private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom
(Null)

Her mom was still a little concerned, but was satisfied with Null's answer, letting her go after one more hug.

They didn't see anything amiss with the house while it was in view, which was not for long given the concentric circle design of the city. Soon enough they'd be headed towards the city center, the central market just starting up with creatures of all types setting up their stalls and wares, some high quality, some clearly scams, and plenty of hidden treasures for those with the eyes to find them, Arcade took a moment to appreciate their surroundings as they walked, "This place is so... busy, more so than New Pegasus, and even the facility. Yet... it feels different, there isn't that dark undertone of secrecy, of danger, it's nice."

He didn't have any intention to stop in the market, so unless something caught Null's eye, they'd be able to keep walking until they reached the Consul's estate, being let in easily as before, the guards within directing them to the upper room where the Consul typically managed the sun and moon. The Consul himself was sitting in the sunlight, writing something in a book when they came up the stairs, "Ah, You're back with resolve, at least more so than before, I assume you've made up your mind, but aren't entirely sure if the decision you've made is correct?" He fanned the ink dry before closing the book, it did not have a title on it, and turning to face the pair, "I've had plenty of experience with that feeling. So, how can I help you?"

 

(Void)

The young ponies were a little curious why Void would promise as to not knowing any more, they had no misconception that Void were an expert on everything and would frankly believe just about anything she told them about the world outside, but they did not dwell on that for long. The were of course disappointed by Void's description of the state of the world, having hoped for something better, but that too was soon passed over as they turned their attention back to the map, Elef speaking, "At the festival, they talked about a place important to the Fastar clan, the Shimmerwood Forest and Archback mountain over..." he scanned west on the map, before pointing to the same named area, west of both Equestria and Troy, south of the Griffon Kingdoms, "Did you ever go over there?"

Unless Null and Void had gone there, she wouldn't have heard much about the area other than that that is where the Fastar Clan originated, where there was a free city of zebra, and a group of ponies who called themselves the Children of the Moon.

If, however, she had gone there, it would depend on how they had approached the area. If they approached from the forest, they'd no doubt get accosted by the thestrals for ruining their crop of shimmerwood, as their aura would drain the magical luminescence from the trees. If they approached from the river or the valley, they'd find some momentary respite among the zebra, who would tell that of their past, that they were the descendants of zebra who had been enslaved by Equestria a thousand years ago, and freed by a creature called the Black Knight, a pony named Midnight Star, and a zebra named Mohotma, the last of which the city was named after. The zebra would ask the sister to move on after a short time there, though they would give them supplies to help on their journey. If they approached from the mountain they'd have a similar experience with the Children of the Moon, though given their aura they would not get to meet their leaders or visit Archback castle. They would be told that the Children were the descendants of the original twelve ponies secretly adopted by Princess Luna prior to her banishment.

In either case, Toupé would next ask about where they were presently, Troy.

 

(Molotov)

The harness rotated in response to Felicia's question, a yellow light turning on in some facsimile of an eye to look at them, "Interrupt, creatures present in the Control Room. Analyzing... identified, guests of acting Director Conegher. Responding..."

"Missing anomaly C 2113 dash 1 and 2. Threat level, medium, these anomalies have caused containment breaches before, can nullify magical effects in their vicinity. Sentient and violent. Priority low."

"Missing anomaly P 1368 dash 10. Threat level, high. This anomaly can replicate itself, and poses a lethal threat to those it comes in contact with. Priority medium."

"Missing anomaly S 106. Threat level, very high, this anomaly has caused containment breaches before, and poses a lethal threat to those it comes in contact with. Sentient and Violent. Priority high."

"Analyzing... Correcting data... Anomaly S 106 must be recaptured at all costs. P 1368 10 and c 2113 1 & 2 are reported neutralized by acting Director Conegher."

"Interrupt complete, resuming analysis of Prototype VIP."

It would take Codex an additional 30 minutes to finish analyzing the document, at which point, "Analysis complete. New directive... understood. Returning facility control to P 2120. Ejecting Codex Core."

The harness would lower back down and unlock, allowing Vale to pull herself out taking the device with her, before it closed itself back up. She was wobbly for a bit as she got her bearings back. "Alright Colonel, I'm giving you ONE shot at this. This facility better be in perfect working order when the time comes. Remember, you try anything"

"And the facility is destroyed, you've mentioned that already."

Vale nodded, then turned towards the others, "We've got what we came for, let's get out of here."

 

(Yannit)

The Trojan dress uniform was a sort of breathable body suit with pouches that ceramic plates could be slotted into for protection of the chest and barrel while still allowing for flexibility, covered by a standard Trojan tight wrap robe where the sash and front had the owner's name, rank, and mark sown on, along with a hat. The combat uniform had a thicker body suit that extended to cover the legs and neck with extra pouches for plates to cover these areas, the ceramic plates could also be replaced with metal ones if the situation called for it. The robe was a thicker fabric, often enchanted with protective spells, and had several pouches for carrying supplies. The sash was replaced with a belt, though it and the robe still had the name, rank, and mark sown on. The combat uniform came with a helmet, scarf, and sand goggles.

The uniform that Craven and Mongoose had been given to professionally clean was none other than Peace's dress uniform, no doubt it had been sent as evidence of her capture, there were cuts in the fabric that indicated where she had been stabbed, with blood to match, as well as the broken ceramic plates that had protected the more vital areas from slashes and glancing blows, replacement plates were readily available. In the laundry were several sets of instructions on how the uniforms were to be properly cleaned and repaired, many indicated that they had been written by Peace herself. It seemed she had gone to great lengths to prepare the future workers for their jobs.

Between their experience and Peace's instructions, they'd do an exceptional job cleaning and repairing the uniform. Trojan protocol indicated that any damages incurred in combat should be embellished, rather than hidden, when the uniform was repaired, first as a reminder to the wearer as to where they needed to improve their own defense, and second as a mark of bravery and dedication to their fellow soldiers, that they had been wounded in the line of duty yet continued stronger. Typically these repairs made the affected area stronger than before, such that a second attack in the safe area would prove less effective. More often than not, these marks were worn as a badge of pride, inasmuch as they were earned through bravery and daring. Who knew how Peace would feel about having her wounds displayed like this.

According to the hiring guide that Peace had left in case she were unable to interview applicants herself, they met all the necessary criterion, and Yannit could follow the guide to file the necessary paperwork to complete the hiring process. Craven and Mongoose would primarily be responsible for work in the laundry, doing as they had demonstrated for the other dress and combat uniforms, but also occasionally sweeping up the hallways and the quarters on a schedule. The three of them were then free to go their separate ways for their investigation.

 

(Bling)

On 2022-04-16 at 5:19 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"That should be easy enough. I've been told that someone called Peace, were talking about having a chat with me. I'll reach out, bring along some more attuned changelings, and see what's false, and what's true."

The cloud pony nodded, "Yes, Staff Sergeant Peace Accords, one of the more level headed of the leadership to replace ambassadors Olive and Dove."

The host continued, "She's staying here in the Stacked Deck at the moment, as a favor to the Grey, recovering from a gang attack. It might be best if you spoke with her before you left."

On 2022-04-16 at 5:19 PM, Blitz Boom said:

So I'm not sure if there's a protocol, or it's up to my own discretion."

Fortis smiled at that, "It is of course up to your digression, ultimately, but if you think your decision could affect the stability or welfare of the city, all of us are available to offer advice, either in person or via proxy. Feel free to ask any time if you need confirmation before taking immediate action."

 

Per the rest of the discussion, the other heads appreciated Bling's unique inputs and perspective, occasionally seeking it out when Bling felt too timid or unsure to offer it. Bling would learn that her casino did have it's own currency, in the form of it's chips, that currently stood as the least valuable but most widely used after Debt, comparing to the Sand Dollar from Troy, it was looking like a 1:1 exchange in terms of buying power, though if Bling felt the city needed a cash infusion from Troy she could set the exchange to whatever she felt was appropriate, within reason, and the other heads would adjust to properly distribute the influx. With the advice that the higher she set the exchange, the more money she'd bring in initially, but the less confident the citizens would be in the Sand Dollar. They recommended setting the exchange no higher than 5:1.

 

Everything established, they concluded the meeting, the Host simply turning their seat to look out the window, Portens and Fortis disconnecting from their screens, and the cloud floating over to her, "If you don't mind, I would like to get to know you a little more personally, At your convenience of course, come to my casino so we might be better acquainted." Then the cloud would dissipate.

The butler of the Host that had brought her there would be able to take her to Peace if she wanted, she was also free to return any time if she thought later would be better.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

11 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"This place is so... busy, more so than New Pegasus, and even the facility. Yet... it feels different, there isn't that dark undertone of secrecy, of danger, it's nice."

Null looked out, over the sprawling market, and watched the creatures just go about, with their regular day. Must be nice, not having things to worry about all the time, though she were sure some of 'em had their own demons. One of 'em, she even recognized. A small, quadruped dragon, a little over pony size, wandering around looking at small toys. Even though she couldn't see his face, she knew he had a false eye, as she had seen Void make it herself. The guy who had saved some griffon pair's eggs, and lost the eye for it. Probably out shopping for something for the hatchlings, seeing how he had been named godfather. Prideful sort though, trying not to look too enthusiastic. Dragons, yeah?

A good guy though. No matter how gruff and rough he presented himself. Best not to disturb him, as he went about his attempted, discreet lookout for something salvaged, that'd suit a batch of hatchlings.

Beyond him though, nothing really caught her eye, beyond just how nice and peaceful it all looked. Not something she experienced a lot in her life, and now, she were going away from that again... Yet, it wasn't like she felt like she belonged in that life anyway. Not yet at least. She didn't feel like she deserved it, or even knew how to mingle in it properly. Even though she tried, it never truly sat right. Denial were one thing she were good at though, even if that really shouldn't be something she should praise herself for. Kinda sad actually, but that was her outlook on life in general, for most of her life.

"It's safer here, so they're less worried. It ain't all sunshine and kittens, but these days, I think it's about as close as it gets. Ain't as much reason to hide stuff here, as in New Las Pegasus either, I reckon. Seemed like a place who had a fair bit of buried bodies."

She'd keep moving on, looking towards the building she actually had to get to. Her future, as messed up and grim as it were likely gonna be. *sigh* But it were what she needed, and she knew it.

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He didn't have any intention to stop in the market, so unless something caught Null's eye, they'd be able to keep walking until they reached the Consul's estate, being let in easily as before, the guards within directing them to the upper room where the Consul typically managed the sun and moon. The Consul himself was sitting in the sunlight, writing something in a book when they came up the stairs, "Ah, You're back with resolve, at least more so than before, I assume you've made up your mind, but aren't entirely sure if the decision you've made is correct?" He fanned the ink dry before closing the book, it did not have a title on it, and turning to face the pair, "I've had plenty of experience with that feeling. So, how can I help you?"

Null didn't answer for a few seconds, as she looked at the consul suspiciously. Then things fell into place, and she eased up a little.

"...Right, I forgot you can do that now."

She had known he were an empath, as he had flat out told her, but she used to be safe from that part of him. She had forgotten that wasn't the case anymore, and as such, had gotten suspicious that he had been listening in to them somehow.

"I'm as sure as I'm gonna be. This life... I don't belong in it. Not yet anyway. I'm staying with vengeance, until it feels like I've earned some peace of mind."

Maybe if she went out there and helped both herself, and others, it would feel like she actually deserved to have a regular life, like everyone else.. Been a long time since she had thought that, but perhaps this were her path to get there. That, and Arcade. Maybe in time, he could make her see past all of the guilt, and understand that she didn't have to carry everything on her shoulders, for something she couldn't change, no matter what she did.

"We're not leaving town yet though. We'll spend some time preparing, and watch over my parents, while the little ones are getting born. Make sure they're okay, and we're ready. I can work some local issues until then, if you need me for it.

Is that fine? I'm pretty sure this wouldn't go against what Nine told me."

 

(Void)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Did you ever go over there?"

Void would run the tip of her hoof down the map, where the Elef had pointed, and get a small smile on her face.

"Yes. Our path away from Troy, took us many places around, but not into Equestria. We'd been told so many things about that country, that we didn't think it was safe. I think I were about... 13, when we went to that area? We had our sights set on the area around Griffonstone, thinking maybe they'd be fine if we went and lived near the mountain, long as we didn't go and disturb them too much. Null had started to go ornery by then... But she still had a little bit of hope left in others. I think if she hadn't, our trip there would've gone very different.

We had followed the river for some time, when we were suddenly found by a bunch of zebras. They were the first ones of their kind, that we'd ever met. Only heard stories before that, and it made them sound pretty suspicious.

But they were nice. They could see what we did, and still welcomed us to rest in their encampment. Told us stories about how they were descendants from freed zebras, that had once been enslaved. Apparently, a knight clad in dark had rescued their descendants, though sadly, I don't remember exactly what the name was anymore... Maggot... Midget... Midnight? Yes, I think it was Midnight Star.

It was a kind tale, and they were rather nice to us, though we couldn't stay for long. Soon as we had a bit of a rest, they asked us firmly to leave, and pointed us in the direction of Griffonstone. They gave us some supplies for the road though, so that was kind of them. Also told us to go around the forest, or we could end up in trouble. It took some extra time of travel, but at least it was relatively peaceful that path. Gave us a look at a city in the distance too, but it was in the other direction, so we didn't try to go there. Not until later, and then, we were secluded to living on the outskirts. Gave us a few days to recuperate, after our experience near Griffonstone, but we had to move on. We didn't want to feel like outcasts. We wanted a home. They had some fascinating stories too though. Children of the Night, they called themselves, and apparently, descendants of ponies, adopted by Princess Luna. I dunno how true that story were, but what little I remember of it, sounded rather nice.

*sigh* I remember big sis had wanted to stay with the zebra, since it was so rare for us to meet any kind beings at all, but that wasn't an option, sadly. We couldn't even find them the next time, we went looking around the river, so we had to move on.

Meeting them though, did inspire us to try and see if we couldn't live on the continent, where the zebras came from though. These had seemed nice, so maybe, there'd be somewhere for us, in their homeland. But sadly, when we eventually did get there, we couldn't stay. Something were making Null very sick in that place, even before we met the first zebra. If we hadn't turned around... I doubt I'd be here, to be honest. Big sis saved my life a lot both before, and after that. Without her, I wouldn't have made it this far."

 

(Molotov)

 

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"Missing anomaly C 2113 dash 1 and 2. Threat level, medium, these anomalies have caused containment breaches before, can nullify magical effects in their vicinity. Sentient and violent. Priority low."

"Wait, wha-"

"𝕋𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕔𝕣𝕚𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙. 𝔼𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕤 ℂ 𝟚𝟙𝟙𝟛, 𝕕𝕒𝕤𝕙 𝟙 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝟚, 𝕔𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕡𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕖𝕤 ℕ𝕦𝕝𝕝 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕍𝕠𝕚𝕕. 𝕀𝕟𝕤𝕦𝕗𝕗𝕚𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕒 𝕥𝕠 𝕒𝕤𝕔𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕔𝕖𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕪."

Molotov had to stand there with a slightly slacking jaw, as that were pretty much what he were thinking too. His thoughts would be on this entirely, and what the implications were, whilst Felicia focused on the other descriptions instead. Though she too diverted some processing power, to think over the implications, with the two of them having potentially being trapped here. Mention of containment breaches, and the state of this place, along with them having seemingly escaped, carried certain implications, about their involvement in the demise of this place. As well as several beings who worked here, and were likely killed in horrible, gruesome ways.

Molotov would endeavor to remember this, and ask Void about it, when he met her again. Which he hopefully would. He had a lot to atone for in his life, despite what the Consul might've told him, but he still wanted to have a life too. Specifically, with the mare he hadn't been able to get out of his mind, for years on end now, despite actually having other options, at some point. Apparently, the end of the world, made some mares desperate enough to consider him a tolerable mate. Never gotten anywhere though.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The harness would lower back down and unlock, allowing Vale to pull herself out taking the device with her, before it closed itself back up. She was wobbly for a bit as she got her bearings back. "Alright Colonel, I'm giving you ONE shot at this. This facility better be in perfect working order when the time comes. Remember, you try anything"

"And the facility is destroyed, you've mentioned that already."

Vale nodded, then turned towards the others, "We've got what we came for, let's get out of here."

Molotov nodded, and followed along. He had spend most of the last half hour thinking over a few things, whilst waiting to see what the results of all of this would be. Normally he would've examined the machine, but Felicia hissed at him, when he tried to get near it, so that plan went away. Even if he had only meant to look at it, not touch it!

As for Felicia, she had spent her time thinking over a few variables about this place, keeping an eye on her creator, and generally examining the machine, that Vale had wandered into. Fascinating construction really, and seemingly build with her specifically, in mind. Who might've done there, were a good question. As were it, how it were seemingly also made for Panic in mind, but this hardly seemed the time to pester more, as the facility sounded like it were being wandered by heavy steps. She'd assume from some robotic guard units, controlled directly by the core.

"𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕒𝕤𝕜 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕖, 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕦𝕟𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕝? 𝕆𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 ℂ 𝟙𝟘𝟞?"

Regardless of the answer, they'd follow Vale as they'd move towards the exit of this place. Most of it, Molotov would be silent, until eventually, he'd open his muzzle, and actually get something out.

"...I'm sorry...

I'd say I wasn't thinking right when I spoke up earlier, but that ain't it. I knew what I were saying. I just didn't consider what things might be like for you, and what using those terms might make you feel.

Fact is, I dunno anything at all, about what you're like. And I ain't saying I should snoop into things. I've done enough in salting the wound. I mean I ain't sure how your situation are, and I'm so used to dealing with anything being mechanical, to be a machine of some sort, I just kept using those terms, when I tried speaking up before.

It was dumb, and boneheaded, and I should've put more thought into things, before I opened my big mouth. You had every right going off on me like you did, and for what it's worth, I don't blame you if you clock me one for that. I'll owe up to my own idiocy.

*sigh* Dad was right... Brain so large, and yet I'm dense as a fruit cake."

 

(Changelings)

It were some odd instructions, that the real Peace had left for how uniforms should be handled, but well, her rules, they just had to adjust for it.

Though they did initially think they were only gonna clean, and not repair, Craven had some stitching experience, and would handling going at it, with the instructions that Peace had given, as best he could, whilst Mongoose cleaned the blood from the cloth. And he wasn't skipping out of anything either. Every drop that could come out, he would get out, even if he had to get so far into nooks and crannies of the uniform, that realistically speaking, no one would've ever been able to tell anyway.

They were also indirectly told by Yannit to really examine them, to see if there were any useful clues to gain from them, but it was likely that there were nothing of use for them there. Worth a shot though, in any case.

Eventually, they'd be done with the work, and Yannit would put on the uniform, to see if everything was in order. A ghastly outfit really, but so were the Grey unform. Seemed the theme of her life from now on, would be *ugly clothes, and headaches*. Lovely... Though at least she could hide the Grey uniform. This? Not so much.

With everything seemingly in order, she'd have them approved for the work. If anyone would ask, she could point them towards what she were wearing, as proof of skill, and take it from there.

As for how it would present the wounds... She were not a fan, even if they were covered by gauze and bandages currently. It'd be annoying for her, and for Peace, she couldn't imagine there were much pride in torture marks. She'd need to think over how this might affect things.

With the paperwork eventually sorted, she gave them a simple order to begin with: Finish what other uniforms there were there for cleaning now, and then do their other assigned role of sweeping. Specifically mentioning how they should not do so apart. Mainly as she did not trust Mongoose. Which she didn't even need to say. Her look told it all.

Maybe she were a bit hard on him, but in her opinion, a strict hoof, would be the difference between a skittish, yet potentially useful changeling, and a horrorshow of an art instalment, made out of the members of the embassy.

As for herself? She'd go and file the paperwork, and let the front desk know they had passed, in case there'd be risen some question about their presence, or their performance. After that... Maybe a round of the place, just to get a feel of things, and see if there were something worth overhearing, before she had to go and do dreadful paperwork.

 

(Bling)

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The cloud pony nodded, "Yes, Staff Sergeant Peace Accords, one of the more level headed of the leadership to replace ambassadors Olive and Dove."

The host continued, "She's staying here in the Stacked Deck at the moment, as a favor to the Grey, recovering from a gang attack. It might be best if you spoke with her before you left."

Bling's eyes widened, and she let out a small, yet audible gasp, at what she were being told by The Host.

"She were attacked? Oh that poor thing. We'll go have a chat with her before leaving then instead. If she's recovering, it's not time to strain her with the sort of other changelings I had in mind.

To think that they had the galls to attack an envoy from Troy though... I mean, the gangs have never exactly been shy, but that seems reckless, even for them. Do you know which one? I know a few in the life, and I hope they're not part of the gang who did this."

They were not her friends. Let that be clear. She did not like the gangs, and didn't like that there were any changeling, who found companionship in them. And in turn, they didn't like her disapproval, and more or less told her to buzz off, most of the time. She'd still help if needed, as they were still kin, misguided though they may be, but never financially. She knew where that would go, and with their limited resources, they had to be careful where to spend them. And even now, as she had more, she weren't going to essentially fund a drug ring, or an extortion bracket. Quite frankly, if she could save all the changeling who went into that life, and then dismantle the gang in some way, she would, but that seemed like a pipe dream, lest she were willing to use extreme violence. WHich she most certainly were not.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Fortis smiled at that, "It is of course up to your digression, ultimately, but if you think your decision could affect the stability or welfare of the city, all of us are available to offer advice, either in person or via proxy. Feel free to ask any time if you need confirmation before taking immediate action."

"Okay, I'll keep that in mind, thank you. I'm sorry if it sounded like a dumb question. It's my first day."

She'd get a slightly bigger smile on her face, as she said this. It were technically true after all. She had never run a piece of town, really. Though some might argue that as the leader of a substantial amount of changelings - albeit she had never seen herself as leading them all per se, as much as just supporting them - she had been running things on some level, for years by now.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Per the rest of the discussion, the other heads appreciated Bling's unique inputs and perspective, occasionally seeking it out when Bling felt too timid or unsure to offer it. Bling would learn that her casino did have it's own currency, in the form of it's chips, that currently stood as the least valuable but most widely used after Debt, comparing to the Sand Dollar from Troy, it was looking like a 1:1 exchange in terms of buying power, though if Bling felt the city needed a cash infusion from Troy she could set the exchange to whatever she felt was appropriate, within reason, and the other heads would adjust to properly distribute the influx. With the advice that the higher she set the exchange, the more money she'd bring in initially, but the less confident the citizens would be in the Sand Dollar. They recommended setting the exchange no higher than 5:1.

The rest of the discussions seemed rather mundane and logical really. She'd follow along the best she could, and gorge on every detail she were told, since clearly, it were important for her to both give her opinion on things, but also learn from others, and get attuned with how this work would function, going forward. A little shaky at first perhaps, but for a newcomer, who were feeling like a cub, sitting around a coucil of elders, she were doing fairly well, yeah?

Though she had nearly given off a small laugh, as they had explained the currency of chips, that came from her part of town. Mostly due to the description.

*Least valuable, but most widely used* sounded like a description of the network of changelings, that had been going before she had taken over the casino. The remnants of Hive Cheshire, having often been described as harmless, and not something that were really worth going after for others, yet had usage for those who'd need labor in some fashion, from changelings looking for work. The best most having to say of them, that she heard, being that they did a great service, in keeping their kind grounded, and out of trouble.

To think she had now ended here, huh? Strange times, brought on by House apparently seeing something else, that most others didn't.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Everything established, they concluded the meeting, the Host simply turning their seat to look out the window, Portens and Fortis disconnecting from their screens, and the cloud floating over to her, "If you don't mind, I would like to get to know you a little more personally, At your convenience of course, come to my casino so we might be better acquainted." Then the cloud would dissipate.

The butler of the Host that had brought her there would be able to take her to Peace if she wanted, she was also free to return any time if she thought later would be better.

If she had the chance to respond to the cloud, before it vanished, Bling would reply, that she could come around in about an hour likely, if that was convenient. If she didn't have the time, she'd still go, and just set up something with the receptionist at his hotel. Had to be possible to schedule a meeting, though it'd likely be some time. Surely he were a busy uhm... Cloud.

As for right now? She'd go to the butler, knowing full well what she wanted to do.

"Could you please take us to Peace, sir? I'd like to talk to her about things."

Not everyone were perhaps that formal as to call the butler for sir, but she believed in being polite. Plus, she didn't know his name, and it were rude to just go *Hey, you there, with the face*. That wasn't okay.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

The Consul looked concerned while Null spoke, but nodded at the end, "That is perfectly acceptable, Vengeance is flexible for those that do Their work. Come, let's go to the Judgement chamber again. Arcade, if you would wait here please?"

He didn't wait for a response as he rose from the ground with the grace that alicorns seemed to possess naturally, and led the way for Null to follow. Soon they'd be back in the underground chamber where Null had first been given the powers of Vengeance before she left on her personal quest for Vengeance. They would both be surprised to find that the chamber was not empty, as the Grey Mare herself sat on the center pedestal as still as a statue. The Consul recomposed himself quickly enough as he proceeded to the elevated seat, "Grey Mare, what brings thee to the high court of Vengeance?"

Epsilon opened her eyes, not paying Null any mind, "I've come to atone for my father's transgressions against Vengeance, to recommit the Grey to the service of Karma. I have purged our ranks, those that remain stand worthy to serve."

The Consul nodded, "And so they shall, until their debt is repaid. I understand you are based in New Pegasus? I'll make the arrangements to travel there personally to administer the oaths. Make the necessary arrangements as Nibiru instructs. But first, let us commit your oath and gifts from Vengeance." He turned towards Null, "This won't take long, please take a seat." Null would be able to sit anywhere on the sides of the room.

The Consul administered the ceremony in the same manner as he had for Null with the exception that her full name was Epsilon Naught, the daughter of Grey Mane and Naught Physics.

Once the ritual was over, she would turn to leave without another word.

 

(Void)

Following Void's story, they'd look for the Zebrican continent, likely with Void's help as it was not nearby to where they were previously looking, they would then ask more about that stage of their journey, as well as the previous stage that she had mentioned, referring to Griffonstone. It was clear that Void had them fully enthralled by her stories. Although, one question, asked by Teal who had Peal in her care, stood above the others: "Who was Princess Luna? I think I remember the researchers talking about her, was she Equestrian?" 

 

(Molotov)

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕒𝕤𝕜 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕖𝕥𝕖, 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕦𝕟𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕝? 𝕆𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 ℂ 𝟙𝟘𝟞?"

Vale nodded, "They are one and the same now, and yes, that is the next step of the plan. Though, to clarify, there are three instances of Colonel Panic at this moment. The one occupying the Silver Tower autonomous body, the one you let escape, and the one currently running the facility in my absence. S-106 refers to the first, which is the dangerous one the Consul is worried about. The other two are working to mitigate the damage that will be done by the first."

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

*sigh* Dad was right... Brain so large, and yet I'm dense as a fruit cake."

Vale paused as Molotov spoke, but did not turn to face him, she was silent for a bit, but ultimately snorted, "We can talk about this later." Then continued forward.

 

With the facility cleaning itself up they had a relatively easier time making it back to where Molotov and Felicia had entered the structure from, "I'll see you top side. This time, don't go running off." With that she went off further into the facility, presumably to take the route she had used to get in.

 

(Changelings)

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Worth a shot though, in any case.

Judging from the marks, the ceramic plates had done their job well in projecting Peace from the worst of the strikes, it also showed that those attacking her were unfamiliar with the armor, as otherwise they would have tried to strike at the weak points, lending credence to the theory that she had been attacked by a local gang.

