kick his flank outta town myself, but... Void's been asking in about him too, and she ain't as nervous around forthcoming twonks like this anymore. Let her decide what to do with him.

But don't test me, Boom. I'm lenient now, but you do something bad, and I'll break your legs, and drag you into the desert myself."

"Why is mare angry?"

Carmen's voice would come out of his mane, as she poked out, and looked down on Null.

"I didn't think your pet could talk."

"Hey, lil credit here. I've had years to upgrade her. A voice box is the least I could do for her. And for Felicia."

"There's two of them now?"

"Sure is. Just got permission to allow her into town too. You can't miss her. She's a pretty big, mechanical spider."

"Peh, typical.

Anyway, you wanted my honest opinion? I think he's an idiot. A dolt, who should mind his own darn business, and leave my little sister alone.

...*sigh* But I might be biased."

"Hey, don't sweat it. I getcha. 'round the time you and Void went missing, I ended up finding my own lil' sis again. If someone wanted to harm her, I'd go to town on 'em too.

And don't you worry, Carmen. The lady's just an angry sort, and I honestly weren't helping."

 

(Changelings)

The changelings had been pondering what to respond, when they were interrupted, and the meeting ended. Though the general vibe between them, were an intense want to groan loudly, and walk away from this. Empaths were dangerous, and this one apparently already had tried to do something catastrophic. It got him punished it sounded like, but clearly not enough, as he were now trying to do it again. As for his target though, they had their ideas, but nothing specific, as to why he would be trying to stir up trouble here.

That were, until the messenger came in, and gave a surprise message.

"I wish he would've asked us with more advance though. A week is not long to get everything prepared. Guess we got our work cut out for us.

Thank you for bringing me the message."

If there were nothing else, she'd close the door, and resume the meeting. With or without The Grey acting in, she could still hold it with these two. And currently, the target had just gotten painfully clear: Cranberry, were going to try and assassinate the Consul again.

"W-What are we going to do? The Consul... We don't know how far reaching this is. Even without him, the pieces may already have been put in motion."

"And that's why we need to prepare things.

First thing's first. Mongoose, get out. You're part of this, but he already got a hook in you, and made you talk. The less you know, the better. Try and see if you can spot any other affected."

Mongoose were not thrilled, but he could see the logic. So after taking out a piece of gum, and beginning to chew down, he'd leave the room, and just sorta wait around, near the entrance, feeling things out. If anyone asked, he'd say that Peace had wanted to speak to them individually, and that his partner had been first.

"Now Craven, here's what I want you to do: When your shift is over, you will go to the casino. Tell Bling about this. This sector is her responsibility now, and we'll need all the help we can get, when the Consul actually shows up. Make her ask around too, if anyone have heard even the rumor, that the Consul would show up here next week. He might have just assumed the Consul would show up, when things went poorly, but if it were planned in advance, and someone knows about it here, we'll need to find them, and question them. There's enough of us to hear a lot of things, going on in the town, and they're mostly loyal to her. If there's something to learn, we'll need her to sniff it out."

"What about you?"

"They're still assuming I'm Peace. I'll need to stay, and play my part on site. I'll get preparations down, and try and feel out who else have been influenced. The ones that are the most afflicted, will need to be placed away from the Consul. Or even better, momentarily replaced. I don't care about the morality of this. If the Consul suffers an attempted assassination, this whole town might just be melted off of the surface of the planet. Or even worse, it works, and there's no longer anyone moving the sun and moon around. It'd be a global disaster.

I cannot stress this enough: We need to get to the bottom of this, and quickly. If we can't deter him from coming here, we need to make it safe. And tell Bling to send word to this place, that she wants to have a talk with Peace. I need to talk to her. In private.

Keep Mongoose informed of as much as is needed, but not too much. Not until we have tempered him, or the hook in him wears off. We might still need him, in case enhanced interrogations are required. You're dismissed."

Craven knew as well as her, that she meant torture. Not a morally good thing, but considering the alternative, they might need to consider taking some harder methods in use. Unless their bosses told them differently. Currently, she could only go by her own gut instinct, and ideas. In the end, they called the big shots.

If there were nothing, Craven would switch out, and use the same cover story, while Yannit tried talking to Mongoose, if there were something they could do, beyond the gum, that would actually calm him down, and steel himself some more. It'd be around five more minutes, until she were done with him.

 

(Bling)

"In that case, I'll send a few by, early tomorrow, and give the message to some others. I can't say for sure when they'll show up currently, but I'll pass it along, in case I figure it out.

Thank you for your time, in any case. Have a good day, sir."

With that, and a pleasant smile more, she were pretty much done, unless the general manager had something more to say, that she needed to respond to.

If not, and nothing else went wrong, he'd find two changelings, coming in the day after. One being entirely regular, by drone standards, though wearing a cheap, but middle of the road, nice suit, and looking both pleased, and excited. It also appeared said changeling, were forcibly defanged at some point, judging by the two primary teeth missing. The other wore nothing, but glanced around rather nervously, as they approached, through multicolored, colorful eyes. A *standard* drone of another kind of changeling. The reformed ones. Gods knew how many of them were left, but this one had had quite the mixed reception by the local changelings, once they stumbled into town.

Generally speaking, they stayed to themselves. The judging eyes, and sometimes words, made them feel more like an outcast, despite Bling having actually chastised anyone, who had been mean, as reformed or not, they were still a changeling. And as they were kin, she would not have them thrown out, or attacked, long as she had something to say.

It were appreciated greatly, but they still figured it were best to just not be around the old theater too much. Time had hardened them, to not take the judgement too badly, but they did long for a semblance of acceptance, and clung greatly to the few, who would give them the time of day. The one next to them, being one of the examples.

"I still don't know if this is such a good idea."

"Bah, of course it isn't. It's a Fantastic idea! Now come on, let's find the manager. I wanna see if what Bling said were true."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I'll go make sure they're okay, but if there's anything, just call, okay? I'll be back right away."

"They'll need you more than ever while I'm gone." Ardee didn't otherwise react as Void got up to check on the others, it was clear that she wasn't resentful in any way of the attention being taken off of her, if anything she seemed to relax more once Void had let go of her.

Ardee would exit the bathroom about half an hour after Void did, her wings perfectly preened and no trace of her tears or worries on her face or countenance.

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I'm sorry if you got worried. Everything is... It's going to be okay. My sister just accidentally poked at some bad things. Just give Ardee a few minutes, okay?

...So, what're you doing with Vale then? Could you show me?"

The young ponies seemed to accept that explanation, Teal commenting, "Ardee's gotten like that before, sometimes when she got back from her training."

In regards to what they were doing, Elef spoke up, "Vale was talking to us about what ponies do when they grow up, like jobs and things."

Toupé followed up, "She told us how when she was our age she wanted to be an explorer, but when she grew up she found out she wanted to be a researcher instead, like Mistress was."

Vale smiled, "I'm glad you were paying attention, the important thing to remember is that you need to try lots of different things to see what you like best, and understand that your interests may change over time."

They all turned their attention to Void, Teal asking, "What did you want to be when you were our age?"

 

(Null / Molotov)

Arcade took a bit of offence at Null being called 'an angry sort' and so took that opportunity to speak in her defense, "Hey now, she only gets like this against those who deserve it, which I'm inclined to believe includes you."

Her father stepped in to prevent things from getting any more heated, "Now now, let's keep things civil here." He turned towards Molotov, "Probably best if you came back when Void is here. She usually comes around at night, and is usually in her workshop in the evenings. Better chance of finding her there anyway."

 

(Changelings)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I wish he would've asked us with more advance though. A week is not long to get everything prepared. Guess we got our work cut out for us.

Thank you for bringing me the message."

The messenger shrugged, "He doesn't usually give us even this much notice, so I suppose we should be grateful he forewarned us at all." Though with that he would leave. Given he hadn't waited for the cleaners to leave before sharing the message with Yannit, it seemed the Consul's arrival was not a secret within the embassy, though Peace's specific instructions could very well be.

When she got around to reading the instructions, if she didn't decide to just take them to Peace for her to decide what Yannit should know:

Spoiler

According to Peace's instructions, the Consul would be arriving, disguised, in only 3 days, and departing before he was officially supposed to arrive, that way any ambush attempt would be too late and those who did not need to know about his doings wouldn't even know he had been through, the visit would simply be canceled once he had actually left.
Peace specifically was tasked with meeting with the Consul to discuss what had happened to her, as well as keeping his presence on a Need To Know basis.

 

While Mongoose was in the hall, the local, now likely named Cranberry, would stroll by, smiling somewhat smugly as he approached, "There you are, word on the street is that the Consul is coming to visit, isn't that nice?" His words were laced with the same influence as before, though it belied the hatred that Cranberry felt towards the Consul, in an effort to make Mongoose feel the same way. Though as soon as he started, he stopped, eyebrow raised as he turned his gaze towards the closed doors of the office, "What, your little changeling friends don't want you to be part of their secret meeting? They don't trust you? Hmm, maybe you shouldn't trust them." With that he would simply continue on his way with some renewed purpose.

 

When it came to the rest of the town, no one knew yet that the Consul was coming to New Pegasus, likely the embassy was the first to know and the Consul had only recently decided to come. But given how the embassy was not making a secret of it, the town would likely know by the end of the next day.

 

(Bling)

It was the same stallion at the desk who had 'greeted' Bling the day before when the two new changelings entered the casino, he seemed skeptical of them, "I assume Bling sent you? Follow me." He would lead them to a side hallway through which they went around the casino floor to the office, rather than parading them through, passing them unceremoniously off to the manager, who once again dropped the act he used to appease disgruntled patrons.

"So, you're interested in working here? What did Bling tell you about this job?"

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-06-07 at 10:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The young ponies seemed to accept that explanation, Teal commenting, "Ardee's gotten like that before, sometimes when she got back from her training."

In regards to what they were doing, Elef spoke up, "Vale was talking to us about what ponies do when they grow up, like jobs and things."

Toupé followed up, "She told us how when she was our age she wanted to be an explorer, but when she grew up she found out she wanted to be a researcher instead, like Mistress was."

Vale smiled, "I'm glad you were paying attention, the important thing to remember is that you need to try lots of different things to see what you like best, and understand that your interests may change over time."

They all turned their attention to Void, Teal asking, "What did you want to be when you were our age?"

"I uh... Well, for the most part, I just wanted a home. Null and I were always travelling, looking for someplace that we were safe, and accepted.

But sometimes, when there was the chance to dream, I wished I could be a forge master. Just settle down in a nice tourist attraction, and make little figurines out of glass, while big sis would continue with her woodwork.

*sigh* But life didn't work out that way for us. It's okay though. I still get to work with glass, and now I have all of you in my life too. It's not where I thought it would end, but I am happy that it did..

Life changes, no matter how much you'd like for it to stay simple, and straight forward. Sometimes, we need to adapt to it."

Void would look over the young ponies. Each with so much potential in them, and probably so many ideals. Yet they too one day, would need to fly from the nest, like Ardee were about to now. What then, when that day came for them? Would they be ready? Would they know what they burned to do? Would they be ready for it? Maybe stumble, and just surrender?

*sigh* There would be much for them, in the years ahead. And Ardee was right. They'd need the support more than ever, once she had left. Maybe not just short distance either, though if she wanted to... Y'know, she needed things. A place of her own, stable income, yet still time for them, etc.

A plan, feeble and weak, started to take root in her head. A foolish one maybe, but maybe, just maybe, it could work... She needed to speak with several, but if things aligned, perhaps there would come a time, when everything fell nicely into place.

"...Oh, s-sorry, my mind went elsewhere.

But since we're talking about what to be, have any of you any ideas, of something you'd like to try? I know there's a lot out there, you still don't know about, but I'd like to hear, if there's something you like doing, of the things you do know, Teal? That goes for the rest of you too, of course. And don't be sad, if you can't think of anything. You're young, and there's endless things to try. It just means you haven't experienced it yet."

 

(Null/Molotov)

On 2022-06-07 at 10:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade took a bit of offence at Null being called 'an angry sort' and so took that opportunity to speak in her defense, "Hey now, she only gets like this against those who deserve it, which I'm inclined to believe includes you."

"Oh, I did. Went a little strong the first time, and weren't helped, when I figured Null here were her daughter. Ain't unusual fer me to yap off a lil' faster than my brain can follow, but I ain't so dense, that I can't owe up to it. If I cause some sorta offense, what comes my way's fair. Didn't mean to insinuate anythin' else, nor insult yer marefriend.

Lemme try rephrasing here, eh? Meant that she's the sort who're quick to anger, if you poke her the wrong way. Bit of a powderkeg, and ain't nothin' wrong with that. Sorry if I made it sound different."

He's grin, whilst apologizing. Some saw this as him not being sincere, but he actually were. It just felt like in situations like this, he'd prefer to man up, admit his faults, and try 'n move past it. No reason they couldn't still be chums, right?

On 2022-06-07 at 10:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Her father stepped in to prevent things from getting any more heated, "Now now, let's keep things civil here." He turned towards Molotov, "Probably best if you came back when Void is here. She usually comes around at night, and is usually in her workshop in the evenings. Better chance of finding her there anyway."

"Yeah, sounds 'bout right. I'll see you folks another time then.

If ya need me, I'm in the old ruins far outta town, til evening then. Set up a workshop there. If you need somethin' made, or wanna try another chat, come 'round, and give a holler. And if you see a spiderbot, 'bout the size needed to carry three full grown ponies, don't go get worried. It's just Felicia. The Consul gave her a hoof up, on entering city limits, and she's a curious sort. Mighty snarky though.

Aight, heading out. See ya, chums."

"Get moving, Boom, before I find a door to smack you with on the way out."

"Hah! That was a good one."

He'd laugh as he wandered off, with Carmen giving them a wave, as the stallion started to get going, and out of sight.

"I had almost forgot how much I wanna punch the grin off of his face sometimes...

*sigh* How's mom? any changes?"

 

(Changelings)

According to Peace's instructions, the Consul would be arriving, disguised, in only 3 days, and departing before he was officially supposed to arrive, that way any ambush attempt would be too late and those who did not need to know about his doings wouldn't even know he had been through, the visit would simply be canceled once he had actually left.
Peace specifically was tasked with meeting with the Consul to discuss what had happened to her, as well as keeping his presence on a Need To Know basis.

Yannit read this, but would continue with the instructions, as planned. It would now be less of a case of them preparing, and instead, doing a diversion. In case the local would start to dig into things, he'd only know the plan that were being set in motion, for a week from now. Maybe it would be seen as wasted time by the others, but in her mind, it would serve a good purpose. The true, actual plans though, had to be known to as little as possible. Which is why she rolled this up, to ensure it were not seen by well, anyone. Except for The Grey, of course, as she couldn't see something herself, without them also getting a peek.

