private The Æther Project

On 2021-09-07 at 9:46 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Wildebeast looked over at what had caught Briar's attention, before chuckling, "I see she's escaped again," He turned to the group, "If any of you see an energetic young mare running about, best keep your distance, her ideas rarely leave bystanders wholly unscathed."

Shadow looked at where the others are starting at and saw a filly sporting a smile which screams trouble. If the filly was an adult mare, Shadow would have narrowed her eyes and confront her. Thanks to Briar's recent statement, she eased down before she caused any misunderstanding.

“massive number of foals had been traumatized by the world-changing event but this one...I don't know how to put this nicely...” she lost her words to the filly's behavior. This one must be so ignorant or young when everything went to chaos to be this energetic “...I don't have words”

Edited September 13, 2021 by Windy Breeze

Illiad Easle · September 14, 2021

@Courageous Thunder Dash

Thundy's attack was successful, preventing any of the workers from following him into the pipeworks, though he'd still have to move quickly if he were to get away undetected.

He wouldn't be moving long before he'd be met by Dell, the buck from the meeting, "Good work, let's get this out of here."

He'd then lead the way, quietly, to where they had had the first meeting, using his magic to keep the cart from making too much noise, though the Pipeworks had a generally high enough noise level to make that easy. Once in the meeting room he'd help guide the cart over to where the first cart was. "Excellent, an admirable effort on all parts, it looks like Apollo won't be getting any more this time."

Dell nodded and looked over at Thundy, "You're free to go now, I trust you know the way back topside? I look forward to working with you again."

The guards did not look convinced by Light's claim to be one of the new heads of security, "Oh really now? Then I'm sure you're aware, Sir, that Security and the Guard are separate organizations on the Æther. The guard wouldn't have to deal with these issues if Security didn't keep letting loyalists and rebels onto the project."

Another of the guards joined in, "Yeah, so why don't you kindly buzz off to your Security team, Don't you already have your hooves full prepping for the new cycle of creatures?"

The two of them laughed as they trotted off, leaving the third behind who rolled their eyes, "Don't mind them, Low down is the rebels managed to intercept a cart of Minostralium ore as it was on its way to the refinery, dropping into the pipeworks to escape."

(Assuming he does head off to the pipeworks)

There weren't many maps that listed the Pipeworks as a destination on the project, but with enough searching and asking he'd find that it composed the lower decks of the ship, and he'd need a good reason to be down there given the recent rebel activity. Guards standing at the entryways to deter those without reason to be down there.

@Blitz Boom @Windy Breeze

Apollo hadn't stuck around to listen to Maud's response, having left the room before she started, and wholly ignoring her if she had attempted to follow him. Guards blocking her path as he exited the area they were in so she could not follow him further.

(By "where she was before" I assume you mean the pipeworks)

Following the path by which she had been brought to the detention area she'd be able to find an access to the pipeworks that wasn't currently being guarded, allowing her to get back in. Though as she approached where the incident occurred she'd find the area crawling with guards investigating the area with the help of a few mechanics.

By the time Spiral had finished transferring herself into the new body, Tower had reverted to his natural form, that of a draconequuis, though distinctly different from Discord and still recognizable as his face was still the same, "My loyalties are to this Project, I built it after all, Apollos' was too until he went mad and decided to serve only himself. Trust is earned, so I don't expect you to give it immediately, hopefully we'll soon be able to show you by the fruits of our efforts that we want what is best for the project."

He sat near the two of them, then with a snap teleported them to Trixie and Maud's room. "I'll leave the two of you to get reacquainted and adjusted. I'll call you when we need you, but if you need me before then," he pulled a piece of paper out from the air, "You know how to find me."

With another snap he disappeared.

Wildebeast chuckled as he watched Blitz's antics, "You have to be a little crazy to have survived this long, it's a common side effect of the trauma of seeing you home destroyed. It's that or depression for a good number of ponies on this project, but there is also a good number of therapists, good ones at that, that keep everyone from going too crazy."

He sighed, standing from the table, "Well, this old stallion's going to get some much deserved rest. You all have some fun now, you've earned it."

With that he would head out of the cafeteria.

@Windy Breeze

Plein shrugged, "Thanks anyway, I havel plenty of experience waiting."

She wouldn't engage Windy further if Windy wanted to just go in and get some rest.