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

As for how it would present the wounds... She were not a fan, even if they were covered by gauze and bandages currently. It'd be annoying for her, and for Peace, she couldn't imagine there were much pride in torture marks. She'd need to think over how this might affect things.

(To clarify, these are the damages sustained in her ambush, not while she was captured, so they demonstrate how much of a fight she put up before she was taken down.)

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

After that... Maybe a round of the place, just to get a feel of things, and see if there were something worth overhearing, before she had to go and do dreadful paperwork.

There was talk among the others stationed there that local intelligence was confident that Bling, the new manager of the Top Suits, had been seen entering the Stacked Deck, indicating that she was seeing the other heads of the city. This could be overheard by all three changelings, those that Yannit overheard it from would turn to ask her what she thought of it, specifically on how this development might affect their ability to negotiate through Bling for favor in the city.

There were also quiet theories, spoken outside of Yannit's presence, that the gang attack had been a setup by one of the heads to sabotage the Trojan presence in the city.

 

(Bling)

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Do you know which one?

The cloud pony nodded, "It was one of the minor gangs based in my sector, one that had lost a good amount of influence in the shakeup, unfortunately the Grey were rather brutal in their liberation of the Sergeant, so we don't know their motivations, other than that they were payed. That gang was wholly eliminated by the Grey, either killed or inducted."

 

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Bling would reply, that she could come around in about an hour likely, if that was convenient.

The cloud would nod, indicating that the proper arrangements would be made.

 

21 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Could you please take us to Peace, sir? I'd like to talk to her about things."

The butler nodded, scanning a different chip once in the elevator, bringing them to Peace's floor then guiding them to Peace's room. She was awake when they entered, standing looking out the window still covered in bandages, she turned to look at Bling and Bruce as they entered, a bit of surprise on her face, "Another changeling? Don't tell me the last one got caught, or killed." She seemed remorseful at that, but still waited for Bling to introduce herself.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

10 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul recomposed himself quickly enough as he proceeded to the elevated seat, "Grey Mare, what brings thee to the high court of Vengeance?"

"Epsilon."

Null were taken aback, and staggered slightly in her step, as her half sister had suddenly shown up here, of all places. For what reasons were she here? What purpose lead her to come to Troy? Had she come to fight Null? Throw accusations and hatred at her, for whom she had killed?

While she mentally prepared herself for several things, she did not expect what were actually happening instead. The true purpose, of the now cursed mare's journey here.

There were a lot of things, that she had wanted to say, as it turned out that she were not the target, of Epsilon's trip. Frankly, it seemed as if she weren't even going to acknowledge her existence. Go figure, seeing how she had mistakenly thought that she could simply cast Null aside, and think that the end of it then. But she'd see, in due time... She'd see, if ever Null found a way.

10 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul administered the ceremony in the same manner as he had for Null with the exception that her full name was Epsilon Naught, the daughter of Grey Mane and Naught Physics.

Once the ritual was over, she would turn to leave without another word.

Null would simply stand and observe, as it all went through. Though she didn't say more, her worry for Epsilon, and concern for what she were doing, should shine through for the consul, seeing as how he could now openly read her emotions. Rather hypocritical really, considering what she were here to do. Not something she thought of though.

Before Epsilon would leave though, if she wanted to hear it or not, Null would still say something else to her, than merely her name,

"Until next time."

Wasn't much of a message, but it were all she could wring from her brain right now.

 

(Void)

"Princess Luna were one of the rulers of Equestria, along with princess Celestia. She were responsible for the night, and raising the moon."

Void would go into a history lesson, as she knew it, about Princess Luna. Including her fall from grace as it were, and subsequent imprisonment, before she returned in full, due to the actions of Twilight Sparkle. She were clear however, to also say that this were the story, as she heard it from Equestria. She couldn't say how much of it all were completely true, as it were based on history, that were written by Princess Celestia's court, with the newer events likely less one sided, as she had been told that by folks who had actually seen events unfold.

She'd also cap it off, by speaking a little of the story of Princess Luna, as they were told it in Troy. Though again here, tell them that it were likely that neither side were entire right about this, as the histories clashed some. The unbiased truth would be somewhere in the middle.

"As far as I know, they're still alive, but they're elsewhere, and can't return for twenty-five years. I'll admit I don't understand all of it. It have something to do with dimensions and portals- It were kinda hard for me to wrap my head around fully, but they should probably return someday, along with some of the others that were lost in Ponyville. But until then, making sure the sun and moon gets risen and set, is a responsibility that Consul Easle takes care of. I don't understand magic a lot, but apparently, it takes an alicorn to do that."

If they wanted her to make a picture, she'd draw one of the princesses, best she could. Though she wouldn't give them the massive, flowing manes. Just regular, long manes. She didn't want them to start making connections, that wouldn't be helping them, if she could avoid it. And it wasn't like the mane and tail were all that important, right? The wings and horns were.

 

(Molotov)

11 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Vale nodded, "They are one and the same now, and yes, that is the next step of the plan. Though, to clarify, there are three instances of Colonel Panic at this moment. The one occupying the Silver Tower autonomous body, the one you let escape, and the one currently running the facility in my absence. S-106 refers to the first, which is the dangerous one the Consul is worried about. The other two are working to mitigate the damage that will be done by the first."

"ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕒 𝕣𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕤 𝕔𝕝𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕪. 𝔸𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕒𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕒 𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕨𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕪𝕖𝕥 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕟, 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥?"

This came as a surprise to Felicia, who had assumed that the Panic she knew of, were the threat. But fif she understood correctly, there were a version that were occupying another shell, that were actually the root issue? If not, then the information were presented incorrectly. In either way, she would need clarification, as this meant they had an unknown looking entity to contend with. This would present a problem, as they then didn't even know where to start looking. Or rather, she did not. Vale may have some ideas.

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Vale paused as Molotov spoke, but did not turn to face him, she was silent for a bit, but ultimately snorted, "We can talk about this later." Then continued forward.

 

With the facility cleaning itself up they had a relatively easier time making it back to where Molotov and Felicia had entered the structure from, "I'll see you top side. This time, don't go running off." With that she went off further into the facility, presumably to take the route she had used to get in.

Yep. SO that was a good long way in silence after that, with him thinking more and more, that he had gone and goofed up even more than usual there. She had every right to be angry really, the more he thought on his exact wording, but... No, he got nothing there, in his own defense. He'd been an idiot, and that wasn't a point in his favor. Just a fact.

When they finally got out, through the first upwards tunnel/shaft they could get to, Molotov would look fairly down at that point He didn't have his sisters boundless optimism, when it came to things going poorly. It stuck with him a bit longer, instead of her, who seemingly couldn't keep a true grudge, or sad emotion, for more than a few seconds at a time. Never had, and he hoped that she never would.

Gods how he missed her... Often came the time, when he wondered if he did the right thing, when he sent her off on The Æther by herself. He could've gone with her. Made sure she were kept safe, and got both education, and more knowledge about her family, that she still couldn't remember, after her crash. Imagine the things they could have done, up where it were safe...

*sigh* But he knew he did the right thing. Had he left, dozens of others would've died that day, that relied on him, and his inventions to scrape by. Later on, even more might, after they were given entrance into Le Perinne's domicile, and worked with her, to make a safe haven. Some still did die of course, but the rest... Even if he didn't get along with all of 'em, they were living, breathing creatures of higher sentience, with a right to live. And he could help then., just as he felt sure he could do later on.

But they had been right, on The Æther. They needed a Boom. Wild as she was, he knew Blitz were going to be an asset to them. But more than that, he trusted that they'd keep her safe. Might be he wouldn't make it, but long as she did, he were okay. Least he had done something, to protect his remaining family then.

And speaking of which, he had barely come out, before he'd witness a battle commencing with another member of his family. Specifically, Carmen were being chased around by a curious dune fox pup, that had wandered near, and stumbled over the odd spider. She were not happy about it, telling to stop,. and leave her alone, but it weren't really listening. It were just having fun.

When the two of them got into sight though, and she started to skitter towards them, the pup would halt, and run off towards the dunes, where its parents would be waiting. Teaching the little one to hunt were important, but they'd still keep an eye out for them. Soon as the pup would get there, they'd take off again, whilst Carmen would climb up Molotov's leg, and plant herself on his head. Something which gave him a small, albeit fleeting smile.

"Heeey. Sorry it took a while. Things got a little haywire."

He'd spend the time until Vale would find them, to tell her what had gone on. And she too agreed that he had spoken poorly. She were not as blunt and brutal as Felicia, but her larger sister, had still taught her the importance of honesty. She were just a fair bit nicer about it.

 

(Changelings)

On 2022-04-19 at 10:35 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Judging from the marks, the ceramic plates had done their job well in projecting Peace from the worst of the strikes, it also showed that those attacking her were unfamiliar with the armor, as otherwise they would have tried to strike at the weak points, lending credence to the theory that she had been attacked by a local gang.

Looked like Peace had gotten lucky frankly. Some of these strikes, looked like they were intended to kill. But if that were the case, then why had they taken her in to torture slowly instead? A change in plans, or were these hits just meant to be the first stage? A lot of questions, but not a ton of answers. Though her guess would be it were just to be a taste. Go from murder to slow torture, were quite a leap, lest something happened. Like a want to get more out of the deal, and thinking they could make her spill the beans on something good. Whatever the case, others than her, had likely already questioned them. Or made them *unavailable for questioning*.

On 2022-04-19 at 10:35 PM, Illiad Easle said:

There was talk among the others stationed there that local intelligence was confident that Bling, the new manager of the Top Suits, had been seen entering the Stacked Deck, indicating that she was seeing the other heads of the city. This could be overheard by all three changelings, those that Yannit overheard it from would turn to ask her what she thought of it, specifically on how this development might affect their ability to negotiate through Bling for favor in the city.

"Might be good, might be bad. Hoping they're gathered up to discuss how bad this looks for them, and that's gonna soften them up for negotiating. Could be they're trying to cover their own flanks instead. It'll be hard to tell, until the changeling starts talking, and I get a feel for what angle they're trying to work this from."

She knew Bling enough to know that not only had she no part in this attack. She'd also be horrified if she were even asked to partake in something like this, and might even send a warning, if she knew the truth about this. That were before this though... Ergh, Yannit doubted that the bleeding heart had changed her stance on partaking, but she might have gotten to the point, where she had to turn a blind eye on certain things.

Though really, she could imagine that if one of the other leaders were part of this - she never did trust those dragons - they'd probably have been around for long enough, and have enough IQ points, to just flat out not tell her. They had experience in how to run this town, and she had been tossed into it. She could imagine Bling were being strung along in one way or another. Hopefully it were just stuff that wouldn't set her up, or backfire hard in some other way. She might be a bleeding heart, who could use a spine, but Yannit still liked her. She'd risen a hoof when Upbeat called out, who'd vote for her as a risen queen, for a reason. Might not be that she were the ideal changeling, in her experience, but those around here, needed one who cared about them, and saw them as more than drones. For this area, and the state the world had gotten into in general, Bling would fit the type.

She'd need to change her name though. Queen Bling, sounded like a name for someone, who needed to be punched in the face.

As for the other two, Mongoose were frankly having too much of a good time, to really listen in, but Craven were listening with interest. The same would go for the talk of the potential involvement of the other leaders in town, which Yannit hadn't heard, but had started to think of herself too, by association of the meeting. His view on that were... Bleak, honestly, as he could well imagine they'd do that. They hadn't gotten to their position of power in town, through kindness, and hugs. They had gotten there through knowing how the new world worked, and being brutally effective in bending it to their advantage.

On 2022-04-19 at 10:35 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The cloud pony nodded, "It was one of the minor gangs based in my sector, one that had lost a good amount of influence in the shakeup, unfortunately the Grey were rather brutal in their liberation of the Sergeant, so we don't know their motivations, other than that they were payed. That gang was wholly eliminated by the Grey, either killed or inducted."

"Your sector, that would likely mean... Oof. If it's the one I think about, that'd probably be the one that Clingfilm would've stuck with. Not a friend of mine, but a changeling nonetheless, so I hope she were inducted, and have to pay off her debt, instead of the alternative though. I don't like to think of fellow changelings dying. Friend or foe. they're still kin."

If surrender had been an option, Clingfilm would've done so in a heartbeat. She were a coward at heart, and had only been high and mighty, when the gang did okay. If it had been the gang she were in, that had gotten hit, she would've given up, soon as all hope seemed lost for them. And the presence of The Grey, would definitely be proof of that. 

Could be it weren't that one though. Bling just hadn't heard about her in a while now. Might be that she were just laying low instead. Weighing her options, and maybe finally able to see some reason. Bling kind of suspected at times, that she were held in the gang, with threats of extreme violence, and just adapted, as changelings are like to do. No proof of it though, but if she were still alive, the future might end up showing her something there. One could always hope, right?

On 2022-04-19 at 10:35 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The butler nodded, scanning a different chip once in the elevator, bringing them to Peace's floor then guiding them to Peace's room. She was awake when they entered, standing looking out the window still covered in bandages, she turned to look at Bling and Bruce as they entered, a bit of surprise on her face, "Another changeling? Don't tell me the last one got caught, or killed." She seemed remorseful at that, but still waited for Bling to introduce herself.

Bling were silent for a bit, as she felt a few pieces fall into place. Epsilon asking for changelings, The Grey having rescued Peace, and now her saying she had been visited by another changeling... Oh boy, she were stepping into their domain now. Best be careful, not to stomp on their hooves.

She heard who it were that had accepted. Three of them, and of them.. She would assume Yannit. She were the better infiltrator, and had a bit of a commanding aura around her, when she set her heart into it. Craven didn't have that, and Mongoose... Well, she were happy he were The Grey's problem now, harsh as it might sound. Let it be at that.

After a few seconds of everything falling into place, she'd take some steps forward, with the stone-faced, stoic Bruce behind her. Her on the other hoof, had a friendly smile on her lips, and would reach a hoof forth, to shake Peace's hoof, if it were possible for the mare. If she seemed in too much pain, she'd just let it stay at the smile.

"Well, I haven't been told of any dying, so let's hope for the best.

My name is Bling. I'm part of Hive Cheshire, and I guess, the current de facto leader, of the changelings in New Las Pegasus. I'm also the new owner of the Top Suites Casino. I'm the one you've wanted to talk to, before this horrible attack happened to you.

And this here is Bruce. He's my bodyguard. Though I guess you could tell fromt he demeanor, heh.

Anyway, I were just told about what happened to you, so I came over to see if you were okay, and if there were something I could do to help. Maybe you wanted to have that meeting set up, that I've heard you were interested in? Anytime you feel better of course. I can make time for it. You've been through a lot, and I don't want to tax your energy too much, while you're healing."

Maybe there were something else, but this were just the first thing, off the top of her head.

"Oh, I guess... Right, I should say, I'm not in your head, and we're not spying on you. But the walls have ears in New Las Pegasus, and there's a fair bit of changelings around. You'd be surprised what we sometimes hear."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

The Consul waited until Epsilon was far enough gone, as she had left through a different tunnel than the two of them had entered from, to turn his attention back to Null, "You are deeply concerned for her, understandably so. Still, I would advise against interfering with her without her consent. The wound she carries is still fresh."

He sighed, shaking his head, "Let's move on then, take your place on the dais." He'd gesture towards the center of the room as his Shadow once again took the forefront.

"Vengeance Null, you have returned from your journey to seek your own Vengeance. The target you set out against has been duly punished. Do you feel, within yourself, that all debts owed you have been paid? Or do there exist others out there who you believe owe you a debt?"

 

(Void)

The story that Void had been taught about Princess Luna, back when she was in the Eponsilon research station as a foal, Followed a number of the same story beats as the one taught in Equestria. While the Equestrian tale indicated that Luna fell out of jealousy, the Trojan account indicated that she fell out of desperation, doing what she did because she had to, not because she wanted to. Further, her actions in holding the world in darkness for a period allowed the Trojan rebellion to succeed, ultimately resulting in their succession from Equestria.

The real truth of the matter, was another thing entirely, only the princess herself knew the whole story, but there were two creatures presently in Troy that each knew a part, and together they also knew the whole story. If Void was interested, she could discover it for herself, she had met both of these creatures already.

The young ponies were obviously confused by her brief mention of portals and dimensions, but as Void indicated that she herself didn't know, they didn't press that matter. As more proper names entered the dynamic though, Ardee grew more uncomfortable, worrying that the others, mostly Teal and Toupé, might catch on to the similarities.

Ardee was lucky then that the others weren't interested in a picture, the thought not crossing their minds as their attention was brought back to the map, their questions having brought them full circle back to where they were now. Ardee asked the next question in an effort to get the attention away from Equestria and their progenitors, "Well, what can you tell us about where we are now?" 

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-04-20 at 4:34 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"ℙ𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕒 𝕣𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕚𝕣𝕖𝕤 𝕔𝕝𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕪. 𝔸𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕤𝕒𝕪𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕒 𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕨𝕖 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕪𝕖𝕥 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕟, 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥?"

Vale thought a moment as they walked, "I think it's likely that you've already seen this one. It inhabits a metal based autonomous body, and was corrupted by the substance created by S-106 before S-106 was destroyed by Consul Easle. So, now it's something of a copy of S-106 with the mentality, at least to some extent, of Panic." Vale was of course referring to the corroded machine oozing corrosive goo that Felicia had lost a limb to on her first excursion and that they had avoided by going around in their most recent trip.

 

On 2022-04-20 at 4:34 PM, Blitz Boom said:

until Vale would find them

It wouldn't be more than another half hour before Vale came walking over from another portion of what remained of the facility, no more worse for wear than she had been when they parted ways, though a little more out of breath. "As much as I want to leave this place behind, it's probably best if we rest here before heading out." Vale would then busy herself with some cleaning and self repair by the tent she had set up when they had first arrived, not paying much mind to the others unless they tried to get it.

Her repairs were fairly minor, simply pulling a small set of tools from a hidden compartment in her artificial back leg, and using them with her real front leg to adjust some of the components of her artificial front leg, the torn fur giving her easy access to the damaged area.

 

(Changelings)

Being cleaners, Craven and Mongoose were able to go around mostly unnoticed by everyone around them, inasmuch as they kept to themselves and didn't cause any trouble. That was, until they crossed paths with the same local that had been staring down Yannit the previous day. From his appearance, they could tell that he had just got back from a patrol. They couldn't get any read on his emotions, but he looked curious as he came over to them, "I don't think I've met you two, I assume you're new here? Took up Peace's offer of being cleaners?" He chuckled, and they could feel something... dark... radiating off of the unicorn stallion, a small amount of anger pouring into them, "Don't you think you deserve better than what she's offering you?"

 

(Bling)

On 2022-04-20 at 4:34 PM, Blitz Boom said:

I don't like to think of fellow changelings dying. Friend or foe. they're still kin.

The could looked intrigued at that, "I'll be sure to send some feelers out after this 'Clingfilm' and see if I can't determine their status."

 

On 2022-04-20 at 4:34 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Oh, I guess... Right, I should say, I'm not in your head, and we're not spying on you. But the walls have ears in New Las Pegasus, and there's a fair bit of changelings around. You'd be surprised what we sometimes hear."

Peace was surprised when Bling introduced herself, but she didn't interrupt, letting Bling say her piece before responding, "Ah, sorry, I wasn't expecting you to look so... standard. I mean no offence of course, I haven't worked much with changelings before, before the crisis I was Equestrian, and after the crisis, well, there weren't too many of your kind left to work with. Still, I thought with your reputation you'd at least look... different?" She shook her head, embarrassed by her first impressions, "Sorry again, I'm getting off on the wrong hoof here, but yes, now is an excellent time to talk, talking's pretty much all I can do while my body heals. You can take a seat... well, anywhere you find comfortable I guess, if you like."

She took a moment to gather herself before she continued, "As you likely know, Troy established a sort of embassy in your sector of the city with Mr. House's permission. In response to the explosion of gang activity, which we were forewarned about by one of your changelings, Troy decided to increase the number of guards stationed there, and temporarily remove the ambassadors until the situation stabilizes. First off, we would like the assurance that you, as the new manager, don't intend to revoke our claim to the embassy. I'd have you sign something, but those documents are back at the embassy, we can get that all squared away later. Second off, we'd like to know what plan you have to take care of the gang activity in the city since the Grey seem to have gone missing? We can't have our ambassadors here if they're at risk of getting attacked like I was."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul waited until Epsilon was far enough gone, as she had left through a different tunnel than the two of them had entered from, to turn his attention back to Null, "You are deeply concerned for her, understandably so. Still, I would advise against interfering with her without her consent. The wound she carries is still fresh."

"What I'd need to break her free, isn't something that I could find in a few days anyway. It'd likely take years, but maybe someday, I could save her from her fate, before it consumes her too. The cycle have to end."

She barely knew Epsilon, but she knew what it were like, to suffer under being related to one with this curse, and she had seen where it had gotten her blood father. Much as she hated him, his tale was one of suffering too,, with only one outcome. Just as it had been for his parents, and those before them. She didn't wish this upon any blood relative of hers, no matter how little they might be connected.

15 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He sighed, shaking his head, "Let's move on then, take your place on the dais." He'd gesture towards the center of the room as his Shadow once again took the forefront.

"Vengeance Null, you have returned from your journey to seek your own Vengeance. The target you set out against has been duly punished. Do you feel, within yourself, that all debts owed you have been paid? Or do there exist others out there who you believe owe you a debt?"

But it were show time for now it seemed, so she'd have to push those thoughts away again for now, and focus on what were in front of her. Which seemed to be the point, where she had to declare if her thirst were sated, or not.

She'd think on those she knew, who had wronged her. The siren brothers, several slavers, Le Perinne- But in the end, all of those she thought of, held not a candle to the one that were already dead, and if they were still alive, they had others that wished for their demise. They would get what were coming to them, regardless of her own wants. Though some of them., might have managed to turn themselves around too. A new world... Maybe some of them, could move past how they had been. She wouldn't hold her breath on that, however.

"There are more that hurt me, than there are souls in this town. But I've gotten my vengeance, on him that did the worst, and whoever is still left, I'll judge through fresh eyes. I'm not forgiving them. But lest they try to hurt my family, I don't see reason to chase them all over the globe."

Unless she found out Le Perinne had something to do with the attack, that were levied upon her by Fheng... She'd be vengeful towards the old lizard by then for sure.

She hadn't though. Le Perinne were as surprised as any, to be told that Fheng were in the world once more, and had openly scolded her for her actions, when she had connected to the griffon. She'd have to prove herself worthy, to get back in the dragon's good grace, and it wasn't by trying to assassinate someone.

 

(Void)

"Less than you might have thought. I grew up here, in Troy. Long before the Crisis. I've told you some of that. But when our accident happened, where I lost my leg, and Null her wing... *sigh* Our parents tried to get us out, but only Null and I made it away, and we vowed to never return. That also means we tried to avoid all that had to do with Troy, and even before then, we were in a facility too. Just one disguised as a town. I am not sure what we learned there is all that accurate. And we didn't stay long enough in Equestria, to learn everything from their perspective, but I'll tell you as much as I can."

She'd hide the less foal-friendly things, like details of what the two did to one another, but she'd tell them the truth, as best she could. How they had come apart from Equestria, the reasons why they had broken from Equestria, and why the two had been doing war with one another. The apparent torture experiments, and biological/magical weapons used from Equestria though, she wouldn't mention. That wasn't foal friendly in the slightest.

Beyond that, she'd tell what she knew of Troy, which again, wasn't a lot She hadn't seen many areas, and most of it were gone now. She knew some of the wildlife, and could talk at length about the town she had grown up in., She would even give a rough estimate, of where it were, looking at the map. Nothing certain of course, but she were relatively sure she could point it out.

"I doubt there's much left of our old home now though. Probably some dune fox infested ruin by now. They've been one of the few things that have flourished after all of this. Less inhabited cities, means they have ample safe space to seek shelter, and breed. They're very adaptive creatures."

 

(Molotov)

10 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Vale thought a moment as they walked, "I think it's likely that you've already seen this one. It inhabits a metal based autonomous body, and was corrupted by the substance created by S-106 before S-106 was destroyed by Consul Easle. So, now it's something of a copy of S-106 with the mentality, at least to some extent, of Panic." Vale was of course referring to the corroded machine oozing corrosive goo that Felicia had lost a limb to on her first excursion and that they had avoided by going around in their most recent trip.

"𝔸𝕗𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖. 𝔸𝕓𝕠𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕕. ℙ𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕜 𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕥 𝕒𝕤 𝕙𝕚𝕘𝕙, 𝕒𝕗𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕕𝕒𝕞𝕒𝕘𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕕."

So that one were also a variant of Panic? Interesting. And indeed an issue. It had caused substantial damage to her, from a mere touch, to a point where she had to sacrifice her leg to not get potentially totalled. And that had been from just about no effort on the part of 106. She almost shuddered in her gears, to think about what might happen, if it were more determined to go after one. And if it were less broken. It seemed to hamper it thus far, that it were not fully functional, but that may well be a rouse.

10 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

It wouldn't be more than another half hour before Vale came walking over from another portion of what remained of the facility, no more worse for wear than she had been when they parted ways, though a little more out of breath. "As much as I want to leave this place behind, it's probably best if we rest here before heading out." Vale would then busy herself with some cleaning and self repair by the tent she had set up when they had first arrived, not paying much mind to the others unless they tried to get it.

Her repairs were fairly minor, simply pulling a small set of tools from a hidden compartment in her artificial back leg, and using them with her real front leg to adjust some of the components of her artificial front leg, the torn fur giving her easy access to the damaged area.

Molotov would raise a hoof in greeting when she returned, but wouldn't say more to Vale right now. Considering how they had left off, he figured it might be best if he let her come to him instead. Might stop him from shoving his hoof further down his gullet.

So when she told them to camp it out for tonight, he'd nod, and go over to a position with a bit of shade away from them. There, he'd pick out some cloth from the compartment he had Felicia carry, and start to polish her exterior. He were curious what exactly Vale were doing, but beyond giving a few glances, he'd stick to this work, whilst Felicia merely stood still. She only moved when another angle would make it easier to clean her exterior.

While they left her be though, Carmen would inevitably come skittering over, and look up at Vale with curious eyes.

"Special lady? You okay?"

She could see that some of Vale's fur were torn, or straight up missing. Between that, and what she had been told had happened, she were worried about the larger, semi-mechanical doe. She were also curious what repairs Vale were doing, but even she, as the smallest mind between her, Felicia, and Molotov, knew that might not be nice to ask. Maybe her being lesser in mind, were actually helping her to empathize better. Or she just weren't as dense as them.

 

(Changelings)

8 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Peace was surprised when Bling introduced herself, but she didn't interrupt, letting Bling say her piece before responding, "Ah, sorry, I wasn't expecting you to look so... standard. I mean no offence of course, I haven't worked much with changelings before, before the crisis I was Equestrian, and after the crisis, well, there weren't too many of your kind left to work with. Still, I thought with your reputation you'd at least look... different?" She shook her head, embarrassed by her first impressions, "Sorry again, I'm getting off on the wrong hoof here, but yes, now is an excellent time to talk, talking's pretty much all I can do while my body heals. You can take a seat... well, anywhere you find comfortable I guess, if you like."

"Yeah, most who hears *leader* think of a queen, or a king.

Sadly, when Las Pegasus were taken over, my queen went missing, and several of my siblings... There's three of us left, but the town still became a safe enough haven, to have drawn in other changelings, after it was retaken. A lot of our kind have died the past few years out there. Including most of the queens, so there's a lot who didn't even know what to do with themselves.

