private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(1001 here. )

(Null)

Null's eyes narrowed as they spoke the prophecy.

"He's nothing to me, but the monster who ruined my life. I don't care about some prophecy I care about ending this miserable history, here and now. The Grey as an organisation, can rot in purgatory for all I care. Those I know from them, are no better than him."

Apparently, the two already knew that she were his daughter. Which likely meant The Grey knew it too, so any element of surprise were gone. *Father* had noticed her, and frankly, in a way it were annoying, as it would likely make this harder. But in another way, she did relish him knowing that she were coming, and dread it. Or feel superior enough to think he'd ever be safe from her, which were a grave mistake, he wouldn't get to live to regret.

What she actually cared about though, were how this would literally spell out for Arcade, that yeah, she were the daughter of this mongrel. A fact she had hoped would not come out, and would die with Grey Mane. Apparently she weren't that lucky, and now there were another layer she'd have to explain to Arcade, and hope he didn't flip out over. Frankly if he ended up leaving her because the dragons said this, she had half a mind of beating Them up first. Would serve 'em right.

"Why are you helping me, if you know how this is going to end? What's in it for you? From what I hear, the rich here benefit from The Grey being present. Why are you then keeping him observed, and telling me where he is, when you obviously know what I'm going to do? WHat's your stake in this?"

(Void)

23 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

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?"

"You remind me a lot about her already actually. I'm hoping I can help you be a little like her, when it comes to things like the wing blades, or toughening up, along with survival skills. But my sister is... Damaged. More mentally than physically. I know it's not the nicest thing to say, though I know she'd agree with me, that you can learn from her, but you should never become like her. Gods be willing, that won't happen either. I'd like for you to not have the sort of burdens she carries with her.

I'll tell you more some other time, only if you want to hear it, but that's nothing you need to worry about right now, okay? We'll take things as they come, in a nice and calm tempo."

Frankly, Ardee reminded her far too much about her sister, when it came to the bad things, yet at an early stage, before it made her bitter and resentful. And she'd do everything she could, to turn that around for Ardee, and save her from the same fate of misery, hatred, and crushing feeling of self loathing and suicidal thoughts. She had glimpsed at the sort of things Null were dealing with, and she couldn't fathom how her sister had been able to survive it all. And that wasn't even her seeing the whole picture. If she had to try and sit in place of Null, for only a second, something told her she'd feel as if her soul were being torn apart.

On 2021-08-05 at 12:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

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.

The dinner was simple: Fluffy, warm haydog buns, cut open and ready to take the major load - some of them were rather small, in case some wanted or smaller one to try, and for the youngest two - warm, slightly sweet spiced hay, a somewhat spicy, mostly flavorful BBQ sauce, and some unions, mashed tomatoes for some ketchup, and a cactus root paste, that worked sort of like mayonnaise. Just a little more coarse, and earthy. She'd like to have added hayfries, but she hadn't been able to get a lot of hay, so... Maybe she'd improvise something another time.

"Okay everyone, this is what's called a haydog. There's other variants to it, but this is the equine friendly, meatless version. You put the hay between the buns, pour whatever condiment you'd like over it, and potentially some chopped onions, and you have a meal. I'd like for you all to try and taste a little of the condiments, and see if you like it. Then just use what of them you like. I can recommend the sauce, but it may not be for you. If you don't like it, it's okay to be honest about that. Long as you at least try a few drops at least."

She'd dole out some samples with spoons for whoever wanted it, and in time, she they'd see what they liked, and serve them accordingly. She'd take some herself last, and mostly just have the bun, hay, onions, and a nice helping of sauce on it. She liked how it soaked into the bread.

(Illiad)

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

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."

"Not as vclose an eye as I. I've seen more auctions than you have seen days in your life, Consul, and I get access to even those that are hidden well from authorities. I have enough leverage to not be easy to ignore."

Now, she never showed up personally. She had her faithful to do these errands, as she were far too big for this kind of shady business dealing. One of the reasons why she had these glass eyes crafted in the first place. It gave her vision, and knowledge, of what happened through them. As well as allowed her to send one in her stead, to make bids for her. The ones attending, knew better than to try and hurt those she sent too, so they were generally safe. Provided they did not initiate anything first. Even their kind had rules, and breaking them, had consequences.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

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."

A small smirk were seen on the elder dragon's face, hearing this.

"If he haven't choked on it yet, I doubt he will. In our encampment, there were a running bet to see how long he could last without saying something that you wouldn't think, of a being of his creativity. The longest period he have lasted, were a matter of 3 days. And it could be argued that one did not count, as his jaw were swollen from saying something provocative to the wrong survivor. He have a certain talent for running his mouth, far faster than his brain can catch up to at times.

And if he can help your efforts, make good use of that. He's resourceful, if at times irritating. You need to learn to tune certain things out, to tolerate him in the long run."

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

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."

"Complimenting me, now are we? Hmhmhm. You cannot judge a dragon by size alone. I may not be the largest of the elders, but I did not need to be a large, brutish oaf either. My intellect have gotten me where I am, as well as knowing that relying on pure, physical force, is foolish. Agility and magic, are far more useful tools to have at hand.

As for my exact age, that is for me to know, and for you to ponder. But we do speak of the same queen. For her kind, a fossil, yet not the oldest, living thing you may find. It will be interesting to find out how she will react, to hearing that her infamous kin have been laid low. She's a peculiar little thing."

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

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.

"Ancestors guide you til next we meet, Consul."

She had no more to say either. They had started talks, and now, it were just a matter of waiting, and preparing. She were patient when it came to getting things done right, so she would observe how this went, as well as make contact with some others. Including a queen whom she were sure would have been dead by now. Honestly, she assumed her dead centuries ago. It were so hard to stay in touch sometimes.

(Silver Sigma)

Such a peculiar place. Run down and destroyed as it were, it still held interesting things. The portal thus far, were her most intriguing find. Such complex mechanism, and the meaning of it, were quite impressive, if it were functional. Had this unleashed something in here that caused the havoc, or were it simply destroyed during whatever had befallen this place though? It were hard to say, though scientifically, it would be well worth remaking this in some other fashion eventually. Test it under controlled circumstances, and see if it could function as intended. It could help get beings and materials around quite handily.

Whatever paperwork were on it, she'd scan, and save in a specific subfolder, under the main folder in her memory, dedicated to what were learned of this place. Whatever else she could learn about it from observations, she would also file under observations. Molotov were inventive. Perhaps he could remake this, as salvaging this were likely not feasible, considering the monsters here. Although if he wanted to bring that up tot he local authorities, that were up to him. She were collecting knowledge.

Some of what she found though, were disturbing. The one she had with her now, being one of the more troubling ones, to share with Molotov.

EVen though she had personally never met Null, nor Void, Molotov had talked enough about them for her to know more than enough. Especially about Void. Her creators obsession and infatuation with that mare, had expressed itself in descriptions, sketches, and many, many talks, even if their encounters in Ponyville had been short lived, and brief. Frankly, she were happy the mare were alive, as he could then go and speak with her, rather than obsess over some dead mare, whom he compared all the mares he met to, and thought none could live up to.

That she had been kept here, would likely both horrify, and interest him. They'd see. She'd keep these data for now at least, and for good measures, once she had downloaded them, she would destroy the papers. This seemed like information that - if this place were excavated - did not concern others.

With this done, she would continue her search for a way towards the control room. She'd have to get there eventually, yes? Hopefully without smashing too many doors, or running into unseemly local *guests* The detours were informative, but she were keenly aware that the longer she stayed here, the more dangerous it may become.

(Changelings)

"I never thought of myself that way. I just kinda did what I think Cheshire would want us to do, and then work from there. I guess the others don't look on it that way.

But I guess, there's time to think on this later. I'll lead the way. Upbeat? Try and make sure there's four more helpings for the food run tonight. I'm not entirely sure, but I think we may have a few that tries to stay hidden. I *accidentally* dropped a few, and they *mysteriously vanished*."

Wasn't all that came in that wanted to make themselves noted, or have much to do with them. Not at first anyway. Some were also either too stubborn, prideful, or afraid to ask them for help, when it came to food, so at times, they'd start off by *accidentally* dropping some food here and there on their route, where they knew the changelings were, and ensure they got fed that way. It served as a good beginning, so they could see that the hive wanted to help them, and that carried when they'd then eventually try and take contact.

And one they were going to contact now, were a potential teacher changeling. He wasn't far off from here. Chess's hive used to feed on grief, and the local bar he hung out around, and used his spare cash on, from between doing odd jobs on his occasional sober day, were stuffed with that. A gathering place for those who had lost others dear to them, and needed a place to both be with others that felt the same, and to drown their sorrows for a time. Bling tended to stay away from there, as first off, it was a dump, and second off, she didn't like this mixture of grief, sadness, and melancholy. It felt icky.

Thankfully, he wasn't inside it right now, but rather, sitting on a nearby bench, mixed up in a thick odor of cheap liquor, and grief. Sometimes, Bling sometimes, jokingly wondered what got him most drunk, but she didn't like asking this of the disheveled changeling. She just made sure to try and get through to him, and ensure that on his poorer days, he had food, and if he needed it, a roof over his head. And there were progress. He didn't shout and throw bottles at her anymore, so that was a plus.

"Chess?"

He'd look up, disinterested once he saw who was talking to him. He barely even noted Rasputin was there.

"Look, ah du- don't need yuhr 'elp. Aight? I'm... I'm phine. Juhst ah bad dhay. 'S ahll."

Blings way of trying to get through to him, were patience understanding, and knowing she were there for him, if he needed to talk.  But Chess were one of those who needed a metaphorical - and potentially literal - kick in the rear, to get off his misery train, and start being useful again. She wasn't all that good at that, but Rasputin might be.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

As expected, Arcade did look a little surprised by the news, though from his expression it didn't seem like he fully trusted what the dragons were saying. He'd definitely ask about it once they were done here, this wasn't the place nor the time.

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Why are you helping me, if you know how this is going to end? What's in it for you? From what I hear, the rich here benefit from The Grey being present. Why are you then keeping him observed, and telling me where he is, when you obviously know what I'm going to do? WHat's your stake in this?"

The dragons chuckled, "Nothing noble we assure you."

"There are three ways this goes down."

"You kill Grey Mane and become the new leader of the Grey."

"Then we're on your good side."

"Grey Mane kills you and remains in power."

"Whether he knows of our involvement or not he doesn't have the power to oust us."

"Or you destroy the Grey"

"Then we take control of the city in their absence."

"Helping you holds only benefits for us."

"Hindering you only serves to maintain the status quo."

"If there's anything else we can help you with,"

"Feel free to ask."

 

(Void)

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I know it's not the nicest thing to say, though I know she'd agree with me, that you can learn from her, but you should never become like her. Gods be willing, that won't happen either. I'd like for you to not have the sort of burdens she carries with her.

Ardee snorted, "Not like I or any of us got here unscathed. I don't mean to demean what you and her have gone through, I don't know the full extent of it. But you have no idea what they put us through in there." She shuddered at the memory she conjured for herself.

 

When it came to the food everyone was intrigued by it, each wanting to sample everything in turn, Even Vale was impressed, "These look to be much higher quality than the ones I've had. Good work."

In all, they all enjoyed the food. Though Elef seemed a little disappointed that it could have contained meat, and didn't, though he didn't say so. The foals made a bit of a mess of the sauces placed on theirs, but not nearly as much of a mess as would have been expected for foals their age.

Soon enough they were all full starting to get excited for what was coming next.

 

(Nothing left to say in Illiad)

 

(Silver Sigma)

It started to seem like the corrosive goo was deliberately placed to block her path toward the control room, each path that seemed to head towards it having puddles of it.

She'd soon discover why, when after encountering another dead end she'd find her path back obstructed by a figure, one dripping with the goo. It was the same shape and size as a pony, the parts not coated with the goo being a shiny metal. It started to slowly make it's way towards her, it's movements mechanical and jerky like a poorly oiled joint. A staticky sound came from it like a damaged speaker.

 

(Changelings)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I think we may have a few that tries to stay hidden. I *accidentally* dropped a few, and they *mysteriously vanished*

Rasputin looked thoughtful on that, "We'll need to do what we can to bring those in as well. We're going to need a unified body to be successful. Many a hive's reputation has been jepordized by rouge elements. Of course, push too hard and they'll do more harm than good."

 

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

He'd look up, disinterested once he saw who was talking to him. He barely even noted Rasputin was there.

A bit of a sly smiled came to Rasputin as he had an idea on what to do, quietly he spoke to Bling, "Watch this, you don't get as far as I have without learning a few tricks."

He closed his eyes and downed one of his flasks, using the boost to quickly glean the information he needed from Chess's mind, specifically the visage and voice of Queen Adora, before her corruption by Discord. He had seen her in Tartarus, and it wasn't a pretty sight then.

The view locked in he took on her form, should be enough to scare Chess off the bottle to think he'd hallucinated his dead queen. "Chess." He spoke with her voice, or rather the voice Chess remembered her having, "You disappoint me. I didn't spend all those resources training you to be a teacher for you to squander it as a drunk." He came closer to stare him down, "Go, you're needed."

It took a bit more creative magic to make the form waver and fade before using his trademark invisibility magic to fade to nothing before his eyes, further enhancing the farce that Chess was simply hallucinating.

He moved behind Chess before silently becoming visible again in his native form, he let Chess recover a bit before approaching and putting a hoof on his shoulder, "I hear you're a teacher. I have need of you."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

"Least you're honest about it."

Callus and self serving, but like she said, they were at least not trying to mess with her here. Their reasons made good sense, as whatever would happen, would either keep them were they were, or let them elevate themselves higher. They'd probably end up a hazard in that position in some fashion, but unless they started to line the walls with the hides of random citizens, Null didn't really think they'd be able to do any worse. Wasn't like Nine had let out a massive red alarm in her head either, going *Warning! Warning! Genocidal maniacs in training, straight ahead!*, so they were probably clear. Or as much as you could be, when you were in a high position of power.

"But fine. You wanna help? I need to get as close as I can. What's the best route in there, and to what I'm gonna guess is the top floor, since I'm guessing that's where the worm hides."

She hadn't wanted to go this direct, but the dice were tossed. If the dragons knew, he knew, and that meant the longer she waited, the more prepared he'd get. She had to act fast, before he were covered in so many layers of security, that'd she'd never get anywhere close. If these two wanted her to finish him off, or be indebted to them if she took over (a laughable idea), they'd help her get as close as she could come.

(Void)

On 2021-08-06 at 4:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee snorted, "Not like I or any of us got here unscathed. I don't mean to demean what you and her have gone through, I don't know the full extent of it. But you have no idea what they put us through in there." She shuddered at the memory she conjured for herself.

"I don't say we went through worse than you, or the others, Ardee. What you went through, is horrible, and only you can truly understand it. Just like what we did, is personal for us, and not something that should be compared to another's tragedy. If it sounded like that's what I meant, I'm sorry about that. I just wanted to let you know that I have seen how far it can go, when you put yourself under more and more burdens, and I'd never wish for something like that for you. I don't want you to forget how to smile."

She could say more, but Void figured it were perhaps best now, to just let it go. She had seemingly stepped in it somehow, and did not want to make it worse, by potentially doing so again. Though she did wish she could just grab Ardee and hold her tightly for hours on end, and whisper in her ear that she were treasured, and loved. She didn't like seeing Ardee sad, nor dismayed like this.

On 2021-08-06 at 4:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When it came to the food everyone was intrigued by it, each wanting to sample everything in turn, Even Vale was impressed, "These look to be much higher quality than the ones I've had. Good work."

In all, they all enjoyed the food. Though Elef seemed a little disappointed that it could have contained meat, and didn't, though he didn't say so. The foals made a bit of a mess of the sauces placed on theirs, but not nearly as much of a mess as would have been expected for foals their age.

Soon enough they were all full starting to get excited for what was coming next.

"Thank you for the kind words. I've tried my best, even though I had hoped to get some hayfries, or strawfries in a pinch, but I'll think of something eventually.

And Elef? I'm sorry there's only vegetarian ones, but I forgot to ask you what kind of meat you can eat. We'll have a talk sometime about it, and I'll make sure to get a meat option next time, okay?"

She meant to say something earlier, but it had just gotten blocked from her head, due to all else going on. Hopefully Elef wouldn't be too dismayed about this not being completely for him this time, but she weren't sure what sort he could eat. Was it just bugs, in which case she'd have to be inventive, or could he use regular sausage ones? Or in this area, probably desert fox ones. Their meat wasn't top quality, but as the situation were right now, there were a ton of them, and adding enough spices covered the bland taste nicely. Plus, sausages rarely included the best of the butchered in them.

On 2021-08-06 at 4:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Soon enough they were all full starting to get excited for what was coming next.

"It's good to see you all enjoyed dinner. But there's still some time to go before we leave, so we're gonna make sure everything is ready. First off, washing up. I'll take care of the dishes, and then you make sure to wash your face and hooves, as well as Piecey and Peal. The sauce can get a little sticky if it's left there for too long.

Once everyone is done with that, we'll make sure that your capes are fully ready, and if we still have some time after that, we'll play a game. I'm sure we can think of something that won't make too much of a mess."

It were important in her mind, that they learned to stay clean, so she'd send them to wash themselves, and their hooves often. And some times like this, when the foals were a little messy - even if not as bad as she had worried about - them as well. It were a small thing, but important, if they were to become nice and civilized. And frankly, it were going well right now, so it were mostly just about routine.

(Silver Sigma)

 hissing sound came out of Felicia as she were put into this figurative corner by the one who had been oozing off that goo she had seen around. A metallic creation, of which did not seem all that stable. Some degree of sentience, or programming, kept it with some purpose though, as were evident by it apparently chasing her, or perhaps outright trying to steer her away from the thing she had been looking for in here? It were hard to say, as were it if she were to consider this a hostile entity. It weren't attacking her yet, but it may simply be too slow and broken to do so with any degree of haste. She could likely get through this, by quickly jumping forward, and slamming it aside, without breaking the casing that seemingly held the goo flowing from it. It may cost her the usability of a front leg, if this goo were more corrosive than the hardness of her own parts could handle, but she could function with as little as two legs on each side. It were just annoying to switch into those modes, as it made her feel incomplete.

Perhaps though, she should try and see if it were possible that this one were not aiming to be hostile, and attempt a somewhat friendly approach.

"ℍ𝕒𝕝𝕥. 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖, 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟. 𝕀 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕝𝕖 𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦, 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕚𝕫𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕡𝕥. 𝕀𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕦𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕖, 𝕕𝕦𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕖𝕩𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕖, 𝕤𝕖𝕚𝕫𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕚𝕤𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕨𝕠 𝕤𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕤, 𝕒𝕤 𝕒𝕟 𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕕."

She were being overly merciful here, considering the approach of this creature, but her intent were not to come here and destroy this place, or kill of anything, lest she needed to. She wanted to learn. This thing would either accept an attempt at peaceful communication, or suffer the consequences. Though for all she knew, it were not able to even understand. When he were meddling in the system, this may well have just been programmed to get in her way, by Colonel. If so, she'd need to remember to punish him for that, at some point in the future.

(Changelings)

On 2021-08-06 at 4:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin looked thoughtful on that, "We'll need to do what we can to bring those in as well. We're going to need a unified body to be successful. Many a hive's reputation has been jepordized by rouge elements. Of course, push too hard and they'll do more harm than good."

"We'll reach out, but some aren't too keen on getting known by the local hives, or asking for help. Pride, fear, various mental scars- There's plenty of reasons. Especially the more prideful have to understand that they're not asking for help. We're just giving it to them. It's a small distinction, but when it comes to pride, it can go a long way."

On 2021-08-06 at 4:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The view locked in he took on her form, should be enough to scare Chess off the bottle to think he'd hallucinated his dead queen. "Chess." He spoke with her voice, or rather the voice Chess remembered her having, "You disappoint me. I didn't spend all those resources training you to be a teacher for you to squander it as a drunk." He came closer to stare him down, "Go, you're needed."

Chess nearly dropped his bottle, and seemed paler, as he glanced up, and thought- No, this was her, right? His queen. Standing in all her glory, lecturing him once more. Not about how he needed to correct his posture when teaching the students, but about how he had let himself go. how he was needed...

His confusion and shock turned rapidly into anger and hatred, and he'd raise the bottle up, ready to use it to hammer her in the head. He didn't care about the liquid pouring out right now - about a third of the bottle had been left it seemed - as much as confronting his once beloved queen, with the most fitting words you could give someone like her, in his mind. Though as he were not entirely sober, and furious, it wasn't as well thought out as a rebutal as he might later had wished it were. But at least it were sharpening his words to sound clear, rather than drunk.