Evil Pink One · September 14, 2021

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

" thank you for your kind assistance.. because of you my head is saved. Please don't forget that I owe you one.. so don't hesitate to ask if you need anything that I can help you with. As for those two." Light was pissed off at the two so he made a prank on them.

He cast a portal at the bottom of the two guards feet, dropping them in Apollo's Office.

" Now that that's settled... I'm off to the depths of the pipe works."

Light has some ideas of where to find some short cuts and passages since he has visited queen Permu's lair... And have meet with and visited the different lairs of the changelings in this project. So he has learned a lot of secret passages that can lead him and escape the guards detection.

As he crawled in every nook and cranny he was able to enter the pipeworks.

" Ahhh finally here.... Now where will the plot lead me next?"

Blitz Boom · September 14, 2021

10 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

He sighed, standing from the table, "Well, this old stallion's going to get some much deserved rest. You all have some fun now, you've earned it."

"Have a pleasant rest, my friend. We shall meet you for tomorrows duty."

He'd give a cordial bow towards Wildebeast as he wandered off. Brittle on the other hoof, would cautiously raise one of her hooves a little, and give him a small wave, before refocusing her attention to the odd, burning-looking one. Not just because she seemed like trouble, but because there were something about her that she felt were familiar in some way. And she were fairly certain it wasn't in a good way.

On 2021-09-13 at 3:55 AM, Windy Breeze said:

“massive number of foals had been traumatized by the world-changing event but this one...I don't know how to put this nicely...” she lost her words to the filly's behavior. This one must be so ignorant or young when everything went to chaos to be this energetic “...I don't have words”

With the three of them now alone, Briar would then move on to the next topic at hoof: That being the young mare that had entered, and caused a bit of a ruckus with her prank. Seemed harmless enough, but it appeared to be a recurring thing, judging by what he heard her guard say. Though he wasn't sure if Shadow were correct in her assessment though.

"Yes, it is a possibility that she may be traumatized. But it could also just be that despite the tragedy below, she retains a youthful hope, and belief in a better tomorrow, rather than focus on the horrors that have been inflicted. Up here is generally a safe haven, so she may just be without worry as well.

Now her apparently needing a guardian, is more of a concern of mine. Why would she need to be observed?"

He'd listen in as the guard went up to the counter, as Blitz asked for some jelly. Provided nothing happened, she'd then wander away, humming to herself, and looked around for a place to sit. And what table would she pick, but the one with the most interesting beings at the table?

She'd wander closer, but before getting within a few meters of the table, would be physically held back by the guard, who'd put a leg in front of her. This finally seemed to make her stop, though she looked questioning towards her escort.

"You know the rules. You need to ask first."

"Right, right. My bad. Hi there! I'm Blitz Boom, and I work in the engineering department. You look interesting. Can I sit here?"

She'd give off a smile, that nearly dripped joy, and await an answer. She hadn't always waited for approval, but some folks had started to complain that she were too clingy and annoying, so they had to set some boundaries around that with her.

"I see no trouble with that. Long as you please attempt to not make contact with Brittle, in an overly enthusiastic manner. She gets nervous easily."

"Awh, that's a shame. I would've shown her some fireworks to cheer her up, but they checked my tail three times, so I couldn't get any of it with me. I'll find something another time."

Windy Breeze · September 19, 2021

------

Opening the door using her keycard Windy is about to head into her room when she threw a thoughtful glance at Plein “Wait. You're telling me you are going to wait for Shadow to come back?”

...

@Illiad Easle @Windy Breeze

------

On 2021-09-14 at 10:55 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Wildebeast chuckled as he watched Blitz's antics, "You have to be a little crazy to have survived this long, it's a common side effect of the trauma of seeing you home destroyed. It's that or depression for a good number of ponies on this project, but there is also a good number of therapists, good ones at that, that keep everyone from going too crazy."

“That's depressing” Shadow looks at Blitz with sadness. So trauma come also be in that form? She feel bad for the filly, “I hope her family is okay”

Blitz Boom · September 19, 2021

14 hours ago, Windy Breeze said:

“That's depressing” Shadow looks at Blitz with sadness. So trauma come also be in that form? She feel bad for the filly, “I hope her family is okay”

"If not, she sounds as if she takes things with a positive demeanor at least."

