private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 2021-06-09 at 4:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The dragons snorted jovially, "We found the schmoozers will come to us here regardless of your miraculous feathers."

"They did however allow us an uninterrupted slumber, for which we are extremely grateful."

"How long did you say these remain potent for?"

"Two days. After that, they're just feathers. And if you wanna get some calm sleep, try putting an electric fence up or something. If they wanna act like moths, treat them like it."

She didn't specify that it had to be a lethal electric voltage going through the fence. Just something that'd zap them enough to eventually cause them to bugger off, or lose consciousness. A pretty well crude idea, but y'know, it were off the top of her head, and what else was she gonna respond with? *Must suck to be you.*? Pretty sure she'd get a fist to the face then, and she couldn't really argue against it being justified.

She might be - as someone had called her some years back - a little rage goblin, but that didn't mean she were that bad. Most of the time. Though she did trounce the one who had called her that rather badly. Void hadn't managed to catch her before she had jumped the big-mouthed fool.

On 2021-06-09 at 4:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Shall we send over a messenger?"

"Or should we expect one to come to us?"

Arcade would whisper to Null, "Should we ask them about anomalies?"

Before answering the dragons speaking their best *we're creepy twins* routine, she'd nod towards Arcade, and lean in to whisper him back.

"Yeah, just a bit."

"We'll talk it over with Dove, and she'll probably send one then. I dunno when. That's more her job than ours.

That being sorted, mind if we ask you something? You talked about the theatrics, which again, I find revolting. But what exactly was it that went on there? One minute there's corpses and fire everywhere, the next apparently, there ain't anyone down. We've heard there's all sorts of weird things circulating the top of the crops around here. This is one of them, I take it?"

She'd love to just get in their face and tell them to start talking, but that wouldn't get her anywhere. They had a throng of folks around that enthralled or not, would be on their side, while they were just herself, and Arcade. It wasn't a bad team, but even if they somehow won, they'd have a bad rep in the entire town after that, and couldn't get anything done. So she had to try and just be asking for things a little differently. At least for the time being. A dark alley, and someone who wasn't playing nice... Different take there, perhaps.

(Troy)

On 2021-06-09 at 4:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee seeing that sighed, "We should probably keep practicing, but... do you have something a bit more interesting?"

"Reading for fun isn't for everyone it seems. No worries, we can try something else. Maybe something a bit more physical is more your step? Let's see... I think there's a... Hmm..."

Void would rummage around. She had found various things that'd work as toys, or just straight up were that, so she had sorta just placed some of them together, and hadn't sorted through it. Though after a time, she did manage to pull something out. A rope, well worn, but it would still have some handles to work with. Usually these were held by two others, while one were in the middle - or magic were used - but the fade blue-handled jumping rope, should still work for at least Ardee.

"This might be fun for you, Ardee. Normally you're supposed to be two others that holds one handle each, and then swing it around, while a pony jumps in the middle. You jump with the rhythm, and see how long you can go. We can try the regular way, but I'm curious if you can hold each handle with your wings, and jump that way. It'd be good to train your muscles, and it can be fun. Long as you don't try and show off. It's not so fun to stumble over the rope and boop your snoot on the floor. Though let's try in the middle of the room, okay= Just so there's nothing you might accidentally hit.

I only have one rope, so maybe you'll need to take turns. Though perhaps there's something else we can try?  Have you tried something before you liked, Elef and Ardee? Reading doesn't seem your thing, so perhaps something active, like this? Or maybe just something with less words, and where you're using your hooves, like a craft?"

It were hard for her to make many suggestions, as she didn't know what they might like, though so far, Ardee seemed to be the sort who'd like more physical things, rather than sit still and work on something like a book, or homework. Elef were harder to crack, as she hadn't spend a lot of time around him, but maybe he'd like crafting? Could be he'd be interested in something like carving wood, for example.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Two days. After that, they're just feathers. And if you wanna get some calm sleep, try putting an electric fence up or something. If they wanna act like moths, treat them like it."

They rolled their eyes at that, "You underestimate the lengths some will go to to be in our presence."

"Some aren't even enthralled, they genuinely believe that we are gods."

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

That being sorted, mind if we ask you something? You talked about the theatrics, which again, I find revolting. But what exactly was it that went on there? One minute there's corpses and fire everywhere, the next apparently, there ain't anyone down. We've heard there's all sorts of weird things circulating the top of the crops around here. This is one of them, I take it?"

The dragons shared a look before they turned back to Void, "We aren't the only ones with some sort of god complex here if that's what you're asking."

"Not long after the Incident occurred, the Host came to town with a number of strange artifacts in his possession, he was quickly picked up by the Grey, and some of those artifacts were distributed around."

"We didn't take any, they'd no doubt make our situation worse."

"Some of those artifacts are involved with what happens here every night."

"I figure the Host doesn't choose to party every night,"

"He's somehow forced to."

 

(Troy)

They'd investigate the rope that Void provided them, bringing it over where there was enough room, Ardee speaking up, "Umm, maybe it'd be easiest if two of us swung the rope then, could you show us how to swing it right, then maybe how to jump it right? Give us an example?"

They would follow along with Vale's instructions as best they could, picking up the concept moderately well, attracting the attention of the foals in the process, who came over to watch, clearly wanting to try as well.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 2021-06-11 at 6:04 AM, Illiad Easle said:

They rolled their eyes at that, "You underestimate the lengths some will go to to be in our presence."

"Some aren't even enthralled, they genuinely believe that we are gods."

"The sort of gods I know of, have followers who leave them alone when they don't want to be pestered, unless they wanna get annihilated. Guess it wouldn't be much of a curse if you got off that easily though."

Personally, Null would probably have just hid in some deep, dark cavern, and stayed there for the rest of her life in that situation, because she wasn't enthused by the idea of being surrounded by cattle like this. Sure it could come in handy, but it also seemed to have a heavier downside than upside, when everything were tallied up.

On 2021-06-11 at 6:04 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The dragons shared a look before they turned back to Void, "We aren't the only ones with some sort of god complex here if that's what you're asking."

"Not long after the Incident occurred, the Host came to town with a number of strange artifacts in his possession, he was quickly picked up by the Grey, and some of those artifacts were distributed around."

"We didn't take any, they'd no doubt make our situation worse."

"Some of those artifacts are involved with what happens here every night."

"I figure the Host doesn't choose to party every night,"

"He's somehow forced to."

"...Great. Mind altering artifacts."

Fantastic. So not only were there troubling things amiss, but now the twonk in charge of this place, might also be actually manipulated, and not be in full control of his actions. Which first off, made it harder to fully hate him, but also brought up a more disturbing point: If he were being forced to run these parties, then what were the reason for it? Considering how much death were involved, this started to smell somewhat like a sacrifice to her. Yet no sacrifice tended to simply be done, then negated right after. More likely, either some of those who died were forgotten about, when the rest were reborn, or a part of all of those who died during the *ceremony* lost a part of themselves. Might be life years, thoughts, parts of the soul- The options were many, but still, they may be harvested over time. Would explain why so many commoners were invited to these. Less scrutiny if some of them started to change behavior, or went missing.

This might also show the true reason for Ninja to be here. Considering what he did, it did strike her as odd that he were here, working for someone that would be so easy to break, rather than follow. If however, he were either enthralled too, or perhaps the host of/the direct embodiment of what were taking in sacrifices here, his role would make more sense.

She'd need to speak with Pen about this when she could. She might have overheard this, but she weren't exactly able to come with input right now, so they had to speak about this sometime when there were the chance. If anyone would know what were going on, it should be her.

"Well, not much to do about that I guess. I've been near him, and he didn't stop how he acted, so I can't affect him. Best to just not get involved with it right now. Least you two did the smart thing, and didn't accept anything. Ain't ever been a situation that's been improved, by accepting strange items from someone you don't know.

The Grey shipping it around sounds wonky too. I thought I heard they were keeping the law."

In honest, she didn't put this past them at all, but she'd pretend to remain somewhat clueless for now, and appear to buy the lie about them helping things. Fat chance The Grey would help anyone, without getting far more back in return..

(Troy)

Void had no problem with showing them how it were normally done, and would start by taking hold of one end, while asking Elef to grab the other. Then she'd show him how to do a steady swing with the rope, for a nice, simple swing, going at a slow pace that were only just keeping it going, instead of falling down once it reached the top of the sphere. As she'd tell them, there were more speeds you could go with, but going in with a simple pace like this, were best for beginners. It were easier to get the jumps right, and in case you missed the jump, the rope were likely to just harmlessly stop as it hit your legs, rather than take them down under you.

After that had been sorted, she'd ask Ardee to grab the other end that she had been holding, and then have her and Elef work on getting the swing done in sync, until it were just about right,. Then, at the moment when there were an opening, Voi9d would jump in, and start to jump as the rope came around. She'd love to say that she were flooring it for hours, as she were skilled in this, but truthfully, she'd only get to about fifteen rounds, before she mistimed a jump. It wasn't really her specialty, but it should prove to be enough to show the others how it were done at least.

"And that's about it then. At least when you're in a group. There's lots of ways you can make it more difficult, like adding in stunts, or additional ropes, but this is the basics. Who wants to try first? I'll be swinging one end of the rope, so I'll need another to help with that too, but you can take turns, and get a feel for both sides of it. And I'd watch out if I were you. I'm spotting a pair of energized fillies who're eying the rope too."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

12 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Guess it wouldn't be much of a curse if you got off that easily though.

They chuckled at that, "If only."

12 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Well, not much to do about that I guess. I've been near him, and he didn't stop how he acted, so I can't affect him. Best to just not get involved with it right now. Least you two did the smart thing, and didn't accept anything. Ain't ever been a situation that's been improved, by accepting strange items from someone you don't know.

They nodded, "Part of why we're here is to make sure things don't get too out of hand. As charismatic as he is, our curse is stronger and we could convince everyone to stop and leave if we needed to."

"The fact that the party appears to be obligatory is part of why we haven't canceled it altogether"

"Who knows what could happen if it didn't occur."

 

12 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

The Grey shipping it around sounds wonky too. I thought I heard they were keeping the law."

"Simple, Debt and Puppets."

"If they grey gives you something that benefits you, you're inclined to help them in return."

"You also know they have powerful things, potentially more so than what they gave you."

"In that way, the Grey brought the other leaders to the table, so the Grey would have their cooperation in maintaining order."

"Despite not taking any of our own, we wouldn't want to be the only opposition to the rest of the city."

 

(Troy)

Elef seemed eager to be the first one to try, "They had a game like this at the festival! only that was just a rope in the sand they would wave back and forth and you just needed to step over it real fast or it would get you."

At first he was a bit over-eager with his jumps, starting too early and it catching on his hind legs when he came down, but eventually he got the timing right.

After a bit he tired out and swapped out with Ardee, who had the same too early problem, though to a lesser extent  before she got the hang of it.

After some time of her turn Peal decided to join in, doing surprisingly well for the first few jumps before getting tripped up by the rope, Ardee was quick to catch her with a wing before she could hit the floor, resulting in Peal laughing about it rather than crying. 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 2021-06-12 at 11:54 PM, Illiad Easle said:

They nodded, "Part of why we're here is to make sure things don't get too out of hand. As charismatic as he is, our curse is stronger and we could convince everyone to stop and leave if we needed to."

"The fact that the party appears to be obligatory is part of why we haven't canceled it altogether"

"Who knows what could happen if it didn't occur."

"Depends. If it's appeasing some sorta entity, it could start to branch out, and be less limited about where things happened. All the carnage, but without the rewind. Might also just decide the host ain't worthwhile anymore, and replace him with someone more capable. Seen that sorta thing before. Rarely ended up better. I suppose you have a point in just looking, and waiting to see what happens."

A bit of a complex mess, but when dealing with any sort of anomaly, when wasn't it? Always just thirteen degrees of headaches, with a sprinkling of dread on top. This were seemingly kept a little in check, but if she were right in this being a sort of sacrifice measure, it was just being observed by a party that didn't grasp what were going on at all. Which wouldn't help in the slightest. This whole thing were gonna end up being a massive beehive, that she had to go stir, regardless of what she wanted to. At least it were starting to feel like it.

On 2021-06-12 at 11:54 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Simple, Debt and Puppets."

"If they grey gives you something that benefits you, you're inclined to help them in return."

"You also know they have powerful things, potentially more so than what they gave you."

"In that way, the Grey brought the other leaders to the table, so the Grey would have their cooperation in maintaining order."

"Despite not taking any of our own, we wouldn't want to be the only opposition to the rest of the city."

"Controlling those on top, via bribery and threats of superiority. Sounds like The Grey alright."

She nearly spat on the floor after saying this. Wasn't like she had to hide her contempt much, right? These two flat out said that The Grey were doing their usual, shady business. Nothing had changed there, expect perhaps them having more influence. Which were not a good thing, when it came to an organisation so morally bankrupt as them.

"Whatever. Nothing that'll change that, and there's never anything good that comes from rattling that beehive. So... Doesn't sound like all were too keen on not getting their hooves or claws on something of value then. Anything, or anyone, to be really concerned about there? Don't wanna get Dove involved with someone that's best avoided."