Before everything went crazy, we were a small hive, but we helped those of our kin that passed through, or had hit some hard times. Made sure to keep them fed and clothed, and provide shelter for a time if they needed it. After things settled down, the need for this just got bigger, so my siblings and I, we continued the work. Made our old theater into a shelter for changelings, and kept on with our goal. Even if our queen is absent, we know what we're doing, and have been doing it ever since. Though until recently, we were rather low rung. Think of us like... Volunteers, running a homeless shelter, more or less. Well, exactly like that to be honest, but with changelings.

We got a bit of funding here and there, and were generally left by ourselves, since we weren't hurting anyone, and us making sure every changeling were fed, made sure no one would start to snack on the populace. Desperate times, can make a changeling do some bad things, like anyone else, y'know? Most figured we'd take care of our own, and it would make it simpler for everyone. Plus, we've been doing what we can to keep up moralle around town too, for some years now. Hive Cheshire were never fighters, but uplifting spirits, is important too, in these dark times.

Anyway, my siblings and I, I always figured were even about sharing the responsibilities. But recently, the various changelings and even my own family, have pointed to me as the leader. After Mr. House's tragic passing, it just became more apparent, when he left his casino to me. And trust me, I am just as surprised as anyone. I liked House. He was a good pony at heart, who gave some changelings a chance to get work, where not everyone else were willing. But I didn't think he'd do something like that.

So, that's the story pretty much. We don't have a queen, but the hive and hiveless have spoken, so here I am."

There were the parts about the inevitable rise of her as a queen, but that would involve Rasputin, and she would not betray his trust like that. He'd go and make himself publicly known, when he felt he time were right, though the rumor would still be out. Not all changelings were that willing to shush about that. Especially not Nightingale, who unbeknownst to Bling, had taken the information to whatever figure of power she could. Well, to a middle man, technically, as she would likely not be allowed to meet with an actual leader, but still. Someone out there would know. Bling for one though, wouldn't confirm or deny anything.

9 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

She took a moment to gather herself before she continued, "As you likely know, Troy established a sort of embassy in your sector of the city with Mr. House's permission. In response to the explosion of gang activity, which we were forewarned about by one of your changelings, Troy decided to increase the number of guards stationed there, and temporarily remove the ambassadors until the situation stabilizes. First off, we would like the assurance that you, as the new manager, don't intend to revoke our claim to the embassy. I'd have you sign something, but those documents are back at the embassy, we can get that all squared away later. Second off, we'd like to know what plan you have to take care of the gang activity in the city since the Grey seem to have gone missing? We can't have our ambassadors here if they're at risk of getting attacked like I was."

"I can assure you, that I have no reason right now, to revoke your stay here, in the slightest. I'm sure House said something similar, but long as you're here, for the reasons you say, you're welcome in my... Sector, I guess is the name. If you get hold of some of those papers eventually, just let me know, and I'll have them signed for you. Pretty much all changelings in town, will know how to get hold of me, so it should be simple enough to get the message passed on.

As for the second thing... To be perfectly honest, I don't know yet. I need to first assess the situation properly.  I've just been introduced to this being part of the job, but long term, I'd like for the gangs to be disbanded. Short term though, I'm gonna need to know more directly what they're like now. After The Grey restructured, and the gang war, I'm not sure how many are around, that's still a big issue, and in what scope. I can't just send a swarm in to kill them out of nowhere. That'd be monstrous. I need details first.

If it's any consolation, the ones who took you, have been dealt with. The Grey didn't take kindly to what they did to you.

And if you hadn't guessed it from what I said, The Grey are still very much around. They've just gone back to their old ways, of dealing with things from the shadows. Leaves us without an open guard force for now, but we'll figure something out. Beyond the gangs, we don't need many, but what happened to you, are clear proof that we certainly have to do something preventative.

I met Ambassador Dove when she were here first, actually. She seemed like a very nice mare, what little I got the chance to see. I'm hoping that the town will get secure enough for her, but right now, this instance, I think it's best she gives it a little time, until things have been addressed. I for one, would like a friendly connection with Troy, That won't happen, if we can't guarantee safety for you.

Still seems odd to me though. The gangs have been pretty quiet after the gang war. That one of them would pop our of nowhere, and take a high ranking Trojan guard? Utter madness."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Illiad's shadow nodded, "By becoming a true avatar of Vengeance, you will surrender any outstanding debts owed you, from that point forward, you will only bring judgement against those Vengeance directs you to."

"Becoming a true avatar of Vengeance also requires a repayment of any debts you owe. This is typically done through service to Vengeance, though repayment though this manner is compulsory, in that Vengeance will decide how you repay these debts. If you would like to reconcile your debts personally, before becoming an avatar of Vengeance, now would be the time."

Nine would then read off for Null to hear, any outstanding debts that she owed others, prefacing it with: "When I said that you could stop working for Vengeance any time, that would more accurately be after these debts are repaid, at least without consequence. If you were to discontinue with Vengeance before these debts were paid Vengeance would require their full repayment immediately."

The severity of this situation of course depended on how much exactly Null owed others, which was different from what others thought she owed them. Vengeance did not care about perceived slights or misguided anger, they only collected debts that were truly owed. Vengeance also was not concerned with petty squabbles, so Null would only have to be concerned about intentional actions that had truly harmed those who did not deserve to be hurt.

(Outside of denying her sister a better life, I don't know of any events in her past that would fit this category, but I don't know everything about Null.)

 

(Void)

As Void had avoided learning about Troy for most of her life before this point, and given Equestria did not speak about Troy prior to the Summer War, she would only be able to tell the young ponies what she was taught before she left Eponsilon. So a simplified version of the following:

Troy was founded by an Earth Pony named Trojan Horse about 100 years before Nightmare Moon first appeared, and that's why it was called Troy. Troy started out as a place for trading caravans to meet and exchange goods such that the individual caravans didn't have to travel the whole length of the San Palomino desert, they only had to walk to Troy and back. Eventually ponies and others decided to stay in Troy permanently, making money by providing food and shelter to the caravans, and eventually making trade goods to sell directly to the caravans. Troy was used as an experiment by the Princesses to see if Democracy could work, given Troy was too far from Canterlot for a typical governor to be effective.

Over the years Troy expanded, and then the Æther was created to bring in clouds and manage the weather as it was too far away for Cloudsdale to manage, then Alphyns was founded, followed by Spartrot, Deltrot, Delphi, and Eponsilon. A bunch of unicorns got together, secretly backed by Princess Celestia, and worked to overthrow the democracy of the region by rigging the elections so they could be in power, starting to oppress the other races in favor of their own.

When Nightmare Moon happened, the Trojan rebellion managed to overthrow the tyrannical unicorns, revealing that they had been backed by Celestia. The Trojan provence then declared their independence from Equestria, denouncing their influence, and ever since Equestria has denied Troy's existence, and Troy has refused to buy anything of Equestrian origin.

(This relationship of course changed during and after the Summer War, but again, Void doesn't know the details other than that the war changed things. The young ponies will ask Vale for more information when she returns.)

 

(Molotov)

When Carmen came over, Vale was in a sort of meditative trance as she worked, focusing entirely on the task at hoof as it calmed her to focus on these repairs. She was startled from this trance when Carmen spoke, nearly dropping her tool, "Oh!, Didn't see you there, I'm... fine. Just doing some repairs, nothing major." She turned the leg in question so Carmen could see better, "I got hit by something here, it tore through my skin and bent that rod there, so I'm taking it out so I can bend it back to its proper shape. I've already fixed this one here and that one there, tightened this joint as it was getting a little loose." She flexed the leg a bit so Carmen could see the inner parts moving, like tendons, bones, and muscles. She then turned to look at Carmen, "Do you need any repairs?"

 

(Changelings)

(You skipped this part)

 

(Bling)

Peace was thoughtful as Bling spoke in answer to her questions, "Hmm... perhaps we could offer a mutually beneficial arrangement? While Troy is not willing to spare the horsepower at this time to completely clean the city of its gang problem, it could certainly go a long way towards establishing order here. Though, we would need the backing of at least two of the leaders here for the populous to accept us as the enforcers of the law and not see it as a hostile takeover."

 

On 2022-04-22 at 3:53 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Still seems odd to me though. The gangs have been pretty quiet after the gang war. That one of them would pop our of nowhere, and take a high ranking Trojan guard? Utter madness.

Peace shrugged, "I already shared my suspicions with the changeling who was sent to look into it for me, so hopefully we'll find out exactly why soon enough. but I get the feeling that Troy is not the most popular here at the moment, and strong retaliatory efforts do little to soften the public image. Which brings me to my next question, what would you recommend that we do to improve the public perception? I take it you've got a good idea of what the city is thinking, how might we sway them?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

Null had hurt a lot of beings in her life. The worst of which, were littering the broken landscape within her, carrying memories of things that threaten to tear her asunder sometimes.

Of everything though, she only had three, which were  what she'd think of, as intentionally hurting others. The one where she denied Void a new life, being the worst one.

Another though, were something she felt disgusted at doing, yet still felt were her responsibility in the end. One of the times Void had been caught, and she had to go and save her. The one who knew where she were, had been unwilling to let go of details, and so, she had beaten him, for hours on end, before through cracked teeth, he had finally spilled the beans. Just a goon, doing what he saw as his job, yet she had been relentless, and looking back upon it, the sight of him broken on the ground, in a mixture of blood and tears, were horrifying to her. Sometimes, she couldn't even believe she had been able to do something like that, and yet, it had been her, bloodied hoof, that had struck every blow, without feeling a shimmer of guilt about it, until later.

He however, were not innocent. He had known what his bosses did, and had even tried to call for help, to deal with the intruder. For an innocent one though...

There had been a time, when they had both been caught. Several, actually, but this one were memorable for her, because they quickly understood how to control her. She were told - with examples - that every time she asked questions, Void would get beaten. If she tried to escape, Void would get beaten. If she disobeyed in any way, her sister would pay the price, because they understood that hurting her, were far more painful to Null, than anything they could do to her.

It had stood on for a few weeks. Sometimes, Void even got hit, when Null had done nothing, just to show her that they could. But then, thirteen days in, they wanted to test if she were properly broken.

They took another colt in, around fifteen too, and tossed a knife to her. The order were simple: Kill him, or she knew what would happen. Something she disobeyed at first. Especially as the colt cried out for his father, who had been forced to watch too, in that miserable hellhole of a slaver's den. But then, the way they hit Void. The severity

She had never felt worse about killing another creature. Ever. The look in his eyes, and the last, feint whisper, escaping his muzzle, before the tormented cries of his father overshadowed it all...

She had killed innocents before, but those were beings afflicted with horrible curses, that weren't possible to safe, and needed mercy. This wasn't. This was cold blooded, and cruel, and she had done it out of pure selfishness. One life, over the two she destroyed.

It had been about a half week after that, when they had thought she were properly broken, and eased up on the restraints, that she managed to break free, and have revenge. None of the slavers had likely survived, but the father of the colt she killed, had been among those who were liberated, when the slaves started to revolt too, and she couldn't imagine that he could've ever forgiven her, for what she did. She couldn't either, and the memory statue within her, about this, almost radiated with pure agony and guilt, before it were even touched.

"...As I were given, what I were owed, so too shall I repay my own debts..."

 

(Void)

It wasn't a nice story between the countries, and it certainly didn't paint Celestia in a good light. Yet she felt like, there had to be something more to things. It all seemed very... One sided, were probably the best way to describe it? Life had taught her, that things were rarely this black and white, but rather nuances of grey. That's why she made sure to tell them that this were one side of the story, which likely had a lot of truth to it, but were also not guaranteed to be completely truthful, as it lacked the perspective of the other side. Though she would still understand, and explain, that Celestia had an undeniable dark side to her by all accounts, and she couldn't tell how deep that rot went just yet.

She'd briefly mention that she had a friend that had come to town recently, that used to work in one of the places, that Celestia controlled, and had to see his work be twisted into bad things. He likely understood the PR side that Celestia were presenting, and could provide some tales from the other side. As well as let them know the consequences, of not looking objectively at a being, but only through the lenses they wanted you to see them as. She'd tell them that while she couldn't guarantee he'd be able to show up here, due to safety for them, she could try and ask him for more stories of Troy, from Equestria's perspective, and see what might be there to learn.

If they had more questions, she'd tell them his first name, and explain what a Molotov then were, if they were curious. Nor details of how to make it exactly though. There were plenty enough in him dealing with explosives. They didn't need to join in on that, lest it turned out to be a passion for one of them. But she couldn't say who that would even be. Probably none.

 

(Molotov)

Carmen looked carefully, and with great curiosity, as Vale presented her open wound to the spiderbot. Such a curious way, for a deer to be made. Very strange, and likely had a lot of history to it, but she understood from what Molotov said, that it wasn't something she should poke at. She did not like being what she were, whatever that even were. Personally, she'd say cyborg, but the polite, and likely correct thing to call Vale, were just a deer. She might be augmented, but she were still a deer, nonetheless.

As for the question about needing repairs herself, she'd shake her head. Due to said head being part of her torso (she were presented as more of a fuzzy, fluffball spider, than a realistic one, like Felicia were), she'd essentially be shaking most of her body from side to side, but her legs were sturdy. They'd latch on to the sand simple enough, to not cause her to fall lose balance from this.

"I am okay. Dog did not catch me. It thought I was prey, maybe?

Can I help you? I like helping."

If there were a tool somewhere on the ground, she could prove it, by going over to fetch it, like she did when Molotov were tinkering around. Not the same, but she felt like, if Vale asked her if she could help, she should do the same back, yes? If not, she'd ask something else.

"Does it hurt, to repair?"

Though her voicebox were not as good as Felicia's, Carmen's voice still carried genuine concern with it.

 

(Changelings)

On 2022-04-22 at 7:58 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Being cleaners, Craven and Mongoose were able to go around mostly unnoticed by everyone around them, inasmuch as they kept to themselves and didn't cause any trouble. That was, until they crossed paths with the same local that had been staring down Yannit the previous day. From his appearance, they could tell that he had just got back from a patrol. They couldn't get any read on his emotions, but he looked curious as he came over to them, "I don't think I've met you two, I assume you're new here? Took up Peace's offer of being cleaners?" He chuckled, and they could feel something... dark... radiating off of the unicorn stallion, a small amount of anger pouring into them, "Don't you think you deserve better than what she's offering you?"

Better... Yes, he could do better, Mongoose thought. He were being talked down to by Yannit all the time. As if he were some wild beast, on the brink of breaking loose and starting a killing spree. He wasn't some servant to be bashed around like that. But like... What could he do? He were under orders. He couldn't just... Could he?

Mongoose were an emotional mess more often than not. Distracting himself as much as he could, he got away from the worst of it, but he had deep rooted, dark tendencies, that could override his morals, if things got heated. This one meddling further with him, by pushing this anger on him, were making his thoughts go down some paths it shouldn't.

That is, until Craven bumped an elbow into him, and he'd look up, to see that his partner for the job, were glaring at whomever this were. He could feel the anger pushed on to him too alright, but Craven couldn't just be overriden, and controlled that easily. He could feel the anger, and as it went through him, recognized it for the dark feeling it were. He had almost lost himself to that at times, after the things he had done, made him angrily lash out in guilt. Sometimes towards himself, to a point where he almost...

SO when he felt this anger boil ever so subtly again, his whole system screamed at him, to be alarmed, and stay in control. Just like very time, he had looked down on the big steak knife, and reached a tentative, shaking hoof towards it.

He were angry though. Positively miffed in fact, but not at Yannit. He had nothing against her, including that she had to run this show, and they were following in her hoofsteps. She were the most qualified, and in the end, they were all still just working for The Grey. She was just strict, to make things happen, and to keep Mongoose in line.

This unknown unicorn though? No, him he did not like, and his response would be rather grumpy too, as he glared straight at the unicorn.

"We needed a job, and she kindly offered us one, Sir. If you have nothing better to do, than try and stir the pot, buzz off."

Later, he'd have the chance to think further over how this one were essentially not giving any emotions of, that wasn't this anger they felt. But here, in the moment, when he felt a little overwhelmed and surprised, it were not something he bit a lot of notice in.

Still, the local would find something of use from this, even if he left now. The one that would be the easiest to manipulate, if only he could separate Mongoose from the others. Depending on what The Grey connection were doing. They'd likely have some words about what were happening, yes?

 

(Bling)

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Peace was thoughtful as Bling spoke in answer to her questions, "Hmm... perhaps we could offer a mutually beneficial arrangement? While Troy is not willing to spare the horsepower at this time to completely clean the city of its gang problem, it could certainly go a long way towards establishing order here. Though, we would need the backing of at least two of the leaders here for the populous to accept us as the enforcers of the law and not see it as a hostile takeover."

"You'd have my support. I think we could all benefit, if Troy and New Las Pegasus had a healthy, friendly relation. That's why I'm hoping that while House is sadly gone, I will be able to help further this goal in his place."

There were eyes on both of them, to see how this went. On Peace, to see what Troy's intentions were, and on Bling, to see how competent she were, in the face of adversary.

"Military aid could be good, and then establish a properly trained guard force in town, but it is like you say, it needs backing, to not be seen upon poorly. I'm sure you don't intent on taking over the town, but the history around Las Pegasus, Troy, and Equestria, is a little... Well, you know. It makes beings nervous, if it's perceived wrong. I'm sure we can find some sort of way to prove to the other leaders, and the locals, what your intentions are though yes?"

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Peace shrugged, "I already shared my suspicions with the changeling who was sent to look into it for me, so hopefully we'll find out exactly why soon enough. but I get the feeling that Troy is not the most popular here at the moment, and strong retaliatory efforts do little to soften the public image. Which brings me to my next question, what would you recommend that we do to improve the public perception? I take it you've got a good idea of what the city is thinking, how might we sway them?"

"I'm sure they'll come to the bottom of this. Hopefully soon too, before things gets more frayed than they've already gotten.

As for how to improve perception? Oh boy, that's uh... That's a good question.

I mean personally, I think that it would help, if things are perceived less military in it, and more like the public sees you as real creatures. Dove have gotten some fairly good things said about her, since she were out mingling, and other noticed she were an actual pony they could talk to, and not some sort of ominous presence, they didn't know what to expect from. Fear springs from ignorance, and uncertainty. So my first idea, would actually be to have you mingle a little, in some social gatherings. It's smart to keep armed, but you'd need to seem like you're not just some guard presence for it too. The locals won't trust anyone who they can only see as a soldier. They need to know you, if you get what I mean?

Our hive before the crisis, had the same issue. Public perception of changelings were rotten, and so, we had to put in a lot of elbow grease, to show others that they could trust us. We performed lectures on changelings, let others come near us, and welcomed them with open hooves, helped in the community, talked to anyone who'd like to chat, from highest to lowest in society, and so on, and so forth.

The more trust we got, the more we did with it. Like some visits to the school to educate about changelings, yet under guarded supervision. I think at the start, it'll help if they see you with others that they trust, will keep the peace, if things goes haywire. Normally I'd say that were The Grey, but I'm not sure if they'd agree to it. Plus, they were always a bit more of a *lesser evil* kind of thing, with all due respect to them, of course.

Folks are used to seeing the changelings around though. If they start to see you mingling, and willingly wander around with some of the more able-bodied ones, they might come to see that you're not here to strike out, first chance you get. That's a solid opening to do more. It's gonna take elbow grease though. Also, I think it's best that we start figuring out what happened to you first, so we know where to look for the bigger problems, before someone tries again.

Well, there's also another way, I guess. There's some... Less than safe spaces around the place. If they actually see some Trojans being around, protecting their friends and neighbors, without turning their swords towards them? It could help a good deal, with building trust in the locals. Have to be done veeeeery carefully though, to not send the wrong signals."

She spoke mostly of how her own hive had done it, and still did things. And yes, it had taken them long, but it worked, and it carried weight, to such a degree that even after the town were retaken, hardly anyone batted an eye at what she and her siblings then began doing. They were used to them, and understood that they were helpful. Peace and her troops, would have to build that trust too. After they had found out, if they had some rotten apples to cull first.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Illiad's shadow was silent for a moment following Null's decision. Then it nodded, "Very well. Vengeance demands of you... 50 years, to be repaid through a mix of menial servitude and direct retribution."

Nine would explain, "That's it? Not even a full lifetime? Given the guilt inside you I'd have expected at least 3 lifetimes, but I guess those you've wronged either deserved it, or don't hold a meaningful grudge against you. Anyway, menial servitude is such things like managing other recruits, keeping the tunnels and chambers clean and well maintained, basically things you can do when not out hunting for those who owe debts. Essentially, if you did only menial tasks it would take you fifty years to repay your debt. Direct retribution refers to when you go out and Judge others. Each deserving creature that you judge will clear a portion of your debt proportional to the debt that they owe, something like a commission on the debt you collect. To clear fifty years you'll need to collect about 500 years worth of debt, which is like 5 creatures who owe a lifetime, like a murderer, or one creature owing five lifetimes, like a serial murderer. According to the list, Grey Mane owed 360 years of servitude for the murders, 20 for abandoning his post, and 50 for the attempted murder of Nibiru. If you get lucky, you should have your debt cleared in less than a month, no more than a year."

Illiad's shadow seemed to sense when Nine was done talking to Null, and continued, "Your debt so assigned, go forth, and good hunting. So says Vengeance,  So says Nemesis "

The judgement complete, the shadows retreated from the room, leaving Null and Illiad in the room, "You got off surprisingly easy, but I don't suppose you think you deserve it. So, do you have any questions? Or would you like to get started?"

 

(Void)

(I was reading back some of the older posts, and I see Void was told about the Summer War by her mother, so She'll be able to relate some additional things that will spur new questions, I'll include those below.)

Void would additionally be able to relate about the Summer War, that Equestria and Troy had supported different sides in a disagreement between the deer and the reindeer, and as such had fought each other in defense of their respective allies. That would draw their attention over to Cervidas, West Cervidas, and Zebrica, Elef was interested in this area as well, "They told me that Thestrals originally came from an area around there, like how the zebra near the Fastar clan came from Zebrica..." He scanned around the map until he found a small island called Thestralia. "Do you know anything about this area?"

As their own names didn't correspond to any real words, they didn't think to ask what Molotov's name might mean, but they were interested in him as an additional source of information.

 

(Molotov)

When Carmen offered to help, Vale smiled but shook her head, "Thank you, but it would take longer to explain than it would for me to simply do it myself. Plus, even I don't exactly know what needs fixing sometimes, I rely on my doe magic guidance mostly to know what I should do."

When Carmen asked if it hurt, Vale's expression fell a bit, but she shrugged, "Not usually, at least, no more than simply living does." she sighed, "Remnants of the virus that made me this way still affect me, I was never fully cured, as no true cure exists. So it's still eating me, just slowed to the point where I can heal about as fast as it consumes. So long as I stay in good health, it should stay that way."

She'd turn her attention back to the repairs at hoof, removing the last of the bent rods from that leg, one end of it had a few drops of her slightly metallic, off-color, blood, that she wiped off without a second thought before bending it straight, wincing a bit as she reinserted it.

 

(Changelings)

The local raised an eyebrow at Craven's reaction, before turning his attention more fully to Mongoose, pushing a bit more strongly with the emotions, "You going to let your friend here speak for you? Keep you down? Or are you going to take what's yours?"

 

As to Grey information, the Grey could not detect emotional manipulation, as they were not changelings, nor did they have any empathics in the area to run surveillance. Still, Craven would get the tip to keep an eye on this pony in particular, as they had been seen in close interaction with a prime suspect earlier. "Do what you can to stay close, if at all possible."

 

(Bling)

Peace would think on the suggestions that Bling had offered as to how to improve relations, "Hmm, how does this sound? I could send a few groups of guards out on leave, have them visit the casinos in their dress uniforms so everyone knows they're Trojan, but have them just interact naturally. It would of course require a bit of a discount to get the guards comfortable enough to act casually, and they won't exactly be willing to spend their own money at first. Do you think you could work something out? Give them a few free stacks to get them started?"

"As to the second idea, we're already doing something like that around the embassy, just trying to keep the area safe, but without authority to punish all we can do is drive them away. If we could detain citizens, take them to wherever this city takes it's criminals for punishment, we'd be able to use less threatening tactics on our patrols."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

"Vengeance might be impartial, but it won't change how I feel, about all the things I've done. If I'm to get peace from that, it won't be from their words."

It'd likely have to be from actions. Saving lives, from making sure those who needed to have vengeance visited upon them, didn't hurt others again. Then maybe, some day, she'd be able to do what no one else truly could, and feel like she had done enough penance.

As for what Nine told her, she'd answer him next. Though the message weren't exactly sunshine and rainbows, with her nearly skipping in joy, over her assigned penance.

"Good to know, but you need to strap in for a longer ride than that. You've seen enough in there. Do you really think I could forgive myself, after a year? Cause after thirty years of this, I don't think it's that easy."

That being said, it were still good to know the conversion rate on this. A moment, she had thought she were actually going to do this for fifty years, which had sounded about right in her mind. Knowing how it worked though, were maddeningly less so. But they'd see how it went. Big world out there. Hard to say how long it'd actually take, for her to clear her technical debt. The guilt could be worked on after that.

"I guess we might as well get started. Could I get Arcade in here though? I'd like for him to hear my assignments, unless that's against the rules. I'm still new to... You know, but I'd like him to not be kept in the dark. I'd probably just tell him otherwise afterwards. I don't want him to be worried."

She'd look away, and blush slightly as she said this. Gosh, why were acting like this? This were a serious moment, where she were about to go out now, and dole out some vengeance. Now were not the time for filly-levels of stomach butterflies, and awkwardness. She had to pull herself together.

 

(Void)

On 2022-04-25 at 8:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"They told me that Thestrals originally came from an area around there, like how the zebra near the Fastar clan came from Zebrica..." He scanned around the map until he found a small island called Thestralia. "Do you know anything about this area?"

As their own names didn't correspond to any real words, they didn't think to ask what Molotov's name might mean, but they were interested in him as an additional source of information.

"Sadly, we never went there. We ran into thestrals in other places though, and one of them, were also a small island, mostly populated by them. Lemme see... Somewhere around... Here."

She'd point towards where the dark forest where, on a small island, not far from Germane, yet far enough, that it took a proper boat to get between them.

"It is... Or was, I don't know if it is still there. Well, it were an interesting place when we were there, at least. We had tried to get on a ship, and cross over to get to Germane, but then our curse began to cause trouble on the ship, and they set us off in a small dingy, to get the rest of the way ourselves. We didn't do that well, and ended up crashing into the island. My wooden leg at the time, got shattered there too, so we were well stranded.

Turns out the place were inhabited, by a lot of thestrals, since the dark trees there, grew so closely, that the place were covered in constant darkness. No light ever got through the crowns. They made a living off of those trees too, as they were incredibly hard, and very sought after. So they cut them down, and used magical fertilizer to ensure the black trees grew up incredibly fast again after. Not instantly, but enough so that they could make a living, and in the constant darkness, they thrived. A few non-thestrals lived there too, but the seeds from the trees were rather dangerous to have fall on you, so it were hard for non-thestrals to live there without risk. Was only workers honestly, and then for a brief time, us.

They didn't mind us, but the curse were troubling for their fertilizer, and they asked us to take the first ship out of there, to Germane. But with my leg, Null said she refused to leave, before I were mobile, but when I were, she'd oblige. She were already pretty angry back then, but she were reasonable, since they were too. And they agreed. Gave her some leftover of their famous wood even, and let her borrow some tools to carve with. That's actually the leg you're seeing me use now."

She'd get up, and present her leg again, so that they could see properly, the wood she were talking about. As well as her sister's great skills, in making proper, functional joints, to allow for actual mobility.

