View Full Version : [FwM] The Trotting Dead-Mlp without the Kiddy Thread XVI
MCerberus
2014-12-31, 11:22 PM
Purely out of academic interest, Blueshield began to ponder how well the reporter would handle oxygen-poor environments. She seems to possess exceptional lung capacity, but if she cannot restrain her vocalizations, unnecessary expenditure of air becomes a factor...
"Unfortunate, but not unexpected. Many ponies express similar sentiments. They learn what is necessary for survival, but do not actively pursue further intellectual challenges."
Unlike Scoops, she did take advantage of the natural pause place to consider her response.
"As for informants I have familiarity with, aside from those at the guardhouse, I believe the iron-worker is the most readily available. However, I must caution that I have not ascertained whether the equicidal aspect of her character is genuine or a facade, so an armed escort would be advisable should you have the courage to interview her."
Well, it should be known that the press has been known to survive anything up to nuclear explosion if there's someone left to interrogate.
"Are we talking making the metal or making stuff out of the metal, because that attracts two different sorts of ponies. Also that sort of character is usually just an act. Happens that most of the time they're just covering for something in their past. Or they're just covering to make themselves seem more important. Or they could just be the kind of crazy that creates the sort of news stories I'd run across anyway. You wouldn't believe the sort of things you can read into ponies that just keep talking and talking."
Ironic beat, though Scoops does have to take a moment to think on whether there was any sort of gratitude in the last block of words.
"Oh, and thanks for eventually opening up. After disasters of sorts ponies get paranoid and it's usually justified. Especially when talking to ponies from other parts of Equestria."
Benson
2015-01-02, 05:32 PM
The sharp pain was enough to rouse a pained cry from the addled lieutenant. "Ow!" he squeaked, the spell broken momentarily. Silverpine rubbed his shin carefully with a hoof, before blinking. Why was he standing here again? Wait, what was Gear doing to San— Oh.
Without thinking, Silverpine quickly wrapped his hooves around the out-of-control captain's torso and pulled her back, in a probably ill-thought-out attempt to rescue Sandy and give him room to escape.
"Oh my lieutenant~...You want to join us?....Well there is plenty of me to go around for my handsome officers~" She purred and giggled and did try to resist Silverpine's pulls in an effort to bring him down with her. However in her dreamy mushy state, Silverpine won over and managed to get her off of Sandy, at a price.
She yoinked him down and had her way with his lips.
Kelvin360
2015-01-03, 02:35 AM
"Oh, no, I did not-"
The sudden emotional turnaround left Flare stunned. Blades took over in the meantime.
"I think she does, Stellar. That knight said she's a thief or something. Didn't really cite her sources, though. Seemed like a nice enough filly, anyway, if a bit timid. I wonder if she's good with knives?"
"She wouldn't hurt a kitten if it was busy mauling her to death. She's got this twisted, creepy 'no wanton destruction' thing going on, like Brains does."
Flare snapped out of her shocked state just in time to be confused.
"Double entendres? What am I missing here?"
Blades stepped over and whispered something in her ear.
"Oh." Flare gave a nod. "I see. I do not know why it amuses Stellar so, but I assume it is simply the difference between my time and yours."
"Well, ya'll understand sooner or later, Flare. Anyway, 'Vadraa, I think ya've got the right idea. Remember when I was talkin' 'bout the right weapons to suit the right ponies? There's some of that at long range, too. There's diffrent forms of throwin' 'n shootin' weapons, each with their own lil' bits of style. Glad ya're thinkin' it through. Want me to start makin' ya some of the shoes ya'll need?"
"Oh! Yes please! And I'd like to help, if I can, so I can make more in the future if I need to."
After a moment, Starbeam felt amusement coming back from the filly. Oh, no, carry on. It's not often that you meet someone who can make accurate deductions about others from so little information. I'd like to see if you can do more.
Anyway, I guess that's one advantage. She does well in control, but when she's caught by surprise, she tends to flub things. The only problem is that the only way I could catch her by surprise at this point is to do what she wants me to do. I never really took to that.
Well...what's your goal? I don't see a point in catching her by surprise. Anymore than she already has been, I mean. As it stands, you're both actually in optimum positions. She doesn't have to like it, necessarily, but you're where you can do the most good without looking for hoofcuffs over your shoulder and she has a position in which she can apply her experience for a larger cause. Dare I recommend that you attempt to maintain this particular status quo?
"Detect evil"? He can do that? How does that work?
[COLOR="#800080"]Oh, you're talking about Dawnstrider? I actually crafted that function of his helmet, with Sunshine's help. The enchantment reads and relays electrical impulses caused by brainwaves that carry sociopathic data. Any instance of active thought that lacks empathy tends to be a deviance from our racial norm, which makes it even easier to detect, like a mental illness. So, in essence, it doesn't give information regarding whether you are evil, but it can tell whether your foremost intended actions, reactions, or stati are intended to cause direct harm to another being, with varying degrees of intensity depending on circumstantial thought patterns. It's not at all perfect, but it fits the job description and it was better than using Soul Magic, which ironically would have been horrendously evil.
I doubt he knows any of the mechanics, though. To him, the process begins and ends with whether someone glows red.
TheAmishPirate
2015-01-03, 06:44 PM
"Oh my lieutenant~...You want to join us?....Well there is plenty of me to go around for my handsome officers~" She purred and giggled and did try to resist Silverpine's pulls in an effort to bring him down with her. However in her dreamy mushy state, Silverpine won over and managed to get her off of Sandy, at a price.
She yoinked him down and had her way with his lips.
Sandy suddenly found his face free of assaults. Which was peculiar, considering the contented noises coming from the Captain. He peered out with one eye...and immediately regretted his decision. That there was a sight he would be taking to his grave. But it did yield one advantage; namely, he noticed that the Captain was so enamored with her Lieutenant, she'd failed to get a proper grip on her prey.
The little engineer leaped forward, shoving Gearstride away from her victim and catching the likely derped-out Silverpine on his back. "Sorry ma'am!" he cried out. Then, without a moment to lose, the brave little unicorn scampered out of the bar as fast as his little legs could carry him.
"Oh my lieutenant~...You want to join us?....Well there is plenty of me to go around for my handsome officers~" She purred and giggled and did try to resist Silverpine's pulls in an effort to bring him down with her. However in her dreamy mushy state, Silverpine won over and managed to get her off of Sandy, at a price.
She yoinked him down and had her way with his lips.
"Mmmph!" Silverpine let out a surprised squeak, as the Captain swiftly turned her attentions on the poor lieutenant again. He found himself being lost in those kisses again...
Sandy suddenly found his face free of assaults. Which was peculiar, considering the contented noises coming from the Captain. He peered out with one eye...and immediately regretted his decision. That there was a sight he would be taking to his grave. But it did yield one advantage; namely, he noticed that the Captain was so enamored with her Lieutenant, she'd failed to get a proper grip on her prey.
The little engineer leaped forward, shoving Gearstride away from her victim and catching the likely derped-out Silverpine on his back. "Sorry ma'am!" he cried out. Then, without a moment to lose, the brave little unicorn scampered out of the bar as fast as his little legs could carry him.
... before abruptly finding flat on his back, the wind knocked out of him as the Captain tumbled forward and away from him. Well, that knocked his addled mind back into focus. "Sandy, run!" Silverpine shouted at the little unicorn, and scrambled to his hooves.
TheAmishPirate
2015-01-05, 12:11 PM
"Mmmph!" Silverpine let out a surprised squeak, as the Captain swiftly turned her attentions on the poor lieutenant again. He found himself being lost in those kisses again...
... before abruptly finding flat on his back, the wind knocked out of him as the Captain tumbled forward and away from him. Well, that knocked his addled mind back into focus. "Sandy, run!" Silverpine shouted at the little unicorn, and scrambled to his hooves.
"On it, sir!" Sandy replied, shifting to let the dazed lieutenant crawl off his back* and onto his hooves. The two ponies bolted from the bar like the dogs of Tartarus were on their hooves.
(*Bad description on my part, I meant to say Sandy was carrying Silverpine on his back.)
Benson
2015-01-05, 12:36 PM
"Hey...ow...." Gearstride shook the swirls out of her eyes and furrowed her brows. "Gonna run?....I can enjoy a good chase sequence." She then puckishly grinned and sprang up, rearin and ready.
"You can run but ya can't get away from my love!" She boasted and then....she ran after them, like a dog of Tartarus on the hooves of intruders.
"On it, sir!" Sandy replied, shifting to let the dazed lieutenant crawl off his back* and onto his hooves. The two ponies bolted from the bar like the dogs of Tartarus were on their hooves.
(*Bad description on my part, I meant to say Sandy was carrying Silverpine on his back.)
"Hey...ow...." Gearstride shook the swirls out of her eyes and furrowed her brows. "Gonna run?....I can enjoy a good chase sequence." She then puckishly grinned and sprang up, rearin and ready.
"You can run but ya can't get away from my love!" She boasted and then....she ran after them, like a dog of Tartarus on the hooves of intruders.
And off they go! The shouts and curses of ponies that they bumped or shoved across accompanied the pair as they made their way down the street. "Quick! In here! Maybe we can lose her in the alleys!" Silverpine said, making an abrupt turn into said alley.
Of course, naturally, alleys wasn't exactly a safe place to be. :smalltongue:
TheAmishPirate
2015-01-10, 06:13 PM
And off they go! The shouts and curses of ponies that they bumped or shoved across accompanied the pair as they made their way down the street. "Quick! In here! Maybe we can lose her in the alleys!" Silverpine said, making an abrupt turn into said alley.
Of course, naturally, alleys wasn't exactly a safe place to be. :smalltongue:
That lack of safety took the form of a stout, scruffy-looking Earth Pony who jumped out at the pair, a knife in his mouth. "Gimme all your-"
That was all their would-be mugger got out before getting a chest-full of Sandy. The knife flung out of his grasp with an "Oof!", and the little engineer shoved him towards Silverpine. "Distraction inbound, sir! It'll buy us a few seconds!" he shouted.
And off they go! The shouts and curses of ponies that they bumped or shoved across accompanied the pair as they made their way down the street. "Quick! In here! Maybe we can lose her in the alleys!" Silverpine said, making an abrupt turn into said alley.
Of course, naturally, alleys wasn't exactly a safe place to be. :smalltongue:
That lack of safety took the form of a stout, scruffy-looking Earth Pony who jumped out at the pair, a knife in his mouth. "Gimme all your-"
That was all their would-be mugger got out before getting a chest-full of Sandy. The knife flung out of his grasp with an "Oof!", and the little engineer shoved him towards Silverpine. "Distraction inbound, sir! It'll buy us a few seconds!" he shouted.
"Good thinking, Mr Shores. Coming through!" Silverpine caught the poor earth pony and tossed him to the entrance of the alley. Hopefully his bulky form would distract Gear while they made good their escape!
Benson
2015-01-11, 08:57 PM
"You can run boys but not for lo--" Gearstride found herself being thumped by a random earth pony who waaah'd as she oof'd and toppled over. She grunted and pushed the poor mugger off to the side and watched her two stallions get farther away. She then grinned and and excitedly stamped her hooves against the ground.
"I feel a song coming up....!" She then laughed and took to a gallop after them as a sweet guitar riff started to rear up. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDLcyXzLMfg)
---
Cue Sandy and Silverpine looking behind them, their faces with horrified expressions upon seeing a singing and determined Gearstride still on their tails trying to close the distance between the two of them.
"One way or another I'm gonna smooch ya~
I'm gonna smooch ya smooch ya smooch ya smooch ya!
<cue puckering lips>
One way or another I'm gonna catch ya~
I'm gonna nuzzle nuzzle nuzzle nuzzle!
One way or another I'm gonna glomp ya~
I'm gonna pin ya pin ya pin ya pin ya!
Real soon, maybe right now~
I'm gonna glomp ya! I'm gonna glomp ya! I'll glomp ya!
Cue more running from the stallions as they knock over a barrel of molasses from a passing stand. The vendor shaking his hoof angrily at the two stallions as Gearstride finds herself stuck but with still a grin and determined look on her face. She, with some difficult, lifts up her super sticky hoof and gives it a lick, her eyes still on the direction her two stallions ran, grinning.
I wiiiiilll track you both doooowwn~
Thaaaat fact I have no doouubt~
I'll still find your roooooooute!
Cue Sandy and Silverpine posing as clothing store mannequins behind a window as Gearstride runs past them. When she is out of sight, they make their move with a little cloud of dust, the clothes they were wearing floating towards the ground.
Running in the opposite direction, for a second they look over their shoulders to see if Gear is behind them. Turning their heads forward they see Gearstride suddenly in front of them, lips a'puckered as she starts making kissy kissy gestures.
"One way or another I'm gonna kiss ya~
I'm gonna kiss ya kiss ya kiss ya kiss ya!
"One way or another I'm gonna catch ya~
I'm gonna kiss ya kiss ya kiss ya kiss ya!
The pair darted around her and ran like the devil was on their heels (Or in this case a very kiss hungry mare), jumping onto a passing trolley to try to catch their breath.
"One way or another, I'm gonna find ya~
I'm gonna smooch ya smooch ya smooch ya smooch ya!
Real soon, maybe right now~
I'm gonna smooch ya smooch ya smooch ya smooch ya!
The two try to hide in an abandoned warehouse for cliche reasons, the lighting in the scene becoming rather dim.
I wiiiiilll track you both doooowwn~
Aaaand tuuuurn the lights oooout!
Get you both on the groooound~
Her brow waggling game was intense with that last bit.
Knocking over some crates and barrels, alas the barrels happened to be filled with...you guessed molasses. The three of them are stuck with Gearstride just out of hooves reach from the two as she stretches to try to grab one of them. The camera pans outside to reveal it was a molasses factory.
As the song enters its instrumental segment, the trio find themselves in a crazy disney acid sequence. A wide shot of the three running in place along a strip of black, Gearstride ten feet away while in the background, big giant floating heads of Gearstride puckered their lips. Sandy and Silverpine eventually reach the end of the black strip only to find they were running along a giant Gearstride's mane as they fall on her muzzle. Her reddish brown eyes looking at them. Sandy's body language indicating some sort of squeaking action occurred while Silverpine grabs him and props him up, gesturing to some off screen exit.
"One way or another, we're gonna lose ya~
We're gonna give ya the slip, a slip on this trip, or another~!
One way or another, we're gonna lose ya~!
We'll shake ya, we'll shake ya!
One way or another, we're gonna flee ya!
"We're gonna cut loose! Cut loose! Cut loose!~
"One way or another, we're gonna lose ya~
We're gonna give ya the slip~!"
Cue another instrumental interlude, Sandy and Silverpine in the normal world. Silverpine gesturing in the general direction of the Cirrus beyond town. A confirming nod. Continued running. A glance to see if Gearstride is still in sight behind them.
"We'll run to the ship~
Get her over to it.
Where we're better equipped.~
So hurry in our sprint.
Take her to the conference room.~
Lock her up tight in there, no more kissy doom.~
And so the three started to head towards the direction of the Cirrus, running down the long road back to the Cirrus.
"One way or another I'm gonna smooch ya~
I'm gonna smooch ya smooch ya smooch ya smooch ya!
"We'll run to the ship~
Get her over to it.~!" x5
Fade scene to Gear's coat color.....
PurityIcekiller
2015-01-12, 01:06 AM
Well, it should be known that the press has been known to survive anything up to nuclear explosion if there's someone left to interrogate.
"Are we talking making the metal or making stuff out of the metal, because that attracts two different sorts of ponies. Also that sort of character is usually just an act. Happens that most of the time they're just covering for something in their past. Or they're just covering to make themselves seem more important. Or they could just be the kind of crazy that creates the sort of news stories I'd run across anyway. You wouldn't believe the sort of things you can read into ponies that just keep talking and talking."
Definitely more canny than first impressions suggest.
"I do not believe she is involved in the mining and smelting process. She makes metal items, particularly combat equipment. I expect you would find her amusing."
Ironic beat, though Scoops does have to take a moment to think on whether there was any sort of gratitude in the last block of words.
"Oh, and thanks for eventually opening up. After disasters of sorts ponies get paranoid and it's usually justified. Especially when talking to ponies from other parts of Equestria."
Blueshield nodded. "Considering the recent infiltration, it is only natural that newcomers be regarded with increased suspicion. Under normal circumstances, I would still have some reservations, but not nearly to this extent."
"She wouldn't hurt a kitten if it was busy mauling her to death. She's got this twisted, creepy 'no wanton destruction' thing going on, like Brains does."
Blades laughed. "Eh, she's probly just young 'n needin' a bit of trainin'. She could be all 'My blade will cut ya down to size!' with just a lil' bit of time."
"If she could be influenced that way, I suspect that Stellar's enemy would have done so already. Either she is defiant or so unnaturally pure and innocent that one would expect songbirds to gather around her with every step she takes."
"Probly the first one. 'Vadraa's got the other covered. But if she's defiant, I reckon we could make her fight!"
"Oh! Yes please! And I'd like to help, if I can, so I can make more in the future if I need to."
"All right! It's a lot like makin' normal shoes, 'cept for the gripping bits. Don't get burned!"
With that, Blades took an iron bar and began showing Arvadraa how to make the grips. She kept a careful eye on the flutter pony, making sure she didn't do anything that would get her hurt.
Well...what's your goal? I don't see a point in catching her by surprise. Anymore than she already has been, I mean. As it stands, you're both actually in optimum positions. She doesn't have to like it, necessarily, but you're where you can do the most good without looking for hoofcuffs over your shoulder and she has a position in which she can apply her experience for a larger cause. Dare I recommend that you attempt to maintain this particular status quo?
It's not that simple. This job is only here because Doth is still a threat, and letting that last is out of the question. What will I do when they no longer need me? If I can't get a secure position by then, all I have is whatever isn't nailed down.
Night Jewel paused to think. ...Really, what I want is some control. My choices are either playing it safe and being miserable or taking risks just to be content, and both are barely livable.
Oh, you're talking about Dawnstrider? I actually crafted that function of his helmet, with Sunshine's help. The enchantment reads and relays electrical impulses caused by brainwaves that carry sociopathic data. Any instance of active thought that lacks empathy tends to be a deviance from our racial norm, which makes it even easier to detect, like a mental illness. So, in essence, it doesn't give information regarding whether you are evil, but it can tell whether your foremost intended actions, reactions, or stati are intended to cause direct harm to another being, with varying degrees of intensity depending on circumstantial thought patterns. It's not at all perfect, but it fits the job description and it was better than using Soul Magic, which ironically would have been horrendously evil.
I doubt he knows any of the mechanics, though. To him, the process begins and ends with whether someone glows red.
Fascinating. So instead of a simple "good or evil" judgment, it shows the frequency and intensity of certain actions or thoughts, like a seismograph that detects amorality instead of earthquakes.
The filly slipped the necklace on next, and began to eye the rod.
MCerberus
2015-01-14, 11:30 PM
Definitely more canny than first impressions suggest.
"I do not believe she is involved in the mining and smelting process. She makes metal items, particularly combat equipment. I expect you would find her amusing."
Blueshield nodded. "Considering the recent infiltration, it is only natural that newcomers be regarded with increased suspicion. Under normal circumstances, I would still have some reservations, but not nearly to this extent."
"Amusing would be if she has anything that she's willing to say that can shed more light on all of the plop that's going on around Equestria. Did you know a full two thirds of all pieces of mail out of this town never make it through the system and through to other towns? Well according to the mailmare's association, but they like to play with the numbers in one way or another to try and get a statement out. A lot of government types do that."
Scoops takes a moment to glance at a large, damaged building and wonders when they're going to make it to their destination. For all she knew she was actually looking at the guardhouse.
"It's actually that sort of way all sorts of places. Know ponies whose contacts in the Zebra community suddenly clamming up due to mistrust. Different cause there as you'd imagine but blech."
Kelvin360
2015-01-16, 12:14 AM
Blades laughed. "Eh, she's probly just young 'n needin' a bit of trainin'. She could be all 'My blade will cut ya down to size!' with just a lil' bit of time."
"If she could be influenced that way, I suspect that Stellar's enemy would have done so already. Either she is defiant or so unnaturally pure and innocent that one would expect songbirds to gather around her with every step she takes."
"Probly the first one. 'Vadraa's got the other covered. But if she's defiant, I reckon we could make her fight!"
"I'm going to stop whatever dastardly plans Stellar might have in mind here with a resounding 'no'. As an option we may not have tried before, how about we go a week without emotionally manipulating, threatening, or injuring somepony to get what we want? If we succeed, the reward is cookies."
"All right! It's a lot like makin' normal shoes, 'cept for the gripping bits. Don't get burned!"
With that, Blades took an iron bar and began showing Arvadraa how to make the grips. She kept a careful eye on the flutter pony, making sure she didn't do anything that would get her hurt.
If one thing can be said for Arvadraa since she began working at Heavy Metal, it is that she has come a long way since setting herself on fire and running facefirst into a wall. Her movements exemplify practiced caution without sacrificing grace as she flits from step to step, and while her finished products are nothing special, the miniature performance is intriguing to watch, if nothing else. Soon enough, her attempt lies next to that of the master for comparison, hewn from the tips of her own hooves.
It's not that simple. This job is only here because Doth is still a threat, and letting that last is out of the question. What will I do when they no longer need me? If I can't get a secure position by then, all I have is whatever isn't nailed down.
Night Jewel paused to think. ...Really, what I want is some control. My choices are either playing it safe and being miserable or taking risks just to be content, and both are barely livable.
You want a life without fear, a life with purpose, a life where you have control? I think you already know what sort of life you want. But you don't want to admit it to yourself, because it goes against everything you thought was integral to you.
And so the three started to head towards the direction of the Cirrus, running down the long road back to the Cirrus.
[COLOR="#666600"]
"One way or another I'm gonna smooch ya~
I'm gonna smooch ya smooch ya smooch ya smooch ya!
"We'll run to the ship~
Get her over to it.~!" x5
Fade scene to Gear's coat color.....
The road back to the Cirrus seemed to stretch on forever. Likely because the two had been running for quite some time and starting to tire. The earth pony forced himself to keep going. To ignore the burning in his legs. "Mr Shores. Do you think we'll make it back to the ship?" Silverpine asked, in between each laboured breath.
TheAmishPirate
2015-01-19, 01:29 PM
The road back to the Cirrus seemed to stretch on forever. Likely because the two had been running for quite some time and starting to tire. The earth pony forced himself to keep going. To ignore the burning in his legs. "Mr Shores. Do you think we'll make it back to the ship?" Silverpine asked, in between each laboured breath.
Why? Why did they always sing when they ran for their lives? It just wore down a pony quicker. "Less talkin', more *huff* doin' th' mission *puff* sir..." Sandy's tongue lolled out as he strained to catch his breath. "If we...oof...we close the door on th' ramp behind us, might buy a lil' more time...huuf..."
PurityIcekiller
2015-01-22, 04:10 AM
"Amusing would be if she has anything that she's willing to say that can shed more light on all of the plop that's going on around Equestria. Did you know a full two thirds of all pieces of mail out of this town never make it through the system and through to other towns? Well according to the mailmare's association, but they like to play with the numbers in one way or another to try and get a statement out. A lot of government types do that."
Scoops takes a moment to glance at a large, damaged building and wonders when they're going to make it to their destination. For all she knew she was actually looking at the guardhouse.
"It's actually that sort of way all sorts of places. Know ponies whose contacts in the Zebra community suddenly clamming up due to mistrust. Different cause there as you'd imagine but blech."
"I fail to comprehend what relevance this has-" Blueshield began, right before she realized what relevance it had.
Something is interfering with the local postal service? This is rather worrisome. It is no wonder that I have not received a response from the other Knights yet. I must make additional efforts to ensure that they are informed of the threat.
"...On second thought, Miss Scoops, you have been quite helpful in alerting me to this situation." She gave the reporter a nod. "Now, I believe this to be our destination. I shall accompany you through the introductions, but after that, it is imperative that I get to work on ensuring the successful transmission of vital missives."
With that, she went up to the guardhouse door and gave a knock.
"I'm going to stop whatever dastardly plans Stellar might have in mind here with a resounding 'no'. As an option we may not have tried before, how about we go a week without emotionally manipulating, threatening, or injuring somepony to get what we want? If we succeed, the reward is cookies."
Blades took a few moments to turn this over in her head.
"A good suggestion, young one. It would help in learning patience."
"Uh, 'Vadraa... What if ponies have it comin'? What then?"
"Well, perhaps we could make an exception for dangerous things. If you're being attacked by vampires, I wouldn't fault you for fighting back."
"Fine, fine."
If one thing can be said for Arvadraa since she began working at Heavy Metal, it is that she has come a long way since setting herself on fire and running facefirst into a wall. Her movements exemplify practiced caution without sacrificing grace as she flits from step to step, and while her finished products are nothing special, the miniature performance is intriguing to watch, if nothing else. Soon enough, her attempt lies next to that of the master for comparison, hewn from the tips of her own hooves.
Blades smiled approvingly. "Ya picked that up nice 'n fast! Those look like they'd be great for yar start. Are ya ready to get shootin', then?"
You want a life without fear, a life with purpose, a life where you have control? I think you already know what sort of life you want. But you don't want to admit it to yourself, because it goes against everything you thought was integral to you.
Oh, no. It's not that I won't admit it. It's that it was implausible for so long, and I don't expect that to change so suddenly.
But enough fretting for now. Want to analyze Bluey some more?
Why? Why did they always sing when they ran for their lives? It just wore down a pony quicker. "Less talkin', more *huff* doin' th' mission *puff* sir..." Sandy's tongue lolled out as he strained to catch his breath. "If we...oof...we close the door on th' ramp behind us, might buy a lil' more time...huuf..."
"Good... haaah... plan, Shores." Silverpine gasped and stopped by the door controls as they stumbled into the ship, slamming the button that would seal the door shut.
Benson
2015-01-26, 11:55 AM
"Come on boys...let me in and I will let you in~...your tongues I mean, in my mouth..come on let's make ouuut~!" They would hear her voice echoing down the halls, her voice coming out of the speakers. Gearstride stood outside the door, speaking into the outer intercom console. "You know you want to let me in and enjoy the sweet sweet honey kisses I have to give~"
From inside the ship, in another area, Gwendolyn glanced over at Lucky. "What in Tartarus?......You heard that too right? I mean, I didn't just imagine that weirdness from the speaker over there." She pointed at a speaker in the hallway.
Kelvin360
2015-01-27, 12:44 AM
Blades smiled approvingly. "Ya picked that up nice 'n fast! Those look like they'd be great for yar start. Are ya ready to get shootin', then?"
"Absolutely! Do we have any supplies for it? I guess I'll have to whittle my own arrows eventually, but it's easier to use the stocks."
Oh, no. It's not that I won't admit it. It's that it was implausible for so long, and I don't expect that to change so suddenly.
But enough fretting for now. Want to analyze Bluey some more?
In what way? Can you say you want to see her in three dimensions? I assumed that she worked better for you as a cut-and-paste form of opposition.
TheAmishPirate
2015-01-28, 12:03 PM
"Come on boys...let me in and I will let you in~...your tongues I mean, in my mouth..come on let's make ouuut~!" They would hear her voice echoing down the halls, her voice coming out of the speakers. Gearstride stood outside the door, speaking into the outer intercom console. "You know you want to let me in and enjoy the sweet sweet honey kisses I have to give~"
From inside the ship, in another area, Gwendolyn glanced over at Lucky. "What in Tartarus?......You heard that too right? I mean, I didn't just imagine that weirdness from the speaker over there." She pointed at a speaker in the hallway.
There was a fumbling and scratching sound on the outside intercom. "Uh, where's th' button... um, I'm gonna have t'say...no thank you."
Inside, Sandy switched off his communicator and turned to Silverpine. "That won't hold her for long; there's plenty of ways th' Captain can get inside. We gotta find a way t'lure her somewhere an' lock her up 'till she gets back t'normal."
Lycan 01
2015-01-30, 02:44 AM
"Come on boys...let me in and I will let you in~...your tongues I mean, in my mouth..come on let's make ouuut~!" They would hear her voice echoing down the halls, her voice coming out of the speakers. Gearstride stood outside the door, speaking into the outer intercom console. "You know you want to let me in and enjoy the sweet sweet honey kisses I have to give~"
From inside the ship, in another area, Gwendolyn glanced over at Lucky. "What in Tartarus?......You heard that too right? I mean, I didn't just imagine that weirdness from the speaker over there." She pointed at a speaker in the hallway.
[Aboard the Cirrus]
Lucky does a double-take at the speaker. "Bwuh?" He tilts his head a bit. "Is that... uh... Who's she talking to?" he asks uncertainly, blushing slightly. "I mean are those... orders? Or... what?"
There was a fumbling and scratching sound on the outside intercom. "Uh, where's th' button... um, I'm gonna have t'say...no thank you."
Inside, Sandy switched off his communicator and turned to Silverpine. "That won't hold her for long; there's plenty of ways th' Captain can get inside. We gotta find a way t'lure her somewhere an' lock her up 'till she gets back t'normal."
"Well, Sandy. Looks like one of us have to be the bait. Who would that be?" Silverpine tilted his head expectantly.
TheAmishPirate
2015-01-30, 08:50 AM
"Well, Sandy. Looks like one of us have to be the bait. Who would that be?" Silverpine tilted his head expectantly.
"That's, um, that's very hard t'say...oh goodness..." The poor little engineer's cheeks nearly caught fire. "You, um, are...romantically entangled with th' Captain, so it's less of a loss if there's...um, c-collateral damage in the bait attempt. B-but, uuuuuhhhhhh, I'm, er, th-the smaller of us two an', um, usually a bit more agile, so, um, I-I might have a better chance of escaping before...before..."
Little clouds of steam puffed from his ears. He didn't need to finish that thought.
"That's, um, that's very hard t'say...oh goodness..." The poor little engineer's cheeks nearly caught fire. "You, um, are...romantically entangled with th' Captain, so it's less of a loss if there's...um, c-collateral damage in the bait attempt. B-but, uuuuuhhhhhh, I'm, er, th-the smaller of us two an', um, usually a bit more agile, so, um, I-I might have a better chance of escaping before...before..."
Little clouds of steam puffed from his ears. He didn't need to finish that thought.
Silverpine let out a gentle sigh. In all his good conscience, he probably should spare Sandy at least this embarrassment. He patted the engineer's shoulder gently. "Sounds like it's up to me to lure the captain in. But where? Has to be a place where there's only one entrance, and preferably no windows. Maybe one of the storage closet..."
MCerberus
2015-02-01, 11:50 PM
Guardhouse
Staccata looks up from her magazine. Since her previous plans for the day evaporated, she's been hanging out. It just seems that the magazines have been getting more recent and reliably changed recently. Funny that. Seems that the subscriptions are mailed to ponies like "The Donut Squad" and "Tightflank Brigade". All just coincidence right?
Anyway, when the knock comes at the door, the mare looks up. She glances towards the desk where, at last look, Tyrol was put on secretary duty for today.
"Is that door locked or something? Usually ponies just walk in right?"
Meanwhile, outside, Whadda just looks at the door expectantly. She's not saying anything right now and that's kind of weird. Although she's not speaking, the reported seems about ready to start vibrating in excitement and anticipation. Hopefully the wait isn't too long.
Benson
2015-02-02, 12:03 AM
[Aboard the Cirrus]
Lucky does a double-take at the speaker. "Bwuh?" He tilts his head a bit. "Is that... uh... Who's she talking to?" he asks uncertainly, blushing slightly. "I mean are those... orders? Or... what?"
"Maybe we should ask.....uhm.....eh...I don't care...I'll go let her in...." Clearly nothing bad would happen from this. Gwen was totally confused but she figured the others could deal with it. She shrugged and with Lucky presumably in tow, she headed to the entrance of the ship and hesitantly pushed some buttons as the heavy steel door hissed and screechingly slid open.
Gwen blankly stared at the olive mare who was hovering over the intercom who stared back, and then smiled in way that made the griffon uncomfortable.
"Why thank you so much dearies for letting me in haha...seems the lieutenant and engineer did something with the locks.......anyways......" She did not finish her sentence and just galloped past them.
---
"Okay...was it just me.....or were her pupils shaped like hearts?...." Gwen glanced over at Lucky with pretty much this expression... ಠ_ಠ
PurityIcekiller
2015-02-07, 12:20 AM
((Blueshield will wait until the situation with where Staccata is at gets resolved.))
"Absolutely! Do we have any supplies for it? I guess I'll have to whittle my own arrows eventually, but it's easier to use the stocks."
"Of course! I don't use bows a lot myself, but there's ponies 'round here that like 'em, so I've got good stocks of arrows. A few crossbows too, but not many just bows. I don't do as much with the wood. It tends to catch fire or break when ya put it through forgin' and hammerin', ya know!" Blades chuckled. "Still, I think I got one in the back. Flare, could ya fetch it?"
"As you wish, Mistress."
Flare trotted off into the back room, then returned with a small bow and a quiver of arrows.
"Ah, good! It's not a big ol' longbow. Those things take forever to learn. So, why don't ya take it out, find a target and take a few shots? If ya want, it can either be movin' or not movin', or I could make a movin' target not movin'..."
In what way? Can you say you want to see her in three dimensions? I assumed that she worked better for you as a cut-and-paste form of opposition.
...On the other hoof, maybe you're not so good at this deduction thing, because you seem to be misjudging me a lot. This is just for fun, to see what you make of her.
Additional insights on how to deal with her are just a bonus.
MCerberus
2015-02-08, 11:04 PM
On The Road
Luckily, with time to prepare, Staccata was able to get proper adventuring supplies together. This includes some sunsticks, potions, and daggers of various metals. Unlike the vampony adventure, she doesn't know what might be necessary or what special precautions need to be taken for potential stabbing. She's more quiet on the road as of yet, especially considering a feeling of unease like she's missing out on a conversation. Not knowing certain things can get on the nerves of a mare that's been acting as an information broker.
In fact, some careful thinking would probably reveal that she's digging for information on this little adventure. That and her share. From her demeanor, she's been treating this more like an adventuring party than a military scouting mission. Do what you know right?
Although she does regret not being able to find a new cloak. Everything's in her saddlebags, and those provide less useful pockets than her old cloak. The subject of using light is something she has experience with.
"The easy way to deal with not having light is to wear a rag as an eyepatch for a time. Makes for a bad pirate impression but nopony should see you if you pay attention."
The Guardhouse
Well Staccata is retconned away, but that still leaves Scoops... vibrating in anticipation. Will she explode if it takes too long? Or just caffeine crash?
The griffon is still around to question why somepony would be knocking on the door. So he can ask Tyrol.
"Is someone expected?"
(I'll deal with the Road thing soonish. Just need to PM a few people.)
The Guardhouse
Well Staccata is retconned away, but that still leaves Scoops... vibrating in anticipation. Will she explode if it takes too long? Or just caffeine crash?