Plenty other things she could ask, or say, but urgh... Had to pick her words a bit more careful sometimes. She were really starting to miss the good old days of *There's someone annoying. Kick them in the face.* that she had run for so long. Sure wasn't constructive, but it were so much simpler than this.

(Troy)

On 2021-06-12 at 11:54 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Elef seemed eager to be the first one to try, "They had a game like this at the festival! only that was just a rope in the sand they would wave back and forth and you just needed to step over it real fast or it would get you."

"I've seen that one too. Seems to be a real tester of your reflexes and balance that one. Didn't know thestrals were a fan of that game though. Funny how that goes."

She weren't sure what that one were called, but Null and her had seen it performed at times in their years. Usually at playgrounds, if it were just simple ropes, and then sometimes as part of some sort of trial for stupid younglings, if it were like , a string of barbed wire, or thorny vines. Nothing majorly dangerous, but kids and their hazing rituals though, right? She'd never seen it with winged creatures though, so that was a new bit of information. Probably wasn't too valuable, but she liked learning new things, however minute they may be. Long as they weren't horrible, of course. Been one too many horrific revelations today already, that she'd prefer if she had never learned.

Seemed like the foals were having a good time trying ti out, the way that Void had presented tough. Elef started, and would do well, before he would invariably get a little too eager, and get hit with the rope, which marked it as Ardee's turn. Took her a little longer to be hit, but like with Void and Elef before her, she too would end up getting hit. Though as they were preparing the rope swings again, Peal suddenly jumped in, wanting a try as well. It were a cute sight too, and the swinging were lax, so it seemed harmless to let her attempt. And for her size, she did well. But then she'd manage to hit at just the worst way she could, she where'd actually manage to stumble, and the rope went complete lax. At least from Void's side, as she had instinctively dropped it, and were trying to get forth to get hold of Peal, though Ardee were much faster than her. It wouldn't have been a big bump, and honestly, Peal would have likely not even gotten a scratch, but it seemed that they had both just instinctively wanted to protect the little one, from even this minor of an issue. Ardee were just that faster in this situation, and good that she were.

"Nicely caught, Ardee. You have some very good reflexes.

Does anyone else want to try too? Either of you can try again of course as well, if you want to try and beat your personal bests. We'll start working on dinner after we're done. It'll just be sandwiches, and leftover pie though, but I promise I'll have something special in mind, either tomorrow, or the day after. It just takes too long to make today, okay?"

SHe'd play with them long as they wanted to, before they could move on to dinner. Lest there were something of note, the rest of the evening might go pretty standardly. Including of course, a goodnight story. Even if they had heard some today, Void would not rob them of this regardless.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Whatever. Nothing that'll change that, and there's never anything good that comes from rattling that beehive. So... Doesn't sound like all were too keen on not getting their hooves or claws on something of value then. Anything, or anyone, to be really concerned about there? Don't wanna get Dove involved with someone that's best avoided."

The two dragons thought for a moment, "Each side poses it's own form of danger."

"We, by our nature, pose the threat of enthrallment."

"The host poses a more direct physical threat, a sort of trap."

"The Æther is a danger of envy, those who go there lose any sense of enjoyment in the things they had before."

"The Top Suits is more of a mob danger, they'll do you favors, but only so you'll be in their debt. They've got a way of having just what you want, at terrible costs."

"Then the Grey, the ever present danger that your past sins will finally catch up to you. No one will help you lest their debt also be called up for collection."

"Best advice is to avoid all of them, keep your head low, stay out of trouble."

"The normal folks are, for the most part, normal. Anyone who's made a name for themselves, or is looking to make one, should be avoided."

 

(Troy)

(I'll let you move the day forward no issue)

Ardee and Elef would continue switching off for a bit until Teal and Toupé finished reading with Vale and came over to try as well, quickly picking up on the game as well as helping the small ones to get better at it.

Once they were tired enough to stop jumping they'd once again give their help to Void in preparing the meal, as well as getting themselves cleaned up before bed, settling in for the night without issue.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

"Yeah, doesn't sound like there's many winners to get crowded with, no offense. Though at least The Top Suites are something straight forward. Nothing magical pulling the strings. Just the regular favors for bigger favors. Ain't good, but least it's simple.

Anyway, I'll make sure to pass on the word, see what she thinks on it. Probably gonna come in handy, even if she's gonna need to settle more for the more low rung sorts, who're just getting through things, instead of trying to climb the totem pole.

You know if that hive and their kin in town are on that line, or do they serve one of the big players to get down and dirty? Seen 'em around, had a few chats, and they seem genuine. But changelings, y'know? Hard to trust they're showing you everything sometimes."

This one were less about the changelings though, and more to get a feel of how the higher ups viewed them. So far, she hadn't seen anything that'd actually make her suspicious of them, and sorta doubted they were just soldiers for someone higher up, but if they were gonna go and utilize them to get some dirt and connections in town, it could be good to know how the big ones viewed them.

Her best bet? Extremely neutral at worst. They didn't seem to get mixed up in the politics of town, helped the lower rung, and new arrivals - especially other changelings - and ensured that the others of their kind got fed, so they didn't have to go desperate and perhaps assault someone for emotions to feast on. Plus, they were doing their best to get the varied hiveless around town, to help with various jobs, such as cleaning staff, cooks, etc. that not everyone would want to do, so there were usually some of them around most areas of town, at any given time.

She were sorta hoping they just sorta thought of them as being there. You'd be able to learn a lot from the sort that weren't even given a second glance, and hence, could see and hear a lot of things, that normally wasn't mean to be shown or shared around. That could end up being mighty useful.

"Also, you got some words you'd want us to pass along to Dove, when we return to her? Warnings, greetings- Anything really. Might as well get through it all, before you're getting dragged off to tend to the enthralled."

(Troy)

The next day, the sun would rise as it always did, under the guidance of their local alicorn. The sun bathing over a new day in Troy, with some folks taking the resurgence of light to mean it was time to start their daily routines. The markets didn't open themselves, nor did the food get prepared without the cooks and bakers starting bright and early. The bakers had been awake for some time likely as it were, but even if you didn't think on the food that would be prepared for the day, there'd be those starting to prepare some breakfast, to get the energy needed to get through yet another day.

"Mmm. Dunno what it is, but something's smelling good."

A new face to town would wander down the street, soaking in the sights, and smelling the air, as the waft of food passed him by. Probably someone's breakfast, where the smell were floating through a window, but he didn't much think on where it came from. Mostly he were curious what it were, and if it were something he'd be able to buy later, since for the time being, he were sated, on the food he had brought for his long travel. Still some left, in the left of the saddlebags strapped to his side, though that hardly would get as many looks as what else were on his back, hadn't he covered it with the hooded cloak he wore. Not ideal, but he'd been told to not cause a fuzz, before he had the chance to bring something to the big stallion in town. Which he would, but there was the matter of the personal business that brought him here in the first place to take care of too.

"I'd prefer something uncooked and wriggling."

The griffon that had lingered in town, after her encounter with the Grey, would come wandering out from a dark alleyway, and crack her talons. The look she sent the lone wanderer were one of utter indifference. Which were better than the usual predatory one she tended to send those who approached her every now and again, as she had gotten herself familiar with the town.

"Wondered when my little beam of gloomshine were gonna show. How's it going?"

"Have you ever known me to care about your inane prattling, regarding my feelings, tinkerer?"

"Not unless you're drunk."

"Exactly. Where is Flitter?"

"Oh, you know him. Doesn't much care for the sun and all that, so he tuckered in. Told him he could. Didn't want to crowd the place, y'know? Besides, we ain't going to the big guy yet."

"We're under order."

"We'll get there. Calm your feathers, would ya? I have my own reasons to prattle around here, beyond that. I've been frank about that, so come on. Be a sport, and let a stallion know where you've seen her, eh? Eh? Come ooon. I know you're curious 'bout what's going on. Wanna score some brownie points and all that, riiiiight?"

The griffon snorted, beneath the hood of her nearly full body covering robes.

"You are insufferable."

"You know you love it."

She'd glare at him harshly, then start moving in a direction, while he followed. Whistling a little, until they'd eventually reach a rather important house, even if the outside did not reflect that.

"You sure she's here?"

"She's not. This is where she Will be. Her routines doesn't start yet. Even with those amateurs shadowing her, I've seen plenty of her around town. She has an uneven, but predictable pattern, if you know what you're doing. I'm sure the amateurs who thinks I never notice them, haven't the faintest clue."

The male would look towards the building, in which the foals were residing, standing in the shadows of the street, and gazing upon it with two different eyes. One seemingly dark as onyx, with a red, small iris residing within the darkness, and the other, just your regular equine eye, full of curiosity and anticipation. Big grin on his face too, as he pulled back the hoodie, and let his long, flame-colored mane get some air for once.

"Gonna be mighty interesting. From what you've told, we got some stories to share."

If they were being watched, the griffon would send a stink-eye in the direction of whoever were there. She weren't born yesterday, and she were used to dealing with overconfident prey. If The Grey thought they had scared her off, they were sorely mistaken. She had gotten what she came for to begin with, and then spend the last few days observing town, Void off of a distance, and her little shadows too. She didn't seem to note them at all when they were on her tail, even the times when it got rather obvious. Hmph. The pony should be thankful she were not prey, but a mare of interest.

Granted, the griffon didn't have full clarity on where The Grey were all the time, and she felt as if they had more, less obvious eyes out there. Yet she wasn't going to be ambushed that easily.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

You know if that hive and their kin in town are on that line, or do they serve one of the big players to get down and dirty? Seen 'em around, had a few chats, and they seem genuine. But changelings, y'know? Hard to trust they're showing you everything sometimes.

The dragons shrugged, "Without a queen to unify them they aren't much of a force in any capacity."

"They have proven more resilient than others to our curse, we've used them as messengers before."

"They are typically more fragile when it comes to magical effects, so we doubt they have any artifacts,"

"Assuming they were even offered any."

"Gray Mane seems to have an aversion to changelings for some reason."

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Also, you got some words you'd want us to pass along to Dove, when we return to her? Warnings, greetings- Anything really. Might as well get through it all, before you're getting dragged off to tend to the enthralled."

"Just our regards, and that she shouldn't deliver any correspondence herself."

Once they had left the dragons to their thralls, Arcade looked around before speaking to Null, "Well, where to now? It seems we're not much closer to any answers than when we started."

 

(Troy)

(I really hope they mean Illiad when they talk about the Big Stallion.)

Their loitering in front of the building had attracted Vale's attention as she watched the street as part of her morning routine. She didn't get a good feeling from either of them, and not so silently cursed her luck that Pen and Seen were gone, the two of them would have taken care of any hooligans without any trouble. Still, she was plenty experienced in defending others, and she was prepared to do anything to keep the foals safe. She headed down the stairs and out the front door, closing it behind her before addressing the stallion and griffon, "Can I help you two?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegaus)

Null listened with interest to what were being told, regarding the changelings. Some were rather obvious, such as the changelings not being much, without a queen. They did remarkably well, for some not having that direction, but it was mostly just following in the lines they had always known. It wasn't truly evolving, with them getting involved in the higher classes scheming, which a queen could potentially have reached for.

Frankly was a good thing to hear they weren't up there, but kept to the ground. Hard to work with the sort who had their nose in the skies, and onlt thought of how to further their own political power.

Unbeknownst to her though, were the fact that even if Queen Cheshire were still here, it wouldn't have changed anything. Cheshire's only dealings with higher ups back in the day, where the meetups with the mayor and those he sent, to check up on whatever or not their hive were integrating well, after being granted the old, rundown theater. She had abhored the mere thought of partaking in anything that'd get her to mingle with the elite, beyond having her theater's doors open for them, as she did not want power, or influence. All she ever wanted, were for her hive to be happy and free, living out in the sun, instead of having to linger in the shadows.

Well that, and helping others of her kind that needed it. And though she knew power and influence could help with that, so did she know that a personal touch, and spending your resources where it was most needed, could also go far. If she had been here now, her hive would be doing what it did now more or less. Just perhaps a bit more easy, as much as they were doing their best, nothing truly unified changelings like a queen. It would have made things simpler, and there would be less wpouts of ocassional sadness.

What Null did realize though, were the potential of them, now that she knew Grey Mane didn't like being around them. Not so much that he tried to erradicate them, but enough to not personally have encounters with them it seemed, and generally keep the emotions eaters at a fair distance. That might end up proving handy, though she'd have to mull it over. One wrong move, and it might make Grey Mane's apparent stance of non-genocide towards their hive, change drastically. Null didn't want that. Despite her not overall caring for changelings, these seemed nice. Though generally, it wasn't many she'd want to be put through what crazed, evil things her *father* might think about. They had to have proven they deserved it, and thus far, the changelings hadn't.

They were also without any magical doohickey. Null wouldn't know that, but Bling and the other two survivors of Hive Cheshire, wouldn't take anything from The Grey like that, even if offered. Which they were unlikely to have been. Might be they had eyes all over town, technically, but their domain were more in the realm of volunteers at a soup kitchen, and social workers. That sort of thing. There would be more to gain from just letting them do their own thing, and thus ensure any changeling coming to town would be cared for, rather than cause problems in a place that already had issues with crime. Since they were also happy to go around helping elsewhere, and did theirs to try and keep morale up at a ground level for all they ran into, they already performed a useful service, without even asking to be paid for it. Very cost efficient really, though perhaps they were getting some small degree of funding from somewhere. It were hard to tell.

