private The Æther Project

Starforce · October 7, 2022

Spiral would have looked to Last in a fairly earnest manner. Her expression was a bit unreadable, but suffice to say she now had a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. It was something that came on her so suddenly, it felt like. To go from being a pony of jealousy and rage - to being someone with genuine intentions for leadership. Now not only having a prominent role in all of this, but she put it in her responsibility to keep this alicorn filly safe. She was never one to exactly be a parent, but she wasn't willing to just give up this filly to someone who would use her for their own power. A small sigh would escape her lips.

"I never knew Light all that well. While he did pose issues now and then, he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for us. I believe he should be honored for that, for all time." she shuddered slightly, before watching Last and her sword silently. She knew what were happening there, and didn't wish to interrupt with it. Spiral would look to Last, her eyes telling a tale of unreadable emotions. It was clear that she looked conflicted, but accepted the offer. "I know you always have had my back in there - so I will trust you with having hers." she gestured to the filly. "She seems to be fine, probably being in that Amber and using a focus point for all that magic really tired her out, so she'll be napping for a long time. I won't let anyone hurt her, and I won't let anyone take her away from me." she said with determination.

Spiral would then onward follow the instructions of the guard who told them about the quarantining. Spiral would proceed outward and look to the various guards and then follow them to the separate areas, she didn't protest this but was adamant that she was not separated from the alicorn filly. Spiral would wait inside of her separate room, and cast a knowing look to Last - letting her know that she trusted her.

Blitz Boom · October 8, 2022

@Illiad Easle @Props

On 2022-10-07 at 6:43 PM, Spiral Spell said:

"I know you always have had my back in there - so I will trust you with having hers." she gestured to the filly. "She seems to be fine, probably being in that Amber and using a focus point for all that magic really tired her out, so she'll be napping for a long time. I won't let anyone hurt her, and I won't let anyone take her away from me." she said with determination.

Last would look at Spiral as she spoke, with a bit more respect for the mare, flourishing as she heard her words. The mare had guts, and stood by good principles. Those were good traits, that were gonna be needed, when it came to Nexus, and making sure she were taken well care of. Might be she didn't fancy herself one, but Last wouldn't scoff at the notion, of Spiral being a parent. Far as she were concerned, the mare were a good role model, who stood for something worthwhile. Kindness were needed too, but the mare had shown a soft side too, when needed. She'd do fine.

"When there's time, I want to tell you a story. My time, before everything started to burn. You'll understand how far I'll go, for Nexus.

For now, keep her with you. I'll keep you guarded."

She hadn't been spouting off her tale a lot, for a long time. Mostly since no one were around her, to listen to it. But there were also just the thing that she doubted most cared, or would understand. Those of her comrades that she had heard from, before and after the crisis, all told the same there. That it were rare to find anyone, who were willing to accept what they did, and not call them out as fanatics, and crazies.

She were sure Spiral had her thoughts too - the leaders of The Æther, that she had to give a report of her previous life to when she arrived, certainly had theirs - but it would perhaps give her context, as to how far she'd go, if Nexus were in danger. Might be that many said they would die for their cause, but it were few who actually meant it, when the time came.

On 2022-10-06 at 11:05 PM, Illiad Easle said:

They would call Spiral first, but stop her when they saw the pony she was carrying, "Is... is that an alicorn?"

That attracted the attention of almost everyone in the hanger as news quickly traveled. Many started to move on the craft to try and get a look, to which the rest of the guards did their best to keep them away. The lead guard shook his head, "We'll deal with that later, just come on through, quickly."

They weren't the only ones that were acting upon the influx of others, wanting to see Nexus closer. Last too, were standing there, in front of her and Spiral, and if anyone got too close, she'd plant a hoof on their shoulder, or upper body, and push them away. hard. If that did not get the point through - or her scowling - then she'd start hitting folks. They'd probably be hurried off before it came to that, but just in case, she had no qualms hurting others, to some extend. She weren't gonna aim to actually cause harm. Just get them to back off.

On 2022-10-06 at 11:05 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The head guard snorted, "Fine, they'll be quarantined separately then. We'll let Apollo deal with it later."

They were held to the side as Last was scanned, revealing a similar level of strange exposure. "Alright, the three of you will be held separately, follow me."

The guards formed up around them to keep them away from the prying eyes of those who had heard the word 'alicorn' until they were brought to a room big enough for four ponies with a mirrored observation window. "Best if you got comfortable. Someone will come by in an hour to make more concrete arrangements."

Last were not pleased to be separated momentarily from Spiral and Nexus, but she'd comply for now, and just silently listen in, and let them do their little scans. No ides where the draconequus magic got into things, but she'd assume it had something to do with Light, or the Empress. Maybe both. Did it look like she knew those sorts of things?

She'd remain silent until they were finally in the holding room alone. Seemed to be room for probably four ponies, to their standards. Seven or so, if push came to shove, with a glass wall. She'd assume this to be some sort of interrogation room. Didn't look like proper quarantine. Then again, had to go down a bit too, to what they did with her weapons. Were they all five confiscated? And yes, she meant five. She had some knives around her outfit, in case it were needed. If they let her keep some, that they had seen, she'd assume this were quarantine. If not, interrogation. Prisoners were not usually allowed weaponry, in her experience.

On 2022-10-07 at 6:43 PM, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral would then onward follow the instructions of the guard who told them about the quarantining. Spiral would proceed outward and look to the various guards and then follow them to the separate areas, she didn't protest this but was adamant that she was not separated from the alicorn filly. Spiral would wait inside of her separate room, and cast a knowing look to Last - letting her know that she trusted her.

As they had been brought to the same quarantine, Last just wandered over to them, when they were alone, and sat on the floor. If there were softer seating, it were for the two of them to take. They needed it more right now. She'd probably got a few more hours, before all of the times she were bashed around, would cause her to feel a bit beaten up, so it weren't even gonna irritate her yet. That stuff were for later.

"So, we need to get our stories straight. They say there were draconequus magic? If so, where from? You think it was part of that magic blast?"

They'd have some time to talk it sounded like, and she would think it best to be ready to deliver their report, by using that time for that. Other stuff, like what she mentioned earlier, could be said after. Just a few things she figured were more important to get out first.

"I don't have a normal education. So your idea is better than mine on that."

Illiad Easle · October 9, 2022

@Props ValRoa @Blitz Boom

They would have plenty of time to talk, two hours in fact, before the door opened and General Akli, the changeling general, stepped in, flanked by guards. His expression was grim. "Apollo has decided that the alicorn is too dangerous to be allowed to remain on the Project. As such, the alicorn is to be removed-"

"Not so fast." General Akli looked back to see General Quarters, the earth pony general, with his own pair of guards, whose armor notably bore some Equestrian medals. "That is neither Apollo's decision to make, nor yours to enforce. Arrivals are my responsibility, and I say she stays until she proves dangerous."

General Akli sighed, and shook his head, "Your devotion to the alicorns of old has impaired your judgement, which is why Apollo put me in charge of this decision."

Quarters scoffed, "As though you would be impartial. Clearly Apollo feels threatened by her presence. Most of the Project has already heard that she's here, what do you think will happen if, no, when word gets out that you threw her overboard?"

Akli remained stoic, "We've all done questionable things for the safety and security of this Project. How many ponies got left behind at Troy because they didn't meet your standards? Ponies far superior to the ponies we're picking up now."

Quarters looked mad at that, but Akli turned his attention back to the trio, "Regardless, I have my orders, and I intend to fulfill them. Surrender the alicorn peacefully, and you'll be allowed to return to the Project proper. Resist, and you'll be removed as well."

"I can't let you fulfil that order." Quarter's knife was out, and the two pairs of guards moved to defend their respective Generals.

"You will try." Akli grasped the alicorn with his magic as the guards started to attack each other, alarms starting to sound in the area.

If Spiral and Last did nothing, the alicorn would be teleported away, but if they moved quickly they'd be able to break General Akli's concentration to prevent the teleport from happening, Spiral could also fight against his magic directly.

Starforce · October 10, 2022

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

Spiral would have explained to Last that she was a scientist who studied centuries ago. She died because of her own hubris and shortsightedness with experimentation with magic, it was only thanks to the likes of Trixie was she brought back to life. Given a second chance, she changed her ways and turned away from seeking power for power's sake - realizing she could take a stand for better things than her own greed. She had no shame in admitting the truth about herself. Spiral was open to anything Last wanted to say to her, and they certainly had the time for it.

Two hours later, Spiral would find herself very annoyed by Akli, and would growl to him. "This is the issue with all of you. Fighting over everything with your petty ideological disputes. You are going to get us all killed. Do you not see the desolation this line of thinking? Look around and open your eyes, or will I have to open them for you?" Spiral would growl, springing forth. As she sprung forth, shadows would lurch out from under the guards, quickly solidifying them and rendering them unable to move their legs, before those shadows would quickly turn sharp. Not sharp enough to cut them, but was certainly sharp enough to where she would be able to if she wished.

"I am not surrendering anything to you." she stared to Akli. "You serve a miserable ailing tyrant. Perhaps you should think to yourself where you really stand. Or I'll let history be the judge of that." she spoke, attempting to force the alicorn free from Akli's magic, while looking to Last and calling for her to help with this situation. Then she would look to the various guards, and stare them down, her eyes piercing into them.

"All of you and your pathetic quarrels. Part of me is tempted to let you all fight and kill each other. It amazes me we've even survived this long with the likes of you among the staff." she huffed.

Blitz Boom · October 10, 2022

@Illiad Easle @Props ValRoa

8 hours ago, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral would have explained to Last that she was a scientist who studied centuries ago. She died because of her own hubris and shortsightedness with experimentation with magic, it was only thanks to the likes of Trixie was she brought back to life. Given a second chance, she changed her ways and turned away from seeking power for power's sake - realizing she could take a stand for better things than her own greed. She had no shame in admitting the truth about herself. Spiral was open to anything Last wanted to say to her, and they certainly had the time for it.

Last would listen, and tell that she did not judge. Spiral had died for her sins already, and done better in this new life. It said good things about her character, in the mare's eyes.

In turn, Last would tell her own tale. That some thousand years ago, her ancestors, had been part of a group of loyalists, devoted to Princess Luna. They had done acts that left them as pariahs, and ponies to be talked about, in hushed tones. Things most were not willing to do, regardless of the fact that someone had to.

They were never directly associated with the princess, where others could see them, and wouldn't speak her name in public, as they had been ordered. They were the princesses devoted followers, and a highly militarized group at that. Their job, were doing what the guards couldn't do, and they accepted the consequences of their actions in full.

So too would they, when they were gathered by her, and asked to go and guard a shrine, far away from prying eyes, that laid in the middle of a fortress. They didn't know who made it, nor did they care. Her majesty told them, that in the center, laid something that must never be allowed to escape, and told them to keep it safe, until such a day would come, that she said otherwise. So they had, without hesitation.

A thousand years of traditions, cut off from regular society, were where Last had come from. Devoted fighters to the night throne, that fought daily, to keep the various monsters and marauders - the worst being the large, mantis like creatures, the Manetids - away from the inner vault. As well as traitors, who'd sell them out for their own gain, or believed there were some power in the center, that could bring an end to the constant fighting.

They'd avoid inbreeding, via taking some of the more useful member of the marauding gangs that sometimes tried their luck with them, or ponies fleeing through the valley for some reason, and give them an ultimatum: Face the valley alone, and die, or take up the mantle with them, and fight under her banner. Most chose the latter, as when they got to them, a fair few had come to face the dangerous creatures in the valley, and understood they were safer herewith the Shrine Maidens. A moniker that Princess Luna had given them, despite them not all being female, even at the beginning.

A few months before the crisis, the princes had returned to them. She had thanked them for a millennia of hard work, and dismissed them from service. She thought she had done them a favor, but letting their long fight end, and give them a chance to return to society. In truth, it left most of them - Last included - restless, and aimless. This were all they knew after all. Constant battle, and death. Even though a lot went to join the Night Guard, to still serve the princess, it were not a life that many of them could handle well. It were too idle.

After the crisis, most had died, trying to defend Canterlot and their residents. Far as she knew, Last were the only one alive, as she hadn't been there at the time. She had been wandering aimlessly, trying to find meaning, as she hadn't been able to do like her sister, and just go to Canterlot, to stand around there. She needed battle, and well, it had certainly come. Far more widespread and dangerous, than she had imagined.

Perhaps knowing things now, Spiral would understand why Last were as she were. Unapproachable and battle-worn, clashing with most others, and unflinching in the face of conflict. She were born into war, and trying to adapt to living with the more calm, normal ponies, that The Æther were primarily made of, were a constant struggle, that she were mostly losing.

She might also understand her actions then, when things eventually then did go along, and a very stupid general, would make a very stupid comment.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

They would have plenty of time to talk, two hours in fact, before the door opened and General Akli, the changeling general, stepped in, flanked by guards. His expression was grim. "Apollo has decided that the alicorn is too dangerous to be allowed to remain on the Project. As such, the alicorn is to be removed-"

"Not so fast." General Akli looked back to see General Quarters, the earth pony general, with his own pair of guards, whose armor notably bore some Equestrian medals. "That is neither Apollo's decision to make, nor yours to enforce. Arrivals are my responsibility, and I say she stays until she proves dangerous."

Last said not a word. Nothing. She laid as she did, front legs crossed, and glared straight at Akli. Yet she were preparing herself for something. Weren't a lot that the others should be able to read from her though. Even the changelings. She were always low key angry, and it weren't increasing yet. She'd be calm. Unnervingly so perhaps, with her mind going glacial, and her focus being directed on a single task ahead of her. She but needed the right time.

