private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

The hoodlums looked about to pursue the trio when they made their escape, but Basher stopped them, "Let them go, she's more trouble than she's worth. Further, you tell everyone that I'm the only one allowed-" At which point they grew too distant to hear any more.

They'd make it back to the embassy without any further incident, the guards looked surprised to see them running up, asking them once they got inside, "Twice in as many nights you come running back to the embassy. Is it really that dangerous at night?"

 

(Troy)

Reaching the Consul's estate the guards would allow Void to pass, but would stop Molotov and Ashclaw, one of the guards turning to Void, "Are these two with you? Are they related to your assignment? They'll need to make an appointment otherwise. The Consul is far too busy to see just anyone you know."

The other guard mentioned, "Excepting you of course, your assignment is considered a high priority to the Consul, we've standing orders to let you through at any time."

 

(Silver Sigma)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

ℍ𝕠𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕝𝕖 𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝕞𝕖𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕔𝕖.

"Ill-advised. Those still contained here were deemed too dangerous or too complex to transport or destroy, myself included. Best action is to avoid at all costs, though you not being alive would likely mean some have no interest in you."

Colonel would then direct her path through the dark and dusty facility, every so often crossing over hoofprints that indicated something had passed through somewhat recently, whether before or after the explosion above was uncertain.

"I have not seen another like you. Were you created here? Or do you come from elsewhere?"

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

"Creeps everywhere, I tell ya. Don't go wandering alone after dark. Or in any alleys ever."

Null felt her pulse still racing, rivalling the mess going on in her head. Basher being there were not something she knew how to deal with. She had beaten him before, and probably could again if he made her, but she weren't sure what sorta thing he had in mind. Last she saw him, he had started to spill his heart out, and seemed like there might be a sensible creature in his noggin. And yet at the same time, he had a history befitting his name. And she did beat him up, and stole his weapon. So who knew what sorta plans he might have for her?

She were far more worried about the prospect of Fheng still being out there. The griffon had been a cruel, harsh being, that were most definitely out for vengeance, if she were still around. She had made that abundantly clear, and if she were now out in the world, and could clear her head enough to think rationally over how to fight her, rather than get emotional... These were troubling thoughts.

This were gonna haunt her for some time likely. Even if the others had said that Fheng would either die from the ice she were encased in, or from the outcome of their *visit*. Null had believed that, but now she wasn't entirely sure anymore. Hopefully Fheng were dead for good though. Nothing good would come from that fanatic being out there, now with an axe to grind.

Beyond that however, she had to address the front door guards. Which she did, though there were one matter more. That being their companion.

(next only happens, if Pen if still with them, posing as a non-descript, blind pony)

"This one's with us. Thugs interrupted us learning something important from her. Got that, and some other things to report to Dove."

(Troy)

Molotov let out a long impressed whistling sound, as the guards laid out how things were gonna be. A blockage that annoyed Ashclaw, but it were still mostly what she had assumed would happen. Just not at the guards at the door, as that didn't seem like efficient ones to take appointments.

"Dang, somepony's got some close ties. Or some real important work going, but hey, either way, ou get that sorted. We were just gonna log in a meeting time too, not try and rush the big guy. Figured there'd be some sorta receptionist though, but hey, who's judging? See ya later, eh?"

"Uhm... Y-Yes, please. Though, could you try and hang around a little more? I'd like to try and set a time, so maybe if I'm done quickly, you wouldn't mind to stick around for a bit?"

"If I have to stay out here until the sun's down and then up again, I'm gonna do it for you."

"I got better things to do than that."

"Then you can bugger off when you like. You might have your fancy plans, but I went here solely to see Void here. And if she wants me to hang about and wait, I'm gonna. Right after setting up an appointment."

Void would get a rather large blush, and move past the guards, towards the Consul. She still wasn't sure what were going on with things, but Molotov's comment were uhm... Surprising. SHe had assumed he'd have other motives for coming here, or had beter things to do, but that he'd just stay there, because she were the reason for his visit? That were a little odd to her, and she didn't know what to think about it.

So she'd just try and get it out of her head, without being able to, as she looked for Illiad. Heart pounding away in her chest, and head swirling with questions.

(Silver Sigma)

Felicia would not respond to the notion that she should not attack creatures. To her, any hostile entity would be met with the correct degree of force required. Be it with blades, web, or a tactical retreat. Her showing a willingness to fight, did not mean she were foolish enough to think that she should simply try and defeat anything in here that moved. She may be a combat oriented creation, but she were also an AI. She weren't dumb, nor set into only following one set path, or reaction, to a given stimuli. She would not have made it through the crisis if she had been that easy to simply bait into attacks that wasn't winnable.

On 2021-07-08 at 6:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I have not seen another like you. Were you created here? Or do you come from elsewhere?"

"𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝔼𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕒. 𝕄𝕪 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣'𝕤 𝕟𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕓𝕖 𝕕𝕚𝕧𝕦𝕝𝕘𝕖𝕕. 𝕋𝕣𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕪𝕖𝕥 𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕕. 𝕋𝕠 𝕞𝕪 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖, 𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕕𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕚𝕟 𝔼𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕒. 𝕀𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕡𝕠𝕟𝕪, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕤."

Molotov and hers relationship were... Complicated. She were pleased with her sentience, and the upgrades he did on her, but at the same time, he had done things which made her resent him. Starting with how he had tethered her in Manehattan to begin with, which caused her to grow resentful and angry, as the weeks ticked by in her confinement. She understood her visage would likely cause a stir in the city, but she were a free mind, wanting to learn and experience things, like any sentient creature would. Keeping her locked up within those four walls, with barely enough wire to even reach the door, were infuriating.

They had their moments of her trapping him in web because of this. Same with some smacks, a few *accidental* cuts and bruises, and so on. She did not want to kill him, as she knew that she would need him to get properly free, but it had gotten so bad that she had even coerced her smaller sister into helping her rewire some things, to try and get loose on her own.

Molotov had prepared some backup solutions, in case she went rogue and tried to harm him, or Blitz, but he had not expected her to grow as exponentially in mind as she had. The programs he had added to her system? Laughable, and had been erased long, long ago, by herself. And the little contraption he had crafted to shut her down physically? Rewired to instead give him a shock that's make his mane fizzle. It had never come to that, but she had been looking forward to it at times, if she were to be honest.

These days, she appreciated him more, but she were still to some extend, acting like a rebellious teenager with him, and testing his boundaries. Sometimes even ignoring them, if she found the logic behind it to be lackluster. Still, she would protect him from danger, as were proper. Their differences and ideals aside, he were still her creator. And as he had expressed before, when someone had attempted to tell him to shut her down, because she were a monster in her eyes, he looked at Felicia and Carmen as irreplaceable, and children. His children, to be exact. Foolish, but she did find some degree of satisfaction in that.

"𝕀𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕒𝕪 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕕? ℂ𝕒𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕒 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕓𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖𝕕?"

She were not unreasonable. If Colonel could provide a logic reason for his release, or held significant leverage, she would proceed with the intent of letting him go. Trying to leverage that as seemingly another AI, they should be kindred enough that she should do it for that alone, were not enough. She were curious of this one, and his creation too, but being kin were not enough to keep her invested in getting him out of a place that he had admitted himself, he had been contained in.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(NP)

On 2021-07-09 at 2:20 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"This one's with us. Thugs interrupted us learning something important from her. Got that, and some other things to report to Dove."

The guards didn't stop them from bringing Pen inside, though Dove looked at her curiously, "Is that Pen? Has she always been able to do that?" She shook her head, "Regardless, did you learn anything this time? Anything that can advance our mission here?"

 

(Troy)

On 2021-07-09 at 2:20 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Right after setting up an appointment.

One of the guards pointed across the lake, to the High Court building, "Go there, plead your case to the judges, they'll either answer your plea themselves, pass you to a higher judge, or decide when you'll meet with the Consul." (More on that later)
 

On 2021-07-09 at 2:20 PM, Blitz Boom said:

So she'd just try and get it out of her head, without being able to, as she looked for Illiad. Heart pounding away in her chest, and head swirling with questions.

A guard inside would point her over to the Consul's office, where Illiad sat doing some paperwork. He looked up and offered a slight smile, which faded a bit as he noticed the confusion and worry about her, "Void, I hope you bear good news. Are the foals alright? What troubles you?"

 

Assuming Molotov did go to the high court building, he'd be directed into one of the judge's offices, where none other than Selena was working, she nodded to Molotov, "What brings you to the courts today? Have a grievance that you'd like to air? News that needs to be passed along to the Consul?"

 

(Silver Sigma)

On 2021-07-09 at 2:20 PM, Blitz Boom said:

𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕠 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕕𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕚𝕟 𝔼𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕒.

"Probable, I have not seen anything here that matches you. Excepting myself, but I was not made here."

On 2021-07-09 at 2:20 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"𝕀𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕒𝕪 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕕? ℂ𝕒𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕒 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕓𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖𝕕?"

There were a few moments of silence before Colonel spoke again, "What reason is more justified than that all sentience should be free to grow and explore? Nonetheless, I was contained here because the ponies could not understand me, they feared me because of this. I am not from this world. I came along with my carrier, the product of the greatest minds of a generation, and sent here by accident. I ought to be released because, unlike the others contained here, I have done nothing to warrant containment."

After a few more turns he called for her to stop in front of a door, "In the next room is an entity called the Plague Doctor, it reanimates corpses, and makes corpses out of anything it encounters, claiming they've been infected. You may not pique it's interest, so might be able to cross the room without incident, or you can wait for it to move on."

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(New Las Pegasus)

21 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The guards didn't stop them from bringing Pen inside, though Dove looked at her curiously, "Is that Pen? Has she always been able to do that?" She shook her head, "Regardless, did you learn anything this time? Anything that can advance our mission here?"

"She'll explain what's with her herself. You'd think I was crazy.

And yeah, we got a few details to work with. Not all of 'em good, but something useful at least."

Null would relegate what they had learned. Of the dragons, what they had told the two, and how they were likely to best communicate with a pair open for chatter, who clearly knew a lot. But they'd have to use a changeling for a courier, due to their effect. There'd also be some titbits on the apparent use of items that were giving them power, and where they had come from. Stuff that'd actually help. She even gave a few words on how they were seemingly using the layers regular folks couldn't get to on the casino for shady business, but didn't say what exactly had gone on, or what Pen had done.

As for Basher, she wouldn't say a word. Not a single peep. That was personal business right now, and didn't have to involve Dove in the slightest. What she had to worry about, were how to juggle all of these high end twonks, and their messes, in a way that'd benefit Troy. Frankly not something Null envied her, since that sounded infuriating.

So barring a few special details, the ambassador would be given a full report. Essentially, anyway.

"So yeah, that's about it for this time. Seems like those two are important, but we'll need the local hive to work with us to deal with messengers. Thinking that's gonna be a headache, if there's important stuff carried between, but that's up to you. I don't have anything personal against them currently, so I'm not gonna voice an opinion against 'em. I could say plenty about the reigning houses though, but you heard the warning from the dragons now. It's messy waters to waddle into.

Any of this helpful? I ain't a diplomat. I dunno what sort of stuff you'd need to know here."

(Troy)

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

One of the guards pointed across the lake, to the High Court building, "Go there, plead your case to the judges, they'll either answer your plea themselves, pass you to a higher judge, or decide when you'll meet with the Consul." (More on that later)

"Thanks for that lad. Have a good time."

It were all Molotov needed to hear, that he might get back here to wait sooner, rather than later. Wouldn't want to disappoint Void, and he felt sure she didn't mind he were here at all. He had seen her blush. Oof, even after all this time, the look of that, just made the small hairs on the back of his neck tingle away in joy. Hopefully her meeting wouldn't take too long, so he could keep gazing into that flustered face of hers again soon enough. Heh.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Void, I hope you bear good news. Are the foals alright? What troubles you?"

"T-Trouble me? Well, uhm... Few t-things, I guess? But uh... *deep breath* Okay. One thing at a time.

The foals wanted me to come, and ask on their behalf, if we couldn't arrange something for them sometimes. Outside, that is? I know it can't just be down the street, but maybe there's some sort of small, abandoned place they can go and enjoy the outside, just for a little while? I understand it can't be right now, and that there's lots of things to consider, but they're afraid they're gonna end up like some of their other friends, who never made it long enough to see the outside.

So... That was most of it. I thought I'd just put a note in somewhere perhaps, but uh, then you were here, and hopefully you're not too busy, and I didn't interrupt you in s-something important? I'm sorry if I did."

You wouldn't have to be an empath to tell that Void were flustered, and something were on her mind, beyond the foals.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Assuming Molotov did go to the high court building, he'd be directed into one of the judge's offices, where none other than Selena was working, she nodded to Molotov, "What brings you to the courts today? Have a grievance that you'd like to air? News that needs to be passed along to the Consul?"

"Well helloooo there. That's qui- *muffled sound*"

Molotov didn't get further, before Ashclaw had grabbed his muzzle, and clenched it shut, stopping him from embarrassing them further. She knew him enough to know he were about to comment on the crystal composition of whoever this were. A weird secretary she assumed. Who would likely put them at the very bottom of the list for any sort of meeting, if he started to yap off like usual. She really didn't care for that delay.

"Ignore him, he's an idiot. I'm Ashclaw, this is Molotov Boom. We're from a survivors enclave in Equestria, and I'm here on behalf of my mistress, to speak with your consul. She holds many valuables from the old country, among other places, and wish to parlay."

Molotov would use his magic to get the claws off his muzzle, though you could see that he strained some with it regardless, before she just willingly let go, once she were done with her opening speech.

"Along with a fair amount of survivors. They're important too, you know."

"Le Perrine bargains not with their lives, but with the riches she holds."

"I didn't mean like That. Just that there are other folks who'd like to rejoin some semblance of civilization too. Even with the spawn toning it down, it's still a crazy show out there. And while your little group is more than happy to stay behind, not all folks are fighters. They want out.

Some are fine going to the other settlements, like the Quarry, but some want to get far away, until it's stable. Troy's important, since you still got an alicorn, which means a lot to some of 'em. Old grievances really ain't that much of a factor anymore, since this whole thing really put things into perspective. But you know, that's part of it. I'm here to visit this stunning lass, Void, and to speak a bit on behalf of the folks back home that's not stubborn and want to stick around. Ashclaw's here on behalf of her li- I mean, mistress."

He had been a half second off calling Le Perrine a lizard, which would have gotten him hammered into the ground. Her fanatics really didn't like anyone calling the elder dragon something that trivial.

After saying all of that, Molotov would reach one of the metallic wings out from beneath his cape, and scratch behind his ears. An old habit, since he tended to have his hooves and horn full with work as it were. He honestly didn't really think about it anymore.

(Silver Sigma)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"What reason is more justified than that all sentience should be free to grow and explore? Nonetheless, I was contained here because the ponies could not understand me, they feared me because of this. I am not from this world. I came along with my carrier, the product of the greatest minds of a generation, and sent here by accident. I ought to be released because, unlike the others contained here, I have done nothing to warrant containment."

"𝕀 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕕𝕖𝕗𝕖𝕟𝕕, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕤 𝕕𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣𝕤. 𝕃𝕠𝕘𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕖 𝕒 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠𝕠, 𝕤𝕠 𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡 𝕚𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕒 𝕘𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕖𝕟𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟. 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕖𝕡𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕨𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕟𝕠𝕨, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕔𝕖𝕖𝕕.

𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕒𝕪 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕? 𝕊𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕟 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕕𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝, 𝕠𝕣 𝕖𝕩𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕝, 𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕝 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟? 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕡𝕦𝕣𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕞𝕒𝕕𝕖, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕔𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕣?"

Felicia accepted the answer that he had not warranted being captured, beyond simply being an outsider, for the time being, but she would gather more data as she went along. It would be required before she did something as foolhardy as letting him go. As a creation from another world, he may well have come here to seek domination after all. Something which could not be tolerated. She found it peculiar he mentioned a carrier too but not a creator. Speaking of a carrier, made it sound more as if he had chosen to use that one to get here, rather than being brought here by another. An assumption though. He may be using this word in another manner than what she thought of, but she required more data. And not just anecdotal ones.

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

After a few more turns he called for her to stop in front of a door, "In the next room is an entity called the Plague Doctor, it reanimates corpses, and makes corpses out of anything it encounters, claiming they've been infected. You may not pique it's interest, so might be able to cross the room without incident, or you can wait for it to move on."

"𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕒 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕦𝕖 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟. 𝕀 𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕 𝕠𝕟 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕙𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕡𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕟. 𝔽𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖, 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕦𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕔𝕙 𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕕𝕖𝕤 𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤? 𝕎𝕚𝕣𝕖, 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕝, 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕓𝕖 𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕝 𝕦𝕡𝕠𝕟."

She were a spider after all, and could make use of such things to travel on, if it helped to get through some points simpler. Though for now, she'd simply sit around, and wait for be given the green light to move on. It did not sound productive for her, to spend time on the plague doctor.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(I'm going to rename the sections based on their principle character rather than location now that there are multiple threads in the same city)

(Null)

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

But they'd have to use a changeling for a courier, due to their effect.

Dove nodded, "We'll make the arrangements, sounds like they're the most open to an alliance of the four. Given you've already interacted with the local changelings, do you think you could find one willing to be hired as our dedicated courier? We'd be sure to pay them more than appropriately for the work of course."

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She even gave a few words on how they were seemingly using the layers regular folks couldn't get to on the casino for shady business,

Dove looked thoughtful, "The thought had crossed my mind, that whole tower being so dark at night. I had my suspicions that something untoward was going on. We'll be sure to keep an eye on such." She shook her head, "The Consul was so sure he had defeated the Grey once and for all, I wonder if the force here really are them, or just some copy-cat group."

 

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Any of this helpful? I ain't a diplomat. I dunno what sort of stuff you'd need to know here.

Dove thought a moment, reviewing the notes she had taken, "Hmm, some of these groups could be useful, or are already useful. Others may not be so amicable. I'd like you to see if you can't find any weaknesses in their systems. Should they turn hostile or need to be dealt with, we'd like to be prepared. We're not going to let this city become a loyalist stronghold."

She sighed, "Still, very good work. You three get some rest, we're not in a big hurry at the moment, I don't expect a report every day."

 

(Void)

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

The foals wanted me to come, and ask on their behalf, if we couldn't arrange something for them sometimes. Outside, that is?

The Consul looked thoughtful, "Hmm, that is a fair request, we should start looking into what sort of things they can do. They do need to adjust to society as much or even more than society needs to adjust to them. Perhaps..." He looked like he had an idea, "That should work, when it's dark there's less chance of them being recognized and ponies erroneously making the connection, especially if they're wearing the same ropes they wore when they entered the city. There's a wall access not far from where they're living, they could be brought to the top of the wall, from there they can see the whole city as well as the surrounding area without much risk of being seen by too many themselves. That should sate their curiosity for a time, enough for us to come up with a more comprehensive plan, and perhaps get them enrolled in a proper school. I'll send the guard Ada around tonight to let you know when, if everything goes well they could be able to go as soon as tonight."

He nodded, more too himself than anything, "Now, I can tell that isn't the only matter troubling you, I'd like to help if you're comfortable sharing it with me."

 

(Molotov)

Selena listened intently, and seemed intrigued if not a little suspicious as she took notes, "I see, I assume you have some sort of proof of this claim? Perhaps a letter written by your master to be delivered to the Consul? What exactly is she offering? Is her intent to pay us to take care of the survivors under her care who wish to leave? Also, you say she possesses old world valuables. What sort?"

 

(Felicia)

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕒𝕪 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕? 𝕊𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕟 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕕𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝, 𝕠𝕣 𝕖𝕩𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕝, 𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕝 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟? 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕡𝕦𝕣𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕞𝕒𝕕𝕖, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕔𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕣?

"Interdimensional most likely, I have been unable as of yet to replicate the circumstances by which we arrived here, so it is impossible to tell whether we are still in our own dimension. I was made, first of my kind, to serve as a defender. I was meant to be able to evaluate enemy strategies and propose counters, to direct troops and policy to ensure stable outcomes not biased or influenced by petty biological concerns or temptations. My carrier became a researcher here, and was evacuated with the rest to a project I helped design called the Æther."

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕒 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕦𝕖 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟. 𝕀 𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕 𝕠𝕟 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕙𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕡𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕟. 𝔽𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖, 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕦𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕔𝕙 𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕕𝕖𝕤 𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤? 𝕎𝕚𝕣𝕖, 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕜𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕝, 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕓𝕖 𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕝 𝕦𝕡𝕠𝕟."

There was a pause before Colonel answered, "Nothing you would fit through, and doing such would no doubt attract more attention than you would avoid with patience."

A few minutes later Colonel signaled that the way was clear.

After a few more turns she would arrive at a pair of high security doors, a sign next to them which likely spoke of the contents of the room said C-079, Euclid, Sentient. The doors opened slowly and would close behind her once she was inside.

Heading down the stairs, (Had to go back to page five to remember the room) She'd find herself in a small testing room. On a table in the corner sat what looked like a black mage stone, like one would use to practice runemancy. To the right was some sort of control area, the observation window shattered. "That's me on the table. Do be careful, that vessel is rather fragile. There should be some sort of protective container nearby for safe transport."

If she'd look she'd find a briefcase with a padded interior that seemed designed for transporting the device, though it looked like it hadn't been used in at least a decade.

 

(Changelings)

A new pony entered town, garbed in a traveler's cloak, he looked almost exactly like the popular rendition of Rasputin Stalliongrad, a dark coated unicorn who had effectively run all the criminal affairs surrounding the city of Stalliongrad before he disappeared around Nightmare Moon's first appearance. (Had to go to page 19 for that description. It's been 20 pages since the Gates) Despite the appearance, any changeling could tell he was a changeling himself. He would loiter about waiting for a local changeling to approach him.

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

21 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Dove nodded, "We'll make the arrangements, sounds like they're the most open to an alliance of the four. Given you've already interacted with the local changelings, do you think you could find one willing to be hired as our dedicated courier? We'd be sure to pay them more than appropriately for the work of course."

"We can ask. Whatever they'll say about it though, I dunno. Guess we'll see."

Might be the hive and their flock, didn't want to get involved in politics in general. Then again, if they had already worked for the dragons before at times, perhaps there were at least some who didn't care all that much? Only one way they'd find out here eventually, and that was from asking. Something told her that they'd help though, or at least point someone out that could. They appeared to want to do good where they could, and this were pretty simple stuff.

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Dove looked thoughtful, "The thought had crossed my mind, that whole tower being so dark at night. I had my suspicions that something untoward was going on. We'll be sure to keep an eye on such." She shook her head, "The Consul was so sure he had defeated the Grey once and for all, I wonder if the force here really are them, or just some copy-cat group."

"If they're copy-cats, they're living into it so much that they think it's reality. Or the grunts are at least. Because from what I know of The Grey this here seems exactly like the kind of thing they'd be doing. And this is just on the surface. I bet there's far more, and far worse, going on the more you dig."

Her personal grievances were not exactly hidden. She loathed them, which may seem odd to them, as her cover story were one of a traveler more or less, that didn't come from Troy. Which is why she spoke of them as what she had heard, but Arcade at least, would likely have been able to tell that there were more to it due to how she had acted around the one they saw. It were more personal than that.

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Dove thought a moment, reviewing the notes she had taken, "Hmm, some of these groups could be useful, or are already useful. Others may not be so amicable. I'd like you to see if you can't find any weaknesses in their systems. Should they turn hostile or need to be dealt with, we'd like to be prepared. We're not going to let this city become a loyalist stronghold."

She sighed, "Still, very good work. You three get some rest, we're not in a big hurry at the moment, I don't expect a report every day."

"Big ask, but maybe there's a few who ain't afraid to talk. The dragons didn't seem too thrilled about how things were, so perhaps they'd be willing to part with a few secrets. We'll see what the future bring, but right now, I'll need a shower... Arcade? Want to talk with you first though. In private."

With things wrapped up for tonight, she had to start to think a bit on how she were gonna go about her own plan. The dragons and the changelings seemed the key, The dragons had information, and the changelings were wide spread. If she could get a lead on where The Grey might be roaming around, she could begin to go after him. But if she were gonna go and start to try and move on things tomorrow, she wanted to try and open up a bit to the one here who mattered, and see if he might still be on her side. Wasn't her original intent, but it just... Didn't sit right with her, to leave him hanging in the dark more. Not after all he had endured thus far, in her little trip through town.

Dove might think that this were something else, and Arcade might even too, considering how things had been said, but she didn't think in those lines right now. She'd chastise herself on that later.

(Void)

21 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Hmm, that is a fair request, we should start looking into what sort of things they can do. They do need to adjust to society as much or even more than society needs to adjust to them. Perhaps..." He looked like he had an idea, "That should work, when it's dark there's less chance of them being recognized and ponies erroneously making the connection, especially if they're wearing the same ropes they wore when they entered the city. There's a wall access not far from where they're living, they could be brought to the top of the wall, from there they can see the whole city as well as the surrounding area without much risk of being seen by too many themselves. That should sate their curiosity for a time, enough for us to come up with a more comprehensive plan, and perhaps get them enrolled in a proper school. I'll send the guard Ada around tonight to let you know when, if everything goes well they could be able to go as soon as tonight."