On 2022-06-07 at 10:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

While Mongoose was in the hall, the local, now likely named Cranberry, would stroll by, smiling somewhat smugly as he approached, "There you are, word on the street is that the Consul is coming to visit, isn't that nice?" His words were laced with the same influence as before, though it belied the hatred that Cranberry felt towards the Consul, in an effort to make Mongoose feel the same way. Though as soon as he started, he stopped, eyebrow raised as he turned his gaze towards the closed doors of the office, "What, your little changeling friends don't want you to be part of their secret meeting? They don't trust you? Hmm, maybe you shouldn't trust them." With that he would simply continue on his way with some renewed purpose.

"W-Wha? I don't..."

Why did he feel angry... It was because he was left out again. Always the same thing. Just because he had some issues in the past, he were pushed away, and excluded from things. Even now, when he were supposed to be helping, he were just being treated like dirt. Like he couldn't be trusted by the others... Maybe Cranberry were right about them? This wasn't fair after all. He hadn't messed up, or hurt anyone really, for a long time now. Sure some days were hard, but he were managing, and yet, they just kept treating him like some unstable time bomb.

Where were his respect, for the work he did? The appreciation that he knew he saw, when Yannit looked at Craven? Never him though. Nono, she just looked at him hard, with scorn in her voice. Like she were any better than he were... At least he hadn't smothered a sick filly to death, and taken over her life. But no one looked scared at her for that now, did they? No, she were apparently okay, while him having done a few things on eventual dead bodies, apparently made him some sort of monster...

The thoughts were fleeting, as Cranberry walked on, but the seed of resentment were planted in fertile soil. Whereas Craven and Yannit would know better, and Yannit especially, would openly avoid communicating with this one at all now, just in case, Mongoose were ripe for exploitation. He did not yet have reason to hate the Consul enough to try anything, but a few *sessions* more, and Cranberry might well end up planting that too.

Regarding the rest of things, Yannit would hold a pretend meeting with Mongoose, mostly focused around trying to focus on his control issues, and him trying his best to do as told, now that he were not being openly fed further resentment. Then he'd eventually join Craven, they'd do some more laundry, and then Craven would make his way, to deliver the message to Bling. Whom in turn, would then set up a meeting with Yannit, still pretending to be Peace, as soon as she got the message.

Until then though, Yannit would need to speak with the real Peace. As such, she would excuse herself, saying that she needed some fresh air, after a bit more, and move to the side outside. Where Craven as instructed, would wait for her, shift into Peace's form, discretely, and told specifically that he were not to speak with anyone. If they tried to get to him, he were to stay in the office, say he had paperwork, and had already eaten. She'd be back within the hour.

From the alley, she'd leave as the cat shape he had entered, and make her way towards the casino, where Peace were stationed. Unless something were off, like she felt as if she were followed, she'd have changed into a more familiar shape, and gone to see the recovering officer. They had much to talk about now.

 

(Bling)

Both of them were looking around, with curious, fascinated eyes, as they passed through this casino. Even down the side ways, to keep them out of sight, there were sure a lot of things to look at. The stories about this place told as much too. Along with some less than flattering rumors, about the clientele that frequented this place. A rather high end place, tended to draw in the snobs. If it was the main thing though, were up for debate. Wasn't like either of them had ever been here, so things they heard, had to be what they went with, and rumors tended to be exaggerated.

On 2022-06-07 at 10:03 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"So, you're interested in working here? What did Bling tell you about this job?"

"She gave us a brief overview. What sorta jobs you were looking to fill, the kind of *sensations* that was included, and y'know, the social hierarchy.

So, suppose we should start introductions first though. I'm Heartache, and I'm looking to try and fill in as the blackjack croupier. I'm used to dealing cards, and keeping looks over things, so I started doing it at the Top Suites, once Bling took over, but this place sounded like it had some really exciting perks, that would make it just that much better."

Affection changelings like Heartache were... Varied. Sometimes they could get clingy, possessive, have an affinity to tacklehug, or randomly touch others, etc. Depended on if they fell into their emotion of course, but it tended to be the case, that some of what your affinity were, could well get into your behavior, one way or another. In the case of Heartache, she were the sort that others found creepy at times, but The Mist might like: She adored getting touched. Like, incredibly much so. She walked close to others to feel their touch, *accidentally* bumped into them, said hi by wrapping her hooves around others, etc. She had some lenience there before, but here? Where she could be touched potentially all day, by a creature who could poke her all over, at the same time? She had jumped at it in a heartbeat.

Bling had been pleased about this too, as she were starting to fear that she'd eventually have to deal with a plethora of restraining orders, in the not so distant future otherwise.

She'd elbow her companion, who were looking at the manager, like she were expecting him to start acting intimidating, and were somewhat confused, that he thus far hadn't.

"O-Oh, right, sorry. I'm Brass. I was told you needed cleaners? Queen Bling thought I might fit in better here. I uhm... Hope The Mist are not against reformed changelings? It's okay... I'm used to it."

Heartache would wrap a hoof around Brass, with a big grin on her face, which properly showed off the two missing fangs, and poked Brass on the nose.

"Hey, what did I tell ya? Give this place a chance.

Heh. Don't mind them. Brass is a little nervous, that The Mist aren't interested in giving them a chance, but I convinced them to come along. Dunno til you try, right?"

She'd feel a small waft of air, and start feeling around with her tongue in her mouth, still leaned in over Brass, before letting out a low curse word.

"Bugger. Knew I forgot something. Hold on."

She'd reach her magic into her front pocket, and pull out two false teeth. Not fangs, but just regular, equine looking teeth, and inserted them into the holes in her smile. If you didn't know they were supposed to have fangs, they fell in perfectly.

"Well, that was a bit of a miss. I usually remember them, but seems I was a bit distracted today, heh."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

The young ponies, and Vale, were a bit saddened by Void's reminder that she and Null had also been on the run at a young age, though their interest was piqued at the mention that she had wanted to be a forge master as one point.

But when the question was turned back on them, they were more introspective. Toupé was the first to respond, as she had apparently thought about this before, "I want to be a researcher, like Mistress, and like Miss Vale."

Vale blushed at being called out, but smiled, "I'm sure you'll make the both of us proud, but that will be true no matter what you end up doing, so long as it makes you happy."

Elef was the next one, "I... I think I want to be like the old thestral who told me and the others about the history of the Fastar clan, someone who keeps history, and passes it on to others. Someone who is respected."

Ardee didn't speak up, but Void already knew what she wanted to do, Teal too seemed a bit more hesitant, looking at the foals, "I... I don't think I know yet. I've enjoyed all the things we've done so far, and learning about all those things, but I don't think I'd want to do any of those things for a long time. But I also know I can't just stay here, I've got to move on some time, right?"

 

(Null)

Arcade would keep his protective gaze on Molotov as the stallion made his leave, only turning his attention back to Null once he was out of sight. He relaxed a bit, as did her father.

Her father snorted at Null's comment, "That certainly doesn't bode well for his chances, supposing he does manage to woo Void... well, we'll deal with that when... if, that happens. You mother is doing fine, but the twins will be coming any day now. They plan to induce her next week if they don't come before then, but everything is ready when they are. They've got her on bedrest until the time comes, I've taken the next few days off to make sure I'm here whenever it happens. Do try to stay nearby until then, I'll try to have someone let you know if you aren't here when it happens."

He sighed, the nervousness clearly apparent as he opened the door again to let them inside, "Come in, lets all sit down, how are things going on your end?"

 

(Changelings)

Yannit would have no issues making it to the Stacked Deck, nor in arriving at Peace's room. She'd find the mare exercising, some sort of physical therapy most likely, her bandages were smaller now than they had been, and she was looking better than the last time. She looked surprised to see Yannit there, "Back already? Good to see that you're still alive, your cover wasn't blown was it? What were you able to find out?"

 

(Other Changelings)

"You should leave them out, I find the gaps especially interesting."

It seemed the waft of air she had felt had been none other than the Mist itself investigating the hole in her teeth. The manager made no indication of having heard the Mist, as it spoke directly into the minds it wished to speak with, as he continued, "So far as I'm aware, while the Mist prefers 'natural' changelings to 'reformed' ones, the Mist still prefers any type of changeling over a pony. Still, we'll need to see how well you fit in to the work. And the guests may not be so accepting. Let's start you off turning over rooms, morning shift, that should minimize your contact with the guests while we evaluate how well you can work." He turned to Heartache, "So, you were a dealer in the Top Suits? No offence, but we'll need some high levels of poise and refinement to deal here. Can you demonstrate the disguise you'll be using?"

As the manager had his attention no Heartache, Brass would feel the attentions of the Mist lightly descend on them, "Such potential, why limit yourself to just one form?"

(Only Heartache would hear the first italic line, and only Brass would hear the second italic line.)

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-06-11 at 8:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I want to be a researcher, like Mistress, and like Miss Vale."

"I agree with Vale. If that's what makes you happy, that's the most important thing. And I think you'd be a good researcher. I'll look forward to finding out, what your specialty field will be."

Void smiled encouragingly. She didn't want any of them to be a researcher like the one who had them before, but their mistress... She seemed a kind one, among the rubble. If her and Vale were the inspirations, that the young mare wanted to aspire to be, then they'd definitely get her support, and help. Maybe she could find a book of some sort of research, among the salvagers... She'd need to check up on that. She'd sure it would make Toupé happy.

On 2022-06-11 at 8:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Elef was the next one, "I... I think I want to be like the old thestral who told me and the others about the history of the Fastar clan, someone who keeps history, and passes it on to others. Someone who is respected."

"A historian then? That's a fine thing to aspire to. It's important to have those, who keeps the old words alive and well. Especially in these days, when a lot of knowledge have been scattered all over the place."

And a history tome or two too, perhaps. What sort of history? Not that important. If he wanted to try and be a historian, she'd encourage it, but also remind him that a true historian, were not biased. They'd keep records from not just one source, to ensure several points were heard, about important events. The war between Troy and Equestria, for example.

On 2022-06-11 at 8:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee didn't speak up, but Void already knew what she wanted to do, Teal too seemed a bit more hesitant, looking at the foals, "I... I don't think I know yet. I've enjoyed all the things we've done so far, and learning about all those things, but I don't think I'd want to do any of those things for a long time. But I also know I can't just stay here, I've got to move on some time, right?"

"In time, everyone will have to leave the nest, but that doesn't mean you won't still have us, in case you need us. And there's nothing wrong, in not being sure what to do. There's a whole world of possibilities out there, and it can be the strangest things, that suddenly clicks for you.

That said, there's nothing wrong, in staying in Troy all your life, if that's what you want. I've met several that were happy, being where they were. Some never moved out of their areas. because they felt like all they needed, were right there with them.

But it was just a question. You don't need to know what to do with your lives right away. Let's try and just wait, try some more things, and then see where it takes us."

...Maybe a tome of various acts? like a job index, for instance? Couldn't hurt, if she could find it. Might be that Teal might want to try and work in a forge too, if she were wanting to try varied things. It'd be nice to have an apprentice, though Void wouldn't force it upon her, nor any of the others. She weren't like the scientists, that wanted to run tests on them, for their own twisted sake. She just wanted to give them all a chance, to find themselves.

 

(Null/Molotov)

"I dunno if Void will fall for him. Hes a persistent sort, and I'm halfway sure he's probably a decent sort. But he's still irritating. I hope she'll think smartly about this."

Were it up to her, he'd be kicked out the door, and that would be the end of it. She didn't think her lil' sister, should be hanging out anywhere near someone like this. Yet at the same time, she knew that she were biased here, because frankly, she couldn't think of any pony, that she'd like her sister to date. All seemed too suspicious, or not good enough for her, so if she had a say in this, Void would probably end up a spinster.

It were hard not to be the overprotective big sister sometimes.

"Good to hear mom's still alright. Though about how things are going...

*sigh* I need to go and sort someone out, back in New Las Pegasus. Probably in a weeks time. And Arcade and his friend, are coming along. So need to spend some time the next week, making sure everything's prepared. Though I'll keep an eye on how things are here with mom, until then, and do what I can to finish the job quickly, so we can come back here. I promise. I'll perhaps not see them the day they're born, but I will go and see the little ones. Ain't nothing that's gonna keep me away from you again.

I know it's not ideal, but it seems I have some debt to pay off, that I need to get to work on too. It's a whole, karmic mess.

You still haven't told mom about... Y'know, right?"

 

(Changelings)

"Nothing good.

First off, your friend, Sandy? She were the one who sold you out. However, before you get angry, she was forced to do this. There's an empath among them now. A local recruit. He took advantage of some regular jealousy, to guide her to do his bidding. There's too much guilt in her, to make me think she ever actually wanted you to get hurt.

There's also this letter, sent either by the consul, or someone he trusts to pass it along."

She weren't sugar coating things right now, and just went on to present the letter to Peace.

"I'm trying to run some damage control, and make it seem like we're rushing to prepare for him to arrive in ten days. I'm hoping it will serve as a distraction, while making the ones who'd want to hurt him, unaware that they need to look around, when they actually show.

Far as I know, only the consul, me, and you now, know what this letter says. But I'm going to check in on whatever or not, someone read this, before I got it.

Also, Nimble is affected. A lot of anger stemming from him. I'm getting the feeling he's struggling some too, but this empath is a problem. One I don't know if we can solve, just by removing him. he might have already affected too many, and he seems to have a vendetta against the consul.

So, like I said: Nothing good."

 

(Other Changelings)

On 2022-06-11 at 8:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"You should leave them out, I find the gaps especially interesting."

"Oh, really? Well you're the boss, I'm guessing, so I'll happily oblige."

Heartache would pull the false teeth out again, and put them back in her pocket. And as she assumed it were the will of the boss, she'd then give a great big smile too, so he'd have a good chance to really look 'em through.

"A fair few gets weirded out, if I don't have any teeth there at all. These aren't as good as my old fangs, but hey, not like dentists regularly have to work on changelings."

Also wasn't normal that their sort got defanged, but she had gotten so *lucky* as to end up in the grasp of some, as she made her way towards this town originally. Had her wearing a head harness, among other things, to keep her in check.

During one of the nights, she had managed to get the majority of it off of her, but the stints through her fangs, wasn't going anywhere. So painful as it were, she had yanked them out. And painful it surely were. Doubly so, since she couldn't scream, or they would've heard her, and it would've all been for nothing.

She'd been lucky when she came here to town, that Bling could help her get to a dentist, that owed her a favor. Of course it wasn't perfect, but it helped when she ate, and tended to be less off putting to look at, for others. She still missed her fangs, but not enough for her to want to figure out, what would've happened to her, if she had stayed locked up. Something told her, that folks with changeling specific head chains, didn't have something nice in mind for her kind.

On 2022-06-11 at 8:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"So far as I'm aware, while the Mist prefers 'natural' changelings to 'reformed' ones, the Mist still prefers any type of changeling over a pony. Still, we'll need to see how well you fit in to the work. And the guests may not be so accepting. Let's start you off turning over rooms, morning shift, that should minimize your contact with the guests while we evaluate how well you can work."