Blitz had been out of reach as this had been said, so she hadn't heard a thing of what they said on this matter. She were only aware of what went on after she approached, and asked if she could sit here. And since Briar gave her permission, Brittle simply dug into his side more, and tried to make herself look small as she slowly finished her meal, and Shadow didn't say anything, it seemed she were a-okay at sitting here. Yey! It were always nice to meet with new ones like this.

So she took the seat directly in front of Blitz, as that one were free, and her attendant took to standing right behind her, as Blitz began to chomp a little on her jelly. Not with a fork or anything, she just ate it as it laid on the plate. It was jelly, not a royal dinner. Why would she need a fork? No need to overcomplicate things.

"Miss, might you need a seat as well?"

"Thanks for the offer, but if I don't stand here, she'll just suddenly bolt backwards, and go explore again. We have her chipped for a reason."

"Don't listen to her, Grump is a fun spoiler. I'm just going around to see more of this amazing place, and find places to help. It's fun being in the engineering department, but there's so much other things out here too you know. So much adventure to be had."

"Adventure... On your own? I don't mean to pry, but I note it seems you're not being watched over by a family member. I hope this is not being too forward."

"I don't mind. I'm up here all alone. My big brother's still down there, trying to help though. They wanted him, but he said they needed him more, so he asked them to take me instead. He promised he'd stay safe until everything was good again, and asked me to be a good filly, that'd help lots of beings. I wonder how he does sometimes, but there's lots to do here, and the better it gets, the more smiles there are. It's important to be happy, in sad times like this, right? Focus on the things that gives you hope."

A profound thing in a way, but it wouldn't last to making her seem older than she were, as she then went face first into her jelly and nommed through a good chunk with a big smile on her face. Blitz were not a foalish as she were, when she first came up here, but she were still a foal at heart, and liked playing games, as well as indulge herself in things like this. At least she were less distracted now as she once had been, and were getting more mature in how she interacted with folks. Although she did still had a bad habit of running, and tackle-hugging folks at times.

Illiad Easle · September 22, 2021

(I would refrain from casting magic as an Earth pony, it makes you look suspicious)

The portal would have been far more effective had the guards not been pegasi, and thus easily able to react to the floor being removed from under them. It also helped that Apollo wasn't in his office at the time.

Once he had entered the pipeworks he wondered where the plot would take him, but alas! The plot was not something that would lead him, but rather something he needed to seek out, discover, and potentially bend to his will.

Still, the Pipeworks were large, dimly lit, and humid. Many creatures had gotten lost over the years the Project had been in the air, would Light be one of them?

He wasn't in the Pipeworks long before he got spotted by a roaming engineer who called out to him from a few walkways over, "Hey! You lost? What are you doing down here?"

@Windy Breeze @Blitz Boom

A red backed changeling stepped out of the shadows at the conclusion of Maud's plea, "How fortuitous," she said, "I too want nothing more than to see Apollo fall. Seeing as our interests are aligned, perhaps we should discuss a partnership? Somewhere a bit more private of course." She'd walk down a hallway, ducking into a small room near the end of the hallway, an empty storage closet that was nonetheless big enough for the two of them to fit comfortably, "Tell me, Maud Pie, what motive have you to wish as fervently as you do?"

The next morning there was a knock on the door, if they opened it they'd find a stallion dressed as a mail carrier, "It looks like the two of you have been reassigned, hopefully you find your new jobs as fulfilling as I do." He'd hand the papers over and leave without another word. The papers faintly bore Tower's original mark, a tower shield, and stated that they'd been extended the offer to work as Dr. Conegher's assistants in the research division, to report in at their earliest convenience.

@Windy Breeze

Plein shrugged, "I suppose, it's not like I've got anything better to do. I need to get my stuff out of her room, my mom and I are getting moved to an apartment closer to the Pipeworks so she can spend even more time down there instead of with me." She rolled her eyes, "So here is a bit too far for me to hide out."

(I don't have anything to add this week, enjoying your conversation thusfar)

Evil Pink One · September 23, 2021

Light expected too much that everything would run smoothly and bump into the problem that needs fixing... alas the plot is against him... much more accurate... does not care of him.

"shit.... I'm in the pipe works but...."

only the echo of silence and the presence of void greet him.

luckily a voice came out of nowhere to break the silence.

On 2021-09-22 at 10:37 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Hey! You lost? What are you doing down here?"

