private Deep Science 1x1 with Blitz Boom

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

(I noticed you left this blank with just "", was that intentional? Or did you mean to come back and forgot? Figured I'd add in some more info.)

Ada, the thestral guard that cared for Elef, arrived just after the pizzas came out of the oven, a slight smile on her face as she sniffed the air, "Haven't smelled something like that in a while, I was worried everyone who knew how to make it were dead or gone."

Elef looked concerned as his gaze went between the guard and his pizza, but Ada continued with a chuckle, "Don't worry little one, I'm not going to make you choose. You enjoy your food and we'll head out once you're ready."

 

(Null)

On 2022-07-08 at 10:58 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"You sure we shouldn't swing by, so you could go in, and tell Ardee the plans? Or you think it's best we keep letting her cool off? I don't mind staying outside, either way. We could also ask Void if maybe she could take measurements. Seems Ardee and the others trust her well."

Arcade thought on that for a moment, "It's probably best if we wait until tomorrow, give her, and you, plenty of time to fully cool off and clear your heads. Knowing Ardee she'd probably squashed it down for the others' sakes, and won't have time to confront it until the others go to bed. It wouldn't do her much good to preempt her cleansing. But if we come back early in the morning, we could talk with her before the others get up."

That said, they'd make their way uneventfully back to Null's parents' house, arriving just as her father opened the door, "Ah, you're back, I was just about to head out to grab the food your mom's craving. You want to keep an eye on her while I'm out? Or would you rather be the one to try and find something spicy that will still be safe for the foals?"

 

If Null chose the former, they'd enter the house to find her mother propped up on the couch, looking tired but happy, "There you two are, is something wrong? You seem troubled."

 

If Null chose the latter, her father would recommend going to Chicken's place the other street over who regularly made food to order, passing them a small bag of money and telling them to get whatever they wanted as well. Following his directions they would find the place staffed by none other than the chef from the first place the sisters had gone after the facility. Though Null had been quite out of it at the time, the chef recognized her when she came to the counter, "Null was it? Your sister told me you had recovered, but I'm glad to see it for myself. What can I get you two tonight?"

 

(Grey Changelings)

To the best of Yannit's knowledge, the doctor had not been affected, but then again Yannit had not scanned her prior to establish a baseline. Still, the doctor wasn't exhibiting any of the traits that the other two had. So she was likely safe enough to proceed with.

She did look serious when Yannit mentioned an Empath, "I don't know of any of the local recruits having that name, but I'll keep an ear out. So far as I've heard, Empaths are exceedingly rare, and almost exclusively unicorns, so the zebra as a culture have not had many interactions with them in zebrica. If there is a potion or encantation, it is not known to me. But perhaps if you could find a zebra from Mohotma, they might have something better. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help, though I have heard that lack of exposure to emotional manipulation helps in reducing the effects. If you could find a way to keep those affected away from the source they should go back to normal after a while."

When she left the doctor's office, the stallion from the front desk was waiting outside, a more concerned expression on his face, "The General wants to see you, urgently."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-07-03 at 1:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

When Void mentioned using magic to spread the dough Teal perked up, "Could I try with my magic?"

If Void tried to discourage her Vale would counter, "I think that's a great way to practice your magic, you don't often get to interact with objects that change shape like dough."

Teal would focus and try picking up the dough, grabbing part of it and pulling it away, "It feels... different. Like a bunch of small things stuck together rather than one mass. Like wet sand or clay." She adjusted her magical grip, enveloping the whole mass rather than just a part, lifting it up as if it were in a bowl, "Alright, I'm supposed to spin it, right? So that it spreads evenly?" The ball of dough would rotate, but given how she was holding it it wouldn't move much, "Hmm... I can see why this is hard, in holding it I prevent it from moving, but if I let go then it starts to fall apart."

"Of course. I'll try and catch it if it gets a little too hard to control, okay?"

She didn't want to discourage their growth. If anything, she wanted to encourage it, with them all training in their own way, just like regular, young ponies would. And much like young ponies, it weren't much in the way of progress, that Teal made, into swinging this into a proper disc. But it were a valid effort, and it seemed like she were testing, and learning how this were. Even analyzing the texture, which seemed like a good thing. The more she knew, the more she'd learn, and could evolve from. And she didn't even drop a small piece of it, so it were frankly, rather well done, in her book.

"The unicorns I've seen do that, engulfed the entire thing, and pulled from different angles, while keeping it stable. At least it looked that way. I'm sadly not too well versed in magic, and most I saw who made these, were earth ponies. And one pegasus who used his wings to spin them into shape. I'm still not sure how he did that, but it looked pretty impressive, with how he were rotating it, with the tip of his wings, throwing it up and down, whilst using his hooves to prepare the next dough. There were a lot of showmanship in that."

On 2022-07-03 at 1:59 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The oven was big enough to hold all the pizzas, though Vale cautioned that some might take longer to cook based on their positions, and took that opportunity to explain how ovens distributed heat inside such that some parts of the oven got hotter than others.

In terms of questions, Toupé raised a hoof, "All these foods you've brought and made for us, how did you learn how to make them? From what you've told us about your past it diesn't sound like you had many opportunities to learn."

The positions were indeed something to bite note in. Which were why it were important, to switch them around too sometimes, if one started to look like it needed a lot less, or a lot more, so that it wouldn't be too different, when everyone would be able to eat. Wouldn't be nice for one to have cold food, while waiting for the others. Or one having to watch the others eat, whilst theirs were slower.

Of course, opening the oven, and switching around, would increase the overall time too, but it were the lesser of two evils, in Void's opinion.

When question time came though, Void were all too ready to answer, though she'd clean up whilst doing it. Not good to have the younglings, getting used to leaving places a mess.

"Well, there's a few ways, actually.

When I was very young, and still had my leg, I was always around my mother, when she were in the kitchen. Just like Null adored our father, so too did I our mother, and I wanted to spend as much time as I could with her. That's where my fascination with cooking started, and she showed me a fair few recipes. Trojan mostly though, so that was just a start.

After we escaped, I needed to use what I knew, about Trojan cooking, and sort of adapt it to just regular food. The recipes I were mostly taught, were old school Trojan ones. Hearty meals, with troubling ingredients, so that required some creativity. It weren't too hard adapting that, but it were mostly small things, like soup, or very basic stews, hay, those kinds of things.

You might wonder why I had to do that then. Well, the thing is, that having warm meals, are important. And though I have plenty of good to say about my sister, and she tried her best to raise me, she sadly inherited our fathers skill in the kitchen. By which I mean, she have none. I am not sure how sometimes, but anything beyond a sandwich, or warming up something already made, ends in disaster, bound to give you food poisoning. I've tried teaching her, but for some reason, it have never helped.

Anyway, going around, we had to teach ourselves lots of things. Reading for instance, which we had to do by sneaking around schools, and fishing discarded books out of the trash. A some of those, were cookbooks. Tattered and not looking too good, more often than not, but the ones we found of those, I made sure to read through a lot. I learned most of my early day reading skills actually, from a book called 94 Ways To Cook Eggs.

But it weren't just this. Over the years, when we looked for a home, we needed to work, to earn for some necessities, that we couldn't scavenge, or make due with ourselves. As well as the occasional medication, or ability to rest at an actual inn room, rather than being in the forest. Null did a lot of... Shady things, that you're best of not hearing too much about. I helped around with physical work though, since I've long been bigger than average, and us being on the road so much, build muscles. Sometimes, that work included working in non-unicorn kitchens. Always need of a dish washer, or server. But occasionally, I got lucky enough, to be able to cook. Those tended to be the better memories I can think off, no matter how short lived it all were.

Nowhere fancy though, so I am not too good, dealing with dishes meant for the rich. No place like that, would risk hiring a street urchin, with payment under the table. But even trashy places, or tourists traps, can teach one a fair bit. I learned the pizza slinging trick actually, in one of those places. Mr. Wheatie had a little pizzeria, with a desperate need for extra hooves, after an illness outbreak. He really put in the effort, to teach me right, in the short time I were there. *sigh* A shame he turned, soon as Null got caught out, and tried to lock me in... I hope they managed to set his jaw right."

She didn't enjoy beating him up like that, but it were that, or freedom, and she hoped he understood it. Though to this day, she honestly couldn't tell, whatever he had wanted to sell her out, or just feared the repercussions, in case he were found out to have given her work. At least with a concussion, and a dislocated jaw, he had the defense that he tried, and could hide behind that. Or he had been greedy, and hoped for a reward. She still didn't know, but she wanted to believe the former.

"Anyway, that's... Kind of it, really. Although there were some trial and error too. Trying to cook after a book, works well, but some things are pretty complicated. Still haven't mastered a souffle for example. But I got an idea about most homecooked meals. Though I sometimes improvise, to make it work a little easier, or in case there's something missing."

10 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Ada, the thestral guard that cared for Elef, arrived just after the pizzas came out of the oven, a slight smile on her face as she sniffed the air, "Haven't smelled something like that in a while, I was worried everyone who knew how to make it were dead or gone."

Elef looked concerned as his gaze went between the guard and his pizza, but Ada continued with a chuckle, "Don't worry little one, I'm not going to make you choose. You enjoy your food and we'll head out once you're ready."

"Oh hey there Ada. Wanna join in? I don't mind sharing mine."

There'd be no blood or bugs on hers. She went simple, with hay, tomatoes, cheese, sliced cactus, and a few other, minor things. The cactus were really the oddest thing there, but she enjoyed the taste it had. A bit of spice to the dish.

She couldn't just stand and talk though. The pizza's had to get out of the oven, and she'd move around, taking them out, and putting them on the table, whilst she'd chat along to the group. She'd made sure there were some plates to slide the pizzas out on, so it weren't a big problem, making room for them.

"Everyone, go wash your hooves please, and come in to the table. That includes you too, Ada, if you're joining us.

Oh while you're here actually: Do you mind having a chat with me, before you leave with Elef later? I'm trying to accommodate his tastes, and I'd love some suggestions, from a fellow thestral. You'd know better than any, how I can make sure this growing stallion, gets something that suits him."

Once all pizzas were on the table, she'd get a knife, and start to cut them into slices. She made sure to clean the blade, between every pizza, to avoid cross contamination, one might say. She'd also leave another plate on the table, next to her, in case Ada were interested.

 

(Null)

Arcade made some fair points, so she'd follow him back to her home. The walk helped to clear some currently unwanted thoughts from her head, so when they came back, and saw her father about to leave the home, she'd be at a good state of mind, to deal with this normally.

10 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

That said, they'd make their way uneventfully back to Null's parents' house, arriving just as her father opened the door, "Ah, you're back, I was just about to head out to grab the food your mom's craving. You want to keep an eye on her while I'm out? Or would you rather be the one to try and find something spicy that will still be safe for the foals?"

 

If Null chose the former, they'd enter the house to find her mother propped up on the couch, looking tired but happy, "There you two are, is something wrong? You seem troubled."

She didn't even need to think about an answer. She knew what she'd do, before he were even done talking.

"We'll keep an eye on mom. You know best, what fancies her tastes right now."

She'd wave as he'd start to move along, and then go in, to see that her mom had gotten moved into the main room now. Still laying down, but still. It appeared that she were still somewhat mobile. Despite how much she were looking like a barrel right now. Jeez, what mustn't it feel like, to have that to deal with? Couldn't be easy, despite how she seemed to be doing okay.

"No, there's nothing. I just went yapping, when it weren't appropriate. How're you doing mom? You seem about ready to burst by now."

There were a few things, but she'd prefer not to worry her mom about that. She had her own things to be concerned about right now, and didn't need this drama in her life.

 

(Grey Changelings)

9 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

She did look serious when Yannit mentioned an Empath, "I don't know of any of the local recruits having that name, but I'll keep an ear out. So far as I've heard, Empaths are exceedingly rare, and almost exclusively unicorns, so the zebra as a culture have not had many interactions with them in zebrica. If there is a potion or encantation, it is not known to me. But perhaps if you could find a zebra from Mohotma, they might have something better. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help, though I have heard that lack of exposure to emotional manipulation helps in reducing the effects. If you could find a way to keep those affected away from the source they should go back to normal after a while."

"It was worth an attempt."

She honestly didn't know where Hizu were from, and thus, couldn't say if he were of any use in these sorts of matter. She'd ask though. Perhaps if nothing else, he could whip up a fear concoction, that she could force-feed to Cranberry. Anything that might prove useful, were welcome here. Though they'd have to see. So many annoying complications already... *sigh* What'd be next?

She'd get up, and ready herself to leave, and then... Her question got answered.

9 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

When she left the doctor's office, the stallion from the front desk was waiting outside, a more concerned expression on his face, "The General wants to see you, urgently."

"Okay. Just let me tighten the gauze, and I'll be out."

She'd close the door, then curse under her breath, and begin to whisper again, clearly frustrated.

"My position is compromised. Unless anything else is specified, I will deal with this, in whatever way I have to. Make the others aware."

Unless she'd get an answer in some way, she'd sigh, and begin to move towards the door. She gave them a warning now, and what would happen from here, would then depend on what she could say when she met the general. She'd of course, start by denying the allegations, that Cranberry had likely made, about her being a changeling. Talking around it were still an option too, in general. But there were also the more... Classic, changeling method of handling this. Namely, by her incapacitating the general, and have him replaced. It wouldn't be the best of options, but considering everything, it wouldn't be the worst either, and if he forced her hoof, she'd do it. Wasn't like it'd be the first time, both before, and after she had taken over the filly's place, to live the good life.

She'd need the two others though, to be made aware, regardless of what happened. Since this could also be a trap, and she'd be chained up when arriving, they might need to go about this themselves. The Grey would know what she did so far, and could work from there, although she were unsure, how well they could do on their own. Guess she may end up having to see for herself.

She'd follow without causing a scene, and would likely need to knock, then enter the generals room, when she arrived. She'd feel out if he were affected. Or rather, to find out how affected he were, and with what emotion. Rage would prove him to be unable to see reason, and needing to be dealt with, for instance. As would bloodlust. And if the little worm were there too... Well then, she wouldn't mind showing him a less than good time.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

He really put in the effort, to teach me right, in the short time I were there. *sigh* A shame he turned, soon as Null got caught out, and tried to lock me in... I hope they managed to set his jaw right."

They were all interested in what Void had to say about growing up and learning on her own, when it came to her attacking someone Teal and Toupé looked a bit concerned while Ardee and Elef looked a bit more excited, perhaps imagining themselves in that situation.

 

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Oh hey there Ada. Wanna join in? I don't mind sharing mine."

Ada waved a hoof dismissively, "I'll be able to catch more than enough for myself out in the desert tonight, now that there aren't as many spawn the local fauna have been making a resurgence, more than enough for us to hunt."

 

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Oh while you're here actually: Do you mind having a chat with me, before you leave with Elef later? I'm trying to accommodate his tastes, and I'd love some suggestions, from a fellow thestral. You'd know better than any, how I can make sure this growing stallion, gets something that suits him."

She nodded, trotting closer while the young ponies went to wash their hooves in preparation to eat, "In terms of what is unlikely to offend the others? Fish is always good, the fresher the better and served raw. If you get it from a reputable seller you won't have anything to worry about. It won't cause the othera any harm if they want to try it, and it tends to be popular among pegasi from coastal regions. If you're not concerned about the others, then a Gryphonian blood sausage (Made by, not of) every once in a while. Also lots of fruit, the juicier the better. But honestly I wouldn't worry, so long as he goes out to hunt at least twice a week his unique dietary requirements will be more than satisfied."

 

The others weren't slow about washing, and so were quickly back in their places excited to eat what they had helped to make.

 

(Null)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"No, there's nothing. I just went yapping, when it weren't appropriate. How're you doing mom? You seem about ready to burst by now."

Her mother raised an eyebrow at her first statement, "Null, you ought to be more careful with what you say. There's not enough creatures left to go making more enemies." She chuckled at that, looking down at her pregnant belly, "You'll have to be especially careful once they're here, they remember everything you say around them, especially what you don't want them to."

In regards to her second statement she sighed, "I'm doing well, as well as I can be, the foals are healthy, a rowdy pair to be sure, they're just as excited to get here as I am. I used to say any day now, but honestly it could be any moment." She paused as one of the foals kicked, "But they'll come when they're good and ready."

