Honesty Hearts IC: The Thunder And The Rainbow [Archive]

Thanqol

2015-08-16, 07:50 PM

A long time ago, when the world was whole, this place was known as the Ghastly Gorge.

Such a name could only have been given by those truly jaded to miracles.

The ravine stretched for miles, cutting through forests and passing through the Everfree. It shattered a herd of mountains into a network of towering crevasses and pillars. Broken glaciers sent a steady flow of chill water with chunks of snow and ice whistling down the red-rock canyons and mighty trees and flowered bushes forced their way through the stone wherever life was possible. For much of the year the rivers ran low and shallow - though deadly quick - but when the rains came the entire gorge flooded and submerged the trees under meters of water.

The ponies never really cared for this spectacular place. When forced to interact with it at all they simply built suspension bridges across the top so that traffic would not be impeded. A few enterprising sorts set up shops, mystery shacks and tourist attractions along the rim of the canyon and a few gormless passers-by stopped to look around, but it never really took off. Equestria had too many other pretty things, and ones with more history and less danger besides.

It took the shadow of war to finally encourage Equestria to take notice of this spectacular place, but not for environmental reasons. One of the last orders of Princess Celestia was to construct a vast hydroelectric dam on the far end of the Gorge - a marvel of the world that would be able to power all of Equestria and enable miracles as yet undreamed of. The Iron Gate dam was to be an inspiration; sadly it was never completed and stands, tall and silent, looming over the Gorge.

The war that delayed the dam's completion passed the Gorge by. As what was essentially a giant hole in the ground with no vital infrastructure and no population centres, the Ghastly Gorge was more or less a success already by Zebra military standards. But as necromantic storms flashed above Equestria and eternal fires burned in the screaming, smashed cities, the Gorge was sheltered from all the destruction. The mountains blocked the flow of radiation and the desolate terrain and sudden drops and climbs deterred travellers and adventurers. And within that isolated corner of nowhere, amidst forgotten and incomplete ruins, nature took hold. Trees and greenery continued to grow and thrive. It was a tiny little concealed pocket of paradise in the midst of a vast and violent wilderness.

The Ghastly Gorge is the best place anypony could go to build a society. And through luck, fate or divine intervention, the Pegasus ponies of this little Enclave community have fallen right into it.

*

You have been down here for two days. Barely enough time to look around, get your crap together, and collect the most obvious salvage. The network of the Gorge is completely uncharted. The weather is totally unpredictable. Basic survival skills, like the ability to recognise poisonous plants, the ability to work wood or stone, or even the ability to swim are in chronic short supply. The population is an intelligent, organised, socially responsible first world society thrown for the first time into the wilderness. Half the ponies don't even have tents.

So there you are, shivering in whatever makeshift shelter you've cobbled together for yourself, hearing the buzz of insects (you don't know this yet but you're all gonna wake up tomorrow smothered in mosquito bites), strange crackles and shifts in the woods, complaints of old ponies and the crying of children, trying to get some sleep in. Despite yesterday being beautifully sunny the temperature is dropping like the bass and frost is forming on the grass.

And then suddenly - BANG! A gunshot! Suddenly everypony is awake and wild. Nopony knows many of the strange sounds down here but they do know that one. BANG! Another! "We're under attack!" somepony screams, and suddenly there's anarchy in the camp. Some ponies take for the sky, some cower in their tents, some start straight up looting. It's chaos.

Where are you and what do you do?

the_druid_droid

2015-08-17, 01:18 PM

Deadly

2015-08-17, 04:17 PM

Rattle Tail slowly drew a long brown feather under her nose, breathing in the scent of dead bird, then let it fly on the wind as her thoughts drifted with it. It inevitably and unerringly seemed drawn to a certain clearing in the distance, just within sight of Rattle Tail's small outlook in a tall tree. Barely did she seem to notice the shots or the shouts. Certainly she heard them, but only in that part of her brain at the very back which simply took note of it and then let it be.

It was not so much that she had expected it, as she had expected anything. Once you were in the business of expecting anything, nothing really came as a surprise.

Her followers and various volunteers had been busy, in between their many other worries and tasks. In all, some hundreds of birds of various colors and kinds had been caught, their necks wrung and their bodies strewn about in a clearing in the woods well away from the camps. A grisly endeavor, which she had personally overseen. The bodies had been arranged exactly as she had directed.

Scattered on the ground, broken wings and feathers strewn about and blood staining the trees, they looked rather like angels fallen from heaven. Only, these angels hadn't survived their fall.

The thing was, the ground was dangerous, they all knew that. These shots only confirmed what should be fairly well understood. The ground was full of hungry things, wild things, evil things; things that might come for them when they least expected it ...

... unless they happened upon different angels, dead angels, instead. Coming upon this clearing, drawn to it, they would be confused, unsettled, and more importantly ... they'd be right where she expected them to be. The greatest danger was not knowing where your enemy was, but she would know ... she would know exactly where they were.

Because she had drawn them there.

She watched the clearing like a hawk, her thoughts and will circling those who would harm her flock and fellow angels.

Open Your Brain: 2+5+3 = 10

BlasTech

2015-08-17, 04:55 PM

Bivouacking in the field was not new to Sirocco, he'd done it countless times back before he'd earned his commission, and occasionally after. The ground was new though, a far cry from cloud tents and plentiful rations. Dirt, bugs, even the threat of rain, were unfamiliar obstacles. But his soldiers were good, and at least they didn't have anypony shooting at them.

BANG!

Well, that was short lived.

Old instincts had him wide awake and on his hooves before the second shot had even sounded. Before the sound had even faded, he was already out of his tent and looking towards the source of trouble. A lot of his soldiers had pitched tents in the same area of the woods and most of them were already reacting by grouping up and arming up. They knew the drills.

So did he. One of the first things he'd done here had been to organise a guard detail on the canyon, so what had managed to sneak past them? The volume of fire wasn't yet strong enough to indicate a major raid. But any shooting was already worrying the civilians.

[roll0]

[What is my enemy's true position? Which enemy is most vulnerable to me? What should I be on the Lookout for?]

Thanqol

2015-08-17, 09:55 PM

Quicksilver and his gang were bunked together in the back room of Cloud 9, a tangle of feathers and hammocks that blossomed into activity at the familiar report of gunfire; Silver himself was awake and planning before the first screams even reached his ears. Old army programming was sparking through his nerves, and every warhorse knew that when ambushes came in the night, you didn't have the luxury of time.

Once the staff was corralled, he called for attention. "Listen up! Some of you are going to stay here and deal with looters - anything comes through that door you don't recognize, shoot first and sort out who they were later."

Silver indicated a hooffull of ponies and directed them toward defensive positions with a sweep of his wing.

"The rest of you are with me. We're pulling recon. If it's a couple of psychos, we teach them some manners. Otherwise we make damn sure Sirocco knows about this and form up with reinforcements. Understood?" Quicksilver waited a heartbeat for his gang to nod assent, then took off through the door, wingblades snapping into place with a flick of steel-gray pinons.