Light replied to the stranger.

" oh... just me getting excited over nothing... say, you work around here right? I was sent here to investigate on some incident of some sorts.... mind helping me out?"

Windy Breeze · October 2, 2021

------

On 2021-09-22 at 10:37 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Plein shrugged, "I suppose, it's not like I've got anything better to do. I need to get my stuff out of her room, my mom and I are getting moved to an apartment closer to the Pipeworks so she can spend even more time down there instead of with me." She rolled her eyes, "So here is a bit too far for me to hide out."

Remembering the incident at the hospital, Windy wasn't going to let a filly wait outside unguarded, “Then let me take you inside my room while you wait. There was an incident at the hospital where the lights went out, not to mention there was another incident from another part of the...city" she offers her hoof to the filly, “Staying outside without supervision is like getting lost in a place. Please come and make yourself at home at my room"

------

Shadow's ears perked with interest when she heard her mention having a brother working somewhere in the Æther. Good, despite the obvious poorly-behaved filly, atleast there's somepony who is blood-related and close to her. Shadow did not take any seat, instead of sitting on the floor beside Blitz, “What is your brother like? And what is his profession?” she asks Blitz.

Illiad Easle · October 3, 2021

(In the interest of keeping this moving I'll just respond to the individual threads we've got for now, and I'll do the group ones later in the week.)

The changeling looked her over, "Believe what? That our meeting was fortuitous? That depends wholly on what is to come of it, but I do think you have potential to be what I'm looking for."

When asked her name the changeling looked a little upset, but turned away. "I don't have a name. My Queen was murdered before she could name me. My hive all but decimated. A sister hive adopted me, but they perverted my queen's good name, so I refuse to use the name they gave me." She shook her head, "If you must call me something, you can call me Red."

Red looked intrigued when Maud mentioned the card, "He offered you an omni-card? I've been trying for years to get my hooves on one. Apollo no doubt knows this, hence why he threatened you so." She looked thoughtful, "Perhaps... you could play to his ego? Pretend to have reconsidered, grovel a little, and maybe he'd offer you the card again? With the card, he'd hardly be able to stop us."

Trixie and Spiral were able to get to the research division without any issues, the secretary directing them to one of the research rooms where they were soon joined by an older looking deer, "Ah! Excellent, Spiral and Trixie I presume? I'm Dr. Conegher, Tower and I am working together for the moment, so the two of you will work with me until we can get you fully integrated. To start though, Tower is interested in seeing how well the two of you are adjusting to your new situation. Have either of you noticed anything different in your mannerisms or habits since the split?"

"Incident?" The mechanic looked confused for a moment, then nodded, "Oh! You're probably talking about the mess that went on near the hangar end that took out the power to the hospital. You're quite a bit away from there I'm afraid, but I'm not surprised, most ponies get lost down here the first few times they come down. I'll lead you over there."

She disappeared behind a few pipes and then reappeared a short ways down the path from him, "This way, try to keep up, don't want you to join the list of creatures who went missing in the pipeworks and weren't seen again. Watch your step too, wouldn't want you falling off the walkway either."

She'd wind her way through the paths like an expert, eventually leading him to where Thundy and the rebels had first entered the pipeworks, "I guess the other guards have moved on, but here's where they were grouped up earlier, this is where you needed to be right?"

@Windy Breeze

Plein didn't look too sure, but nodded, "Alright, I guess that works. Play would probably scold me for going along with a stranger but you're a friend of Shadow's and also a guard, so I guess I can trust you."

That said she'd follow Windy into her room, looking around a bit, "So... How long have you known Shadow, anything you can tell me about her?"

Windy Breeze · October 3, 2021

@Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle

------

Once Plein walks into the room, Windy gently closed the door. She'll be met by a question from Plein.

Thinking about Shadow, she hadn't known much about the mare other than she had no family to come back to, and she's a former Shadowbolt.

“We met after the Wonderbolts Academy was overtaken by Discord's army” she looks straight at the filly's eyes with a neutral expression not associated with any emotions as she continue to casually talk about her Shadowbolt companion, “I don't know why she's at the academy or her intentions, but I can assume she's for other reasons, not looking for survivors. We got into a...fight when we saw each other"

Edited October 3, 2021 by Windy Breeze

Blitz Boom · October 3, 2021

"We're inventors, and engineers. We make lots and lots of fun stuff. Here I mostly help repair and optimize stuff though. Dunno what big bro is doing though. Like I said, he's down there, where he thought they needed him more, and he sent me up here to help all the sad beings, that got away."