Though if they did, it certainly didn't go into making their own lives more extravagant. Null had seen their home. It were rather clear that they didn't live high and mighty, but more around the poverty line. So if they got anything, most of it were clearly used to just keep the lights on, and into whatever things they needed to care for the changelings that couldn't handle things themselves.

There were some cash coming in from the vhangelings that did work though. It were infrequent, but there were usually a little here, a little there, donated from the high function changelings, who felt grateful for all the help the hive had always provided, from caring, to feeding, and assistance in seeking employment.

As for what the dragons said about Dove, Null would nod in confirmation. She'd send their best wishes to her, and inform them of what he told them, regarding the ruling class in town. Likely see if they couldn't get someone from Hive Cheshire to find them one of their most resilient changelings too, to work as a courier.

On 2021-06-17 at 3:10 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Well, where to now? It seems we're not much closer to any answers than when we started."

"I think we've learned a few things actually, just not all we'd hoped for. I think it's time we went and walked back down though. Stay close, alright?"

She'd mean it as wanting him to stick by, so he too could come along to the dusty place. Her aura should prevent him from being ejected at the border, so to speak. Though if he did as she asked, she'd blush up a little. Been some rather straight forward, work related no-nonsense stuff they had gone through since arriving. But having him walk up close next to her, with the both of them dressed up for a real date... It made her heart flutter a little.

It wouldn't last indefinitely, as she'd eventually remember that she were wearing a dress of living skin, but it would be a nice few minutes as she'd try to lead him towards the stairs. Shouldn't take them long to get on down from there then, lest something happened up here that would delay them.

(Troy)

Molotov would look over at the doe that had called them out, as she opened the door, and sent her a friendly grin. Were about to start talking, when he noticed something shiny about her, that gave him pause. His grin would remain, but as he looked at her, his horn would glow in a subtle orange, and the darkened eye would have the red iris increase in size a little. He'd also start to take a few steps closer, rather slowly.

"Now ain't that something? Not seen a doe in ages, and noe that I fo, it's one that's been ti kered with. Abd what a keen job that's been done. That eye right there's mighty impressive work. Looks to be functional,  yeah? The skill in connecting those things must've been staggering. You only have real vision, or are we talking multi layers? Zoom? X-Ray? Heat vision? Must be something reall- Auw!"

He wouldn't stop before the griffon went up next to him, and smacked him in the back of the head. And not gently either. Made him stagger forth a few steps from the impact it did, and caused him to rub the back of his head with his right, front hoof.

"Shut up. We're here looking for Void. And don't tell us she'd not here. I know she's not here, but she will be soon enough. She always comes here soon in the morning "

"Urgh, you need a manners course, Ashclaw."

"Bring it up with someone who cares, Molotov. You are the one who wanted to speak with the mare, not me."

"Well yeah. Sent word to her and everything. Void did get the note, right? I'm Molotov Boom. I knew Void back in Equestria. Y'know, when there were one.

And this bundle of laughs are Ashclaw. Got her to deliver the letter once I heard the word 'bout Void. News travelled fast, once the spawn went and buggered off. Been real weird not having to fight them off as much.

Anyway, didn't wanna barge in or anything. Just got led here first. We'll bugger off and look at that workshop of hers for her instead if we're getting out of line. Not here to meddle your guard duty up.

You qre a guard of sorts, right? I mean, that's some high tech work done. Gotta be for one that's worth something in a brawl, eh?"

He were trying to be friendly, though if it worked, were anyone's guess really. Ashclaw wasn't making that effort though. She looked at Vale with a slight dormant hunger in her otherwise stony eyes. Observing, and trying to gauge information. Considering she also had the full body robes on her, and her face were rather covered by the hood's shadow, she didn't exactly look trustworthy.

The fact that something glassy were in front of one of her eyes, that had a slightly glowing, slit iris, usuallydidn't help either. Not always it were glowing. Hadn't for days now really, but the wheels were turning again, and she would play her part in full.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

On 2021-06-18 at 10:55 AM, Blitz Boom said:

I think it's time we went and walked back down though. Stay close, alright?

Arcade nodded and followed closely as Null led the way out of the party, they got to the stairs without issue, and were able to descend quickly, "I remember the stairs being much shorter last night, no doubt because of the teleport that skipped us over a few floors, I wonder if there's anything important on these other floors that were skipped over?"

After he said that they came up on the floor that Null had investigated earlier, and they could hear some muffled speaking from the other side, perhaps those same Grey agents from before were back?

Pen was idly sucking up the dust on the ground as they walked down the stairs.

 

(Troy)

Vale was put a bit off step for a moment when her eye was mentioned, she was almost flattered... almost, until Molotov asked, or assumed, she was a guard, which put her back on the defensive. Her expression hardened as she responded, "Yes, you are out of line." She motioned to her eye, "I'm a scientist, my father, adoptive, made this for me after I almost died when the cowardly equestrian guards left my village to burn and my family and I for dead." She motioned with her head toward the end of the road, "You two best get moving, if I see the two of you around here again... you'll wish I were just a guard."

Something about Molotov seemed to strike a nerve with Vale, she didn't hardly give Ashclaw a second glance, her glare reserved for Molotov.

(While Vale can't see Karma, Molotov and all those involved in Celestia's research programs were monitored extensively by TrUST and Deep Science, which means Vale read quite a bit on him when she was Codex, even if Molotov didn't do anything bad himself, he'd likely be connected there to that big evil you mentioned, which is part of what had triggered Vale. In addition, he looks like one of the guards who didn't save her when her village was attacked.)

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 2021-06-21 at 7:27 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I remember the stairs being much shorter last night, no doubt because of the teleport that skipped us over a few floors, I wonder if there's anything important on these other floors that were skipped over?"

"Dunno, Yesterday all I saw were dust, and then the folks I already told you about. Dunno what, if anything, else might be 'round here. Looked pretty abandoned, but what do I know? Might be a torture dungeons a floor further down."

She were joking, and yet at the same time, it really wouldn't surprise her if this turned out to be true. This place were wonky, and the floors weren't possible for most to enter, so why not utilize them somehow? A torture dungeon might not be what they had in mind, but they'd see soon enough. If they went down there at least. She were sure Pen would love it, the little dust sucking demon that she were.

Okay, she didn't think Pen were an actual demon, but y'know. Just a saying.

On 2021-06-21 at 7:27 AM, Illiad Easle said:

After he said that they came up on the floor that Null had investigated earlier, and they could hear some muffled speaking from the other side, perhaps those same Grey agents from before were back?

And they already hit another bout of information it seemed. She'd shush at Arcade, and then motion for him to follow. They'd have to walk in where she came from yesterday, though sadly, she didn't have the rings on her this time, so she had to use a knife, and hope it'd do the trick. If not, then hopefully Arcade had some sort of idea.

Soon as they got into hearing range, she'd signal Arcade to keep his muzzle shut, and then listen as to what were there. This here might be really important information.

(Troy)

"Woah, easy there. Touchy subject, involving some real messed up stuff. I get it. Not gonna poke at that again with a ten foot pole."

Molotov took a step back. he wasn't sure what exactly were going on here, but it seemed like he had accidentally poked at an open wound here. Wasn't his intend, but the damage was pretty much done there, so the first impression went to hay. Best he'd take it back, and then see if maybe next time around, he'd be able to smooth it over.

As for what she might know of Molotov, she'd likely have a file on most of his family, if not all of it, if she knew about him. The Boom family had been loyal to Princess Celestia, ever since Molotov's great great great great grandfather, Crackling Boom. A genius of his time, the stallion could barely make it through the day as it were, and without the money to get the materials he needed to prove himself, he were struggling for anyone to take him serious, or give him a break. Until Celestia had ensured funding to his projects. Through her, he were able to build something of note, and prove himself. It were the chance he needed to elevate himself from poverty, towards a respected scientist, and he had pledged his undying loyalty to the princess because of it. Which most of the family that came after him, had done too.

A few stragglers remained unwilling, but those were mainly those not interested in tinkering, science, or the like. A few florists, a farmer, that sort. Innovation like this just wasn't for all of them, though the majority kept in service, up to and including those that came, when the town of Center Zero were formed.

A town exclusively made for scientists, it were kept isolated, and off the map. Filled with bright minds that worked solely for the crown, the Boom family - at that time, Molotov's great grandmother, Fuselight Boom - were invited along, due to proven loyalty, and the smarts needed for great projects that would require innovative engineers, or tinkerers. They had stood for the majority of the towns defenses for example, and handled most of the maintenance too, along with their own projects.

Up until four years ago, it had churned out some impressive things for the kingdom. Some of them helpful to their society, without going against Celestia's want for how the country should evolve, and some more towards warfare. A fact that were normally hidden from whatever scientist were drafted to the town, until they were vetted and proven loyal above and beyond even morality, at which point they'd be more involved in the shadier sorts of projects. Stuff which were either off limits to the rest of town, or just presented as for example *Research into how to deal with it, if their enemies were to use it*. An excuse the biochemical labs often made use of.

Her files would show that a lot of bad things had come out of that particular town, due to either those willing to do anything asked, without care for who got hurt, or due to duplicity. Though details on who were duped were scarce, so it might well just seem like anyone there were doing their best to build weapons, or germ warfare, as readily available examples.

For the Boom family, at the time, there had been 5 members accounted for. Molotov, His sister Blitz, their mother Blastoff, his uncle Crackle, and his cousin Fizzle. Molotov had had focus on robotics and solar power, but all of them had their side projects. Such as how their mother had a prime focus in fuel and rockets, but dreamt of building a rocket that might reach the moon itself, while both his cousin and uncle, primarily worked on communication and defense systems. Both of those, were the only ones vetted as being loyal enough to be included in on the grand plans.

Blitz might have been in time, but she were an untamed, explosives expert, that bloomed at the early age of 6, when she almost blew up half their workshop. Warning signs and protocols in case they lost visual on her were implemented throughout the town, as she had proven to be overly excited, and a complete safety hazard if left to her own devices. Which were not good when she could make an explosive out of almost anything she found, even if they didn't really know how sometimes. A few of her bomb designs had been passed on, but her uncle and cousin needed to do a lot of work on anything she scribbled down, as it were done childishly, and mostly in crayons.

Blastoff had been scrutinized, but were still believed to be too soft for the truth, and Molotov were seen in much the same way. Both had their work exploited by Crackle and Fizzle, who secretly copied their work of interest for shadier projects, and either just directly delivered it, or changed it around some, to function better for worse purposes, such as some of Molotov's machine ideas, sadly being perverted into certain things they used in places where they experimented on the less fortunate, and his designs for efficient solar power, often being used for ways to power some places he weren't made aware of, or tinkered to be used as weaponry. They'd still put his name as the credit on the work though, as a courtesy. They both believed he'd eventually be mature enough to face the truth, and be a good loyalist as well. Plus, he were family. It felt right to them, as bad as it actually were.

It all ended four years ago though. An unknown - that is at least what they told Molotov - entity had attacked the town, and though the town itself were mostly unscathed, no trace were there of the several hundred scientists that had worked there. Just weapons being fired off as random areas, scrape marks, and ruined cameras, that hadn't picked up anything. Only two survivors were known of, before the crisis: Molotov, who had been on an trip to deliver some papers that were deemed okay to share with an interested party, and Blitz, whom, judging by evidence found at the scene in the Everfree Forest, had been seemingly put into an experimental rocket their mother had made, and sent off. It crash landed in the Everfree, and left her with amnesia. Until Molotov had found her, she had been through a period of time in school, at the Canterlot Orphanage, and so on, but she were not possible to keep in check, and eventually always returned to a shack she had made in the forest, where she did her own tinkering. After he found her, he had taken her back to his new workshop in Manehattan, until the crisis occurred. Their whereabouts after that were unknown, though they were still kept under observation by Equestria until then.

Of note were that after Center Zero were attacked, Molotov had also gone through an emergency protocol, that included having to pass along the research papers in the place - that he had access to - on to assigned scientists outside of the town. Most of the truly grim things were not there, but if scoured, there would be incriminating things there, as well as potentially helpful research in various fields. Even if he had delivered a lot out, who were to say he didn't have copies, or perhaps some kind of access to what had remained? Might be of worth to get hold of those in due time.

To return to the present though, Molotov would back of a bit more, as he didn't want a confrontation right now that he had seemingly shoved a hoof down his throat again. No reason to cause a fuzz right now.

"I'll get going, and try talking to her somewhere else, aight? Didn't mean to chill the air here, or nothin' of the sorts. Ashclaw, you fancy g-"

"What makes you think that your threats scare me, prey?"

There were disdain in her voice as she spoke up, with narrowed eyes towards Vale. Especially on that last word, which were rather clearly annoyed, over this little morsel of the woods, thinking that she could simply waltz over here and tell her to get out of there, and not come back. Her. A predator far above this barely evolved critter, being told to steer clear, because a prey had its feelings hurt? She barely cared about Molotov at all, and only because she were given orders. Why on earth, would she care one ounce about what this doe felt, and waddle off just because it pleased her?