All right, you're snapping through the door into the chaos of the camp. Civilians running everywhere, cowering, heading away from the gunshots. Troopers are taking disciplined, careful shots out into the darkness, keeping in cover and avoiding wasting ammo while they can't see the target. There's Sarge over there, looking tired and drunk but commanding, shouting that he saw something on the top of a nearby hill. He's trying to get together some soldiers to help him assault it. What do you do?

Rattle Tail slowly drew a long brown feather under her nose, breathing in the scent of dead bird, then let it fly on the wind as her thoughts drifted with it. It inevitably and unerringly seemed drawn to a certain clearing in the distance, just within sight of Rattle Tail's small outlook in a tall tree. Barely did she seem to notice the shots or the shouts. Certainly she heard them, but only in that part of her brain at the very back which simply took note of it and then let it be.

It was not so much that she had expected it, as she had expected anything. Once you were in the business of expecting anything, nothing really came as a surprise.

Her followers and various volunteers had been busy, in between their many other worries and tasks. In all, some hundreds of birds of various colors and kinds had been caught, their necks wrung and their bodies strewn about in a clearing in the woods well away from the camps. A grisly endeavor, which she had personally overseen. The bodies had been arranged exactly as she had directed.

Scattered on the ground, broken wings and feathers strewn about and blood staining the trees, they looked rather like angels fallen from heaven. Only, these angels hadn't survived their fall.

The thing was, the ground was dangerous, they all knew that. These shots only confirmed what should be fairly well understood. The ground was full of hungry things, wild things, evil things; things that might come for them when they least expected it ...

... unless they happened upon different angels, dead angels, instead. Coming upon this clearing, drawn to it, they would be confused, unsettled, and more importantly ... they'd be right where she expected them to be. The greatest danger was not knowing where your enemy was, but she would know ... she would know exactly where they were.

Because she had drawn them there.

She watched the clearing like a hawk, her thoughts and will circling those who would harm her flock and fellow angels.

Open Your Brain: 2+5+3 = 10

There was a crow hanging out by the clearing. A big, fat black bird with obvious intelligence behind its beady little eyes. It had also proven remarkably adept at avoiding the slings and thrown darts of your followers - it kept its distance, lurking by the treeline, constantly eyeing up all the dead birds you'd scattered everywhere waiting for its opportunity to dart in and start eating.

When the gunshot went off the crow didn't even flinch.

That didn't make sense. This was a spectacularly wary bird but the loud noises didn't cause it even a ripple of trepidation. It kept its eyes squarely on Acid Rein, the pony standing watch over your followers, as she started to look around and panic. As far as the crow was concerned the only danger here was from the ponies.

Bivouacking in the field was not new to Sirocco, he'd done it countless times back before he'd earned his commission, and occasionally after. The ground was new though, a far cry from cloud tents and plentiful rations. Dirt, bugs, even the threat of rain, were unfamiliar obstacles. But his soldiers were good, and at least they didn't have anypony shooting at them.

BANG!

Well, that was short lived.

Old instincts had him wide awake and on his hooves before the second shot had even sounded. Before the sound had even faded, he was already out of his tent and looking towards the source of trouble. A lot of his soldiers had pitched tents in the same area of the woods and most of them were already reacting by grouping up and arming up. They knew the drills.

So did he. One of the first things he'd done here had been to organise a guard detail on the canyon, so what had managed to sneak past them? The volume of fire wasn't yet strong enough to indicate a major raid. But any shooting was already worrying the civilians.

[roll0]

> What is my enemy's true position?

You're going through this in your mind, in the seconds you have, and none of it makes sense. These attackers must have been able to slip by your picket line - somehow - and get up close to the camp. And now there have been two - BANG! - three gunshots but you can't see a muzzle flash or anything. The timing of the gunshots is strange too, one every few minutes. They're not exactly wanting for targets but that's a very slow rate of fire and coming from completely different directions each time -

I'm not f*cking with you, you made the roll, but this makes no sense at all from a military perspective. As far as you can tell you're dealing with an invisible, teleporting alien sniper with a musket and Celestia help you they didn't cover that in Basic.

> Which enemy is most vulnerable to me?

You have no idea. Until this thing opts to reveal itself it's basically invincible. Again, I'm not f*cking with you, but there's nothing out there you can see. EFS gives you nothing.

That's not stopping some squads starting to conduct recon by fire (i.e. spraying laser bolts around randomly to see what runs) but that's probably more likely to start forest fires than flush these guys out.

> What should I be on the Lookout for?

The panic. That you've got a clear lock on - literally everypony is freaking out like it's the end of the world again. This camp is going to be in shambles if this sh*t goes on and that could kill you as clean as that sharpshooter.

Balmas

2015-08-17, 10:57 PM

Thanqol

2015-08-17, 11:09 PM

Slick looked up from her work. The dam was unfinished, but nearly pristine. Or at least, it had been a day ago; now, garish warnings threatened vandals to keep out, that a horrible fate would meet anypony who wandered in. (And it was true; after all, Slick would have to put them on the list of naughty ponies, who didn't get presents or parties like good colts and fillies.)

"Now, who could that have been?" The pegasus put down her branch, and pushed off the lip of the incomplete edifice. There was chaos in camp as everyone scrambled to get away, or maybe get away with something. Slick narrowed her eyes, and tried to pick out who in the camp wasn't just running away. Who looked like they were shifty, edgy?

You could swear that you saw somepony you didn't recognise down there for a second. Which was crazy, you knew everypony, it must just be a weird angle or trick of the light something.

But who looks shifty is Twofeather, the old crook. He's standing around and ponies keep coming to him and running away from him, like he's running his own little network in the middle of the chaos. You watch two of his crew - Affluential and Faux Fire - grab Snowy Hooves, gag her, and shove a black bag over her head.

You're some way away from the camp and ponies are shooting lasers semi-randomly in all directions. What do you do?

the_druid_droid

2015-08-18, 01:27 AM

All right, you're snapping through the door into the chaos of the camp. Civilians running everywhere, cowering, heading away from the gunshots. Troopers are taking disciplined, careful shots out into the darkness, keeping in cover and avoiding wasting ammo while they can't see the target. There's Sarge over there, looking tired and drunk but commanding, shouting that he saw something on the top of a nearby hill. He's trying to get together some soldiers to help him assault it. What do you do?

Silver banked toward the half-dead stallion, pulling up into a neat landing beside him. Sarge's wasn't a face he liked seeing, but personal sentiment could wait. They were all on the same side for now, and anyway the old salt had paid his tab.

"If you're looking for warm bodies, I got a few. Give us five minutes to get around the hill, and we'll have a run at whoever's up there. Try to catch them in the middle, yeah?"

BlasTech

2015-08-18, 01:47 AM

> What is my enemy's true position?