The griffon is still around to question why somepony would be knocking on the door. So he can ask Tyrol.
"Is someone expected?"
Tyrol stifled another yawn. Then blinked at the griffon, tilting his head. "Not really. The captain already sent the last group off. We shouldn't be expecting anyone."
TheAmishPirate
2015-02-10, 09:14 AM
Silverpine let out a gentle sigh. In all his good conscience, he probably should spare Sandy at least this embarrassment. He patted the engineer's shoulder gently. "Sounds like it's up to me to lure the captain in. But where? Has to be a place where there's only one entrance, and preferably no windows. Maybe one of the storage closet..."
"That won't work; we need some way for you t'get out." Sandy shook his head. "Th' conference room might just work, though. It's got doors on both sides. I can shut one behind her, an' you can shut th' other when you leave."
Benson
2015-02-10, 11:55 AM
Sandy and Silverpine better hurry quickly!
"Boooooooooooooyys~!" Her voice rang out throughout the nearby halls as she was on the verge of turning into the hall they were in...
"That won't work; we need some way for you t'get out." Sandy shook his head. "Th' conference room might just work, though. It's got doors on both sides. I can shut one behind her, an' you can shut th' other when you leave."
Sandy and Silverpine better hurry quickly!
"Boooooooooooooyys~!" Her voice rang out throughout the nearby halls as she was on the verge of turning into the hall they were in...
The lieutenant perked his ears. "Looks like our time just ran out. Conference room it is." Mind made up, Silverpine scurried off in the general direction of the conference room.
"If ya want me, ya better hurry!" Silverpine called out!
Benson
2015-02-11, 01:01 PM
Gearstride grinned and happily wagged her tail like a dog.
"Oooh baby~..." She would happily canter after them, unknowingly into their trap.
In the conference room they would see her hungrily looking at them from across the conference table. "Who wants to go first?....No wait...let us all three have a little fun at the same time...here...this table..." She puckered her lips and made kissy kissy gestures.
TheAmishPirate
2015-02-16, 01:44 PM
Gearstride grinned and happily wagged her tail like a dog.
"Oooh baby~..." She would happily canter after them, unknowingly into their trap.
In the conference room they would see her hungrily looking at them from across the conference table. "Who wants to go first?....No wait...let us all three have a little fun at the same time...here...this table..." She puckered her lips and made kissy kissy gestures.
Poor Sandy had so much blood rushing to his cheeks he felt ready to faint. "U-uh, that's, um, one idea, but we were thinking more of a...er, why don't you just close your eyes? It's a...uh, s-surprise." He gulped, trying to appear as un-nervous as possible.
Gearstride grinned and happily wagged her tail like a dog.
"Oooh baby~..." She would happily canter after them, unknowingly into their trap.
In the conference room they would see her hungrily looking at them from across the conference table. "Who wants to go first?....No wait...let us all three have a little fun at the same time...here...this table..." She puckered her lips and made kissy kissy gestures.
Poor Sandy had so much blood rushing to his cheeks he felt ready to faint. "U-uh, that's, um, one idea, but we were thinking more of a...er, why don't you just close your eyes? It's a...uh, s-surprise." He gulped, trying to appear as un-nervous as possible.
Silverpine seemed similarly flustered, but he seemed to have retained more presence of his mind. He quickly tried to nudge Sandy out through the back with a hindleg, all the while smiling awkwardly at the addled Captain. He raised his forehooves in a placating gesture. "Now, now, Captain. Ah... maybe we can talk this out? Um... you know, without kisses and whatnot?"
That was so obviously going to work.
Benson
2015-02-19, 11:54 AM
Poor Sandy had so much blood rushing to his cheeks he felt ready to faint. "U-uh, that's, um, one idea, but we were thinking more of a...er, why don't you just close your eyes? It's a...uh, s-surprise." He gulped, trying to appear as un-nervous as possible.
"Oh my~....should I be getting a blind fold for this?" She purred as she hopped onto the table as she made for closing the gap. "Please don't make me wait too long for my surprise~"
Doki doki doki
Silverpine seemed similarly flustered, but he seemed to have retained more presence of his mind. He quickly tried to nudge Sandy out through the back with a hindleg, all the while smiling awkwardly at the addled Captain. He raised his forehooves in a placating gesture. "Now, now, Captain. Ah... maybe we can talk this out? Um... you know, without kisses and whatnot?"
That was so obviously going to work.
"So silly and cute lieutenant~....Now now.....What is there to talk about? I want your kisses and I want them now~" She flopped over onto her back and reached out with longing, eyes closed. Must of been tough for Silverpine :P
PurityIcekiller
2015-02-22, 03:41 AM
Luckily, with time to prepare, Staccata was able to get proper adventuring supplies together. This includes some sunsticks, potions, and daggers of various metals. Unlike the vampony adventure, she doesn't know what might be necessary or what special precautions need to be taken for potential stabbing. She's more quiet on the road as of yet, especially considering a feeling of unease like she's missing out on a conversation. Not knowing certain things can get on the nerves of a mare that's been acting as an information broker.
In fact, some careful thinking would probably reveal that she's digging for information on this little adventure. That and her share. From her demeanor, she's been treating this more like an adventuring party than a military scouting mission. Do what you know right?
Although she does regret not being able to find a new cloak. Everything's in her saddlebags, and those provide less useful pockets than her old cloak. The subject of using light is something she has experience with.
"The easy way to deal with not having light is to wear a rag as an eyepatch for a time. Makes for a bad pirate impression but nopony should see you if you pay attention."
Night Jewel pocketed the rod and nodded. "That does help, since you're only half-blind instead of all blind when your eye is still adjusting. I used some tricks like that before I figured out my invisible light spell. And now I'm thinking I should practice purely-blind movement more; even if I don't need it now, it usually doesn't hurt to keep skills honed."
Well Staccata is retconned away, but that still leaves Scoops... vibrating in anticipation. Will she explode if it takes too long? Or just caffeine crash?
The griffon is still around to question why somepony would be knocking on the door. So he can ask Tyrol.
"Is someone expected?"
Tyrol stifled another yawn. Then blinked at the griffon, tilting his head. "Not really. The captain already sent the last group off. We shouldn't be expecting anyone."
Huh! It seems some locals care little for formalities.
"Commander Blueshield. I have found a guest that you may wish to inspect."
Blueshield pushed open the door and stepped inside.
"Come in, Miss Scoops. I assume you wish to handle your own introduction?"
TheAmishPirate
2015-02-22, 11:03 PM
"Oh my~....should I be getting a blind fold for this?" She purred as she hopped onto the table as she made for closing the gap. "Please don't make me wait too long for my surprise~"
Doki doki doki
"So silly and cute lieutenant~....Now now.....What is there to talk about? I want your kisses and I want them now~" She flopped over onto her back and reached out with longing, eyes closed. Must of been tough for Silverpine :P
Sandy could hear his own heart, thundering in his ears. "J-just one...ah, s-s-second..." he said, though he could hardly hear his own voice. The little unicorn prodded Silverpine sharply, motioned towards the door, and started sneaking away to the other door closest to him.
"Oh my~....should I be getting a blind fold for this?" She purred as she hopped onto the table as she made for closing the gap. "Please don't make me wait too long for my surprise~"
Doki doki doki
"So silly and cute lieutenant~....Now now.....What is there to talk about? I want your kisses and I want them now~" She flopped over onto her back and reached out with longing, eyes closed. Must of been tough for Silverpine :P
Oh yes. Silverpine's lips trembled; he wanted nothing more than to answer his heart's longing and his partner's obvious need... but no. He took a deep breath, and stilled his trembling legs. Luna help him, this was going to be hard. "Ah... Gear, just give me a f-few more moments, yeah?"
Sandy could hear his own heart, thundering in his ears. "J-just one...ah, s-s-second..." he said, though he could hardly hear his own voice. The little unicorn prodded Silverpine sharply, motioned towards the door, and started sneaking away to the other door closest to him.
Silverpine nodded and quietly circled around the table, ostensibly reaching for Gear, but in reality, making his way for the door. Still, he was coming within dangerous kissing distance of the good Captain...
Benson
2015-02-23, 11:40 AM
"Don't make me wait too long boys.....I am awfully parched for your sweet moist kisses," She purred and stretched on the table with a dopey smile and puckered her lips and made kissy gestures once more.
By the time they are able to complete this part of the plan and trap the mare alone inside. She scrunched her muzzle and eventually opened her eyes. "Hey.....where is everyone?....I need my kisses~.." She flipped over and hopped off of the table and tried to open one of the doors. She throatily growled when it didn't as she knocked on the door. "Come on boys....this isn't funny....let me out....I demand HPKs, Captain's order and stuff....why the heck do we have doors that lock from the outside only..." She knocked on the door again.
"Cooome oooon...let me oooout..." She whined.
MCerberus
2015-02-24, 07:15 PM
Night Jewel pocketed the rod and nodded. "That does help, since you're only half-blind instead of all blind when your eye is still adjusting. I used some tricks like that before I figured out my invisible light spell. And now I'm thinking I should practice purely-blind movement more; even if I don't need it now, it usually doesn't hurt to keep skills honed."
"Wouldn't making light invisible make it not work?" Staccata asks. As an earth mare, the closest she gets to fancy 'can't be seen' light sources are light amplification enchantments. Which are either bulky or expensive.
Although in retrospect selling off those contacts that worked well a while back before arriving in town may not have been a good idea, but the rogue does enjoy a financial transaction or two.
Huh! It seems some locals care little for formalities.
"Commander Blueshield. I have found a guest that you may wish to inspect."
Blueshield pushed open the door and stepped inside.
"Come in, Miss Scoops. I assume you wish to handle your own introduction?"
Scoops doesn't waste much time slipping past Blueshield into the room, pretty obviously about to go long-winded. This is exasperated by the gasp for air before she begins to speak.
"Whadda Scoops, Registered reporter with the New Colt Times. Or the Manehatten Post. Or actually this may end up one of those sort of freelance things." Whadda rushes over to shake Tyrol's hoof. The griffon rolls his eyes and keeps to a different side of the room.
Scoops, of course, hasn't stopped to breath.
"I'm here to find out what's been going on in the town. Lots of stuff going on. Of course our good friend here already explained some ground rules. I know where to draw the line, I'm not some fresh ex-paperfilly. Although that's where I started, but that was way back long ago. Point being I'm here to GET SOME TRUTH."
The griffon exits quickly, leaving Tyrol alone.
"Don't make me wait too long boys.....I am awfully parched for your sweet moist kisses," She purred and stretched on the table with a dopey smile and puckered her lips and made kissy gestures once more.
By the time they are able to complete this part of the plan and trap the mare alone inside. She scrunched her muzzle and eventually opened her eyes. "Hey.....where is everyone?....I need my kisses~.." She flipped over and hopped off of the table and tried to open one of the doors. She throatily growled when it didn't as she knocked on the door. "Come on boys....this isn't funny....let me out....I demand HPKs, Captain's order and stuff....why the heck do we have doors that lock from the outside only..." She knocked on the door again.
"Cooome oooon...let me oooout..." She whined.
"No can do, Capt'n..." Silverpine panted, leaning against the door from the outside. That was too close!
"Now what, Sandy?" he asked, glancing at the small engineer at the other end of the corridor.
Scoops doesn't waste much time slipping past Blueshield into the room, pretty obviously about to go long-winded. This is exasperated by the gasp for air before she begins to speak.
"Whadda Scoops, Registered reporter with the New Colt Times. Or the Manehatten Post. Or actually this may end up one of those sort of freelance things." Whadda rushes over to shake Tyrol's hoof. The griffon rolls his eyes and keeps to a different side of the room.
Scoops, of course, hasn't stopped to breath.
"I'm here to find out what's been going on in the town. Lots of stuff going on. Of course our good friend here already explained some ground rules. I know where to draw the line, I'm not some fresh ex-paperfilly. Although that's where I started, but that was way back long ago. Point being I'm here to GET SOME TRUTH."
The griffon exits quickly, leaving Tyrol alone.
Tyrol quickly regretted trading the griffon's surly presence for this hyperactive reporter. No good could come from this. He carefully extracted his hoof from the reporter and coughed, adjusting his armour. "Um, well, ma'am. That kind of depends what kind of truths you're looking for. The Captain isn't keen to share things he thinks are too important for th' public to know..." Well, that last sentence might have been a tactical error.
Hopefully Blueshield could at least help out.
Joyous shifts his hooves atop the table, as though he'd rather be doing anything else with them to kill some of the awkwardness of the moment. "I used to be a lot of things. Almost none of them still apply."
I cast resurrection on this scene! Pinging Kelvin and Merellis.
"... what were y-you used t-to be?" Pulp Fiction asked, eyes wide, leaning forward slightly in apparent interest.
TheAmishPirate
2015-02-25, 11:14 AM
"No can do, Capt'n..." Silverpine panted, leaning against the door from the outside. That was too close!
"Now what, Sandy?" he asked, glancing at the small engineer at the other end of the corridor.
Sandy was pressed against his door, as if he was afraid the lock might fail at any moment and unleash an uncomfortably affection horror upon the both of them. "...get a bucket of ice water? Wait it out?" He offered with a timid shrug.
Sandy was pressed against his door, as if he was afraid the lock might fail at any moment and unleash an uncomfortably affection horror upon the both of them. "...get a bucket of ice water? Wait it out?" He offered with a timid shrug.
"... I think we should wait it out. At least for the meantime." Silverpine heaved a sigh and slumped against the door. "I feel bad for locking her in like this..."
Benson
2015-02-27, 01:02 PM
"You should feel bad!" Cried out Gear's voice from the other side. "Come on babe...let me out....I have many kisses to share with both my boys. I'll even do the thing you like with my muzzle Lieutenant!" Gearstride banged at the door for a bit.
"I even have my mane down right now~!"
"You should feel bad!" Cried out Gear's voice from the other side. "Come on babe...let me out....I have many kisses to share with both my boys. I'll even do the thing you like with my muzzle Lieutenant!" Gearstride banged at the door for a bit.
"I even have my mane down right now~!"
"No uh! Not listening until you calmed down, Captain!" Silverpine said, plugging his hoofs around his ears. Though he did turn a little red at the muzzle thing.
Benson
2015-03-02, 01:58 AM
"No uh! Not listening until you calmed down, Captain!" Silverpine said, plugging his hoofs around his ears. Though he did turn a little red at the muzzle thing.
"Oh Lieutenant...but I cannot be calmed....I am on fire and I desire my boys to keep...something pun....Look....I promise you won't regret it...in the moment," She called out from the other room, and thumped her hoof on the door.
Kelvin360
2015-03-02, 06:15 PM
Creepy Creepy Forests
Dawnstrider allows Staccata, Night Jewel and their guide to continue with their conversations as he sees fit. He busies himself leveling his gaze with the area around them, occasionally allowing the magic of his helmet to leap to his eyes, although interference is to be expected.
...On the other hoof, maybe you're not so good at this deduction thing, because you seem to be misjudging me a lot. This is just for fun, to see what you make of her.
Additional insights on how to deal with her are just a bonus.
Don't blame the mathematician if you change the equation in the middle of their calculation. I doubt you'd put up with me if I knew everything about you, and I'd rather a few things remain a mystery. If there's one thing about you I can judge with relative certainty, it's that you'd as soon not be an open book. That said, I can't really talk in detail about Blueshield from the precious little interaction I've had with her. I just know about her pride and what you're putting off in her regard.
You feel another smile from her end of the conversation. Your...interesting relationship doesn't really do much to elucidate the matter. And...incidentally, I hope I'm not being insulting.
"Of course! I don't use bows a lot myself, but there's ponies 'round here that like 'em, so I've got good stocks of arrows. A few crossbows too, but not many just bows. I don't do as much with the wood. It tends to catch fire or break when ya put it through forgin' and hammerin', ya know!" Blades chuckled. "Still, I think I got one in the back. Flare, could ya fetch it?"
"As you wish, Mistress."
Flare trotted off into the back room, then returned with a small bow and a quiver of arrows.
"Ah, good! It's not a big ol' longbow. Those things take forever to learn. So, why don't ya take it out, find a target and take a few shots? If ya want, it can either be movin' or not movin', or I could make a movin' target not movin'..."
Arvadraa's eyes flash with a pleasant anxiety that is difficult to discern. It may not have anything to do with Horne, however, as when she speaks, her voice is entirely her own. "I think I have an idea..."
She and Stellar exchange a glance, and the younger pony rolls her eyes, grabbing a passable replica of the metal chunks they had used before to assist Night Jewel with her experiments. "So turnabout is fair play, huh?"
Arvadraa slings the arrows over her back and takes up the bow. It takes a bit of time for her to nock the arrow properly, but she doesn't show any real strain when she finally draws back the shaft, taking aim at the lump. "I thought it was a nice touch. Shift it so the misses don't hit anything important?"
Stellar moves aside, taking aim parallel to a stone wall adorned only by blueprints of her projects. "Good -- pull!" The piece of metal is whipped with frightening speed across the room, where it collides with an anvil and falls with a startling cacophony. Arvadraa's projectile missed by a mile, rebounding harmlessly off the wall, leaving the flutter pony to blink in shock.
"Vampires won't move like cold sparrows and neither should you. You've got two heads in there, Brains; think fast." She moves to pick up another piece.
"... what were y-you used t-to be?" Pulp Fiction asked, eyes wide, leaning forward slightly in apparent interest.
Boon frowns and matches her gaze, though without any real intensity. "What gives you the right to ask? What makes me so fascinating?" He pauses, then visibly bites his tongue and adds, "not a condemnation, just a question."
MCerberus
2015-03-02, 09:49 PM
Tyrol quickly regretted trading the griffon's surly presence for this hyperactive reporter. No good could come from this. He carefully extracted his hoof from the reporter and coughed, adjusting his armour. "Um, well, ma'am. That kind of depends what kind of truths you're looking for. The Captain isn't keen to share things he thinks are too important for th' public to know..." Well, that last sentence might have been a tactical error.
Hopefully Blueshield could at least help out.
One would expect another massive tirade and explosion of questioning from Scoops. Except instead of that she simply moves closer to Tyrol. Whadda doesn't say anything but just waits for some sort of followup with a creepy smile and unerring eye contact.
Merellis
2015-03-03, 08:10 AM
Boon frowns and matches her gaze, though without any real intensity. "What gives you the right to ask? What makes me so fascinating?" He pauses, then visibly bites his tongue and adds, "not a condemnation, just a question."
"Sorry 'bout her curiosity, comes with the profession. Though you ain't by far the most awkward attempt at an interview," Bitter pounds the table with a heavy hoof and a boisterous laugh. "She tried to question some troublemakers while they were tryin' to rob us! The looks on their faces were just grand!"
Perhaps getting the subject shifted to something a little more ridiculous would work out fine.
Creepy Creepy Forests
Dawnstrider allows Staccata, Night Jewel and their guide to continue with their conversations as he sees fit. He busies himself leveling his gaze with the area around them, occasionally allowing the magic of his helmet to leap to his eyes, although interference is to be expected.
Welp, time to get to somewhere!
Presumably Purple Prose was still scouting ahead, as they moved deeper into the forest. Their surroundings seemed to only grow darker as the trees towered over them in large, hefty trunks.
"We ... ah... should be close," Windy spoke up timidly, behind Staccata. "Just a little further..."
One would expect another massive tirade and explosion of questioning from Scoops. Except instead of that she simply moves closer to Tyrol. Whadda doesn't say anything but just waits for some sort of followup with a creepy smile and unerring eye contact.
"... ma'am?" Tyrol asked, suddenly tugging an imaginary collar as the mare inched closer. He looked away carefully. "... y'know this isn't going to work, right?" The stallion started to reach a hoof back for his regulatory spear. Anything to put some distance between himself and this obviously slightly unhinged mare.
"Oh Lieutenant...but I cannot be calmed....I am on fire and I desire my boys to keep...something pun....Look....I promise you won't regret it...in the moment," She called out from the other room, and thumped her hoof on the door.
"... please don't tempt me, Captain. You're not yourself..." Silverpine groaned, leaning against the door.
He quickly gestured at Sandy. "Mr Shores, why don't you go look for our other crewmembers. Maybe they can help with this... predicament."
Boon frowns and matches her gaze, though without any real intensity. "What gives you the right to ask? What makes me so fascinating?" He pauses, then visibly bites his tongue and adds, "not a condemnation, just a question."
"Sorry 'bout her curiosity, comes with the profession. Though you ain't by far the most awkward attempt at an interview," Bitter pounds the table with a heavy hoof and a boisterous laugh. "She tried to question some troublemakers while they were tryin' to rob us! The looks on their faces were just grand!"
Perhaps getting the subject shifted to something a little more ridiculous would work out fine.
Pulp Fiction seemed to pinken at Bitter's quip, holding her beret down a little to cover what she could of her embarassed face. "... I t-thought they were reasonable ponies..."
Kelvin360
2015-03-03, 01:15 PM
"Sorry 'bout her curiosity, comes with the profession. Though you ain't by far the most awkward attempt at an interview," Bitter pounds the table with a heavy hoof and a boisterous laugh. "She tried to question some troublemakers while they were tryin' to rob us! The looks on their faces were just grand!"
Perhaps getting the subject shifted to something a little more ridiculous would work out fine.
Pulp Fiction seemed to pinken at Bitter's quip, holding her beret down a little to cover what she could of her embarassed face. "... I t-thought they were reasonable ponies..."
"It's better to assume you're dealing with decent folk; it's more likely." Boon replies, in quite the contrast to his mood. "Telling a funny story sometimes works, I'm told. They still probably tried to keep robbing you, though."
"It's better to assume you're dealing with decent folk; it's more likely." Boon replies, in quite the contrast to his mood. "Telling a funny story sometimes works, I'm told. They still probably tried to keep robbing you, though."
"... yeah, it didn't. Though um... Bitter d-did leave them tied up in a tree afterwards..." Pulp glanced over at her larger companion. "I hope they're o-okay..."
Merellis
2015-03-08, 07:08 PM
"It's better to assume you're dealing with decent folk; it's more likely." Boon replies, in quite the contrast to his mood. "Telling a funny story sometimes works, I'm told. They still probably tried to keep robbing you, though."
"... yeah, it didn't. Though um... Bitter d-did leave them tied up in a tree afterwards..." Pulp glanced over at her larger companion. "I hope they're o-okay..."
"Ahm sure they managed to slip out eventually, though not sure how well they'll be robbin' with all their weapons dumped into a river." She says with another rough laugh. "And as fer decent, can't assume that too often in my line o' work."
Kelvin360
2015-03-08, 09:02 PM
"Ahm sure they managed to slip out eventually, though not sure how well they'll be robbin' with all their weapons dumped into a river." She says with another rough laugh. "And as fer decent, can't assume that too often in my line o' work."
"I'm going to regret asking this, but why not?"
MCerberus
2015-03-09, 10:22 PM
Welp, time to get to somewhere!
Presumably Purple Prose was still scouting ahead, as they moved deeper into the forest. Their surroundings seemed to only grow darker as the trees towered over them in large, hefty trunks.
"We ... ah... should be close," Windy spoke up timidly, behind Staccata. "Just a little further..."
Staccata perks up and is looking forward into the shadows. Hoof prints, discarded items, anything that shows another group of ponies has been through the area. The whole nature setting isn't the most comfortable situation, but there's still the normal amount of rogue-caution that can be applied.
In particular, this sort of situation seems rife for tripwires.
"... ma'am?" Tyrol asked, suddenly tugging an imaginary collar as the mare inched closer. He looked away carefully. "... y'know this isn't going to work, right?" The stallion started to reach a hoof back for his regulatory spear. Anything to put some distance between himself and this obviously slightly unhinged mare.
"Buuuuuuuuuuuut don't you think ponies in Equestria deserve to know what's going on all across Equestria?"
Unhinged or not, Scoops doesn't seem too very threatening and is mostly just creating a situation that is really... awkward.
"Buuuuuuuuuuuut don't you think ponies in Equestria deserve to know what's going on all across Equestria?"
Unhinged or not, Scoops doesn't seem too very threatening and is mostly just creating a situation that is really... awkward.
Waiting for the others to post before responding to Staccata.
"I... ah, that's not for me to decide, ma'am," Tyrol replied, swallowing heavily again. Luna help him, this wasn't in his job description. :smallannoyed: He tried shuffling some papers instead. "If you like, I can go see if the Captain would see you or not."
TheAmishPirate
2015-03-12, 12:04 PM
"... please don't tempt me, Captain. You're not yourself..." Silverpine groaned, leaning against the door.
He quickly gestured at Sandy. "Mr Shores, why don't you go look for our other crewmembers. Maybe they can help with this... predicament."
"Listen t'the Liuetenant, Cap'n; it's all for your own good." Sandy pleaded. "There's a protocol about that somewhere, right?"
He nodded along to Silverpine, and - after fetching a large, potted plant and jamming it in front of his door - he galloped off after Lucky and Gwen. Surely they'd had some experience with something like this, right?
Benson
2015-03-12, 01:08 PM
"... please don't tempt me, Captain. You're not yourself..." Silverpine groaned, leaning against the door.
He quickly gestured at Sandy. "Mr Shores, why don't you go look for our other crewmembers. Maybe they can help with this... predicament."
"Come on lieutenant...give into your temptation and bring Sandy with you!~...At the very least oblige me and lean in towards the door~" She teasingly said and ran her hoof down the side of the door indicating she was right there, so close yet out of reach.
"Listen t'the Liuetenant, Cap'n; it's all for your own good." Sandy pleaded. "There's a protocol about that somewhere, right?"
"I only know of Protocol HPK and it must be adhered to, let me out~"
He nodded along to Silverpine, and - after fetching a large, potted plant and jamming it in front of his door - he galloped off after Lucky and Gwen. Surely they'd had some experience with something like this, right?
Sandy would find, at least Gwen in the process of trying to sneak out of the Cirrus. When Sandy got her attention she grinned like she just got caught stealing a cookie from the cookie jar. "Heeey...there you.."
PurityIcekiller
2015-03-13, 04:13 AM
"Wouldn't making light invisible make it not work?" Staccata asks. As an earth mare, the closest she gets to fancy 'can't be seen' light sources are light amplification enchantments. Which are either bulky or expensive.
Although in retrospect selling off those contacts that worked well a while back before arriving in town may not have been a good idea, but the rogue does enjoy a financial transaction or two.
"Only if it's invisible to everyone," the filly chuckled. "I can see it myself, but no other creatures I've met can."
Don't blame the mathematician if you change the equation in the middle of their calculation. I doubt you'd put up with me if I knew everything about you, and I'd rather a few things remain a mystery. If there's one thing about you I can judge with relative certainty, it's that you'd as soon not be an open book. That said, I can't really talk in detail about Blueshield from the precious little interaction I've had with her. I just know about her pride and what you're putting off in her regard.
You feel another smile from her end of the conversation. Your...interesting relationship doesn't really do much to elucidate the matter. And...incidentally, I hope I'm not being insulting.
All right, I'll give you that one. Still, I try to be the carefree filly I look like, and you know one of my big secrets anyway, so I will try to loosen up a bit around you.
So, if you're not up to figuring Bluey out just yet, maybe you could look for clues? Ask a few ponies who have seen her more than you have? I could give some tips myself, but I'd rather see how you do on your own.
Welp, time to get to somewhere!
Presumably Purple Prose was still scouting ahead, as they moved deeper into the forest. Their surroundings seemed to only grow darker as the trees towered over them in large, hefty trunks.
"We ... ah... should be close," Windy spoke up timidly, behind Staccata. "Just a little further..."
"Ah, good. The sooner I get to meddle in Doth's plans, the better."
Night Jewel stepped closer to Windy. "Say, what are you going to do while we're in there? You didn't really come up in the plans."
Arvadraa's eyes flash with a pleasant anxiety that is difficult to discern. It may not have anything to do with Horne, however, as when she speaks, her voice is entirely her own. "I think I have an idea..."
She and Stellar exchange a glance, and the younger pony rolls her eyes, grabbing a passable replica of the metal chunks they had used before to assist Night Jewel with her experiments. "So turnabout is fair play, huh?"
Arvadraa slings the arrows over her back and takes up the bow. It takes a bit of time for her to nock the arrow properly, but she doesn't show any real strain when she finally draws back the shaft, taking aim at the lump. "I thought it was a nice touch. Shift it so the misses don't hit anything important?"
Stellar moves aside, taking aim parallel to a stone wall adorned only by blueprints of her projects. "Good -- pull!" The piece of metal is whipped with frightening speed across the room, where it collides with an anvil and falls with a startling cacophony. Arvadraa's projectile missed by a mile, rebounding harmlessly off the wall, leaving the flutter pony to blink in shock.
"Vampires won't move like cold sparrows and neither should you. You've got two heads in there, Brains; think fast." She moves to pick up another piece.
Blades looked around, her eyes darting from the metal to the anvil to the arrow to Arvadraa and back again.
Finally, she said, "That maybe was a lil' bit too much of a tricky shot to start. Ya know, it's easier to hit something big 'n slow than something small 'n fast... Hey, Flare, would ya mind steppin' out there 'n-"
"Very much so. I am not an archery target."
"Are ya sure? It wouldn't be hard! Ya'd just walk back 'n forth..."
"I said no."
"No fun as always. Well, Stellar, maybe ya'd better try a lil' bit less force 'til 'Vadraa gets the hang of it. Let's do it again!"
Scoops doesn't waste much time slipping past Blueshield into the room, pretty obviously about to go long-winded. This is exasperated by the gasp for air before she begins to speak.
"Whadda Scoops, Registered reporter with the New Colt Times. Or the Manehatten Post. Or actually this may end up one of those sort of freelance things." Whadda rushes over to shake Tyrol's hoof. The griffon rolls his eyes and keeps to a different side of the room.
Scoops, of course, hasn't stopped to breath.
"I'm here to find out what's been going on in the town. Lots of stuff going on. Of course our good friend here already explained some ground rules. I know where to draw the line, I'm not some fresh ex-paperfilly. Although that's where I started, but that was way back long ago. Point being I'm here to GET SOME TRUTH."
The griffon exits quickly, leaving Tyrol alone.
Tyrol quickly regretted trading the griffon's surly presence for this hyperactive reporter. No good could come from this. He carefully extracted his hoof from the reporter and coughed, adjusting his armour. "Um, well, ma'am. That kind of depends what kind of truths you're looking for. The Captain isn't keen to share things he thinks are too important for th' public to know..." Well, that last sentence might have been a tactical error.
Hopefully Blueshield could at least help out.
One would expect another massive tirade and explosion of questioning from Scoops. Except instead of that she simply moves closer to Tyrol. Whadda doesn't say anything but just waits for some sort of followup with a creepy smile and unerring eye contact.
"... ma'am?" Tyrol asked, suddenly tugging an imaginary collar as the mare inched closer. He looked away carefully. "... y'know this isn't going to work, right?" The stallion started to reach a hoof back for his regulatory spear. Anything to put some distance between himself and this obviously slightly unhinged mare.
Blueshield put a hoof down just firmly enough to get attention. "I suggest a more rigorous practice of self-restraint for both of you. Miss Scoops, please remain outside of Mr. Tyrol's individual boundaries. Mr. Tyrol, please refrain from the usage of such equipment. This should be a formal introduction, and I hold no illusions that repeating a certain incident involving a former superior of mine would be productive for anypony." She spoke with surprising calm, although given what all involved parties knew of her, "surprising calm" may have been anything short of shouting at them.
"I... ah, that's not for me to decide, ma'am," Tyrol replied, swallowing heavily again. Luna help him, this wasn't in his job description. :smallannoyed: He tried shuffling some papers instead. "If you like, I can go see if the Captain would see you or not."
"Excellent thinking. He could provide some sources and details on which information is not confidential." Blueshield gave a nod, then turned to Scoops.
"Be prepared to list optimal employments of your capabilities. Even if you are not a combatant, the Captain will want you to make yourself useful if possible."
Lycan 01
2015-03-15, 09:49 PM
"Listen t'the Liuetenant, Cap'n; it's all for your own good." Sandy pleaded. "There's a protocol about that somewhere, right?"
He nodded along to Silverpine, and - after fetching a large, potted plant and jamming it in front of his door - he galloped off after Lucky and Gwen. Surely they'd had some experience with something like this, right?
Sandy would find, at least Gwen in the process of trying to sneak out of the Cirrus. When Sandy got her attention she grinned like she just got caught stealing a cookie from the cookie jar. "Heeey...there you.."
[Aboard the Luv Boat Cirrus]
Lucky is also with Gwen.
Or rather, there's a large cardboard box next to her. According to the invoice stapled to the side, it's supposed to be a shipment of metal gears. However, judging from the fact that it was moving on its own alongside the griffon when Sandy rounded the corners, it is most likely not full of metal gears. That, and...
"Who is it?" Lucky's voice hisses from the box.
MCerberus
2015-03-15, 10:21 PM
Blueshield put a hoof down just firmly enough to get attention. "I suggest a more rigorous practice of self-restraint for both of you. Miss Scoops, please remain outside of Mr. Tyrol's individual boundaries. Mr. Tyrol, please refrain from the usage of such equipment. This should be a formal introduction, and I hold no illusions that repeating a certain incident involving a former superior of mine would be productive for anypony." She spoke with surprising calm, although given what all involved parties knew of her, "surprising calm" may have been anything short of shouting at them.
"Excellent thinking. He could provide some sources and details on which information is not confidential." Blueshield gave a nod, then turned to Scoops.
"Be prepared to list optimal employments of your capabilities. Even if you are not a combatant, the Captain will want you to make yourself useful if possible."
Scoops backs off enough to give Tyrol some breathing room, and to not be in an odd neck-stretchy pose. She sits for a moment thinking. "Well it would be super-great to talk to the captain as much as possible. Of course I can't just write what you ponies want, because that's not what the press does. Necessary for freedom and continued informed public. Of course I can at least put the official line out there but I'd verify what I can with due process."
TheAmishPirate
2015-03-16, 09:24 PM
Sandy would find, at least Gwen in the process of trying to sneak out of the Cirrus. When Sandy got her attention she grinned like she just got caught stealing a cookie from the cookie jar. "Heeey...there you.."
[Aboard the Luv Boat Cirrus]
Lucky is also with Gwen.
Or rather, there's a large cardboard box next to her. According to the invoice stapled to the side, it's supposed to be a shipment of metal gears. However, judging from the fact that it was moving on its own alongside the griffon when Sandy rounded the corners, it is most likely not full of metal gears. That, and...
"Who is it?" Lucky's voice hisses from the box.
Fortunately for the both of them, the superior officer who greets them hardly seems to notice their desertion-in-progress.
Unfortunately for the both of them, that's probably because he looks as though he's run over by several trains.
"Private...er, First Seargent, er...Gwen an' Lucky, we need everypony, um, everybody over to th' conference room, stat!" Sandy babbled out. "Somethin's come over th' Cap'n an' we need a lil' help keepin' her, hrmm, contained, as it were." His cheeks flushed red as he sidestepped around the specifics.