"To clarify: The Æther attempted to get Molotov Boom from a shelter, to have him assist here. His expertise on machinery were sorely sought after. He sadly declined, on behalf of wanting to help others in the razed world. But he offered to send his little sister with us. She's apparently more wild than he were, but she is genuinely helpful, if we can keep her focused."

"He said it's important that one of us made it, and that he'd always think about me. I miss him, but my big bro's a smart pony. He'll make it, and there's lots to do up here so everything works good. It's nice to help, right? Makes me happy to see so many safe and free of all the bad stuff down there.

Hehe. So what do you do up here?"

"Brittle and I, as well as WIlderbeast, whom just left, work in the agricultural department."

"They have a plant pony picking fruit and stuff? Hehe, that's funny. I went there once when they were harvesting pumpkins. Stumbled when running real fast, and got one stuck on my head. It looked really nice and calm once I got my head out though. Nice place to just breathe easy. Then Grump found me, and chased me around for a bit."

"I can assure you, she will end up being the reason for me going prematurely grey..."

The guard let out a sigh. Wasn't as bad as it once were, but by the gods, Blitz was a hooffull sometimes. Valuable due to her skills, but a powder keg they had to handle with extreme care, and caution.

Evil Pink One · October 4, 2021

the way the mechanic move through the pipe works were swift and precise, she didn't even need to rethink her way.

as they reach their destination, evidence of an incident could be seen in the area.

"thank you ma'am, you sure do know your ways around the pipes." Light said to the mechanic in a flirty way.

(awaiting further event)

" ahmm on topic... you have any idea what happened here?"

Edited October 4, 2021 by Kujamih

Illiad Easle · October 11, 2021

@Zombie Breeze @Blitz Boom

(Maud)

When Maud suggested that Red become a card she rolled her eyes, "That's not how changelings work. I can't just become anything, I can't even disguise as a pony smaller than myself. Changelings don't transform, they change their outer layer to look like something else, the layer being invisible by default. But I doubt you care about how that all works. I have no issues with you holding onto the card once you obtain it, I've no doubt now that our goals are aligned."

When Maud mentioned the Minostralium Red looked thoughtful, then nodded, "If you are to try and fight Apollo yourself you'll definitely need something like that to gain an advantage over him. Alternatively... If you were to hit him with some anti-magic, that would also level the field in your favor. And with the card we'd be able to get access to more than enough anti-magic to weaken him."

When asked to train together she nodded again, "That is acceptable, I can meet you in one of the gyms on occasion to train."

Seeing that their business was concluded she motioned for Maud to leave, "Best of luck getting that card, I'll be keeping an eye on you in the meantime, just in case you run into trouble."

(Spiral & Trixie)

Dr. Conegher nodded after each of their comments on their current situation, taking notes as they did, "Interesting, but not unusual in any case. It is unfortunate that you've lost your passion Miss Trixie, but I hope you'll either find your passion rekindled or another outlet that you find fulfilling, I hear that that sort of thing it quite important to ponies."

Per Spiral's question he waved a hoof dismissively, "All taken care of, the archives were informed that you were reassigned due to some disturbing discoveries you uncovered so that you would be better able to investigate the situation, as well as for your protection in case the rebels tried to strike back at you for potentially foiling their plan. They think you're a hero on a mission, and the head guard hopes you'll be able to come back once this situation is resolved. She seems to think highly of your work. Per the initial disappearing act, Tower set it up such that you were not observed by anyone to have teleported, so no one knows that you were anywhere you shouldn't have been."

He looked over his notes, "It's best if you two took some time to get fully reacquainted with your bodies. Go get some food, and Trixie especially should get a feel for how the world is now. Come back tomorrow and we can discuss how we can move forward, provided no complications occur in the meantime."

@Zombie Breeze

(Windy)

Plein looked a bit confused by what Windy said, "So... were you a wonderbolt? Before everything happened? Play told me about them, said they were like the Trojan Moon Flyers, the best pegasi in the Equestrian Army. I'm glad you're a guard if that's the case. Still, you said that she was there for some other reason, do you know what it was?"