"How Dare you lecture me?! Traitor! We trusted you, and you gave yourself to him. Killed your own children, that didn't follow you! I outta tear that grin right off of your f-"

On 2021-08-06 at 4:07 AM, Illiad Easle said:

It took a bit more creative magic to make the form waver and fade before using his trademark invisibility magic to fade to nothing before his eyes, further enhancing the farce that Chess was simply hallucinating.

He moved behind Chess before silently becoming visible again in his native form, he let Chess recover a bit before approaching and putting a hoof on his shoulder, "I hear you're a teacher. I have need of you."

She'd vanish in front of him, before he even had the chance to take a proper swing. An illusion. He knew Hive Cheshire were experts in using those, but he didn't believe that Bling would do something like this to him. She knew better. She... Who was this other one? Wha- A king?! Here?

Seeing this illusion of his queen, had most certainly rattled him, and brought him back into things. And how couldn't it? Queen Adora had been a self-centered queen, but she had always been fair to her own hive. So when Discord came and told her to join, they had all rallied behind her, expecting her to do something against him. Not that she would willing give herself to his service for power, and ordered them to submit fully to him. And then... To then mercilessly kill those among them that refused, or tried to escape. They had only been about four that hadn't been slaughtered, or followed their orders like good little drones, and far as he knew, Chess was the only one left of those. His queen? His former siblings? He didn't know, but he never blamed those who followed for having done so. They were drones. Following their queens orders were their lives.

No, he blamed only her, for all the tragedy, and the constant memories of seeing his friends and siblings murdered around him. And he hoped she were suffering for what her lust for power and influence had wrought. May Tartarus be waiting for her, if she were not already there.

Here he now stood though. With a king he knew only from history books, laying a hoof on his shoulder, and saying there were need of him. And this one weren't an illusion. The hoof were as firm and real as the bottle that fell out of his hoof, and rolled down on the street.

"I... N-No, this can't be real. You're not... Rasputin? But you're dead. I don't..."

"He's real, Chess. And he's here with good intentions. I know it seems mad, but it's true, and we really do need you. Please, hear him out."

Bling did not approve of what had been done. Showing his queen to Chess, were cruel, but... *sigh* She supposed, she had asked that he needed to be pulled out of his slump, and it had certainly done that. He were more lucid right now than she had seen him in weeks. Confused, smelling of cheap liquor, and disheveled, but lucid.

"...W-What do you need me for?"

He had a lot of things going on right now in his head, and were very, very confused, but he wanted to trust Bling. Even when he had been at his worst, and actively tried to assault her once, when he in a drunken stupor thought she were his queen, she had showed him nothing but kindness, and understanding. Helped him find work sometimes, when he were in a more stable way, and reached out to him, day in and day out. Even when he didn't think he was worth it himself, she had always done hers to try and make him feel wanted, and cared for. Something that had stopped him from doing what some other changelings sadly had done, as the losses and memories of their hives, became too much to bear.

If she said this was The Rasputin, and to try and hear him out, he'd do so. He owed her at least this much.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

The dragons thought a moment, "Besides the front door?"

"If you're set on going to the top you can get there from the roof by flying."

"We do know that he's not near the top though."

"Someone would have seen him by now if he were."

"You should talk to one of the others, who've met with him in person"

"They'd no doubt have a better idea where he hides."

"You could also try to get the info from one of his head guards, agents, or judges."

"They're the only ones besides the casino heads who talk to him directly."

"The judges are in the judgement hall, hardly ever leave."

"The agents wander about the city, almost always together."

"Doe and Cardholder are their names"

"One of his guards also guards Epsilon, House's daughter."

"Given House is pretty old, Grey wants to keep his heir safe for a smooth transition when that happens."

 

(Void)

When asked what he ate Elef, after getting over the embarrassment of being called out, nodded, "Ada says I can eat just about anything a griffon can."

 

It was about when they were getting their cloaks ready when Ada knocked on the door, then poked her head in, "Oh! I see you're all getting ready. I hope you weren't just waiting for me!" She chuckled, then turned to Void and Vale, "I assume they're ready to go? Everything's ready on our end."

 

Once Void confirmed that there was nothing holding them back Ada would nod, "Alright little ones, follow me and stay close together."

Ada would lead them into the darkened streets of Troy, the young ponies looking every which way to see as much as they could, but remained close to the group and didn't wander off.

Soon enough they reached one of the towers that dotted the wall, where another pair of guards stood aside to let them pass. "Now there's a good number of stairs here, let us know if you need a rest and we'll wait for you or help you up."

The young ponies at least didn't have any trouble, their youthful excitement pushing them forward.

After about half an hour of climbing they made it to the top of the tower, emerging onto the wall itself, giving them an open view of both the city and the open desert that surrounded it.

 

(Silver Sigma)

Felicia might remember that Colonel told her of a previous escape attempt that had gotten corrupted, maybe this was it?

A closer inspection of the machine would reveal that it didn't so much contain the goo as produce it, more pouring out of it than it had any right being able to contain.

In response to her request, the machine faltered in a step as it paused, before resuming it's course, "RE- RE- RE- Return -n -n -n Base- Base- Base- Return Base- Base- " before the static returned. Whatever it was using to synthesize speech was clearly faulty.

 

(Changelings)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

they're not asking for help. We're just giving it to them. It's a small distinction, but when it comes to pride, it can go a long way.

Rasputin nodded, "That may have been the case before. Going forward, don't mention how they need our help, but rather how we need theirs. Nothing goads pride to action than being needed. It won't even be a lie, as we need their help to have a unified front. It may not convince all of them, but it should convince some of them, like Chess for example."

 

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...W-What do you need me for?"

Rasputin smiled a bit, "I see my reputation precedes me. Like I said, we need teachers. I'm going to implement a few changes, reeducate the changelings here on how to integrate themselves into society, how to be unified. I need you to pass on my teachings to others, as I myself cannot teach them all alone. Will you help us?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

"Epsilon you say? And pray tell, what're the odds her guard will talk, since by now he probably knows I'm coming too."

"Nine? What's your opinion on this? We can try and get Epsilon's guard to talk. Either by bating it out of him, or pretend Dove wants to make contact with him too.

We can go to the dusty room, where I'm guessing those two dingbats that's been there a few times, might hang out, and could be the two that they are talking about. We'd then beat the answer out of them.

Or is there some other way? Didn't Karma say something about being able to go right for someone, without being noted? You're the expert on this, is that a way, and if it is, what sorta juice level do I have to be to go that route?"

Nine were perhaps not a full expect, but he sure were more than her. He were actually tuned into this whole thing, and knew at least some of how this whole shebang functioned, whereas she were more old school. She'd break kneecaps for her answers, and cut her way through what were in the way. As subtle and stealthy as a rampaging rhino, but what else were she gonna do? Wish upon a star that she would magically be in the same room as Grey? Let's get real here.

Either they had to work some mojo here. or she would have to do it her way. Nine's response were gonna direct things, though she would still ask something else of the dragons first. Weren't any of their business what went on in her scrambled nioggin.

(Void)

Void followed them closely as they wandered down the street, looking around her, afraid that perhaps someone, would suddenly jump out and try to grab one of them. That thankfully did not happen, but there were a lot of risk here, and she couldn't stop worrying about someone hurting her little ones. Thankfully that did not happen, and they reached the staircase going upwards soon enough. It seemed to be simpler and more secure, as there were other guards here, and no others beyond them, so she eased a tiny bit, but not a ton. There were still a lot that could go wrong, up to and including, a barrel of something rolling down from up high, aiming to hit them.

The walk itself weren't much of an issue for Void. She had strong legs, so she wouldn't tire that easily from this ascend. Though if any of the others seemed like they were getting tired, she'd offer to carry them up. They weren't all that heavy, so depending on which one(s) it were, she could take a few. The smaller, the more she could carry. Though she couldn't take all of them at once. There weren't enough space on her back.

It seemed like they did well though, driven by their excitement and curiosity. They'd probably sleep well tonight, and maybe need a bit more rest tomorrow though, but that was something they'd deal with wen that came. For now, they were reaching the top, and would soon be able to marvel at the view, here from above the city, where they could see it all sprawl out before them. The common view of a flyer, but for ground-shackled ones, it were an uncommon, and pretty sight. At least to Void.

"Such a nice view. Is everyone liking it? Any of you curious about what it is you're seeing?"

The view was nice, but why not also answer them what things were, and then make a kind of a teaching moment out of it? They were probably wondering what the various things they were looking at were, right? Including perhaps, the pygmy ghost vultures that were occasionally flying about, with one being rather close to them. Should give them a nice, close view of what were so far, just shown to them via the glass in their domicile. As well as causing a certain lizard to crawl into the cloak of the nearest foal, and hide there.

(Silver Sigma)

So communication at some level were possible with this entity then, which seemed to be the source of a fair amount of goo. More than anticipated at first, in fact. It still seemed to be aiming to go towards her though, and potentially cause issue, but it might well be that there were no hostility here. It were just broken, which so far, seemed fairly obvious. Even the message that were forced out, were broken and basic as any. Though it did make her think that perhaps, their destination point were the same. Perhaps she could direct this entity to not work against her, by pursuing this assumption?

"𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕞𝕖𝕒𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕝 𝕣𝕠𝕠𝕞? 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖. 𝕊𝕖𝕚𝕫𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕝𝕖 𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖. 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕚𝕟𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤."

It were a wild stab in the dark, as this might also just be something Colonel ruined, as he had vaguely been on about earlier, but it might also be that this were in some fashion, a defensive unit for this complex. Hence why it attempted to block her entry from the control room.

A fair bit of assumptions, but now would come the first test of this hypothesis: Felicia would wander calmly down the hallway, towards the entity. She would attempt to simply move past it, rather than attempt hostile actions. If it were sentient and wanting to return, it shouldn't be trying. If not, she would have to defend herself, as previously assessed. If she'd lose a leg on this, then so be it. Such were the price sometimes for taking a risk.

(Changelings)

"Teaching? I haven't done that since..."

He'd gaze to the side, trying to eye the flask, but this were the time when Bling went over, and took a soft, yet firm grip in his head, and directed him to look right at her worried eyes.

"Enough. We need You, Chess. Not the one that you keep hiding away at the bottom of a bottle. I know you have a lot of things to deal with, but you won't find answers to it like this. You used to be a good teacher. Even when you're out of it, I've seen you lecture others. Bring that home with us."

She'd explain to him slowly, and carefully why it were that they needed him, and what the plan were. Slowly after that, he'd nod, and pull back a little.

"I've heard stories, but didn't think it would actually happen."

"Today's been special. But we need everyone at their best here, and you're gonna be important for it. But there's not gonna be more of this then, okay?"

She'd point at the empty bottle, and though he seemed like he were regretting this, the call of the hive convinced Chess to nod, and agree.

"Good. We'll have you back at the theater and cleaned up soon then, and after that I'm getting you an assistant. You'll need help with everything."

He knew as well as her, that this were not just for the teaching work, but for actually keeping him in check, and ensuring he'd not get anywhere near a bottle again. It'd be some rough times ahead of him, but it would be for the best. Bling didn't usually force things this much, but it were finally possible to get through to Chess, and she had to make sure it'd keep that way, for his own good. He were drinking himself into an early grave right now, and she didn't want to hear that's how he ended.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

The dragons shrugged, "Slim to none, not without a good beating at least."

"Vector is a trusted guard for a reason."

"Epsilon though, she'd probably help you get to Grey herself if she had a reason to."

"Maybe you could convince her that it's in her best interest, like it is ours."

 

"Epsilon's guard would no doubt know something was up if you asked him about Grey. I don't think it's public knowledge that he's a Grey guard. If you want to do the Dove route you'd likely have a better chance going through the judges."

"Per the cloak, that requires that you've already seen them and a certain level of proximity. Grey no doubt knows this, and is hiding because of it. If we were to get somewhere he'd been, the more recent the better, we'd likely be able to find his trail and use it to get to wherever he's hiding."

 

(Void)

Elef pointed out the central oasis, "What's that? That shiny thing in the middle of the city?"

It might occur to Void that the foals had never seen water in such concentrations as the oasis.

Toupé to a metal structure built on the westernmost side of the wall, "That over there, It looks like some of the things they had outside the facility when we left."

Vale answered that one, "That's a radio tower, it uses some special science to send sound across the desert silently until it is picked up by a special receiver that can turn it back into sound. They used to use it to play music, but since the incident they've just used it for the news. They haven't fixed the music player yet. I'll see about getting a receiver so you can listen to it."

Teal pointed out the Consul's estate, and generally to the large government buildings around the oasis, "Those buildings look different from the others, are they special?"

Ardee also gestured towards the oasis, but in her case towards the bustling market that surrounded it, "There's so many creatures down there. Do they all live here?"

 

(Silver Sigma)

On closer inspection she'd see that the face of the machine had a serious dent in it, like it had been hit rather hard by a war hammer.

Once she was close enough for the machine to touch her it would grab onto whatever part of her was closest, the corrosive goo proving to double as a strong adhesive, then the machine started to descend into the puddle of the goo in the floor, attempting to drag her down with it.

She would have to detach the grasped limb to escape, if she did so the machine would pay no mind, descending until it was out of sight.

If she did not escape the grasp, she'd be pulled through the corrosive puddle into a pocket dimension.

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin nodded, "Very good. Let's get back to the hive then. We'll soon be full to capacity and I want to make sure everything is organized before it's standing room only."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2021-08-10 at 1:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Epsilon's guard would no doubt know something was up if you asked him about Grey. I don't think it's public knowledge that he's a Grey guard. If you want to do the Dove route you'd likely have a better chance going through the judges."

"Per the cloak, that requires that you've already seen them and a certain level of proximity. Grey no doubt knows this, and is hiding because of it. If we were to get somewhere he'd been, the more recent the better, we'd likely be able to find his trail and use it to get to wherever he's hiding."

"Yeah well, if he already knows about me, and why I'm here, no one that can give access to him, is gonna do it from us asking nicely. So I'm either gonna have to trade in some sort of favor with Epsilon, or beat the daylight out of her guard, until he speaks. Guessing we'll try and go the nice route first then. If you pick up any sort of scent though, that we can work from, speak up about it. The faster we deal with him, the better. Ain't no saying what he'll set up of barriers, the more time he gets."

"I'll try Epsilon then. If she isn't open for negotiations, I'll go break some bones of Grey's pet, until he starts squealing.

If you haven't heard anything within the next day, assume I'm dead. Come on Arcade We got work to do."

If there were nothing else, she'd leave this place, with a metaphorical black cloud hanging over her head. This whole cat and mouse routine were getting annoying, and now she had to race against time, on top of everything else... She couldn't wait to get this one utterly decimated, so she could move on to other horizons, and seek out other threats. Even if... Even if it might mean she wouldn't see Arcade again. He'd be safer without her anyway. As well as without The Grey lurking, and potentially trying to steal back both him, and his friends.

It was the best for everyone, that Grey Mane died. Even if not everyone would appreciate the service it'd be. Frankly wouldn't surprise her if she ended up getting exiled from Troy for this, but they'd see.

Least she knew the likely ones to be in charge after him, and they seemed... Shrewd, but reasonable enough. Could be worse.

(Void)

On 2021-08-10 at 1:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Elef pointed out the central oasis, "What's that? That shiny thing in the middle of the city?"

"That is the heart of any oasis. A large pool of water, where the light is glistening in it. In desert areas, it's important to have access to a large pool of water like this, to make a city function. I'm hoping at some time in the future, once things are better, and more calm, that maybe we can try and teach you to swim? Not in drinking water though, of course. Might have to be at some time when we can find a beach, and that's gonna take a lot longer planning. But it's a nice thing to do. Splashing around in water."

Void honestly hadn't considered that they had never seen a lake before, but now that they had, perhaps it wasn't a bad idea to try and introduce them to large pools of water eventually. Seeing this oasis was a good start, and someday, they could then move closer. Some day further still, they'd have a chance to see the ocean, she hoped. Or a swimming pool of some kind. If there were one in Troy, she hadn't seen one, but she honestly hadn't been looking either.

The next question were one that Vale dealt with, and seemed to do so well. Void hadn't really thought of this being a music radio before, as she only heard it give off news, but it could be good if they could hear some music over the radio someday. She got the feeling they didn't get to hear music a lot, if ever, where they had been.

On 2021-08-10 at 1:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Teal pointed out the Consul's estate, and generally to the large government buildings around the oasis, "Those buildings look different from the others, are they special?"

"Yes. That's where the Consul, and others in charge of Troy, lives and works. A lot of the important work that gets done, to make sure Troy runs well, are done there. They're usually pretty busy though. It takes a lot of work to make sure everything works well, but it pays off. If it weren't for them, this town would probably look a lot different."

On 2021-08-10 at 1:20 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee also gestured towards the oasis, but in her case towards the bustling market that surrounded it, "There's so many creatures down there. Do they all live here?"

"Most of them do live here, I think, but some are travelling merchants, and I think I heard one talking about being part of a pilgrimage of some kind, so they were selling some things for supplies. I were kind of in a hurry. It's beautiful down there though. There's filled with all kinds of sounds, smells, and sights. It can be a little overwhelming, but a rich experience. One of the vendors actually, is the one that I bought Lacuna from. There's a few pet vendors like that, but I've always liked these little ones."

(Silver Sigma)

As she hadn't trusted this being entirely, she had went closest with her front leg first, which had turned out to be a good idea, as she were grabbed, and the goo began to go through her limb. Much as she hated doing this, her systems, and logic in general, told her that if she tried to pull back, it might simply embrace more of her, and this goo were indeed dangerous, even for her. So she would have to take the choice that you sometimes, had, when for example trapped by a large rock: Die, or sacrifice a limb. And she chose the latter.

With a notable sound of high pressured air, the leg would dethatch at the torso, and be dragged into a puddle of goo by this robotic defect. Where to? She did not know, and did not care to find out. She'd instead move along with speed. Away from this puddle.

She'd keep her left front leg up, as she moved now. She could easy account for the imbalance even without, by activating the right subfolder, but this were simpler, for the time being. If she assumed she may need another leg for attacking again, she would just have to strike a minorly different way. All her legs were bladed after all. Not just this one. And she still had seven left. Molotov were definitely not going to be thrilled that she had lost one though, as he hadn't any spare parts at hoof here, and needed time to go through the special galvanizing he used, to ensure its hardness. But such were his issues in the future. It was just one price one had to pay for knowledge sometimes.

One bright part however, may be that this could mean that the creature were no occupied, so she would attempt to go back and check up on another of the nearby routes that had been blocked off before, and see if it were possible to pass now. If goo were still dripping, she'd push something in it, to see if something came to grab it. And if the thing returned again, to look for her, she'd head for the exit again. She detested not learning much from here, by accessing the database, but the ruined robot, were not something she were currently equipped to deal with. She'd need backup, and potentially a new weapon for that.

(Changelings)

"I wouldn't worry about that. I set the time for tonight, since then the ones who are working and such can come around too. Whoever can't, or won't, will get to hear it soon. Words spread pretty quickly in our community."

But that just meant that they could have some time to prepare. Starting with getting back to the hive, and get Chess ready for duty.

Wouldn't be long after returning that his assistant were called over. Orchid. A changeling from a small, unknown hive, that had been crushed before Discord's time even happened. She had come here as a hiveless, and were normally working either for the hive, or as a freelancer every now and again, as an accountant. She didn't have a lot to do these days, so she had the time. And were rather strict. She could keep Chess in line. And judging by the look in his eyes as the smaller, yet surprisingly strong changeling dragged him with her to get freshened up, he knew this were gonna get tough.

If there were nothing else, Bling would show Rasputin around the place. The bedroom where her and the other two rested in a single, large bed. The stage, the dressing rooms, the kitchen, storage, bathroom, residential areas, therapy room, and so on It were all sectioned off to have a purpose, beyond what it once had, as a mere theater, but they didn't mind too much. Sure they missed the performances and everything else, but they still did some smaller scale ones at times, both out there, and in here, for the other changelings. And as a hive who liked to help their kin out, having it turned into mostly a help center of sorts for changelings, they cherished their home's new purpose too.

At the allotted time in the evening, there would be the majority of the town's changelings gathered up. Work and other things, would prevent some from showing, but whoever wasn't here, would be told what were going on, and the plans, once this gathering had ended. Within 24 hours, all known changelings should know what happened, as well as likely a good deal of other folks in town, who cared to follow what the changelings got up to. They weren't hurting anyone, or getting in the way of those on top really, so it were questionable how much attention they were given on a daily basis. Though the potential resurgence of a new royal might catch some ears, as winds of change were something best kept aware of.