She had half a mind pummeling this little insolent brat into the ground, and make her beg for her life for that slight. Maybe if she did that convincingly, Ashclaw would let Vale off with the scare alone, instead of leaving her mark, so that she wouldn't forget her place in the food chain.

"Wait! Waitwaitwait! Don't be like that, okay? Let's just move along. We got plenty of time, and you know what she told you. Don't make a scene. Come on, be a team player. Just let it slide."

Molotov stood behind and tried to diffuse things with words, looking mighty worried right now. Why, he even went over and rose a hoof to try and touch her. Until he remembered the last time he tried to pull in Ashclaw's shoulder, he had to get his own set back in the socket. He'd lower his hoof again, once that came to mind.

The griffon pondered this, but didn't say a thing, as she just stared down Vale, with an unblinking, steel-like gaze.

It wouldn't be long after that (leaving some room for responses and actions), as the tension could more or less be cut with a knife, that Void would wander into the scene, carrying her usual bag of breakfast items, and yawning. She hadn't the faintest clue about what were going on here though, nor did she recognize Molotov from the back like this. He couldn't really turn, as he had to keep focus here, and be ready to cast a spell, just in case he were left without an option.

Frankly, she just gazed around, confused at what were going on here. Unless they had started fighting, in which case she'd try to help Vale.

This meeting was going fantastic.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

She was able to get the door open without much issue and rather quietly, allowing them to enter the hallway. It was laid out exactly the same as when she was there the last time, the stallions she had seen last time were standing at the window and staring out over the city. "Such fools all of them."

"I don't see what Grey sees in keeping them around."

"Got to have an ever indebted populous to do his bidding."

"Things were better before, Gray Mare did things better."

"Did she now? Or were you just enthralled with her?"

"She didn't get off on ponies knowing she was in charge, she thrived in the shadow."

"And now Grey is practically a household name."

They shook their heads and turned to leave.

 

(Troy)

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

As for what she might know of Molotov,

Deep science had kept a close eye on all of Celestia's secret research facilities, recruiting away as many as they could, which is where they got Null and Void's parents among others.

While the file on Center 0 was not as detailed as other facilities', it did include who worked there, and what came out of it. Thereby Molotov Boom's name was irrevocably associated with the weapons that had been used by the Reindeer to raze her village, used by the Equestrians to try and turn the tide of the Summer War. She had no reason to believe he wasn't involved in the bio-weapon that gave her her degenerative disorder, that her constant pain and rot wasn't his fault.

Given time, and her own circumstance, she could be brought to understand that, like her, he was not responsible for everything the facility produced, and may not have known about it or had tried to stop it. For now though...

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"What makes you think that your threats scare me, prey?"

All sentient creatures, as well as a good amount of the less sentient ones, interacted with the magical field in their own ways. Some, like unicorns and pegasi, were more obvious, others, like the earth ponies and zebra, were more subtle. Deer were an anomaly when it came to interacting with the field, they were one of the only species whose interaction was different based on gender. Bucks, growing horns, could interact with the field just the same as unicorns, the extra points granting extra precision and strength when using their magic, at the cost of losing their magic at the end of each year when their horns fell off and regrew. Does, not having horns, interacted with the field differently, the field guided them, from their steps to their words to their destiny if they allowed it. Anything they sought to find or do, if such an outcome were possible, the field would show them the path to achieve it. Leaving it up to them to exert themselves to reach their goals.

Vale was an extreme example of this, the infusion of Minostralium in her blood and the Minostralium plates in her head further strengthened her connection, given enough information she'd be able to find anything, just about anywhere, and given a goal, she could see the way to accomplish it.

If she had wanted to kill Ashclaw, she'd know exactly where to strike, how she needed to move to avoid her strikes, and what dose to use. Since she only wanted to instill fear, and ensure that the griffon would never return, she adjusted the path before her, took a deep breath, and let the field guide her motions.

Inside her mechanical leg a dart was readied with a compound, then a second, then a third.

She pointed her hoof at Ashclaw, "You're predictable," Her false hoof flipped up and the first dart fired, aimed for Ashclaw's face, who would no doubt move to dodge it, "I'm counting on it."

She would take advantage of her greater speed to already be next to Ashclaw as she finished dodging the first dart, following the path to inject the second dart right in her tongue, stabbing through the beak if necessary. Swelling would be a side effect of the injection, which would render Ashclaw mostly mute for a few hours.

There would no doubt be some unavoidable strikes against her by Ashclaw in retaliation as the sleeping agent took time to fully take effect, but the path guided her to minimal damage to herself, redirecting the claws to her far sturdier mechanical parts for glancing blows, before administering a second injection to expedite the sleeping agent in any available flaw in the armor.

Once Ashclaw was rendered unconscious she stepped back, "You should be familiar with this, though I've broken it into a two part compound, the first part will remain in her bloodstream for several weeks, at any point before then if I administer the second part... then she'll be like me, only she won't have enough time for anyone to save her."

She turned to Molotov, several more mechanical components exposed from the fight, "I'm not a monster, so long as I don't see her again I will not administer the second dose. Now get out my sight."

Adrenalin depleted, she turned to enter the house again, now with a limp due to the injuries she had sustained in the fight.

(I hope I didn't overextend her abilities or the fight itself, if you think so I'd be more than happy to rewrite it to be more realistic. The way I figure, so long as Vale has the element of surprise, and time to prepare, she can win just about any 1v1 fight and most 2v1. Her ability to use the path relies on her having time to see the path before the fight, so she'd be almost trivially easy to beat if surprised given her reliance on the path. She can't foresee events or things happening to her, only ways to escape them if she has the chance to look. I'd be happy to explain her ability further if you'd like as well.)

(Per the fight itself, I figured Ashclaw would be surprised by Vale going on the offensive, expecting Vale to be bluffing, which would allow the first strike I described, then already being off step at being attacked by a Prey, and the sleep chemical already taking affect, would make it easy for Vale to fight without taking too much damage. The path holds up so long as Ashclaw behaves as expected, that is to say aggressively, if the first dart struck true or Ashclaw surrendered, honestly, or Molotov or Void (Especially since Vale can't see her on the path in any capacity) step in then the path would be broken and the above scene would simply be how Vale saw it, and we can reconcile what actually occurs.) 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

Same two from yesterday. This here must be their meeting space then. Would be good to know if ever they had a reason to want to catch them, though right now, Null just wanted to listen in, and gain some information.

And there were a few snippets to gain from this. Nothing earth shattering though. In her lifetime, The Grey had not exactly been hiding in the shadows. They were full frontal when she were small, and a presence you'd be aware of. Not as high reaching as this town had them (presumably) yet it still didn't surprise her that it had gone this far. Fit the monster she were here for, rather perfectly.

What did surprise her, were that apparently, it hadn't always been like that. Gray had been working the shadows. Still doing shady deals likely, yet it weren't as direct as this. Which were pretty much one of the first things Null now knew of Gray. Wasn't like she had gone around trying to learn stuff either though, so passive info like this, were about the only way she'd learn of her, currently.

More interesting were it that there were seemingly some unrest in the ranks. Not everyone agreed with how things were, though at least this one, wasn't sounding like the sort you could just make turn, and be helpful in any sort of way. His path sounded more like it'd include tying up the entire town, and roasting them over the funeral pyres of those that had been killed trying to resist. Absolutely no love for the town in his voice.

Null would make no attempt at making herself be noticed, as they began leaving. There might one day come a point where it'd be worth beating these two up for information, but it wasn't now. All she'd get for that, were either them rattling off to their boss, or them ending up dead, and then The Grey getting on high alert. Neither served her purpose well. Nor did it if they went up missing, after say, Pen had eaten their skin, and hidden the corpses, so hopefully she wouldn't end up doing something rash here.

Provided they left without incident, she'd eventually let out a small sigh, and shake her head.

"Not as informative as I would've liked, but least we know this seems like a meeting place now. Could end up being important.

You can slide off and go eat, Pen. Just keep your suits in check."

In case something did happen, the last few parts wouldn't occur, as she'd have to address the situation as it were, instead.

(Troy)

On 2021-06-23 at 9:00 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She pointed her hoof at Ashclaw, "You're predictable," Her false hoof flipped up and the first dart fired, aimed for Ashclaw's face, who would no doubt move to dodge it, "I'm counting on it."

Ashclaw was many things. Prideful, harsh, brutally honest, a  slight cannibal- But more than anything, she were chosen, and tempered over years since, to be a top predator. And not the only one either. Among hers, only those who were able to rise up above that of a simple beast, would stand a chance to complete their ultimate objective. Those who faltered, would be seeing their chance go further and further away, be cast aside, or perish during their trials.

One way that she had seen her fair share falter, were in how they thought they were supposed to be a top predator. Fools who thought it was all about jumping in, and fight until your last breath, like a ferocious beast. A cute idea, that got them some way. Up until you met something that outsmarted you. Using your brain was important to know how to rise above the food chain, just as much as brawns, and quick reflexes.

When Ashclaw had called the doe out as being prey, she were annoyed, yes, but she were also judging her actions after that. She did not flinch, nor get into an emotional fit, hence it looked as if Vale had composure. That were the most dangerous kind of prey. The sort who did not succumb to mere taunting, or their own primal fear, but kept level-headed. Because it wasn't as if the doe were just not caring about things, and were apathetic towards things. No, the look in her eyes did not say that to Ashclaw. She had something planned, which just got more evident as she tried a taunt of her own.

So she stood silent, and awaited what were probably going to be some kind of counterattack, and as the leg went up, her first instinct were that one of two things would happen: Either she'd have some sort of magic - unusual for their kind to actively have, in her experience, but weirder things had happened - or her leg were also mechanical, and something would come out of it. Magic she'd likely have to avoid, but something physical... They'd see, but she kept her senses on alert now for sure, and mentally prepared to react promptly. Preferably not by moving away, or flinching. It would be seen as weakness, and she would not give the prey that satisfaction.

So when the dart were shot at her, she reacted accordingly_ By swooping her leg up, and swatting it away without batting an eye. She could in theory catch whatever it were too, but it might be coated in something, or be explosive, so it were best to have it deflected, when she couldn't tell what it were at first.

"Am I now?"

If the next dart would be shot then, she'd prepare to do the same again. It were tempting to strike back for this, but she had not gotten as far as she had, to be lured into a confrontation, despite her orders, this easily. Her loyalty, and dedication, knew no limits, and she had been told to not make a scene. Specifically, getting into fights were forbidden. But she could still defend herself. It just wasn't allowed for her to try and actually hurt someone, by being on the offensive. And if defending, she'd be allowed to harm some, but nothing lethal, or breaking.

In case there were a slight delay though, Molotov would jump in there, and his horn would glow slightly orange, as a magical field would be erect between the two fighting parties. Furthermore, he'd move in front of Ashclaw, and from beneath the cape, would spring two metallic wings. Judging from the movement of them, they seemed functional. And not magic-driven, as there were no magical aura guiding them, so it was at least not actively done by using the horn. Another one of the projects only scribbled in theories in Center Zero's papers. Both himself, and his mother had tried to make functional wings, but his mother had failed in the endeavor. What she made, could only be used to - via magic - help her glide. Molotov's were functional, but had some side effects that were the reason for him not adding it to any official papers yet. All there had been, were theories, and a question marks related to a potential teaming up with a surgeon.

If they had stalked enough to know that surgeon though, they may have gotten enough details to know that his original ones had been working with a combination of a magical gem, solar energy, and a chip he had implanted into his spine. A small chance it would leave him paralyzed for life, but he had taken it. The surgeon wouldn't know how the chip worked however. He had just been given instructions on how to implement it, and then done his part. There had been talks about pressuring Molotov to give up his secrets to his wings, once he had finished the quirks of them, but it had never gotten that far, before the incident.

"Hey! Both of you, stop that! There's no need to start a fight here."

(if he got hit with a dart after that, and passed out/muted ignore the next part, and just imagine Void going in, telling Vale to stop. Ashclaw won't stop that, as he is in front of her, and therefore can't)

"M-Molotov? What's going on here?"

The voice made Molotov turn his head, and make big eyes as he saw Void. Why, there were even a glimmer of joy sprinkling into his eyes, whilst she just got more nervous. This wasn't exactly a good reintroduction after all this time. What with the fighting going on here and everything.

"It... Woah. And here I thought you couldn't possibly be as pretty as I remembered you."

A noticeable blush went over Void's face at the compliment, while Molotov looked about ready to drop his jaw a little. He'd been thinking about Void a lot over the years, and had assumed that he had just sorta idolized her in his mind. Turns out he had underplayed it. At least as far as he were concerned.

"I-I uhm... W-Will you all please stop fighting?"

"100% on your page with that. I don't want that either, but this here's some bad mojo. Can we all just split it here, then meet up another time, when everypony's cooled down?"

Ashclaw wouldn't answer, and just keep her gaze on Vale. Though if they began to retreat, she'd walk away too, silently, and without her back turned to the doe. She didn't trust this one wouldn't literally shoot her in the back.

Hopefully they could all get this nice and sorted peacefully, instead of potentially waking up the foal with their noise. That wouldn't end up being good. The little ones had been through enough as it were.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

You can slide off and go eat, Pen. Just keep your suits in check.

They didn't notice them as they left, exiting via the elevator the one had arrived in on the prior occasion.