She looked a bit down, "Your father mentioned that you're going back to New Pegasus soon, do you know how long you'll be gone?"

 

(Changelings)

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"My position is compromised. Unless anything else is specified, I will deal with this, in whatever way I have to. Make the others aware."

A few words appeared across her vision, "Proceed with caution. If you think you're in immanent danger or are captured, drop your knife, and someone will come to extract you."

 

Assuming she didn't choose to bug out, she'd soon arrive at the General's office again, the door was open for her to enter, the General's expression was colder than before, and the local was standing nearby with a smug expression. There was a strong amount of suspicion in the room. The General motioned towards a seat, "Take a seat Staff Sergeant."

Cranberry would open his mouth to say something, but was cut off by the General, "You're dismissed Agent Coleslaw. I'll speak with the Staff Sergeant privately. You're scheduled to go on patrol about now anyway, don't be late."

Cranberry looked shocked, and a bit mad, at having been dismissed, but stormed out of the office without a word, closing the door behind him. A good amount of the suspicion left with the empath, but a blanket of it still coated the room as the General steepled his hooves. "Agent Coleslaw there is under the impression that you've been replaced by a changeling, and came to alert me..."

"As if I wasn't already aware." The General let out a deep breath and most of the suspicion left the room, overcome by the General's own calculated confidence. "The real Staff Sergeant was quick to inform me of her plan, and the doctor also alerted me to your status after your arrival. I've had my eye on you since you arrived, and I must say I'm impressed. Were I not previously informed I would not have suspected. Now,"

He lowered his hooves, "This reveals a much bigger problem, I can see why you were less than trustful of the local recruits. It would appear that Agent Coleslaw has at least some training in emotional manipulation, and we need to get to the bottom of it. Any suggestions?"

 

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-07-11 at 10:28 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ada waved a hoof dismissively, "I'll be able to catch more than enough for myself out in the desert tonight, now that there aren't as many spawn the local fauna have been making a resurgence, more than enough for us to hunt."

"That's good to hear. Troy needs not only its ponies and such, but the wildlife as well, to be a functional country. It's good that there are already signs of progress."

Speaking of which, a certain little rascal, would poke his head out of her saddlebag at this point, sniffing the air, and smacking his mouth. Something smelled interesting, and Lacuna wanted to find out what it were.

So he'd crawl quickly across the ground - though avoiding Ada, by walking in a large bow around her - and make his way over to Void. There, he'd crawl up her leg, and were about to walk down on the table, when she grabbed hold of his tail, and would yank him calmly back. Something which make him give off a surprise honk, and look back, confused at these boundaries.

"Ah ah ah. Not now Lacuna. You'll wait until everyone else is ready too."

He seemed none too pleased, as he wriggled around, but she wasn't letting go. Especially not, as she assumed that he were headed for the food, of one of the others, as that seemed enticing. She couldn't just let that happen, and just like the vendor she had bought him from had said, it were important to make sure, that he knew boundaries.

That said, she wanted him to socialize, and have some table manners, so she'd take some of the toppings off of her own, of the sort that were not too chewey for him, and would put them next to her pizza. A slice wouldn't work for him. His teeth might not be able to handle that sort, even if this weren't extra crispy. Also, bread weren't good for them. Fruit, soft insects like worms, or small bugs, and whatever else were mushy, were fine, but they hadn't evolved to handle grain all that well. It'd mess with his stomach. Not kill him, but he'd be gassy, and spend most of his time sleeping, as he'd try and digest the large piece. Probably vomit too at some point, if it took too long.

That said, a few crumbs wouldn't hurt. Something akin to a teaspoon, of fully cooked bread, would at worst make him drowsy. And bread sticks, were actually something that she had been told, were a good sometimes snack, in moderate amounts. She didn't really get that herself, but she were told it had to do with them being mostly hollo with a lot of air, and thus, had less of an issue for them somehow. The vendor didn't even seem sure herself, but it appeared to work, so she didn't question it.

In case Ada tried grabbing hold of Lacuna, or seem like she intended to inflict harm in some other manner instead, Void would quickly shout out a panicked *Stop!*, whilst reaching out to Ada. She'd have to chase towards him, so there would be time, as he didn't get too close to her. Something instinctively told her, that this one, he should be weary around, though he wasn't sure what it were. But his survival instinct, were an important part of his being, so he'd listen to it.

If caught, he'd also then hide under Void's belly, using her as a shield, whilst clinging to her, and she'd explain that he were her pet.

On 2022-07-11 at 10:28 PM, Illiad Easle said:

She nodded, trotting closer while the young ponies went to wash their hooves in preparation to eat, "In terms of what is unlikely to offend the others? Fish is always good, the fresher the better and served raw. If you get it from a reputable seller you won't have anything to worry about. It won't cause the othera any harm if they want to try it, and it tends to be popular among pegasi from coastal regions. If you're not concerned about the others, then a Gryphonian blood sausage (Made by, not of) every once in a while. Also lots of fruit, the juicier the better. But honestly I wouldn't worry, so long as he goes out to hunt at least twice a week his unique dietary requirements will be more than satisfied."

"I know you're helping him, but I just... He looks so disappointed sometimes, when I make food, and it doesn't have something that would fit him. I can't bear to see him like that, you know? I tried dried crickets, but I messed up. I forgot... Well, anyway. Raw fish, you say? Doesn't seem right to leave it just like that. Maybe with a nice marinade, to give it some flavor? Well cooked, and then put on top of the aw fish, with a few potatoes on the side perhaps... Unusual, but I'll try it, tomorrow. Haven't been looking for the other thing, though I'll try to see if there's something, next time I go to the market. Heard of other variants before though. It seemed... Grizzly, but I'd be okay working with it, and it'd give him some nice, warm food too.

Juicy fruit though, I can handle no doubt. Peal and Piecey have a taste for that sort too. You should see their faces when I bring strawberries. They're just so cute."

She were practically glowing (metaphorically speaking) when she talked about this.

On 2022-07-11 at 10:28 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The others weren't slow about washing, and so were quickly back in their places excited to eat what they had helped to make.

But those thoughts and talks were for another time. The food were cut, Lacuna were either hiding or impatiently trying to get on to the table, and the younglings were all gathered now, and ready to eat. Only one thing remained then.

"I think we've all been patient long enough. Let's eat, before the food goes cold."

And with that, dinner were served. And Lacuna would get his too, though she'd keep sure that he stuck to his own portion. And after about a half dozen yanks of the tail more, he finally accepted it.

 

(Null)

She looked away, chewing on her bottom lip, before answering the most important question, that her mother had asked: The last one. And she'd look at her when she did so, but uncertainty, and a tinge of guilt, were shown in Null's eyes. Not over doing this, but rather how the timing was pretty bad.

"...I don't know. Hopefully only a few days, or a week. It's not something I'm keen on, with everything happening with you mom, but I've been called, and I haven't earned a ton of leniency yet. Once I've repaid my own debts, it sounded like I could have some breathing room, but until then, there's... Problems, if I don't act. Not a lot of debt on me, according to them, anyway. Me? I'm not sure I agree.

*sigh* And this one's partially my fault for letting go. I could've stopped him at the gates. This here's a mess I have to clean up, before things starts getting messy.

We still got a week though. I'll need to tra- Work with a few others before that, But I'll make sure to be here for the lil' ones, best I can, until we have to leave."

She'd give that a little to sink in, and offer her mother the chance to give an answer back

"And I know I shouldn't try and make enemies, but I just rub the wrong way, with a lot of creatures. Dunno how to deal with all this social stuff, like a normal pony. Probably gonna end up with Void, putting her hoof in front of my mouth sometimes 'round the foals too, so I don't go yapping off something inappropriate, when they can hear it.

Really hope that dad's here, when they do actually come. I'd have no idea what to do, if you suddenly went into labor right now."

She'd get closer, and gently poke her mom's belly, whilst looking at it, with a stern look.

"You two better stay put for a bit longer, or we're gonna have words.

...Speaking off, it ain't much, but Void and I, are almost done making a few things for the little ones. Void's being a perfectionist about the mobile, for the crib, but it's more or less finished. Just needs a polish, and a fine sand-papering.

I don't know what normal foals play with so... I took a wild guess with a few things. Void stopped me from making a few of 'em."

 

(Grey Changelings)

On 2022-07-11 at 10:28 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Cranberry looked shocked, and a bit mad, at having been dismissed, but stormed out of the office without a word, closing the door behind him. A good amount of the suspicion left with the empath, but a blanket of it still coated the room as the General steepled his hooves. "Agent Coleslaw there is under the impression that you've been replaced by a changeling, and came to alert me..."

Let it never be said, that Yannit did not go through with her job, as she did not even try and flee. She'd confront the general, and then take the necessary steps, as to what would further her agenda, over that of Cranberry. Though as she entered the room, she were not overly optimistic, that things would end without problems. The suspicion in this room, were so layered, that she could almost bottle it for later. Bloody empaths... A pox upon them all.

At least she got a little satisfaction, as Cranberry were told to leave the room. And while her facial expression wouldn't change, if he gazed into her eyes, as he were leaving, he'd see a glimmer of smug satisfaction, over his dismissal. Maybe not the most elegant thing, but if it irked him even a tiny bit, she'd be pleased about it. As would she, when all of this were over, and she could hopefully lay down this charade, and kick him straight in the face.

Then the general started to talk, and while outwardly, she looked confused, to fill the role, her mind went elsewhere. Primarily, what other things she could blame, and where to best direct a knockout spell. ON his head, obviously, but she had to account for him falling too.

On 2022-07-11 at 10:28 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"As if I wasn't already aware." The General let out a deep breath and most of the suspicion left the room, overcome by the General's own calculated confidence. "The real Staff Sergeant was quick to inform me of her plan, and the doctor also alerted me to your status after your arrival. I've had my eye on you since you arrived, and I must say I'm impressed. Were I not previously informed I would not have suspected. Now,"

He lowered his hooves, "This reveals a much bigger problem, I can see why you were less than trustful of the local recruits. It would appear that Agent Coleslaw has at least some training in emotional manipulation, and we need to get to the bottom of it. Any suggestions?"

Now however, the surprise were genuine. Took her a moment, but she'd play along, for now. Though she were not revealing anything directly. The Grey would likely not like that, and this may still be a ruse. An attempt at making her incriminate herself. Might be the emotions in the room were changed now, but she were rightfully suspicious, nevertheless. She were also tempted to go and give a certain zebra, a lecture on what *private information* meant.

She'd give the real Peace credit though, where credit were due. If this were genuine, the mare thought like her, and kept some things to herself, uncertain of who she could trust. Clever girl.

"Well sir, surprised as I am about this development, I can certainly give my perspective on it.

If Agent Cranberry is an emotional manipulator, it would explain what happened with the cleaning staff. A minor tussle between them, I were told, that they couldn't rightly explain. And if he's willing to go so far, as cause violence, and throw accusations around, it certainly sounds like he have some kind of ulterior motive, and no qualms about the methods.

One that would have to be uncovered, since I'd assume the reason to go in here, would be far beyond just us at the base. Who knows if his plans involved the ambassador, or even the consul himself? No, it'd be better to just play along with him for now, and have him think he's winning. If he wants suspicion to go on me, then by all means, make it seem as if I'm being heavily scrutinized. Make him feel safe, and like whatever his plans are, are going along as they should, whilst keeping him under actual observation. From a distance, to avoid him causing trouble, of course. And it'd likely be best to have him properly detained before the Consul arrives, regardless, though he could run his rope for a few more days, to see if he leads to some conspirators.

Of course, that's just my suggestions, general. I'm sure you have your own thoughts?"

She had given an answer, but not on who she were, who she answered to, or even if she were, anyone else than Peace. She'd need a word with the latter first, to verify things, before she'd put any actual modicum of trust further, into the general. The mission were too important to have messed up, by admitting anything. So for now, she'd admit to nothing, and instead focus on what else he talked about.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Juicy fruit though, I can handle no doubt. Peal and Piecey have a taste for that sort too. You should see their faces when I bring strawberries. They're just so cute.

Ada chuckled, "I can imagine, mine were at their age." she sighed, a bit of longing in that statement, but she shook it off, "They're quite lucky to have you caring for them."

 

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I think we've all been patient long enough. Let's eat, before the food goes cold."

Everyone got started when invited, all of them enjoying what they had made, and sharing of their own accord such that everyone tried a small amount of all the other ponies' pizzas. Elef was the first to finish, which was to be expected as he had another event he was excited for, and with a wave he headed out with Ada, "We won't be out long tonight, I imagine we'll be back before you put the rest to bed."

The rest of them took a bit longer to finish up, the foals only eating half of a pizza each as they were smaller than the others.

Once they were all done they'd help Void with any cleanup that needed to happen, then Toupé asked, or rather stated, "We've asked a lot about your past, but you haven't asked much about us. Do... did you already know about us before we got here? Or, is our past not interesting to you?" Her tone was not judgemental, she did not think less of Void for not having asked much about their experiences thus far, and she would likely accept any reasonable answer as to why Void had left the topic alone.

Ardee and Teal were both surprised by Toupé's question, the former a bit more worried, and the latter more curious.

Vale stepped in to offer her own explanation, "We knew a little bit, there were documents about you in some of the other facilities, but those only told us about you physically, and not what sort of ponies you were as individuals. As to not asking, well, it is typically frowned on to ask about potentially traumatic experiences. We didn't want to risk asking about something you didn't want to talk about, or make you remember things you'd rather not, so we've held off thus far. Would... would you like us to ask about your past?"

Ardee seemed conflicted, Teal hesitant, but Toupé nodded. They all looked to Void to see what she thought about the topic.

 

(Null)

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

We still got a week though. I'll need to tra- Work with a few others before that, But I'll make sure to be here for the lil' ones, best I can, until we have to leave."

Her mother looked relieved, "Oh, that's not long at all. Here I was worried you'd be gone for years! I think I can make due without you for a month, if I must." She sighed, "As much as I want you to be here, I am very proud of the mare you've grown up to be. I know that you going out there is where you need to be, and you'll have this fine stallion to bring you back safe."

Arcade blushed at that.

 

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Really hope that dad's here, when they do actually come. I'd have no idea what to do, if you suddenly went into labor right now."

She'd get closer, and gently poke her mom's belly, whilst looking at it, with a stern look.

"You two better stay put for a bit longer, or we're gonna have words.

Her mother chuckled at that, "Don't worry, we have a whole system in place with the neighbors." She pointed to a small rope that lay within reach of where she was sitting, the other end of it was attached to a flag by the window such that if the rope were pulled the flag would be made visible. "Your father makes sure I can reach it whenever he goes out, and the neighbors check every few minutes when they know he's out, so I'll only be alone for a few minutes at most, then they'll be here to help."

 

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I don't know what normal foals play with so... I took a wild guess with a few things. Void stopped me from making a few of 'em."

She looked happy to hear that, "I'm sure they'll be happy with whatever you've made, as long as it was made with love. And isn't dangerous of course."

 

It was about then that her father returned with the food, they could smell the spice already, which excited her mother greatly, "Ooh that smells perfect! Just what I was craving."

Her father cringed as he passed the portion over to her, the rest of the food was decidedly more normal in intensity, a selection of typical Trojan foods, "The Chef would like to be added to the list of ponies willing to foalsit if we need them to. Seems everyone in town is excited for them to arrive."

 

(Yannit)

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Of course, that's just my suggestions, general. I'm sure you have your own thoughts?"

The General listened carefully to what Yannit had to say on the situation, and paused after she finished, "That is reasonable. Unfortunately in order for this local to not suspect something you won't be able to resume your duties here, and given they have some way to detect changelings they'd no doubt recognize if you came back under a different disguise. Perhaps it's best if we sent you to personally inspect the rooms for the Consul and his entourage, and we tell the rest of the base that your health has taken a turn from coming back too quickly to work and you'll be resting off base. Both to rid you of the temptation of going back to work, and so that you'll be at full strength when the Consul arrives?"

"We'll also put out a notice that some members of the staff may have been replaced by changelings, and that they should report suspicious activity. If you know of any changelings currently employed here, you should let me know so they can be registered and confirmed to be using their own identities. We're not opposed to changelings working here, we're opposed to changelings replacing ponies."