(Whenever the two of you are ready to leave the cafeteria, just let me know and I'll continue the story.)

(Are Serene and Shadow both in the cafeteria?)

The mechanic blushed, "Oh, you know... just doing my job."

When asked if she knew what went on she looked around, "Well, I heard from the chief engineer that some fool tried to cut their way through the pipes looking for a secret passage, and ended up cutting the power line to the hospital area when he threatened her. Then they tried to run away. I don't know why they'd think there'd be a secret passage down here, this whole place is already pretty much a secret passage to anywhere in the Project."

Windy Breeze · October 11, 2021

---

“I've been a wonderbolt before this all happened” Windy felt nostalgic about the topic, she miss everypony; her friends, her teammates, and Spitfire.

“I had a wonderful life back then” she continued, “It took me a lot of struggles, learning, support, and hard work to finally get to the top when I was just a cadet. I never once lost hope thanks to the cheers of my friends. Our captain, Spitfire happened to be my roommate when I was working in Neighpon years before I settle in Equestria" her smile dropped when thinking about Shadow. She did not know much of her Shadowbolt companion; the mare always been a mystery to her, “Shadow was not open of her personal life, only that she once been one of Nightmare Moon's loyal followers. Whatever the reason why she went to the Wonderbolts Academy is...we will never know unless Shadow tells us”

---

(Yes, Serene is in the same place as Shadow)

Serene, who had been staying behind the conversation had a respect for Molotov and his noble act of staying behind to aid those who are still at ground. Are there are other ponies like Molotov throughout what remains of the lands below them? It was a glimmer of hope, a sign Equestria would soon be repaired to it's former image despite the damage Discord had done.

Shadow's thoughts are just the same as Serene's, but she had doubts about how his decisions affected Blitz's behavior in the Æther. Without his guidance and discipline, the filly's joyful attitude would become too erratic.

“Have you done something which has upset the grown-ups here at some point” she approached the filly.

Edited October 11, 2021 by Zombie Breeze
I mistaken Loud Opinion for Illiad Easle XD

Evil Pink One · October 11, 2021

@Windy Breeze @Illiad Easle

"dang.... I guess I should use a tracking spell." Light mumbled. as he starts to cast his spell. he then turned his attention to the mechanic.

"thank you for you assistance my lady, now I'ma go track this foot prints and it might lead me to danger... I would be heart broken if I endanger you in anyway."

but if the mechanic would insist on joining him, why would light decline a mare's conpany?

Light would of course see multiple footsteps, but one track looks like it was being chased and has heavy impressions. and also lead to a cut wire.

" hmmm I guess this is the foot print of the one who cut the power supply of the hospital..... I guess.... welp let's follow this footprint then."

Light would continue on following the footsteps, while maintaining his guard up. you'd never know what might pop out of them pipes...

Blitz Boom · October 14, 2021

"A little bit, but sometimes, there's just too much work, and no fun. So I wander off and try to find some fun. Then Grump, or one of the others tries to find me, and we have a fun game of catch, before it's back to work, hehe."

"Sometimes, we can keep her focused on a project for weeks on end. Other times, she lasts for an hour, then starts something else, before we get her back on track. She's beyond expectations when she does work properly, but she's young, bored, and have far too much energy for her own good."

"Some stuff are also just really boring, even if it's important. Like yesterday, right? They had me working on t-"

Grump would stomp down, making Blitz stop, and put her hooves up in front of her mouth.

"That is classified. And you're done eating, I see. It's time we get you back to work."

"Awh, okay. See you another time, funny friends! Next time I'll bring some pretty fireworks, and see if we can turn that frown, upside down."

She'd grin happily at Brittle, and then, go over with her tray, before her and Grump would get on their way. They'd probably see her again some other day.

(this leaves Blitz up for use elsewhere)

Meanwhile, Briar would lick around his lips, getting the last bit of fish juices and salad shreds cleaned from his mouth. Brittle were done too, but she didn't make a mess when she ate, so her plate were simply just empty, and she sat and looked like she really wanted to get out of here soon. It might be getting a little too crowded with all the attention she had suddenly gotten before, from the odd filly.

"Such peculiar creatures we encounter today. Delightfully quirky, though that last one did smell of burnt materials. It makes me somewhat concerned, considering my flammable state.