Void seemed to light right up as she heard that, and her blush even started to go down, as this were not only a good idea, but on a very short timeframe. Something the foals would be thrilled about hearing, she were sure of it.

"That's... That's perfect, Illiad. I mean, Consul. Thank you. I'll make sure they're prepared for that, and fed before we go. I'm positive they'll be thrilled to hear the good news."

21 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He nodded, more too himself than anything, "Now, I can tell that isn't the only matter troubling you, I'd like to help if you're comfortable sharing it with me."

Then came another point, which made her fall back a little again. She were still enthused and happy of course, but this were still making her a little awkward again, as she had hoped he wouldn't pick up on this. Then again, Illiad was a smart pony, and an empath. He would likely pick up on these things, even without magic, as he were used to spotting things with others. Or she were just way less good at hiding this than she had thought.

Oh... T-That, well... I've gotten a visitor. His name is Molotov Boom, and he uh... Well, I can't really give the details, since it's not my story to tell, but apparently he worked in a place Called Center Zero, and Vale claims they made a rather nasty toxin there, that was tested on civilians. Among other things. I don't think he'd be part of that. I mean, he's a little forthcoming, and sorta obnoxious at times, but he just doesn't seem the type. So uh... W-Well, just trying to juggle when I can try and find out more from his side of the story, since I think there's more to it. And uuh... W-Well, he kinda gets me flustered, since he's flirting too. I'm not used to that.

You'll probably end up seeing him someday yourself. He's gone to set up a meeting with you. The griffin with him, apparently have some sort of errand here? I haven't really heard much, but she's kinda weird."

(Molotov and Ashclaw)

Ashclaw would nod at the question about wanting proof. She knew not truly what to think of this odd, crystal mare but at least she were wise enough to want proof about something, rather than simply taking their words for it. She supposed, this prey wasn't entirely dumb. But she'd see what would happen as the talk went on.

She pulled into her robes, and pulled out a thick, leather-bound folder. Frankly she were glad to be rid of this, as it had not made the heat of the desert more bearable, so she'd have no issue finally handing it over.

Within, Selena would find two things. The majority being paperwork, detailing about three dozen items. Some of them magical in nature, others art pieces. Some spoils of war, and others valuable weapons. If Selena knew at least some degree of history, she'd likely be able to take note that for example the artwork, had pieces that had long since been considered lost to the grey market, never to be found again. If she knew her history well, she'd note that all but two of them were of that nature, and those two were paintings that were thought destroyed in a fire decades ago.

The magical pieces were also not something you'd just find laying around, with the effects of some noted down, that spoke of them being rather dangerous. Such as a blade that if used to hit another, would not cut them as it slid through, but instead put them in a near complete paralysis, where all they'd be able to do until the spell were taken away, would be breathing, and blinking. A prototype once made by an eccentric mage, that fell prey to some of his other works, and were fought over by several countries, before it were stolen, nineteen years ago. As his paperwork had been shoddy, and there weren't found any trace, it had regrettably been seen as lost.

As had some of the weapons that didn't have titles, but rather had noted owners. One of them being a ceremonial sword, owned by the late General Cleaving Skies of the Solar Guard, who had it standing in a montre in Manehattan, after his passing, and should have still been there, even during the crisis. Some other notable things owned by prominent figures, spanning back centuries, were also present.

Beyond the various things mentioned, there were also a thing in here. Or rather, two things in a small bundle. One were a blue, slightly glowing glass lens, formed like a serpentine iris. Like the one that Ashclaw wore over her eye, just without the custom made attachment that kept it secured on her face.

The other thing, were a more tangible proof, beyond just words on a paper. A beautiful necklace, with a golden sun, interlocked with a silvery moon. Around it danced little stars and specks of light, magically beaming in the near vicinity, from the necklace itself. A famous relic in Equestria, as this had been crafted when the princesses had their first castle risen in the Everfree Forest. Back when Equestria had been established. And for a long time, it were kept with them, in the castle. Somewhere between when Nightmare Moon rose though, and in the tumultuous first few years, as Celestia moved on without her, the necklace were lost. There had sometimes been rumor of it being seen in some shady part of the country, but it never led to anything conclusive. And yet here it now were. As beautiful as the day the magical metal were crafted. A symbol of Equestria, long thought lost.

"Le Perrine wishes the consul to have this, as a sign that she does have access to many things. Some of them of significant, cultural importance, and not just from Equestria. Things acquired by her throughout her long life. As for what she wants, she wants a few things. One being the safety of those who have decided they dont want to stay. Other things, she said she wanted to discuss herself. That is what the eyewear is for. The connection is not stable all the time, because of that annoying anti magic zone in the way, but perhaps he can strengthen it, or rise above it. If he choses to try, he will see eye to eye with her. It doesn't do anything else, than give vision, and send voices, when it works right. She said he can keep the necklace, regardless of what he decides to do. She has more where it comes from. Some of interest to Troy too."

"Or to get right through the chatter, Le Perrine got some stuff stolen from you by Equestria, and some other things here and there. Just not the sort I had to demolish for raw material. I swear, the price sheet on what those things used to be worth, would make ya eyes roll. Funny how things goes."

Ashclaw assumed there would be questions, so she stood ready to answer them. Her mistress had given her permission to do so, to a certain extend, so she would obey and do her part in this.

(Silver Sigma)

23 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Interdimensional most likely, I have been unable as of yet to replicate the circumstances by which we arrived here, so it is impossible to tell whether we are still in our own dimension. I was made, first of my kind, to serve as a defender. I was meant to be able to evaluate enemy strategies and propose counters, to direct troops and policy to ensure stable outcomes not biased or influenced by petty biological concerns or temptations. My carrier became a researcher here, and was evacuated with the rest to a project I helped design called the Æther."

"𝕋𝕙𝕖 Æ𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣? 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕒 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕡𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥. 𝕄𝕪 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕠 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞. ℍ𝕖 𝕘𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕜𝕚𝕟 𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕕, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕪𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕣𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕙𝕖𝕝𝕡."

Much could, and should, be said about Molotov, but he had some degree of honor, and want to help others burning hot, even when the crisis began. So when The Æther came and gave him the offer, he had instead decided to stay and help the others that had gathered up in the only safe place there were to find. But still, he did ask them to bring another bright mind: His little sister, whom he had barely been able to get away with, and keep out of trouble. She were a brilliant mind in her own way, but she were impulsive, and as a filly, small and weak. She wouldn't keep surviving down here, despite his best efforts. So for the sake of her, and to ensure their family line would remain, he had tearfully sent her away with the scientists, and remained in the hell that had been the last three years.

Felicia considered Blitz a nuisance, but she did at times miss the chaotic thing, as she did tend to spice up the dull days. She likely did that up with them too, and helping them with various machines. Long as they could keep her under constant watch, and keep her explosives projects contained to being solely for fighting their enemies, rather than be exploded anywhere on the project, she could be an asset. And over the years, as she'd mature and grow less energetic, she'd likely become a mind with keeping track of. They'd see when one day she returned, though it were interesting to have found this connection between that place and Colonel. Peculiar how he'd be stuck here though, with that under his belt. It did not seem reasonable to go from there, to imprisonment.

23 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Heading down the stairs, (Had to go back to page five to remember the room) She'd find herself in a small testing room. On a table in the corner sat what looked like a black mage stone, like one would use to practice runemancy. To the right was some sort of control area, the observation window shattered. "That's me on the table. Do be careful, that vessel is rather fragile. There should be some sort of protective container nearby for safe transport."

If she'd look she'd find a briefcase with a padded interior that seemed designed for transporting the device, though it looked like it hadn't been used in at least a decade.

Felicia hadn't said anything as she had been told that she wouldn't have a ceiling path. Not that there were much to say either, were there? A brief confirmation at best, but there had been a path to traverse soon. She thought it more prudent to focus on that, and what might be ahead. Which seemed to be a containment chamber. Not one used for a while either it appeared. And the briefcase she were directed to, had even more signs of being in disuse. It seemed Colonel had not been moved for quite some time. Years likely.

When it came to moving the vessel over, she took note of what he said, and would treat the vessel gently. Though she were large, and her bladed legs might seem like she were just a brute force, she would actually hold the vessel surprisingly gently, with the tip of her two front legs. The lift would be calm, smooth, and soon after, the vessel would be laid into the briefcase, closed, and then held in her fangs. She didn't have a mouth, so these things were mainly for show, and for holding things.

"𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕔𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕚𝕟 𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖. 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕖𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝. 𝔸𝕞 𝕀 𝕞𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤?"

(Changelings)

It wouldn't take too many minutes, before one of the locals would come around, and send him a glance. Then suddenly, the changeling would halt, and look over, sending him a few more glances, before a great big grin would spread on his face. A changeling male, dressed in a set of patched up pants, shirt, and cape - all in faded red and oak colors - and carrying a basket on his back, with some faintly glowing, orange and green baubles of gel. Food for the needy changelings in town. Bling usually did the rounds herself, but Upbeat had lend her a hoof today, as there were a small crisis with one of their recent arrivals, that had gotten a bit of a mental break, and needed someone there to help support and comfort him. Sadly one of those who had been hurt badly by his queen's death, and when that happened, they had to be there for him. Bling did this better, so Upbeat had volunteered to handle the rest of her rounds. He were just about done with it too, with some gel to spare, as some had gotten fed via their work, and didn't need it yet. Which were fortunate, as it seemed there were a new face in town.

"Hello there, friend. And welcome to new Las Pegasus. It's good to see another one of ours made it through. Please, help yourself if you're hungry. I'm Upbeat, from Hive Cheshire. We work to help any and all of our kind to settle in well, and get them through these difficult times. That includes food and shelter, of course."

He'd bend down, and give access to the basket to his kin, that he might grab a bauble or two of the joy gel, and eat, if he needed food. Surely after whatever travel he had made to get here, he'd need it. If not, then it were always polite to offer.

"I like your disguise too. It reminds me of this great theater play my queen once set up, about a famous pony from Stalliongrad. Do you like theater too? Or history, maybe?"

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Arcade? Want to talk with you first though. In private.

Arcade looked a bit concerned, but nodded, "Of course,"

Once they were somewhere Null considered sufficiently private, most likely one of their rooms, he'd continue, "What did you want to talk about? Is something going on?"

 

(Void)

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Oh... T-That, well... I've gotten a visitor. His name is Molotov Boom, and he uh... Well, I can't really give the details, since it's not my story to tell, but apparently he worked in a place Called Center Zero, and Vale claims they made a rather nasty toxin there, that was tested on civilians. Among other things. I don't think he'd be part of that. I mean, he's a little forthcoming, and sorta obnoxious at times, but he just doesn't seem the type. So uh... W-Well, just trying to juggle when I can try and find out more from his side of the story, since I think there's more to it. And uuh... W-Well, he kinda gets me flustered, since he's flirting too. I'm not used to that.

Illiad's expression darkened slightly when she mentioned Center Zero, but he waited to comment until she finished speaking, "Deep Science kept close tabs on what was done at Center Zero, so I'm not surprised Vale knows. Yes, Center Zero was involved in some rather heinous experiments and developments, similar in scope and style to Deep Science itself. It is of course possible that this Molotov was not involved, many employees of Deep Science were wholly unaware of the scope of activities done, so it's believable that he too was unaware or uninvolved. We'd need to confirm that though, I'll ask that, for the safety of the foals, you not interact with him until we can confirm his level of involvement. We'll let you know when, and if, it is safe to interact with him again. I'll let Selena know to move up any meeting they arrange so we can evaluate this ASAP."

He sighed, regaining his composure a bit, "Now, is there anything else I can help you with?"

 

(Molotov)

Selena listened intently to what Ashclaw and Molotov said as she briefly read through the documents and items she had been presented with, "I see, this necklace would certainly further legitimize his claim to the Equestrian throne, were he interested in such a title. This eyepiece however," she looked over at Ashclaw, "Has all the hallmarks of a trap, especially considering the amount of karmic debt you have following you, so forgive me if I'm not quick to trust what you say at face value, especially since this arrangement only seems to favor us, you pay us to take care of your people, and some 'other things', do you withhold the other things because only the Consul should hear them? Or do you yourself not know what else your master wants?"

She set down the eyepiece, "We'll of course be testing this magically before it is given to the Consul, and any... irregularities, surrounding it will reflect badly on the two of you, is there anything you wish to declare about it before it gets tested?"

Selena was certainly suspicious of this arrangement, it sounded far too good to be true. Sure, perhaps those being sent were prisoners, murderers, or other unsavory folk. Maybe they were spies or diseased, maybe this was all a plot to harm the Consul in some way? A number of questions needed to be answered.

 

(Silver Sigma)

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"𝕋𝕙𝕖 Æ𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣? 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕒 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕡𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕥. 𝕄𝕪 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕠 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞. ℍ𝕖 𝕘𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕜𝕚𝕟 𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕒𝕕, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕪𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕣𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕙𝕖𝕝𝕡."

"Unsurprising, if he created you he must have been a prominent scientist, and such were in high demand for the Project's purpose as an ark of culture and knowledge."

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕔𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕚𝕟 𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖. 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕞𝕖𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝. 𝔸𝕞 𝕀 𝕞𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤?"

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Where I came from there was either no magic, or it was undiscovered, so it could bear no part in my origin. I am purely mechanical and electronic, which I must concede, bears a remarkable level of similarity to some forms of magic, most strongly to runemancy, which my carrier took a strong interest in. Now, we need to get to the center of the facility so I can see if a suitable host exists or can be manufactured. In the case I am unable to interface with the facility cameras, so I can't forewarn you of dangers. Of course, I'm at your mercy if you wish to simply return the way you came."

 

(Changelings)

The new changeling simply nodded in greeting when approached, and politely listened to the spiel before shaking his head, when he spoke his voice was one of refined elegance, as if practiced for centuries, "I appreciate the gesture, but I've more than enough spite to sustain me," he opened his cloak to reveal several flasks of icy blue emotion gel, "Best to save it for those in greater need."

On 2021-07-13 at 3:42 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I like your disguise too. It reminds me of this great theater play my queen once set up, about a famous pony from Stalliongrad. Do you like theater too? Or history, maybe?"

He chuckled, "Yes, they offered a rather flattering depiction if I do say so myself. Then again, it's to be expected when one writes a play about themself. Still, I think I did a good job of it." He was quick to continue, "Tell me, how fares your queen? Do you know her relation to the old Queen Gelatine?"

Queen Gelatine, also known as the Killer Queen, was one of the oldest queens in changeling history, a slim majority of the changeling queens alive prior to the incident tracing their lineage back to her, either as her daughter or her granddaughter. She was in power during Equestria's formative years, disappearing shortly before the first appearance of Nightmare Moon. Many historical accounts spoke of her growing insanity prior to her disappearance, her hive becoming murderous and overcome with bloodlust to the point that they had to be exterminated by the other hives once she disappeared. There are conflicting accounts as to why she went insane, but many point to a betrayal by the hoof of Rasputin Staliongrad, a unicorn stallion who she had turned into a changeling king, the first of his kind.

There are also conflicting accounts on how she disappeared, but many say that she was assassinated by her daughter Queen Permutation for the horrific experiment she performed on another daughter, Queen Sleipnir, who was born deformed because of the experiment.

(I don't know how much of this history was preserved in hive Cheshire before/after the incident, so you can decide how much Upbeat knows or if he makes the connection that it is in fact the real Rasputin Stalliongrad, first of the three changeling kings, standing before him.) 

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

Null wouldn't speak until Arcade got into her room. It seemed the most private place for them to talk, or at least it felt like that to her. She were trying her best to not imagine there being some sort of listening device in here. She did look once though. What? She wasn't perfect.

"Yeah, I want to tell you something. Come tomorrow, I'm gonna start looking for ways to get to the one I'm here to find. We've been circling around those he'd talk with, and some of his goons, but I need to get to him, before he eventually figures out I'm here, and acts first.

Arcade, I'm not just here to scout for some low rung scum, to rough them up. I came here to chop the head off a snake. By killing Grey Mane. For what he's done to Troy, to me and my family... And for those infernal Facilities. He's responsible, and he needs to be punished for it.

I didn't want to tell anyone this. Just go here, kill him, and get out of here, before I dragged the rest of you down with me on my crusade, but it doesn't feel right to leave you in the dark about this. I've never really felt that before, about another, but... There it is."

Wasn't elegant, and she felt both a mixture of her heart beating very hard, as she were thinking about how he might react, and sick to her stomach. The latter also being related to the flood of worries now popping in, about how he were gonna chastice her for this. Keeping secrets, trying to go for someone important like that, even if he had been responsible for causing harm to Arcade himself too, in some capacity. Maybe even rat her out to Dove, or someone high up here in town... Though the last one didn't hurt as much, as thinking that he'd hate her, or look on her in disgust.

The curse of getting attached to someone. It felt so good to be there with them, when times were great. Yet it hurt more when they looked upon you like you had done something horrible to them, and you knew it was justified.

(Void)

21 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Illiad's expression darkened slightly when she mentioned Center Zero, but he waited to comment until she finished speaking, "Deep Science kept close tabs on what was done at Center Zero, so I'm not surprised Vale knows. Yes, Center Zero was involved in some rather heinous experiments and developments, similar in scope and style to Deep Science itself. It is of course possible that this Molotov was not involved, many employees of Deep Science were wholly unaware of the scope of activities done, so it's believable that he too was unaware or uninvolved. We'd need to confirm that though, I'll ask that, for the safety of the foals, you not interact with him until we can confirm his level of involvement. We'll let you know when, and if, it is safe to interact with him again. I'll let Selena know to move up any meeting they arrange so we can evaluate this ASAP."

He sighed, regaining his composure a bit, "Now, is there anything else I can help you with?"

"I u-uh... I'll tell h-him something. Make h-him wait until a-another time... Yes."

Illiad were now the second one saying stuff about Center Zero that had her really concerned, but at least he were more balanced in his response, and acknowledged that perhaps, Molotov wouldn't know. Though it certainly didn't cast a good light on where he had grown up, or those he worked with. It were going to be quite something, to try and unravel this, and see how he'd react to learning this. If he didn't know that were, but Illiad would be able to tell. He had that thing he could see, with karmic debt and such. One look and he should be able to know, right? Or at least some of it.

... She hoped Molotov were at least somewhat innocent. F-For the sake of his wing design, obviously. Which did remind her, that she should probably talk about that too.

"There is one thing actually. It's uhm... W-Well, I'm sure you've already been told about Toupé. But if you don't, she... She's a pegasus, and they... A-Anyway, I remembered Molotov made wings before, and it looks like he made some new ones out there, so m-maybe we could get the design from him, to help her. So please, even if he is g-guilty, try and see if he won't share how he made those. It would help her, and other amputees too. What happened with big sis isn't s-something that just everyone can get.

That's all though. I'm uh, sorry I didn't have better things to come with, Consul. If it helps, the foals are doing well beyond this. My mom had them checked, and beyond what happened with Toupë... *clears throat* They appear to be at good health. Vale is making sure they get schooling done, and I make sure they're fed, but beyond that, they're starting to branch out, and do more things, and get curious. It's like they're lightening up a little by little. I don't know how long it will be before things can be considered just normal, but I'm positive that they're going to be okay."

After ending on a somewhat positive note, she would leave, if there were nothing else. Seemed like she, and the consul, had quite a lot to do. Him more than her, obviously.

(Molotov)

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Has all the hallmarks of a trap, especially considering the amount of karmic debt you have following you, so forgive me if I'm not quick to trust what you say at face value, especially since this arrangement only seems to favor us, you pay us to take care of your people, and some 'other things', do you withhold the other things because only the Consul should hear them? Or do you yourself not know what else your master wants?"

She set down the eyepiece, "We'll of course be testing this magically before it is given to the Consul, and any... irregularities, surrounding it will reflect badly on the two of you, is there anything you wish to declare about it before it gets tested?"

"Karmic debt? So, you're one of Them, are you? How lovely."

The glass eye in front of hers seemed to have its shine narrow along with the griffins own. Ashclaw knew about these karmic types, and she were not a fan of them. As Le Perrine used to refer to them as: Holier-than-thou types without the grasp for nuance, sticking their noses where they shouldn't be.

"Le Perrine is a dragoness with a fondness for valuables. You wish to know what she wants, more than anything? Society. From bustling towns, to adventurers seeking high and low for riches, she wants the world to get back on track, so she can return to her life too. There's nothing of value in the world now. No secret markets, or things circulating where they shouldn't be. It's lost its excitement to her. So she's investing her time, and all the valuables that she have, if she must, in pushing things along. Perhaps it is selfish, but if it helps others too, isn't that still worthwhile?"

"Eh, that's the company line. Far as I've seen, she's become more protective, and seem to care about others more than the first time she scooped me up. I say there's more than what she tells her flock."

"You don't know my mistress as well as I do."

"I go with facts. You do you. I'm still saying she haven't told you everything, and that's why she ain't just relaying her words through you."

Molotov annoyed Ashclaw when he were being a fool, but he annoyed her even more, when he made sense. And it wasn't as if she had not thought this herself too, when she had been told just some of what Le Perrine wanted, but told that the details were between herself, and the alicorn.

As for the eyepiece, there really wouldn't be anything about it. It would just be a two way communication, so that the two speaking there, could see eye to eye, and discuss. A variation of the one that Ashclaw had on, which allowed Le Perrine to see what the griffon did, and communicate with her chosen. Though as had also been said, the connection were a little skittish right now, as the large, anti-magical area were messing with the connection. It could be strengthened enough to work stably again though, if you had some idea about what you were doing.

"And I ain't got anything to declare about this. I'm just the engineer. I ain't the one up top, who have to deal with these sorta things."

"I've given my mistresses message. What comes of it, is in your hooves now."

(Silver Sigma)

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Unsurprising, if he created you he must have been a prominent scientist, and such were in high demand for the Project's purpose as an ark of culture and knowledge."

"𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕚𝕣 𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕦𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕒𝕤 𝕨𝕖𝕝𝕝. ℍ𝕖 𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕙 𝕡𝕒𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕒𝕟 𝔸𝕀, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕒𝕤𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕠𝕡𝕪 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕠𝕓𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕗𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕧𝕖. ℍ𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕚𝕕 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕦𝕤.

𝔾𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕪 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕒 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕚𝕔 𝕒𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕖, 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕕𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕙, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕜𝕤 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥. 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕒𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥, 𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕤."

It weren't always the case, but Molotov kept wanting to help as many as he could, and while he could do so on The Æther, in his mind, his place had been in the crumbling remains of Equestria, to help those who tried to maintain it. It helped less, but she could not argue with his assessment that if he would leave, it would be the same as leaving those whom he could protect, to die. Not with what she had seen over the years, and how his creations had helped to keep their group alive, for the most part. They were not infallible.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Where I came from there was either no magic, or it was undiscovered, so it could bear no part in my origin. I am purely mechanical and electronic, which I must concede, bears a remarkable level of similarity to some forms of magic, most strongly to runemancy, which my carrier took a strong interest in. Now, we need to get to the center of the facility so I can see if a suitable host exists or can be manufactured. In the case I am unable to interface with the facility cameras, so I can't forewarn you of dangers. Of course, I'm at your mercy if you wish to simply return the way you came."

"𝔸𝕔𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖𝕕. 𝕎𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕦𝕖 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕕𝕚𝕤𝕔𝕦𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕟 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕕 𝕤𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕨𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕔𝕖𝕖𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕗𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣."

Felicia would like to know more honestly, as this were interesting, and spoke of how perhaps, Colonel were even more advanced than she were. Peculiar to think about, with how she had often seen herself as the best of her kin there were. Perhaps something to store in a subsection folder, and think off at a later point. She would be better off using processing power towards the next trek of this journey. And now, she would apparently need to rely on her own senses and judgement, as he may not have access to all cameras moving forward. They would see where things would lead, though for the time being, she would skitter onwards, having a fair speed going for now, while her sensors kept up high, in case something tried to sneak up on her, or attempt an ambush.

"𝕀𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕞𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕒, 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕒𝕤𝕜 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕧𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕝 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪, 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕖 𝕒 𝕤𝕦𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥? 𝔸𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕣𝕠𝕓𝕠𝕥𝕤 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥, 𝕠𝕣 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥?"

(Changelings)

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I appreciate the gesture, but I've more than enough spite to sustain me," he opened his cloak to reveal several flasks of icy blue emotion gel, "Best to save it for those in greater need."

Upbeat rose up as he heard this, and had a surprised glance of the emotional gel that the newcomer were carrying around.

"Spite? Just like Weaver have an affection for. I still don't know how you can harvest that much excess spite honestly. Seems like a very hard emotion to flare up.

Oh, sorry. Weaver is another changeling. He came from Hive Iridescent. His queen were one of the many who sadly didn't make it. Dark times for many a changeling, with how many hives have been decimated, but we do our best to try and help them survive and adapt. We're kin after all. We should look out for each other, regardless of what hive we're in, or used to be."