"Finally, you referred to Agent Coleslaw as Agent Cranberry. You know something more about this pony, don't you?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-07-15 at 6:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ada chuckled, "I can imagine, mine were at their age." she sighed, a bit of longing in that statement, but she shook it off, "They're quite lucky to have you caring for them."

Void almost said something about the first part, but she'd keep quiet, and just look at the mare with sympathetic eyes. One could hope it just meant her young had grown up, but... The crisis had torn many families apart, and she did not look as if happy memories, had come to the forefront for long. It seemed the kindest, and most respectful, to not dig into what were potentially old wounds. Not before they knew one another better at least, and it seemed like the correct time.

"I just hope I'm doing right by them. It's hard to explain it, but it just feels like... I can't bear the thought, of not seeing them healthy, and smiling. Every time they seem sad, I just want to pick them all up, and make them feel better again. Poor things have been through enough hardships."

*sigh* Guess she were just yapping off now... Well, dinner were getting served, so least, the conversation would move on organically, rather than stagnate, and get potentially awkward, or sad.

On 2022-07-15 at 6:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Once they were all done they'd help Void with any cleanup that needed to happen, then Toupé asked, or rather stated, "We've asked a lot about your past, but you haven't asked much about us. Do... did you already know about us before we got here? Or, is our past not interesting to you?" Her tone was not judgemental, she did not think less of Void for not having asked much about their experiences thus far, and she would likely accept any reasonable answer as to why Void had left the topic alone.

Ardee and Teal were both surprised by Toupé's question, the former a bit more worried, and the latter more curious.

Vale stepped in to offer her own explanation, "We knew a little bit, there were documents about you in some of the other facilities, but those only told us about you physically, and not what sort of ponies you were as individuals. As to not asking, well, it is typically frowned on to ask about potentially traumatic experiences. We didn't want to risk asking about something you didn't want to talk about, or make you remember things you'd rather not, so we've held off thus far. Would... would you like us to ask about your past?"

Ardee seemed conflicted, Teal hesitant, but Toupé nodded. They all looked to Void to see what she thought about the topic.

Dinner had gone nice and calmly. Food had gotten eaten, it seemed to overall be taken well, and for those unable to finish their meals, Void would help to pack up their food nice and proper, so they could enjoy it some other time. Long as it were within the next few days, the slices would still be good. A bit cold perhaps, but that would likely be the extend of it.

Cleaning up had gone well, Lacuna had gone off to rest in her saddlebag again for now, and overall, it seemed things were going well. That were, until a certain question she had dreaded, would invariably rear its head up.

Now, it hadn't gone exactly as she had imagined. She had feared that once it would come up, they'd worry that she didn't ask, because she didn't care about them. Thankfully wasn't that, but this were still something she'd have to explain to them, before they'd begin to maybe think that.

"I didn't know anything. Null told me where she found you, and what happened when she did. Anything else, I've only learned from what you told me, and what my mom shared, in case it was important.

It's not because I don't care either, Toupé. But from what little I do know, it sounds like your life before this, were traumatic, and hard. Filled with... Awful, awful things. I want to see you all smile, and be happy. Not dig into old wounds. So I chose not to ask about things, unless you feel like you want to tell them, and instead focus on make sure that your future at least, will be much, much better.

If it ever weighs on you though, I'll of course listen. And if you don't want me to tell anyone about it, I won't. Either way, I won't force you to relieve the past. Not unless I think it could help you in the future, and even then, you can always tell me to stop. I'm sure the same goes for Vale."

It might not be the perfect answer, but it were what she had to give, along with a calm, warm smile at the end, of a serious range of questions. Vale honestly said it better, but well... She gave her two bits on this. As for the want of the various ones to talk about the past, she'd respect whatever their decision on this would be.

 

(Null)

On 2022-07-15 at 6:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Her mother looked relieved, "Oh, that's not long at all. Here I was worried you'd be gone for years! I think I can make due without you for a month, if I must." She sighed, "As much as I want you to be here, I am very proud of the mare you've grown up to be. I know that you going out there is where you need to be, and you'll have this fine stallion to bring you back safe."

Arcade blushed at that.

Null looked over towards Arcade, with a small smile on her face.

"I doubt I'll ever stop worrying, that I made the wrong call. But it all seems a bit further out of my mind, when he's around."

She were more confident in her role as the family sacrifice, than she were in thoughts about staying at least, but there'd always be doubt. Thoughts of what could have been, and what she were giving up, by continuing to go down this bloodied path. But having Arcade here, just helped to calm her mind some, and not just about this. Since they had started travelling together, she hadn't really been haunted by the past, as much as she used to. She even started to get a bit of hope, that she herself, might end up having a future, rather than the bleak outlook, that she had for the past twenty or so years.

"There might be a time, when it'll be a few years before you see me, but I'll make sure to write, if nothing else. I won't lose contact."

Karma could kiss her flank, if it thought that she were gonna totally cut herself off from her family. At least at first. Eventually, as her work would give her some infamy... She'd need to maybe make some tough choices. Though even then, there were channels one could go through, to get messages to someone. At least there used to be, but she doubted it'd be long, before folks of questionable morals, would start to flourish again. Every society in history, no matter how harmonious, cast shadows. And among them, were those who'd do a lot for cash, yet with a certain degree of honor.

Trying to go after those, would be mostly futile. Every time you cut down one, three more would arise. Better to just let the ones who were the least harmful stay in place, and keep some semblance of order in the shady underbelly. Also so that they were useful, for those who needed something done, without the usual tools available.

On 2022-07-15 at 6:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She looked happy to hear that, "I'm sure they'll be happy with whatever you've made, as long as it was made with love. And isn't dangerous of course."

"That's why Void said no to them..."

Null grumbled a little to herself, and looked away from them both. Wasn't her fault, that she had figured those things had been okay to start working on. She had them when she grew up. How were she to know they were too dangerous for normal foals?

On 2022-07-15 at 6:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

It was about then that her father returned with the food, they could smell the spice already, which excited her mother greatly, "Ooh that smells perfect! Just what I was craving."

Her father cringed as he passed the portion over to her, the rest of the food was decidedly more normal in intensity, a selection of typical Trojan foods, "The Chef would like to be added to the list of ponies willing to foalsit if we need them to. Seems everyone in town is excited for them to arrive."

Null could smell the food, before she saw her father. Smelled like it had a real kick to it, and honestly... Smelled pretty good. She didn't mind spice, bitter and sour tastes, so something like this, just smelled like it'd get the body pumping. Nothing bad in that. In fact, it were pretty good for the body, in her opinion. Got the system all worked up and active.

"Not a surprise, that they're expected. New life, seems like a positive thing, after everything that's happened. And you know, you've been helping others. They're probably happy to return the favor."

 

(Grey Changelings)

On 2022-07-15 at 6:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The General listened carefully to what Yannit had to say on the situation, and paused after she finished, "That is reasonable. Unfortunately in order for this local to not suspect something you won't be able to resume your duties here, and given they have some way to detect changelings they'd no doubt recognize if you came back under a different disguise. Perhaps it's best if we sent you to personally inspect the rooms for the Consul and his entourage, and we tell the rest of the base that your health has taken a turn from coming back too quickly to work and you'll be resting off base. Both to rid you of the temptation of going back to work, and so that you'll be at full strength when the Consul arrives?"

"We'll also put out a notice that some members of the staff may have been replaced by changelings, and that they should report suspicious activity. If you know of any changelings currently employed here, you should let me know so they can be registered and confirmed to be using their own identities. We're not opposed to changelings working here, we're opposed to changelings replacing ponies."

"If that is what you think best, general, I will oblige."

Was it ideal? Awh hay no. She did not like thinking that the little weasel would be allowed to wander around as he pleased. Yet at the same time, with how things were, it seemed the only real way to do things right now. Annoying as it were, she had to adapt to the situation, and work with it from there. Hopefully it'd be manageable. Though she needed to do some reconnaissance in the area, regardless. Just with another look.

"And you speak of changelings? Far as I know, only the cleaners are that, as is in the paperwork in my office, in case a certain somepony, attempts to sow discord from treachery. Poor things wanted so badly to work, but alas, the stigmas from outsiders, and what they recall from from Equestria, and it's nearby allies... I understood their want to keep it from the others. Though their forms are their own. Or at least do not belong to anyone that is still alive, or living in this town. I made sure to inquire."

A plausible deniability story, set up even before it were, that Craven had spouted off some tales to the sergeant. The area they had been in, were a known changeling safe place, so anyone coming from there, could be a changeling. And since he already mentioned one of them had been from Equestria, they could also hide behind the part about the stigma against their kind, that would be worrying them. Sure the guards might not be happy, but they had reason for what they did.

She could have withheld that part, but no. They'd get ratted out by Cranberry regardless, and even if the general were afflicted, at this point, it seemed to be an attempt mostly of suspicion. He'd just get more troublesome, if properly affected, and then realizing there were more hidden changelings there.

On 2022-07-15 at 6:24 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Finally, you referred to Agent Coleslaw as Agent Cranberry. You know something more about this pony, don't you?"

"Not much, not much. A little slip of the tongue, when he were antagonizing the cleaners, they told me. Assuming it is his name, as there are certainly no actual cranberries in this place. Odd that hed hide this though, yes? Makes one wonder, if that means he's had run-ins with Trojans before, if he needs to hide that part."

Unless instructed by The Grey, that she were allowed to mention their involvement, she'd keep her yap shut about them. She assumed they trusted the general little as well, and didn't want to give him a lot of information. THus, neither should she. It may prove a vital weapon, in the times to come.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"I just hope I'm doing right by them. It's hard to explain it, but it just feels like... I can't bear the thought, of not seeing them healthy, and smiling. Every time they seem sad, I just want to pick them all up, and make them feel better again. Poor things have been through enough hardships."

Ada nodded, "It's an admirable quality to have, I think you'd make a great mother, if you want to be one someday."

 

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

If it ever weighs on you though, I'll of course listen. And if you don't want me to tell anyone about it, I won't. Either way, I won't force you to relieve the past. Not unless I think it could help you in the future, and even then, you can always tell me to stop. I'm sure the same goes for Vale."

Toupé looked about to respond, but was stopped by Ardee's hoof on her shoulder. Ardee looked over at the adults, "We're... going to discuss some things, give us a moment." She'd then pull Toupé and Teal close and they'd talk quietly amongst themselves. Most of the whispering was done by Ardee, followed by Toupé, but Teal did offer a comment now and again. Soon enough they come to a sort of agreement, and they returned their attention to Void and Vale, Ardee speaking up, "Even among us we've had different experiences in regards to different topics, but we've come to an agreement, when we're in a group, it's fair game to ask us about the others, even those who aren't with us anymore, or about Mistress Gemini, or about anything after Mistress brought us out of the facility we were in. If we're alone, you'll have to ask what other things we're comfortable talking about in a private setting."

Toupé continued, "That said, is there something in that set of topics that you are curious about? That you've wanted to ask about but held off for our sakes?"

 

(Null)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Not a surprise, that they're expected. New life, seems like a positive thing, after everything that's happened. And you know, you've been helping others. They're probably happy to return the favor."

Her father sighed, "That's true, though I know many of them simply miss the foals they sent away on the Æther, and want the chance to care for young ones here, while they can't care for their own."

That said they all settled in to eating, with just small talk to pass the time until Void would stop by unless Null had another topic to bring up. (Here's your hint that Void should come home tonight.)

 

(Yannit)

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"And you speak of changelings? Far as I know, only the cleaners are that, as is in the paperwork in my office, in case a certain somepony, attempts to sow discord from treachery. Poor things wanted so badly to work, but alas, the stigmas from outsiders, and what they recall from from Equestria, and it's nearby allies... I understood their want to keep it from the others. Though their forms are their own. Or at least do not belong to anyone that is still alive, or living in this town. I made sure to inquire."

The General nodded, "Good, that will at least help up build ties with the local hive, hopefully." The General looked thoughtful, "I've heard that changelings can offer some measure of protection against Empaths, though that may be reversed, is there any truth to that? It might be useful if a trusted changeling could be brought in, discretely, to protect myself and other important figures from being influenced until the Consul arrives."

 

6 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Not much, not much. A little slip of the tongue, when he were antagonizing the cleaners, they told me. Assuming it is his name, as there are certainly no actual cranberries in this place. Odd that hed hide this though, yes? Makes one wonder, if that means he's had run-ins with Trojans before, if he needs to hide that part."

The General looked thoughtful again, "Perhaps... I'll have someone look into it. In any case, you're dismissed. Head to your new assignment as expediently as you can."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-07-19 at 5:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Ada nodded, "It's an admirable quality to have, I think you'd make a great mother, if you want to be one someday."

"Always wanted to be one.  Though somehow... I feel it isn't as far away, as I once thought."

It were a bit hard to say what she meant by that. Were she referencing Molotov, and her actually finding him appealing in some way? Or were it mayhap Ardee and the others, that she felt like she were caring off, in much the same way as a mother? Potentially her thoughts about how she could keep them together, that reared its head up again? It were hard to say, though she looked happy as she said it. So whatever went through her mind, it were a pleasant thing.

On 2022-07-19 at 5:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Toupé looked about to respond, but was stopped by Ardee's hoof on her shoulder. Ardee looked over at the adults, "We're... going to discuss some things, give us a moment." She'd then pull Toupé and Teal close and they'd talk quietly amongst themselves. Most of the whispering was done by Ardee, followed by Toupé, but Teal did offer a comment now and again. Soon enough they come to a sort of agreement, and they returned their attention to Void and Vale, Ardee speaking up, "Even among us we've had different experiences in regards to different topics, but we've come to an agreement, when we're in a group, it's fair game to ask us about the others, even those who aren't with us anymore, or about Mistress Gemini, or about anything after Mistress brought us out of the facility we were in. If we're alone, you'll have to ask what other things we're comfortable talking about in a private setting."

Toupé continued, "That said, is there something in that set of topics that you are curious about? That you've wanted to ask about but held off for our sakes?"

Void were honestly concerned, when she saw Ardee take the others away for a bit, to talk about things. She worried that she had said something wrong, or that perhaps, they didn't believe what it were that Vale and her said. And while she couldn't speak for Vale, she at least, had been honest.

It was a relief when they came back, and told them what it were that they had been discussing, which were far less troubling, than she had feared. Seemed she were just getting paranoid about things, whenever it came to them. Might have had something to do wit Ardee's previous... Experience too. Though if she had told them to say nothing, Void would've understood it. Ardee knew more than the rest, what sort of thing were there in their past, and thus, knew best that some things, should perhaps not be poked at.

"That's a fair arrangement. I agree, but I would add, that I may accidentally ask into things when there aren't others, that you might not be comfortable with. If I do, please just tell me, and I'll stop. Okay?

And I don't really have anything pressing to ask, I think. Except... Well, I kind of have one, that I wasn't sure if I could ask. If there were something that I could do, that'd help either medically, or physically, on something that I could see affect you, but would require me to ask for some help elsewhere, would it be okay that I brought it up to you? I'd never let anything happen without your consent, of course. And I'd make sure I'd only contact someone I trusted. But if something were to happen, I'd like to know how you'd feel about be approaching you about it, since your experience with doctors, beyond my mom, does not sound like it have been positive, and I wouldn't want to make you feel, like I were trying to do anything like what they did."

It would be a question mostly regarding the wings, and Molotov in the longer run, but for now, she had to ask a preamp one, to know how they'd feel about this sort of thing in the first place. Ardee would know what she spoke about, without saying it, but the others shouldn't know.

 

(Null)

On 2022-07-19 at 5:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Her father sighed, "That's true, though I know many of them simply miss the foals they sent away on the Æther, and want the chance to care for young ones here, while they can't care for their own."

"Well, least they'll probably have some grandfoals to spoil rotten, when The Æther gets back. Could be worse fates than that."

She'd engage in small talk herself, until later on, when Void would come back. There were probably several things that they could all have a chatter about.

 

(Grey Changelings)

On 2022-07-19 at 5:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The General nodded, "Good, that will at least help up build ties with the local hive, hopefully." The General looked thoughtful, "I've heard that changelings can offer some measure of protection against Empaths, though that may be reversed, is there any truth to that? It might be useful if a trusted changeling could be brought in, discretely, to protect myself and other important figures from being influenced until the Consul arrives."