IN any case though,., when you are done eating, perhaps there is something else you may want to go and do? I feel Brittle would like some air from this place, so if you do not mind, we would like to accompany you there. If it is not too much trouble, of course."

Illiad Easle · October 17, 2021

(Maud)

Rd smiled as Maud took her leave, changing into a nondescript mare to go another direction before adopting another disguise to follow after Maud without even Maud noticing that it was Red who was following.

Maud would be able to find Apollo in his office, the hole caused by when he held Light out over the edge mostly repaired already. When Maud spoke he seemed intrigued if not a little smug, "Oh? And what brought about this 'change of heart'? As I recall you said I was 'using you' and should 'do it myself'." He leaned over his desk, "So why come back? Do you think me incapable of doing it myself? Or do you recognize that asking you to do your part to keep this project safe is not in fact 'using you'?"

He sat back in his chair, waiting for her response.

(Spiral & Trixie)

(We'll let the rest get caught up to the next morning before continuing this thread)

@Zombie Breeze

(Windy)

Plein looked a bit confused, "Nightmare Moon? I wasn't aware she was around long enough to have followers, especially not ones who wouldn't go along when she went back to being Princess Luna." She looked down, "Play says my father really looked up to her, was friends with her before they both..." she shook her head, "I never really knew her personally, though Play says we were introduced when I was a foal."

She thought a moment before continuing, "So the two of you didn't really know each other before the whole incident then? A lot of ponies who come up here are like that, making unlikely friendships out of necessity and a common enemy. Do you think the two of you would have been friends if it weren't for what happened?"

@Blitz Boom @Zombie Breeze

The mechanic did indicate that she needed to get back to work, and so took her leave, leaving Light to examine the tracks by himself.

His scan showed a good number of hoof prints in the area, no doubt from all the guards who had come through and around the area, making it nearly impossible to find any specific paths at first. However, if he looked close enough he would find a set of parallel lines, no doubt the cart that had been stolen, heading straight towards the dead end, and seemingly passing through it, lending credence to the claim that there was, in fact, a secret passage through that wall.

How he was to discover it was another question entirely.

@Blitz Boom

(If you want Blitz to be involved in the action going forward, let me know the next time she evades her watchers and I'll see about getting her recruited by a team.)

(Go ahead and put out a trajectory and I'll steer you guys back into the main narrative.)

Evil Pink One · October 17, 2021

"....." Light would then ponder Infront of the secret passage.

" hmmmm...." Light checked the footprints again for impressions or sudden shifts and movements to imply anything if they reached out to something or pressed a hidden lever and what not.

so Light tried pressing anything from the floor the walls and ceiling.

and if nothing happens, Light would use X ray vision too look into the mechanisms of the hidden passage wall.

if it was magical then Light would've accidentally destroyed the hidden walls mechanism and have loosened it, or has completely shut it down forever.

remember Light has similar abilities as Chrysalis's Thrown crystals, for those materials where implanted within him.

and if worse comes to worse he'd just phase through it, teleport, or blast his way through.

Edited October 17, 2021 by Kujamih

Illiad Easle · October 26, 2021

Apollo was silent for a few moments, reclined in his chair with his eyes focused on Maud, the smug expression gone. Eventually he gave a slight, almost imperceptible, nod. "Good. I'm glad you've come to see the bigger picture. This project can hardly survive without the cooperation of everyone aboard."

He turned away to interact with a safe set in the back wall, opening it to pull out the card he had previously offered Maud, and closing it immediately to prevent her from seeing what else was inside. He turned back to face her and held out the card, attached to a lanyard, for her to accept. "I have every confidence in your abilities. I look forward to your speedy success."

Using X-ray he'd see that the pipes all had something flowing through them, so trying to cut or blast through them would likely be bad for the project and get him the same treatment as the previous ex-guard who had tried. Looking to the sides he saw a very complicated mechanism, far more so than had any right being there, clearly there was something going on there, the question was how he would figure out how to work it?

He could also see that the catwalk continued on the other side of the wall, so he could teleport through to the other side if he wanted.

Once he had done so, but before he could scan for hoofprints again, he'd hear a voice as though someone were standing beside him speaking softly into his ear, but would find no one if he turned to look. "Such an inquisitive pony, succeeding where others failed, why are you looking so hard? What are you hoping to find?"