You're going through this in your mind, in the seconds you have, and none of it makes sense. These attackers must have been able to slip by your picket line - somehow - and get up close to the camp. And now there have been two - BANG! - three gunshots but you can't see a muzzle flash or anything. The timing of the gunshots is strange too, one every few minutes. They're not exactly wanting for targets but that's a very slow rate of fire and coming from completely different directions each time -

I'm not f*cking with you, you made the roll, but this makes no sense at all from a military perspective. As far as you can tell you're dealing with an invisible, teleporting alien sniper with a musket and Celestia help you they didn't cover that in Basic.

> Which enemy is most vulnerable to me?

You have no idea. Until this thing opts to reveal itself it's basically invincible. Again, I'm not f*cking with you, but there's nothing out there you can see. EFS gives you nothing.

That's not stopping some squads starting to conduct recon by fire (i.e. spraying laser bolts around randomly to see what runs) but that's probably more likely to start forest fires than flush these guys out.

> What should I be on the Lookout for?

The panic. That you've got a clear lock on - literally everypony is freaking out like it's the end of the world again. This camp is going to be in shambles if this sh*t goes on and that could kill you as clean as that sharpshooter.

Growling, Sirocco snatched up a nearby headset. They'd found a few after the fall, and doled them out appropriately. The squad leaders and any soldier who was wearing their power armour would be able to hear him.

"All squads, this is Command Actual. Cease Fire. Cease Fire. Cease Fire." he ordered. "Whatever's out there is trying to bait out a response, so let's not give it to them by shooting somepony who doesn't deserve it."

"Squads, hold position. I want any casualty reports to Captain Sleet, now." he finished.

Muting his microphone, he strode out from the encampment, trying to project an aura of being in control.

"Alright everypony. CALM DOWN!"

[[roll0] Rolling hot: Trying to get the crowd to calm down.]

Elanorin

2015-08-18, 03:29 AM

Starstruck leapt to her hooves in an instant after the very first shot echoed through the camp. By the second shot she was already gathering her weapons and making for the nearest window. She set up her crystal rifle and took sight through her cross hairs at the chaos outside.

She'd only just negotiated her new position at Cloud 9 last night but was already grateful for having had a dry spot to sleep tonight, she didn't feel anywhere near as cold and achy as she had the night before. This cover might not be all that bad, even Quicksilver was a pretty bearable sort.

Growling, Sirocco snatched up a nearby headset. They'd found a few after the fall, and doled them out appropriately. The squad leaders and any soldier who was wearing their power armour would be able to hear him.

"All squads, this is Command Actual. Cease Fire. Cease Fire. Cease Fire." he ordered.

Starstruck sighed at the cease fire order coming through. She'd never even removed her armour last night and received the order loud and clear. Fine. She took her rifle out from the window and reluctantly shouldered it as well as her other weapons; she was not about to leave anything behind.

Starstruck emerged in to the chaos through the Cloud 9 front doors, she immediately spread her wings wide and took to the sky. She scanned the scene and spotted Silver over with Sarge. She altered her course to join them but kept her eyes open for Lt Haze as she went. When she reached the two stallions she dove to the ground and her usual hard landing, slamming hooves in to the ground.

"Need a hoof?" she asked, looking at Sarge and Silver, her face serious. Starstruck didn't share Silver's opinion of Sarge, in fact she quite liked him. She saw something of herself there.

Thanqol

2015-08-18, 03:42 AM

Silver banked toward the half-dead stallion, pulling up into a neat landing beside him. Sarge's wasn't a face he liked seeing, but personal sentiment could wait. They were all on the same side for now, and anyway the old salt had paid his tab.

"If you're looking for warm bodies, I got a few. Give us five minutes to get around the hill, and we'll have a run at whoever's up there. Try to catch them in the middle, yeah?"

"There's no time for that!" yelled Sarge. "Go now! Now!"

Starstruck sighed at the cease fire order coming through. She'd never even removed her armour last night and received the order loud and clear. Fine. She took her rifle out from the window and reluctantly shouldered it as well as her other weapons; she was not about to leave anything behind.

Starstruck emerged in to the chaos through the Cloud 9 front doors, she immediately spread her wings wide and took to the sky. She scanned the scene and spotted Silver over with Sarge. She altered her course to join them but kept her eyes open for Lt Haze as she went. When she reached the two stallions she dove to the ground and her usual hard landing, slamming hooves in to the ground.

"Need a hoof?" she asked, looking at Sarge and Silver, her face serious. Starstruck didn't share Silver's opinion of Sarge, in fact she quite liked him. She saw something of herself there.

"Back me up!" Sarge yelled and galloped straight up the hill, laying down suppressive fire with his laser rifle as he went. If he'd heard the order to stand down he didn't care.

Growling, Sirocco snatched up a nearby headset. They'd found a few after the fall, and doled them out appropriately. The squad leaders and any soldier who was wearing their power armour would be able to hear him.

"All squads, this is Command Actual. Cease Fire. Cease Fire. Cease Fire." he ordered. "Whatever's out there is trying to bait out a response, so let's not give it to them by shooting somepony who doesn't deserve it."

"Squads, hold position. I want any casualty reports to Captain Sleet, now." he finished.

Muting his microphone, he strode out from the encampment, trying to project an aura of being in control.

"Alright everypony. CALM DOWN!"

[[roll0] Rolling hot: Trying to get the crowd to calm down.]

You straight do not have the force of personality to order a rioting mob to calm down. Sorry, but you don't. You can't even make yourself heard. You can either threaten them with no-sh*t physical violence, riot police style, which might make them panic worse, or you can find the pony who does have that ability - Rattle Tail. You know, the mentally unhinged political prisoner who spent all day killing birds. The one who might have set them off in the first place.

There's still laser fire being laid down nearby, somepony is disobeying your order and pretty soon that's going to spread.

Balmas

2015-08-18, 04:05 AM

Slick scowled, then quickly fixed the smile back on her face. She'd had run-ins with Twofeather. He was a crafty one, that pony, and firmly in the naughty camp. Nothing that she'd been able to put in a report, but she knew. And right now, she was probably the only one to have seen it.

Go get Starry? Maybe, but there wasn't enough time. Which meant--joy of joys--she got to have a little fun.

The pegasus landed, and poked her head over Twofeather's shoulder. Like right over, so close that a breath could ruffle his fur. "Enjoying your morning?"

Elanorin

2015-08-18, 05:10 AM

"Back me up!" Sarge yelled and galloped straight up the hill, laying down suppressive fire with his laser rifle as he went. If he'd heard the order to stand down he didn't care.

With a sharp nod Starstruck was off in to the air again, covering Sarge from above, rifle in hoof. She wasn't about to waste ammunition by firing blindly but she was ready to take down anything posing a threat to the advance up the hill.