"It's incredibly sturdy. Even used it to bash in some nails and various other things, as well as getting it hit with quite a few things, and barely a scratch on it. It's good materials. I hope the island is still left, and they somehow made it, or at least the trees did, but I can imagine it would've been taken over, and the trees used for something, without concern for preserving new trees."

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-04-25 at 8:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When Carmen asked if it hurt, Vale's expression fell a bit, but she shrugged, "Not usually, at least, no more than simply living does." she sighed, "Remnants of the virus that made me this way still affect me, I was never fully cured, as no true cure exists. So it's still eating me, just slowed to the point where I can heal about as fast as it consumes. So long as I stay in good health, it should stay that way."

"Am sorry you are hurting. Hope someday, it get better. Find cure."

Carmen understood rather little, of what had happened to her, as she had to rely on what Molotov and Felicia had discussed, but she understood the core of it. The town Molotov had come from. Where she had been built, and given sentience, had done some bad, bad things. including making something, which destroyed Vale's town, and caused her harm, that somehow resulted her in being like this. She wouldn't lie and say she wasn't curious, but she couldn't imagine it were okay to ask.

On 2022-04-25 at 8:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She'd turn her attention back to the repairs at hoof, removing the last of the bent rods from that leg, one end of it had a few drops of her slightly metallic, off-color, blood, that she wiped off without a second thought before bending it straight, wincing a bit as she reinserted it.

"Did not look good... But repaired, yes? Feel better now?"

Her eyes would go over and briefly look at the blood. The color seemed a few nuances off, but that made sense, yes? She had machine parts. maybe there were some oil in her blood too then? Such a strange thing to think about, but many things were strange in this world. Machine doe, were not the weirdest she had seen, in her young life. It were up there though, since machine and flesh fused like this, were beyond what she usually saw. It were usually just external parts replaced, like a leg.

"Does it take long, before you can use leg again? Not good to move, if leg not okay. Best with rest, yes?

Am I asking too many things? Do not want to be rude. Trying to learn. Understand others. Sometimes others say, too much asking. Do not want to do that. Not good."

Carmen had only been about a year old, when the crisis happened. She had been made near the event that took down Center Zero, with Felicia being made less than two months later. But while Felicia were good at absorbing things, it took time for Carmen, as her harddrives were smaller, and her processing power also impeded by this. And yet, she sought to learn even more, than Felicia did. Her larger sister were content with learning organically, and then have it fit into her life, as much as needed. Carmen though, thirsted to go out and learn. Seek out other beings, examine items, and yes, ask many, many questions. Her curiosity were boundless, which to some, had been too much. They couldn't handle her questions in various situations, or because of what she were. Sometimes, because they got too close to bad things.

She had learned through trials and error - as well as watching Molotov fail at it - how to be better at social interactions, but she was still learning. And as she would eventually get a new body, like Molotov promised her, she knew that she wanted to continue learning. Not just in Troy, or around her creator and sister, but out there, in the great, big world. A place in ruin, but somewhere that still had a lot of stories to tell, and catalogue, into a great compendium of knowledge.

But while her dreams were big, her abilities right now, were limited, and she were content learning in small bits now. As well as trying to make connections to others. She had been made in the country that claimed to value friendship, after all. It made sense to her, that she should try and make friends, rather than enemies.

 

(Changelings)

On 2022-04-25 at 8:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The local raised an eyebrow at Craven's reaction, before turning his attention more fully to Mongoose, pushing a bit more strongly with the emotions, "You going to let your friend here speak for you? Keep you down? Or are you going to take what's yours?"

Mongoose were getting affected here, and were trembling a little, as he felt more of an anger start to build in him. Why did Craven get to decide what he were going to do or say here? He were younger than himself, and should be listening to him instead. What if He had some good ideas? What if He might be able to solve this, and not Craven, nor Yannit? He might, if given the opportunity. But would they give him the chance for it? No. They both thought he were just some sorta feral beast, that had to be leashed. He didn't mean anything to them, nor did his opinions. They... They deserved to be taught a lesson!

Before Craven could respond to the stranger that were influencing here, Mongoose would've risen a hoof, and punched him in the back of the head, sending Craven staggering forward a few steps.

Mongoose on the other hoof, staggered back a few steps. And it wasn't because of the way that Craven glared at him afterwards - though he would admit, there were a boiling anger in those eyes, that made him afraid - but rather the realisation of what he had just done. What this could mean for the mission... W-What did he just do? Why? Was he losing control again?

Had he a weapon in hoof at the time, the thoughts wouldn't have come. He would've stabbed and teared, cut and slashed, til he were done. But in the anger, he had forgotten he had a knife, and instead, he had acted like an intoxicated bar patron. SO right now, he'd cover on the floor, shivering and mumbling to himself about failure, and the word sorry. He seemed a little out of it, and provided he were not handed a weapon, it could still just end here, from his side. Lest he got pushed more.

Craven though, would turn his glare towards the local, and speak with ice in his voice.

"Get. Lost."

On 2022-04-25 at 8:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

As to Grey information, the Grey could not detect emotional manipulation, as they were not changelings, nor did they have any empathics in the area to run surveillance. Still, Craven would get the tip to keep an eye on this pony in particular, as they had been seen in close interaction with a prime suspect earlier. "Do what you can to stay close, if at all possible."

Craven did not respond to this inquiry, but provided this maggot would bugger off for once, he'd stay behind for a few seconds, to get himself under control, before he actively went in to throttle this guy. He'd still be miffed, and had a headache now to boot, but he should be under enough control to get a move on, and get on the move. He'd try to stay clear of others, but if they did see him, he'd just say he were going around, to ask if there were more laundry they needed to have washed, while they were at it. Long as he did not try and enter any rooms, that should be fine.

As for the local... He'd follow, best he could, but if he lost track, he'd start to try and sense around. Sure he couldn't get a read on this ones emotions, but maybe he could get a feel for where it didn't seem there were any, or some kind of void, depending on what sort of tricks this one were dealing with. Might be there were some way of getting an idea where he were via that.

...Gods his head though... Mongoose were going to pay for that later.

 

(Bling)

"The first idea, shouldn't be a big issue. If there's one thing us changelings are good at, it's a little bit of deception, hehe. We can look into giving off some chips for the occasional enjoyment, long as we get some sign-offs on it. It's just a precaution, that is probably gonna be needed. Though I'll have to run this past a few others first, like the accountant. I promise I'll get back to you about this, yeah? As for food, we have some buffet vouchers we can work with. Just need the details done first at the casino. Lots of stuff and others to pass things by these days, you know? A lot less simple than it were, but things change, and we adapt.

Second idea you had, I'm not entirely sure what The Grey did with those they detained, and hadn't just... Y'know, executed, or set to pay off their debt. I did my best to ensure that as many changelings as possible, did as little as they could, to get on their bad side. And the easiest way for that, were just to turn around, and pretend you didn't see anything.

I'll try and ask around. See if there were a location, and if not, look into getting one established. However, whereas you can use that to detain others, it will be run by some of my choosing. It's in both our interest to not have, what could easily be perceived as a torture base, of somewhere to lock up beings of differing opinions. It would also show a combined effort to help the town, so that might soften some hearts too, yes? I'll need to sort out some details, but it should be possible to find some sort of way to make this work."

She'd also talk to the cloud about it later, when going to visit him, just to see if perhaps he thought she were being too naive. And to keep the other leaders in the loop, which thus far, seemed like an important part of her job too.

¨"We have some place to start from, but maybe now's a good time for me to go look into that, and for you to get some rest? You'll need your strength. Lest there's anything else, you think we should talk about?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Good to know, but you need to strap in for a longer ride than that. You've seen enough in there. Do you really think I could forgive myself, after a year? Cause after thirty years of this, I don't think it's that easy."

Nine would roll his eyes if he had any, "I've stuck around this long. Still, once your debt is cleared, you should see a therapist. Because at that point, the only one blaming you, will be yourself."

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I guess we might as well get started. Could I get Arcade in here though? I'd like for him to hear my assignments, unless that's against the rules. I'm still new to... You know, but I'd like him to not be kept in the dark. I'd probably just tell him otherwise afterwards. I don't want him to be worried."

Illiad shook his head, already walking towards the exit. "These chambers are only for the agents of Vengeance, and those who are to be judged. We can discuss your assignments outside. That said, while it is not forbidden for the two of you to interact, while you remain in debt to Vengeance, you must do everything in your power to not become... incapacitated. Once you're cleared of your debt, and as such become a free agent of Vengeance, you can do as you like." It shouldn't be too hard for Null to recognize that the Consul was warning against her getting too close to Arcade just yet.

Assuming Null didn't stop him, Illiad would lead the way back to the room where Arcade was waiting, the stallion in question having elected to take a nap on a nearby couch in the meantime. He was awake by the time they finished climbing the stairs, "So, is everything alright? What do we have to do?"

(If you have someone that you want Null to hunt down, you can go ahead and describe them, otherwise I do have someone in mind.)

 

(Void)

The young ponies were interested in Void's story of her encounter with the thestrals, Elef happy to hear that it had been at least slightly positive. They took a greater interest in her leg at that point, though they didn't try to touch it.

At that point they had run out of locations that they had any relation to, and their remaining questions would have to wait until Vale got back.

Unless Void came up with something to continue the discussion, Teal would ask after a few minutes, "You mentioned that Equestria had princesses, does Troy have anything like that?"

 

(Molotov)

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Am sorry you are hurting. Hope someday, it get better. Find cure."

Vale sighed, speaking softly, "Yeah, me too."

 

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Did not look good... But repaired, yes? Feel better now?"

Vale flexed the leg through it's range of motion before nodding, "I think the damage is repaired, at least internally."

If Carmen looked close enough at the blood, she'd discover that the off-color was caused by it being filled with flecks of a metal that looked like gold. If Carmen had interacted with the metal before, she'd be able to recognize it as Minostralium, which was the same metal that sat on Vale's forehead where she would have horns if she were a buck or a reindeer. It looked like the magically charged metal literally coursed through her veins, which could account for how she was able to fight off the virus.

 

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Does it take long, before you can use leg again? Not good to move, if leg not okay. Best with rest, yes?

Am I asking too many things? Do not want to be rude. Trying to learn. Understand others. Sometimes others say, too much asking. Do not want to do that. Not good."

Vale chuckled and shook her head as she stood up, putting weight on the newly repaired leg, "No no, it's quite alright. I don't mind your questions at all. It's not like a muscle or a bone, once the repairs are done it's good to go. But I'll still need rest before we journey back to Troy. We want to travel at night when it's cooler anyway."

 

(Changelings)

The local simply smirked at the result, he took advantage of the gap that Mongoose had added between himself and Craven to step between them. As he passed Craven he whispered, "If I were you, I'd watch my back." Then when he got over to Mongoose he pushed some satisfaction on him to counter the guilt he felt, "You heard the colt, let's get lost." There was a certain weight to his words, no doubt they were similarly charmed with emotional magic, in an effort to encourage Mongoose to go with him.

 

When it came to tracking the local down, it was like he didn't exist in emotional space. Unlike changelings, which acted like black holes in the emotional landscape, this pony simply did not affect the emotional energy around him, unless he actively tried to, allowing him to pass undetected to those looking via emotions. They'd have to keep an eye out the old fashioned way, or watch out for emotions being shunted around.

 

(Bling)

Peace nodded, "That all sounds good. You're right, I should rest up. I hope to hear from you again under better circumstances."

With that she would turn her attention back to the window, as she had been when Bling first entered.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2022-04-27 at 1:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Nine would roll his eyes if he had any, "I've stuck around this long. Still, once your debt is cleared, you should see a therapist. Because at that point, the only one blaming you, will be yourself."

"You're starting to sound like my sister."

Null had been hesitant to try and seek help with her issues, after she had tried to... Y'know, kill herself. But whereas she were usually just trying to soothe her in this manner, Void began to become very adamant, and pushed her that she needed to go, and that was final. She would've argued, but Void brough up that if she didn't get help, she might try again sometime, and she'd hurt all of them deeply, if she did that. Their parents who were still trying to get to know their long lost, adopted foals, and - which were a lower blow - Void herself.

It had become hard for her to argue that she wanted to do things to protect her family, if she wasn't willing to try and get help, for the things that had almost made her hurt them incredibly much. Void even brought up how often that Null had promised that she'd shield her from harm, and keep her safe. Which wouldn't fit with her causing her permanent, emotional scars, by removing the sister she loved from her life.

So eventually, she had caved, and started to go the same therapist that Void did. A fairly rocky start, as she didn't like exposing her emotions and memories like that, but she had gotten through some things, in the weeks she had spent there, before she had to focus on other endeavors, like her trip to New Las Pegasus. And it had helped. She were not constantly seething, and had calmed down a fair bit. But the large, underlying issues, she had kept to herself, and kept pushing away, since she didn't want to speak about all the atrocities, and unforgivable acts, that she believed she had done. A lot of blood to cover there, and she had barely even brought up the situation with her parents, back in the day. And only then, because she had slipped, and let her guard down for a little.

*sigh* Maybe she should consider going back there again, and see if she could get a time, one of these days... If even the shadow in her head were telling her she was a basket case, and those who knew her, kept looking at her with concern, maybe there were some merit to her trying to get a little more help.

On 2022-04-27 at 1:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Illiad shook his head, already walking towards the exit. "These chambers are only for the agents of Vengeance, and those who are to be judged. We can discuss your assignments outside. That said, while it is not forbidden for the two of you to interact, while you remain in debt to Vengeance, you must do everything in your power to not become... incapacitated. Once you're cleared of your debt, and as such become a free agent of Vengeance, you can do as you like." It shouldn't be too hard for Null to recognize that the Consul was warning against her getting too close to Arcade just yet.

"So Vengeance is petty, and doesn't like sharing? Go figure. Fine, fine. I'll keep it in mind."

Honestly, it were a little odd to hear, but she would admit, it did make her think of Vengeance as a bit more of an actual creature, instead of just some looming, unfathomable thing. As petty as an ex coltfriend, that might go a little nuts, if it guessed there were something between it, and the ones in its life. Guess she had to tone down things a little for now...  N-Not that she were going to rush anything either, obviously. She hadn't been making thoughts, and had some... Peculiar dreams, in the slightest.

On 2022-04-27 at 1:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Assuming Null didn't stop him, Illiad would lead the way back to the room where Arcade was waiting, the stallion in question having elected to take a nap on a nearby couch in the meantime. He was awake by the time they finished climbing the stairs, "So, is everything alright? What do we have to do?"

"I dunno. Ask my supervisor."

Null would smirk slightly, as she pointed towards Illiad. A rare joke from her it seemed. Arcade were being a good influence on her mental state, if it brightened things up enough for her just seeing him, to even attempt that. Granted it wasn't a very good one, but she wasn't used to doing these sorts of things either.

"Seriously, I dunno. I have some karmic debt to pay off, and from the sound of it, I'm gonna be assigned some duties that'll help with that. I wanted you to hear it too, since I don't want to keep secrets from you, but I'm probably going to have to do some of them on my own.

...Also, Epsilon were here. She looked about as well as you can expect."

 

(Void)

"Kind of. See, in Equestria, Princes were a title given to alicorns. They were also leaders of their country in one form or another, except the foal of course, but I'm sure they were planning to help her grow into the role.

Troy have an alicorn too, who plays an important part in the natural cycle, and governing others. That being Consul Easle. Sadly though, he's the only alicorn in Troy that I know of, but he's like the princesses in Equestria, just without the title. He's even making sure the sun and moon are risen into the sky, just like Celestia and Luna once did. A very important job, that takes an alicorn's amount of magic to do right."

She'd be honest: For a long time, she had thought it a fairy tale, that the princesses did that, and figured it were just a show, as they began at the right time of day. But no, it were real, and now Illiad were dealing with it. She couldn't say she envied him it though. It sounded rough, just like many of his responsibilities must feel like for him sometimes.

"Anything else you'd like to know? Please, ask away if so. Or would everyone rather that we stop history class for a bit, and play a game, perhaps?"

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-04-27 at 1:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale flexed the leg through it's range of motion before nodding, "I think the damage is repaired, at least internally."

If Carmen looked close enough at the blood, she'd discover that the off-color was caused by it being filled with flecks of a metal that looked like gold. If Carmen had interacted with the metal before, she'd be able to recognize it as Minostralium, which was the same metal that sat on Vale's forehead where she would have horns if she were a buck or a reindeer. It looked like the magically charged metal literally coursed through her veins, which could account for how she was able to fight off the virus.

Carmen did observe the metal flakes, but weren't aware what kind it were. Molotov had never had access to Minostralum that were were aware of, so she hadn't seen this sort up0 close before. Though the coloring did remind her some of the rings, that the large dragon they had stayed with, had worn. Le Perinne had a lot of rings that had the same kind of resemblance, but she couldn't say for sure, if they were the same. As said, she had never examined it closely. The dragon they were on, were massive, and the rings as such, were too. She didn't want to get squished.

"Internal repair is good. Dangerous to have broken insides."

On 2022-04-27 at 1:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale chuckled and shook her head as she stood up, putting weight on the newly repaired leg, "No no, it's quite alright. I don't mind your questions at all. It's not like a muscle or a bone, once the repairs are done it's good to go. But I'll still need rest before we journey back to Troy. We want to travel at night when it's cooler anyway."

"Smart idea. Sun good for larger sister and me. Not for everyone."

A few had found it odd how despite her being older, Carmen were seemingly called out as the youngest, by Felicia. But the choice of words were important. It was big sister, or little sister. It was larger sister, and smaller sister. A reference to size alone, as for them, it made the most, logical sense to think of it like that, as it sounded incorrect to refer to the small Carmen, as the big sister. The cursed ponies just put that into further perspective for them, as from the outside, it still seemed odd, to have the little one, refer to her younger, yet far larger sister, as *little sis*.

As for why the sun were good for her and Felicia? They were solar powered. They absorbed sunlight into energy during the day, and could then store for several days in the dark, if they had to, this way. Molotov were rather hyped on solar power for most of his things, and had wanted to incorporate that, into his design for his AI's. Sure it set him back a year or two, but it were efficient, clean energy, that was one of the few things that were still abundant in this world.

"Will go charge with larger sister. Rest good, special lady. If bad things comes when sleeping, larger sister will destroy it for you."

She'd raise a leg to give a strained wave, due to her not being built to do that properly, and would scurry back over to Molotov, lest Vale had questions to her. There, she'd wait until Felicia had been polished, then get liften up, and get cleaned by Molotov. A small brush through her faux fur, some polishing, an overview of potential repairs needed, and soon enough, she'd charge down, on top of Felicia's abdomen, and stay there just soaking sun with her. The two remaining completely immobile, though if something approached, Felicia's sensors would go off, and she would act. 

Molotov, would have a nap in his little tent, once his girls had been taken care of. Long evening ahead of them, and he'd need his energy.

 

(Changelings)

On 2022-04-27 at 1:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"If I were you, I'd watch my back."

"Watch your tongue."

This guy was seriously starting to get on his nerves. And he were getting the feeling that were intentional. As well as aggravating how open he were with his threats. No subtlety at all with that one.

On 2022-04-27 at 1:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"You heard the colt, let's get lost." There was a certain weight to his words, no doubt they were similarly charmed with emotional magic, in an effort to encourage Mongoose to go with him.

"L-Leave? okay..."

Mongoose were distraught, and already a baseline emotional mess. He easily fell for this trick, and got up to follow whoever this were.

"What the- Stain! Get back here. We got work, remember?"

"D-Do it yourself... I need a break."

And some gum. Gods he needed gum. Had to drag one out of his coat right now, but he would quickly, and then follow along this stranger, whilst chewing away. Seems like he just got a new employer, though at the same time, this could be beneficial. The Grey could follow the guy well, if they had Mongoose follow, even if controlled. At least for now.

On 2022-04-27 at 1:11 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When it came to tracking the local down, it was like he didn't exist in emotional space. Unlike changelings, which acted like black holes in the emotional landscape, this pony simply did not affect the emotional energy around him, unless he actively tried to, allowing him to pass undetected to those looking via emotions. They'd have to keep an eye out the old fashioned way, or watch out for emotions being shunted around.

He could try and get confused by this... Or he could just follow Mongoose, which were right now, a fair bit easier. He was reeking of emotions, and would be fairly easy to follow from a safe distance. So, Craven would pinpoint him, and use that as his beacon. Might be the fool finally got useful now. Before likely causing some sort of horrendous trouble.

 

(Bling)

"Indeed. Make sure to take care of yourself, Peace. There's a brighter tomorrow waiting for us all."

With that, and a big smile, Bling would signal to Bruce that it were time to move on. Peace needed her... Well, peace, and they needed to move on. They had a meeting they should go to, with a peculiar cloud. Hopefully he would be ready for their arrival. Though she did say about an hour, and this took less... 

She'd be there at about the one hour mark, having spend the time connecting to a few friends around this side of town, and asking them to get some feelers out, and what they were thinking, when it came to the local area. Like, how did crime and such seem, and if they had any idea where The Grey may have one time detained others. Couldn't hurt trying, right? And she'd still be there, at the correct hotel, about the hour later. Maybe a few minutes after. She had been distracted briefly, by a street performer that she would stop to give a card. She figured if he could play that well on a makeshift piano, that looked like he had rigged it from trash, he might be able to do well on the real deal. Would be grand for certain performances, and his own shows, of course. If he could do well. They'd also need to give him a shower, but that were a small thing. He seemed mentally stable, and that were a good enough start. Worst case, he were more of a rigger, and she could help him find some other work. SHe knew a few places a rigger would do well. Including in her employment.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2022-04-29 at 1:01 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"So Vengeance is petty, and doesn't like sharing? Go figure. Fine, fine. I'll keep it in mind."

The Consul smirked, "More like, Vengeance has little patience for things that cause delays in satisfying those that call. If you had a thousand voices bugging you at all hours, you'd get irritated by delays too. Though, given the recent development with your estranged sister, Vengeance might be willing to be a little more lenient."

 

On 2022-04-29 at 1:01 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Seriously, I dunno. I have some karmic debt to pay off, and from the sound of it, I'm gonna be assigned some duties that'll help with that. I wanted you to hear it too, since I don't want to keep secrets from you, but I'm probably going to have to do some of them on my own.

Arcade looked a little concerned by what Null said, but understood the seriousness of the situation, so turned to listen to what the Consul had to say.

(Given you didn't mention anyone, we'll just go with the one I have in mind.)

Illiad nodded, "Your first, and potentially only official target, is one you've encountered before, on a few occasions in fact." He used his magic to display an image, it was the pegasus she had fought at the Gates, and encountered in New Pegasus, "Vivace Fleur, son of Petit Chou Fleur and Rasputin Stalliongrad, also known as the Baltimare Basher and The Scout, has had Vengeance called against him for dozens of counts of murder and maiming, robbery, and destruction of property. He is exceptionally deadly at close quarters combat, extremely agile, and rather intelligent, despite what your previous encounters may have led you to believe. His debt is set for seven lifetimes if brought in alive, four lifetimes if killed. So, if you manage to capture him, your debt to Vengeance will be cleared, if he ends up dead you'll still have some more debt to clear. Last known location, thanks to you, is New Pegasus, and we've no reason to believe that he's left the city since last you saw him. Now, while you look into this target," He cleared the image away, "You are free to follow any threads of minor Vengeance you come across, and judge those who need it, if you so desire. As Arcade here owes no debt to Vengeance, I've no doubt he'd be willing to give you any portion of the reward he helps you to earn. otherwise it would need to be shared between you."

 

(Void)

On 2022-04-29 at 1:01 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Anything else you'd like to know? Please, ask away if so. Or would everyone rather that we stop history class for a bit, and play a game, perhaps?"

While they probably could have asked more questions, they were more excited by the game. Besides, they trusted that they'd have other opportunities to ask. Ardee for one was eager for the potential distraction from the current lines of questions, which had been getting too close for her comfort to topics that she'd rather the others did not learn more about. "Yes, I think a break would be a good idea. What do you have in mind?"

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-04-29 at 1:01 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Will go charge with larger sister. Rest good, special lady. If bad things comes when sleeping, larger sister will destroy it for you."

Vale smiled and nodded, "I'm sure she will, thank you." With that she'd turn in to her tent and close it up behind her, shielding her from view of the others as she rested.

Other than the odd desert creature investigating the strange sights and smells the group of them caused, they would be able to wait out the heat of the day without issue. Vale would stir from her tent just as the sun touched the horizon, packing it up with the rest of her stuff to be ready to trek back across the desert in just under fifteen minutes, at which point she'd come over towards Molotov if he hadn't already started getting ready to say, "Let's go."

If Molotov were still asleep when she came over, she'd pause before speaking, muttering to herself, "I could leave you here, I don't owe you a safe trip back."

 

(Changelings)

The local cast a distinctly smug expression back at Craven as he left with Mongoose at his side, then simply payed the other changeling no more mind as he led Mongoose to the mess hall to get something to eat.

Once they were sat down, the local sitting next to Mongoose as they ate, he asked, "So, what really brought you here? Your queen send you to spy on the place?"

 

(Bling)

On 2022-04-29 at 1:01 PM, Blitz Boom said:

and if they had any idea where The Grey may have one time detained others.

General consensus said that the Grey typically took those who had a high amount of debt to the Judgement Hall, which sat between the Stacked Deck and the Luxure-Æther, typically only to be seen again several years later, or in Grey uniform patrolling the streets. So the Judgement Hall likely had holding facilities that could be used, and some official judges could likely be commissioned along with a codification of local laws if they wanted to transition away from the Debt system. Alternatively, they could reach out to the Grey to organize them remaining in charge of justice in the city in some capacity.

She would also be warned, if she mentioned to anyone that she was heading to the Luxure-Æther that she should dress up, as that casino prided itself on being high class and exclusive.

In any case, when she entered the Luxure-Æther she'd immediately notice the faint mist that seemed to permeate the whole place, it was pleasantly cool, refreshing, and seemed to gently caress her as she moved through it. Before she could introduce herself to the worker at the desk, who was dressed in a full tuxedo, he would look her and Bruce over, he did not seem impressed, "You are Bling? I expected... something else. Follow me, you are expected."

Another worker would man the desk at the first led the way up some stairs to pass over the main gambling floor, filled with refined looking creatures of all types, to another set of stairs in the back that led up to the penthouse suite. He stood by the doors, motioning for the two of them to go inside, "Whatever there is to be desired in you, you are expected within."

Entering the penthouse suite, the mist was denser, and the faint feelings of being caressed grew stronger. The voice that spoke in her head in the meeting was stronger now. It wasn't louder in any sense, but rather clearer, like previously it had spoken to her in a loud room, and now it was as if there were no other sounds in the world other than the voice. "I'm glad you could make it. Why don't you make yourself comfortable."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2022-05-01 at 3:38 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul smirked, "More like, Vengeance has little patience for things that cause delays in satisfying those that call. If you had a thousand voices bugging you at all hours, you'd get irritated by delays too. Though, given the recent development with your estranged sister, Vengeance might be willing to be a little more lenient."

"Sounds like a retail worker, but fair 'nough. Don't dally, and Vengeance won't get ornery."

Thousands of voices getting on your nerves at every moment... Yep, sounded familiar, though at least her encounter with something like that, had stopped after they had escaped th area. Vengeance sounded like it had to deal with this frustration constantly. Didn't sound like a good time, though she wondered if Vengeance were more irate and short tempered before the crisis? A lot more voices out there then. Couldn't be many left compared to then...