Evil Pink One · October 26, 2021

as the words echo yet no source to find. but in some way, light is excited for this events. "Ohoo.... a ghost or a god? to which honor should I grant thee?."

as light ends his sentences. he immediately cast a barrier with a 1km radius surrounding him. trapping anything within it may it be air, spirits, beings, and magic. meaning that his barrier can only last as long as he doesn't get poisoned by the lack of oxygen.

he then quickly scanned his surroundings for traces of magic, signs of life, malice and emotions, movements and radiation.

" I wonder what you are?"

Illiad Easle · November 3, 2021

@Blitz Boom

Later on in the day, Blitz would be approached in her work area by a tired looking Silver, "Hey Blitz, have you seen Plein around lately?"

Before Maud reached a secluded area she became aware of another mare walking very close to her, keeping pace. She may have started to grow hesitant before the mare looked at her and her eyes flashed red with a faint smile, indicating that it was Red beside her. She spoke softly as they walked, so as to not be overheard by those around them, "I take it things went well?"

Upon hearing that Maud had the card Red smiled, "Well, our best bet may just be attempting to recover the Minostralium. I'm sure Apollo will be watching you closely for a bit anyway, may as well show some effort and partial results to start, then if you do manage to find out where it is, we can take it for ourselves."

She started to distance herself a bit as the crowd thinned, "I'll keep an eye on you as well, ready to swoop in if you need help. Good luck."

With that she'd drift back into the crowd and escape her view.

The voice chuckled, "Were I either, your barrier would be trivial to pass through. Even as I am, I could escape were I inclined."

Per his scan for magics, Light would find that there were several magical nodes scattered about, some were integrated parts of the pipeworks, and some were acting as speakers for the voice, giving it a sort of omnipresent feeling despite not actually being so.

"Still, you didn't answer my question, and I asked first. Why are you looking so hard? What are you hoping to find?"

Evil Pink One · November 3, 2021

"hmmmmmm..." Light mumbled loudly, as if to make sure that someone hears it.

Light would then pause and ponder for a bit, just to shrug off the voice he heard and scanned the hoof prints and continued his search.

Blitz Boom · November 4, 2021

On 2021-11-03 at 4:54 AM, Illiad Easle said:

Later on in the day, Blitz would be approached in her work area by a tired looking Silver, "Hey Blitz, have you seen Plein around lately?"

Blitz would pop her head out of the machine she were doing some maintenance on, and looked over at Silver. She still had a wrench in her muzzle, since despite her being a unicorn, she still liked getting up close and personal quite often. It made her feel more in tune with the work, and this one were unlikely to set her on fire. The prototype weaponry they had her assist on was another matter, but there, fire had sort of been the point in the first place. As she were pretty inventive in how to make things explode, even if they shouldn't realistically be able to do it, she were at times tasked with helping on sorting something out, they could use in the weaponry. IN that other case, a small rocket. Had a smiley face on and everything, and were small enough to fit like a feather in a hat.

Was just a prototype for a larger version, that's have to be put in a large container, that's then be able to fire off multiples, but it were ready for testing. If the mixture were right, it'd cause a chain explosion, with an acid-based liquid included. If it weren't, it'd probably end up fizzling out, and imploding. Happened a few times with some other things. None of them were really sure how though.

Anyway, to get back on point, she'd float out the wrench, and have it laid out on her workbench, before shaking her head to get some of the dust out of her mane, and then responded to essentially her boss.

"Plein? Uhm... Don't think so? Been a busy day, and the one time I went to have some lunch, I can't recall seeing her. Saw a funny looking plant pony though. That was pretty neat.

Need a hoof to find her? Maybe I should go, and then you can have a nap? You're looking really tired again. It's not good for your health. The doctors say it to me, and I'm pretty sure that counts for you too."

Illiad Easle · November 8, 2021

On 2021-11-02 at 10:25 PM, Kujamih said:

Light would then pause and ponder for a bit, just to shrug off the voice he heard and scanned the hoof prints and continued his search.

The voice simply snorted at being ignored, "Fine then, be that way."

Light would be able to follow the hoofprints around a few bends, then a few more, hadn't he already passed that pipe? And that next crossroad looked familiar, he couldn't have looped back on himself... could he? Yet, as he continued to follow the hoofprints he'd keep passing a rather distinctive looking pipe.