Merellis
2015-03-17, 01:57 PM
"I'm going to regret asking this, but why not?"
((Oops, thought I had that posted already! Sorry! :smalleek: ))
"I get paid to make sure this'n can travel wit'out a problem. Not good for a rep if yah let some scoundrel get ideas." She says in an offhand manner, waving over at a server with one of her rather voluminous wings. "Hey there! Lookin' to get some food!"
One of the servers, a brown unicorn with piercing green eyes and a curly mane of white approaches the table, a barely contained frown at this latest in the list of rude customers. "How can I help you today?"
Bitter grins while pulling a sack out of her saddlebags with the familiar clank of coins from within. "Like to get whatever you got for a special, a mug of water, and whatever these two are gettin."
"One CLT and butternut soup with water. And for the rest of you?" She says with a little eye on the sack, wondering if she'd be getting a decent tip for once.
Kelvin360
2015-03-17, 02:14 PM
Joyous stares at the pegasus, and it's etched into pretty much every line of his face that, for whatever reason, he doesn't believe a word she's saying. Apparently he's decided it would take too much effort to contest her on any particular point, though, because after a while he simply turns a side-eye on the server and then on Pulp. "A replacement coffee, yeah. Mine got...misplaced."
"Come on lieutenant...give into your temptation and bring Sandy with you!~...At the very least oblige me and lean in towards the door~" She teasingly said and ran her hoof down the side of the door indicating she was right there, so close yet out of reach.
"I only know of Protocol HPK and it must be adhered to, let me out~"
"Nope! No, no, no, no. Not listening!" Silverpine flattened his ears and cupped his forehooves to his head, feeling incredibly flustered for some reason. "I'm sorry, Captain, this is for your own good!"
Blueshield put a hoof down just firmly enough to get attention. "I suggest a more rigorous practice of self-restraint for both of you. Miss Scoops, please remain outside of Mr. Tyrol's individual boundaries. Mr. Tyrol, please refrain from the usage of such equipment. This should be a formal introduction, and I hold no illusions that repeating a certain incident involving a former superior of mine would be productive for anypony." She spoke with surprising calm, although given what all involved parties knew of her, "surprising calm" may have been anything short of shouting at them.
"Excellent thinking. He could provide some sources and details on which information is not confidential." Blueshield gave a nod, then turned to Scoops.
"Be prepared to list optimal employments of your capabilities. Even if you are not a combatant, the Captain will want you to make yourself useful if possible."
Scoops backs off enough to give Tyrol some breathing room, and to not be in an odd neck-stretchy pose. She sits for a moment thinking. "Well it would be super-great to talk to the captain as much as possible. Of course I can't just write what you ponies want, because that's not what the press does. Necessary for freedom and continued informed public. Of course I can at least put the official line out there but I'd verify what I can with due process."
Tyrol breathed a sigh of relief. He gestured at the common area vaguely. "I... ah. I'll get the Captain then. Please, take a seat. It might take a while." The guard glanced around, and waved at none other than the ever-present Beayn as he strode into the room, apparently looking for some file or the other. "Hey Beayn. Help me hold down the fort while I go get the Captain, alright?" Before the poor unicorn could respond, he got up and trotted up the stairs to find the Captain.
A knock resounded on the Captain's door, before Tyrol's head popped in. "Um. Captain. Sorry to bother you, but ah... a reporter type wants to see you? It's about the... incident last week."
((Oops, thought I had that posted already! Sorry! :smalleek: ))
"I get paid to make sure this'n can travel wit'out a problem. Not good for a rep if yah let some scoundrel get ideas." She says in an offhand manner, waving over at a server with one of her rather voluminous wings. "Hey there! Lookin' to get some food!"
One of the servers, a brown unicorn with piercing green eyes and a curly mane of white approaches the table, a barely contained frown at this latest in the list of rude customers. "How can I help you today?"
Bitter grins while pulling a sack out of her saddlebags with the familiar clank of coins from within. "Like to get whatever you got for a special, a mug of water, and whatever these two are gettin."
"One CLT and butternut soup with water. And for the rest of you?" She says with a little eye on the sack, wondering if she'd be getting a decent tip for once.
Joyous stares at the pegasus, and it's etched into pretty much every line of his face that, for whatever reason, he doesn't believe a word she's saying. Apparently he's decided it would take too much effort to contest her on any particular point, though, because after a while he simply turns a side-eye on the server and then on Pulp. "A replacement coffee, yeah. Mine got...misplaced."
"... I'll have a pot of jasmine tea please..." Pulp whispers, looking up at the server from the safety of her beret.
[South Gate]
Any guards stationed there could be able to notice a figure approaching, the size of a colt, but convered in metal, depending on how informed the guards are, they could most likely recognize it as the colt that warned them of the attack.
He approaches the gate, carrying a shield on the back, along 4 sheathed swords: one with a bright gray color, the rest of a darker color.
PurityIcekiller
2015-03-26, 06:15 PM
Scoops backs off enough to give Tyrol some breathing room, and to not be in an odd neck-stretchy pose. She sits for a moment thinking. "Well it would be super-great to talk to the captain as much as possible. Of course I can't just write what you ponies want, because that's not what the press does. Necessary for freedom and continued informed public. Of course I can at least put the official line out there but I'd verify what I can with due process."
"You are not intended to spread falsehoods or other deceit, Miss Scoops. Mere discretion will suffice. In case you have somehow forgotten, we are in a war, and a careless prattler could be as harmful as a genuine spy.
"Now, if we are quite finished, I shall take my leave now. I have business to attend to which directly involves neither local enforcers nor the press. Good day." Blueshield turned to leave.
Kelvin360
2015-03-28, 07:27 PM
All right, I'll give you that one. Still, I try to be the carefree filly I look like, and you know one of my big secrets anyway, so I will try to loosen up a bit around you.
So, if you're not up to figuring Bluey out just yet, maybe you could look for clues? Ask a few ponies who have seen her more than you have? I could give some tips myself, but I'd rather see how you do on your own.
Oh, all right, I'll just take a quick portal to Saddle Arabia. I should be back around midday next...year. In seriousness, I might get somewhere if I just ask her about her life story. Or something of equal relative import, like her organization.
Blades looked around, her eyes darting from the metal to the anvil to the arrow to Arvadraa and back again.
Finally, she said, "That maybe was a lil' bit too much of a tricky shot to start. Ya know, it's easier to hit something big 'n slow than something small 'n fast... Hey, Flare, would ya mind steppin' out there 'n-"
"Very much so. I am not an archery target."
"Are ya sure? It wouldn't be hard! Ya'd just walk back 'n forth..."
"I said no."
"No fun as always. Well, Stellar, maybe ya'd better try a lil' bit less force 'til 'Vadraa gets the hang of it. Let's do it again!"
"Actually, that's not a bad idea." A deep purple glow envelops Stellar's body, and she steps in front of Arvadraa lengthwise, forcefield shimmering around her. "We can use plate mail later. Get you used to finding weak spots. Fire away."
Almost before the sentence is complete, an arrow finds itself rebounding off the shield next to Stellar's neck, then landing conspicuously close to the discarded hunk of metal. "...That was quick. How long have you been wanting to do that?"
"That's offensive! But a while, now."
MCerberus
2015-03-30, 10:06 PM
Guardhouse
Is Beyn still in the hospital? Just for fun let's assume that he's now forced to work the desk for a few minutes in a complete body cast. Because life isn't fair for comic relief.
In the meantime, Scoops goes to sit in the waiting area. "Hey, I work under a strict ethical code. Otherwise nopony will believe the writers and reporters and then the whole system goes to pot. It's really in everypony's best interest to keep everything on the up-and-up..." Whadda continues going on about various standards without so much as acknowledging a goodbye but wouldn't really notice anyone leaving for a few seconds.
South Gate
In case there are no convenient guards around, let's just say Mach is in the area. Of course not on the lookout for anything in particular, a pony would have to signal the pegasus in the air.
Benson
2015-03-31, 02:49 AM
Fortunately for the both of them, the superior officer who greets them hardly seems to notice their desertion-in-progress.
Unfortunately for the both of them, that's probably because he looks as though he's run over by several trains.
"Private...er, First Seargent, er...Gwen an' Lucky, we need everypony, um, everybody over to th' conference room, stat!" Sandy babbled out. "Somethin's come over th' Cap'n an' we need a lil' help keepin' her, hrmm, contained, as it were." His cheeks flushed red as he sidestepped around the specifics.
"Contained?..." Darn it, she could have been scot free with Lucky, heading to the pub, getting drunk off their arses, but whatever this was, happened. "I guess....well...lead the way and...tell us what ya want us to do exactly."
PurityIcekiller
2015-04-04, 09:14 PM
Oh, all right, I'll just take a quick portal to Saddle Arabia. I should be back around midday next...year. In seriousness, I might get somewhere if I just ask her about her life story. Or something of equal relative import, like her organization.
That might be a bit tricky. She's never been willing to tell me about herself... Of course, that may be less of her not wanting to talk about it and more of her hating me in particular. You'll probably be able to figure out more than just her being born rich, at any rate.
"Actually, that's not a bad idea." A deep purple glow envelops Stellar's body, and she steps in front of Arvadraa lengthwise, forcefield shimmering around her. "We can use plate mail later. Get you used to finding weak spots. Fire away."
Flare's eyes widened. "You can do that? That would be useful for the times the mistress decides to throw objects at me for no reason..."
"'N mess up yar reactions? No way."
Hmm... I wonder how much that field can take? Might have to test it on some passin' pony...
Almost before the sentence is complete, an arrow finds itself rebounding off the shield next to Stellar's neck, then landing conspicuously close to the discarded hunk of metal. "...That was quick. How long have you been wanting to do that?"
"That's offensive! But a while, now."
Blades stamped a hoof with glee. "Now that's more like it! Anypony messin' with ya'd be down with one shot like that!"
"Mistress, that was not a difficult shot. Miss Stellar was given little opportunity to move. It was scarcely harder than hitting a suit of armour or similar stationary target-"
"Flare, quit ruinin' her moment or ya're next."
Kelvin360
2015-04-05, 08:12 PM
That might be a bit tricky. She's never been willing to tell me about herself... Of course, that may be less of her not wanting to talk about it and more of her hating me in particular. You'll probably be able to figure out more than just her being born rich, at any rate.
I don't suppose I need to even bother to comment on the class distinction here. You're right, though, any personal inquiries have to not be a waste of time by design. Which means anything significant comes from, say, interest in organizations she's tied to.
Flare's eyes widened. "You can do that? That would be useful for the times the mistress decides to throw objects at me for no reason..."
"'N mess up yar reactions? No way."
Hmm... I wonder how much that field can take? Might have to test it on some passin' pony...
"Anything to do with force? Tele- is the least impressive prefix I can pull off with my kinesis."
Blades stamped a hoof with glee. "Now that's more like it! Anypony messin' with ya'd be down with one shot like that!"
"Mistress, that was not a difficult shot. Miss Stellar was given little opportunity to move. It was scarcely harder than hitting a suit of armour or similar stationary target-"
"Flare, quit ruinin' her moment or ya're next."
"Oh I've got some tricks. Gale force winds, reflective aura, multiple images, return fire...anything unfair, basically."
"Umm...actually, I like it when you're still a lot better."
Lycan 01
2015-04-07, 08:38 PM
[Aboard the Cirrus]
Fortunately for the both of them, the superior officer who greets them hardly seems to notice their desertion-in-progress.
Unfortunately for the both of them, that's probably because he looks as though he's run over by several trains.
"Private...er, First Seargent, er...Gwen an' Lucky, we need everypony, um, everybody over to th' conference room, stat!" Sandy babbled out. "Somethin's come over th' Cap'n an' we need a lil' help keepin' her, hrmm, contained, as it were." His cheeks flushed red as he sidestepped around the specifics.
"Contained?..." Darn it, she could have been scot free with Lucky, heading to the pub, getting drunk off their arses, but whatever this was, happened. "I guess....well...lead the way and...tell us what ya want us to do exactly."
A pair of eyes appear against the darkness visible through a hole in the cardboard box. "Contained?" Lucky asks from his hiding spot. "Contained how? Like, lock her in a room? Or ropes an' chains? We ain't gonna get fired or executed for mutiny over this, are we?" he asks warily.
TheAmishPirate
2015-04-09, 12:54 PM
"Contained?..." Darn it, she could have been scot free with Lucky, heading to the pub, getting drunk off their arses, but whatever this was, happened. "I guess....well...lead the way and...tell us what ya want us to do exactly."
[Aboard the Cirrus]
A pair of eyes appear against the darkness visible through a hole in the cardboard box. "Contained?" Lucky asks from his hiding spot. "Contained how? Like, lock her in a room? Or ropes an' chains? We ain't gonna get fired or executed for mutiny over this, are we?" he asks warily.
"Oh no no no no, nothin' like that. Nothin'll happen t'you two. Pretty sure." Sandy 'reassured' Lucky. "We've already got her locked in th' conference room, an' for...uh, th' greater well-being of the full crew, we could use your help in keepin' them doors shut. An' making sure she don't climb through an air vent. Or makes an explosive out of th' various knick-knacks lyin' around. That sort of thing."
Benson
2015-04-12, 01:13 PM
"Very well then Mister Shores.....lead the way to this odd....scenario," Gwen gestured with her wing and a bit of reluctance.
===
"Come on Silverpine....I'm dyin here.....why don't you and Sandy open the door...I got a surprise for the both of you....coooooome on, lemme ouuut~" The olive mare pawed at the door with her hoof.
"Very well then Mister Shores.....lead the way to this odd....scenario," Gwen gestured with her wing and a bit of reluctance.
===
"Come on Silverpine....I'm dyin here.....why don't you and Sandy open the door...I got a surprise for the both of you....coooooome on, lemme ouuut~" The olive mare pawed at the door with her hoof.
Silverpine continued to cover his pony ears with his hooves, wincing. "Nononononono, Captain, I know what surprises you have and believe me it's for our own good you stay in there. Please Captain, just... um... just stay in there for now, okay?"
Benson
2015-04-22, 02:48 AM
Silverpine continued to cover his pony ears with his hooves, wincing. "Nononononono, Captain, I know what surprises you have and believe me it's for our own good you stay in there. Please Captain, just... um... just stay in there for now, okay?"
"I knew it!....You think I'm uuuuugggllllyy abloo blooo blooo...you don't want to see me anymore....you just want me to rot in the conference room abloo abloo abloooooooooooooo..." Silverpine would find himself hearing from behind the door.
At that moment, Sandy, Gwen and Lucky would arrive to speed this up 8D
"....What in the farts is going on here?....awww man...I could be drinking it up at the bar instead of subjectin myself to that sound." Gwen flatly said as she observed the situation she walked into.
TheAmishPirate
2015-04-23, 01:17 PM
"I knew it!....You think I'm uuuuugggllllyy abloo blooo blooo...you don't want to see me anymore....you just want me to rot in the conference room abloo abloo abloooooooooooooo..." Silverpine would find himself hearing from behind the door.
At that moment, Sandy, Gwen and Lucky would arrive to speed this up 8D
"....What in the farts is going on here?....awww man...I could be drinking it up at the bar instead of subjectin myself to that sound." Gwen flatly said as she observed the situation she walked into.
The sobs grated at Sandy's ears, and made him want to find the nearest bed and hide under the covers. But he had a Captain to save, and a duty to fulfill. "This...would be th' situation I was tellin' you about. Th' Captain got a shot of somethin' fishy down at th' bar, an', er, well, she got...mighty clingy with me an' th' Lieutenant. We figured we'd keep her here until it wore off, but, uh..." He winced as she launched another salvo of sobs. "...it's a job maybe best taken in shifts."
"I knew it!....You think I'm uuuuugggllllyy abloo blooo blooo...you don't want to see me anymore....you just want me to rot in the conference room abloo abloo abloooooooooooooo..." Silverpine would find himself hearing from behind the door.
At that moment, Sandy, Gwen and Lucky would arrive to speed this up 8D
"....What in the farts is going on here?....awww man...I could be drinking it up at the bar instead of subjectin myself to that sound." Gwen flatly said as she observed the situation she walked into.
Silverpine could only cringe and groan.
The sobs grated at Sandy's ears, and made him want to find the nearest bed and hide under the covers. But he had a Captain to save, and a duty to fulfill. "This...would be th' situation I was tellin' you about. Th' Captain got a shot of somethin' fishy down at th' bar, an', er, well, she got...mighty clingy with me an' th' Lieutenant. We figured we'd keep her here until it wore off, but, uh..." He winced as she launched another salvo of sobs. "...it's a job maybe best taken in shifts."
The relief on Silverpine's face as soon as he spotted Sandy returning with Lucky and Gwen was palpable. "As you can see, she... ah... isn't quite herself. And um, I frankly don't trust myself around her when she's like this..."
[South Gate]
Any guards stationed there could be able to notice a figure approaching, the size of a colt, but convered in metal, depending on how informed the guards are, they could most likely recognize it as the colt that warned them of the attack.
He approaches the gate, carrying a shield on the back, along 4 sheathed swords: one with a bright gray color, the rest of a darker color.
The two guard at the gate watched as the colt approached, more curious than threatened. They don't appear to recognise him. One stepped forward and raised a hoof. "State your business, stranger!" he shouted. His partner kept a hoof ready on his spear, watching the colt's reaction closely.
The two guard at the gate watched as the colt approached, more curious than threatened. They don't appear to recognise him. One stepped forward and raised a hoof. "State your business, stranger!" he shouted. His partner kept a hoof ready on his spear, watching the colt's reaction closely.
The colt approached, lifting his head and looking at the guard.
"I'm Luka Stormshield, I'm a crusader, I've been here before. I was trying to deal with trouble", he said, motioning towards some of the swords on his back
PurityIcekiller
2015-04-30, 12:14 AM
I don't suppose I need to even bother to comment on the class distinction here. You're right, though, any personal inquiries have to not be a waste of time by design. Which means anything significant comes from, say, interest in organizations she's tied to.
Ooh, you're getting somewhere. To put it nicely, she is extremely practical. To put it less nicely, she is a total stick-in-the-mud. If you want her to do something, you have to convince her it's important first. You seem pretty serious yourself, so you might like that about her.
"Anything to do with force? Tele- is the least impressive prefix I can pull off with my kinesis."
...
"Oh I've got some tricks. Gale force winds, reflective aura, multiple images, return fire...anything unfair, basically."
"I do not know whether to be impressed or alarmed. Probably both."
"Yeah, yeah, magic is impressive 'n all that, but while I lead, it's swords for everypony! Ya got that?"
"Mistress, this is archery with shielded living targets. Swords wouldn't improve anything."
"...Right, right. Not gettin' Stellar's head lopped off 'n all that. Carry on."
"Umm...actually, I like it when you're still a lot better."
"It will probably stay that way for quite a long time, Arvadraa. At least until you can figure out just how she throws so many objects at once with any kind of accuracy." Flare shook her head. "Her abilities are almost as freakish as Stellar's."
"Hey!"
"...Sorry. I will go to the back room now." The ancient unicorn beat a rather hasty retreat.
"But anyway, ya've still got a ways to go. Isn't that fun? Ya can always get better at anything! Well, 'cept for some games where ya can memorize everything 'n win every time, but that's beside the point. Ya can just keep gettin' better 'n better 'n better if ya really put yar mind to it! I mean, it's not like I was born knowin' how to work shimmerite 'n all that. So what do ya say? Ya ready to get better at archery?"
[Outside Bridle Shores]
Within the forest, nearby wind patterns shifted, swirling into a small vortex of darkness. Several small animals fled in terror from the noise and sight. After a few seconds, the air calmed again, revealing a small, black-maned red mare in an elegant outfit.
"Hmm..." She glanced around, then nodded in satisfaction. "Ah, good. The area is empty. I expect the locals would be somewhat put off by strange ponies appearing out of nowhere. Well, time to get down to business."
She made her way out of the woods and toward the town. When she saw the gates, she stopped, watching the colt greet the guards and waiting for her own chance at introduction.
Benson
2015-04-30, 01:15 PM
The sobs grated at Sandy's ears, and made him want to find the nearest bed and hide under the covers. But he had a Captain to save, and a duty to fulfill. "This...would be th' situation I was tellin' you about. Th' Captain got a shot of somethin' fishy down at th' bar, an', er, well, she got...mighty clingy with me an' th' Lieutenant. We figured we'd keep her here until it wore off, but, uh..." He winced as she launched another salvo of sobs. "...it's a job maybe best taken in shifts."
Silverpine could only cringe and groan.
The relief on Silverpine's face as soon as he spotted Sandy returning with Lucky and Gwen was palpable. "As you can see, she... ah... isn't quite herself. And um, I frankly don't trust myself around her when she's like this..."
"Ughfooo....magic." Gwen made a wrinkly face gesture and then extended a wing. "So...what do ya want us to do?"
In the background, Gear kept on protesting and hoofing at the door. "Please let me ooouuut...I need to use the restroom.....you wouldn't want me to pee myself now would you?"
[Outside Bridle Shores]
Within the forest, nearby wind patterns shifted, swirling into a small vortex of darkness. Several small animals fled in terror from the noise and sight. After a few seconds, the air calmed again, revealing a small, black-maned red mare in an elegant outfit.
"Hmm..." She glanced around, then nodded in satisfaction. "Ah, good. The area is empty. I expect the locals would be somewhat put off by strange ponies appearing out of nowhere. Well, time to get down to business."
She made her way out of the woods and toward the town. When she saw the gates, she stopped, watching the colt greet the guards and waiting for her own chance at introduction.
The colt approached, lifting his head and looking at the guard.
"I'm Luka Stormshield, I'm a crusader, I've been here before. I was trying to deal with trouble", he said, motioning towards some of the swords on his back
"Luka... aren't you that fellow who ran off before the fighting started?" the guard tilted his head suspiciously. "What's your purpose of coming back here then?"
"Luka... aren't you that fellow who ran off before the fighting started?" the guard tilted his head suspiciously. "What's your purpose of coming back here then?"
"They attacked already?!" He said, taken aback with surprise. "I was out trying to take them away from you, at least a bit. I gotta find a blacksmith, can I go in?" He responded.
Merellis
2015-05-03, 11:40 AM
Joyous stares at the pegasus, and it's etched into pretty much every line of his face that, for whatever reason, he doesn't believe a word she's saying. Apparently he's decided it would take too much effort to contest her on any particular point, though, because after a while he simply turns a side-eye on the server and then on Pulp. "A replacement coffee, yeah. Mine got...misplaced."
"... I'll have a pot of jasmine tea please..." Pulp whispers, looking up at the server from the safety of her beret.
The waitress gives them both a polite nod while jotting down their orders, happy to see that some customers today are perfectly polite despite everything that had happened in the last week. It was a shame really that they associated with such a boisterous and rude pegasus, especially in the area she needed to serve and deal with.
She gives the pegasus another glance, only to be met with the charming smile of that very pegasus. The poor unicorn inwardly sighs, far too used to customers acting in this way, and decides to keep her face composed and cold. The charming smile persists for a moment before shifting into an awkward one as Bitter's face lights up with embarrassment.
She stalks off with the slightest of smirks, returning with their drinks a few minutes later. She is pleased to find that Bitter Herb is far too interested in avoiding eye contact with everyone in the cafe to attempt courting her a second time and the delivery of beverages goes without further incident.
"... That works usually." The dumped pegasus mutters before taking a sip of cold water as their server dashes off to handle other tables.
Benson
2015-05-03, 09:19 PM
The Cirrus
And so the crew of the Cirrus found themselves in what appeared to be the longest remaining fifty minutes ever dealt with. Ugh.
"Eeeeeh...Gwenny baby, did I ever tell ya I think you had good feather coloration?" Gearstride smoozed from the other side of the door.
"Yea, for like the fifteen time already. Listen lady, I'm not letting you out until it is time for so alright???" Gwen replied in annoyance. Ugh, this basically amounted to baby sitting duties, how lame and beneath her, uuuuuuugh. "Just count to ten seconds okay? And when you do that, count to ten seconds again okay? If you can handle ten seconds, then you can handle another ten seconds." Plus it was only like twenty more minutes to go.
---
And so the next twenty minutes continued on. Sandy likely hid himself away in his dear engine room, Lucky and Gwen continued their boring and annoying guard duty, they lost track of the countless games of tic tac toe they played.
As for Silverpine, the poor liuetenant had holed himself in his quarters, lying on his back staring and watching that clock on his wall. Tick tock tick tock. It was feeling like a millennia.
54...55...56...57...58...59...00! Blast off.
The waitress gives them both a polite nod while jotting down their orders, happy to see that some customers today are perfectly polite despite everything that had happened in the last week. It was a shame really that they associated with such a boisterous and rude pegasus, especially in the area she needed to serve and deal with.
She gives the pegasus another glance, only to be met with the charming smile of that very pegasus. The poor unicorn inwardly sighs, far too used to customers acting in this way, and decides to keep her face composed and cold. The charming smile persists for a moment before shifting into an awkward one as Bitter's face lights up with embarrassment.
She stalks off with the slightest of smirks, returning with their drinks a few minutes later. She is pleased to find that Bitter Herb is far too interested in avoiding eye contact with everyone in the cafe to attempt courting her a second time and the delivery of beverages goes without further incident.
"... That works usually." The dumped pegasus mutters before taking a sip of cold water as their server dashes off to handle other tables.
Pulp watched the exchange with great interest, but said not a word. Instead she timidly took her pot of steaming hot tea and poured herself a cup, to which she sipped gratefully.
"So... um... Bits, don't you have work to do? O-Or are you done?"
The Cirrus
And so the crew of the Cirrus found themselves in what appeared to be the longest remaining fifty minutes ever dealt with. Ugh.
"Eeeeeh...Gwenny baby, did I ever tell ya I think you had good feather coloration?" Gearstride smoozed from the other side of the door.
"Yea, for like the fifteen time already. Listen lady, I'm not letting you out until it is time for so alright???" Gwen replied in annoyance. Ugh, this basically amounted to baby sitting duties, how lame and beneath her, uuuuuuugh. "Just count to ten seconds okay? And when you do that, count to ten seconds again okay? If you can handle ten seconds, then you can handle another ten seconds." Plus it was only like twenty more minutes to go.
---
And so the next twenty minutes continued on. Sandy likely hid himself away in his dear engine room, Lucky and Gwen continued their boring and annoying guard duty, they lost track of the countless games of tic tac toe they played.
As for Silverpine, the poor liuetenant had holed himself in his quarters, lying on his back staring and watching that clock on his wall. Tick tock tick tock. It was feeling like a millennia.
54...55...56...57...58...59...00! Blast off.
Right on cue, Silverpine peeked down the corridor and looked at Gwen. "Is... is the captain secure?"
Benson
2015-05-04, 02:50 AM
Right on cue, Silverpine peeked down the corridor and looked at Gwen. "Is... is the captain secure?"
"Hauh?...I guess...I haven't heard nothing....Though I will say it is weird to have a door that can be locked on the inside but not opened from inside," The griffon said with minor amusement. She shrugged and gesture to the lieutenant himself that he go check it out. "Mmm...I think I am going to make me a sandwich.."
(Whoops, forgot about this. Replying now.)
"They attacked already?!" He said, taken aback with surprise. "I was out trying to take them away from you, at least a bit. I gotta find a blacksmith, can I go in?" He responded.
"Yeah, they did. Did a number on the town, as you can see there." The guard pointed at a nearby section of the wall that was still being rebuilt. "What's all this about you trying to lure them away? And why do you need a blacksmith?"
They probably didn't notice Precious yet. :smalltongue:
"Hauh?...I guess...I haven't heard nothing....Though I will say it is weird to have a door that can be locked on the inside but not opened from inside," The griffon said with minor amusement. She shrugged and gesture to the lieutenant himself that he go check it out. "Mmm...I think I am going to make me a sandwich.."
Silverpine nodded. "Thanks. Help yourself to the kitchen." He waited until Gwen was out of earshot, before cautiously opening the door a peep. "Gear... can you hear me?"
Benson
2015-05-04, 10:32 AM
Silverpine nodded. "Thanks. Help yourself to the kitchen." He waited until Gwen was out of earshot, before cautiously opening the door a peep. "Gear... can you hear me?"
There was no response, only slight snoozing. Inside Gear was curled up on her chair in the conference room, snooze snooze. There was some slight stirring, like she was slowly waking up.
There was no response, only slight snoozing. Inside Gear was curled up on her chair in the conference room, snooze snooze. There was some slight stirring, like she was slowly waking up.
Well, at least Gear wasn't pawing him and trying to... Silverpine pushed that thought out of his mind. He opened the door slowly, silently, trying not to wake the xanadu mare, and plodded over to her. "Hey... Gear? Wake up. How are you feeling?"
Benson
2015-05-04, 10:46 AM
Well, at least Gear wasn't pawing him and trying to... Silverpine pushed that thought out of his mind. He opened the door slowly, silently, trying not to wake the xanadu mare, and plodded over to her. "Hey... Gear? Wake up. How are you feeling?"
"Mmm..mm..hauh?....Hey babe," She loudly yawned. "Mmm are we *yawn* having a meeting or something in the conference room?" She stretched like a cat and sat up on the chair, sleepily smiling at her beau. She gestured him closer. "Come here handsome hehe."
"Weren't we at a bar?..Oof...I probably got hammered." She laughed at herself and yawned once more. For whatever reason she found herself humming a familiar sounding song. One way or another..
"Mmm..mm..hauh?....Hey babe," She loudly yawned. "Mmm are we *yawn* having a meeting or something in the conference room?" She stretched like a cat and sat up on the chair, sleepily smiling at her beau. She gestured him closer. "Come here handsome hehe."
"Weren't we at a bar?..Oof...I probably got hammered." She laughed at herself and yawned once more. For whatever reason she found herself humming a familiar sounding song. One way or another..
"... that's one way of putting it, Captain," Silverpine said with a soft smile (and relieved mental sigh). He walked up and pecked her cheek, before stepping back. "We had to ah... take some pretty drastic measures there."
Benson
2015-05-05, 02:21 AM
"... that's one way of putting it, Captain," Silverpine said with a soft smile (and relieved mental sigh). He walked up and pecked her cheek, before stepping back. "We had to ah... take some pretty drastic measures there."
She wouldn't let him step back, at least without a nuzzle. Nuzzle. "Yea?...Like what? A stretcher and an ambulance?" She chuckled and sat up properly. She smiled at her handsome beau and best friend, Silverpine would probably see her in soft focus. Unintentional eyelash bat.
"Mmmm, ya know...feeling a little peckish right now, mind if we walk and talk to the galley?" She slid off her seat and walked up to Silverpine.
PurityIcekiller
2015-05-05, 04:48 PM
"Luka... aren't you that fellow who ran off before the fighting started?" the guard tilted his head suspiciously. "What's your purpose of coming back here then?"
"They attacked already?!" He said, taken aback with surprise. "I was out trying to take them away from you, at least a bit. I gotta find a blacksmith, can I go in?" He responded.
"Yeah, they did. Did a number on the town, as you can see there." The guard pointed at a nearby section of the wall that was still being rebuilt. "What's all this about you trying to lure them away? And why do you need a blacksmith?"
They probably didn't notice Precious yet. :smalltongue:
"Oh, what is this?" Precious let out a low chuckle. "It seems that La Pucelle decided she was not ready to burn yet!"
After a moment, she composed herself. "I am sorry, I forgot my manners. I am Precious, a traveller from Prance and seller of jewels. If you please, I desire a place to stay for a time. May I come in?"
"Yeah, they did. Did a number on the town, as you can see there." The guard pointed at a nearby section of the wall that was still being rebuilt. "What's all this about you trying to lure them away? And why do you need a blacksmith?"
They probably didn't notice Precious yet. :smalltongue:
"I was trying to make them chase me, hopefully distract them from the Town, at least a little. And I need a blacksmith to drop these off and get some repairs as well" He motioned towards the several swords on his back, the guards could recognize that all but one of them were the same that the attackers had, but they were stacked and not easy for the colt to reach and draw, the one that was easy for him to reach was the only one that was unlike the others, and it was actually a bit shiny.
"Oh, what is this?" Precious let out a low chuckle. "It seems that La Pucelle decided she was not ready to burn yet!"
After a moment, she composed herself. "I am sorry, I forgot my manners. I am Precious, a traveller from Prance and seller of jewels. If you please, I desire a place to stay for a time. May I come in?"
The guard seemed startled by Precious introduction. Weird, he could have sworn she wasn't there earlier. Anyway, the guard nodded a little. "Ma'am. Sorry, we'll need to search you before you come in. Security reasons, see."
"I was trying to make them chase me, hopefully distract them from the Town, at least a little. And I need a blacksmith to drop these off and get some repairs as well" He motioned towards the several swords on his back, the guards could recognize that all but one of them were the same that the attackers had, but they were stacked and not easy for the colt to reach and draw, the one that was easy for him to reach was the only one that was unlike the others, and it was actually a bit shiny.
"Lots of weaponry for one pony there, kid," the guard whistles. "All the same, we'll need to search you. Stand right there please."
The guard will then perform a cursory pat down of Luka, then Precious. Assuming they aren't carrying anything overtly dangerous or evil, he'd then allow them to pass.
She wouldn't let him step back, at least without a nuzzle. Nuzzle. "Yea?...Like what? A stretcher and an ambulance?" She chuckled and sat up properly. She smiled at her handsome beau and best friend, Silverpine would probably see her in soft focus. Unintentional eyelash bat.
"Mmmm, ya know...feeling a little peckish right now, mind if we walk and talk to the galley?" She slid off her seat and walked up to Silverpine.
Silverpine found himself staring at the mare, remembering just why he fallen so hard for her. Then shaking his head, he quickly replied, "Why... ah... sure!" The lieutenant began to make his way to the galley. "So um... you don't remember anything at all?"
Benson
2015-05-06, 11:08 AM
Silverpine found himself staring at the mare, remembering just why he fallen so hard for her. Then shaking his head, he quickly replied, "Why... ah... sure!" The lieutenant began to make his way to the galley. "So um... you don't remember anything at all?"
And so the two walked and talked. Truth be told.....she did....but in looking and reviewing her behavior, even under compulsion, it was embarrassing, even for the amorous captain with the puckering happy lips.
"Mmmm...not really....well except the song playing on the radio heheh, I think," She hummed a few lines from their little musical number. She admitted, at least that part was pretty fun, musical numbers could make the weirdest of visual acid trips.
TheAmishPirate
2015-05-06, 08:02 PM
Sandy, meanwhile, had holed himself up in his engine room for the last hour, striving to cover the tingling in his cheeks with as much grime and grease as possible. With the hour up, the little engineer reluctantly left the safety of his precious machines to brave the corridors of the ship. Or at least, the side corridors, where he could watch from a distance. He snuck near the conference room and peeked his head out, wrench still held in his telekinetic grip.