"Of course, I understand... I'll do my best, to stay out of sight, and do my job silently."

The hadn't expected better really. A lot of bias against their kind, and not a lot willing to lend an ear, and trying to understand why it is they had done so. *sigh* But what did it matter? It were business as usual. Go through the rooms with their usual zeal, and then slinker off, before anyone bit notice in them. It would be fine.

On 2022-06-11 at 8:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He turned to Heartache, "So, you were a dealer in the Top Suits? No offence, but we'll need some high levels of poise and refinement to deal here. Can you demonstrate the disguise you'll be using?"

"Sure thing. Flick the ankle, and voila."

The ankle flicking were more just a performance stunt, as the soft, deep pink flame soared over her, and in her place, now stood not a noble looking pony, but one with a good deal of refinement regardless. A lean mare, with a jet-black, well groomed coat, short, slicked back mane, Narrow, slick tail, going to just below her ankles, colored the same burgundy nuance as her mane. Even her suit had gotten a markup, with the illusion magic their sort had to go with. Shining it up, and making it look brand sparkling new, and made to fit.

The general appearance, should be that of a refined mare, yet a worker too, and not one of the rich ones themselves. Just a more high end worker, for the high end clientele. And one with a glimmer and energy, in her burgundy colored eyes.

"All suited up, and ready for inspection."

On 2022-06-11 at 8:22 AM, Illiad Easle said:

As the manager had his attention no Heartache, Brass would feel the attentions of the Mist lightly descend on them, "Such potential, why limit yourself to just one form?"

Brass squirmed slightly, as they now heard, what they assumed were whomever had spoken to Heartache before this. Which were more comforting at least, than to think the mare had started to speak with herself, cause she'd gone crazy.

"...We were all just so tired. There were never enough love, with Chrysalis's methods. Several of our brothers and sisters, went feral from hunger, and had to be put down, especially after we lost the attack on Canterlot... It were bad before that, but that defeat, just made it all so much worse, and we were all just teethering on the brink. We were desperate to make it stop. The hatred, the endless, mind-numbing hunger...

We followed that Thorax did, because we didn't know what else to do. We wanted peace, the tyrant gone, and our stomachs full. We didn't think about the consequences long term, when we could see what were happening to us, right then and there.

Not many did this, because they wanted to become reformed. Most of us, just wanted to stop being afraid of what'd happen to us."

A lot of threats to them, back then. Chrysalis could exile them for nearly no reason, or they could be swept up by those who they had wronged, during the Canterlot attack, and be captured. Though mostly, it wasn't the violence or exile, that most she spoke to, had feared above all. It was the ever present, constant threat, of suffering mind death. The most horrible thing that could happen, and they had more than a few, that had suffered that fate. Especially after the failed attack, when their meager reserves had been spent.

Chrysalis had not won any favors either, when she refused to do the bare minimum asked of a queen, and strike those who had fallen to mind death down herself. Even the slaver queen had enough pride in her title, to do that, if need be. But not the high and mighty Chrysalis... May her soul rot in Tartarus, while the shards of the statue she had become, flowed in the wind.

As for Brass... They missed being what they once were, but it were too late now. For the promise of freedom from hunger, and tyranny, they had made their pact, and now they, and whatever few remnants of Thorax's old hive, might still linger around the world, had to live with the consequences.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

Toupé seemed happy that her selection was confirmed good by both her current mentors.

Elef looked a little unsure with Void's name for what he wanted to do, "No, they called him something else. I think they said he was a Kron- crow- craw-nic"

"A Chronicler?" Vale suggested, to which Elef nodded, "Yeah, that sounds right!"

Vale smiled, "A chronicler is similar to a historian, in that they also are meant to keep track of events as they happen so that they can be passed down to future generations, while historians mostly focus on the past, rather than the present. We can help you with that, a good place to start would be to write down everything you can remember about what has happened in your life, you can even ask your siblings for their accounts, and soon enough you'll have your own history."

He seemed excited by the prospect, though a little discouraged that he'd have to write it down, as he had struggled with that subject earlier, "I, I think I can do that, yeah." He rebuilt his confidence, he wasn't going to let a difficulty writing get in the way of his passion.

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

But it was just a question. You don't need to know what to do with your lives right away. Let's try and just wait, try some more things, and then see where it takes us."

Vale nodded, "One of the things that school is good for is getting experience with several different subjects, hopefully we'll be able to get you enrolled before to long, then you can interact with other creatures and find out what you like doing."

They all seemed satisfied with that answer, turning their attention back to Void, Teal asking, "What are the creatures out there like? Are they nice like you and Miss Vale?"

 

(Null)

Her father looked disappointed that she might leave before the twins were born, "Going away to Las Pegasus, it could be weeks or months before you get back... Please, could you wait at least until she's induced to leave? It would mean the world to her, and I, to have our whole family together."

Arcade seemed inclined to agree, "If she's being induced, that does set a maximum amount of waiting, and we weren't planning to leave until at least a week anyway, one more day to ensure that we're all here wouldn't hurt, would it?"

(To clarify, her father is indicating early next week, so in about 5 days, or two days before Null and party were planning to leave anyway.)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

You still haven't told mom about... Y'know, right?"

He shook his head, "She doesn't need to worry about it now, once the foals are here she can worry about it, if it even still needs worrying about." (I assume you're talking about the griffon attack) 

 

(Changelings)

Peace looked especially concerned to hear that Sandy had been the one to betray her, especially to hear that she had been spurred on by jealousy, "I... I always thought of the two of us as equals, sisters even, I... I never knew she was jealous of me." She sighed, "Clearly I've been a lousy friend all these years to have not noticed." She shook her head as she took the letter, "Still, there's more pressing matters now, an empathic causing problems is the last thing we need right now, and if he's got something against the Consul, even disguised he won't be safe. We'll have to warn the Consul before he arrives."

She'd listen to the rest of Yannit's message, "That complicates things, if he's enmeshed with the others we can't just out him, or there'll be riots. He'll have to be taken care of carefully, maybe by the Consul directly, to keep everything from falling apart."

She looked thoughtful for a moment, "Keep up the good work, keep acting like nothing's wrong, and when the Consul arrives, have him go to the Top Suits before he goes to the embassy. Book him a room there for the duration of his stay. I'll meet him there and we can fill him in together."

 

(Other Changelings)

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"A fair few gets weirded out, if I don't have any teeth there at all. These aren't as good as my old fangs, but hey, not like dentists regularly have to work on changelings."

The manager looked confused when Heartache responded, but soon realized, "Just so you know, typically when the Mist talks to you, you're the only one who can hear it. The Mist can read your lips, so you don't need to respond audibly."

"I should have mentioned that, apologies."

She would feel the gaps in her teeth being gently caressed once she removed the prosthetics.

  

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Sure thing. Flick the ankle, and voila."

The manager flinched a little as she disguised herself, "Wow, I've... never seen a changeling change before. I thought it would be less... showy?" He shook his head, "Never mind that."

He'd walk around Heartache, eyeing her up and down, before nodding, "You seem to have the look down well, but let's see if you've got the walk, and the talk. Let's pretend you're dealing and I've just sat down at your table, how do you greet me?"

 

8 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Not many did this, because they wanted to become reformed. Most of us, just wanted to stop being afraid of what'd happen to us."

The sensations around Brass seemed to grow softer, more comforting, as she told the Mist all about her past.

"I'm sorry, it seems my preconceptions about your kind were based on fallible sources. Had I known..."

"You are beautiful, in your own way, and you have worth, no matter how hard it may be for others to see it."

"I hope I don't overstep, but if you could, would you want to undo what you've done? I can't promise anything of course, but I have considerable means, I could look into undoing what was done, but only if you want me to."

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-06-14 at 5:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"A Chronicler?" Vale suggested, to which Elef nodded, "Yeah, that sounds right!"

Vale smiled, "A chronicler is similar to a historian, in that they also are meant to keep track of events as they happen so that they can be passed down to future generations, while historians mostly focus on the past, rather than the present. We can help you with that, a good place to start would be to write down everything you can remember about what has happened in your life, you can even ask your siblings for their accounts, and soon enough you'll have your own history."

"Oh yeah, that would sound more fitting. Sorry. I never really ran into a lot of those, as opposed to historians. But they're still important, for future generations, as well as the current. The more others are taught, hopefully, the wiser we get, and can avoid the problems that came before us. As well as expand our horizon, and learn something new about others.

If you want to write your own stories, I'm gonna need to find you a blank book, and a pencil sharpener. Maybe a quill? I'll see what I can do, okay hon?"

This would be fairly easy to find... Hopefully. If not a full book, then at least a notepad of sorts, and a pencil sharpener she were pretty sure she had a few spare off, in her workshop. Maybe a notepad too, if Null hadn't used them all? Either way, it shouldn't be a big issue having both of those here, tomorrow. At worst, the day after, in case she ended up being busy, working on the wing blades. To which, she'd need Null's help. She needed to look at those she had on, to get a better feel for how they worked.

On 2022-06-14 at 5:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale nodded, "One of the things that school is good for is getting experience with several different subjects, hopefully we'll be able to get you enrolled before to long, then you can interact with other creatures and find out what you like doing."

They all seemed satisfied with that answer, turning their attention back to Void, Teal asking, "What are the creatures out there like? Are they nice like you and Miss Vale?"

There was a loaded question, which sadly... Much as she wanted to just give them good news, Void did not like to lie to them. Especially because this, could impact their safety.

"Sadly, not everyone out there, are as nice as we are. Most are though. Despite what my sister thinks, most creatures out there, are lovely, and well worth learning from. They're not all as good as us, but they will still be mostly respectful, and curious.

There are others though. Some young creatures, and even adults, will be bullies, and get a feeling of power, by being mean. Others are just... Evil, and/or dangerous.

You should think of it like this: Treat everyone you meet, as you would want them to treat you. So kindly, with respect, and assume the best. Yet don't follow them blindly.

If there is one advise I really hope you'll remember to follow actually, it is to never follow a stranger, away from crowds. Some have really bad intentions, when they try to lure you away from others.

But I don't want to scare you. Like I said, most out there, are nice creatures, who at worst, have a bad day. Those who are bad, we'll do our best to teach you how to spot, and stay away from.

My, we sure have a lot of heavy topics today, huh? But we can't skip over normal things either. So, are anyone getting hungry?"

She weren't trying to just make them skip over things, but she actually, genuinely worried that amidst all of this, they may have forgotten to ensure they all got fed. Which were bad. They were growing ponies. They needed their nutrition.

 

(Null)

On 2022-06-14 at 5:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Her father looked disappointed that she might leave before the twins were born, "Going away to Las Pegasus, it could be weeks or months before you get back... Please, could you wait at least until she's induced to leave? It would mean the world to her, and I, to have our whole family together."

Arcade seemed inclined to agree, "If she's being induced, that does set a maximum amount of waiting, and we weren't planning to leave until at least a week anyway, one more day to ensure that we're all here wouldn't hurt, would it?"

"I hope it's not gonna be an issue, but I've also been told today, that Vengeance can be impatient, and a bit petty. Too much delay, and Vengeance might start to mess with what it considers obstacles."

The look she gave her dad, and Arcade, should make it clear that she were speaking about them. As well as her mother, considering what an obstacle that might end up being.

"Might just be getting paranoid, about how far it'll go, but we'll see how far I can drag it out. Like Arcade said, still over a week out. Hopefully, the foals have come before that, or if not, I'll try and reason. I know it means a lot to mom, but it means even more to me, that she's safe. I can't risk too much friction."

Already a minus about her new gig there. Having to jugle a potentially dangerous for her friends and family boss, with her responsibilities. Geez, what wasn't Vengeance gonna do, if she ever got pregnant?

...Y'know, the less thinking about that, the better. She were already blushing a bit, and the thoughts of what might come after that, if she followed the current train of thoughts, would most certainly aggravate her.

On 2022-06-14 at 5:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He shook his head, "She doesn't need to worry about it now, once the foals are here she can worry about it, if it even still needs worrying about." (I assume you're talking about the griffon attack) 

"Just wanted to make sure. She's got enough weighing her down now as it is. She doesn't need more.

...That was not supposed to be a pun.

*sigh* Anything else, going on? How about work? You've done okay there, dad?"

 

(Changelings)

On 2022-06-14 at 5:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Peace looked especially concerned to hear that Sandy had been the one to betray her, especially to hear that she had been spurred on by jealousy, "I... I always thought of the two of us as equals, sisters even, I... I never knew she was jealous of me." She sighed, "Clearly I've been a lousy friend all these years to have not noticed." She shook her head as she took the letter, "Still, there's more pressing matters now, an empathic causing problems is the last thing we need right now, and if he's got something against the Consul, even disguised he won't be safe. We'll have to warn the Consul before he arrives."

"I wouldn't put too much into this, if I were you.

Everyone have bad emotions. She were probably far more happy for you, than jealous, but those feelings are still there. They're natural, when you see someone else get further than you. Especially when it's someone you feel are equal to you. Acting upon those feelings though, is when things go poorly, and I sincerely doubt she ever would have, had she not been manipulated.

When all of this is over, you should talk to her about this, and get the air cleaned between you. It's better to address it, before the guilt eats her up.

But to get back on topic, I agree that the consul needs to be warned of this, and have appropriate measures taken. He might not yet be found out, but a good empath, can likely find it out fairly quickly, so our diversion, won't work on its own.

My suggestion would be to send one of Bling's changelings out there. She have a vested interest, in keeping things orderly here too, and as word have started to spread that the consul is coming, it wouldn't be seen as something too unusual, if she sent a courier, just to prepare."

On 2022-06-14 at 5:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She'd listen to the rest of Yannit's message, "That complicates things, if he's enmeshed with the others we can't just out him, or there'll be riots. He'll have to be taken care of carefully, maybe by the Consul directly, to keep everything from falling apart."

She looked thoughtful for a moment, "Keep up the good work, keep acting like nothing's wrong, and when the Consul arrives, have him go to the Top Suits before he goes to the embassy. Book him a room there for the duration of his stay. I'll meet him there and we can fill him in together."

Seemed like Peace were a mare of action. Wise action too, even. Why, Yannit were starting to grow to like the mare a little.

"Sounds like a solid idea. I'll have words with Bling as soon as I can, and have it all set up. There will be a secure room ready for him, when he arrives, and word will be sent to you immediately too. We'll maintain an eye on the empath until then, and keep up pretense.

Speaking of which, he is aware you have two other changelings at the base now. They're working as cleaners, and have given a plausible backstory, that will keep them covered, even if ousted. If they're still there when you return, and he tries something, by ousting them or something of the sort, keep that in mind. Ideally, say that you were aware, from one of your meetings, but found it inconsequential, or were a sort of compromise made, with Bling. They'll play along, with whatever would be said.

Speaking of, how are you feeling? You seem more lively, and at better health. You must be mending well.  Is this normal for you? I might need to take that into consideration, whilst covering for you."