"I think you severely underestimate, how much the local hive would want to get along with Troy, general. If they heard your request, I'm sure they'd send their best, to show their willingness to work with us. Though, if you want those best at keeping your mind safe, you should not be hasty to judge who is sent. Those kinds can be rather... Polarizing. I'll make sure to pass the request along though."

Honestly, it mostly came down to what exactly, the sort of changeling that were good at shielding a being, would do in a regular hive. Cause to be able to offer protection, required the sort of changeling that were usually charged with overseeing replacing real beings, with changelings. Or spies. The sort who were good enough to dig into the mind, and read through every little bit required to make for a perfect replacement, that they'd then bestow upon another. Or the sort who - much like the slaver queen herself - were well versed in manipulating emotions, and memories.

Now, they didn't have anyone as strong in the arts as she had been. She were known to be able to go near a crowd, and near instantly, rewrite the mind of dozens of creatures, to serve her purpose. Or to read the minds of everyone within several meters, and correct the more troubling things she encountered. Nothing that had saved her against the brutes from below, and enough weaponry though.

Regardless, there were a few, who had some extend of this, and thus could help to properly fortify the mind, if they could be convinced to also not pry for more information. Though she'd imagine, that to make sure, Bling would pair whoever were sent, with a certain changeling, that were more towards the emotional side. That one would be better at shielding, to some extend, as they were a good harvester. If something wrong came in, they could harvest the worst, more than likely, before it took over. If not that, their physique would do some things too. Which would also help to keep the prying minds in check.

On 2022-07-19 at 5:05 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The General looked thoughtful again, "Perhaps... I'll have someone look into it. In any case, you're dismissed. Head to your new assignment as expediently as you can."

"I shall. Until next we meet, general. You know where to find me."

She'd turn to leave, and if nothing happened - she were sort of expecting him to try and stab her from behind - she'd make her way towards the exit. And if asked, she'd say she needed some air. From there, it were leaving, and appearing to gradually get worse, as she headed towards the casino. She had to sell it, in case questions were asked after all.

As for the other two... Well, Mongoose and Craven, would show up about ten minutes later, ready to get to work, after having a nap. A lot of stuff to get through, and they both assumed Yannit didn't want them to lazy their way through their assignement.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

The young ponies looked a bit confused and a little disappointed by the question, Ardee nonetheless answered, "Of course? Why wouldn't it be okay to ask if it would be okay to talk to other ponies about us?"

Still though, they didn't push the issue any further as the foals were starting to doze off between their caretaker's hooves, so Teal and Toupé got to work putting them to bed. Ardee took that opportunity to approach Void privately, "I think it would help, while I'm gone, if you asked them about the others. Before now they never really had time to process it, since we'd always been on the run, but now that we're safe, and feel safe, it's starting to wear on them more."

She paused, "You might want to talk to Elef about Rare privately though, the two of them were... especially close."

With that she went to help the other two get the foals ready for bed.

 

(Yannit)

(I'll just fast forward to the Consul's arrival here)

The next two days passed fairly uneventfully, at least from the outside. The two changelings sent to guard the General took the form of guards with provided backstories that they had arrived from Troy in advance of the Consul, and were to accompany the General everywhere he went, much to the chagrin of a certain empath.

Within the embassy tensions were running at an all time high, both due to the Consul's impending visit as well as the machinations of the Empath to stir up discord within the ranks and between the guards and the locals. Craven and Mongoose were often the target of the empath trying to turn them against each other, with only mild levels of success.

Outside the embassy, Yannit was able to secure the rooms and ensure that they were not tampered with in any way. The morning of the day the Consul was meant to arrive, Yannit would find Peace standing outside the room meant for the Consul, and she was looking better than ever, "Alright, time to switch back, anything new to report?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-07-22 at 6:17 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The young ponies looked a bit confused and a little disappointed by the question, Ardee nonetheless answered, "Of course? Why wouldn't it be okay to ask if it would be okay to talk to other ponies about us?"

"Not everyone likes being discussed around others, that they haven't met before. Maybe it's a little paranoid of me, but I just don't want you to feel, like I'm doing something behind your back.

I'll probably have more questions some other time. I'm just not sure what else to ask you about right now."

She were kind of drawing a blank, but also had some other reasons behind it. One being that she didn't want to know more of the horrible things, that had been done to them, as she didn't want to be horrified and angry, every time that she learned more of their past. But also, she just wasn't sure what were safe to ask yet, and would like a bit of time to think it over. Might be something, over the next few days.

On 2022-07-22 at 6:17 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee took that opportunity to approach Void privately, "I think it would help, while I'm gone, if you asked them about the others. Before now they never really had time to process it, since we'd always been on the run, but now that we're safe, and feel safe, it's starting to wear on them more."

She paused, "You might want to talk to Elef about Rare privately though, the two of them were... especially close."

Void let out a small sigh, and gave her response, at a low volume, before Ardee went off to do her own thing.

"I've been worried about digging into those wounds... But I'll try."

She'd wait until the youngest were in bed though. And when the others came back, she'd take a deep breath, and nervously, go to ask something that she had never thought, she were going to.

"I have thought of a question actually, if it's okay? I know that there used to be... M-More of you, that sadly didn't make it. You've touched upon them a little before, when we were talking about special days, like remembering the dead, but I don't know much about them. Is it okay, to talk about your friends?"

She didn't want to do this. SIt felt like she were digging into old wounds, and bringing up painful memories, but... Ardee had a point. If they hadn't had time to process things, it would fester, and could cause them more pain, than they'd know how to deal with. So she'd try and bring it out, and then see what would come of it. If it seemed like she were going too far, she'd pull back from it, and talk to Ardee later, about how to approach this differently.

 

(Grey Changelings)

The two changelings that had been sent to the general, were indeed the best that Bling could team up. Maybe there were other, more proficient ones, but they'd fight among one another, rather than doing their task. As such, she had gotten one that were damn good at what they did, and another that were indifferent, and kept her in check.

The manipulator, were a nice looking, calm changeling. Didn't look threatening at all, and outwardly, appeared to be all smiles and rainbows. Delta Rush though, were not so innocent. In her time, before the Agnostica hive had fallen, she had been in charge of her hive's extraction, and covert operations. She ensured the changelings sent, to fill positions, did so down to the finest detail, as well as made sure that potentially valuable information were taken, and the best of it, going to her queen. She also stood for extractions, and had no issue with civilian casualties. Or well, casualties... More like others being hastily replaced too, though her failure rate to not get others when they were isolated, were miniscule.

The one opposite her, were Flounder. Normally, towering over others, including Bruce, if by no more than a half head. He were also wider though, and could take the other stallion in a fight, if he cared to.

Difference between the two, were that Flounder didn't much care for fighting, or causing harm. The very thing that had gotten him kicked out of his old hive in the first place, and eventually, he had ended up in New Las Pegasus. His opinion on fighting had changed some, since the crisis, meant that he had to fight, to stay alive, but things were calmer now. He did not need to do so, anymore. Not unless he were given no other choice, though ideally, he'd just help collecting emotions. He were good at that. Especially serenity, and calm, which were not the hallmarks of his old hive, by far. Some rather cruel folks those ones, but they were not his problem anymore.

He were there, mostly because while he didn't like fighting, Delta were rather paranoid about him. She simply couldn't accept, that one as large, and normally intimidating in stature as him, were not a half second away from rushing forth, and snapping someone's neck. Something Bling had taken advantage off, by making him come to her, when she approached Delta, with a coconut. He had stomped on it, after he said that would be her head, if she tried something, in a very monotome, emotionless voice, and utterly crushed it. She hadn't asked questions after that.

She were starting to think that perhaps, she were overestimating him, after these few days, working closely with him. Yet it didn't seem the time, nor place, to risk her head on a hypothesis. Besides, her new queen, wasn't much in need of her particular services, so she'd just get through this, paying off one of several favors she owed Bling at this point, and would go back to working the security crew, at the casino. Let it never be said, that Bling couldn't utilize most, in some way, shape, or form.

As for Craven and Mongoose... Well, they had gotten the place cleaned up nicely. Uniforms too. A bit of cleaning that could still be done, here and there, but nothing major. Though Mongoose were working near constantly with this, as it had turned out, that cleaning helped calm him a lot more, than the gum. And with the meddling of the empath, he needed as much calm as he could get. Though there were still... Incidents. He were still getting manipulated, and Craven had to cover more than a few bruises, and were getting near the end of his line with this. Might not be Mongoose's fault, but it still hurt. Yet he couldn't leave him alone too much, in case he'd get affected alone. Which would still happen at times. Whatever Cranberry wanted to do with him, would be best done then, when there were no one there, to interfere.

On 2022-07-22 at 6:17 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Outside the embassy, Yannit was able to secure the rooms and ensure that they were not tampered with in any way. The morning of the day the Consul was meant to arrive, Yannit would find Peace standing outside the room meant for the Consul, and she was looking better than ever, "Alright, time to switch back, anything new to report?"

"I'd like to report, that I'm bored."

Yannit would open the door, and look at Peace. Fresh and perky it seemed. Well, good for her. She on the other hoof, felt knackered. Wasn't just keeping this actual room safe - suite near the top, two above, and one left, to what had been reported to the general - she also needed to keep her idiots in line sometimes, listen to The Grey, with whatever input they had, sort things with Bling, without telling too much, do recognizance, etc. It felt like she were a hive drone again, and her team were sleeping! Gods were she starting to remember, why she were happy to defect in the first place.

*sigh* But work were work, and though she had to pull an all nighter here, it would soon enough be over. And with Peace now at the ready herself, she could let go of this disguise at least. The gauze were starting to annoy her anyway.

"As well as tired, overworked, and surrounded by idiots. Management sucks.

*sigh* You look fresh now then. So, are you getting ready for it?"

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

The young ponies looked surprised that Void was asking questions now, but they weren't disappointed by any means. Ardee was the most surprised, as she had been referring to when she left tomorrow to train with Null and Arcade, and eventually leave the city with them, but if it had been a burning question on Void's mind, and she just needed a little push to feel alright asking it, she wasn't going to deny her an answer.

The other two looked contemplative for a moment, before Toupé went over to the calendar they had written on and the drawing they had made a few days prior.

Toupé sighed, "There were a number of foals, younger even than Peal and Piecey were, that had to be left behind because they wouldn't survive. Mistress showed me when she got Peal and Piecey to go with us."

Teal looked sad to hear that, sparing a glance over at where the foals were sleeping.

Toupé continued, turning the calendar to where they had marked the first death, Ayjay, and pointed to the orange earth pony in the picture, "Ayjay was an earth pony like me, very strong, she carried most of the stuff when Mistress took us to where Null found us."

"She helped Mistress and Arcade close the path in once we arrived." Ardee added.

"We didn't know what monsters we were trapped with when we arrived, but she defended us with Arcade and Ardee until Elef..." Toupé sighed

Teal continued, "It wasn't his fault, he wanted to help keep us safe, but got caught, and Ayjay didn't make it back after she went to save him."

Ardee knew more, but she wasn't about to tell the other two the details about their sister's death. The other two looked sad, remembering their fallen sibling.

They looked to Void to see if she had any comments, advice, or if she wanted them to continue.

 

(Yannit)

Peace chuckled at Yannit's report, "I know what you mean, and I don't miss it, but I've had enough of my vacation, sitting in a dusty hotel room looking down on the city isn't all that much fun, but it looks like you're all to familiar with that by now."

Peace went into the room, pulling a set of papers out from a folder she had been carrying with her, going through them before putting them away, "Now all there is is to wait for the Consul to arrive, which shouldn't be long." She went over to the window, which happened to face eastward, giving them an overlook on the embassy and the desert in the direction of Troy. Peace pulled out a collapsible spyglass and looked out at the horizon,  "In fact, I think that's his transport coming now."

She passed the spyglass over to Yannit, guiding her to see the aircraft flying towards the city at a quick pace. It was the same sort of craft that had taken the sisters and the injured out of Deltrot, and had carried most of those who got to go on the Æther, to the Æther from the mesa. Outside of that, Yannit would likely have never seen a craft like it.

Peace seemed to be mentally preparing herself, "Are you going to stay and report too? Or are you going to let me do all of it?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-07-26 at 1:38 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Toupé sighed, "There were a number of foals, younger even than Peal and Piecey were, that had to be left behind because they wouldn't survive. Mistress showed me when she got Peal and Piecey to go with us."

The story had just begun, and she already felt like a spear jabbing through her heart. Leaving infants behind... And behind where? In a facility, around *doctors*? In a hovel somewhere, with monsters? She really, deeply hoped it was the former. At least then, perhaps there were a chance for some of them to still be alive. Or at least, to have not had their young lives cut short, by something as cruel as being eaten, before they could even walk.

On 2022-07-26 at 1:38 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Toupé continued, turning the calendar to where they had marked the first death, Ayjay, and pointed to the orange earth pony in the picture, "Ayjay was an earth pony like me, very strong, she carried most of the stuff when Mistress took us to where Null found us."

"She helped Mistress and Arcade close the path in once we arrived." Ardee added.

"We didn't know what monsters we were trapped with when we arrived, but she defended us with Arcade and Ardee until Elef..." Toupé sighed

Teal continued, "It wasn't his fault, he wanted to help keep us safe, but got caught, and Ayjay didn't make it back after she went to save him."

Ardee knew more, but she wasn't about to tell the other two the details about their sister's death. The other two looked sad, remembering their fallen sibling.

They looked to Void to see if she had any comments, advice, or if she wanted them to continue.

This one... Null had told her something, about when she had found Elef. The other foal there... She didn't blame him either, but she did feel sorry for him, that he had to be there, when she died. Poor thing must've been traumatized, to some extend.

That this wasn't the same foal, she weren't aware. Nor were she, what Elef had done, to the one that Null actually had seen. She had refused to say anything about that. His condition were one thing, but that... Hadn't he enough burdens on him as it were, without a cloud of doubt hanging above him, in regards to whatever or not, he would eat one of his siblings? She hadn't wanted that.

Might be that the day would come, when she needed to judge him. That day were sadly inevitable, as far as she understood it. Yet she'd be fair, when the day came, and give him a chance to make things okay. Wasn't like he had done these things, with malicious intent. She didn't want to believe that at least.

"I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, Ayjay. It sounds like she meant a lot to you."

She'd need to have a tombstone made at some point. Might be she didn't have the body, but somewhere to bury her memory, and give the poor young ponies, a chance to say their goodbyes, would be good. Might also leave her spirit to find some peace, in case she were still lingering. A fate which she wished for no one. Sounded utterly horrible, to be stuck like that.

Seeing Peal and Toupé sad though... She almost went right over, to embrace them. If it got worse, and they cried, she definitely would too. There were limits, to what her heart could bear.

"Toupé? You said there were more infants left behind? Do you know where?"

She couldn't help those that were already gone, but was it so wrong for her, to hope that maybe, there were still other clones out there, somewhere, that could be helped? Likely, all of them that were potentially still alive, would be under control of a facility, but long as they were alive, there were a chance to help, right?

 

(Grey Changelings)

"So that's what one of those things look like... Not very inconspicuous, but practical."

Yannit had been busy, when the last airship had come in, and thus, had not taken notice of it. She only heard it after the fact, and frankly, she were sure the others were exaggerating. Might be the opposite, now that she were looking at it, but still, it seemed an odd choice. Sure it were likely more secure, than going by land, and faster, but if the plan were to have the Consul sneaked in to town, without making a giant fuss, then this were solidly doing things incorrectly. Maybe the visiting date itself, were the only thing meant to be a surprise, and not him being there in the first place... She supposed that might be it, though she were still not too sure about this. Hadn't been enough time, to make sure that the town were filled with traps, or sleeper agents. Caution would've been best.

"I'm going with you. I've seen it through so far, and I ain't a quitter.

Also, there is still no guarantee of what, or who, might be cause for concern. You could get kidnapped again, or the consul attacked, and frankly, the more hooves on the ready here, the better. I haven't gotten this far in this, to see it all crumble around me now.

...I also want to see that smug smile on Cranberry's face wiped off, when he's brought down. Irritating empath."

She also had The Grey to think about here, who'd probably like to remain informed on things here. As well as Bling, who had not been shy, at wanting Troy to have a healthy relationship with New Las Pegasus, and Yannit owed her enough favors by now, that it seemed appropriate to help her on this.