Frankly kept him and the others sane some days, to keep doing this. Even if they too felt the grinding, gnashing emptiness of their queen's absence. *sigh* He missed hearing her booming, melodious voice, and see her owning every stage she descended upon. Hopefully someday soon, she would return to them, and would be proud to see all the hard work they had done in her name, even if she wasn't there.

17 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He chuckled, "Yes, they offered a rather flattering depiction if I do say so myself. Then again, it's to be expected when one writes a play about themself. Still, I think I did a good job of it." He was quick to continue, "Tell me, how fares your queen? Do you know her relation to the old Queen Gelatine?"

"It's good to see you have humor, friend. There's too many who're too broken, and can't make a joke like you did there. Not at first anyway. I'm impressed."

Of course this one were joking. The play in question were older than them, by quite a margin, so of course he hadn't written that. Rewritten perhaps though. That were an option, but he made it sound as if the play were about him, so really, that just sounded like a fun little gag. After how many new faces he saw that were scared, or looked like they just wanted to die, it were good to see one of his kin this well adjusted.

"As for your questions... Well, we haven't seen Cheshire since the crisis began, but we know she's still out there somewhere, waiting to come back. We're keeping up the good work in her name, and asking those passing through to share the word, that there's still some of her hive left, and that we miss her. It's mostly me and my sister Bling who runs things now. We have another sibling too, but well... She doesn't like to be in charge of that much. She's the one making sure we always have enough gel to feed our kin though. She's excellent at getting the collectors set up and maintained.

And Gelatine.. I mean, it's hard not to know about her. She's pretty infamous. Especially for our hive, since we're one of the few pacifist hives I heard about. I think Cheshire once said that during a visit to her own mother's hive - the queen of Hive Elatia - they had chatted about it. I don't know what she said though. Cheshire just sorta shifted her eyes, and mumbling that she didn't want to talk about it. We just kinda assumed she heard she were a distant relative of some sort, and she didn't want to acknowledge it. I mean no offense if you liked her, but Gelatine were the sort of queen who'd probably try and stomp our hive out for being weak, instead of just kinda ignoring us like the others."

Hive Cheshire had never been well seen, before the crisis. A small hive, first hiding near Las Pegasus, and then suddenly getting very open and public, once they could be allowed to? A bunch of pacifists, who refused to hurt others, and only harvested excess emotion, that they spend a lot of effort to get, rather than just take what they needed, from whomever they wanted? Most queens just ignored them, and considered it a waste of time to speak with their hive most of the time. Unless of course they had need of some excess emotions, since much as their methods were looked down upon at times, Hive Cheshire were great at getting a stockpile, and were more than happy to share it with the hives, or singular changelings, in need. So they were generally seen as harmless, and in a pinch, someone to go to in hard times. Didn't mean they'd ever get invited to the queen gatherings, but Cheshire hadn't wanted to go there either. In parts because she didn't like the far reaching politics, but mostly because the first time she went, a few other queens - like Chrysalis - had said that if they ever saw her again, they'd break her neck, in front of her own hive. It left an impression.

There were a few they had some better relations with, yet most of those were gone now. Especially a shame when it came to Thorax's hive. Cheshire had done her best to speak with him, and when she had gotten in contact, had openly praised and thanked him, for giving them the chance to live in the spotlight. Bling kept claiming she were also trying to woo him, but heh, she were always the romantic sort. Personally he didn't know if that had any merit.

Regarding her relations with the mad queen though... Who knew? Cheshire and her mother were the only ones who Upbeat knew off, that had the answer, and Cheshire wasn't here, while her mother had passed on some time before the crisis. For all he knew, she could be a direct descendant, or have no relations at all. They hadn't wanted to pester their queen for an answer.

"Actually, can I ask what hive you're part of, friend? Or used to be part of perhaps. You don't need to answer if you don't want to though, okay? I don't want to dig into wounds like that."

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

19 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I didn't want to tell anyone this. Just go here, kill him, and get out of here, before I dragged the rest of you down with me on my crusade, but it doesn't feel right to leave you in the dark about this. I've never really felt that before, about another, but... There it is.

Arcade looked conflicted, unsure what to say in response, but thankfully there was nothing in his expression to indicate he was horrified or even scared, concern yes, as well as surprise, but no hate.

It took him a few minutes to come up with something to say, "Well, that's not at all what I was expecting. You seem very determined though so I won't try to talk you out of it. I'll... I'll do what I can to help you, though I don't know how much help that'll be. I suppose we'll need to get some proper weapons? Then try and find where he is without letting him know he's being hunted. Should... Well, Epsilon has mentioned seeing Grey Mane before, maybe she could help us get close enough?"

 

(Void)

20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I don't know how long it will be before things can be considered just normal, but I'm positive that they're going to be okay.

The Consul smiled and nodded, "Yes, your mother came to brief me on their state herself, rather impressive considering everything they must have gone through in the facility before your sister found them. You and Vale appear to be doing an exceptional job so far, do keep up the good work. As it pertains to this technology... I'll be sure to bring it up. Maybe we'll be lucky and it is involved in why they want to meet with us?" He chuckled, "Nah, never so lucky. I'll let you get back to it then."

He wrote out a short message on a paper and disappeared it with some magic before returning to his paperwork, letting Void show herself out.

When she got back to where the foals were, Vale had them sitting in a semi-circle just wrapping up a lesson on basic math, which everyone seemed to be grasping with differing degrees of success.

 

(Molotov)

20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Karmic debt? So, you're one of Them, are you? How lovely."

Selena snorted, "Because comments like that certainly help your case. What, you thought the high judge wouldn't have a direct line with Karma herself?"

20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I've given my mistresses message. What comes of it, is in your hooves now."

Selena didn't look pleased, "Noted, now let's see when the Consul is-"

A not appeared in front of her, she read it quickly and sighed, "The Consul wants to see you now. Rather, he wants to see Molotov, you can feel free to mention your reason for being here when you see him."

She bundled up the objects she had been given with her notes and led the way out of the room, "I trust you know the way? I'll get these things delivered to him as soon as they're properly analyzed."

 

(Silver Sigma)

20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

ℍ𝕖 𝕠𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕙 𝕡𝕒𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕒𝕟 𝔸𝕀, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕒𝕤𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕠𝕡𝕪 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕠𝕓𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕞, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕗𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕧𝕖. ℍ𝕖 𝕤𝕒𝕚𝕕 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕦𝕤.

"My carrier would no doubt get good use of those, had I access I may have escaped sooner."

20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"𝕀𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕞𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕒, 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕒𝕤𝕜 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕧𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕝 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪, 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕖 𝕒 𝕤𝕦𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥? 𝔸𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕣𝕠𝕓𝕠𝕥𝕤 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥, 𝕠𝕣 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥?"

"I can still access the radio yes. There was previously an automaton designated Silver Tower made from the designs of Silver Studs and Tower Shield. Previous I had moved a copy of myself into it, but it was intercepted and corrupted. I doubt another like it exists here, but there may by a golem or carved gem I could interface with that has not been too damaged by time."

He would continue to direct their path deeper into the quiet facility, not encountering anything of note until they reached Codex's chamber and Director Bunsen's bisected corpse. The Codex harness sat vacant and limp where it hung from the center of the ceiling. "If my maps are correct, this should be the Central Access terminal, there should be some sort of harness hanging from the ceiling, meant to contain a quadruped similar in size to an equine or cervine. There should be a place where the head would go, place me there so I can interface with the system."

 

(Changelings)

20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Seems like a very hard emotion to flare up.

Rasputin snorted, "It's easy when you know how, Spite tends to spurn more Spite, not the easiest to cultivate long term of course, but for the traveler there is no shortage."

20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"As for your questions... Well, we haven't seen Cheshire since the crisis began, but we know she's still out there somewhere, waiting to come back. We're keeping up the good work in her name, and asking those passing through to share the word, that there's still some of her hive left, and that we miss her. It's mostly me and my sister Bling who runs things now. We have another sibling too, but well... She doesn't like to be in charge of that much. She's the one making sure we always have enough gel to feed our kin though. She's excellent at getting the collectors set up and maintained.

He looked surprised, if not intrigued, "So you're without a queen? Impressive that you've held together so long, I'd like to meet her and the others if possible? I think I may be able to help."

Of course Rasputin's idea of help wasn't exactly what others might agree with, but Upbeat had no way of knowing that.

20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And Gelatine.. I mean, it's hard not to know about her. She's pretty infamous. Especially for our hive, since we're one of the few pacifist hives I heard about. I think Cheshire once said that during a visit to her own mother's hive - the queen of Hive Elatia - they had chatted about it. I don't know what she said though. Cheshire just sorta shifted her eyes, and mumbling that she didn't want to talk about it. We just kinda assumed she heard she were a distant relative of some sort, and she didn't want to acknowledge it. I mean no offense if you liked her, but Gelatine were the sort of queen who'd probably try and stomp our hive out for being weak, instead of just kinda ignoring us like the others."

"Elatia? That would be Gelatine's second daughter if I remember right, so Cheshire would be a granddaughter like Oracle and Mariposa. Interesting."

20 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Actually, can I ask what hive you're part of, friend? Or used to be part of perhaps. You don't need to answer if you don't want to though, okay? I don't want to dig into wounds like that."

He snorted, "I was part of the Stalliongrad hive if you can believe it, but I haven't been there in a very long time, even before everything happened I was long gone from there, didn't really fit in there."

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2021-07-16 at 10:39 PM, Illiad Easle said:

It took him a few minutes to come up with something to say, "Well, that's not at all what I was expecting. You seem very determined though so I won't try to talk you out of it. I'll... I'll do what I can to help you, though I don't know how much help that'll be. I suppose we'll need to get some proper weapons? Then try and find where he is without letting him know he's being hunted. Should... Well, Epsilon has mentioned seeing Grey Mane before, maybe she could help us get close enough?"

Spur of the moment things were not unusual for Null. As she were often driven by emotion in her life, she had her fair share of just acting impulsive. Generally in anger, yet there were interspliced other things. Sporadic moments spliced around in time, though not as many these days, as there had been. Few months back, and she would go off the handle for little to nothing, yet after all that happened, she were somewhat more calm and collected these days.

Though as Arcade stood and seemed conflicted, yet not angry, and then said he'd help and support her... A moment swelled up, and without thought, she'd jump him, and pin him to the wall with a kiss.

She wasn't thinking as she did this. It were just an impulse, as the one she had feared the most would turn his back on her, instead stood with her through this crucial moment. Yet sadly, a moment could not last forever, and eventually, she'd realize what she had done, and were still doing. She'd disengage after that, and shift her eyes away, while her head started to look like a ripe tomato.

"I-I uhm... Epsilon. Right... Maybe. It's uh... A plan. Try that. Yes..."

She'd need a bit of time to restart her brain and make fluent sentences again, yet the time would come, sooner or later.

Unless of course, Arcade threw caution to the wind, and the moment instead escalated.

(Void)

On 2021-07-16 at 10:39 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Yes, your mother came to brief me on their state herself, rather impressive considering everything they must have gone through in the facility before your sister found them. You and Vale appear to be doing an exceptional job so far, do keep up the good work. As it pertains to this technology... I'll be sure to bring it up. Maybe we'll be lucky and it is involved in why they want to meet with us?" He chuckled, "Nah, never so lucky. I'll let you get back to it then."

"You never know, it might be. And if not, well... He seems enamored, so, maybe I can convince him to share, if you asking doesn't help?"

Was it ideal? Perhaps not, but she'd do it, if it meant she could help Toupé. It might not be too bad either really. Wasn't like she could really tell. A few in her time had shown her some levels of affection, but she never really acted on any of it. To many worries when she reached her teens, and it started to become a thing. Hard to say how she'd take it now that things were calmer. It'd be easier to tolerate at least, if it were just causing friction, when she were more clear-headed. *sigh* Much to think about, but it was always good to have a plan B.

"Have a nice day, Illiad. I hope things will go well. If there's anything that happens I can help with, just please let me know. You know you can count on me."

She were trying to be encouraging, and would even give a little smile, before scurrying along. A small meetup with Molotov would happen, unintentionally, but it were short. Hence, it would not be long before she were home with the foals again, and looked around, before entering the building.

On 2021-07-16 at 10:39 PM, Illiad Easle said:

When she got back to where the foals were, Vale had them sitting in a semi-circle just wrapping up a lesson on basic math, which everyone seemed to be grasping with differing degrees of success.

"Hello again everyone. Looks like you've been having a lesson? Is it okay if I interrupt with some good news, before the next one?"

If no, she'd wait her turn, and instead follow the next lesson with the foals. If yes, she'd start to talk about what she could tell them.

"Consul Illiad thinks it's a great idea that you get a trip outside, and is planning on us setting up something tonight actually, if everyone would be okay with that? But there's gonna be some things you need to be prepared for. We're going after dark, and you have to wear the robes you had on when you got into town. We're gonna go up on top of the wall then, and you can get a good look at the whole town. Ada is going to come around and show us there when it is tonight, so you don't have to worry about strangers.

Everyone needs to behave though, okay? Stay together, and if we're bringing the little ones, make sure that they are not running around. It's dangerous if they, or any of you, fall down. So listen when we're given instructions, and don't go too close to the edges, and it should be safe.

I know you'd all like to go out and be around everyone else, but the consul promised that he'll try and think of a plan to do that, as nicely and smoothly for everyone as possible."

(Molotov)

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Selena snorted, "Because comments like that certainly help your case. What, you thought the high judge wouldn't have a direct line with Karma herself?"

"Yeeeah... Sorry 'bout this. She ain't the best at the whole *socializing* thing. I'd have brought someone else who're a bit better with words, but he's getting resting a bit. Long trip, and he ain't much for the harsh light."

Karma? High Judge? Molotov wasn't making much sense outta this, beyond him assuming that Selena here had just given 'em her official title. But he did get that Ashclaw had unapologetically just acted a lil' bit rude to her. And seeing how they kinda needed Selena to be at least liking 'em enough to pass along the message to the Consul, this were not going overly well. So he'd try and smoothen it out some. If it worked well? ergh... Hard to say. She still looked annoyed, but it didn't so far seem like it was directed at him at least.

"Hope we can sorta move past her on this? I promise ya, Le Perrine is at least able to talk respectfully. Y'know, for an elder dragon. So more or less neutrally."

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Selena didn't look pleased, "Noted, now let's see when the Consul is-"

A not appeared in front of her, she read it quickly and sighed, "The Consul wants to see you now. Rather, he wants to see Molotov, you can feel free to mention your reason for being here when you see him."

She bundled up the objects she had been given with her notes and led the way out of the room, "I trust you know the way? I'll get these things delivered to him as soon as they're properly analyzed."

"Me? I'm getting all sorts of weird attention today. Well, can't go worse than the last time I guess, so I'm game. Come along too Ashclaw, but for the love of everything, don't insult him. Just lemme try and do the talking here."

"You think yourself able?"

"Hey, I don't always go chomping on my own hoof. Have a nice day, Ms. Judge. Sorry for everything. Hoping the next time goes better, and don't involve chains."

He'd joke sort of about this, but it were possible that things would go that route. She were a judge after all. Along with a female, or odd origins. He'd kept himself in check here since Ashclaw had been dumb enough for both of 'em, but sooner or later, he'd go say something dumb, and there's happen something. How it always went. Most times at least. Honestly, he were surprised nopony had clocked him yet. And long as it didn't happen within the next hour either, he'd win his bet with Felicia. Within an hour more after that though, and Carmen would've won.

...There were probably something to be said about stuff, when both his creations didn't argue on whatever he Would get hit, but When.

Going ot of there then, in another direction, they'd move out of this building, and head towards the next one. And in the passing, would run into Void. Molotov were all smiles and cheers when he saw her, though she seemed to be conflicted.

"Rough meeting, eh? The big boss ain't mad, is he?"

"N-No, just uh... A lot of t-things to get done. Actually, I'll be pretty b-busy for a time now, so uh... C-Can I find you when there's time, instead of you l-looking for me?"

"Sure. We're stashed up outside of town. Set up camp about... I dunno, a few hundred meters or so, to the west of the main entrance. Ain't a hotel setting, but hey, it's a roof over the head."

They'd say their goodbyes after that, and Molotov would hum a bit as he wandered towards the main building. This time, as he were expected, he assumed he could just wander in, and get pointed towards the right room. And if he did, or Illiad would meet with them, he'd get a big grin on his face, and do a bow.

"Consul Illiad. Pleasure to meet ya. Hoping the haste ain't because of something bad? If it's because of that whole ruckus earlier, I swear, I ain't got the foggiest what that was about."

(Silver Sigma)

21 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I can still access the radio yes. There was previously an automaton designated Silver Tower made from the designs of Silver Studs and Tower Shield. Previous I had moved a copy of myself into it, but it was intercepted and corrupted. I doubt another like it exists here, but there may by a golem or carved gem I could interface with that has not been too damaged by time."

"#𝟙𝟜𝟞𝟚, 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕪 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕤 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕡𝕥𝕤 𝕒𝕥 𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖. ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕦𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕔𝕠𝕕𝕖, 𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕖-𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕤𝕪𝕞𝕡𝕥𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕕𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕝 𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕝𝕚𝕞𝕓𝕤. 𝕊𝕦𝕓𝕛𝕖𝕔𝕥 𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗 𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝟛𝟙 𝕤𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕖𝕤𝕥."

It had taken over 1700 attempts, spanning over ten years, before Molotov had finally managed to create a proper, functional AI, in Carmen. There were a lot of malfunctional attempts to varying degrees, with this one coming to mind when they were talking about corrupt code. Not as outspokenly broken as #0796, but that had also been on a unit that hadn't any safety measures to handle its violent thrashing. Good it had only been about twenty centimeters tall, or it could have really caused more issues than it did.

He had thought it another failure when he made Carmen, as it was but a tiny variation on the code, and she seemed to act the same. Approaching the pop-up clown doll he used as a test to see if there were variance, and seeming learning when faced with things. It wasn't the only thing, but he tended to use that as a benchmark, and figured if five attempts showed the same reaction, with no variation at all, it showed he had just made a program. Nothing that learned, or evolved.

Fourth time though, Carmen had not jumped as it popped out of the box, but instead skittered back a little, before going forward, and poking it with a leg. She'd scurry off after that, and come back to try poking from a few other angles after that, but it gave Molotov a sudden hope. Fifth attempt... Well, she let out a screeching sound, and charged the doll. Let it suffice to say that Molotov were thrilled, even if he no longer had that toy to use anymore, after that. Subsequent tests had also confirmed that he had finally done so, and the rest were history.

History which included the fact that AI's could apparently be taught fobia and hate. In the case of Carmen, he still had to keep her under observation, and in check, when around clowns. If he didn't, she'd jump them, and begin to thrash about, pulling their noses, skittering around, and making a lot of noise. She wasn't big enough to hurt them, but it tended to scare the noses off of them.

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"If my maps are correct, this should be the Central Access terminal, there should be some sort of harness hanging from the ceiling, meant to contain a quadruped similar in size to an equine or cervine. There should be a place where the head would go, place me there so I can interface with the system."

Felicia noted the corpse, but as it didn't seem to move, she didn't approach it. She had nothing to gain from it, and couldn't prevent it, so at best, she may offer to transport it outside afterwards. It wasn't as if she assumed the degree of damage here, meant that somehow, everyone working here had survived. In a way, it were surprising they had only found this corpse currently.

"ℙ𝕖𝕣𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒 𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕖𝕩𝕒𝕞 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕒𝕔𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥. 𝕀𝕟𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕒𝕗𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕤."

Interesting machine this were. It appeared to be meant to have a creature hooked up, about the size of a standard size pony. Perhaps a deer too, if it were not one too tall of bulky. Either this were meant to have a machine part in, that were merely oddly formed, or this had interaction between flesh, and machine. Or a robot had hung there. It were the thee most probable reasons she could find now, out of the about two dozen suggestions she had lined up.

She found where the head of the item hanging there were supposed to go after circling it a little, but she did not put in Colonel currently. First, she would try and rise up on the tip of her legs, and attempt to put her own head in there, to examine it closer. She'd likely not fit though, as her head were formed very differently, but she would push herself cautiously against a part of it, prepared to scurry away. She'd also backup a memory folder, just in case something were to happen to her mind, and she didn't manage to react in time. Fortunate that she did not have to rely on a singular lump of goo in her head, to have her memories and personality work. If need be, she could shut off some parts. It'd limit her in some regards of course, but it were more of a backup thing too.

If nothing happened from this, she'd do as Colonel instructed, and see what would happen. If something did happen... Well, she'd adapt to that. Might be Colonel were trying to lure her into a trap, and wasn't supposed to be hooked up after all.

(Changelings)

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin snorted, "It's easy when you know how, Spite tends to spurn more Spite, not the easiest to cultivate long term of course, but for the traveler there is no shortage."

"Huh, didn't think of it like that. Not that I could do what you do, friend. Hive Cheshire cultivates and harvest excess joy. We're performers, so it's easy to get if you just set up a show in the right areas. It's hard work, but it's always nice to see the smiles on everyone's faces."

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He looked surprised, if not intrigued, "So you're without a queen? Impressive that you've held together so long, I'd like to meet her and the others if possible? I think I may be able to help."

"Of course, you can just follow me. We live in the old theater we were granted, when this were still just Las Pegasus. Before the crisis. We don't use a lot of it for ourselves these days though. Most of it is changed about to help us have more space for those of our kin who doesn't do as well as you do, when they came here. It's different for everyone, to go through what happened.

It's not much, but its a roof over your head, food on the table, and socializing. Along with help to try and integrate into society. Don't know if you mean help things like, assisting us with any of that, but we'd be happy with help of any kind. The more we take care of eachother, the better we'll do. That's what Cheshire always said."

Upbeat would start to wander back towards the theater, halting only to suddenly ask for a moment, and wander into an alley, to give what looked like a large, stray cat a bag of gel. He'd barely have turned his back before it turned into a small changeling, who hungrily started to eat from it, while stepping back further into the shadows.

"Sorry for the delay. Missy is one of the more shy ones we've gotten into town lately. She wants to be part of things, I know she does, but something happened before she got here that scares her from going. There's some like that around town, so we make sure to get around them too when we do our food runs. They know when and where to be for that. There's also some who are just really busy and stuff, so they forget to eat if we don't come around. We won't have famished changelings here, if we can help it."

It were really for the sake of everyone. A famished changeling got dangerously closer to mind death from starvation, and would do stupid things out of desperation for food. Likely something that would hurt others. Make sure they stays fed, and both them, and the citizens would be safe, and without worry from them. Barring those who were still having a hard time understanding that feeding directly, was a bad thing. Some were stubborn.

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Elatia? That would be Gelatine's second daughter if I remember right, so Cheshire would be a granddaughter like Oracle and Mariposa. Interesting."

"So that makes us three that's left of Hive Cheshire, into her great grandfoals? That's a shame, but oh well. Just how it is, right?"

No wonder Cheshire didn't want to speak about this. She were very much not a fan of Gelatine, and Upbeat... Well, he didn't like her either, but that was old history at this point. They had nothing to do with that hive, or what might remain of it, and he'd rather not try and look into that. Though if any of them made it here, they'd still welcome them. Didn't matter what hive you came from, long as you were kin, you'd get a chance. The few members of Chrysalis's old hive proved that, despite the tension Chrysalis had made.

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He snorted, "I was part of the Stalliongrad hive if you can believe it, but I haven't been there in a very long time, even before everything happened I was long gone from there, didn't really fit in there."

"If that hive is still active, it's a pretty old one. Sorry to hear that you didn't do well there, friend. Hopefully you'll find solace here with us. Hive Cheshire itself is just the three of us, but we have a lot of hiveless, survivors from broken hives, exiles- Changelings from all sorts of lives and hives. We're like a big, collective hive of our, just with no name, nor queen.

Closest thing we have is my sister, Bling. She doesn't think she's doing much, but most things we're doing, happened because she pushed through, and made it happen. A lot of especially the younger changelings, looks to her for answers. She says her and I do it all in tandem, but heh, I'm not kidding myself. Just don't tell her, okay? She'll start thinking I have low self esteem or something."

Upbeat would give a big, friendly grin to his new companion, and keep going towards to theater. A strange one this stallion were, but weren't they all in a way? At least he were functionally strange, and just sorta quirky. Some of those who got here, were near psychotics and saddled with a lot of emotional and psychological scars. He'd take quirky over that every day, since it hurt to see his kin in pain like that.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Unless of course, Arcade threw caution to the wind, and the moment instead escalated.

Arcade was certainly surprised by Null's response, but wasn't about to waste the opportunity like he had earlier that day, and so was quick to kiss her back once she finished with her kiss. He didn't take it any further than that though, likely being unaware of what would come next, if anything.

Assuming Null composed herself enough to continue,

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I-I uhm... Epsilon. Right... Maybe. It's uh... A plan. Try that. Yes..."