Why, a certain changeling were here with just that in mind. She didn't mind the hive at all, and they had helped her a fair bit, but she wanted status, and to be someone. So anything of note, would be reported to whomever might want to hear. Including what came out of this meeting. And the appearance of Rasputin, would if nothing else, be something of worth. An infamous name for a reason, whom might truly be working in ways that would put a stick in the wheel for the higher ups.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

"Go with might and power"

"We'll no doubt hear about the outcome either way."

 

Soon enough the two of them were back outside, nothing overtly giving away any indication that their plans were known, at least among the few patrolling Grey in the plaza.

If Null didn't take the lead, Arcade would, heading straight for the Top Suits where Epsilon and her guard typically were, "How do you want to go about this? Politely? Or do you want to go straight for violence?"

 

(Void)

There was a bit of excitement in the young ponies' eyes when Void mentioned playing in water and the beach. Ardee commenting, "Mistress mentioned a beach once, our facility was near one apparently. She said she would have taken us there had everything not happened as it had."

In regards to Void's talking about the marketplace everyone moved to get a closer look as she explained, trying to see if they could spot those she mentioned, ultimately failing due to the distance.

Toupé turned her attention upward, "Are those, up there, stars?"

Vale nodded, "That they are, do you know about stars?"

"Only what Mistress told us, and what I read, it's hard to imagine how far away they really are."

With that the young ponies seemed content to gawk silently at their surroundings, taking in everything they could until the foals started to nod off on their respective carer's backs. Ardee taking notice, "We should probably be getting back, with the foals asleep the other three will soon follow, and there are a lot of stairs to get down first."

 

(Silver Sigma)

The other puddles she encountered would seem a bit more inert than the one the machine had descended into, corroding anything that it came in contact with like it had been left out in the rain for a decade or two, but not adhering to it or descending below where one would expect the floor to be.

When it came to passages to the control room, were she still interested in that, the puddles had seriously corroded the walls and floors, making the passageways structurally unsound, a few already collapsed, but nothing preventing her from approaching should she feel so inclined.

If instead she decided to leave, she'd luckily encounter no resistance, though she'd find the doctor had escaped from where she had left him.

(Over time the facility will get more dangerous to traverse as it falls into disrepair and the residents get more bold about trying to leave)

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin would pay close attention as he was shown everything that the hive had to offer, once the tour was done he would nod, "We'll need to get some minors and excavators, a key element of any successful hive is a sense of belonging. The easiest way to achieve that is for everyone to have a space that is theirs, either theirs alone or shared with one or two others. It would be optimal if we could excavate a central area under the theater where everyone can have their own alcove. Then we can free up rooms here in the theater so it can be used as a proper theater again. But that can wait, once we have a good stockpile of energy and good organization we can have changelings focus on excavation rather than cultivation and harvesting."

He nodded to himself again before turning to Bling and giving a short bow, "Nonetheless, I'm impressed with what you've managed so far with such limited resources. Truly remarkable."

 

As it pertained to those coming to the hive, Rasputin would leave instructions that non-changelings were to be turned away, first telling them that interested parties would be invited back once the reorganization was complete. The names of any non-changelings who were turned away were to be noted down so they could be evaluated at a later date.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2021-08-12 at 4:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Soon enough the two of them were back outside, nothing overtly giving away any indication that their plans were known, at least among the few patrolling Grey in the plaza.

If Null didn't take the lead, Arcade would, heading straight for the Top Suits where Epsilon and her guard typically were, "How do you want to go about this? Politely? Or do you want to go straight for violence?"

"We'll try talking first. If that doesn't work, we'll see where this leads. Too late to back down now."

At least it were for her. Arcade could still back out if he wanted to, and likely not be pursued too much. But if he went through with this, along with her, then there'd end up being an aftermath he had to accept he were part of. Provided all witnesses didn't get slaughtered. They'd see how this went, but she only wanted one head from within. Not several. The narrative after were something that had to be dealt with when that time came.

Although, before that...

Null would halt, and lean in to Arcade's ear, that she may whisper something to him, before moving back again.

"Ain't time now, but I'll tell you what I know, after it's done."

"And when I do, you're not gonna stop me from speaking, Nine. I'm gonna tell him, and that's final. He deserves to know."

*sigh* But that was a nightmare for later. Right now, there was a task at hoof, and likely a deadline to get it done. So heading for the Top Suites, they should go and see if they could find Epsilon when it were, and then see if they couldn't talk this out. Likely by using Dove as an excuse again.

(Void)

On 2021-08-12 at 4:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

There was a bit of excitement in the young ponies' eyes when Void mentioned playing in water and the beach. Ardee commenting, "Mistress mentioned a beach once, our facility was near one apparently. She said she would have taken us there had everything not happened as it had."

"Then we will just have to do it in her stead. I think you'll like it."

It sounded like their mistress had a lot of plans for them, before her fate diverted her from their lives. A tough charge to carry after her, but Vale and her would do their best, in making sure that they'd grow up to be fine, free ponies, knowing all the splendors of life, instead of wasting away in some facility. It were disgusting that this had been the plan for them to start with, and they were fortunate that one of them had grown a heart, and gotten them out. It was a shame that not all of them had made it, but... *sigh* They had to appreciate the living, rather than mourn the dead.

On 2021-08-12 at 4:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

With that the young ponies seemed content to gawk silently at their surroundings, taking in everything they could until the foals started to nod off on their respective carer's backs. Ardee taking notice, "We should probably be getting back, with the foals asleep the other three will soon follow, and there are a lot of stairs to get down first."

Void had a nice moment of starring at the stars with the little ones, just thinking about nothing but the bright lights above... *sigh* But Vale were right as she spoke. The foals needed to get their sleep, not be up all night. Despite how much they'd perhaps like to.

"You're probably right. Come on everyone, let's start to head back home again. I know you'd probably want to see more, but hopefully we can come back up here someday soon. Do you need me to help with Peal and Piecey?"

Wouldn't be as bad down, as it were up, but she could imagine at least one of them might start to doze off soon. Likely not Elef though. Bat ponies tended to enjoy the night time after all, even if you were amongst those raised in the sunlight. At least that held true for most of those that she knew.

(Silver Sigma)

So the hallway were somewhat destroyed then. Annoying, and yet, it were not as if she travelled via wheels. Provided that the structural damage did not seem severe enough, she might well be able to jump over the hole, and proceed. The thing she poked forth didn't seem to have caused anything to jump out, so it were seemingly safe. It would all just depend on the hallway. She could easily enough jump over a hole with a few meters in length, so that wouldn't be the biggest issue. Unless it were continuing to expand, which would mean that there may not be a way back. That would be unfortunate.

Due to how she landed, with bending her legs as she impacted, she would not do a lot of impact on landing, and mostly do so rather softly. So if it could deal with her walking, it should be able to handle her doing a jump. Depending on the distance, and the general state of the floor, obviously.

If it all looked bad, she'd begrudgingly make her way out of here, the same way she came in.

(Changelings)

On 2021-08-12 at 4:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He nodded to himself again before turning to Bling and giving a short bow, "Nonetheless, I'm impressed with what you've managed so far with such limited resources. Truly remarkable."

"Oooh, you old charmer, heh. It honestly haven't always been easy, but what worth doing is, right? Just have to remember to keep the smile on my face, and the energy rolling, or the others might start losing hope."

Had been quite a few days, especially at the start, where she had to force a smile on her face some days. Because she new that if she didn't look like she were in control, and hopeful, how could those around her be? So even when she were sad, any frowns would have to stay behind locked doors, all by herself. Sometimes with not even her siblings, as they were the ones she didn't want to be infested with her doubts, and worries. She knew that she could always count on her siblings, and she'd do anything for them, but if all three of them lost hope, and fell into a slump, then things would start to crack beneath them.

So at times, she just had the play her part. Put on the smile, and keep faking it until her spirits felt high again. A good deal of changelings relied on their hive after all, and she couldn't go and let them down. It wouldn't be right.

"And expanding a bit might be nice. We just never did it in the past, since there were a lot of scrutiny, since changelings living openly in Equestria was a new thing. The less we had to hide, the more they'd understand we could be trusted, so we refrained from digging. After everything that happened, there just haven't been the time to ever think about it. Always something to do."

Wasn't many non-changelings that would come here to begin with, and of those who did, they didn't seem to want to make a fuss. As for the one who wanted information, it was a changeling, so not really anything they could do with this policy to stop her. And as she weren't known to be dealing in selling off secrets, or spying on folks for the higher ranked ones, there shouldn't be much they could do to prepare themselves for her.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Nine nodded within her head, "Potential romantic interests are allowed to know. You think the Consul's wife didn't know? Just know that I can't stop him from telling others. You'll have to impress that importance on him yourself."

 

The mood when they entered the casino was uncharacteristically somber, the usual sounds of gambling were missing, and they were met by a sign welcoming them to the funeral of R.E. House.

Before they would have much time to react one of the staff would approach, "I'm impressed you arrived so promptly, we'll have to tip the courier handsomely, Epsilon is expecting you, if you'll follow me."

Provided they did so, the worker would lead them to the rotunda, then up to the third floor, then to the balcony where Null had encountered House inside the game, where Epsilon sat by herself. Her body was tense, her expression a mix of grief and anger. Below them, on the stage, was the casket, a line of creatures paying their respects to the dead.

"He could have saved him, but didn't. Then he called back Vector when I needed him most."

 

(Void)

Ada raised an eyebrow in response to Void's promise, but didn't comment on how unlikely she found it. No sense in dashing the young ponies' hopes .

Teal and Toupé had no issues carrying the foals back down the stairs, the foals in question settling in to sleep on their backs as they did so. They seemed to take a certain level of pride in their ability to care for the foals without assistance.

Still, once they were back in the house, having traveled without incident, they were good and ready to go to bed, though they still wanted to hear a story, electing this time to hear one from Vale.

Vale thought a moment before nodding, "Alright, I'll tell you a story my mother told me when I was a fawn." She took a seat in front of the bed so they could all hear her, "Some time ago, after Cervidas was split between the deer and the reindeer, there was a young fawn named Knell who lived in the forest of Equadoe with her family. Her father told her that the reindeer were all evil, that they would try to capture her and freeze her with their ice magic and eat her. One day, when she was frolicking in the forest away from her family, she came across a reindeer fawn about her age. At first she was scared that what her father had said was true, but she decided to be brave. She talked to the reindeer, and found out that the reindeer's father had said similar things about deer. They soon became friends, secretly playing together whenever they could. And although they were never able to change their father's minds about the other race, they came to understand that fear, and letting fear guide them, would ultimately prevent them from discovering new friends." She sighed, "There is a lot of fear in the world right now, the world needs brave little fawns, and ponies, if it's going to become a better place."

 

(Silver Sigma)

(You're awful determined to get there aren't you?)

Felicia would be able to make it passed the damaged parts of the hallway, though considering what was above them, namely a desert, she'd likely want to hurry before the pathway would eventually collapse, potentially trapping her under dozens of meters of sand, clay, and other desert materials.

Once beyond the obstruction, nothing else prevented her from reaching the control room and the mount that Colonel had used to summon a body.

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin nodded, "There should be some good clay under here, both easy to mine and we can turn the clay into bricks both that we can use to repair the theater, as well as sell to others interested in rebuilding. Maybe if we have enough builders, we could form a construction group and rebuild the other buildings ourselves. But that again is for another time. We should get ready for everyone coming in, get them organized by which hive they came from, get a tally of their preferred emotions so we know what and how to focus our efforts."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2021-08-14 at 9:11 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Nine nodded within her head, "Potential romantic interests are allowed to know. You think the Consul's wife didn't know? Just know that I can't stop him from telling others. You'll have to impress that importance on him yourself."

"...Thank you. I'll try and figure it out, when the time is right. Just have to get this done and over with, then see if he can still look at me, without feeling disgust."

On 2021-08-14 at 9:11 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The mood when they entered the casino was uncharacteristically somber, the usual sounds of gambling were missing, and they were met by a sign welcoming them to the funeral of R.E. House.

Before they would have much time to react one of the staff would approach, "I'm impressed you arrived so promptly, we'll have to tip the courier handsomely, Epsilon is expecting you, if you'll follow me."

The somber tone in her mind, were quickly replaced with a far more notable one out here in the real world, as they went through the casino doors, and noticed the sharp change in the atmosphere. There were no sound of flipped cards, or machine giving off their rhythmic little clacks. No roulette wheels spinning, or dice being tossed. It were quiet, and the banner that'd greet them shortly after entering, would explain why. The death of the owner, and Epsilon's old man, R. E. House. A pony Null had never met, but understood the importance of. Although the fact that the two were expected, puzzled her. Why would they be expected, at this funeral?

There wouldn't be an answer that could be provided, by anyone but Epsilon herself, so Null would just nod, and follow along. This did not seem a time for her to ask questions, and simply just follow. Arcade would probably follow troop, and do the same, but his actions were his own.

On 2021-08-14 at 9:11 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Provided they did so, the worker would lead them to the rotunda, then up to the third floor, then to the balcony where Null had encountered House inside the game, where Epsilon sat by herself. Her body was tense, her expression a mix of grief and anger. Below them, on the stage, was the casket, a line of creatures paying their respects to the dead.

"He could have saved him, but didn't. Then he called back Vector when I needed him most."

At first, Null didn't say anything. She just walked closer, and looked down on the casket below. The previous owner, and high ranking member of the local society, laying within. One whom seemed to have been loved, or at least respected well, judging by the number of those arriving to pay their last respects to him. A big pair of shoes to fill, and now, Epsilon had to do so, even in the midst of her grief.

When she did start to speak, Null would keep her eyes down towards the casket, and her voice would be neutral. She couldn't find it in herself to summon anger, at a moment like this. Yet at the same time, she could not mourn those, whom she had never met. Not truthfully anyway, and she would not disrespect the dead by pretending to be grieve struck towards this stallion now.

"They're all his to use, until they don't serve his purpose anymore... You have my sympathy, and condolences, Epsilon."

She'd let this hang in the air for a few seconds, before speaking once more, but would halt longer if Epsilon needed to say something herself.

"He took someone special from you today. Shouldn't he answers for that?"

(Void)

Void didn't think of how she may have promised too much, as they made their way back with the tired foals. It wouldn't be now, nor within the next few months likely, but she were going to keep pushing for her precious little angels to be integrated into society. A society that were going to accept them as they were, and not whom they had been made from, and if they couldn't, she'd tell them to leave. Ardee, Teal, and the rest, had as much right to live out there, as anyone else had, and she wasn't going to hear anyone saying differently.

And once everything was nice and comfy, with them being set up properly, she'd make sure to have them taken to a nice beach to relax at. And may gods have mercy upon anyone who tried to stop their fun trip there.

On 2021-08-14 at 9:11 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale thought a moment before nodding, "Alright, I'll tell you a story my mother told me when I was a fawn." She took a seat in front of the bed so they could all hear her, "Some time ago, after Cervidas was split between the deer and the reindeer, there was a young fawn named Knell who lived in the forest of Equadoe with her family. Her father told her that the reindeer were all evil, that they would try to capture her and freeze her with their ice magic and eat her. One day, when she was frolicking in the forest away from her family, she came across a reindeer fawn about her age. At first she was scared that what her father had said was true, but she decided to be brave. She talked to the reindeer, and found out that the reindeer's father had said similar things about deer. They soon became friends, secretly playing together whenever they could. And although they were never able to change their father's minds about the other race, they came to understand that fear, and letting fear guide them, would ultimately prevent them from discovering new friends." She sighed, "There is a lot of fear in the world right now, the world needs brave little fawns, and ponies, if it's going to become a better place."

Void had sat down next to the foals, tucked in nice and snuggly in their beds, and listened in to the story that Vale told. As she had never interacted well with deer in the past, she did not know their kind of stories, so it were interesting for her to hear one. A short one granted, but one with a good message, and the small ones were likely about to doze off well, so it were probably best with a short one. Save something more long winded and juicy for a better time.

"That's a nice story. And Vale is right, there's gonna need to be brave little souls, full of compassion, out there, now that the world is slowly getting calmer again."

She'd rise up, and go make sure they were all still tucked in nicely. Awake or asleep, she'd look down on them all, one by one, with a tender, loving gaze, while thinking about how much she had come to care for them, in just these last few days. Her beautiful little angels, so full of hope and dreams. *sigh*

It wasn't something she were actively realizing, but the more time passed, the more she were starting to become like her mother had been, back in the day. Void had only been supposed to watch over, and care for these foals, but she weren't able to keep it anywhere close to objective. They grew on her, and she felt her heart ache for their troubles and suffering, as well as a rising feeling of wanting to keep them safe from all the bad things the world were throwing at them. The same boat her mother had been in, and their mistress likely had been too, when risking everything to get them away from the pain and misery they were bound to, by madmen pretending to be scientists.

It wasn't that surprising perhaps. Lowkey, Void had always been motherly, even if Null had been the one raising them, and pushing them ahead. These foals were just making that side of her flourish and grow.

(Silver Sigma)

It appeared that she were on a timer of sorts here. The hole going upwards, seemed to extend quite a bit, and if it went up far enough, the ceiling would eventually collapse, and cause sand to pour down. There would be some room down below to take in some sand too of course, but that hole would be filed eventually, and then the time came for the side halls, potentially trapping her. She needed to make haste.

As fortunately, nothing else seemed to interfere with her, she'd make it back to the control once more. Once there, she'd look around for some electronics parts that she could make use of. Seeing how he had interacted, she would likely be able to connect, via a proper cable, and a *port slow* at the end, which would fit into the socket. With a few minor adjustments. So if she could find or *liberate* a cable from somewhere non-important, she could also cut a piece of metal into the right form, use her web to stick the parts together, and run a few smaller wires around. It shouldn't take all that many minutes, long as she were continuously not interrupted, and eventually, she should have a proper connection cable to run from herself, and into the slot Colonel had been in. She may need to make some quick adjustments a few times to make it work exactly, but such were it often with these unofficial wires.

It'd be connected to her backside, where she had a slot just above her abdomen for things such as this, and with her backup ready, she'd then try and make contact. It should function as an impromptu transfer cable for the sort of data required for communication, but she'd have to act fast, to see if there were anything to gleam, or perhaps another consciousness there. Something told her that there were more to things, than Colonel had let out. She also got the feeling that this place showed her that she needed to recalibrate her degree of trust in other creatures. It did not seem to go over well.

(Changelings)

"We're done well repairing the theater in the past, the old fashioned changeling way, and then cover it up with paint. But it would be nice to have a more solid foundation to things, that wouldn't have to be replaced as often. Some days I worry that I'll forget it for too long, and something comes crashing down, and hurt someone... I'm definitely all for making it more stable, and if we help rebuilding some of the other nearby places with excess, we could probably get some help from some of the other locals for other things, and some more leeway when it starts spreading what we're going to do. Changeling gathering or not, it's gonna come out there sooner or later. Just how it is, in a town like this.

And I'll work on trying to have some of the others group up like that. Few hive survivors and hiveless, that can be grouped up into cliques like that. And then there'd be Morrow. So far the only changeling I've met, with a preference for severe depression. He's always wanted around town though, helping those with too much of the blues, so he's usually never hungry."

She'd wander off for a little while, to speak with various changelings, that she knew embodied various preferences, and hives. The ones with emotional needs matching their own, did tend to naturally flock together more often than not, so it were a small matter of just getting the various ones to kinda group like it too, for the meeting, and then tell whomever arrived to do the same.

Everything should be in order regarding this, once the meeting would eventually commence.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Took you a bit, I was getting worried)

(Null)

Epsilon sighed, "I'm not so grief-stricken as to confuse the consequence of inaction with that of action. While he could have been saved, it was not owed to him. And I'm not so blind to my fathers actions to think he may not have deserved saving. Grey has much to answer for, but this is not one of those things. Still, I won't stand idly by like my father while Grey endangers the future of this city." She looked over at Null, "I take it you have your own reasons, and I won't ask for them. Better you than me anyway, just... please... spare Vector. He was more of a father than..."

She sighed, "One one of the middle floors, there's a conference room where they would meet. There's a special elevator there that Grey would arrive in. I've no doubt it leads to wherever he's been hiding." She passed a chip like the one the Host had given them. "Good luck."

The door opened behind them, one of the staff coming over to Epsilon, "The lawyer says there's some special considerations about Mr. House's will that you need to be present for."

She nodded, turning to Null and Arcade, "Thank you again for coming."

She'd then leave them, following the staff member.