The consul would have a fun time when he'd get to see her eventually though. Yannit were stocked up on paranoia, and barely concealed suspicion towards every being around her. Seemed appropriate for the situation at hoof. Though were they going to meet him, or would he show up here? Assuming the latter, she might as well go and dust the bed off once more. She already ate the chocolate on the pillow though, so that was a no go.

There was an entire bowl, of various local treats, personally overseen by Bling, as some of the trusted chefs they had here, worked on it. He could bloody well live with her taking the bulk purchase chocolate, for a bit of sugar!

...And two of the creme puffs. They looked tempting, okay?

Urgh, she needed fresh air. Having stayed in here for the last half day, preparing for things, were getting to her.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

9 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Toupé? You said there were more infants left behind? Do you know where?"

Toupé looked down, "No, Maybe I could trace my steps back if I were brought there, but I couldn't point it out on a map. It wasn't far from the city though. Besides, they weren't really foals yet, Mistress said they weren't ready to come out, that they would die if we tried, besides, we had our hooves full with just Peal and Piecey, we wouldn't have been able to keep them safe even if we could bring them."

Ardee spoke softly, such that only Void could hear, "I do, I could try and go there while I'm out, if you want? Though I doubt anything is left after all this time."

Teal continued the story, turning the calendar to the next death, Effs, and pointing at the yellow pegasus, "Effs was a pegasus, like Ardee, she was kind, and brave, she was originally in charge of caring for the foals, but she taught Toupé and I how to care for them so we could help her. After Ayjay... left... Arcade and Ardee were searching for a safer place for us to be, one that could be more easily protected, and they found one. We were on our way there when we, Toupé, Effs, the foals, and I, got separated from the others, with monsters coming down the hall at us. She... she passed the foals to us, then charged at the monsters." She choked up a bit, looking just at the picture, "Even so, they almost didn't get the door opened in time for us to get through."

 

(Yannit)

The aircraft set down outside the city, a set of guards exiting along with the ambassadors Dove and Branch who had been previously evacuated. Notably there was no alicorn among them, or anyone who seemed to match the Consul's description. Peace frowned slightly, "Maybe he's disguised? That would make a lot of sense. The general will be sending the ambassadors here, under the pretense that their early arrival means that their rooms in the embassy are not yet ready. Bling knows what rooms to send them to, right?"

Assuming she did, they would only have about half an hour to wait for the ambassadors and a pair of the guards to arrive at the Top Suits. They could watch from the room the brief interaction by the embassy where all but two of the guards who had arrived with the ambassadors went in.

It was 15 more minutes of silence in the room until there was a knock at the door, which Peace approached and knocked back, a short pause, then a third knock, and Peace opened the door to reveal the pair of ambassadors. Peace saluted, "The room is secure." and the ambassadors saluted back before entering fully, the two guards staying outside. Once the door was shut there was a flash and one of the ambassadors was replaced by the Consul, at his full alicorn stature, stretching out.

The other ambassador looked surprised, "Wait, when? How-"

"Did I replace Ambassador Branch? This morning. Apologies for keeping you in the dark, we needed to ensure maximum secrecy on this expedition. For the record, I was never here. You may go to your room now, enjoy your vacation, we'll be leaving tomorrow, barring complications."

He turned to Yannit and Peace, the latter bowing in the Equestrian way, to which he nodded for her to get back up. "Alright, let's get down to it shall we? What do you have to report Miss...?" He was looking at Yannit. She'd have to be emotionally blind to miss it, but the Consul was a veritable beacon of emotional energy, like staring down a spotlight, and the level of control he had... there was no doubt that the Consul was also an empath.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-07-28 at 7:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Toupé looked down, "No, Maybe I could trace my steps back if I were brought there, but I couldn't point it out on a map. It wasn't far from the city though. Besides, they weren't really foals yet, Mistress said they weren't ready to come out, that they would die if we tried, besides, we had our hooves full with just Peal and Piecey, we wouldn't have been able to keep them safe even if we could bring them."

"Please don't be sad. I didn't mean the specific location. I meant more if it were at a facility, or in some place with loose monsters. I'm sure your mistress were right that they weren't ready either. I just wondered."

She didn't mean to make Toupé sad when she asked. Nor specifically where this were, though yes, she would have probably inquired about that some other time. She didn't intend to do it now though, when the others were remembering their old friends. It did not seem the time to ask them about something like that. Yet it seemed like she had accidentally done so.

On 2022-07-28 at 7:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Ardee spoke softly, such that only Void could hear, "I do, I could try and go there while I'm out, if you want? Though I doubt anything is left after all this time."

"Please not alone. But maybe, there's still hope..."

She'd respond softly in kind. It were a nice offer, and yes, she did hope that perhaps, there were something that could be salvaged from all of that tragedy, but her hope were low. At best, she'd assume there to be some clues, and even at best, she assumed it would be dangerous. She'd much prefer that Ardee did not go there alone, because of those potential dangers, but if it were ion the road, when she were leaving with Null and Arcade, maybe they could help her. Who knew? Might be that there were clones left behind, or some sort of personal belonging, that the others might miss. Perhaps some information, of where other clones might have gone to, even. If some yet lived, she imagined they'd be even more damaged than these poor ones, but if there were some alive, perhaps there were room for tentative positivity.

On 2022-07-28 at 7:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Teal continued the story, turning the calendar to the next death, Effs, and pointing at the yellow pegasus, "Effs was a pegasus, like Ardee, she was kind, and brave, she was originally in charge of caring for the foals, but she taught Toupé and I how to care for them so we could help her. After Ayjay... left... Arcade and Ardee were searching for a safer place for us to be, one that could be more easily protected, and they found one. We were on our way there when we, Toupé, Effs, the foals, and I, got separated from the others, with monsters coming down the hall at us. She... she passed the foals to us, then charged at the monsters." She choked up a bit, looking just at the picture, "Even so, they almost didn't get the door opened in time for us to get through."

Void felt a tear roll from her eye, as the heard the next story.

"That... Dear gods, what a horrible fate.

Her bravery clearly saved your lives, though I find myself more than anything, praying to every god I know of, that she didn't suffer, and that her spirit have found rest. She deserves all the splendors of Elysium for that act.

It's... It's not common to find others, who are brave and selfless enough to do something like that either. She must have been a wonderful friend. The sort you could really trust."

In case any of them choked up further, she'd wander over and embrace them. She might feel for them, and the memories of their fallen friends, but they had lived through it, and were seemingly now reliving the situations, through talking. She almost rushed over when Teal had choked up as it were. Had it not been for the horror of the story, she likely would've done so already. Poor things, to have seen so much death, of those closest to them. And in such violent ways... She truly felt sorry for them. As did she for Effs, whom she desperately hoped, had not become a raging spirit. Violent deaths tended to increase the odds of that, she had been told, and she didn't wish that upon someone so selfless and kind.

 

(Grey Changelings)

On 2022-07-28 at 7:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

It was 15 more minutes of silence in the room until there was a knock at the door, which Peace approached and knocked back, a short pause, then a third knock, and Peace opened the door to reveal the pair of ambassadors. Peace saluted, "The room is secure." and the ambassadors saluted back before entering fully, the two guards staying outside. Once the door was shut there was a flash and one of the ambassadors was replaced by the Consul, at his full alicorn stature, stretching out.

Egen before the reveal, she could tell something were off. Not emotionally, butt he setup seemed odd. There were supposed to be an ambassador, and then the consul. Instead, she saw two ambassadors, and no consul. Thus, her first thought were that one were disguised, or that he were hiding somewhere else. Something also just felt weird. Like... It seemed normal, but too normal? Urgh, maybe she were just getting paranoid... She had forgotten how much this line of work, impacted her.

When the consul did show himself in full, Yannit would take a step back, and look like she had been faced with something that reeked quite substantially. An empath? Were one not enough? Must they gather here in droves?

*deep internal breaths* It's okay. It's okay... This were the Consul. She had to look past her personal feelings about what he were, for the sake of the mission.

"Consul Easle. It's a... Pleasure to meet you. On behalf of The Grey, and Hive Bling, I welcome you to New Las Pegasus."

She'd bow, and try and remain neutral in appearance, though she knew as well as him, that she didn't mean it. This were a curtesy, not sincerity. Though all things considered, that were still better than he might have expected, from the local changelings. Wasn't the same for everyone of course, but there were not overly positive tales between the two. Same with changelings and sirens, or changelings and wendigos. A lot of stories about their kind, not generally getting along with other emotion manipulators. A predator prey thing, probably. Though as said, wasn't the same for everyone, and there were likely several who'd be welcome, or curious about an empath. Changelings from many broken hives, grouped up in this town after all.

On 2022-07-28 at 7:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He turned to Yannit and Peace, the latter bowing in the Equestrian way, to which he nodded for her to get back up. "Alright, let's get down to it shall we? What do you have to report Miss...?" He was looking at Yannit. She'd have to be emotionally blind to miss it, but the Consul was a veritable beacon of emotional energy, like staring down a spotlight, and the level of control he had... there was no doubt that the Consul was also an empath.

"Yannit. Status is that we've managed to keep the general from being compromised, but it have had costs. My colleagues have been influences, to various degrees. One of them might need to be restrained, before you enter the embassy. It isn't known exactly how many of the others are influences, nor to what degree, and who in town might also have been tampered with. We've caught some, but Cranberry is unlikely to have stopped at so few.

Details have been need to know, with me sharing the finer ones with no one. The exact location of the this room, were not shared with the general, for instance. Nor is it that I made sure that Bling ensured that all the other rooms around this, are currently occupied by her most introvert changelings, who do not like to walk outside, thus reducing the odds of compromised creatures. I have told her little of the exact reason why. Just that it were a matter important to The Grey. She have not asked more about that since.

She sent a highly supervised snack though, when she assumed this room were meant for someone important. It likely won't be long before she realizes the truth, despite me guaranteeing that this room have been made magically sound proof. I also made aa full sweep of bugs, magical or mechanical, and found none.

That said, I can only guarantee that this specific room is safe. Everything else is vetted, but open for potentially compromised personel. Like I told your general though, there is easy backup, but he were reluctant to let me share too much with Bling, despite her sending guards for him, as well as some scouts in a 500 meter radius around the embassy, just in case. Which I did not ask for, but I don't control the local changelings. She does. Whatever measures she have taken, I don't know the full extend of."

Bling hadn't known that the consul himself would show, but she could feel something were starting, considering what Yannit were doing. Especially as she saw the mare increase her efforts, and begin to staff the surrounding rooms with specifically requested changelings. So she had done a bit here and there herself, just in case a storm were brewing, so that they could be more prepared, than when the gang war had broken out. She did not want to see more like that again, anytime soon.

She didn't report a lot more, as she assumed he had been briefed on the basics, of Cranberry. So she mostly made sure to tell him who were changelings in the embassy, helping things along from their side. He would likely be able to feel a bias, as she described Mongoose, even if she didn't mention any of what he had done. Though in fairness, she were biased. He were a fatal accident waiting to happen, and needed intense, constant supervision in her opinion, to be even considered semi-reliable. As for the tasks at hoof? She really did mean, that it were likely best to have him found, and restrained. She did not trust, that Cranberry had not gotten to him. he were too soft for someone like that.

"And that is most of it. Unless you have more specific questions, I'd in turn, like to ask what it is that you know, about Cranberry. We're wandering around him, and I've been told a little, but something tells me that he isn't going through all of this, for nothing. This much effort, seems personal."

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

The young ponies appreciated her physical comfort, though they seemed confused by Void's talk of Elysium, though it was Ardee who asked, "Elysium, what's that? I think Arcade and Mistress talked about it once, is it a place?"

There wasn't much story left to tell, and Ardee took the mantle, indicating the last date and the white unicorn on the page, "Rare... if your sister had found us even one day sooner she'd have made it. Still though, if your sister had found us any later we'd have lost Elef too. She was kind, always resolving disputes between the rest of us and keeping us together. She and Elef were especially close, so I imagine her death hurt him even more than it's hurt the rest of us."

They all sighed, and were quiet for a moment before Teal spoke up, "It's strange, while remembering these things makes me feel sad, I feel a little better for having shared. It feels good to know that I'm not the only one who feels this way about them."

 

(Yannit)

2 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Consul Easle. It's a... Pleasure to meet you. On behalf of The Grey, and Hive Bling, I welcome you to New Las Pegasus."

The Consul smirked, "How convenient, I fully intended to meet with both groups on this trip. Though the Grey are the primary reason for my trip, if you could organize a meeting with your queen, for this evening if possible, I would be grateful. I had a very productive relationship with Queens Permu and Sleipnir before the incident, and I have a lot of changelings seekig guidance in their absence."

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Though as said, wasn't the same for everyone, and there were likely several who'd be welcome, or curious about an empath.

While Empathic Extroverts tended to have negative relations with changelings, as they competed for the same food sources, Empathic Introverts like the Consul tended to have positive relations with changelings as they served as a reliable source of emotional energy and tended to improve the quantity of energy available in the ponies around them. Still though, there had been cases where an Empathic Introvert had leveraged their influence on changelings to their own benefit and to the detriment of the hive, so a bit of initial distrust on Yannit's part was to be expected.

The Consul listened intently to Yannit's report, while his expression remained kind and interested, his emotions flared a bit when Cranberry was mentioned. Still, he maintained his composure. "That is unfortunate news, a problem I had hoped solved long ago. Still, I can't risk assuming that this is not personal. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, rest assured that I will deal with this personally, and those affected will return to normal a short while after, though they may need some counciling to deal with whatever acts they may have been influenced to commit."

3 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

I'd in turn, like to ask what it is that you know, about Cranberry.

The Consul sighed, "That... is a deeply personal matter. It suffices me to say that we were once friends, long before I was an alicorn, before I was Consul, before I even left Equestria. He turned two of my friends against me, and the three of them attempted to murder me after torturing me." With a flash he teleported his robe off of himself. As he folded it they could see the healed over burn marks on his back, the fur of his coat discolored in large patches. "Per the Grey, or the entity that the Grey once served, Cranberry was punished for his crimes, and my friends redeemed. I had hoped that he would turn a new leaf after all this time, but it seems he's after revenge again."

With another flash the Consul was no longer an alicorn, instead taking the form of a regular unicorn stallion with the same coloration, the scars still present on his back. "This should suffice, it's been a long time since I stood in public like this. Miss Accords, your report?"

Peace relayed much the same information as Yannit, just from her own perspective, as well as several insights as to how the Grey operated around and with respect to her.

The Consul nodded at the end, "Good work, though there'll be some changes in the Grey moving forward, as I've a meeting with the Grey Mare herself. Your debt will be taken care of."

He turned back to Yannit, "Let's take care of that first, if you'd be so kind as to take me to the Judgement Hall?"

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-08-02 at 12:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The young ponies appreciated her physical comfort, though they seemed confused by Void's talk of Elysium, though it was Ardee who asked, "Elysium, what's that? I think Arcade and Mistress talked about it once, is it a place?"

"When a creature pass away, their souls can go to one of three places, as the story goes. Tartarus is where the bad souls goes. Elysium is where the good ones go, and enjoy a nice, peaceful afterlife. I don't know a lot about Purgatory, but the stories I've heard, is that it's where creatures go, when their souls are being made ready for rebirth. I don't think anyone goes there in the first place though. It's for down the line, but that's just based on stories. I'm not sure how many knew the truth of it."

She liked to think all of them were real places. Tartarus certainly were, that much were obvious to everyone, and thus, Elysium were likely too. Purgatory were something else, yet she really couldn't say much more about it. She had been told the stories by some whose family had studied death for millennia, and she were somewhat sure, that they knew what they were talking about. Still, she hoped that some of hem were still around, as they'd likely have the most direct answers, written down somewhere. Or memorized. Their home had likely been torched to the ground years ago, and their tomes along with it.

On 2022-08-02 at 12:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

There wasn't much story left to tell, and Ardee took the mantle, indicating the last date and the white unicorn on the page, "Rare... if your sister had found us even one day sooner she'd have made it. Still though, if your sister had found us any later we'd have lost Elef too. She was kind, always resolving disputes between the rest of us and keeping us together. She and Elef were especially close, so I imagine her death hurt him even more than it's hurt the rest of us."

