private What the Wasteland Hooves Out

[SilverHeart 741]

Silver Heart followed the hoof steps up to the house, she smiled as she realized that she may be able to sneak up and listen in on their conversation. This would be her first time sneaking around since she had left the Stable. The sound of her hoofsteps faded away as Silver Heart lowered herself to the ground. She felt like she was forgetting something. Oh, that's right...the Pegatron. She turned back to tell Malik to wait back for a few minutes while she eavesdropped. Sadly it seemed that she had taken too long to act. Malik had already started charging towards the door. Silver Heart stared in disdain at where Malik had been standing a few moments ago. Staying angry at Malik wasn't going to help too much. Silver Heart calmly exhaled. It probably wasn't going to be as useful as eavesdropping would have been but maybe she could still learn something. Hoping that whoever was in the room would have focused all of their attention on Malik, Silver Heart stealthily approached the window. 

 

(Agility roll to open the window and quietly sneak in: 30)

[Standard User 2,127]

(Screw that, I wanna smash something.)

 

Raptor sighed as the pony came at him, this time with a weapon. "You really think this is a good idea? Alright, let's go." With the help of his wings, Raptor launched off the ground in an attempt to dodge the incoming blow while simultaneously attempting to tear the chainsaw out of the pony's grip with his talons.

 

Agility: 22

Strength:40 

 

Launching off of the ground while simultaneously reaching for a very small and very sharp object proves to be just barely too challenging for a griffon to pull off. You leap into the air (much to Boulder's surprise) but can't grab the ripper. However, you do manage to clobber him upside the head with enough force to stagger him.

 

Yeah, you totally meant to do that, right? Gotta look cool for those lady-griffons. 

 

Boulder weakly gets to his knees, blood starting to dribble from his nose. "Breeze! Breeze, get your lazy ass up and help me!"

 

"I'm trying, Boulder, I'm trying!" Breeze, laying on the ground, is obviously not trying.

 

"What? You're frying colder? That makes no sense!" Boulder stumbles to his feet before falling over again. "How can...how can you fry cold?" He looks down at the ripper, still laying on the ground running, and mumbles, "Now, which side is the handle...why is there two blades and two handles?! Breeze, help me!" Boulder staggers about a bit, trying to keep track of his weapon and a hovering griffon. It isn't going well.

 

Endurance: You know concussions when you see them, and Boulder definitely has a concussion. 

 

As Seeker walked through the barn there hadn't been much that caught his attention. True if he had found the rangers or the robots they had been working on earlier in his travels, he might have acted like a foal in a candy store, but once somepony sees them out in the waste they seem to almost blend into the background.

As Seeker walked he could feel eyes on him, after all he was the only Griffin in a barn full of ponies. Every time Seeker eyes drifted, to where he felt the eyes were, he only watched Scribe after Scribe turn their head. Seeker only gave a light chuckle as they tried to hide that they were staring at him, but seeing that neither of them was the pony he was looking for, Seeker was about to turn around and leave, but when he felt his ears twitch a bit when he heard a familiar voice, he saw the loft overhead, a small smile crossed his feetchers when he saw Alizarin’s grateful expression as he tried to hide it from the older Scribe as the two looked down on him. With a few flaps of his wings he was already eye level with them. “Can I be in some assistance?” Seeker asked as he looked at the two.

 

Premier looks to Alizarin and shrugs. "Friend of yours, I'm presuming? And an eager one to help, to boot." Premier turns on her hoof and stands at attention, shooting a steel gaze at you. "Scribe Premier of the Trottingham chapter, acting under Star Paladin Pot Belly." She holds her gaze for a few moments more before breaking into a wide grin. "Ah, I can't be mad now. Griffon or not, you're a friend of my new favorite tech-pony here." Premier turns around and winks at Alizarin. 

 

"So, griffon, what is your name? You don't look like a Talon..."

 

"Don't listen to what other rangers tell you. I think the Steel Rangers should always be willing to help ponies, and if anypony gives you crap about how kind you are tell them to take it up with me," Guardian Angel told Petal Dance "The rangers were kind enough to take me in as a foal so I guess I Want to believe they are all like you," he told her. "Anyway, Could you lead me to whatever serves as your barracks?"

 

"B-barracks?" Petal Dance scratches her chin thoughtfully before continuing. "I suppose the closest thing we have is the storm cellar. C'mon, I'll show you around." She walks towards the back of the house, looking back every couple of steps to make sure you are still following. Every time she looks, her smile grows the tiniest bit wider.

 

The double doors to the storm cellar lie almost horizontal to the ground, wedged up against the back of the house. Petal Dance opens the doors slowly and steps into the dim stairwell that is revealed. Down inside the cellar, rows upon rows of cots and chests are wedged against each other. You and Petal Dance are alone except for one stallion who appears to be fast asleep.

 

"Oh...I should've known that nopony would be down here. Darn...oh, my, pardon my language!" She giggles, playfully swatting at your shoulder. "All of my previous coltfriends said that I had such a dirty mouth. You should clean it." She leans in closer to you, batting her eyes furiously. "With your tongue."

 

Before she can launch herself, the sleepy stallion speaks up. "Mrff...Petal Dance, whoever that is, leave them alone. I'm trying to sleep."

 

Petal Dance pouts, saying "Aww, Starry! You have to be such a spoil-sport! He's my new friend!"

 

Starry rolls over, now looking more awake than he sounds. "Oh. Well, in that case..." He looks at you seriously. "Get out while you can. Petal Dance can get...weird."

 

[OOC: She was seeming too much like Fluttershy. I had to do it.]

 

Malik would have no hope of sneaking up to the window without alerting anypony inside the house: his armor plating was too loud. Instead, he decided to try a more direct approach, maybe teach a few ponies that a flimsy door won't mean a damn thing when you've got a Pegatron knocking at your door. Hopefully, this will also intimidate them into not making any sudden moves or making a run for it.