PurityIcekiller
2015-05-06, 09:09 PM
"I was trying to make them chase me, hopefully distract them from the Town, at least a little. And I need a blacksmith to drop these off and get some repairs as well" He motioned towards the several swords on his back, the guards could recognize that all but one of them were the same that the attackers had, but they were stacked and not easy for the colt to reach and draw, the one that was easy for him to reach was the only one that was unlike the others, and it was actually a bit shiny.
Hmm... He didn't even notice. If he remains so inattentive, this could be amusing.
The guard seemed startled by Precious introduction. Weird, he could have sworn she wasn't there earlier. Anyway, the guard nodded a little. "Ma'am. Sorry, we'll need to search you before you come in. Security reasons, see."
"Oh! But of course, monsieur. You should find nothing untoward."
"Lots of weaponry for one pony there, kid," the guard whistles. "All the same, we'll need to search you. Stand right there please."
The guard will then perform a cursory pat down of Luka, then Precious. Assuming they aren't carrying anything overtly dangerous or evil, he'd then allow them to pass.
True to her word, Precious didn't have anything truly alarming. Most of her items were money, cloth and gemstones. Her only potentially dangerous possession was one bejewelled dagger, and even that was clearly more for show than for fighting given that it was tiny, the balance was poor and the blade was unsharpened silver.
And so the two walked and talked. Truth be told.....she did....but in looking and reviewing her behavior, even under compulsion, it was embarrassing, even for the amorous captain with the puckering happy lips.
"Mmmm...not really....well except the song playing on the radio heheh, I think," She hummed a few lines from their little musical number. She admitted, at least that part was pretty fun, musical numbers could make the weirdest of visual acid trips.
"Ah..." Silverpine said nothing more, but his cheeks pinkened as he recalled just how smooch-happy Gear had gotten.
A few more corridors and into the galley they trotted. The lieutenant took the opportunity to make himself a hot mug of cocoa. "Anything you'd like?" he asked idly, as he set the kettle on boil.
Sandy, meanwhile, had holed himself up in his engine room for the last hour, striving to cover the tingling in his cheeks with as much grime and grease as possible. With the hour up, the little engineer reluctantly left the safety of his precious machines to brave the corridors of the ship. Or at least, the side corridors, where he could watch from a distance. He snuck near the conference room and peeked his head out, wrench still held in his telekinetic grip.
The little engineer might spy the two walking and talking. Probably a relief, knowing that the Captain is back to her old self.
"Oh! But of course, monsieur. You should find nothing untoward."
True to her word, Precious didn't have anything truly alarming. Most of her items were money, cloth and gemstones. Her only potentially dangerous possession was one bejewelled dagger, and even that was clearly more for show than for fighting given that it was tiny, the balance was poor and the blade was unsharpened silver.
The guard sniffed at the dagger, clearly unimpressed. He handed it back without comment. "You're free to go, ma'am. Welcome to Bridle Shores."
"Lots of weaponry for one pony there, kid," the guard whistles. "All the same, we'll need to search you. Stand right there please."
The guard will then perform a cursory pat down of Luka, then Precious. Assuming they aren't carrying anything overtly dangerous or evil, he'd then allow them to pass.
Hmm... He didn't even notice. If he remains so inattentive, this could be amusing.
The guard would be able recognize that the weapons ARE the attackers', but other than that, he wouldn't find anything else suspicious.
The colt glances to a side and notices the mare, he keeps his head haflway towards her, however, giving the impression of being at least slightly bothered, untrusting of the stranger.
TheAmishPirate
2015-05-08, 10:02 PM
The little engineer might spy the two walking and talking. Probably a relief, knowing that the Captain is back to her old self.
Unfortunately, timidity and former embarrassment kept Sandy off on the sidelines; watching to make sure his dear Cap'n was alright, and hiding from the inevitable questions that would crop up.
He slinked around the galley, peering in through one of the doors and darting back whenever the two ponies turned around.
Benson
2015-05-09, 12:56 AM
"Ah..." Silverpine said nothing more, but his cheeks pinkened as he recalled just how smooch-happy Gear had gotten.
A few more corridors and into the galley they trotted. The lieutenant took the opportunity to make himself a hot mug of cocoa. "Anything you'd like?" he asked idly, as he set the kettle on boil.
The little engineer might spy the two walking and talking. Probably a relief, knowing that the Captain is back to her old self.
"Maybe some coffee? Two sugars, three creamers," Gear warmly smiled at her beau watching him get to the instant coffee whatits. She mused, humming a little, ponderous in expression.
Unfortunately, timidity and former embarrassment kept Sandy off on the sidelines; watching to make sure his dear Cap'n was alright, and hiding from the inevitable questions that would crop up.
He slinked around the galley, peering in through one of the doors and darting back whenever the two ponies turned around.
"Sandy, you can stop hiding," The little engineer would hear his Captain saying aloud. Call it a special knack to know if Sandy is near :smalltongue:
TheAmishPirate
2015-05-09, 09:40 AM
"Sandy, you can stop hiding," The little engineer would hear his Captain saying aloud. Call it a special knack to know if Sandy is near :smalltongue:
There was a sound from the hallway, not dissimilar to a pony falling flat on their nose in shock.
A few moments later, a guilty-looking Sandy trotted into view, sheepishly rubbing a bruised snout. "S-Sergeant Shores, reporting as requested, Cap'n." He threw a tense, stiff salute. "Feelin' b-better?"
"Maybe some coffee? Two sugars, three creamers," Gear warmly smiled at her beau watching him get to the instant coffee whatits. She mused, humming a little, ponderous in expression.
"Sandy, you can stop hiding," The little engineer would hear his Captain saying aloud. Call it a special knack to know if Sandy is near :smalltongue:
"Alright." Silverpine would get busy making coffee for the both of them, adding sugar and cream as requested. Himself, he preferred black. When he was done, he handed her mug over.
There was a sound from the hallway, not dissimilar to a pony falling flat on their nose in shock.
A few moments later, a guilty-looking Sandy trotted into view, sheepishly rubbing a bruised snout. "S-Sergeant Shores, reporting as requested, Cap'n." He threw a tense, stiff salute. "Feelin' b-better?"
Silverpine glanced briefly at the door. "Huh, Sandy. There you are. Was wondering where you went."
Benson
2015-05-10, 11:42 PM
There was a sound from the hallway, not dissimilar to a pony falling flat on their nose in shock.
A few moments later, a guilty-looking Sandy trotted into view, sheepishly rubbing a bruised snout. "S-Sergeant Shores, reporting as requested, Cap'n." He threw a tense, stiff salute. "Feelin' b-better?"
"Alright." Silverpine would get busy making coffee for the both of them, adding sugar and cream as requested. Himself, he preferred black. When he was done, he handed her mug over.
Silverpine glanced briefly at the door. "Huh, Sandy. There you are. Was wondering where you went."
Gear took some small sips from the hot liquid, murmuring a soft thanks to her lieutenant. She then gestured that Sandy take himself a seat and join them.
"Yea I think so....little drowsy feeling and my mind is all blurry," She said taking another small sip. She watched the small stallion, her eyes for a moment sad. Her thoughts were in quite the ashamed place even if the actions were not truly of her own doing.
"Well thank you two for bringing me home after getting hammered like that, well at least that is what I think happened, hehe."
The guard would be able recognize that the weapons ARE the attackers', but other than that, he wouldn't find anything else suspicious.
The colt glances to a side and notices the mare, he keeps his head haflway towards her, however, giving the impression of being at least slightly bothered, untrusting of the stranger.
(Addressing this first. Sorry, Luka! Poke me next time.)
The guard does indeed raise an eyebrow, but after some deliberation with his comrade, he reluctantly lets Luka through as well. The guard also directs the pony to the blacksmith, which probably would be Blades'.
PurityIcekiller
2015-05-12, 08:52 AM
The guard sniffed at the dagger, clearly unimpressed. He handed it back without comment. "You're free to go, ma'am. Welcome to Bridle Shores."
"Thank you. I am sure I will enjoy it here."
The guard would be able recognize that the weapons ARE the attackers', but other than that, he wouldn't find anything else suspicious.
The colt glances to a side and notices the mare, he keeps his head haflway towards her, however, giving the impression of being at least slightly bothered, untrusting of the stranger.
Precious chuckled. "There's no need to gawk like that, Monsieur S. I'll be out of your way soon enough."
TheAmishPirate
2015-05-13, 11:04 AM
Gear took some small sips from the hot liquid, murmuring a soft thanks to her lieutenant. She then gestured that Sandy take himself a seat and join them.
"Yea I think so....little drowsy feeling and my mind is all blurry," She said taking another small sip. She watched the small stallion, her eyes for a moment sad. Her thoughts were in quite the ashamed place even if the actions were not truly of her own doing.
"Well thank you two for bringing me home after getting hammered like that, well at least that is what I think happened, hehe."
Sandy nudged a seat over and took his place by the Captain, noticeably keeping out of easy reach. "T'weren't n-nothin', Cap'n. You'd do th' same t'us...I mean, for us. Do th' same for us." He hastily corrected. "We're just r-real grateful you're back on your hooves an' such."
=====
Here lies the timeskip post. Everything else after this post is considered to have taken two months after the events prior to this post.
Over the next two months, the town of Bridle Shores returned slowly to normalcy. Some might even call it peace. The damage was repaired in that time span, and the defenses fortified further. Most of the town's denizens would resume their normal life before long.
The Cirrus took off after adding a few more crew to their roster, courtesy of the Backers. Gearstride would probably be pleased by the additions, if only she could have more targets to tease. :smalltongue:
The Dark Army soon retreated and disappeared without warning after the successful raid on their base of operations. Rusty Falls would be liberated by a metaphorically red-faced Royal Army who arrived a week too late to even catch a whiff of the enemy. The reception to their arrival was predictably mixed. Fortunately, they did not linger long, having more pressing matters to deal with.
As for the innocent vamponies that found themselves caught up in the mess of Spectre et al, most eventually chose to leave with Miss M. A few chose to stay, and tried to resume their former lives, with varying degrees of success. A degree of suspicion remained with these unfortunates, and the town guard took special precautions with them.
In other words, let's get this RP going again.
=====
Kelvin360
2015-05-14, 05:16 PM
The Little Warehouse of Horrors, Exterior
What had once been a monument to controversy now stood alone and unwatched by all save who knew of its true purpose. The dark beings that had once inhabited (or, to some, 'infested') it had all but vanished, some scattering to the wind and others attempting to recover some semblance of their old existences. To the flutter pony's knowledge, this had been met with only moderate success. This place had no guards, now, only the occasional and paranoid watchful eye, tensed for the moment when surely the beasts would have to return to their cage and sanctum.
With weary eyes, Arvadraa didn't see very much other than a building. Abandoned. Maybe in need of a fresh coat of paint. She sipped her coffee and adjusted her garb awkwardly, a darkwood-and-ironwood chassis curling protectively around her body and legs, stopped short of uncomfortable skin contact by a warm layer of black silks. The townsfolk she had gotten to know told her that it made her look impressive, even intimidating. The very essence of a Guard of the Wilds.
Personally, she thought of it as a somewhat gaudy badge of office. Necessary protection, just like the fine Oasage bow on her back, tucked in between her wings and over the set of swan-feather arrows she'd been making recently. Her mental companion snoozed amicably in her mindspace, finding no reason not to conserve his energy. He'd be around when she needed him.
It hadn't been easy cultivating any kind of positive reputation, darkened as it was by her dual spirits and place as a messenger between the vampires and the normal folk. She'd been mistrusted, blacklisted, mocked and feared and, in some circles, she still was. No one could deny the results of her smooth integration into the job Moonlight left her, however, and she felt no small pride in her recent promotion to 'civilian guardspony consultant', among such names as Purple Prose and Commander Blueshield. When vampires were an issue, or the forestlands seemed to edge closer the the weakened border of the town, she was there, and her dedication was beginning to pay off for her public image, if not for her ability to sleep easily.
Her ears twitched slightly and she inclined her head to Tyrol, next to her, sending her mane (now a rich forest green and of length roughly down to her knees when untied) cascading down towards the ground. "I don't really think renovating it sends the right...message. To either side. Is there any way we could remake it as a safehouse, but more...discreetly?"
MCerberus
2015-05-14, 10:35 PM
Bridle Shores Motel
Staccata's ears twitch as if knowing somepony, somewhere is contemplating discretion. The mare herself though, is currently deep asleep. It seems that running a semi-legal enterprise is something of night work. It's not like she enjoys waking up early anyway. Now she has an excuse. That and this is something resembling vacation.
The previous fortnight's work, though necessary, wasn't profitable. While one would assume it just means less in her bank account, there are certain ponies in town that knows where her work money goes to. Understandings being what they are, it isn't talked about. As a former adventurer, the escapade previous wasn't even remarkable.
Cirrus, Mach
Mach, or right now "Reserve Specialist deZephyr" (just call him Mach, it's easier) is meanwhile quite grumpy. He doesn't know who called in his remaining military service or why, but now he's on an airship that needs to be in drydocks. Plural. It seems to be held together on wishes. With him are replacement parts and chemicals for his signature high-tech hoofblade and whatever pieces of workshop can be brought with him. Of note, the suits that got his new commanding officers in trouble a while back. One has to assume that he's going to be shown the weapons systems soon, since the backers know about his background enough to know his specialty, but for now the pegasus is simply grumpy and long-removed from military discipline of any kind.
There is one thing to look forward to though. Mach's been grounded for years. It's no cloud city, but an airship affords that little comfort.
The Little Warehouse of Horrors, Exterior
Her ears twitched slightly and she inclined her head to Tyrol, next to her, sending her mane (now a rich forest green and of length roughly down to her knees when untied) cascading down towards the ground. "I don't really think renovating it sends the right...message. To either side. Is there any way we could remake it as a safehouse, but more...discreetly?"
"Pardon my ignorance, but aren't we plenty discreet already now?" Tyrol said, a quizzical look crossing his face. The bulky earth pony shifted and rolled his shoulder, chafing a little under his distinctive heavy body armour. His shield hung loosely by his side, within easy hoof-reach.
While Arvadraa was rising swiftly in rank, Tyrol had mostly retained his humble rank of Corporal. However, in part due to his... association... with Staccata, more and more, he found himself being seconded to the various irregular (and powerful!) members of the town. One such member was of course the pony he was now accompanying. Already he could feel the weight of submitting his latest report about this to the Captain. He sighed and continued, "Whatever we do, it's going to be visible, and Emerald wants this building repurposed to something useful, instead of standing around being an eyesore."
HalfTangible
2015-05-16, 12:33 AM
[Wrench]
Wrench was in his workshop, now open for business at hours that weren't completely absurd.
[Lone Star/Moon Blossom]
...And as far as I can tell, there's nothing to worry about.
I see... Moon Blossom muttered, writing something down on her clipboard. And you believe this issue with false memory has been solved.
....
Lone Star...
Yes ma'am. It's done.
Moon Blossom set down her clipboard. Dear, these sessions are not going to be useful to you if you aren't completely honest with me.
I know.
Please, tell me what's on your mind.
Lone Star looked at his hooves. ... Moon Blossom, I... I remember killing you yesterday.
Moon Blossom blinked.
I came here at appointment time to... help load your body into a coffin. There was a coroner and everything. He looked behind his chair at the door. And then I opened the door and... there you were. Just fine.
She was quiet for a moment. ... I see.
And... I knew, walking up to the door, that you, dead, wasn't real. I'd never do that. But... He glanced at the door again. The coroner. I can't get him out of my head. He's still there, waiting for a body that will never come. And I don't know why. Objectively, I know he can't be there because he wouldn't have come without... something to pick up.
He looked down at the floor again. ... I don't understand.
Moon Blossom lowered her glasses slightly. You've been taking your medications?
They make it worse. Lone Star shook his head.
In what way?
They're... less real, but more frequent. And the trade-off definitely isn't worth it... I'd thought this was fixed. My last one of... those was about four months before you came to Bridle Shores, if I remember correctly. He snorted at that.
Hm. In any case, the memory did not make you behave differently than you would have. That is still progress, if not the kind you wanted.
... I guess. He stood up. Thanks Doc.
You're very welcome Lone Star. Moon Blossom made a few final notes. Will I be seeing you next week?
... Yeah. Thanks.
He opened the door. The hall was empty.
He was never real. Lone Star reminded himself.
[Crescent Moon]
Sleeping in her coffin at home.
[Hay Bale]
Balboa's mansion
Structurally sound... Hay Bale muttered, her hoof against the wall, flesh seeping into the cracks. A bit of a breeze, should probably check on that... Nothing else out of order here. She pulled her flesh back into her hoof, smirking to herself.
PurityIcekiller
2015-05-16, 05:27 PM
[Yon Metalworking Shoppe]
Blades had been growing restless lately. Business was adequate but slow, her assistants were occupied, and she hadn't injured anything in months. Once she'd gotten a day's advance work done, things got dull fast. For a while, she had been able to work out her excess aggressive urges on a poster with a rough drawing of Dawnstrider on it, but an immobile poster could only keep her attention for so long.
Now she sat by the anvil, waiting and considering finding a nice Equestria Death Rat to butcher. "Dull, dull, dull... Where's all the other ponies when ya need 'em? Just like startin' out again..."
[The Guardhouse]
Shortly after the town had finished recovering from the war with Rusty Falls, Commander Blueshield of the Thousand and One requested an audience with the local authorities to discuss her position. Anypony of major influence among the guards was invited to attend, and those without pressing duties elsewhere or a particular disdain for her were generally in attendance.
"Good day, fellow enforcers," Blueshield began. "The purpose of your presence at this location and juncture of time is to be informed of two issues regarding my position as 'civilian guardspony consultant'.
"The first issue to be addressed is a matter of semantics. The inclusion of the term 'civilian' in said position's appellation is highly inaccurate and necessitates revision; I am an active officer of armed forces, if from a different nation, and do not meet the definition. The second issue is a more dramatic one: I may be unable to fill that position any longer."
She retrieved a letter from her pocket and unfolded it.
"This missive is from Protection Fault, General of the Mareabian Knights. It reads, 'Commander, you are requested and required to report to headquarters as soon as possible for matters regarding your rank and responsibilities. Failure to report in a timely fashion will be considered negligence and grounds for disciplinary action.'. As such, it is imperative that I depart from Bridle Shores so as to avoid dereliction. I apologize, but my duty here has been completed and responsibility to my homeland takes priority.
"I would prefer to make the journey with an escort so as to ensure my safe return, but I am aware of possible motivations for you not to provide one. Whatever the case, it is best that my departure be swift. I may return at some future point, although I am uncertain of when the possibility may arise. It has been an honour serving with you."
[The Cirrus]
In contrast to Mach, Night Jewel was feeling rather optimistic about her new assignment. Without much to show from her other work aside from a set of gloomium bracelets, she decided to take the first opportunity available and move her workshop aboard the Cirrus. She was now exploring around, getting acquainted with the place and its inhabitants.
"...never thought I'd get a chance like this," she chattered excitedly to anypony nearby. "I'm actually wanted and needed! The last time I tried to be helpful around here, all I got from it was extra attention from the guards. And the technology! This is the best I've seen since I left home! In the rest of this town, no one wants a shimmerite-gloomium battery because they've got nothing for it to power, but here, you've got all kinds of great machinery! How long will we be on the move? It's nice to get out of town for a bit, although I'll miss my friends... Say, what's this thing do?"
[Uncertain Location]
Precious had settled into her new home rather quickly. Since a small town like Bridle Shores wouldn't use a lot of luxury items, she adapted her talents and took a job at a dressmaker's shop. It wasn't optimal, but it gave her a way to contribute to the community and a plausible reason to have wealth.
On less busy days, she usually wandered the town looking for places to visit or ponies to meet with. This was her first chance to interact with other ponies in a long time (she thought it had been years, but couldn't be certain) and she was going to make the most of it. On this day, she was making another one of her typical patrols, looking for anypony she could invite over for tea or the like.
MCerberus
2015-05-16, 08:03 PM
[Yon Metalworking Shoppe]
Blades had been growing restless lately. Business was adequate but slow, her assistants were occupied, and she hadn't injured anything in months. Once she'd gotten a day's advance work done, things got dull fast. For a while, she had been able to work out her excess aggressive urges on a poster with a rough drawing of Dawnstrider on it, but an immobile poster could only keep her attention for so long.
Now she sat by the anvil, waiting and considering finding a nice Equestria Death Rat to butcher. "Dull, dull, dull... Where's all the other ponies when ya need 'em? Just like startin' out again..."
There comes a knock on the door. 2 raps at first. Then some more. It appears that the pony knocking finds something interesting in the sound of the door. Then some more. My my, what do they find so interesting?
[The Guardhouse]
Shortly after the town had finished recovering from the war with Rusty Falls, Commander Blueshield of the Thousand and One requested an audience with the local authorities to discuss her position. Anypony of major influence among the guards was invited to attend, and those without pressing duties elsewhere or a particular disdain for her were generally in attendance.
"Good day, fellow enforcers," Blueshield began. "The purpose of your presence at this location and juncture of time is to be informed of two issues regarding my position as 'civilian guardspony consultant'.
"The first issue to be addressed is a matter of semantics. The inclusion of the term 'civilian' in said position's appellation is highly inaccurate and necessitates revision; I am an active officer of armed forces, if from a different nation, and do not meet the definition. The second issue is a more dramatic one: I may be unable to fill that position any longer."
She retrieved a letter from her pocket and unfolded it.
After regaining the ability to fly, the griffon has been back to hunting, trying to get back to strength. Beans and nuts were a good attempt while he couldn't fly, but pony cuisine isn't exactly the healthiest for griffons. Being back out into nowhere has also given him some time to think. The military actions in town warrant this. Of course in his line of thinking, he's let his old self start doing the thinking. This is either good or bad, that remains to be seen. Open talon philosophy is a lot of "remains to be seen".
He's not a creature of battle any more, though he still has much of his strength... but neither is he a being of inaction. There's something appealing of seeing more of the world, and, being a griffon, he can fly back overland faster than a pegasus due to spending more of the day in the air. Perhaps without him, things would appear more normal in the town. It's what the ponies seem to want, and looking at him, the adults seem to be drawn to remembering the recent blood.
"The guard is healthy, the threat of war has shifted away from the town, and I am also not a guard of the peace. With the dangers of the road, perhaps I would be your best hope."
[The Cirrus]
In contrast to Mach, Night Jewel was feeling rather optimistic about her new assignment. Without much to show from her other work aside from a set of gloomium bracelets, she decided to take the first opportunity available and move her workshop aboard the Cirrus. She was now exploring around, getting acquainted with the place and its inhabitants.
"...never thought I'd get a chance like this," she chattered excitedly to anypony nearby. "I'm actually wanted and needed! The last time I tried to be helpful around here, all I got from it was extra attention from the guards. And the technology! This is the best I've seen since I left home! In the rest of this town, no one wants a shimmerite-gloomium battery because they've got nothing for it to power, but here, you've got all kinds of great machinery! How long will we be on the move? It's nice to get out of town for a bit, although I'll miss my friends... Say, what's this thing do?"
Mach raises an eyebrow for a moment.
"Are you planning to field-retrofit an experimental airship with an, uh, an untested power source?"
Kelvin360
2015-05-17, 12:42 AM
"Pardon my ignorance, but aren't we plenty discreet already now?" Tyrol said, a quizzical look crossing his face. The bulky earth pony shifted and rolled his shoulder, chafing a little under his distinctive heavy body armour. His shield hung loosely by his side, within easy hoof-reach.
While Arvadraa was rising swiftly in rank, Tyrol had mostly retained his humble rank of Corporal. However, in part due to his... association... with Staccata, more and more, he found himself being seconded to the various irregular (and powerful!) members of the town. One such member was of course the pony he was now accompanying. Already he could feel the weight of submitting his latest report about this to the Captain. He sighed and continued, "Whatever we do, it's going to be visible, and Emerald wants this building repurposed to something useful, instead of standing around being an eyesore."
Arvadraa frowns at the mention of the Mayor's assistant. "I don't think Emerald is thinking of the vampires when she talks like that. It's easy to wave your hoof and say that there's no worry anymore, but if something goes wrong, they need somewhere they can feel safe. But if everypony knows where they feel safe, it isn't safe at all. We could...make it a scene, maybe. Demolish the whole thing, but leave an underground nearby that they could go to. Or just..leave it as a haunted house. It's not like anypony wants to come here anyway...maybe not even Them." She sighs. "I'm sorry; I'm making more ideas that solutions again, aren't I?"
[Lone Star/Moon Blossom]
...And as far as I can tell, there's nothing to worry about.
I see... Moon Blossom muttered, writing something down on her clipboard. And you believe this issue with false memory has been solved.
....
Lone Star...
Yes ma'am. It's done.
Moon Blossom set down her clipboard. Dear, these sessions are not going to be useful to you if you aren't completely honest with me.
I know.
Please, tell me what's on your mind.
Lone Star looked at his hooves. ... Moon Blossom, I... I remember killing you yesterday.
Moon Blossom blinked.
I came here at appointment time to... help load your body into a coffin. There was a coroner and everything. He looked behind his chair at the door. And then I opened the door and... there you were. Just fine.
She was quiet for a moment. ... I see.
And... I knew, walking up to the door, that you, dead, wasn't real. I'd never do that. But... He glanced at the door again. The coroner. I can't get him out of my head. He's still there, waiting for a body that will never come. And I don't know why. Objectively, I know he can't be there because he wouldn't have come without... something to pick up.
He looked down at the floor again. ... I don't understand.
Moon Blossom lowered her glasses slightly. You've been taking your medications?
They make it worse. Lone Star shook his head.
In what way?
They're... less real, but more frequent. And the trade-off definitely isn't worth it... I'd thought this was fixed. My last one of... those was about four months before you came to Bridle Shores, if I remember correctly. He snorted at that.
Hm. In any case, the memory did not make you behave differently than you would have. That is still progress, if not the kind you wanted.
... I guess. He stood up. Thanks Doc.
You're very welcome Lone Star. Moon Blossom made a few final notes. Will I be seeing you next week?
... Yeah. Thanks.
He opened the door. The hall was empty.
He was never real. Lone Star reminded himself.
The hall may be empty, but the office itself has a way with the disturbed, of various kinds and for various reasons. Boon's muttering is recognizable before he ever rounds the corner, and he's liable to run smack into Lone Star, given his lacking presence of mind. When he recognizes there's another pony in the vicinity, though, he halts in a very openly surprised fashion, and then quite suspiciously tries to not look suspicious, his jacket twitching along with the stumps on his back beneath it. He gives the bookstore owner a once-over with eyes almost permanently locked into a vibrating, mistrustful aside-glance. "Morning. ...I think. Didn't check. Who're you?" He speaks with the low, fast-paced slur of a manic-depressive constantly on a caffeine high, which makes for an odd contrast with his disciplined stance.
[The Cirrus]
In contrast to Mach, Night Jewel was feeling rather optimistic about her new assignment. Without much to show from her other work aside from a set of gloomium bracelets, she decided to take the first opportunity available and move her workshop aboard the Cirrus. She was now exploring around, getting acquainted with the place and its inhabitants.
"...never thought I'd get a chance like this," she chattered excitedly to anypony nearby. "I'm actually wanted and needed! The last time I tried to be helpful around here, all I got from it was extra attention from the guards. And the technology! This is the best I've seen since I left home! In the rest of this town, no one wants a shimmerite-gloomium battery because they've got nothing for it to power, but here, you've got all kinds of great machinery! How long will we be on the move? It's nice to get out of town for a bit, although I'll miss my friends... Say, what's this thing do?"
Mach raises an eyebrow for a moment.
"Are you planning to field-retrofit an experimental airship with an, uh, an untested power source?"
Having busied himself tapping a few iron gauntlets together until this point, one of the other newcomers, an oddly cheerful underpony stallion with obligatory dark coat, white mane, red shadowed eyes and knife-point ears grins over with a set of teeth that come with tiny canines in the front and back. "There's a lot of fun in testing untested thinks, vai?" he chirps through a relatively thick accent. He moves to a standing position with no small amount of grace in a move that uncannily resembles a kip-up, using his knees to propel him upwards instead of the flats of his hooves. He taps some random dust off of his cyan-and-violet jumpsuit. "I can help if it's magic - I don't think I've ever seen so much machines doing this much work. In outlands, everything is just derivative from magick, magick, magick. Good thinks, but if it breaks you need same pony to make it again. Here, you just need an...ah, engineer, vai?"
Elsewhere, or perhaps even in the very same room, depending, a second stallion is halfway through a cup of tea and at the very least attempting a conversation with the nearest authority figure he can find. "I'm not unhappy to be here, I am simply...confused," Dawnstrider remarks. "I didn't think the Cirrus would take much use from my...skillset."
Mach raises an eyebrow for a moment.
"Are you planning to field-retrofit an experimental airship with an, uh, an untested power source?"
Having busied himself tapping a few iron gauntlets together until this point, one of the other newcomers, an oddly cheerful underpony stallion with obligatory dark coat, white mane, red shadowed eyes and knife-point ears grins over with a set of teeth that come with tiny canines in the front and back. "There's a lot of fun in testing untested thinks, vai?" he chirps through a relatively thick accent. He moves to a standing position with no small amount of grace in a move that uncannily resembles a kip-up, using his knees to propel him upwards instead of the flats of his hooves. He taps some random dust off of his cyan-and-violet jumpsuit. "I can help if it's magic - I don't think I've ever seen so much machines doing this much work. In outlands, everything is just derivative from magick, magick, magick. Good thinks, but if it breaks you need same pony to make it again. Here, you just need an...ah, engineer, vai?"
Elsewhere, or perhaps even in the very same room, depending, a second stallion is halfway through a cup of tea and at the very least attempting a conversation with the nearest authority figure he can find. "I'm not unhappy to be here, I am simply...confused," Dawnstrider remarks. "I didn't think the Cirrus would take much use from my...skillset."
[The Cirrus]
In contrast to Mach, Night Jewel was feeling rather optimistic about her new assignment. Without much to show from her other work aside from a set of gloomium bracelets, she decided to take the first opportunity available and move her workshop aboard the Cirrus. She was now exploring around, getting acquainted with the place and its inhabitants.
"...never thought I'd get a chance like this," she chattered excitedly to anypony nearby. "I'm actually wanted and needed! The last time I tried to be helpful around here, all I got from it was extra attention from the guards. And the technology! This is the best I've seen since I left home! In the rest of this town, no one wants a shimmerite-gloomium battery because they've got nothing for it to power, but here, you've got all kinds of great machinery! How long will we be on the move? It's nice to get out of town for a bit, although I'll miss my friends... Say, what's this thing do?"
Soon enough, the new recruits would hear the PA come to life. "Ahem. Recruits, please report to the conference room for your briefing. Thank you."
Hopefully, Sandy and Gearstride would be there as well!
[The Guardhouse]
Shortly after the town had finished recovering from the war with Rusty Falls, Commander Blueshield of the Thousand and One requested an audience with the local authorities to discuss her position. Anypony of major influence among the guards was invited to attend, and those without pressing duties elsewhere or a particular disdain for her were generally in attendance.
"Good day, fellow enforcers," Blueshield began. "The purpose of your presence at this location and juncture of time is to be informed of two issues regarding my position as 'civilian guardspony consultant'.
"The first issue to be addressed is a matter of semantics. The inclusion of the term 'civilian' in said position's appellation is highly inaccurate and necessitates revision; I am an active officer of armed forces, if from a different nation, and do not meet the definition. The second issue is a more dramatic one: I may be unable to fill that position any longer."
She retrieved a letter from her pocket and unfolded it.
"This missive is from Protection Fault, General of the Mareabian Knights. It reads, 'Commander, you are requested and required to report to headquarters as soon as possible for matters regarding your rank and responsibilities. Failure to report in a timely fashion will be considered negligence and grounds for disciplinary action.'. As such, it is imperative that I depart from Bridle Shores so as to avoid dereliction. I apologize, but my duty here has been completed and responsibility to my homeland takes priority.
"I would prefer to make the journey with an escort so as to ensure my safe return, but I am aware of possible motivations for you not to provide one. Whatever the case, it is best that my departure be swift. I may return at some future point, although I am uncertain of when the possibility may arise. It has been an honour serving with you."
Likely, several of the senior guards were also there as well. Stormcloak coughed and rose to spoke as well. "I believe it'd be our honour to provide you with an escort. Though you'd understand we won't be able to spare many ponies for this." The senior guard thought for a moment. "I'd like volunteers if possible." He nodded when the griffon spoke up. Then looked back at the other ponies. "Anyone else?"
For several still moments, the assembled ponies looked at each other. Then a solitary hoof rose.
It was Snowflake. Blueshield might remember her vaguely as the one who got herself seriously injured in the defense of the civilian in the hospital.
"I'll go," she offered quietly.
Stormcloak raised an eyebrow. "You sure there, Private?"
"Quite sure, sir. It's... well, it's been awhile since I travelled, and I think spending a month in the hospital made me itchy, you know. Sir."
TheAmishPirate
2015-05-17, 08:08 PM
Soon enough, the new recruits would hear the PA come to life. "Ahem. Recruits, please report to the conference room for your briefing. Thank you."
Hopefully, Sandy and Gearstride would be there as well!
Indeed. Sandy stood ready in his least dirty uniform, looking a tad bit more presentable than he had during...certain leave activities that are best left forgotten. The thought of new ponies on board left him apprehensive. The thought of new ponies on board messing with his Cirrus downright terrified him. He was sure he'd locked down everything absolutely vital before letting them on board. Well, pretty sure. Mostly sure. Kinda-sorta uncertain. The old girl did have a lot of systems criss-crossing about, and it was very hard to remember where everything went where...
As the recruits filed in, they'd note the engineer looking a tad bit distracted and concerned.
Benson
2015-05-17, 08:38 PM
Ember and Aubade
During the passage of those two months, Ember saved himself enough money from his job at the lingerie shop and eventually moved out of the house he was staying in belonging to that one pony whose name I do not remember that was a friend. Aubade also found herself a job working at a small bistro as a waitress and the two began to rent a small loft apartment somewhere in downtown Bridle Shores. It was a quaint affair...and by quaint rather small but hey, it was the start to independent living.
http://i.imgur.com/Ww4ECUW.jpg
Eventually at some point, Ember had quit his job at the lingerie shop, he wanted to put a good distance between him and the whole mafia business that came with working there. He would wind up applying for work at the Bridle Shores Public Works Guild considering how often the town seemed to be in need of repair and re-construction. Plus he figured it would not hurt to learn a trade and skill. He was very much a entry-level employee but it was fine, he would do his best and hope that his hard work did not go unnoticed.
Life had taken a dull affair, day by day nine to five sort of living. Every single minute that went by, he only saw his chances at reclaiming his family legacy slipping between his hooves like sand. Life could not stay this way, this idyllic monotony, it was not for Ember and he knew it but...he didn't know what to do.