They all sighed, and were quiet for a moment before Teal spoke up, "It's strange, while remembering these things makes me feel sad, I feel a little better for having shared. It feels good to know that I'm not the only one who feels this way about them."

"I'll make sure to speak with Elef about it later then. If they were that close, it must weigh heavily on him. And like you say, it can help speaking about it, instead of letting it bottle up inside you. I'm not a psychologist, so I don't know why, but I think it is just a matter of not letting things fester. Share things, good and bad, and let others help you get through it, yes? Something like that. I-I'm sorry if it sounds a little corny."

Seems like they had made some progress, and had gotten a difficult, yet important topic out in the open. It were still a bit heavy though, so perhaps now, after all of this, they would do well in maybe toning things down a little bit again.

"That were a heavy topic too, to discuss. How would everyone like if we relaxed, and di something else for a bit instead, before bedtime? Anything you'd like us to repeat, that we have done before, or maybe try something new? Maybe a little class session too, if you'd like that?"

 

(Grey Changelings)

On 2022-08-02 at 12:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul smirked, "How convenient, I fully intended to meet with both groups on this trip. Though the Grey are the primary reason for my trip, if you could organize a meeting with your queen, for this evening if possible, I would be grateful. I had a very productive relationship with Queens Permu and Sleipnir before the incident, and I have a lot of changelings seekig guidance in their absence."

"If she had plans, I'm sure she can push them. She seems motivated to finish, what House started."

Yannit somewhat suspected it wasn't just because Bling were one, who believed that cooperation would be imperative, for the world to move forward now, that the gates were closed. She also thought it had some ties to House himself, having started this. She had respect for the stallion, and as he had left the casino to her, Yannit assumed that Bling felt obligated, to finish the work he had started, at the last days of his life. She certainly didn't seem to want to bury his memory. She had refused to change the casino's name for example, and had made sure that in the lobby, were a large, beautiful statue of House, with a plague acknowledging him as the founder, that it were in loving memory of a great stallion, etc.

There'd maybe be some hiccups with the presence of Rasputin, but... He weren't here currently, so perhaps things could be sorted before he showed, and when they then realized his presence, they'd have a hoof in, and would be potentially unwilling to pull back out again, when Bling put her hoof down, and told them that he were not some criminal, that she would hoof over. Yannit were not entirely sold on the king, but thus far, he seemed to be doing a lot of good for the hive, and had announced his intention to help elevate Bling to the position of an actual queen, so he had a lot of leeway currently.

"I'll bring it up to her later, when I have the time."

On 2022-08-02 at 12:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul listened intently to Yannit's report, while his expression remained kind and interested, his emotions flared a bit when Cranberry was mentioned. Still, he maintained his composure. "That is unfortunate news, a problem I had hoped solved long ago. Still, I can't risk assuming that this is not personal. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, rest assured that I will deal with this personally, and those affected will return to normal a short while after, though they may need some counciling to deal with whatever acts they may have been influenced to commit."

"We can deal with whatever counselling they need. Our main focus right now, is to make sure you're not being targeted, and if you are, that it's prevented. Alicorn or not, attempts on your life is a serious thing, and both The Grey, and Bling have shown vested interest, in not letting something like this happen. The kidnapping of Peace were bad enough as it is."

The Grey had their reasons. Bling had hers. Herself? Yannit were working for The Grey, and were trying to pay off some of her guilt, before it and karma, came back to bite her in the flank. She'd do what they said, unless it seemed completely bonkers.

On 2022-08-02 at 12:03 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul sighed, "That... is a deeply personal matter. It suffices me to say that we were once friends, long before I was an alicorn, before I was Consul, before I even left Equestria. He turned two of my friends against me, and the three of them attempted to murder me after torturing me." With a flash he teleported his robe off of himself. As he folded it they could see the healed over burn marks on his back, the fur of his coat discolored in large patches. "Per the Grey, or the entity that the Grey once served, Cranberry was punished for his crimes, and my friends redeemed. I had hoped that he would turn a new leaf after all this time, but it seems he's after revenge again."

With another flash the Consul was no longer an alicorn, instead taking the form of a regular unicorn stallion with the same coloration, the scars still present on his back. "This should suffice, it's been a long time since I stood in public like this. Miss Accords, your report?"

Peace relayed much the same information as Yannit, just from her own perspective, as well as several insights as to how the Grey operated around and with respect to her.

The Consul nodded at the end, "Good work, though there'll be some changes in the Grey moving forward, as I've a meeting with the Grey Mare herself. Your debt will be taken care of."

He turned back to Yannit, "Let's take care of that first, if you'd be so kind as to take me to the Judgement Hall?"

"Turning friends against friends, and causing them to torture the other... I'm sad to say that no, he haven't changed. All the evidence points rather clearly towards that."

It were basically what he had done with Sandy, and Peace. Frankly troubling that this sort of behavior seemed like a recurring issue, though now, with the added flavor of vengeance. That was gonna take him to more extreme lengths... Bugger.

She'd look closely, as the consul changed forms, and showcased his wounds. Seemed like he had been through quite the thing, and if this were caused by Cranberry... She were surprised the consul had let him live. Most she knew, who'd been through that, would kill their torturer, if given the chance. There were likely more to this story, but it seemed unwise of her to dig into it further. Both because she were not aiming to get on the bad side of yet another empath, and because quite frankly, it were not something she had to know. It wouldn't further this mission at all, and thus, she couldn't care much less about it.

"The Judgement Hall, eh? Done my best to stay as far away from that place as possible, but sure, I'll lead the way. Just try and stay aware. He can probably guess it's you, and again, we don't know how many he might have influenced."

So then, she would lead the way. Discretely, that were. The less main roads the better, as it would lower the risk factor. She'd also point out friendly changelings as they went along, if she spotted them. Some just being themselves,. others hiding in plain sight in various ways, such as pretending to be small animals, or rusty objects, that sort. And if a troublemaker showed up, she were ready to neutralize them. Not kill. More just knocking them out, of have them incapacitated in some other way. Leaving corpses weren't ideal. Especially since most who'd go with Cranberry's plan, were likely doing so against their true will.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Void)

The young ponies seemed consoled with the thoughts that their friends would be in a better place now.

It was about then that Elef and Ada returned, both tired from their expedition, they picked up on the more somber mood of the others but Vale discretely filled them in so as to not ruin the moment, Elef looked fairly concerned at the topic, but didn't speak up.

Per Void's next question, while Elef washed himself up from his outdoor adventures, the young ponies considered what they might do, before Teal and Toupé both yawned, Ardee sighed, "I think it's best if we just went to bed, but maybe a good story would help get their minds off of it? What do you think?"

 

(Yannit)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

He can probably guess it's you, and again, we don't know how many he might have influenced."

The Consul smiled a bit, "Oh, I'm counting on it. He was always arrogant, catching him by surprise will force him to act rashly, and I'm many times more prepared to deal with him than I was before."

As they made their way to the Judgement Hall, they didn't get much attention, almost as if those around them didn't even notice them. Some only getting out of the way right when they were about to collide, as if suddenly taking notice when they got close enough.

The consul appreciated having the changelings pointed out to him, though in the latter half of their walk he started pointing them out first, and asking Yannit if they were friendly or not, revealing that, similar to Cranberry, he could detect them through their disguises.

Once they were inside the Judgement Hall, and the door closed behind them, the Consul reverted to his alicorn form.

"Vengeance Easle, approach the dias."

A voice called out from deeper in the hall, Yannit might recognize it as Watch. Dim lights illuminated the raised circle in the middle of the room, where two podiums overlooked it. A hooded figure stood at both, with a hooded figure sat towards the wall between them. The Consul stood on the center of the dias, and stretched out his wings, a pair of shadow wings extending out from under them, moving to cover his face. A deeper voice came from the Consul, but his mouth didn't move. "Judge Watch, Judge Ward, You have served honorably despite the deceptions of your superiors. Vengeance finds you worthy to continue in your positions, and bestows upon you the authority to judge for Vengeance or Mercy those brought before you. So says Vengeance, so says Nemesis."

The judges responded in kind, "So it is said, so shall it be done."

The Consul continued, "Vengeance Naught, approach the dias."

The hooded figure between the podiums stepped into the faint light, revealing herself to be the Grey Mare herself, she bowed before the Consul.

"With the appointed Judges as witnesses, and under oath that they shall depose you should you violate your station, you are hereby authorized to administer the oaths and gifts of Vengeance to the Grey, inasmuch as you see fit and according to your judgement. Mercy and Vengeance will strike from the shadows, not for glory or fame, but for justice. So says Vengeance, so says Nemesis."

"So it is said, so shall it be done."

The shadows retreated, and the Consul sighed, switching back to his unicorn form, "I look forward to working with you Grey Mare, Nibiru, Judges. We'll be in touch. Best if you had the new oaths administered sooner rather than later. Now, I'll be resolving the issue with Peace personally. Consider Peace's debt covered by my own."

He left the dias, returning to Yannit, "Let's go, take me to Cranberry before he can prepare for my arrival."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

She were happy to see that Elef were back, but Void were not going to touch the subject of Rare right now. The night had been heavy enough as it were, so she would save it for another time, when it seemed calmer, and they all had some time to ease their hearts again.

It seemed too, that there were other things on their minds as well, as yawns began to spread across the room. It would be good for them to get some rest.

"I think that sounds like a lovely idea, and I think I have just the tale in mind."

She'd bring the book along with her, as they went and got everyone tugged in nice and snuggly. Then, she'd sit down, and open the book, on the foal friendly version, of Cinder Bella. Still telling of her early days of hardship, but not telling the parts of torment, and at the end, the sawing off of hooves, and dancing til death.

Seriously, the original version, were pretty brutal. How it were considered a tale for young foals, baffled her sometimes.

Anyway, it were a rather lengthy one, so she assumed they wouldn't get through it. And that would be okay. Just meant they had something for the next night.

When eventually they all slept, she'd leave them be, to rest soundly, with a big smile plastered on her face. she never tired, of seeing them, resting comfortably, with little to no worries in their minds. As it should be, with young ponies, and foals.

Before returning home to her parents eventually though, she'd get around the workshop. She wanted to make sure that she had some materials to work with later, so she could start working on some gear for Ardee, as soon as possible. She seemed to have what she needed, beyond Null, who'd need to be here for some woodwork on the bow. She'd also find a note, slid under the door, from Molotov. It were uhm... Distracting, but she kept on to it, and didn't say anything currently, as she locked up again, and went towards her parents place, with a fading blush on her face.

 

(Yannit)

On 2022-08-04 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul smiled a bit, "Oh, I'm counting on it. He was always arrogant, catching him by surprise will force him to act rashly, and I'm many times more prepared to deal with him than I was before."

"Just try not to take unneeded risks, please. I do not know what the consequences could be, of you getting severely hurt, or killed, and I don't want to find out."

She might not like his kind, but that didn't mean that it would be good to see him get hurt, or anything like it. Politically, ecologically, magically, etc. There were many ways that him getting killed, might affect things, and frankly, she wanted to see none of them come to pass. So if she had to go in and take a knife for him... She'd hate it. She'd really, Really hate it, but... She were ultimately replaceable. Which were a thought that did not go down any easier, no matter how much she thought it.

On 2022-08-04 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The consul appreciated having the changelings pointed out to him, though in the latter half of their walk he started pointing them out first, and asking Yannit if they were friendly or not, revealing that, similar to Cranberry, he could detect them through their disguises.

This here showed why she did not like empaths, though the feeling were not as widespread, as she had thought. Those who were close enough to get a listen in, and grasp that he were pointing them out, whilst also being able to feel what his deal were, would either ignore him, or in a few cases, do a silent greeting. One being hidden as a filled trash can, that lifted their lid for him. He'd probably be the talk of the town, within the next few days, among the changelings. Even if he didn't do more than this. But surely, he'd be counting on the fame to some degree, yes?

On 2022-08-04 at 11:26 PM, Illiad Easle said:

He left the dias, returning to Yannit, "Let's go, take me to Cranberry before he can prepare for my arrival."

Having gotten to the judgement hall, Yannit had observed things silently, yet with surprise, and worry. She had known that the consul were an empath, as well as an alicorn. Big power points right there. But now she learned he were also one of the workers of Karma? Jeez. What was next? Were he going to be revealed to be an actual god too?

Though that wouldn't be worse, than this last one. Especially when she heard what it were that he were a judge off. She knew well that she were not innocent, and would have some, who'd wish vengeance upon her. Among them, the spirit of the young, sickly pony that she killed, to take over their luxurious life. She had gone with The Grey, to try and atone for some of that, but if this one were a higher ranking judge, what were to stop him from just judging her then, right when she were no longer useful, and kill her on the spot?

He should be able to feel this worry as he returned, and she were not entirely subtle about it either, as she were looking around, planning potential escape routes, and taking a step back as he approached. She needed to figure out a way out of this...

"Okay, I'll take you there. Just don't do something rash, okay?"

She were not thrilled about this (as if she were before), but she'd continue. Maybe he'd be lenient, if she kept proving useful.

As for the embassy, they'd find that Craven and Mongoose were already there. Craven were polishing the floor, and putting a final step as it were, on making the hallway look as sparkling new, as were possible, while Mongoose had chosen to retire to the washing room. He had said something about not wanting to be around others right now. Craven were not thrilled about it, but the washing room were secluded, and he made sure to check the uniforms every time anyway, in case Mongoose got tempted into putting something in the washing soap. Which so far, seemed to have not happened.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Conversation was just dying down in the house, though all present were happy to see Void when she walked in. Her mom moved to get off the couch, though she stopped suddenly, her eyes going wide, "Oh."

(As I don't have any personal experience in this department, I'll simply gloss over events.)

To their father it was immediately obvious what was happening, it was time.

To his credit, their father remained on top of things throughout, not getting overwhelmed. He sent Arcade to get the neighbors across the street while doing everything he could to keep their mother calm, the neighbors, a pair of minotaurs, arrived shortly after with a special cart which they very carefully lifted their mother into and gently took her to the hospital in, the rest of the family following behind.

Just over two hours later, the sisters and Arcade were allowed to enter the room to see the newborn foals, a unicorn colt and a pegasus filly. They had decided on the names Clean Stroke and Bubbling Thoughts, respectively. (Names subject to change, open to suggestion, I forgot that that was something one would need to consider.)

The doctors would keep their mother and the foals there for the rest of the night, to be discharged in the morning if everything was alright.

 

(Yannit)

14 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Okay, I'll take you there. Just don't do something rash, okay?"

The Consul sighed, "Unfortunately the prescribed punishment may well kill him, he'll be made to feel empathy for the first time, and he's got a lot to suffer through. If he survives, death would be a mercy, like you unknowingly performed so long ago. But don't worry, Vengeance is not rash, it is methodical, calculating, at least when not fueled by rage. I have no intention of collateral damage."

He didn't smirk, but it was clear he knew her crime, and wasn't inclined to do anything about it right now.

No one seemed to notice the Consul or Yannit when they entered the embassy, the guards out front not paying them any mind, like they were invisible. The Consul directed Yannit to take him to the General's office, stepping inside the General took notice of them as if they had suddenly appeared before him, spooking him and the changeling guards beside him, but he calmed, "Consul Easle, I wasn't expecting you so soon."

"General Forerunner, it's good to see you too, my first engagement went far smoother than I anticipated. Now I'm here to finish some old, personal, business, I'll need your office. Don't let anyone see you leave."

The General nodded, "We'll talk another time then, I'll come back in an hour. Let's go guards." With that he would head out a side door, leaving the two of them in the office as the Consul settled into the chair, "Now," he faced Yannit, "Go get Cranberry as Peace, tell him the General needs to see him urgently, and look disgusted at having to summon him, that should put him off his guard."

 

Yannit would find Cranberry in the mess hall, a number of the guards there seemingly enthralled by some story he was telling, though it was clear he was emotionally manipulating them.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

Void had been calm when she returned to the house. That did not last long however, as the foals decided the absolute most random time to start wanting out.

Void were obviously panicking on the inside, and somewhat on the outside, but she'd try and do everything she could here to help, despite her heart beating so hard, she could've sworn she could barely hear a thing sometimes. The minotaurs had the bed ready, and could likely get her up, but if they required any help, she would offer it. If not like this, then with getting some things with them, on their way to the hospital.