On 2022-05-01 at 3:38 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Illiad nodded, "Your first, and potentially only official target, is one you've encountered before, on a few occasions in fact." He used his magic to display an image, it was the pegasus she had fought at the Gates, and encountered in New Pegasus, "Vivace Fleur, son of Petit Chou Fleur and Rasputin Stalliongrad, also known as the Baltimare Basher and The Scout, has had Vengeance called against him for dozens of counts of murder and maiming, robbery, and destruction of property. He is exceptionally deadly at close quarters combat, extremely agile, and rather intelligent, despite what your previous encounters may have led you to believe. His debt is set for seven lifetimes if brought in alive, four lifetimes if killed. So, if you manage to capture him, your debt to Vengeance will be cleared, if he ends up dead you'll still have some more debt to clear. Last known location, thanks to you, is New Pegasus, and we've no reason to believe that he's left the city since last you saw him. Now, while you look into this target," He cleared the image away, "You are free to follow any threads of minor Vengeance you come across, and judge those who need it, if you so desire. As Arcade here owes no debt to Vengeance, I've no doubt he'd be willing to give you any portion of the reward he helps you to earn. otherwise it would need to be shared between you."

"I remember him alright. I stole his bat. Utter garbage stick, I tell you. Broke fairly easily."

She really needed to get a more suitable weapon. Sure she had the wingblades, but something with a punch to it, like a bat, felt nice and natural to her. Sometimes, you didn't need elegant cuts, but a blunt instrument.

"So it sounds like after he got out of the gates, his mind have gotten clearer, and he's become more of a hazard? Never can get easy, can it? Aight, we'll chase him down, and then see if he can be brought back alive. Depends on whatever he's gonna cause trouble that doesn't leave a lot of choice in the matter. If not, we'll bring back what's left of him.

Seeing how Epsilon have gotten into the fold now, is there a place in New Las Pegasus that works to bring him in, or does it have to be back here? Just wanna make sure, before we drag him across to desert for no reason.

As for the petty squabbles, we'll see what happens. Frankly I'm just happy to hear, that Arcade doesn't have any debt. I don't wanna have to judge him. That'd be awkward."

What a story to tell at the wedding, that's for sure. *I remember when I judged my husband, for punching some puppies one time. He had to help fifty-three old mares across the street, to make up for it.*

...Oh darn it, her father had infected her mind with all the wedding talk... This wasn't the time for this sort of thing. It was a serious moment, with her getting a briefing. This wasn't the time for the vivid images she had, of Arcade in a tux, holding a ring, that made her heart skip a beat.

"Urgh. My mind's messing with me again... When are we expected to take off?"

 

(Void)

"Well, I have several ideas, but I think right now, it wouldn't be bad with a physical game, to also get a bit of exercise. It's important to think of your physical wellbeing, as well as your mind. So I'm thinking we can start off by combining a bit of exercise, and a game."

She'd begin by finding some colored chalk, and then paint some outlines of squares on the floor. It were easy to clean off, and as she did this, she'd go and handle that afterwards. Fair were fair after all. Though that also meant she wouldn't make the squares too clear, nor fill them with color, as one tended to do on asphalt.

(like this, but without the coloring in the middle)

"There we go. I can't remember exactly where I saw this first anymore, but it's a nice little foal game. Used by other species too, so it have a lot of odd names. I recall it best as a *Hinke Path*. You jump from square to square, as quickly as you can. You need to gather your hooves for it too. The first square, all four together, then the next, spread out to both, then so on, and so forth. I figure we do this for a little bit, then I clean it up, and we can move on to something else. But let's try and move a bit first. Here, I'll show you how to do this."

Void would stand before the first square, then jump in, hooves gathered. Next ones, she's spread her right and left hooves, to still be together as pairs, and then keep jumping on, until she reached the last one. Then she'd turn around with a jump, and go back the same way.

This wouldn't be entertaining for long she figured, but it'd get their pulses up a bit, and that was the main reason for this. A bit of gymnastics, which she'd try and get into their routines in some way, with the limited space they had to work with. Would be good if they could perhaps, use an abandoned building at some point, but they had to take things, one step at a time.

 

(Molotov)

Not only were Molotov already up when she got up, he had already packed his tent down, and were now tinkering with a few metal pieces, and what seemed to be parts from the tracker he had gotten hold of in the lab.

He were used to not getting too many hours of sleep, all that often, so he usually woke up rather early. His thoughts had been affecting his dreams, so it were fairly early this night, but that was fine. Waking up an hour before sunset? Just meant he had the time to tinker a bit with things, and prepare. Just had to be quiet about it, and he'd say, he had done so fairly well. No hammering or anything, just tinkering, and using some magic and skills, to make a few things fit the purpose he were looking for better.

Once he noticed her waking up, he'd raise a hoof in greeting.

"Eeey, you're up. Good evening. Don't mind me, just making this junk a bit more useful here on the outside. Just need to tune it a bit, and... Ah, there we go."

He'd take a few twists of an odd looking, screwdriver-like thing, that looked like an electrically charged, miniature tuning fork, with a third prong running from the side and upwards.

The construction he had been tinkering with then, which still had the general form of it's previous casing, yet with a more reinforced chassis, would begin to give off a low static, before settling and getting quiet.

"There we go. It should be able to catch radio waves now, just in case there's something to listen to. Like, transmissions. Not thinking they're having a music channel going off these days. Then again, we did have that recorder back at the old camp... I guess it ain't totally impossible. At least when we get to towns.

Anyway, hope you slept well. Girls? We're leaving."

Felicia - who had stood completely still until then - began moving as he said that. She were fully charged, and ready to go. As were Carmen, who'd begin by turning herself as her eyes opened, so that she could look right at Vale, with a risen leg in another attempt at a wave.

"Good evening, special lady. Nothing bad happened. No need for large sister to destroy. All safe."

 

(Changelings)

If Yannit could see Mongoose right now, she'd probably strangle him. Maybe only in her thoughts, but the more he'd end up talking now, that he were in the thrall of this unknown pony, the more likely it'd be that she'd free him from their misery.

"Wha-Queen? N-No, she doesn't... N-No. Not her. Them. Not happy about Trojans. Nonono. Not good. So many, not good things... They wanted to know. I don't... Not sure w-what they'll uh, want to hear. I'm j-just the cleaner. Just... Cleaning, yes."

His head felt weird, and his thoughts fumbling around, trying to function right. But it felt like something wasn't right. Something... He didn't know. What was happening to him? Why were he even talking to this local? He didn't like strangers like that. And The Grey... They were watching, y-yes? Why would he speak about them then? That wasn't right... Was it? He couldn't focus on it. It kept feeling like his thoughts were messing with him.

 

(Bling)

On 2022-05-01 at 3:38 AM, Illiad Easle said:

General consensus said that the Grey typically took those who had a high amount of debt to the Judgement Hall, which sat between the Stacked Deck and the Luxure-Æther, typically only to be seen again several years later, or in Grey uniform patrolling the streets. So the Judgement Hall likely had holding facilities that could be used, and some official judges could likely be commissioned along with a codification of local laws if they wanted to transition away from the Debt system. Alternatively, they could reach out to the Grey to organize them remaining in charge of justice in the city in some capacity.

Quite some things she learned, but the most important were a location she could work with. It seemed like The Grey were contend going back to the olden ways, so she wouldn't go and ask them to remain official guards in the city, but she would try and see if she could make contact, and make sure they still didn't stake a claim to the Judgement Hall, before she made a move in any sort of way there. Though as it were not in her sector it seemed, she couldn't lay claim to it as it were. Not by herself at least. She'd need cooperation with some of the others... Might be something good honestly. let the have a stake in this, by running the *jailhouse* as a cooperation thing between some, or all of, the casinos, and see for themselves how it could work, without offering over full control to the Trojans.

Seeing how she had met Dawn, and were new to this, it were likely they would question if she could be impartial, as well as whatever or not she were simply being led on, so this could well be a way for them to be more open to things... She'd need to bring this up, as she met with the cloud. The hall were at least partially in his sector, if she understood it right, so his input were rather important. Worst case, she'd figure something out in her own sector. Had to be some abandoned house she could work with.

On 2022-05-01 at 3:38 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She would also be warned, if she mentioned to anyone that she was heading to the Luxure-Æther that she should dress up, as that casino prided itself on being high class and exclusive.

In any case, when she entered the Luxure-Æther she'd immediately notice the faint mist that seemed to permeate the whole place, it was pleasantly cool, refreshing, and seemed to gently caress her as she moved through it. Before she could introduce herself to the worker at the desk, who was dressed in a full tuxedo, he would look her and Bruce over, he did not seem impressed, "You are Bling? I expected... something else. Follow me, you are expected."

"I get that a lot."

She had dressed up, in fairness. Hearing it were higher class, she had gone and picked up a nice, red evening dress, whilst Bruce had semi-reluctantly, got himself snugged into a tuxedo. None of them were high class in nature though, nor were they of the newest fashion, as this had been among the clothes that the hive kept around, in case it were required for something. Usually things tossed, scavenged, and/or repaired.

Bruce had gotten a fair bit of compliments that he tried not to bite too much into, as he didn't want to get distracted, but it were not hard to see why. He looked quite dapper in that suit, and while it sat perhaps a bit snuggly on him, it didn't make him look out of place. Frankly, as Bling had said to him, he had a look that reminded her of some of the old stories of the mob. Not the money folks in charge, but one of their burly enforcers. She had tried to convince him to wear a hat to make it perfect, but he had drawn a line with that, since a maid had passed the room at that point, and given him a wolf whistle. That had been the straw that broke it for him, and he had started to walk out of the room, before Bling felt tempted to glue it to his head. Great fun. At least for her.

As for the worker who were looking at them, both unimpressed and had pretty much said as much? Bruce didn't care, but just glared at him all the same, and Bling just let it pass. If she felt insulted every time she had heard this, she'd need an anger therapist. At some point, you just had to let petty stuff like this go. Besides, she did agree with him to some extend. You heard *Casino owner* and *Queen of the New Las Pegasus hive* and you certainly wouldn't think... Well, her. It sounded more like something that'd fit with a far more tall, and bombastic looking/stylish changeling. Not an elevated drone like herself.

On 2022-05-01 at 3:38 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Another worker would man the desk at the first led the way up some stairs to pass over the main gambling floor, filled with refined looking creatures of all types, to another set of stairs in the back that led up to the penthouse suite. He stood by the doors, motioning for the two of them to go inside, "Whatever there is to be desired in you, you are expected within."

Entering the penthouse suite, the mist was denser, and the faint feelings of being caressed grew stronger. The voice that spoke in her head in the meeting was stronger now. It wasn't louder in any sense, but rather clearer, like previously it had spoken to her in a loud room, and now it was as if there were no other sounds in the world other than the voice. "I'm glad you could make it. Why don't you make yourself comfortable."

Uuuh, ominous. Probably wasn't as bad as it sounded. Made it almost seem like she were going into a Djinn's lair, and who'd want that? Folks who didn't know the cost of their wishes probably. Or the desperate. Anyway, that wasn't important.

Going in, she felt oddly... Groped. Or petted? It were hard to describe, but it were a little weird. Bruce too felt it, and his expression soured. He did not like being touched without permitting others to do so. It felt demeaning to him.

"Sorry if we're a few minutes late. Heard about the dress policy, and needed to find something. I don't think it impressed all that much sadly, hehe."

She'd wander around, trying to find a seat, and would eventually find somewhere she could sit. On the floor, if nothing else. Wasn't exactly easy to get a grasp on everything around her, considering the fog permeating the room. Bruce would remain standing, right next to her.

As for their host... If he gave off an emotional signature, the two of them could follow it, and would look in that direction. If not, or if it were rather spread, they'd just look around, trying to see if there were some movement they could go by instead.

"So, I have some news about the Trojans, as I went and had a chat with Peace. It's a little more complicated than I would've liked, but if you have something first, it can wait. I wouldn't want to speak out of line, in your home."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2022-05-06 at 1:37 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Seeing how Epsilon have gotten into the fold now, is there a place in New Las Pegasus that works to bring him in, or does it have to be back here? Just wanna make sure, before we drag him across to desert for no reason.

Illiad nodded, "I'll be making a trip there as soon as possible to organize them properly. Assuming you don't manage to capture him before I can finish, there should be a designated Judgement Chamber where he can properly be watched as he repays his debt. Nine will be able to tell you whether everything is set up or not."

He looked as if a thought had occurred to him, "It is good that you asked actually. As Vivace does not owe you a debt, you won't be empowered to assign him a judgement. So, if you do manage to capture him, you would need to take him to one who could properly judge him, like myself. I hope that at least two of those already in the Grey ranks will be worthy to become Judges, otherwise the Grey Mare would quickly be overwhelmed."

On 2022-05-06 at 1:37 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Urgh. My mind's messing with me again... When are we expected to take off?"

Illiad chuckled at that, "Worry not. I should be able to organize another diplomatic envoy in about a week, the Ambassadors have been anxious to resume their work. If you're ready by then, I'll get you two assigned as part of their guard. If not... well, hopefully there'll soon be trade convoys established that you'll be able to join up with to get you to New Pegasus."

Arcade nodded, "I think a week will be long enough," he turned to Null, "But I'm not an expert in this sort of thing."

 

(Void)

(Typically called Hopscotch where I'm from, at least it seems similar)

While Ardee wasn't very intrigued by the game, the foals were especially excited, even more so than they had been to 'help' in the twister game. While they didn't fully grasp the concept of spreading and gathering their legs, they were more than happy to hop between the squares in sequence, following Void, and later the other young ponies', example.

The enjoyment of the foals got Teal and Toupé invested, which in turn got Elef to join in, so Ardee played along as well.

Unless Void stopped them early, they would continue playing the game until the foals grew too tired to continue, about two or three hours, at which point the next three would also be fairly winded as well, with Ardee the only one not noticeably fatigued.

At some point while the others were playing, if Void weren't busy with something in the background, Ardee would come over to her and quietly ask, "Earlier... you said the heroes of Equestria were well loved..." she looked over at the other ponies as they played, "Were... were our progenitors among them? Do... do you think we could be too, even if..." she teared up a little at that, "Even if we don't...?" It was obvious enough that Ardee was concerned again about living up to Rainbow Dash's prestigious reputation. Could they still be loved if they weren't as good as the originals?

 

(Molotov)

Vale didn't pay Molotov much mind until he mentioned having adjusted the Sat-Nav to pick up radio signals. He'd probably combined it with the radio he'd found to make that happen. "Well, music is a big part of both Trojan and Equestrian culture, Cervidian too to a certain extent, so while Troy only has one broadcast frequency, they do dedicate at least some of their time to music. Here, let me tune it for you."

If Molotov handed the device over to Vale, she'd set the frequency as quickly as the device's functionality allowed. Assuming the device worked they'd soon hear the latest broadcast: "-d Blast reporting. Tensions remain high in New Pegasus between the Trojan Envoy and the local government, though reports are coming in that the missing Sgt. Accords has been found and is currently recovering. In other news, our sources say that North Port has been liberated from the remnants of the Legion, and should be open for trade in a few weeks time. The General there has been rumored to already have plans to liberate other coastal and semi-costal towns in the near future. More news to follow as it develops. Until then, here's an old favorite of mine: HexComb's I Need Your Love, Coming right up."

The device would then play music, 

Vale would listen to the news passively, but not react to it as she led the way across the dunes back to Troy.

When addressed by Carmen, Vale would smile, "Good evening to you too Carmen. I'm glad to hear it."

 

(Changelings)

The local simply smiled as Mongoose stumbled over his words, "So you are a changeling." He said, quiet enough that no one around them could hear, "You'll be very useful to my plans. You focus on your job, be a good little bug, and I'll be back for you when I need you, don't you worry."

With that, the local would step out into the crowd, quickly disappearing among the other guards in the mess hall, not that Mongoose was in a proper state of mind to follow him anyway. As the Local got further away, Mongoose's emotions would start to regulate themselves again. He'd be able to notice the message for him in his blindfold: "Try not to spill any other secrets. If he finds out you're a member of the Grey it will ruin the operation. Still, good work. Try and figure out what he wants you to do."

 

(Bling)

The feelings of being caressed would grow stronger the deeper she ventured into the room, they were distinctly closer to petting than groping, focusing almost entirely on her head, neck, whithers, and back, leaving her legs and flanks wholly alone. It was almost as if she were receiving a gentle massage.

As Bruce did not appear receptive to it, the caressing would back off on him, leaving him mostly alone.

On 2022-05-06 at 1:37 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Sorry if we're a few minutes late. Heard about the dress policy, and needed to find something. I don't think it impressed all that much sadly, hehe."

"Personally I could care less what you wear on the outside. It's what's inside that counts after all, but I'd be blind if I didn't admit you look stunning as you are, and as always."

There was an emotional signature to the cloud, mostly centered in the middle of the room, though it was clear enough that he occupied the whole space pretty much uniformly.

On 2022-05-06 at 1:37 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"So, I have some news about the Trojans, as I went and had a chat with Peace. It's a little more complicated than I would've liked, but if you have something first, it can wait. I wouldn't want to speak out of line, in your home."

The cloud seemed to sigh, "Straight into business? You really ought to relax. I invited you here because I want to know you better. I've been watching you for some time from afar, and now fortune has made it possible for me to watch you a little more closely."
(Inspiration for the cloud taken from Lemon Demon's Soft Fuzzy Man, and Welcome To Nightvale's Glow Cloud and Deb, the sentient patch of haze. Mostly Soft Fuzzy Man though.)

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2022-05-08 at 10:34 AM, Illiad Easle said:

lliad nodded, "I'll be making a trip there as soon as possible to organize them properly. Assuming you don't manage to capture him before I can finish, there should be a designated Judgement Chamber where he can properly be watched as he repays his debt. Nine will be able to tell you whether everything is set up or not."

He looked as if a thought had occurred to him, "It is good that you asked actually. As Vivace does not owe you a debt, you won't be empowered to assign him a judgement. So, if you do manage to capture him, you would need to take him to one who could properly judge him, like myself. I hope that at least two of those already in the Grey ranks will be worthy to become Judges, otherwise the Grey Mare would quickly be overwhelmed."

"Aight, we'll see who gets the job done first then, and take it from there. Unless he becomes too much of a pain, and I'll stake him instead. We'll see."

Sure he wasn't a vampire, but y'know, a stake to the heart, tended to kill things all the same. It was a pretty important organ to have unpunctured, if you wanted to continue living.

Something told her though, that she may end up having to do so regardless of her wants. He had proven to be such a troublesome one, the last time she ran into him, and from the sound of it, he hadn't stopped being a nuisance that needed to be dealt with. Furthermore, why would he just willingly follow along to be judged? No, he was going to be an issue, one way or another. It were just a question if it would be so much, that she had to kill him, or not.

On 2022-05-08 at 10:34 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Illiad chuckled at that, "Worry not. I should be able to organize another diplomatic envoy in about a week, the Ambassadors have been anxious to resume their work. If you're ready by then, I'll get you two assigned as part of their guard. If not... well, hopefully there'll soon be trade convoys established that you'll be able to join up with to get you to New Pegasus."

Arcade nodded, "I think a week will be long enough," he turned to Null, "But I'm not an expert in this sort of thing."

"It depends on mom, since the foals are coming soon now, but I'll prepare for it all the same. Ain't long, but should be enough to train, and get ready for a fight. We'll let you know if something happens.

If that's all, we should go. Farewell, Consul."

Provided there really weren't more, she'd bow her head some to Illiad - it would never get less weird for her, to show respect to a leader of Troy, she suspected - and start to lead Arcade out. She needed to talk to him about something, since she knew one thing that might be going through his head right now. And soon as she'd be able to have a word with him in private, she'd take the chance. Probably before they exited the building in fact, depending on guards and such, that might have some long ears.

"Arcade... I know what you're thinking, but it's a bad idea. We're going, to chase down a dangerous stallion, not have a vacation. If you want to keep your word to her... I can't stop you, but I can't guarantee she'll be safe."

She were here of course, talking about his promise to Ardee.

Now, she could likely train her some, over the week. A brutal affair, as it would have to be rather condensed, but it were feasible. And she could understand and respect, that Arcade had given her his word. But still, she didn't think it was a good idea, considering why they were going there, and how the town might still be a mess, due to the actions the last time they were there.

 

(Void)

(That's it. Forgot the English word)

On 2022-05-08 at 10:34 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Unless Void stopped them early, they would continue playing the game until the foals grew too tired to continue, about two or three hours, at which point the next three would also be fairly winded as well, with Ardee the only one not noticeably fatigued.

Honestly, Void hadn't expected it to last as long as it had. She assumed it would be around twenty minutes of interest, to get them a little moved, and then on to something else.

But no, this little thing, had actually kept their interest for three whole hours. All starting by the little rascals playing along, and their infectious energy drawing in everyone else. Even Void herself kept up with them for this time, and adjusted how they did things to try playing along with their idea of the rules, for a bit of fun. And granted, it were fun, but she could also feel she had jumped around for so long. Much as her false leg had comfort in mind, jumping around for three hours, were still something that were gnawing and when all were said and done, she went over and sat down, before taking it off. Her stump needed a few minutes of air.

On 2022-05-08 at 10:34 AM, Illiad Easle said:

At some point while the others were playing, if Void weren't busy with something in the background, Ardee would come over to her and quietly ask, "Earlier... you said the heroes of Equestria were well loved..." she looked over at the other ponies as they played, "Were... were our progenitors among them? Do... do you think we could be too, even if..." she teared up a little at that, "Even if we don't...?" It was obvious enough that Ardee was concerned again about living up to Rainbow Dash's prestigious reputation. Could they still be loved if they weren't as good as the originals?

At least, that had been the plan. But she got as far as to take it off, before Ardee came over and quietly asked her something, which had clearly been ion her mind, and gnawing at her, in her own way. No big surprise really, when the talk came on the small ones, as she knew the truth of where she, and the others, had come from. It were little wonder that it affected her.

She had not expected her toget teary though, but later when she had some time to think on it, she'd find it made sense. Yet in the moment, she didn't have those kinds of thoughts, as Ardee's voice trailed off, before saying those last few words, that she could just feel hanging in the air. Words born of her worries, that she and the others, weren't real ponies.

Void would lean in, and embrace Ardee gently. Lacking a back leg, wasn't going to stop her from doing this. She could balance alright, in case she needed to rise up to do so properly.

"They were loved as heroes, family, and friends of many. They got there through actions though. It had nothing to do with whom or what they were. Everyone could become heroes like them, including you. It doesn't matter that you came from them. Your actions are your own, and you can become anything you set your mind to. And if that's being a hero in your own right, I promise I'll help as best I can. Anything to make you happy."

Ideally, she'd prefer Ardee didn't wander into the world looking for trouble, but the more she learned, the more it seemed it were in her blood to end up that way. Sooner or later, Ardee was going to not just hear the call of the outside, but would answer it. And what kind of mot- Caretaker, would Void be, if she weren't willing to prepare her?

*sigh* She'd need Null's help too though... Big sis was better at fighting, and she still felt like Ardee and her would be able to find a connection, that were going to help them see eye to eye. She frankly reminded her far more of Null, than she ever did Rainbow Dash, even if she knew only little of Rainbow Dash, beyond her being rather bashful and full of herself.

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-05-08 at 10:34 AM, Illiad Easle said:

If Molotov handed the device over to Vale, she'd set the frequency as quickly as the device's functionality allowed. Assuming the device worked they'd soon hear the latest broadcast: "-d Blast reporting. Tensions remain high in New Pegasus between the Trojan Envoy and the local government, though reports are coming in that the missing Sgt. Accords has been found and is currently recovering. In other news, our sources say that North Port has been liberated from the remnants of the Legion, and should be open for trade in a few weeks time. The General there has been rumored to already have plans to liberate other coastal and semi-costal towns in the near future. More news to follow as it develops. Until then, here's an old favorite of mine: HexComb's I Need Your Love, Coming right up."

Molotov would hoof it over, no worries. He had just finished it, so it were yet untuned, so if she wanted the honors, then by all means, she could go ahead.

It wasn't the prettiest thing he had ever made though, but hey. It were made out of scraps and a somewhat broken satnav, that he had already needed to gobble together on the fly as it were. Function over looks when it came to stuff like that. The pretty details were for a proper lab setting, where he had the time and proper materials to give it a nice shine.

"Woah... They actually got North Point back? And this soon? *whistles* Atta gal, General."

He had been informed of the general's brief visit, in the time he had been here. He were frankly astonished at first, that she had been alive, but at the same time, thrilled about it, and planning to perhaps reach out, and offer his services to her, depending on how things would go here in Troy. She might technically be a leader of a neutral part of the former government, but The Coastal Guard had long been pretty much properly Equestrian, and as such, the leadership there, were seen as a symbol of the old country. The least important to most, but she were the last one standing, and from the sounds of it, she weren't gonna take things sitting down. Go figure really. The stuff he'd heard about the mare, didn't make her sound like the passive sort, and this broadcast were attesting that.

"I dunno how many Equestrians heard that one, but I'm thinking it's gonna raise their spirits for sure. Hearing the general's still alive is one thing. Another to hear how she made promises of action, to get things done. But this here? This is some tangible stuff. Proper proof of concept. Hehe, I could imagine she's gonna get herself some more recruits in the coming weeks. Maybe after everything's done here, I could reach out too. See if I could offer some designs they'd be able to use to keep the coastlines safe?

...Sorry, gone rambling again. The situation with Troy sounds nasty in comparison. Ain't good when early relations gets sand tossed in the machine. I hope the sergeant's gonna get better soon."

As for the music? He'd hum along with it, as he got the tools he had used here secured in his belt again. Couldn't go leaving these things. Especially not the tuner. That one was a pain to remake. He knew. He had to do it twice so far, and it was not fun. Tuning that thing properly alone could take a half day, or more.

On 2022-05-08 at 10:34 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When addressed by Carmen, Vale would smile, "Good evening to you too Carmen. I'm glad to hear it."

"Me too. Not good when bad things attack. Better with rest, yes?"

She'd crawl up on top of Molotov's head, where she usually were, as he passed by, and reached a hoof out. At which point, she'd look at the direction they were headed into.

"Going back now? Important things to tell Consul? Other beings? We were not going to chase other AI then? He is... Good? One creator let go. Not other one. I understand, other one is bad. Very bad. Damaged large sister."

 

(Changelings)

Without the presence of the other pony Mongoose would slowly start to get back to his senses. So nervous, questioning himself, and fidgety. Doubly so, as he now had time to reflect on what he had just done, and how it might mess with the mission.

"I'm s-sorry, I didn't m- mean to... I'll b-be good. I p-promise.. Yes... Yes..."

He'd sit and mumble to himself like this, unaware if The Grey could even hear him back, until Craven came into the room, and wandered right over to him.

"Stain? Are you... Okay now?"

"Y-Yes. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't... M-My head felt weird."

Craven let out a sigh. He wanted to punch Mongoose back, but frankly, he didn't have the high ground for it. It was that other one, who had caused it to happen in the first place. He should be angry with that one, not Mongoose, for being led along by the nose. Frankly, he had too, by being given so much anger. He wasn't much better in this situation.

"It's alright. I understand. Just breathe, and when you're ready, we'll go back to finish the washing."

 

(Bling)

On 2022-05-08 at 10:34 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Personally I could care less what you wear on the outside. It's what's inside that counts after all, but I'd be blind if I didn't admit you look stunning as you are, and as always."

There was an emotional signature to the cloud, mostly centered in the middle of the room, though it was clear enough that he occupied the whole space pretty much uniformly.

"Thank you for the compliment. And I don't mean to say anything bad about your staff. This place have standards they're used to, and I guess, they hear casino owner, and figure I'd then start to get the fanciest dresses that chips could buy.