8 hours ago, Spiral Spell said:

"I am not surrendering anything to you." she stared to Akli. "You serve a miserable ailing tyrant. Perhaps you should think to yourself where you really stand. Or I'll let history be the judge of that." she spoke, attempting to force the alicorn free from Akli's magic, while looking to Last and calling for her to help with this situation. Then she would look to the various guards, and stare them down, her eyes piercing into them.

"All of you and your pathetic quarrels. Part of me is tempted to let you all fight and kill each other. It amazes me we've even survived this long with the likes of you among the staff." she huffed.

16 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

"I can't let you fulfil that order." Quarter's knife was out, and the two pairs of guards moved to defend their respective Generals.

"You will try." Akli grasped the alicorn with his magic as the guards started to attack each other, alarms starting to sound in the area.

If Spiral and Last did nothing, the alicorn would be teleported away, but if they moved quickly they'd be able to break General Akli's concentration to prevent the teleport from happening, Spiral could also fight against his magic directly.

The trapping might end up keeping them from going too far, but the magic were still being cast. They'd see if that lasted though, as soon as she saw his horn light up - the same timing as Spiral's spell it seemed - she'd spring into action. Starting by throwing the knife that she had been grasping with her hoof, that were inside of her armor. It would be thrown hard, and direct, towards Akli's eye. It would kill him, or he'd handle that, instead of finishing his spell on Nexus.

IN the same motion, she'd rush forward, stone-faced, and cold, tackling into him, which should bash him back, and now give her the time to properly draw her blade, and look towards the sorry excuse for a general, with ice in her eyes, and utter indifference, as she'd swing the sword. She knew the weak places of the armors in this place. They were well enough, but every armor had their weakness, or section where there were a gap, wherein one could plunge a blade, if they wanted to. And she did. He had threatened an alicorn. A blind filly alicorn at that, and showed no remorse, over going through with that order. He were as much a traitor, as Apollo were, and she cared not for the unrest it would cause, to fight them. She would not suffer them to live, when they threatened Nexus.

Might seem odd to most, why she did so, and did not even say a thing, but with what she had been telling Spiral, i the time they had spend here, the mare should understand. Kingdoms rose and fall, but Last Stand were still a soldier, a royalist, and a fervent fanatic. And compared to when they were down below, she wouldn't be as calm, and willing to talk. She'd be laser focused, and out for blood. Or whatever the changeling equivalent were going to be here. Dust she assumed, due to the magic destroying capabilities in her blade. Which also meant that he couldn't just magically grab that. It'd cut right through it.

Illiad Easle · October 13, 2022

@Props ValRoa @Blitz Boom

General Akli was able to save himself from the shadows by simply keeping his hooves in a constant state of change, resulting in no shadows beneath him to entangle him, the other guards were not so lucky.

Akli's guards were steadfast however, despite being bound to their spot they remained stalwart defenders of their General from where they stood. "Nothing is worth the risk." "The Æther must survive."

On 2022-10-09 at 10:24 PM, Spiral Spell said:

"You serve a miserable ailing tyrant. Perhaps you should think to yourself where you really stand. Or I'll let history be the judge of that."

"And you've thrown away your loyalty just because some blind alicorn child appeared. How Equestrian. The alicorns didn't save you from Discord, they were the first to fall."

On 2022-10-10 at 7:25 AM, Blitz Boom said:

Starting by throwing the knife that she had been grasping with her hoof, that were inside of her armor. It would be thrown hard, and direct, towards Akli's eye. It would kill him, or he'd handle that, instead of finishing his spell on Nexus.

Akli deftly dodged the thrown knife, but was unable to fully dodge Last's tackle, breaking his hold on the teleport spell for the alicorn. But he was able to parry Last's sword strike with his retractable pole-arm as he regained his footing. "Already you see the damage this alicorn does with its very presence. Driving those around it to do anything, even betray their allies and protectors. It will be the end of us all."

Akli would strike Spiral with a spell to release the guards from the shadow magic before serving as the tail of their retreat, closing a heavy doorway behind them.

On 2022-10-09 at 10:24 PM, Spiral Spell said:

"All of you and your pathetic quarrels. Part of me is tempted to let you all fight and kill each other. It amazes me we've even survived this long with the likes of you among the staff." she huffed.

The remaining guards weren't happy about Spiral's comments, "Oh, should we have let Akli just execute the three of you then?"

General Quarters stepped in, "Enough. This is far from over, this sector will be swarming with guards loyal to Apollo in no time. We need to move, and gather those willing to defend the alicorn."

He would lead the way the opposite direction, eventually getting them into the pipeworks to move through the project a bit more stealthily.

Whether Spiral and Last elected to follow or not, an announcement would soon ring out across the Project:

"Attention all residents. Discord agents have boarded the Project and attacked security. It is advised that everyone return to their rooms or find a safe space until the agents are dealt with."

"Be warned, one agent is posing as an alicorn. This is a deception. They want you to-"

The announcement cut out and another voice took over, "The alicorn is real! I saw her with my own eyes! Security tried to throw her off the Project! We need to-"

The second voice cut out, followed by silence. maybe they had shut down the PA system?

The Project quickly descended into chaos, a number of Equestrian loyalists attacking the security for a perceived slight against an alicorn, while other civilians fought back defending the security officers.

(You're free to use all of your characters from here on out. The fate of the Æther Project is in your hooves.)

Starforce · October 14, 2022

@Blitz Boom @Illiad Easle

Spiral had listened to Last's descriptions and absorbed much of the information as she could. Spiral respected Last's convictions here although she believed that Last's fanatic loyalty was something that was to be trusted - for Last had basically shown great respect for Spiral. She would be sure to reciprocate that here, to say the least. Although Spiral wanted to do more with Last and talk more about other such things, the situation that had resulted with Akli was much more prevalent.

Quote

"And you've thrown away your loyalty just because some blind alicorn child appeared. How Equestrian. The alicorns didn't save you from Discord, they were the first to fall."

"How very telling of you to so carelessly throw the life away of a child. You'll find out where that leads you soon enough." she growled in annoyance at how her shadow spell seemed to not affect him due to his changeling magic. She'll remember that.

Quote

Akli deftly dodged the thrown knife, but was unable to fully dodge Last's tackle, breaking his hold on the teleport spell for the alicorn. But he was able to parry Last's sword strike with his retractable pole-arm as he regained his footing. "Already you see the damage this alicorn does with its very presence. Driving those around it to do anything, even betray their allies and protectors. It will be the end of us all."

Akli would strike Spiral with a spell to release the guards from the shadow magic before serving as the tail of their retreat, closing a heavy doorway behind them.

As soon as Akli's teleportation spell was disrupted Spiral would take close hold of the alicorn filly, bringing her close to her in order to protect her. "Get away, cretins!" Spiral shouted as Akli and his guards would retreat behind the doorway. She would huff as her spell was disrupted.

Quote

The remaining guards weren't happy about Spiral's comments, "Oh, should we have let Akli just execute the three of you then?"

General Quarters stepped in, "Enough. This is far from over, this sector will be swarming with guards loyal to Apollo in no time. We need to move, and gather those willing to defend the alicorn."

He would lead the way the opposite direction, eventually getting them into the pipeworks to move through the project a bit more stealthily.

Spiral would look to the remaining guards and stare to them silently before looking to General Quarters. "You don't even know who this alicorn is. Her name is Nexus. She was used as a weapon by some far gone Empress who stole the magic of all the unicorns and ponies there to be used as a focal point for whatever she wanted to do - it wasn't good. It would be wise of us to know where this level of destruction leads, but first and foremost - Apollo must be removed from power." she spoke to them.

If Last followed the guards - so too would Spiral.

-------

Merlot Cloud was in her quarters when she heard the announcement go off. Her blood went cold as she heard what was going on over the announcement. She didn't know what to really believe, but knew that something was going wrong. She never had any particular loyalties to anyone - and just did her job as she was told. Now she wanted to find out more about what was going on and would leave her quarters, heading down to the hanger while doing her best to avoid any fighting.

She didn't know what to do. She felt scared, truthfully.

-------

Maud and Trixie were in the Cafeteria when they had heard the announcement go off. They knew what was starting to happen. Civil war. Knowing their previous opinions on Apollo they didn't believe the first voice as it was presented. And so they would aim to go to Dr. Conegher and his associates. Hoping that he would have an idea of what to do.

Blitz Boom · October 14, 2022

@Illiad Easle @Props ValRoa

On 2022-10-13 at 9:40 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Akli deftly dodged the thrown knife, but was unable to fully dodge Last's tackle, breaking his hold on the teleport spell for the alicorn. But he was able to parry Last's sword strike with his retractable pole-arm as he regained his footing. "Already you see the damage this alicorn does with its very presence. Driving those around it to do anything, even betray their allies and protectors. It will be the end of us all."

Akli would strike Spiral with a spell to release the guards from the shadow magic before serving as the tail of their retreat, closing a heavy doorway behind them.

Last had been in the midst of striking against the changeling again, when the lot had retreated. His little parry were nothing impressive in the slightest. Quite frankly, as he had parried, her hoof were already headed right for his face. The perk of mouth blades. You had free hooves, and seeing his fighting form, she were amazed he had gotten to the rank he held. Must be from knowing others, or kissing up to the rightplaces, because from what she had seen of is prowess so far, it were woefully lacking. Had she for instance, put real weight into her strike, his leg would likely have pushed back, and struck his own blade into his face. And the fact she had tackled him so effortlessly, also said a lot.

So yes. If needed, she could have killed him. Yet as he retreated, alarms were going. She could not run after him, and risk being separated from the others, by steel doors, or something else. So she'd stay, though she did have a few parting words, as she glared at the retreating general.

"Death to traitors."

She could have used the language she knew well off, but he wouldn't grasp. Yet she wanted him to know what she said, and by the look in her eyes, he should well know, that she meant it. Had she the chance, at any point, she would kill him. His woefully lacking fighting prowess, and little magic, wouldn't be able to keep him safe for her forever.

On 2022-10-13 at 9:40 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The remaining guards weren't happy about Spiral's comments, "Oh, should we have let Akli just execute the three of you then?"

General Quarters stepped in, "Enough. This is far from over, this sector will be swarming with guards loyal to Apollo in no time. We need to move, and gather those willing to defend the alicorn."

He would lead the way the opposite direction, eventually getting them into the pipeworks to move through the project a bit more stealthily.

16 hours ago, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral would look to the remaining guards and stare to them silently before looking to General Quarters. "You don't even know who this alicorn is. Her name is Nexus. She was used as a weapon by some far gone Empress who stole the magic of all the unicorns and ponies there to be used as a focal point for whatever she wanted to do - it wasn't good. It would be wise of us to know where this level of destruction leads, but first and foremost - Apollo must be removed from power." she spoke to them.

"Cease your bickering. Like Spiral said, we have a traitor to kill. We can't waste time with infighting."

She'd follow them the other direction, putting her blade back in its sheath as she did so, and picking up the knife that she had thrown. She were gonna need all the steel she could keep on her, before this day were done, she'd wager. So it were just to stay focus, and ignore any aches and pains. They could patch her up later, when they were done with their new mission, of assassinating Apollo.

"So you know my stance: Apollo must die, and I will cut down Akri myself, when I get the chance. If he's willing to follow that order, he's as guilty as Apollo, and I won't show mercy, to any threats to Nexus. From anyone."

Her ice-blue eye would bore into all but Spiral, as she wandered near the mare, who held Nexus. For all intents and purposes, she were now Spiral and Nexus's, personal bodyguard. And may the gods show mercy to those, who'd try getting through her. For she wouldn't.

"What is our plan of attack?"

On 2022-10-13 at 9:40 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Attention all residents. Discord agents have boarded the Project and attacked security. It is advised that everyone return to their rooms or find a safe space until the agents are dealt with."

"Be warned, one agent is posing as an alicorn. This is a deception. They want you to-"

The announcement cut out and another voice took over, "The alicorn is real! I saw her with my own eyes! Security tried to throw her off the Project! We need to-"

The second voice cut out, followed by silence. maybe they had shut down the PA system?

(Briar and Brittle)

They were both still in their quarters, as they heard this message. Brittle were the first to hear the commotion, starting outside of their door, and scurried further back into the dark corners of their room, whilst Briar started to rise from the floor.

"W-What's happening? W-Where... D-Don't leave..."

Briar would come over, and hug Brittle. He felt her racing heartbeat, and heard the pounding of her heart, as she were nervous about the things she heard. Both outside, and from the speaker just before.

"I must. Something is happening, and if there really is an impostor, they are using glamour of a kind. Those do not work on me, so I can perhaps help them, to authenticate what is the truth, before more than needs to, gets hurt.

But it's not for you to take part in. Hide, keep the door locked, and keep the seed safe, okay? You're the only one, whom I trust enough, to ask this. Can you do that for me?"

She'd nod slowly, and wrap her blanket around herself, as he planted a kiss on her forehead, and took a hoof through her mane. In truth, the seed were secure enough, but it would give her something to focus on, while he were gone. Hopefully,. it would not be so violent out there, to where he had to partake in any fighting. As he did not even know Apollo, he had so far no allegiance to speak off, until the truth were known. And if he got there, he could tell. He could not be fooled by vision glamours, and alicorns had a very odd smell about them. He could not say exactly what it were, but every time, he had been presented with something in relation to an alicorn, in his time, it had an odd tinge to it. Something... Unexplainable. If it were the same with this one, perhaps he could help sort this out, before too many got hurt.

So, he'd walk out, make sure that the door were locked, and potentially barricaded, if there were something he could move out here, and then, he'd be on his way. He'd assume that the place were the various guards and such, went towards, when there were missions, would be the place to go. So hed start there.