 

(Other Changelings)

On 2022-06-14 at 5:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The manager looked confused when Heartache responded, but soon realized, "Just so you know, typically when the Mist talks to you, you're the only one who can hear it. The Mist can read your lips, so you don't need to respond audibly."

"I should have mentioned that, apologies."

She would feel the gaps in her teeth being gently caressed once she removed the prosthetics.

"Really? Cool. It's like telepathy then. I've known a few like that. Fun types."

She'd shiver in delight, as The Mist felt the holes in her smile, were fangs once were. Bling hadn't lied, when she talked about this perk after all. How excellent.

Wasn't for all, but she at least, were really excited about the prospect, of being given this much attention. And Brass? Well, not as enthusiastic, but they would do well of any kind of positive attention. Heartache had done her best to convince her of that, and she really, truly believed it would be for their best. And as it looked, it seemed like The Mist would agree, as he were asking into things, when it came to why she were a reformed one. Not a lot actually cared to ask that. Bling had, obviously, since she wanted to try and understand, and help, as many changelings in town as she could. But the general masses? Surprisingly racist about this, or just did not want to know, for whatever reason.

On 2022-06-14 at 5:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The manager flinched a little as she disguised herself, "Wow, I've... never seen a changeling change before. I thought it would be less... showy?" He shook his head, "Never mind that."

He'd walk around Heartache, eyeing her up and down, before nodding, "You seem to have the look down well, but let's see if you've got the walk, and the talk. Let's pretend you're dealing and I've just sat down at your table, how do you greet me?"

"Oh, I could do it less obviously, but I've been around theater changelings for months now. It sorta rubs off. Usually it looks more like a ripple of thin fire, washing over, from one end to the other. I normally go snout first, then ending at the tail."

Heartache didn't mind the attention she were given, as she were given the once over at all. She just stood at smiled, whilst humming slightly, and enjoying in full, that she were being focused on.

Bit of a trick question she got after that though. Any changeling worth their salt, knew it depends on the one you're interacting with. So him specifically? No nonsense, straight to business. No small talk, no attempts at luring you in. If he sat down, he know what he wanted, and didn't need more of a hook, than trying to win back the chips he'd be losing.

"Welcome to my table. Cards are ready when you are, sir."

She'd deliver this, with a casual, warm smile, and looking approachable, rather than wild and giddy, as some liked. It varied a lot, and she wasn't sure what sort of thing were a big nono here.

"I'd need a bit more info to make it fit, beyond a bit of a regular, welcoming approach. Some places like a more personal approach, others want cold professionalism. Heck, even been one place, where we were told to shut up, and deal cards. Also, do we dole out the chips at the table, or is that done at the entrance? Cause being chipper, and talk about how many chips they'd need, is also an approach.

So, what's the big no no's? Would you prefer a less personal, friendly thing, and more a kind of *Knowing my place* sort of thing? You hear stories about the clientele here after all, but I didn't wanna you know, make assumptions, that'd be offensive."

On 2022-06-14 at 5:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I'm sorry, it seems my preconceptions about your kind were based on fallible sources. Had I known..."

"You are beautiful, in your own way, and you have worth, no matter how hard it may be for others to see it."

"I hope I don't overstep, but if you could, would you want to undo what you've done? I can't promise anything of course, but I have considerable means, I could look into undoing what was done, but only if you want me to."

Having learned better, from the previous information, Brass would respond by mimicking the words now, rather than speak them out loud. A little weird, but it seemed simple enough. Hopefully it worked right, and they weren't just making fun of them, in some fashion.

"If it became an option? Yes. I miss being like my other kin, but sadly, the only way I even know to change others into that, is conversion. And I am not sure if that even works for anyone else, than ponies. Even if it did, I'm not sure it would be sanctioned. Bling is essentially the queen in town, and I don't think she have it in her, to put anyone through what it would take, to go through conversion. Not the kind I've seen at least."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

Elef seemed happy that Void was still encouraging towards his interests.

 

The young ponies didn't seem surprised to hear that there were un-nice creatures out there. No doubt they had encountered their share of them during their time in the facility. If anything they seemed surprised that Vale and Void didn't claim to be the only nice creatures out there.

 

Still though, the youngest two picked up on the word 'hungry' and their interest was piqued, escaping their carers to come to Void, "Food?" they asked, their eyes full of simply hope. The rest were intrigued in a similar way, Ardee speaking up for the first time since the bathroom, "What do you have planned?"

 

(Null)

Her father snorted at her unintentional pun, but quickly regained his composure, "Work is good, they've got me on leave for now, which is only thanks to you and your sister that that's even possible, so that your mom won't be alone at any point in these most delicate moments. So long as there isn't a sudden influx of patients or critical condition refugees, I should be on leave for another month after they're born. And your mom will be on leave until they're weaned if all goes well."

There was a noise like someone turning over in bed, which caught her father's attention, "I should go check on her, do make yourselves comfortable. I'll be back." With that he'd step softly up the stairs to check on his wife, leaving Null and Arcade alone. Arcade looked a little on edge. but wasn't going to say anything unless Null asked about it.

 

(Changelings)

In regards to warning the Consul, Peace shook her head at the suggestion that a changeling be sent to meet the Consul, "No, it would be too suspicious, plus we want as few creatures knowing as possible. Better if you passed my recommendations along to General Forerunner at the embassy. The Consul trusts him implicitly, so I've no doubt that he also knows that the Consul is arriving early. You can also pass along the suspicions that the embassy has been infiltrated by an Empathic, unless of course you think he's also been affected, though I doubt a local recruit would have the opportunity to interact with the General directly. He'll be able to arrange that the Consul's arrival is detoured and forewarned. Just make sure you don't tell him that you're replacing me, and don't tell Bling that the Consul will be the one staying in the room. That's classified information."

 

In regards to her own wellbeing, she nodded, "I don't have a history of fast recovery, but whatever the Grey are treating me with it's some top quality stuff. Assuming all goes well, I should be able to take my place back after the Consul's visit, as the Empath should be dealt with by then."

 

(Other Changelings)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Really? Cool. It's like telepathy then. I've known a few like that. Fun types."

"More like, I vibrate the air just inside your ear such that only you can hear it. If I had telepathy I'd be able to read back your response from your mind instead of needing to read your lips."

 

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

So, what's the big no no's? Would you prefer a less personal, friendly thing, and more a kind of *Knowing my place* sort of thing? You hear stories about the clientele here after all, but I didn't wanna you know, make assumptions, that'd be offensive.

The manager had been about to critique her form when she pre-empted it with her own commentary, and at the end the manager nodded, "I was about to say, here at the Luxor-Æther we pride ourselfs on the appearance of the best, of nobility, or what the common folk think nobility acts like. Typically our workers maintain an unamused expression, looking down the snout at all who approach, as if it were them who needed to prove to you that they were worthy of your time and attention. A minimum of words is respected, simply indicating the winner of each hand, and nothing more. When someone approaches, a small nod is more than sufficient to tell them they've been acknowledged. Here, let me demonstrate."

He closed his eyes and let out a breath, then as he took it in he lifted himself up on his hind legs to better look down on those around him, freeing his front hooves to directly handle the cards. He dealt out a hand to two invisible patrons, staring down Heartache with a raised eyebrow as if daring her to approach the table and prove her worth, then would subtly nod when she approached and wordlessly deal her cards before dealing his own. Hiz gaze was the only indicator as to which turn it was, and only when the imaginary hand was finished did he speak, in a deep, refined, slightly sultry voice, "21, house wins." Then in a fluid motion retrieved the cards.

He let out a deep breath as he lowered himself back down, "I used to be a dealer out there, before everything went down, so I've got a bit of practice. You catch all that? or do you have some questions?"

 

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"If it became an option? Yes. I miss being like my other kin, but sadly, the only way I even know to change others into that, is conversion. And I am not sure if that even works for anyone else, than ponies. Even if it did, I'm not sure it would be sanctioned. Bling is essentially the queen in town, and I don't think she have it in her, to put anyone through what it would take, to go through conversion. Not the kind I've seen at least."

"I'll ask around, discretely of course, and let you know if I find anything. Again, no promises, and if you change your mind I'll stop looking. Now, while he's taking care of your friend, I'll have the head of housekeeping give you a rundown on your responsibilities."

A few moments later there was a knock on the door and a small, palomino coated, earth pony mare stuck her head in, "The Boss sent me to train, ah, you, no mistaking that."

The manager nodded, "Go along then."

The housekeeper held the door open for Brass to follow, "So, a reformed changeling? Not many of your kind around here, much less that would want to come around here. What brings you to town?"

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

Seeing the two little rascals come over, and ask for food, as soon as she had been speaking about it... She just couldn't wipe that smile off of her face, if she wanted to. Adorable little darlings, just couldn't help but melt her heart.

"I had planned for us to just have some nice, regular food, but seeing how today's been eventful, I think we should treat ourselves a little.

So, how about we get a quick snack, just to tide everyone over, and then I'll show you how to make pizza? It's a little more unhealthy, and not something you should have every day, but I think a day like today, calls for something special. Gonna need some helping hooves, pushing a dough together though. Anyone interested?"

It would take a bit for the dough to be ready, but it were fine. Long as she made sure they got something to eat, that would last them until then, it should be okay. Long as they didn't go hungry, that were the most important thing.

(in case I misremembered about there being an oven, replace pizza, with pancakes)

 

(Null)

Before her father left, Null would nod, pleased with what it were that she heard.

"It's good they're allowing you some breathing room. It'll be good for mom, and the foals. Weren't thinking we'd have part in causing that though, but I guess that makes sense."

Less battling against those monsters, meant less injured. Made perfect sense really, she just hadn't thought about it, for some reason. After they had been down there, she had sorta tried to push it away, and not think of the consequences, beyond it probably being more safe out there. The details she for some reason, hadn't wanted to dwell on. Probably because she got a lot of other things on her mind, as time went on.

After her dad left, to look at some noise, coming from mom's room, Null would remain. She wanted to go, but it didn't seem her place. Though it would make her neurotic, about what he might have heard, and starting to get on edge. It were like she were expecting, that something had gone wrong. Which were exactly the case. A general thought, that rummaged around her head, which granted, had become less prominent, after she had met Arcade, but it were still there, rearing its ugly head up, from time to time.

"*sigh* I hope mom's alright...

You got something to say, don't you? Seems like something's amiss. You nervous 'bout something?

...I know I am. Can't get rid of that nagging thought, that eventually, everything's just gonna collapse, and life's gonna turn into a misserable slog again.

What sorta thing's got you worried?"

 

(Changelings)

"Alright, seems reasonable. I'll pass the note along to the general, after I feel out, if he's affected, and just tell Bling, that I'll need a secure room, in a few days, without saying why. If she asks, I'll just tell her it's a contingency, just in case something happens, and to not worry about it. She won't question what The Grey does. She knows it's best to not snoop into things too much.

That said, I wouldn't advice you to keep her out of the loop forever. If you want to have some semblance of control, and eyes on things during this, you'll need my kind. We're spread all over this city, and the closest semblance to a leader there is, are Bling. Plus, this is her sector now. So think about what to do after the Consul arrives, and how best to do some degree of cooperation. We'll do best, by making use of all the assets we have."

Seemed like they had a plan now. Good then. And she wouldn't have to last long, but annoyingly, longer than she wanted to. Urgh, these were gonna be some tedious days... Likely needed to make use of Craven again, to cover for her, while she got a power nap at some point. She had to look into that.

"Anyway, good that you're recovering. I'll keep up the sick act, but when you tak over again, keep in mind that you'll probably need to keep it up for a bit more, just for the smooth transition.

Which reminds me, there is one there, who are aware you were replaced: The doctor. She noted the lack of certain quirks, while getting examined, I weren't showing. She seems on the level so far, but keep it in mind.

That said, anything else then? Otherwise, I should probably go back, and keep up the act again. There's still some days of preparations to work with here."

 

(Other Changelings)

On 2022-06-17 at 4:31 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"More like, I vibrate the air just inside your ear such that only you can hear it. If I had telepathy I'd be able to read back your response from your mind instead of needing to read your lips."

"Ah, that makes sense. The perk of being like the wind, right boss?"

She were mimicking the words, yet grinned all the same afterwards. She liked this creature. Such a fun, special one to be able to just send words right into her ear like this, and be everywhere at once. It were honestly, pretty cool.

On 2022-06-17 at 4:31 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The manager had been about to critique her form when she pre-empted it with her own commentary, and at the end the manager nodded, "I was about to say, here at the Luxor-Æther we pride ourselfs on the appearance of the best, of nobility, or what the common folk think nobility acts like. Typically our workers maintain an unamused expression, looking down the snout at all who approach, as if it were them who needed to prove to you that they were worthy of your time and attention. A minimum of words is respected, simply indicating the winner of each hand, and nothing more. When someone approaches, a small nod is more than sufficient to tell them they've been acknowledged. Here, let me demonstrate."

He closed his eyes and let out a breath, then as he took it in he lifted himself up on his hind legs to better look down on those around him, freeing his front hooves to directly handle the cards. He dealt out a hand to two invisible patrons, staring down Heartache with a raised eyebrow as if daring her to approach the table and prove her worth, then would subtly nod when she approached and wordlessly deal her cards before dealing his own. Hiz gaze was the only indicator as to which turn it was, and only when the imaginary hand was finished did he speak, in a deep, refined, slightly sultry voice, "21, house wins." Then in a fluid motion retrieved the cards.

He let out a deep breath as he lowered himself back down, "I used to be a dealer out there, before everything went down, so I've got a bit of practice. You catch all that? or do you have some questions?"

"Nope. Impersonal, no nonsense, snobby attitude. Don't try and be friendly, just look at others like they're fortunate I'm giving them the time of day, to even give them cards. Not my usual way of handling things, but I can work with it."

She'd stop smiling, and get a highly neutral look on her face, whilst her gaze - still looking towards him - went away from lively and energetic, and more towards she were looking at someone, who she had half a mind to simply ignore. As if he were an insignificant spec of dust, and she only dealt with him because-

1. It were her job.

2. He had money.

Were neither of those applicable, she wouldn't even acknowledge his presence.

Wasn't even hateful. SHe were aiming towards an expression that wouldn't go there, because hate, would indicate that she cared on some level, about the one in question. The point here seemed to be, that they weren't even worth that.

After doing so for a few seconds, she'd go back to smiling, and energetic.

"Is it alright to mingle and be lively, after work? Like, in the breakrooms, or something? Still wanna get to know the others, if I end up getting hired on."

On 2022-06-17 at 4:31 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I'll ask around, discretely of course, and let you know if I find anything. Again, no promises, and if you change your mind I'll stop looking. Now, while he's taking care of your friend, I'll have the head of housekeeping give you a rundown on your responsibilities."