I don't see why I would really. This one works fine, and the chips for a single extra fancy dress, could keep several changelings housed and clothed. Seemed a better use, you know? Anyway, sorry for rambling, heh. Guess I'm just getting so used to talking all the time, that it can get hard to keep silent sometimes."

The con of leadership. Usually always something to say, to somebody. Another reason she appreciated Bruce's presence. If she just wanted a bit of silence, he'd be silent as the grave, and keep others from seeing her. He were a good egg.

As for Bruce, he didn't show it, but he felt better, now that he wasn't getting as focused on by whatever presence had been poking at him before. It felt wrong, as he were used to being the sort who wouldn't normally just be touched, due to looking large and imposing. Kinda part of the job, and it being disrespected, in a way he couldn't properly respond to, were a little off to him.

Bling just got used to it, and figured it was something that probably wasn't going to be hurting her in any way. It were frankly starting to get more discomforting, that she couldn't pinpoint exactly where the owner of the casino were. It were like he were everywhere. Properly made of mist then, and not just using it to cloak himself, it seemed. Strange, but... She were sure there were some sort of good explanation to it.

On 2022-05-08 at 10:34 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The cloud seemed to sigh, "Straight into business? You really ought to relax. I invited you here because I want to know you better. I've been watching you for some time from afar, and now fortune has made it possible for me to watch you a little more closely."

"Oh! I'm sorry then. I just sorta assumed you'd be busy, and wanted me to get to the point. I'm not used to dealing with your casino, and hence, you either. I mean no offense of course. It looks lovely, but this place is pretty high standard, and I've mostly reached out places, to see if I could find work for some of my kin. Some changeling off of the street, didn't seem like they'd fit here, so I mostly looked elsewhere. Like the brother's casino. Some of the more resistant ones, can last a while before their presence gets to them, so I figured they'd perhaps some work they might get there. Mostly message deliveries, cleaning and such, of course. Not the fanciest, but high to low, we all got a part to play in making the machine of society run smoothly. It'd be a right nasty place if we didn't have cleaners and plumbers, yeah? hehe.

Aaah, but I think I'm rambling again. You want to know about me? By all means, ask away. I'd be happy to answer most stuff. Kinda surprised you've kept an eye on me though. Didn't think I'd draw the eye of someone important."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Arcade... I know what you're thinking, but it's a bad idea. We're going, to chase down a dangerous stallion, not have a vacation. If you want to keep your word to her... I can't stop you, but I can't guarantee she'll be safe."

Arcade sighed, but there was a certain hardness in his countenance, "Neither could Mistress, but we managed well enough. While not all of us survived we did get better over time." He turned to face her, "Ardee might not be formally trained, but neither am I. Yet, She, Elef, and I were the principle defenders of the others until you saved us. She's held her own against dozens of monsters, I'm confident she'll do well out there too. Still..."

He sighed again, this time looking more concerned, "You're right, it wouldn't be good to through her into that sort of situation without preparation. But, I don't want to just tell her no without giving her a chance... What if... what if we had her train with us? Then she could decide for herself if she were ready to come with us or if she would rather wait for the next opportunity? As anxious as she is to get out there, she's smart enough not to go without being prepared, unless it were absolutely necessary."

He nodded at that idea, then looked to see if Null approved, "Maybe we should ask your sister what she thinks, she's been around Ardee for a decent time now, maybe she'd have some insights?"

 

(Void)

Ardee was just a bit bigger than Null in size, so Void would likely have plenty of practice hugging her body shape. Ardee leaned into it as well, though something Void said to her seemed to resonate deeply with her, strengthening some hidden resolve, "Thank you, I... I'll do my best."

She'd let Void finish the hug before drawing away, returning her focus and energies to the others, her steps had a bit more purpose to them now.

As energetic as the foals were, they couldn't keep up the game forever, and they eventually grew tired enough to retreat back to their caregivers, who carefully put them in their crib for a nap, the first they had needed since arriving, which indicated how safe they now felt in this place. The foals asleep, the remaining four turned their attention back to Void, while they were also tired out from the game, they weren't keen on the idea of sleeping just yet. "So, what now?"

 

(Molotov)

Vale didn't really pay attention to Molotov's commentary on the situation, though she had listened to the news broadcast. She seemed to be thinking about other things instead.

She was stirred from her thoughts by Carmen's questions. "Oh? Yes, I've got to let the Consul know about what we found down there and the situation surrounding Panic. As to the one Felicia let escape..." She cast a glance over at the much larger spider, "According to what Panic told me, it doesn't pose a threat. In fact, assuming it also does not get corrupted, it should be working to our benefit."

Unless directly addressed by one of the group, Vale would return to ruminating on something, leading the way back to the city almost on autopilot.

If no one spoke up, they'd get back to the city in about the same amount of time it took them to get to the facility.

 

(Changelings)

No one in the mess hall seemed to pay the two of them any mind, though it was obvious that this place had not been properly cleaned in some time. Sure it had occasionally been swept, but it had gone a while since it was last mopped or the tables moved to get at the inconvenient corners of the place. Plus, cleaning there while the soldier were eating would potentially give them access to good gossip. Otherwise, they could head back to where they were originally going to work.

 

(Bling)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Anyway, sorry for rambling, heh. Guess I'm just getting so used to talking all the time, that it can get hard to keep silent sometimes.

"Don't be, I enjoy listening to you."

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Oh! I'm sorry then. I just sorta assumed you'd be busy, and wanted me to get to the point.

"Oh I am, but that's one of the perks of being what I am. I can take care of many things at once. Plus, I have a top notch management staff to handle all the smaller things."

With a sound like a gentle breeze a few separate cloud figures coalesced out of the mist to meet a member of the staff who had brought a few trays to the door, each of them taking one and bringing them over to where Bling and Bruce were seated. The emotional signature remained towards the center of the room throughout.

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I've mostly reached out places, to see if I could find work for some of my kin. Some changeling off of the street, didn't seem like they'd fit here, so I mostly looked elsewhere.

"Such a shame, of all the creatures in this city I've found the changelings to be the most intriguing. You don't have fur like all the others, just that smooth layer of magic all around you." Bling would feel almost hugged by the mist, or something akin to a soft heavy blanket being draped over her for a moment, "You should send a few to apply, I'm sure I could find room for them."

5 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Kinda surprised you've kept an eye on me though. Didn't think I'd draw the eye of someone important."

"I have eyes on just about everyone, another perk of being what I am, is that I can divide my attention several different ways. To be perfectly honest, while I've passively been watching you for some time, I've only been actively watching since Rasputin came to town. You've lasted much longer than those he normally spends time with, at least according to the stories I've heard. Still though, let's talk about you. What sort of scents do you like? Favorite temperatures? Humidity? I understand that, like ponies, preferences can vary among changelings."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

"We can ask, but it's Ardee's decision. If she wants to come, I'll do the most training I can with you, over the week. I ain't formally trained though. What you're gonna go through, is a brutal week of survival training, and essentially brawl battling. It won't be honorable, and you'll probably both think I'm being too tough, but it's better than being dead."

She could see that she weren't gonna be able to deter him. And if that was the case, she'd have to do the next best thing, and prepare the two of them for what might lie ahead. Hopefully it'd be enough, but they'd need to go and talk to Epsilon first. If she wanted this, she needed to accept that she needed to prepare. And if that was the case... Null were gonna need to prep a few things. A training room for one, along with some readily available water, to wash up the blood, as well as get a few *tools* prepared.

Like she said, it was gonna be brutal. And would end up including her beating the tar out of at least one of them. Unless they weren't as ill prepared as she feared. Who knew? They might well end up surprising her in some fashion, and this would just be smoothening out the rough edges.

"I'm sorry in advance for what I might end up doing to her and you, but the world isn't a kind place. It's dirty, it's rough, and there's a fair bit that'd stab you for a good word. If you aren't ready, it's gonna be a short, ugly trip out there. If you're okay with that, then lead the way. We got a lot of work ahead of us, it sounds like."

 

(Void)

On 2022-05-09 at 11:59 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee was just a bit bigger than Null in size, so Void would likely have plenty of practice hugging her body shape. Ardee leaned into it as well, though something Void said to her seemed to resonate deeply with her, strengthening some hidden resolve, "Thank you, I... I'll do my best."

She'd let Void finish the hug before drawing away, returning her focus and energies to the others, her steps had a bit more purpose to them now.

Void's hug lingered for a few seconds more, as she wanted to show the young mare, the love and affection, that had so sorely been lacking in her life thus far. Especially at moments when she were emotionally vulnerable. She remembered what it were like not to have that sometimes, and it were crushing. Even if she did have Null more often than not, who'd force her own tears away to hold her, there had been times when she were alone, miserable, and felt utterly, emotionally exposed. It were hard to need to tell something to someone, and yet not having a shoulder to lean on, nor the feeling that you had someone there, to support you, and be there if it went bad.

It reminded her again of Null, before she began to push everything aside, to give comfort, instead of receiving it...

*sigh* It were concerning to her sometimes, how many points she could find between Ardee and Null, but at least, this were in the less harmful state, and not how she had gotten. Ardee could still veer on to a better path.

On 2022-05-09 at 11:59 PM, Illiad Easle said:

As energetic as the foals were, they couldn't keep up the game forever, and they eventually grew tired enough to retreat back to their caregivers, who carefully put them in their crib for a nap, the first they had needed since arriving, which indicated how safe they now felt in this place. The foals asleep, the remaining four turned their attention back to Void, while they were also tired out from the game, they weren't keen on the idea of sleeping just yet. "So, what now?"

Void's smile grew, as she saw the little ones doze off in their cribs. Poor things had tired themselves out it seemed, but they had been very active too, so it was a good kind of tired. They'd probably be hungry when they woke up though. Good that she had some minor snacks with her, in case that would be before they were going to eat, though when that would be exactly, she wasn't sure of. Ideally she'd say now, but the foals looked too tired. They'd need a break, and possibly a nap themselves. Though that didn't mean she couldn't start, she supposed.

"I think I'll have to start a bit of prep work on dinner actually. I'm thinking we'll try some things that are fried tonight. I got some sharp sticks ready, and a few odds and ends. Leftovers, and a few new things. I figure we can spear those, and make some nice, easy food. I just need to cut a few things first.

But it can wait a little more, until you're ready to have a nap too. You've been very active, and I can see you're tired too. It'd do you good with a nap before we eat.

I'll go put my leg on. How about in the meantime, you go over to the shelf, and see if you can find something that catches your eyes. It can be a book, a game, a math book- Anything you like."

It wouldn't take her long to put her leg back on, but she'd drag it out a bit, to give them some time to look. She wasn't sure what to go with herself right now, so she figured it couldn't hurt to let them think of something. Likely not something too taxing, considering how tired they were.

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-05-09 at 11:59 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She was stirred from her thoughts by Carmen's questions. "Oh? Yes, I've got to let the Consul know about what we found down there and the situation surrounding Panic. As to the one Felicia let escape..." She cast a glance over at the much larger spider, "According to what Panic told me, it doesn't pose a threat. In fact, assuming it also does not get corrupted, it should be working to our benefit."

"ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕒 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕟, 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕕𝕖𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕠 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕦𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟."

"You still messed up. Just admit fault, and be happy it turned out positive. Ain't always you're gonna have the benefit of an accidental good thing."

Felicia refused t say more after that, and Molotov were mostly just listening to the radio, and whistling along to the melodies he did know. Carmen would swing around on his head for some of them, that had a little more beat, dancing as best she could. It weren't the prettiest, but she were having fun booping from side to side, and shaking her abdomen. Outta be able to enjoy life a little sometimes.

On 2022-05-09 at 11:59 PM, Illiad Easle said:

If no one spoke up, they'd get back to the city in about the same amount of time it took them to get to the facility.

Looking towards the city rising up in the distance, Felicia would then finally halt in her steps, wand with a hint of irritation in her voice, utter something, to break the silence.

"𝔻𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕕. 𝕄𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟?"

She did not like having to be excluded like this, regardless of the logistics in doing so. She knew it wouldn't be welcome, to see a spider her size in town, real or not. Yet while she did not have the adventurer spirit like Carmen, Felicia yet yearned for civilization. Hiding out in the desert, scaring off dune foxes, only stayed fun for a short while.

"'Fraid so. The consul still haven't given a green light, and this here's his turf. We need to go with his rules.

I'll try bringing it up with him again though, aight? Or with whomever we'll end up talking to, in case he's busy. Sooner or later, we'll have something sorted."

"𝕀 𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕣𝕪 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕡 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟. 𝔻𝕠 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕞𝕚𝕤𝕖, 𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣."

Unless there were something else, she'd go for the place that Molotov had made the cube in, so she could get backed up, and wait. It had been turned into a bit of a temporary workshop for now, which included some rudimentary traps. Nothing really valuable to find there right now as it were, beyond the backup data for Carmen and Felicia, and that stuff were utterly useless, without them specifically accessing it, or with Molotov's code index. Which he kept on him, for safety. Couldn't be too safe these days.

 

(Changelings)

Craven had started just wanting to leave quick as possible, but well... This place was filthy, and they were hired on as cleaners as it were. If they spread their duties to include some common cleaning in here, and mopping the floors... It'd give them more chances to overhear something, rather than staying in the washing room all day.

So he'd tell Mongoose he'd be back soon, then came back with a couple of buckets of soapy warm water, a mop, a broom, and some cloth to wash the tables with. And with that, he'd get to work, starting with brooming this place. Then around halfway, Mongoose would get the hint, and begin to clean the table he had sat at. First the surface, then the table legs. Seemed the right way to do this.

 

(Bling)

On 2022-05-09 at 11:59 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Oh I am, but that's one of the perks of being what I am. I can take care of many things at once. Plus, I have a top notch management staff to handle all the smaller things."

With a sound like a gentle breeze a few separate cloud figures coalesced out of the mist to meet a member of the staff who had brought a few trays to the door, each of them taking one and bringing them over to where Bling and Bruce were seated. The emotional signature remained towards the center of the room throughout.

Bling would nod with a smile on her face, as the try were placed between herself and Bruce. It was a nice, thoughtful thing, to have offered.

"Thank you.

I hope it's not rude of me to ask, but what are you? I don't ever think I heard of someone like you before. Are you a djinn?"

Honestly, she didn't even know if those creatures were real, but it were the best bet she had, as she had never heard of living mist beings. The world was full of strange creatures, and she were certain she were going to meet a fair bit over the years. The long, long years of... Jeez, it was still weird to think about. Best not dwell on it though. She were here to entertain another, not let her thoughts wander off.

On 2022-05-09 at 11:59 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Such a shame, of all the creatures in this city I've found the changelings to be the most intriguing. You don't have fur like all the others, just that smooth layer of magic all around you." Bling would feel almost hugged by the mist, or something akin to a soft heavy blanket being draped over her for a moment, "You should send a few to apply, I'm sure I could find room for them."

"Really? That'd be great. I know of a few who'd love the opportunity to work as this esteemed place. I'll make sure to get the word out, and tell them to prepare. That's the good thing about being a changeling. if you don't fit the environment, a little magic can solve that right away."

This were a good thing in her mind, though she hoped he wouldn't think she were trying to get others work to act as spies. She wouldn't do that. She respected her colleagues. She just wanted to get work to those of her changelings, who wanted it. The stereotype though, would be she'd send spies. She got that. But she hoped that she could prove it wouldn't be like that with her hive. Just like Cheshire before her.

She'd giggle a little as she got what she assumed were a misty hug. Not something Bling had ever thought off before, but sure, she'd lay along and be happy. A hug was a hug, right? Good times.

On 2022-05-09 at 11:59 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"I have eyes on just about everyone, another perk of being what I am, is that I can divide my attention several different ways. To be perfectly honest, while I've passively been watching you for some time, I've only been actively watching since Rasputin came to town. You've lasted much longer than those he normally spends time with, at least according to the stories I've heard. Still though, let's talk about you. What sort of scents do you like? Favorite temperatures? Humidity? I understand that, like ponies, preferences can vary among changelings."

"*sigh* I figured it wouldn't take long before some of the higher ups heard.

I know the stories, but there's then, and there's now. And now, he is making amends, as part of my hive. Just like everyone else, he deserves a second chance."

She were adamant about this. Sure she knew what he had done, if the stories told true. Which according to him, they did. But that did not mean he didn't deserve a chance to prove he could be better. Which thus far, he were doing admirably. She wouldn't let old prejudices take thatr from him, and frankly, if she had to put her hoof down, and talk about hive protection for him, she would. Though that'd likely make it official, and he'd have no one to hide from again.

And the other thing... Hmm, I like the smell and feeling, of a fresh autumn morning. Fresh and dry, crispy air, and the smell of various leaves that's fallen off the trees, and are wafting in the breeze. Cheshire always made us appreciate autumn, as nature's stage. Especially before we were able to move to Las Pegasus openly, when we had to live in a small hive in the woods below."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Arcade's expression grew a bit harder, "Null, you know I'm no stranger to death, I've died countless times already. And Ardee has experienced firsthoof on four separate occasions the consequences of not being fully prepared for a fight. There is no one I would trust to watch my back more than her." Given Arcade's expression, there was definitely more to that story, but unless Null asked about it he wasn't going to get into it.

Now, he felt he had something to prove, given Null didn't apparently trust his ability to defend himself and others, he moved with purpose to where the other ponies were staying, unless Null stopped him.

By the time they got to the house, much of his steam had burned off, unless Null went to aggravate it, so he'd knock gently on the door.

(Continued below)

 

(Void)

The four of them had just gotten to the shelves when Ardee knocked on the door, they looked to Void to answer it, though Ardee would go if Void didn't, or told her to. Arcade and Null would enter once the door was opened, the former getting swarmed by the four ponies in hugs. Who he hugged back in turn before turning to Null, "You talk to your sister, I'll talk with Ardee."

(Continued below)

 

(Molotov)

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕒 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕟, 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕨𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕕𝕖𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕠 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕦𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟."

Vale spun at that, a bit of fire in her eyes, "New data proved nothing. A lack of detriment was never the hypothesis, nor were your actions founded on said hypothesis. You gave Panic direct access to the Codex, as well as an exit to the facility, both of which could have had cataclysmic consequences. New data only proved that you are unbelievably lucky."

With that she turned her attention back to the road ahead, Molotov may have gotten the impression that her last line may have been directed more at the two of them, and not just Felicia.

 

Vale ignored Molotov and Felicia's conversation, simply heading towards the city, though she would wait for him before passing through the gates, "You go ahead to the Consul, give a preliminary report. I've got to check on something real quick, then I'll join you." With that she'd head into the city, and head towards where Molotov had first encountered her.

Molotov himself, if he headed straight for the Consul's estate, would simply need to tell the guard that he had news for the Consul to be escorted to the Consul's office, where he was dealing with paperwork, the data cube he had been given sitting to one side of the desk, "Ah, you're back..." He looked concerned when Vale did not enter behind him, his horn glowed brighter for a moment, then dimmed as he nodded, "Ah, there she is." he chuckled, "I can see Selena made the right choice to assign her there." He turned his attention more fully to Molotov, "Now, what were the two of you able to uncover during your expedition?"

 

(Sisters)

Arcade and Ardee were going to step out into the hallway to speak privately, as they had the previous time, when there was another knock at the door, one that didn't wait for an answer before poking their head in, breathing slightly heavily. The young ponies were all very happy to see Vale again, rushing over to swarm her with hugs as they had Arcade, though they hesitated when they saw the apparent damage and missing fur exposing the mechanical components, Toupé exclaiming, "Miss Vale! Are you alright?"

Teal followed up, "We missed you, are you going to tell us where you went?"

Vale smiled weakly, "I'll be fine, especially with all of you to help. I just wanted to make sure you were all alright, I missed you all too. I just need to go talk to the Consul, then I'll be back again, hopefully to stay."

Her attention turned to the potential tension between the four older ponies in the room, "What's going on here?"

 

(Changelings)

While the Trojan guard members would stay out of their way once they started cleaning an area, they weren't in much hurry to get out of their way, almost wholly ignoring them as they cleaned around them. Which worked well to their advantage when it came to listening in. Most of the talk was simple gossip, ribbing between fellow soldiers, discussions of when future guard rotations would line up to put two friends together, that sort of thing. What they might find more interesting were the few who were not talking, namely the pool of anger and confliction sitting in a corner, the same pegasus that Yannit had seen sitting with the local the previous day. He was staring at his food sullenly rather than eating while his comrades joked around him.

 

(Bling)

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I hope it's not rude of me to ask, but what are you? I don't ever think I heard of someone like you before. Are you a djinn?"

The cloud creature chuckled at the comparison, "If only, but no. So far as I'm aware, I am unique. At least, I have not encountered any others like me. I appear to be similar to Shadow Specters, but I have no issue with sunlight, and I feed off of moisture rather than heat, so living right next to a large body of water is convenient. I'm pretty sure I was once a pony though, very long ago, maybe I was made this way by a djinn, maybe a spell gone wrong? I've forgotten. Nowadays I've been referred to by many names: A Cloud Pony, a soft fuzzy filly, an ambient stud, a trick of the light, a 'wisp of smoke' mare, the mist, an atmospheric colt, and my personal favorite; 'a shimmering puff of indistinct love'."

There was a bit of a breeze as the cloud sighed, "You are free to call me what you like, in fact, I'm interested in what you might call me? Maybe something new to add to the list?"

 

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

That's the good thing about being a changeling. if you don't fit the environment, a little magic can solve that right away."

"Yes! I have to say, I think that's one of my favorite parts about changelings, so adaptable. Such a shame most Equestrians don't share my sentiment."

 

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Just like everyone else, he deserves a second chance."

"If the stories are to be believed, he's well beyond second by now. Still, my memory is fuzzy on the subject. Just be careful, the last changeling queen he was close to went mad, murdered a whole bunch of ponies and changelings before she was put down by her own daughter. Such a waste."

 

11 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

And the other thing... Hmm, I like the smell and feeling, of a fresh autumn morning. Fresh and dry, crispy air, and the smell of various leaves that's fallen off the trees, and are wafting in the breeze. Cheshire always made us appreciate autumn, as nature's stage. Especially before we were able to move to Las Pegasus openly, when we had to live in a small hive in the woods below."

As Bling described the sensation, it was almost as if she could feel it around her just as she described. It might take her a moment to realize that she wasn't just imagining it, but the cloud had seemingly adjusted the climate to match what she described, just without any actual leaves blowing about. "Interesting, I'd have thought you'd prefer something warm, dim, and humid, like what I've been told most changeling cave systems are like, but to each their own of course. Now, favorite sounds? flavors? physical sensations?"

It was obvious enough that the cloud was trying to make Bling as comfortable as possible, though to what end may not be clear.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2022-05-13 at 7:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Arcade's expression grew a bit harder, "Null, you know I'm no stranger to death, I've died countless times already. And Ardee has experienced firsthoof on four separate occasions the consequences of not being fully prepared for a fight. There is no one I would trust to watch my back more than her." Given Arcade's expression, there was definitely more to that story, but unless Null asked about it he wasn't going to get into it.

"You have no idea, the sort of things I have seen out there, Arcade. What horrors and nightmares, that lurks in dark corners of the world, able to tear through everything, even anti-magic, or those who think themselves immortal. You might know how to fight well enough, but I don't want you, nor her, to end up dead to your own hubris. I already have too much blood on my hooves, and I'm not going to add either of yours to that. Not if I have it in me to stop it."

She'd keep her eyes on his, facing his stare with her own, not bulging any more than he would, on this matter. Yet as they started to move, she'd say something more. Something that wasn't born from her own stubbornness, but were from another emotion beneath. Something which came out in a more hurt voice.

"It already... It already hurts, whenever I see you die Arcade. No matter if you come back. I can't just stand back, and watch it happen to you too."

She left it be somewhat unsaid, that she meant if Ardee was killed. Might be he had seen his own deaths, and those of his friends, but she couldn't believe that he were just okay with that, and felt nothing. And Ardee were the one he had known the longest. It would affect him strongly, just as it would, if Null saw her own sister die.

She'd remain silent the rest of the way, if he had something to say about it, or not. She had done what she could, to express her part in this. Which mostly came down to her not wanting either of them to die, and thus wanting to train with them. Might be she couldn't teach them a lot, if anything, but she still needed to see that with her own eyes. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to stop worrying. Though likely, she still would, when everything was said and done, as if Ardee died, it would hurt Arcade a lot. And if he somehow died permanently... She may well end up throwing herself off of a cliff for good. She couldn't have her heart broken like that right now. It were too much.

 

(Void)

"Huh? Someone's knocking? Might be the Consul have sent someone. Let's see who it is then."

She were honestly surprised to see whom it were, but it were a welcome sight to see her sister, whom she'd scoop lean down to give a warm hug, whilst Arcade got swarmed by all of his own friends.

"It's good to see you, big sis. Is everything okay? Is it mom? Is-"

"She's still pregnant. That ain't why we're here. Can we talk? In private?"

This were vaguely ominous, but Void would nod, and the two of them would wander away from the others, to somewhere they could speak a little in peace. By the sound of the gasp, and *shh shh* sounds that then followed, Null had broken the news to her, and were now discussing it further. They'd come around again... Or at least, that was the plan. But they barely got near the point where they could wander off to talk, before the door knocked again. So the talk had to wait, though Void yet worried about what it might be. As well as who might be knocking. Who were left, that would know about them? Except maybe...

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-05-13 at 7:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale spun at that, a bit of fire in her eyes, "New data proved nothing. A lack of detriment was never the hypothesis, nor were your actions founded on said hypothesis. You gave Panic direct access to the Codex, as well as an exit to the facility, both of which could have had cataclysmic consequences. New data only proved that you are unbelievably lucky."

Felicia seemed inclined to respond to that, but Molotov's hoof on her head, patting her a bit, caused her to look over, and see him shake his head.

"Don't. You messed up, Felicia. Big time even. And while you got lucky this time, there ain't no guarantee, it'll be the same if it happened again. Learn from your mistakes, and try not to repeat it, just like the rest of us have to, when we muck something up, aight? Cause next time, there might not be the chance to. Especially not with somethin' big like this. I think we had enough cataclysmic events for the next several thousand years."

She were not pleased, but she'd listen to his words. Logically speaking, it made sense, to learn from what she had almost gone and caused, rather than just consider her lucky. That said, she still didn't like being spoken down to like that, by some half-mechanical doe. Insolent fleshling should... Erratic thought process, without merit or beneficial outcome. Divert attention towards productive matters, and archive incident in memory folder. Sub-folder 11, part seventy-three: Mistakes.

After she had dealt with her little internal episode, she'd wander on in silence, and just go through the file a few dozen times, mulling over the details, and see what might be there to learn from.

On 2022-05-13 at 7:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale ignored Molotov and Felicia's conversation, simply heading towards the city, though she would wait for him before passing through the gates, "You go ahead to the Consul, give a preliminary report. I've got to check on something real quick, then I'll join you." With that she'd head into the city, and head towards where Molotov had first encountered her.

Molotov himself, if he headed straight for the Consul's estate, would simply need to tell the guard that he had news for the Consul to be escorted to the Consul's office, where he was dealing with paperwork, the data cube he had been given sitting to one side of the desk, "Ah, you're back..." He looked concerned when Vale did not enter behind him, his horn glowed brighter for a moment, then dimmed as he nodded, "Ah, there she is." he chuckled, "I can see Selena made the right choice to assign her there." He turned his attention more fully to Molotov, "Now, what were the two of you able to uncover during your expedition?"

Molotov would nod, and wander to the Consul's estate. He felt Carmen try and bury herself a little more into his mane as they neared it. It seemed she were still a little bit anxious about the consul, after his previous outburst.

The trip in were smooth and silent, so that were good. Gave him a chance to get this sorted fast, rather than sit and whistle in a waiting room for a few hours.