===
Downtown- 3rd and Mane Street
The street here stretching all the way to First Street and Mane had been torn up for repair of the sewage line. Apparently during the battle that had involved the rime moose, the Flamestrongs and the Flamestrong's enemies, the pipes had been damaged but the damage was not immediate. However during time, the cracks began to widen and then...well...when the latest invasion occurred, well that just sharted on everything. It worsened the sewage pipes and the systems but the effects were not immediate.
No, no, twas a week ago when a heavy rain poured down on Bridle Shores that acted as a trigger for the next day to cause a large sinkhole to appear in the middle of the street about the size of two carriages. Luckily no one was hurt, a carriage puller did fall and get injured but was quickly taken to the local clinic and sent home that same day. Well so, Rockem Wrench the boisterous leader of the Bridle Shores Public Works Guild set into the plans of repairing the sewage pipes and the road.
--
Twas about lunch time-o'clock and Ember sat with some of his co workers to have their lunch. Like the others he was wearing a yellow hard hat and the standard orange vest which kinda clashed with his coat but eh. His lunch was packed by Aubade in the morning before she headed out for her shift. He quietly ate his food and listened to his co workers talk amongst each other and of course the cat calls were made whenever a pretty mare was seen. He listened with mild amusement, his thoughts elsewhere at the moment...
====
====
====
The Cirrus
Gearstride was indeed there, in uniform, her hat neatly on her head. Sandy and Silverpine would have spied her practicing a stern expression, and would give either one a playful wink before returning to being fo' serious.
"Gotta work them brow muscles," She sagely nodded and then promptly put on a stern no-nonsense expression the moment the conference room doors opened. She would give them all an intimidating and scrupulous stare and have her posture all rigid.
-
Somewhere Gwen was quickly stuffing her face with chips and booze, while she wasn't technically a new recruit, she still felt she counted and if not, wanted to watch anyway! Then she was off!
PurityIcekiller
2015-05-18, 01:05 AM
There comes a knock on the door. 2 raps at first. Then some more. It appears that the pony knocking finds something interesting in the sound of the door. Then some more. My my, what do they find so interesting?
"All right, all right, I get it! Don't break the door; it cost a bundle." Blades trotted over to the door and opened it up. "Come in, come in!"
Mach raises an eyebrow for a moment.
"Are you planning to field-retrofit an experimental airship with an, uh, an untested power source?"
Having busied himself tapping a few iron gauntlets together until this point, one of the other newcomers, an oddly cheerful underpony stallion with obligatory dark coat, white mane, red shadowed eyes and knife-point ears grins over with a set of teeth that come with tiny canines in the front and back. "There's a lot of fun in testing untested thinks, vai?" he chirps through a relatively thick accent. He moves to a standing position with no small amount of grace in a move that uncannily resembles a kip-up, using his knees to propel him upwards instead of the flats of his hooves. He taps some random dust off of his cyan-and-violet jumpsuit. "I can help if it's magic - I don't think I've ever seen so much machines doing this much work. In outlands, everything is just derivative from magick, magick, magick. Good thinks, but if it breaks you need same pony to make it again. Here, you just need an...ah, engineer, vai?"
Night Jewel laughed. "Oh, they're not untested. I've used them for a few of my own devices. And they're not going to power the entire thing, since that would require a battery bigger than you are."
Elsewhere, or perhaps even in the very same room, depending, a second stallion is halfway through a cup of tea and at the very least attempting a conversation with the nearest authority figure he can find. "I'm not unhappy to be here, I am simply...confused," Dawnstrider remarks. "I didn't think the Cirrus would take much use from my...skillset."
"You're here to supervise me, of course! Why else would they let a young filly with my background run loose on their ship?"
Soon enough, the new recruits would hear the PA come to life. "Ahem. Recruits, please report to the conference room for your briefing. Thank you."
Hopefully, Sandy and Gearstride would be there as well!
"Oh! Time to get to work, then." Night Jewel trotted toward the conference room.
After regaining the ability to fly, the griffon has been back to hunting, trying to get back to strength. Beans and nuts were a good attempt while he couldn't fly, but pony cuisine isn't exactly the healthiest for griffons. Being back out into nowhere has also given him some time to think. The military actions in town warrant this. Of course in his line of thinking, he's let his old self start doing the thinking. This is either good or bad, that remains to be seen. Open talon philosophy is a lot of "remains to be seen".
He's not a creature of battle any more, though he still has much of his strength... but neither is he a being of inaction. There's something appealing of seeing more of the world, and, being a griffon, he can fly back overland faster than a pegasus due to spending more of the day in the air. Perhaps without him, things would appear more normal in the town. It's what the ponies seem to want, and looking at him, the adults seem to be drawn to remembering the recent blood.
"The guard is healthy, the threat of war has shifted away from the town, and I am also not a guard of the peace. With the dangers of the road, perhaps I would be your best hope."
Blueshield looked over the griffon carefully, then nodded. "You will do. Hopefully, this will not be too much of a complication to matters of provisions."
Likely, several of the senior guards were also there as well. Stormcloak coughed and rose to spoke as well. "I believe it'd be our honour to provide you with an escort. Though you'd understand we won't be able to spare many ponies for this." The senior guard thought for a moment. "I'd like volunteers if possible." He nodded when the griffon spoke up. Then looked back at the other ponies. "Anyone else?"
For several still moments, the assembled ponies looked at each other. Then a solitary hoof rose.
It was Snowflake. Blueshield might remember her vaguely as the one who got herself seriously injured in the defense of the civilian in the hospital.
"I'll go," she offered quietly.
Stormcloak raised an eyebrow. "You sure there, Private?"
"Quite sure, sir. It's... well, it's been awhile since I travelled, and I think spending a month in the hospital made me itchy, you know. Sir."
Snowflake also got an inspection, this time more thorough. "Ah, you. I trust your recovery is complete? It would be a waste for you to avoid an untimely demise once only to succumb to the stress of travel. Should your condition permit, however, your company would be most welcome."
Once she was done, Blueshield stood and bowed to the assembled guards. "I appreciate your consideration very much, and will be sure to mention it in my report. I am sure the Knights will be most grateful to learn of your respectful treatment of one of their officers.
"And now, if all has been said, we had best make preparations for our departure. I will be sure to return to check up on you some day. Farewell." She turned for the door, only stopping to give some last words to her soon-to-be travelling companions.
"Meet me at the south gate when you are ready. Make sure to bring water and salt; the ponies of my homeland may be hospitable, but the homeland itself is less so."
MCerberus
2015-05-18, 09:09 PM
Shoppe De Metalwork
The excited pony knocking at the door appears to be... Bridle Shores' most excitable reporter. Or perhaps only reporter at the moment. As soon as Blades opens the door, Whadda offers a hoof before beginning her speal.
"Hiya, Whadda Scoops, Manehatten Times, or freelance reporter. It's a bit complicated at this time. Anyhoof, are you available to talk about the town and your business. Nothing too heavy just trying to check off the list of all the businesses in town and the who's-who."
Cirrus
Mach temporarily suppresses his urge to dive for cover as the crazy ponies attempt to stick a radioactive round peg into an exploding square hole. Especially considering there hasn't been to his knowledge any official plans. He also resists the urge to mumble as he slowly flies towards the meeting area.
Guardhouse
"Provisions for me will not be an issue unless you're especially delicate." Ponies still often react poorly to meat eating.
The rather rushed exit from the building seems to imply there's reasons for Blueshield leaving that are... stressful to say the least. Although the lack of particular terrain advice is rather concerning. At least he's not going to need to deal with snow to say the least.
The griffon turns to the other volunteer.
"Is your blade sharpened?"
Arvadraa frowns at the mention of the Mayor's assistant. "I don't think Emerald is thinking of the vampires when she talks like that. It's easy to wave your hoof and say that there's no worry anymore, but if something goes wrong, they need somewhere they can feel safe. But if everypony knows where they feel safe, it isn't safe at all. We could...make it a scene, maybe. Demolish the whole thing, but leave an underground nearby that they could go to. Or just..leave it as a haunted house. It's not like anypony wants to come here anyway...maybe not even Them." She sighs. "I'm sorry; I'm making more ideas that solutions again, aren't I?"
"No. I'm quite sure Miss Emerald firmly said leaving it as it is is not an option." Tyrol sighed and rubbed his head with a hoof. "This is really more trouble than it's worth. Whatever we do, we're going to make somepony unhappy. I think the real question is who."
"Meet me at the south gate when you are ready. Make sure to bring water and salt; the ponies of my homeland may be hospitable, but the homeland itself is less so."
"Water... and salt?" Snowflake looked a little confused at the odd request. "I... yes. I'll prepare them as well."
Guardhouse
"Provisions for me will not be an issue unless you're especially delicate." Ponies still often react poorly to meat eating.
The rather rushed exit from the building seems to imply there's reasons for Blueshield leaving that are... stressful to say the least. Although the lack of particular terrain advice is rather concerning. At least he's not going to need to deal with snow to say the least.
The griffon turns to the other volunteer.
"Is your blade sharpened?"
"Sharpened? Um, yes, I think." The pegasus guard glanced at the sword that hug by her side.
The Cirrus
Gearstride was indeed there, in uniform, her hat neatly on her head. Sandy and Silverpine would have spied her practicing a stern expression, and would give either one a playful wink before returning to being fo' serious.
"Gotta work them brow muscles," She sagely nodded and then promptly put on a stern no-nonsense expression the moment the conference room doors opened. She would give them all an intimidating and scrupulous stare and have her posture all rigid.
-
Somewhere Gwen was quickly stuffing her face with chips and booze, while she wasn't technically a new recruit, she still felt she counted and if not, wanted to watch anyway! Then she was off!
Indeed. Sandy stood ready in his least dirty uniform, looking a tad bit more presentable than he had during...certain leave activities that are best left forgotten. The thought of new ponies on board left him apprehensive. The thought of new ponies on board messing with his Cirrus downright terrified him. He was sure he'd locked down everything absolutely vital before letting them on board. Well, pretty sure. Mostly sure. Kinda-sorta uncertain. The old girl did have a lot of systems criss-crossing about, and it was very hard to remember where everything went where...
As the recruits filed in, they'd note the engineer looking a tad bit distracted and concerned.
Silverpine just stood impassively next to the Captain, wearing his best uniform as well. Gotta give newbies a good impression and all. When the newcomers have all filed into the room, he coughed and began speaking, "Everyone here? Good. I trust you all settled in nicely in your quarters. In case you missed it, I'm Lieutenant Silverpine, the first mate of this ship." He gestured at Sandy and Gearstride. "This here is the captain of this ship, Captain Adventura Gearstride. And our resident engineer, Mr Sandy Shores. Know them well; we'll be seeing a lot of each other. In any case, I believe the Captain would like to address you all..." He took a step back and let Gear have the spotlight.
Kelvin360
2015-05-19, 12:39 AM
"You're here to supervise me, of course! Why else would they let a young filly with my background run loose on their ship?"
"You have more than enough merit in your own right to not require my eye," the paladin states, unable to keep a note of pride out of his voice.
"No. I'm quite sure Miss Emerald firmly said leaving it as it is is not an option." Tyrol sighed and rubbed his head with a hoof. "This is really more trouble than it's worth. Whatever we do, we're going to make somepony unhappy. I think the real question is who."
"That's part of what I've been trying to change about the Guard, you know," she says, looking at him severely. "That sort of...dismissive thinking. If it helps somepony, then it is worth the trouble. I don't want to ask who I want to upset; I want to ask what choice helps the most ponies. The...strange politics you seem to have don't matter to me. I thought I made that clear when I took this on."
Silverpine just stood impassively next to the Captain, wearing his best uniform as well. Gotta give newbies a good impression and all. When the newcomers have all filed into the room, he coughed and began speaking, "Everyone here? Good. I trust you all settled in nicely in your quarters. In case you missed it, I'm Lieutenant Silverpine, the first mate of this ship." He gestured at Sandy and Gearstride. "This here is the captain of this ship, Captain Adventura Gearstride. And our resident engineer, Mr Sandy Shores. Know them well; we'll be seeing a lot of each other. In any case, I believe the Captain would like to address you all..." He took a step back and let Gear have the spotlight.
Dawnstrider stands at rest, but not at attention, even though it's blatantly obvious he knows and could excel at a military posture. His demeanor could best be described as a reserved wait for his supposed CO to impress him.
On the virtual opposite end of the scale, Tysel is almost as still as a corpse, most of his weight on his left side, ears down and red, dilated eyes staring straight ahead. His breathing is controlled, but he's clearly afraid, well beyond nervous and yet without the self-consciousness the latter implies. Sandy in particular may have seen or even adopted this posture before...mommy is talking, and if you don't listen, she'll take a stick to your hindquarters. Although, him being an underpony, he's likely imagining something a good deal more painful than sticks.
"That's part of what I've been trying to change about the Guard, you know," she says, looking at him severely. "That sort of...dismissive thinking. If it helps somepony, then it is worth the trouble. I don't want to ask who I want to upset; I want to ask what choice helps the most ponies. The...strange politics you seem to have don't matter to me. I thought I made that clear when I took this on."
Tyrol rubbed his head again, visibly suppressing another heavy sigh. These irregulars and their fancy way of doing things. He took a few moments to compose his thoughts, before speaking again, slowly, and clearly, meeting her glare. "Miss. With all due respect, we're all trying to help ponies here. But you gotta understand we won't be making anyone happy by tryin' to please everypony. That plain doesn't work. No matter how hard we wish it would." Tyrol looked around the dilapidated building. "See now, we have three sides here to deal with. Four if yer countin' us. Miss Emerald and the town council wants this gone. Period. They don't care what we do with it, so long it's put to good use. The guard wants this place secured. Again, they don't care how we do it, so long it doesn't breed troublemakers it's all good to them. The remaining vamponies need a place to stay. That means we can't knock this thing down. And we can't put them elsewhere. The residents here are already complainin', and we can't put them up in any of the public buildings. Can't guarantee their safety. And of course, us, trying to navigate this mess and get a plan made." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose buildin' an underground basement thing wouldn't be too far-fetched... I mean, we could just tuck it away someplace inconspicuous..."
Benson
2015-05-20, 03:08 AM
Silverpine just stood impassively next to the Captain, wearing his best uniform as well. Gotta give newbies a good impression and all. When the newcomers have all filed into the room, he coughed and began speaking, "Everyone here? Good. I trust you all settled in nicely in your quarters. In case you missed it, I'm Lieutenant Silverpine, the first mate of this ship." He gestured at Sandy and Gearstride. "This here is the captain of this ship, Captain Adventura Gearstride. And our resident engineer, Mr Sandy Shores. Know them well; we'll be seeing a lot of each other. In any case, I believe the Captain would like to address you all..." He took a step back and let Gear have the spotlight.
Crap...gotta think of something... Gearstride wound up clearing her throat and eying the fresh recruits, a feigned expression of being unimpressed by what she saw. "Yes yes, welcome aboard the Cirrus and all, experimental airship, one of a kind. Frankly, none of you would have been my first choice, but.." She gave a resigned sigh while keeping a stern expression. "But this was the Backers decision and alas to them I must go with." She didn't really think any of this but....gotta keep 'em on their hooves!
"Thus clearly each and every one of you must have some sort of set of skills that the Backers are interested in. You will be expected to wield them, hone them, etc etc. What we usually do is dangerous and so you lot will need to be up to snuff. Unfortunately we have lost many ponies before who were not performing in their top form, and from the carelessness of others putting their comrades at risk." She wasn't going to sugar coat this aspect.
"Now some of you may be thinking 'what is it that The Cirrus exactly does?'. Well, a lot of things, usually in the Backers' interests. Whether it be fighting sixty foot Franken-dragons, hydras, giants, and other kaiju beasts, to expeditions into dangerous dungeons, places, what have you in search of some MaGuffin the Backers have interest in. A lot of things like I said. Now any questions before I continue?"
Kelvin360
2015-05-20, 11:17 PM
Tyrol rubbed his head again, visibly suppressing another heavy sigh. These irregulars and their fancy way of doing things. He took a few moments to compose his thoughts, before speaking again, slowly, and clearly, meeting her glare. "Miss. With all due respect, we're all trying to help ponies here. But you gotta understand we won't be making anyone happy by tryin' to please everypony. That plain doesn't work. No matter how hard we wish it would." Tyrol looked around the dilapidated building. "See now, we have three sides here to deal with. Four if yer countin' us. Miss Emerald and the town council wants this gone. Period. They don't care what we do with it, so long it's put to good use. The guard wants this place secured. Again, they don't care how we do it, so long it doesn't breed troublemakers it's all good to them. The remaining vamponies need a place to stay. That means we can't knock this thing down. And we can't put them elsewhere. The residents here are already complainin', and we can't put them up in any of the public buildings. Can't guarantee their safety. And of course, us, trying to navigate this mess and get a plan made." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose buildin' an underground basement thing wouldn't be too far-fetched... I mean, we could just tuck it away someplace inconspicuous..."
She smiles gently at him brushes his shoulder genially with her own. "I remember Stormcloak saying something about 'with all due respect'. And you're right, I'm sorry. I didn't want to imply that you all didn't know what you were doing, or didn't have good reasons. We'd have to contact the Public Works Guild either way, wouldn't we? Or somepony private, maybe."
Crap...gotta think of something... Gearstride wound up clearing her throat and eying the fresh recruits, a feigned expression of being unimpressed by what she saw. "Yes yes, welcome aboard the Cirrus and all, experimental airship, one of a kind. Frankly, none of you would have been my first choice, but.." She gave a resigned sigh while keeping a stern expression. "But this was the Backers decision and alas to them I must go with." She didn't really think any of this but....gotta keep 'em on their hooves!
"Thus clearly each and every one of you must have some sort of set of skills that the Backers are interested in. You will be expected to wield them, hone them, etc etc. What we usually do is dangerous and so you lot will need to be up to snuff. Unfortunately we have lost many ponies before who were not performing in their top form, and from the carelessness of others putting their comrades at risk." She wasn't going to sugar coat this aspect.
"Now some of you may be thinking 'what is it that The Cirrus exactly does?'. Well, a lot of things, usually in the Backers' interests. Whether it be fighting sixty foot Franken-dragons, hydras, giants, and other kaiju beasts, to expeditions into dangerous dungeons, places, what have you in search of some MaGuffin the Backers have interest in. A lot of things like I said. Now any questions before I continue?"
Dawnstrider fixes his best 'I am unamused by this prank' paladin expression on the captain. So that tactic exists on this side, too. Except they use it to inspire instead of threaten, he thinks to himself. Perhaps I should call her to task on the matter...then again, perhaps Night Jewel will do it for me.
Again on rather the opposite end of the scale from Dawnstrider, Tysel looks absolutely crestfallen that he's already managed to disappoint Gearstride, and actually loses what looks like decades of discipline and slumps out of his stance, allowing all four limbs to distribute his weight equally at once. If any questions had occurred to him, they slipped out of his train of thought rather quickly.
HalfTangible
2015-05-21, 12:26 PM
The hall may be empty, but the office itself has a way with the disturbed, of various kinds and for various reasons. Boon's muttering is recognizable before he ever rounds the corner, and he's liable to run smack into Lone Star, given his lacking presence of mind. When he recognizes there's another pony in the vicinity, though, he halts in a very openly surprised fashion, and then quite suspiciously tries to not look suspicious, his jacket twitching along with the stumps on his back beneath it. He gives the bookstore owner a once-over with eyes almost permanently locked into a vibrating, mistrustful aside-glance. "Morning. ...I think. Didn't check. Who're you?" He speaks with the low, fast-paced slur of a manic-depressive constantly on a caffeine high, which makes for an odd contrast with his disciplined stance.The stallion Boon had run into had a coat as black and dark as ink, with a messy silver mane and tail. His eyes were red, and his right wing was replaced by a silver ovoid. As he stood it seemed to ruffle, revealing that it was liquid metal.
He picked himself up from the ground, grumbling out Lone Star in answer. He blinked twice and looked the other stallion over. Who're you?
Kelvin360
2015-05-21, 03:49 PM
The stallion Boon had run into had a coat as black and dark as ink, with a messy silver mane and tail. His eyes were red, and his right wing was replaced by a silver ovoid. As he stood it seemed to ruffle, revealing that it was liquid metal.
He picked himself up from the ground, grumbling out Lone Star in answer. He blinked twice and looked the other stallion over. Who're you?
He takes a moment to stare balefully at the silver wing before responding. "...Boon." He tears his focus away and locks eyes with Lone Star; not in a gesture of intimidation, evidently, but to keep them on something else. "Place doesn't get a lot of through traffic," he notes with an apparently signature blunt delivery of small talk. "You transitioning?"
HalfTangible
2015-05-21, 06:43 PM
He takes a moment to stare balefully at the silver wing before responding. "...Boon." He tears his focus away and locks eyes with Lone Star; not in a gesture of intimidation, evidently, but to keep them on something else. "Place doesn't get a lot of through traffic," he notes with an apparently signature blunt delivery of small talk. "You transitioning?"
Lone Star tilted his head. I've been seeing Moon Blossom for years. She'd been in this particular office for over 2 months.
She smiles gently at him brushes his shoulder genially with her own. "I remember Stormcloak saying something about 'with all due respect'. And you're right, I'm sorry. I didn't want to imply that you all didn't know what you were doing, or didn't have good reasons. We'd have to contact the Public Works Guild either way, wouldn't we? Or somepony private, maybe."
Tyrol gave the druid a brief smile. "No worries, miss. It's why I'm assigned to be the liaison. But yes, um, we'll probably need to get Wrench on the job. He'll know what to do. But first, we need to know what kind of job to give him."
MCerberus
2015-05-22, 06:41 PM
Cirrus
Mach floats there for a little not saying much of anything. It seems a bit suspicious that their line of reasoning that the backers did all the recruiting and everypony here has been hanging out around town. Clearly there's a lot of information work going on... but nopony's likely going to answer questions about that. As for the work, it's basic adventuring stuff. Although there likely isn't any loot split since this is 'greater good'.
Well nothing to do until the captain demands introductions or something.
PurityIcekiller
2015-05-23, 05:10 PM
The excited pony knocking at the door appears to be... Bridle Shores' most excitable reporter. Or perhaps only reporter at the moment. As soon as Blades opens the door, Whadda offers a hoof before beginning her speal.
"Hiya, Whadda Scoops, Manehatten Times, or freelance reporter. It's a bit complicated at this time. Anyhoof, are you available to talk about the town and your business. Nothing too heavy just trying to check off the list of all the businesses in town and the who's-who."
"Yes, yes!" Blades immediately seized scoops and hugged her. "I've been waitin' for somepony to show up for hours! Or maybe minutes, but I kind of lost track. There's nothing to bangin' do 'round here when everypony else is out 'n nopony's comin' in! Borin', borin', borin'! 'N there's only so much for killin' time, 'cause ya can't find time's head 'n chop it off or anything! So, let's talk! Talk, talk, talk! Get something interesting here!"
"Provisions for me will not be an issue unless you're especially delicate." Ponies still often react poorly to meat eating.
The rather rushed exit from the building seems to imply there's reasons for Blueshield leaving that are... stressful to say the least. Although the lack of particular terrain advice is rather concerning. At least he's not going to need to deal with snow to say the least.
The griffon turns to the other volunteer.
"Is your blade sharpened?"
"Water... and salt?" Snowflake looked a little confused at the odd request. "I... yes. I'll prepare them as well."
"Sharpened? Um, yes, I think." The pegasus guard glanced at the sword that hug by her side.
"It's to supplement losses from perspiration," said the Knight quickly. Then she was gone.
"You have more than enough merit in your own right to not require my eye," the paladin states, unable to keep a note of pride out of his voice.
He probably wouldn't be saying this if he'd actually seen-
Quiet, you. You're ruining the moment.
Night Jewel said nothing, but gave Dawn a gentle nuzzle.
Silverpine just stood impassively next to the Captain, wearing his best uniform as well. Gotta give newbies a good impression and all. When the newcomers have all filed into the room, he coughed and began speaking, "Everyone here? Good. I trust you all settled in nicely in your quarters. In case you missed it, I'm Lieutenant Silverpine, the first mate of this ship." He gestured at Sandy and Gearstride. "This here is the captain of this ship, Captain Adventura Gearstride. And our resident engineer, Mr Sandy Shores. Know them well; we'll be seeing a lot of each other. In any case, I believe the Captain would like to address you all..." He took a step back and let Gear have the spotlight.
Crap...gotta think of something... Gearstride wound up clearing her throat and eying the fresh recruits, a feigned expression of being unimpressed by what she saw. "Yes yes, welcome aboard the Cirrus and all, experimental airship, one of a kind. Frankly, none of you would have been my first choice, but.." She gave a resigned sigh while keeping a stern expression. "But this was the Backers decision and alas to them I must go with." She didn't really think any of this but....gotta keep 'em on their hooves!
"Thus clearly each and every one of you must have some sort of set of skills that the Backers are interested in. You will be expected to wield them, hone them, etc etc. What we usually do is dangerous and so you lot will need to be up to snuff. Unfortunately we have lost many ponies before who were not performing in their top form, and from the carelessness of others putting their comrades at risk." She wasn't going to sugar coat this aspect.
"Now some of you may be thinking 'what is it that The Cirrus exactly does?'. Well, a lot of things, usually in the Backers' interests. Whether it be fighting sixty foot Franken-dragons, hydras, giants, and other kaiju beasts, to expeditions into dangerous dungeons, places, what have you in search of some MaGuffin the Backers have interest in. A lot of things like I said. Now any questions before I continue?"
Night Jewel frowned. Yes, I have a question. Did someone put grumpiness dust on her morning bread or something? She sounds like Bluey!
"One question: How's the hoof doing, Captain? Working well, I take it?"
TheAmishPirate
2015-05-23, 06:41 PM
Crap...gotta think of something... Gearstride wound up clearing her throat and eying the fresh recruits, a feigned expression of being unimpressed by what she saw. "Yes yes, welcome aboard the Cirrus and all, experimental airship, one of a kind. Frankly, none of you would have been my first choice, but.." She gave a resigned sigh while keeping a stern expression. "But this was the Backers decision and alas to them I must go with." She didn't really think any of this but....gotta keep 'em on their hooves!
"Thus clearly each and every one of you must have some sort of set of skills that the Backers are interested in. You will be expected to wield them, hone them, etc etc. What we usually do is dangerous and so you lot will need to be up to snuff. Unfortunately we have lost many ponies before who were not performing in their top form, and from the carelessness of others putting their comrades at risk." She wasn't going to sugar coat this aspect.
"Now some of you may be thinking 'what is it that The Cirrus exactly does?'. Well, a lot of things, usually in the Backers' interests. Whether it be fighting sixty foot Franken-dragons, hydras, giants, and other kaiju beasts, to expeditions into dangerous dungeons, places, what have you in search of some MaGuffin the Backers have interest in. A lot of things like I said. Now any questions before I continue?"
Sandy's job, as he best understood it, was to assess the new recruits on their usefulness for the ship's systems.
Like most assessments, this was difficult to do without actually talking to the ponies in question.
He settled for looking over the recruits, and noting the lack of (obvious) burn marks or other machine-induced trauma.
MCerberus
2015-05-24, 08:30 PM
"Yes, yes!" Blades immediately seized scoops and hugged her. "I've been waitin' for somepony to show up for hours! Or maybe minutes, but I kind of lost track. There's nothing to bangin' do 'round here when everypony else is out 'n nopony's comin' in! Borin', borin', borin'! 'N there's only so much for killin' time, 'cause ya can't find time's head 'n chop it off or anything! So, let's talk! Talk, talk, talk! Get something interesting here!"
Scoops rolls with it, having apparently met something of a kindred spirit or something. Most ponies seem to have an intense lack of energy, especially around outsiders. Once free, the mare puts a forehoof to her chin.
"So where do we begin, do you want to just have a casual interview or maybe a tour of your operation. Most ponies seem to not really know what you do here. Most of the town will just say 'some sort of blacksmith' and nothing more. Of course if you wanted to do an interview we should set up a nice room for it. There's no audience but the setup may make it feel more like an officially official interview. You don't seem nervous at least, so there's nothing to be lost if we go with the officially official interview setup."
"It's to supplement losses from perspiration," said the Knight quickly. Then she was gone.
The griffon takes her leaving in silence. With the mare gone, any questions would likely fall to the being that are leaving with her... as well as any comments about the situation.
Kelvin360
2015-05-24, 10:53 PM
Lone Star tilted his head. I've been seeing Moon Blossom for years. She'd been in this particular office for over 2 months.
"And two ponies don't make for 'a lot'. You need at least three to be a crowd." It's pretty clear he's trying to make a joke, but his heart isn't really in it. "Sorry...I suppose I keep missing you, but I figured I was the only one who needed...help. Self-centered in hindsight." He pauses to internally kick himself, and a spark of loneliness appears in his eyes during that time. An absent feeling of connection, perhaps.
Tyrol gave the druid a brief smile. "No worries, miss. It's why I'm assigned to be the liaison. But yes, um, we'll probably need to get Wrench on the job. He'll know what to do. But first, we need to know what kind of job to give him."
"Well, we both seem to prefer something underground. Time of day doesn't matter then. But not...not a dungeon. I've heard they've seen enough of those."
"Well, we both seem to prefer something underground. Time of day doesn't matter then. But not...not a dungeon. I've heard they've seen enough of those."
"I'm quite sure Miss Emerald doesn't want a dungeon either. Bad for business, you see," Tyrol said with a nod. He glanced back at the door whence they came from. "Y'know, maybe we should just check in on the Guild. Maybe they'll have some ideas. On account of bein' the ones buildin' these things themselves."
Benson
2015-05-27, 12:26 PM
Dawnstrider fixes his best 'I am unamused by this prank' paladin expression on the captain. So that tactic exists on this side, too. Except they use it to inspire instead of threaten, he thinks to himself. Perhaps I should call her to task on the matter...then again, perhaps Night Jewel will do it for me.
Again on rather the opposite end of the scale from Dawnstrider, Tysel looks absolutely crestfallen that he's already managed to disappoint Gearstride, and actually loses what looks like decades of discipline and slumps out of his stance, allowing all four limbs to distribute his weight equally at once. If any questions had occurred to him, they slipped out of his train of thought rather quickly.
Cirrus
Mach floats there for a little not saying much of anything. It seems a bit suspicious that their line of reasoning that the backers did all the recruiting and everypony here has been hanging out around town. Clearly there's a lot of information work going on... but nopony's likely going to answer questions about that. As for the work, it's basic adventuring stuff. Although there likely isn't any loot split since this is 'greater good'.
Well nothing to do until the captain demands introductions or something.
Night Jewel frowned. Yes, I have a question. Did someone put grumpiness dust on her morning bread or something? She sounds like Bluey!
"One question: How's the hoof doing, Captain? Working well, I take it?"
"It is well and doing what hooves do best, being hoofy. Thank you for asking." She nodded sharply answering in utmost seriousness.
"Now then, since there does not seem to be any other questions, I would like you lot to introduce yourselves. Feel free to tell as little or as much as you want. While some of you I recognize, it is more for formality's and everyone else's sake. Whoever wants to go first." She then gestured with her hoof that they take the floor.
HalfTangible
2015-05-27, 03:17 PM
"And two ponies don't make for 'a lot'. You need at least three to be a crowd." It's pretty clear he's trying to make a joke, but his heart isn't really in it. "Sorry...I suppose I keep missing you, but I figured I was the only one who needed...help. Self-centered in hindsight." He pauses to internally kick himself, and a spark of loneliness appears in his eyes during that time. An absent feeling of connection, perhaps.
Yeah but we've been here for- Lone Star sighed. Never mind, don't worry about it. What're ya in for?
It's hard to tell if Star is joking, either.
MCerberus
2015-05-27, 10:01 PM
"It is well and doing what hooves do best, being hoofy. Thank you for asking." She nodded sharply answering in utmost seriousness.
"Now then, since there does not seem to be any other questions, I would like you lot to introduce yourselves. Feel free to tell as little or as much as you want. While some of you I recognize, it is more for formality's and everyone else's sake. Whoever wants to go first." She then gestured with her hoof that they take the floor.
Well if anypony present is actually filled with the grumps, that would be Mach. The pegasus sort of looks around for a moment before landing. He coarsely states without much emotion, "Mach. Artificer and siege-scale weapons systems."
(Addressing this first. Sorry, Luka! Poke me next time.)
The guard does indeed raise an eyebrow, but after some deliberation with his comrade, he reluctantly lets Luka through as well. The guard also directs the pony to the blacksmith, which probably would be Blades'.
"Thank you, but I already know my way around" The colt said before heading in. His business with the blacksmith would be pretty swift though, he'd just leave the dark-colored swords inside, then leave to a common house with the shiny sword.
[Timeskip later]
For most of the time, the colt would have been spotted wandering around, not seeking for anything or anyone in particular, most residents would find him walking over to the east and outside of town, apparently getting lost in the wilderness for a while, then coming back with food and/or leftovers.
For the time being, he just wandered around in the town.
PurityIcekiller
2015-06-01, 10:27 PM
Scoops rolls with it, having apparently met something of a kindred spirit or something. Most ponies seem to have an intense lack of energy, especially around outsiders. Once free, the mare puts a forehoof to her chin.
"So where do we begin, do you want to just have a casual interview or maybe a tour of your operation. Most ponies seem to not really know what you do here. Most of the town will just say 'some sort of blacksmith' and nothing more. Of course if you wanted to do an interview we should set up a nice room for it. There's no audience but the setup may make it feel more like an officially official interview. You don't seem nervous at least, so there's nothing to be lost if we go with the officially official interview setup."
"No need just to sit 'round one room! Why don't we just go wherever ya need to be at the time? Ya know, keep movin'? It'd be a lot more fun, keepin' active for the interview! Come on, let's do this!"
Blades led the reporter inside, then grabbed a strawberry tart from a conveniently-located tray and tossed it to her. "So, the name's Blades, 'n I run the place! I get a lil' help from my assistants, but they're not here right now. Busy with vampires 'n such. Still, I'm managin'!
"We've got a wide variety of stuff available. Long as it's metal, I can make it!" She gestured to the various racks of weaponry, armour and tools scattered about the main room. "Most of it's just iron, but I'll work any metal! The only ones I don't like are those weird magic ones. What kind of things are ya interested in?"
"It is well and doing what hooves do best, being hoofy. Thank you for asking." She nodded sharply answering in utmost seriousness.
"Now then, since there does not seem to be any other questions, I would like you lot to introduce yourselves. Feel free to tell as little or as much as you want. While some of you I recognize, it is more for formality's and everyone else's sake. Whoever wants to go first." She then gestured with her hoof that they take the floor.
"Good to know."
Night Jewel took a moment to think. Now, girl, they don't necessarily know about you yet. Bluey's the only pony who seems to care enough to tell others about you, and I don't remember her ever coming here. You did break into the place once, but had an excuse, and the only things you stole were from somepony who attacked you first and wasn't actually in the crew...