A few moments later there was a knock on the door and a small, palomino coated, earth pony mare stuck her head in, "The Boss sent me to train, ah, you, no mistaking that."

The manager nodded, "Go along then."

The housekeeper held the door open for Brass to follow, "So, a reformed changeling? Not many of your kind around here, much less that would want to come around here. What brings you to town?"

"I appreciate that sir. Thank you."

This would be the last they'd mime, until the one overseeing them showed up, which meant it were time then, to split up, and do each their own thing.

"I'll uhm, s-see you later, Heartache."

"You bet. Go make some dust bunnies shiver in fear."

Brass smiled a little, as Heartache joked about, and gave them a cheeky blink and smile. She always made them feel a little better about things, but now, they had to stand on their own hooves. And so, they'd follow the earth pony mare, and for the time being, split up.

 

(Brass)

"I needed a safe place, after everything went down the drain, miss. I heard on the road, that New Las Pegasus took in changeling refugees, without discrimination, so I took my chances. It's been uhm... A mixed bag, but in these times, beggars can't be choosers.

I were told the manager here, would like changelings, and my friend convinced me it'd be good for me, to try and apply here.

I-I promise I'm not a slacker though. I'll do my best, though uhm... Can I ask something? Is it... Well, are your cleaning more about doing the bare necessity, and quicker move on to the next room, or make sure things are done right? I've been told I can be a bit of perfectionist. Heartache says she thinks it's because I'm trying to impress. But I dunno. I just think I like things being done right."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

They did in fact have an oven, though they had not used it since it had first been installed and Vale tested it, so tonight would be the first time they tried it out.

They were all curious as to what pizza was, but given Void indicated that it was some sort of treat they were excited to find out. They all went through the standard process of washing their hooves and gathering in the kitchen area, ready to help.

 

(Null)

Arcade was a little surprised that Null had noticed his anxiety, but shook his head, "I'm not so much worried as... unsure... I'm trying to figure out the best way to tell you what's happened to Ardee so that you can understand what she's been through. I don't want to embellish it, while at the same time I don't want to understate it, such that you unintentionally misunderstand her trauma around flying. It's a delicate situation, you know? And I want to make sure it is handled delicately."

It was about then that her father came back downstairs, a clam expression on his face, "She's alright, just needed some help turning over, I hope I'm not interrupting something?"

 

(Grey Changelings)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

That said, I wouldn't advice you to keep her out of the loop forever. If you want to have some semblance of control, and eyes on things during this, you'll need my kind. We're spread all over this city, and the closest semblance to a leader there is, are Bling. Plus, this is her sector now. So think about what to do after the Consul arrives, and how best to do some degree of cooperation. We'll do best, by making use of all the assets we have."

Peace shook her head, "I of course mean no offence, but we simply don't have a long enough relationship for me to be comfortable trusting the Consul's safety to Bling. I hope that one day we can be close allies, but we aren't at that point yet."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Which reminds me, there is one there, who are aware you were replaced: The doctor. She noted the lack of certain quirks, while getting examined, I weren't showing. She seems on the level so far, but keep it in mind.

That said, anything else then? Otherwise, I should probably go back, and keep up the act again. There's still some days of preparations to work with here."

Peace didn't look surprised, "She always said that she knew us, and our bodies, better than we knew ourselves. I guess she was telling the truth. I'm sure that, provided she's not affected, she'll keep it to herself and notice when I get back. Have a message sent once the room is booked, I'll have myself moved there so I can meet the Consul as soon as he arrives. That should be all, I think, good luck."

 

There wouldn't be anything out of the ordinary once Yannit got back to the embassy, hardly anyone had come by her office while Craven was standing in for her, and those that did were none the wiser.

(She's free to do as she likes with the other changelings, this is just for when you're ready to move on)

When she decided to go and meet with the General, she'd find him in his office on the second floor, he had selected one of the rooms that had an intact balcony so he could look out on the city instead of peering through boarded up windows. The General was a brown pegasus with rather impressive wings, he wore a trench coat which symbolized that he had been part of the Summer War, specifically that he had fought in the trenches in Cervidas. "Ah, Staff Sergeant Accords, you're looking better, come in. How can I help you?"

If she looked, she wouldn't see any trace of influence on the General.

 

(Heartache)

The manager nodded at her new pose, "Much better, but let's try to add a bit more arrogance, and less boredom. You want those who approach your table to feel challenged, like their status depends on beating you."

"Which brings us to how you ought to react at the end of the hand. If the house wins, you should have a very slight smirk, maybe a little snort, just enough that the patrons feel offended enough to double down, but not enough to leave the table. Remind them that their status is on the line, and that as shameful as their defeat is, it would be more shameful to leave."

"If, however, one of the patrons wins, they may be rewarded with a slight nod in their direction, while the others are made to understand that the winner's pride comes at their own shame."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Is it alright to mingle and be lively, after work? Like, in the breakrooms, or something? Still wanna get to know the others, if I end up getting hired on."

The manager nodded vigorously, "Oh yes of course! If we tried to keep up that guise all the time we'd probably go insane. Feel free to act normally whenever you're outside of where patrons would be. There are service hallways that run all over the building for that purpose, pretty much every door marked 'Employees Only' leads to them. I'm sure the others will take a liking to you soon enough."

 

That said, the manager returned to their desk, "Alright, I'll just have to do some paperwork to get everything squared away, then we can head out to a quiet corner of the floor and see how well you deal with real patrons."

 

(Brass)

The mare looked interested in what Brass had to say, "That's about what I expected, while much of the Trojan influence of acceptance of all types still remains, the Equestrian fear of changelings and outsiders is still prevalent, especially after the crisis. I hope things will swing back to the acceptance side soon. You shouldn't have to worry here though, the workers are all very nice when they're not in patron facing areas, most of the snobbishness is an act that they put on to set the mood the customers expect."

When Brass asked about the cleaning requirements the palomino mare nodded, "The customers expect perfection, but the Boss takes care of all the smallest details. Our job is to take care of the bigger things like changing the linens, emptying the trash, replenishing the room supplies, and occasionally sweeping and mopping if there's a big mess. Anything small gets handled. I wouldn't worry about being a Perfectionist, the Boss has their way of letting you know when you've done enough."

They reached a door where the mare propped herself up to look through a peephole, then gathered a cart loaded with fresh linens and supplies and pushed it towards Brass, "Here, take the cart and follow me, I'll walk you though it."

She then opened the door to reveal an empty hallway, likely what she had checked for with the peephole, and headed straight for one of the rooms, opening it and gesturing for Brass to follow her. The room was fairly clean, but it had obviously been used. Still, it was a simple matter following the mare's instructions to clean up the room and get it ready for the next guest. If ever Brass got too obsessive about a particular area she'd feel a cool breeze against her face to encourage her to move on.

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

Seemed like she had a lot of helpers then, how nice. And just look at them, washing their hooves, without being reminded. They were learning fast.

Once all of them were grouped over with her, and she had taken the apron on, she'd smile at her merry little helpers, and clap her hooves together. She had made sure to wash hers as well, to set a good example. And because it were unhygienic not to.

"Seems like I have a helping heap, of happy helpers. Let's go over how to make a dough then."

It weren't all that hard really. Mixing ingredients first - which were pulled from the various cupboards, where she had started to put some things, to be ready, rather than pick everything up at home all the time - were simple. She'd show them how much to weigh up of every ingredient, and even when that didn't go perfectly, it were okay. Most things could be counteracted, if you used enough of something else. The two things that weren't so good with that, were yeast, and salt. She'd be dealing with those herself, and explaining why that were.

At the end, when the dough were done, it came time to kneading the dough. She'd add some more flour to it, il it were not so sticky, then cut it into smaller pieces, so there would be three at the end. Afterwards, she'd invite all of them to try and knead it a little. In the end, they should have three, well kneaded balls of dough, which would be put in bowls, and covered up. And the lot of them would likely be covered in various degrees of flour, and who knew what else. They might also have lost some of the dough to accidents, but it were okay. She'd cut off the parts that had hit the floor, if anyone dropped it, and worst case, they'd just have a bit less to go around, though it should still be enough. She were the largest of them, so she'd just wait to have a sandwich later, or something, which would save a fair bit of slices.

"And that's how we make a pizza dough. Most doughs follow the same pattern, with just a few different things put in.

It also tends to leave a mess, so how about you go clean yourselves off, and I'll deal with the kitchen? The dough's gonna need a half hour at least, to be ready, and then the oven needs to warm up, and the pizza prepared, so it will still be some time. I'll put out some fruits you can snack on, until it's done, so you won't go hungry, okay?"

She'd smile at them, and begin to clean up the kitchen. Couldn't help but being messy she supposed, but it were fine. She loved having these little baking sessions with the gang. It was so nice and calming. And they seemed to overall enjoy themselves.

She'd make sure to get some fruits out first though, right after washing her hooves. As said, she did not want them to grow hungry, so this should help tide them over for now, just in case it were really bad.

 

(Null)

She'd been about to answer, when her father had arrived. Seemed like they'd be interrupted in general, if they tried having the conversation in this house. Or at last, would end up having others listen in. Might not be enough to stay in another room, if this were really sensitive information.

"It's fine. The two of us were just talking about something we can finish later, when I'm showing him the workshop."

Should be enough peace and quiet there, to have this talk in outmost private, and it wasn't too far from here. They could be back soon. Sounded like their mom was alright, so maybe things were okay here.

"Sounds like mom's about ready to pop, if she can't turn on her own. She must be getting anxious to be over with this by now, huh?"

 

(Grey Changelings)

On 2022-06-19 at 9:52 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Peace shook her head, "I of course mean no offence, but we simply don't have a long enough relationship for me to be comfortable trusting the Consul's safety to Bling. I hope that one day we can be close allies, but we aren't at that point yet."

"I think you misunderstand. It's not a matter of trust. It's quite literally, a matter of necessity. Like it or not, she's currently in control of this part of town. That also means, that your embassy, is on her turf. She also have control of a strong resource, to scan out the influence of the empath, since we can feel the emotions being off. If you want a successful mission, you'll need to try and work with her, one way or another. Not saying you have to lay bare every secret here. Just do the bare minimum, to establish trust, and show you're willing to cooperate. It'll carry weight, moving forwards.

And no one said she'd be in control of his safety. Pick some unaffected guards of yours, and use them to keep him protected. It'd probably be more comforting for him anyway."

Frankly, this seemed obvious to her, but maybe the Trojan issue of keeping cards too close to the body, were rearing its ugly head a bit here. Tough luck for Peace, but she had to get over herself, if that were it. She'd need allies, and the embassy would need stable hoofing. Both would require her to reach out an olive branch, to the sector leader, and try to work together with her. That she already were doing that though, were not something that Yannit were aware of.

On 2022-06-19 at 9:52 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Peace didn't look surprised, "She always said that she knew us, and our bodies, better than we knew ourselves. I guess she was telling the truth. I'm sure that, provided she's not affected, she'll keep it to herself and notice when I get back. Have a message sent once the room is booked, I'll have myself moved there so I can meet the Consul as soon as he arrives. That should be all, I think, good luck."

"Understood. Unless something happens, we'll likely not meet again, before you'll need to take over your role again. Good luck."

On 2022-06-19 at 9:52 PM, Illiad Easle said:

There wouldn't be anything out of the ordinary once Yannit got back to the embassy, hardly anyone had come by her office while Craven was standing in for her, and those that did were none the wiser.

(She's free to do as she likes with the other changelings, this is just for when you're ready to move on)

When she decided to go and meet with the General, she'd find him in his office on the second floor, he had selected one of the rooms that had an intact balcony so he could look out on the city instead of peering through boarded up windows. The General was a brown pegasus with rather impressive wings, he wore a trench coat which symbolized that he had been part of the Summer War, specifically that he had fought in the trenches in Cervidas. "Ah, Staff Sergeant Accords, you're looking better, come in. How can I help you?"

If she looked, she wouldn't see any trace of influence on the General.

So, a seamless transition, that was good. She had entered, disguised as Stain, and knocked on her door. Then they had switched, and as he were leaving, she told him that she expected the laundry to be done properly tomorrow, and to then have them work on making this place shine. It would fit the narrative, of her preparing for the consul's arrival. Had to make the place look nice for him, and so, it made sense to coordinate with the cleaners, who had already shown an interest, in cleaning more than clothes.

After he had left, she had gone to the general's office. She were...none too thrilled, about him being a participant, in the summer wars. She's heard some rather bad things, about what ponies on both sides of that conflict, had done. *sigh* But the mission came first, so she had to just ignore her worries, that this one were one of the... Troubling ones, and instead play her part. She'd salute him, albeit slowly, to continue to make it apparent that she - Peace - were not at full strength yet.

She'd walk in, and close the door behind her, and hoped this one were not gonna cause issues. Least he didn't seem affected, so that were a start.

"General. It's been better, but it could've been a lot worse.

I'm not here to chat health though, sadly. I have a letter, that I think you should see. Sorry for not showing up with it earlier, but I were busy making preparations."

She'd hoof over the letter, about the consul, and would wait for his response to it all.

 

(Heartache)

On 2022-06-19 at 9:52 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The manager nodded at her new pose, "Much better, but let's try to add a bit more arrogance, and less boredom. You want those who approach your table to feel challenged, like their status depends on beating you."

"Which brings us to how you ought to react at the end of the hand. If the house wins, you should have a very slight smirk, maybe a little snort, just enough that the patrons feel offended enough to double down, but not enough to leave the table. Remind them that their status is on the line, and that as shameful as their defeat is, it would be more shameful to leave."

"If, however, one of the patrons wins, they may be rewarded with a slight nod in their direction, while the others are made to understand that the winner's pride comes at their own shame."

She'd do as instructed, to the letter. This guy knew this casino, and the clients, better than her after all. Smart move were to listen to him on this, and adjust accordingly. Arrogance wasn't something she were all too used to, but it were fine. She were adaptable. She even went ahead and tried out his suggestions, when it came to winning or losing, as he mentioned them.

She wasn't the biggest fan of snorts though, so for the first, she'd definitely have a smirk. Nothing major, just something fitting, with the arrogance, and make her seem as if she were not just having some satisfaction, out of winning, but also expected it all along. The sort of arrogant attitude, barely hidden, one would see on a professional business pony.

For the second part, she'd give the little nod in acknowledgement, while looking slowly around, at imaginary others. No words, no smirks, just a look, from which one could take what they wanted. Considering the atmosphere, and the arrogance she had been told to employ, this should make them feel as if they were being judged a little, for not being the winner, instead of him.

"Is that more like it? I aim to please. Or in this case, be insufferable, I guess? Seriously, how come your patrons like this sorta thing? Seems pretty weird to me."

On 2022-06-19 at 9:52 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The manager nodded vigorously, "Oh yes of course! If we tried to keep up that guise all the time we'd probably go insane. Feel free to act normally whenever you're outside of where patrons would be. There are service hallways that run all over the building for that purpose, pretty much every door marked 'Employees Only' leads to them. I'm sure the others will take a liking to you soon enough."