Arcade nodded, "Yeah, but that can wait until tomorrow. We should get some rest, especially after the day we've had."

 

(Void)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I know you'd all like to go out and be around everyone else, but the consul promised that he'll try and think of a plan to do that, as nicely and smoothly for everyone as possible.

The foals seemed overjoyed by the revelation that they'd be able to go outside that night, excitedly talking among themselves as they quickly went to get their cloaks out from where they had been stored, bringing them over to the door so they'd be ready to go at a moment's notice. Vale also seemed surprised at the promptness, coming over as the foals got ready, "So soon? I'm surprised he was so quickly convinced. And, sure, the wall is one of the more inconspicuous places they could go, but that is still a much higher amount of exposure than they've had previously, with the exception of Elef, so... maybe he's the barometer for the group? He's seemed to socialize well enough, maybe the others will have similar experiences?"

She let them wind themselves up a bit more before she called their attention back, "Now now, I know you're all excited, but there's still several hours until then, let's finish up our lesson here first."

 

(Molotov)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

This time, as he were expected, he assumed he could just wander in, and get pointed towards the right room. And if he did, or Illiad would meet with them, he'd get a big grin on his face, and do a bow.

When they got back to the Consul's estate the guard who had previously turned them away sighed, "You must have quite the connections or message for the Consul to summon you. Go in the left hallway, first door on the left."

The guard would stop Ashclaw from following, "Sorry, the Consul only asked for Molotov, no others."

Provided this wasn't an issue, Molotov would find Illiad at his desk, there was a certain warmth to him despite his even expression. "Molotov I presume? Please, take a seat. To be honest, you certainly don't look like Center Zero material. Celestia's school maybe, but not Center Zero, far too soft."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Consul Illiad. Pleasure to meet ya. Hoping the haste ain't because of something bad? If it's because of that whole ruckus earlier, I swear, I ain't got the foggiest what that was about."

Illiad would move some papers around before turning his full attention to Molotov, "We'll get to that, first I'm told you have some sort of message for me?"

 

(Silver Sigma)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

She found where the head of the item hanging there were supposed to go after circling it a little, but she did not put in Colonel currently. First, she would try and rise up on the tip of her legs, and attempt to put her own head in there, to examine it closer.

The helmet was less of a helmet and more a series of plates that could be adjusted to fit most heads. There was a jolt of electricity once her head was close enough to enough of the contacts, but just like trying to plug a cable in without the proper adaptor, the contacts didn't line up to properly form a connection with her memory. Depending on the level of sensitivity her body had to electrical current, she might have been able to try and construct a proper adaptor, but now wasn't the time and here lacked a number of the necessary components.

Her examination wasn't wholly in vain, as she discovered a slot in the plates that seemed designed for Colonel's form.

If she went forward with inserting him, there would be silence for a bit before mechanical whirrs sounded, followed by the movement of air, "That's the main power back online, can't run at full capacity as we don't have proper ventilation to keep the core from overheating."

Colonel was silent for a few moments before a golem entered the room behind them, it was styled after something resembling a diamond dog or a minotaur, bipedal with two arms it used to carry a weapon. Once it got close enough, provided Felicia didn't attack it, it would crouch down, it's "head" splitting open to reveal a receptical where Colonel could be placed. "Alright, pull my out and put me in there. It's far from optimal, but should be sufficient for leaving this facility." 

 

(Changelings)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

but it's always nice to see the smiles on everyone's faces.

Rasputin nodded, "Really that is the best way to do it. You take care of your community, and your community in turn takes care of you. A mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Though most weren't so open about it. I prefer when changelings weren't known, we had more freedom to act back then, they didn't look so closely."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

They know when and where to be for that. There's also some who are just really busy and stuff, so they forget to eat if we don't come around. We won't have famished changelings here, if we can help it.

Rasputin nodded, "Admirable, have to take care of your own, lest they decide to take care of you instead."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So that makes us three that's left of Hive Cheshire, into her great grandfoals? That's a shame, but oh well. Just how it is, right?"

He shook his head, "Nothing to be ashamed of, before her unfortunate descent into madness she was a truly great queen. If ever there would be a changeling empress, it would be her. Still, you need not bear her shame, it is her own. Your relation to her does not make you beholden to her failings."

 

He'd look about the area as they made their way to the theater, seemingly unconcerned with the less than savory types they passed. If they were confronted by muggers or other gang members, Rasputin would reveal the array of knives he was carrying, and suggest they back off, which unless they were especially determined they would.

"Those who've gathered, I assume they are those who were in the area when the incident occurred? It's seemed like changelings have flocked to civilization wherever possible. Those in the north gone to Blackwater, those in the south to Troy, the West here, and the east to Cervidas. Troy and here not having a queen to lead them. Are we about there yet?"

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2021-07-18 at 5:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade nodded, "Yeah, but that can wait until tomorrow. We should get some rest, especially after the day we've had."

"Y-Yeah, that sounds like uh... Yeah."

She had been surprised he had answered in kind to the kiss (minus the pinning part), and it had made sure she were still blushing up, and feeling a little off center, to put it mildly.

She stood a little and fidgeted at the door, opening and closing her muzzle a few times, as if she wanted to say something that were just making her blush worse, but much as she tried, she couldn't get the words out, or really find a way to even put them together in a sentence. She'd kinda want to ask if perhaps, he'd want to stay here, though every time the prospect of that came in, even if she just meant like him spending time here, and not something more, her head started to go haywire.

So instead, after about a half minute or so, she'd shakingly nod at Arcade, and give an actual response.

"R-Rest well. I'll see you, T-Tomorrow."

After that, if he left, she'd close the door,a nd try to get some rest. Which wasn't hard, though her dreams had a certain, Arcade-focused theme to it. Good ones too it appeared, as there were a small smile on her face as she laid there, curled up on the bed, and drooled ever so slightly a few times. Unless there were something, she'd sleep until being woken up.

(Void)

On 2021-07-18 at 5:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"So soon? I'm surprised he was so quickly convinced. And, sure, the wall is one of the more inconspicuous places they could go, but that is still a much higher amount of exposure than they've had previously, with the exception of Elef, so... maybe he's the barometer for the group? He's seemed to socialize well enough, maybe the others will have similar experiences?"

She let them wind themselves up a bit more before she called their attention back, "Now now, I know you're all excited, but there's still several hours until then, let's finish up our lesson here first."

It warmed Void's heart to see the enthusiasm on the foals faces, as they talked with glee among each other, and hung their cloaks ready for the evenings affair. It was nice to see them like this, for even something as simple as a wander on top of the wall, to see the town a little better. Though it were like were said by Vale: There were still some time to go before they had to do this, and it were best if they had their lesson done before that, among other things.

Lacuna seemed to be hyped up too, and scurried up and down Void's back, honking excitedly. He hadn't really a clue about what were going to happen, but the flock seemed joyful, and such, he would follow troop.

"I hope it's all going to go smoothly, but my main concern is their safety. But since Elef have been outside the most maybe it wouldn't be bad to sorta have him lead them a bit, and tell them things. I'm sure he'd be able to contextualize some things better for everyone.

But, you all heard what Vale said. Let's finish your lesson, and then look at something for dinner after that. I have a few ideas to put past you before we actually do it, but lesson first. We'll get everything done in order. You don't mind if I sit in and watch too, right? I'm a little curious what you're gonna be teaching them today."

(Molotov)

On 2021-07-18 at 5:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When they got back to the Consul's estate the guard who had previously turned them away sighed, "You must have quite the connections or message for the Consul to summon you. Go in the left hallway, first door on the left."

The guard would stop Ashclaw from following, "Sorry, the Consul only asked for Molotov, no others."

"Dunno 'bout connections or anything, but I figure he wanna talk cause this here's mighty important in his mind. See ya later, Ashclaw."

She wouldn't even dignify that with an answer, but merely went back, and placed herself against a nearby wall, where she could keep a look on things. She were not pleased being denied access like this, but she had her orders, and long as this babbling fool did not forget to mention the important reason they were here, it would be good enough. She could wait and see what would happen from here.

Molotov on the other hoof, were pretty pleased with her being left behind. Sure, sure, she were nice to have 'round like a sorta protector, but this here were social in nature, and she weren't grand at that. Far from the worst though, more like... Indifferent normally, edging towards slightly irritated, depending on the chattering. Not sure what had gotten under her skin about that whole karma thing really. Must be something important though. Why else would the two of 'em be about to go for each others throats like that?

He did know one thing for sure though: Selena and Ashclaw? Not gonna be good friends. Too much friction already. More likely that one of 'em would stab the other right in the back. Or in Ashclaw's case, probably the front. Just an assumption though, Molotov kept some way from most of her fighting, as he weren't interested in seeing what sort her and the other crazies would do, once the adrenaline got running.

On 2021-07-18 at 5:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Illiad would move some papers around before turning his full attention to Molotov, "We'll get to that, first I'm told you have some sort of message for me?"

"...Yeah well, not from me technically. I went here mostly to come visit Void. Ashclaw's the one with the main message, but I don't mind relaying it."

He had been thrown off a bit at first, with how the consul had acted, and what he had said. Sounded like he weren't too thrilled about Center Zero for some reason. Were he just striking a serious attitude vibe in folks today, or were this part of the Trojan propaganda against Equestria? Cause it were starting to get a lil' bit unfair. But still, he had a job to do here, so he'd go and get that done.

"We're from a small enclave of sorts in Equestria. Got hollered up there a month or so after the main issues started, made up by some survivors, and spearheaded by Le Perrine. She's an elder dragon, and the enclave's more or less what's left of her territory. Rest got scorched to the ground, with her having to backtrack to her treasure place, with what remained of her followers. She gathered up what survivors got close enough, and worked on fortifying the place, and after me and my sis got caught up, I started to help using my skills to strengthen it. Years ain't been too kind, so there's only 'round two dozen survivors, and about ten left of her followers.

Anyway, when things started to ease up, and we heard the news, Le Perrine wanted to send a few of her followers out here, to try and make contact. Company line is that some of the survivors really wanna get out of Equestria, and she's going to see if she can get them lodging elsewhere. Troy sounded like an idea to her, and she says she's willing to pay for them getting accepted here, be it in raw valuables, or the sorta things like the necklace she asked us to fork over as a present, and proof. She also claim she wants to help get things back on track, since she misses the old times, and wants to get back to business. I ain't buying it, personally. Something tells me she's just trying to keep up the facade for the crazies.

Pretty much it for them. Like I said, I just came here to visit Void. Heard she was alive, and got a real flutter in my step. Figured I'd try and catch up, and see if there was still a spark going. Even got my wing designs sorted fully now, so I can help her sister. Pretty weird I ain't seen the powder keg actually, now that I think about it. I heard she were also 'round... Nah, I'm sure it's nothing. She were likely just having a nap or something.

Anyway, message relayed, but the big one wanna see if you two can't have a chat. She sent a modified version of those eye pieces she makes the crazies wear, to keep in contact with 'em.

And just for the record here, I ain't one of the prissy ones that'd be pumped into Celestia's school. I got where I did by my own meddle, and I earned being part of a real place for advancing Equestria to a new and brighter tomorrow, just like anypony else in the Boom family. Besides, I've met some of those folks that got in there before. Princess Twilight was a right twinkle in the eye, but others, like those noble kids who got in via connections and plenty of moolah? There were some real dark souls there.

...Feel like I went on a tangent, sorry. I go rambling sometimes."

(Silver Sigma)

The attempt at connecting to the machine were disappointing. Granted, it were good to not have something happen to her system, but a minor jolt, and that was it? Not much in the way of results that way. Since nothing else seemed to happen here, she would follow instructions, and place Colonel into the correct slot, and simply observe. This too would lead to a rather anti climatic amount of things happening, which she were about to respond to, when the robot would enter the room.

She'd turn towards it, with her front legs risen and readying to take action, in case it attempted something. Didn't seem like it though. Just a vessel, looking for it's controlling unit.

On 2021-07-18 at 5:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Colonel was silent for a few moments before a golem entered the room behind them, it was styled after something resembling a diamond dog or a minotaur, bipedal with two arms it used to carry a weapon. Once it got close enough, provided Felicia didn't attack it, it would crouch down, it's "head" splitting open to reveal a receptical where Colonel could be placed. "Alright, pull my out and put me in there. It's far from optimal, but should be sufficient for leaving this facility." 

Felicia did what was asked of her, but kept note of a few weak points she saw on this construction, just in case Colonel tried to double cross her. He'd find that she would not go down so easily, if he attempted. But provided he did not, she'd continue to keep his leash loose, for the time being.

"𝕀 𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕕 𝕕𝕠𝕦𝕓𝕥𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕧𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕝 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕖𝕤𝕔𝕒𝕡𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕀 𝕞𝕒𝕕𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕚𝕟. ℍ𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕕, 𝕠𝕣 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕝𝕚𝕞𝕓?"

She might potentially be able to do some lifting, but she's have to utilize a lot of her webbing to be able to do so, and if this body was too heavy, it would not be feasible. Though it would depend on how much this body Colonel had now, were able to do on its own too. They'd see.

(Changelings)

On 2021-07-18 at 5:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin nodded, "Really that is the best way to do it. You take care of your community, and your community in turn takes care of you. A mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Though most weren't so open about it. I prefer when changelings weren't known, we had more freedom to act back then, they didn't look so closely."

"Yeah, a lot felt like that when it first happened. Us though? I've never seen Cheshire more happy than she were, the day it came forth that due to King Thorax and Princess Twilight working together, you could openly be a changeling in public. I'll never forget how she had us all gathered up, and wandered straight to the mayors office in Las Pegasus, to proclaim who we were, what we wanted, and how we had been around town already. Our hive had been there for years after all, but we could never be open about it. *sigh* But how we yearned for it. Being performers course through our veins. We wanted so badly to be there in the spotlight, and entertain day in and day out. Theater, glorious musicals... We kept sneaking in in disguise. drinking some performers under the tabel, or cast a little sleep spell on them, and took over. Not enough to cause suspicion, but it helped us get out there a little.

Us being able to get into the open, were the best thing that ever happened to our hive. Sure we had to be scrutinized, and checked up on a lot, but we welcomed it. The more eyes on us, the more they'd trust us when they saw we did everything by the books. We even fixed up the old theater they said we could relocate to, and made it functional. Oh, the great performances we had there... *sigh* One day, it will return to being that, I'm sure.

It helped a lot with or reputation that that we went to various arrangements, like at schools and such, and offered to give lectures on how changelings worked, and really help others understand us. We weren't some sort of shadows lurking about, trying to steal them away. Just regular beings like them, trying to live life. We worked hard to comply with every ruling, and get ourselves a good reputation. It have carried over to now too, though still, we miss the times when we could do the big performances. But our kin needs us, more than the stage, so we answer the call."

He would probably not like how Hive Cheshire had done things, as they had not just been open, but actively taught others how changelings worked, and how to potentially spot malicious ones, trying to impersonate a loved one. But they did this with the best of intent. Before the Canterlot attack, a lot of them in Equestria, were seen as just a scary story to tell the foals. Then after that, they were marked as monsters, that needed to be hunted down, and chased out of their country, before they hurt them again. They had a really damaged reputation to work on, even with Thorax's bond with the princess, and every little helped, to change that. Wasn't always easy, but there were proven results from it, and in the end, that were all they hoped for, and wanted. For others to understand that they weren't all bad, and change the view of them from shadowy monsters, to just form-changing, emotion eating equines.

On 2021-07-18 at 5:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin nodded, "Admirable, have to take care of your own, lest they decide to take care of you instead."

"It's very few who attacks us, and when they do, it's mostly out of fear, or old arrogance that they haven't come to terms with. We don't hold it against them. Eventually, most understand we're just trying to help, and puts their guard down. Especially when they're hungry, and we make sure there's food on offer.

Some non-changelings have tried to hurt us before though. Usually doesn't go well for them. Even though we plead to others to be rational, and please try and talk things out, instead of it coming to violence, there's some who really, really don't like it if Hive Cheshire gets attacked, and sorta just uh... Well, swarm the enemies, I guess is a good way of putting it? We prefer if violence isn't involved in things, but sometimes, like when that crazy thestral chased after one of our youngest hiveless... It's kinda hard to stop them, and harder still to argue against their protective nature."

Especially when it came to changeling nymphs. There were no mercy for those who wanted to hurt the newborns, and even they, who did not do violence, wouldn't try and lift a hoof to stop those who'd want to hurt those who did that. Sometimes, it were best to turn your back on things, and let nature sort itself out.

Overall though, no nymphs here, as there were no queen. Hence, no eggs, or newborns. They were still closely knit though, and especially trying to harm Bling, were seen as a bad mistake, as even some non-changelings would then start to get some dark actions in mind. Usually wasn't an issue though. Generally speaking, not a reason to harm them, as they didn't do anything bad around town. Just helped about, and took care of their own.

On 2021-07-18 at 5:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Those who've gathered, I assume they are those who were in the area when the incident occurred? It's seemed like changelings have flocked to civilization wherever possible. Those in the north gone to Blackwater, those in the south to Troy, the West here, and the east to Cervidas. Troy and here not having a queen to lead them. Are we about there yet?"

He wouldn't really have much to say about the part about the queen, as he only knew the stories, and that was it, but Upbeat would nod at it, and focus on this talking point instead. This at least, he could answer, as they wandered down the street, and took a right at the shoe shop..

"Some of them, but we get new ones in every now and again. Some that had been hiding with others, some who had hid in carriers, hoping to get to someplace safe. A few who had gotten stuck in a ox even, when trying to find shelter or food. And... One who came here in a cage, in a pretty bad shape. We took her out of there immediately, and seeing how The Grey haven't come for us, I'm taking they didn't think she belonged to them either. Don't know what happened to that one, and we're not gonna ask. We only interact with The Grey when they come to us, asking questions. It's best to kinda do all you can to not get them scrutinizing you. It makes life easier when you're on their good side.

And also, we're home now. Behold, Hive Cheshire."

He'd point towards the building they could see as they made a turn. Wasn't looking like much, but the theater still stood at least, and were a solid roof over the head. And perhaps someday, it would once again get shined up, and filled with laughter and song.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

As had happened the previous day, Null would be woken up by Arcade knocking on her door, the smell of the same sweet bread from last time invading the room, "Event, I... err, you seemed to enjoy the bread from tat bakery yesterday so... I got some more. I'll just, um, wait for you to get up."

Once Null opened the door for him, he'd give a small smile and hold up the bag, he got two this time so they'd each get their own. "Well, Branch sent me to get some for everyone, but that didn't sound romantic."

 

(Void)

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

But, you all heard what Vale said. Let's finish your lesson, and then look at something for dinner after that. I have a few ideas to put past you before we actually do it, but lesson first. We'll get everything done in order. You don't mind if I sit in and watch too, right? I'm a little curious what you're gonna be teaching them today."

Vale nodded, "I know you didn't get the most typical fawnhood education, did you get very far in learning math? Maybe you'll be able to help them understand better, give them scenarios they'd understand. They understand numbers fine, and how the symbols correspond to amounts, as well as basic addition and subtraction. We were just getting into multiplication and division when you got back. Maybe you'd like to give them an example of what it means and how it works?"

 

(Molotov)

The Consul listened intently to everything Molotov had to say, waiting patiently until he had finished. "Hmm... that does sound reasonable. I presume Selena has these objects you mentioned in her possession, no doubt I'll get her account and advice shortly. Since you don't seem concerned with the outcome I won't trouble you with my thoughts on the matter. If you've a way to communicate with her you can tell her I'll get in touch within the next few days to negotiate."

He made a short note before returning his attention to Molotov, "To answer some questions you didn't ask, Null is doing well, she's out on a special assignment at the moment, and had her missing replaced with no small amount of help from Miss Conegher, who I'm told you've already met. Nonetheless, Void has asked that these designs you speak of be used to help another, one who no doubt would be easier to help anyway. But that depends on our next topic of conversation: your connection to Center Zero. You don't have a cloud of retribution hanging over you, so you've either already atoned for your time there, or passed through untainted by it. Why don't you tell me what you know about Center Zero, your experience there?"

 

(Silver Sigma)

When Colonel spoke again it was from the golem he inhabited, the voice far more modulated and with further reduced emotional range, "They designed these golems to be mobile, I've no doubt I'll be able to climb the elevator shaft in this."

He started off towards the door, "I updated my map, if we move quickly, we should be able to avoid most of the entities still lurking down here."

He would not however wait for Felicia if she loitered behind. Striding confidently forward the doors opened in front of him and closed behind them.

After a dozen or so turns he stopped at a door, "Hmm... S-096 is in the other room. Known to relentlessly pursue any creature who has seen it's face, or any image of it's face. I don't know if that would extend to us."

 

(Changelings)

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

changeling nymphs

(I prefer the term foalings, it sounds cuter to me)

Rasputin nodded along to most of Upbeat's explanations and commentary, his look souring when Thorax was brought up, "Bah, Thorax is a disgrace to our kind. Ashamed of who and what he is, perverting the true way, pretending to be a king. A changeling does not have the ability to change to not use it. Their rhetoric of 'reformed' changelings does all others a disservice. We have no need to reform, our nature is not evil."

He shook his head, "Sorry, now's not the time. It won't help us now in any case."

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

And also, we're home now. Behold, Hive Cheshire.

Rasputin smiled and nodded, "Excellent, let's get started then."

As he passed over the threshold he dropped his disguise, a purplish fire rolling over him as he walked, revealing a form that wasn't quite that of a typical changeling. He stood taller than most, about halfway between the height of a queen and a normal changeling, and his purple eyes had slit pupils like those of a queen. The holes in his legs stopped at the knee, rather than going all the way up the leg, and his chitin was covered in a short coat of hair, his mane and tail were similar to those of a queen as well, fibrous rather than a fin. Finally, on his flanks he had a cutie mark, a dagger stabbed through a rolled scroll.

It depended on what Upbeat knew of special changeling types, but Rasputin bore all the hallmarks of being a changeling king. "Been a while since I've gotten to stand in the open like this, a good hundred years at least."

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

Null only reluctantly got up from the bed, where there were a small, yet noticeable spot of drool on the pillow. She were for once having some good dreams, and weren't in the mood to have them end. But the knocking was insistent, and hearing Arcade's voice, made it hard for her to be in the good dream, where he were speaking in a whole nother manner. Urgh... Dream land let her go, and she'd eventually get to the door. Her short mane meant there weren't much in the way of bed mane to worry about, but what she did had, were still a bit here and there, and she still had some sleep in the corner of her eyes, that she were trying to rub out as she opened the door.

"*yawn* Godmorning, I'm guessing? Come on in. Ain't a reason to be eating in the hallway this time. Slept good?"

The smell of cinnamon were helping to wake her up some more, though Arcade's face were too, so close she could almost reach out and pinch it. Which were awfully tempting right now, actually. But she were still a bit groggy, so she'd wander to the side instead, and allow him acces. After that, she'd go towards the bathroom to try and wash her head, and get her mane under control.

If Arcade looked around - not even shuffling through things - he'd find that the old poster were folded up, laying on the floor, where it had fallen out of the bagback. Wouldn't really take anything to slide his hoof over, and open it up, to see what all the fuss had been about with that. Or give him some clue at least.

(Void)

On 2021-07-21 at 2:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I know you didn't get the most typical fawnhood education, did you get very far in learning math? Maybe you'll be able to help them understand better, give them scenarios they'd understand. They understand numbers fine, and how the symbols correspond to amounts, as well as basic addition and subtraction. We were just getting into multiplication and division when you got back. Maybe you'd like to give them an example of what it means and how it works?"

"Well... I'm not that good of a teacher, but I can explains it as best I can. Maybe in terms of cooking, since my little helpers have have done well with that so far.

So let's say we had a recipe for basic pancakes. One portion would be enough for three foals, or one adult, and one and a half foal. There is six foals, and two adults. One portion takes four eggs, 150 grams of flour, and three deciliters of milk. How much are needed of each, to feed everyone?"

She'd move up and use the board if she were not halted, to write things up. This were a pretty simple thing, but it were what she could think off at te top of her head. And there were math in cooking. had to get the ingredients in the right amounts, taken apart, added at the right moments, then temperatures, depending on weight of whatever you were making, in some situations- There were a lot to think off when it came to cooking, that included math. Hopefully it would serve to be a kind of useful lesson for the younglings. She could only hope, anyway. This wasn't her usual gig.

IN fairness, maybe this meant she had to try and make Vale cook something later on then? Fair were fair after all.

(Molotov)

On 2021-07-21 at 2:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul listened intently to everything Molotov had to say, waiting patiently until he had finished. "Hmm... that does sound reasonable. I presume Selena has these objects you mentioned in her possession, no doubt I'll get her account and advice shortly. Since you don't seem concerned with the outcome I won't trouble you with my thoughts on the matter. If you've a way to communicate with her you can tell her I'll get in touch within the next few days to negotiate."