I can't keep it hidden forever. They're going to find out eventually. It's easier if it's on my terms.
"Hello, everyone! I'm Night Jewel, and..." Oh, Dark Mother, this is going to be so awkward. "There's something I really need to get out of the way."
The filly took a deep breath, trying not to let anxiety overwhelm her.
"I'm a thief, but please don't judge too quickly. I'm not malicious or anything; I'm just really good at sneaking around and swiping things. I was hoping to help you out with my skills and my unique perspective on things." She gave a nervous smile. "After all, it's better to have me working with you here than out on my own doing who-knows-what, right?"
Kelvin360
2015-06-02, 12:31 AM
"I'm quite sure Miss Emerald doesn't want a dungeon either. Bad for business, you see," Tyrol said with a nod. He glanced back at the door whence they came from. "Y'know, maybe we should just check in on the Guild. Maybe they'll have some ideas. On account of bein' the ones buildin' these things themselves."
"The guild...or guild members?" She asks shrewdly. "You mentioned Wrench. How few ponies can we reasonably put to work on the project? I don't see us putting up a sign in their Guildhall."
Yeah but we've been here for- Lone Star sighed. Never mind, don't worry about it. What're ya in for?
It's hard to tell if Star is joking, either.
"War shakes won't go away," he murmurs awkwardly. "Sh-...she, ah, she's got me brewing, but...haven't mixed up a decent java in a while." Just based on his tone, he might as well be a unicorn saying how he can't cast spells, or a pegasus noting that he can't fl-...well, something to that effect. "It sounds foalish when I say it out loud. Psychology stuff."
The Cirrus
Tysel bites his lower lip and taps the ground with his rear-left leg a few times, waiting to see if Dawnstrider will be the next to speak and buy him some time. She is...worried about taking things? he wonders privately. Should I be...?
Perhaps sensing his new ally's distress, the paladin does indeed address the Captain once Night Jewel is finished speaking. "Dawnstrider of the Golden Blade, Order of the Unrelenting Summer." His voice is powerful but effortless, the result of someone who has trained long and hard to make themselves the center of attention at all times, almost casually drawing eyes and ears toward him and away from the underpony. "I have been trained to win wars. The where of it - the front line, the map room, the interrogation chamber, the hospice, and the back alleys, to name a few - is immaterial. Questioning orders is not natural to me...whether I am giving them or receiving them. The tenets of my faith and order are such..."
Tysel nods to himself ever so slightly as Dawnstrider continues to speak, giving him time to formulate what he might say, judging every possible answer and the worst outcome for each. Lying made him burn inside, but so did hiding such vital pieces of himself...and yet...
"...no compatriot behind on the battlefield, loyalty always to allies and superiors..."
It struck him rather like a kick to the diaphragm, a sensation he was overly familiar with. They'd found him in the first place. In the farming village, he wasn't exactly trying to stay hidden, but that still implied that they had information on his background. Underpony or no, you didn't apply resources to a nobody. They had to be useful. You had to know they were useful.
Perhaps a coincidence, perhaps a time limit, or perhaps because he saw Tysel's muscles loosen a bit, Dawnstrider concludes his miniature tirade. "-even in blackest darkness. That covers the basics, at least."
In the ensuing silence, Tysel found it in him to cough ever so slightly before he gave his answer. Show some vulnerability on the exterior even if the insides were hardened by molten adamantine. Something he'd also felt in his time, and that only came off with flesh and fur. Like training. Like memories. "I yam Tysel Skoúro. From what you call the Underdark, vai? They teach different things there. Not happy things, mostly how to survive, and I learned fast. Also how to kill, quick, usually painful, too. Underponies...like me, we are good at it. But I don't like fighting soldiers; I learned fast, very fast, how to kill mages. Magic-spinners. They can be dangerous, but I built myself to become...more dangerous.
There are things us...things they do, below. Things ponies here don't learn, don't need to learn. How to dodge a stab, or how to survive if you don't dodge it. Moving fast, moving quiet, moving so you always know where your hooves are. Important for spies, skulkers, assassins...like me. It's, ehhh...not a skill, now. Just something I do.
But...since I am coming here, I know there are things surface ponies teach and learn more important than bones and knives and dark. Friendship and harmony and laughing with smiles that even reach the eyes. I want to know about that as much as I know about killing. Umm...may take a while. But I learn fast. Otherwise I would be dead."
"The guild...or guild members?" She asks shrewdly. "You mentioned Wrench. How few ponies can we reasonably put to work on the project? I don't see us putting up a sign in their Guildhall."
"The... guild members..." Tyrol answered carefully. "As to how many... well, I reckon we could finish something in reasonable time with three or four peeps. Assumin', of course, that we're all doin' this secret-like."
[Snowflake, Packing]
Water.
Salt.
Food rations.
Enough clothing for any sort of desert condition.
Her trusty sword.
Snowflake took a deep breath as she stepped back to survey her saddlebags. Well, first time out of Bridle Shores and you're already journeying to Saddle Arabia. Bright idea, girl. She shook her head. She's commited now, anyway. And besides, wasn't she the one who said she had an itch to scratch? Funny how near-death experiences make you realise you may as well experience as much as the world as you can before you go. Well, here's to a grand adventure..." The pegasus shrugged and shouldered her saddlebags, which in addition to her leather armour, made for quite a bit of weight. Then satisfied she's as ready as ever, she stepped out of the door and into the street...
MCerberus
2015-06-04, 09:36 PM
"No need just to sit 'round one room! Why don't we just go wherever ya need to be at the time? Ya know, keep movin'? It'd be a lot more fun, keepin' active for the interview! Come on, let's do this!"
Blades led the reporter inside, then grabbed a strawberry tart from a conveniently-located tray and tossed it to her. "So, the name's Blades, 'n I run the place! I get a lil' help from my assistants, but they're not here right now. Busy with vampires 'n such. Still, I'm managin'!
"We've got a wide variety of stuff available. Long as it's metal, I can make it!" She gestured to the various racks of weaponry, armour and tools scattered about the main room. "Most of it's just iron, but I'll work any metal! The only ones I don't like are those weird magic ones. What kind of things are ya interested in?"
Whadda just sort of reactively mid-air noms the pasty while listening. Of course all the information for now is going to have to stay bouncing around her head, but she's used to that sort of thing. Still wouldn't be a bad idea to jot it down when possible. Ooh, something interesting in the metalwork gets the mare's attention.
"Neat." she says while snapping a photo? Did she have a camera out? She does now.
But the small little mini-tour does reveal something interesting other than shiny stuff. When prompted, Scoops responds, "Sooo... tell me about these vampires."
Benson
2015-06-05, 11:25 AM
Gearstride found herself nodding most of the time. When it came to Night Jewel all she did was nod, hooves crossed over her chest. Rather than think of her as a thief, she preferred more the train of thought...Xtreme Stealth Expert yeeeeeeeea! More nodding at appropriate moments as the other two introduced themselves. She was trying not to smile in amusement from the nervousness that dripped off of Tysel. She was curious about him though and all his Underdark darkness business, questions questions later.
"Good good, I reckon that soon we will all get to know each other even more so since we shall be living together for quite some time. I believe the next order of business will be to assign your living quarters, since there are four of you, you shall be paired up. Now do my companions here have anything else to add or want to say?" She looked at Silverpine and Sandy.
Gearstride found herself nodding most of the time. When it came to Night Jewel all she did was nod, hooves crossed over her chest. Rather than think of her as a thief, she preferred more the train of thought...Xtreme Stealth Expert yeeeeeeeea! More nodding at appropriate moments as the other two introduced themselves. She was trying not to smile in amusement from the nervousness that dripped off of Tysel. She was curious about him though and all his Underdark darkness business, questions questions later.
"Good good, I reckon that soon we will all get to know each other even more so since we shall be living together for quite some time. I believe the next order of business will be to assign your living quarters, since there are four of you, you shall be paired up. Now do my companions here have anything else to add or want to say?" She looked at Silverpine and Sandy.
To this end, Silverpine coughed. "Ah... yes. There's one matter I should note. Fraternising isn't quite forbidden on this ship, part of our culture and all that. However, I expect you all to remain professional when you're on-duty. Personal issues and work should never mix." Well, as much as you equinely can, at any rate, he silently added to himself. His relationship with the Captain was a case in point.
TheAmishPirate
2015-06-08, 11:13 AM
To this end, Silverpine coughed. "Ah... yes. There's one matter I should note. Fraternising isn't quite forbidden on this ship, part of our culture and all that. However, I expect you all to remain professional when you're on-duty. Personal issues and work should never mix." Well, as much as you equinely can, at any rate, he silently added to himself. His relationship with the Captain was a case in point.
"An' on that note..." Sandy stepped forward with no small amount of effort. "All of us have come from all parts an' paths of Equestria. For some of us, this ship is th' next step in our career of doin' good an' fighting th' good fight. For some, this ship is a way t'turn around a life gone south. An' for some...th-this ship was th' last option we had left." The little engineer choked back some emotion, and soldiered on. "I'm here t'tell you that, no matter what you've done, no matter why you've come here, there's one thing that matters most of all; now, this is your ship, an' your crew."
He squeaked out an earnest little smile. "Welcome aboard, mates."
PurityIcekiller
2015-06-11, 01:28 AM
Whadda just sort of reactively mid-air noms the pasty while listening. Of course all the information for now is going to have to stay bouncing around her head, but she's used to that sort of thing. Still wouldn't be a bad idea to jot it down when possible. Ooh, something interesting in the metalwork gets the mare's attention.
"Neat." she says while snapping a photo? Did she have a camera out? She does now.
But the small little mini-tour does reveal something interesting other than shiny stuff. When prompted, Scoops responds, "Sooo... tell me about these vampires."
"Oh! To be honest with ya, I haven't really been a part of that. Might be the reflective surfaces everywhere, or the glowin' metal, or the pipe that runs right under the door to the sleepin' quarters - they can't cross runnin' water, right? - or the garlic I got a lil' while after I first heard of 'em... Would have put in a few deathtraps, but Flare complained. Maybe I could rig up some kind of constant light thingamajig? Then they'd fry the moment they stepped in! But that might make it hard to sleep..."
Blades shook her head. "Got off track. Anyway, I hear the ol' leader was a real piece of work - arrogant, cowardly, casually nasty to mares, 'n all that standard evil bloodsucker stuff - but he's dead now, 'n the rest aren't quite so mean 'n nasty 'n ugly 'n horrible 'n all kinds of things, 'n they're tryin' to get back to normal life. My 'prentice Arvadraa's workin' to help 'em out, 'n she could probly tell ya all ya want 'bout 'em! I'll let ya talk to her 'bout it when she gets back, all right?"
[The Cirrus]
Night Jewel felt her hair stand on end as Tysel introduced himself. Images of him meeting Blades, hitting it off, and raising a family of killers flashed through her mind.
Don't panic. At least he seems to understand that casual murder isn't considered polite in most societies. In any case, he'll attract more attention than you do.
Yes, but until he's clearly adjusted, I'm being cautious. Not letting the two of them get together, at any rate.
Gearstride found herself nodding most of the time. When it came to Night Jewel all she did was nod, hooves crossed over her chest. Rather than think of her as a thief, she preferred more the train of thought...Xtreme Stealth Expert yeeeeeeeea! More nodding at appropriate moments as the other two introduced themselves. She was trying not to smile in amusement from the nervousness that dripped off of Tysel. She was curious about him though and all his Underdark darkness business, questions questions later.
"Good good, I reckon that soon we will all get to know each other even more so since we shall be living together for quite some time. I believe the next order of business will be to assign your living quarters, since there are four of you, you shall be paired up. Now do my companions here have anything else to add or want to say?" She looked at Silverpine and Sandy.
Night Jewel sighed with relief. That went well. No yelling, no screaming... She didn't even seem to mind at all. Now I just need to get paired with either Dawn or that Mach fellow and everything will be fine.
To this end, Silverpine coughed. "Ah... yes. There's one matter I should note. Fraternising isn't quite forbidden on this ship, part of our culture and all that. However, I expect you all to remain professional when you're on-duty. Personal issues and work should never mix." Well, as much as you equinely can, at any rate, he silently added to himself. His relationship with the Captain was a case in point.
"Got it. I am to wait until we're not doing anything to flirt with any cute engineers."
"An' on that note..." Sandy stepped forward with no small amount of effort. "All of us have come from all parts an' paths of Equestria. For some of us, this ship is th' next step in our career of doin' good an' fighting th' good fight. For some, this ship is a way t'turn around a life gone south. An' for some...th-this ship was th' last option we had left." The little engineer choked back some emotion, and soldiered on. "I'm here t'tell you that, no matter what you've done, no matter why you've come here, there's one thing that matters most of all; now, this is your ship, an' your crew."
He squeaked out an earnest little smile. "Welcome aboard, mates."
"Aw, thanks. You're actually making me feel welcome. It's been a while since that happened last." Night Jewel chuckled.
Seems like a seriously nice guy. Once we're done here, I ought to give him a hug.
[South Gate]
Blueshield had also packed quite heavily. She'd made sure to take everything she'd brought from her homeland, her weapons and armour, all of the provisions she expected to need for the journey, and some extra provisions in case one of the others forgot. Once all was in readiness, she went to await the others.
Upon seeing Snowflake, she gave a nod of satisfaction. "Exquisite. It seems I need not lecture you quite so thoroughly on desert survival." She then rebalanced her load. "...And now our primary issue lies in the transportation of our supplies. I had best obtain a cart..."
((Cut to Misc. Adventures now?))
Kelvin360
2015-06-11, 01:57 AM
"The... guild members..." Tyrol answered carefully. "As to how many... well, I reckon we could finish something in reasonable time with three or four peeps. Assumin', of course, that we're all doin' this secret-like."
"Well I don't especially like secrecy, but we know it can be useful. I don't suppose you keep a list of names from most to least subtle in cases like these, do you?"
"Good good, I reckon that soon we will all get to know each other even more so since we shall be living together for quite some time. I believe the next order of business will be to assign your living quarters, since there are four of you, you shall be paired up. Now do my companions here have anything else to add or want to say?" She looked at Silverpine and Sandy.
This seems to put the glint of suspicion into Dawn's eye, while Tysel stares dead ahead, desperately trying not to look at any of the other recruits, with an expression like the runty colt who knows he's getting picked last for the hoofball teams again.
To this end, Silverpine coughed. "Ah... yes. There's one matter I should note. Fraternising isn't quite forbidden on this ship, part of our culture and all that. However, I expect you all to remain professional when you're on-duty. Personal issues and work should never mix." Well, as much as you equinely can, at any rate, he silently added to himself. His relationship with the Captain was a case in point.
The glint here manifests itself as the ever-so-tiny narrowing of his eyes, which flick in Night Jewel's direction.
"Got it. I am to wait until we're not doing anything to flirt with any cute engineers."
This clearly doesn't help.
"An' on that note..." Sandy stepped forward with no small amount of effort. "All of us have come from all parts an' paths of Equestria. For some of us, this ship is th' next step in our career of doin' good an' fighting th' good fight. For some, this ship is a way t'turn around a life gone south. An' for some...th-this ship was th' last option we had left." The little engineer choked back some emotion, and soldiered on. "I'm here t'tell you that, no matter what you've done, no matter why you've come here, there's one thing that matters most of all; now, this is your ship, an' your crew."
He squeaked out an earnest little smile. "Welcome aboard, mates."
And then the tension in both stallions evaporates. Not necessarily wholesale, not quite entirely, but it's this that quashes the worry. Dawnstrider dips his head forward and places a forehoof over his chest, and Tysel places one under the other, tail down and ears straight up. Simple, wordless gestures, but powerful in their own right.
[South Gate]
Blueshield had also packed quite heavily. She'd made sure to take everything she'd brought from her homeland, her weapons and armour, all of the provisions she expected to need for the journey, and some extra provisions in case one of the others forgot. Once all was in readiness, she went to await the others.
Upon seeing Snowflake, she gave a nod of satisfaction. "Exquisite. It seems I need not lecture you quite so thoroughly on desert survival." She then rebalanced her load. "...And now our primary issue lies in the transportation of our supplies. I had best obtain a cart..."
((Cut to Misc. Adventures now?))
Snowflake looked around. "Um... shouldn't we wait for Mr. Griffon first? And I know where we can get a cart; Mr. Wheels know me quite well. I probably can get a discount if I asked nicely..."
(Yes, probably. Just keeping this humming along.)
"Well I don't especially like secrecy, but we know it can be useful. I don't suppose you keep a list of names from most to least subtle in cases like these, do you?"
Tyrol rubbed his head a little apologetically. "Um no. Not really. I mean, I know a few I can trust if that's what ya mean, but I don't exactly keep tabs on how good they are in keepin' secrets. Ain't my job, y'see."
MCerberus
2015-06-12, 06:45 PM
"Oh! To be honest with ya, I haven't really been a part of that. Might be the reflective surfaces everywhere, or the glowin' metal, or the pipe that runs right under the door to the sleepin' quarters - they can't cross runnin' water, right? - or the garlic I got a lil' while after I first heard of 'em... Would have put in a few deathtraps, but Flare complained. Maybe I could rig up some kind of constant light thingamajig? Then they'd fry the moment they stepped in! But that might make it hard to sleep..."
Blades shook her head. "Got off track. Anyway, I hear the ol' leader was a real piece of work - arrogant, cowardly, casually nasty to mares, 'n all that standard evil bloodsucker stuff - but he's dead now, 'n the rest aren't quite so mean 'n nasty 'n ugly 'n horrible 'n all kinds of things, 'n they're tryin' to get back to normal life. My 'prentice Arvadraa's workin' to help 'em out, 'n she could probly tell ya all ya want 'bout 'em! I'll let ya talk to her 'bout it when she gets back, all right?"
"ooh, did you know what name they went by or anything. Lots of fun investigations that can be done with that. If they're like the vamponies in cheesy books I totally don't continue to read into adulthood he'd likely be some sort of respected noble living a double life for centuries. Well I wouldn't look into it. Too much busy with other stories around here and it really depends on the editor."
For a second Scoops' brain catches up with her head.
"So is it common that ponies around here make defensive measures in their houses around here? Is it a hobby or useful? Also what's your apprentice like? I take it you're part of a guild system?"
Snowflake looked around. "Um... shouldn't we wait for Mr. Griffon first? And I know where we can get a cart; Mr. Wheels know me quite well. I probably can get a discount if I asked nicely..."
As if on cue, the griffon lands nearby without saying anything. A little dust is, of course, shaken up, but nothing else much. He's got something of a rigged-up pack, the biggest sold in town with some special-made straps. Still a little small for a griffon. In lieu of a melee weapon, he's taking a composite bow and a quiver full of rather large arrows fletched with wing feathers.
Well apparently he's heard at least part of the discussion. "Wouldn't a cart slow us down?"
Cirrus
Mach, still being somewhat of a grumpasaurus-rex, lands and looks around for a moment. Without having drug a friend into conscription, he's without an obvious roommate. The pegasus looks around for a moment seeing who isn't already paired off.
HalfTangible
2015-06-12, 07:28 PM
"War shakes won't go away," he murmurs awkwardly. "Sh-...she, ah, she's got me brewing, but...haven't mixed up a decent java in a while." Just based on his tone, he might as well be a unicorn saying how he can't cast spells, or a pegasus noting that he can't fl-...well, something to that effect. "It sounds foalish when I say it out loud. Psychology stuff."
Ah. Lone Star tapped his own head. I thought I'd murdered my therapist. Turns out she's fine.
TheAmishPirate
2015-06-12, 08:39 PM
Night Jewel sighed with relief. That went well. No yelling, no screaming... She didn't even seem to mind at all. Now I just need to get paired with either Dawn or that Mach fellow and everything will be fine.
"Got it. I am to wait until we're not doing anything to flirt with any cute engineers."
A faint blush bloomed on Sandy's cheeks as he desperately tried to remember if anypony had introduced him by occupation. And, to a greater extent, if there was any remote possibility that line was directed at him. There had to be other engineer-minded folks among the new ponies, right? She could be talking about Mach, right? She had to be talking about Mach. I mean, he didn't ever really think he was cute, but this wasn't his place to judge, and maybe now was a good time to drop this train of thought forever.
"Aw, thanks. You're actually making me feel welcome. It's been a while since that happened last." Night Jewel chuckled.
Seems like a seriously nice guy. Once we're done here, I ought to give him a hug.
The little engineer shook it off, giving Night Jewel a warm, earnest smile...
This seems to put the glint of suspicion into Dawn's eye, while Tysel stares dead ahead, desperately trying not to look at any of the other recruits, with an expression like the runty colt who knows he's getting picked last for the hoofball teams again.
The glint here manifests itself as the ever-so-tiny narrowing of his eyes, which flick in Night Jewel's direction.
This clearly doesn't help.
...completely missing Dawnstrider's discomfort.
And then the tension in both stallions evaporates. Not necessarily wholesale, not quite entirely, but it's this that quashes the worry. Dawnstrider dips his head forward and places a forehoof over his chest, and Tysel places one under the other, tail down and ears straight up. Simple, wordless gestures, but powerful in their own right.
And finally nodding approvingly at the both of them. A whole speech done, and nothing was on fire or demoralized. Not a bad start to the day.
Kelvin360
2015-06-12, 09:27 PM
Tyrol rubbed his head a little apologetically. "Um no. Not really. I mean, I know a few I can trust if that's what ya mean, but I don't exactly keep tabs on how good they are in keepin' secrets. Ain't my job, y'see."
"Well...do you know anypony more personally that excels with secrecy? Even outside the guard?"
Ah. Lone Star tapped his own head. I thought I'd murdered my therapist. Turns out she's fine.
Boon tilts his head and scratches at his head. "I got a friend who keeps telling me pain is more like air than a skill. Like, ah, it matters more you can have it, not how much you have, something like that." He nods to the other pony courteously. "So..I'm sorry that happened to you. Individually. But I'm glad she's alright. Are you, you figure? Individually, I mean."
The Cirrus
After another moment of silence, the horrible reality begins to sink back on Tysel's shoulders. What can they choose? What will we choose?
...Wait...can I choose?
"Night Jewel." The words come out of his mouth with haste and certainty, clearly an obvious decision in whatever part of his brain handles these new choices. "The...the rooms, vai? Pairs for each? I want to share Night Jewel's." The second time he says her name, it's with clear enunciation, trying to get a handle on the unfamiliar pronoun construction.
Dawnstrider's expression forms a full-blown, silent stare, centered on Tysel. It isn't accusing, or threatening, it just is. The filly in question, however, can probably hear the wheels turning in his head.
HalfTangible
2015-06-12, 09:46 PM
"Well...do you know anypony more personally that excels with secrecy? Even outside the guard?"
Boon tilts his head and scratches at his head. "I got a friend who keeps telling me pain is more like air than a skill. Like, ah, it matters more you can have it, not how much you have, something like that." He nods to the other pony courteously. "So..I'm sorry that happened to you. Individually. But I'm glad she's alright. Are you, you figure? Individually, I mean."
Lone Star shrugged. I guess? I mean I'm coming here still, so I can't be alright. Can't be too bad though either, right?
Benson
2015-06-15, 01:21 PM
The Cirrus
"You're enthusiastic, the Cirrus encourages that. But no, you will find your names posted by the room you are assigned to. Senior Rookie Gwen over there shall escort the four of you to where your quarters are at." Gearstride declared and gestured at Gwen who made a 'me' mouthing as she pointed to herself. The griffon made a face but nodded in reluctance.
"So unless any of you four have anything else to say, let us go have you settle in your new rooms. Afterwards you shall be called for a debriefing for our upcoming mission."
PurityIcekiller
2015-06-16, 03:00 AM
"ooh, did you know what name they went by or anything. Lots of fun investigations that can be done with that. If they're like the vamponies in cheesy books I totally don't continue to read into adulthood he'd likely be some sort of respected noble living a double life for centuries. Well I wouldn't look into it. Too much busy with other stories around here and it really depends on the editor."
"He called himself... It was something like wraith or spirit or... Spectre! Yes, Spectre! Pretty typical stuff."
For a second Scoops' brain catches up with her head.
"So is it common that ponies around here make defensive measures in their houses around here? Is it a hobby or useful? Also what's your apprentice like? I take it you're part of a guild system?"
"Oh, not as many ponies do it as ya might expect. It's more just a casual thing. Ya'd probly like 'Vadraa; she's kind of timid, but she's a nice enough pony, always wantin' to help ponies get along. Ya'll know her when ya see her, 'cause she's a fluttery-pony 'n those aren't too common 'round here. 'N yes, I do work with a guild! The Public Works Guild got me started, 'n they help me out from time to time now, like for fixin' my shop after the earthquake incident. They've been pretty helpful, even if I have to throw things to get 'em to pay attention sometimes."
Snowflake looked around. "Um... shouldn't we wait for Mr. Griffon first? And I know where we can get a cart; Mr. Wheels know me quite well. I probably can get a discount if I asked nicely..."
As if on cue, the griffon lands nearby without saying anything. A little dust is, of course, shaken up, but nothing else much. He's got something of a rigged-up pack, the biggest sold in town with some special-made straps. Still a little small for a griffon. In lieu of a melee weapon, he's taking a composite bow and a quiver full of rather large arrows fletched with wing feathers.
Well apparently he's heard at least part of the discussion. "Wouldn't a cart slow us down?"
Blueshield considered. "Perhaps. The cart does increase carrying capacity without encumbrance, but its effectiveness depends on the terrain. On more level and stable surfaces, such as roads, it would not be a significant hindrance to regular travel, although it may have to be unhitched in the event of a confrontation...
"Then again, it would cause some added difficulty in the sands, and expedience is a factor. Tardiness is not valued by the Knights, and I have no desire to keep either of you travelling for longer than necessary. We shall save the time and money by taking what we can carry, and hoping we have enough."
Once all final preparations were done, the trio would be off. Their adventures would continue in another thread later...
This seems to put the glint of suspicion into Dawn's eye, while Tysel stares dead ahead, desperately trying not to look at any of the other recruits, with an expression like the runty colt who knows he's getting picked last for the hoofball teams again.
The glint here manifests itself as the ever-so-tiny narrowing of his eyes, which flick in Night Jewel's direction.
This clearly doesn't help.
Night Jewel chuckled. "I'll be responsible, of course. Perfectly responsible." She gave Dawn a cheeky grin.
A faint blush bloomed on Sandy's cheeks as he desperately tried to remember if anypony had introduced him by occupation. And, to a greater extent, if there was any remote possibility that line was directed at him. There had to be other engineer-minded folks among the new ponies, right? She could be talking about Mach, right? She had to be talking about Mach. I mean, he didn't ever really think he was cute, but this wasn't his place to judge, and maybe now was a good time to drop this train of thought forever.
The little engineer shook it off, giving Night Jewel a warm, earnest smile...
...completely missing Dawnstrider's discomfort.
And finally nodding approvingly at the both of them. A whole speech done, and nothing was on fire or demoralized. Not a bad start to the day.
All right, definitely being nice to him until he gets comfortable. No unnecessary teasing. Got it?
Sure. Wouldn't want to scare him off.
After another moment of silence, the horrible reality begins to sink back on Tysel's shoulders. What can they choose? What will we choose?
...Wait...can I choose?
"Night Jewel." The words come out of his mouth with haste and certainty, clearly an obvious decision in whatever part of his brain handles these new choices. "The...the rooms, vai? Pairs for each? I want to share Night Jewel's." The second time he says her name, it's with clear enunciation, trying to get a handle on the unfamiliar pronoun construction.
Dawnstrider's expression forms a full-blown, silent stare, centered on Tysel. It isn't accusing, or threatening, it just is. The filly in question, however, can probably hear the wheels turning in his head.
Tysel triggered every fear reflex the filly had. She involuntarily stepped backward a bit, eyes wide and ears flattened.
Oh, Dark Mother, please, Dark Mother, get me out of this, don't let him kill me, please, please, please, Dark Mother, please, have mercy on me, Dark Mother, pass him by, turn his face away from me, oh, Dark Mother, I'll be a good filly, please, be merciful, please, please, please...
"Well... It's nice of you to offer... Mach, you haven't chosen, right? Maybe one of us could... Hey, is that Sandy fellow going to be sharing? I'd really like to be with Sandy..." Her eyes flicked around the room frantically as she desperately hoped for somepony to bail her out...
"You're enthusiastic, the Cirrus encourages that. But no, you will find your names posted by the room you are assigned to. Senior Rookie Gwen over there shall escort the four of you to where your quarters are at." Gearstride declared and gestured at Gwen who made a 'me' mouthing as she pointed to herself. The griffon made a face but nodded in reluctance.
"So unless any of you four have anything else to say, let us go have you settle in your new rooms. Afterwards you shall be called for a debriefing for our upcoming mission."
Thankfully, Gear stepped in. Night Jewel took several deep breaths to calm herself.
"Ah, yes. That's nice and clear. Thank you."
She then went to follow Gwen.
MCerberus
2015-06-16, 10:33 PM
Cirrus
Well that settles one thing supposedly. Although Gearstride doesn't look like and for everything he's seen doesn't act like the kind of pony that gave a large amount of forethought into these assignments. Mach looks around for a moment, having only been on the ship very briefly to trade out batteries before.
"So, uh, where are the quarters?"
Ye Olde Metalle Shoppe
Scoops makes a mental note to send word back northeast to look into that name. Who knows, it could end with a publishing that causes a WHOLE LOT of trouble and is potentially seen as a betrayal of the town's trust. REPORTING!
"Well flutter ponies aren't too common anywhere really. Of course in big cities you can usually see all sorts around. Although I talked to one once and they said Manehatten has too much dust. Which to be fair, yah, kinda. Ooh you mentioned an earthquake. Was this another one of those 'monsters and armies attack' sorts of things, because there wasn't any report of anywhere else in the region about an earthquake. Which for most earthquakes more than one town's going to feel it. Or at least that's how it's been explained to me. Some of the science stuff is too sciency and it makes their quote really awful to print."
Outside of Town
And so the intrepid heroes start off on their journey of potential wander, self exploration, and too much sand.
Unless it makes the others nervous, the griffon will be going in a slow glide above the others overland. It's just the way he covers more distance easily.
Benson
2015-06-19, 04:02 AM
The Cirrus
"Alright chumps..err I mean freshmeat...I mean...something, follow me," Gwen lazily smiled and gestured with a wing. The griffonness took to a hover and headed out of the conference room. She smirked at the four, gave them a little nod, a seemingly knowing nod.
"So why the choice to join this rust bucket?" She casually asked them as she led them down the corridors, making turns every so often.
--
When they did reach the hall with their quarters, they would see a pair of name tags near two doors. The doors were numbered C5 and C4. On C5, the name tags said Mach and Dawnstrider, on C4, the name tags said Tysel and....Night Jewel.
===
Back with Gear and her boys
The olive mare softly sighed to herself, wanly smiling at her boys. "Admittedly...it was tough...giving them Hover Heart's and Blaze's old rooms...lots of memories heh."
Kelvin360
2015-06-19, 06:55 AM
Lone Star shrugged. I guess? I mean I'm coming here still, so I can't be alright. Can't be too bad though either, right?
"If you're asking, I figure you're going pretty well. What do you usually do around town? Anything that clears your head a bit?" The question seems to strike Joyous himself as odd for a moment, possibly because he's not making absolutely terrible small talk.
---
The Cirrus
Over the years, both Tysel and Dawnstrider have learned various ways and through various hardships to be very good at spotting trouble from long distances. The underpony's honed senses and constant lookouts are among the first to decipher what the tags say as the quintet approach them, and the paladin can almost feel the nervous twitch go through the universe, some invisible force whispering 'bad things' in his ear.
So when they pause in front of the rooms, both of them are completely silent. Every individual hair on Tysel's body goes completely still, and he straightens his face and focuses his mind on the inevitable hurricane about to arise. He may be superficially naive, but he knows how to smell fear, and he knows even more clearly how to read a female's emotional state; his life had depended on it more than once. Why in the name of Harmony a female would have anything to fear from him was still baffling, but saying something stupid again wasn't going to help him edge away from the noose.
Conversely, Dawnstrider appears to simply accept the whole ordeal, straight off. As Feathergrin would have said, it was both 'one of those things' and something that 'was probably bound to happen, yeah'. He places himself in a close enough proximity to Night Jewel to be a wall to hide behind if need be, but doesn't force any immediate physical contact. Instead, he looks down at her with understanding eyes and asks without asking: What do you want to do, here?
PurityIcekiller
2015-06-21, 03:38 AM
[QUOTE=MCerberus]Scoops makes a mental note to send word back northeast to look into that name. Who knows, it could end with a publishing that causes a WHOLE LOT of trouble and is potentially seen as a betrayal of the town's trust. REPORTING!
"Well flutter ponies aren't too common anywhere really. Of course in big cities you can usually see all sorts around. Although I talked to one once and they said Manehatten has too much dust. Which to be fair, yah, kinda. Ooh you mentioned an earthquake. Was this another one of those 'monsters and armies attack' sorts of things, because there wasn't any report of anywhere else in the region about an earthquake. Which for most earthquakes more than one town's going to feel it. Or at least that's how it's been explained to me. Some of the science stuff is too sciency and it makes their quote really awful to print."
"Not often I see 'em, yeah. Shame, really. If the rest are like her, I'd like to meet 'em!"
"...Ah, right, earthquakes! They'd be Flare's work. She was this unicorn all locked away in this deep cave, 'n decided to make earthquakes to get attention so we could get her out." Blades laughed and shook her head. "Magic-types, ya know. Not really good with messages. But we got her back up, 'n she was good. Helped me out at the shop for a bit, 'cause her earth-spells were nice 'n helpful here, then moved on. Think she's doing some kind of thing with other big-magic types... Status, was it? Strata? Static? Not really into that magical business myself, of course. It's too weird. At least with the science stuff, ya know kind of what they're talkin' 'bout 'cause it's got its logic 'n such, but magic just makes its own rules, 'n... Well, it's a bangin' mess. But anyway, the earthquakes weren't so bad. Messed up my shop a bit, but we got it fixed up good as new. Probly not big enough to be a wide-rangin' thing, anyway."
And so the intrepid heroes start off on their journey of potential wander, self exploration, and too much sand.
Unless it makes the others nervous, the griffon will be going in a slow glide above the others overland. It's just the way he covers more distance easily.
((To be continued here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?307228-MLP-FwM-Miscellaneous-Outside-Adventures-Double-Trouble&p=19430366&posted=1#post19430366).))
"Alright chumps..err I mean freshmeat...I mean...something, follow me," Gwen lazily smiled and gestured with a wing. The griffonness took to a hover and headed out of the conference room. She smirked at the four, gave them a little nod, a seemingly knowing nod.
"So why the choice to join this rust bucket?" She casually asked them as she led them down the corridors, making turns every so often.