Null were keeping her outward cool, and would narrow-eyed follow things, and do as she were told, but without trying to take command, or really say anything. Inside she were cracking though, as all sorts of worries about random attacks, complications, birth defects, etc. began to roar around in her head. Thoughts which would not stop, until the time when she could actually see the foals. Which also made for a time in the waiting room, pacing back and forth, that felt so much longer than it actually were.

On 2022-08-08 at 3:29 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Just over two hours later, the sisters and Arcade were allowed to enter the room to see the newborn foals, a unicorn colt and a pegasus filly. They had decided on the names Clean Stroke and Bubbling Thoughts, respectively. (Names subject to change, open to suggestion, I forgot that that was something one would need to consider.)

The doctors would keep their mother and the foals there for the rest of the night, to be discharged in the morning if everything was alright.

Void was up close when she saw the foals, the most adoring, serene smile on her face, at the sight of their tiny little faces.

"They're beautiful.

It's good to finally meet you two. I'm your big sister."

She'd feel her ovaries skip a beat, as she looked down on the newborn, resting foals. How could ones heart not melt at the sight, of such adorable little scamps?

Null were looking at first from a distance. She too, seeing something beautiful, yet it wasn't the foals per se. Well, they were part of it, but it were more like... Everything. Her parents, tired but happy, with two resting foals, and her sister standing near them, almost radiating a visible glow of love and joy. Their family, all full and complete...

She had been having doubts, the last day or so, if she had done the right thing. That perhaps going with Vengeance, were not going to be what were best, and wondering if maybe, she didn't have the fire in her to do this. Like she had told her parents, in the mind scape, that she had been pulled out from: She were tired. She couldn't function right in regular society, but she were tired of the violence, the blood... It were as if she were drained, and had to force herself, to pretend there were reason.

Seeing this though, she felt a fire burning in her again. THe passion, that had seemed lost. For right here, were the image that would stick in her mind, and be the answer, whenever she felt like asking what it were, that she did this for. It were for this. Her family, at ease, and happy. From old, to new life, what in this world were worth fighting for more, than this?

A new statue would form in her mindscape at this moment. Yet not a bad one, for a change. One of few, good ones, radiating brighter than the others. This moment, would be burned into her mind, and bring her the resolve she needed, in the times ahead.

Eventually though, she did move closer, and would look at her new siblings.

"You two best behave, and be happy. Cause you got the best parents in the world, that's gonna give you so much love, you won't believe it."

A smile were on her face, as she said this. Lucky little scamps these two.

 

(Yannit)

On 2022-08-08 at 3:29 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul sighed, "Unfortunately the prescribed punishment may well kill him, he'll be made to feel empathy for the first time, and he's got a lot to suffer through. If he survives, death would be a mercy, like you unknowingly performed so long ago. But don't worry, Vengeance is not rash, it is methodical, calculating, at least when not fueled by rage. I have no intention of collateral damage."

He didn't smirk, but it was clear he knew her crime, and wasn't inclined to do anything about it right now.

"Long as it stays with him. Isn't everyone who can keep destroying without regrets."

Of the three that had joined the Grey, she considered herself the middle issue, so to speak. She had willingly, and callously, taken a life, that she assumed were going to end soon regardless, to take over a luxurious life. Craven had killed too, but it were unintentionally, and unlike her, he had regretted it since day one, and more or less begged the stars for a way for him to atone for it. He were the most pure of them, so to speak.

Then came Mongoose... It'd be interesting to see what the consul would say, once he saw him, considering the number of horrifying murders on his consciousness. His only good part, were that he waited to *make art* of his victims, until after they had died, rather than torturing them. A small plus, yet a negligeble one, in her opinion. He'd have to work for The Grey until he died of old age, to wash all that blood off of his hooves.

Be that as it may, right now, she cared only that she were not being judged on the spot, and would then thread extra carefully, to not get on the consul's bad side. He might suddenly change his opinion, if he got annoyed by a snark remark from her side.

She'd observe curiously the effect that came, when they were entering the embassy. As in, there were none. No one even seemed to realize they were there. She wondered, if this had something to do with the stories she'd heard, about The Grey, in the before-times... Something about them seemingly showing up out of nowhere, and taking one down, then vanishing without anyone knowing where they went. Perhaps there were some truth to it, if it were that they could make themselves utterly ignored by everyone. It would be as if one had teleported, if the minds around were no longer able, or willing, to notice them. A trick she heard for instance, the late Queen Onache made use of, but not to a degree like this. This were near perfect, if this were indeed the case. Might be an alicorn thing.

She'd nod towards the general when they went in to see him, but kept quiet, and let the two talk. Her eyes met with that of her associates from the hive, who'd slowly nod in her direction as well, but they too kept quiet. As were their role currently, albeit they were nervous, and intrigued, at the sight of the consul. Well, one of them were, anyway. Flounder were slightly bemused, after the initial shock of seeing an alicorn so suddenly pop in here, but would eventually look at the consul as one did a lovely sunset. Calm and contend. Really wasn't easy to get him riled up.

On 2022-08-08 at 3:29 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The General nodded, "We'll talk another time then, I'll come back in an hour. Let's go guards." With that he would head out a side door, leaving the two of them in the office as the Consul settled into the chair, "Now," he faced Yannit, "Go get Cranberry as Peace, tell him the General needs to see him urgently, and look disgusted at having to summon him, that should put him off his guard."

 

Yannit would find Cranberry in the mess hall, a number of the guards there seemingly enthralled by some story he was telling, though it was clear he was emotionally manipulating them.

"That shouldn't be hard. I already feel disgusted, about having to look at his smug, punchable face once more."

She'd morph into Peace, and be on her way. Peace should feel a little better by now, so she'd keep up that charade, and go towards Cranberry, who seemed to have gotten himself a little group of converts. Bloody cultist wannabe, annoying twerp...

Annoyance and disgust, she could fake, but really, it wasn't even fake by now. She really didn't like that she had to look at him, in a setting where he seemed okay. She she knew that'd be over soon, but it didn't make the current engagement anymore fun, nor brought her detectable joy.

"Hello again."

She'd say this to get his attention, though she were sure he could feel her annoyance before she even talked.

"Just gotten back, and I'm told the general wants to see us both. Now. Can't imagine why..."

She sent him a death glare. Smug bugger had probably been spreading stories as it were anyway, in case she came back. Just to nail her further to the coffin. Perhaps even have her killed, for prolonged spying, on a foreign embassy. He'd probably love that.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Their father came up behind them to drag them into one big family hug, taking care not to crowd the newborn foals, "It's nice, for at least his one wonderful moment, we have the whole family together. I hope we'll have several more moments like this going forward."

They'd be allowed to remain close for a few more minutes before the hospital staff told them they'd need to leave. Their father was allowed to stay, in part because he worked there, and in part because he'd sooner fight them than leave. The other three were not granted that leniency, but would be allowed to return in the morning during visiting hours. They already had keys to their parents' house, so they could watch over it for the night until they could come back.

Once outside Arcade commented, "So that was... different. The love your parents hove for their foals... I wish I'd been able to experience that."

 

(Yannit)

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Isn't everyone who can keep destroying without regrets.

The Consul had a sad smile at that comment, "Regrets remind you that you're not a monster. Monsters never regret their actions."

 

15 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Just gotten back, and I'm told the general wants to see us both. Now. Can't imagine why..."

Cranberry looked slightly suspicious at this claim, but ultimately his superiority won out, "Does he now? Looks like he's finally seen the light, let's go then. No funny business."

Cranberry would lead the way to the General's office, not wanting to be led into a trap, and was already opening the door as Yannit followed to find the office... empty.

There was no sign of the Consul inside, and it was surprisingly dark for the hour of day... Cranberry looked horrified for a moment, turning to flee before he and Yannit were grabbed by tendrils of shadow and pulled inside.

Once Yannit stopped moving she found herself sitting back at the Judgement Hall, only this time she was up in the seats behind the judges' podiums, looking down on the dias, where Cranberry stood, looking angry. Around her were several shadowy figures, as well as Peace sitting a short distance away.

"Hello again, Cranberry Pie."

The Consul stepped out of the dark, while he wore the garb of the Consul he appeared as a unicorn. Cranberry sneered, "I knew they were lying. You convince that whole desert town that you were an alicorn so they'd worship you. I knew you were capable of dark acts too."

The Consul shook his head, "No. Not like you. I'm disappointed Cranberry, I gave you mercy, a chance to redeem yourself, and this is what I find you doing?"

"Mercy?! You made me mute for three years! You got me disowned from my family!"

"You tried to kill me. I was well within my rights to have you executed, I made no move against you then, and I make no move against you now. Your other victims however..."

The shadows shifted in the stands, as if silently jeering him, though it looked like Cranberry could hear them.

The Consul reentered the shadows, then emerged an alicorn, shadowy wings extended. "Cranberry Pie. You'll be made to feel all the pain, all the sorrow, all the anguish your actions have caused, then you'll be banished from this city, and from all civilization. Never again will you be able to hurt another, no one will remember you. So says Vengeance, so say I."

The tendrils struck Cranberry again, and all the shadowy figures rushed towards the dias. Cranberry screamed, but there was no sound, he ran for the door, and was hardly visible by the time he left. Already Yannit found it difficult to remember the stallion. She had been here for a reason right?

Peace also looked confused, but happy, like a weight had been taken off of her. "I... I should be getting back to work. Thank you," she turned to Yannit, "For your help, I... can't remember what it was that you did for me, but thank you."

Before they could leave the shadows gripped them, and they were suddenly back where they started, the Consul and Yannit standing in the General's office. The Consul looked tired, "Well, that's done with. You'll need to get back to the Judgement Hall, after your comrades are recovered from the incident, to receive the proper oaths, assuming you want to continue with the Grey to repay your debts."

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Void)

On 2022-08-11 at 4:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Their father came up behind them to drag them into one big family hug, taking care not to crowd the newborn foals, "It's nice, for at least his one wonderful moment, we have the whole family together. I hope we'll have several more moments like this going forward."

"We better. I'm gonna make sure they grow up nice and strong."

"Oh hush. Let them be foals."

"I'm just saying, they should be able to fend for themselves. Don't wanna hear no bullies trying anything."

"Then you better come home often."

The two of them were joking around somewhat, though Null did mean it. She wanted to make sure that when she were around, if she could help it, she'd help teach these two when they got older, how to fend for themselves. No younger siblings of hers, were gonna grow up to be victims. Nor bullies themselves. Had to make sure they learned some standards too.

...It'd be nice hanging out with them too. Make sure they didn't forget their wayward sister, and that she got a chance to see them grow up, every now and again. Might be she could even bring back some interesting souvenirs. They'd probably like that, yeah?

On 2022-08-11 at 4:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Once outside Arcade commented, "So that was... different. The love your parents hove for their foals... I wish I'd been able to experience that."

Void especially, were reluctant to leave, but she'd listen to the staff... After she were told a few times, and walk out, along with Arcade and Null.

As Arcade said his somber piece though, she'd wander over, and put a hoof on his shoulder, whilst smiling down at him.

"You might not have tried this, but you still have the chance to show your own foals this kind of love, and affection."

"They were always good parents. Any foal would be lucky to have that sort of love shown to them."

"Just like your foals are gonna be. You both have a lot of love to give, big sis."

Null would blush up, and look away.

"...I'll go check out, that we locked the house up proper, before some looters gets any ideas. I'll see you at home."

She'd wander off then, now having some thoughts and mental images, that she needed to mull over. Preferably alone. She liked having Arcade around, but sometimes, she needed to think for herself a little bit. Even when it involved him.

If he tried to follow, Void would try and block his path with her hoof.

"I know that look on her face. She needs to think, and get herself under control again. It's funny seeing her have those, with more loving emotions behind it for once. Sometimes... Anyway, think we could have a word actually, Arcade? I haven't had much chance to speak with you in private before."

If he agreed, she'd go outside with him, and wander to a nearby side alley, where they could have a bit more privacy.

"I know this might come out of nowhere, but I'd like to ask you, if you've had thoughts about this yourself? I can see big sis have the thoughts, the way she blushes up, and looks away. I think she's having trouble accepting that she deserves that sort, or that it could happen, but she's hoping for it. Marriage. Foals. A family of her own, after all these years, of thinking she'd never have any...

I want to know where you are on this. I know she seems tough, but Null is a lot more fragile than you might think. She's letting you very, very close. She's opening up in ways, than I don't think she's ever done to anyone before. Including me. I don't want to see her getting hurt, from making you think she's not interested, or taking too long. It'll break her heart, the more she gets to nurture her hope, just to see she it's too late, and that she pushed you away.

You take things at your own pace too, Arcade. I understand. It's new territory for both of you, right? Big sis, she's never been with anyone before. Not even on a date, before you came around. I'm hoping you'll be patient with her, but I'd like to ask you if you can be, so I don't have to worry so much about her constantly. Please? I've been waiting to see my big sis again for so long, I've nearly forgotten how she really is, beneath all her pain. All that fear. I thought she might too, but you're bringing it out again. There's life in her eyes, when she stares at you. A spark of hope, like I haven't seen for over a decade.

She finally wants to live, because of you. So please, ease a worried sisters heart? I promise, I won't tell a soul what you told me."

She were feeling like her comments had been a little uhm... Cheesy, but she had spoken from the heart, and hoped that he'd respond well to it. With a confirmation hopefully, that he were giving her a chance, and if need be, Void would answer questions he might have. She knew Null were trying, but she hadn't acted like a normal pony, since she were nine. It must give some edges, that he might not know how to bring up. Or maybe, he just accepted her, flaws and everything, and didn't much care about what were before, but just how she were now. Or wanted her to open up herself.

Whatever the case, she wanted to try and take a moment, to act on her constant worries, regarding these two. It'd be a great weight off of her shoulder, if she wouldn't have to worry so much about Null. She so wished to rather be happy for her instead, more than anything. But after everything, and with how she sometimes were... She couldn't help but fear, that her big sis might be setting herself up for a self-inflicted fall.

 

(Yannit)

On 2022-08-11 at 4:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Hello again, Cranberry Pie."

The Consul stepped out of the dark, while he wore the garb of the Consul he appeared as a unicorn. Cranberry sneered, "I knew they were lying. You convince that whole desert town that you were an alicorn so they'd worship you. I knew you were capable of dark acts too."

Yannit had not liked the way this had happened. Getting yanked away to the judgement hall, by dark tendrils, were not hear idea of a good time, in any way. Yet seeing that look of horror on Cranberry's smug little face, were oh so worth it. As were it to know, that he were about to be given his due punishment, for not getting the hint the first time. And something told her that whatever it had been before, it were not going to be so lenient as to involve him just walking out, and being able to brush this one off again.

It were interesting to see, how one of these judgements happened. She had never wanted to be anywhere near this place, nor known what The Grey did in here, but if this were the kind of things they were supposed to do, she could get around to liking it somewhat. Long as it didn't go away from it being to those who deserved it. They'd had too many times, when it felt like they went after whomever were annoying or opposing them. Had to walk lightly around them. Or as Bling had said: "If The Grey is there, walk away, and don't look back. If they want something, give it to them. If they tell you to do something, do it. Never question, never disobey, and avoid standing in their way." She had been rightly terrified of what they could do, as she had seen others who got hurt, by getting on their bad side. So she had bowed her head, done her own thing, and done as much as possible, to avoid having much to do with them at all. Honestly good that times were changing.

On 2022-08-11 at 4:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"Mercy?! You made me mute for three years! You got me disowned from my family!"

"You tried to kill me. I was well within my rights to have you executed, I made no move against you then, and I make no move against you now. Your other victims however..."

The shadows shifted in the stands, as if silently jeering him, though it looked like Cranberry could hear them.

It seemed the consul had changed too. To respond to almost getting killed, by judging Cranberry to just three years as a mute, and getting disowned by his family? How lenient weren't that? Cranberry could've just taken those three years, and spend them constructively. Learning a new trade, reading, refining his skills to not require verbal commands. Hay, he could've learned sign language, or used a writing pad! And getting disowned? Sucked, but he could get past that, and get his own family. Maybe try and contact them again, since after the crisis, a lot had gotten the want to connect to the few they knew from the past, that were still alive. He had every chance to make a new life for himself, and instead, he had used it for petty vengeance, against an alicorn, infused with the power of Karma.