(Blitz)

Blitz's ears would perk as she heard the message, but just... What did it all mean? Were there an alicorn? Were they being invaded? Sure sounded like there were trouble outside. That wasn't good. Chaos were just gonna get lots and lots hurt. She must ask Silver! She'd know!

So she'd head to where Silver were working, and provided she were still there, would flag her down, and start to ask into what were going on.

"Silver! Silver! There were a weird message, and folks are fighting?! What're we gonna do? Do we need bombs?"

She had some stashed away. Wouldn't be too hard to get to them, and not all were high explosives. She had a few distraction things, like flashbangs too. She liked how they sounded, and looked like, when they went kaboom. Same with the smoke bombs. Never got old, with a good smoke bomb or two, right? She had about a dozen of those, hiding beneath the coffee machine. Honestly she were amazed sometimes, that they hadn't seen through the disguise yet, but hey. That were still good. Might come in handy someday, right?

If Silver weren't where she were supposed to be, Blitz would go out to find her. And if anyone tried to get to her? She were nimble, and were good at setting things on fire. She'd sneak away.

Illiad Easle · October 16, 2022

@Blitz Boom @Props ValRoa

(Extra background info for Last:)

Spoiler

While Last had never worked with General Akli, or General Hightower as he had been called before he chose to reveal himself as a changeling, she had heard of him. He had served as the commander of the Pericles, the precursor to the Æther Project, and under his command the Pericles was instrumental in winning the Summer War. Even after the Pericles had been downed by the Reindeer's secret weapon he had continued fighting, managing to down Equestria's flagship, the Solar Flare. He had been captured alive by the reindeer and tortured for an extended period until the war officially ended, at which point he was released.

General Akli is highly regarded as a war hero by the Trojans, but he is also old, old enough that he had actually retired before the Æther Project set off, but he returned to active duty in order to maintain order.

(Last & Spiral)

The guards with them, including General Quarters, looked disturbed by Spiral's revelation as to the nature and origin of the alicorn, One of the guards spoke up, "Wait, so Apollo might have been... right? In considering her a threat?"

The other guard sat down, looking especially concerned, "Were we so desperate for an alicorn, that we put the whole Project at risk? I mean, you're right. We didn't know anything about this alicorn, yet we were ready to do anything for her..."

General Quarters shook his head, "Apollo couldn't have known this either, so the fact remains that he wanted this alicorn removed before there was any hint of danger, because he feels threatened by her presence. That alone is cause enough for his removal. Removal. I will not, cannot, authorize you to kill him. Not if he can be brought into custody and tried for his crime." He turned towards Last, "And I can't allow you to kill General Akli. Regardless of how you see him, he is well respected among the residents of the Project. Killing him could cause irreparable damage."

In regards to their plans moving forward, "Well, first order of business is getting the alicorn somewhere safe, there are plenty of small rooms down here where she would be safe, but if we're going to keep her hidden we'll need more ponies loyal to our cause."

General Quarters would lead the way through the pipeworks, but it was clear that he was unfamiliar with its layout. Before they could get to a safe room they were spotted by a group of ponies, "There she is! Security got her! We have to free her!"

They would be charged by a group of Equestrians, an Earth pony, a pegasus, and a unicorn. They weren't trained fighters by any means, but they would attack viciously in their attempt to 'free' the alicorn from her 'captors'.

(Merlot)

As she left her room she encountered Crank going to his quarters, he looked confused at her, "Where are you going? The announcement said to stay in our quarters. You... you don't think the alicorn is real do you?"

His expression was incredulous, as if he thought the likelihood of there being an alicorn on the project were astronomical.

(Maud & Trixie)

Maud and Trixie would find the research sector locked down tight, well armed guards at every entrance to deter all comers, though it didn't stop a few foolhardy Equestrians from asserting that the alicorn had been taking there for experimentation and had to be rescued, but the few who tried to breach the line were swiftly dealt with to deter others. If they tried to approach they would be stopped, "Sorry, no one is allowed in or out until the chaos agent is dealt with. Standard security procedure. Return to your quarters and await further instruction."

If they wanted to get in, they'd need to get creative.

(Briar & Brittle)

While those in the agricultural and research sectors were already familiar with Briar's strange appearance, not everyone on the Project were familiar with him. And so, once he left the agricultural sector for the security sector, he was spotted by a group of ponies who cried out, "That must be the agent! We caught it outside of it's disguise! We have to capture it before it can trick anyone else!"

Luckily, he had enough distance that he could move to flee if he chose, or he could chose to try and subdue the duo by himself.

Given the state of things, he may not be safe in assuming that the security officials wouldn't make the same mistake.

(Blitz)

Silver looked a mess, tearing apart her office looking for something, so absorbed she was that she didn't notice Blitz's presence at first, but if Blitz got close enough Silver would spin to notice her, "Oh! Sorry, just... looking for something. Say... when you saw Plein earlier, was she wearing her necklace?"

Blitz would not remember Plein wearing a necklace, in fact she couldn't remember Plein ever wearing a necklace, at least not this year.

Silver would sigh, "Hopefully she's close to it, or would go to it in this case. I just need to-"

She shoved another stack of papers over and found a necklace, similar to Plein's, "Here it is. Here, Blitz, I need you to..." She stopped herself, "No, I need to do this myself. Now of all times... she needs to know that she is more important."

She looked over at Blitz again, "I'm going to get my daughter and make sure she's safe. I need you to stay here and make sure no one, no one, takes anything out of this room while I'm gone. Use anything at your disposal to keep this room and its contents safe. Can you do that for me?"

Once she got the confirmation Silver would put the necklace on, and with a flash of her horn she would disappear.

(As a bonus, some characters of my own)

(Play Write)

Acting Consul Play Write, though he still referred to himself as Vice-Consul out of respect to the Consul who was MIA since the Æther left, was in his office when the announcements happened, causing him to rub his forehead in a rare show of annoyance. His assistant entered his office soon after, "Sir? What are we going to do?"

He sighed, cursing under his breath, just loud enough for his assistant to hear, which was uncharacteristic of him, enough for her to ask, "Sir?"

He waved her off, "I'm fine, but everything out there isn't. I've no doubt that there's a real, light from the stars alicorn on the Project, and Apollo handled it in the worst possible way." He cursed again, "These Equestrians! So loyal to their alicorns, willing to do anything for them, to do anything they tell them to do. It's like they lose all sense when presented with one. And Apollo went and tried to hurt one."

He took a deep breath, steeling himself, "Call a meeting. Everyone still sane and loyal to Troy, secure the largest amphitheater and have them all gather there. I'll give more instructions there."

He opened a drawer in his desk, pulling out the silver and gold laurel that represented his station as the Acting-Consul, placing it on his head.

"It's time Troy took the Project back."

(Fury)

In his secret room on the Project, Nicola 'Fury' Tesla Tower Shield reviewed the standing on the board, several pieces had just been knocked out of place by a sudden spin by a griffon shaped piece. "Such a fool Apollo is. He was supposed to inspire a cold fury, revenge, but instead the whole project is alight with blind rage, actual discord. If things do not cool down soon, we will be in serious trouble."

He sighed, turning to a switch on the wall, it was not labeled, but he knew what it did. "We can't risk exiting the cycle until this is resolved. HE will surely stop pretending to ignore us if we prove his point."

He flipped the switch, all there was left to do was wait.

(Red)

Red had been loitering out of sight when the announcements happened, which upon hearing the response among the Equestrians gave her an idea, "Well, if they're so desperate for an alicorn, why not give them what they want?" In a flash of fire she transformed herself into an alicorn, red and black being her primary colors, and she stepped into the open, "Don't be afraid. It is true, I am here. Apollo tried to kill me before I could save you from his control. I need your help to destroy him, and this project, so you can all go back to the lives you were stolen from."

The Equestrians nearby accepted her words without question, immediately flocking to her and asking how they could help, what they could do.

Red smiled.

Starforce · October 16, 2022

@Blitz Boom @Illiad Easle

Spiral would look to Last and General Quarters. "The alicorn is a mere child. She isn't an idol to be worshipped so readily. She isn't even awake, nor aware of our presence. She is blind, and is likely very frail and damaged from her unfortunate situation down below. What we need to do here is take control of the project and appeal to the better nature of everyone onboard." she said.

"I know you all take your customs seriously and I respect that, but we are going to have to take unorthodox methods if we are to have any hope in victory here. Or else we will just be what the others are. Loyal to their customs, yet blind to the results of where that leads. Blind loyalty will destroy you." she said, her eyes serious and flaming with determination.

"Besides - if all of you know the story of how the three tribes bound together against the Windigoes - who is to say all of us on board can't do the same against Discord? We are only proving his point here, by continuing to engage in combat foolishly." she said and acknowledged the General's statement's. "I am not going to be killing anyone today, not if I can help it. Apollo's reign is already flying apart already, so even his death may not be enough to satisfy the masses." she snorted, just in time to look at the Equestrians that charged upon them.

Spiral's horn would glow black, and black tendrils would extend themselves and take large swipes at the attacking ponies to knock themselves off their hooves. "Get a hold of yourselves, and shape up! This isn't about the alicorn, this isn't about any of your petty quarrels. It's about the safety of everyone aboard." she said, continuing to knock the ponies about and demanding that they stand down.

(Merlot)

Merlot would smirk casually to him and strike up a casual lean on the wall while looking at him with a knowing grin. "What if I believe neither? It's probably just a whole charade one way or another to get everyone up in a frenzy. It's best we remain calm, but we should go to the hanger. If this Project happens to go crashing and burning due to infighting - I'd wager that I myself am not willing to burn along with it. I'll offer you this - due to the fighting on this ship, the two of us should go to the hangar and wait it out and not get involved." she said to him calmly and extended a hoof.

(Maud and Trixie)

The two of them weren't willing to take no for an answer. Trixie's horn would light up and with her illusionary magic, would aim to distract the guards with powerful light magic while Maud would step back and run towards the door, to attempt to break the door open with her powerful Earth pony strength. She was a lot stronger than your normal pony was, that was for sure.

Blitz Boom · October 17, 2022

@Illiad Easle @Props ValRoa

(Main Group)

On 2022-10-16 at 5:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

While Last had never worked with General Akli, or General Hightower as he had been called before he chose to reveal himself as a changeling, she had heard of him. He had served as the commander of the Pericles, the precursor to the Æther Project, and under his command the Pericles was instrumental in winning the Summer War. Even after the Pericles had been downed by the Reindeer's secret weapon he had continued fighting, managing to down Equestria's flagship, the Solar Flare. He had been captured alive by the reindeer and tortured for an extended period until the war officially ended, at which point he was released.

General Akli is highly regarded as a war hero by the Trojans, but he is also old, old enough that he had actually retired before the Æther Project set off, but he returned to active duty in order to maintain order.

Her knowing about him, did not make Akli any less of a traitor in her mind. In fact, it just made her view him worse, as he were a well regarded war hero. Yet at the same time, here he had had been, willing to toss an innocent filly out to die. She didn't know what had caused him to be so callus and cruel, but whatever the reason, he were past his prime, in both years and mind it seemed, if he were willing to obey this order.

Sure her and those she came from, had done morally questionably things in their time, but they still had codes of honor, and the contingency plan, of revolting against their princess, if she went that far. To them, it were better that she died, remembered for all the good she had done, than live, and be tarnished by what she had ended up becoming. Her mind on Akli were much the same currently.

On 2022-10-16 at 5:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

The guards with them, including General Quarters, looked disturbed by Spiral's revelation as to the nature and origin of the alicorn, One of the guards spoke up, "Wait, so Apollo might have been... right? In considering her a threat?"

The other guard sat down, looking especially concerned, "Were we so desperate for an alicorn, that we put the whole Project at risk? I mean, you're right. We didn't know anything about this alicorn, yet we were ready to do anything for her..."

General Quarters shook his head, "Apollo couldn't have known this either, so the fact remains that he wanted this alicorn removed before there was any hint of danger, because he feels threatened by her presence. That alone is cause enough for his removal. Removal. I will not, cannot, authorize you to kill him. Not if he can be brought into custody and tried for his crime." He turned towards Last, "And I can't allow you to kill General Akli. Regardless of how you see him, he is well respected among the residents of the Project. Killing him could cause irreparable damage."

On 2022-10-16 at 6:52 AM, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral would look to Last and General Quarters. "The alicorn is a mere child. She isn't an idol to be worshipped so readily. She isn't even awake, nor aware of our presence. She is blind, and is likely very frail and damaged from her unfortunate situation down below. What we need to do here is take control of the project and appeal to the better nature of everyone onboard." she said.

"I know you all take your customs seriously and I respect that, but we are going to have to take unorthodox methods if we are to have any hope in victory here. Or else we will just be what the others are. Loyal to their customs, yet blind to the results of where that leads. Blind loyalty will destroy you." she said, her eyes serious and flaming with determination.

"I don't answer to your authority, if you would defend someone willing to kill a filly, with no reason. Apollo deserves death, and if you care about Akli, then you'd give him the honor of death, before he tarnish his own legacy."

Last's words were as cold and hard as the look in her eye, as she glared right back at this one, who thought that she would actually ask for his permission to kill someone. What a laughable suggestion. She did not ask for permission, to do what were right, by those who didn't have the spine to do it themselves.

"They deserve punishment, and I don't trust that you will make them face consequences, that fits with their crimes.

But I will trust her, and if she asks for lenience too, then fine, I will stay my blade. Yet if it comes down to her, or them, and they are not giving me a choice, you know where I stand."

Last would look away from Quarters, and keep her sword in its scabbard, her knives in her armor, and the blade on her back, right where it were, whilst giving a glance towards Spiral.