Deadly

2015-08-18, 09:18 AM

There was a crow hanging out by the clearing. A big, fat black bird with obvious intelligence behind its beady little eyes. It had also proven remarkably adept at avoiding the slings and thrown darts of your followers - it kept its distance, lurking by the treeline, constantly eyeing up all the dead birds you'd scattered everywhere waiting for its opportunity to dart in and start eating.

When the gunshot went off the crow didn't even flinch.

That didn't make sense. This was a spectacularly wary bird but the loud noises didn't cause it even a ripple of trepidation. It kept its eyes squarely on Acid Rein, the pony standing watch over your followers, as she started to look around and panic. As far as the crow was concerned the only danger here was from the ponies.

Oh ho.

Rattle Tail saluted the wise crow with a wingtip and dropped down from her hideout, landing next to her daughter. She wrapped a tender wing around the other pony's shoulders and pointed a hoof to guide her eyes. "Follow the birds," she whispered. "Think like the birds. Have we anything to fear that birds do not?"

BlasTech

2015-08-18, 06:23 PM

You straight do not have the force of personality to order a rioting mob to calm down. Sorry, but you don't. You can't even make yourself heard. You can either threaten them with no-sh*t physical violence, riot police style, which might make them panic worse, or you can find the pony who does have that ability - Rattle Tail. You know, the mentally unhinged political prisoner who spent all day killing birds. The one who might have set them off in the first place.

There's still laser fire being laid down nearby, somepony is disobeying your order and pretty soon that's going to spread.

Yeah, I can't see the ex-political prisoner being Sirocco's first port of call. So that left him here, with something at least making the noise of gunfire around them, a bunch of rioting civilians in front, and the sound of laser fire still going off in the near distance.

Well, that wasn't a great sign. Everything this morning seemed to be custom made to try to piss him off. But he wasn't playing that game. He'd been around long enough to know that you back the calls of troops in the field, at least when your only intel is the inside of a command tent, well back from the front.

"I want a Sitrep from whoever is still under fire." he said, signalling the nearby soldiers to form up on him. "Major Spot, do we have any casualty reports in yet?"

the_druid_droid

2015-08-18, 11:58 PM

"There's no time for that!" yelled Sarge. "Go now! Now!"

"Damned idiot drunk!" Silver shouted, but the crowd swallowed his protest.

With no time to organize, he motioned for his crew to follow up the hill, and thanked his lucky stars somepony with half a brain was covering them. He glanced up quickly toward Starstruck and nodded, then turned his attention to the hill, looking it over as best he could while covering ground.

Just what was up there?

[Any chance to roll Sharp here, or are we moving in too fast?]

Thanqol

2015-08-19, 12:20 AM

"Damned idiot drunk!" Silver shouted, but the crowd swallowed his protest.

With no time to organize, he motioned for his crew to follow up the hill, and thanked his lucky stars somepony with half a brain was covering them. He glanced up quickly toward Starstruck and nodded, then turned his attention to the hill, looking it over as best he could while covering ground.

Just what was up there?

[Any chance to roll Sharp here, or are we moving in too fast?]

There was no opportunity to assess the situation right now. It was an advance - time when the grunts remembered what they learned in Basic and went on instinct.

With a sharp nod Starstruck was off in to the air again, covering Sarge from above, rifle in hoof. She wasn't about to waste ammunition by firing blindly but she was ready to take down anything posing a threat to the advance up the hill.

Sarge moved like a real soldier, textbook and perfect. He advanced rapidly up the side of the hill, rapidly jumping from cover to cover, laying down heavy suppressive fire with his laser rifle. He bawled commands at the Chain Gang as they rolled up alongside him, shouted directions to Starstruck as he went. Even though he was indeed a damned idiot drunk, taking and holding a hill was in his very bones. He could have done this blindfolded and on fire. It was impressive.

Unfortunately - and this is a word that breaks my heart to use - the damned idiot drunk thing was true and this entire operation was chasing a shadow. A group of sleepy, scared and unprepared soldiers were advancing uphill through slippery mud and freezing weather at night laying down heavy fire at an imaginary enemy. It was an endeavour doomed from the start.

Quicksilver, roll +Sharp. 10+ choose three, 7-9 choose two:
- You keep your guys together, nopony gets lost
- You conserve your ammunition
- Nopony gets injured
- You keep Sirroco's troops from getting involved in the same mess

Starstruck, you should roll +HX to assist as well.

Yeah, I can't see the ex-political prisoner being Sirocco's first port of call. So that left him here, with something at least making the noise of gunfire around them, a bunch of rioting civilians in front, and the sound of laser fire still going off in the near distance.

Well, that wasn't a great sign. Everything this morning seemed to be custom made to try to piss him off. But he wasn't playing that game. He'd been around long enough to know that you back the calls of troops in the field, at least when your only intel is the inside of a command tent, well back from the front.

"I want a Sitrep from whoever is still under fire." he said, signalling the nearby soldiers to form up on him. "Major Spot, do we have any casualty reports in yet?"

"Casualties coming in sir," said Spot Check, glancing up from his radio. "Beta squad had a weapons malfunction that severely injured two ponies. Delta reports two ponies collided in mid-air and have concussions. Gamma reports coming under fire from civilians - the main fighting seems to be coming from Hill-04, Sarge is leading an assault in that direction."

Slick scowled, then quickly fixed the smile back on her face. She'd had run-ins with Twofeather. He was a crafty one, that pony, and firmly in the naughty camp. Nothing that she'd been able to put in a report, but she knew. And right now, she was probably the only one to have seen it.

Go get Starry? Maybe, but there wasn't enough time. Which meant--joy of joys--she got to have a little fun.

The pegasus landed, and poked her head over Twofeather's shoulder. Like right over, so close that a breath could ruffle his fur. "Enjoying your morning?"

Twofeather was an uncommon sort in that he was a lifetime civilian. No military training, no intelligence training, no government work. His reaction was really clumsy by most standards - he spun around, more slowly than he used to be able to, in a way that wouldn't have protected him at all. After he got his hooves under him and oriented towards Slick Talk and took the time to assess the situation he became more measured. "How can I help you, officer?" he said with a studied, practised neutrality.

Oh ho.

Rattle Tail saluted the wise crow with a wingtip and dropped down from her hideout, landing next to her daughter. She wrapped a tender wing around the other pony's shoulders and pointed a hoof to guide her eyes. "Follow the birds," she whispered. "Think like the birds. Have we anything to fear that birds do not?"

Acid Rein had a good habit: Whenever anypony said anything to her she stopped, thought, and didn't say anything until she was sure she had an answer. After a few seconds she'd composed herself and come up with something she was sure of. "The crow hopes our distraction will let it steal something from us. Should we use the camp's distraction to steal something of our own?"

Balmas

2015-08-19, 01:28 AM

Thanqol

2015-08-19, 02:20 AM

Balmas

2015-08-19, 02:34 AM

[roll0] (tenchars) Ah hell.