 

That said, the manager returned to their desk, "Alright, I'll just have to do some paperwork to get everything squared away, then we can head out to a quiet corner of the floor and see how well you deal with real patrons."

"Awesome. I like making new friends. Gonna be pretty interesting to see who's behind the facade, once the onlookers aren't there to see them anymore.

Although, small question: I know we're supposed to be arrogant and all, but what if a patron gets ill? I'd normally go and try to help, but with the sort of attitude we're meant to keep up, how am I supposed to deal with someone, if they suddenly get really ill, or hurt? Like, they slip, and smash their head on a table. Or have a medical emergency. Is there some to call there, or is it okay to drop the mask? I seriously doubt we're just supposed to watch anyone die... Right?"

However that would be answered, she'd follow him to the desk, as he moved along.

"Sounds grand. Though hey, I don't think I got your name  yet. Wanna share it? Otherwise, I'll just starte calling you chief, hehe."

She'd give him an impish, friendly grin. She would like to know his name, but she were also messing with the manager a little. A bit of fun, away from prying eyes and all that.

 

(Brass)

On 2022-06-19 at 9:52 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The mare looked interested in what Brass had to say, "That's about what I expected, while much of the Trojan influence of acceptance of all types still remains, the Equestrian fear of changelings and outsiders is still prevalent, especially after the crisis. I hope things will swing back to the acceptance side soon. You shouldn't have to worry here though, the workers are all very nice when they're not in patron facing areas, most of the snobbishness is an act that they put on to set the mood the customers expect."

"Equestrians tended to accept my uhm... Variety, more often than not. The regular changelings had more of an issue there. And I'll keep it in mind, that there is an act going. I guess I should get used to not taking things too personal."

So they had to take some harsh looks from the other staff at times... Well, nothing new there, they supposed. Other changelings did that already, as they were generally more judgmental of their kind, than the Equestrians tended to be. Not with violence though. They knew they'd get in trouble with Bling, so even the worst acting ones, tended to hold back from that. The few who didn't... *sigh* They didn't report them, and just said they got clumsy. It were less of a hassle, than to cause trouble, in their experience.

On 2022-06-19 at 9:52 PM, Illiad Easle said:

When Brass asked about the cleaning requirements the palomino mare nodded, "The customers expect perfection, but the Boss takes care of all the smallest details. Our job is to take care of the bigger things like changing the linens, emptying the trash, replenishing the room supplies, and occasionally sweeping and mopping if there's a big mess. Anything small gets handled. I wouldn't worry about being a Perfectionist, the Boss has their way of letting you know when you've done enough."

"Okay. I'll try and adjust to his preference then. Hopefully I won't disappoint."

Changing linen, sweeping, mopping, cleaning stains no one wanted to know where had come from- The usual stuff then, it seemed. Not something they had been thrilled at doing, the first time they came to town, and asked Bling how they could apply some skills, to get a job here in town. Yet they understood the changeling leaders idea, behind it maybe not being a nice job, but an essential one. One with generally speaking, more openings than say, an accountant. It wasn't so bad after they got used to it either. Focusing on the small things, and making sure everything was neat and tidy, helped them to get distracted, away from feeling like such an unwanted outsider. And the compliments, for a job well done, felt nice.

On 2022-06-19 at 9:52 PM, Illiad Easle said:

They reached a door where the mare propped herself up to look through a peephole, then gathered a cart loaded with fresh linens and supplies and pushed it towards Brass, "Here, take the cart and follow me, I'll walk you though it."

She then opened the door to reveal an empty hallway, likely what she had checked for with the peephole, and headed straight for one of the rooms, opening it and gesturing for Brass to follow her. The room was fairly clean, but it had obviously been used. Still, it was a simple matter following the mare's instructions to clean up the room and get it ready for the next guest. If ever Brass got too obsessive about a particular area she'd feel a cool breeze against her face to encourage her to move on.

Brass would do as asked of them, and then follow along, with the cart. Seemed like they were going to do a test run, on an actual room. Seemed fairly standard. Best way to see if they'd do the job right, were to show if they could actually do it, rather than just be all talk. Nothing wrong with that.

Seemed like a rookie room though. It were mostly okay, albeit used, and likely just needed a tidying, and changing, more than anything. She'd get to work right away though, starting high, and going low. Never made sense for her, to sweep, or wash the floor first, since the dust would just fall down there. Always better to work with gravity. Though first, gathering linen, and such, then replacing them. Cleaning came afterwards, beginning with cleaning surfaces like the sink, , and shower, in case they did not look grand. Replacing shower curtains, putting whatever toiletries were used in order, washing the mirrors, etc.

She'd have a few times, where they got a little too focused n something, as they didn't want to disapoint, but it weren't more than three, or four times. And in case they found something left behind, like a necklace or anything, they'd put that on a table, and keep it there, until instructed what to do with it. They likely had a lost and found somewhere.

As for the cleaning, they'd hum slightly, but not speak, unless spoken to first, and would just focus on getting the job done.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

While the foals had a great time hitting the dough, the rest of them were able to get it kneaded properly. Once it was set aside Elef asked, "So, is pizza just bread? Or is there something else that happens to make it different?"

 

The foals recognized the word 'fruit' and thus were excitedly looking around for it as their siblings took them to get the bits of dough cleaned off of them. Soon enough they were back and ready to eat, the foals at least, while the others were content, for the most part, to wait for the proper meal they had helped to make. 

 

(Null)

Her father chuckled softly, "You don't know the half of it. I don't think she minds the size as much as she's anxious to hold them, but we'll manage. I guess I shouldn't keep you if you've got other places to be, will you two be back for dinner? We'll probably just have delivered whatever your mom's feeling up to when the time comes, but we can get some extra for you if you want."

He'd give Null a hug, if she'd allow it, before they left, holding the door open for them. He looked tired, but happy, all things considered.

 

(Grey Changelings)

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And no one said she'd be in control of his safety. Pick some unaffected guards of yours, and use them to keep him protected. It'd probably be more comforting for him anyway.

Peace sighed, "Ultimately it's not my call to make. The General would have to decide that."

She would wish Yannit luck as she left, turning to get the few belongings she had together.

 

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I'm not here to chat health though, sadly. I have a letter, that I think you should see. Sorry for not showing up with it earlier, but I were busy making preparations.

The general briefly glanced it over before handing it back to her, "That matches the one I received, and I was told you were getting one. I assume you've already started making preparations, has something come up that I should be aware of? Is the Consul in danger?"

 

(Heartache)

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Is that more like it? I aim to please. Or in this case, be insufferable, I guess? Seriously, how come your patrons like this sorta thing? Seems pretty weird to me."

The manager nodded, "Yes I think you've got it. As to why, our patrons want to feel superior to everyone else, and they want to feel like they've earned it. Most of them are so far up their own flank they'll hardly notice how you act around them."

 

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Although, small question: I know we're supposed to be arrogant and all, but what if a patron gets ill? I'd normally go and try to help, but with the sort of attitude we're meant to keep up, how am I supposed to deal with someone, if they suddenly get really ill, or hurt? Like, they slip, and smash their head on a table. Or have a medical emergency. Is there some to call there, or is it okay to drop the mask? I seriously doubt we're just supposed to watch anyone die... Right?"

The manager nodded, "That's a good question, thus far no one has gotten injured on the premises, thanks in no small part to the Mist's intervention. But we have a team of ponies spread throughout the casino who's job it is to care for them if anything does happen. If you see something happen put the hand on hold, then press the button on the underside of the table, that will tell the team to come to your table where they should be able to take care of the issue. All without you having to break character. If something major happens however, you're free to use your own digression."

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Sounds grand. Though hey, I don't think I got your name  yet. Wanna share it? Otherwise, I'll just starte calling you chief, hehe."

"My name? Pocket Ace, you can call me Ace when we're in the back, but on the floor you should only refer to me as The Manager. Any references to Boss or Chief would refer to the Mist anyway."

 

That said he signed off on a sheet and turned it around to Heartache, it laid out in simple terms her employment agreement with the casino, detailing how much she'd get paid, what her expected hours and days would be, and the details of her job as Ace had explained them. There was a box for her to check as to which currency she wanted to get paid out in, whether in the casino's chips, debt, or Sand Dollars. In all the hours were fair and the pay was good.

"Take your time, once you sign off we'll do a trial run on the floor."

 

(Brass)

The two of them were able to make short work of the room, and it looked very nice by the time they finished, "Good work, I think you've got what it takes to do well here. Let's head back to the Manager's office so we can get the paperwork squared away. By the way, did you know your wings vibrate when you hum? I think that's cute."

She'd then lead the way back to the manager's office where the Manager and Heartache were going over her own set of paperwork.

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

"Don't worry, it's not just bread.

See, when the dough have risen, we will be cutting it up, rolling them into discs, and then we're gonna put your favorite toppings on. Got some things we can try for that, that I haven't shown you yet, but I'll need to pick up a few things. But lets start with what we do have, and then I'll show you how it's normally done. Though you can pick and chose as you want, of course."

She'd use a plate as an example, and then tell them how things were normally done. oil or tomato paste on the dough, then whatever things wanted - she gave a typical equine example of one, with pineapple - and then usually topped off with cheese, if one liked that.

She'd then start to take things out of the cabinets. After she had given them some fruit pieces, of course. The foals seemed rather hungry, so she'd quickly cut a few up that she had access to, that she knew that liked. For instance, how a certain little rascal, were a big fan of strawberries. She hadn't eaten them all yet, but she'd need to look into maybe getting some new ones soon.

As the rest seemed contend to wait, she'd focus on then putting out what things they had. From nuts, to tomatoes - that she'd need to mush, but even for the tougher desert variants, that was fairly easy - to the jar of crickets, hay, various fruit that were appropriate to heat, and such. Most of the things they had tried basically, which were solids, and that they still had some parts of. Though she'd need a few things else.

"Now, to make sure that everyone gets what they like, I think we'll make mini pizza's. That way, you can each make your own. Doesn't that sound nice? Just remember, that this is a warm dish, so best to pick things that you'd like, if they were warm."

 

(Null)

Null would not only accept the hug, but squeeze her father back. It were still weird to her, that he were actually here, in the flesh, and doing well. It made her somewhat... Clingy, in cases like this at times, as she sometimes felt like if she let go, she'd find out that this were all a dream, and things were like she remembered them. With him and mother dead, and the only words she ever heard from them, being fromt he parts of them, that she had conjured in her mind, that tormented her so much before. Presences that were not as prevalent anymore, but sometimes, she could still feel them, rearing their ugly heads forth...

"Yeah, we'll return. Shouldn't take long to get this sorted. Just wanna show him the work station, y'know?"

It wasn't far off either. And rather simple, once they got inside, just as the outside were. Outside just had the sign about what they did here, with another over her own name, saying she were taking a leave of absence. And inside, there were two parts of the primary room: The forge, and tools that Void used, and the woodworking area that she did, complete with a few unfinished projects, and stabled wood, of various shapes and sizes. SHe had finished her work, aside from some tests, before she stopped here, so not a lot of her actual work to look at, beyond a few drawings on the bench.

"Alright, this should be private, long as the door's locked. We shouldn't get disturbed here. At worst, Void's gonna come around, and that's it."

 

(Grey Changelings)

"Potentially. I'm inclined to believe that what happened to me, might've been more than just random. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I'm not risking the consul's safety, on guesswork.

I have started making some preparations, for the date the others were informed about, as well as more closely guarded preparations, for when he actually shows. I'm hoping if there is someone wanting to hurt the consul, they'll get distracted by the more openly planned event. Perhaps showing their hoof too, with the narrow time frame.

*sigh* Something just doesn't feel like it adds up here."

Sadly, she couldn't just be honest, as her saying she had felt something were off, would unravel things, as Peace weren't a changeling. It wouldn't work, and thus, she had to be more in the line of paranoid, rather than knowing for sure. She could also not give off Cranberry's name here. He were dangerous up close, but at least here, they could keep an eye on him. If he were loose though... He had already planted seeds of doubt. It might be he didn't need to do much more here, and out there, there were no guarantee they could keep him under watch all the time. Though she would be asking to have a changeling or two assigned to at least keep an eye out. The more she knew, the better.

"Been in contact with the local sector head too. Queen Bling. She seemed open to communicate with us, and uphold the agreement, we had with Mr. House. So that's a positive, at least. As is it, that we've gotten two cleaners, answering the job poster. Seems they're okay with doing regular cleaning too, so I'm having them scrub down this place from top to bottom, along with sorting the uniforms, to make it presentable, for the consul.

In case something happens, I've also had a room reserved there, for when the Consul shows. She doesn't know he's coming, when he actually does. I am also not certain exactly what room it is, but hopefully, we won't need it either. I just thought it couldn't hurt, with a contingency plan. Been taking a lo of my time though, so apologies, for not briefing you sooner, general."

He didn't seem affected, but he might end up being. And thus, she wouldn't give off the actual room number. That one, she'd keep close to heart, for the time being, and update as things went along. She had a particular room in mind for this, so it wouldn't be random, when she made the formal request, of Bling.

 

(Heartache)

On 2022-06-23 at 3:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The manager nodded, "Yes I think you've got it. As to why, our patrons want to feel superior to everyone else, and they want to feel like they've earned it. Most of them are so far up their own flank they'll hardly notice how you act around them."

"I swear, ponies are weird sometimes. No offense."

It wasn't about this one specifically. Just... Y'know, a general things, about how some of them were pretty odd. What kinda creature actually wanted this sort of treatment? A fair bit it seemed, considering how well this casino did, and that to her, were mighty weird. Probably involved non-equines too, but y'know, most of the populace, were ponies. So statistically speaking...

On 2022-06-23 at 3:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"My name? Pocket Ace, you can call me Ace when we're in the back, but on the floor you should only refer to me as The Manager. Any references to Boss or Chief would refer to the Mist anyway."

 

That said he signed off on a sheet and turned it around to Heartache, it laid out in simple terms her employment agreement with the casino, detailing how much she'd get paid, what her expected hours and days would be, and the details of her job as Ace had explained them. There was a box for her to check as to which currency she wanted to get paid out in, whether in the casino's chips, debt, or Sand Dollars. In all the hours were fair and the pay was good.

"Take your time, once you sign off we'll do a trial run on the floor."

"Ace? Hah! That's the same name as the general manager, over at Bling's place. What're the odds?"

Now come on, that were pretty funny. Wasn't just her, right? This were pretty good stuff.

Aaah, but she'd keep the other part in mind too. Refer to him only as The Manager, when on the floor. Simple enough stuff.

When they got to the paperwork though, she were less impulsive, and would pick up the papers, then go through it, line by line.

"My queen always said: Never sign something, before you read it. Smart cookie that one. Not smart enough to avoid that spear though... Urgh, bad memories.