 

(Void)

Once the young ponies were all fast asleep in their collective bed Vale sighed before quietly exiting the room. Once she was alone with Void she asked, "Did the Consul have anything else to say? About a certain stallion perhaps?" She practically spat the word stallion out like it was distasteful to her. No doubt she was referring to Molotov.

 

(Silver Sigma)

The available contacts and connectors were fully alien to Felicia, which was to be expected given they were designed by two different ponies under the influences of very disparate cultures. It seemed to have been designed to encase an equine, a number of the minostralium contacts would press against certain points on the encased's forehead. If she knew of the magical circulation of deer she'd potentially recognize them as key points for deer. At the very least it would be clear that no horned creature would be able to fit inside.

Thinking back on it, Colonel had simply been placed inside, she hadn't had to connect any cables for him to access the machine, and notably there weren't any ports inside the encasement harness for her to try and interface with. However, if she poked around enough, she'd find that there were cables running down from the center of the arm that held up the harness to the contacts, and these cables could be disconnected without much hassle.

At that point she'd be left with several ribbon cables, some with 8 parallel wires, some with 16, and one with 68. It would take a while for her to figure out how to adapt to that.
(This of course assuming she doesn't have bluetooth/wifi like Colonel's tablet form had) Maybe if she could find how this was supposed to be interfaced with it would help her understand what went where?

 

 (Changelings)

Rasputin would nod, "Good. Now, I should be getting ready for everyone to be present, Such a speech will be far more impactful if practiced. Surely you have some informants? Could you have a few of them fill me in as to the state of the city? I'll need to know such things as who holds the power, where the majority of the ponies spend their time, as well as recent events." (I won't make you rehash everything, but you can feel free to introduce some characters and offer a perspective if you like. This is more to make his knowledge of current events plausible.)

(Per the time frame, we'll say this speech by Rasputin is the night before the events currently taking place with Null and Arcade)

Once everyone, or as many who were willing to come to the hive, had arrived, Rasputin had them gathered into the largest room available. If it was too small to hold everyone he'd call on a few talented individuals to rebroadcast his words into other rooms so the rest could see as well. Once these arrangements were made he took to the stage, looking just as regal as he ever had, chitin gleaming and mane excellently brushed. He did not exaggerate his movements or embellish his beauty as a pretender would, his presence had enough weight on it's own. He spoke softly, but powerfully, "My fellow changelings, I am indeed the very Rasputin Stalliongrad, rumored dead at the battle of Blackwater. I crawled my way out of Tartarus to atone for my crimes and misdoings. For that reason I have come here, a city full of changelings and empty of a queen to guide them, for now. I am privy to a number of secret rituals, procedures that the Queen's Council tried to bury. One such procedure, similar to the one that would turn a pony into a king, such as myself, is capable of turning a regular changeling, such as yourselves, into a fully fledged queen, capable of leading you, protecting you, and perhaps most importantly, capable of producing new changelings."

He paused a moment, "This procedure is, understandably, very expensive. Any of you who belonged to hive Permu or hive Sleipnir when they created Queens Oracle and Mariposa respectively will know the amount of energy and time needed to produce a new queen, to turn a regular changeling into a queen will require somewhat more than that. If we are to achieve this objective, we will need to be better than we are now. Better organized, better equipped, better trained. Starting tomorrow everyone will be evaluated and grouped for training, Bling has assured me that there is enough energy in reserve that no one will go hungry during this training, and afterwards you'll be able to gather far more effectively than before, ensuring no changeling will ever go hungry in this city. But this will only happen if all of you are willing to trust each other, rely on each other, like a true hive would. Some of you will be cultivators, encouraging the most desirable emotions among the populous. Some of you will be harvesters, collecting the cultivated emotion in a natural and sustainable way, and returning it to the hive so it can be shared with the others. With time, some of you will become proper protectors, others hive engineers."

He paused again, "Together, we will become strong, and once we are strong, we will strengthen this city. As we uplift those around us, they in turn will uplift us."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2021-08-20 at 2:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Epsilon sighed, "I'm not so grief-stricken as to confuse the consequence of inaction with that of action. While he could have been saved, it was not owed to him. And I'm not so blind to my fathers actions to think he may not have deserved saving. Grey has much to answer for, but this is not one of those things. Still, I won't stand idly by like my father while Grey endangers the future of this city." She looked over at Null, "I take it you have your own reasons, and I won't ask for them. Better you than me anyway, just... please... spare Vector. He was more of a father than..."

She sighed, "One one of the middle floors, there's a conference room where they would meet. There's a special elevator there that Grey would arrive in. I've no doubt it leads to wherever he's been hiding." She passed a chip like the one the Host had given them. "Good luck."

"If he could do something, but didn't, that's still a choice. Just like all the others he made."

Null would look down at the chip she had been given, and put it in her bag. It were going to be helpful getting her to where she were needed, so this could all finally end.

"I can't promise he will get out of this unharmed, but I'll try not to kill Vector. How does he look?"

It were a fair request. He likely had some things to answer for too, but bottom feeders like that, wasn't important, when Grey Mane himself were nearby. If she could be told how he looked - as she could not recall ever meeting anyone calling himself Vector - she'd do her best to honor her word to Epsilon, in exchange for the help she were given now. Though if he got in the way, she may still hurt him. Just not lethally. Many ways you could harm someone without it killing them. Shame she didn't have a bat with her right now, so she could break a leg if it were. Usually healed fine, but worked well to incapacitate in the short run.

After hearing what she'd need to identify Vector, she'd nod affirmatively, and were about to say something, when another came in to take Epsilon away to more pressing matters.

On 2021-08-20 at 2:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The door opened behind them, one of the staff coming over to Epsilon, "The lawyer says there's some special considerations about Mr. House's will that you need to be present for."

She nodded, turning to Null and Arcade, "Thank you again for coming."

"Goodbye, Epsilon. I doubt we'll meet again."

Once Epsilon wee gone from the room, she turned and looked to Arcade. There were a certain vengeful hunger in her eyes, as she were now getting closer and closer to getting the first of many troublesome creatures, that needed to pay for their sins. And she could not wait to finally confront him, and having him feel the consequences of what he had caused her, and her family.

"If you're gonna back out, now is the last chance. Soon as we get on that elevator, there's no turning back. Either he dies, or I do."

She hoped he wouldn't back out, but Arcade deserved to be offered the choice, before it were too late. If he went with her, there were a chance that he wouldn't just be able to loiter back into a regular life anymore, as he'd be known to have participated in killing Grey Mane.

If he did or not, she'd head straight for the elevator, and begin this last leg of a journey, that had been nearly twenty-five years in the making. She'd just also be intensely angry and hurt, in case Arcade decided to leave. Or determined to finish this quickly, if he'd just stay and wait. Thankful if he joined, and would plant a kiss on his right cheek as a readily available sign of gratitude.

(Void)

"No, but I can tell you what I did see. Just... Stay calm okay? Please?

Once I were done speaking with the Consul, he called in Molotov right after. He had been trying to set up a meeting, and I guess what I told, made the Consul want to rush things. I don't know what happened, but I saw him when I was out getting some things for dinner earlier. It was at a distance, and brief, but he looked shaken. The Consul must've done something, though I just can't tell what it is. You'd have to ask him."

Or Molotov, but if Vale went and met him currently, Void got the feeling that there would be less questions, and more strangling. It were understandable that she'd want him to pay for what she had been through, if he had been responsible, but the Consul letting him leave, made Void question further how guilty he actually were. If he had truly done all the things that Vale claimed, why had he been judged worthy to leave alive? It seemed impossible. And yet, he had still been shaken up, far as she would guess from the brief look she got. So something had happened.

*sigh* It was an utter mess, and here she were, stuck in the middle of it all. Hopefully there'd soon be some answers that could be doled out, so that there could come some clarification on this. She still felt as if it were not so black and white as it looked from Vale's side though. SOmething just felt off about the whole thing.

(Silver Sigma)

The cable did not seem to function, and as she tinkered briefly with the top part, she'd find why. The receivers were not something you could simple brute force your way through. It required specific kinds of connectors, and she did not have those at hand.

So with that option out of the way, and time being of the essence, Felicia would abandon this course of action for the time being. She'd memorize the  connection points though, as to see if she could not have some adaptors augmented into her system at a later date. It'd probably be too late for interacting with this place, but if this were used once, it were likely used more. She'd potentially find more instances of this sort of machinery. And then, she may be more prepared than she were now.

A quick sweep of the room, with her taking whatever seemed relevant (paperwork would be scanned to memory, minor physical items held in her fangs), and she would take her leave. Skittering and jumping along as quickly as she could, whilst avoiding whatever may be in here. Which may potentially include that odd doctor anomaly, that seemed to have escaped her web earlier.

Provided nothing got too much in the way, she would soon enough be back at her original location, preparing to ponder over what she had learned today. Surprisingly enough though, Molotov would arrive within mere minutes after that, far ahead of her assumed schedule. She intended to mention that, until she noted how he looked. As if something had shaken him deeply. Much as she were snarky towards him at times, and they had their ups and downs, she weren't going to stir him right now. It were clearly not a time for that.

He'd explain the situation to her, and with the provided information, Felicia would be able to already verify, that there were some inconsistencies in the various paperwork, that would be possible to explain with what he had been informed. A fact that certainly did not make him feel better. She neglected to make it worse, by saying what she had been out doing currently. There would be a time for that later on, yet for now, they appeared to need to go to a particular place, so that they could print out what information she had, into a legible format for non-robotic units. So they'd go there shortly after, without any real protest from anyone involved.

(Changelings)

Before everything started, Bling would make sure to introduce Rasputin to a few changelings that would be able to explain him some of the answers to his questions. As there were changelings scattered into many ways of life in New Las Pegasus, they'd hear and see a fair few things, that painted a good picture of how the powers in the city worked. They mostly used that to make sure they did not end up on the bad side of someone important, or whom worked for someone of importance. There weren't exactly a lot of options for escape, if you left this town, so they had to try and adapt to remain within. And if there were one thing changelings were good at, it were adapting.

On 2021-08-20 at 2:06 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Once everyone, or as many who were willing to come to the hive, had arrived, Rasputin had them gathered into the largest room available. If it was too small to hold everyone he'd call on a few talented individuals to rebroadcast his words into other rooms so the rest could see as well. Once these arrangements were made he took to the stage, looking just as regal as he ever had, chitin gleaming and mane excellently brushed. He did not exaggerate his movements or embellish his beauty as a pretender would, his presence had enough weight on it's own. He spoke softly, but powerfully, "My fellow changelings, I am indeed the very Rasputin Stalliongrad, rumored dead at the battle of Blackwater. I crawled my way out of Tartarus to atone for my crimes and misdoings. For that reason I have come here, a city full of changelings and empty of a queen to guide them, for now. I am privy to a number of secret rituals, procedures that the Queen's Council tried to bury. One such procedure, similar to the one that would turn a pony into a king, such as myself, is capable of turning a regular changeling, such as yourselves, into a fully fledged queen, capable of leading you, protecting you, and perhaps most importantly, capable of producing new changelings."

He paused a moment, "This procedure is, understandably, very expensive. Any of you who belonged to hive Permu or hive Sleipnir when they created Queens Oracle and Mariposa respectively will know the amount of energy and time needed to produce a new queen, to turn a regular changeling into a queen will require somewhat more than that. If we are to achieve this objective, we will need to be better than we are now. Better organized, better equipped, better trained. Starting tomorrow everyone will be evaluated and grouped for training, Bling has assured me that there is enough energy in reserve that no one will go hungry during this training, and afterwards you'll be able to gather far more effectively than before, ensuring no changeling will ever go hungry in this city. But this will only happen if all of you are willing to trust each other, rely on each other, like a true hive would. Some of you will be cultivators, encouraging the most desirable emotions among the populous. Some of you will be harvesters, collecting the cultivated emotion in a natural and sustainable way, and returning it to the hive so it can be shared with the others. With time, some of you will become proper protectors, others hive engineers."

He paused again, "Together, we will become strong, and once we are strong, we will strengthen this city. As we uplift those around us, they in turn will uplift us."

There were a lot of murmuring from the various changelings as the speech ended. This were a lot to take in, and talks would eventually go around further, when the single member of Hive Permu who could attest to this, would be heard agreeing that the process he spoke about was true. The part about the regular way of queen ascension at least. This one held somewhat of a revered position among the lower rung hiveless, because of the hive she had been in, so they'd believe her words. She wasn't one who liked the ramp light though. She didn't want responsibilities. She had just been a nanny changeling, and quite frankly, the news that they may eventually get a new queen in town, made her feel a degree of hope that she hadn't in a long time. She did okay babysitting and such around where it were needed, but she yearned to once again take care of hatchlings. If they could have a new queen, she'd happily do her part, and afterwards beg if need be, to be allowed to help with the eggs.

The murmur would eventually then get into hopeful tones, and some spread cheers, as this were overall still what many started to consider to be good news. Thought hey were still worried about a lot of things. Who'd be queen? What would it take? What of their jobs, and lives in general? Not all of them could just abandon everything like that.

"So that's the plan everyone. Now I know there's a lot of questions, and I will try and answer one I know is gonna come up: What about your jobs, and obligations? While this plan is good, and will help the town in the long run, we're of course not going to force anyone to do this. Those who doesn't have obligations in town, I would encourage to please stay and help, as we need all that we can to get this going. Those who can set in vacation time, or want to offer their free time, and want to help too, please talk with Upbeat and I later on, and we'll try and work out a schedule.

I know it is a lot to ask of everyone, but it will help all changelings of New Las Pegasus to prosper, if we got a queen here. Once we have everything in order, we'll try and hold a vote, to see whom everyone would prefer to have as the queen too, but for now, we need to try and put as much time and effort into this as we can."

She'd then go over where the various sorts of help they'd need, should go to be as useful as possible. The ones focusing on harvesting emotions for example, should report to Gloop. The nickname of their cook, who also usually handled most of the harvesting duties. She'd need the added help to get this done further. Upbeat would help organize the ones working on cultivating emotions, so they'd get a bigger harvest, as he were good at encouraging various emotions, though he'd be working with others with more experience in less joyful emotions, so they could have a wide variety. Many others were signed various things to fit what had been set up for them, and at the end, there's be a good deal more structure in things, and folks would be more relieved, and overall happy about things. Including about how no queen had been set up yet, but that it would be voted on later.

Most would likely still point towards Bling, but knowing it was a choice, and not just a giant focus right now, based around the want of a single individual, were comforting.

As for Bling, she'd work on ensuring schedules and such, along with working with Rasputin.

After the cheers, and everything dying down, Bling would take Rasputin backstage. Depending on if he had some finishing words to say to the now well riled up crowd, spread around the theater rooms.

"That seemed to have gone over pretty well. Now we just need the organizing down to a tee, and then execute the strategy. Isn't it exciting? Hehe."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

When asked what Vector looked like, Epsilon sighed, "When wearing his Grey armor? Like any other Grey guard. If he's not in his armor, then he shouldn't be in your way, but in either case, he should be wearing a small 'V' on one of his withers. I gave it to him a few years ago."

When Null mentioned potentially not seeing her again, Epsilon looked stung, and a little disappointed, "I... I would rather if you did, if at all possible."

As Epsilon left, Nine mentioned something, "There's a shadow, like me, following her. Not uncommon following a tragic death, but she doesn't seem so torn up about it. Plus the shadow feels... familiar. Something doesn't make sense."

 

When Null offered for Arcade to back out he shook his head, "I'm in this with you to make sure the second doesn't happen. You won't be rid of me that easily."

Arcade dutifully followed at Null's side as she crossed the plaza to the Stacked Deck, the door guard not paying her a second glance as they went inside to the elevator. If she inserted the chip she had been given by Epsilon, the elevator would set off, stopping about at the middle of the tower, opening to a dimly lit hallway, one she might recognize as the same floor she had encountered the agents on before when they were interrogating the thug. The floor the stairway magically teleported others past.

Faintly, they could hear voices.

 

(Void)

Vale didn't seem too happy about the news, but not altogether enraged either. "Better out there than in here, I suppose banishment is acceptable, but I'd prefer if they kept him somewhere they could keep an eye on him, who knows what other horrors he could be plotting out there?"

She sighed, shaking her head, "I shouldn't dwell on it, reliving what happened will only hurt me, I should just move on. But..." she looked back at the closed door where the foals were sleeping, "I..." She sighed, "I can't have fawns of my own. My body, damaged as it is, could never support it. So these foals... I'd sooner die than let anyone steal them away from me. The story I told today... was the last story my mother told me before..." She took a deep breath, "She said some day I'd get to tell her stories to my fawns, and today I finally got to, after years of thinking it would never happen."

She shook her head, "Sorry, it's all a jumble in my head right now. I should be better tomorrow, you have a good night, I'll see you tomorrow."

 

(Silver Sigma)

Towards the back of the room was an office full of slightly damaged blueprints for the harness, a few of them showing a deer with strange implants in her head sitting in the harness labeled Vale. The blueprints themselves were signed by Euclid Fastar, Dell Conegher, and Bunsen Burner. There were a few prototypes for the headpiece of the harness that she could take with her.

Making her way out would be similar to her way out the first time, again passing through the room containing 96, though she'd likely not have any issues with it given her success the first time.

And so she'd make it out of the facility only missing one leg, and having gained a good amount of knowledge to accompany the mysteries she had uncovered.

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin raised an eyebrow when Bling told those gathered that they weren't obligated to help, but he didn't speak up against her there. He allowed her to set out the initial organization and did not offer any more words to the crowd.

Once they were back stage he nodded, "Indeed, though it remains to be seen what results we'll get out of it. There's a large difference between words and actions. If you are to be queen, you'll need to exude power, such that any changeling who you instruct will obey, whether by fear or respect it is the same, what's important is that they follow your leadership. Still, you have time to prepare, a queen is not made in a night." He would go over to a table and find some spare parchment, "Organization. We have you and I here in the center. All authority in the hive stems from the two of us, no one has responsibility here except by our direction. We then need to form a council, one for each of the major organizations in the hive. For now we'll need a head of cultivation, a head of harvesting, a head of education, a head of production, and a head of maintenance. They will take charge of their functions under our guidance, free to make decisions so far as you allow. As the hive develops we may expand this council. As it stands, we'll need to evaluate all the changelings and assign them to their category, then train them so they can use or adapt their existing disguise to best suit their role. Hopefully everyone still remembers their predispositions, and aren't going to lie so they get into a category they aren't suited for."

Edited August 23, 2021 by Illiad Easle

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2021-08-22 at 4:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When asked what Vector looked like, Epsilon sighed, "When wearing his Grey armor? Like any other Grey guard. If he's not in his armor, then he shouldn't be in your way, but in either case, he should be wearing a small 'V' on one of his withers. I gave it to him a few years ago."

When Null mentioned potentially not seeing her again, Epsilon looked stung, and a little disappointed, "I... I would rather if you did, if at all possible."

"With what I'm planning, I got my doubts I'm set up for a parade. I'll keep the withers in mind, and try to act accordingly. Hopefully he's not gonna be stupid about this."

Null would watch her wander off, before she were given a rather odd message by Nine. One she did not expect in the slightest.

On 2021-08-22 at 4:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

As Epsilon left, Nine mentioned something, "There's a shadow, like me, following her. Not uncommon following a tragic death, but she doesn't seem so torn up about it. Plus the shadow feels... familiar. Something doesn't make sense."

"Yeah, because that ain't ominous in the slightest. Whatever. We'll deal with that later, if it turn out to be an issue."

Things could never just be simple, could they? Just a simple goodbye, and well wishes (kind of) and then off they'd go. But no. Instead, this had to go ominous, and radiate that something bad was gonna happen. Before they'd get out of town even, considering Epsilon's message of wanting to see them again. Couldn't a mare have bloody vengeance on a blood relative, without stuff piling up anymore?

*sigh* Well, nothing that could be done about that now. They had bigger fish to fry. Or decapitate, technically, but whatever. Point remained that they had to deal with one thing at a time, and right now, Grey Mane was a priority.

On 2021-08-22 at 4:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When Null offered for Arcade to back out he shook his head, "I'm in this with you to make sure the second doesn't happen. You won't be rid of me that easily."

Arcade dutifully followed at Null's side as she crossed the plaza to the Stacked Deck, the door guard not paying her a second glance as they went inside to the elevator. If she inserted the chip she had been given by Epsilon, the elevator would set off, stopping about at the middle of the tower, opening to a dimly lit hallway, one she might recognize as the same floor she had encountered the agents on before when they were interrogating the thug. The floor the stairway magically teleported others past.

Faintly, they could hear voices.