 

He stepped back a little, winding up for his ambush, and leapt at the door with all of his strength.

 

(Strength Roll to bust down the door: 44)

 

You bust down the door.

 

A portion of the walls around the door.

 

A table sitting in the center of the room.

 

And you also bowl over three ponies.

 

After getting over their initial shock, the ponies leap up; one readies his weapon. You recognize two: Pot Belly and Beanie Toe; the third looks like a wastelander. Beanie Toe looks you over and gets himself into a battle stance, a power hoof on each front hoof. 

 

"Oh look, Pot Belly, the robot is malfunctioning. Can we scrap it? Please?" Beanie Toe stalks forward, murder in his eyes.

 

"No, no, I'm sure there is a logical explanation. I just-- uff." Pot Belly rolls around on the floor, his hooves unable to make purchase on the floor. "Tempo, dear, help me up, please." The wastelander, apparently named Tempo, scurries over and helps Pot Belly get into a sitting position. That physical feat tires Tempo and she takes a seat on one of the two chairs still standing after your hasty entrance.

 

"Ah, there we go. Now, friend. Care to tell us why you barged in on our little pow-wow with such gusto?" Pot Belly looks jovially at you while Beanie Toe narrows his eyes dangerously.

 

Silver Heart followed the hoof steps up to the house, she smiled as she realized that she may be able to sneak up and listen in on their conversation. This would be her first time sneaking around since she had left the Stable. The sound of her hoofsteps faded away as Silver Heart lowered herself to the ground. She felt like she was forgetting something. Oh, that's right...the Pegatron. She turned back to tell Malik to wait back for a few minutes while she eavesdropped. Sadly it seemed that she had taken too long to act. Malik had already started charging towards the door. Silver Heart stared in disdain at where Malik had been standing a few moments ago. Staying angry at Malik wasn't going to help too much. Silver Heart calmly exhaled. It probably wasn't going to be as useful as eavesdropping would have been but maybe she could still learn something. Hoping that whoever was in the room would have focused all of their attention on Malik, Silver Heart stealthily approached the window. 

 

(Agility roll to open the window and quietly sneak in: 30)

 

No need to even be quiet: Malik has done all the work you could possibly hope for from a distraction. You notice three other ponies in the room: Beanie Toe, brandishing power hooves; Pot Belly, now in a sitting position and looking as blindly happy as ever; and a wastelander named Tempo who sits awkwardly away from the three other ponies, twiddling her hooves. 

 

Tempo stares at Pot Belly, then Beanie Toe, then Malik, then the floor, then the ceiling, then you, then the space the door used to be--

 

Oh, hey, she totally noticed you.

 

Her eyes grow wide, but your innocent demeanor seems to calm her down just enough that she doesn't have a panic attack. Noticing that she is now being largely ignored by the trio of stallions, she creeps outside out the back door (now the back hole-in-the-wall) without making a sound. Like, at all. She might as well be a ghost.

 

"Excuse me," she squeaks, her voice barely above a whisper. "A-are you here to help us? Pot Belly won't help the town and Beanie Toe won't agree with him on anything. We need h-help..." Her eyes shine with tears as she shakily takes a seat on the ground. "Please help make them see that we need help...we need help..."

 

 

[OOC: This is quickly going in a different direction than what I was expecting, but it might actually work better. Especially for Raptor.]

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

Launching off of the ground while simultaneously reaching for a very small and very sharp object proves to be just barely too challenging for a griffon to pull off.

(Damn! I didn't think you were actually going to consider the logic of it.)

 

Raptor looked at the two pitiful stallions with an expression that almost resembled disgust for a while before eventually getting tired of watching them embarrass themselves. "How much longer do you really intend to keep up with this pathetic display? You can't seriously think you'll be able to keep fighting in this condition, can you? Neither of you can fight. Just tell me all about that little mission of yours and I'll be on my way. "

Edited May 23, 2013 by Alex Kennedy

[UnitP0N13 25]

Malik looks to Beanie Toe, then the partially/mostly destroyed wall and furniture. "S'pose you'd like wrestle me for the off button then, like I wrestled that?" He points to the said wall. "Cuz you might lose a spine." The bot practically growled electronically.

 

"Aside from that, one of my comrades thought we were being spied on. I followed the tracks to the door and I heard voices inside-...hey wait a minute." Malik just thought of something extremely crucial, looking to Pot Belly.

 

"You went into the the kitchen. Not outside.

" He began to paw at the ground with rising anticipation and foreboding suspicion. He felt he was onto something, but he needed more thought put into it...think, Malik, think!

 

(Intelligence Roll= 42...The answer to life, the universe, and everything.)

Edited May 23, 2013 by UnitP0N13

[Half-Note 273]

 

 

"B-barracks?" Petal Dance scratches her chin thoughtfully before continuing. "I suppose the closest thing we have is the storm cellar. C'mon, I'll show you around." She walks towards the back of the house, looking back every couple of steps to make sure you are still following. Every time she looks, her smile grows the tiniest bit wider.

 

The double doors to the storm cellar lie almost horizontal to the ground, wedged up against the back of the house. Petal Dance opens the doors slowly and steps into the dim stairwell that is revealed. Down inside the cellar, rows upon rows of cots and chests are wedged against each other. You and Petal Dance are alone except for one stallion who appears to be fast asleep.

 

"Oh...I should've known that nopony would be down here. Darn...oh, my, pardon my language!" She giggles, playfully swatting at your shoulder. "All of my previous coltfriends said that I had such a dirty mouth. You should clean it." She leans in closer to you, batting her eyes furiously. "With your tongue."

 

Before she can launch herself, the sleepy stallion speaks up. "Mrff...Petal Dance, whoever that is, leave them alone. I'm trying to sleep."

 

Petal Dance pouts, saying "Aww, Starry! You have to be such a spoil-sport! He's my new friend!"

 

Starry rolls over, now looking more awake than he sounds. "Oh. Well, in that case..." He looks at you seriously. "Get out while you can. Petal Dance can get...weird."