...How small were Cranberry's brain again?

In any case, it seemed his new judgement were going to be doled out in part, by his other victims. She assumed living or dead, and were some sort of karmic representation of them, based on what lingering guilt might be hidden deep, deep within him. She didn't know, but it were her best bet.

On 2022-08-11 at 4:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul reentered the shadows, then emerged an alicorn, shadowy wings extended. "Cranberry Pie. You'll be made to feel all the pain, all the sorrow, all the anguish your actions have caused, then you'll be banished from this city, and from all civilization. Never again will you be able to hurt another, no one will remember you. So says Vengeance, so say I."

The tendrils struck Cranberry again, and all the shadowy figures rushed towards the dias. Cranberry screamed, but there was no sound, he ran for the door, and was hardly visible by the time he left. Already Yannit found it difficult to remember the stallion. She had been here for a reason right?

Oh, what a punishment. Haunted by his victims, and left to live far away from all civilisation. Seemed like such a... Such a... What were she thinking about again? She had seen something... It were something... Important? But then, why couldn't she remember it? Why did it feel like there were something just out of reach, that she just couldn't grasp?

She'd fall under the spell eventually, but she did struggle a bit, to try and keep on to her memories, before the brain did, as the brain did in such cases: It filled in the gaps, and she'd feel like something were just amiss, yet without much in the way of grasping the full picture.

On 2022-08-11 at 4:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Peace also looked confused, but happy, like a weight had been taken off of her. "I... I should be getting back to work. Thank you," she turned to Yannit, "For your help, I... can't remember what it was that you did for me, but thank you."

"I had to fill in for you, because you were attacked. Something... Bad luck, I think? Just a gang acting up again, and some bad timing. It was nice filling in for you, Peace. Keep safe, aight?"

She remembered she had to fill in, and that Peace had gotten injured. Not why though... Must've been because she were usually good at taking over roles. Would explain why she had gotten the other two along too. Regular changeling duty. Keep backup, in case of something bad happening. She also seemed to recall that place had been filthy, and that she'd told them to clean it up.

Anyway, now that Peace seemed healthy again, there weren't much of a reason to cover for her, so she could get back to work, and things could just move along easily enough. Hadn't been anything happening anyway... Right?

On 2022-08-11 at 4:13 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Before they could leave the shadows gripped them, and they were suddenly back where they started, the Consul and Yannit standing in the General's office. The Consul looked tired, "Well, that's done with. You'll need to get back to the Judgement Hall, after your comrades are recovered from the incident, to receive the proper oaths, assuming you want to continue with the Grey to repay your debts."

Okay, she recalled this one. Not why, but the travel for sure, and she did not like it. Very unpleasant.

"Done with... Something happened, but it's like, I think about it, and I don't remember anything really going on. We had to prepare for your visit... That's why Peace needed a replacement? To not get the troops all riled up, while she got better? It sounds right, but it's like... Urgh. The more I try and focus on it, the more I'm starting to think I'm just imagining things. maybe I just wanted things to have been more exciting than they were."

Her mind were filling in blanks, to make it logically fit, with Cranberry out of the picture. Seemed like there had been made a logical conclusion, and her doubts about things, lingering as they were, were rapidly dissipating.

"Wait, what incident? Did the idiots go and burn some uniforms, while cleaning them? I swear, I'm gonna drag them out of there by their wings, if that's the case.

Urgh... You want me to go set up a meeting with Bling and you before, or after I go grab them? I know I'm taking the oath seriously. I want to make it right. I..."

She felt her brain churn a little. It felt like she had a really good reason to be afraid, of what might happen if she didn't... Must just be because the consul were an alicorn, and a judge. He might vaporize her. 

"...Craven's gonna jump at it instantly too. He's felt guilt since day one, and he's been telling he wish he knew how to make things right. Mongoose... Meh, I'll hogtie him and toss him into the hall if I have to. He needs discipline, on top of working off his debt."

She'd wait to hear what way the consul wanted this done, and then act accordingly. Plenty for them to get to work with by now, and after the dull week she had, she could use a bit of action.

(Meanwhile)

Far, far away from this town, and even this continent, a robed figure would stare into a clear, unmoving pond, when he felt something unusual. Like a ripple through the air, passing by almost unnoticeably.

"A string tangles, hidden in the weave. Judgement stirs..."

The slightly growling voice, would echo through the barely lit cave, as a pair of eyes kept their glance upon the pond. The flickering light of a candle, reflecting in yellow eyes.

"It is time."

With a whisper of air, the cave went silent, and the candlelight blew out. The only light remaining, being but a faint glow, from an immense crystal formation, hanging above.

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Arcade has started to head off to follow Null when Void stopped him. She clearly knew her sister better at this point than he did, so he didn't protest being told to hang back a bit and listen to what Void had to say.

Arcade looked nervous, a little confused, and a bit embarrassed as he thought of how to respond. "To be perfectly honest, I don't know. In the most basic sense, I don't know much about Marriage, or any of that stuff. It didn't come up while I was being brought up in the lab, and in regards to foals all I know is that I, and my siblings, were not created in the traditional way. I mean," he sighed, "My whole life has been contextualized by my anomaly." (Which Void probably doesn't know about unless Null told her.) "Being so abnormal, I never thought that things like that, that normal ponies would do, even applied to me."

He looked up at the sky, "In regards to Null, I don't mean her any harm, I'd sooner die than hurt her. I'm happy to take things at her pace, wherever she wants to take it. After saving my family, it's the least I can do to repay her."

There was the distinct impression there that Arcade, for whatever reason, didn't feel he deserved anything out of the relationship, that he was there for Null's benefit, and not his own. Maybe due to his past, or inner struggles with being a clone like Ardee was struggling with.

 

(Yannit)

19 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Wait, what incident? Did the idiots go and burn some uniforms, while cleaning them? I swear, I'm gonna drag them out of there by their wings, if that's the case.

Urgh... You want me to go set up a meeting with Bling and you before, or after I go grab them? I know I'm taking the oath seriously. I want to make it right. I..."

The Consul held up a hoof to stop her, "Calm yourself, and don't try too hard to remember. You and your comrades were brought in to help me take care of an evil entity, an entity that can't be remembered after it is destroyed, save by the one who destroyed it. Just know that you did very well, and while your comrades were temporarily under the entity's influence, no permanent damage was done. Best if you took them back to the Hall so they can recover. the Grey have resources to deal with trauma like you three suffered."

"I would like it if you organized the meeting with Bling. I'll be in the room you organized for me, have her meet me there when she's available."

 

19 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"...Craven's gonna jump at it instantly too. He's felt guilt since day one, and he's been telling he wish he knew how to make things right. Mongoose... Meh, I'll hogtie him and toss him into the hall if I have to. He needs discipline, on top of working off his debt."

The Consul nodded, "Both are benefits of serving the Grey. Forgiveness for the past, and discipline for the future. At least now, I have high hopes for the Gray Mare, like her granddam before her."

That said he simply teleported out of the office, returning to his room in the Top Suites, leaving Yannit to do as she felt was best.

[Blitz Boom 4,626]

@Illiad Easle

(Sisters)

Void would be quiet for a moment, and then a small sigh, and a brief chuckle, would pass her lips. She'd shake her head whilst that sound came, and then gaze upon Arcade. Not a spark of mockery, or anything of the like, should be to find in her eyes. It were more sympathy, and a deep, heartfelt warmth, like one would have for a personal friend, that were having a hard time.

"You sound a lot like her, you know?

Neither of you know what you're going into, yet you're still trying to see where it can take you. *sigh* But I also see that same thing in your eyes, that I wish I didn't in Null's. It's there when you say you owe her this. It's the same when she goes silent, and looks away, or when she falls back, when others get too close.

She doesn't think she deserves any of this either. Not you, not her family. Nothing. Until you showed up, she thought so little of it, that she even tried to kill herself, less than a month ago. And I fear she were dangerously close other times too, over the years. Her self loathing, and guilt, made her feel like she were only alive, to make sure I were okay. That I could get something like this. But she never saw something like that for herself."

Null hadn't talked about this with him, far as Void were aware, and would likely have preferred this were not brought up. But Void felt like he needed to hear this, to understand how broken Null had gotten, and maybe help him to see how much him being in her life, were starting to impact her.

It's changing now. I see her stare at you, with such hope in her eyes, but she still worries. I can see that too. She struggles to be forthcoming with you, and embrace what you mean to her. Afraid that she's trying to reach for what she doesn't deserve, and will just get her hoof burned trying.

I don't know if it's fear that guides you, or the words of those horrible scientists. I just know that I see and hear someone else, who doesn't think they're worth it. Yet I beg of you, as I have of her, so many times: Please remember, that you're as much worth as any other. You deserve a life. A home. A loving family, that appreciates you, for who you are. It's right there, for the both of you.

*sigh* I'm happy to hear that you don't want to to see her hurt, Arcade. But I still wish more than anything, that you can both understand what you have here. She's putting a lot of what little hope she have left, in you. But she doesn't want one, who just tries to make her happy, because he thinks that's what she wants. I can tell that she wants you, flaws and everything. Your anomaly? That you're a clone? She's told me everything, and not once, have she made any indication, that it matters to her, as much as who you are.

Life is a fleeting thing, Arcade. It should be treasured, and spend with those you love. But it should also be honest. When you think the time is right, be honest with her, and maybe, when it's out in the open, you can both understand that there's more to it, than what you can do to make others feel better. Your own happiness, is just as important. Especially for the one, who's the closest to you."

This had definitely been cheesy, and she were sure, also a little disorganized. She sorta had this whole idea, of how a talk like this would go, and it uhm... It derailed a bit. Hopefully though, Arcade would get what she meant, and not cringe too hard at the way she had said it.

They should probably get going though, and not let Null mull in her own thoughts too much. Some sleep might not be bad either. Tomorrow would end up being rather busy, she'd imagine.

 

(Changelings)

On 2022-08-14 at 7:33 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul held up a hoof to stop her, "Calm yourself, and don't try too hard to remember. You and your comrades were brought in to help me take care of an evil entity, an entity that can't be remembered after it is destroyed, save by the one who destroyed it. Just know that you did very well, and while your comrades were temporarily under the entity's influence, no permanent damage was done. Best if you took them back to the Hall so they can recover. the Grey have resources to deal with trauma like you three suffered."

"I would like it if you organized the meeting with Bling. I'll be in the room you organized for me, have her meet me there when she's available."

"You punished someone so thoroughly, that even the memories got removed? No offense Consul, but that sounds a little excessive."

Had she been able to remember Cranberry, she might have disagreed with this, but as she couldn't, she were just trying to imagine what one had to do, to deserve getting essentially eradicated from history, and she were drawing a blank. Frankly, rather messed up in fact. Doubly so, as generally speaking there were truth to the old saying. That those who forgot the past, were doomed to repeat it. Sure it wasn't nice to remember everything that some monsters, and beings with little to no morals did, but it were still important to remember, as there were things to learn from it, to avoid such horrible things again, if possible.

But as said, she did not remember, and thus, she didn't have the context for it. That might have changed her opinion some, yet that was not for her to partake in.

On 2022-08-14 at 7:33 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The Consul nodded, "Both are benefits of serving the Grey. Forgiveness for the past, and discipline for the future. At least now, I have high hopes for the Gray Mare, like her granddam before her."

That said he simply teleported out of the office, returning to his room in the Top Suites, leaving Yannit to do as she felt was best.

"I'll ge-"

Further she didn't get, before he were gone, and she'd end up standing there, and grumble a sentence ladened with annoyance. Quite rude to do that... *sigh* She might as well get to work then.

She'd start by swinging over and getting hold of her team. The two had been confused, trying to make some things made sense, so she had to explain what she knew to them: Something bad had happened, they were not supposed to remember it, and it would probably annoy The Grey if they started to ask questions. She'd then tell them that they had to go and renew their vows to The Grey, and as expected, Craven jumped at the thought. Mongoose were more reserved, but he caved to peer pressure, as he had done in the first place.

They'd go and get that done, right after Yannit had informed Bling about the Consul wanting to meet her. Though of course, she didn't know where he were. She assumed he were in the hotel room, nomming on the treats she had gotten prepped for him. Least she hoped so. They had looked pretty good, and were just, so ridiculously overseen in the making, to avoid poisoning, that it was almost a little funny.

Soon as she had told Bling, the resident queen would put down the paperwork she had been looking over, and went straight away to said hotel room. This stuff could wait. The Consul of Troy couldn't. Or well, rather shouldn't, if she were to be honest. She didn't want an esteemed guest like him, think she have anything more important to attend. Which really, she didn't. She still had a few days to sign off on these papers, after reading them through, and it were more or less a formality. The various departments that had to check things first, she trusted knew what they were doing. She just had to give her signature. Her reading it over, were so she knew what exactly were going on. It were nice having that sort of overview, y'know?

Bruce had joined her, as per usual, as she approached the door to the marked room, and knocked three times. Her heart were beating away, like a train, nervous as she were to meet face to face, with an actual, real life alicorn. Her life had sure gotten really interesting, the last week or so.

If The Consul were in here, she wondered what things might come from that then. Perhaps some of his dealings with Mr. House would come up, as he wanted to know if she were committed to seeing things through, as he had been? Could be he had heard something about her associates, and wanted to know more, for better or for worse? Perhaps he were just curious of who it were, that had taken over here, and wanted to meet her face to face, to get a better read on her? She really had no idea, and her mind were running away with all sorts of things. As did her emotions, though above all the tumultuous things she felt, two reigned supreme: Hope, and curiosity. Followed closely by nervousness. A lot might depend on this meeting, and she did not have the advise of Rasputin to rely on this time. Guess this were yet another test, to see if she could stand on her own, four hooves, rather than rely on others to do it for her. Meeting with the casino heads had gone well, so maybe it wouldn't be so bad?

[Illiad Easle 3,139]

@Blitz Boom

(Sisters)

Arcade listened to what Void had to say, and he looked down at the end before responding, "Alright, I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."

Arcade would walk a little faster than usual to try and catch up with Null once Void agreed that it was a good idea.

Unless something happened on Null's end, there would be no more events that night, early the next morning Selena was at their door, "Good morning, and congratulations on the new additions to your family!" If Void wasn't the one who answered the door she'd wait for Void to come to the door before continuing, "I figured you'd appreciate the option, and it's up to you, but I can find someone to sub in for you in regards to your assignment for some of the next few days if your family needs you here, just let me know. We've already vetted a few creatures to serve as official medical personnel and teachers, we're hoping to get them evaluated for placement in school over the next few weeks if you think they'll be up to it."

 

(Yannit)

4 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"You punished someone so thoroughly, that even the memories got removed? No offense Consul, but that sounds a little excessive."

The Consul sighed, "Perhaps, but I don't determine the penance, I simply speak the will of Vengeance."

(I think that's a good place to end that arc for now, we can circle back to it later if we come up with something. I'm about ready to bring Rasputin back into Bling's story again anyway.)

 

(Bling)

The door opened for her when she knocked, revealing the Consul reclined on the bed as Celestia often did on a couch when relaxing, the chairs in the room not having been built for his alicorn frame. "Queen Bling I presume? I mean no offence, but you are not what I was expecting when I heard that there was a new queen in New Pegasus. Still, let us talk." He gestured to a nearby seat, "Please, make yourself comfortable, as you've already made quite the effort to make me comfortable, an effort I greatly appreciate."

In regards to the treats prepared for him, he had already polished off about half of them.

He adopted a more serious expression, "Now, I can't say I'm too familiar with hoe Hive Cheshire operated previously, but I worked very closely with Hive Permu before everything fell apart. There are still hundreds of changelings within Troy's borders that lack the guidance that a queen provides. It is my hope that we can come to an arrangement that gives you the resources you need to properly care for and support the changelings under my protection, in addition to your own, until Queen Permu returns with the Æther."

Throughout the whole interaction the Consul's emotions were open, if not dimmed, given the shear volume of emotional energy he was capable of putting out. He wasn't hiding anything. On the surface, he was calm and collected, below that there was hope and confidence, there was a layer of pride beneath that, and at the center there was a certain melancholic sadness, a longing, that fluctuated when he referred to the Æther.