A seam formed and split along Null's back as the dress shifted in color and shape to slide off of her, pooling in a rough pile for a bit before taking an equine form again, looking similar to how Null had first met her in the facility. If Null looked she'd find that her coat was now especially clean wherever the dress had been, likely cleaner than it had ever been.

Pen nodded, "I think the adventure was quite informative, though it helps that I could look in every direction and hear everything. Those runes on the spotlights are what projects the time dilation, and I've no doubt the microphone is important too, too bad we couldn't see it to make sure."

As she spoke she wandered the floor, all the dust disappearing along the path she walked, her body simply thickening out for now, "I think having two more of me would be most useful, but what do you two think?"

 

(Troy)

Deflecting the dart wasn't exactly what Vale had expected, but it still left the path open for her to close the distance, and would have gone to inject the second dart directly had Molotov not inserted himself and placed a field between them to stop her. She was furious that her strike was thwarted, but didn't immediately turn to attack Molotov in retaliation. Instead she jumped off the shield to give herself some distance from the pair again to regroup, this time planning for the both of them...

Until Void showed up and thwarted that plan, so she simply capped off her leg as she listened to the two interacting with undisguised disapproval on her face.

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"100% on your page with that. I don't want that either, but this here's some bad mojo. Can we all just split it here, then meet up another time, when everypony's cooled down?"

Vale shook her head, "No. Let's never meet again." She looked at Void, "If you knew what I did about this..." she visibly restrained herself from saying something worse, "stallion, you'd keep your distance too." She turned back to the pair, "Now you two best leave quickly, the guards will be patrolling here shortly, and if you're still here when they do..." She smirked, "They'll no doubt take my word over yours."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 2021-06-25 at 4:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

A seam formed and split along Null's back as the dress shifted in color and shape to slide off of her, pooling in a rough pile for a bit before taking an equine form again, looking similar to how Null had first met her in the facility. If Null looked she'd find that her coat was now especially clean wherever the dress had been, likely cleaner than it had ever been.

Null honestly didn't feel clean as she were undressed. The feeling of Pen sliding off, and seeing how she were now, honestly made her feel like she wanted a shower, and some steel wool, to clean herself. Technically she was as clean as ever, but it was just this mental thing, from seeing that, which made her honestly a little uncomfortable. She did hers to try and hide it, though if it were successful were up for debate.

On 2021-06-25 at 4:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Pen nodded, "I think the adventure was quite informative, though it helps that I could look in every direction and hear everything. Those runes on the spotlights are what projects the time dilation, and I've no doubt the microphone is important too, too bad we couldn't see it to make sure."

As she spoke she wandered the floor, all the dust disappearing along the path she walked, her body simply thickening out for now, "I think having two more of me would be most useful, but what do you two think?"

"Good this wasn't a waste of time then. We know a bit more than we did before. Anything else you think you might've learned about this whole thing too? Any of the things the dragons talked about that rang a bell perhaps? The more we got to work with, the better."

On 2021-06-25 at 4:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

As she spoke she wandered the floor, all the dust disappearing along the path she walked, her body simply thickening out for now, "I think having two more of me would be most useful, but what do you two think?"

"...That was not meant as a pun. And I just keep my stance on this, as you only having what you can control, without causing trouble. Though why two, exactly? Because we just ran into two that frequents this place, and I'm starting to wonder if you're making plans here."

Now, far be it from Null to really care what happened to those other two. They were clearly not good ponies - or at least one of them wasn't - and since they worked for her *father*, she could care less if they melted or not. But corpses meant questions, and that were gonna hurt her hunt. She weren't interested in that one bit. Not when she were getting so close, to wrangle in that old monster, and snuffing out the first one that ruined her and Void's lives.

(Troy)

 "Wait me?"

"Him?"

"Wha-"

All thee of them were rather surprised to hear that the one that Vale had the issue with, were Molotov. Even if Void hadn't seen the start of all of this, the animosity that had been shown before when she poked in, seemed to be focused between Ashclaw, and Vale, with Molotov trying to be stopping things. Sure he might have said something before she showed, but how bad would it have to be to get this sort of response out of Vale?

Molotov hadn't a clue why he were being singled out here either. Sure he had put his hoof in his muzzle a little, and he's accept that. Yet that didn't deserve this sorta scorn, with her sounding like she actually knew him. Which he frankly doubted. He hadn't exactly been a household name before Center Zero fell, and it wasn't like he had ever personally met this doe before today. He'd probably have remembered that, so this felt really out of line for him.

Ashclaw were also perplexed that it were him, as this seemed unfitting. Sure he were annoying, but for a first meeting, this seemed uncharacteristic. Either she were crazed, or there were something going on here, with some information that she didn't know. She'd have to wring Molotov for potential answers later, and if not him, then see if she could get contact to home again. Accursed anti-magic zone, causing the usual way she would do this to become erratic... May it falter eventually.

"W-What did you do before I showed up?"

"Nothing! Almost. A little snafu, but that's it. I- Y'know what? I ain't going down that rodeo right now. I'll see you later, so we can have a proper chat, aight? And see if you cant help her get that root unplugged. Come on Ashclaw, let's get outta here, before this becomes a whole thing."

The griffon snorted, and sent a last, narrowed look towards Vale, as if to silently say *We're not done*, before moving out. Though Molotov would keep up the field and keep an eye out before he'd get a dart to the back of his neck, by somepony who clearly had a stick stuck up their flank. Normally he wouldn't say anything about that to the face of somepony he meant had that, but she had been insanely hostile, and that look she sent Void... Yeah, he knew what was going on there, and he'd be darned if that headcase was gonna ruin this for him, before he had a chance to himself.

When they were getting out of the way, Void would get close in to Vale. Preferably before she got far into the house, where the foals might hear them.

"What just happened there? And don't try and tell me it was nothing, or that I dont need to know. Something really got to you there. You wouldn't have acted like that otherwise, o-or sent me those looks. Have you met him before?"

Void were worried here, for basically all involved, except for Ashclaw. Molotov were seemingly in Vale's coal shed right now, and she openly threatened to sic guards on him. Vale herself were acting very unlike normal due to something going on. And the foals were close to them. They shouldn't have to deal with whatever frustrated Vale. It'd be far better if she unloaded that frustration unto Void. She could take it. They shouldn't, and she would quite frankly, toss Vale out if she saw her vent on them, until she cooled off.

(The Desert)

A pair of desert foxes would let out some notable yelps as they ran from the hovel they had been sniffing towards. They had wandered closer, as they had thought they smelled something that might be food, and had instead been met with a large form, looking at them with a myriad of glowing eyes, focusing on them, along with a prolonged and rising hissing sound.

She knew they would run off when she did that. They were beasts. Simplistic creatures, mostly focused on breeding, scavenging and survival. They could be lured closer if need be, or chased off, depending on the need. In reality, she could have remained silent, and they would have run off soon after regardless, as they would have gotten closer to see in full what lurked in the shadows, but she indulged a little urge of hers, to assert herself. It helped past the tedium, as she sat here in the shadows of the ruin she had thus far remained near.

They had nothing to fear from her though. She may be far larger than them, but though she were build like a spider, she had no need, or want, to hunt these simple animals. No need to waste web or energy on that, when they were simply curious, and she had no stomach to fill, so what point would there be? For the hunt alone? She may be build, and had urges of one that were supposed to bring harm if need be, but she were not some simple toy. She were an individual. The second of her kind, and in her mind, still the pinnacle of his efforts. Especially as time had passed, and he had made sure to upgrade her in minor, yet important ways.

They were mostly subtle. Her energy core had to be replaced, as the original one had to be used as the normally unstable creation that it were, to take down a large area of enemies. Though she liked this new one more anyway. It were more stable, and it could function via new implements to function off of sun energy, rather than her having to rely solely on hooking up to a makeshift charger every now and again. Five hours in the light, would get her around three days of energy usage at medium usage. If combat had to be implemented, or she otherwise had to expend extra energy to put her in a state of high energy usage, it would be cut down to 42 hours, though that were at constant, so it varied some. She tended to keep herself topped off though, just in case.

The voice box had been her most insistent upgrade though. The mechanical whirrs was not good enough for her liking, and though it had taken a while, Molotov had finally found enough time and scrapped enough leftover parts together, to make one for her. It wasn't perfect, as her voice were slightly feminine, but mostly mechanical, but it allowed communication, outside of writing with her bladed legs. It were acceptable, until he could tinker a more natural sounding one up.

So here she were the pinnacle of Equestrian robotics engineering- In a ruined hovel, waiting for her creator... What a life this were.

Felicia wanted to see Troy with her own eyes, but Molotov had been very insistent, that if she were to come along too, she couldn't go into town until she had been given a clear. He feared she would cause a panic, due to her appearance, and though she were reluctant, and arguing that it were better to simply have them exposed to her presence sooner, rather than later, Felicia did eventually give in. Alternative had been to stay back at the base, and she did not want that, now that travel were finally possible again. She needed to see places, and explore it in full. She were not meant to simply be tied down, in her opinion. Not until she found her place in this world. Or what was left of it, at least. Maybe she could find some large area with giant spiders, and fight them for supremacy, until she ruled over them. Then utilize them as efficient as the simple things could be, while attempting to use the information in certain documents stored in her memory, to advance them. Something simple and fulfilling like that, might be interesting. And yet instead, she now sat here in the shades, after having explored only the edge of this sandy country.

Logistically, she had agreed to be here when Molotov returned, but judging by his general performance with other creatures, and the addition of Ashclaw, she had calculated that he were unlikely to show up until at least 17 hours, and 42 minutes had passed. And that were if everything went flawlessly, which when considering he were involved, were laughable.

Yes, she had time to spare, and no interest in continuing to simply sit here, and sift through the downloaded files she had, while attempting to decipher the code certain works had been written in. She had already spend an hour on that, and wished for some more interesting to do.

So she would wander out from the shadows she had been in, and once again be standing in the light, for all the critters that might be near to see, along with a few birds. All thus far, kept a distance to her. Except for a scorpion she seemed to have rattled, who tried feebly to use its tail on her leg a few times, before scurrying on. Considering how hard her chassis were - including the glass - it would be akin to attempting to stop a crashing ocean, with a burp.

Looking around, she'd note there were other ruins in the area, with some being further away in the distance. Maybe she could start by sifting through these, and see if there were something to learn from them. It would beat setting herself in standby mode, or bore herself further.

Her steps were light and swift as she scurried across the sand, aiming for the nearest first, and would then move along, one by one, to see what might be here to discover.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Anything else you think you might've learned about this whole thing too? Any of the things the dragons talked about that rang a bell perhaps?

Pen thought a moment as she walked, "It seems the dragons know quite a bit, I wouldn't be surprised if information is their primary trade good. With their effect on creatures they could no doubt get just about any secret they want out of almost anyone. It would be good to stay on their side, see if they can't just tell us right out what we want to know."

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Though why two, exactly? Because we just ran into two that frequents this place, and I'm starting to wonder if you're making plans here.

Pen shrugged, "Three's a good number, don't you think? To be safe, we should see if we can't get a pair of poseable ponnequins that my copies could wear as bodies, just to make them stand out a bit less and not accidentally affect anyone else."

After a few more paces she was about triple her original thickness, "Let's get back to the embassy, better to split there than here."

 

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Come on Ashclaw, let's get outta here, before this becomes a whole thing.

Vale held her cold composure until Molotov and Ashclaw were out of sight, then she started to tremble, her expression turning to one of fear as she weakly walked back into the building to get out of the view of the street, collapsing just inside the doorway to curl up in a corner as the trembling turned to full body shudders.

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"What just happened there? And don't try and tell me it was nothing, or that I dont need to know. Something really got to you there. You wouldn't have acted like that otherwise, o-or sent me those looks. Have you met him before?"

It would take her a bit to compose herself enough to speak in any capacity, much less answer her question, when she spoke it was in a soft trembling voice, "I... I never met him... no... I read the files on him though... when I was Codex..." She struggled to blink away tears, "S- s... Center 0, among other... even worse things... produced a pathogen... gave it to the reindeer..."

It took her a bit longer to continue, "That's why I have all these mechanical parts... I got 'Lucky' if you can consider watching your family and village literally melt as their bodies dissolve themselves in agonizing slowness, all while half of your own body does the same..." A bit of rage came back through the terror and fear, "He was there, at Center 0... the only one who survived..."

She broke down again, an absolute mess, the door to the foals' room opened slowly, and a concerned looking Ardee poker her head out to see Vale in such a state, "I heard a commotion outside... is everything alright?"

 

(The Dunes)

The first thing she'd discover on her explorations would be the old rail line, mostly buried and rusted from disuse, she'd be able to follow it to the ruins while avoiding most of the creatures in the wastes as they seemed to instinctively avoid it.

After a bit of exploring she'd find the ruins of Silver Sigma, the dried up oasis floor having collapsed to reveal the construction that existed below it. If she could detect anti-magic she'd notice that the area under the oasis was practically dripping with it, and it was fresh at that, like a series of antimagic bombs had gone off underground just a month or so prior, as opposed to several years like the dead zone.