She wouldn't give a toss about the other guards, as she entered the elevator, and inserted the chip. Only one she cared about seeing with her in here, were Arcade, who had thankfully decided to remain with her. Made her heart flutter a bit, but she had to try and bury that. Had to keep focused on the task at hoof, and as they got off on a familiar looking floor, she found herself irritated. This is where they had to go the entire time? Bloody hay She could've done that without all of these jumps and hoops.

Didn't matter now though. She put her game face on, and started to trot along, listening and looking around, to get some semblance of an idea of where to go exactly. And not long after, she'd hear the sound she had been waiting for: Beings talking.

Her knife was ready in the sash, but she'd try to approach first without stabbing them. If they then acted up, she'd probably start on it. Just on though, preferably. It'd give the other one incentive to work with her. In theory anyway. They'd have to see how this would go. But for now, it were time to go ahead, and see what'd come of this.

(Void)

"I'm sorry to hear that you can't..."

Void would try to go over and gently give Vale a hug, if she were allowed to. If not, she'd instead fidget awkwardly back, and try to look away, as that was her only real idea about how to respond to that. She couldn't understad the depth of how hard it were to know you couldn't have offspring of your own, as her own damages hadn't impacted that part of her. Far as she were aware. So Vale's pain over that, were something she couldn't relate to. All she could do were, trying to show sympathy, or feel bad for her friends infertility.

"I couldn't understand how it must feel for you, but... I do about Ardee, and the other foals. I don't usually want to hurt others, but when I heard what they'd done to Toupé, I wanted to see the one who did it suffer. It doesn't matter if she can't remember it. It's cruel and monstrous. No foal should go through that, and these poor things have gone through that, and so much more... I don't want to see them hurt again. I want them to smile, and live free and safe.

S-Sorry, I guess I'm rambling. I just meant that we both want what's best for them. Let's try and focus on that, and not on Mo- Him. Let the Consul deal with that. We have more important ones to take care of, right? Try to get some rest. I'll go home and see if I can't get a few hours in too, after pickling a few things."

Just a bit of cactus and such, nothing major. But she figured that a pickled green of some kind, would be good for the foals to taste too, and she had found a few nice jars laying around. Just had to thoroughly clean them, and she could get them used. A nice, long time plan that one. Though in the short term, she could use some sleep too. Was another day tomorrow as well, and she'd need some energy for it. Something told her it'd be another weird one.

(Silver Sigma)

Felicia had promptly stolen the headpiece that looked the most advanced, of those she had found were laying around. It seemed prudent to leave with something interesting, and when combined with the paperwork for the harness, this seemed by far the best thing she could take from here. Ingenious little invention, yet barbaric too, in her mind. One like her, would perhaps fit this purpose fine enough, but having a semi-fleshy lifeform like this be stuck to this thing, seemed cruel. Even if it were efficient.

As for what else happened...

The next day, Molotov, followed by Ashclaw, would wander into Troy as the sun rose up in the sky. He looked knackered, but determined, as he dragged a makeshift cart with a crate in behind him. Ashclaw mostly kept watch, and ensure no one tried to take something from it. As for the content? A data cube. Had been a right pain in his flank to make it, but with what were on his mind, he had been determined. So he had crafted together something that contained all the data Felicia had, on a machine that would run on a mixture of magic and sunlight, to show off a hologram above the top of the cube. The dials and levers on the side, would then let you browse around, zoom in, and such minor things. It weren't perfect, where he could put in a display to put in search functionality, but he did the best he could, with the time and parts at his disposal.

Now it were just a matter of delivering it to the Consul. SO that's where he were headed. Though if he'd be allowed in, or if he had to wait for an appointment, were to be seen. They'd find out, soon enough.

(Changelings)

On 2021-08-22 at 4:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Indeed, though it remains to be seen what results we'll get out of it. There's a large difference between words and actions. If you are to be queen, you'll need to exude power, such that any changeling who you instruct will obey, whether by fear or respect it is the same, what's important is that they follow your leadership. Still, you have time to prepare, a queen is not made in a night."

For the first time in his presence, Bling's expression actually darkened a little, and the smile faltered on her face, as he spoke about the ways that a queen should be. And as she spoke, her voice didn't carry the joyful tune and energy that it normally did. It would be more solemn, and serious.

"I would sooner be dead, than wear a crown marred in fear and brutality.

My queen practiced love and understanding, and while that never got her the respect of the big queens, the hiveless, and us, adored her. Even the ponies respected our hive because of her, and in her absence, we've gotten the respect and gratitude of the surviving changelings, by doing the same."

She'd point backwards, towards the stage they had just left, where the excited voices of changelings still filtered through, as the myriad of of their kin, discussed the news between them.

"Almost every changeling you saw in there, came to this town in shambles, and needed help. Do they always appreciate it, or sing our praises? No, but I don't want that either. All I've ever wanted, is the same my queen did: To help every changeling who needed us, and it will spit on her name, and the trust we've worked so hard to build with everyone, if I started to try and dominate them through fear."

Her tone and expression would lighten up again after that, and show the kind, happy persona of Bling once more. The serious side of her still very much there, but hidden as it were, beneath this outer layer. Not to say that she was a serious being constantly, but it were more mixed than she made it seem, because she had found that while she could exclude some degree of leadership, if need be, a kind face helped better at raising the spirits. Which were easy for her most times, as she were by nature, a cheerful changeling. Didn't mean she didn't have it in her to be direct though, if need be. Like if for example, a certain king decided to suggest that ruling by fear, was an option. Which frankly to her, it never were. No crown held with fear, no matter the race that carried it, would last forever. Sooner or later, you couldn't scare your subjects anymore, and they'd revolt.

"But I'm sure you've guessed how things work here. I mean, all these different kind of hiveless, and those from ruined hives as well? It wouldn't work so well without a healthy base of respect from both sides. They respect what work we do, and as you've seen, almost everyone showed up to the meeting, when they were asked if they'd please do. The few who didn't, will be told soon enough. Won't work if we don't respect them too, and some of them have worked really hard to build a life for themselves here. They'll help if and when they can, but we can't just expect them to throw everything away on a whim.

It will probably take longer then, I understand, but if we start demanding that they throw aside work they care deeply for, or other things that's very important to them, they'll definitely never get on board with this. Why would they, when we'd just be showing a total disregard for them as individuals? We're Hive Cheshire, not Hive Chrysalis."

A low blow perhaps, yet it were an easy one, that she'd have a small chuckle about. Chrysalis had kept her hive going with fear, and a total disregard for her drones as individuals. And what had she gotten from it? Power at some point, but then disgrace as she lost her hive to a risen drone of her own, and then got beaten thoroughly by ponies. Several times even.

Hopefully though, Rasputin would get her point. He were a smart cookie, so he probably did. If he agreed with it, were another matter entirely, and he had the right to his own opinion about the way they did things. Didn't mean she'd change up how this harmonious relationship between all the fractured remnants of changeling hives in town, managed to work. Hive Cheshire were build on love, respect, and performance. Why change that, when it still worked now? Even if she hadn't performed truly for a long time.

On 2021-08-22 at 4:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Organization. We have you and I here in the center. All authority in the hive stems from the two of us, no one has responsibility here except by our direction. We then need to form a council, one for each of the major organizations in the hive. For now we'll need a head of cultivation, a head of harvesting, a head of education, a head of production, and a head of maintenance. They will take charge of their functions under our guidance, free to make decisions so far as you allow. As the hive develops we may expand this council. As it stands, we'll need to evaluate all the changelings and assign them to their category, then train them so they can use or adapt their existing disguise to best suit their role. Hopefully everyone still remembers their predispositions, and aren't going to lie so they get into a category they aren't suited for."

"I know some candidates for the roles you speak about.

Cultivation, Upbeat can gather up the best of the various emotional preferences in town, and select the best of them all, then work with them to make sure they'll get to work. My brother always liked setting up shows and making sure it fed into Gloops vats as best he could. He'll make sure something gets done, and work together with Gloop to make sure there's enough vats, and hooves ready to collect to turbo up the stockpile.

Gloop will handle harvesting. She's done amazing so far, and have made sure to train others in helping her gather up, as well as how to properly set up, make, arrange, and so on, these vats. She'll gather up those, and everyone who shows an interest, and make sure we'll get rolling. Gonna need to clear the big storage room it sounds like though.

Chess will deal with education. I know he didn't give off the best first impression, but long as he can be kept off the bottle, he'll excel. That's one reason why I gave him the most strict assistant I could find. She's a sweet one, but there's an iron will to her, that you shouldn't underestimate. She's also great at accounting and scheduling, so they'll get things done pronto.

Production, I think we'll need to call on Herald, McRoe, and Cha-Ching. They've all done construction, making objects, etc. etc. for their hives before coming here. And I know at least McRoe and Cha-Ching is itching to get to work on something like this again. They'll be thrilled. Herald should come along fine too. Her and McRoe have a sort of rivalry going. It's friendly... I think. Usually it just looks like they wanna outdo the other. Cha-Ching should be able to be the glue.

Maintenance... A bit more tricky. See, I know a few who'd do well, but the best of the bunch is in a bit of a peculiar position. Ended up in debt to The Grey, and had to work it off. I've barely seen her in the last four months, even though I know exactly where she is: A big apartment complex down La Verda Street. Far as I can tell, she's done fixing it all weeks ago, but I get the feeling The Grey are trying to keep us apart for some reason. And sadly, as they are the true power in town, and bad things tend to happen to those they don't like, I have to thread very carefully around them.

If she's done, and we can get her out of there, I'm sure she'd be able to rally the best workers for that around, and get to it without a fuzz. She always loved a challenge.

I say we get all the leadership sorted, then divide those who does well in their categories, into the right parts. I know a lot about most of those we have in town, so I can keep an eye on things. Help them get into the right sections."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

As they drew closer the voices grew more intelligible, "-t then? We just do nothing?"

"Nothing we can do. Only going to get yourself killed trying to stand in the way of the cycle. Best we can do is oil the gears, and not get crushed trying to stop them from turning."

*sigh* "Was it like this last time?"

"No. He was more overt about it. We knew weeks in advance, rather than just days. Your predecessor tried to stop it."

The voices were recognizable as the two agents they had encountered on this floor the past two times. Null and Arcade would find them standing in front of the same window they had been standing in the last time.

"Second door on the left, code is 1618" the older one, Doe, said without looking away from the window.

 

(Void)

Vale would accept the hug, gently returning it. "Alright, I... I do trust the Consul. I'll see if I can't move past this then, though it would be better if I didn't see that stallion again."

The next day, at least with the foals, would start without anything out of the ordinary, at least on Vale's side. (Giving you opportunity to have something happen on Void's side)

 

(Molotov)

They would be stopped at Customs, which sat in an office built into the wall, a rather bored looking camel sat at the desk, "Whatchu got in that cart there? Seems a bit light to be a salvage op."

Regardless of what he said it was, short of using the term bomb or weapon, the camel would only seemingly pay the minimum of attention, writing down whatever he said before waving him to the next booth, "Submit it for scanning."

At the next window a slightly less bored looking unicorn sat, though she perked up upon seeing what was in the cart, "That's something different, you salvage that from Alphyns? From the Æther construction site?"

She'd start scanning it while Molotov answered, if he chose to, and would frown as she finished the scan, "This is... far too complex for me to certify myself. We can't allow it into the city until it's certified. If you want, we can hold it here until someone more qualified can certify it, or you can take it back wherever you found it."

 

(Changelings)

On 2021-08-25 at 5:36 PM, Blitz Boom said:

We're Hive Cheshire, not Hive Chrysalis.

Rasputin held his hooves up defensively, "I never said fear was a requirement, I merely posed it as an option for your consideration. I'm not blind to the situation, I recognize several of the changelings came from hives previously managed by fear, it may be hard for them to adapt to a queen that works differently. Still, the same would be true in the opposite case, there will be a transition period regardless of your decision, but regardless: Unity must be achieved to the fullest possible extent if we are to thrive, and not just survive. I'll offer my advice, but I'll leave the final choices up to you."

On 2021-08-25 at 5:36 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I know some candidates for the roles you speak about.

He listened as she named off possible candidates for the positions. "I see my labels weren't the most clear, by Harvesting I meant the process of collecting the cultivated emotional energy and bringing it into the hive. Good harvesters are those who regularly interact with several ponies briefly over the course of a day, like a waiter, mailpony, or crossing guard. Cultivators are those who inspire the desired emotions by whatever means are available, which often depends on the emotion desired. They can occasionally double as harvesters if the emotion is especially fleeting. On that note Gloop would be better suited in Production, by which I meant the production of emotion gel. Those you mentioned for Production are better categorized as maintenance for now, as we can't do much in the way of new construction until we have a sufficiently reliable food supply that we can dedicate changelings to tasks not in that cycle. We also need to build up the trust of the hive that they do not need to gather their own food, that the hive will provide for them as they in turn provide for the hive."

Still, he nodded, "It sounds like you have a good idea nonetheless of what needs to happen. I think we've done all that can be done today, these assignments and sorting can happen tomorrow."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

Now wasn't this something? Apparently, The Grey knew how this were going to end, because it had done so before. Probably what happened with Grey mane's own mother too, though  this wasn't going to be like that. Why would she take over The Grey? It had a history marred in blood and corruption. Countless beings had suffered because of them, and specifically the foolish monster(s) in charge. Why would she ever want to carry on that mantle? Especially after all they had done to her, and her family?

Quite frankly, the thought alone were making her blood boil a little, and she had the strong urge to go over and yell at these two, before pushing them through a window. Had she been alone, she may well have done at least one of those things.

But Arcade's presence were somewhat soothing to her, as she felt better with him around. It likely wouldn't carry much weight when she finally got face to face with Him, but it would do enough to let her just send these two some rather mean looks, and a silent growl, before moving on. In case they tried anything though. Even the slightest attempt of an ambush, she'd turn around, and start cutting. They had a small chance here to just ride this out, and not get caught in the crossfire.

Provided they were not dumb enough to do so, she'd keep walking down the path, and following the instructions, though she wouldn't get far before turning to look at Arcade. Though her eyes were smoldering with anger, she hoped that he would know it were not meant for him. Only her words were.

"They're prepared for us, so expect an ambush. If it comes to it, hurt them first, and feel bad later."

She'd assume the code were for a number pad somewhere near the door. If not, she'd try to kick the door open, and see what was behind it. In either case, she'd have the knife ready. Though she'd send an affirmation thought to her other half, before going in. Just in case he noted something she didn't.

"I'm thinking it's a trap, but it's too late to back out of it. You ready for this, Nine?"

(Void)

For Void, the morning seemed to start like any other. Waking up, ensuring that breakfast were ready for the foals, all while listening in on whatever or not, her parents were still alright. It weren't long after all, until her mother would birth her foal, so she got worried about her health, yet also excited for the new life that was about to come into this world. Unless something went wrong, which were a worrying thought that made her ask her parents a fair deal, if things were going well, as well as just try not to make too much noise at times like this, so that she could listen in for potential screams or the like.

Everything seemed to be fine though, and soon enough, she'd have the boxes of müsli mixture done. A bit of an improvised one, but it were still good, and healthy.

(Molotov)

Molotov wouldn't use big words for explaining what he had in the box. He'd just look at the camel with a tired gaze, and say that it was information. Wouldn't mean a lot, but then again, that was for the close look to sort through, and he'd just get over there to have this done with, so he could be on his way. He didn't have the energy, nor want, to try and argue against these beings having a look at this, so long as they didn't go ahead and break it.

14 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

At the next window a slightly less bored looking unicorn sat, though she perked up upon seeing what was in the cart, "That's something different, you salvage that from Alphyns? From the Æther construction site?"

"No, it's self made. Used some salvaged parts to throw it together. Just a data cube, to compress some paperwork into."

14 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

She'd start scanning it while Molotov answered, if he chose to, and would frown as she finished the scan, "This is... far too complex for me to certify myself. We can't allow it into the city until it's certified. If you want, we can hold it here until someone more qualified can certify it, or you can take it back wherever you found it."

At this point, the tired unicorn would finally have a bit more of a reaction, as he sat down, and let out a drawn out sigh. Delays and delays... Why must there be so many stones on the path, just because a layman like this, didn't understand his work? Granted, he knew why, but right now, he just really wanted to deliver this, and then collapse. There weren't much energy left in the tank, and he were going more on guilt and stubbornness right now, than anything else.

"I can't leave it, and I'm not going back. If you need somepony else to check up on it, then fine. But I'm staying with it. You'd just end up breaking it, if you didn't know how it worked."

"If he demonstrated what it's for, could we get this along? The idiot's gonna collapse soon."

As they spoke, another griffon would show up, lurking nearby, wearing the same robes that Ashclaw did. This one were smaller though. Build more robust than Ashclaw, and from what little one could see of him, he appeared to have more pale yellow feathers than her, with greener eyes, though he were wearing shades currently. As he approached, and got a stern look from Ashclaw, he'd pull back the hood on his robes, revealing that his feather were indeed more yellow and white than Ashclaw's more down toned colorations. He also seemed to have a spider riding on his head. A half-head sized, hairy sort,, looking more like a grey dust ball with legs than much else, who'd look towards Molotov, with the light reflecting on it's many, glassy eyes.

"Flitter."

"Ma'am."

"Get over here, and support him."

He'd nod, and approach,. Lest something happened, the griffon would simple wander over, and stand next to Molotov, and do his to be ready for the pony to collapse. This were honestly beneath his dignity, but he knew his position in the food chain well, and weren't keen on having his feathers plucked, by getting on Ashclaw's nerves. She were probably already not thrilled with him.

As for what he had done, since arriving in town originally, with Molotov? Slept most of the day, then wandered around at night. The only thing of note he had really done in this town so e helping a pygmy ghost vulture, that had gotten stuck on some wire, as it attempted to chase a wild cackler. He'd spend a bit of time petting it, and then fed it one of the small lizards, who got too curious, and within range of his attack. Beyond that half hour, he had mostly just wandered about, and if approached, would have been fairly sociable. Flitter wasn't as anti-social as someone like Ashclaw were, which got him judged some by other members of their cult, but he didn't much mind. They all yearned for dragonhood, but in his eyes, that did not mean that they had to be overly hostile ones, unless Le Perrine asked it of them.

(Changelings)

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin held his hooves up defensively, "I never said fear was a requirement, I merely posed it as an option for your consideration. I'm not blind to the situation, I recognize several of the changelings came from hives previously managed by fear, it may be hard for them to adapt to a queen that works differently. Still, the same would be true in the opposite case, there will be a transition period regardless of your decision, but regardless: Unity must be achieved to the fullest possible extent if we are to thrive, and not just survive. I'll offer my advice, but I'll leave the final choices up to you."

"It's okay, it's okay. Just figured it best to let you know my stance on it. It's so much better to work together, when we all know where we stand with one another, right?

And I honestly feel sadness for those who came from hives like that. A queen's duty, is to care for her hive, and keep it fed. Your drones should be treated kindly. Aaah, but I suppose that's one of the reasons why those kinds of queens never wanted to have anything to do with mine. A little bit of friction, when it comes to different world views sometimes. Not as bad as Queen Onache though. She flat out said she'd break Cheshire mentally, spiritually, and physically, if she dared to address her. And she probably could've. Nasty piece of work that one, but I you don't earn the moniker of *The Slaver Queen* with kindness and warm hugs."

Onache had been one of the more cruel queens, even if her hive were medium sized, and mostly nomadic, wandering through desert areas. Her strength of mental manipulation, making her able to alter the minds of others, were what earned her the moniker, since she forced their prey to not just be their food, but also manual labor, until the combination of the hard work and feeding, eventually caused their demise. She had claimed to just do what she did, for the sake of keeping her hive strong, and her drones were in fairness, of a tough breed. But that didn't mean that her hubris hadn't cast her into Tartarus, where Rasputin might have seen the short haired, arrogant queen tormented.

"Bu that doesn't really matter, right? The council is either gone, or fractured, and it's a new age. Plus we got important stuff to focus on for the future now. We'll find a way to make as many unify as we possibly can, and don't think your advice isn't appreciated. It really is, Rasputin. I know there's story of your... Involvement with things, but I can't imagine, seeing where bad things can lead you after life, history should repeat itself. Besides, you deserve another chance, just like everyone else."

She'd send a cheerful smile to Rasputin. The others had welcomed him well so far, but it were likely there'd be some choice words eventually towards him, so she wanted him to know that she weren't amongst his potential enemies, or critics. He may be a fancy kig, but they could all do with knowing they had allies, and those who'd want to trust them.