 

[OOC: She was seeming too much like Fluttershy. I had to do it.]

 

 

 

(Stupid Sexy Fluttershy)

Well, this was happening. Guardian Angel had to admit that if they weren't being watched he would've taken her to town on one of those cots right then and there. "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt but let's focus on doing what I came here to do," he told Petal Dance before leaning in and whispering, "The sooner we get done with that the sooner we can come back here." He then turned to the Stallion, "Don't worry I can handle wierd but since you're awake... You wouldn't happen to know anything about a murder in town would you, we have reason to believe there were some rangers involved in killing a stallion in town for a laser rifle," he asked.

 

(24 CHR roll if I need it.)

[SilverHeart 741]

No need to even be quiet: Malik has done all the work you could possibly hope for from a distraction. You notice three other ponies in the room: Beanie Toe, brandishing power hooves; Pot Belly, now in a sitting position and looking as blindly happy as ever; and a wastelander named Tempo who sits awkwardly away from the three other ponies, twiddling her hooves. 

 

Tempo stares at Pot Belly, then Beanie Toe, then Malik, then the floor, then the ceiling, then you, then the space the door used to be--

 

Oh, hey, she totally noticed you.

 

Her eyes grow wide, but your innocent demeanor seems to calm her down just enough that she doesn't have a panic attack. Noticing that she is now being largely ignored by the trio of stallions, she creeps outside out the back door (now the back hole-in-the-wall) without making a sound. Like, at all. She might as well be a ghost.

 

"Excuse me," she squeaks, her voice barely above a whisper. "A-are you here to help us? Pot Belly won't help the town and Beanie Toe won't agree with him on anything. We need h-help..." Her eyes shine with tears as she shakily takes a seat on the ground. "Please help make them see that we need help...we need help..."

 

 

[OOC: This is quickly going in a different direction than what I was expecting, but it might actually work better. Especially for Raptor.]

 

(On the off chance that this will work, a perception roll to learn [from example] by watching Tempo sneak outside: 42.)

 

Silver Heart slowly sat next to Tempo, almost entirely unsure of how to comfort the crying mare. "I-I'll do everything I can to help." She stared at the ground for a few moments trying to think of anyway she could calm her. Nothing came to mind besides offering a shoulder to cry on...or a hug. Well, why not...maybe she just needs one. "Um...would a hug make you feel better?" 

[00Pony 286]

 

 

Premier looks to Alizarin and shrugs. "Friend of yours, I'm presuming? And an eager one to help, to boot." Premier turns on her hoof and stands at attention, shooting a steel gaze at you. "Scribe Premier of the Trottingham chapter, acting under Star Paladin Pot Belly." She holds her gaze for a few moments more before breaking into a wide grin. "Ah, I can't be mad now. Griffon or not, you're a friend of my new favorite tech-pony here." Premier turns around and winks at Alizarin.    "So, griffon, what is your name? You don't look like a Talon..."

 

 

Alizarin nodded slightly. He had only just met Seeker about an hour or so before, so they were more along the lines of acquaintances than friends at this point, but there was no need to go mentioning that. Premier introduced herself to Seeker, striking a militant pose for a few seconds before breaking into a grin, saying how she couldn't be mad at Seeker, even if he was a Griffin, for being associated with Alizarin. And them she winked at him. Alizarin gave a small half smile and nodded at that, not entirely sure how else to act.

[Standard User 2,127]

(Damn! I didn't think you were actually going to consider the logic of it.)

 

Raptor looked at the two pitiful stallions with an expression that almost resembled disgust for a while before eventually getting tired of watching them embarrass themselves. "How much longer do you really intend to keep up with this pathetic display? You can't seriously think you'll be able to keep fighting in this condition, can you? Neither of you can fight. Just tell me all about that little mission of yours and I'll be on my way. "

 

Boulder rocks back and forth on his feet, struggling to keep focused on your hovering form. "Stupid p-pigeon...ponies are all kinds of stronger than you." And then he falls over.

 

Breeze rolls over with a grunt. He looks at Boulder's moaning form, then up to you, then back to Boulder. He quickly throws his hooves into the air, squeaking meekly "Don't hurt me!"

 

Boulder manages to crack his eyes open and shoots daggers at you -- well, your general vicinity. Can't keep focus, remember? "Damn bird...a Ranger is n-nothing if not honorable...unlike your kind." He props himself up on one hoof, then two, and then he's shakily standing again. "The 'mission' I went on wasn't even a mission. It was just going to talk to some Technophiles about doing a job for Beanie Toe. Beanie gave me a note to give to them, so that's all I know. But whatever they read, it got them damn fidgety -- whatever it said made them happier than a junky on Dash.

 

"...what? How the hell do you not...ah, shit, my head hurts...how do you not know about the Technophiles? Ugh, their halfway between Rangers and raiders, leaning towards us. They love technology and will do anything to get it. Hell, even a dinky energy pistol will get them into a feeding frenzy. And now, you stupid damn bucking buzzard, we need to...ah, Celestia, my head. C'mon, Breeze, let's go see the doc."

 

Breeze crawls over to Boulder, who helps his friend get to his hooves. Breeze's back-left hoof appears swollen and discolored. He whispers something into Boulder's ear, then they begin making their way towards the farmhouse without a word, Breeze leaning slightly on Boulder for support.

 

 

 

Malik looks to Beanie Toe, then the partially/mostly destroyed wall and furniture. "S'pose you'd like wrestle me for the off button then, like I wrestled that?" He points to the said wall. "Cuz you might lose a spine." The bot practically growled electronically.

 

"Aside from that, one of my comrades thought we were being spied on. I followed the tracks to the door and I heard voices inside-...hey wait a minute." Malik just thought of something extremely crucial, looking to Pot Belly.

 

"You went into the the kitchen. Not outside.