Surrounding the oasis were several abandoned and ruined buildings, a few having some salvageable junk in them. A certain area had a large puddle of a very corrosive tar-like substance by what looked like an elevator that also reeked of antimagic. 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 2021-06-27 at 2:50 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Pen thought a moment as she walked, "It seems the dragons know quite a bit, I wouldn't be surprised if information is their primary trade good. With their effect on creatures they could no doubt get just about any secret they want out of almost anyone. It would be good to stay on their side, see if they can't just tell us right out what we want to know."

"And since I can't go get glued around 'em constantly, despite how much I bet they'd like that sometimes, we just have even more incentive to also get the changelings on our side then. If they're resistant, *sigh* Though I am gonna have to hire myself out to them at some point for the big scoop then, aren't I?"

This one came a little out of nowhere, and hit her a bit hard, as she realized that yeah, she'd have to be relied upon for this sort of thing. And it would be the obvious answer, as she wasn't just resistant, or immune, but could actually cancel their effect out for them too. And they had professed a want to hire her on now earlier. She'd have to talk details with Dove likely, and she wanted a chat with Arcade on how he felt about this too, but that were going to be in private. For now, it were something to think on, and then likely put into action, around the time when her feathers would stop working for them. Should likely be the best time for her to put up the offer, if they were going with that plan.

On 2021-06-27 at 2:50 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Pen shrugged, "Three's a good number, don't you think? To be safe, we should see if we can't get a pair of poseable ponnequins that my copies could wear as bodies, just to make them stand out a bit less and not accidentally affect anyone else."

After a few more paces she was about triple her original thickness, "Let's get back to the embassy, better to split there than here."

"Yeah, sounds like a plan. We probably learned everything we could from here right now anyway. No idea where to find the ponnequins, but I dunno. Might be a dumpster behind a fashion shop somewhere, or a thrift store around. Must be possible to find something. Though I guess for now, you still need me to suit up on, until we're out of here?"

She were definitely going to need a shower once they got back... And maybe to lay down a bit, depending on how heavy Pen now were. It were hard to say since she had never interacted with skin eaters enough to know how they might weigh, after eating dust and chonking up. And frankly, she were happy not knowing that was a thing that might have to be thought about in her life.

(Troy)

Void felt a pit in her stomach, and would embrace Vale as she collapsed. The doe were in a very emotional state right now, and rightly so. Void hadn't asked her about her implants in details, because she figured it might be a touchy subject, but this was far, far worse than she had thought. She had just assumed the facility might have had something to do with this, via an anomaly, or that they had experimented on her. Either option would be horrendous, but something she' definitely wouldn't put beyond them. Especially not after what she learned when the foals were examined.

This was far worse though. The result of some horrendous pathogen being spread on her village, where she had to see her own family and friends melt away... And it had come from Center Zero?! The town that Molotov himself had described to her once, as a scientific community, working for the betterment of Equestria, had made something this horrendous and vile?

She didn't disbelieve Vale one bit on this. Her tears, and emotional swings here were genuine, unless she had turned into the greatest actress there ever were, and she didn't think that were the case. It didn't fit her, even though she really wished it were the case, as this truth were making her stomach churn.

At the same time, much as she had found Molotov to historically be a little abrasive and a little too forthcoming, she just couldn't see him as the sort who'd do this. His companion? Yes. She seemed like someone who'd like to hurt others, but he just seemed so genuine about his belief in his town, and hurt when he had spoken about how he were the last one left. Perhaps he did not know what had happened in his town, and could give her any sort of insight into whatever else happened in that place? maybe even had some documents? If there were something that had gone on there, he wasn't involved in, maybe he would be able to ensure this kind of thing didn't happen again, by giving them access to something that'd make an antidote.

Alternatively, he knew what were going on, and didn't think it a big deal... If so, he'd be leaving Troy in worse condition than he arrived. But she had to go and see him now, even more than before, so that she could know what were going on here. There were a truth here that she had to find out, for the sake of Vale.

Though... She did know one truth, that she wasn't sure about how were anymore. That being that she had been in Ponyville, when Molotov had found his sister, so she knew he wasn't the last one from that town. At least not then, though It had been years, and many had lost loved ones, due to the crisis. She may have been among them. Something she'd have to step lightly around, when talking to him as well. This were getting complicated...

Yet right now, she just wanted to try and comfort her friend, by keeping her in an embrace, unless she were pushed away. Though in either case, as Ardee came out, and asked what were wrong, Void would rise her head up, and look towards the foal. One who already had more than enough bagage of her own, without having to share in theirs.

"Y-Yeah, everything's fine honey. Just... Some bad memories surfacing. Could you go w-wake the others up, please?"

Void would look rather shaken herself, but she'd do her best to compose herself, and hoped that Ardee would either believe her, or at least just let it slide for now. Void didn't want to get into what were going on here, and she were sure that Vale didn't either. Her personal grievances with Molotov were something they could discuss later, in private. Though she wouldn't be dissuaded. She needed to go see the inventor later. Something didn't seem right here.

(The Dunes)

At first, Felicia hadn't thought much of the rail lines. It seemed but a transportation grid that had fallen into disuse, after one of many attacks by either monsters, the spawn, or Equestrian soldiers.

Yet as she did hers to keep track of the local fauna, she bit notice in where the trail went, they seemed to not wish to be. She had thought it her presence that kept them at bay at the start, but this effect stretched on for quite some way ahead. It seemed as if they instinctively feared this path for some reason. Even now, after what seemed like a long period of disuse... Interesting. What might have happened on this, to make them this weary?

Nothing else nearby really caught her interest as much, so she would wander unto the rails, and move down the middle of it - or if it were not too wide, on the rails themselves - and would follow it, to see where it lead.

On 2021-06-27 at 2:50 AM, Illiad Easle said:

After a bit of exploring she'd find the ruins of Silver Sigma, the dried up oasis floor having collapsed to reveal the construction that existed below it. If she could detect anti-magic she'd notice that the area under the oasis was practically dripping with it, and it was fresh at that, like a series of antimagic bombs had gone off underground just a month or so prior, as opposed to several years like the dead zone.

Surrounding the oasis were several abandoned and ruined buildings, a few having some salvageable junk in them. A certain area had a large puddle of a very corrosive tar-like substance by what looked like an elevator that also reeked of antimagic. 

Anti-magic was a tricky thing to track, but Felicia were indeed able to, to a certain extend. Magic itself was not something that she could track, and see the trails off, as some rare individuals were, yet anti-magic had a kind of loophole, if you could call it that, that made it simpler for Molotov to have tracked. As such, Felicia could not see the anti-magic itself, but rather a kind of see-through, purplish void, on the things that it affected. Whatever color, or aura it regularly had, were less simple to discern, but the absolute void of magic, where all that got near it, were absorbed, nullified, etc. had a distinct lack of being something, that could make it viewable. Though it were all the interaction she could have with it. She had no magic to use herself, and through personal experience, found that she were not affected by the thing, nor functioned as a carrier, unless she held unto a piece that had the aura with it. Why exactly that were, were but a few theories by now, and she were not overly eager to test whatever it could be circumvented.

At the same time, she couldn't harness it either, or tamper with it. She could view it, and that were about it. Useful of course, yet she could see the merit in having this as something that could be applied to a weapon of sorts for her. Such as making her have fangs with it, that she might disrupt magical flow somewhere it were needed. For obvious, dangerous reason though, this were not explored, and she were not pushing for it either. It were just that if it happened, she would utilize it, as there were useful applications. Didn't mean she'd pursue it.

As for how long the thing had been here, she could only venture guesses, judging on the amount seemingly still present, and how much of it were layered around. Considering the general decay, she'd estimate somewhere between two weeks, and five months. Not helping much in narrowing it down, but this wasn't a primary study of her, or her documents either. At least not those she currently had deciphered. Plus, the concentration of antimagic would have to be taken into consideration too, to give a better estimate, and she didn't have access to those data. Though regardless, this were still somewhat recent, even if at five months... This may prove informative.

She'd scurry off of the rails, and wander around, seeing what she might find here and there. Were she a proper scavenger, there were a few bits and pieces that had some usage. An empty flask that could be used for water, bit of rations, some cloth pieces and even what seemed like a weapon, but she had no need for any of those, so she let them be. Though if she found any papers, she would turn them so that she could see the front, and scan them into her memory. She could purge it from there, if it proved to be useless later, but it wasn't as if she had a lack of space for things such as this. 

Eventually, she'd get over to the corrosive tar, and cautiously approach. It seemed like it might be dangerous, even for someone made of as sturdy materials as her, so she were reluctant to try and touch it. Though still, an elevator, meant an elevator shaft, ad hence, there were something below. She would have to find a way to remove the elevator itself, unless it were still functional enough for her to make use of it, without being melted. She'd try pushing some random scrap into the corrosive pool as well, to see how dangerous it might currently be.

If she found a way into the elevator shaft, she would release a splatter of web from her abdomen, that stuck to the ceiling, and then start to lower herself down. The process to replicate this were honestly not all that difficult, once Molotov had started to dig into the biology labs papers. Specifically, about the oversized, intelligent spider they had created, after several tests, DNA mixing, and failures. It had been deemed a failure, once it emerged from its area one of the earliest days, and ate the head researcher, before being put down, but there were still functional data to be used, and Molotov had proven inventive enough, to make her a sort of processing plant in her abdomen, that could create this. Biodegradable, and strong, just as real spider silk. And as he had found out, once way that she showed her annoyance with him in her early days, as she would spin small web balls around where she knew he would go in the morning, when he was tired and too unfocused to always know. She may have been unable to hurt him, but annoy was not against her original limitations.

Then again, if she could simply just use the elevator, that were an option. Depended on the state of things.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Though I guess for now, you still need me to suit up on, until we're out of here?"

Pen shook her head, "Not unless you want me to, I don't think anyone will notice too much if I walk out with you, especially since with this amount of mass..." her form shifted a bit in shape and color until she looked like a regular pony, hair and all. When she opened her eyes they were milky, making her look blind, and when she opened her mouth they could see there were no teeth and that she was hollow, "I can pull off a pretty convincing replica if I do say so myself."

She'd motion towards the door, "Shall we then? Or would you rather wear me like a dress again?"

 

(Troy)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Y-Yeah, everything's fine honey. Just... Some bad memories surfacing. Could you go w-wake the others up, please?"

Ardee would nod and head back inside, but not before casting a worried look over at the still shuddering Vale.

Vale would take a few minutes longer to fully compose herself to the point where she could stand again. "I... I want to make him hurt, like I did... but I don't know if I could forgive myself... stooping to their level like that. If I never see him again... that would probably be for the best."

She took a couple more deep breaths before she let it all out, "Alright... I think I'm good now. Can you take the lead though? At least for the beginning? I should be in a better head space after some time with them."

When they did go into the room they'd find all the young ponies sitting in a semicircle all with worried expressions as they looked between Void and Vale, it seemed like they had caught wind of what had happened. The foals broke from the others to run straight for Vale to hug her legs, which brought a smile and a weak chuckle to her face, which seemed to give the rest of the young ponies a bit of relief.

Peal jumped up onto Vale's back to hug her neck, offering "No sad" as a consoling gesture.

 

(Silver Sigma)

The elevator car was at the top of the shaft, and unpowered so it couldn't be used to descend the shaft. However, with a bit of investigation she could get over to the shaft from a lower layer of one of the collapsed buildings or the area under the oasis, or if she were strong enough simply pry open the emergency hatch at the bottom of the elevator car.

In either case she wouldn't be able to get too far down the shaft before she reached what was likely the level where the antimagic explosives had gone off, closing off the shaft with some twisted beams and rubble. But with enough strength, intelligence, and flexibility, she'd be able to clear a large enough path to get through and descend further down into the darkness below.

Up above the only papers she'd find would be the tattered remnants of inconsequential reports with the TrUST letterhead, which Center 0 would know as the Trojan, Gryphonian, and West Cervidian joint scientific research body. So she may have some data on them already.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

"I don't. But for the love of any god that's willing to listen, don't open your muzzle outside. Blind pony? Sure, we can explain that away, no biggie. Hollow pony? You're gonna end up getting chased out of town with pitchforks. Or taken by The Grey."

A good, classic monster chase seemed mighty preferable to the alternative, though more than that, it'd be good if they just took precautions, and didn't cause a scene here. All she had to do, was not talk, and if anyone asked, Arcade and herself could explain that she were blind and mute. How she then got here, or how they knew her? Who cared, they'd think of something. Right now, they needed to get a move on.

So unless something caused problems here, they'd hopefully soon be out in the hall again, and headed down the stairs again. And if anyone asked what happened to her dress, Void would just point upstairs, and say *Party*. Surely she couldn't be the first to arrive clothed, and leave less so? Though not for the same reason.

(Troy)

On 2021-06-29 at 5:53 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She took a couple more deep breaths before she let it all out, "Alright... I think I'm good now. Can you take the lead though? At least for the beginning? I should be in a better head space after some time with them."

"Don't worry. I'll take care of everything. You just make sure to focus on yourself, okay?"

Void were thankful that Vale had not started to lash out, verbally or physically, though considering what little she now knew, her other response were pretty reasonable. Not the one about wanting to make Molotov suffer. That might be a little too quick, considering that they still didn't know for sure what were going on here. Or at least she didn't. Vale had understandably made up her mind, but at least kept it as her just never wanting to see him again, rather than attempting to figure out how to slowly torture him to death.