"Well, I thought it seemed like a good chance for me. Better than the alternatives, but since the next-best options were basically crime and living off others' scraps, that's not saying much." Night Jewel chuckled. "Still, given what I've seen, I think I've found a good place for myself..."
When they did reach the hall with their quarters, they would see a pair of name tags near two doors. The doors were numbered C5 and C4. On C5, the name tags said Mach and Dawnstrider, on C4, the name tags said Tysel and....Night Jewel.
Over the years, both Tysel and Dawnstrider have learned various ways and through various hardships to be very good at spotting trouble from long distances. The underpony's honed senses and constant lookouts are among the first to decipher what the tags say as the quintet approach them, and the paladin can almost feel the nervous twitch go through the universe, some invisible force whispering 'bad things' in his ear.
So when they pause in front of the rooms, both of them are completely silent. Every individual hair on Tysel's body goes completely still, and he straightens his face and focuses his mind on the inevitable hurricane about to arise. He may be superficially naive, but he knows how to smell fear, and he knows even more clearly how to read a female's emotional state; his life had depended on it more than once. Why in the name of Harmony a female would have anything to fear from him was still baffling, but saying something stupid again wasn't going to help him edge away from the noose.
Conversely, Dawnstrider appears to simply accept the whole ordeal, straight off. As Feathergrin would have said, it was both 'one of those things' and something that 'was probably bound to happen, yeah'. He places himself in a close enough proximity to Night Jewel to be a wall to hide behind if need be, but doesn't force any immediate physical contact. Instead, he looks down at her with understanding eyes and asks without asking: What do you want to do, here?
Night Jewel began to panic again. Her thoughts exploded with a variety of elaborate phrases that would lose some effect when translated. "Killer... Don't like this... Please don't let him hurt me..." she muttered, huddling closer to Dawnstrider.
What am I to do? If I provoke him somehow... I wish I knew what to do, having to live with somepony who used to be so dangerous...
You mean like your paladin friend here?
Well, that was... That's... Okay, you're right.
She took a few deep breaths, then stepped forward again.
"Sorry... Still not quite accustomed to this... You know, a pony telling me he's a professional assassin, then showing such interest in me... Not really a common occurrence where I come from." She laughed feebly, doing her best to hold back her remaining fear. "Ah, well, we can work this out... At least, I hope we can."
MCerberus
2015-06-21, 10:00 PM
Cirrus
To Mach, there isn't any drama about rooms... yet. There's... well it's going to be a real awkward conversation about avoiding talk about Solari stuff. "Unrelenting Summer" in particular needs to go unmentioned. Nothing says "wrong hoof" like 'oh hey, everything you are reminds me of how my home town is a smoldering toxic blight floating above Equestria'.
In the meantime though, Mach goes into the room to set up a space to repair and fiddle with his weapons. This is the sort of small-scale tinkering that Mach's going to need to do a lot, so might as well have a space to do it.
Metalworking Shop
"mm hmm. mm hmm. Okay." Scoops sort of mumbles trying to keep mental notes organized in her brain.
"Do you get a lot of those kinds of types around here? It would explain a lot. No news ever seems to come out of the town, so some sort of crazy magic shenanigans would explain it. Speaking of which, do you get a lot of business from or going out of town or is it all local stuff?"
TheAmishPirate
2015-06-23, 03:59 PM
The Cirrus
Back with Gear and her boys
The olive mare softly sighed to herself, wanly smiling at her boys. "Admittedly...it was tough...giving them Hover Heart's and Blaze's old rooms...lots of memories heh."
"I think we all knew them two wouldn't be stickin' with us for long." Sandy chimed in. "Blaze wasn't goin' t'rest until he gave that filly a ring. But on th' plus side, it ain't too difficult t'visit them when you've got a big 'ol airship what can fly anywhere." He offered with a little grin.
Benson
2015-06-25, 06:59 PM
The Cirrus with the New Recruits
Somehow Gwen had acquired herself a small tub of popcorn and had been watching the scene before her with mild interest. Nom nom nom.
"Well if it makes ya feel better..or not Night Jewel, I am a professional merc....so it is not really too big a deal we have a professional assassin here. I think a lot of us are trained killers..." Gwen paused and chuckled. "Wow.....yeeaaaa okay....I see your point. Little ol thief surrounded by folks who have taken lives hahah." She did take a moment to glance at Mach, she didn't know what his deal was...quiet feller, too secretive for her tastes. She stared at him for a while, popping a popcorn piece into her beak.
"Anyways, make yerselves at home I guess." She shrugged and made for walking off.
The two rooms were pretty much the same. Very spartan. Two twin beds on opposite sides of the walls, sort of dormitory style. Two night stands. Two dressers. There was a squat bookshelf with a couple books littered among the shelves. One comfy Lazy-Colt recliner near the bookshelf and a standing shaded lamp. On the minor side there were small signs of previous residences. A couple of nails where stuff was probably hung up, outlines of where a poster might have been, just small things.
==
The Cirrus- Conference Room
"I think we all knew them two wouldn't be stickin' with us for long." Sandy chimed in. "Blaze wasn't goin' t'rest until he gave that filly a ring. But on th' plus side, it ain't too difficult t'visit them when you've got a big 'ol airship what can fly anywhere." He offered with a little grin.
"Yea I know heheh.." Gearstride returned the small smile and lightly pat him on his cheek. "Well anyways, I am going to go grab me a snack, and then head over to my quarters to review again the documents for our mission. I would not mind company." Towards the end, her eyes darted at Silverpine before she turned tail and tiredly shuffled out the conference room.
Kelvin360
2015-06-25, 08:43 PM
The Cirrus
Tysel nods numbly. "I am sorry for worrying you. I only...thought it would be un-honest to not speak of it. I don't like it, but it's a part of me."
Dawnstrider gives Gwen one hell of a side-eye as she walks off. "Blunted as it was, there was a fair point in her words. And it ties well with what Sandy mentioned; an unsavory past does not make for a darkened future. We all have a new path, now. I might suggest we all establish ground rules for our living conditions. A simple gesture, something to make us more comfortable with one another." He looks at Mach as well, who is apparently included in this topic of conversation.
"I think we all knew them two wouldn't be stickin' with us for long." Sandy chimed in. "Blaze wasn't goin' t'rest until he gave that filly a ring. But on th' plus side, it ain't too difficult t'visit them when you've got a big 'ol airship what can fly anywhere." He offered with a little grin.
The Cirrus- Conference Room
"Yea I know heheh.." Gearstride returned the small smile and lightly pat him on his cheek. "Well anyways, I am going to go grab me a snack, and then head over to my quarters to review again the documents for our mission. I would not mind company." Towards the end, her eyes darted at Silverpine before she turned tail and tiredly shuffled out the conference room.
"We can always stop by for a visit if we ever happen to flying around Trotingham," Silverpine suggested brightly. "Anyway, I'll go with you, Captain. I'll need a refill on my caffeine quota." He padded after the Captain out of the conference room.
TheAmishPirate
2015-06-26, 08:47 PM
"Yea I know heheh.." Gearstride returned the small smile and lightly pat him on his cheek. "Well anyways, I am going to go grab me a snack, and then head over to my quarters to review again the documents for our mission. I would not mind company." Towards the end, her eyes darted at Silverpine before she turned tail and tiredly shuffled out the conference room.
The little engineer just smiled one of his earnest smiles.
"We can always stop by for a visit if we ever happen to flying around Trotingham," Silverpine suggested brightly. "Anyway, I'll go with you, Captain. I'll need a refill on my caffeine quota." He padded after the Captain out of the conference room.
Sandy lightly coughed. "I would join ya'll, but I, uh, think I got somethin' t'take care of down in th' engine room. Some last-minute repairs. I'll check over them documents later."
After the first week of accidentally walking in on "private briefings", Sandy had learned when to make himself scarce.
So with a tidy salute, Sandy trotted off to his dear engines for some much-needed time alone. These meetings could take a lot of a pony. Plus, there were a few little things here and there he could tinker with before they left.
MCerberus
2015-06-27, 09:42 PM
The Cirrus
Tysel nods numbly. "I am sorry for worrying you. I only...thought it would be un-honest to not speak of it. I don't like it, but it's a part of me."
Dawnstrider gives Gwen one hell of a side-eye as she walks off. "Blunted as it was, there was a fair point in her words. And it ties well with what Sandy mentioned; an unsavory past does not make for a darkened future. We all have a new path, now. I might suggest we all establish ground rules for our living conditions. A simple gesture, something to make us more comfortable with one another." He looks at Mach as well, who is apparently included in this topic of conversation.
Mach's fiddling with some hoofblade supplies at the moment. Dawnstrider's suggestion is actually well timed. The pegasus draws attention to what he's got in his hoof. "This is screamroot extract." He gets another vial. "Dreamer venom. It's uh, not a good idea to mess with any of these vials."
Of course why he has these could be pretty suspicious. "Although it might be better to just say 'don't touch other ponies' stuff"
PurityIcekiller
2015-06-29, 12:13 AM
Somehow Gwen had acquired herself a small tub of popcorn and had been watching the scene before her with mild interest. Nom nom nom.
"Well if it makes ya feel better..or not Night Jewel, I am a professional merc....so it is not really too big a deal we have a professional assassin here. I think a lot of us are trained killers..." Gwen paused and chuckled. "Wow.....yeeaaaa okay....I see your point. Little ol thief surrounded by folks who have taken lives hahah." She did take a moment to glance at Mach, she didn't know what his deal was...quiet feller, too secretive for her tastes. She stared at him for a while, popping a popcorn piece into her beak.
"Anyways, make yerselves at home I guess." She shrugged and made for walking off.
"Well... Just try not to be casual about it, all right?" Night Jewel gave the griffon a halfhearted wave.
Tysel nods numbly. "I am sorry for worrying you. I only...thought it would be un-honest to not speak of it. I don't like it, but it's a part of me."
Dawnstrider gives Gwen one hell of a side-eye as she walks off. "Blunted as it was, there was a fair point in her words. And it ties well with what Sandy mentioned; an unsavory past does not make for a darkened future. We all have a new path, now. I might suggest we all establish ground rules for our living conditions. A simple gesture, something to make us more comfortable with one another." He looks at Mach as well, who is apparently included in this topic of conversation.
"I guess that helps. As long as there's something to keep you from simply hurting whoever you feel like, we'll be fine. I should have realized your conscience was enough."
Night Jewel gave Tysel a smile. "I'm glad you're honest about it, and that you take it seriously. Just don't attack any of us or make violent threats, all right?"
Mach's fiddling with some hoofblade supplies at the moment. Dawnstrider's suggestion is actually well timed. The pegasus draws attention to what he's got in his hoof. "This is screamroot extract." He gets another vial. "Dreamer venom. It's uh, not a good idea to mess with any of these vials."
Of course why he has these could be pretty suspicious. "Although it might be better to just say 'don't touch other ponies' stuff"
Night Jewel twitched her ears. "I'll... keep that in mind. I'll amend my previous statement to 'don't make any deliberate attempts to harm others in the crew or threats of doing so'. And now I'm sounding like Bluey. Yeesh."
Better get caught up on your poison tolerance training, girl. You know, just in case.
The two rooms were pretty much the same. Very spartan. Two twin beds on opposite sides of the walls, sort of dormitory style. Two night stands. Two dressers. There was a squat bookshelf with a couple books littered among the shelves. One comfy Lazy-Colt recliner near the bookshelf and a standing shaded lamp. On the minor side there were small signs of previous residences. A couple of nails where stuff was probably hung up, outlines of where a poster might have been, just small things.
The filly looked over her lodgings, then gave a satisfied nod. "This looks like a good enough place. It's been so long since I had a proper bed. That chair looks so comfortable, too, and those drawers could be useful for my extra supplies. It should do quite nicely."
"mm hmm. mm hmm. Okay." Scoops sort of mumbles trying to keep mental notes organized in her brain.
"Do you get a lot of those kinds of types around here? It would explain a lot. No news ever seems to come out of the town, so some sort of crazy magic shenanigans would explain it. Speaking of which, do you get a lot of business from or going out of town or is it all local stuff?"
"More of 'em magic folk than I'd like most of the time, 'n not for my lack of trying! There was a time when ya couldn't toss a knife without hittin' some big showy unicorn who could blow up whole buildings 'n expect ya to worship 'em over it. Not like ya can't do the same thing with enough explosives, 'n not like they'd be any better than ya if ya just took off that horn! Pesky, pesky, pesky! It was so good when I finally got to beat a couple of 'em with their own fancy magic weapons... Anyway, most of 'em are movin' out 'n movin' on, so things might finally be normal 'round here. Well, for a bit, anyway. Something 'bout this town just attracts the 'important' types. Ya know, with special voices 'n all that?"
Blades considered a bit. "So, I get plenty of buyers in the town, of course, 'cause there hasn't been another shop like mine. Some of it goes outside, of course, but I don't really try to spread my business too far. Haven't got the workforce for that yet. Gonna need a couple more ponies to meet demands if I do. Right now, it's mostly local."
Benson
2015-06-29, 01:10 AM
"We can always stop by for a visit if we ever happen to flying around Trotingham," Silverpine suggested brightly. "Anyway, I'll go with you, Captain. I'll need a refill on my caffeine quota." He padded after the Captain out of the conference room.
In the kitchen, Gearstride helped herself to a nice glass of chilled water and followed up with grabbing herself some apples while Silverpine made his coffee.
She softly sighed to herself and gave Silverpine a wan smile as he did his thing, she just watched him silently, taking in his handsome image. "Gosh dang I sure bagged me a stud." She gave him a soft grin.
Kelvin360
2015-06-29, 07:14 PM
"I guess that helps. As long as there's something to keep you from simply hurting whoever you feel like, we'll be fine. I should have realized your conscience was enough."
"I can see how it vouldn't be. If not conscience, then loyalty, if not loyalty, then orders, and if not orders, then friendship. Erm...I am thinking that last one comes later."
Night Jewel gave Tysel a smile. "I'm glad you're honest about it, and that you take it seriously. Just don't attack any of us or make violent threats, all right?"
More than absolutely anything else so far, it seems to be these particular words that shock Tysel the most. "I vas never allowed to do either of those without oversight even Below. Do militaries here need to check for this?"
The filly looked over her lodgings, then gave a satisfied nod. "This looks like a good enough place. It's been so long since I had a proper bed. That chair looks so comfortable, too, and those drawers could be useful for my extra supplies. It should do quite nicely."
Tysel looks over the accommodations rather mistrustfully, particularly the beds. "Ehh...I vill be having the corner, if is okay."
Mach's fiddling with some hoofblade supplies at the moment. Dawnstrider's suggestion is actually well timed. The pegasus draws attention to what he's got in his hoof. "This is screamroot extract." He gets another vial. "Dreamer venom. It's uh, not a good idea to mess with any of these vials."
Of course why he has these could be pretty suspicious. "Although it might be better to just say 'don't touch other ponies' stuff"
"Ooh! I remember that! Is good for capture assignments. Haff you tried it with Endeksoris Fyllo?" Not suspicious for an assassin, apparently.
The paladin doesn't bother asking either, which is either a very good or a very bad sign. "What is yours is yours, and what is mine is mine. I will respect this arrangement. ...Endeksoris Fyllo? With Dreamer venom? Why combine it with an anesthetic?"
Tysel shakes his head with a soft chuckle. "Endeksoris Fyllo is not just anesthetic. Also works as a truth serum. The lower doses just make ponies say gibberish though. Using both is derivative of the 'silent waking' technique, which also pairs like the 'staggered mind', but with less pain. More...interrogation, less neutralization."
"I seem to recall that the compound is neutralized by the combination of vitamins and low levels of cyanide found in an apple-rich diet. Did you ever find the need to counter this problem in Midwestern targets?"
"Oh, yes. The trick is to add capsaicin, vai? I used to infuse bell peppers with both of them and serve it as a side, then scare them so the blood moves quicker. Dreamer venom works better if you cut off flow to the brain, though, so usually..." Someone needs to stop these people.
In the kitchen, Gearstride helped herself to a nice glass of chilled water and followed up with grabbing herself some apples while Silverpine made his coffee.
She softly sighed to herself and gave Silverpine a wan smile as he did his thing, she just watched him silently, taking in his handsome image. "Gosh dang I sure bagged me a stud." She gave him a soft grin.
Silverpine, for his part, made his coffee with a slight yawn; the lieutenant slightly too sleepy to notice that the Captain was watching his every move. He quickly flushed red when Gear finally spoke, spinning around with a mug of coffee. "Aw, Captain, you flatter me. I should say I'm lucky to be able to get a chance to be with a mare like you," he replied with a smile, sipping his steaming coffee.
Benson
2015-07-01, 12:01 PM
Silverpine, for his part, made his coffee with a slight yawn; the lieutenant slightly too sleepy to notice that the Captain was watching his every move. He quickly flushed red when Gear finally spoke, spinning around with a mug of coffee. "Aw, Captain, you flatter me. I should say I'm lucky to be able to get a chance to be with a mare like you," he replied with a smile, sipping his steaming coffee.
She gave Silverhunk a weary but warm smile and gestured that he join her at the table for a bit. "We've come a long way ya know.....not just with our relationship....but just everything..." She had a ponderous thought as she bit into one of the apples, chew chew swallow. "And I am glad to know you will always be a constant in my life...." Her expression all serious as it looked like she was going to start getting into a dramatic spiel...
"Now lay me a big one," She picked her head up and sported a big grin and puckered her lips.
MCerberus
2015-07-02, 10:29 PM
"More of 'em magic folk than I'd like most of the time, 'n not for my lack of trying! There was a time when ya couldn't toss a knife without hittin' some big showy unicorn who could blow up whole buildings 'n expect ya to worship 'em over it. Not like ya can't do the same thing with enough explosives, 'n not like they'd be any better than ya if ya just took off that horn! Pesky, pesky, pesky! It was so good when I finally got to beat a couple of 'em with their own fancy magic weapons... Anyway, most of 'em are movin' out 'n movin' on, so things might finally be normal 'round here. Well, for a bit, anyway. Something 'bout this town just attracts the 'important' types. Ya know, with special voices 'n all that?"
Blades considered a bit. "So, I get plenty of buyers in the town, of course, 'cause there hasn't been another shop like mine. Some of it goes outside, of course, but I don't really try to spread my business too far. Haven't got the workforce for that yet. Gonna need a couple more ponies to meet demands if I do. Right now, it's mostly local."
"You have any plans to expand then? Always interesting. Lots of ponies around Equestria love hearing about all the entrepreneurs going around succeeding. Oh, and speaking of that, since you've been so cooperative, you want to make a statement, a plug for your business? I can't tell you when... or if... this story will be printed but it's easy to put a friendly sort of statement into it. Also, is there anything you want anypony outside of town to know about Bridal Shores?"
"Ooh! I remember that! Is good for capture assignments. Haff you tried it with Endeksoris Fyllo?" Not suspicious for an assassin, apparently.
The paladin doesn't bother asking either, which is either a very good or a very bad sign. "What is yours is yours, and what is mine is mine. I will respect this arrangement. ...Endeksoris Fyllo? With Dreamer venom? Why combine it with an anesthetic?"
Tysel shakes his head with a soft chuckle. "Endeksoris Fyllo is not just anesthetic. Also works as a truth serum. The lower doses just make ponies say gibberish though. Using both is derivative of the 'silent waking' technique, which also pairs like the 'staggered mind', but with less pain. More...interrogation, less neutralization."
"I seem to recall that the compound is neutralized by the combination of vitamins and low levels of cyanide found in an apple-rich diet. Did you ever find the need to counter this problem in Midwestern targets?"
"Oh, yes. The trick is to add capsaicin, vai? I used to infuse bell peppers with both of them and serve it as a side, then scare them so the blood moves quicker. Dreamer venom works better if you cut off flow to the brain, though, so usually..." Someone needs to stop these people.
Mach doesn't think much about the poison talk. Most of the ponies here, he assumed, had distinct skills that the public at large would be uncomfortable with. He in particular lives in that particular sort of glass house.
"This is for combat purposes. We, uh, should talk about the mix at some point. I just buy the extract from alchemists."
She gave Silverhunk a weary but warm smile and gestured that he join her at the table for a bit. "We've come a long way ya know.....not just with our relationship....but just everything..." She had a ponderous thought as she bit into one of the apples, chew chew swallow. "And I am glad to know you will always be a constant in my life...." Her expression all serious as it looked like she was going to start getting into a dramatic spiel...
Silverpine listened intently, growing more and more convinced this was the day; the day Gearstride finally gonna go all melodramatic on him. :smalltongue: He wasn't prepared for that! :smalleek:
"Now lay me a big one," She picked her head up and sported a big grin and puckered her lips.
Then good ole' Gear was back. His smile widened, and the lieutenant set aside his mug. "Glad you asked," he replied softly, going over and indeed giving her a great big smooch on her lips.
HalfTangible
2015-07-03, 10:05 PM
"If you're asking, I figure you're going pretty well. What do you usually do around town? Anything that clears your head a bit?" The question seems to strike Joyous himself as odd for a moment, possibly because he's not making absolutely terrible small talk.
Lone Star shrugged. I keep t'myself, mostly. I drink, sometimes. He tapped his chin. ... come to think of it, I don't do much without my fillyfriend. All I do is drink and I sell books. Love her and all, but... that's probably not healthy.
Kelvin360
2015-07-04, 12:46 AM
Lone Star shrugged. I keep t'myself, mostly. I drink, sometimes. He tapped his chin. ... come to think of it, I don't do much without my fillyfriend. All I do is drink and I sell books. Love her and all, but... that's probably not healthy.
"Maybe, maybe not. Special someponies can be...comforting. Something to keep you focused."
Benson
2015-07-04, 12:02 PM
Silverpine listened intently, growing more and more convinced this was the day; the day Gearstride finally gonna go all melodramatic on him. :smalltongue: He wasn't prepared for that! :smalleek:
Then good ole' Gear was back. His smile widened, and the lieutenant set aside his mug. "Glad you asked," he replied softly, going over and indeed giving her a great big smooch on her lips.
She happily purred during their little smooch and smiled. She broke their short kiss and nuzzled her lieutenant. "Well, we best get to my quarters, those documents won't read themselves, not yet anyways." Grin. Though admittedly, the last thing she wanted to do was read some dully written documents, alas.
==
Her quarters were on the slightly tussled side, her bed not made, a small clutter of things on her desk, the thick packet of documents lay there. It wasn't so bad, it was...lived in, there we go.
PurityIcekiller
2015-07-05, 03:47 PM
"You have any plans to expand then? Always interesting. Lots of ponies around Equestria love hearing about all the entrepreneurs going around succeeding. Oh, and speaking of that, since you've been so cooperative, you want to make a statement, a plug for your business? I can't tell you when... or if... this story will be printed but it's easy to put a friendly sort of statement into it. Also, is there anything you want anypony outside of town to know about Bridal Shores?"
"Well, I'm not gonna go big 'n get rich 'n famous without cuttin' in other ponies for a piece of the action!" Blades grinned. "If ya'd put something in the papers 'bout the shop, I'd like that quite a bit. Hmm... Tell 'em it's a great place if ya want nice, reliable weapons, armor 'n tools that don't need too much magic, or if ya want to learn how to make 'n use 'em! We've got spots open for anypony up to signin' on! 'N as for the town... Well, there's plenty of good company here! Ya get to meet all kinds of ponies 'n non-pony-things from all over Equestria, 'n they've got plenty of character to 'em! It can be a bit dull when there's nothing goin' on, but when there's excitement, there's lots of it!"
[The Cirrus]
"Well, it's not really considered socially acceptable where I come from either, but I don't know how it's enforced here-"
At this point, the talk of poisons got overwhelming.
"Er... I'm going to check out the engine room now. I'll talk more later." Unless stopped, Night Jewel scurried off to where Sandy was.
She happily purred during their little smooch and smiled. She broke their short kiss and nuzzled her lieutenant. "Well, we best get to my quarters, those documents won't read themselves, not yet anyways." Grin. Though admittedly, the last thing she wanted to do was read some dully written documents, alas.
==
Her quarters were on the slightly tussled side, her bed not made, a small clutter of things on her desk, the thick packet of documents lay there. It wasn't so bad, it was...lived in, there we go.
"Ah, yes, of course." Silverpine gave Gear a small nuzzle back, before releasing her, and following the good captain back to her quarters. He had an inkling that wasn't all in her mind, however.
Once in her room, the lieutenant dutifully trotted towards the desk and started going through the thick stack of papers. Gear had it right; they definitely weren't going to read themselves. He glanced over and started to hoof over some that required her attention, while dealing with others that could be dealt by him or Sandy alone.
TheAmishPirate
2015-07-06, 04:44 PM
[The Cirrus]
"Well, it's not really considered socially acceptable where I come from either, but I don't know how it's enforced here-"
At this point, the talk of poisons got overwhelming.
"Er... I'm going to check out the engine room now. I'll talk more later." Unless stopped, Night Jewel scurried off to where Sandy was.
[Engine Room]
Sandy was hard at work in the engine room, preparing the Cirrus for its upcoming journey. There was wiring to double-check, fuel levels to top off, baloon integrity to verify, and a thousand and one little tasks necessary to get them aloft. Perfect work for a dutiful engineer. Sandy hummed a tune to himself as he churned through his checklist with the spirit and precision of a professional.
But not, however, with much attention for the outside world. Unless Night Jewel made herself known, he wouldn't notice her entrance.
Benson
2015-07-07, 10:26 AM
"Ah, yes, of course." Silverpine gave Gear a small nuzzle back, before releasing her, and following the good captain back to her quarters. He had an inkling that wasn't all in her mind, however.
Once in her room, the lieutenant dutifully trotted towards the desk and started going through the thick stack of papers. Gear had it right; they definitely weren't going to read themselves. He glanced over and started to hoof over some that required her attention, while dealing with others that could be dealt by him or Sandy alone.
Gearstride plopped on her bed with some of the paperwork packets letting Silverpine have the desk for use. She yawned a bit as she began to leaf through them. "Hah...oh wow...you know, there is not a real reason to give us a list of all the collateral damage we have done before when we don't pay for it ourselves, except to be passive aggressive." Gear softly chuckled after her eyes had caught sight of one of the packets being a big ol fat list of damages incurred.
PurityIcekiller
2015-07-09, 12:16 AM
Sandy was hard at work in the engine room, preparing the Cirrus for its upcoming journey. There was wiring to double-check, fuel levels to top off, baloon integrity to verify, and a thousand and one little tasks necessary to get them aloft. Perfect work for a dutiful engineer. Sandy hummed a tune to himself as he churned through his checklist with the spirit and precision of a professional.
But not, however, with much attention for the outside world. Unless Night Jewel made herself known, he wouldn't notice her entrance.
Quietly, the little unicorn crept over next to him and rubbed her head against his side.
"Hi!" she said. "Need any help here?"
TheAmishPirate
2015-07-09, 09:26 AM
Quietly, the little unicorn crept over next to him and rubbed her head against his side.
"Hi!" she said. "Need any help here?"
At least the change in career hadn't dampened her skills yet. :smalltongue:
"Bwah!" Sandy jolted upright. He lost his magical grip on his wrench, and made an undignified, boggling catch before it hit the ground. "Who th'-oh. Whoops. Howdy there Miss Night Jewel. Didn't hear y'come in." His face flushed with mostly embarrassment.
She'd poked him. That was it. Just poked him with her head is all. Definitely not a nuzzle. Those were different. Yes.
"Erm, I think I got things mostly in hoof here." He scratched his head awkwardly. "I mean, there's still a fair bit t'do, but it's usually just me down here so it ain't more than I'm used to. Plus it gets mighty dangerous with th' engines on, but they ain't on yet, so..." He caught himself mid-ramble, and trailed off. "So, how much d'you know about machines an' such anyhow? Th' Cirrus is a complicated piece of work."
Gearstride plopped on her bed with some of the paperwork packets letting Silverpine have the desk for use. She yawned a bit as she began to leaf through them. "Hah...oh wow...you know, there is not a real reason to give us a list of all the collateral damage we have done before when we don't pay for it ourselves, except to be passive aggressive." Gear softly chuckled after her eyes had caught sight of one of the packets being a big ol fat list of damages incurred.
"You know how the Backers like to remind us to not rack up a bill for them to pay later," Silverpine remarked, never taking his eyes off the desk. "Me? I'm just happy they stuck to just giving us the list, instead of making us pay for it."
Kelvin360
2015-07-10, 02:17 AM
The Cirrus
Dawnstrider looks discomfited as Night Jewel departs, while Tysel appears enamored with this new talking point. Both have varying degrees of enthusiasm as they wave her farewell.
"We can keep a ready eye for the ingredients on missions," Tysel continues eagerly. "Some of the concoctions I know of are much more potent if they are brewed fresh. Much like fruits, vai?"
MCerberus
2015-07-12, 09:44 PM
"Well, I'm not gonna go big 'n get rich 'n famous without cuttin' in other ponies for a piece of the action!" Blades grinned. "If ya'd put something in the papers 'bout the shop, I'd like that quite a bit. Hmm... Tell 'em it's a great place if ya want nice, reliable weapons, armor 'n tools that don't need too much magic, or if ya want to learn how to make 'n use 'em! We've got spots open for anypony up to signin' on! 'N as for the town... Well, there's plenty of good company here! Ya get to meet all kinds of ponies 'n non-pony-things from all over Equestria, 'n they've got plenty of character to 'em! It can be a bit dull when there's nothing goin' on, but when there's excitement, there's lots of it!"
So the chosen plug was for general tourism or something close... interesting. Well there's already enough to send in something to the editors. Assuming, of course, the same thing that prevents info from getting out isn't preventing her stories from being published... wow the media's plan seems sort of shortsighted right now.
"well thank you again for your interview. Lots of ponies in town don't seem to be the talkative types you know. Oh, and there seems to be a healthy distrust of outsiders... but oddly most ponies around here haven't lived their whole lives here. Weird town right? Anyhoof, I'll get out of your mane unless there's something drastic I've been overlooking."
Cirrus
The solari being helpful is... somewhat disconcerting. Of course, Mach's view of such things are warped by history.
"Yah. I'll, uh, keep my eye out on my stocks for something missing."
The pegasus goes back to unpacking his weapon maintenance stuff. Masterwork blades with no grips, but rather holes near the base, oils and bolts, and some artificer equipment and batteries for his hoof-mounted zapper. The thought then comes across his mind, where's the high-altitude masks and breathing equipment? That may be something to think on.
PurityIcekiller
2015-07-13, 12:05 AM
At least the change in career hadn't dampened her skills yet. :smalltongue:
"Bwah!" Sandy jolted upright. He lost his magical grip on his wrench, and made an undignified, boggling catch before it hit the ground. "Who th'-oh. Whoops. Howdy there Miss Night Jewel. Didn't hear y'come in." His face flushed with mostly embarrassment.
She'd poked him. That was it. Just poked him with her head is all. Definitely not a nuzzle. Those were different. Yes.
Night Jewel gave a little chuckle. "What can I say? I have plenty of practice." She had a feeling this pony would be fun to have around.
"Erm, I think I got things mostly in hoof here." He scratched his head awkwardly. "I mean, there's still a fair bit t'do, but it's usually just me down here so it ain't more than I'm used to. Plus it gets mighty dangerous with th' engines on, but they ain't on yet, so..." He caught himself mid-ramble, and trailed off. "So, how much d'you know about machines an' such anyhow? Th' Cirrus is a complicated piece of work."
"Well, my mark is a toolkit, one of your captain's hooves was made by me, I invented a new power source by combining two magical metals, and I designed a puzzle-lock because I was bored... Mind you, that's not even including the things I did back in Mareabia. This suggests that I wasn't just hired out of pity.
"Anyway, I might as well get acquainted with this thing while it's not running. Carry on." She began looking over the various parts of the engines, seeing how they all worked together and checking for anything that seemed particularly unusual about them.
((Blades will come in the morning. I have to sleep.))
Benson
2015-07-13, 10:46 AM
"You know how the Backers like to remind us to not rack up a bill for them to pay later," Silverpine remarked, never taking his eyes off the desk. "Me? I'm just happy they stuck to just giving us the list, instead of making us pay for it."
"Its really their own fault for creating mess making weapons anyway," Gearstride grinned while she skimmed through another document, not really reading it but looking for keywords because trying to read this super formal robotic text really strained her eyes and gave her a headache. Give her a trashy romance novel and she would be all over that, but alas.
--
She sighed to herself and stretched on her bed after putting down one of the documents after some moments of pouring through some of this snorefest paperwork. She glanced over at Silverpine at her desk and smiled to herself, he had such a cute intense expression when he was getting his reading on.
"Hey handsome, you must be an official document because you got fiiiiiiine print written all over you." She cheesily grinned and winked at her lieutenant.
PurityIcekiller
2015-07-14, 12:04 AM
So the chosen plug was for general tourism or something close... interesting. Well there's already enough to send in something to the editors. Assuming, of course, the same thing that prevents info from getting out isn't preventing her stories from being published... wow the media's plan seems sort of shortsighted right now.
"well thank you again for your interview. Lots of ponies in town don't seem to be the talkative types you know. Oh, and there seems to be a healthy distrust of outsiders... but oddly most ponies around here haven't lived their whole lives here. Weird town right? Anyhoof, I'll get out of your mane unless there's something drastic I've been overlooking."
"Well, lots of ponies have their lil' secrets, ya know. Things like bad histories, curses, enemies... They like to come here to get away from 'em. A lot of the time, they're worried 'bout protectin' their secrets, or worried 'bout protectin' 'emselves from other ponies' secrets, or both. Makes it mighty complicated, I'll tell ya that! I guess they think this is a good place to start over, get a new life. They're not totally wrong 'bout that, either, 'cause it's a decent place for that...
"Say, ya're leavin'?" Blades looked shocked. "Before ya go, maybe ya'd like to buy something? It'd give ya a chance to see how my wares really work, to make sure ya know their quality. Get a lil' bit of direct feedback in, 'n make the endorsement a bit more than just takin' my word for it."
"Its really their own fault for creating mess making weapons anyway," Gearstride grinned while she skimmed through another document, not really reading it but looking for keywords because trying to read this super formal robotic text really strained her eyes and gave her a headache. Give her a trashy romance novel and she would be all over that, but alas.
--
She sighed to herself and stretched on her bed after putting down one of the documents after some moments of pouring through some of this snorefest paperwork. She glanced over at Silverpine at her desk and smiled to herself, he had such a cute intense expression when he was getting his reading on.
"Hey handsome, you must be an official document because you got fiiiiiiine print written all over you." She cheesily grinned and winked at her lieutenant.
Silverpine, unfortunately, only caught the last part of that, being a mite too distracted to pay attention to Gear fully. The lieutenant blinked and glanced over with a quizzical expression. "Huh? What has fine print written all over?" the poor derpy stallion asked innocently.