Deadly

2015-08-19, 04:16 AM

Acid Rein had a good habit: Whenever anypony said anything to her she stopped, thought, and didn't say anything until she was sure she had an answer. After a few seconds she'd composed herself and come up with something she was sure of. "The crow hopes our distraction will let it steal something from us. Should we use the camp's distraction to steal something of our own?"

Rattle Tail considered both the answer and the question. She liked the answer. "Do we know of anything they have that we ought to steal?" she asked in turn. "Or are you proposing we grab what we can and see what we get?"

BlasTech

2015-08-19, 10:54 PM

"Casualties coming in sir," said Spot Check, glancing up from his radio. "Beta squad had a weapons malfunction that severely injured two ponies. Delta reports two ponies collided in mid-air and have concussions. Gamma reports coming under fire from civilians - the main fighting seems to be coming from Hill-04, Sarge is leading an assault in that direction."

"So three squads pinned down by nothing more than panic, and only one area of actual fighting?" he replied, skeptically. "Tactically, this all makes no sense for anything other than distracting us. I wouldn't be surprised if, once we hunt down the source of those gunshots, all we find are remote speakers or guns that had been set up to timers."

"Get medics to Beta's location, I want those ponies taken care of and tell Delta to get back to the Cirrostratus to regroup. Gamma is to disengage if possible, but their squad leader is authorised to make a demonstration of force if he can't get out safely. Avoid civilian casualties if possible, but if not ... I'll understand." he ordered, grimly.

All of Sirocco's instincts were saying that he was being played. But to what end?

[Open your mind?]

Elanorin

2015-08-20, 01:56 PM

With no time to organize, he motioned for his crew to follow up the hill, and thanked his lucky stars somepony with half a brain was covering them. He glanced up quickly toward Starstruck and nodded, then turned his attention to the hill, looking it over as best he could while covering ground.

Sarge moved like a real soldier, textbook and perfect. He advanced rapidly up the side of the hill, rapidly jumping from cover to cover, laying down heavy suppressive fire with his laser rifle. He bawled commands at the Chain Gang as they rolled up alongside him, shouted directions to Starstruck as he went. Even though he was indeed a damned idiot drunk, taking and holding a hill was in his very bones. He could have done this blindfolded and on fire. It was impressive.

Unfortunately - and this is a word that breaks my heart to use - the damned idiot drunk thing was true and this entire operation was chasing a shadow. A group of sleepy, scared and unprepared soldiers were advancing uphill through slippery mud and freezing weather at night laying down heavy fire at an imaginary enemy. It was an endeavour doomed from the start.

Quicksilver, roll +Sharp. 10+ choose three, 7-9 choose two:
- You keep your guys together, nopony gets lost
- You conserve your ammunition
- Nopony gets injured
- You keep Sirroco's troops from getting involved in the same mess

Starstruck, you should roll +HX to assist as well.

Starstruck noticed Silver's acknowledgment and flew to cover him as well as Sarge, a lack of clear targets made it less of a challenge to cover them both. In fact, there was a surprising lack of targets. Every darkness in the corner of her eye turned out to be nothing more than a shadow in the night. She aimed her rifle this way and that but found nothing to shoot. What was going on?!

"This isn't making any sense!" Starstruck called down from the sky. "I don't see anything!"

[Rolling to Assist Quicksilver: 2d6+3=11]

Thanqol

2015-08-20, 06:06 PM

"No," giggled Slick. "How can I help you? You're not panicking, and I like that! What've you got going on? And how can your friends in Stars Above help you?" She stared at him appraisingly, eyes wide in anticipation.

"Am I being detained, officer?" said Twofeather, eminently polite. His politeness was backed up by some subtle shifts in the crowd - there were suddenly several ponies standing around, gripping military-grade laser rifles, looking nonchalant in the way that mobsters did.

"Or is officer the right word?" asked Twofeather. "After all, the government which you swore to defend has dissolved. A lot of ponies are looking for new employment opportunities."

Rattle Tail considered both the answer and the question. She liked the answer. "Do we know of anything they have that we ought to steal?" she asked in turn. "Or are you proposing we grab what we can and see what we get?"

"There are books - robes, gavels, things - that belong to a pony called Juris Doctor. He's a judge, and has the last set of legal stuff in the world," said Acid Rein thoughtfully. "If we burn his books then that will get rid of the last fragment of Enclave law, Enclave legitimacy. Otherwise it'll grow back."

"So three squads pinned down by nothing more than panic, and only one area of actual fighting?" he replied, skeptically. "Tactically, this all makes no sense for anything other than distracting us. I wouldn't be surprised if, once we hunt down the source of those gunshots, all we find are remote speakers or guns that had been set up to timers."

"Get medics to Beta's location, I want those ponies taken care of and tell Delta to get back to the Cirrostratus to regroup. Gamma is to disengage if possible, but their squad leader is authorised to make a demonstration of force if he can't get out safely. Avoid civilian casualties if possible, but if not ... I'll understand." he ordered, grimly.

All of Sirocco's instincts were saying that he was being played. But to what end?

[Open your mind?]

It's open your brain, open your brain to the world's psychic maelstrom.

The distinction is important, I think, because opening your brain implies a physicality to the action you might not get otherwise.

So before you make the roll I want you to explain how you go about doing something as weird opening your brain and tell me about what the world's psychic maelstrom is. Simple battlefield instincts aren't enough, that's sharp. This has to be something that somepony else would look at and say, "Commander Sirocco, that's f*cking weird."

the_druid_droid

2015-08-21, 12:33 AM

Starstruck noticed Silver's acknowledgment and flew to cover him as well as Sarge, a lack of clear targets made it less of a challenge to cover them both. In fact, there was a surprising lack of targets. Every darkness in the corner of her eye turned out to be nothing more than a shadow in the night. She aimed her rifle this way and that but found nothing to shoot. What was going on?!

"This isn't making any sense!" Starstruck called down from the sky. "I don't see anything!"

[Rolling to Assist Quicksilver: 2d6+3=11]

"No kidding, we're chasing ghosts!" Silver flicked his wings up and out in a clipped signal to the Chain Gangers.

"Hold up boys, there's no sense wasting time and money here. There's not anything to find up that hill." His voice was rough with exhaustion and frustration, but as the words left him something uncoiled in Silver's chest. He still had nightmares about Thunderhead Station, and thank the stars this muddy little knoll wouldn't be joining that sick highlight reel tonight.

The stallion lifted off from the damp grass and hovered over toward Starstruck. "Okay, this is your territory. We have unknown assailants and need intel to sort this situation out before everypony really loses control. See anything in that crystal scope of yours?"

[Choosing: Nopony gets lost, conserve ammo, nopony gets hurt.

Sirocco's men are Sirocco's problem.]

Thanqol

2015-08-21, 12:45 AM

"No kidding, we're chasing ghosts!" Silver flicked his wings up and out in a clipped signal to the Chain Gangers.