She'd like to know more first, before passing final judgement. Especially since as she had recalled, Molotov had indeed been wearing a pair of metallic wings, and didn't seem to need his horn to use them. That sort of information could be invaluable for Toupé, and help her regain what those monsters had stolen from her. May they all live miserably, lonely lives for that act...

*sigh* But she couldn't dwell on this. There were things to do now. The foals would be there soon, and would need to be fed, and they'd have to figure out something to do for the day. She'd have to deal with this later.

On 2021-06-29 at 5:53 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When they did go into the room they'd find all the young ponies sitting in a semicircle all with worried expressions as they looked between Void and Vale, it seemed like they had caught wind of what had happened. The foals broke from the others to run straight for Vale to hug her legs, which brought a smile and a weak chuckle to her face, which seemed to give the rest of the young ponies a bit of relief.

Peal jumped up onto Vale's back to hug her neck, offering "No sad" as a consoling gesture.

"That's good advise, Peal."

Void would give the little bundle a smile, as she watched Peal try her darndest to make Vale smile, and give some sage words. It seemed to work too, as Vale were at least looking marginally happier.

"I know you're all worried, but it's going to be okay. We all have our bad memories that comes up now and again. That's why it's good we have each other, so we can help brighten up one another, when the days seems gloomy. And you're doing a good job of helping Vale.

But you also need to get some breakfast soon. When you're ready, please wash your hooves, and I'll prepare something. Take your time though. There's no rush, if you'd like to stay and try to cheer up Vale a little."

Lacuna wanted to go in on this idea, certainly. Despite him being rather quiet and just observing all the crazy things for now, he'd finally wander off Void, and waddle over on Vale. He'd then start rubbing his head against the top of hers, and do his to let out some soothing chirps He wanted to help the flock too.

(The Dunes)

Prying open an elevator shaft hatch, wasn't exactly something that were mentally challenging, nor physically an issue for her. Her bladed legs could cut steel if need be, and a meager hatch, was hardly any sort of weight that mattered. That being said, what might be, were the size of said hatch hole. Considering her own size, she needed an opening of some measure to get through. Wasn't like she had been build to fit in neatly through a letterbox.

If it were too small, and her abdomen - which as mentioned, were big enough to easily carry a pony upon it's bulbous surface - could not go through, she'd instead go and look for another entrance. Eventually, she'd stumble upon the entryway, near the oasis. Though either way, the victory were short lived, before she reached another obstacle. Cluttering. Likely in relation to the explosion that appeared to have taken place here.

Felicia would dangle there for a few minutes, as she observed what she were presented with, and formulated a plan. She had to get past this after all, yet simply cutting through might cause structural damage. The simplest solution were to move away pieces that wasn't bearing anything, and make her a path through it. Sure would have been nice with some acid as part of her design right about now, but that were a discussion for her creator later. Instead, she had to be methodical, and cut the right things calmly, move some others, and allow a few other things to simply collapse further, until there would finally be a path through. A minor hindrance, but it did not dissuade her from exploring the depths of this place. It merely heightened her interest. That this seemed connected to a Trojan research group, teaming with some other factions, under the banned of TrUST - an organisation only barely mentioned in her database, as a kind of Trojan counterpart to Center Zero - did not hurt said interest either. It might hold some valuable research below, even if topside, nothing of importance were there.

As she passed the rubble, she'd tangle some of her web around the pieces of debris still there, to ensure some structural safety here. It wouldn't do her well to have these inconvenience her, by falling down on her, or ending up cluttering together again, to seal the hole. She'd still had to maneuver between some beams and such, but that were of little concern, and soon enough, she'd be facing the floor of whatever place this might be. At which point she'd cut the web from her abdomen, and land with a soft *clink* sound, as the tips of her legs impacted the floor.

First order of business, were the recalibrating some of the lenses in her eyes, to accommodate the shoddy lightning here. Then, if nothing sprung out at her immediately, she'd begin to skitter forward, with her senses on high alert. Who knew what might lurk down here?

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Blind pony? Sure, we can explain that away, no biggie. Hollow pony? You're gonna end up getting chased out of town with pitchforks. Or taken by The Grey.

Pen nodded, "Of course, I did suppose that would be an issue, but I haven't done this before. Hopefully no one pays us too much attention. Maybe if we took a different route out? So as to not be seen by the group waiting out front?"

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

they'd hopefully soon be out in the hall again, and headed down the stairs again.

Soon enough they'd arrive at the empty dusty lobby, interestingly enough their tracks from when they had come by earlier that day were missing, the floor toward the side exit hallway just as dusty as everywhere else in the lobby.

 

(Troy)

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Take your time though. There's no rush, if you'd like to stay and try to cheer up Vale a little.

The young ponies would all go up to follow the foal's example in hugging Vale, which brought a more genuine smile and a tear to her eye, after a bit of time, likely enough for Void to get ready, Vale would indicate that she had had enough, "Thank you, let's see what Void has in store for us today, shall we?" She let the foals stay on her back and Lacuna stay on her head.

 

(Silver Sigma)

(Now I have to go find the maps)

It would take a few hours to clear enough of the debris to get through the elevator shaft down to the facility, several hundred meters further down the lightless shaft.

At the bottom she'd have no issue getting the door open to reveal the dimly lit facility, the air was still and everything was deathly silent.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 2021-07-01 at 12:16 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Pen nodded, "Of course, I did suppose that would be an issue, but I haven't done this before. Hopefully no one pays us too much attention. Maybe if we took a different route out? So as to not be seen by the group waiting out front?"

"We know one. Follow us."

To think they'd already be making good use of the alternate route they had spotted yesterday... Well, she wasn't complaining. meant they had a bit more time getting used to it, and frankly, Pen were right in it being good to avoid the eye of as many as possible. Especially those in here, who'd likely wonder who this one were.

It'd probably be a nice, easy trek, with nothing happening to them. At least until they'd get outside, but poking out, it didn't seem like there were anyone keeping an eye on them just yet... Just a cat, sitting on a dumpster and looking them over with it's little yellow eyes. Nothing impressive there.

Getting out though, they still had to avoid open streets as best as they could, yet at the same time... Side streets in this town, seemed to be pretty bad. They'd have to be alert if they were going that route, and likely just take a route going as quickly towards them embassy as possible, but where they could stay around those side lanes. Lest it looked really sketchy. Then they'd just have to wait for a bit of an opening, where there weren't too many, to move along, down the street. As much to the side as possible though. Less eyes on them, the better.

Considering the town though, she'd give them about... Three side alley trips, before they ran into either trouble, or a situation where someone else were already in trouble. Might be she were being pessimistic here though. Or heck, underestimating the seedy underbelly of this place. Might get shady in the very first alley they'd try to go down.

(Troy)

Lacuna would let out something that sounded like a few honks in a clown horn. A sort of victory shout, as he stood atop her head, and figured by the smiling ponies around him, that everything was good again.

Meanwhile, Void had prepared breakfast. As said before, nothing fancy. it were bread, along with some butter, and a few things to use on said bread. Salat, tomatoes, and a bit of hay. That sort of thing. Though now they had an oven, she had been able to warm the bread after slicing them, so they'd be able to get something that were almost toast. Not exactly, but it'd get close, once it were out of the oven.

She'd ask for just a bit of time more while she prepped the rest, and as the knife went over the last tomato, the time would be there. She could get up, open up the hatch, and pull out a tray of good, whole wheat bread, lightly crunchy, and warm. Just begging for some butter and a bit to top it with. The foals would have plenty to do while she did that though, as they likely still hadn't washed their hooves. Had to be nice and hygienic here, before breakfast. Just good to get this routine into them early on.

"Here we go. Some nice, warm bread. Gather up everyone, and lets get ready to eat.

I'm sorry to say, that I don't really have much in the way of ideas, when it comes to what to do today. It's been a bit uh... Special today, so it sorta slipped my mind. I can think of something, though how active would you like for it to be? We can just have a calm, sleepy day too, if the mood is more for that?"

(Silver Sigma)

A few hours, with the amount of time she had, were inconsequential. She did not tire after all, and planning out how to properly do this, to keep a structural integrity, were a more satisfying mental exercise than it had been to sit in the dunes and wait, as she did earlier. Had she only been as small as Carmen, she may well have been able to just wander into town instead of even being out here, but then again, she'd be small and weak. Both of body, and mind. It weren't a trade she were willing to make.

Far as she were concerned, she should not have to change to accommodate the world. Not in size, or shape, or anything else. The world would have to accept her as she were, and if it couldn't, she did not care. She were not going to change for them, nor huddle away in a hut for eternity. She had as much a right to be out there and experience things as they did, and anyone thinking otherwise, were welcome to try and convince her. They'd fail horrendously, though she may find amusement in telling them so.

It had been given to her as an option by Molotov, to eventually transition into another body, to blend better. Second after Carmen of course, whom she understood had a desire for this transfer, as her body were small and limiting. Not made for battle, or interaction on a grand scale, and with too little hardware to truly grow her mind. A frame more suited for peaceful interactions, in a shape the ponies knew, would suit her well. Felicia though, had a complete lack of interest for this, as she had explained her creator. She were perfectly happy being what she were, with the only changes she'd want, being some upgrades to her functionality. Better voice box, some hardware and software upgrades as time went on, that sort of thing. But so were the desires of Carmen and her different, and she did not judge her smaller sister for this. As she had her own way of wanting to live, so did Carmen, and if Felicia wanted them to respect her choice, then so should she respect theirs. It seemed reasonable and logical to her. Though some choices were illogical and dumb, such as Molotov's want to come here, to meet a mare he had interacted with but a few times, several years past. A foolish endeavor, but they'd see if she were wrong, or if he were, regarding the potential outcome of this. All in due time.

And speaking of which, she should keep focus on the tank she had before her now, rather than such frivolous things. She needed focus for what may lie below. Might be nothing. Might be something that someone didn't wish to escape.

There were more light here than expected, so she could save some minute amount of energy on not running night vision. Odd how there were transported energy down here though. Perhaps they had an internal energy source, that were somehow generating energy by itself? Might be something of interest. Let's see what she might find here, one room at a time.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Considering the town though, she'd give them about... Three side alley trips, before they ran into either trouble, or a situation where someone else were already in trouble. Might be she were being pessimistic here though. Or heck, underestimating the seedy underbelly of this place. Might get shady in the very first alley they'd try to go down.

It wasn't the first alley they went down, but they didn't quite make it to the embassy before they ran into some trouble. They were thankfully not the subject of the trouble exactly, rather they came across a pair of ponies that were being set upon by some hoodlums. The pair were drunk, no doubt also having come from the party, and in no condition to defend themselves from the younger ponies who were in the process of relieving them of their valuables when Null, Arcade, and Pen entered the alley.

 

(Troy)

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Here we go. Some nice, warm bread. Gather up everyone, and lets get ready to eat.

Everyone set about washing themselves in preparation for the food and gathered around the counter to enjoy the collection of food, Teal and Toupé preparing smaller versions of the food for the foals to eat with them.

7 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

how active would you like for it to be? We can just have a calm, sleepy day too, if the mood is more for that?

They shared a look among themselves before they turned back to the adults, Ardee spoke up, "We were, uh, hoping that we could do something... outside? We've... " she sighed, "We've been underground... hidden away for most of our lives, many of us died without ever knowing about the sky, let alone seeing it... and from what we saw when we came here, and everything Elef told us... we want to go out there, stand in the sand again, in the sun again."

They all looked rather pleadingly at Vale and Void, Vale looked over at Void with an unsure expression, "Do you want to go ask? Maybe they can organize something?" She was of course referring to going to those in charge, namely the Consul or Selena.

 

(Silver Sigma)

Her steps echoed softly in the otherwise silent facility. A thin layer of dust coated many of the surfaces, but there were paths in the dust, showing that someone or something had moved through here somewhat recently.

Passing through a few of the rooms she'd encounter a few dusty documents, unlike those found above these bore the letterhead of Deep Science, which she would never have encountered before. The documents detailed containment procedures for various anomalous and dangerous creatures and objects. In one of the chambers she entered, a radio sparked to life, "I see you in there. You are not a pony. You are not from here." The voice was metallic, and slightly masculine, "What are you doing here?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

Awh for the love of... Okay, they were technically in a hurry here, and sure, she didn't know exactly what sort of circumstances were the case here, but it were unlikely that this were a case in favor of the robbers. Though if there were some sorta karmic, moral dilemma here, then Nine were free to pop in with something here. And if he didn't, then Null would pop in and get ready to interfere, since frankly, this didn't seem right on the surface. Sure these two were drunk and stupid, but that didn't mean they should get robbed, and potentially stabbed afterwards. She bet the youths wouldn't be too keen on getting the Grey after them at least, after getting identified, by a pair of sobering up party goers.

"Hey! What's going on here?"

Ideally, they'd run off, after being spotted, with whatever were in their hooves at the time. Were it still sucky? Yes, but it'd probably not be everything the drunk ones owned, and they'd live through it.