Benson
2015-07-14, 12:02 PM
Silverpine, unfortunately, only caught the last part of that, being a mite too distracted to pay attention to Gear fully. The lieutenant blinked and glanced over with a quizzical expression. "Huh? What has fine print written all over?" the poor derpy stallion asked innocently.
Gearstride let out a bit of a playful eyeroll and then beckoned Silverpine over. "You dork, I am hitting on you because you are a sexy studmuffin and handsome piece of leg candy and I am getting hungry for some sweets." She made some goofy puckering gestures, then grinned and then chuckled relaxing back on the bed and started to tidy up the bed of the paperwork albeit rather lazily.
Gearstride let out a bit of a playful eyeroll and then beckoned Silverpine over. "You dork, I am hitting on you because you are a sexy studmuffin and handsome piece of leg candy and I am getting hungry for some sweets." She made some goofy puckering gestures, then grinned and then chuckled relaxing back on the bed and started to tidy up the bed of the paperwork albeit rather lazily.
Silverpine's cheeks and ears coloured furiously as his slightly too slow brain finally processed what Gear had meant. He quickly turned away, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Gear, we probably should finish up before we get to that," he said with a cough. "That way, we won't have any interruptions."
Benson
2015-07-16, 11:21 AM
Silverpine's cheeks and ears coloured furiously as his slightly too slow brain finally processed what Gear had meant. He quickly turned away, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Gear, we probably should finish up before we get to that," he said with a cough. "That way, we won't have any interruptions."
"Blargh! I'll have fallen asleep by then from boredom and then kisses shan't happen," She pouted crossing her hooves over her chest. She made a face and sighed to herself. Dramatic woeing.
TheAmishPirate
2015-07-18, 11:58 AM
Night Jewel gave a little chuckle. "What can I say? I have plenty of practice." She had a feeling this pony would be fun to have around.
"Well, my mark is a toolkit, one of your captain's hooves was made by me, I invented a new power source by combining two magical metals, and I designed a puzzle-lock because I was bored... Mind you, that's not even including the things I did back in Mareabia. This suggests that I wasn't just hired out of pity.
"Anyway, I might as well get acquainted with this thing while it's not running. Carry on." She began looking over the various parts of the engines, seeing how they all worked together and checking for anything that seemed particularly unusual about them.
((Blades will come in the morning. I have to sleep.))
Sandy looked rather impressed with his new colleague's resume. "I'll thank y'personally for th' Captain's new hoof. She's been real pleased with it, an' I think it's helped her t'have all four hooves on th' ground again."
The little engineer picked up his tools and continued his work around the engine room. "Still, even with those qualifications I'd ask y'not t'stay in here once th' engines get goin'. I only stay here because me an 'the Cirrus have a bit of an understandin'; I keep her in th' air, an' in return she don't nip at me too hard. She's a bit of a temperamental one, she is." He tightened up a few fasteners. "That said, there's still plenty t'do that ain't down here. There's th' weapons systems, th' flight controls an' steering, even real basic stuff like lights an' airflow. Nopony can do their job if they're chokin' on smoke all th' time. An' that's really th' job of an engineer; makin' sure everything's shipshape an' runnin' smooth so everypony can do their duty."
As far as the systems themselves, they were a hodgepodge of cutting-edge technologies and slapdash patch jobs. Oh, and plenty of Sandy's namesake; durable bits of hardened sand holding things together. The Cirrus was a unique airship, if only because no other ship had grown and evolved quite like it. Still, while it was by no means elegant, it was a powerful ship with a mighty engine to match. It'd get the job done.
Kelvin360
2015-07-18, 06:17 PM
The Cirrus
Neither Dawnstrider nor Tysel have much in the way of unloading to do, so they both depart their rooms to explore their surroundings. Tysel takes a very methodical approach, memorizing paths, entrances, exits, vents and systems in every area he's allowed to go. Dawn, meanwhile, simply finds a quiet place where he can meditate and pray without disturbing anyone. Mach may not have raised a fuss about it yet, nor had anyone else, but he wasn't blind to perceptions about Celestia or her followers. Barring his interjection on Tysel's behalf (which had been composed almost exclusively of references to the Code and his personal virtues anyway), he didn't intend to stomp around the ship screaming 'Sun' this and 'Praise Helios' that.
"Blargh! I'll have fallen asleep by then from boredom and then kisses shan't happen," She pouted crossing her hooves over her chest. She made a face and sighed to herself. Dramatic woeing.
Oh darn, you done it now, Silverpine! The lieutenant shook his head with a rueful smile, and slid off the chair. Without hesitation he crossed the length of the small room and wrapped Gear in a hug, nuzzling and planting a kiss on her cheek. "C'mon, Gear. Just a bit more and then we have the whole afternoon to ourselves," he said with a grin, nipping at her ear.
Benson
2015-07-19, 06:24 PM
Oh darn, you done it now, Silverpine! The lieutenant shook his head with a rueful smile, and slid off the chair. Without hesitation he crossed the length of the small room and wrapped Gear in a hug, nuzzling and planting a kiss on her cheek. "C'mon, Gear. Just a bit more and then we have the whole afternoon to ourselves," he said with a grin, nipping at her ear.
Gearstride softly smiled from his little affections and closed her eyes. "You know, giving me this sort of attention while you say what you say leaves me with mixed signals my sweet sweet Silverpine."
Gearstride softly smiled from his little affections and closed her eyes. "You know, giving me this sort of attention while you say what you say leaves me with mixed signals my sweet sweet Silverpine."
"Hey, think of it as... encouragement," Silverpine replied with a chuckle, withdrawing from her a little and looking down at his marefriend.
MCerberus
2015-07-20, 08:58 PM
Cirrus
After getting settled as much as possible, Mach takes a quick look at his uniform. "2nd Pegasi Siege", with a winged ballista as its insignia. Although oddly, such engineers shouldn't technically exist anymore, with the de-royaling of the military. Whatever, he just needs to make it through however long it takes. On the plus side, new airship development is actually making progress after the Summer messed everything up.
But in the meantime, he has to figure out what kind of power draw he's working with. If it's not enough to run some totally not mad science, Mach's going to have to see about cleaning up the subsystems. That means going to the source. The pegasus will arrive soon in the engine room, possibly next time something awkward happens.
Meanwhile In Town
A messenger is currently attempting to track down Tyrol. He's the shady sort of messenger, obviously not affiliated with the Express or the local mail department. Something may get interesting.
Meanwhile In Town
A messenger is currently attempting to track down Tyrol. He's the shady sort of messenger, obviously not affiliated with the Express or the local mail department. Something may get interesting.
Thank you for reminding me I had Tyrol/Arvadraa.
An interesting turn of event. The messenger might eventually run into Tyrol walking along the street that led to the Guild Hall. And besides him would the enigmatic druid flitter pony, Arvadraa.
MCerberus
2015-07-23, 10:12 PM
Thank you for reminding me I had Tyrol/Arvadraa.
An interesting turn of event. The messenger might eventually run into Tyrol walking along the street that led to the Guild Hall. And besides him would the enigmatic druid flitter pony, Arvadraa.
The messenger pony doesn't really have time or really care what's going on. He's just a gruff-looking yellow/tan stallion being paid... a weird combination of a lot and not enough for this.
"Message for one Tyrol."
Benson
2015-07-23, 10:54 PM
"Hey, think of it as... encouragement," Silverpine replied with a chuckle, withdrawing from her a little and looking down at his marefriend.
She pouted and sported a sighful expression. But then quickly gave him a peck on the lips. "Fiiiiiiiiiine.........though I'mma blame you if I fall asleep."
HalfTangible
2015-07-25, 12:58 AM
"Maybe, maybe not. Special someponies can be...comforting. Something to keep you focused."
Well yeah, but, she's the only pony I talk to regularly, 'side from those I have to. Lone Star shrugged. Maybe if I talked to some others...
The messenger pony doesn't really have time or really care what's going on. He's just a gruff-looking yellow/tan stallion being paid... a weird combination of a lot and not enough for this.
"Message for one Tyrol."
"Huh?" the guard turned his head and regarded messenger with a wary expression for a moment. "That'll be me."
She pouted and sported a sighful expression. But then quickly gave him a peck on the lips. "Fiiiiiiiiiine.........though I'mma blame you if I fall asleep."
"Atta girl," Silverpine said with a quick smile, and moved to sit with her on the bed, helping her with the remaining documents first, before going through his own pile.
Benson
2015-07-26, 02:53 PM
"Atta girl," Silverpine said with a quick smile, and moved to sit with her on the bed, helping her with the remaining documents first, before going through his own pile.
And so the two continued on with their boring work, Gearstride trying to be diligent after some time working her thoughts and realizing she was being a whiny baby about it. She doubt Silverpine found that attitude cute.
Towards the end, she found herself feeling mentally exhausted and threw herself backward onto her bed with a weak smile. "......Done.."
Kelvin360
2015-07-26, 08:54 PM
"Huh?" the guard turned his head and regarded messenger with a wary expression for a moment. "That'll be me."
"What's wrong? You've gotten mail before, haven't you?"
PurityIcekiller
2015-07-26, 11:44 PM
Sandy looked rather impressed with his new colleague's resume. "I'll thank y'personally for th' Captain's new hoof. She's been real pleased with it, an' I think it's helped her t'have all four hooves on th' ground again."
"You're welcome. I'm glad she's doing well."
The little engineer picked up his tools and continued his work around the engine room. "Still, even with those qualifications I'd ask y'not t'stay in here once th' engines get goin'. I only stay here because me an 'the Cirrus have a bit of an understandin'; I keep her in th' air, an' in return she don't nip at me too hard. She's a bit of a temperamental one, she is." He tightened up a few fasteners. "That said, there's still plenty t'do that ain't down here. There's th' weapons systems, th' flight controls an' steering, even real basic stuff like lights an' airflow. Nopony can do their job if they're chokin' on smoke all th' time. An' that's really th' job of an engineer; makin' sure everything's shipshape an' runnin' smooth so everypony can do their duty."
Night Jewel gave a little nod. "Fair enough. If the engines do end up needing work while they're running, it'll mean we're probably about to crash anyway. In my experienced opinion, that's not exactly the kind of thing that ought to happen."
As far as the systems themselves, they were a hodgepodge of cutting-edge technologies and slapdash patch jobs. Oh, and plenty of Sandy's namesake; durable bits of hardened sand holding things together. The Cirrus was a unique airship, if only because no other ship had grown and evolved quite like it. Still, while it was by no means elegant, it was a powerful ship with a mighty engine to match. It'd get the job done.
"Huh! Looks like you improvise almost as much as I do! It must have taken a lot of skill to make something this good out of random materials."
The filly began using her magic to give the engine another examination. If she found any weak spots, she'd see about fixing them up.
MCerberus
2015-07-27, 09:08 PM
Around Town
The courier doesn't show any visible reaction to the witty remark. He's got a job to do that pays well, and it's probably better to just be done with it.
"This is for you then," the stallion states to Tyrol. He hoofs over the letter, a simple envelope with his name on it and nothing else.
The Cirrus
Mach's making his way toward the engine room slowly. He's following the power flow back to its source. It's easy enough with the the clear labeling. Well clear enough when you already know what all the markings are supposed to mean. Of course, hallways operate a little differently than wires, so it takes some time for the pegasus to make his way to the engine room.
Once there, he takes a look around. It's been, of course, a while since he was around heavy-duty equipment. It's rather rare this day and age.
Around Town
The courier doesn't show any visible reaction to the witty remark. He's got a job to do that pays well, and it's probably better to just be done with it.
"This is for you then," the stallion states to Tyrol. He hoofs over the letter, a simple envelope with his name on it and nothing else.
"Thank you," the guard said with some trepidation. He would wait until the courier was away and out of sight, before opening it. "I gotten mail before, but never like this. At least, not while on patrol," he finally said, in belated response to his companion's question.
And so the two continued on with their boring work, Gearstride trying to be diligent after some time working her thoughts and realizing she was being a whiny baby about it. She doubt Silverpine found that attitude cute.
Towards the end, she found herself feeling mentally exhausted and threw herself backward onto her bed with a weak smile. "......Done.."
"Hah!" Silverpine pushes away his share, and joined her on the bed with a laugh. "We actually did it. First time in years the Cirrus has finished its paperwork ahead of schedule," he said with a smile, wrapping her up in another hug and pecking her cheek. "I think we deserve a little reward, yes?"
Benson
2015-07-28, 01:54 AM
"Hah!" Silverpine pushes away his share, and joined her on the bed with a laugh. "We actually did it. First time in years the Cirrus has finished its paperwork ahead of schedule," he said with a smile, wrapping her up in another hug and pecking her cheek. "I think we deserve a little reward, yes?"
The olive mare warmly smiled and snuggled her beau, crossing her hind legs with his. "Mmmmm.....yeah....maybe some spooning, cuddling and all those cutesy rainbow vomit prompting antics." She chuckled and lightly pecked Silverpine in return. She let out a small yawn. "I think my eyes went cross eyed reading all those documents." This prompted another small chuckle from the mare.
The olive mare warmly smiled and snuggled her beau, crossing her hind legs with his. "Mmmmm.....yeah....maybe some spooning, cuddling and all those cutesy rainbow vomit prompting antics." She chuckled and lightly pecked Silverpine in return. She let out a small yawn. "I think my eyes went cross eyed reading all those documents." This prompted another small chuckle from the mare.
"At least we don't have to look at them for another month." Silverpine laughed a little, and pecked her muzzle back, before nuzzling her cheek gently, his forelegs wrapping her in a warm embrace.
Benson
2015-07-30, 09:23 PM
"At least we don't have to look at them for another month." Silverpine laughed a little, and pecked her muzzle back, before nuzzling her cheek gently, his forelegs wrapping her in a warm embrace.
"Mmmm.....this is nice.....too nice....starting to get extra relaxed-sleepy.." Gear grinned and rested against him. "Might have to liven it up." She waggled her brow and prompted another chuckle from herself.
"Hmmm, though admittedly, the paperwork about A.I.D.A....I am not sure why they would ask to send him to Backers HQ for maintenance, we are more than capable here. Oooh, maybe some shady business practice noise, I am pretty sure the robo-dragon was sent here to spy on us anyway, haha."
Kelvin360
2015-07-31, 03:05 AM
"Thank you," the guard said with some trepidation. He would wait until the courier was away and out of sight, before opening it. "I gotten mail before, but never like this. At least, not while on patrol," he finally said, in belated response to his companion's question.
"Oh, of course. They'd give it to the Guard Office for you to take later. That makes this more ominous. Do you think it might be trapped or poisoned? I could open it for you."
"Mmmm.....this is nice.....too nice....starting to get extra relaxed-sleepy.." Gear grinned and rested against him. "Might have to liven it up." She waggled her brow and prompted another chuckle from herself.
"Oh, I don't know. I like how we are now, nice and comfy," Silverpine said with a low chuckle, nibbling at her ear idly, flicking his tail happily.
"Hmmm, though admittedly, the paperwork about A.I.D.A....I am not sure why they would ask to send him to Backers HQ for maintenance, we are more than capable here. Oooh, maybe some shady business practice noise, I am pretty sure the robo-dragon was sent here to spy on us anyway, haha."
"Don't know why they needed A.I.D.A though. I'm pretty sure the cameras already do a fairly good job of that."
"Oh, of course. They'd give it to the Guard Office for you to take later. That makes this more ominous. Do you think it might be trapped or poisoned? I could open it for you."
Tyrol shook his head. "I don't think I'm important enough to warrant such elaborate booby traps..." Still, he started to open it with utmost care.
MCerberus
2015-08-01, 10:27 PM
Tyrol shook his head. "I don't think I'm important enough to warrant such elaborate booby traps..." Still, he started to open it with utmost care.
The letter isn't on any fancy stationary. Pretty bare bones. That combined with some odd syntax and the fact that it's in a typewriter font gives away that the letter is a telegram.
Marefriend's mother is on way to your town stop.
Made assumptions about relationship stop.
Involves reports of many trips to hospital stop.
Hopefully runner doesn't cut words to save on telegram cost stop.
Benson
2015-08-03, 12:14 AM
"Oh, I don't know. I like how we are now, nice and comfy," Silverpine said with a low chuckle, nibbling at her ear idly, flicking his tail happily.
"Don't know why they needed A.I.D.A though. I'm pretty sure the cameras already do a fairly good job of that."
"For extra spying, you can never have enough spying material ya know!" She chuckled and then gave him little kisses on his neck after a little maneuvering while in his hold. "Though....it would be truly difficult to spy on us with their cameras all foggy from our hot pony kisses." She throatily chuckled and gave him another kiss on his neck and then proceeded to happily give him a hickey at the base of his neck. Pleased with her work she returned to snuggling her beau and nuzzling him.
The letter isn't on any fancy stationary. Pretty bare bones. That combined with some odd syntax and the fact that it's in a typewriter font gives away that the letter is a telegram.
Marefriend's mother is on way to your town stop.
Made assumptions about relationship stop.
Involves reports of many trips to hospital stop.
Hopefully runner doesn't cut words to save on telegram cost stop.
Tyrol read the message again. Then turned it this way and that way to make sure he wasn't reading it wrong, frowning. Finally, he looked up at Arvadraa. "Um. Apparently my marefriend's mother is stopping by soon."
"For extra spying, you can never have enough spying material ya know!" She chuckled and then gave him little kisses on his neck after a little maneuvering while in his hold. "Though....it would be truly difficult to spy on us with their cameras all foggy from our hot pony kisses." She throatily chuckled and gave him another kiss on his neck and then proceeded to happily give him a hickey at the base of his neck. Pleased with her work she returned to snuggling her beau and nuzzling him.
"Mmm," Silverpine throatily groaned as Gear attended to his neck, quite clearly enjoying this as much as she was. "Well..." the lieutenant took an ear to nibble at the tip gently, his forehoof reaching to stroke her mane. "... you'd think A.I.D.A would be equipped to deal with precisely such a situation. Kinda creepy, when you think about it."
Kelvin360
2015-08-05, 11:22 AM
Tyrol read the message again. Then turned it this way and that way to make sure he wasn't reading it wrong, frowning. Finally, he looked up at Arvadraa. "Um. Apparently my marefriend's mother is stopping by soon."
This leads to a drawn-out, confused stare. "That's...a good thing? I'm sorry; this is one of those social bits I'm still learning."
Benson
2015-08-05, 12:56 PM
"Mmm," Silverpine throatily groaned as Gear attended to his neck, quite clearly enjoying this as much as she was. "Well..." the lieutenant took an ear to nibble at the tip gently, his forehoof reaching to stroke her mane. "... you'd think A.I.D.A would be equipped to deal with precisely such a situation. Kinda creepy, when you think about it."
"I am now imaging some sort of automatic lens wipers on his eye piece heh," She sniggered. With her head resting on Silverpine's furry strong chest, she turned her head to give him more little kisses, going for the lightest of ticklish touches. She found it very hard to control herself right now, his inviting warm hold, she couldn't help herself to showering her beau in little displays of affection, plus his relaxed smile was rather cute. He would feel her heart beating quickly as she continued with her little kisses eventually nestling against his neck and chest though her hooves continued to roam, running over his muscles, any scars he may have had. She did briefly frown at the dulled sense of touch due to her artificial hoof, but she didn't dwell on it too much, it was more important to her anyway that Silverpine got the tingly feel good feeling from her gentle touch.
"Mmmm...my brain turned to mush....I don't even know what we were talking about anymore.....oh well heh."
TheAmishPirate
2015-08-06, 05:23 PM
Night Jewel gave a little nod. "Fair enough. If the engines do end up needing work while they're running, it'll mean we're probably about to crash anyway. In my experienced opinion, that's not exactly the kind of thing that ought to happen."
"Huh! Looks like you improvise almost as much as I do! It must have taken a lot of skill to make something this good out of random materials."
The filly began using her magic to give the engine another examination. If she found any weak spots, she'd see about fixing them up.
Sandy beamed with pride. "I do th' best I can with what I got, an' it hasn't gotten us into too much trouble yet." This filly would fit right in on the crew.
There's some weak spots here and there. Some casings were in need of reinforcing or perhaps outright replacing. None of them had holes in them yet - thus they evaded the engineer's notice - but they were certainly weakened.
The Cirrus
Mach's making his way toward the engine room slowly. He's following the power flow back to its source. It's easy enough with the the clear labeling. Well clear enough when you already know what all the markings are supposed to mean. Of course, hallways operate a little differently than wires, so it takes some time for the pegasus to make his way to the engine room.
Once there, he takes a look around. It's been, of course, a while since he was around heavy-duty equipment. It's rather rare this day and age.
As if on cue, the pegasus arrives on the scene. Just in time to hear Sandy taking pride in a job well done.
"Howdy there, Mr. Mach sir." Sandy waved him inside. "Come t'take a look at th' engines?"
"I am now imaging some sort of automatic lens wipers on his eye piece heh," She sniggered. With her head resting on Silverpine's furry strong chest, she turned her head to give him more little kisses, going for the lightest of ticklish touches. She found it very hard to control herself right now, his inviting warm hold, she couldn't help herself to showering her beau in little displays of affection, plus his relaxed smile was rather cute. He would feel her heart beating quickly as she continued with her little kisses eventually nestling against his neck and chest though her hooves continued to roam, running over his muscles, any scars he may have had. She did briefly frown at the dulled sense of touch due to her artificial hoof, but she didn't dwell on it too much, it was more important to her anyway that Silverpine got the tingly feel good feeling from her gentle touch.
"Mmmm...my brain turned to mush....I don't even know what we were talking about anymore.....oh well heh."
The stallion wiggled a little as the captain continued to shower her affections on him, chuckling and nuzzling her more, making low, happy sounds from her touch. It was quite clear he approved of her actions very much. :smalltongue: "Oh dear. We probably should do something about that, huh?" Silverpine said in a breathy whisper, pecking a trail of kisses down her cheek.
PurityIcekiller
2015-08-08, 09:31 PM
Mach's making his way toward the engine room slowly. He's following the power flow back to its source. It's easy enough with the the clear labeling. Well clear enough when you already know what all the markings are supposed to mean. Of course, hallways operate a little differently than wires, so it takes some time for the pegasus to make his way to the engine room.
Once there, he takes a look around. It's been, of course, a while since he was around heavy-duty equipment. It's rather rare this day and age.
Night Jewel glanced up and gave Mach a nervous smile. "Oh, hello! I'm not causing trouble or anything; just helping with the engine work. Don't mind me."
Sandy beamed with pride. "I do th' best I can with what I got, an' it hasn't gotten us into too much trouble yet." This filly would fit right in on the crew.
There's some weak spots here and there. Some casings were in need of reinforcing or perhaps outright replacing. None of them had holes in them yet - thus they evaded the engineer's notice - but they were certainly weakened.
"Amazing, really. But even miracle-working is only good for so long." She fiddled a bit with some particularly flimsy casing to get it loose. "This part's almost to the breaking point, and some of the other tubes are also looking pretty worn. Better to fix that now so they won't fail on you in midair. Do you have any spares?"
Benson
2015-08-09, 09:59 PM
The stallion wiggled a little as the captain continued to shower her affections on him, chuckling and nuzzling her more, making low, happy sounds from her touch. It was quite clear he approved of her actions very much. :smalltongue: "Oh dear. We probably should do something about that, huh?" Silverpine said in a breathy whisper, pecking a trail of kisses down her cheek.
"Oh lieutenant........Kiss me deeply, captain's orders," The amorous mare purred happily. The two would spend some time like this, romantically in soft focus.
After a while, Gearstride amidst some snuggling with her beau and general cuddling, made a bit of a face and sighed to herself. "I don't want to move...I would rather stay like this....but we should probably collect everyone for the mission details."
This leads to a drawn-out, confused stare. "That's...a good thing? I'm sorry; this is one of those social bits I'm still learning."
Tyrol grimaced a little. "Normally. But there's just something omnious about being warned like this, and there's the fact I haven't met her yet..."
MCerberus
2015-08-09, 10:23 PM
Sandy beamed with pride. "I do th' best I can with what I got, an' it hasn't gotten us into too much trouble yet." This filly would fit right in on the crew.
There's some weak spots here and there. Some casings were in need of reinforcing or perhaps outright replacing. None of them had holes in them yet - thus they evaded the engineer's notice - but they were certainly weakened.
As if on cue, the pegasus arrives on the scene. Just in time to hear Sandy taking pride in a job well done.
"Howdy there, Mr. Mach sir." Sandy waved him inside. "Come t'take a look at th' engines?"
Mach takes a quick look around at all the connections and wiring around the area. Again the... patchwork state really bothers him. It's going to be really awkward. The whole situation begs for the cirrus to be put back into ground-dock. Unless the "experimental" part of the build is responsible for the airship not being completely pristine.
Instead of answering the question directly, the pegasus asks another one.
"So, uh, what kind of margins are the engines running on? How much output is there to work with during cruise?"
"Oh lieutenant........Kiss me deeply, captain's orders," The amorous mare purred happily. The two would spend some time like this, romantically in soft focus.
After a while, Gearstride amidst some snuggling with her beau and general cuddling, made a bit of a face and sighed to herself. "I don't want to move...I would rather stay like this....but we should probably collect everyone for the mission details."
"Mmm... is there a rush to do so...?" Silverpine murmured sleepily, looking generally extra relaxed and not quite in the mood for more Cirrus shenanigans at the moment.
Benson
2015-08-11, 12:37 PM
"Mmm... is there a rush to do so...?" Silverpine murmured sleepily, looking generally extra relaxed and not quite in the mood for more Cirrus shenanigans at the moment.
"Well...not...really....Mmmm....and here I thought I was the bad influence..." Gearstride giggled and nuzzled her beau.
"Well...not...really....Mmmm....and here I thought I was the bad influence..." Gearstride giggled and nuzzled her beau.
"I blame a certain Captain for making me feel this way..." Silverpine nuzzled her neck for a bit more, before sighing and releasing his hold on the mare, rolling back and grinning crookedly. "But yes, I suppose we probably should get on with it."
Kelvin360
2015-08-19, 03:40 AM
Tyrol grimaced a little. "Normally. But there's just something omnious about being warned like this, and there's the fact I haven't met her yet..."
"Maybe you're simply overthinking this. It's just a letter, and I don't think she's a bad pony. How bad could it be?"
Benson
2015-08-20, 02:32 AM
"I blame a certain Captain for making me feel this way..." Silverpine nuzzled her neck for a bit more, before sighing and releasing his hold on the mare, rolling back and grinning crookedly. "But yes, I suppose we probably should get on with it."
"Yea............." She hesitated a moment, her desire to just lay here with Silverpine was strong, but alas. "We owe each other a lot of 'smoochin time' later, probably during the Cirrus' flight to our destination for our mission....Come on good lookin'...we gotta be all professional." She smirked at Silverpine and then gave him a big wet one on his lips before hopping off of her bed. She gave him a little booty wiggle before heading around the door.
"Yea............." She hesitated a moment, her desire to just lay here with Silverpine was strong, but alas. "We owe each other a lot of 'smoochin time' later, probably during the Cirrus' flight to our destination for our mission....Come on good lookin'...we gotta be all professional." She smirked at Silverpine and then gave him a big wet one on his lips before hopping off of her bed. She gave him a little booty wiggle before heading around the door.
Booty wiggles. Always a classic. Silverpine smiled, shaking his head a little, then hopped off and followed after his captain.
Benson
2015-08-24, 12:21 PM
The Cirrus
"Attention all Cirrus crew, please report to the Conference room immediately, I repeat, please report to the Conference room, that is all."
--
Gearstride sat at her seat in the conference room, just moments after calling for everyone to come return. She had in front of her the mission details and just waited for everyone to file on into the room.
Kelvin360
2015-08-24, 04:34 PM
Dawnstrider enters the room before Tysel, but the underpony isn't far behind, suit matted with a few mystery oil stains. Dawn takes easily to a stance of attention, where his counterpart simply finds a spot and...freezes in place, watching.
MCerberus
2015-08-26, 08:57 PM
Cirrus
Mach makes his way towards the conference room at a decent pace. Not exactly rushing but not deliberately slow. Not enough time had really passed for him to get a good read on the engines and everything. Of course the official nature of this meeting has returned a little of the grump, so the pegasus is quiet near the back.
PurityIcekiller
2015-08-27, 07:53 PM
[The Cirrus]
Night Jewel sighed upon hearing the announcement. "And just when I was getting started, too. Do they usually interrupt at this kind of time?" She gave Sandy a quick glance, then shook her head. "Well, it doesn't matter much as long as they let us finish first. Otherwise... don't blame me if the whole thing breaks down as soon as we're off the ground, all right?"
After one last look at the engines, she joined the others in the conference room, finding an out-of-the-way spot to seat herself and listen.
TheAmishPirate
2015-08-29, 09:04 PM
[The Cirrus]
Night Jewel sighed upon hearing the announcement. "And just when I was getting started, too. Do they usually interrupt at this kind of time?" She gave Sandy a quick glance, then shook her head. "Well, it doesn't matter much as long as they let us finish first. Otherwise... don't blame me if the whole thing breaks down as soon as we're off the ground, all right?"
Sandy, unfortunately, lacked the time to answer either Mach or Night Jewel's question. "Shoot. I'll talk with th' Cap'n, make sure we have enough time t'fix those last few things before we get goin'," he said as they hurried to the conference room. "Though it's best t'get used t'it. Th' Cirrus has been runnin' at 90% fixed for longer 'n I can remember."
After one last look at the engines, she joined the others in the conference room, finding an out-of-the-way spot to seat herself and listen.
Sandy too chose a seat somewhat in the back. After the meeting this morning, and running Night Jewel through her paces, he'd had quite enough attention for one day.
Gearstride sat at her seat in the conference room, just moments after calling for everyone to come return. She had in front of her the mission details and just waited for everyone to file on into the room.
And where's Silverpine in the midst of all this?
Quietly standing behind the captain, waiting for her to begin.
Benson
2015-09-06, 02:39 AM
The Cirrus conference room
As everyone took a seat, Gear took a moment to look at everyone, it was important to make folks feel they were being personally addressed. From under the table's hammer space, she then afterwards pulled out a large parchment. Unrolling it, it was a large terrain map of northwestern Equestria. For some reason when it was unfurled, a tiny replica of the Cirrus also unfurled with it, somehow. But moving on.
"Glad everyone could be here and promptly, that I appreciate, but, now to get to business. Our first mission with this group, ahem," She couldn't help but grin in sentimentality. "We are to assist the small town of Saddleville in the northwestern Smokey Mountains. Lately this sleepy town has been plagued by hill giants and we have been tasked to help get rid of them being that monster extermination is our specialty."
"It will be about less than a week's trip, so you lot will have plenty of time to get used to the Cirrus and prepare yourselves."
Kelvin360
2015-09-06, 05:54 AM
Tysel scratches his head. "Ehhh. If these hill giants are anythink like lurker giants, this is easier to say than be done. Better stepped in their own lair than coax them to step on homesteads, vai?"
Dawnstrider purses his lips and stares intensely into the map. "I am...vaguely familiar with the breed, and they are sapient, if not necessarily intelligent. They don't attack without reason, and if we can find out what that reason is, leading them away is easier and cleaner than killing them all."
"Actually, now it is mentioned, what are they doink? Are they takink villagers, hurling rocks, stealing supplies? If ze town is small, they cannot be surviving a focused attack, so this is not war. What are you thinkink...territory dispute?"
"That seems the most likely, especially if this is a recent development. That said, there are a good many unknown variables that I can see. My questions can be condensed into 'what are they doing', 'why are they doing it', and 'what has been the villagers' response'?"
MCerberus
2015-09-06, 09:28 PM
The Cirrus conference room
As everyone took a seat, Gear took a moment to look at everyone, it was important to make folks feel they were being personally addressed. From under the table's hammer space, she then afterwards pulled out a large parchment. Unrolling it, it was a large terrain map of northwestern Equestria. For some reason when it was unfurled, a tiny replica of the Cirrus also unfurled with it, somehow. But moving on.
"Glad everyone could be here and promptly, that I appreciate, but, now to get to business. Our first mission with this group, ahem," She couldn't help but grin in sentimentality. "We are to assist the small town of Saddleville in the northwestern Smokey Mountains. Lately this sleepy town has been plagued by hill giants and we have been tasked to help get rid of them being that monster extermination is our specialty."
"It will be about less than a week's trip, so you lot will have plenty of time to get used to the Cirrus and prepare yourselves."
There's some sort of information missing, but Mach can't quite make the connection. Maybe it's some sort of initial trial run, or perhaps there's something odd ahoof. The region is also a source of potential problems. For one, smokey mountains, doesn't the smoke from that come from a certain race of very territorial gem-eating fire breathers? Then there's the proximity to griffonstone, though that's mostly a threat to one's wallet.
"A rather large group for dealing with critters, usually the powers-that-be would point a licensed adventuring group. How, uh, giant are these giants?"
PurityIcekiller
2015-09-10, 11:45 AM
[Cirrus Conference]
Night Jewel put a hoof to her chin. Not my usual line of work at all. I've got much more experience in avoiding fights rather than winning them. I'll have to be creative...
She smiled at Dawnstrider. "Yes, thanks for bringing that up. If we don't have that information, perhaps I could spy on them a bit to find out? Whatever the case, it's probably better not to jump straight into combat with them. I wouldn't be able to offer much then aside from running and screaming."
Benson
2015-09-22, 12:14 PM
Gearstride surveyed the group after they all added in their comments, except for Gwen who was too busy laying her head on the table and crossing her eyes to make doubles of everyone.
"I don't have much in way of answers for most of your questions, concerns, what have you, but for Mach.....pretty big, at least around three times as large as a moose. Hmmm.." She glanced at the others and worked her jaw.
"I only have limited information, whatever the Backers send me is what I got, so I suppose, we'll have to do a little investigating when we get there, then there we can put your multiple abilities to the test." Grin.
TheAmishPirate
2015-09-27, 03:03 PM
Gearstride surveyed the group after they all added in their comments, except for Gwen who was too busy laying her head on the table and crossing her eyes to make doubles of everyone.
"I don't have much in way of answers for most of your questions, concerns, what have you, but for Mach.....pretty big, at least around three times as large as a moose. Hmmm.." She glanced at the others and worked her jaw.
"I only have limited information, whatever the Backers send me is what I got, so I suppose, we'll have to do a little investigating when we get there, then there we can put your multiple abilities to the test." Grin.
"Is there a safe berth for th' Cirrus while we're over there?" Sandy chimed in from the back. "Forests an' marshes ain't well known for good landin' spots. We may have t'keep th' old girl in th' air while we work on hoof."
MCerberus
2015-09-27, 10:00 PM
"Is there a safe berth for th' Cirrus while we're over there?" Sandy chimed in from the back. "Forests an' marshes ain't well known for good landin' spots. We may have t'keep th' old girl in th' air while we work on hoof."
"Speaking of which, I, uh, haven't done much high altitude flying recently. Thinking of testing out the breathing masks, depending on the cruise speed of the ship."
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