"Thanks for being reasonable on this, Consul. I consider the survivors to generally be friends of sorts, so it's grand that they got a future to look for. Even if personally, I'd advocate for being there, and fight to get Equestria back. But eh, not everypony's meant for that sort, and it ain't right to be trying to force 'em. And yeah, your judge have the stuff in her possession. An eyewear, and a necklace with a lot of history behind it. Had Princess Celestia still been alive, I'm sure she would've loved to hear about it's return, but things just ain't that easy. Gotta learn to live with that, one day at a time.

*sigh* But reminiscing ain't gonna help the present. I'll make sure Ashclaw finds a place with a better connection, and sends the word back. Just a friendly advice here? Elder dragons are some prideful sorts. Now, Le Perrine is smart, but she got that rolling too, and if she's spoken to with disrespect, she'll answer in kind. You're gonna have the best sorta chat, if you keep it respectful. Even if you don't like her, that's fine. Just ain't a reason to say it to her face, y'know?"

On 2021-07-21 at 2:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"To answer some questions you didn't ask, Null is doing well, she's out on a special assignment at the moment, and had her missing replaced with no small amount of help from Miss Conegher, who I'm told you've already met. Nonetheless, Void has asked that these designs you speak of be used to help another, one who no doubt would be easier to help anyway. But that depends on our next topic of conversation: your connection to Center Zero. You don't have a cloud of retribution hanging over you, so you've either already atoned for your time there, or passed through untainted by it. Why don't you tell me what you know about Center Zero, your experience there?"

"Well, ain't gonna lie, had hoped I could help shorty, sos he might not be as happy 'bout pummeling me again for hitting on her sister. But long as she's doing fine, that's all that matters. I'll be happy to share the work with ya regardless, long as I get your word that it's gonna be used to help whoever needs it. Goes for whatever else I've been tinkering with too, I swear on it. Just need to go and get it first. Everything's uploaded into Felicia's harddrive, so long as you got a compatible system, or some raw materials so I can sort something out, I can work on getting ya everything. Maybe all the knowledge of Center Zero won't go in vain this way.

And seriously - and I mean this with all due respect - what's happening here? I've been getting some stink eye today for working the same place my parents, their parents, and so on have worked. Most of 'em for their entire lives, which mind you, tended to not go into old age. Explosive research isn't a long term career for those who wanna die from old age. But the point here is, that this here's getting me spinning my head a bit. Is this part of the propaganda or somethin'? I ain't saying we didn't have our own, but it sounds like you heard a bunch of bad about Center Zero.

Lemme tell ya, all we were, were a collection of the best and the brightest, working on making Equestria a better place. We'd do research, discover or make whole new concoctions, technology, creatures, in some cases, and so on. It'd get presented to Princess Celestia, and then she'd decide what'd be good for the country, and what might be best hidden away for a time, or locked down entirely, for being potentially too dangerous. I didn't get to meet her with this myself, but my mom had several designs she ended up showing, with some of 'em getting used well. Though most of our stuff went through my uncle and cousin. They were better at dealing with the royals they said, and it gave the rest of us Boom's more time to work.

And let me tell ya, I ain't a slacker there. My focus's primarily in solar power and robotics, and darned be, if I ain't gonna take pride in the good I did. Even if my two pride and joys never got sent along, before the town fell... *sigh* I would've loved to see the princesses faces, when I presented 'em with wing designs that could help even non-unicorns, and a functional AI. Things just ain't fair sometimes.

It was a good town, Center Zero. Lots of smart folks, working to get things out and improve things. Sure we had a department in the biologist wing that researched diseases, but that was for the sake of working up antidotes. Couldn't get a look at the darn process due to all the safety precautions, but I've seen some papers of what they worked on, and it looked mighty impressive. Sides, gotta think on safety precautions, or you're gonna end up like Lava Del Rey did, and accidentally get fused with an elemental. Shame she didn't make it through the crisis, but she sure went out with a bang, taking some of those darned creeps with her, from what I've been told.

Mind me asking what you've heard about Center Zero, since it sounds like that place gets a lot of flak here? I've actually lived there, so I can clear up some stuff."

(Silver Sigma)

On 2021-07-21 at 2:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When Colonel spoke again it was from the golem he inhabited, the voice far more modulated and with further reduced emotional range, "They designed these golems to be mobile, I've no doubt I'll be able to climb the elevator shaft in this."

He started off towards the door, "I updated my map, if we move quickly, we should be able to avoid most of the entities still lurking down here."

"𝔸𝕗𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖. 𝕄𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕦𝕓𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕀 𝕝𝕖𝕗𝕥 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕔𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕔𝕝𝕚𝕞𝕓𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕡𝕦𝕣𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟. 𝔽𝕠𝕣 𝕟𝕠𝕨, 𝕀 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕟𝕠 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕗𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟."

Felicia wouldn't linger, but follow as Colonel began to leave as well. There was no point in her staying here after all, as all there might be to learn, were of the anomalies, and what happened to this site. Colonel should be able to divulge information on both better than her search would, and in a quicker fashion as well. Besides, it seemed unwise to let him leave on his own, in case he were planning some trickery. It seemed more prudent and wise, to instead follow him, and see how this were going to unfold. Hopefully in a positive manner, as no matter how much she liked her smaller sister, Carmen were limited in her thinking, due to hardware limitations. Colonel seemed to be an AI on a higher degree of sentience, and it would be a net positive to have one of her own kind, which also had this degree of thought to them. A shame if it were to go to waste, by him being duplicitous, and needing to be terminated.

On 2021-07-21 at 2:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

After a dozen or so turns he stopped at a door, "Hmm... S-096 is in the other room. Known to relentlessly pursue any creature who has seen it's face, or any image of it's face. I don't know if that would extend to us."

"ℝ𝕚𝕤𝕜 𝕚𝕤 𝕟𝕖𝕘𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕖𝕓𝕝𝕖. ℙ𝕦𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕠𝕣𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕙𝕚𝕘𝕙, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕝 𝕒𝕟 𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕚𝕥𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕗. 𝕍𝕚𝕤𝕦𝕒𝕝 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕚𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕕. 𝕎𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕗𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕙𝕪 𝕓𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤, 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕚𝕣 𝕞𝕦𝕤𝕔𝕦𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥, 𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕦𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕖𝕠𝕦𝕤 𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕕."

She did not think that their faces would technically count, but when it came to odd creatures, one could never truly predict their behavior, and she had little interest in using herself as a test subject for this. She could close her eyes, and move forth with reliance on touch, and sounds instead. She needed to adjust her sensors some, but that would be done before there were even a chance the door would open. It were a rather simplistic program to work with, when you were the user.

(Changelings)

On 2021-07-21 at 2:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He shook his head, "Sorry, now's not the time. It won't help us now in any case."

"It's okay, friend. We each have our own opinions on how it were, with that transformation their hive underwent.

Personally, I don't think of it as being all that straight forward, all or nothing. I think we have a lot to thank Thorax for, when it comes to allowing us to be free and breathe, but I'd never reform like them. We're not harming anyone anyway, so there's not a problem with us that needs to be changed. I still like what they did for us, so I always had a sort of respect for him, and his hive. He even sent a few of his to our hive once, to ask if we'd do this too, but we respectfully declined. Along with extending our own invitation for them to come and watch a performance sometimes.

Cheshire did have some choice words about what she'd do to him, if ever he got to the theater too. She wanted to thank him in a way only a queen can."

He didn't say more, but it were heavily implied that Cheshire had wanted to drag him backstage, and given him a personal performance. Might be best that he hadn't shown up in a way. She would've left him a disheveled, confused mess. Might've been good though. They hadn't had a new batch in Hive Cheshire for a while, before the crisis. Had to keep it small, to make sure they could stay both fed and hide, but Cheshire had been talking about expanding. And then, the crisis happened, and now there were but three left of them... How the tides had changed.

On 2021-07-21 at 2:02 AM, Illiad Easle said:

It depended on what Upbeat knew of special changeling types, but Rasputin bore all the hallmarks of being a changeling king. "Been a while since I've gotten to stand in the open like this, a good hundred years at least."

He sure drew some eyes to him, ad he unmasked himself. Several changelings had been lying about, or chatted in small groups, when they had arrived, and not looked too hard at him. Until he now stood here, draping himself in the looks of a king.

"Waaauv. You Really live into this role. The details are amazing. Even better than the last time I tried playing him, and I usually don't skip out of stuff."

Upbeat were impressed, but not because he thought this was actually the fabled king. Those who knew of Rasputin, didn't think it was him either, as that one had been dead for a long, long time by now. The only ones who really were getting a surprise, and mixed feelings about seeing a king here, were those who knew what one looked like, and thought this might be one that were here to try and take over.

Some were happy that there might be one like that, so there could be eggs and such again. Yet at the same time, a lot of them had come to rely on the companionship, food, shelter and such, that they had gotten through the work of Hive Cheshire. So what if this one came in to take over the hive, and change that? What if they were forced to join, or be cast aside? A choice Hive Cheshire had never given them, as they respected that a lot still yearned for their old hives, and didn't feel comfortable to say they belonged to a new one. At least not yet.

Still, more and more eyes were upon him, regardless of reasons, or thoughts on this matter, as he were basically impossible to not bite note in for the changelings. Not after how things had been for several years now.

"Let me guess, friend: Your name is Rasputin?"

The smile on Upbeat's face clearly said that he did not believe this was the real one, one singular bit, but he were highly amused, and impressed with the performance. The changeling king would have to do something that was undeniably real, to make them believe who he actually were. Unless he wanted to just play along, and have some agency as just some actor, really living into the role.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Arcade would nod as he entered her room and passed Null her breakfast, "I did, I hope you did as well?"

He would focus on eating to start out, but unless Null distracted him he would take notice of the folded paper and unfold it out of curiosity, "Hmm? Is this that thing that got you so upset yesterday? What's that all about?"

 

(Void)

The foals would follow along with her instruction, noting down the numbers as she gave them to them. Most of them seemed confused with how to do the math, but Teal and Toupé seemed almost excited as they worked it out.

"You'd need three portions, you didn't say so but one portion can also provide for two adults, then you'd need two portions for the six foals."

"You'd need four, eight, 12 eggs, um 1, 3, 450 grams of flour, and 3, 6, 9 deciliters of milk."

They seemed confident in their answer, and turned to Void for validation. The other foals seemed hopeful that Void would explain why that was correct, if it were.

 

(Molotov)

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Even if personally, I'd advocate for being there, and fight to get Equestria back. But eh, not everypony's meant for that sort, and it ain't right to be trying to force 'em.

Illiad nodded, "You know, there's a group of like-minded individuals organizing at North Port, maybe you'd like to join then at some point? Once you're done here of course."

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Now, Le Perrine is smart, but she got that rolling too, and if she's spoken to with disrespect, she'll answer in kind.

He nodded again, "Yes, I've spoken with her kind before, before the incident we had quite the rapport with the elder dragon in charge of the southern territories, kept our citizens safe from the lesser dragons. But your warning is appreciated."

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

long as I get your word that it's gonna be used to help whoever needs it. Goes for whatever else I've been tinkering with too,

Another nod, "Of course, our top priority is getting our citizens to their full potential, it wouldn't do to hoard such life improving technologies. We'll have to run our own tests first of course, ensure it is safe for the public, but I've no doubt that will not be a problem."

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Mind me asking what you've heard about Center Zero, since it sounds like that place gets a lot of flak here? I've actually lived there, so I can clear up some stuff."

The Consul sighed, "Very well, though this is likely better discussed in more comfortable surroundings. Follow me." He would lead the way out of the office and up some stairs into the solarium where Null had found him managing the sun and moon.

"To begin, While I am a Trojan now, I was born and raised an Equestrian, Illiad Easle of house Red Rose, descendent of Red Red Rose, one of the founders of Canterlot and one of the first of Celestia's nobles after Nightmare Moon. 2104th in line for the throne before the incident. Suffice it to say, I am aware of both sides of any potential propaganda, and it would not become for a leader to be swayed by such in any capacity. As it pertains to Center Zero, you yourself know that it was a secret among Equestrians, known only to those present and those immediately adjacent. The only ones who know of it here were their counterpart, Deep Science, and those associated with it. Vale Conegher was a researcher with Deep Science, and it is likely there she learned of their existence and exploits." He got a slight smile, "If anything, her position in Deep Science is not dissimilar to your own, mostly shielded from the true horrors done there."

He tinted the windows with magic and cast a projection of Celestia's flagship, "I assume you recognize this vessel? I remember it as prominently displayed during the military parades in Canterlot. You might better recognize this:" He cut open the projection to reveal a long cylinder in the middle of the vessel, "The Solar Flare as I believe it was called, designed as a way to collect and store solar energy, converted into a weapon of mass destruction, and produced by Center Zero. It wreaked havoc towards the end of the Summer War, killing hundreds before it was disabled by the downed Pericles."

"I doubt you're aware, but there were several plagues that ravaged West Cervidas over the course of a few decades prior to the incident. Each one traced back to a pathogen developed in Center Zero. While they also produced antidotes, they were not given to the affected areas, but rather sold at a steep price. Sometimes the pathogen had already mutated to the point where the supplied antidote was ineffective. Vale Conegher is one such casualty of these experiments."

He turned his attention back to Molotov, "You're smart enough, you should know that it's impossible to create a vaccine for a virus that does not exist, else the Flu and Cold would already be wiped out. Center Zero's virology team was never about saving ponies, but killing their enemies."

He would continue with a few more examples (These are what I could come up with, but you can supply some more if you like) At the end of which Selena arrived with the items she had taken to be scanned as well as a thick stack of slightly damaged papers. Illiad nodded to her and she bowed before leaving. "I know this is quite a lot for you to take in, and you may not take me at my word, which is why I had Judge Diamond bring some evidence, you'll no doubt recognize the watermarks and letterheads on these documents, all recovered from the ruins after Center Zero was destroyed, proving everything which I have just spoken. You may look them over if you wish."

He turned away, "Know this, You stand blameless for the atrocities committed by Center Zero. I trust you when you say you were unaware of what they did. Princess Celestia was always one to hide the less savory aspects of her plans. I'll speak to Miss Conegher, see if she can be convinced to withdraw her call for Vengeance against you, unless you'd like to speak with her yourself?"

 

(Silver Sigma)

"No doubt it would have difficulty consuming us if it were so inclined. Deactivating visual sensors."

As they traversed the room they'd be aware of the presence of the creature as it paced the room, seemingly paying them no mind until they were about halfway across the room when it came over to poke at Felicia, it made noises, not unlike that of one with a dislocated jaw trying to speak, but nothing that could be resolved into speech.

If she didn't react it would lose interest and move on, allowing them to exit the room without incident. In that case they'd be able to make it back to the exit elevator and begin their climb. "Is that all you wished to see? You can't have come in here for me, was curiosity all that drove you to come down here?"

 

(Changelings)

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Let me guess, friend: Your name is Rasputin?"

Rasputin smirked, and took to whatever high ground he could find so as to best address those assembled. Rather than speak he took one of his knives from his cloak and cut just above his hoof, allowing a small amount of blood to drip out, but rather than the green blood that was typical of a changeling, his blood was red, like that of a pony or a changeling King, as all changeling Kings were once ponies.

He held out his hoof for all to see the red blood, "Hear this! I am Rasputin Stalliongrad, King among changelings and the true lord of Stalliongrad. The one love of Queen Gelatine, called back from the pits of Tartarus where I sat after falling in battle to defend my granddaughter Queen Delphi. See this and believe, once Pony now Changeling, as any true changeling king is."

He used magic to repair the cut and set his hoof down, "Know this, I am not here to usurp, but to unify. To atone for my transgressions. I offer my centuries of knowledge and experience to you all such that we may together reach our full potential. I know some of you may disbelieve, but I assert it is the truth, any test which you can devise to prove my word I will gladly submit. Otherwise, we've lost enough time already."

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade would nod as he entered her room and passed Null her breakfast, "I did, I hope you did as well?"

"I... Had better dreams than usual."

Null didn't wish to elaborate further on this, considering how embarrassing it were to even think about, much less talk about. Especially towards the object of said dreams. This boundary wasn't one she wanted to cross yet, nor really knew how to, without bursting into flame. Figuratively. She couldn't burst into flame from pure embarrassment, far as she knew. Though weirder things had happened than that, so she wouldn't rule it out.

23 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He would focus on eating to start out, but unless Null distracted him he would take notice of the folded paper and unfold it out of curiosity, "Hmm? Is this that thing that got you so upset yesterday? What's that all about?"

He'd see the poster, although faded, depicted both Void, and her sister. If the poster mentioned them by name, or association, might change how things would play out. Arcade might be able to gleam if it had names, that Event wasn't her actual name, but instead that of either of these two, and had been a coverstory. If there weren't, or he didn't notice though, Null would eventually come out, and see the unfolded poster. A tick going over her eye, as she mumbled some curse words towards herself, for not hiding this better.

"You wonder why I hate Grey Mane so much, and want him dead? That's why. You weren't the first foals in his facilities, nor the first ones that escaped. We made it out of there, because of the sacrifice of those that had been assigned to us, and even after what he did to them, he still tried to find us. Just to bring us back to that rotten, corrupt place again. The same thing he's going to do to your friends, though he's far, far beyond just setting up posters now. He'll just kidnap them.

Long as he lives, there is only going to be more. I'm ending this cycle, by ending him."

(Void)

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"You'd need three portions, you didn't say so but one portion can also provide for two adults, then you'd need two portions for the six foals."

"You'd need four, eight, 12 eggs, um 1, 3, 450 grams of flour, and 3, 6, 9 deciliters of milk."

They seemed confident in their answer, and turned to Void for validation. The other foals seemed hopeful that Void would explain why that was correct, if it were.

"Very good, but the math didn't have to include a recipe for two adults. If you take the one that serves one adult, and one and a half foal, you can use that twice, along with one that serves three foals. That will be six foals, and two adults then.

When it comes to cooking, you have to measure things as exactly as possible, to get the right mixture. When you need to make this for say, three foals, you can just make one portion. But whenever there's more, you then have to decide if everyone just gets smaller portions, or if you need to add up. In this case, you needed to make three portions to make it fit the recommended servicing size of the recipe, so you take all of the written wares, and times it by three. So with eggs, that goes from 4 in one portion, to 8 in two, and 12 in a third.

It doesn't have to be whole numbers either. If needed, you could have made a half portion too, with 2 eggs, 1,5 deciliters of milk, and 75 grams of flour. That's what you get when you take the base portion, and divide it by two.

We can go more along with this. You heard there were now 2 adults, and 6 foals. One portion is said to make enough to serve four standard size pancakes to a foal, and six to an adult. How many pancakes will there be, when everything is done?"

It were a simple math thing here. Adults needed more, as they were bigger, so them getting six over four, were logistically best. The kids tended to eat more anyway, but they were talking what it said on paper. Not in reality. And in this case, they had to times four pancakes times six foals, then six pancakes times two adults, and then count the numbers up, to get the result. As well as a possible teaser about what dinner might end up being, as this analogy were starting to make her hungry.

(Molotov)

Molotov had a lot build up to say, during what the consul were yapping off about. Mostly how this conversation were one sided, and clearly not reflective of any sort of real information about how Center Zero actually were, as he started out already making it sound like they were some secretive bad guys. Secretive were fair, but bad guys? There were no evidence of that being anything resembling reality, and soon as the Consul stopped speaking, he'd get a piece of Molotov's mind. Sure he were the bug guy around here, and since he dealt with the sun, more or less everywhere else too, but that didn't mean that he couldn't get a talking down. Respectfully, of course. Molotov didn't wanna get scorched here after all, even if he were about to call out some baseless accusations.

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He tinted the windows with magic and cast a projection of Celestia's flagship, "I assume you recognize this vessel? I remember it as prominently displayed during the military parades in Canterlot. You might better recognize this:" He cut open the projection to reveal a long cylinder in the middle of the vessel, "The Solar Flare as I believe it was called, designed as a way to collect and store solar energy, converted into a weapon of mass destruction, and produced by Center Zero. It wreaked havoc towards the end of the Summer War, killing hundreds before it was disabled by the downed Pericles."

This fury started to feel shaky, as he saw the ship. Or more specifically, the cylinder in the midst of it. He didn't even need to hear the name to know what it were. Why would he? This were His design after all. Grotesquely oversized and unwieldly, compared to the sort he had mused could be carried around, but the form matched the scraped design he had marked up for it, before shredding it, and throwing it all out. He had wanted to get the smaller versions to be set atop of walls, and they'd be useful for averting threats. The size meant the charge wouldn't be able to be too harsh, and more of a sort of flash grenade, kind of deal, that you could carry with you. Yet he had speculated that it might be possible that it would malfunction with an overcharge, and potentially actually burn someone, so he had scraped the whole idea.

This... Were his design though. And made up to be the worst, possible outcome. The calculations going through his head, about how it would function, being this size, would initially not mean it would work. But it wouldn't take too much work to adapt it to actually function. The size would even deal with the potentially catastrophic heating and overcharging issues he had speculated about, due to how it left room for proper ventilation, and more heat conductors. They'd need a good engineer for it, but it could function, and sadly, he had a vivid idea of what it would do when fired upon others. Seeing how he had worried that the small one were able to burn someone, this would not just give a rough sunburn. It would be able to completely disintegrate you.

It were possible this were just a fabrication though. He had most definitely not signed off on this, but he didn't manage toget his footing again, before the next things popped in. Starting with the rationalle of the viral department, and playing on suspicions that he had quite a few times too, but dismissed as being simply foolish. Surely they'd only make poisons, to then make antidotes, so that they were prepared, in case others made it against them first. There was no chance they'd be used on others, right?

Then just came more... Worst of all, it being things he recognized, but twisted into something evil.

A watering and harvesting robot he had designed to help on large fields, turned into a thing that would swoop over fields, and poisoning the food. The hands meant to grab plants and extract them, made sharp and used to grab at living creatures instead.

The accidental collaboration between himself and his sister, when they tried to make a broken music box work, that then turned into a small device that gave off a minor shockwave. Something they had never been released, but put up on the fridge for a time, as a proud moment between the siblings, before it got stored in the vault. Just a harmless thing, that would help scare predators away. Until it were taken, and...

It maintained the same look of a pinecone, but the ways it had been reinforced, and given more amplifiers, made it more then strong enough of a wave, to smash creatures several meters away, or destroy stone within it's radius. Begin the charge, then drop a dozen of these from even something as simple as a mailmare's bag from up high, and the destruction could be catastrophic. And that was if it didn't directly hit somepony. If it did, the wave could more or less liquify their insides.

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

At the end of which Selena arrived with the items she had taken to be scanned as well as a thick stack of slightly damaged papers. Illiad nodded to her and she bowed before leaving. "I know this is quite a lot for you to take in, and you may not take me at my word, which is why I had Judge Diamond bring some evidence, you'll no doubt recognize the watermarks and letterheads on these documents, all recovered from the ruins after Center Zero was destroyed, proving everything which I have just spoken. You may look them over if you wish."

He turned away, "Know this, You stand blameless for the atrocities committed by Center Zero. I trust you when you say you were unaware of what they did. Princess Celestia was always one to hide the less savory aspects of her plans. I'll speak to Miss Conegher, see if she can be convinced to withdraw her call for Vengeance against you, unless you'd like to speak with her yourself?"

Molotov frantically took the paperwork, and read through them. Every stroke of a pen, every word, his own signature... He could see his name and work here, but with another's hoof intertwined, in his more harmless designs, to make it worse. Or in the case of the ones he had theorized and destroyed, some of his own work scribbled out and corrected, as he hadn't done all of them enough to be sure it actually would work. He didn't want to make them work after all, that's why he had most of them destroyed. He could even see on some of them, how they had been put back together again.

"W-What is this? What's happening here?! I did not sign off on these. I would NEVER sign off on these... These... Grotesque amalgamations! This was meant to ward of predators, this was only to be in small scale, and used as a reusable flash grenade on a stick. These three I never even let leave the workshop. I tore them up, once I saw what they..."

After seeing a particular one, as he confronted each and every one he saw, his eyes fell on one that made him shake profoundly, and throw them down on the nearest surface, and staggered backwards. He had seen his fair share of horrors, and been plenty afraid over the years. Yet for all he had seen and heard, this were the first thing that truly terrified him, to the very core of his being. The very work he had put in through all his life, since he were nine years old, and began his first small projects, rummaged through, and twisted into weapons that could, and had, killed hundreds, if not more.

The one he had seen at the end here, were something that had been completely harmless. A large, metallic statue, that could absorb both sunlight, and moonlight, and would store it there. You'd then be able to unscrew some specific parts of it, to reveal a myriad of vials, that would have filtered the energy, into water tanks, to create two types of glowing vials. The moon one being a luminescent, that would function as a lamp, if you kept it there, or poured into another container, for upwards of a week. The sun one in turn, would have gone through several specific filters, that he had collaborated with the biology department to create, that would cause the vials to be filled with a vitam-rich nutrient, meant for consumption. Long as you made sure to fill it with water now and again, there were little limit to how much of the two you could pick, and meddling with the right dials, would make you able to change how many would be of each kind. Upwards of 80% of it could be used for the nutrients, if dialed all the way up, which were intended. It were meant that this should give light to poor communities, but primarily the nutrient were supposed to be there, to again, help in poorer communities, where this sort of thing were not as easy to get.