18 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He listened as she named off possible candidates for the positions. "I see my labels weren't the most clear, by Harvesting I meant the process of collecting the cultivated emotional energy and bringing it into the hive. Good harvesters are those who regularly interact with several ponies briefly over the course of a day, like a waiter, mailpony, or crossing guard. Cultivators are those who inspire the desired emotions by whatever means are available, which often depends on the emotion desired. They can occasionally double as harvesters if the emotion is especially fleeting. On that note Gloop would be better suited in Production, by which I meant the production of emotion gel. Those you mentioned for Production are better categorized as maintenance for now, as we can't do much in the way of new construction until we have a sufficiently reliable food supply that we can dedicate changelings to tasks not in that cycle. We also need to build up the trust of the hive that they do not need to gather their own food, that the hive will provide for them as they in turn provide for the hive."

Still, he nodded, "It sounds like you have a good idea nonetheless of what needs to happen. I think we've done all that can be done today, these assignments and sorting can happen tomorrow."

"Hehe, whoopsie, my bad. Thank you for correcting me on this.

If you want some that's good at managing waiters and the like, we have several that can work there. That's one good thing about having those with jobs around town: They know how to be around others. Especially those in the service industry. I know of about a dozen or so that'd do good leading those, but I'll need time to go over things with them. I would love to have Straw Back for it, but I'd probably have to settle for Caramel... Or Lucy. Potentially Felt Label- Anyway, I'll go through them all, and come back to you on that one.

I still maintain that Upbeat will do well in promoting emotions. Not the more bad ones, but I'll make sure he works with those who knows that better. He's gonna get pumped for this. He haven't been able to arrange things like this in years. Not to this extend anyway.

And don't worry about them trusting we'll keep them fed. We've done so this far, and we're not gonna stop that. Queen or not, It'd mark me as an abject failure, if I let any changeling in town starve. I've seen one who reached the point of mind death, and it's... It's just horrible. No changeling should have to suffer that.

But anyway, I'm gonna have to go and arrange a lot of things, and then ready the tonight's food run, so we can gather up and look over things tomorrow. Wanna be shown to a room, or would you like the mingle? Actually, you've not even seen Gloop yet, have you? Would you like to meet her? Wouldn't hurt knowing our cook, right? Just don't mind her working while talking. She's almost always focused on keeping the food rolling and ready."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Arcade simply nodded when Null mentioned the possibility of ambush, turning his gaze to watch more behind them than in front, trusting Null to watch the front.

The door that the agent indicated had no keypad, but was unlocked. Whether she kicked it in or tried to open it she'd be able to get in, revealing a fancy meeting room. The room had a large table in the center which had a map of the city on it along with specialized chairs for each of the casino bosses and, presumably, for Gray Mane himself. The dragon's side had a plate of crystal instead of a seat, likely to project their image rather than physically be present, and the seat for the boss of the LuxÆther was occupied by a limp mannequin resembling a minotaur.

On the opposite side of the room from the door they had entered from was an elevator with a number pad. If she put in the code she was given a small light would flash green, and a few minutes later the elevator would arrive, and the doors would open to reveal a glass walled elevator giving them a view of the lake that bordered the west side of town.

If she and Arcade got in the elevator the doors would close behind them and the elevator would start to descend. It didn't slow down as they approached the ground floor, continuing down past the water line and giving them a view of the life under the surface. No doubt the water had been clearer before the crisis, but they could make out the faint image of some sort of structure in the water as the elevator slowed and stopped in front of another doorway, which opened to allow them to proceed.

Despite being under the water the air was dry, almost dusty, in the hallway. The walls were lined with portraits, each one of the ponies featured depicted a duality, half of their visage were normally colored, while the other half was fully grey (Such that one half of their body was grey coat/mane, the other half had normal colors) The first portrait was of the Oracle Delta Phi, the one who had started the family curse that Null and Void shared, the second was of her son, Grey Mane the First, the founder of the Grey, and so on until they reached the end of the portraits, about three quarters of the way down the length of the hallway, where the portrait of the current Grey Mane, her biological father, stood. He was a gaunt looking stallion, like one who had never known pleasure in their life, his eyes were filled with the same vengeance and hatred that Null had carried ever since she first fled from Troy. The colored half of his portrait depicted him with a black coat and white mane, just like hers.

At the end of the hallway stood a single guard, no doubt Vector, who started to approach them, "You are expected, your purpose known. The quarry you seek sits just beyond this door. However, I cannot allow you to pass. If that door is opened I will die, prepare yourself, I do not intend to die without doing all in my power to survive."

The guard adopted a defensive posture, blocking a majority of the hallway with his leathery wings extended.

Behind them, the elevator doors closed and the elevator ascended, "I think the trap has been sprung. I feel... something dark, above us. Perhaps what summoned the elevator. However, Grey Mane is in fact beyond that door as the guard said."

Nine paused a moment, "The guard does have an outstanding debt, killing them would not incur a penalty in the karmic sense."

 

(Void)

(Assuming she heads straight over to the young ponies)

She'd make it to the house where the young ponies were living without issue to find that Vale had already woken them up and started getting them cleaned and ready to start the day when Vale entered, the foals all happy to see her. Teal come over with Peal in tow, "What did you bring for us today?"

 

(Molotov)

The unicorn looked unsure, but shook her head, "Demonstrating a safe use does not mean it lacks unsafe use. Just because it can do something innocuous does not mean it can't also explode or summon a horde of Spawn." She thought a moment, "Where are you taking it? Since you said it's a data cube, I imagine you're taking it to someone smart, we could have them come and certify it or at least assume the responsibility if it does cause problems in the city. Would that work?"

Assuming they mention that it's for the Consul, the unicorn would look surprised, and no small bit suspicious, "Really? Well, we'll send someone to see if he'll accept it. You can wait over there at the claim area in the mean time."

A dozen or so minutes later an officially armored guard would approach, "Molotov Boom? You and your device have been cleared to proceed to the Consul's Estate. I will escort you there. Do not step out of line."

 

(Changelings)

In regards to the state of the Queens Council, Rasputin nodded, "So far as I'm aware, Queen Permu of Troy is the only surviving member. Queens Mariposa, Oracle, and Nirvana would no doubt join should the Council be reformed, as well as yourself if you've become a Queen by then."

In regards to potentially doing something else that evening, Rasputin shook his head, "I think we've done enough for one day. I've no doubt tomorrow will have plenty of time for meeting those you have in mind for leadership. If you could show me to a room I would greatly appreciate it."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

On the opposite side of the room from the door they had entered from was an elevator with a number pad. If she put in the code she was given a small light would flash green, and a few minutes later the elevator would arrive, and the doors would open to reveal a glass walled elevator giving them a view of the lake that bordered the west side of town.

After kicking the door open, Null had expected a bunch of guards. Maybe a statue of some kind, trying to chop her up. Even a net. Instead? Empty meeting room. A bloody meeting room! What a freaking load!

She were perhaps a bit annoyed right now, but she were just expecting something, and this were frankly messing with her. Why were he not protecting himself? Did he Want to die? Then why not get his ugly mug out here, so that she could make him suffer?

In frustration, she'd kick over a chair as she marched forward, and now finally, she saw a number pad. About bloody time, though this were probably not going to leave to anything either. like knockout gas, or some sort of swarm of killer bees.

She'd use the tip of her artificial wing to put in the code she had been given, and it appeared to work. Nothing even seemed to be on the other side, so she'd cautiously go inside, once it showed up. Arcade would've barely been able to get in with her, before the doors would close, and it'd start to move down. Not fast enough to have them crushed, so they had seemingly not cut the rope, but surely this were now leading to the ambush? Just them getting down, away from where they could retreat, and then pile up.

She wasn't able to focus on the view, as she were just preparing herself mentally at the door, to swing at the first one that came near, once the doors opened.

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Despite being under the water the air was dry, almost dusty, in the hallway. The walls were lined with portraits, each one of the ponies featured depicted a duality, half of their visage were normally colored, while the other half was fully grey (Such that one half of their body was grey coat/mane, the other half had normal colors) The first portrait was of the Oracle Delta Phi, the one who had started the family curse that Null and Void shared, the second was of her son, Grey Mane the First, the founder of the Grey, and so on until they reached the end of the portraits, about three quarters of the way down the length of the hallway, where the portrait of the current Grey Mane, her biological father, stood. He was a gaunt looking stallion, like one who had never known pleasure in their life, his eyes were filled with the same vengeance and hatred that Null had carried ever since she first fled from Troy. The colored half of his portrait depicted him with a black coat and white mane, just like hers.

Seven hells! Was it too much to ask for one, bloody attempt at a freaking ambush here?!

All they got, were a dusty hallway, with some p- Oh you had Got to be kidding her!

The whole family line. Which wasn't hard to guess, considering the mare who started this line, then going through child after child, all the way down to the current maggot in charge.

This one she stopped at, and gazed at it with seething hatred. She had never faced her *father* before, but she knew it was him. The coal-black coat, and the silver hair were a dead giveaway, as herself and Void seemed to indicate that were a strong genetic trait they had to inherit from somewhere. had to be the only one they had in common, right? And did he look like a miserable cur, though that didn't mean she felt anything resembling pity towards him. No *Oh, he suffered too* moment here, making her want to face him with patience and understanding. It didn't matter how much he had suffered, considering what he had done to them. That were all she cared about, and no background would change what he had done. He could have risen above who came before, but no. He were just as vile as the rest of them.

She wasn't going to be the next part of this legacy. It would end here. Now. She just needed to get through the one obstacle that seemed to finally show up. And judging by the V, she could well tell who it were.

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"You are expected, your purpose known. The quarry you seek sits just beyond this door. However, I cannot allow you to pass. If that door is opened I will die, prepare yourself, I do not intend to die without doing all in my power to survive."

"Vector. You're so willing to throw your life away for him, of all creatures? He tosses his own blood aside, what makes you think he'd care one bit about you?! Get out of my way. Go back up to Epsilon. Or don't you care about her, as much as she did about you, when she asked me to spare your miserable life?"

Her muscles tensed up. She wasn't intending to kill him, but she'd definitely harm him, if he got in her way.

And yet... Something seemed off about this. His words didn't make sense here. Why would it kill him, if the door opened? What the hay were he on about, with wanting to fight to survive? Did... Oh Tartarus, he better have freaking not bound Vector's life force to it. But she really wouldn't put it past the evil old geezer. Why would this be too far, when nothing else seemed to be? 

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Behind them, the elevator doors closed and the elevator ascended, "I think the trap has been sprung. I feel... something dark, above us. Perhaps what summoned the elevator. However, Grey Mane is in fact beyond that door as the guard said."

Nine paused a moment, "The guard does have an outstanding debt, killing them would not incur a penalty in the karmic sense."

"Probably Ninja. But this guy... Epsilon asked me if I'd spare him. How would open the door kill him? I want the old man. I want to see the fear in his eyes so badly, but something's not right here. This is all wrong. It feels like I'm playing right into his hooves."

(Void)

Void did have one encounter before she got to the foals, but it were a brief one: She'd spot Molotov. Though as he seemed to be with a guard, with a box in tow, and headed towards the direction of the Consul's office, she thought that perhaps it wasn't good if she interfered. (this next part only fits, if he's allowed to be carried to the estate) He also seemed to be carried by a robed griffon that she hadn't seen before, so that were worrying.

In general, she just felt concerned about him. There were something more to the story about the inventor than she were currently aware, and she wanted to know it. As well as just approach and ask him if he were okay. There were no shortage of those who seemed to not care if he were hurt, or actually encouraged it, but where were there anyone who were concerned for his wellbeing? Even the robed one she had seen, seemed to not care all that much about him. Maybe that's one more reason he had looked her up? Maybe... He just didn't have anyone else that he thought he mattered too? That were honestly rather sad to think about, but it would fit with his behavior. Wouldn't be the first one who used humor to hide his sadness.

*sigh* She'd need to try and catch up with him, and the Consul later. But right now, there were hungry muzzles to feed, and she couldn't just leave them hanging. The yogurt would also get dreary if it were allowed to heat up too much. And considering the base of it, it'd get pretty vile if it went that route.

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"What did you bring for us today?"

Seeing the foals brought a smile to her face, despite the worries and thoughts she held on her way here, and she'd hoist off the saddlebags on the floor.

"And goodmorning to you too, Teal. Nothing too exciting sadly. Just some yogurt again. I'm still trying to think of something new for you for breakfast. Tonight's gonna be something new though, okay? I promise. Something that you'll be happy about too, Elef."

She'd send a cheery look towards Elef, as she more or less gave a promise of meat for him tonight. Which wasn't a lie. she were gonna try a particular soup, and it was easy to add some meat to that. She just needed to pre-cook that a little before adding it to a smaller pot for him She also needed to get said meat, but she knew just where to go, and had a few options in mind, so it should work well.

She'd send them off to clean their hooves if they hadn't already - after running a hoof through Peal's adorable little mane of course - while she set up breakfast. It would be like they had tried once already, but with a bowl od müsli as well. Which included more of a grain and nut focus than the other things, in a healthy mixture. And added some crunch which she personally thought were good. Didn't mean the cacti, strawberries and such, wasn't there too though. She knew Peal among others, wasn't gonna be happy is there wasn't that particular fruit. Though she'd also try and bring a little bit of Desert Grapes. A fairly ugly fruit, grown on some of the local cacti, but it were very juicy and sweet. Just had to taker the wrinkly, pockmarked exterior off, and it showed it's true beauty.

(Molotov)

11 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The unicorn looked unsure, but shook her head, "Demonstrating a safe use does not mean it lacks unsafe use. Just because it can do something innocuous does not mean it can't also explode or summon a horde of Spawn." She thought a moment, "Where are you taking it? Since you said it's a data cube, I imagine you're taking it to someone smart, we could have them come and certify it or at least assume the responsibility if it does cause problems in the city. Would that work?"

"It's for the Consul. Promised him I'd bring the data to him."

Molotov were frankly too tired and depressed feeling to care about trying to lie about this. Or obfuscate stuff. This was a data cube, filled with stuff for the Consul. All there really were to it, and it wasn't like these guards could just access the data without guidance, nor understand it, even if they did. He didn't wanna come off arrogant, but frankly, the general citizen wouldn't grasp a tenth of what his schematics and blueprints were on about. At best, they may recognize pictures, or get worried by the names, if they were paranoid. But the inner workings? Had to be somepony actually smart that'd have to look there, to get anywhere with it.

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Assuming they mention that it's for the Consul, the unicorn would look surprised, and no small bit suspicious, "Really? Well, we'll send someone to see if he'll accept it. You can wait over there at the claim area in the mean time."

A dozen or so minutes later an officially armored guard would approach, "Molotov Boom? You and your device have been cleared to proceed to the Consul's Estate. I will escort you there. Do not step out of line."

Seemed like it worked too, so... Yay or something. Now it were just waiting, and trying to stay awake. It were helping a bit that Flitter were here. Or rather, it helped that he had brought Carmen with him, as the spider crawled over on him the second she got close enough to just jump over. It brought a tiny smile on his lips to feel her roaming through his mane again, and letting out a sound of worry, somewhat akin to a buzz saw starting up, but with a few clangs to join it. She had a voice box herself, but pure outbursts, rather than words, she tended to still go back to the sounds she had made before it, and he knew she was worried. It had been some time, and he didn't look all that good right now.

"It's alright Carmen. Just... Not been a good day."

He didn't want to worry her about things. She was his beautiful little creation, so untainted by the corruption that had defiled most of his other work. That little glimmer in the darkness, and he wasn't gonna burden her with his problems right now. He'd had the same idea with Felicia, but she had needed to know, as he were assembling the cube, to hear if she could find correlation, and issues that'd be explained with what the Consul had told him. He had hoped no, but it had sadly been an affirmation instead.

He'd stay here with the others, as he waited, but would sit down, flanked by the two cultists, and run his hoof across Carmen's faux fur. Wouldn't say a word unless spoken to, until there came word back from the Consul's estate. It was time.

"I won't cause a fuzz. Just lead the way."

He'd get up, but wobble slightly, before Flitter came up to his side to function as a support again. Molotov had been awake for days before to work, but the guilt were draining him, both physically, and mentally.

"He's not going to make it to the door on his own. Take him to the entrance, Flitter. But stay outside. I doubt we're welcome."

"Yes ma'am."

Molotov were about to object, but there weren't time, before Flitter had hoisted the pony up on his back, and then grabbed the robe the crate was attached to. If the guards weren't gonna be fools here, and say neither of them were allowed to come along - which Ashclaw would refute, with them either letting Flitter bring him to the door, or accept that the pony wasn't able to get there - he'd then just wander along with pony, crate, and spider in tow. Flitter was a strong griffon, so this wouldn't be too bad over a short trip like this. 20 miles with this loadout however, and he'd start to have some complaints.

Provided nothing happened, they'd soon enough get to the estate, and Molotov would be hoisted off. He'd let out a sigh, and thank Flitter before using his horn to carry the crate the rest of the way. In case there weren't issues about him bringing what seemed to be just a pet, Carmen would remain on his head, clinging on to his mane. She hadn't talked yet, so they'd probably not know she wasn't real. Unless they knew enough about the North Equestrian Trunk Spider to tell the slight differences in physiology, like length of her hair, or how she were lacking one more eye.

(Changelings)

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

In regards to the state of the Queens Council, Rasputin nodded, "So far as I'm aware, Queen Permu of Troy is the only surviving member. Queens Mariposa, Oracle, and Nirvana would no doubt join should the Council be reformed, as well as yourself if you've become a Queen by then."

"Like I said, they weren't happy about Cheshire, so we'll see how that will go. I do know we have one of Permu's children, who'd like to come home though. Just haven't been safe enough for her, to make the trip yet, but day by day, it seems less dangerous out there. So hopefully soon. We'll miss her, but it's her family, and there's so many who've lost this second chance to return to it, after The Crisis. I'd be more happy than sad to see her go, since I'd know she'd be going to where she belonged."

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

In regards to potentially doing something else that evening, Rasputin shook his head, "I think we've done enough for one day. I've no doubt tomorrow will have plenty of time for meeting those you have in mind for leadership. If you could show me to a room I would greatly appreciate it."

"I understand. Follow me please, I think I know just the room."

They'd have to go quite far into the theater to go to where she had in mind. Passing room after room, with most of them housing various things. One having the old costumes and stage props they used to employ in the past. Another seemingly being where their stocked food, judging by the sign on the door. Various holding rooms, a kitchen, locked doors, and some opened up, looking in to various sleeping rooms came next. One of them they halted at, which were an old backstage room for makeup, now housing more theater items boxed up and stacked along the walls, and one single, large bed. Said bed had three pillows, and one large blanket, patched well up over the years.

"This is our room. We used to all fit in snuggly on this bed, with Cheshire in the middle. It's... Been a long time since we've filled it out..."

Sadness fell briefly upon her, as she got a vivid memory of the full hive - her queen, and all of her siblings - laying in and ready for bed, just waiting for her, as she went around and made sure that everything were locked up, and ready for the next performance. Even if Cheshire had already done so, she just liked to make sure one extra time. The others teased her about that sometimes. Especially Crayfish... How she missed hearing his gritty laugh, but losing Cheshire had made him frantic, and he'd rushed out to try and find her. Like the others who did so, he had been struck down with ease.

These days, the bed were still used by Gloop, Upbeat and herself, but she missed when it were more like a pile of kittens, warming one another, than just the three of them, cobbling up in the middle.

She'd move on without much more to say about this, and after a few more minutes, they'd make it to the only door that were locked. She'd withdraw a key and open it, showing way into a room that were kept nice and clean, with portraits of historical figures hanging around the solo bed in the room. A nice, warm one with plenty of room for a queen, or in this case, king. Though it may be kind of odd to him, since one of the portraits in here (all replicas with little monetary worth), depicted him.

The room itself were a simple room. Cheshire hadn't been one for extravagance. That sort were costly, and she had wanted them to use their resources on maintaining the theater more than anything.

Cheshire sometimes used this room, when she needed some time to think by herself. we've kept it ready for her, but I don't think she'd mind if you used it. In a sense, you've already been here for a long time."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Vector sighed, "You don't know him like I do, haven't fought by his side, seen everything he's done. Still, I swore my loyalty long ago. No matter what I would prefer, I am bound by my word."

When asked about how the door could kill him, Nine answered, "Some sort of rune no doubt, I think I can make out some of the carved runes from here. Whether it's a curse that would kill him, or some sort of charm keeping him alive, like life support, that would kill him if it stopped, I can't tell from here. No doubt it could be disarmed somehow, but that would take time and resources we don't have. The coming darkness is about... ten minutes away by my estimate. Whatever you do, you'll need to do it fast."