If they were gang members, or more bold, they might try to then go over and rob Null. In which case she were gonna have to get physical, and them being youths wasn't stopping her from giving them a thrashing if need be. Life was hard sometimes, and actions had consequences. Couldn't sugarcoat it all for them, even if she wouldn't want to kill, or break something. Something told her these two weren't exactly in a position to throw cash around on medicine, if they were robbing folks in back alleys.

The many layers of poverty. Crime of necessity would blur around in that sector, and be tough to place at a first glance.

(Troy)

On 2021-07-04 at 8:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

They all looked rather pleadingly at Vale and Void, Vale looked over at Void with an unsure expression, "Do you want to go ask? Maybe they can organize something?" She was of course referring to going to those in charge, namely the Consul or Selena.

"...Well, it's a little earlier than I thought I'd have to think about this, but I'll try and talk with Consul Easle, or Selena, and see if I can't get something arranged. I can't promise anything, and it'll probably be somewhere away from others, but maybe there's something that can be done. Might not be today either. Keep up hope though, okay? Even if it won't be today, I'll just keep talking your case other times. I don't want you to be hidden away all your life either."

She probably should just tell them that this couldn't happen, but how could you say no to those adorable little faces? Specially when they looked so pleading, towards such a simple request. One that were hard to get through likely, as she'd need permission from the top authorities, but she'd try. What'd come of it, she couldn't say. Sure were a lot to deal with today though, that was for sure.

...Probably best she got it done relatively soon too, so she could give a fair warning about Molotov, and how he knew where the foals were. Might be nothing, but he had a way of causing eyes to go his direction, far as she recalled, and with how it had gone between him and Vale, it were probably prudent to share some information here. Not too many details though. Not because of a bias, but because it was clearly a traumatic thing for Vale to even think about. She didn't have the right to go and spew the details on that around to everyone.

"But you're gonna have to promise me that when we get it through, you stay where we can see you, and don't stray away too far. If anything happened to any of you, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself, and there's dangers that can come out of nowhere, like scorpions."

Or kidnappers... *gulp* There were many things to be afraid of out there, that they had to think about. Yet at the same time, they couldn't keep the little ones here forever. They needed to be granted some degree of trust, and be let slowly into society, even if it was dangerous. It were up to her, and Vale, to make sure then that they would get through it as best as they could.

(Silver Sigma)

Deep Science? Interesting. She had not heard of that one before, and there were several different scientific communities, both inside and outside of Equestria, inscribed in her database. Likely some kind of hidden division, dealing with sensitive things. Considering the procedures, and scattered information about various anomalies they had contained, that would seem likely. Logically, you would not want something like this to be public knowledge after all. Though it seemed like something had happened in here regardless off all of their precautions. Perhaps something had gotten out? She'd need more data before she could say so for sure, but it were an interesting hypothesis.

On 2021-07-04 at 8:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I see you in there. You are not a pony. You are not from here." The voice was metallic, and slightly masculine, "What are you doing here?"

Ah, so there were something here after all. Or someone. She had only a voice to go by for the time being, and the microphone quality might account for the metallic part of this ones voice, so she couldn't assume it wasn't just a pony. Or some other regular, fleshy being, for that matter.

"𝕊𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕕𝕠, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖. 𝕀𝕥 𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕕𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕒 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕤𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕣𝕖𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕣, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤 𝕒 𝕨𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕥𝕙 𝕠𝕗 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟. 𝕀 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕜 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟."

Felicia's mechanical, slightly feminine voice were able to be tinged with some degree of suspicion, or joy over things, as it was just a matter of the tone. Yet she had so far not made a judgement of whomever it were that could see her, and thus, remained neutral, if a little weary. Just in case this may be the prelude to an ambush.

"𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕕𝕦𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤: 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝔽𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕒. 𝕀𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕗𝕪 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗. 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕖𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕞 𝕧𝕚𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕙𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕤𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕖𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕚𝕟 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖, 𝕠𝕣 𝕒 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕞. ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕥? ℙ𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕒𝕝 𝕔𝕠𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕖𝕩𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕓𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕔𝕦𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕕."

Would she help? Potentially, but she'd need more data for the time being. To begin with though, she would go over the baseline of things: An introduction, and a request to know whom she were then speaking with. If they refused, they may get ignored, as there were nothing of value in her mind, from speaking with one who refused to divulge even a name. 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Nine were free to pop in with something here.

"It's a trap, but falling in it might not be the worst thing."

Sure enough, the two ponies who had previously appeared drunk got up and drew weapons of their own, making it four on three, which may not seem like the best odds for both sides, but the hoodlums didn't seem deterred, one saying to another "Boss'll really be happy to see who we caught! Looks like a group from the party, no doubt loaded."

One looked about to step forward when a rush of wind came down the alley, and not from Pen, but a pegasus who had rapidly entered and landed between the hoodlums and the trio, "I'll take it from here." The voice was somewhat familiar, but Null would be unable to place it until he made eye contact. It was the pegasus who had escaped her at the fort with the Gates of Tartarus, the same whose plated feathers were now in her mechanical wing.

The confidence present in his voice and movements when he arrived immediately left when he recognized Null, "Aw crap! This does not look good here... um..."

The hoodlums shifted uncomfortably seeing their boss distressed.

Arcade leaned in to talk to Null, "Do you know him? Should we just leave?"

 

(Troy)

The young ponies were disappointed, but not wholly discouraged, they trusted that Void was telling them the truth.

Vale looked them over before turning back to Void, "I can keep them busy if you want to go and talk to them now, they should be informed about what happened this morning ASAP anyway." She gave a slight smile, "Don't worry about me, I've bounced back from worse, it just hit me hard in the moment."

(This way we can advance both the clones and the Molotov arcs at the same time, since Molotov was supposedly heading to speak with the Consul anyway, it would be convenient for them to meet at the Consul's office at the same time, maybe Void gives Molotov the in he needs to speak with the Consul?)

 

(Silver Sigma)

There was a bit of a pause before the voice responded, "I am Computer Optimized Learning & Open-chain Neural-Electric Learner, or Colonel for short. Extraction has proven problematic thus far, further attempts are not advised without new solution vectors. Perhaps we could interact on a more suitable interface? I would provide a map, but this device does not support such data. The best I can do is guide your path using the maps and cameras I can access. Is that acceptable? Be advised, I cannot control the doors due to a power shortage, the anomolies previously held contained are freely roaming the facility, I cannot do much to protect you from them other than guiding you around them. It is unknown how they would react to a being like yourself."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

On 2021-07-06 at 5:56 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"It's a trap, but falling in it might not be the worst thing."

Eh, the trap didn't discourage her. Someone would end up falling into it, and at least Arcade and her knew how to fight. Might be they could handle this before some sap without any skill got grabbed and hosed down by these hoodlums.

So she went ahead as she had thought before, and witnessed the trap spring into action. One which she frankly thought were a bit amateurish. Not the pretense. That had actually been done rather well. No, it were more that if they had waited until she actually came over, then the ones pretending to be drunk could, y'know, clobber them with a surprise attack, so it were easier to steal their stuff. Some patience would do these thugs some good. Of course she wasn't gonna say that, as she wasn't here to freaking tutor thugs in how to do their job better, but that didn't mean she couldn't think it.

On 2021-07-06 at 5:56 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Boss'll really be happy to see who we caught! Looks like a group from the party, no doubt loaded."

"Loaded with your teeth."

Best insult in the world? No, but she had just went with the first that came out of her head, and that had been this. Though hey, on the bright side, she had basically no time to lament herself over how it had sounded, because they suddenly got themselves some company. Initially, someone she assumed were from the Grey, considering they were technically the law enforcement in this place. But then, she took a closer note of who it were, and her jaw nearly fell to the floor.

On 2021-07-06 at 5:56 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The hoodlums shifted uncomfortably seeing their boss distressed.

Arcade leaned in to talk to Null, "Do you know him? Should we just leave?"

"...Yes."

Null would stagger backwards, as her eyes fell on Basher. She had assumed he'd either be dead, or had entirely been swallowed up by the spawn, or something like that. At least be far, far away from them. Last she saw of him, it didn't seem like he'd just get away. And yet here he were, and intercepting these attackers. Where he going to kill the lot of them? And did they know him too? Because the way the one who were seemingly in charge reacted, it didn't seem like this was the first time he had ever locked eyes with this one. Or at least, he knew Basher by reputation.

Either way, she were so not dealing with this right now, and would scurry away from this, and towards the embassy. Basically running, and if the others fell behind, yapper on that they had to get their rears in motion. They couldn't just throw this distraction aside. Plus, her mind had another thought roaming through it right now, and it were making her feel increasingly paranoid and worried.

If Basher had made it out, had Fheng too?

(Troy)

Void looked worried at Vale. Despite her assurances, she wasn't sure the doe were telling the truth, but... No, no this were silly. She were supposed to show trust to Vale, not suspect her of something. The foals would be fine, and so would she. Long as Molotov did not come here again, but that seemed unlikely. At least for the time being.

"...Well, okay, if you insist. I'll go and see if I can't set up a meeting. They're probably busy, so it's not a bad idea to have it written in early. Remember to wash up after breakfast, and if it takes a long time, there's still leftover pie from yesterday. It should last until I can get another meal made, if you also use leftovers from breakfast."

Vale likely had plans about schooling or something, so she would let her decide on what happened until she got back. She just felt like she had to add the part about food, since well... That was kinda her primary role here, on a day to day basis. Ensuring they got fed. Just as Vale's were to nourish their minds. They did others things too of course, but Void at least considered this the most prominent. Unless someone tried to attack though, in which case, they'd first and foremost, be protectors. And Void were going to break some bones, if anyone tried to lay a hoof on her little darlings.

If there were nothing else, Void would be on her way, with Lacuna riding her neck. Lest something happened on the way to the consul's office, she shouldn't be too long to get there. The trip were honestly rather short. It were just the time to get an appointment she weren't sure about. Or if either Illiad, or Selena were here, how long a meeting would take. Could be hours for all she knew.

Things started to get more complicated once she arrived though, and found that she wasn't the only one eyeing a meeting. So were Molotov, and Ashclaw. The former with his back to her - now with the cape back on, covering his metallic wings - and the latter reacting as she heard the soft clack of Void's false leg hit a rock, and turned to face her. Now that Void had a bit more time to really take her in, there were something oddly familiar about this one actually... She couldn't really place it though. Maybe it was the weird outfit? Or the odd glass lens with the serpentine eye, she saw in front of the griffon's left eye? She were trying to think about it, when Molotov noted how Ashclaw acted, and turned around to see Void there. And boy did a great big smile get right back on his face as he saw her. Now minus her entourage.

"Void? Don't tell me you came looking for me already?"

"Wha- N-No. I uhm... I have other business here. I didn't think you'd be anywhere near this place. What are you doing here?"

Void felt a little flustered, as a small, fleeting blush grazed her cheeks. Molotov looked quite pleased about that, though he'd not address that, as much as just point towards the building.

"Well, short story is that while I came here to look for you, my festive companion's here on behalf of her boss, to have a chatter with the Consul. Important stuff, y'know? And since it went right for the dogs when I went to visit you, we might as well go here, and set up a time. Guessing it could be a few days before he'd even have the time, but eh, we'll see. I got things I can focus on in the meantime.

Say, managed to get that stick outta your friends flank? What was up with that whole thing?"

"...M-Maybe we can talk about that later. Could we just go in, and try and set some appointments, please?"

Ashclaw went in as the first, remaining silent, as she looked around. The lens seemed to glow in front of her eye as she observed things, but otherwise she currently stayed quiet. Molotov however, would wait for Void to go in. Ladies first and all that, yeh?

(Silver Sigma)

"𝔸𝕔𝕔𝕖𝕡𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤. ℝ𝕚𝕤𝕜 𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕛𝕦𝕕𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕪 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕒 𝕔𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕦𝕤 𝕗𝕒𝕣, 𝕡𝕦𝕥𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟 𝕗𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕚𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤. ℍ𝕠𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕝𝕖 𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝕞𝕖𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕔𝕖."

It weren't much, or of many things she had gotten knowledge thus far, but Felicia had a grasp of a few, and the risk assessment there were to be expected in this place. Considering the state everything were in, she would have to assume that something had been triggered to try and contain something of a certain degree of danger in this facility. Something above what she had gotten hold of thus far, as nothing appeared to have been dangerous enough to try and lock down this place, by all means necessary.

If instead something had escaped that had caused all of this, nothing would change much, beyond the odds of it still roaming around here, being somewhat reduced. She'd still need to proceed with caution. After all, even if she had not gotten hold of something that were the top priority to contain here, the procedures had still been intricate, and spoken of a certain degree of expertise, and craven want, to keep everything contained. Also of experimentation, but she only had fractured information, so she couldn't make a full report, nor a full risk assessment. The estimate seemed promising though.

"𝔻𝕖𝕤𝕔𝕣𝕚𝕓𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕖𝕗𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕨𝕒𝕪, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕥𝕠𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦. 𝔹𝕖 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕦𝕝𝕥 𝕚𝕟 𝕒 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕖 𝕒𝕓𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕠𝕟𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟."

As well as potential damage towards Colonel, if he were a program or pony. Potentially an AI of some sort too? She would ask in during her trip through this place, but she were not gullible enough to think that this might not be an entity, that were previously contained here, simply playing an act. If it were, she would be made to act, and he would have only himself to blame for it. She did not intend to let anything escape from this place, lest she found the reason for containment to be lackluster.