"Hold up boys, there's no sense wasting time and money here. There's not anything to find up that hill." His voice was rough with exhaustion and frustration, but as the words left him something uncoiled in Silver's chest. He still had nightmares about Thunderhead Station, and thank the stars this muddy little knoll wouldn't be joining that sick highlight reel tonight.

The stallion lifted off from the damp grass and hovered over toward Starstruck. "Okay, this is your territory. We have unknown assailants and need intel to sort this situation out before everypony really loses control. See anything in that crystal scope of yours?"

[Choosing: Nopony gets lost, conserve ammo, nopony gets hurt.

Sirocco's men are Sirocco's problem.]

The entire line lurches forwards, nearly twenty ponies advancing to help cover Sarge even as the Chain Gang grinds to a halt. The sudden stop and then reversal of the armed civilians throws the entire advance into chaos, squad leaders torn between supporting Sarge and getting cover. One squad surges ahead to the top of the hill, takes it, and then stands there fully exposed like a flock of geese, gawking in all directions. Everypony is out of position, covered in mud, and if there was a real attacker up there they'd all be easy pickings -

But it could be much, much worse. That had been was an unscheduled live-fire training exercise in the middle of the night in unfamiliar territory in conditions of impaired visibility. Ponies could die during those.

There was another gunshot, further away this time, and suddenly everypony hit the deck and scanned desperately for contacts. Still no sign of hostiles.

Elanorin

2015-08-21, 03:29 AM

The entire line lurches forwards, nearly twenty ponies advancing to help cover Sarge even as the Chain Gang grinds to a halt. The sudden stop and then reversal of the armed civilians throws the entire advance into chaos, squad leaders torn between supporting Sarge and getting cover. One squad surges ahead to the top of the hill, takes it, and then stands there fully exposed like a flock of geese, gawking in all directions. Everypony is out of position, covered in mud, and if there was a real attacker up there they'd all be easy pickings -

But it could be much, much worse. That had been was an unscheduled live-fire training exercise in the middle of the night in unfamiliar territory in conditions of impaired visibility. Ponies could die during those.

There was another gunshot, further away this time, and suddenly everypony hit the deck and scanned desperately for contacts. Still no sign of hostiles.

Starstruck watched the disorganised chaos on the ground. It was almost embarrassing to see Sarge charge on while Quicksilver thought better of it. She shook her head and lowered her rifle a little.

"This is just such a royal clusterf*ck," she muttered darkly to herself.

The stallion lifted off from the damp grass and hovered over toward Starstruck. "Okay, this is your territory. We have unknown assailants and need intel to sort this situation out before everypony really loses control. See anything in that crystal scope of yours?"

"I need more altitude," Starstruck said, set the rifle to her shoulder again and flew a little higher to get a better vantage point and view over the chaos below.

[Rolling to Read A Sitch: 2d6+1=12 Who's in control here? Which enemy is the biggest threat? Where's my best escape route?]

Thanqol

2015-08-21, 04:52 AM

Starstruck watched the disorganised chaos on the ground. It was almost embarrassing to see Sarge charge on while Quicksilver thought better of it. She shook her head and lowered her rifle a little.

"This is just such a royal clusterf*ck," she muttered darkly to herself.

"I need more altitude," Starstruck said, set the rifle to her shoulder again and flew a little higher to get a better vantage point and view over the chaos below.

[Rolling to Read A Sitch: 2d6+1=12 Who's in control here? Which enemy is the biggest threat? Where's my best escape route?]

> Who's in control here?

F*cking nobody, dude. Conceptually it's Sirocco but he's holed up in his command tent not doing anything helpful. The only ponies who really seem to have their sh*t together overall are Rattle Tail and Twofeather, and that's by the sole grace of not panicking (and they're civilians, besides).

> Which enemy is the biggest threat?

BANG - another gunshot, close up this time, sending another volley of return fire from the entrenched troopers. Those guys are f*cking all over the place, you have no idea how they're getting around like that. But they're less of a threat than the panic, and the biggest danger that the panic is causing is civilians getting scattered and perhaps getting lit up by friendly fire.

> Where's my best escape route?

If you gotta bail, the best place to hole up would be one of the buildings on the rim of the canyon. There's a gas station, and further along a mystery shack and a couple of tourist traps that'd be good cover, good vantage points, and might have supplies worth scavenging.

Elanorin

2015-08-21, 06:17 AM

> Who's in control here?

F*cking nobody, dude. Conceptually it's Sirocco but he's holed up in his command tent not doing anything helpful. The only ponies who really seem to have their sh*t together overall are Rattle Tail and Twofeather, and that's by the sole grace of not panicking (and they're civilians, besides).

> Which enemy is the biggest threat?

BANG - another gunshot, close up this time, sending another volley of return fire from the entrenched troopers. Those guys are f*cking all over the place, you have no idea how they're getting around like that. But they're less of a threat than the panic, and the biggest danger that the panic is causing is civilians getting scattered and perhaps getting lit up by friendly fire.

> Where's my best escape route?

If you gotta bail, the best place to hole up would be one of the buildings on the rim of the canyon. There's a gas station, and further along a mystery shack and a couple of tourist traps that'd be good cover, good vantage points, and might have supplies worth scavenging.

Starstruck threw a glance in the direction of her Plan B but then turned to face Qucksilver once more.

"There's just nothing there. None of this is making any kind of sense, I wouldn't be surprised if this is all in our heads. One thing is clear though; everything's going to be trampled to the ground any minute, including Cloud 9. I can't stop this panic, nor can I find a hostile to kill, but I might be able to make sure your place stays standing until sunrise."

Deadly

2015-08-21, 03:28 PM

"There are books - robes, gavels, things - that belong to a pony called Juris Doctor. He's a judge, and has the last set of legal stuff in the world," said Acid Rein thoughtfully. "If we burn his books then that will get rid of the last fragment of Enclave law, Enclave legitimacy. Otherwise it'll grow back."

Rattle Tail scratched her chin with a wingtip. "In with the new, out with the old, aye. The Enclave failed, we cannot be mired in old illusions now. Good call, let's do it."

the_druid_droid

2015-08-22, 12:53 AM

Starstruck threw a glance in the direction of her Plan B but then turned to face Qucksilver once more.

"There's just nothing there. None of this is making any kind of sense, I wouldn't be surprised if this is all in our heads. One thing is clear though; everything's going to be trampled to the ground any minute, including Cloud 9. I can't stop this panic, nor can I find a hostile to kill, but I might be able to make sure your place stays standing until sunrise."

The sheer absurdity of so many military ponies slogging through the mud in the middle of the night chasing down an assault force of wraiths was starting to get to Silver. He could feel a mad urge to just lie back and laugh at how tremendously screwed they all were. He bit it back with the help of his training, but there was brittle black humor in his voice when he spoke.

"Let's go with that, then. I did terrible things for that bar rail, Starstruck. Terrible things. I want it to at least see the morning."