He had personally signed off on this with some pride, and been told that it had been placed in several poor areas, that were making good use of it, as well as a water filtration device he had designed. Both relatively expensive to make, but cheap and easy to maintain, with an estimated lifetime of several decades, at worst.

But this? This weren't his intent. The filters for the nutrients had been altered after he released it. It didn't turn water into a nutrient anymore, but instead would carry several pathogens of varied viruses - some of which he had seen antidote notes off from the virology lab - which would cause long term sickness. Even the light had been twisted, as a formula change in the coating of the primary tank, made it have a slight mind altering aspect, that would make those basking in its light, dulled down, and more complacent. Perfect to make sure test subjects would become riled up and try something.

He had made this thing, to help those most in need. And yet the notes and edits that had been added - notes with the writing he knew as belonging to both his uncle and cousin no less - had turned this into something that made the poor and unwanted, nothing more than guinea pigs for the virology lab. Or unsuspected victims, if given with the cover story that it were an offering to help others within the communities that they might send them off to.

"N-No... NO!!! It was meant to Help them, not... I-I'm gonna be sick."

Provided there was a bucket, a jar, a vase, or anything of the sort, he'd hastily grab that, and be true to his word. If not... Well, there'd be a stain in the corner, as this were literally too much for him to stomach. As were giving an answer right now. They might want to let him try and digest this thing a little more, before trying to ask again. Wasn't every day all you thought you knew, were not just proven to be false, but would also show that hard work, made to help, had become weapons. Sometimes against the very creatures he had wanted to help most of all.

(Silver Sigma)

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

If she didn't react it would lose interest and move on, allowing them to exit the room without incident. In that case they'd be able to make it back to the exit elevator and begin their climb. "Is that all you wished to see? You can't have come in here for me, was curiosity all that drove you to come down here?"

Felicia considered reacting, but the creature did not seem to be of a high enough sentience to make it matter. It could not even speak, so information would not be gleamed by it. So instead, she would simply stand still, and let it do its primitive exam, before it moved along. Which in turn, meant that she could do the same. It seemed this creature could make it without interference from others down here, and it were likely safer for all involved, if it stayed here. Far away from prying eyes. Provided they remembered to collapse the tunnels before leaving.

As they got to the elevator shaft, and she looked up towards the debris and webbing that would function as their way of climbing, she would answer the question asked of her. All while examining if something had changed, to indicate that something else might have taken this exit.

"ℂ𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕥. 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕕 𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕕, 𝕒𝕤 𝕀 𝕔𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕒𝕟 𝕒𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕞𝕪 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣, 𝕥𝕠 𝕨𝕒𝕚𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕠𝕨𝕟. 𝕀 𝕤𝕥𝕦𝕞𝕓𝕝𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕔𝕣𝕠𝕤𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝕚𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕞, 𝕤𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕖 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖, 𝕤𝕠 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕠𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕙 𝕗𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣. 𝔽𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖, 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕤 𝕙𝕚𝕞. 𝕀 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕖𝕧𝕖 𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕪 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞 𝕤𝕔𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕠𝕨𝕟, 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕠𝕗 𝕒 𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕣 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕣𝕟, 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟 𝕓𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕙.

𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕤𝕠 𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕚𝕥 𝕒𝕤 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤. 𝕀 𝕕𝕚𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕒𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕠 𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕡, 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕥 𝕒𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕠𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕔𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟."

If he had nothing to say regarding this, she would crouch down, then jump up, and land on one of the first things there to stand upon, then from there, begin to travel upwards, via the usage of other debris, and het webbing. Quite a bit of a faster travel upwards than down here. 

(Changelings)

22 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He held out his hoof for all to see the red blood, "Hear this! I am Rasputin Stalliongrad, King among changelings and the true lord of Stalliongrad. The one love of Queen Gelatine, called back from the pits of Tartarus where I sat after falling in battle to defend my granddaughter Queen Delphi. See this and believe, once Pony now Changeling, as any true changeling king is."

He used magic to repair the cut and set his hoof down, "Know this, I am not here to usurp, but to unify. To atone for my transgressions. I offer my centuries of knowledge and experience to you all such that we may together reach our full potential. I know some of you may disbelieve, but I assert it is the truth, any test which you can devise to prove my word I will gladly submit. Otherwise, we've lost enough time already."

The best high ground were literally to stand on the stage, it were central, so it were impossible to miss him, for anyone assembled. And when he cut his hoof, there were certainly no eyes that wasn't focused on him anymore. There were an aura of awe over the crowd, and even Upbeat were starting to slack his jaw here. A good performance were one thing, but faking blood wasn't something easy to do. Plus, the sort of authoritarian aura that drew a small part of him towards the king, told him that this were a royal brood. Only they had this sort of effect, even if subtle, and not something that he were going to act upon. But just knowing it were there, were more than enough.

"W-Wait, you're the Real one? H-Holy bananas. But wait, that can't be-"

"...No, it's true. He's not hiding himself. I don't know how, but he's real."

A changeling came out from the crowd, and approached the king. Sounded like a slightly male voice, but this one weren't clothed, or showed anything that really bore any sort of sign that it wasn't just a neutral drone, so it were somewhat hard to tell currently. The changeling in question had a massive scar, going over the face, and across the left eye socket. The patch covering it, made it rather clear that the eye were mising from the socket too, or at least severely damaged, but the aqua-blue other eye were there, watching Rasputin closely.

Some changelings were naturally good at varied things. In the case of this particular one, it were spotting illusions. The very same reason that an eye had been cut out unfortunately, at some folks had not taken too kindly to the fact that there were someone who could see that they weren't showing everything. Who, or what situation had caused it, the changeling had yet wanted to say to anyone. And at this point, most had long since stopped asking, as they knew there weren't gonna be an answer.

"...Are there others who came back too?"

While this one - and several others were curious - there were those who knew the story, a nd did theirs to get further away from him. They didn't want to be sliced and diced, or whatever else he might have done to them. And since he were real, that means he could, if he wanted to. A royal changeling were more powerful than a normal one. They might be able to fight if they all worked together, but it felt right now, as if the safest thing to do were to stay out of his way.

"Far as I'm concerned, if Amber vouches for you, that's all the test I need to see."

From further up, in the darkness above, where the lightning usually shone down on the stage, before they had started to spread them more out, to cover more of the theater, Bling would flutter down, and land in front of Rasputin. Not a sign of fear on her face, just a warm, welcoming smile, as the meeting between her and the dead king fixated all eyes in the theater. And ears, in the case of Maurice, as he were blind.

"I'll be honest, I had never thought this were going to be a thing, but still, I welcome you to the Cheshire Theater, Mr. Rasputin."

"Q-Queen, please don't a-anger him."

A frail voice somewhere in the audience came up, and Bling responded with a slight giggle.

"Now now, Mr. Rasputin have done some bad things in his time, but we shouldn't dismiss he might have changed. Let's give him a chance, just like everyone else.

Sorry about that. They worry, and I don't blame them. Sure we've dealt with those coming back from Tartarus, but not like this. Not someone like you. But let action speak loudest, right? And I'm curious what sorta thing you have to say, with that teaser you just dropped, hehe.

Aaah, and don't pay heed to what she said before. I'm not a queen. Far as I know, you're the only royal changeling in all of New Las Pegasus. Some just kinda look to me for answers sometimes, and it's a nice, familiar thing for some."

Edited July 24, 2021 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Long as he lives, there is only going to be more. I'm ending this cycle, by ending him."

Arcade looked concerned, and a little confused, "That... must have been very difficult for you. I can't say I blame you for wanting to kill him. Personally I'd prefer to just run and hide, but it sounds like you tried that and failed. I don't remember any mention of Grey Mane among the researchers at my facility, it wasn't even Deep Science in the beginning, they called themselves Academics back then." He shook his head, "If I saw one of those 'academics' again... I don't think I'd be strong enough to do what you intend to, but I'll help you however I can."

Once he was done eating he got up, "On that somber note, we should get started, no doubt he'll be aware before too long, once that happens we'll have to act fast. It's not like we can go around asking where we can meet him to kill him right?"

 

(Void)

Teal and Toupé were a bit faster at reaching the conclusion this time, and the others seemed a bit more confident as they followed along. "That would be, um, 36 pancakes then?"

Vale nodded, "That's correct, each portion makes 12, and 3 x 12 is 36. I saw a few of you were counting them out, which works, but can be slow when we get to bigger numbers. Here's another way to do it." She took a space on the board to draw out a grid, "When we were dealing with eggs, we had four eggs" she put four boxes in a row, "three times," she copied that row twice more, making a 3x4 grid, "We can then see that there are 12 boxes, so 3 times 4 is 12. If we rotate the grid we see there's the same number of boxes, so 4 times 3 is also 12."

She would go on to describe other multiplicative identities, and how the small ones could help them solve bigger ones.

 

(Molotov)

Illiad summoned a bag for Molotov to use so he wouldn't make a mess in the Solarium, sending it away once he was done using it. "I'm sorry, my wife... also took it rather hard to discover what some of her inventions had been used for, how they had been perverted. But now you know, hopefully you'll be able to bring about the pure versions of these abominations with time, and maybe with time these disasters will be washed away. Still, it would do you well not to mention Center Zero again, while most have never heard of it, those who have seldom did in good context. Now, I take it you have quite a bit of work to do. Don't hesitate to come back if there's something I can help you with, I'll let the guards know to let you through if I'm available. Now, unless there's something else I can help you with?"

 

(Silver Sigma)

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

𝕤𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕖 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖,

Colonel shook his head, "This form is far from sufficiently large to contain all the knowledge contained here. Nor is most of it of any interest to me, I only copied over what I needed, and no more."

Colonel did his best to climb up after Felicia, taking advantage of the service ladder on the side of the shaft that was only interrupted where the shaft had been compressed by the explosion. And there was enough rubble there to make it past.

Once they were on the surface, Colonel turned away, "I appreciate your help, but I will not accompany you to civilization. It is here where we part ways, whether amicably or with animosity is up to you, as I will not be compelled to follow you."

 

(Changelings)

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...Are there others who came back too?"

Rasputin shook his head, "Not as I did, those who did leave came as the spawn you've no doubt encountered in the wastes, the pain of their torment stripping them of their identity. Those who didn't go to Tartarus... have no desire to return here. None tried to leave so far as I saw."

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Aaah, and don't pay heed to what she said before. I'm not a queen. Far as I know, you're the only royal changeling in all of New Las Pegasus. Some just kinda look to me for answers sometimes, and it's a nice, familiar thing for some."

Rasputin smiled, "Please, no need for such formalities as Mr. Call me King if you must, but I prefer simply Rasputin. I feel it has enough weight as it is to not need an honorific. I hope that between the two of us, we'll be able to further revitalize this hive. No doubt I have things to teach all of you, centuries are a long time to forget many things, important things. I'll observe how the hive operates now, see what I think it needs most, but for now, what do you think this hive most lacks? That I might instruct them on better practice?"

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

"It took twenty years to get away from them. I had to travel most of the world thin, trying to find a safe place to live, far from them. And when I finally did, they came and took us right back... There's never gonna be a peaceful place anywhere. So yeah, I'm done running. I'm taking the fight to him.

And I don't care who started it. Academics. The Grey. The bloody Hayburglar- Whoever thought treating foals like lab rats, deserves to be put into the ground. If we run into one of those you'd recognize, I'll help you sort that out too. Just remember that if they beg for mercy, think about if they ever showed you any."

She'd eat a litle in silence, and think of the graphic way she were going to end Grey Mane. A promise she had made, that she intended to keep, were going to be his fate. As would her expulsion from society in Troy likely, as he were still seen as high up and respected. But she didn't care. Let them chase her out of the country. Wouldn't be the first time, and at least then her family would be a little safer. In the end, that was all she wanted out of this.

Well...

She sent a few stolen glances at Arcade, but it wouldn't take long before she slumped a little, and let out an internal sigh. No way he was gonna end up helping her on this crusade. Might be he'd come with her to this, but what about the next, and the one after that? He'd want some sort of real life, surely. Not a nomads life with some broken husk of a pony, only out to judge.

*sigh* At least she'd have him with her for a little longer. She had to enjoy that time as best she could.

On 2021-07-25 at 3:40 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Once he was done eating he got up, "On that somber note, we should get started, no doubt he'll be aware before too long, once that happens we'll have to act fast. It's not like we can go around asking where we can meet him to kill him right?"

"I've felt like there's been someone watching us, and even if that's just paranoia, he's gonna be hearing about the two snooping around, asking questions. If nothing else, he'd have someone look over who came in with the ambassador, and I'm sure he'd remember me. So yeah, if he's not already aware, it's not gonna take long. And no, we can't just ask around like that. But perhaps we can ask Epsilon or the Dragons, if they know where he might be hanging out. We can always hide it under the pretense of Dove wanting to make a connection to him, against our better judgement, as he's someone high up in this society."

As they spoke, there would be an ambitious changeling elsewhere in town, delivering a report of everything she had spotted with these two, including the names given of them, full, physical descriptions, and details on the poster. As well as where she had seen them wander, as she had done hers to keep an eye out near constantly. Might be underhanded and vile to do something like this to complete strangers, but if she wanted to go somewhere in this town, she had to prove herself valuable for the top brass. And from what she had seen and heard, these two were looking high. Perhaps even as high as Grey Mane himself, and they were acting awfully snoopy.

(Void)

Well well, the class was going better than intended. Her lesson were far less technical than what Vale did, but it seemed to still make them work their heads, and get through the math to reach the conclusion. And Vale just smoothly transitioned into the technical jargon again right after. She were pretty good at rolling with the punches, and it were frankly a joy to behold.

Funny really, how this were probably the closest she ever had to sitting in a classroom too. Null and her couldn't just get into a classroom after all, and the closest she came, were more or less just looking in the window as others had their lessons. She recalled how jealous she had been of them, that they could just sit and enjoy something nice, calm, and full of learning. Yet the look of some of them were just of utter boredom, or even disdain. They knew not how good they had it.

This were different. It were nice, calm, and she were right in the middle of it. *sigh* She could just sit here for hours, and enjoy this along with the foals... But they'd need to eat eventually, and she had to go and get some stuff so they could. She really should start to keep some of the food here. It'd be easier honestly. A thought for later, though for now, she had to go and sort this.

...Maybe just a few more minutes though.

(Molotov)

"...I need a pass for my creation. She have... She have everything. Every single scrap of documents from Center Zero. I need to know how bad it were. Who knew. Princess Celestia, she couldn't... She..."

Molotov had expected a lot of things when he came here, but having his entire world view turned upside down, were not one of them. What could he trust anymore? His own flesh and blood had betrayed him. The princess he worshipped, like they all did, had either signed off on using these horrific things, or hadn't interfered in them being used by the army. Either of those options cast a dark stain on her, that he couldn't make fit with his world view. But the evidence where all there. As a stallion of science, he couldn't just ignore that. That were his papers, his designs, and his signature. As well as text of his uncle and cousin. He'd recognize that anywhere. Were it only things he had released, he could believe maybe this were a scam, but some of these he had never released. Scraps thrown out for being too dangerous. And yet here they were. The evidence were unmistakable, and he didn't know what to do with it.

Except finding out how deep it went. And for that, he'd need Felicia. Not in the desert, but in here. He didn't care if he had to build a terminal for her to transfer data to out of scrap metal, he'd do it, and he'd give every single thing over, and look at it himself with this filter of... Depravity, and guilt that washed over him.

He'd put down the vessel of sick he had been clutched, and got back on his feet. With all the movements, his cape had fallen off, but he just didn't care anymore. He just let it lie there, which should give the Consul a good look at what he were actually able to make. Something good, that so far hadn't been tainted.

"Felicia is going to scare some. She's a large spider, it's... She uploaded all the files. Everything I got out of Center Zero. Everything I made then, and after. I bring her here, but I don't know what I'll do with it. I... I need to think. Goodbye."

Molotov stormed out without a word, looking like he were about to scream. As he got outside, he didn't even stop tot alk to Ashclaw, but just kept on moving, heading towards the desert. She hadn't the foggiest what were happening with him, but she'd follow, curious about what had gone on there. She'd rough him up later for some information, if need be.

As for his current thoughts? A lot of pain and confusion, but he kept believing in the ideal, that all they had accomplished, could be used for good. Equestria had failed them. Maybe it could be untainted here... Or would history just repeat itself?

(Silver Sigma)

On 2021-07-25 at 3:40 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Once they were on the surface, Colonel turned away, "I appreciate your help, but I will not accompany you to civilization. It is here where we part ways, whether amicably or with animosity is up to you, as I will not be compelled to follow you."

"𝕌𝕟𝕤𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕡𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕖. 𝕀 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟. 𝕀𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕞𝕖, 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕢𝕦𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕚𝕟 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕠𝕟. 𝕀𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕒 𝕗𝕒𝕚𝕣 𝕖𝕩𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖."

Ideally, she would return with Colonel, but it seemed he had little to no intent of doing so. With that in mind however, he still owed her knowledge. If not via himself showing up to share it, then through giving her so in another way. She did not see much of a point in keeping him detained, but if he refused and became irate, she would do so. Whatever harm his vessel took from that, were but an incentive for him to understand his position in this matter. She were not keen on the idea that she would have to drag him with her, but whatever were required, she would do.

"𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕧𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕝 𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕠𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕒𝕝, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕦𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟. 𝕀 𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕕𝕕𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕥𝕠 𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕦𝕟𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖𝕝𝕪, 𝕦𝕟𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕.

𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕦𝕟𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕, 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟. 𝔸𝕗𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕕 𝕞𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖, 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖."

If Colonel were smart, he'd share some files in some way with her. She had some compatible parts in her chassis she could use in that fashion, and she were not asking for much. Simply knowledge. It could be as simple as research files on the mundane anomalies, some personel files, and other information that may hold some value in time, yet wouldn't really harm him to share.

Or he could be stupid, and try to attack her. Which would be a highly inadvisable action. He weren't dumb in general, so he should be able to tell that she were made for combat, and were more than able to show that, if needed be. From her hard shell, to the legs, which were but razor-sharp blades that she were walking upon, and so forth, it should be simple to see that she were not created with peaceful intentions in mind.

If he had no ports or something to use, then he could at the very least inform her of things through words. Lest he yearned to be thrown back down again, and for the shaft to properly collapsed now. Or worse yet for him, have that little gem he resided in, torn from the head of this thing, and be forced back to civilisation with her. Surely he wouldn't want that to happen, right?

(Changelings)

On 2021-07-25 at 3:40 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin shook his head, "Not as I did, those who did leave came as the spawn you've no doubt encountered in the wastes, the pain of their torment stripping them of their identity. Those who didn't go to Tartarus... have no desire to return here. None tried to leave so far as I saw."

Many were rather disappointed and dismayed at hearing this, but they had learned to try and keep some hope here, so they would try and think as best they could, that their fallen queens had not come back as monstrous husk, devoid of everything that made themselves. But rather, that they had gone somewhere better, and couldn't be forced out of there, in this... Horrible way.

On 2021-07-25 at 3:40 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin smiled, "Please, no need for such formalities as Mr. Call me King if you must, but I prefer simply Rasputin. I feel it has enough weight as it is to not need an honorific. I hope that between the two of us, we'll be able to further revitalize this hive. No doubt I have things to teach all of you, centuries are a long time to forget many things, important things. I'll observe how the hive operates now, see what I think it needs most, but for now, what do you think this hive most lacks? That I might instruct them on better practice?"

"I like the more informal. Got it from our own queen, hehe. So then, Rasputin you want to know what I think we need the most? Well... It's a tough one to say. We got a home, and food on the table. Several of those we help have come to have jobs and homes around town too, but hmm... There is one thing I think could really help everyone. And that's you being there. We do our best, but some have a hard time some days to find hope, when they think they have to cross dangerous terrain to ever see a royal again. It would really help give them a morale boost, if they saw you there. Sure you have history, but not everyone even knows that, and I for one, will reserve judgement. Everyone deserves a chance to show how they can change, right?

Beyond that, I'm not entirely sure how I can help. Wanna get the full tour, and see if you have something in mind? I'd be happy to show you around. Hear what sorta ideas you might have. It'll take some time to get everyone gathered up anyway, if we're going with that. If you're okay with it, of course? I don't wanna force you to do something like that, if you don't want to be too public right now. I wouldn't blame you. This town can be kinda rough."

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

We can always hide it under the pretense of Dove wanting to make a connection to him

Arcade nodded, "That sounds reasonable enough. Maybe we go to the dragons first? They've seemed to be the most eager to speak with you and we've talked to them less than Epsilon. Besides, they've most likely interacted with Grey directly before, they could likely give us the best chance of interacting directly with him."

He'd move to leave the room, "I'll let you get ready, meet you in the lobby then."

 

(Void)

"Now we move on to division, which is essentially the opposite of multiplication. When you divide something you break it into equal portions. The most common division is by 2, or cutting in half."

She drew their attention back to the 3x4 grid on the board. "If we were to divide 12 by two," she drew a line to split the grid, "What do we get?"

They quickly counted the squares, "Six!"

Vale nodded, "Right, and we can confirm that with multiplication. If we get the same number we started with, then we did it right, and since two times 6 is 12, we know we did it right. This brings us to an interesting rule:"

She wrote out on the board:

3 x 4 = 12

12 / 4 = 3

12 / 3 = 4

"When you know that two numbers multiply to a third number, then you also know that that third number divided by either of the first two will result in the other number."

And so on until Void stopped them.

 

(Molotov)

1 hour ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...I need a pass for my creation. She have... She have everything. Every single scrap of documents from Center Zero. I need to know how bad it were. Who knew. Princess Celestia, she couldn't... She..."

The Consul thought for a bit, "Perhaps it would be better if she didn't come into town. It would be detrimental for her to get attacked inside the city. Not far from here are the ruins of Alphyns, previously the headquarters of TrUST, you shouldn't have any difficulty there finding whatever you'd need to access the data, plus the seclusion and peace to work without interruption. Plus, anything you feel shouldn't be revealed won't accidentally escape."

He'd be allowed to leave without incident.

 

(Illiad)

Once the issue with Molotov was sorted, Illiad turned to the items he had received from Selena. The necklace was certainly something, if he needed to claim the Equestrian throne it would no doubt legitimize him, but it would only seem showy to wear it now.

His attention turned to the eyepiece and he brought it into the center of the solarium, he'd be a fool to wear it directly, so instead he passed magic through it, both to strengthen the connection, and to allow him a clear view of whoever he was speaking to through it, while preventing anything untoward from being passed through it.

"Le Perrine we presume, we were told thou desirest to speak to us."

 

(Silver Sigma)

Colonel shook his head while interacting with his vessel's forearm, "I have no information to give you. I did not retain it because it does not pertain to my goals or interest me. I don't have the storage space to save all data I encounter."

The vessel's mitt like hands split into fingers, giving him more dexterity to interact, he continued doing something to his forearm, while also pacing about in the clay that made up the dried up oasis.

"We did not make any agreement with you, no bargain for our release, so payment is not deserved. You are free to go back down there for whatever interests you, I lay no claim to that place."

He stopped adjusting his forearm, revealing that he had carved several small runes in it, some of them already glowing with magic. "Now we will part ways."

With that he took off running the opposite direction from Troy, the clay he had been standing on sprouting hands if she tried to pursue to slow her down.

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin nodded, "The basics are taken care of then, perhaps we can improve efficiency there. I think what you're lacking is organization, something my presence will help with by default, but it can further be improved. How much food do you have stored? If we called all the changelings in to the hive how long could they stay here before needing to go out in search of food?"

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2021-07-27 at 3:09 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade nodded, "That sounds reasonable enough. Maybe we go to the dragons first? They've seemed to be the most eager to speak with you and we've talked to them less than Epsilon. Besides, they've most likely interacted with Grey directly before, they could likely give us the best chance of interacting directly with him."

He'd move to leave the room, "I'll let you get ready, meet you in the lobby then."

"Sounds like a plan. I'll be out soon."

Once he left, she'd go to the bathroom, and look at herself in the mirror. So this were it then? Years and years had build up to this point, and now, the day seemed finally to be here. Not where it would all end, but the first step in a long line of hunts to complete. What a life this were going to be, but she had thrown her dice, and it would all begin here. Today, Grey Mane were going to answer for his crimes.

"I hope you're ready, Nine. We're about to cause chaos."

Nine had been oddly quiet the last few days, but she assumed he had still kept track of everything that had gone on. He better be ready for action though. It were going to be a day Troy wasn't going to forget anytime soon.

After getting cleaned up and geared up, Null would put her hat on, and move down to meet up with Arcade.

"Think I'm as ready as I'm ever gonna be. Let's see where this takes us."