Just gonna read through it, then you got my signatu- Oh hey, cool. I can choose the currency. Sweet."

She'd cross over the box with Sand Dollars, and keep reading. The reason? She just liked how they looked more, honesty. Paying with chips felt weird to her, since that sort should be something you used at work, not in some sorta shop. And debt? She'd prefer not to, if she had the option. That one seemed fishy to her, on several levels. Had since she got to this town.

(Brass)

"I uhm... I've been told that, y-yes."

Brass would blush up a little. They had indeed been told that before, by primarily Heartache. She were a very blunt, direct sort of changeling, so she hadn't any issue, saying that to the reformed changeling. They tended to blush up in those cases too, as they weren't used to these sorts of compliments.

"It's good to hear that you liked my job performance though. I was worried I messed up a few times too many. I-I mean, from being too thorough, no from actually causing a mess."

They'd probably be quiet until they got to the office, and as Heartache saw her, the changeling would raise a hoof briefly, and grin at her friend. Then she'd return to her own paperwork. Much to do, much to read.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

The young ponies seemed relieved that they would be getting more than just bread. And while they still didn't fully understand how everything would combine they would each go through the options presented and select according to their preferences. The foals' one would likely just be plain to ensure that they would like it, rather than risk adding something they wouldn't like when heated.

Then they'd eagerly wait for when it was time to prep their pizzas and put them in the oven.

(I don't have anything planned for the young ponies until Ardee leaves the next day, so the posts will be a bit shorter until that happens.)

 

(Null)

Arcade nodded as he looked around the place, "It won't matter much if she does come in, though she might know already."

He let out a deep breath as he got ready to talk, "I think I'll just start from the beginning, lay everything out, then try and clarify after. Originally, we were made to replace the ponies we were cloned from, body doubles if you will. I of course came out malformed so they tried to kill me and discovered my anomaly, but that's just me. Ardee was the next one they were successful with, and in the beginning they were training her to replace Rainbow Dash, but then she got into the Wonderbolts, and things got complicated. Her life was too public, too complicated to simply replace now, when/if she died everyone would know before she could be replaced, so they changed Ardee's purpose from body double, to organ donor. Now, if anything happened to Rainbow Dash short of dying, any parts they needed were to be harvested from Ardee. So they kept her at peak health so all her internals would be good to transfer, but they pushed her especially hard in training her wings to ensure they'd be in prime physical condition if Rainbow Dash needed a replacement. They... weren't shy about letting Ardee know that, that all she was to them was a stack of replacement limbs and organs. That the only reason she was worth keeping alive were her wings. If she didn't keep them up, they'd have no further use for her."

"As soon as Mistress got us out of there, Ardee stopped flying, and she hasn't flown since. She's determined to make sure that her wings will be useless to anyone else. She's spent almost her whole life being told that her wings were the only part of her that mattered, in a way she's divorced herself from them, refusing to accept them as part of who she is. I... I don't know if that makes any sense to you?"

 

(Grey Changelings)

The General took a seat at their desk while Yannit explained everything she knew. He was silent for a minute after Yannit finished, thinking, then he nodded, "Excellent work as always Peace, I knew I made a good choice having you placed here. Now, I'd like to send someone to the room you've reserved, make sure that it's safe and secure. See if you can't get the adjacent rooms secured as well, can't risk anyone discovering the Consul is there and trying to get in through the wall. As to the announced date, that's actually when the ambassador's will be returning to the embassy, we need to figure out if everything is alright here before they arrive, to ensure that what happened to you does not happen to the ambassadors. You mentioned that you don't think it was random, any idea why you particularly were targeted?"

 

(Other Changelings)

(I don't really have anything else planned for these two, I hope you enjoyed the small aside, and if you want to do more short asides with other characters I'd be open to it, but I think we've exhausted this storyline, unless you've got some ideas you'd like to explore with them?)

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

"That good everyone, very good. The dough are still gonna need a bit of time to rise though, so I'm gonna go pick out the rest of the options, and then I'll be right back, okay? It's gonna be 10, 20 minutes at max. About the time the dough is gonna need.

If you get hungry before that, take some fruit please. And if Vale says no, remember to tell her that I have a wooden spoon, and I know how to use it, hehe.

Kidding aside, watch over them for a little bit, please Vale? It won't be long. Promise."

And it wouldn't. She'd go out, get the bag she'd prepared for another time, and then be on her way again. Only two things interrupted her: Briefly seeing Null and Arcade, seemingly right after they had an important talk - she decided not to say anything, as it might be a couples thing - and her running into Molotov. That latter one would be a short meeting too, as he understood she were apparently busy, but he'd leave her his address, and tell her, that he'd be there, the majority of time, and that he'd like to have a chat, one of these days. She agreed, and would move on.

The idea they were gonna need to talk about... Well, she had some idea, as he weren't exactly a subtle pony. A-Anyway, she were a bit nervous, about how that talk might go, but she'd do it, soon as there were time. She couldn't put it off forever, and frankly, she needed his help too. If they went through with making a pair of artificial wings, she needed to know details, of how his work, to make sure they weren't dangerous.

...As well as ask about what other artificial limbs he might be able to make. Her leg was fine, and she'd forever be grateful to Null, for having made it, but it wasn't the best when running, and the clacking could often reveal her position to others, in less than ideal ways. It couldn't hurt to hear how a mechanical one might work, right?

Anyway, when she came back, about 15 minutes would've passed, and she'd pop in, saddlebag on the ready, and smile at the little faces in here.

"Hi again. Hope I made it in time? Well, likely have. Anyway, I brought a few more things. Including equine friendly cheese."

Some cheese could be rather... Bad, for equines. Though it weren't a lot of versions. Only a select few, she found. But considering who she were feeding, she had not taken chances, and made sure to ask, and test. Still had to be shredded, but honestly, that was the good part. Shredding cheese were a nice, calm experience. And she'd make sure they'd at least try it. Unless they didn't like the smell, regardless of it being a fairly mild variant.

Something told her though, that they'd mostly stick to what they had already picked out. Never hurt offering though.

 

(Null)

Null would listen to what she were told in silence, but her eyes told plenty as it were. For a start, there'd be rage. Deep and scorching, thinking about what she'd do, had she her hooves on even one of those insufferable monsters. But there'd also be a sting of sympathy, remorse, and regret, as she were told more in full, how bad her words had been to Ardee, with the power of hindsight.

"...I hope every last one of them, died when I caused that outbreak. Insufferable, disgusting monsters."

She flared a little, but her gaze went away, and her outburst were little more, than a simmer. It were tempered by sympathy, and realization, of what she had done to the young mare herself. Nothing as bad as what they had done, of course, but she had still poked at a wound, that she had no right to mess with in the first place.

"I messed up so bad on this one... Bloody hay, I figured they had pushed her around, and made her just be compared to Dash in terms of flight speed. Had I known they treated her openly, like some sorta messed up repair kit, I wouldn't have gone there. Buck me, no wonder she doesn't wanna fly."

She'd let out a few more... Colorful phrases, as she went through in her head, how much of a flank she had been here. Sure she were used to not giving much of a rats rear, about the way she were perceived by others, when she were just being honest, but this were going too far. It'd be like someone shouting at her, to go home, and cry to her mom and dad, in the times when she were still convinced she had killed them. Frankly a surprise that Ardee hadn't clocked her earlier, with the information that Null now had, about the way her words would've been perceived. IN her shoes, she probably would've.

"*sigh*... I get it now. Sort of. This here's why she hates flying, and need to go see things herself. Tired of being told what to do, and what to be, by others.

Look, when we start training, I'll apologize to her. I didn't know, but bugger me, I still feel bad about this one. And I won't push her with more wing stuff. And I guess, I'll ne more lenient on her, when we get to Las Pegasus. THough I'm still gonna see if one of the changelings, can't be convinced to at least show her around, just to be sure. Less of a leash, and sorta like a... Safety net, or something.

*sigh* Will this go against us training her though? Cause I was sorta thinking about, maybe teaching her wing blades. She seems to control her wings well, even if she don't wanna fly. Could be good for slashing enemies. You think that'd be okay?"

Wouldn't be long after this, that Void would come in. She would promptly just get a saddlebag filled with a few things, from the back room, and then get out of here. She were not getting into the middle of... Whatever were happening here.

 

(Grey Changelings)

So the general wanted to check the room, huh? ...He might not be affected, but she still weren't gonna put complete trust in him. She'd try and sort some dummy rooms, then speak to Bling in private, about an actual room. The general hadn't earned her trust enough, to let him have easy access, to a pinching point like this, in case he did get compromised, or were hiding it right now. For all she knew, he weren't even needing to be affected, as he were in on a plot, to take the consul down. She couldn't risk that.

"I'll get back to you with the exact room number, soon as the room's ready then, general. Hopefully tomorrow, at some point. Shouldn't be hard to get the adjacent ones either. Their leader seem eager to continue the cooperation we had with Mr. House.

Should we for safety reasons, look into above and below rooms too?"

She'd wait for a response to this, before replying to his other point.

"In regards to why me... I suspect it's because they've seen me, make contact with the sector head, and figure that going after me, would be the easiest way to disrupt things. Without that link, they might've figured we'd be less secure here, with maybe you blaming them for not keeping this area safe enough, and causing my..."

She'd avoid saying the word death. Most beings did not like to bring that up, she found, so she'd let that linger, than move on a second or two later.

"If they're against Troy, it makes sense to cause friction between us and her. Probably wouldn't be easy to just get another hoof in, on of of the other sectors, if there were a history, of disagreements, and being booted out of town. And if it's because someone were after the diplomat, of the consul... Take someone out of the higher chain, and it might cause the higher ups to feel forced to come around, to sort out relations with the locals, before it ended up in the embassy getting booted out. Would leave an opening.

Could be it was just picking a random one of us too, to send a message. But there's less secure guards out there, making rounds, that would've been easier to grab.

Maybe I'm overthinking this, but it's been hard not to, general."

Most creatures, needed to find reason, for when something bad happened to them, Yannit found. If something were done for a reason, there were someone they could blame, or they could try and twist it, and understand. but if it were just random and senseless, it tended to hurt more. Cause then, there weren't even reason. It had just happened, for little to no reason, beyond perhaps being at the wrong place, at the wrong time.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

(In regards to cheese and dairy I go with the idea that ponies have no issues with dairy given they're shown baking with milk and eating ice cream on several occasions (Plus there's a pony named Cheese Sandwich))

Vale had kept the young ponies busy and distracted by explaining how different cultures and nations had different ways of making bread. Given how interested they were it could be assumed that one of them had asked about it. "So while bread in Equestria is typically baked in loaves and sliced, bread in Troy is typically made in batches forming disks similar to what we're doing tonight. they make the bread at a bunch of different sizes so you get the size you need rather than cutting slices."

The ponies then turned their attention to Void as she entered, interested in what else she had brought. Elef wasn't too keen on it, and the foals' appreciation would depend on how much like milk it tasted, in that the more milky it was the more they would like it, but the other three would enjoy it. In Elef's case Vale would encourage him to try it warm just in case he liked it more that way, so they would hold off cooking his pizza until he could try one that had cheese on it to see if he liked it heated over cold.

In any case, they were ready to follow Void's directions in preparing their pizzas.

 

(Null)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...I hope every last one of them, died when I caused that outbreak. Insufferable, disgusting monsters."

Arcade shook his head, "No sense in holding on to resentment, besides, you weren't in the same facility as we were, so I doubt it." (Null might not be aware, but there were dozens of different Deep Science facilities scattered about the Empire.)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I messed up so bad on this one... Bloody hay, I figured they had pushed her around, and made her just be compared to Dash in terms of flight speed. Had I known they treated her openly, like some sorta messed up repair kit, I wouldn't have gone there. Buck me, no wonder she doesn't wanna fly."

He offered a comforting hoof, "You don't need to beat yourself up over it, I'm sure she doesn't hold it against you, you couldn't have known after all."

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

*sigh* Will this go against us training her though? Cause I was sorta thinking about, maybe teaching her wing blades. She seems to control her wings well, even if she don't wanna fly. Could be good for slashing enemies. You think that'd be okay?"

Arcade nodded, "Anything she can use her wings for that isn't flying she'll be more than happy to do. They didn't want to risk her damaging them, so they never let her do anything else that might risk them. I think wing blades will be right up her alley. I think having her go with some of the locals is a good idea too, shows a bit of trust and gives her the independence to see the world for herself rather than sitting under our shadows."

He sighed, a bit of a smile on his face, "I'm glad you're understanding about this, I had feared, a little bit, that you might double down on it. I'm sure she'll appreciate your apology too."

 

(Yannit)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Should we for safety reasons, look into above and below rooms too?"

The general would give her a somewhat odd look, "They're adjacent aren't they? Better yet see about getting a room on the top floor, to minimize adjacencies."

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Maybe I'm overthinking this, but it's been hard not to, general."

The general nodded, "Understandable, we'll be sure to keep a closer eye on the locals. Now that you're back we'd hate for them to try again if they were targeting you specifically. Maybe they were hoping to bring the Consul here with the stunt? But I doubt it, speaking with you is not the only reason the Consul is coming. Just the only reason you were informed of. I get the feeling that he wouldn't be coming if it weren't for his other obligations here."

He nodded, "I'll be waiting for the information as soon as you have it. Good work as always, be sure to take some time to recover, I'm sure the Consul will want you at full strength when he speaks to you."

When she exited the office she'd see the local, Cranberry Pie, coming down the hallway towards the General's office, he had a somewhat smug expression, as if daring Yannit to do something about it.

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-06-28 at 11:32 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale had kept the young ponies busy and distracted by explaining how different cultures and nations had different ways of making bread. Given how interested they were it could be assumed that one of them had asked about it. "So while bread in Equestria is typically baked in loaves and sliced, bread in Troy is typically made in batches forming disks similar to what we're doing tonight. they make the bread at a bunch of different sizes so you get the size you need rather than cutting slices."

"I've seen a fair bit of various breads too. Fun fact about bread in The Neightherlands: They have something called a Blood Loaf. It's round bread, with blood oranges used in the recipe, to give it a crimson inside. It's surprisingly spicy though. Not something for everyone, and most of their bread have sesame seeds on top. Their Tijgerbread were pretty good too. A nice mixture of crunch and softness.

Neighpon also have something called a Lotus Delight. It's pretty sugary, and make use of their local sugarcanes, baked into medium sized buns, with a lotus shape. I heard the real challenge with that, is shaping it correctly, so it doesn't get messed up in the oven."

She didn't try and overtake the conversation, but she had seen, and sometimes baked, bread from various places, so she had some personal experience with things. Not the Neighponeese bread though, that she had mentioned. Or okay, she had tasted it, but she hadn't seen how to make it. That would end up being an experiment one day, though it probably wouldn't be the same, without the Neighpon sugar canes. They had a pretty special taste, and it wasn't the only one either. She had heard about something called Lotus Sugar, which were apparently a really fragrant variety, that would give a special bit of zing, to whatever you used it in. But how it were made, were apparently a closely guarded secret. Something she could imagine, were all but lost now, after the world wide attack. *sigh* A lot of things lost, that might never be rediscovered again.