Balmas

2015-08-22, 01:11 AM

"Am I being detained, officer?" said Twofeather, eminently polite. His politeness was backed up by some subtle shifts in the crowd - there were suddenly several ponies standing around, gripping military-grade laser rifles, looking nonchalant in the way that mobsters did.

"Or is officer the right word?" asked Twofeather. "After all, the government which you swore to defend has dissolved. A lot of ponies are looking for new employment opportunities."

Slick smiled broadly. "Not unless you think there's probably cause for you to be detained," she giggled. "And I'm not sure what would make you think you're being detained when I'm offering to help. Though of course, that could change at any instant if somepony doesn't play their cards right. I can't help but think that having all those laser rifles go off at once would call down the wrath of the entire camp on the pony responsible, which would be disastrous for anyone trying to get set up."

She paused, and tapped her chin. "Just a thought."

Thanqol

2015-08-22, 04:24 AM

Rattle Tail scratched her chin with a wingtip. "In with the new, out with the old, aye. The Enclave failed, we cannot be mired in old illusions now. Good call, let's do it."

"Let's do it," said Acid Rein, quickly leading the way.

The rest of Rattle Tail's followers got together as she went, moving quickly and confidently through the panic. Acid Rein pointed out the tent in question. Juris Doctor was sitting on a pile of his books, polishing his spectacles with his wing-feathers and gripping a plasma pistol uncomfortably in his mouth. You've got maybe ten ponies behind you, how do you do this?

Starstruck threw a glance in the direction of her Plan B but then turned to face Qucksilver once more.

"There's just nothing there. None of this is making any kind of sense, I wouldn't be surprised if this is all in our heads. One thing is clear though; everything's going to be trampled to the ground any minute, including Cloud 9. I can't stop this panic, nor can I find a hostile to kill, but I might be able to make sure your place stays standing until sunrise."

The sheer absurdity of so many military ponies slogging through the mud in the middle of the night chasing down an assault force of wraiths was starting to get to Silver. He could feel a mad urge to just lie back and laugh at how tremendously screwed they all were. He bit it back with the help of his training, but there was brittle black humor in his voice when he spoke.

"Let's go with that, then. I did terrible things for that bar rail, Starstruck. Terrible things. I want it to at least see the morning."

Back to the bar, back to Cloud 9. What's it like? What's it like now, at this time of night?

Slick smiled broadly. "Not unless you think there's probably cause for you to be detained," she giggled. "And I'm not sure what would make you think you're being detained when I'm offering to help. Though of course, that could change at any instant if somepony doesn't play their cards right. I can't help but think that having all those laser rifles go off at once would call down the wrath of the entire camp on the pony responsible, which would be disastrous for anyone trying to get set up."

She paused, and tapped her chin. "Just a thought."

"You're right, the laser rifles would cause too much noise," said Twofeather, and suddenly Slick was hit from behind, thrown and pinned to the ground by two ponies, black bag shoved over her head. "Put her with the rest," Twofeather snapped, and Slick Talk found herself being dragged away to Celestia-knows-where. Take 1-harm as well for your troubles.

Balmas

2015-08-22, 05:36 AM

Thanqol

2015-08-22, 05:44 AM

I'm going to assume that from where I am, I can get at least a hoof on one of the ponies dragging me away, right? And that means they're right in the space where I can get inside their mind, wouldn't you agree?

Firstly, tell me what your Violation Glove actually looks like? I do not accept any answers that boil down to 'ordinary glove', it has to look like a Violation Glove. Also tell me what happens when you go someone with it - does a tentacle stab into their brain and start making changes, does it electrocute them violently while it wipes their mind, what? Is it custom made for you or is it uniform for your department? Remember that this is a nasty, high-tech piece of hardware designed to intimidate.

No matter what looks like these guys are wise to it (is that normal?) and they like to think they're not taking any chances - you can probably stick one anyway, though, if you move harder than they expect. You want to do this roll Seize By Force, with 'take definite hold' being zapping someone with the Violation Glove.

Balmas

2015-08-22, 06:06 AM

Firstly, tell me what your Violation Glove actually looks like? I do not accept any answers that boil down to 'ordinary glove', it has to look like a Violation Glove. Also tell me what happens when you go someone with it - does a tentacle stab into their brain and start making changes, does it electrocute them violently while it wipes their mind, what? Is it custom made for you or is it uniform for your department? Remember that this is a nasty, high-tech piece of hardware designed to intimidate.

Think of what you'd get if you started with a joy buzzer and amped it up with freaky mind magic. It hums audibly even when turned off, like what you get when you're standing under a powerline. When it's about to be used, though, it hisses and crackles, lightning arcing around it like some kind of electric fist. Subtle if you don't know about it, but pants-crappingly scary when it's in your face.

No matter what looks like these guys are wise to it (is that normal?) and they like to think they're not taking any chances - you can probably stick one anyway, though, if you move harder than they expect. You want to do this roll Seize By Force, with 'take definite hold' being zapping someone with the Violation Glove.

Definitely not normal, I'll tell you that. This is a highly specialized bit of tech, after all, tailored to helping me do my job. There are probably half as many in existence as there are ponies with freaky voodoo mind**** powers. (Discounting Unicorns, of course, but we don't deal with them a lot, do we?) The only ponies who should know how these things work is if there's another pony using it on them.

Gimme some details. Is this happening right in front of Twofeather, as they're dragging me away, as they're coming to grab me?

Thanqol

2015-08-22, 06:14 AM

Think of what you'd get if you started with a joy buzzer and amped it up with freaky mind magic. It hums audibly even when turned off, like what you get when you're standing under a powerline. When it's about to be used, though, it hisses and crackles, lightning arcing around it like some kind of electric fist. Subtle if you don't know about it, but pants-crappingly scary when it's in your face.

Cool, I like it.

Definitely not normal, I'll tell you that. This is a highly specialized bit of tech, after all, tailored to helping me do my job. There are probably half as many in existence as there are ponies with freaky voodoo mind**** powers. (Discounting Unicorns, of course, but we don't deal with them a lot, do we?) The only ponies who should know how these things work is if there's another pony using it on them.

And yet, these guys are wise to it and they're not giving you the opening you should by rights have. Shouldn't happen! Somepony must have been talking. That's not nice. That's not allowed.

Gimme some details. Is this happening right in front of Twofeather, as they're dragging me away, as they're coming to grab me?

So basically what's gonna happen is that they're gonna pin you, bag you, take your gun, and drag you away to somewhere. They're in too much of a rush, or maybe too afraid, to try and pull the glove off now (I don't want to touch it, do you want to touch it?) but they're moving around like they expect it to bite them.

If you struggle, buck, squirm and put up a big fight at any point - right now in front of Twofeather, or later once they're further away, or even when they're locking you up in the wherever-the-f*ck - there'll be enough limbs going everywhere for you to get a solid hit on somepony with the Glove. It's not something you can do subtle, though - this is going to be a big brawl where somepony gets zapped in the chaos. You might even kill somepony in the process - you're trained for sh*t like this if that's how you want to play it.