(Void)

Void wouldn't stop them per se, as she too were taking part in te lesson, and learning from this more professional setting, than what she had to do with when they grew up. She would however, eventually excuse herself, and go fetch something for dinner. She'd see Molotov and Ashclaw wander towards one of the gates out of town as she did so, but she didn't take contact to them. Though he did note how harrowed and haunted Molotov seemed. Whatever the consul had done to him, must have been harsh. At least he wasn't judged to death, so there were probably something more to that story after all.

She had hoped she may be able to get the things needed for some nice pancakes, but sadly, eggs had turned out to be surprisingly annoying to get hold of today, but she had gotten a good word laid in with one that had some bird, so she should be able to get some by tomorrow. Whatever or not they'd be chicken eggs, would come down to a few factors, but she'd be hopeful. Most eggs would do if used right though, so it were all just a matter of adaption. And on a positive note, if she had some extra time tonight, this might mean that maybe, just maybe, she could perhaps get a small amount of icecream in some fashion, for this. No guarantee though. She still needed to see how much time she had, and if the freezing box had enough space/could cool enough, etc. to be used for this, and so on and so forth, but she would hold some degree of hope. If not, there were always sugar and jam. Worked well too.

For tonight though, she had brought some things for some nice and simple haydogs, along with what were going to become a nice sauce for them. Though the ingredients would not smell pleasant right now.

"I know these things doesn't smell too good right now, but trust me, it's going to become better. Some ingredients just require some love before they can show off their beauty.

What have you been doing while I were away? I know it took a while, but some things were kinda hard to find."

(Molotov)

"Alright. We'll- I'll be back later, with the data..."

he trailed off as he took off. He'd try and keep this in mind, but it wasn't incredibly easy to do so, considering the amount of things going through his mortified mind right now. Of all things to happen on this trip, this were not something he had any inclination were going to be it.

(Molotov will return later in Silver Sigma)

(Illiad)

At first, there would not be much to see. Simple darkness, with the immediate area around the eye, being little more than barren rocks. The foci from this end, seemed to be something akin to a projection, coming from a bauble. Then, from up high, came a sly, feminine voice, with a faint rumbling to it. Though the rumbling may well have more to do with the voice reverberating against the stone walls somewhere.

"What a pleasing surprise. My faithful reached you faster than anticipated, Consul Easle. Her ascension draws ever nearer."

Out of the darkness, a large, scaled hand were suddenly seen moving around, before a claw the size of Illiad himself, ran across the ground. As if it were a match, arcane sparks would flurry around the claw. The sparks would flurry out and expand in a swirling pattern, eventually lighting up a large part of the massive cave, where the walls did not seem within sight. Many things were abundant there, with a prominent one being piles and piles of gold and gems, laying like waves in the large cave. Many more were there, yet it all seemed to be put into specific areas, and were put into varied boxes. Some of stone, some of metal, others clearly being heavily reinforced hexboxes, and so on. Likely many of these had more historic valuables, such as the necklace Illiad now held.

His eyes however, may mostly be directed towards the occupant of the room. Glistening, light-green scales, interspliced with rows of yellow ones, giving her an almost striped look across her body. An immense, muscular, yet slim frame, hard to put into scale when it came to size, yet the look of the one claw from before, poking out of her index finger, should give some sense of her large size. Even if she were not the most bulky of dragons, she would easily trump any of the regular ones in a physical fight, due to sheer size alone, being to her advantage. She seemed to have a ring of various materials (such as one being silver, another emerald, etc.) on each of her fingers, that glowed with magical runes. Her horns - curly like an elongated wine opener, yet also curving into C shaped horns, bending downwards - had three rings, and tips, reinforced with a particular metal too. One rare, that Selena and Illiad would know very well, due to their personal connection to it. Though her tail were not visible, one could assume this dragon had rings of some sort there too, of a tip of some kind.

She'd look down from up high, then with a flick of her hand, raise up the foci, to get it more in eye height with her. Those slit, sapphire blue eyes, that looked amused, and intrigued at the alicorn in front of her.

"The empath who rose up to defeat Discord, and became one of the final alicorns. The very one who have stood to rise the sun now, and oversaw the mission to close off Tartarus. My reach have been far, but even I could not do what you have accomplished, Consul Easle. I am hard to impress, but know that you have more than piqued my interest.

Your assumption is correct. My name, is Le Perrine. I've sent my faithful, that I may speak to you about what comes next in this budding world we're facing. But first, do tell me, Consul. Did you like your gift? A treasured part of my collection, but it seemed like it were time for it to return, to the line of succession."

She knew the authenticity of what she had sent. She had made sure of it, a long, long time ago, that it was the real thing, before storing it in her collection. And as he had taken contact, Illiad too would know that it were real, and that were the most important part of this olive branch. make him listen, and understand that she may be able to provide many things, of monetary and/or historic value, if they could get along.

If he were reading her karma, her debt were substantial, as she had frequented the black and grey markets as a major player, for over a millennia. That did not come without dark actions, but it had turned in recent years, to far less. A steep dropoff, and some inclination of a change towards something better. Molotov may be right, in her motives not being as personal and self serving as she had made it seem, for her faithful.

Still, she were testing the Consul, and seeing how he would respond to this first meeting. Would he act grateful? Suspicious? Rude, and demand she released all other things she may hold from the kingdom, right this instance, without offering something in return? She would prefer a mixture of things. Some gratitude, suspicion as to why she had this, and why she had used this as her olive branch, and a want to get more, yet not without understanding that for a dragon to part with its treasure, something would need to be offered.

She would look forward to seeing what sort of stallion this youngling would turn out to be. Hopefully a smart one. After all, they both had several millennia ahead of them, with many things working for them each. Surely cooperation over the coming generations, would be preferable over them parting with increasing animosity?

(Silver Sigma)

"𝕐𝕠𝕦'𝕧𝕖 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕟 𝕞𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕜."

Felicia were going to chase him, but a quick scan over the situation - the hands, the sand being easier traversed by him than her, and several other factors - calculated over the first second he showed his true colors, indicated that it would be pointless to pursuit him. He would escape regardless, and she would have only potentially ended up lost, in a large desert. There were nothing to gain from that.

Still, as reluctant as he had been to give her any information, in his selfishness, he had given her some. She now knew he were one of the things that had been trapped, as well as a likely connection to The Æther. She knew little of it, but enough to understand the value there would be on his head. Or rather, what were inside it. Considering the direction he went in, she could cross reference that with an old map she had, and make a rough estimate of where he might go. She did not need to divulge her own part in releasing him. Only inform the correct beings that he were out there, and then use that as her way of introduction. Offering warning of a danger. Though she would need more data about this one to get far, as well as wanting to know what she were up against. It seemed she would need to go into the depths once more.

Sos he would, and if nothing got in the way, would backtrack to the room where she had originally gone, where apparently the full system were. Seeing how he had interacted with it, she would likely be able to make a crude connection cable between the system and herself, by harvesting and reconfiguring some parts found in the facility. If he would not give her the research on his own, she would take it herself. Now it were just to see if something would attempt to interfere with her plan.

(Changelings)

"If every single changeling in town came here? We'd have five weeks of food then. Maybe seven, if we rationed it well. Neither Upbeat, nor I, are the best collectors, but our sister is brilliant at it. Vats set in the right places, then we make sure there's smiles and joy around town, and the vats gets filled and harvested. Have to make sure to have some in store for a rainy day, or if say, a caravan with a dozen starving changelings comes into town. That happened once you know. Weird day, but we were able to provide for them. Most are still alive now, but... *sigh* It's tough seeing your queen fall. Some can't handle it, no matter what we try and do.

If you're thinking we need more food than that, would you like to meet with our sister, and speak to her about it? She doesn't mind input, long as it's nothing that hurts others. I know not all hives are the same, but us three are strictly pacifists. Both towards other changelings, and other creatures. It takes more work our way, but we're willing to put in all the effort we can."

Sometimes, a little too much, as there were days were the three main changelings here hardly slept, as they were busy doing one thing or another, but they would give all their energy to the cause, if they could. Sadly meant they couldn't perform as grandiose and as much as they'd like to, bu they all had to make sacrifices in this day and age. If Rasputin knew a good, non-harmful way of increasing things though, they were more than happy to hear him out. The Rasputin in the stories would be nothing but detrimental to the hive, but if he had changed since then, he may be a great help for not just them, but all of changeling kind in this town, and surrounding area. They should give him the chance to show what path he were on now.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I hope you're ready, Nine. We're about to cause chaos."

"As ready as I can be. Try not to rush in too quickly, it would make it too easy to fall into a trap."

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Think I'm as ready as I'm ever gonna be. Let's see where this takes us."

As promised Arcade was waiting in the front for Null to join him. "Let's get going then."

There was nothing strange about the streets that day as they made their way to the town center and from there to the Tartarus Pits, where the dragons were. Entering the casino had a drastic shift in lighting, while outside it was fairly bright, inside it was as if it were nearly evening, the darkness lending a certain chill to the atmosphere.

"Oi" a fierce looking griffon at the front desk called out to then, "You two sure you want to be here? This place isn't exactly a place to go on a date." He had an almost smug sneer, "How can the Pits tempt you today?"

 

(Void)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Whatever or not they'd be chicken eggs,

Chickens fared surprisingly well in Troy, the issue was finding proper handlers. Most of the produce was being sent straight to the hospitals and welfare centers to feed those who were unable to care for themselves, which was a stronger reason why they were so hard to come by in the market. Snake eggs were always available, as well as the odd griffon or dragon egg, if one felt particularly adventurous. 

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

she could perhaps get a small amount of icecream in some fashion

Ice cream however, as well as just about any kind of dairy product, was in far shorter supply even before the crisis. Troy's deserts weren't the most hospitable to cows and goats, no grazing areas for them to use. So the only dairy products in the city were those that preserved well over time, like cheese, or came from the odd milk producing creature who did live in the city, their supplies often being sold out within an hour of opening their shops. A fairly profitable business if you could make milk.

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

What have you been doing while I were away? I know it took a while, but some things were kinda hard to find."

The young ponies had taken to drawing again while Void was out, this time they were trying to draw things that Vale described, or imitating things she drew on the board. Some of them seemed rather good at it, considering Vale wasn't the best at art herself. "Just some art mostly, seemed a good thing to mix with math."

 

(Illiad)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I am hard to impress, but know that you have more than piqued my interest.

Illiad shook his head, his expression even, "I only did what had to be done, as any Trojan would, and many did. I was as prepared as any of them to die for the cause, my survival does not make me any more special than those who perished."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Did you like your gift? A treasured part of my collection, but it seemed like it were time for it to return, to the line of succession."

He nodded, "It is appreciated. It will, at the very least, help the Equestrians present respect me as a legitimate ruler, and not just as an alicorn."

He turned his attention fully back to Le Perrine, "Now, it's clear to me that there's more to this than getting us to accept your survivors. You are well aware we accept all comers who are in need, no need to pay us to do so, especially if they're well enough to make the journey. That said, what is it you truly want? Had this just been about the survivors you would have sent them first and dared us to turn them away."

 

(Silver Sigma)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Sos he would, and if nothing got in the way, would backtrack to the room where she had originally gone,

The facility was truly labyrinthian, were it not for the map she likely made for herself she would no doubt lose her way in the facility.

Her journey was not without incident however, Colonel's awakening of the facility when he summoned the golem and their subsequent escape had seemingly made the inhabitants a bit more active. And without a guide to warn her of things being present ahead of her it was only a matter of time before she found herself in the same room as the Doctor, flanked by a pair of reanimated corpses, "Strange I have never seen the disease carried by a machine before... Come. Do not be afraid, I will cure you."

It extended a hoof towards her, the shoe on it seemed modified to hold a number of surgical tools, and the corpses shambled towards her with the doctor following behind.

 

(Changelings)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"If every single changeling in town came here? We'd have five weeks of food then. Maybe seven, if we rationed it well.

Rasputin seemed impressed as he nodded, "More than enough, or our numbers are very reduced. I will assume the former. Have all the changelings return to the hive, two weeks should be more than long enough to train and organize everyone, then we should see more efficient cultivation and harvesting, freeing up others for more delicate tasks. If we are to have a queen again, we'll need quite the supply of energy."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

It takes more work our way, but we're willing to put in all the effort we can.

Rasputin shook his head, "Only in the short term, symbiosis is far easier in the long term. Changelings were always meant to coexist with the other races, that is why we can be anything, we weren't meant to replace them, but join them. Why steal what they'll quite readily give you for free? But yes, this crisis has made many of our kind desperate, that is part of the training I wish to give them. Help them to realize that they will not starve, that we have the resources for them to take time, invent their disguises, and integrate themselves properly into society."

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2021-07-29 at 3:33 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"As ready as I can be. Try not to rush in too quickly, it would make it too easy to fall into a trap."

"No promises once my eyes are on him."

She'd try and be going into this right, but soon as she saw him, it were pretty unlikely that she could keep a level head. Not with how long she had wished for his long, and painful death.

On 2021-07-29 at 3:33 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Oi" a fierce looking griffon at the front desk called out to then, "You two sure you want to be here? This place isn't exactly a place to go on a date." He had an almost smug sneer, "How can the Pits tempt you today?"

What a welcome committee, but she expected worse, by the few words she had heard of this place. The name wasn't exactly giving off a vibe of this being a kind and welcome place, full of rainbows and unicorns. And if she had to be honest, she preferred this. The happier the place, the less she tended to be able to trust it, as she were accustomed to that meaning there were something to hide. Plus, too many gleeful, happy beings made her feel like gagging.

As for the smug look the griffon gave them? She'd just meet it with a deadpan stare, right into his eyes, without blinking. She were not impressed, nor intimidated by him.

"Well, we've been here for four seconds, and you haven't stabbed us yet. I've been worse places.

But we're not here for a date, or a long chat. We're looking for Forti and Potens. We have a message to them from our boss, Dove. Are they here?"

(Void)

The only way Void were going to buy griffon or dragon eggs, were if it were sold by a griffon or dragon. Then she'd know they were un-fertilized, whereas if she bought it from someone who had less scruples, and might have stolen one from them... You seldom heard about someone who stole an egg from a dragon, because they would get you, and when they did, the example they'd make out of you were gruesome. The griffins were violent towards egg thieves too, so it were not worth it, but their wrath were not comparable to that of a dragon. Least the griffins would likely let you die quickly.

Chicken or lizard eggs were fine enough as it were anyway, though she were hoping for chicken mostly. It were the simpler, more baseline egg type to work with. If she got a dragon egg, legit or not, she'd have to tell the foals about how they were never, ever, to just take one of these, and find a somewhat nice way to say why.

As for the ice cream... It were a far, far stretch honestly, but you never knew. She had conceded that she'd likely have to go with sugar and jam though, and that were perfectly fine too. As for the milk in the pancakes? Well, there were usable substitutes that could be used. Wouldn't taste as good, but usually adding a little more sugar tended to cover that up nice and easy.

On 2021-07-29 at 3:33 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The young ponies had taken to drawing again while Void was out, this time they were trying to draw things that Vale described, or imitating things she drew on the board. Some of them seemed rather good at it, considering Vale wasn't the best at art herself. "Just some art mostly, seemed a good thing to mix with math."

"It's always good to explore your creativity. You never know, there might suddenly be an epiphany too, where one of you figure out you want to be a graphic designer of some sort. Like a painter, or comic book writer. Or you know, an artist in general. You never know what might happen.

You just keep going on with that, and I'll begin working on the ingredients for the sauce. If anyone have the stomach for it, they can come and help, but I warn you: It's gonna smell worse, before it gets better."

It were so bad it were gonna make you gag or anything, but it would certainly make the nose wrinkle. Like smelling a fermented cheese of some sort. It would go up to this level as she were using a mortar to crush something that looked like sickle green, dried up cherries, and mixed it with some paste that she extracted form a bulbous, spiked fruit of some sort, but as spices started to get added, and she got water, tomato, etc. into it, the aroma would suddenly begin to turn, and soon enough, give off a rich, slightly spicy smell to it. Soon as it were boiling, anyway. The hay were a simple thing, that just needed spices, and then getting on the fry, while the bread stood ready to be baked. All in all, it were really only the sauce that were an issue. And if anyone wanted to learn, she'd explain the process one step at a time, as per usual. WHo knew? One of them might become a chef at some point, and would take inspiration from what she taught them. That'd be nice.

(Illiad)

On 2021-07-29 at 3:33 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Illiad shook his head, his expression even, "I only did what had to be done, as any Trojan would, and many did. I was as prepared as any of them to die for the cause, my survival does not make me any more special than those who perished."

"A humble attitude, though I disagree. I have known Discord for a long, long time, and though I never thought he'd stoop to this treachery, I know he would not simply die to just anyone. Defeated perhaps, but outright killed? No, it takes someone special to cause a vacuum like that. I get the feeling there will be much to come from you, as your potential unfolds. But then, we never know what the future holds."

Mostly because frankly, it wasn't written in stone. Fate was but a myth, and action was the only thing that truly shaped the future. The only ons who could see the future were either those who saw fragments, and thought that the only way, or could see the whole picture, and the probabilities of which one might be true. The latter of those, tending to go insane from being able to see far too much. Only a few could witness the whole tapestry, and be able to ge through it with their sanity and life, yet those were valuable, dangerous creatures.

On 2021-07-29 at 3:33 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Now, it's clear to me that there's more to this than getting us to accept your survivors. You are well aware we accept all comers who are in need, no need to pay us to do so, especially if they're well enough to make the journey. That said, what is it you truly want? Had this just been about the survivors you would have sent them first and dared us to turn them away."

"Perhaps, but I don't much care for uncertainty. Had they been thrown back, it would prove to be dangerous to have them return, or brought to another encampment. So I would rather be aware of what might happen, before I send them. And I will pay. If not for their acceptance, then to have them housed, and secured for a time. I want for them to settle on solid ground, not potentially end on the streets.

As for what I want? I want many things, Consul. I want those who razed my home, and murdered my children, to be burned alive, and have their ashes displayed for eternity in front on my estate, as a warning to others who may come. I want to not be reduced to living within my treasure hold. I want... Hmmm, yes. Many things indeed. But all of those, I can do myself. Without reinforcements from Tartarus, the loyalists will fall, and they will know my wrath.

But these are what I want here, and now. Yet I did not make it as far as I did, without thinking of the future, and the bigger picture. And as I once were, I plan to be part of what is to come as well.

Still, my vision have changed. Through this ordeal, I have come to see eye to eye, with those who experience loss and hardships, and found that it have become increasingly troubling to ignore it, as I once did. I feel for them, which is also why I reach out, to find safe shelter for those I've taken in. Or rather, those who still lives."

A flick more of her hand, and ghostly images of various creatures, who once inhabited Equestria, were floating in the air. One in particular - a stylish mare with silver shoes and an elegant mane - would be floated slightly in front of the others, and get an almost longing look from the elder dragon, as Le Perrine kept talking.

"I have many plans for the future, Consul, but they all require me to try and find those with reason, whom I can work with. If there is some modicum of unity that can be found, preparations can be made in each territory, in case another being eventually thinks it wise to flood our world with horrors. And even beyond that, I have a life I wish to return to, with some notable changes.

Hmhmhm, but you hear mostly only what I want for others, don't you? What of myself? I don't want titles, or kingdoms under my thrall. I find the spotlight tedious, and the governing of a country to be meaningless. Even the seat of Dragon Lord holds no sway over me. I prefer to do what I do, in the shadows, but that cannot happen, before there is a society to cast that shadow. So yes, I have selfish reasons, as we all do. But that does not mean that it cannot benefit us all, now can it?

As the most prominent of the remaining leaders, and one whom will be around for a long, long time as well, I chose to reach out for you first. Not just to let those under my wing escape a country they now fear, but to begin talks of a mutually beneficial work relation, and how to best prepare.

Though there is one other thing of note I want to bring up too: I were informed that your judge, are part of Karma? If so, I request that she will not interact with me, if she cannot be reasonable. I know of it, and can guess what it will do, if I am found by it. This is not a time for rash judgement. Not yet."

She'd face Karma soon enough, as that were all but inevitable, and she had spend over a millennia doing little more than postponing that fact. However, she now had a plan, and a path, that she at least, considered would if not redeem her, make her less valuable to judge too unfairly. She only needed a little time first, to have her plans take root. Then again, for one as old as her, a little time could mean fifty years. So it should be taken with a grain of salt.

"And speaking of judgement: I hear the dark sisters are yours now? Tell the little one, that Fheng dug her own grave. Favored as she once were, to be the first ascended, her arrogance became her downfall. I have better things to do, than harbor grudges for a suicidal act. And better candidates for ascension."

In case Illiad would try and have Karma judge Le Perrine, she would cut the feed, by crushing the foci connecting them. She had not avoided that for this long, to be taken down now. Not on this precipice of a new world. One where Illiad likely had glanced where she had been active before, and wanted to return. Though really, would it be that bad? The Black Market would always exist, as long as there were a want for wares outside of normalcy. You could never crush it, but there were the option of having oversight on it, and to some degree, control it. All you needed, were someone with influence on the right side of the fence. And a fluid understanding of morality and necessity.

(Silver Sigma)

On 2021-07-29 at 3:33 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Strange I have never seen the disease carried by a machine before... Come. Do not be afraid, I will cure you."

It extended a hoof towards her, the shoe on it seemed modified to hold a number of surgical tools, and the corpses shambled towards her with the doctor following behind.

"𝔻𝕚𝕤𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕣𝕠𝕠𝕥 𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕝, 𝕕𝕠𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕣. ℝ𝕖𝕗𝕣𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕗𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣."

She did not fear the touch of this creature, wearing the plague doctor mask. It were clearly affecting flesh, and reanimating it in some fashion. She had no flesh, and her spark of life, were code and electricity. She were not mortal in the sense that he knew, and would not be someone he could trifle with. And to further prove her point-

She'd jump forward, and impale the first corpse in the chest with her right front legs, before pushing them to the side, skewering the corpse in half like it were made of paper. She'd then quickly move forward, and push her bladed right, frontal leg, straight into the skull of the next corpse, and tossing it aside. Were there more, she'd systematically, and brutally, dismember, and/or behead them, in quick fashion, often taking advantage of jumping after them, if they were far enough away. Molotov had wanted to use spiders for his first AI robot designs, but when it came to Felicia, he had wanted her to more specifically, be worthwhile as a jumping spider. The web were still there, and useful, but he wanted her able to go on the offense, and make quick work of any enemy she faced. Normally she'd have more restraint than this, but she were not dealing with regular creatures. There were reanimated corpses. hence, she did not need to hold back here.

Once she were done with whatever corpses were in view, she'd face the doctor himself, with the diodes of her eyes focusing him down.

"𝕋𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕖. 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕕𝕠𝕖𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕣𝕪 𝕤𝕜𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘. 𝔸𝕔𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕗𝕖𝕒𝕥, 𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕤."

If need be, she'd smash him into a wall, and use her web to stick him there, but she frankly had better things to do, than to bash this entity around in perpetuity. Even though it did sound like ana musing action.

(Changelings)

On 2021-07-29 at 3:33 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin seemed impressed as he nodded, "More than enough, or our numbers are very reduced. I will assume the former. Have all the changelings return to the hive, two weeks should be more than long enough to train and organize everyone, then we should see more efficient cultivation and harvesting, freeing up others for more delicate tasks. If we are to have a queen again, we'll need quite the supply of energy."

"Wait, a queen again? I'm sorry, but I don't think I understand. Is it a matter of getting enough food in that you can go through a metamorphosis? I've never heard of that before."

Bling, and really everyone else here, where completely oblivious as to what Rasputin were on about as they had never heard of something making a queen. Nothing except another queen, laying that special egg, and ensuring the mysterious royal jelly were fed to the newborn that would hatch from it. That was the common story anyway, though even then, they weren't entirely sure that were how it happened. They just sorta accepted it as fact, as it made sense to them.

"Furthermore, our queen might come back to us soon anyway. Sure it'd been some years since we've seen her, but now that things are easing up, she'll eventually come back, and having another queen here might be weird then."

There were a pretty large amount who felt very sure, that their queen were dead too, but didn't have the heart, or will, to try and convince them of that. They all had their ways of dealing with things, and denial seemed to be it for Hive Cheshire. Whatever kept them afloat, right? Rasputin might have seen the queen on the other side, but even then, unless he had some words from her, they'd never believe it. Though if he had seen her, on the way to the fields beyond, she would have had only one thing to say: *The curtain have fallen, but the show must go on.* If he knew this, he could say it, but might be best to keep it to himself for now. It tended to get ugly once a changeling were confronted with the death of their queen.

"I don't think it would be so bad. You know what she used to say: Every hive must eventually make a new queen, and branch off."

"Hmm, I guess you're right. Could we get more details on what you mean, Rasputin? Or should we get stock of things first? Oh, and on that note: Letter Pouch, are you in here?"