Spiral had earned her respect, and thus, some degree of trust. If she felt this were the right way, then fine, Last would harm, but not with the intend to kill, lest there were no other options. Though she couldn't ask Last, to not hold Nexus on a high pedestal, near an idolizing state. Every fiber in Last's being, screamed to fight for the alicorn, and if Spiral understood anything, of the story that she had shared, she would know better, than expect Last, to simply look at Nexus, as a mere pony. She just couldn't.

She'd defend the alicorn with her life, and if ancestors forbid, she turned out to be a grave danger, to all of the survivors... No, she didn't want to think about that. Refused to.

On 2022-10-16 at 5:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

General Quarters would lead the way through the pipeworks, but it was clear that he was unfamiliar with its layout. Before they could get to a safe room they were spotted by a group of ponies, "There she is! Security got her! We have to free her!"

They would be charged by a group of Equestrians, an Earth pony, a pegasus, and a unicorn. They weren't trained fighters by any means, but they would attack viciously in their attempt to 'free' the alicorn from her 'captors'.

On 2022-10-16 at 6:52 AM, Spiral Spell said:

Spiral's horn would glow black, and black tendrils would extend themselves and take large swipes at the attacking ponies to knock themselves off their hooves. "Get a hold of yourselves, and shape up! This isn't about the alicorn, this isn't about any of your petty quarrels. It's about the safety of everyone aboard." she said, continuing to knock the ponies about and demanding that they stand down.

Last would keep her word, and not draw her blade, as the ponies charged in, trying to get to the alicorn. She'd even stand by, as Spiral defended Nexus in her own way. Yet if any of the ponies did not stay down from that, and still tried getting closer, she'd knock them out. She knew where to hit, to knock someone unconscious, with a single blow. And untrained civilians like this? Simple business. They'd wake up with a severe headache later, but they'd live.

Yet she'd try adding her own words. If these had perhaps come from Equestria, they might know enough of her kind, due to them mingling for a bit, to know her words as ringing familiarly.

"In the name of the Night Throne, stand down, or be broken."

Even when trying to mingle, the former Shrine Maidens, had still been intense loyalists, and those who had joined the guard, or were self-imposed town protectors, of some kind, invoked the night throne often, in their response to threats. As well as general threats, about breaking others, or wanting to cause them harm. And the intensity of said messages, tended to make sure that they left an impression. And not one, that made others think they were joking around.

Hadn't made them popular, but folks had sure been happy to beg of their help, once the world started to burn around them.

Maybe not the most diplomatic thing, but she wasn't a diplomat either. She were a fanatic, and a warrior. Being kind and reasonable, weren't part of her repertoire.

(Briar and Brittle)

On 2022-10-16 at 5:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

"That must be the agent! We caught it outside of it's disguise! We have to capture it before it can trick anyone else!"

Ah yes... He hadn't considered that in the frenzy, anyone who looked somewhat unnatural, would be marked as the potential trouble on the ship... This were going to complicate things.

Now, he could easily knock these two out. A quick jab of his vines, in the right place, and they'd be out cold. However, he were trying not to end up making things worse, and if anyone saw him knock out others such as that, it were definitely not going to help his case. As such, he elected to run. Emotions were high, and thus, it did not seem like they'd be open for simply chatting this out between them.

Hopefully, he would run into some who knew him, rather than more groups like this, who did not. It wouldn't be easy for him to help, if he were chased around, and he'd much prefer not to end up having to harm others, if it could be helped.

(Blitz)

On 2022-10-16 at 5:43 AM, Illiad Easle said:

She shoved another stack of papers over and found a necklace, similar to Plein's, "Here it is. Here, Blitz, I need you to..." She stopped herself, "No, I need to do this myself. Now of all times... she needs to know that she is more important."

She looked over at Blitz again, "I'm going to get my daughter and make sure she's safe. I need you to stay here and make sure no one, no one, takes anything out of this room while I'm gone. Use anything at your disposal to keep this room and its contents safe. Can you do that for me?"

Once she got the confirmation Silver would put the necklace on, and with a flash of her horn she would disappear.

Blitz barely had the time to respond to anything. Silver were all up in a tip, and were asking in to things with necklaces and stuff. Blitz couldn't remember a necklace, which she also said, but the next time she had the chance to say something, were just confirming that she'd for sure be able to keep this place safe, and then Silver left.

"Keep this place safe, and use anything at my disposal?"

A manic grin, crept over Blitz face, and her horn glowed intensely, as multiple things began to float around her.

It would take a grand total of 3 minutes, and 11 seconds, before she had both an explosive strong enough to pulverize one of the walls, and a few foam bombs, that'd work to engulf those who got hit by it, and incapacitating them, in a thick coat, of hardened *foam*. And this were just the start.

Fast? perhaps, but Blitz had always been a virtuose, when it came to making things explode, and her getting older, had not made her any less efficient about it. If anything, it had just worked to sharpen her mind, and getting things streamlined into plans and how to execute them, that much faster.

*Use anything as your disposal*, were words that Silver were going to regret. One did not simply remove all restraints from Blitz Boom, encourage her to be creative with defenses, and then just end up with a few trip wires.

Illiad Easle · October 18, 2022

@Blitz Boom @Props ValRoa

(Spiral & Last)

On 2022-10-17 at 11:53 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I don't answer to your authority, if you would defend someone willing to kill a filly, with no reason. Apollo deserves death, and if you care about Akli, then you'd give him the honor of death, before he tarnish his own legacy."

General Quarter's expression hardened, "I don't know where you come from, but neither Equestria nor Troy believes in honor killing. And if you want my protection, you will answer to my authority."

Their discussion was cut short by their ambush by the Equestrians.

On 2022-10-15 at 10:52 PM, Spiral Spell said:

"Get a hold of yourselves, and shape up! This isn't about the alicorn, this isn't about any of your petty quarrels. It's about the safety of everyone aboard."

(Not the best choice of words, as that's the exact reasoning that went in to General Akli agreeing to remove the alicorn from the ship: the safety of everyone aboard.)

The Equestrians did not back down in response to Spiral nor Last's words, as they did not recognize the meaning of the Night Throne and they took Spiral's words to mean that the alicorn was being removed for everyone's safety.

Still though, between the five of them they'd be able to hold off the Equestrians well enough, but the jostling and shouting was enough to stir the alicorn awake. She spoke an unknown language (As Spiral only knows written Unique, and not spoken Unique) but it was clear from her tone that she was scared and confused.

There was a flash from her horn, like a camera flash, that didn't seem to have an effect on anything, but the alicorn seemed more fearful afterward. With her magic she gripped everyone in the area, held them still for a moment, then violently shoved anyone who was not a unicorn down the length of the passage, leaving Spiral with one of the guards who had been with General Quarters and one of the Equestrian 'rescuers'. All the others, including Last and the General, were thrown.

The alicorn let go of the remaining unicorns, having discovered her own wings. She started to cry as she pulled on them, not trying to remove them, but not fully coming to grips with the fact that they were part of her. It was obvious though that she was disturbed by their presence. She cried out more in the unknown language.

Both of the remaining unicorns looked to Spiral, "Do... do you know what she's saying?"

Last and the other ponies thrown would suffer damage from being thrown, and would be a good distance away from the alicorn. They would all be in a heap.

(Merlot)

Crank looked very unsure, but ultimately nodded, "Alright, but only because you can't fly off without me. At least, you can't fly our plane without me."

When they got to the hanger they'd encounter a similar scene to what Maud and Trixie saw at Research, namely a large group of guards baring entry. Only in the case of the hanger there weren't as many citizens trying to get in. They were also recognized by one of the guards as they approached. "Sorry you two, all craft are grounded until the agent is dealt with. Can't let them escape you see. Best if you went back to your quarters and waited for instructions."

(Trixie & Maud)

Trixie's magic worked... to draw more attention to themselves. The guards visors shielded them from most of the effects of the light magic, meaning that Maud's charge did not go unnoticed. Rather she got tackled by a trio of guards, and another pair moved to capture Trixie as well, but they were stopped when Dr. Conegher stepped out. The guards calling out, "Dr. You need to stay in your quarters where it's safe."

He shook his head, "Let those two through, I called for them."

The guards begrudgingly let the two mares go, "If you say so, don't cause any trouble."

Dr. Conegher motioned for them to follow as he led the way into what were presumably his office, many of the diagrams on the wall dedicated to what looked like a mechanical deer, as well as something called Prototype VIP. "Things have gotten very complicated. You would do well not to complicate things further by antagonizing the guards."

He took a seat and turned to face them, "So, what information do you have for me? Did you find someone you think can unite everyone and replace Apollo? Because it looks like we'll need a replacement sooner rather than later."

(Briar)

As luck would have it, he would run into Wildebeast, quite literally, as he turned a corner. The older earth pony emerging unscathed from the collision. "Briar? What's got you running in such a hurry? Is everything alright with the little one?"

The ponies chasing him would soon catch up, but they would slow down when they saw Wildebeast with him, "He's going after Wildebeast!"

"Stop." Wildebeast turned towards the ponies, "Briar here isn't going after anyone you hear? He's the reason we've had such good food lately, at least in terms of vegetables. He's no danger to anyone here, and you'd do well to tell all your friends to lave him alone."

He turned back to Briar, "So, are they all that's got you running? I'd have thought with the announcement you'd be in your room with the little one."

(Blitz)

Despite her preparations, there didn't seem to be anything trying to get into the room. Had Silver given her this task just to keep her busy? And away from everything that was happening?

Blitz would also take notice that everything Silver was working on was out for her to look at, if she wanted to. Given the state of the place after Silver had torn it apart looking for the necklace, she probably wouldn't even notice if Blitz decided to look through the papers.

(More bonus actions!)

(Play Write)

The loyal Trojans gathered quickly, many of them had been headed towards Play's office after the announcement, so they were easy to divert to the theater as well as enlisting them to gather others. In total, a full fifth of the Project were gathered to listen to Play's speech.

"My fellow Trojans, and those who would call themselves Trojans. For too long I have sat back and let Apollo lead the Project, neglecting my post out of honor reverence for our missing Consul. As much as I wish that I could continue wait, the time is at hoof for decisive action."

"As we seem to find ourselves at war, our Consul indisposed, and our culture in imminent threat. I propose that I be elected as Consul, if it be agreeable to those gathered, and assume control of the Project."

Another pony approached the stand, "All in favor of the proposed action?"

There were several "Aye"

"All opposed?"

There were only a few "Nay"

The pony nodded, "The Ayes have it. By the power bestowed by those gathered, until such time as a full election can be held, Play Write of Deltrot is hereby accepted as the Consul of Troy and its protectorates. Answerable to all who would rightly call themselves Trojans."

Play, now Consul Write, returned to the stand. "The time is at hoof, as it was over a thousand years ago, to stand up and depose tyrants. Go, collect your shields and weapons, then return here for assignments."

He turned to the other who had joined him on the stand,

"Go get General Akli, tell him the Consul has need of him."

(Red)

Red had managed to gather a small collection of followers, a few dozen willing to do her every whim. While they would be sufficient to disable the generators keeping the Project afloat, she decided to take a moment and enjoy the attention, indulge in a few luxuries that she previously had to avoid and steal. At the moment enjoying a peaceful nap on some very comfortable pillows while guarded and fawned over by her acolytes.

Edited October 19, 2022 by Illiad Easle
Added bonus actions

Starforce · October 19, 2022

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

(Spiral and Last)

Spiral would watch as the non-unicorns were thrown away into a heap and would look to them as they asked her what she was saying. Spiral had an idea how to communicate with Nexus in unique, at least partially. "All of you calm down, and let me handle this. Do not interfere." she said, her eyes looking to them all with a serious look, and then looked to Nexus. With her magic, Spiral form a telepathic and mental communication with Nexus.

"Calm down, Nexus. You are safe. I am here with you and you will stay safe with me as long as I am at your side. The others here mean no harm to you and I will make sure no harm comes." she spoke to her, mentally.

For added measure, Spiral would voice the words over in normal language just incase Nexus understood their language. "It is paramount that we do not upset her. She is an alicorn, and has a massive amount of magic, even as a filly. We must keep her safe, but we must also not startle her." she said, gesturing down the hall towards where the remaining ponies had ended up.

(Merlot Cloud)

"We would like to take shelter within the hanger. If you wish, you can take watch of us. I believe it's important that we stay in the hanger incase anything happens to where we need to evacuate ourselves away. You wouldn't want us to end up in a situation to where pilots are needed, and then have to wait for them to arrive from elsewhere, would you?" Merlot asked the guards calmly. She wasn't going to take no for an answer here, but was trying to be diplomatic.

(Maud and Trixie)

After Maud was tackled by the guards, she would offer no resistance to them. Trixie would also have been attempting to avoid the guards at the time Dr. Conegher. When he had revealed himself and the guards would back off from Maud and Trixie, the two of them would have apologized to the guards for the trouble. Then they would follow into the office, while looking around somewhat. Trixie's eyes settled on the mechanical deer.

"Trixie would like to know what that is." she said, pointing her hoof towards the deer. Obviously she was keeping up somewhat of her stage persona. That was only because she wanted to add a bit of a light heartedness to the seriousness that was going on.

Maud however, was completely serious. "For the time being - that would be me. I have no other option. Spiral might want such a position, but I haven't heard from her in a long time. She hasn't been seen ever since she departed to the surface." she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It is paramount that the fighting aboard this vessel must be minimal. I believe Equestrians hold too much reverence in their leadership to be easily swayed by the mere mention of them, but the other factions also hold too much loyalty to their ways as well. We must teach them that this way of thinking will only lead to oblivion to all of us." her eyes were stone cold.

Maud wasn't who she was before all of this started. Her emotions have had long enough to grow and develop. But that stoic gaze and seriousness of her word was what remained above all else. Trixie kept silent, and knew well enough to stay silent whenever Maud was speaking.