" He began to paw at the ground with rising anticipation and foreboding suspicion. He felt he was onto something, but he needed more thought put into it...think, Malik, think!

 

(Intelligence Roll= 42...The answer to life, the universe, and everything.)

 

[OOC: ...well...I just...shit.]

 

Gears whirring, electricity...electrifying-ing in your head...here's what you come up with:

 

Pot Belly was in the room with you when you first arrived in the farmhouse. He walked into the kitchen, and you all left. You and Silver Heart went around the house and intruded upon what appears to be an informal meeting. Looking around the room, you smell the aroma of food coming from a half-closed door in the corner of the room. Pot Belly must have come through the kitchen and back here, without grabbing food.

 

When you first walked into the house, you remember seeing through the door leading from the kitchen to this back room a dull purple coat. Tempo has a similarly-colored coat. That leaves only one unaccounted for pony.

 

 

 

(Stupid Sexy Fluttershy)

Well, this was happening. Guardian Angel had to admit that if they weren't being watched he would've taken her to town on one of those cots right then and there. "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt but let's focus on doing what I came here to do," he told Petal Dance before leaning in and whispering, "The sooner we get done with that the sooner we can come back here." He then turned to the Stallion, "Don't worry I can handle wierd but since you're awake... You wouldn't happen to know anything about a murder in town would you, we have reason to believe there were some rangers involved in killing a stallion in town for a laser rifle," he asked.

 

(24 CHR roll if I need it.)

 

Starry scoffs. "Oh no, somepony was killed, oh the horror..." Sarcasm drips from his voice. "No, I wouldn't bucking know. Ask a Scribe or one of those eggheads. And seriously, Petal Dance, you need to stop trying to cheat on me."

 

...well, ain't that awkward.

 

Petal Dance pouts again, storming over to the other stallion. They talk in hushed whispers before Petal Dance suddenly tackles Starry to the cot where they begin making out hardcore. Like, hardcore hardcore. Like, wow-I-didn't-know-that-the-pony-body-could-do-that hardcore. 

 

Regardless, your foray into the basement for answers appears to have hit a dead end.

 

 

 

(On the off chance that this will work, a perception roll to learn [from example] by watching Tempo sneak outside: 42.)

 

Silver Heart slowly sat next to Tempo, almost entirely unsure of how to comfort the crying mare. "I-I'll do everything I can to help." She stared at the ground for a few moments trying to think of anyway she could calm her. Nothing came to mind besides offering a shoulder to cry on...or a hug. Well, why not...maybe she just needs one. "Um...would a hug make you feel better?" 

 

[OOC: You mean learning how to sneak better from her? If that is what you mean, I love that idea.]

 

Perception: success. You subtly observe how Tempo quickly hops from floorboard to floorboard, stepping only on the nailed-in portions of the boards and keeping her weight light to avoid squeaks. Not some bad basics to get under your hoof. All sneak attempts in the future have a higher chance of succeeding.

 

Tempo moves to slowly embrace you, then retracts her hooves. She keeps her face aimed towards the floor but her eyes gaze into your very soul. She has the eyes of a puppy with a bow on its head that got its back leg blown off by a shotgun. But her will breaks, as do the floodgates holding back her tears. She launches herself at you and hugs you so tight it hurts.

 

"I-I'm just so sc-scared all the time! T-they won't d-do anyth-thing to help us b-because they say we're not important! But I have a family and my husband just d-died...oh Celestia, my p-poor Pyrite...I just want some answers." She holds you at hoofs-length, wiping the tears from her face. "Is that so much to ask?"

 

 

 

 

 

Alizarin nodded slightly. He had only just met Seeker about an hour or so before, so they were more along the lines of acquaintances than friends at this point, but there was no need to go mentioning that. Premier introduced herself to Seeker, striking a militant pose for a few seconds before breaking into a grin, saying how she couldn't be mad at Seeker, even if he was a Griffin, for being associated with Alizarin. And them she winked at him. Alizarin gave a small half smile and nodded at that, not entirely sure how else to act.

 

 

[OOC: Ghostpony can move it along. Otherwise, things are about to happen elsewhere that might require your presence.. *cough cough*

 

Oh, and I'm now realizing how weird it is that six so-different characters are expected to be a happy-go-lucky team. I have a plan for team bonding or whatever you want to call it.]

[Ghostpony 17]

As Seeker hovered in the air, his smirk seemed to falter for the quickest moment as he looked at Premier. "Your right i'm not, though the names Seeker " He spoke as he rubbed his neck, his smirk returning less forced then before as he remembered the reason why he entered the barn. "i'm sure my friend has told you the reasons why where here, but maybe we could exchange a bit more information for information, like something you noticed from one of the Steel Rangers that at the time didn't make any sense, but could help us now?"

 

((Intel roll: 49))

{{hope this helps, don't know what to right really}}

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

@,

 

Raptor just scoffed at the two idiots as they walked away. That fight was barely even enough to break the monotony of wandering around this place. He should probably go find the others and tell them what happened and what he'd found out, but on the other hand, he still didn't see how this murder was his problem. He'd tell them if they asked, sure, but why go out of his way?

[00Pony 286]

[OOC: Ghostpony can move it along. Otherwise, things are about to happen elsewhere that might require your presence.. *cough cough*

 

Oh, and I'm now realizing how weird it is that six so-different characters are expected to be a happy-go-lucky team. I have a plan for team bonding or whatever you want to call it.]

(OOC: I'm assuming that's a hint for Alizarin to leave? If not, I can remedy this.)

 

Alizarin glanced from Premier to Seeker, and slowly started to back up, "I'll leave you two to talk. I'm going to step outside for a bit.."

 

He turns and makes his way down the stairs, opening the audio log again. Alizarin growled as his E.F.S once more requested a passcode to access It. He would have to try and find the time to hack it soon. But there was always the chance he'd lock himself out, and it'd be lost forever. Maybe he could get one of his companions to help... No, he didn't feel comfortable with them possibly gaining access to this information. Alizarin was pretty confident that the Ranger, Guardian Angel, knew who he was, but he was keeping quiet about it.