He did act a little wonky when Molotov then did show up, but he assumed from what he saw and heard, that he were feeling out Vale somehow. How he did that? He didn't know, and he weren't gonna ask, cause nothing good could come from him prying more into this.

"Hey again, Consul Easle. Well, a big muddled mess, I'd say. Let's take it from the top."

And so he would, starting with briefly saying the hole in his ear, came from Vale understandably reacting on seeing him, and that he weren't gonna press charges. Frankly, he were just happy she hadn't filleted him.

After that, he went on about the facility, what they had learned, what were going to happen to it, Felicia's mistake - with him emphasizing clearly that he knew she had messed up, and if anything happened with the other Pain, he'd handle it, or die trying - and so on, until they got to here.

"- and that's about the long and short of it. Right big ol' mess, but like Felicia's been told, she got lucky. And right now, I have her sit and think about what she nearly went and did. As for Conegher and I... Well, I think them glacier's are more warm towards me that she is, right about now. Serves me right though. Went and shoved my big hoof, down my even bigger mouth again.

*sigh* Sorry 'bout that, Consul Easle. Weren't meaning to dump my head out on ya like this. She'll probably be 'round soon. Everything alright here? Had you a chance to look through the cube, and find something you could use so far?"

Was he stalling for time? Yep. Was he gonna take up what he told Felicia right now to do so? Awh hay no. Not 'til he knew what the Consul thought on this, cause he weren't too happy with the AI's before, and this were probably not gonna go and help his vision of 'em.

 

(Sisters)

It Were Vale, that was great news, although... Oh dear, what had happened to her? She looked not just tired, but in tatters, compared to how she looked before, with a fair bit more of her metal exposed. The foals noticed too, and were understandably worried too, seeking answers, but there wouldn't be any, as she seemingly had to go quickly, to speak with the Consul. It would have to wait until later it appeared, before they would get answers, and have their concerns dealt with.

As for the question she gave towards them, Null would answer for Void and her.

"Ain't nothing that can't wait. We'll give you a briefing when you get back, but better haul your flank to the Consul."

Heck, she hadn't even gotten the chance to speak with Void yet, but she would soon. Just needed a little bit of bloody privacy. Sheesh. 

 

(Changelings)

Might not seem like much, to hear about guard schedules, but it could be important regardless, to get a feel of when and where, various ponies would be out and about. The Grey might draw some useful info for that, were they to do something they did not want to be seen, or arrange something, to lure certain ponies into an ambush of sorts. It might also be good, in case they had to pose as another guard, to know a few ins and outs, so it was all good.

Eventually though, the big issue one came into focus, and got them both interested, as after their meeting with the local, they got a feeling this one might be affected as well. Maybe it was waning off though, as there seemed to be confliction, so he still must have some degree of self thought and such.

So they'd start to move their way over there, during their cleaning, and would eventually get there, at which point, Craven would take the word, and address the pony.

"Excuse me, sir? Would it be okay if we started cleaning here?"

 

(Bling)

On 2022-05-13 at 7:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The cloud creature chuckled at the comparison, "If only, but no. So far as I'm aware, I am unique. At least, I have not encountered any others like me. I appear to be similar to Shadow Specters, but I have no issue with sunlight, and I feed off of moisture rather than heat, so living right next to a large body of water is convenient. I'm pretty sure I was once a pony though, very long ago, maybe I was made this way by a djinn, maybe a spell gone wrong? I've forgotten. Nowadays I've been referred to by many names: A Cloud Pony, a soft fuzzy filly, an ambient stud, a trick of the light, a 'wisp of smoke' mare, the mist, an atmospheric colt, and my personal favorite; 'a shimmering puff of indistinct love'."

There was a bit of a breeze as the cloud sighed, "You are free to call me what you like, in fact, I'm interested in what you might call me? Maybe something new to add to the list?"

"I'll admit, the first thing that came to mind, were just to call you *The Mist*. It has a nice, theatrical flair to it. I like the shimmering puff one though. It has a sweet ring to it. Positive, yet mysterious. I don't think I could top that.

I'm sorry to hear you aren't certain of your origins though. At least it seems you're comfortable being what you are, so you adapted well. I mean, if the casino didn't already prove that. It's always been a place that can't help but draw the eye."

A strange story, and she wasn't sure what a shadow specter were, but she were sure the cloud wasn't lying about this. What did they have to gain from doing that, right? Y'know, beyond not spilling the beans on what they truly were, but long as it wasn't malicious, she really didn't see a reason for her to poke and prod. And this casino had been here for a long time by now. She heard mostly nothing outside of the usual low level *don't ask* stuff about this place, that'd make her think it was any worse, than the others. And the bad things may well just be rumors.

On 2022-05-13 at 7:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Yes! I have to say, I think that's one of my favorite parts about changelings, so adaptable. Such a shame most Equestrians don't share my sentiment."

"Well, after Chrysalis attacked their capitol, it changed things. We went from unusual sights, or stories you told your foals to keep them in check, to in your face monsters, in the public opinion. When King Thorax came and started to change it, it helped, but a lot still had their mind made up. Especially those who had lost loved ones, to changelings. Cheshire had a hard time convincing others at first too, but she's always been so passionate about us going open, and live not just freely, but doing so as equals. So she seized the chance, and spent the little good will she were given, to carefully walk our path.

Teaching programs about changelings, opening our doors to any inspector, or curious citizen who'd like to know more, or see our performance, being open about how we harvested emotions, and showing how harmless it were, if the vats were used- It was a lot of work, but well worth it. The more the locals began to understand how changelings were, and got to know us better, the less afraid of us they got. Some still wouldn't change opinions of course, but you can't win them all, right? And I think it really helped that Cheshire always raised us to be pacifists, and performers. It's easier to make folks accept you, when you're not warriors.

*sigh* I hope she comes back soon. I think you'd love meeting her. Her positivity is as infectious, as it is radiant. I hope the years away from us, haven't changed that."

On 2022-05-13 at 7:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"If the stories are to be believed, he's well beyond second by now. Still, my memory is fuzzy on the subject. Just be careful, the last changeling queen he was close to went mad, murdered a whole bunch of ponies and changelings before she was put down by her own daughter. Such a waste."

"Second, thirtieth- Semantics. If things sadly goes the wrong way, there'll be some to stop him, I'm sure, but so far, he's been nothing but helpful. Even saved several lives, when the gang war broke out.

And I don't think you need to worry about me, going on an insane murder spree. I'm feeling fine and sane, and like I said, I'm a pacifist. Even if I did break down mentally, and went past that, I have literally no combat training. Hive Cheshire always fought, by trickery and illusions, rather than lift a blade. If the worst of the worst happens, I know there'll be those in the hive who'll deal with it, and I know several who'd do well, in taking over after me. Or if not them, I get the feeling that Ninja would probably be sent in to deal with me. I always got the very distinct feeling that if he were asked to make someone dead, they would be, and The Host would probably not want me to spoil the mood in town."

On 2022-05-13 at 7:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

As Bling described the sensation, it was almost as if she could feel it around her just as she described. It might take her a moment to realize that she wasn't just imagining it, but the cloud had seemingly adjusted the climate to match what she described, just without any actual leaves blowing about. "Interesting, I'd have thought you'd prefer something warm, dim, and humid, like what I've been told most changeling cave systems are like, but to each their own of course. Now, favorite sounds? flavors? physical sensations?"

It was obvious enough that the cloud was trying to make Bling as comfortable as possible, though to what end may not be clear.

Bling's eyebrows rose slightly, and she looked around, befuddled, then amused, with a spark of joy rising in her eyes.

"Oooh, that's really impressive. I haven't felt like this in years.

Before I answer, I'd like to say, that I get that is comfy for most, with the feeling of a damp hive, but I guess I just never got too familiar with that. Cheshire had us in one when we were tiny, and needed to grow up in safety, but after that, she made sure we spend as much time outside, enjoying the outside world, as possible. She never wanted us to have the typical changeling life. She wanted us to be integrated into equine society, and live among them. So she hoped we'd integrate better, with stuff like sleeping in beds, frolicking in nature, and wandering around town, disguised as a school class. I honestly haven't even been down in a hive for years by now. Not since we abandoned our old hive, after moving proper into town.

Anyway, this next part's gonna be fun then. I like the sound of beings around, and the sensation of joy. I'm a performer. The feeling that comes after a performance done right, with cheers, and joy radiating from the audience... Awh, there's nothing like it. I really should set up a show one of these days, when I'm not as busy again.

What about you? What sorta things do you like? I might not be able to do the cool tricks you can, but still, it's impolite of me to make it all seem about me. Besides, you're an interesting one, and got no idea, what might be your taste. Like, do you have any sort of preferred entertainment? We got a bit of everything."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

Arcade was about to keep going, maybe describe in detail all the gristly ways in which he had been tortured and murdered before, and all the creatures he himself had killed in an attempt to stave off another death, but he was dissuaded by Null's more heartfelt confession, sighing as he broke eye contact, "And I can't bear to lose you either. I can't sit idly by and let you throw yourself into danger. So ready or not I'm going with you. Ardee... will be able to decide for herself whether she's ready once the training is over. If you don't think she's ready, there's no reason why she couldn't stay in the embassy while we deal with Vivace. She just wants to get out, finally have a chance to not be depended on, to be her own pony, she doesn't have to be with us the whole time."

Arcade hoped that would be a reasonable compromise.

 

(Sisters)

Vale looked a little suspicious, but ultimately figured it didn't involve the young ponies, so she didn't need to be concerned about it, "Alright then." She turned to the others with a smile, "I'll be right back okay? Be good in the mean time."

And with that she bounded off back in the direction of the Consul's estate.

Elef, Teal and Toupé sat together, wondering what exactly was going on with all the older ponies, a little scared by the hushed tones and somber expressions.

When Ardee and Arcade came back inside, Ardee had a determined expression, and Arcade a bit more resigned. Still, he did what he could to lighten the mood for the others while Ardee waited for Null and Void to finish talking, as they'd no doubt want to talk to her about it as well.

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-05-15 at 12:47 PM, Blitz Boom said:

starting with briefly saying the hole in his ear, came from Vale understandably reacting on seeing him, and that he weren't gonna press charges.

"Nor would you have right to, legally, given you're not a Trojan citizen, and it happened outside of the current Trojan jurisdiction. So far as Karma is concerned... you'll be duly compensated for anything you didn't deserve."

 

On 2022-05-15 at 12:47 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Everything alright here? Had you a chance to look through the cube, and find something you could use so far?

The Consul looked over at the cube, "I'm sure many of your designs will become very useful once we've rebuilt the infrastructure to use them. At the moment we simply don't have access to the refined materials necessary to make these things realities, and besides..." he turned back towards Molotov, "I'm hardly qualified to determine the utility of these things. I'm an artist, not an engineer. If my wife were here..."

He sighed, and was quiet for a moment, then continued, "I'll pass the cube along to Vale if that's alright with you. She and the remaining engineers and researchers will be able to decide what useful things can be built and which should be hidden away. Speaking of... Given the outcome of this... situation... it seems I was premature to judge your creations, as well as the one that was freed. Given what you told me, combined with a deeper analysis of my visions, I see the threat was not the artificial intelligence, but the corruption. The same corruption that likely would have caused the previous Panic incidents. I'll still wait for Vale's report before I make a final decision, but thus far I don't see a reason to prevent them from entering the city."

It was right about then that Vale entered the office, breathing heavily given her two quick trips in rapid succession, "Sorry... Sorry I'm late Consul."

Illiad smiled, "Not a problem, I'm sure your charges were happy to see that you are still alive. I see that Molotov's report was correct in that neither of you emerged wholly unscathed, though his report did not include how you were injured. Could you elaborate?"

Vale nodded, taking a moment to catch her breath, "I was unable to follow Molotov and his larger creation into the facility, as I lack wings and did not trust the creation to carry me down, so I entered via an alternate route which caused me to incur several lacerations. Further I had to pass through ventilation ducts and a garbage repository to get around certain obstructions. While separated I dealt with an instance of the invisible stalkers, which caused reparable damage to a forelimb, which Molotov witnessed me repairing once we left the facility. I utilized C-035 in an effort to control the corrupt version of 2106/079, given it creates a similar ooze to what 106 previously generated, but 035 appears to have been destroyed in the process. I was able to use the Enigma Machine there to create a device capable of storing Colonel Panic, as well as reverse some of the corruption caused by inactivity and failing hardware. The device does not have the power to run the program however, simply store it, so we have a backup if things go wrong." She passed the device over to the Consul, "That also contains a more detailed, written report or the expedition."

The Consul nodded, as he briefly looked it over, "The crisis then is averted in that the foreseen crisis will proceed as anticipated. What is your report in regard to the creations of Molotov?"

Vale sighed, "As much as I believe that Molotov poses a danger to the city due to his own incompetence, his creations, inasmuch as I have witnessed, do not pose any greater danger to the citizens here than a similarly sized dragon."

He nodded again, "And larger ones have been allowed to enter without issue before." He turned his attention back to Molotov. "Your creations are free to come and go as they please, with the caveat that any crimes they commit will be answered on your head. Do keep them in line. Now, is there anything else that should be discussed?"

 

(Changelings)

The pegasus ignored them the first time they tried to get his attention, fully absorbed in his inner thoughts, but would notice if they tried again, "Huh? Oh! Yeah, I was... I wasn't hungry anyway." He got up to get out of their way, leaving the barely touched meal where it was. The previous emotions getting pushed to the back of his mind at he turned his attention to them, "I haven't seen you two here before, you come answering the ad for cleaners?"

 

(Bling)

On 2022-05-15 at 12:47 PM, Blitz Boom said:

It's always been a place that can't help but draw the eye."

The mist chuckled, "Happy to impress, but I can't take the credit for that. I didn't build the casino after all, just took up managing it after the old owner fled the town to try and get on the Æther Project once everything was falling apart. I wasn't going to let all that work go to waste, and it wasn't like anyone else was going to step up with the legion in the town. Unlike other ponies, I don't have a surface to stab."

 

On 2022-05-15 at 12:47 PM, Blitz Boom said:

When King Thorax came and started to change it, it helped, but a lot still had their mind made up.

The mist snorted at the reference, "I can't say I enjoyed him as much as the other changelings. You shouldn't have to change yourself in order to fit in. I mean..." There was a rush of air as all of the mist condensed back into one corporeal form of a pony, centered right where the emotional center had been, but it was all still the same color, "I could do this, fit in with the other ponies, but that would deny what I really am." The air rushed back such that the mist was once again permeating the whole structure. "Better to be true to what you are, and help others understand and accept it, than try to be what others want you to be."

On 2022-05-15 at 12:47 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Teaching programs about changelings, opening our doors to any inspector, or curious citizen who'd like to know more, or see our performance, being open about how we harvested emotions, and showing how harmless it were, if the vats were used- It was a lot of work, but well worth it. The more the locals began to understand how changelings were, and got to know us better, the less afraid of us they got. Some still wouldn't change opinions of course, but you can't win them all, right? And I think it really helped that Cheshire always raised us to be pacifists, and performers. It's easier to make folks accept you, when you're not warriors.

"Yeah, exactly like that. Help them understand that you're not all the same, that you can, have, and will continue to, peacefully coexist without compromising on what you are."

 

On 2022-05-15 at 12:47 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Or if not them, I get the feeling that Ninja would probably be sent in to deal with me.

"That's more of a last resort option, but yes, if you ended up like Gelatine, that would be the outcome."

 

On 2022-05-15 at 12:47 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Anyway, this next part's gonna be fun then. I like the sound of beings around, and the sensation of joy. I'm a performer. The feeling that comes after a performance done right, with cheers, and joy radiating from the audience... Awh, there's nothing like it. I really should set up a show one of these days, when I'm not as busy again.

The sound would join the other sensations, quiet enough that they could still converse comfortably, "Sound I can do, but emotions... I'm not empathic. I can tell how creatures are feeling and thinking with enough effort, seeping into their thoughts and all, but I can't change their minds or make them feel anything. So unfortunately I can't simulate Joy for you, so I hope my own happiness at your enjoyment is sufficient for your comfort."

 

On 2022-05-15 at 12:47 PM, Blitz Boom said:

What about you? What sorta things do you like? I might not be able to do the cool tricks you can, but still, it's impolite of me to make it all seem about me. Besides, you're an interesting one, and got no idea, what might be your taste. Like, do you have any sort of preferred entertainment? We got a bit of everything."

"I suppose you could consider me something of a voyeur (I tried to find a better word, but there doesn't seem to be one for a person who enjoys people watching), though I simply enjoy watching creatures go about their lives, living normally. As I don't have a physical form really I don't gain much enjoyment from food, but I enjoy feeling things. Smooth textures especially, like glass, polished marble, and the magical coating that changelings have. I enjoy going unnoticed at times, that my watching does not affect those I watch, ensuring that they act naturally. But I do also enjoy being interacted with, like I'm a real being, like you are now. In terms of doing things for me, just keep acting natural, don't let the knowledge that I'm watching affect what you do or how you do it."

Edited May 17, 2022 by Illiad Easle

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Null)

On 2022-05-16 at 2:21 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"And I can't bear to lose you either. I can't sit idly by and let you throw yourself into danger. So ready or not I'm going with you. Ardee... will be able to decide for herself whether she's ready once the training is over. If you don't think she's ready, there's no reason why she couldn't stay in the embassy while we deal with Vivace. She just wants to get out, finally have a chance to not be depended on, to be her own pony, she doesn't have to be with us the whole time."

"I wasn't gonna bring her for the actual chase, but frankly, I've actually got half a mind asking the changelings in town, to keep an eye on her, if they have some time, when we're going after him. There's gangs in town too, and she doesn't know the area, so it'd be better if she had some sorta guide if she still wanted out."

Seems like they reached some sorta agreement on this. *sigh* wasn't ideal, but least they could do a few things to keep her safe, when they were chasing after the main target. Didn't mean she didn't still think it was best if she stayed here, but the dice had been cast. Best she could do now, were preparing them, in case they weren't ready.

 

(Sisters)

On 2022-05-16 at 2:21 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When Ardee and Arcade came back inside, Ardee had a determined expression, and Arcade a bit more resigned. Still, he did what he could to lighten the mood for the others while Ardee waited for Null and Void to finish talking, as they'd no doubt want to talk to her about it as well.

Null would wave Ardee over, once she were done speaking with Void. The latter having a look of slight dread on her face, mixed in with worry. She understood what had been set up, and couldn't stop it, but it didn't mean she could just stop being concerned for Ardee. This seemed very abrupt after all. And what if she got hurt?

Once Ardee would join them, Null would look up at her. Her eyes weren't hateful and hard, as she gazed upon the younger pony, yet she were scrutinizing her, sizing her up, to see what her personal meaning of her prowess might be. So far, she didn't see a lot, but then again, that didn't mean much. Looking at herself for instance, weren't impressive either, and she had killed several beings. Weren't always good to judge a book merely by its cover.

"It ain't gonna be a nice week, but if you want this, there's no shortcuts. I want you to come back here in one piece, so there won't be any loitering during training. We clear on that?"

"Ardee... Are you sure? It's only a week, it's not a lot of time to... I-I'm worried if it's enough."

Void would do hers to help though, if it came down to it. Including making Ardee some weaponry, that might suit her needs. Might be she were a glass blower, but she still knew her way around a forge well enough, to do decently. Though she did best in repairing, rather than creating, so say, a halberd where the head were still intact, and just needed some repairs to the staff, and a sharpening? No issues. Making a blade from scratch... Harder. She had only done so twice, and the results were mediocre at best. Maybe she could go find something from those who scavenged the desert, and see from there.

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-05-16 at 2:21 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Nor would you have right to, legally, given you're not a Trojan citizen, and it happened outside of the current Trojan jurisdiction. So far as Karma is concerned... you'll be duly compensated for anything you didn't deserve."

"Hey, I just wanted to make sure. I ain't familiar with your laws, and I know I deserved that, and probably a fair bit more. Now that I ain't in the ground though, I aim to make the best outta this chance. And this time 'round, I'll do better."

On 2022-05-16 at 2:21 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul looked over at the cube, "I'm sure many of your designs will become very useful once we've rebuilt the infrastructure to use them. At the moment we simply don't have access to the refined materials necessary to make these things realities, and besides..." he turned back towards Molotov, "I'm hardly qualified to determine the utility of these things. I'm an artist, not an engineer. If my wife were here..."

Molotov had a mouth faster than his brain, but even he saw the giant red sign on this, going *DO NOT TOUCH!*. He'd never lost a wife, or marefriend, but he had lost family still, and it were heartbreaking. Something that he figured the poor lad, didn't want to have commented on, considering his own silence tool. Must be him trying to push the thoughts away, eh? He could relate to that. He did so a fair few times himself, when he weren't distracted, and started to remember his mom, sister, and various other family members, that he couldn't see anymore.

On 2022-05-16 at 2:21 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He sighed, and was quiet for a moment, then continued, "I'll pass the cube along to Vale if that's alright with you. She and the remaining engineers and researchers will be able to decide what useful things can be built and which should be hidden away. Speaking of... Given the outcome of this... situation... it seems I was premature to judge your creations, as well as the one that was freed. Given what you told me, combined with a deeper analysis of my visions, I see the threat was not the artificial intelligence, but the corruption. The same corruption that likely would have caused the previous Panic incidents. I'll still wait for Vale's report before I make a final decision, but thus far I don't see a reason to prevent them from entering the city."

"Whatever you decide to do with it Consul, is your decision. I gave it to you, since I wanted all the research to get a chance to not go to waste. Not just my own work, but that of the others. Equestria failed to use it responsibly. I'm hoping you'll be better than them.

As for the other thing... It's good to hear that it was just a minor misunderstanding. If Vale approves then, I'll go let Felicia know later, that she's free to come in. Supervised that is. I'm still thinking it's best if they see her with me at first, so they don't think she is some sorta rogue killer robot. Carmen though... heh, she's hiding from ya, but she's here."

He'd point a hoof up towards his puffed up mane, where shortly after, Carmen would tentatively poke her head out, and look at the consul. She had thought it best if she kept hidden, just in case the news had been bad, but it sounded like things were better now, yes? Long as Vale didn't say something bad. Which she might about her larger sister. The two had not gotten that well along, during their trip. She thought that Vale liked her better though, but... They would see.

On 2022-05-16 at 2:21 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Vale nodded, taking a moment to catch her breath, "I was unable to follow Molotov and his larger creation into the facility, as I lack wings and did not trust the creation to carry me down, so I entered via an alternate route which caused me to incur several lacerations. Further I had to pass through ventilation ducts and a garbage repository to get around certain obstructions. While separated I dealt with an instance of the invisible stalkers, which caused reparable damage to a forelimb, which Molotov witnessed me repairing once we left the facility. I utilized C-035 in an effort to control the corrupt version of 2106/079, given it creates a similar ooze to what 106 previously generated, but 035 appears to have been destroyed in the process. I was able to use the Enigma Machine there to create a device capable of storing Colonel Panic, as well as reverse some of the corruption caused by inactivity and failing hardware. The device does not have the power to run the program however, simply store it, so we have a backup if things go wrong." She passed the device over to the Consul, "That also contains a more detailed, written report or the expedition."

The Consul nodded, as he briefly looked it over, "The crisis then is averted in that the foreseen crisis will proceed as anticipated. What is your report in regard to the creations of Molotov?"

Vale sighed, "As much as I believe that Molotov poses a danger to the city due to his own incompetence, his creations, inasmuch as I have witnessed, do not pose any greater danger to the citizens here than a similarly sized dragon."

He nodded again, "And larger ones have been allowed to enter without issue before." He turned his attention back to Molotov. "Your creations are free to come and go as they please, with the caveat that any crimes they commit will be answered on your head. Do keep them in line. Now, is there anything else that should be discussed?"

Molotov raised an eyebrow, as he heard what were being said. What the hay kinda messed up things had the poor lass gone through, before they ran into her? He only understood some of it, as it included some numbering he didn't get, as he wasn't familiar with all the things in there, but... Least she were alive, right? Had to be good. And he weren't gonna poke for details. He were already on her bad side. Much more, and he'd end up getting shot for real this time.

Bit of a rude comment from her side though, to say he were incompetent, and posed a danger to the town. He were very competent. Heck, he hadn't accidentally blown up something in months.

"I actually got somethin' to say here.

First off, I nicked this here key from that place, to get through some door I couldn't pass. Interesting place it takes ya, during the passage, but from personal experience, I'm thinking it ain't a good idea to whistle in there."

He'd slowly pull out the key he had used, and placed it on a nearby surface. Sure he probably should've told Vale about it, but in fairness, she were pissed at 'im already. Wasn't like he figured she'd take it well, that he were utilizing some stuff from the facility.

"Second, I used that old place you talked about, to make this here cube, and a few other things. Mind if I just settle in there? It's out of city limits, so if something blows up, it ain't gonna hit in here, and with a bit of elbow grease, I can make it into a fine lil' work shop. Full access to whatever inspectors and such you'd send my way, 'course. Ain't hiding stuff.

Third is just a thank you in advance, from Felicia. She messed up royally out there, but she doesn't try and break laws, and she's been curious about Troy. She'll be happy to hear she can come and look at town now. I'll make sure she'll behave.

...Oh yeah, right. Seems like when I saw Void here last time, she seemed a bit concerned with me seeing where she'd been going, when she weren't at home. I ain't wanting to stop on hooves here, so... Off limits area, yeah? I can pass the word along to Ashclaw too, once I find her. Unless her mistress called her back home... I can never tell what that old lizard's planning. Important part though: Meet Void elsewhere, don't go snooping?"

He weren't gonna stop meeting Void, that was for sure. Well, unless the words *restraining order* came out of her mouth. He might be a little dense sometimes, but he got the hint when those two words came up. Not that anyone had ever actually filed restraining orders against him. The threat tended to be enough, and he wasn't creepy enough to make it an issue that a warning didn't solve, far as the law had usually been concerned. Not that he tried to be a stalker'ish sort either. He were just a bit too persistent for his own good sometimes. l According to his mom, he got that from his dad.

 

(Changelings)

"Yes sir. I'm Bleach, and this is my partner, Stain Cleaner. Came looking for work, and the add for the embassy literally came flying down at us. Must've gotten off the wall, but seemed like a sign. Honestly surprised we didn't have more competition though. You'd think more cleaners would be thrilled to work somewhere like this."

Craven would handle the floor whilst he talked. Mongoose would remain silent, and starring at the surface of the table as he cleane3d it, making sure he got every stain with him. Seemed like his expertise in cleaning up messes, had come in handy. Genuinely appeared to help him relax too, which might present an opportunity for him down the line, instead of being nervous, and mainlining gum. That is, if the various gruesome murders he had done, weren't gonna end getting him judged to some horrendous fate before that. It were hard to say what the future brought. Heleft he plate for now though. He'd get to that, when he reached that part of the table.

"This isn't part of the job technically, but the cafeteria looked like it could use a helping hoof. We're probably mostly in the washing room though, so if your uniform, or anything else, needs to be thoroughly cleaned, don't hesitate to send it our way, sir. We'll make sure it looks as close to brand new as possible."

He wasn't sure what to make of this one, so Craven would try and be friendly, and respectful, towards this stallion, and see what came from it. Trying to be chummy worked with some, but these here were guards. They were probably used to being addressed properly by the citizens. And if not, this were likely still the best approach. Being rude, or utterly ignoring him, would more than likely backfire upon them, in some fashion.