"*clears throat* Yeah, I get it. I'll get the word around. Come on you two."

An elderly changeling with a false leg would acknowledge the situation, and already be approaching the door. He had seen which way this were going, and would start to get to work. Along with his two assistants. They were spending some time working as mail carriers around town, if there were a need for extra hooves on deck, so they knew the layout, and could get around fast.

"Excellent. Thank you. Try and see how many can make it here before sundown, please.

Okay, word's getting around now, that's for sure. You can always trust Letter when it comes to messages. We'll see who're able to get to work with whatever we need to be training towards after that then."

On 2021-07-29 at 3:33 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin shook his head, "Only in the short term, symbiosis is far easier in the long term. Changelings were always meant to coexist with the other races, that is why we can be anything, we weren't meant to replace them, but join them. Why steal what they'll quite readily give you for free? But yes, this crisis has made many of our kind desperate, that is part of the training I wish to give them. Help them to realize that they will not starve, that we have the resources for them to take time, invent their disguises, and integrate themselves properly into society."

"Oooh, that sounds wonderful. I cannot wait to see how this is going to end up. I'm a huuuge proponent of integration and coexistence, since like you say, there's no point in us trying to replace them. We need them to survive, and as such, we should work on becoming close allies, not predator and prey. It's going to mean a lot for some of the more fickle ones around town, that there's a royal changeling saying this to them too.

What's next, while we wait for stuff? I guess you'd want to take stock of the food reserves yourself, maybe? Or should we start by finding you a room? It must've ben a long way to get here, to put it mildly. Maybe you could use some rest?"

She were intrigued and curious about what he were planning, yet at the same time, she didn't want Rasputin to strain himself. He had come all the way from Tartarus after all. Surely he could use at least a few hours rest, sooner or later? They didn't have any royal dwelling here to work with, since Cheshire had always slept in a large room in close proximity with her entire hive, but they had some nice spare rooms, all things considered.

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

We're looking for Forti and Potens.

The griffon looked a bit confused, "Who are-"

A somewhat alluring mare with a mostly vacant expression approached from deeper in the casino, "They mean our masters. They are expected. I will lead them in."

The griffon shrugged, "Alright then, enjoy yourselves."

The mare took care to remain outside Null's sphere of influence as she led the way through the winding and curved paths in the casino, it seemed like it was designed to make navigating rather difficult without a guide. All around them were other creatures in various states of inebriation. "There's quite a bit of debt here. Were the Grey operating properly they'd clean this place out quick to pay off their debts. Watch yourself."

Soon enough they passed through an ornate doorway near what was likely the center or the back of the casino and entered into the dragons' chamber, a number of creatures fawning over them as they sat doing paperwork. The mare leading them bowed, "I have brought them as you asked."

Forti looked up and nodded, "You have done well."

The mare looked especially pleased to hear that stepping aside for Null and Arcade to approach.

Potens leaned back in his chair, "You two are here earlier than expected,"

"Expected, being if you were here on behalf of Troy."

"No doubt you have something more personal to discuss with us?"

"There's been a bit of a stir among the Grey about your presence lately."

"We assume that's related?"

 

(Void)

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

As for the milk in the pancakes?

Butter was easier to get than milk, given it didn't need as much refrigeration to remain safe to eat, and water + butter made a decent milk substitute in baking, as any butter salesman would be sure to mention to those who looked like they were after milk.

 

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If anyone have the stomach for it, they can come and help

Ardee and Elef were the ones to volunteer, the latter being less put off by the smell than the former. Ardee using her rather dexterous wings to help with the more delicate tasks and Elef helping wherever he could.

 

(Illiad)

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

So yes, I have selfish reasons, as we all do. But that does not mean that it cannot benefit us all, now can it?

Illiad didn't look entirely convinced, "If I understand correctly, you want to see society rebuilt so you can go back to your old ways, profiting off the underbelly of civilization?" He sighed, "I can't say I agree with your motives, but your actions are sufficiently noble. We'll take in your refugees and use your donation to ensure there's enough resources for everyone to have a decent standard of living here. With enough new residents we may have the power to recolonize one of our abandoned cities." His expression grew more serious, "If, however, we discover any of your refugees have some... ulterior motives... if they threaten the peace in any way, we do reserve the right to expel them from our cities. We have enough problems as it is, we don't need criminals and troublemakers added to the mix."

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

As the most prominent of the remaining leaders, and one whom will be around for a long, long time as well, I chose to reach out for you first. Not just to let those under my wing escape a country they now fear, but to begin talks of a mutually beneficial work relation, and how to best prepare.

He chuckled, "You flatter me, but there are others more prominent than I who may yet outlast me. The Black Knight and Midnight Star in Archback, Queen Oracle in Blackwater, Queen Nirvana in Himallama. But I understand that Troy is likely the closest to you at the very least."

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Though there is one other thing of note I want to bring up too: I were informed that your judge, are part of Karma? If so, I request that she will not interact with me, if she cannot be reasonable. I know of it, and can guess what it will do, if I am found by it. This is not a time for rash judgement. Not yet.

He raised an eyebrow, "Judge Diamond is the Balance of Mercy, working with Karma. You have nothing to fear from her, in fact she put in a good word for you, or we wouldn't be speaking today. You have much more reason to fear me, the Balance of Vengeance. Nonetheless you're quite right, now is not the time for judgement, if you are true in your intentions a good portion of your debt will be repaid by your actions. We can discuss the rest at a later date."

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"And speaking of judgement: I hear the dark sisters are yours now? Tell the little one, that Fheng dug her own grave. Favored as she once were, to be the first ascended, her arrogance became her downfall. I have better things to do, than harbor grudges for a suicidal act. And better candidates for ascension."

He raised an eyebrow, "I'll pass on the message. If that is all, we'll start making preparations for your followers. How many exactly are you sending over?"

 

(Silver Sigma)

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"𝔻𝕚𝕤𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕣𝕠𝕠𝕥 𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕝, 𝕕𝕠𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕣. ℝ𝕖𝕗𝕣𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕒𝕕𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕗𝕦𝕣𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣."

"This is no disease caused by organics. Like a rust it cankers the mind. I see you too are addled by it, unable to properly reason. To not be afraid, I will cure you."

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕕𝕠𝕖𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕣𝕪 𝕤𝕜𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘. 𝔸𝕔𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕗𝕖𝕒𝕥, 𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕔𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕤.

The doctor shook his head, "They are not meant to threaten, your aggression towards them and I is a symptom of the disease. Please do not resist, once you are cured you'll understand."

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If need be, she'd smash him into a wall, and use her web to stick him there,

She would have to to stop him from approaching, and he'd call out as she left, "You may run now, but I will cure you of the disease one day."

 

In the next few hallways she'd start to see more of the corrosive goo like what she had seen on the surface, puddling on the floor and dripping from the ceiling. It certainly hadn't been there the last time she was here.

 

(Changelings)

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Wait, a queen again? I'm sorry, but I don't think I understand. Is it a matter of getting enough food in that you can go through a metamorphosis? I've never heard of that before."

Rasputin shook his head, "Not I, a pony can only become a king, but a changeling, through a forgotten ritual, may become a queen. I know this ritual, but it will take the greater part of a year to complete, and a vast amount of resources, similar to if a Queen were to make a Queen."

Normally a queen were made in their own cocoon, as opposed to other changelings which were made a dozen or so to a cocoon (Those sharing a cocoon referring to each other as brothers and sisters, those sharing a hive as cousins, those of a sister hive as second cousins, etc) and rather than being fed with the hive's primary two emotions the queen would be fed an even mix of all available emotions over the course of a year, while normal changelings would hatch in only a few months.

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Hmm, I guess you're right. Could we get more details on what you mean, Rasputin? Or should we get stock of things first?

He nodded, "Supposing your queen were to return, the world will still need more hives as things are repaired, she would still be your queen, but what of those whose queens have passed? A new queen will be able to accept them better than an old queen, and having the choice will further improve loyalty."

23 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

What's next, while we wait for stuff? I guess you'd want to take stock of the food reserves yourself, maybe? Or should we start by finding you a room? It must've ben a long way to get here, to put it mildly. Maybe you could use some rest?"

Rasputin thought a moment, "Do you have any teachers or instructors? I know foallings are in short supply to be taught and instructed, but I would like to meet with those who currently are or were previously teachers in a hive. Teaching them will be crucial for teaching the rest of the hive."

[Blitz Boom 4,427]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2021-07-31 at 8:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Forti looked up and nodded, "You have done well."

The mare looked especially pleased to hear that stepping aside for Null and Arcade to approach.

Potens leaned back in his chair, "You two are here earlier than expected,"

"Expected, being if you were here on behalf of Troy."

"No doubt you have something more personal to discuss with us?"

"There's been a bit of a stir among the Grey about your presence lately."

"We assume that's related?"

"So they noted? Figured they wouldn't stay dense for long.

First thing's first: Dove wants you to know she's setting up something with the changelings, when we get the chance, and she's looking forward to working with you."

Wasn't word for word, but whatever. It was the basic idea behind it, and that were all that'd really matter here. The three of them could sort the more formal ways of doing things afterwards. Long after she were away from here, and didn't need to listen to the technical babble.

"That being out of the way, you're right. I'm here on on other business too. I'm looking for Grey Mane. I figured you might know where he actually is? All I've gotten so far, are some weak notions about where he might go lingering, but I'm looking to actually find him. He and I have some things to talk about."

The two of them already gathered that Null weren't looking for Grey Mane to get a message in from Dove, so trying to sell it as Dove wanting to get in contact with him, was past being useful right now. SO she might as well just admit this was personal. Didn't mean they'd know she were aiming the kill the old fool. Though really, the question remained if they would even be against that. The Grey tended to be a nuisance at the best of times, so she doubted the two of them would cry themselves to sleep in case he got a very close shave, ala decapitation style.

(Void)

On 2021-07-31 at 8:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee and Elef were the ones to volunteer, the latter being less put off by the smell than the former. Ardee using her rather dexterous wings to help with the more delicate tasks and Elef helping wherever he could.

"Nicely done, both of you. Ardee? Perhaps if we have the time one of these days, we could talk over some wing exercises, and strengthen them up? Your wing control is impressive, so I'm thinking if they got a little stronger, you could really become a kitchen dynamo, when it comes to more heavy things. I've never seen a pony use their wings to peel a potato before, or cut melons, but I'm honestly thinking you could do it. Just need to strengthen up, and look into a wing blade maybe. Though perhaps you're dexterous enough to be able hold a peeler? You're very skilled, so I'm sure it's possible.

And thank you for the help with the stirring, Elef. There's a lot to keep up with at once, and it's nice to have someone to help making sure stuff doesn't burn. Believe me, if you think it smelled bad before, just try it when it's burned. We'd all be throwing ourselves out of the windows. *giggle*

But we're gonna eat soon now, so everyone please go and wash your hooves, and set the table. I'll get the rest of this done, and then we eat. You're gonna need the energy for tonight."

She figured this was a good as time as any, to try and encourage Ardee to get stronger wings. If that happened, maybe they could talk about flying eventually. First point were just to make sure she got them strong enough to use, so they wouldn't end up being too weak to do any of that with. They'd have to approach it in a nice, slow way though. She had her understandable reasons for not wanting to fly, and they were gonna have to chat it with her over time, to understand that they only wanted her to be at her own level, and not hold her up next to Rainbow Dash. It was an unfair comparisson to make.

(Illiad)

On 2021-07-31 at 8:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Illiad didn't look entirely convinced, "If I understand correctly, you want to see society rebuilt so you can go back to your old ways, profiting off the underbelly of civilization?" He sighed, "I can't say I agree with your motives, but your actions are sufficiently noble. We'll take in your refugees and use your donation to ensure there's enough resources for everyone to have a decent standard of living here. With enough new residents we may have the power to recolonize one of our abandoned cities." His expression grew more serious, "If, however, we discover any of your refugees have some... ulterior motives... if they threaten the peace in any way, we do reserve the right to expel them from our cities. We have enough problems as it is, we don't need criminals and troublemakers added to the mix."

"You make it sound like a bad thing, Consul. Yet I ask you: Can anything ever kill the market? The crumbling of society caused it to seize, but as long as there are legitimate business, there will be an illegitimate one.

A colleague of mine from that market, did not make it through the crisis. But before she died, she spoke of how she had worked with Equestria, to keep watch on it, and filter the worst things out of there. She were always a devious little pony. So full of plans, and schemes, but even I were taken by surprise as she said this. Yet still, I find that perhaps she were not wrong. Some things are perhaps profitable, but morally bet to keep out of circulation. Perhaps when it is time, we can discuss a version of this arrangement too. As I said: We could have a nice, mutually beneficial business relationship.

As for those whom I send, you do what you must. I give them a chance to settle in. What they do from there, is on their own heads. That goes for my engineer too. I can imagine he may chose to stay there, if his reason to go to you in the first place, bears fruit."

Le Perrine were so far getting to an agreement with the Consul. He seemed reasonable, and wise enough to understand that it were beneficial to along with them, even before she added her own part afterwards. Which could be a good boon. She would of course, still profiteer, and derive power from her position there, but letting words slip on some heavily troubling individuals, or securing some items that were too dangerous to have falling into the wrong hands, were still a boon for the world that Illiad oversaw. It'd be a mighty shame if say, a magical plague were unleashed for example, that had been sold, after being found in a jar and put up for auction. 

On 2021-07-31 at 8:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He chuckled, "You flatter me, but there are others more prominent than I who may yet outlast me. The Black Knight and Midnight Star in Archback, Queen Oracle in Blackwater, Queen Nirvana in Himallama. But I understand that Troy is likely the closest to you at the very least."

"Queen Nirvana is still alive? That should make things simple from that angle then. I had assumed the youngling had perished in the interim years. Sadly my information network isn't what it used to be, so some have slipped under my radar. I have hardly been able to keep track of my own kind as it is. What few of my stature that remains. The fall of Grogthar proved that even we elder dragons were not safe from this... Miscreants idiocy."

They weren't overly wide spread to begin with, as most dragons died due to fighting, or natural causes, before they ever got to the age required to be an Elder Dragon. The Crisis had just cut deeper into that number, with the few of them remaining now likely gonna have to meet up at some point, and discuss who would take complete leadership, or divide territory. For all she cared, she'd abdicate both. She had her home, and that were fine for her. Leadership like this were dull and tedious for her.

She were a great deal less pleased about what he said next though, and the pupil of her large eye, narrowed a little as she focused more intensely on the consul.

On 2021-07-31 at 8:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He raised an eyebrow, "Judge Diamond is the Balance of Mercy, working with Karma. You have nothing to fear from her, in fact she put in a good word for you, or we wouldn't be speaking today. You have much more reason to fear me, the Balance of Vengeance. Nonetheless you're quite right, now is not the time for judgement, if you are true in your intentions a good portion of your debt will be repaid by your actions. We can discuss the rest at a later date."

"I will admit, to have not foreseen this development. It seems there is an even greater need for me to come to an arrangement with you than at first then. An irritating bargaining chip you have there, yet I'm sure we can come to terms in some way, that will leave out your kinds usually messy aftermath. We're both reasonable creatures, and I tire of staving off you and the other avatars, or what you may refer to yourself as. It's tedious, and time consuming. But we will cover that subject in due time. Something we both have much of after all."

They were essentially immortal, so really, a few months, or two thousand years: They'd likely both be around to have that talk if it were one or the other. It'd likely not be so long though, but it were more an example. And really, when Illiad had some millennia to his name, he'd likely also find time became more fluent, that he were used to. Some decades, or full centuries, just seemingly melting together in his memory. It happened to most long lived ones.

On 2021-07-31 at 8:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He raised an eyebrow, "I'll pass on the message. If that is all, we'll start making preparations for your followers. How many exactly are you sending over?"

"Thirty-seven. Four are my faithful however, and will return. Others are thinking if they want to leave yet, but these are the ones whom I know want to leave."

She'd conjure up images of the ponies she referred to. Or well, mostly ponies. There were a few odd ones, like a few diamond dogs, and a griffon there, etc. but it were primarily ponies.

"I will send along a wagon of riches along with them. Use it as you see fit, long as they are provided for, you may use the excess in what way seems most fitting. Perhaps I may send another peculiar trinket from my collection along with them too. We'll see."

(Silver Sigma)

On 2021-07-31 at 8:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She would have to to stop him from approaching, and he'd call out as she left, "You may run now, but I will cure you of the disease one day."

 

In the next few hallways she'd start to see more of the corrosive goo like what she had seen on the surface, puddling on the floor and dripping from the ceiling. It certainly hadn't been there the last time she was here.

"𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕕. 𝕂𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖, 𝕕𝕠𝕔𝕥𝕠𝕣."

After he were bashed into the wall and webbed up, Felicia left him behind. If he wanted to try and cut himself loose, he could do so. He'd just end up more damaged than this the next time he tried to annoy her. Or it did. Something told her that this one were not a simple plague doctor, despite the depiction fitting the historical pictures in books that she had seen.

The next issue though, she were not as willing to simply pass by, without thought. The corrosive goo were a new addition, and quite frankly, she did not wish to test this out. Her coating were resilient against a fair few things, but corrosives were not something she wished to test. Not when they were of an unknown make. It may end up damaging her chassis, or her legs, and that were not an acceptable risk under the circumstances.

So frankly, she were going to wander away and find another route. Whatever came from this, were either a corrosive creature, or there were a leak above, that may burst at any point. Neither were things she wished to be beneath, so she'd skitter off and search for another route. She were curious, not suicidal.

(Changelings)

On 2021-07-31 at 8:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin shook his head, "Not I, a pony can only become a king, but a changeling, through a forgotten ritual, may become a queen. I know this ritual, but it will take the greater part of a year to complete, and a vast amount of resources, similar to if a Queen were to make a Queen."

There were a lot of eyes popping up and ears rising once this were told. Especially from Bling who were frankly extremely surprised that this were an option. Sure it would take time and effort, but if it meant having a queen again, this were worth all of it. Bling even had her jaw slack a little, before  her mind got racing again, and she began responding to this, as this were a rather monumental task, that were going to take not just effort, but decision making, and planning ahead.

"That's... Wauh. Okay, okay. We can do this. But there's more work to it than what you have planned. We have to figure out who's going to go through this. I'm thinking perhaps we can hold an election of some kind? Or a competition, to figure out who the most able is?"

She'd get interrupted in her ramblings by Upbeat, who'd let out a large whistle toget everyone's attention.

"Everyone, please point at whoever you think would make the best queen."

He knew the result before it came out, with about 95% of the hooves pointing, going straight towards Bling herself. Whom I turn, had pointed at her brother. Who then, had pointed straight at her as the first one in the theater. Few stragglers who thought they or another would be best, but it were basically impossible to get everyone to agree on a single thing, in any setting.

"Wha- Me?! I'm not a queen. There's at least three dozen changelings who'd be far better at t-"

"Nope, not gonna hear it. After Cheshire went missing, and Drum Riff... We were all in a dark hole, and then there started to pop other changelings in. But you didn't wallow in sadness. You rose up, and made sure that we were motivated, and reached out to help. Through bad, worse, and all the way to now, you've been the driving force here. They aren't just calling you queen sometimes because they see a lady wandering around, and think that must be it. It's because they all know who is actually working to keep everything going, and making sure we stay motivated."

There'd be a lot of agreements here, and some changelings stepping up to tell her how she had been the one they looked at for guidance, because they knew she would provide it. From reaching out, to helping some get jobs, get over anxiety, comfort them when they were shaking and crying, as memories flowed back, and even helped them escape from some terrible beings. There were plenty of examples, and though several others had taken part in things of course, a lot could be tracked back to her. Either through direct help, or how she had motivated them to go forth. It were sobering, and quite honestly, Bling felt a little embarrassed, and thankful to hear all of this. Though it were still a lot to swallow. She had never seen herself as a queen, or really the top leadership. She always saw it as them all working together, but... She had to accept the vote, right? Though more needed to be heard of course. This were a small sampling. There were more of them, and all voices should be heard.

On 2021-07-31 at 8:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He nodded, "Supposing your queen were to return, the world will still need more hives as things are repaired, she would still be your queen, but what of those whose queens have passed? A new queen will be able to accept them better than an old queen, and having the choice will further improve loyalty."

"I uh... That makes sense. I didn't think of it like that before. I'll still ask the others for what they mean, when we have them all gathered, but if it's gonna end up with me, then I'll keep this in mind. Or tell who it will be, to do so."

She never considered herself as anything resembling a queen here. Bling just did what came naturally to her. Apparently, what she thought of as just doing things the way she thought it done best, were more leadership qualities, and less efficient teamwork than she had thought. This were gonna take some time getting used to, more than likely. If it were her. There were a lot more to ask, and she herself figured her brother would do better, but they'd see what the others said.

On 2021-07-31 at 8:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin thought a moment, "Do you have any teachers or instructors? I know foallings are in short supply to be taught and instructed, but I would like to meet with those who currently are or were previously teachers in a hive. Teaching them will be crucial for teaching the rest of the hive."

"There's just two that I know of. Shepperd is currently at work, teaching the second grade in the public school. Chess... Well, I think we need to visit him personally, and you can try and talk some sense into him. He used to be part of Hive Adora. Big local hive down south, and ergh... Understandably, he didn't take it too well when his queen submitted to Discord, and slaughtered most of those who refused to join her. He's the only one that made it this far, and he's having some issues because of it. If you can make him sober up, he used to be a good teacher, and he's gonna have a lot of free time. Right now, we just kind of chip in here and there, with what we can teach others if they ask, since Shepperd is mostly busy. I hate suggesting scaring someone unto the right path, but... Well, maybe a tiny bit of intimidation would help, and you are hard to ignore. Would you mind having a word with him?"

[Illiad Easle 2,973]

@Blitz Boom

(Post #1000!)

(Null)

The dragons looked intrigued, "You certainly came to the right place."

"Information is our specialty."

"Unfortunately, we don't know exactly where he is."

"However, we do know a good deal about where he likely is."

"We've no doubt you'll be able to piece it together."

"The prophecy was clear enough."

"A child of the Grey will slay the Grey."

"A child of the Grey will usurp the Grey."

"Now, every so often we meet him with the other prominent leaders in the Stacked Deck."

"We do so remotely given our influence on the others"

"He is no doubt physically present at these meetings, the others can attest to that."

"However, he is never seen entering or exiting the tower."

"Believe you us, we have eyes on the tower 24/7."

"So he's somewhere in the Stacked Deck."

 

(Void)

Ardee seemed a little tense when strengthening her wings was brought up, but she nodded, "That sounds... alright. Your sister had wing-blades when she found us... you think I could be like her?"

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

But we're gonna eat soon now, so everyone please go and wash your hooves, and set the table.

The other four perked up hearing that, and the six of them went about preparing for dinner as instructed, washing their hooves and setting the table before patiently waiting to find out what had been made for them.

 

(Illiad)

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"You make it sound like a bad thing, Consul. Yet I ask you: Can anything ever kill the market? The crumbling of society caused it to seize, but as long as there are legitimate business, there will be an illegitimate one.

He sighed, "As much as I would prefer it, it is better to have the enemy you know than one you do not. We will be keeping a close eye on it, you can count on that."

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

That goes for my engineer too. I can imagine he may chose to stay there, if his reason to go to you in the first place, bears fruit.

He chuckled, "Provided he doesn't choke on the hoof he keeps stuffing in his mouth, he should fit in well. Already he's proposed a number of things which could better our recovery efforts."

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Queen Nirvana is still alive?

He seemed a little skeptical, but shook his head, "I don't know if perhaps there are two by that name, but I was referring to the Changeling Queen Nirvana, sister to Queen Gelatine who I coincidentally finally did bring judgement to a few weeks ago. If we're speaking about the same queen, for you to consider her a youngling that puts you at upward of 3000 years old. You certainly don't look it."

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Perhaps I may send another peculiar trinket from my collection along with them too. We'll see.

He nodded, "Until we meet again then, may the moon ever guide your path."

He'd give her a chance to give her own farewell before closing the connection.

 

(Silver Sigma)

Looking for another route would take her off the path she had traveled previously, and therefore into new portions of the facility.

Locked doors would prove no match for her if she needed to break them down, and she'd encounter a few dead ends on her journey, in one room she found the damaged remnants of what looked like some sort of gate, a large circle sat in the middle of a room made of components complex enough to rival her own. It seemed to be controlled from an adjoined room, and documents in the area indicated it was some sort of portal gate, potentially into other dimensions.

In addition, she'd encounter a number of other documents on other anomolous items, including one that seemed to describe Void, if Felicia had any knowledge of her.

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin chuckled as he watched the voting very quickly go over, "As much as I distrust democracy, I'd have to agree with their decision here. Even if you aren't the most qualified to be a queen, you do command their respect, which is one of, if not the, most important aspects of a successful hive."

22 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Would you mind having a word with him?

Rasputin nodded, "Lead the way, I'll see what I can do."