 

Alizarin took the interior of the barn in with one more panoramic glance before stepping Out of the doors. Maybe Premier would know something About the passcode? Unlikely, he'd had to dog pretty deep to get it, but then again, you never know. And then there was also having to explain how he got it, and why he was curious, "Might be able to convince her that my helmet downloaded it when I rebooted the system, but that's to unlikely, and she's enough of a tech expert to know that," he sighs, whispering silently under his breath, "Dammit... Another time then."

 

Alizarin takes in the view before him. The farmhouse was still a farmhouse. His companions were nowhere to be seen. Well, except Raptor, who looked like he'd just bested the two wrestling ponies, judging by the state they were in, "For the record: Myth confirmed. Talon Mercs are still as dangerous as ever. Bet that was a boost for the kid's ego."

 

(OOC: EDIT: ok, turns out what I'd had sort of worked.)

Edited May 24, 2013 by 00Pony

[UnitP0N13 25]

 

1. As they walked in, he saw the back room with the coat that mare he ran over was now wearing. Meaning she was probably in the room awaiting some sort of meeting with Potbelly.

 

2. Potbelly was not actually concerned with the food than he probably was with the 'meeting'. Judging by the fact that he went through the kitchen, it was clear he meant to keep us thinking that he was stuffing his face and otherwise keep the meeting a secret, otherwise he would have said he needed to talk to the mare in the first place and would've been done with it.

 

3. Perhaps the most unsettling, Beanie Toe was the only one he knew for sure went outside, and since Silver had noticed somepony spying on them and they both found hoofprints by the window...

 

"Actually, if there's anyone I'm suspicious of, it's you...Beanie Toe," Malik began to circle around the Ranger, carefully scanning the Ranger's hooves out of the corner of his eyes (good thing he has no pupils). Potbelly's interrogation would have to come later. "What exactly were you doing outside? I certainly hope you weren't the one spying on us, were you?"

 

((Perception Roll to cross-reference his hooves with the size of the hoofprints outside, or an unusual amount of dust-buildup around the legs and hooves: 25))

Edited May 24, 2013 by UnitP0N13

[Half-Note 273]

Starry scoffs. "Oh no, somepony was killed, oh the horror..." Sarcasm drips from his voice. "No, I wouldn't bucking know. Ask a Scribe or one of those eggheads. And seriously, Petal Dance, you need to stop trying to cheat on me."

 

...well, ain't that awkward.

 

Petal Dance pouts again, storming over to the other stallion. They talk in hushed whispers before Petal Dance suddenly tackles Starry to the cot where they begin making out hardcore. Like, hardcore hardcore. Like, wow-I-didn't-know-that-the-pony-body-could-do-that hardcore.

 

Regardless, your foray into the basement for answers appears to have hit a dead end.

Guardian Angel made a disgusted face inside his helmet, he probably would have caught something, and this mare was obviously not interested in helping anypony.

 

As he made his way out of the basement he noticed a bit of commotion in [Malik and Silver are in the Farmhouse right?] so he decided to check it out. As he arrived there he noticed the door, and the pegabot. "Malik, what exactly are you doing here? We want to find answers not cause trouble," he told his metal brained partner.

Edited May 25, 2013 by Half-Note

[SilverHeart 741]

 

Tempo moves to slowly embrace you, then retracts her hooves. She keeps her face aimed towards the floor but her eyes gaze into your very soul. She has the eyes of a puppy with a bow on its head that got its back leg blown off by a shotgun. But her will breaks, as do the floodgates holding back her tears. She launches herself at you and hugs you so tight it hurts.  

 

"I-I'm just so sc-scared all the time! T-they won't d-do anyth-thing to help us b-because they say we're not important! But I have a family and my husband just d-died...oh Celestia, my p-poor Pyrite...I just want some answers." She holds you at hoofs-length, wiping the tears from her face. "Is that so much to ask?"

 

 

(OOC: @@Half-Note, I'm pretty sure Silver and Tempo are just outside the room that Malik is in. @, Indeed, that was exactly what I meant.)

 

Silver Heart blinked back a few tears as she did her best to hug Tempo back. She had never thought a hug could be painful.  "I...wait, did you say your husband was Pyrite? Are you Ruby's mom?"

[Standard User 2,127]

As Seeker hovered in the air, his smirk seemed to falter for the quickest moment as he looked at Premier. "Your right i'm not, though the names Seeker " He spoke as he rubbed his neck, his smirk returning less forced then before as he remembered the reason why he entered the barn. "i'm sure my friend has told you the reasons why where here, but maybe we could exchange a bit more information for information, like something you noticed from one of the Steel Rangers that at the time didn't make any sense, but could help us now?"

 

((Intel roll: 49))

{{hope this helps, don't know what to right really}}

 

Premier visibly relaxes when you reveal that you're not a Talon, though you can still see some muscles remain tense. "Well, Seeker...can't say that I know anything else that I haven't already told Mr. Cutie Pie-- aww, he left." Premier pouts, looking at the open door that Alizarin just exited through.

 

Raptor just scoffed at the two idiots as they walked away. That fight was barely even enough to break the monotony of wandering around this place. He should probably go find the others and tell them what happened and what he'd found out, but on the other hand, he still didn't see how this murder was his problem. He'd tell them if they asked, sure, but why go out of his way?

 

You can hear a commotion coming from the backside of the farmhouse. As you watch, Beanie Toe makes his way around the corner of the house and, noticing Breeze and Boulder limping through the front door, quickly follows them with a slightly-deranged look in his eye.

 

(OOC: I'm assuming that's a hint for Alizarin to leave? If not, I can remedy this.)

 

Alizarin glanced from Premier to Seeker, and slowly started to back up, "I'll leave you two to talk. I'm going to step outside for a bit.."