Blitz Boom · October 20, 2022

@Illiad Easle @Props ValRoa

On 2022-10-18 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

General Quarter's expression hardened, "I don't know where you come from, but neither Equestria nor Troy believes in honor killing. And if you want my protection, you will answer to my authority."

Their discussion was cut short by their ambush by the Equestrians.

Last's gaze did not falter, no matter how much the general were likely used to others folding. She did not look away that easily. And especially not towards someone, that she had less and less respect for, the more he opened his mouth, and made it clear, that he did not listen to a single word that she had been saying. Or at least had refused to listen to it correctly.

She did not advocate honor killing. She had advocated that if he cared about Akli's reputation that much, he should end him, before he caused irreparable damage to said reputation. How would it work with the masses he seemed so eager to please, if Akli went from a venerated war hero, to a pariah, because he had gone so far off the deep end, that he started to hurt and kill those, he had been sworn to protect? It were better for him, and others, if he died with dignity, rather than be left to tarnish his legacy.

That were not an honor killing to her, as this were not about some supposed honor to his family, or something meager like that. It were about protecting others. If he truly had an ounce of the war hero, that others venerated that much, left in him, then it were a mercy, to end things before he lived long enough, to become just another monster.

But of course, the general here, did not have it in him, to even consider that. Just like Equestrians didn't, and never had. If they did, there would never have been a need for those like her, and Last would likely never have been born.

She outta smack some sense into him, but first off, they were busy. The timing of the civilians, cut the other part of her explanation short - which were very annoying - and then as she were about to smack them down, Nexus would erupt, for a lack of a better term, and toss her, and the other non-horned ones, down the hallway.

On 2022-10-18 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

There was a flash from her horn, like a camera flash, that didn't seem to have an effect on anything, but the alicorn seemed more fearful afterward. With her magic she gripped everyone in the area, held them still for a moment, then violently shoved anyone who was not a unicorn down the length of the passage, leaving Spiral with one of the guards who had been with General Quarters and one of the Equestrian 'rescuers'. All the others, including Last and the General, were thrown.

Last - in her infinite luck - had ended up at the bottom of the pile, after having been grazed by the wall first Far as she could feel, she had some scratches down her legs, and one puncture near her thig, trickling a minor amount of blood, from impacting various things on the group. A scratch on her forehead, several future bruises, and some swelling inside of her armor, on the left side.

So basically, she were fine, and as such, rose up, pushing the others around her aside. She had been more hurt, and still fighting. This were nothing that she couldn't work through, and then the medical team could scream at her later again. Weren't gonna be the first time, and at least so far, she weren't covered in blood, nor about to spill something, that should definitely stay inside. Which might have happened to someone, had her sword not been in its scabbard. Lucky them, that they'd at best, get a bruise from having the hilt ram into their sides.

On 2022-10-19 at 6:24 AM, Maud Pie said:

For added measure, Spiral would voice the words over in normal language just incase Nexus understood their language. "It is paramount that we do not upset her. She is an alicorn, and has a massive amount of magic, even as a filly. We must keep her safe, but we must also not startle her." she said, gesturing down the hall towards where the remaining ponies had ended up.

Last had not seen the first part, as she were tossed out, where Nexus had clutched at her wings, but she heard Spiral's words. And with the context of what had happened before, she would halt, about two meters from them, and stand still, and silent. Something were happening with Spiral too, as she used her magic in some way, though to what end... Last trusted the mare somewhat, but it did make her a little tense to see, how it were used on the filly, since she did not know what this were. Hopefully just some sort of calming spell.

(Briar)

A sigh of relief escaped Briar, once Wildebeast and him got past their forceful encounter, and the former cleared up things, for the random group who had briefly been thinking he were now attacking Wildebeast.

"Earth Mother bless you, for your timely arrival, my friend. I sought to help, but had forgotten how rather unknown I am to the general populace, and how the heightened emotions, might make some react. I thought it wiser to run, than to harm those who were simply confused.

As for what I am doing... As mentioned, I wish to help. Due to my lack of sight, visual illusions, does not trick me, and as my senses are rather high too, I find that I have a better than normal chance, of finding flaws in perception. And I have found that from my previous encounters with some, alicorns have an odd smell to them. Very vague and hard to explain, but it is something I have bitten note in before, I thought that perhaps, if I found the one the messages spoke off, I could tell if there were trickery ahoof, and we could perhaps avoid too much chaos, as that will only lead to harm.

But it is not safe for Brittle here. I have her hunker down in our room, with the door blocked and locked. She should be safe, guarding the sacred seed, away from all of these issues.

What of you? What brings you to the streets, so to speak?"

(Blitz)

On 2022-10-18 at 11:12 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Despite her preparations, there didn't seem to be anything trying to get into the room. Had Silver given her this task just to keep her busy? And away from everything that was happening?

Blitz would also take notice that everything Silver was working on was out for her to look at, if she wanted to. Given the state of the place after Silver had torn it apart looking for the necklace, she probably wouldn't even notice if Blitz decided to look through the papers.

If she had just tried to keep Blitz away from things, it were so far working, but there would still come a time, when things would boil over, and she'd end up in the midst of things. At least she were sure of it, so she kept making more fun stuff! Including a variation of a cannon with some goo in it, that she had seen her brother use before. The goo she made, were not as good as what he could do, but she still had good materials, and with a bit of ingenuity, it would still prove the same kind of thing: A weapon with a limited tank, able to fire off a green liquid, that would begin to turn to tough gel, once it connected with air and body heat.

Molotov had used something like this for both shutting off fire - as the goo were effective at that, and would biodegrade after a few hours - and to trap annoyances, as it were hard to move around in a block of jello. It did degrade with spit though, so that were good. No chance of it making someone gag on it, if they got shot in the face. That'd be nasty.

As she were making the third of those, and stacking it on a nearby table, she'd bite note in the paperwork, and go over to look at that. She could read and use her horn at the same time. Not so much when she were younger, and first got on board, but time had made her better able to focus, for the better of her. And for the worse of those, who wanted to limit her impact.

Anyway, nothing going on here, beyond her making some fun things, and not setting fire to everything, so... Might as well go and see what sorta stuff that Silver were working on. Maybe it were some sorta prototype, and she could inform Silver of a way to make it work? Then she'd definitely let Blitz partake in aaaaaaaall sorts of things here, and she could really be allowed to flourish, instead of doing manor projects, and making explosive charges for the fighters.

She did have one thing she wanted to try there too, currently wrapped around her leg. She hadn't had access to all the things she needed to get it done normally, but now? Now she were free, so she could make use of this. And it were a fun one. It would charge up on kinetic energy, as she moved around, and then if she pointed it towards something, and clutched her muscles right, she could fire off a blast wave, that would either push folks away a fair bit, if they got hit by the hoof-sized, long range *projectile*, or be stunned. She weren't entirely sure. She had used it once in here, at half charge, and it had slammed a desk into a wall. So it did do something at least.

She weren't too good at the combat stuff though, but it were an interesting prototype, that maybe she'd find someone that could use right, sooner or later. The straps on her leg were adjustable, so it were possible. Though done right, or it might set your leg on fire. It could also use some refinement, to make for better energy conversion, and custom made sleeving, more or less, but it were a fine start.

How she had time to make this, when she also did traps, explosives, and those guns? Pff, as if she could just do one thing at a time. Especially when she knew ho to make something. Really easy to assemble something when she knew just how to do it. It were new stuff that took time and effort.

Illiad Easle · October 20, 2022

@Blitz Boom @Props ValRoa

(Last)

Between the pummeling by Last and the other guards, and being thrown down the hall by the alicorn, the Equestrians who had attacked them were all unconscious, the pegasus clearly had a broken wing from having another pony land on it, and it looked like the earth pony might have a broken leg.

General Quarters was still conscious, but when her tried to get up it was apparent that one of his forelegs was broken, he sucked in a breath through gritted teeth, "That's not good, took us by surprise she did."

He started splinting his leg, using his combat knife as a brace, the other guard helping get it tight enough, and offering support so the General could stand, "We're close to the safe room anyway, I'll lead the rest of the way once the alicorn is ready to move, assuming she allows us to be close to her."

There was a bit of fear in their eyes now when they talked about the alicorn.

The metal floor would announce Last's presence long before she got within five meters of the alicorn, and the alicorn would put up a shield at the four meter mark to keep anyone not already near her from approaching.

(Spiral)

The alicorn calmed a bit when she heard Spiral speaking in her mind, there was a bit of silence before she responded, this time not trying to speak, "Why can't I see? Where are we? Where is my mother? Why are flappers and dirt ponies here?"

(Merlot)

The guard sighed, "I guess that makes sense, but no funny business alright? I get so much as a whiff of anything problematic, I'll throw you off the Project myself."

That said he stood aside to let Merlot and Crank through. The hanger itself was empty of ponies, the crafts simply sitting as they had been left. Crank turned to Merlot, "So, what now?"

(Maud and Trixie)

On 2022-10-18 at 10:24 PM, Maud Pie said:

"Trixie would like to know what that is." she said, pointing her hoof towards the deer.

Dr. Conegher spared a glance at where Trixie was pointing, "Oh? That's an old project, something I did to help a little fawn back in West Cervidas. She contracted a disease that will eventually consume her whole body, so I designed a sort of full-body prosthetic that could be installed at the same rate as the disease. She didn't make it on to the Project unfortunately."

On 2022-10-18 at 10:24 PM, Maud Pie said:

"It is paramount that the fighting aboard this vessel must be minimal. I believe Equestrians hold too much reverence in their leadership to be easily swayed by the mere mention of them, but the other factions also hold too much loyalty to their ways as well. We must teach them that this way of thinking will only lead to oblivion to all of us." her eyes were stone cold.

Dr. Conegher sighed, "I'm sure you'd do well with the Equestrians, but you're unknown to the other factions, I don't think they'd take much liking to being led by someone they don't know. Still, it's far too late now to find someone else, hopefully we'll be able to stand you up in the interim, bring the factions to the table and discuss a suitable replacement. That said, we'll have to keep you safe until it's time to move you to the bridge to take command. You may as well make yourselves comfortable, it could take a bit to-"

There was a knock at the door, then a paper was passed under it. Dr. Conegher retrieved it with his magic and read it, "...Rot. It would seem another contender has stood to take your place. Play Write, the former Vice-Consul of Troy, who served as the Acting Consul since Consul Easle's disappearance, has finally decided to stand up and be Consul."

(Briar)

Wildebeast looked relieved to hear that Brittle was safe, "Well that's right noble of you, how about I escort you to the guards and see if they'll be able to make use of you in an official capacity, rather than having you go off on your own."

He'd start leading the way when asked why he was down there, "Well, I do have an official room here on the Project, even though I prefer to spend most my nights up with the trees, I was headed to my quarters like the announcement said to."

It didn't take long for them to get to the nearest guard checkpoint, the guard they approached already being familiar with Wildebeast, "You shouldn't be out here Wilde, it's not safe."

"I'm plenty able to defend myself, I've fought off worse than other ponies before."

"You were younger back then too."

"Still strong as ever. Anyway, this here is Briar, a plant pony who's been helping bolster our crops these past few months. He says he can see through disguises on account of being blind, he would be especially useful in finding the fake alicorn, or the real one, supposing there is one."

The guard looked thoughtful, "Well, we can use all the help we can get. I'll take him up to the top, see if they are willing to make use of him."

Wildebeast would bid farewell and the second guard would start leading, "So, how can you tell the difference? I'm Ensign Stripe by the way."

(Blitz)

Most of the papers that Silver had were benign, just notes on ideas and reports on inspections.

However, she soon found some older papers, hidden away in a corner, a binder marked Top Secret.

If Blitz looked inside the binder she'd find some designs, engines of war and destruction, all of them signed by Silver herself.

She'd only have a few minutes to look through it before Silver returned, running in on hoof with Plein in tow, the latter now wearing her necklace, potentially tripping whatever traps Blitz had set up.

(Play Write)

The newly minted Consul Write stood in the large gathering area that just a few days prior had been full of those tending to the wounded, now it was full of ponies donning armor they had not work in years, cleaning the dust off of shields and swords, preparing to take control by force.

He himself had put on his own armor, he had served in the Trojan military for a year just as every other Trojan citizen. It was the government's way of ensuring that every adult citizen had at least a basic knowledge of wilderness survival and combat ability, something that had come in handy during the crisis.

He was approached by General Akli, who was also now wearing his Trojan uniform, "Consul."

"General, I have reports of a red alicorn on the Project, can you elaborate."

"Yes sir, I... wait, did you say red?"

"That's what the reports say."

"Then we have two problems, the alicorn I was sent to capture was white."

Consul Write sighed, "So a real alicorn, and an imposter, likely a changeling. In fact, I think I know which changeling."

"Red"

"Indeed. She'll have to be neutralized at any cost, before she can amass enough followers to take everything down."

"It will be done."

"Try and keep it quiet, we don't want the civilians to get the wrong idea when you try and eliminate the imposter. Once she's dealt with, we can move to secure the real one."

Starforce · October 21, 2022

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

(Spiral)

"I don't know how to exactly quantify the situation to you, as it's a lot...but flappers and dirt ponies are with us because many many moons ago, the ponies got past their differences and became united. We are on an airship, think of it like a giant boat in the sky, and now everything went wrong because this ship has a lot of infighting and different groups fighting for control. The Equestrians, those who are of the flappers, dirt ponies, and unicorns like us all heavily revere those of your kind, who are alicorns. Equestria, as the land that was made up of the three races of ponies was ruled by two of your kind, until a being known as Discord came about, and destroyed them, as well as the entire world's order..." she sighed.

"I know you won't understand and I hope that I can help you understand, but the stakes are high currently...and your presence here has lit a match so to speak, the presence of an alicorn has caused these factions to come to a head and fight. If the fighting continues, everyone onboard may die and Discord may find us...but you can help us avoid that. I don't want anyone to fight anymore. I just want there to be peace aboard." she said.