 

(Bling)

On 2022-05-16 at 2:21 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The mist chuckled, "Happy to impress, but I can't take the credit for that. I didn't build the casino after all, just took up managing it after the old owner fled the town to try and get on the Æther Project once everything was falling apart. I wasn't going to let all that work go to waste, and it wasn't like anyone else was going to step up with the legion in the town. Unlike other ponies, I don't have a surface to stab."

"Oh pish posh. You might've not build it, but after the town were retaken, you've kept it flourishing, instead of letting it fall apart. That's mighty impressive too. I do sometimes wonder if the old owner ever got on The Æther though. If I heard right, not a lot were accepted for that place, though it's not a lot I heard about it. Some impressive science project, that could keep a certain number of survivors, safe from all the madness, is the gist of what I learned."

In fairness, she hadn't really looked it up. She had more important things to focus on normally, than some far flung, strange story, about a safe ark, kind of project. She had to make sure there were food on the table, after all.

On 2022-05-16 at 2:21 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The mist snorted at the reference, "I can't say I enjoyed him as much as the other changelings. You shouldn't have to change yourself in order to fit in. I mean..." There was a rush of air as all of the mist condensed back into one corporeal form of a pony, centered right where the emotional center had been, but it was all still the same color, "I could do this, fit in with the other ponies, but that would deny what I really am." The air rushed back such that the mist was once again permeating the whole structure. "Better to be true to what you are, and help others understand and accept it, than try to be what others want you to be."

"You know, you sound a lot like Rasputin. He didn't like the idea of Thorax either. And just for the record, I never intended to, nor would, change into what he had become. I'm perfectly happy, being a regular kind of changeling.

But Thorax was still important for all of changeling kind, in Equestria, and I do wish that others would learn to look beyond just his looks. After Chrysalis, we were the number one pariah of the country. Times were getting rough, and the hunters out to find us, were getting bloodthirsty. Weren't like anyone would stop them after all, if they hunted one of us down.

Thorax though, he connected with the princess, and gave our kind a chance again, to not be hunted down like simple monsters. A lot of changelings got worried that he'd try and forcibly convert us to his ways though, so sadly, there's more focus on that sort of thing, rather than on the fact that due to him, there were an opening for us again. I can say for sure at least, that if it wasn't for him, and his deals with Princess Twilight, our hive would've still been living in the forest, and sneaking into town to impose on a few performances in disguise, when the crisis came.

Cheshire were very honest with him too. She told him that she'd welcome him and all of his hive with open hooves, but that we'd never convert. Just because we were thankful to him, doesn't mean we ever had the interest in turning into him.

Frankly I don't think the name helped them to get friends either. Calling themselves *Reformed* changelings, made it sound as if us regular ones were evil, and needed their help to become good. Bit cultish, if you ask me."

On 2022-05-16 at 2:21 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Yeah, exactly like that. Help them understand that you're not all the same, that you can, have, and will continue to, peacefully coexist without compromising on what you are."

"I'm hoping we can start doing that again eventually. Folks are a lot more open to us, after the crisis, but I still hear weird stories sometimes. I swear, I heard at least two different variations, of claims that we can suck the soul of a pony, and that soul, is how we make new changelings. Crazy stuff, huh?"

On 2022-05-16 at 2:21 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The sound would join the other sensations, quiet enough that they could still converse comfortably, "Sound I can do, but emotions... I'm not empathic. I can tell how creatures are feeling and thinking with enough effort, seeping into their thoughts and all, but I can't change their minds or make them feel anything. So unfortunately I can't simulate Joy for you, so I hope my own happiness at your enjoyment is sufficient for your comfort."

"Your enjoyment is kind of setting the mood, yeah. Hive Cheshire is a hive of joy after all. We have plenty emotions to eat going around, but it makes us happy to feel others feeling joy, no matter in what quantity. Unless it's around the vats. We'll try to make others in an even better mood then, so we can harvest a bit for the hive. Frankly always made me happy, to see a vat filled with joy gel. Makes me think we've done something right, for us, and for those who contributed."

On 2022-05-16 at 2:21 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"I suppose you could consider me something of a voyeur (I tried to find a better word, but there doesn't seem to be one for a person who enjoys people watching), though I simply enjoy watching creatures go about their lives, living normally. As I don't have a physical form really I don't gain much enjoyment from food, but I enjoy feeling things. Smooth textures especially, like glass, polished marble, and the magical coating that changelings have. I enjoy going unnoticed at times, that my watching does not affect those I watch, ensuring that they act naturally. But I do also enjoy being interacted with, like I'm a real being, like you are now. In terms of doing things for me, just keep acting natural, don't let the knowledge that I'm watching affect what you do or how you do it."

"Hmm... Have you ever considered just calling yourself an enthusiastic observer? Voyeur makes it sound a little like you're looking through others windows. Like, up close. Hehe. Anyway, it's funny to hear that you like smooth surfaces. No wonder that us changelings catches your eyes a bit then. Or the prodding I feel, which so you know, is fine. I don't mind. Bruce probably would. He's a guard. They don't like being touched, y'know?

Besides, you're acting a lot like a changeling, it sounds like. Observing, feeling things out- That's a lot like what our kind tend to do. Scouts especially, but we're emotional creatures. We feel out a lot of things, and while most of the time, it's for our queens, I find a lot are just curious, and also likes seeking out stuff, to try and learn. Ever noticed how a changeling just seemingly randomly, starts to follow someone? Well, sometimes, it's cause they're reliving the old times. Y'know, following, observing, preparing to take over- Depends on the hive, what sorta thing were the case. Usually doesn't go beyond just looking though. But other times, it's just curiosity, or instinct. You'd be surprises how many hiveless back in the before times, that I met, that were big fans of stuff like bird watching."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Null)

On 2022-05-18 at 1:50 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I wasn't gonna bring her for the actual chase, but frankly, I've actually got half a mind asking the changelings in town, to keep an eye on her, if they have some time, when we're going after him. There's gangs in town too, and she doesn't know the area, so it'd be better if she had some sorta guide if she still wanted out."

Arcade shrugged, "That might be a good idea, we haven't interacted with changelings much before, just in the facility."

 

(Sisters)

Ardee nodded, "I've been trained before, back in the facility, and got lots of practice trying to keep the others safe." She sighed, looking down "I...", she firmed up her expression looking back up, "I'm not going to figure out how to be my own pony staying here. I need, need, to get out there. Do something for me for once."

She sighed again, looking back at the others, "It's not that I don't love them, or that I don't appreciate everything you've done for us Void, I just have had so much put on me for so long, and this is my chance to decide for myself."

She turned towards Null, "I'm best at a distance, throwing knives, stars, I can even shoot a bow if you've got one. I may not be good at flying, but my secondary and tertiary muscle groups are plenty strong." (The way I've defined it, the primary wing muscle groups are the up/down muscles used for flapping. The secondary group is the forward/backward movement, for things like throwing or grasping with wings, and the tertiary are the rotational muscles used for gliding control or holding the wings still. So while Ardee isn't strong enough to hover in place for long or fly up very high, she can glide well and strike with her wings very well.)

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-05-18 at 1:50 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Molotov had a mouth faster than his brain, but even he saw the giant red sign on this, going *DO NOT TOUCH!*.

The Consul could sense Molotov's hesitation, and clarified, "She's not dead, at least... I hope she's still alive. She left on the Æther when it first launched. I heard you sent your sister to join the Project as well?" He gave a soft smile, "Maybe they're working together up there?"

 

On 2022-05-18 at 1:50 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Carmen would tentatively poke her head out, and look at the consul.

The Consul was a bit surprised by the sudden appearance of the small mechanical spider, but suppressed a shudder, "Ah, I see. Let's refrain from bringing unexpected guests in the future? Thank you."

 

On 2022-05-18 at 1:50 PM, Blitz Boom said:

First off, I nicked this here key from that place, to get through some door I couldn't pass. Interesting place it takes ya, during the passage, but from personal experience, I'm thinking it ain't a good idea to whistle in there."

Both Vale and the Consul immediately turned their eyes towards Molotov and the key he held, Illiad with a bit of curiosity, Vale with exasperation as she turned back to the Consul, "See!? He's practically incapable of not getting himself into trouble!" She rubbed her forehead, "What made you think, that in an underground bunker dedicated to containing dangerous, anomalous, and dangerously anomalous, creatures and items, that something you found there would be safe to bring back here!?" She snorted, trying to regain her composure, the Consul having backed away from the key given Vale's outburst, "I'm sorry Consul, that item there is perfectly safe so long as it is not used. Best if it was locked away somewhere secure where... creatures... like him can't get their hooves on it."

 

On 2022-05-18 at 1:50 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"Second, I used that old place you talked about, to make this here cube, and a few other things. Mind if I just settle in there? It's out of city limits, so if something blows up, it ain't gonna hit in here, and with a bit of elbow grease, I can make it into a fine lil' work shop. Full access to whatever inspectors and such you'd send my way, 'course. Ain't hiding stuff.

The Consul nodded, "It will be some time before we try and rebuild Alphyns, we may just start over with a more conveniently located oasis rather than even try. At the very least, you should be undisturbed there for several years, should you desire it, you'll be outside the restrictions, but also the protection, of Trojan law there. You may do what you wish with what you find there. You won't be bothered."

 

On 2022-05-18 at 1:50 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Important part though: Meet Void elsewhere, don't go snooping?"

He nodded, "Yes, Vale's no doubt got the guards watching for you as it is." Vale blushed and turned away at being called out like that, "Best if you avoided that section of town for the time being. I won't stop you from meeting with Void, but I'd appreciate if you didn't distract her from the work she's doing there."

 

That all said, the Consul nodded, "Good. I'll let the gate guards know that the large mechanical spider is expected and welcome. Wouldn't want them to attack on sight assuming it some monster after all. If that is all?"

 

(Changelings)

The pegasus seemed distracted by something as the changeling cleaners spoke, but also seemed to want to get away from whatever it was that was distracting him, "So, you two Equestrians originally? Or Trojans? Maybe a better question, when did you come to Las Pegasus? Back when it was part of Equestria? When it was part of Troy? Or after everything fell apart?"

 

(Bling)

On 2022-05-18 at 1:50 PM, Blitz Boom said:

I do sometimes wonder if the old owner ever got on The Æther though. If I heard right, not a lot were accepted for that place, though it's not a lot I heard about it.

"Oh it was very impressive, but the limiting factor wasn't space, it was time. I'm sure they'd have put as many creatures on it as they could, but HE didn't give them much time to get them aboard. Many got on after it was already leaving. All the money in the world wont help when you've run out of time."

"I hear it's been sighted a few times since it left, appearing somewhere, picking up a few survivors, then disappearing again. But whose to say if it's true, or just rumors?"

 

On 2022-05-18 at 1:50 PM, Blitz Boom said:

"I'm hoping we can start doing that again eventually. Folks are a lot more open to us, after the crisis, but I still hear weird stories sometimes. I swear, I heard at least two different variations, of claims that we can suck the soul of a pony, and that soul, is how we make new changelings. Crazy stuff, huh?"

The mist chuckled at that, "Oh they've said similar about me, which is why I mostly stay hidden away. The less they know about me, the less dangerous rumors can spread. It's worked out well enough. What do you think ponies will more easily believe? That a sentient patch of haze runs the casino? Or just a regular pony who smokes so much his office is full of smoke? Sometimes a harmless rumor is a useful tool against dangerous ideas."

"Still, you'll probably find the Trojans more amicable towards undisguised changelings than the Equestrians. The Trojans had a much warmer initial reception of changelings, due in no small part to the attack on Canterlot, even if their local queen was very clear that Chrysalis did not represent all changelings."

 

On 2022-05-18 at 1:50 PM, Blitz Boom said:

Besides, you're acting a lot like a changeling, it sounds like.

"Hmm, perhaps that contributes to my fascination with your kind? That I feel a certain kinship with them? Maybe... maybe I was once a changeling? Rather than a pony as I had previously supposed?"

"I don't suppose it matters much what I once was."

"Well, this has been a positively wonderful experience, you are free of course to come back any time you wish, and stay as long as you like. Now that you are perfectly comfortable, we can turn to that business you came with, what exactly was it again?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

"I understand, but I worry about what would happen. It's dangerous out there, and if you died... The others would be devastated."

"All the more reason why we need to train her right. If this is what you want, we'll start tomorrow morning. Void? I'll need your help preparing some weaponry."

Void would nod. She knew what would be asked of her here, and while she were not thrilled about where it would lead, she wanted to be supportive of Ardee. So she'd do her part, in crafting her some weaponry to make use of. And help in her training, if she could in some manner. Might well be, that she could give some insight.

"Longbow, or shortbow? Also, you're getting a knife. Never trust you can always keep distance. As for your flying, I'll need to see that. If you're nimble in the air, you'll probably do good shooting up there. Otherwise, we'll need to train your wings. Ain't gonna have you be an easy target."

Null looked up at Ardee as she spoke, then gave a sideways glance to Arcade. A sigh would escape her, and she'd look back at Ardee, with a less hard stare in her eyes.

"I know he said you're not newbies at fighting, but I'm not risking it. They're all counting on you coming back home alive, so don't take risks. If not for your own sake, then for theirs.

We have a week to work with. We'll try and get as much done in that week as we can. And when we get to New Las Pegasus, I know you wanna be your own, but if you're coming, you're not allowed to go around on your own. We've been there, when it was relatively orderly, and things were rough. It's probably worse now, so you getting lost in the streets, and ambushed by gangs, would likely only end one way.

If it goes well here, we can try another place later, without the leash, but on this trip, I'm putting my hoof down on this. Do we have an understanding, Ardee?"

"Please say yes. I know it's not ideal, but big sis is right.  If you didn't come back, me and the foals would be devastated."

Void looked down on Ardee with concern, and worry. She hadn't known the young mare for long, but she weren't lying, when she said she'd feel devastated, if Ardee died on this trip. The poor thing had so many burdens as it were on her, and she understood she had to go and try and feel free of those for a little, and see where she belonged, but how couldn't she be worried about whatever or not, she would return? She cared about Ardee, just as she did the others, and she didn't want any of them hurt. Especially not now, that they were getting used to things being safe for them, for once.

 

(Molotov)

On 2022-05-20 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul could sense Molotov's hesitation, and clarified, "She's not dead, at least... I hope she's still alive. She left on the Æther when it first launched. I heard you sent your sister to join the Project as well?" He gave a soft smile, "Maybe they're working together up there?"

"The Æther came for me first. Said they wanted a Boom, so I gave them one. My sis... She's wild and untamed, but her heart's in the right place, and her mind's gonna get her places. It hurt saying goodbye to her, but I did what was I believe best for her. Sure wish I could've joined her, but my work here weren't done. Still isn't...

*sigh* Sorry, rambling I guess. If your wife's as smart as it sounds like, I bet Blitz is either working with her, or doing her darndest to get there. She's always been drawn to smart ponies."

Must've been hard for the consul to let go of his wife too, but least here they had a bit in common. Letting someone you loved go, so they could be safe, and help others. His reason for staying behind, was greater than Molotov's, but the idea was roughly the same. Probably. He didn't know the exact circumstances.

On 2022-05-20 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul was a bit surprised by the sudden appearance of the small mechanical spider, but suppressed a shudder, "Ah, I see. Let's refrain from bringing unexpected guests in the future? Thank you."

"Oh, she's always on my head, or back. After your last run in though, she's a bit cautious. No offense to ya of course, Consul Easle, but you got pretty scary last time you saw her. I'll ask Felicia to keep an eye on her next time.

It's okay Carmen. You can come out. Ain't nopony gonna hurt ya."

The spiderbot would slowly move out of his mane fully, and place herself on top of it instead, whilst her eyes kept focus on Illiad. Molotov rarely cared much about how his mane looked, so that it were a bit tussled now? No skin off his back.

On 2022-05-20 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Both Vale and the Consul immediately turned their eyes towards Molotov and the key he held, Illiad with a bit of curiosity, Vale with exasperation as she turned back to the Consul, "See!? He's practically incapable of not getting himself into trouble!" She rubbed her forehead, "What made you think, that in an underground bunker dedicated to containing dangerous, anomalous, and dangerously anomalous, creatures and items, that something you found there would be safe to bring back here!?" She snorted, trying to regain her composure, the Consul having backed away from the key given Vale's outburst, "I'm sorry Consul, that item there is perfectly safe so long as it is not used. Best if it was locked away somewhere secure where... creatures... like him can't get their hooves on it."

"Hey now, I've taken a lot of flak, but this here time, I'm gonna defend myself, Conegher.

I had to use this key in there, or I would've gotten caught by the at weirdo with the plague mask. And while I don't know what his deal were, I sure as hay, weren't gonna stick around, and figure it out.

So getting through there, I now had this here key, see? And what's the smart solution. Putting it on the floor, for one of those things to pick up, and let themselves out? Or keep it, til it could go somewhere safe? Was meaning to say something to ya when we got out, but you were royally miffed off already. Weren't all that interested in gettin' my legs broken, before I had a chance to explain. 'Sides, I read the paperwork on it. Weren't dotted down as somethin' dangerous.

You think I'd give something to the Consul, that I knew absolutely zero about? Been carrying it all this way, and noted what was with it, the one time I had no choice but to use it. If it was gonna eat eyeballs or something, it would've done so before we got here, for cr-"

"No yell! No fighting!"

Carmen would let out a few words, trying to diffuse this, before Molotov started throwing insults too. Made him shut his trap about this, but Vale... Hard to say. Though if she'd reference something along the lines, of how he had been happy giving Celestia stuff he had known nothing about, he'd growl out a *Low blow.* before looking away, hurt at the words.

On 2022-05-20 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul nodded, "It will be some time before we try and rebuild Alphyns, we may just start over with a more conveniently located oasis rather than even try. At the very least, you should be undisturbed there for several years, should you desire it, you'll be outside the restrictions, but also the protection, of Trojan law there. You may do what you wish with what you find there. You won't be bothered."

"Yeah well, it's the only place I can make use out of right now, lest I get something closer. Or... I did always want to try making a building mobile... Maybe now's the time to put those schematics to the test."

been something he had scribbled down several times, but never had use of before. A fully functional workstation, supported by large legs, that could makke it possible to move to a new location, in case such a thing were needed. Which it never were, in Center Zero, as the research had to stay in town. And then in Manehattan, he had just wanted to fortify the one workshop he did get up, rather than risk things. Now though... Might be time to try. Couldn't hurt, right? Small scale first though, to check for stability. Maybe a model house on legs.

On 2022-05-20 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

He nodded, "Yes, Vale's no doubt got the guards watching for you as it is." Vale blushed and turned away at being called out like that, "Best if you avoided that section of town for the time being. I won't stop you from meeting with Void, but I'd appreciate if you didn't distract her from the work she's doing there."

 

That all said, the Consul nodded, "Good. I'll let the gate guards know that the large mechanical spider is expected and welcome. Wouldn't want them to attack on sight assuming it some monster after all. If that is all?"

"You got my word, that I won't be snoping 'round there for a time then. As for distracting Void, that really comes down to how she'll take things. I won't make her choose though, if that's somethin'. Outta respect whatever work she's doing, that's kept under wrap, an I'll give her some space. Ain't gonna be deterred from pursuing her easily though. Been actually having some chances to find with mares since the crisis, but I just ain't been able to get her outta my mind. Just hoping her sis ain't gonna break more boned next she sees me. Fun lil' firecracker, but darn does she pack a kick.

Anyway, I think that's all fer now, aye. Least from me."

 

(Changelings)

"I'm Trojan, and Stain is Equestrians. We met up coincidentally in the Blackwater Quarry, since it was one of the last safe places to be, and we both ended up there. Now that things have eased up a little though, we figured we'd come here, to seek our fortune. The quarry is a nice place, but there's not a whole lot of need for cleaners, compared to here. Least we figured so, what with all the casinos and such. But like I said, your notice came wafting for us, and nowhere else seemed to be looking for new cleaners right now. So it looked like as good a place as any, to do an honest days work. Bit of a trip here, but we tagged along with a few others, that owed us a favor. I'm guessing they're currently enjoying one of the casinos.

Don't mind Stain not talking to you by the way, sir. He's still a bit nervous around Trojans."

This worked in his mind, to explain Mongoose's fidgety nature in this place.  As for the friends they mentioned, totally fabricated, but they had heard that a few from the quarry, had snuck here to town recently, so it worked for them, and they could always just have some of their hive brethren cover for them. Sure they could say they were native here, who had been here a while, but then it'd unravel quickly, as they hadn't taken on known persona's, but new ones, so there'd be no record of them. Plus, if it came out they were changelings, then so what? The Blackwater Quarry had several of them there. It'd be a nothing reveal.

"Could I ask what your name is, sir?"

He had more to ask, but one step at a time here. He'd have to connect a little first. Or try to, at least. If it started to sound like he were snooping around, it'd be bad for them.

 

(Bling)

On 2022-05-20 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Oh it was very impressive, but the limiting factor wasn't space, it was time. I'm sure they'd have put as many creatures on it as they could, but HE didn't give them much time to get them aboard. Many got on after it was already leaving. All the money in the world wont help when you've run out of time."

"I hear it's been sighted a few times since it left, appearing somewhere, picking up a few survivors, then disappearing again. But whose to say if it's true, or just rumors?"

"Yeah, it's hard to say. I heard the same, about it picking up new ones every now and again, but I'll admit, I haven't listened in to too many stories about it. Had to focus on tangible, day to say stuff first and foremost, y'know? Especially keeping the others fed. A starving changeling gets desperate, after all. Can't blame them either. Mind death is a horrible way to go. Honestly, I'm not sure if I could have it in me to order that... Handled, if it happened to someone."

Sadly, far as she knew, there were no way back, once you reached mind death. You'd just be a ravenous, feral beast, feasting on emotions without concern, and hurting everyone in the process, without ever feeling sated. Of the hives she knew, such things, if it ever happened, would be dealt with internally. Which here in Town, would mean that she would need to ask someone to free them from their misery. A horrible thing to have to do, but not as bad, as having to live like that. It weren't a way for their kin to live.

On 2022-05-20 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The mist chuckled at that, "Oh they've said similar about me, which is why I mostly stay hidden away. The less they know about me, the less dangerous rumors can spread. It's worked out well enough. What do you think ponies will more easily believe? That a sentient patch of haze runs the casino? Or just a regular pony who smokes so much his office is full of smoke? Sometimes a harmless rumor is a useful tool against dangerous ideas."

"Still, you'll probably find the Trojans more amicable towards undisguised changelings than the Equestrians. The Trojans had a much warmer initial reception of changelings, due in no small part to the attack on Canterlot, even if their local queen was very clear that Chrysalis did not represent all changelings."

"Yeah... I heard how the Trojans reacted to the attack on Canterlot, years later. It uhm... I don't approve of it. I know Troy and Celestia didn't get along, but innocent civilians were hurt in the attack. There were nothing to be happy about."

She honestly thought it disgusting, that anyone could look on that attack as good. It hurt her kin's reputation in Equestria. The number of civilians that got hurt during the attack, or abducted, and not seen again, were horrifying for the Equestrians, and while the princess got beaten about a little, she were barely scuffed by it. It were civilians, and innocent changelings, that had, and would continue to, pay the price for that attack, and she did not, nor would ever, find any joy in it happening. That others could, were a strong point against them.

"*sigh* But let's try and talk about something nicer. You got a point about rumors and such, but I find that educating, is better than secluding yourself away. Worked for us at least, but your situation isn't like ours, so maybe yours work better. Will admit that the *smoking pony* rumor was one I heard the most, and figured it were just exaggerated. When I did finally see you at the meeting though, I wasn't sure what to think. I try keeping an open mind about new things, but it's certainly not the same for everyone else.

Heh, guess I'm rambling. I just mean that I think it is good, when others understand you. Also mean they can hurt you though, so your approach works too. Personal preference on this, I suppose."

On 2022-05-20 at 4:45 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Hmm, perhaps that contributes to my fascination with your kind? That I feel a certain kinship with them? Maybe... maybe I was once a changeling? Rather than a pony as I had previously supposed?"

"I don't suppose it matters much what I once was."

"Well, this has been a positively wonderful experience, you are free of course to come back any time you wish, and stay as long as you like. Now that you are perfectly comfortable, we can turn to that business you came with, what exactly was it again?"

"Long as you're comfortable being what you are now, that's what's important. But who knows? Maybe you somehow transcended the need for a body. Us changelings are pretty much made of magic, so I dunno. I heard some weird stories, so I couldn't say what's possible, and what isn't.

Anyway, the details then, yes."

She'd give a rundown of what she had been told by Peace, as well as a notice that The Grey were looking into things, and the plans she had discussed with Peace. She left out that changelings were now helping The Grey with their snooping, as well as left out Epsilon's name. She just referred to her as Grey Mare. The real name were probably best just kept to herself.

"So there's where we're at currently. I think Peace is  genuine, from what I could tell, but they have some internal issues that needs to be sorted, before we can start integrating them properly. When that's done though, I'd like to give it a try. I maintain that it could benefit us, if we worked with Troy, instead of pushing them out, and the best way to find a harmonious balance here, is to start something small, and make sure they're aware that it is on our terms. We'll hold the final say in things.

Some things to do, once they clean house, but when that's done, I'm looking into seeing how it could work right."

 

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

12 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I understand, but I worry about what would happen. It's dangerous out there, and if you died... The others would be devastated."

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

 

12 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Longbow, or shortbow? Also, you're getting a knife. Never trust you can always keep distance. As for your flying, I'll need to see that. If you're nimble in the air, you'll probably do good shooting up there. Otherwise, we'll need to train your wings. Ain't gonna have you be an easy target."

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

 

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I know he said you're not newbies at fighting, but I'm not risking it. They're all counting on you coming back home alive, so don't take risks. If not for your own sake, then for theirs.

We have a week to work with. We'll try and get as much done in that week as we can. And when we get to New Las Pegasus, I know you wanna be your own, but if you're coming, you're not allowed to go around on your own. We've been there, when it was relatively orderly, and things were rough. It's probably worse now, so you getting lost in the streets, and ambushed by gangs, would likely only end one way.

If it goes well here, we can try another place later, without the leash, but on this trip, I'm putting my hoof down on this. Do we have an understanding, Ardee?"

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

 

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

 

(Molotov)

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

You think I'd give something to the Consul, that I knew absolutely zero about? Been carrying it all this way, and noted what was with it, the one time I had no choice but to use it. If it was gonna eat eyeballs or something, it would've done so before we got here, for cr-"

"No yell! No fighting!"

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

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

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

 

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Yeah well, it's the only place I can make use out of right now, lest I get something closer. Or... I did always want to try making a building mobile... Maybe now's the time to put those schematics to the test."

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

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Anyway, I think that's all fer now, aye. Least from me."

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

 

(Changelings)

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Could I ask what your name is, sir?"

He looked surprised by the question, "Oh! Sorry, I'm Senior Airpony Nimble Force, but you can just call me Nimble. Still, impressive you made it this far, I've heard good things about Blackwater, I'm surprised you'd want to leave, but you do you I guess." He shrugged, "What got you to the quarry? At the start that is, real long way to go if you started in Troy when everything went down, were you just up north already when it happened?"

He seemed genuinely interested in learning about these two, an odd difference from all the other ponies who didn't hardly look their way.

 

(Bling)

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Heh, guess I'm rambling. I just mean that I think it is good, when others understand you. Also mean they can hurt you though, so your approach works too. Personal preference on this, I suppose."

"It helps that there's only one of me, and hundreds of you. I only need to keep my story consistent with myself. If you tried to spread helpful rumors you'd need to get everyone on board. When it comes to the truth, no one can forget what they're supposed to say."

 

13 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Some things to do, once they clean house, but when that's done, I'm looking into seeing how it could work right."

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