 

He turns and makes his way down the stairs, opening the audio log again. Alizarin growled as his E.F.S once more requested a passcode to access It. He would have to try and find the time to hack it soon. But there was always the chance he'd lock himself out, and it'd be lost forever. Maybe he could get one of his companions to help... No, he didn't feel comfortable with them possibly gaining access to this information. Alizarin was pretty confident that the Ranger, Guardian Angel, knew who he was, but he was keeping quiet about it.

 

Alizarin took the interior of the barn in with one more panoramic glance before stepping Out of the doors. Maybe Premier would know something About the passcode? Unlikely, he'd had to dog pretty deep to get it, but then again, you never know. And then there was also having to explain how he got it, and why he was curious, "Might be able to convince her that my helmet downloaded it when I rebooted the system, but that's to unlikely, and she's enough of a tech expert to know that," he sighs, whispering silently under his breath, "Dammit... Another time then."

 

Alizarin takes in the view before him. The farmhouse was still a farmhouse. His companions were nowhere to be seen. Well, except Raptor, who looked like he'd just bested the two wrestling ponies, judging by the state they were in, "For the record: Myth confirmed. Talon Mercs are still as dangerous as ever. Bet that was a boost for the kid's ego."

 

(OOC: EDIT: ok, turns out what I'd had sort of worked.)

 

You can hear a commotion going on from the backside of the farmhouse. As you watch, Beanie Toe stalks around the corner of the house and enters through the front door, calling for two ponies named apparently named Breeze and Boulder to hold up.

 

 

Guardian Angel made a disgusted face inside his helmet, he probably would have caught something, and this mare was obviously not interested in helping anypony.

 

As he made his way out of the basement he noticed a bit of commotion in [Malik and Silver are in the Farmhouse right?] so he decided to check it out. As he arrived there he noticed the door, and the pegabot. "Malik, what exactly are you doing here? We want to find answers not cause trouble," he told his metal brained partner.

 

[Covered at the bottom]

 

 Silver Heart blinked back a few tears as she did her best to hug Tempo back. She had never thought a hug could be painful.  "I...wait, did you say your husband was Pyrite? Are you Ruby's mom?"

 

Tempo blinks. "Well, yes, I...yeah, he was." She sniffles, drying the last tears from her eyes. "Sorry you have to see me like this. I have to be strong for my little Ruby, which means no crying at home." She looks like shes about to continue, but is interrupted by her voice being called by Beanie Toe back inside. She gives you a small, thankful smile, then pulls you along to join her inside. 

 

 

 

1. As they walked in, he saw the back room with the coat that mare he ran over was now wearing. Meaning she was probably in the room awaiting some sort of meeting with Potbelly.

 

2. Potbelly was not actually concerned with the food than he probably was with the 'meeting'. Judging by the fact that he went through the kitchen, it was clear he meant to keep us thinking that he was stuffing his face and otherwise keep the meeting a secret, otherwise he would have said he needed to talk to the mare in the first place and would've been done with it.

 

3. Perhaps the most unsettling, Beanie Toe was the only one he knew for sure went outside, and since Silver had noticed somepony spying on them and they both found hoofprints by the window...

 

"Actually, if there's anyone I'm suspicious of, it's you...Beanie Toe," Malik began to circle around the Ranger, carefully scanning the Ranger's hooves out of the corner of his eyes (good thing he has no pupils). Potbelly's interrogation would have to come later. "What exactly were you doing outside? I certainly hope you weren't the one spying on us, were you?"

 

((Perception Roll to cross-reference his hooves with the size of the hoofprints outside, or an unusual amount of dust-buildup around the legs and hooves: 25))

 

Perception: whoever made those hoofprints knew how to cover their tracks, so to speak: you can't identify anypony's hooves as the creator of the markings outside.

 

"Spying? Why, you insolent little walking junkyard! I would do nothing of the sort! I was back in this room before Pot Belly and our dear Tempo here, waiting for our meeting. Speaking of which...Tempo, Tempo dear! Would you please come out and join us?"

 

Slowly, Tempo peeks her heard inside the hole in the wall, then slinks her way back inside. She pushes a chair upright and takes a seat facing Pot Belly and Beanie Toe, who do the same. "Now, Tempo." Pot Belly speaks slowly and carefully, as if talking to a foal. "We understand that your husband was murdered, but the Rangers cannot afford to expend any resources on a wild goose chase unless you have any leads. And anyway, I'm sure that there are mercenaries who would--"

 

"You don't understand!" Tempo leaps out of her chair, knocking it to the ground again. "We are poor. We are all poor. We don't have the caps to hire anyone to go pick fruit for us, let alone find a murderer! Why won't you damn Rangers just help us?!"

 

Beanie Toe begins to say something, then holds back his retort. He casts a sidelong glare at Pot Belly before continuing. "Star Paladin Pot Belly, couldn't we even send two colts out? What about Breeze and Boulder? They're still in fighting shape, right?"

 

[Lolnope.]

 

Pot Belly dismisses Beanie Toe with a wave of his hoof. "No, no, too dangerous. This is a killer we're talking about, my dear Beanie Toe! Not somepony to be taken lightly!"

 

Mimicking Tempo, Beanie Toe stands abruptly up from his chair onto the shattered remnants of the table. "You lazy sack of shit! You keep us cooped up in this madhouse while out there in the real world--" he points exaggeratedly outside for emphasis, "There are weapons stolen and ponies dying! Dying, Pot Belly!" He huffs, making his way towards the back door. "Like you care, though. Just remember that some of us want to help the Wasteland." And with that, Beanie Toe departs.

 

You, Silver Heart, Guardian Angel, Pot Belly, and Tempo remain in the room, shocked to varying degrees by Beanie Toe's sudden outburst. Pot Belly coughs into his hoof, then gets out of his chair (which squeaks in relief). He stalks the perimeter of the room, occasionally looking outside towards where Beanie went and the kitchen, where the smell of food has grown even more. He stops suddenly, looking between you and Tempo in turn.