"So please, let me help you."

(Merlot Cloud)

Merlot walked into the empty hanger and looked around. She shrugged as she looked to Crank. "We wait this situation out here. We can pass the time by finding something to talk about...if you want." she said as she slumped down by their aircraft, completely in view of any guards who were watching them. She was just sitting there.

(Maud and Trixie)

Trixie looked off to the mechanical deer. "Even if you didn't manage to save her, perhaps that method may be able to save others if anything like that happens in the future." she commented after Maud finished speaking, not wanting to interrupt Maud while she was talking.

Maud listened to his words intently, finding the idea of a contender for such a leadership position to be interesting. She smirked ever so slightly. "Well, I would like to meet him under neutral conditions. The two of us can lead together, and we can work together as one team. My long term plan for the future was to establish a system where no one group leads, but all lead together. The leaders of all the groups are a council, all equal to the other. It is best that the two of us establish a direct line of communication to avoid any un-needed conflict." she said to him.

"Wonder what Play Write would think of it. If I cannot lead alone, then I'll lead with others at my side." she added.

Blitz Boom · October 21, 2022

@Props ValRoa @Illiad Easle

(Main group)

11 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

General Quarters was still conscious, but when her tried to get up it was apparent that one of his forelegs was broken, he sucked in a breath through gritted teeth, "That's not good, took us by surprise she did."

He started splinting his leg, using his combat knife as a brace, the other guard helping get it tight enough, and offering support so the General could stand, "We're close to the safe room anyway, I'll lead the rest of the way once the alicorn is ready to move, assuming she allows us to be close to her."

Last looked at the general's leg, and cursed a little under her breath. This were going to be troublesome. They were in the midst of an area, in revolt, and now the one who were most likely to inspire the other civilians - or some of them at least - had a broken leg, effectively making him unable to fight, and in need of assistance. Until he were secured, she'd likely be the only one able to fight here, along with Spiral, but she too had one to protect, leaving Last as the only one with free mobility.

Although, moving around a bit, she felt a familiar, annoying feeling, that made her clench her teeth. The swelling on her side made a fair bit more sense now, as it appeared that she had been rattled around enough, to have one of her ribs bent. Likely from the unforeseen bash on the wall. Armor were all well and good, but sufficient force, and it were kinda like rattling around a rock in a soda can.

She'd fight through the pain, but it were likely to make her more ornery, as it were a consistent, annoying pain, that were definitely going to increase over the next few days. Urgh, she hated needing pain meds... Those things had a bad reputation, for becoming addictive to some, and though she trusted her own resolve, it still made her a bit paranoid about them.

Though she weren't about the alicorn. She had been scared of what were going on, seemingly, and had acted instinctively. Last saw no reason to be scared about that. More like irritated at herself, for not realizing that, and neutralizing the enemies first, before making more noise.

11 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

The metal floor would announce Last's presence long before she got within five meters of the alicorn, and the alicorn would put up a shield at the four meter mark to keep anyone not already near her from approaching.

When she were stopped, Last would just halt there instead. She still had full vision, and this shield seemed secure.. She were fine here, although Spiral still seemed to be doing something with the filly. She didn't know. That mental talk, weren't for her to hear, so all she could really do for now, were to watch.

==========================================================

(Briar)

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Wildebeast looked relieved to hear that Brittle was safe, "Well that's right noble of you, how about I escort you to the guards and see if they'll be able to make use of you in an official capacity, rather than having you go off on your own."

He'd start leading the way when asked why he was down there, "Well, I do have an official room here on the Project, even though I prefer to spend most my nights up with the trees, I was headed to my quarters like the announcement said to."

"I am not certain, if noble is the correct term. Rather, I just wish for chaos to not roam freely here. There is plenty enough of that out there. We do not need it here. Think of the amount of beings that might get hurt, if it did."

Briar did not consider himself heroic, or noble, in any sort of way. He thought this just something you did, if you were able, if you were a good being. And that at least, were something he strived to be, to the best of his abilities.

13 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

he guard looked thoughtful, "Well, we can use all the help we can get. I'll take him up to the top, see if they are willing to make use of him."

Wildebeast would bid farewell and the second guard would start leading, "So, how can you tell the difference? I'm Ensign Stripe by the way."

"Be safe out there, my friend. May the Earth Mother watch over you."

Briar would bow towards Wildebeast, before the pony would wander off, to tend to his own business. Hopefully he'd get through these things unscathed.

With that addressed, Briar would turn towards the one he had been lead to. He'd keep his teeth mostly concealed now though, and not smile as widely. Things were not good as it were. He did not need to take such risks now, during a time of unrest.

"Well met. Though I must correct Wildebeast some. I am blind yes, but it is not the reason for me being perceptive. Training, and natural affinity does. It is an ah... How do I put this... Predatory instinct, that comes with my variety of evergrown. Be not alarmed though. I do not hunt higher sentience beings. It's disturbing to even think about for me.

Regardless, to get back on topic: I have high senses, and visual illusions are not functional on me. Thus, I can bite note in misperceptions more than a regular pony. I have also been around alicorns before, however briefly, in my travels pre-crisis, and can attest to them having an oddity about them, that I do not think a pretender would think of. A smell, specifically. It is hard to explain though. Dry and flowery, with hints of sunlight, hitting fresh morning dew on tulips, and a hint of seasoned honey. It does not encompass it all, but it is a peculiar mixture, that is hard to ignore.

That said, I am not infallible. I can try and help, to the best of my abilities, but there will always be uncertainty. True shape shifters, who are well versed in their craft, can be troubling.

Ah yes, and my name. I am Briar Trapjaw. I regret we do not meet under better circumstances."

As he talked, he'd show something, to prove his blindness, by lifting his eyelids, showing the surface beneath, looking just like the rest of his face, albeit with shorter *fur*, as it were.

========================================================================

(Blitz)

Blitz did not think much about the weapon plans, and just stacked them up with the rest. This were war times, yes? Silver had to prepare for that. Made sense to her.

Yet soon after, said mare would return to the lab!

- Aaand trigger a foam bomb, which would puff the mixture right at her and Plein, covering them in the substance, whilst Blitz turned her armed hoof towards them, unaware of who they were at first.

"Intruders! Protect th- Oh hey the- Woah!"

She had noticed who they were, and turned her hoof away from them, but had invertedly, also shot off a blast, towards a point to the right of the two ponies. It were only around a fifth of charge, but it still hammered against it, and gave a mighty thwong sound, and made her stagger back some, falling into a pile of other stuff. A full charge, and she might have been shot right back towards the wall.

"Hehe. I forgot the recoil.

Good you're back! I kept the place all nice and safe. Don't go near the doors! All of them are armed. A lot."

Illiad Easle · October 21, 2022

@Props ValRoa @Blitz Boom

(Spiral)

The alicorn looked increasingly confused by what Spiral was saying, "No, that can't be true! Flappers and Dirt ponies are monsters who eat foals. My mother would never allow unicorns to be dirtied by working with them. No..."

She started to cry, then her expression hardened, "No! You- You're lying! You're rebels who stole me from my mother! You tried to turn me into a flapper and blinded me to hurt my mother! I have to get back to her, she'll be able to fix this."

"And my name isn't Nexus."

The remaining unicorns were blasted away with less warning than before, and the alicorn took off running, occasionally flashing a light, which seemed to be her way of using magic to determine where the walls were.

(Last)

The General winced when he saw the unicorns get the same treatment as him, "Buck, that's even worse." He sat down to rub his forehead, "Maybe we'll get lucky and she won't be able to find her way out of the pipeworks?" He shook his head, "I can't chase her like this, and even if I could, I'm not strong enough to capture an alicorn. I'll go to the safe room, and start gathering some support with the radio, see how many ponies we can get looking for her, and how many we can trust. Good luck."

With that the General knocked on what looked like a blank set of wall, and it swung open to reveal a room stocked with beds, food, medicine, and communication equipment. "Come back here if you need something."

(Merlot)

Crank would take a seat nearby, "Well, I guess a start is how do you think this will play out? I mean, an agent pretending to be an alicorn? I haven't seen an alicorn in a long time. I didn't think I'd ever see one again. Did you ever see one before?"

(Trixie & Maud)

16 hours ago, Maud Pie said:

"Even if you didn't manage to save her, perhaps that method may be able to save others if anything like that happens in the future."

Dr. Conegher shook his head, "No, I did save her, she just didn't make it on to the Project, for unrelated reasons. And I hope the technique is not needed again, that disease... she was the only one in her village who survived, and only because I arrived as soon as I did. A few more minutes and she'd have died with the rest of them."

He shuddered at the memory.

16 hours ago, Maud Pie said:

"Wonder what Play Write would think of it. If I cannot lead alone, then I'll lead with others at my side." she added.

Dr. Conegher looked thoughtful. "That... could work. Troy was previously ruled by a council elected by the different towns and cities that made up the Empire, I think they would be amicable to forming an official council to serve under a single elected leader. But you'll have to prove that you have the Equestrians behind you. Unfortunately now isn't the time to have a public forum. Have you done anything already to garner support for you among the Equestrians?"

(Briar)

The guard listened to what Briar had to say, and was unfazed by the revelations present in the discussion, "I can't say I ever met an alicorn before, but that sounds like a useful skill to have."

That said they arrived at the guard station just as General Akli did, he raised an eyebrow at Briar, "Ensign Stripe, why are you escorting this one here?"

The guard saluted, "Sir, this is Briar Trapjaw, an Evergrown, he says he might be able to help find the alicorn, real or fake."

General Akli thought for a moment before nodding. "We need all the help we can get. Follow me, I'll fill you in on what we know. Do you need any equipment?"

Once inside General Akli's office, Briar would be filled in on what the General knew and sworn to secrecy until the situation was resolved. Namely, that there were two alicorns on the Project. One was real, a small blind alicorn filly, and one imposter, a large red alicorn mare. They suspected that the imposter was a wanted changeling named Red taking advantage of the situation.

"Given your talents, you might have better luck finding the real alicorn. She was last seen in the pipeworks but there's no guarantee that she's still there. Hopefully your tracking ability will help you find her. I can assign some guards to assist you if you'd like?"

(Blitz)

While it may be true that they were in war times now, these documents were dated long before now, back when she signed things as Silver Studs and not Silver Easle. But if Blitz didn't notice the difference then she'd probably not give them a second glance.

Silver wrapped herself around Plein to protect her from the foam as much as she could, and from any consequences of Blitz's misaimed shot. Once it was clear that no more danger was coming she let her filly go, but kept her close, "Is it safe to enter? This is the only door after all, or should we stay still for a bit until you can disarm the traps? You certainly work fast."

Starforce · October 22, 2022

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

(Spiral)

Spiral was blasted back before she could really do anything. She growled under her breathe. "Why is it that the alicorn we rescued just has to be a problem child..." she muttered under her breathe, and looked back to the others and sighed. "F-fall back to the others, we can't follow her on our own..." she admitted to the others, and got up slowly, before running back to where Last and Quarters were. They needed backup if they were going to successfully capture the alicorn filly.

Hopefully she wouldn't hurt herself.

(Merlot)

Merlot sighs at Crank's question as she thinks. "Truth be told, I don't really care what it is and what it isn't. All I know is that it's gotten everyone into a frenzy we may end up dying because nobody can calm down and find a way to come to a solution to the problem." she stated calmly.

(Maud and Trixie)

Quote

Dr. Conegher shook his head, "No, I did save her, she just didn't make it on to the Project, for unrelated reasons. And I hope the technique is not needed again, that disease... she was the only one in her village who survived, and only because I arrived as soon as I did. A few more minutes and she'd have died with the rest of them."

He shuddered at the memory.

"You saved her and that's what matters. I don't know of anyone else who managed to do something quite like that." Trixie stated. "I wonder what other sorts of things you have invented in the past here." Trixie added.

Quote

Dr. Conegher looked thoughtful. "That... could work. Troy was previously ruled by a council elected by the different towns and cities that made up the Empire, I think they would be amicable to forming an official council to serve under a single elected leader. But you'll have to prove that you have the Equestrians behind you. Unfortunately now isn't the time to have a public forum. Have you done anything already to garner support for you among the Equestrians?"

Maud nodded. "By this point I'd say I am known for who I am. The sister of one of the Elements of Harmony. I've talked to them about my ideas of a council. Some liked it, some didn't, as usual. I am not sure what else to really say on that. I want to convince everyone that these types of conflicts will only destroy everyone and nobody will be left standing by the end. If some radical group gets control, they'll likely destabilize affairs, leading to destruction one way or the other, no matter what they think. It is that we must teach." her eyes were calm.

Blitz Boom · October 24, 2022

@Props ValRoa @Illiad Easle

(Main group)

On 2022-10-21 at 10:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The General winced when he saw the unicorns get the same treatment as him, "Buck, that's even worse." He sat down to rub his forehead, "Maybe we'll get lucky and she won't be able to find her way out of the pipeworks?" He shook his head, "I can't chase her like this, and even if I could, I'm not strong enough to capture an alicorn. I'll go to the safe room, and start gathering some support with the radio, see how many ponies we can get looking for her, and how many we can trust. Good luck."

With that the General knocked on what looked like a blank set of wall, and it swung open to reveal a room stocked with beds, food, medicine, and communication equipment. "Come back here if you need something."

Last would know what the communication devices did, and would quickly swoop in, to grab one. She figured she'd need one, to at the very least update of their success, or failure, in getting hold of Nexus.

And yes, normally, tech confused her, and she figured it were simpler to smash, but this one she had been taught to use, on other outings before, and she could see the benefit in it. So she'd at least grasp this one. More than could be said about the coffee maker. That thing were evil, and it and her, did not get along.