On 2022-06-28 at 11:32 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The ponies then turned their attention to Void as she entered, interested in what else she had brought. Elef wasn't too keen on it, and the foals' appreciation would depend on how much like milk it tasted, in that the more milky it was the more they would like it, but the other three would enjoy it. In Elef's case Vale would encourage him to try it warm just in case he liked it more that way, so they would hold off cooking his pizza until he could try one that had cheese on it to see if he liked it heated over cold.

In any case, they were ready to follow Void's directions in preparing their pizzas.

The taste were pretty milky, as she had wanted the absolute most mild cheese, to entice them to try. If she came back with a reals tinker, it likely wouldn't fall into everyone's taste.

As Vale figured maybe they'd do well, in having them try the cheese after it was warm though, Void would shred some of it, and put it in a small bowl, then put into the oven. It would give them a chance to all try it. And as it were usually the last thing put on a pizza, they could get started with the rest. Beginning with the dough.

She'd lead them to the kitchen, wash her hooves, and then show them how much the dough had risen. Then she'd cut them into more sensible pieces, and begin to roll them out. It were pretty simple stuff really, but as she'd tell them, it were important to not have it too thick, or it would get doughy. Too thin, and it would be cracking. But she'd help them find the right thickness, and sort some proper buns. She'd also make sure to compliment them, as they'd get along, and well, she'd show off a little, on one of the last pizza's, where she'd roll out the dough by swinging it in the air. It was perhaps a bit of a showy thing to do, but she had practiced a lot to be able to do that. It felt like a shame to not show off a little. Though she'd discourage the others from trying, as she'd inform them, that it were easy to mess it up, and maybe it were best to try later. Unless you used magic, of course. Though if any insisted, she'd let them try, and stand close by, to catch the dough if it went flying.

Worst case though, a dough would fly off, and she couldn't just cut off a part that had a bit of dirt on. In which case, she'd let them have hers. She'd be fine. Right now, the ones who really needed, and deserved a good treat, were them. Ardee especially.

She'd also make sure to keep an eye on the oven though, so that the cheese would get out, and could be passed around for testing. Should be done well before they were done preparing the pizzas. And she'd tell them how to normally do this, with tomato/oil covering the bottom, cheese on top, etc. Really, the only issue were the dough, most of the time. The toppings were the easy part.

"- and then when you're done, we'll just put them into the oven, and wait til they're done. It's about 15-20 minutes of baking time. We may need to take it over a few times, in case there's not enough trays for the oven, but we'll make sure to get you all something to eat, as soon as we can.

Any questions? Perhaps thoughts? Always happy to answer, my little kitchen helpers."

 

(Null)

On 2022-06-28 at 11:32 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade shook his head, "No sense in holding on to resentment, besides, you weren't in the same facility as we were, so I doubt it." (Null might not be aware, but there were dozens of different Deep Science facilities scattered about the Empire.)

"Then I hope someone collapsed the roof over their head. Cause they don't deserve to live, after all the stuff I keep hearing they've done. Containing dangerous stuff's one thing, but that ain't excusing you from torturing others."

On 2022-06-28 at 11:32 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He offered a comforting hoof, "You don't need to beat yourself up over it, I'm sure she doesn't hold it against you, you couldn't have known after all."

She'd take the hoof, but she'd still grimace, and shake her head.

"I could still tell that she weren't liking it, and just kept going. Didn't know the scope, but figured she were just being pushed too hard, and it'd be fine, long as I didn't go on about her being a speed flyer. Didn't think about backing down from it for a second either. Just ain't right."

This were something she still had to work with. She'd gotten too used, to being up in the face of others, and not backing down. Now that she didn't have to, and often shouldn't do it, she were sometimes having trouble stopping herself, from falling into old habits.

On 2022-06-28 at 11:32 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade nodded, "Anything she can use her wings for that isn't flying she'll be more than happy to do. They didn't want to risk her damaging them, so they never let her do anything else that might risk them. I think wing blades will be right up her alley. I think having her go with some of the locals is a good idea too, shows a bit of trust and gives her the independence to see the world for herself rather than sitting under our shadows."

He sighed, a bit of a smile on his face, "I'm glad you're understanding about this, I had feared, a little bit, that you might double down on it. I'm sure she'll appreciate your apology too."

"Look, I'm not perfect. I'll be the first to admit, that I got some problems, that'd probably take a shrink years to even start addressing properly, and that I have some anger issues. I try not to let it spill over, and get hammered into folks who doesn't deserve it, but I'm not always doing well, and with Ardee... I dunno, put too much thought into how she wouldn't use her wings, and got a bit angry. I would've killed for the sort of wings she had, when I weren't able to fly for over twenty years, and it felt like a slap in the face, to have her just discard the whole idea of flying then, without having something wrong with her pair.

I got context now, and I see her point in this. So yeah, I'll apologize for it, and then not push that angle again. Just outta try and sort out ground based training. And wing blades. I'll need to take some measures, if Void haven't done it then, so we can craft a pair, then see what we can do from there. My own training's a bit basic, but I know who to ask, for more advanced stuff, if it is.

...Cards on the table, I got a bit worried when you said you wanted to talk, that you were wanting to yell at me, for getting in the face of your friend, and might consider leaving me. You two look real close after all. Like siblings, or... More. Some take it real personal, if folks go after those nearest to them. Trust me, I know."

A bit of the jealousy towards Ardee came out, as she were still worried, that the two of them might have been an item at some point, and she were being strung along a bit. Yeah it were stupid, and she didn't actually believe it, but the brain were a nasty little thing sometimes. Irrational paranoia, weren't helping things either, so at times, it would likely blush up a bit. At least here in the shaky start of their relationship.

 

(Grey Changelings)

On 2022-06-28 at 11:32 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The general nodded, "Understandable, we'll be sure to keep a closer eye on the locals. Now that you're back we'd hate for them to try again if they were targeting you specifically. Maybe they were hoping to bring the Consul here with the stunt? But I doubt it, speaking with you is not the only reason the Consul is coming. Just the only reason you were informed of. I get the feeling that he wouldn't be coming if it weren't for his other obligations here."

He nodded, "I'll be waiting for the information as soon as you have it. Good work as always, be sure to take some time to recover, I'm sure the Consul will want you at full strength when he speaks to you."

"I'll try and find some time to rest, when things seems more in order. Call me if there's anything else, general."

She'd salute the pony, the same as before, as to not seem like she suddenly got more energy, and then would turn around. Seems she had some orders to mostly accommodate then, as well as actual work to do. All combined with her having to not sleep, in case Peace's friend were pushed to say, stab her in her sleep. Lovely. *sigh* Guess she just had to roll up her non existent sleeves, and get to it. The sooner she had the real things in motion, the sooner she could change roles with Craven tomorrow perhaps, and go have a nap.

On 2022-06-28 at 11:32 PM, Illiad Easle said:

When she exited the office she'd see the local, Cranberry Pie, coming down the hallway towards the General's office, he had a somewhat smug expression, as if daring Yannit to do something about it.

Awh come on, wasn't she already getting enough to work with? Granted, she were tempted to just snap this guys neck. Wouldn't be too hard. Nor would it, to have a section of the roof fall down upon him. Cause him a little *accident* and all that. But anything she did, would just cause trouble. Investigations, potential full blown cover ruined, and they'd still not know the full scope of his influence. They needed him alive for now, so that later on, he could be made to talk.

Frankly, she just didn't want to get anywhere near him. The less contact, the less chances of him influencing her, so she'd walk another way, and if he tried to catch up, she'd use a bit of magic to cause him to stumble. Good luck to him, trying to prove it was her. And if need be, she had no issues slamming doors in his face, and when it came to her office - well, Peace's office technically, but still - there were no sign, saying she had to deal with everyone in this place. She were fully capable of just shutting the door, and say she were busy.

If she did not have the choice to avoid him, she'd move past, without a word. Either way, he would likely be able to tell she felt disdain, as he were likely not fooled by the *tired and rushed* emotional overlay, that fooled others. Bloody empaths... Natural enemy number one to her kind, no doubt. Why, she even heard stories of some empaths, being used to single out changelings. And not in the way where they were chased out of towns. No, she were talking straight up inquisitor levels of hunting them down. Though of course, the legitimacy of every story were debatable. Frankly though, she weren't keen on finding out the truth herself. The less she'd have to deal with this smug little colt, the better.

Maybe now actually,. were a good time to go and see if the zebra had something of value to inform her about. It had been some time. Might be something there.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

Elef seemed interested in the Blood loaf until it was revealed that it did not contain blood, at which point he looked disappointed, but quickly shook it off as they moved on.

The foals didn't mind the cheese, and Elef found it tolerable when melted, and also didn't want to be the only one who didn't have cheese on their pizza, so allowed it to be added to his.

When Void mentioned using magic to spread the dough Teal perked up, "Could I try with my magic?"

If Void tried to discourage her Vale would counter, "I think that's a great way to practice your magic, you don't often get to interact with objects that change shape like dough."

Teal would focus and try picking up the dough, grabbing part of it and pulling it away, "It feels... different. Like a bunch of small things stuck together rather than one mass. Like wet sand or clay." She adjusted her magical grip, enveloping the whole mass rather than just a part, lifting it up as if it were in a bowl, "Alright, I'm supposed to spin it, right? So that it spreads evenly?" The ball of dough would rotate, but given how she was holding it it wouldn't move much, "Hmm... I can see why this is hard, in holding it I prevent it from moving, but if I let go then it starts to fall apart."

She'd carefully set it down at that point, and let Void take care of it like the others.

 

The oven was big enough to hold all the pizzas, though Vale cautioned that some might take longer to cook based on their positions, and took that opportunity to explain how ovens distributed heat inside such that some parts of the oven got hotter than others.

In terms of questions, Toupé raised a hoof, "All these foods you've brought and made for us, how did you learn how to make them? From what you've told us about your past it diesn't sound like you had many opportunities to learn."

 

(Null)

Arcade listened carefully as Null opened herself up to him, "I'm sorry to have worried you, but I do care about both of you, in different but equal ways. I'd hate to get caught between the two of you, which is why I wanted to help you see her side so you could understand. It would probably help if you told her your side too, in addition to your apology, so she can understand where you were coming from, rather than just out of ignorance."

He looked about the workshop again, "We'd probably need to bring her here then to get her properly measured and fitted. But that can wait until tomorrow. It's probably time we got back to your parents' house anyway, unless there was something else?"

 

(Yannit)

True empathics, like this local appeared to be, were very rare to encounter, but that didn't stop stories and rumors of them from going around.

The local didn't give her any trouble as they passed in the hall, then he turned to enter the General's office, Yannit would hear the General say, "Agent Coleslaw, what can I help you with?" before the door closed behind him.

If Yannit continued on to visit the medic, she would usher her in to her office, "Come back for a check-up have you? Let's get you looked at." before locking the door behind them, "How can I help? Has something come up?"

[Blitz Boom 4,627]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

""

 

 

(Null)

On 2022-07-03 at 1:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade listened carefully as Null opened herself up to him, "I'm sorry to have worried you, but I do care about both of you, in different but equal ways. I'd hate to get caught between the two of you, which is why I wanted to help you see her side so you could understand. It would probably help if you told her your side too, in addition to your apology, so she can understand where you were coming from, rather than just out of ignorance."

"I'll try and explain it to her, and we'll see if we can't start over, now that we know where the other one is. What happens from that, we'll see. I ain't keen on getting into more of a fight over it at least, so you know my stance going into it, as well as I do."

She'd offer a rare apology, since yeah, she had messed up, and then offer her own view on things. Hopefully things would be if not peachy, then at a point, where they had mutual understanding, and could clean the slate, more or less. Long as Null didn't go yapping on further, about the mare needing to fly. Which she'd do her best to avoid, even if the two of them, would start to get into an argument over Arcade.

Though frankly, she knew well, that if she started to attack her for not flying, even verbally, she had lost that fight. Ain't no one the winner, when they started to go on with that sort of personal attacks. At that point, she'd just be scum.

On 2022-07-03 at 1:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He looked about the workshop again, "We'd probably need to bring her here then to get her properly measured and fitted. But that can wait until tomorrow. It's probably time we got back to your parents' house anyway, unless there was something else?"

Something else... Yeah, she could think of something, but as soon as that got into her head, she'd blush up, and shake her head, trying to force that sorta thought, out of there. This were so not the time, nor place, for thoughts like that.

"N-No, nothing. I'll... Measure her, when we get the chance to smuggle her in here, and then work from there. Tomorrow. Maybe, yeah."

She'd look away, too embarrassed to make eye contact, as she started to move over, towards the door. Bloody imagination of hers sometimes...

"You sure we shouldn't swing by, so you could go in, and tell Ardee the plans? Or you think it's best we keep letting her cool off? I don't mind staying outside, either way. We could also ask Void if maybe she could take measurements. Seems Ardee and the others trust her well."

She'd go with whatever Arcade thought, and just follow along. Hopefully without making more of a flank out of herself, than she already had done today.

 

(Grey Changelings)

Before Yannit got to the medic, she'd observe Cranberry going into the generals office, and curse a little under her breath. And just in case The Grey wanted her view on this, she'd whisper "The general is compromised". He might not be yet, but Cranberry were there now, and he would affect the general, in some way. So he'd learn some of the plans annoyingly so. Though not what she had kept to herself. Turned out that her idea, of not showing the exact location of the consul's room, would have to be a reality for certain. She couldn't risk it. And she'd also need to tell Bling a little. Not a lot, but the rooms around the one where the general would come to believe, that the consul would end up in, would need to be monitored, and anyone using them, on the days around the event, had to be thoroughly examined.

She would have to make plans with The Grey specifically around this... Bothersome.

As she got down to the doc, her first instinct, were to *scan* the mare, and see if she were affected. If she were, she would not divulge a single thing, and just say that she had to keep up appearance, whilst asking casually, if she noticed anything in particular, since last. If she were yet unaffected though, she'd say something different.

"Yeah, something have. I am assuming you have heard, that the consul arrives. Need to have that sorted, but more than that, this entire base, is either compromised, or in danger of being so, bit by bit. Local recruit, Cranberry? Do not spend time with him, at any cost. He's an empath. And not a nice one. Plans are currently not entirely clear, but he appears to have manipulated several things here already, towards some nefarious purpose. I need at least some here, to remain completely in control of themselves, hence why I am warning you.

I dunno. Is there any kind of zebra potion, that can help negate these sorts of things? Cause I can't, and I need to know if I have options."

She wouldn't ask the doc to make it. Too risky that were. But she knew exactly where to find a zebra. A traditional sort, who knew his way around a cauldron. If there were an option, she'd make Hizu craft it, if he were able.