 

"Hold on," he mutters. "Something...something isn't right...something that was said..."

 

Tempo whispers something, drawing the gaze of everypony in the room. "I'm sorry, Tempo. Did you say something?" Pot Belly inquires.

 

"Y-yes..." her voice is barely a whisper. "I never told anyone in the Rangers that our laser rifle was stolen. Just that Pyrite...that he...oh, Celestia..." She breaks into tears once again, burying herself into Silver Heart's shoulder.

 

 

 

For the first time, Pot Belly looks genuinely serious. "You two," he begins, pointing at Malik and Guardian Angel. "You said you came here to investigate, right? Round up your companions and see what they found out."

 

[OOC: Eh, kind of forced my hand here, simply because I'm getting bored. In the future, remind me not to separate the group so much -- six replies per post is killing my fingers.  ]

[00Pony 286]

 

 

You can hear a commotion going on from the backside of the farmhouse. As you watch, Beanie Toe stalks around the corner of the house and enters through the front door, calling for two ponies named apparently named Breeze and Boulder to hold up.

 

Alizarin raises an eyebrow slightly, shutting the audio log's passcode screen back into the database. He walks casually over towards the farmhouse. His mind instinctively wanders to his AMR, but he reigns his focus in before he actually lifts the firearm from its resting place. Instead, he focuses on appearing as if he's not stalking Beanie Toe.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Cutie Pie-- aww, he left." Premier pouts

 

 

(OOC: Oh.My.God. I cannot begin to tell you how hard this made me laugh. I really seem to be living up to the meaning of my name.)

[UnitP0N13 25]

Malik made an electronic whistle, rallying the rest of the group to the farmhouse and probably catching Premier's attention (oh boy).

 

"Well, I can tell you this. If Tempo didn't tell him what had actually happened, the only way he could have know about it is if he committed the crime himself...or he was an accomplice, which would be a more likely reason for Ruby to believe that the whole of the Rangers was to blame."

 

He thought a bit more...

 

"...and accomplices have 'friends'. Potbelly, do you know of anyone close to Beanie?"

[00Pony 286]

 

 

Malik made an electronic whistle, rallying the rest of the group to the farmhouse and probably catching Premier's attention (oh boy).

 

Alizarin paused when he heard the whistling sound. He figured it came from the Pegatron, considering the sound of it. He hesitated, watching the farmhouse for a few seconds before walking towards the back of it, "Whatever he's going on about better be worth making that noise..."

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

 

 

Malik made an electronic whistle, rallying the rest of the group to the farmhouse

 

Raptor rolled his eyes at the sound of a whistle coming from the farmhouse. Damn robot. Still, it's not like he was getting anywhere by just standing around out here. He headed into the farmhouse and began to look around for Malik, or for any of the others who might have gotten there before him.

[UnitP0N13 25]

Malik waves Alizarin and Raptor over. "You two, what have you found out so far?" The robot inquired, pacing about the room as he mulled over his thoughts.

 

Malik hoped he was right, because most of what he was about to hear he assumed had already figured, should that be the case, he would charge out of this room and after Beanie...perhaps. He wanted to at least, bit it'd be too risky.

[Alex Kennedy 1,228]

@@UnitP0N13,

 

Raptor was the first to speak up. "Those two wrestling ponies outside were talking about a job one of them went on, off the record. I had to beat the information out of them, but apparently Beanie Toe sent him to give a sealed message to a group known as the Technophiles- a sort of cross between Steel Rangers and raiders. From the way he described them, I'd say it's damn near certain that they're the ones who killed Pyrite. I don't know what the message said, but it sounds like this whole thing went down without Pot Belly's approval. I'd say Beanie has some explaining to do." 

[SilverHeart 741]

Silver Heart hugged Tempo and let her cry into her shoulder. "It's alright, my...um...friends...I guess...and I will help. We're the ones that told the Rangers about the laser rifle. We...ran into Ruby and her friend, Spion. Spion told us what he thought had happened and we came here to get some answers."

 

(OOC: Totally thought Spion's name was Gizmo, I'm glad I looked that up.)

[Half-Note 273]

Guardian Angel glared at the elder. The only thing he had ever hated about some ranger chapters was laxness.

 

He trotted over to where Silver Heart and Tempo were and tried his best to comfort the mare. "Don't worry ma'am. Some rangers still care about other ponies, I'll find out who did this and make sure the bastards pay," he told her.

 

(Chr roll: 30 to be comforting.)

[00Pony 286]

Alizarin shrugs at Malik's question, "Nothing much," he drops his voice slightly, "There are some kind of secret experiments going on amongst these Rangers, but I don't know what exactly." He says, shrugging.

 

He huffs slightly at Guardian Angel's comment about some Rangers still caring, but holds back his prejudiced remarks lest he make matters worse.

[Standard User 2,127]

[Ah, yes, the post where my hand is finally forced.]

 

Malik made an electronic whistle, rallying the rest of the group to the farmhouse and probably catching Premier's attention (oh boy).

 

"Well, I can tell you this. If Tempo didn't tell him what had actually happened, the only way he could have know about it is if he committed the crime himself...or he was an accomplice, which would be a more likely reason for Ruby to believe that the whole of the Rangers was to blame."

 

He thought a bit more...

 

"...and accomplices have 'friends'. Potbelly, do you know of anyone close to Beanie?"

 

@@UnitP0N13,

 

Raptor was the first to speak up. "Those two wrestling ponies outside were talking about a job one of them went on, off the record. I had to beat the information out of them, but apparently Beanie Toe sent him to give a sealed message to a group known as the Technophiles- a sort of cross between Steel Rangers and raiders. From the way he described them, I'd say it's damn near certain that they're the ones who killed Pyrite. I don't know what the message said, but it sounds like this whole thing went down without Pot Belly's approval. I'd say Beanie has some explaining to do." 

 

"Technophiles?! What the hell would Beanie be doing with that bunch?...well, too late now.