"I'm giving chase. Non-lethal force only, on any enemies."

If this did not tell him, that she would meet with him on his stance from before, at least for the time being, she did not know what would. Though if she were not given a choice, she'd do what she had to, and handle the consequences later.

However, she would not stay and say more, but would instead rush over to where Spiral stood, or would be, in case they met one another prior, to Spiral getting to the group. If the shield were still there, she'd use her sword to cut a hole in it. It were magic, this sword were anti-magic. It seemed to her, like it should be able to leave a hole big enough for her to crash through.

On 2022-10-22 at 7:43 AM, Maud Pie said:

Spiral was blasted back before she could really do anything. She growled under her breathe. "Why is it that the alicorn we rescued just has to be a problem child..." she muttered under her breathe, and looked back to the others and sighed. "F-fall back to the others, we can't follow her on our own..." she admitted to the others, and got up slowly, before running back to where Last and Quarters were. They needed backup if they were going to successfully capture the alicorn filly.

She'd gaze at Spiral, somewhat confused and weary, muscles tensed.

"Are you coming? I don't know what happened, but we can't leave her alone out there. What do you think would happen, if she got surprised, and assaulted by one of Akli's goons? Or some confused civilian?"

In her mind, the filly might blast a hole straight through the ship, out of sheer flight or fight instinct. Or she could end up accidentally killing someone. Either thing would be bad, and would not make her state better. She could not be allowed, to just run out there alone. And if Spiral decided to be here... Then she could talk over the communication doohickey. Last were going, and that were it. If nothing else, she could at least try and keep the worst from getting too close to Nexus, regardless of the alicorn, likely ending up considering her a threat too.

==========================================================

(Briar)

On 2022-10-21 at 10:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"I can't say I ever met an alicorn before, but that sounds like a useful skill to have."

"It were never personal meetings, but parades and such, fascinated me. A few of them, were dedicated to, and visited by, alicorns. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza most of any. May she rest peacefully."

He did not know exactly what had happened to the crystal empire, but he did not think, that it were anything good, and thus, he'd utter condolences. She had sounded like a nice mare, the times he had heard others speak of her, as she passed, or just whenever he randomly heard her name be brought up. His hearing were rather good, so he heard quite a few things.

On 2022-10-21 at 10:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

That said they arrived at the guard station just as General Akli did, he raised an eyebrow at Briar, "Ensign Stripe, why are you escorting this one here?"

The guard saluted, "Sir, this is Briar Trapjaw, an Evergrown, he says he might be able to help find the alicorn, real or fake."

General Akli thought for a moment before nodding. "We need all the help we can get. Follow me, I'll fill you in on what we know. Do you need any equipment?"

Briar would bow respectfully, towards the general. Not one he had ever met personally, but he had heard of this one, from others. A respected war veteran, up in age, but pulled back into service. And from what he heard, mostly positive things had come from that too. This were one that he could surely trust, would want what was best for The Æther, and solve this troubling situation, before it escalated to a full scale rebellion.

"It is an honor to meet you sir, though I wish it were under better circumstances. And I do not require any equipment, at this point."

On 2022-10-21 at 10:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Once inside General Akli's office, Briar would be filled in on what the General knew and sworn to secrecy until the situation was resolved. Namely, that there were two alicorns on the Project. One was real, a small blind alicorn filly, and one imposter, a large red alicorn mare. They suspected that the imposter was a wanted changeling named Red taking advantage of the situation.

"Given your talents, you might have better luck finding the real alicorn. She was last seen in the pipeworks but there's no guarantee that she's still there. Hopefully your tracking ability will help you find her. I can assign some guards to assist you if you'd like?"

The situation were worse than Briar had anticipated. Two alicorns, one real, and one an impostor, seeking to take advantage of the situation... It would cause a disaster, if the followers of either, were gonna clash. This situation needed to be rectified, and he hoped dearly, that he were able to play a part, however small, in doing so. He did not want their already diminished numbers, to be lessened even more. Nor - Earth Mother forbid - have someone sabotage The Æther, and cause them to crash during all of this, making this entire place, all for naught.

"I will do my outmost to find her. And if it is possible, I would like a companion, yes. I can fight for myself if needed, but I am not well known on The Æther, and it have already shown, to make some think me the one causing chaos. It would make things simpler, were I to have one that could vouch for me. One less flammable than myself too, if it wouldn't be asking too much.

Beyond that, I require nothing else, and are ready to begin immediately. The quicker this situation is resolved, the better for us all."

========================================================================

(Blitz)

On 2022-10-21 at 10:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

While it may be true that they were in war times now, these documents were dated long before now, back when she signed things as Silver Studs and not Silver Easle. But if Blitz didn't notice the difference then she'd probably not give them a second glance.

Blitz noticed, but she more or less chose to intentionally ignore it. Silver were a smart, impressive mare, and these sorta things miiiiight cast that into question... So why think about it? Even if she had been a bad one once, she were good now, helping all of these survivors, by keeping The Æther going. That were the important thing to focus on. Not some thing in the past, that she didn't even know the context of.

On 2022-10-21 at 10:46 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Silver wrapped herself around Plein to protect her from the foam as much as she could, and from any consequences of Blitz's misaimed shot. Once it was clear that no more danger was coming she let her filly go, but kept her close, "Is it safe to enter? This is the only door after all, or should we stay still for a bit until you can disarm the traps? You certainly work fast."

The shot would miss them both, so they were save from that. The foam... Well, they'd need to have that washed off, but nothing that a bit of water couldn't handle.

"Safe? Oh yeah, totally. Sorta. Not at all, hehe. Hold on."

Her horn would light, in hues of orange and red, and seven clicks would be heard, around the door, and some of the walls. Nothing seemed different, but she'd still clap her hooves together, with a big grin on her face.

"There. All sorted. And of course I worked fast. You told me to keep this place safe, so I made lots of traps, prepared the smoke bombs, made some goo guns, and finished my leg cannon prototype! It works real well, but the recoil can be rough. I might need a stronger pony to try this sometime. That'd be fun.

Oh, and you left some paperwork out all over the place. I put them in a stack on your table.

So how did it look like out there? And hi Plein! It's good seeing you again."

Blitz would grin at Plein, with a big, impish smile, and wave at the young pony. Mother and daughter, gathered up nice and safely. That were good. maybe they could do some fun experiments, while they waited for things to blow over. Or they could make more stuff, to go and help others sort through this? She'd love to help. Preferably the right ones, whom she so far, didn't know who were.

Illiad Easle · October 25, 2022

@Blitz Boom @Props ValRoa

(Last & Spiral)

The unicorn guard volunteered to join them, while the pegasus guard turned their attention to securing the equestrians who had attacked them.

The unicorn guard introduced himself as Incandescent Spark, he had joined the guard on the Project, as he had only been in the academy in Canterlot when the crisis happened. He was inexperienced, but willing to follow instructions. He also knew his way around the Pipeworks, which would likely prove useful. "What do you think we should do? I mean, how does one capture an alicorn?"

(Maud & Trixie)

On 2022-10-21 at 11:43 PM, Maud Pie said:

"I wonder what other sorts of things you have invented in the past here." Trixie added.

He chuckled at that, "A shorter list would be what I didn't invent here. And most of that list would be things that Silver Easle invented. Between the two of us we invented a majority of the components that keep this Project moving, functional, and sustainable."

On 2022-10-21 at 11:43 PM, Maud Pie said:

Maud nodded. "By this point I'd say I am known for who I am. The sister of one of the Elements of Harmony. I've talked to them about my ideas of a council. Some liked it, some didn't, as usual. I am not sure what else to really say on that. I want to convince everyone that these types of conflicts will only destroy everyone and nobody will be left standing by the end. If some radical group gets control, they'll likely destabilize affairs, leading to destruction one way or the other, no matter what they think. It is that we must teach." her eyes were calm.

He looked thoughtful, "Well, you are the closest thing we have to an Element of Harmony here, supposing enough ponies recognize you for who you are then they shouldn't have an issue following your guidance at least in the interim."

He sighed, "But the question is how many would want to follow you over an alicorn? My sources say that there may actually be an alicorn on the Project now."

(Briar)

On 2022-10-24 at 11:07 AM, Blitz Boom said:

"I will do my outmost to find her. And if it is possible, I would like a companion, yes. I can fight for myself if needed, but I am not well known on The Æther, and it have already shown, to make some think me the one causing chaos. It would make things simpler, were I to have one that could vouch for me. One less flammable than myself too, if it wouldn't be asking too much.

Beyond that, I require nothing else, and are ready to begin immediately. The quicker this situation is resolved, the better for us all."

General Akli nodded, "Good. As you're already familiar with Ensign Stripe I'll assign him to you. He should be able to keep you safe as you work. As soon as you find something, he'll be able to let me know through the radio. If you do find the alicorn, be careful, we don't know what she's capable of. May the stars guide your way. Dismissed."

Briar would be able to meet up with Ensign Stripe outside, and he would lead the way to an entrance to the Pipeworks, "So... how should we go about this? Should we just wander for a bit while you try to catch a scent or something?"

(Last)

Last's radio would sound, "Last, I'm getting reports that General Akli has sent someone into the Pipeworks to find the alicorn, apparently one that can find them by smell, so I'm guessing a diamond dog or similar."

(Blitz)

Silver looked impressed at the work that Blitz had managed in such a short time, "Glad I didn't rush in any faster. Good work Blitz."

She looked a bit more nervous when Blitz mentioned the paperwork, and quickly went over to it, a bit more fear as she saw exactly what Blitz had been looking through, then quickly stowed it away somewhere safe, "Probably best if you didn't try and build any of the things you saw there. Well, not probably, but definitely those things should not be built."

Silver would go and get herself and Plein cleaned up from the foam, then return to Blitz, "Alright, things are getting rough out there, but not as bad as predictions. Still, we will be safe here until-"

There was a pop of magic, and a note sealed with the Consul's mark appeared by Silver, which stopped her words. She was hesitant to open the note, it was clear that there was some sadness associated with seeing the symbol, and she was a bit more subdued upon reading it. "W-we..." She took a deep breath, "Sorry. We need to build something quick. Something that can stop a changeling disguised as an alicorn. The Consul wants a permanent solution."

Plein looked confused, "I thought dad was the Consul? Did Mr Wright-"

Silver nodded, "He called an assembly and got elected under emergency conditions, so he's the Consul now, officially."

Plein looked conflicted, Silver was obviously sad by the news, but Plein didn't fully understand why. She simply moved to hug her mother.

(Blitz could join in the comfort, ask about the situation, or just wait for them to be done and start on a solution. If she joins in or asks they'll still move on to solutions afterwards.)

Starforce · October 26, 2022

@Illiad Easle @Blitz Boom

(Spiral)

Spiral would look to Incandescent Spark. "We better follow her then. Doesn't seem like any of the others are willing to do this. We may end up be taking a risk here, but we cannot let Akli and his followers gain the alicorn before we do." she spoke, leading him towards where the Alicorn was last seen. She was already prepared to enter combat if needbe.

(Maud and Trixie)

Quote

He chuckled at that, "A shorter list would be what I didn't invent here. And most of that list would be things that Silver Easle invented. Between the two of us we invented a majority of the components that keep this Project moving, functional, and sustainable."

"I do wonder how you had gotten the background and experience for this sort of thing. How organized would you say we are against preventing a long term conflict on this craft?" Trixie asked him curiously. "I fear that if fighting gets too intense, we may not end up fairing all that well..."

Quote

He looked thoughtful, "Well, you are the closest thing we have to an Element of Harmony here, supposing enough ponies recognize you for who you are then they shouldn't have an issue following your guidance at least in the interim."

He sighed, "But the question is how many would want to follow you over an alicorn? My sources say that there may actually be an alicorn on the Project now."

Maud's eyes narrowed. "Question is - What kind of alicorn, and who are they? Depending on what happens, this could either be our saving grace or our Achilles heel. I look forward to meeting Play Write soon, and laying out some kind of agenda for the future." she stated in a matter of fact manner.

Blitz Boom · October 27, 2022

@Props ValRoa @Illiad Easle

(Main group)

On 2022-10-25 at 8:27 PM, Illiad Easle said:

The unicorn guard introduced himself as Incandescent Spark, he had joined the guard on the Project, as he had only been in the academy in Canterlot when the crisis happened. He was inexperienced, but willing to follow instructions. He also knew his way around the Pipeworks, which would likely prove useful. "What do you think we should do? I mean, how does one capture an alicorn?"

"We can't capture her. She's clearly stronger than any of us, and is on the run. I'm presuming scared.

Spiral is the only one who have gotten close to her, at least a little. Our job, is to keep others from trying to snatch up, or harm Nexus, and hope she can relate to her again, and calm her down.

We just saw what she could do, when a lot of noise happened around her. What do you think will happen, if she ends up fearing for her life?"

She couldn't imagine the exact scenario, but she had some ideas, such as several beings, and large parts of the ship, being evaporated. Alicorns were creatures that she felt to the core of her very being, should be fought for, protected, and obeyed, to a certain extend. But she were not so dense, that she didn't understand the danger one could pose too. Not enough to throw one off of the ship, like Apollo wanted, but enough to where one should make sure, to not try and cause them duress.

On 2022-10-26 at 6:53 AM, Maud Pie said:

Spiral would look to Incandescent Spark. "We better follow her then. Doesn't seem like any of the others are willing to do this. We may end up be taking a risk here, but we cannot let Akli and his followers gain the alicorn before we do." she spoke, leading him towards where the Alicorn was last seen. She was already prepared to enter combat if needbe.

Spiral had answered before she had spoken, but she figured that it were best to address the lingering question in the air, from Spark, and thus, had answered him first. Now came the time for Spiral.