 

(Void)

Once the foals had all washed up they came over to where the breakfast was being served, the older ones drawn more to the new items in the mix, while the foals were instantly enthralled by the presence of strawberries, immediately trying to get their hooves on them.

Notably, Piecey's horn started to spark as she reached, a faint pink glow starting to appear around one of the more prominent ones. As the glow strengthened it started to lean towards her, then it fell out of the bowl and rolled towards her, pulled by her magic, much to her pleasure.

 

(Molotov)

The guard didn't look too happy that the griffons followed along too, but didn't object as he lead the way to the estate.

Once they arrived at the estate, the door guards stepped in, "We'll take it from here. Molotov is the only one cleared to see the Consul."

Assuming the griffons didn't object or resist, the two guards would take charge of supporting Molotov to bring him into the estate, while the guard who had led them there would take charge of carrying the cube.

Once inside they proceeded straight to the Consul's solarium where he was waiting, he looked concerned when he say the state Molotov was in, "What happened to you? Don't tell me you stayed up all night to put this together."

He chuckled and shook his head, "Let me help you with that." The Consul's horn ignited, and Molotov felt himself being partially reinvigorated, a new surge of energy pouring into him. It wasn't enough to bring him to 100%, but it would be enough to last him the meeting. "You'll need a good long nap once we're done here. Now, tell me, what was so important you couldn't wait until after you had slept to show it to me?"

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin was surprised by the bed, mostly due to how small it was considering it had held the entire hive according to Bling, "Truly? Your hive was certainly a small one. No wonder so few of you remain. Other hives had numbers in the thousands or tens of thousands for older queens like Permu."

Once brought to his room he simply nodded, "This will more than suffice, far better than the desert outside the city. We will speak more in the morning." He would settle in for the night.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

"If they're runes, they're magic. I have a chance then, if I can get past this fool. And if that doesn't work... It's him, or all of us. Unless that thing you're feeling is that shadow on Epsilon, and he's the one going down here. Graaargh! Why can't this just be simple?!

Look, if it's a curse, I can temporarily disable it by touching it. Go through, make contact, and slam the door shut again behind me. Should keep it active. If it's a charm, I still tried. Unless its her. Are you sure the darkness ain't what you felt with her? Think fast."

"You value that old monster over someone who pleased for your life, because she thinks of you higher than her father?! If you're bound to that bloody door, then say how, and do it now, or I will cut you and sort it out myself, you selfish nitwit! I'm not gonna stay here when that thing from above comes down here."

She'd draw the knife, and unless she were given a reason not to, she would charge in, sparks of rage almost lighting visibly in her eyes. She had been reasonable here. Patient even. But she were on a timer now, and she wasn't going to let this idiot get in the way, lest he gave a more compelling reason than his vague words. So, she were gonna try and cut the rune keeping him going, the best way she knew how, when it came to curses. And if that didn't help, he were probably dead. Though she'd likely have to cut him some to get past, so she'd start by using the knife towards his front left leg's ankle. Though she'd be aiming to use the wing blades to strike at each side of the upper parts of his front legs. The knife would probably not work.

Nine better hope he had some answers. Otherwise, they were gonna end up with probably a dead Vector, an enraged Epsilon, and a bucket more of trouble than before.

Null were frankly not thrilled right now. All she wanted to do, was to kill her dad. Was that so much to ask for? Why did so many have to get in the way and complicate matters? Were she really not allowed a simple win, and just get the chance to not kill others, on her path to parade the old leech's head down the street? Things just wasn't fair.

(Void)

"Aaaaaawh."

Void looked like she were just about ready to melt into a pool of pure joy at the adorable little display in front of her. She had never seen a unicorn's first attempt at a spell up close before, for somewhat obvious reasons, so seeing this was utterly heartwarming. And Piecey were so close to getting it done right. The strawberry had wobbled out of the bowl, and headed towards her aftr all. And though it were only a little bit more notable than the others in the bunch, she had a good eye, for going for what were still arguably the best one.

She hadn't wanted the two of them to get any strawberries before everyone were ready at the table, and they also had a little bit of yogurt to it, but this was simply too adorable, and impressive, for her to not give in. So she'd roll the strawberry Piecey had gone after the last little bit towards her, and then took the next best - a little smaller, but more vibrantly red - and gave that to Peal. She didn't want the two of them to be fighting over one of them thinkin one were favored over the other to that degree.

"So exciting to see a little spell in the making. I've only see that from afar, but it's really special being this close to it. Maybe this is how we'd help her train it? Small stuff like berries, that she could use her magic to float towards her, then move up to other stuff like toys?

Lets start breakfast first though. I'm sure everyone's good and hungry. Did you sleep well after last night?"

If any of them needed/wanted her to pour up for them, she were more than happy to do so. As well as explain what it were that she had brought along for today. Otherwise, she'd like to hear if they did well during the night, and how they felt about yesterday in general, now they had time to sleep on it.

(Molotov)

On 2021-08-29 at 6:49 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Once they arrived at the estate, the door guards stepped in, "We'll take it from here. Molotov is the only one cleared to see the Consul."

Only Flitter would have followed closely, as Ashclaw were well aware that she were not welcome. So she had Flown up, and followed them from up high instead. Watching out, to see if there may be any ambushes about to happen, that she could swiftly swoop down upon. It seemed no one were this foolish though, and they would arrive at the consul's home without incident. Once there, Flitter would do as asked, without objecting, and park himself outside the building, whilst Ashclaw would seat herself atop a wall with some vantage point.

Inside, Molotov would slosh along, yawning every now and again. One yawn making him tremble a little in his hooves, but he remained walking. He also didn't really trust the guard to carry the cube right, but he wasn't able to find the energy to care enough right now. He were so close. Just go in there, tell the consul how to work this, and then slip into unconsciousness. It wouldn't make up for all he had inadvertently done, but it would be a start.

On 2021-08-29 at 6:49 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Once inside they proceeded straight to the Consul's solarium where he was waiting, he looked concerned when he say the state Molotov was in, "What happened to you? Don't tell me you stayed up all night to put this together."

"Not my first all-nighter. I'm *yawn* fine."

That he started swaying as he said this, likely wasn't gonna help his case, but it didn't have to for much longer. Out of nowhere, he suddenly felt a strange surge of energy. Not like what he'd get after a full rest, but like a solid, 20 minute nap sort of rise. It weren't gonna last him forever, but it should be enough to get him through this without drooling on the floor. That'd be a start. And it seemed to come fromt he consul himself, judging by the horn? Such a strange spell, though it wasn't the time to think on that right now. He had to spend his energy reserves with haste, before he suddenly crashed.

On 2021-08-29 at 6:49 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"You'll need a good long nap once we're done here. Now, tell me, what was so important you couldn't wait until after you had slept to show it to me?"

"Thanks, but there's no time to waste."

Molotov would use his horn to float the cube out on the floor, whilst Carmen looked on curiously from his head.

"Special thing."

Her voice were like Felicia's, low and somewhat feminine, yet clearly robotic in nature. She too would get a better voice box once he had the time and resources for it, but he had other things on his mind right now. And probably would for a while.

"It is, Carmen. Consul Easle? I dunno how long it'll be before I crash, so watch closely here on how to operate this."

It were rather simple really. The small green button would activate it, and make the light flash on. The keypad were then used to write down a number, and then the lever would cause the magic to happen. Or well, technology primarily, to be specific, as a hologram of a schematic - this one depicting his wing design, which were numbered 7419 - would emerge. The details were immaculate, and by using the arcade machine like, rounded controller, one could turn it around as needed. He had wanted a zooming function too, but there just hadn't been time to get into so much nitty gritty. So folks would just have to lean in, and watch the paperwork displayed in a vibrant orange. The schematics were varied in sizes, as to not have them stretched out and distorted, or crammed too close, so cause errors in replicating things, so it could be on everything from a napkin, to a wall sized display. Though the larger it were, the more energy it would take. He'd explain things as he went along, to make it clear what he were doing to make it function.

"Large sister helped?"

"Yeah, she copied over what we had. From before, what I've done since- Everything. It's solar powered to an extend, long as the crystal beneath it remains intact. It helps filtering the light into stored energy. On a full charge, it should hold up for on average, three hours, to a two hour charge. It's not good enough, but I couldn't find a proper energy unit to work with. It should be upgradable though. Or I can make a new one, that's better at showing things. I just..."

Words failed him, but the sentiment were pretty much that he couldn't deal with this on his own right now. He had to get this done, so he felt like he were doing some sort of penance, rather than wasting time on frivolous things. Just from what little he had seen, he had a lot to correct, even if he hadn't directly caused the bad things. Didn't really matter, did it? He had started it. He had responsibility, whatever he liked it or not, and the only way in his head, it could be done right again, were to make sure that the good purpose that things got made for originally, were fulfilled. He didn't want that darkness he had been told of, to be his legacy.

"There's only one thing I haven't included, and that's the plans for making an AI. Carmen and Felicia, they're my pride and joy. Wouldn't trade 'em for the world, and they're a sort who have as much right to be as any of us, but I have to know for sure first, if Troy is gonna do better, than Equestria was. Especially since I've already thought out about sixteen different way the data to make an AI, can be manipulated into something catastrophic. Both intentionally, and by accident. Once I've seen enough, I'll let you see what ten years of hard work got me."

"I am Carmen. Hello."

Carmen's response to this would be to raise one of her small legs, and wave at the consul. Sure she were a robot too, but she were simpler to mistake for a real spider at first glance, and as she were smaller, did not cause as much as a stir as Felicia did. So it were generally not an issue for him, to have her around with him, so that she could observe the world, and learn more about it. Provided they did not run into clowns. A warning he had made sure to give Flitter as well, and the griffon had wisely heeded his call on that.

(Changelings)

On 2021-08-29 at 6:49 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin was surprised by the bed, mostly due to how small it was considering it had held the entire hive according to Bling, "Truly? Your hive was certainly a small one. No wonder so few of you remain. Other hives had numbers in the thousands or tens of thousands for older queens like Permu."

"We were thirteen, if you count our queen. She never wanted a massive hive. She preferred a smaller, well connected one like we had. It felt more homely to her, And it was easier to keep us fed, in the more meager times, when we still had to sneak around. She never said anything, but I had my suspicions that before everything went wrong, she were thinking we were stable enough, and had enough resources, to be able to get a clutch more.

*sigh* Wasn't meant to happen I suppose."

That were one reason why other hives didn't think Cheshire a proper queen, worth listening to. Her hive were tiny, while others like Permu's hive, were large enough to fill a town. Cheshire had never went and thought she had the same standing as Permu, and would never dream of having as much a say as queens like her. Yet she would have appreciated being acknowledged at least, when it came to decisions. Least they weren't being stomped out, as they had their usage and were too small to provide a threat to most other hives. Plus, they were good at disguises, and Cheshire especially. She could make illusions that'd look as feel as real as her, and really cause confusion. Just because they were not fighters, did not mean they didn't have ways of defending themselves in a way.

On 2021-08-29 at 6:49 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Once brought to his room he simply nodded, "This will more than suffice, far better than the desert outside the city. We will speak more in the morning." He would settle in for the night.

Rasputin wouldn't be disturbed by sound down here. The room were closed off from sound, as it had been meant as a quiet place for the queen. SO he'd be able to get a good night's rest, without interruption.

Edited September 1, 2021 by Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Nine shook his head, "It's bigger, more powerful, but that doesn't mean it isn't the same that was following Epsilon earlier. There's no way to tell, when a shadow scepter wants to go unrecognized, there's not much that can be done about it from a distance. Best we move quickly before we lose this chance."

Vector didn't look too happy about Null's comment, "You know nothing you ungrateful cur. Buck his orders, I'll kill you two myself."

He met Null's charge head on, but surprisingly he decided to jump over Null's strikes at his legs, his leathery wings carrying him over her strikes to land a fatal strike on Arcade who was caught by surprise by the fighting breaking out, getting his neck snapped as Vector took him to the ground and used his body as a springboard to launch himself back at Null with his fangs bared.

"One on one... I find our odds lacking. Best if we get to the door before he catches us."

 

(Void)

All those gathered had been similarly enthralled by Piecey's display, and Piecey herself seemed quite pleased with the literal fruits of her efforts.

Ardee softly commented, "I was starting to get worried that she wouldn't manifest any potential since she hadn't manifested any before now... I'm glad she was able to do it here, naturally, and not have it forced out of her like the rest of us."

The rest of the ponies nodded in response to Void's question, while the pair of foals happily nommed on the strawberries they had been given. Elef spoke up, "I hope we can all go out to the wall again some time, it was much more fun to have the others there with me."

Teal nodded in agreement before looking to Vale and Void, "After breakfast, what are we going to do today?"

 

(Molotov)

Consul Easle had been relaxed, and somewhat curious, about the box until he heard Carmen's voice, his expression growing slightly harder, and a small amount of genuine fear mixing in. Though it quickly faded, he still watched the pair much closer than before.

Each time Carmen spoke it seemed to genuinely spook the Consul, a shudder going through him the third time, and he shook his head.

"Bury It." his words dripped with fear. "It may already be too late. Still, I won't stand idle." He looked Molotov straight in the eyes, "Everything you know about this... 'AI'... destroy it. Share it with no one, ever." he shuddered again, "You have no idea how deadly that could become. If our visions are to be believed, it could be the most deadly thing to ever come of Center 0. Far more deadly than everything else combined. I will sooner kill you personally than allow you to bring that to pass."

He shook his head, "I.. I'm sorry. You don't know the things I and the other alicorns have seen. I appreciate you bringing this to my attention, and I appreciate your efforts to bring this wealth of knowledge to us. I'll make sure the appropriate parties are informed. As much as it pains me, and will no doubt pain her, I think Vale Conegher is the only one in the city qualified to deal with this and asses the potential threat of the knowledge you possess."

 

(Changelings)

"Thirteen?" Rasputin couldn't help but laugh, "Not even a full cocoon. No wonder she avoided much notice, most queens start with more given from their mother. Still, by proportion, yours is the third best preserved of all of them, perhaps there was some wisdom to her method." He shook his head, "I of course mean no offence, taking in so many after everything that happened was no doubt a big shock for you and your kin, you've adapted far more admirably than I had previously anticipated."

Rasputin would wake up early the next morning, as a King he did not need as much sleep as others, similar to an alicorn or queen he could go several days without any sleep if need be, which he had in order to cross the distance here as quickly as he had. Still, provided he was not approached with questions or other distractions he would make his way to a somewhat private area, either a stage or the roof of the theater, to go through his combat training routine.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2021-09-02 at 5:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He met Null's charge head on, but surprisingly he decided to jump over Null's strikes at his legs, his leathery wings carrying him over her strikes to land a fatal strike on Arcade who was caught by surprise by the fighting breaking out, getting his neck snapped as Vector took him to the ground and used his body as a springboard to launch himself back at Null with his fangs bared.

"One on one... I find our odds lacking. Best if we get to the door before he catches us."

Null had tried to be patient here, because she had given a word to Epsilon. Whom might come from upstairs, and cause issues from being the carrier of whatever darkness Nine felt.

But then, Vector had gone and killed Arcade. Something which were not going to stick, but just like the last time, Null did not overly care about that little factoid, and finally just lost it.

She didn't care whom he knew, or whatever sob story it'd be, once Epsilon learned he had died. He had killed Her coltfriend, and now it was his time to pay. He wanted to get right at her? Then welcome to the lion's maw.

She wouldn't try and avoid, but rather jump straight in, and aim to latch on to his neck, at which point she'd stab him in the throat. If he avoided that by moving to the side, she would use her wing blades to slash at him, as best she could, and again, aim for the neck if she could reach. She were so very,. very done giving this guy any leeway, after what he had done, and the fire burning coldly in her eyes as she met his gaze, and charged at him, should tell as much.

Of course, it might be that he'd just avoid otherwise. Maybe try and push her away, or just duck. Yet she didn't much care if she had to taker a dive, and try to aim for his guts instead. He had been given a chance, and used it to kill her coltfriend. His fate was sealed now, unless something extraordinary would happen.

Alternatively, if she couldn't hit, she could also just rush over, and open the door. If that being closed kept him alive. Then by all means, time to kick it in. It would depend on how hed react to the counter-attack.

(Void)

On 2021-09-02 at 5:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee softly commented, "I was starting to get worried that she wouldn't manifest any potential since she hadn't manifested any before now... I'm glad she was able to do it here, naturally, and not have it forced out of her like the rest of us."

"She just needed to find something she really wanted, that was out of reach. Didn't you, Piecey?"

Void would pat Piecey a little on her soft mane. Such a good foal this one were, and this would probably serve as a big moment to Ardee too. She were so worried it seemed, that she and the others weren't real ponies. And yet here were an example, of a regular occurrence in a young pony's life. The first spell. Perhaps not cast perfectly, but it was a strong beginning, in Void's opinion. Perhaps it would serve to give Ardee some hope, and understand that clones or not, they were genuine ponies as well, and not just some kind of image for others to look at, and remember others by. She looked happy about it at least. As if one weight on her shoulder were easing up a little.

On 2021-09-02 at 5:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The rest of the ponies nodded in response to Void's question, while the pair of foals happily nommed on the strawberries they had been given. Elef spoke up, "I hope we can all go out to the wall again some time, it was much more fun to have the others there with me."

Teal nodded in agreement before looking to Vale and Void, "After breakfast, what are we going to do today?"

"I'd like for us to talk about what happened last night, actually. How you felt about it, and maybe we can even go over some more details about the things you saw? There's a picture book we can use for context too, to give you a closer up look. It's not here exactly, but the theme of it should be good. But, breakfast first. We can't have you all go hungry now.

Oh, I think I forgot one of the bowls actually. Hold on, I'll be right back. Feel free to begin eating, okay? You have permission."

She'd wander back towards the entrance to the house, and go to her bag. Silly her, forgot the nut flakes.

As she stood there though, she'd see something being slid under the door. A slip of paper it seemed, to be exact. As she tried to take it though, it would be retracted. That was mighty odd. Maybe a letter of some kind, and the there was a mail carrier out there?

She'd open the door, and be faced with yet another, robed griffin. Not the one she had met though. This was a new one. And yet again, she got hit with that strange feeling, that she should know this getup. It were dancing on the edge of her memory, she just couldn't place it...

Before she had time to think about it though, the griffin handed her the folded paper, and then wandered off again, into a nearby alleyway to get a bit of a pause from the sun. Wasn't the heat getting to him, as much as the light. It annoyed his eyes.

Void did not try and read this note. Since she had only seen these robed ones around Molotov before, she could venture a guess whom this were from, and she didn't want to get frazzled right now. So instead she just shoved it into her bag, hid inside a piece of cloth, and went back inside with the nut flakes in hoof.

"Knew I forgot something. Here we are. So, who wants to talk about yesterday first?"

(Molotov)

On 2021-09-02 at 5:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Bury It." his words dripped with fear. "It may already be too late. Still, I won't stand idle." He looked Molotov straight in the eyes, "Everything you know about this... 'AI'... destroy it. Share it with no one, ever." he shuddered again, "You have no idea how deadly that could become. If our visions are to be believed, it could be the most deadly thing to ever come of Center 0. Far more deadly than everything else combined. I will sooner kill you personally than allow you to bring that to pass."

Carmen were a friendly AI. Though she had her issues with clowns, she had no plans on harming others in general, or thoughts on world domination. Nothing of the sort. She just wanted to learn, and explore this big, wonderful world she had been brought into. One that had been less than ideal for some years now, but were slowly starting to blossom once more. She were excited to experience many things. Among them, seeing Troy, and an alicorn. A creature she had never met before, but it was a pony, and one others liked, so she thought he'd be friendly.

Seeing him being anything but that though, ands threaten to bury her, made her give out a fearful beep, and scurry down Molotov's back, down his side, and then to his underbelly, where her strong legs would clamp her in place. It were realistically, not a place that'd save her, if the Consul wanted to truly harm her, as he were an alicorn after all, but she were spooked. Hence, carmen went to her safe space, and look out, and towards the pony, with a fearful glance in her eyes. A hard thing to read that part, but her body language - from the beep to the hiding - should well show her being quite afraid.

Molotov though, would take a step back, and narrow his eyes towards the Consul. A few steps further, when he then threaten to kill him personally, just because of his invention.

"I'll implode this building on us both, before I'm letting you hurt my babies. They ain't done nothing wrong."

The Consul had more or less threatened his kids, as though they weren't made of flesh and blood, Carmen and Felicia were still both living, thinking creatures, that he saw as his own offspring. Carmen being the sweet, innocent child, and Felicia the teenager, that had a strained relationship with him on the surface, but would be there, if it came down to the wire.