 

"Beanie Toe does indeed have some explaining to do." The words come out of Pot Belly's mouth in a tense growl. "And so convenient that he would leave before we could come on to him, eh? Why don't we go ask him a few questions."

 

Silver Heart hugged Tempo and let her cry into her shoulder. "It's alright, my...um...friends...I guess...and I will help. We're the ones that told the Rangers about the laser rifle. We...ran into Ruby and her friend, Spion. Spion told us what he thought had happened and we came here to get some answers."

 

(OOC: Totally thought Spion's name was Gizmo, I'm glad I looked that up.)

 

Guardian Angel glared at the elder. The only thing he had ever hated about some ranger chapters was laxness.

He trotted over to where Silver Heart and Tempo were and tried his best to comfort the mare. "Don't worry ma'am. Some rangers still care about other ponies, I'll find out who did this and make sure the bastards pay," he told her.

(Chr roll: 30 to be comforting.)

 

Tempo pokes her head out of Silver Heart's shoulder, looking at Guardian Angel. "Oh bless you, bless you!" She breaks into new sobs, though there is hints of a small smile on her face. "I-I'm so happy that somepony is finally doing something!"

 

All:

 

Pot Belly looks to each of you in turn, face set in stone. "Now, I'm not sure what is going on here, but I will not have insubordination in my division. Come on, let's go out the front door. I bet Beanie will try and make a run for it like the coward he is, so we'll cut him off!"

 

He motions for Tempo to stay in the room. Then, with surprising agility (being huge and all), Pot Belly removes a dinky energy pistol from his holster and makes his way through the kitchen (pausing only for a brief moment when his fat rolls get stuck in the door frame) before stepping out of the front door onto the front porch. Following him reveals a disturbing sight:

 

Dozens of Scribes and Paladins reside in the front yard, filling the space from the front stoop of the farmhouse to the main gate. The pathway serves as a divider between two apparent factions, facing each other down.

 

On one side stands Beanie Toe, flanked by two ponies who look worse for wear (recognize them, Raptor?). Among his ranks include Petal Dance, Starry, and Premier.

 

On the other side, the barn at their backs, stands a much smaller group. They look to the front of the house almost in unison and cheer as Pot Belly comes into view. "See?" One pony calls out. "Pot Belly will shut you down!" The pony laughs maliciously before being shut up by his comrades.

 

"Oh will he now?" Beanie Toe looks up at your group and smirks. "The fat oaf who couldn't give less of a shit about the rest of the Wasteland is going to try and stand in the way of the majority of his forces that want to go outside this Celestia-forsaken fence and help? Face it, Pot Belly," Beanie Toe's voice raises even louder. "We want to go out, and you can't stop us!"

 

Pot Belly laughs. "Yes, I'm sure your little group there would just love to follow in the hoofsteps of a murderer!"

 

At this, the entire gathering erupts into accusations and threats. Only a shot from Beanie Toe's pistol can silence the crowd.

 

He looks around at all of the ponies, some expecting an explanation and some expecting an admission. Finally, he sighs and hangs his head. "There was never supposed to be a murder.

 

"The Steel Rangers exist today on the principle that we should protect technology wherever and whenever we can, but we can't do that mission while cooped up here. So I contacted the Technophiles and asked them to steal some piece of technology from Shantytown, then we would go out and recover it. It was a done deal, all you would have to do was give us the green light to head outside. I just wanted to open you up to the notion that sometimes we need to take risks, even if that risk is a couple of Technophile junkies, to do our job.

 

"But I guess the Technophiles got a little jumpy, or maybe this Pyrite tried to defend his property. He wasn't supposed to die." Beanie Toe straightens his head and looks Pot Belly in the eye. "We should go after the Technophiles then! They've committed a crime and it is our job to--"

 

Pot Belly simply shakes his head, which infuriates Beanie Toe. "This whole fiasco could have been prevented if you had just shut up and done what I had told you to do, Beanie Toe. You are at fault here."

 

Beanie Toe erupts in rage. "Damn you and how you sit on your tail and let ponies die! We want to help, Pot Belly!"

 

"And I want to help us!" Pot Belly retorts. "We've lost many good Rangers due to careless mistakes and bad moves. I won't let that happen. You are all my responsibility, but you're more than that. You're my family, and family comes first in the Wasteland."

 

Beanie scoffs. "And what about that nosy group of six you have there?"

 

Pot Belly softens. "They helped me uncover this plot of yours. Undoubtedly I would have found out about it later, but what else would I have missed by then?" 

 

"Then I guess you're forcing my hoof." Beanie gives a nod to the ponies in his command, and they each brandish various weapons. "Last chance, Pot Belly. We want you out of here. Go back to Trottingham or, even better, go die in a ditch and rot."

 

The ponies apparently allied with Pot Belly reveal weapons of their own, but they are vastly outnumbered. 

 

Pot Belly notices this and looks to your group with worry in his eyes. "I'm sorry you got wrapped up in this. Unless one of you can talk Beanie Toe down, I'm afraid that this division will tear itself apart...you...you do side with me on this, don't you?"

 

 

[TL;DR: Beanie Toe sent the Technophiles to steal some tech to encourage Pot Belly to send out a squad to recover said tech and, slowly, get Pot Belly to send out Rangers into the wastes again. Technophiles murder Pyrite, Ruby gets pissy. Pot Belly has been holding everyone back to protect them because he is a nice father-like figure. Now Beanie Toe has sparked a small civil war.

 

Basically, it comes down to this: which is more important -- fighting for the good of the whole (Beanie Toe) or fighting for your family (Pot Belly)? Pick sides, yo. Or stay neutral. And if no one can talk Beanie down, it is gonna get bloody.

 

Oh, one last thing. Beanie Toe = Benito Mussolini. Get it? Betrayal, seized power, etc. Beanie Toe...Beni-To...yeah, I like playing with names like that. Shush, you.]