"And I don't think the others are able. The general got debilitating wounds, and they're obligated to see to him first. We need to try and do this ourselves.

I know I just put a lot on your shoulders, Spiral. But you were the last to be properly ejected, so you're our best hope here. Is there anything you can tell us, about what happened?"

Last were feeling a bit iffy about this, as they went on. Not about this whole situation, or day per se, but more how wordy she were getting. Usually she tended to speak direct, and shortly. No need for extras, when it came to relaying or accepting orders, nor talking with others, as they wanted to leave her presence, as much as she wanted to leave theirs. Then today happened...

Maybe it were just because Spiral were seemingly not one, who wanted her to scram, and never return, and that affected her... Bah, who had time to think about this? They had an alicorn to track down, and precious little time to do so. It were only a matter of time, before others would-

On 2022-10-25 at 8:27 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Last's radio would sound, "Last, I'm getting reports that General Akli has sent someone into the Pipeworks to find the alicorn, apparently one that can find them by smell, so I'm guessing a diamond dog or similar."

Several curse words went through her head, as she heard the radio relay a message, that she had not wanted to come so soon.

(assuming the others can hear this radio too)

"Great... We need to speed up, and get there before they do."

Speeding up made her bend rib hurt more, but she bit the pain in her, and kept going. Long as she weren't bleeding profusely, she'd be okay to keep going. The pain would have to wait until later.

==========================================================

(Briar)

On 2022-10-25 at 8:27 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Good. As you're already familiar with Ensign Stripe I'll assign him to you. He should be able to keep you safe as you work. As soon as you find something, he'll be able to let me know through the radio. If you do find the alicorn, be careful, we don't know what she's capable of. May the stars guide your way. Dismissed."

"And may the Earth Mother watch over you, general."

Briar would do a formal bow, then turn, and be on his way. There were work to do, for both him, and Ensign Stripe, and likely precious little time to do it, before things would begin to escalate wholly out of control.

On 2022-10-25 at 8:27 PM, Illiad Easle said:

Briar would be able to meet up with Ensign Stripe outside, and he would lead the way to an entrance to the Pipeworks, "So... how should we go about this? Should we just wander for a bit while you try to catch a scent or something?"

"A scent is but one option. Sounds can help too, as I need to be a fair bit closer, to try and find if that smell I search for, is present. Let us go in there, and then try and bite notice in some sign. The rushing of steps, sounds of a young voice, the peculiar tingling, or magic wafting around, raw and notable. There's plenty to work with, yet we must make haste. I fear for the project, if uncertainty and chaos, reigns for too long.

I pray to the Earth Mother, that we can somehow come to make her calm down, and not have to be subject to whatever magic she does have, if she is indeed an alicorn. I heard that can be rather... Extensive, so to speak."

Perhaps her being blind, would be a point that he could relate to her with, as he too did not have sight. It were a frail link to try and make, but he had no better right now, than that, and trying to approach with the outmost care, and respect.

*sigh* They'd have to see. For now, the trip went into the Pipeworks. Now it were just to hope that things would go well somehow, and that he'd return alive to Brittle.

========================================================================

(Blitz)

On 2022-10-25 at 8:27 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Glad I didn't rush in any faster. Good work Blitz."

"Oh, none of them would've killed you. I'm not a monster. Or crazy. But you could've been caught in a big net, or showered with itching powder."

She had made use of most of the powder she kept in a pouch, in her tail, for that trap. She still had enough if need be, but she'd have to make up some more eventually. It were a good, non-lethal distraction.

On 2022-10-25 at 8:27 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"Probably best if you didn't try and build any of the things you saw there. Well, not probably, but definitely those things should not be built."

"I don't wanna build those either. Didn't look fun, or explodey."

Blitz had probably made some weapons here. Some of them, likely without her knowing any better, but she were pretty sure that she would've noticed, if she were about to work on stuff like what she had seen, as she had skimmed over the papers briefly. And she did not want to. That were not stuff, that made things better, probably. Silver would know that better than her, but Blitz would prefer something helpful. Or bombs! Lots and lots of bombs.

On 2022-10-25 at 8:27 PM, Illiad Easle said:

"W-we..." She took a deep breath, "Sorry. We need to build something quick. Something that can stop a changeling disguised as an alicorn. The Consul wants a permanent solution."

Plein looked confused, "I thought dad was the Consul? Did Mr Wright-"

Silver nodded, "He called an assembly and got elected under emergency conditions, so he's the Consul now, officially."

Plein looked conflicted, Silver was obviously sad by the news, but Plein didn't fully understand why. She simply moved to hug her mother.

"Awh, don't be sad. This is an emergency time, so he's just emergency consul. Your dad's still the real deal, Plein. And I bet if he had been here, they would've picked him first."

She were trying to be positive, and make things better, but might have accidentally done the opposite. She didn't know, as the family history here, were something she only knew very, very little of, but she just wanted to try and be nice and positive, y*know? Enough bad vibes flying around here already, and she wanted Silver and Plein to be happy, not sad.

Had this been a few years back, she might have tried to fire off some fireworks, to light the mood, but she had grown up enough to understand that there were a time, and a place for that. Plus, she did not have any more of the safe fireworks. She ran out three months ago.

"So how do we make something that can track a changeling? I dunno how to look through that."

As for the job at hoof... Well, this were certainly not something she were used to dealing with, so she'd have to rely on Silver's expertise in this, as her own suggestion would involve trying to spook them out of the disguise, with some sorta explosive. That probably wouldn't be a good thing right now though.

Illiad Easle · October 27, 2022

@Props ValRoa @Blitz Boom

(All)

The Project shook as it finally started the cycle, leaving the frozen land behind.

Everyone will have less stable footing until the cycle ends.

(Last & Spiral)

There were still faint flashes coming from the direction the alicorn had run off, and getting fainter, presumably as the alicorn was getting further away from them.

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"Great... We need to speed up, and get there before they do."

Speeding up made her bend rib hurt more, but she bit the pain in her, and kept going. Long as she weren't bleeding profusely, she'd be okay to keep going. The pain would have to wait until later

Spark would nod, having gotten the same message on his radio and sending back an affirmative. "If we can get close enough to keep her in sight, that should be enough to maybe call out. At the very least we'll be able to see if anyone else is getting close to her."

Given the alicorn was using the flashes to see her surroundings, it made her easy to track, and she couldn't run at full speed or she'd risk hitting something. Still though, she was quite fast, especially down long straight sections.

In their pursuit they'd encounter some other groups that she had run past, but, due to the shaking of the cycle, they weren't difficult to get past to continue pursuit. But they were still trailing them.

Eventually though they were able to catch up enough to catch a glimpse of her before she turned another corner, Spark telling the others, "She's mapping out the space, treating it like a maze, following the right hoof rule where she'll turn right whenever it takes her somewhere she hasn't been yet. Eventually she'll get to the outer edge of the Pipeworks, which is good for us as there are no exits on the outside edge except at the engines at the very back and the pilot control systems at the very front. We could head her off there, cutting across the middle, rather than just following her."

(Maud & Trixie)

On 2022-10-25 at 10:53 PM, Maud Pie said:

"I do wonder how you had gotten the background and experience for this sort of thing. How organized would you say we are against preventing a long term conflict on this craft?" Trixie asked him curiously. "I fear that if fighting gets too intense, we may not end up fairing all that well..."

Dr. Conegher smiled at the statement as to his background, but he kept focus on the matters ad hoof, "The Project was originally designed with only one culture in mind, Trojan, with the Consul to keep everyone united. But the Consul stayed behind and until recently the Vice Consul did not take his place, and so Apollo as the Project Director took control. He made very good decisions in the beginning, he was once a very well respected genius, but it is apparent that his faculties have declined at an alarming rate in recent years. We should have had better programs in place for the rescued creatures, to help them integrate into the existing culture, rather than allowing them to form their own segmented cultures. That's why we need to unify the Project again, and set something up so that these divisions don't cause problems going forward."

On 2022-10-25 at 10:53 PM, Maud Pie said:

Maud's eyes narrowed. "Question is - What kind of alicorn, and who are they? Depending on what happens, this could either be our saving grace or our Achilles heel. I look forward to meeting Play Write soon, and laying out some kind of agenda for the future." she stated in a matter of fact manner.

Dr. Conegher shrugged, "That we don't know. I'll send out a message and see how soon he can meet with you."

He scrawled out a note and knocked on the door before sending the note out. "Hopefully it gets to him before he does something too rash."

(Briar)

At first there wasn't much for either of them to notice as they started walking around the Pipeworks, but after a few minutes Ensign Stripe would notice a faint flashing light, "Hmm, that's odd. There's a flashing light, and it's getting brighter. It isn't consistent or in any code that I know."

As the flashing grew brighter, eventually Briar would sense, faintly, unique magic, then even more faintly, but growing stronger, the scent, accompanied by many sets of running hoofsteps.

Ensign Stripe started moving towards the flashing light, "Should we check it out? Can you sense anything about it?"

If they approached quickly, they'd be able to get to the hallway before the alicorn passed them, running as fast as she could.

(Blitz)

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

Awh, don't be sad. This is an emergency time, so he's just emergency consul. Your dad's still the real deal, Plein. And I bet if he had been here, they would've picked him first.

Silver smiled faintly at that, but shook her head, "No, it's high time we moved on. We should have moved on long ago, maybe things wouldn't have gotten this bad if Play... if Consul Wright had stepped up sooner. But I think he was grieving just as much as us."

She shook it off and turned her attention back to the problem.

10 hours ago, Blitz Boom said:

"So how do we make something that can track a changeling? I dunno how to look through that."

Silver thought a moment, "Well, they're using magic pretty much all the time, so maybe a magic scanner? But that might give a false positive on a real alicorn. Maybe if we scanned for emotional energy? Changelings don't give off emotional energy since they consume it. That would reveal a changeling, but that's not what we need to do." She shook the thoughts from her mind, "We need to try and stop the changeling. IT should be obvious when we see them that it's them. I mean, how many alicorns can there be on this ship? But if they're pretending to be an alicorn we need something that will get the changeling, and not hurt those around them." She looked back at the stuff that Blitz had rigged the door up with, "Hmm, maybe one of your traps could work? Like, maybe the itching powder? A changeling wouldn't be affected because of the field, but it would harmlessly get any ponies with them out of any fighting. Can you make it portable? Or does that give you some ideas?"

(Play Wright)

"I want the whole command sector locked down. Pilots, Comms, Records, everything. No one goes in or out until I'm ready to face Apollo myself. Block off the hallways, there should be hidden anchor points to lock the shields into to form a wall."

He sent off another group of prepared Trojans, it wouldn't be long until Apollo would be locked down, then he could go in when he was ready.

He was looking over a blueprint of the Project which was now serving as a battle map, key hallways marked with troop deployments. His gaze was interrupted by a note dropped on the desk, "An Equestrian reaching out for peace?"

He wanted to tear up the note, burn it, but he reined himself in. "Troy may have it's final victory after all. We'll see if their pride allows it."

He wrote back a message, and prepared to receive guests.

(Maud)

After a bit another note would return, and Dr' Conegher would read it before saying: "He's agreed to meet with you, the guards outside will escort you there." (You can decide if Trixie joins, or stays with the Dr.)

Starforce · October 27, 2022

@Blitz Boom @Illiad Easle

(Spiral and Last)

Spiral would agree with Last's perspective on this situation, and she would waste no time in leading them into the pipeworks. "There is a possibility we are going to have to fight off other groups. The others are too far away to help us in time if we need any backup, so we are going to be entirely on our own here." she said to Last. "I already decided that I would take lead over the Alicorn, and finding her again is already part of my obligation to keep her safe. I'm not allowing her to fall into the hands of anyone else." she said as they had entered into the Pipeworks. Spiral bore a determined expression, and she was willing to go down fighting for what she believed in - if needed.

To Spark's indications on where the alicorn was moving she would agree, by this point they were thankfully close enough to see some sort of indication to where she was. "Let's do that, then. I imagine if others were following, they could perhaps be taking the same route we are taking. We want to cut them off before they are able to see her." Spiral stated, and proceeded to follow through with Spark's idea - provided if the others accepted it.

(Trixie)

Trixie opted to say behind with the doctor. Maud insisted that she would go alone. It was a lot more of a personal thing, so Trixie opted to not interfere. "That is what should have been done from the future. I don't really care whatever culture it is, so long as unity is maintained and order is established. Apollo definitely abused his position for personal power. Maud has...quite the personal scores to settle with him, after all. Threatened her with execution if she didn't do what she wanted." she spoke.

"Minostraulium was stolen some time ago and he ordered her to track down whoever did it. She was never able to find who it was that did it. That may be for the best though, the less materials in Apollo's hands, the better. The question is, once Apollo is taken down - there will be quite a power vacuum to settle." she sighed.

"I used to be a stage performer. I was blinded by my own shortsightedness. I was the one who brought back Spiral from the dead, and she controlled me like a puppet for the longest time. Fortunately she had a change of heart and let me go when she got a new body. Now she's somewhere, doing whatever she is doing - she too also wanted to be part of the leadership, but it appears that times are dire and she is nowhere to be found." she sighed.

(Maud)

Maud silently agreed with Dr.Conegher and waited. When it was time for her to go meet with Play Write, she would nod. "Let us go, then." she spoke as she would leave with the guards. Throughout the walk, she maintained a silent and unwavering stance. It was much like a soldier, merely doing a duty. Her fairly dispassionate exterior was something to note. Her eyes were like an eagle. Looking deeply into the eyes of whoever saw them.

If all went well - Play Write would gaze upon her eyes. Her eyes - full of otherworldly depth. But also sorrow, if one looked hard enough.

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