This were akin to if Molotov had said he'd bury the Consul's family alive. How was he gonna react to that one, huh? With any sort of joy, just because he'd claim to have seen visions? Peh. Unreliable guesswork. No better than him sitting and thinking through logically, what might come from what he made. Except for the fact that what he then went over, were based in facts, and not one of several possible futures.

"No hurt. No hurt."

On 2021-09-02 at 5:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He shook his head, "I.. I'm sorry. You don't know the things I and the other alicorns have seen. I appreciate you bringing this to my attention, and I appreciate your efforts to bring this wealth of knowledge to us. I'll make sure the appropriate parties are informed. As much as it pains me, and will no doubt pain her, I think Vale Conegher is the only one in the city qualified to deal with this and asses the potential threat of the knowledge you possess."

"Seen? I don't trust visions. They're unreliable, and too easy to change. I trust science, and I've already thought of all the ways this could go wrong. You think it's just about making a sentience? No. It's setting up limits, teaching emotions and a sense of friendship, subfolder upon hundreds of subfolders, dealing with how to sort out aggressive targets, without killing, and C- Ancestors know what else. I spend over four years, just making sure I wouldn't make some sort of uncaring, melomaniac. I may not have the best judgement when it comes to what my own home, and family did, but I've never done anything, that wasn't meant to help equinity. And you can be darn sure, that I haven't underestimated what this can mean, and do."

Molotov still recalled him going over for four months, a tiny little detail in the programming, since he had seen a way in how it would suddenly go erratic, and begin to find a contradiction in the programming and logic center, that'd lead to them thinking equinity was best dealt with, by purging them, as illogical, superfluous creatures. That's when he eventually reached the point, where he understood that the only way to make it possible, were to not rely solely on making them logival, but also able to empathize, and show emotion. Yes, things like resentment and hate would also be present then, yet so were it with all creatures, and he had found that through his tests, it had solved the logistic issue, as it were hard to argue for a friend being a waste of space, that were best removed from existence, over just a bag of flesh, that currently had a majority population on the surface of the planet. It simply got too personal.

That had then taken him eight months to program into a functional system, and a further five to finetune. And that were just an example of the work he had to do to get to where he had.

"I'll deal with Dr. Conegher. I owe her that, and if you need me to explain some of those things in there, you can call. But don't threaten Carmen and Felicia again, alright? They haven't done anything to deserve it."

It were hard to say if Illiad were able to judge the two of them, seeing as they were still in essence, machines, rather than regular, flesh and blood creatures. If he couldn't, it would likely be hard to convince the consul, though Molotov now knew that it were vital for his precious creations, that he did. If Illiad in some fashion could watch it though, seeing as they were still technically living creatures, with a mind of their own, and therefore able to make their own decisions, he'd find that Carmen at least, didn't have much sin to judge. The closest she had come to harm others, were when she attacked clowns, and that were mostly just chasing them, or scurrying around on them, whilst making noises. She wasn't equipped to fight, and as such, couldn't do much more damage, than freak someone out. And that one time, she accidentally hit a screwdriver, than went down into Molotov's old furnace, and ended setting his mane on fire. But that was hardly something to judge her for.

Provided there were nothing else, Molotov would leave here, and wander outside to the awaiting griffons. Flitter not having moved much, beyond just pacing a little to wake his legs up.

Molotov would then handle him a note, that he had kept on him. Not really a letter, but it were written as such, and detailed what had happened, after he had gotten to the meeting with the Consul yesterday. Up to, and including, how he had worked on the data cube, to deliver to the Consul, with everything that he had taken from Center Zero after the attack. Though, it would end with a personal note from him.

I always strived to make something, that'd help others, and trusted my colleagues and family wanted the same. I failed seeing the malice beyond my perspective, and a lot of beings got hurt because of us. Even if I weren't among those who directly harmed you, or those you care about, you were right to be angry. I'm still responsible, and I have to make amends for that.

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

Molotov Boom.

P.S. My creation Felicia stumbled upon some paperwork out in the desert with your name on, as well as a helmet of sorts. I told her to hide it away, and keep the documents to herself. She stands ready to hand it all over to you, if you ask her.

Using a pencil in his belt, he'd add that the consul wanted her to look over something of his, related to AI, and that if she didn't want to see him, she could just speak directly to Felicia. After that, he'd ask the griffon to go over and deliver it, to where he had a fairly good idea that Void were this time of day. The letter also had his address -  a hovel outside of town - in case she wanted to just directly go and... Well, probably beat him up. If she wanted to, he weren't gonna try and stop her this time.

Flitter would be on his way shortly after. Not a talkative sort, but he got the job done. What mattered here.

(Changelings)

On 2021-09-02 at 5:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Thirteen?" Rasputin couldn't help but laugh, "Not even a full cocoon. No wonder she avoided much notice, most queens start with more given from their mother. Still, by proportion, yours is the third best preserved of all of them, perhaps there was some wisdom to her method." He shook his head, "I of course mean no offence, taking in so many after everything that happened was no doubt a big shock for you and your kin, you've adapted far more admirably than I had previously anticipated."

"Cheshire said her mother had offered her a few dozen to come with her, but she wanted to try and go out and find someplace of her own first. Some still tried following her, but even then, she were good at obfuscating her tracks, and confuse others, so she got away. She said were still offered more changelings though, as late as a few months before The Crisis, when she went home for a visit.

Most of us come from a few hiveless she cared for, once she got to the area. They moved on not long after, but she did well. Cheshire was always a good mother to us. Even when she had to really work hard to keep track of us, so we wouldn't end up crawling out of the nursery, and accidentally wander right into the maw of some predator.

And I guess it have been kind of hard at times, to have to help this many, but I like it, and it's mostly just about organizing. It gives me a reason to wake up every day, when I think of all the others who might've suffered even more than us, since they have no one, and are potentially hurt out on the streets. I think of them, and then I can't just imagine myself laying idly about. We may not be of the same hive, but we're still kin, and in the end, we only have each other."

Perhaps she were naive, but so had Cheshire been before her. Wanting to believe that in a world where they were seen as monsters, fairy tales, or freaks, they had to rely on one another, in their times of need. The aftermath had still proven that to be the case to some extend, so someone had to carry this on, in Cheshire's absence. Bling never considered her to be the one to have shouldered that any more than her siblings, but they would disagree with that, and point to how they had been caught up more in their grief over their queen being missing, and most of their siblings either having been killed, or committed suicide. She forced them to look beyond that, and focus not on their own problem, but that of those around them, and ask what Cheshire would have done. It might not be Bling's own legacy she were carrying, but it had lived on, due to her. At least, that's what they would say. Perspective were a fickle thing.

On 2021-09-02 at 5:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Rasputin would wake up early the next morning, as a King he did not need as much sleep as others, similar to an alicorn or queen he could go several days without any sleep if need be, which he had in order to cross the distance here as quickly as he had. Still, provided he was not approached with questions or other distractions he would make his way to a somewhat private area, either a stage or the roof of the theater, to go through his combat training routine.

If he wanted privacy, the roof would likely not be the best place. Though there were one room, a little further down he could make use of. A former break room, that had been stripped down of benches and such, to be used in better areas. This place now, were primarily used as a place to store some various boxes of theater equipment, and some boxes of glistening, orange and green jelly. As well as some bags for transportation of the food, once it were properly prepared, and sectioned up. The reason for that, being that he would have to wander through the kitchen to get to this room. Someone have clearly been here very recently, as a cauldron of jelly were slowly warming up, and the tools ready to pour them into bags were ready. It just seemed as if the bags were missing, which likely meant that whoever had been here, had gone to get some more of those.

Jelly could well be enjoyed just tapped right out of the vat, but Gloop wanted it to be an actual meal, and not akin to a cold slice of bread. A little stirring and warmth, to ensure they felt as cozy and warm as joy should feel, made it more of an actual meal in her mind. And made sure there weren't potential crystallization in the jelly. Which could sadly happen, when emotions got stuck in storage for long enough.

As for the room, there were a door that he could close to get some privacy, and if he needed something to hit, some old painted backgrounds, and minor character, wooden figures, that he could use. If he just needed space, there were a fair bit of it here to work with. So unless he needed to go into a sprint with momentum, it probably should do fine.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Vector deflected and mitigated each of Null's attacks with ease, pushing her backward as he threw in a few jabs of his own. It was clear that he was an expert at close quarters combat.

He was distracted from his assault when Arcade stabbed him in the flank, having reappeared, giving Null an opening to go for the door as Vector stabbed Arcade with his own knife.

Once Null was close enough to the door to affect the runes, Vector stopped, clutching his chest, and collapsed wordlessly. He aged several decades until he was a frail old stallion weakly breathing on the floor between two dead Arcades.

A third Arcade snapped into existence a short distance away, shaking himself and collecting his knife from his dead body. "Let's get this over with then."

 

Through the door was a small, spartan, office. An imposing desk took up most of the space in the room, behind it was a large picture window looking out at the ocean as well as a high backed chair turned away from the door.

"So, you've finally arrived." The voice held no malice, no anger, it was simply tired. "It's rude to bring an uninvited guest." Arcade was gripped by a grey aura and dragged into the room, surprisingly the magic was unaffected by Null's aura. Arcade fought it, but went limp with a quiet 'pop'. He was still alive, his eyes moving proved that much, but he couldn't move. He was dropped in the corner as the chair turned around to reveal Grey Mane himself, "You're here to kill me, and I deserve it, but not for the reason you think I do. Vengeance didn't send you here because of anything I did to you, because Vengeance doesn't care what you think happened. Why don't you ask your little shadow why you're really here."

If Null tried to attack without listening, she'd find herself blocked by a grey field, also unaffected by her aura, "You'll get to kill me in time. But come now, don't you want to know the truth first?"

The door would also close and lock behind them, the three of them trapped together.

 

(Void)

(I assume the note she was passed is the one that Molotov wrote in his section?)

The young ponies had breakfast in full swing by the time Void came back with the missing ingredient. Vale picked up on Void's slightly off attitude coming back inside, but didn't comment on it then.

When she asked who wanted to talk about the previous night first, Teal raised a hoof, "There were so many creatures down there that we could see, when we were brought here the guards told us that there used to be so many more. It's hard to imagine what it must have been like back then, to have so many different creatures all around you."

Toupé offered a comment next, "The wall itself was interesting, as we walked up the stairwell I could see where each of the blocks fit together, I wonder where they got all the massive blocks they needed to build it, and how they got them here."

 

(Molotov)

There was no judgment in the Consul's eyes as Molotov talked back to him, he was obviously taken aback, but he recognized that Molotov's words held merit.

19 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

They haven't done anything to deserve it.

"Yet." The Consul sighed, "I pray that you're right, and that they never will. But, just because you've taken such precautions, does not mean that someone following in your hoofsteps will be so cautious."

He turned away before looking back, "Still, I shouldn't let fear of what might happen prevent the good that could be done. I will not prevent you from sharing this information. However, should any harm come of it, it will be on your head. Is that understood? So long as they remain in this territory, the actions of your creations are your responsibility, and any vengeance will be measured against you."

If Molotov had nothing else to say, he would be dismissed.

 

(Changelings)

Rasputin would find the room easily enough, pausing over the vats as he passed through the kitchen, it was clear to him that the spring they were using for the water component was lacking in certain minerals, they'd have to look for a better source of water as they expanded the hive if they were to ensure the health of the members.

Once in the empty room he would begin his exercise routine, using his magic he held his several knives around himself, manipulating them with his magic to turn and spin in unison as he moved through various poses and stretches. He seemed to move to the tempo of a song only he could hear, his movements fluid and graceful, the knives serving to accentuate the precision of the exercise.

He would continue until someone found him, or for an hour, at which point he would seek out Bling.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Once Null was close enough to the door to affect the runes, Vector stopped, clutching his chest, and collapsed wordlessly. He aged several decades until he was a frail old stallion weakly breathing on the floor between two dead Arcades.

A third Arcade snapped into existence a short distance away, shaking himself and collecting his knife from his dead body. "Let's get this over with then."

Seeing Arcade back again, eased her darkened mind a little, though as she had now seen him die two times in a row, by the hooves if this stallion, she did not feel regret, from gazing at him now aged, and laying on the floor. It appeared that he had been kept artificially young by some kind of spell here, but he wasn't dead. At least not yet. Whatever came of him, Void had no remorse for what she were seeing right now. Not after what he did to Arcade. Though her word would have been held. She hadn't killed him. Not currently, anyway. If old age got to him, then that were just how things were going to be. Time would eventually catch up with them all.

"Let's end this."

She went into the next room with Arcade, and slammed the door behind her. She did not want interruptions from a third party, when she were chopping the head off her old man.

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"So, you've finally arrived." The voice held no malice, no anger, it was simply tired. "It's rude to bring an uninvited guest." Arcade was gripped by a grey aura and dragged into the room, surprisingly the magic was unaffected by Null's aura. Arcade fought it, but went limp with a quiet 'pop'. He was still alive, his eyes moving proved that much, but he couldn't move. He was dropped in the corner as the chair turned around to reveal Grey Mane himself, "You're here to kill me, and I deserve it, but not for the reason you think I do. Vengeance didn't send you here because of anything I did to you, because Vengeance doesn't care what you think happened. Why don't you ask your little shadow why you're really here."

If Null tried to attack without listening, she'd find herself blocked by a grey field, also unaffected by her aura, "You'll get to kill me in time. But come now, don't you want to know the truth first?"

She had never heard his voice before, yet as he started to speak, dark memories of her early years - the town they had lived in, the loss of her and Void's limbs, the *death* of their parents, etc. - began to emerge in her head, and she took a step forward, ready to yell at this impudent fool, before he had gotten through the first sentence.

Yet then, something happened to Arcade. A grey aura enveloped him, and though she tried to grasp towards him, and felt her hoof make contact before he got out of reach, he'd still be dragged off by this aura. After it had seemingly left him paralyzed.

This did not help things, once Grey Mane himself turned the chair around, and finally, stood face to face with his daughter. Not as angry looking as he had been in the picture, and not as young as he once were either, but there were no mistaking who this were. And boy howdy, if she hadn't been angry before at him, she looked as if she were trying to make his head explode with the sheer force of her own, cold hatred towards him, and she rushed forward, not caring one bit about what he were saying. She just ran, jumped, and aimed to stick the knife right into his black, empty heart.

This sadly, proved ineffective, as the odd, grey aura stopped her like an invisible shield, and she'd be bounced off of it, and pushed back. Null would end up on her side on the floor, getting her teeth clenched, and then looked up at him again. And now she were certainly in a yelling mood.

"What I Think happened?!?! You ruined our lives!!! You left our mothers to die, made us into lab rats, and then brainwashed the only two ponies who ever cared about us! Everything that's happened - Every part of this miserable, torture of a life - started with you! You made me into this! You rotten, good for nothing-"

About a half minute of really horrid, colorful swearing came after that, yelled a the old stallion, before she ran out of breath, and had to gasp for her. Though neither the fury in her eyes, nor in her mind, subsided. And the one in her head, were practically roaring at Nine, soon as there were no more words she could physically give.

"What is the meaning of this?! Answer me!"

Why were she being denied vengeance, now that she were so close? What was this nonsense that he were spewing out, about this not being due to her own wants, but just Vengeance itself, wanting Grey Mane dead? And what was up with this grey aura, that she couldn't fight against?

(Void)

(the note is the very one, yes)

Void joined them in eating breakfast, unaware of all the crazy, highly important things happening in other parts of Troy. She just knew there were something going on with Molotov, and that right now, she wanted a nice bowl of yogurt, with cactus and nut flakes. The former being one she'd tackle later, once she had the chance to speak with Vale in private, as she had some degree of idea, that this had something to do with her as well. Though she'd have the check it herself first. As the for the latter though, she could get on that right away, and have some nice breakfast with the foals, while she listened to their inquiries.

"There was a time, when there were a lot more beings in the world, so packed markets were more the norm than anything. We'll get back there in time though, now that the dangers are finally subsiding, but it will take some time. Let me see if I can find... Ah, here it were."

She rose up briefly to go over to the shelf, and would pull out a simple foals book. *Spicy Hooves goes to the market*. One from a collection of books to teach younglings about life, through the life of the imaginary foal, Spicy Hooves. The series included classics like *Spicy Hooves goes to the doctor*, *Walking the trail with Spicy Hooves* and *Mr. Dentist helps Spicy Hooves.*.

This version would show various depictions of the market, with Spicy Hooves - a red and yellow filly with no cutie mark, and a curly mane and tail - in the frames, as she walked across various shops. And there were a lot of creatures shown there, from camels, to ponies, to zebras, and even a dragon, about twice the size of an adult pony. All of them depicted as friendly of course, and waving towards Spicy Hooves as she came by. It was a bit of an idealized version of reality, but it was meant to as well. This were for foals after all. They shouldn't be met with just depictions of others ignoring everything, and potential yelling from a customer and seller, that had gotten into an argument.

She'd make sure that they all got a chance to see where were in the pages, as she flipped through them. if they were so inclined to read the text too, it were just a simple diary-style story, told very simply, about how she had come to the market to get three apples, a bag of needle-free cactus slices, and a small bundle of hay. If they had questions about what the various creatures were, she'd be happy to answer that, if Vale did not.

"And that is a very good question, Toupé. I honestly don't know where they got those big blocks, and I'm not one who have done a lot of building work, so my best bet is that they must've scavenged the blocks from the ruined towns, and then used magic, and a good deal of cement, to build the outer wall. Cement is kinda like stone glue, if you haven't seen it before, and it's best to not get your hoof stuck in it while it's wet. If it hardens on you, it can take a long time to get off again."

(Molotov)

"I take full responsibility, in case they cause issues here in town, and I'll do what I can to fix what's happening. And I never mean to have this sort of thing accessible to the general public. I had to finetune a lot, to get to where I did, and destroy hundreds of almost functional AI's. This ain't something that should ever getting the hooves of some regulars on the street, or crazy being who'd overextend, and put an AI into an expansive network that'd control say, a weapons facility. If everything ain't done perfectly, and they're given too much hardware to expand on from the start, the limitations will get broken, and yeah, they will become a problem.

There's a reason that even with everything else I've given you, I'm holding this until I know for sure that I can trust you. I don't need visions, to extrapolate how dangerous this can be. But I know my girls. I made sure they've been raised right, and know what's good and bad. Felicia can be a troublesome lil' thing, but she knows where the line goes, and stays behind it."

He'd reach a hoof down towards Carmen, and though reluctant at first, she'd hesitantly let go of his stomach, and crawl on to that one, that he may lift her back up on top of his head. Though she did try to use his mane to hide herself in regardless, as she were still a little scared of the consul. She didn't want to be buried.

"I'll have Doctor Conegher look things over, and you'll probably hear from her. Provided she doesn't kill me - which I wouldn't blame her for - she can make a fair judgement of my girls. Maybe it'll help convince you better than someone like I could."

If that were all, he'd leave for now. He had considered bringing up the AI that had been out in the desert, but the consul seemed to be split in his responses to things right now, so he'd keep that for now, and instead see if he could bring it up to Vale. Maybe she'd understand it more anyway, seeing as she had apparently been connected to the same facility.

(Changelings)

There were one who'd come in and look at him, as he did his training. A changeling wearing a faded chef hat, that were crooked towards the right, and an apron saying *Happy chef, happy food*. Her colors made it rather clear what hive she were from, so even at a glance, he'd probably be able to tell that the drone were one of Hive Cheshire's. And as he had met the others, this would make this one, Gloop. A rather regular looking changeling, though she seemed to have an affinity for ribbons, as she had some pieces of cloth in her leg holes, wrapped through, and tied up in the front, to make herself feel a little dainty.

She didn't say a word though, as she saw what the changeling king did, so he might just ignore her. She just went in for the stuff she needed to get the food going, and then only floated a few things through, like the saddlebags and baskets, when it were time to fill up, and prepare the morning deliveries.

She'd still be there when he wandered through, and back into the hive in fact, in case he didn't interrupt her before that. At which point she'd send a nervous glance towards him, whilst continuing to fill up the bags, and putting them in a pile, in the basket in front of her. Which seemed to thus far, have about two dozen jelly balloons prepared.

"G-Goodmorning sir. I hope your uhm... Morning exercise went well. Bling said to help you if you needed it, in case she wasn't there when you woke up, so uh... I-I guess, is there something I can help you with?"

She were usually one of the more shy members of the hive, and had never been one for being on stage, like most of the others. The only thing she did tend to have confidence with, were sorting food, collection vats, and such. And those she were teaching on how to do it right, generally found her far more strong willed, once she were dealing with this kind. Talking with a long diseased changeling king though? A fair bit out of her comfort zone.