BlasTech

2015-08-22, 08:28 AM

It's open your brain, open your brain to the world's psychic maelstrom.

The distinction is important, I think, because opening your brain implies a physicality to the action you might not get otherwise.

So before you make the roll I want you to explain how you go about doing something as weird opening your brain and tell me about what the world's psychic maelstrom is. Simple battlefield instincts aren't enough, that's sharp. This has to be something that somepony else would look at and say, "Commander Sirocco, that's f*cking weird."

The maelstrom is the chaos from which order can be drawn. It is sight, it is sound, it is the beautiful cacophony of life given form. Above all though, it is the magic that links the pony race - to their talents, and each other.

For a Pegasus, their inherent connection to the maelstrom is in wind and weather. Through things that fly, or things that float upon the breeze.

For Sirocco, it's through music.

He doesn't know that this is what he's doing, only that music sometimes helps him understand things, helps him pull a pattern from the maelstrom - whether it be the enemy's plan, or a better understanding of a pony.

He'd saved the gramaphone from his office during the fall. It's probably one of the last ones out here now, but it still works. Turning away from the assembled troops, he reached for the needle and flipped it on.

[roll0]

Deadly

2015-08-22, 04:05 PM

"Let's do it," said Acid Rein, quickly leading the way.

The rest of Rattle Tail's followers got together as she went, moving quickly and confidently through the panic. Acid Rein pointed out the tent in question. Juris Doctor was sitting on a pile of his books, polishing his spectacles with his wing-feathers and gripping a plasma pistol uncomfortably in his mouth. You've got maybe ten ponies behind you, how do you do this?

"Poor guy is so worked up," Rattle Tail whispered to her followers. "Let's put him at ease. Let's sing him a song to put all his worries to rest."

She directed them to encircle the tent, as if standing guard around it - much like Sirocco's ponies might have done to safeguard his tent if they weren't busy bumbling around hunting phantoms in the woods.

She took the lead, closing her eyes, gently rocking back and forth on her hooves while whispering softly the words of a song on the wind. Her followers joined the notes, voices weaving through the night around the tent and its inhabitant, telling him not to worry for all was well.

[Going to use Augury to insert information into the Maelstrom, namely that there's nothing to worry about, the books are safe and under guard by Sirocco's ponies. The idea is to lull him into a dreamlike state where he - and anyone else who may be around - believes this as if it was any other fact, and thus he will go to rest and sleep soundly, thinking all is well. Basically, make it seem to all the world like his tent really is guarded and all is fine. Then we sneak in and slip away with the books right under his nose.

Sound good? Also, is this whole mission acting on Insight?]

the_druid_droid

2015-08-22, 11:43 PM

Back to the bar, back to Cloud 9. What's it like? What's it like now, at this time of night?

"Easy folks, it's me." Quicksilver came through the door gently, not wanting any of the bar's watchdogs to take his head off by accident; with things getting so crazy outside, some nervous tension was bound to leak through those clapboard walls.

Even so, the moment all four hooves made contact with the threadbare rug, Silver felt his hackles start to lie down. That was the thing about Cloud 9 - no matter what the bulbous conglomerate of waste lumber, scrap metal and cored-out personal transports might look like on the outside, inside was always a different story. The experience varied from pony to pony, but never was quite what they thought it would be from the outside looking in. It was a little like a movie set, really - not because of the lights or the music or the stage, but because there was something malleable in the atmosphere. If you look too close at any film's backdrop, it'll start to unravel, but while you're focused on the action, the magic creeps up on you and it can whisk you away to anywhere, to any time.

So Quicksilver didn't really mind the mosquitoes or the sounds of combat that made it inside. Right now, the tables were empty and bottles of nameless liquors glinted dimly against a blackened mirror, but in his head, he could see and hear what the place would become with a little love; couples swaying under dimmed lights, cool jazz and hot conversation swirling around on smoky air while coins trickled into the register with a metallic sigh. It was a little slice of heaven, a safe haven on the shores of night, a place to call his own.

Thanqol

2015-08-23, 03:12 AM

The maelstrom is the chaos from which order can be drawn. It is sight, it is sound, it is the beautiful cacophony of life given form. Above all though, it is the magic that links the pony race - to their talents, and each other.

For a Pegasus, their inherent connection to the maelstrom is in wind and weather. Through things that fly, or things that float upon the breeze.

For Sirocco, it's through music.

He doesn't know that this is what he's doing, only that music sometimes helps him understand things, helps him pull a pattern from the maelstrom - whether it be the enemy's plan, or a better understanding of a pony.

He'd saved the gramaphone from his office during the fall. It's probably one of the last ones out here now, but it still works. Turning away from the assembled troops, he reached for the needle and flipped it on.

[roll0]

All around you there they move, ten thousand spirits, ten thousand lesser evils.

Gods and demons high and low, brushing up against tongues, plugging into sockets, speaking into brains. Predators. Hunters. Tricksters. Hungry, hungry.

The grounders build shrines to them. They build statues. They choose the gods they like the most and arm them to fight off the others. They leave great monuments in the canyon and sanctify them with blood and bone.

Without statues, without temples, without acts of devotion and sacrifice you will be at risk. You will be at risk from every evil spirit and devilish presence that chooses to haunt you.

You do not have the vocabulary of religion, but you do have the vocabulary of sacrifice. They will accept a little willingly given in exchange for much forcefully taken.

"Poor guy is so worked up," Rattle Tail whispered to her followers. "Let's put him at ease. Let's sing him a song to put all his worries to rest."

She directed them to encircle the tent, as if standing guard around it - much like Sirocco's ponies might have done to safeguard his tent if they weren't busy bumbling around hunting phantoms in the woods.

She took the lead, closing her eyes, gently rocking back and forth on her hooves while whispering softly the words of a song on the wind. Her followers joined the notes, voices weaving through the night around the tent and its inhabitant, telling him not to worry for all was well.

[Going to use Augury to insert information into the Maelstrom, namely that there's nothing to worry about, the books are safe and under guard by Sirocco's ponies. The idea is to lull him into a dreamlike state where he - and anyone else who may be around - believes this as if it was any other fact, and thus he will go to rest and sleep soundly, thinking all is well. Basically, make it seem to all the world like his tent really is guarded and all is fine. Then we sneak in and slip away with the books right under his nose.

Sound good? Also, is this whole mission acting on Insight?]

Your folks don't have Insight because you blew the Fortunes roll. This is just them after Judgement.

The Augury sounds good! Tell me, though, what memory or thing are you inserting into the Maelstrom to leave the impression of peace and safety? What goes in there and who gives it up?

"Easy folks, it's me." Quicksilver came through the door gently, not wanting any of the bar's watchdogs to take his head off by accident; with things getting so crazy outside, some nervous tension was bound to leak through those clapboard walls.

Even so, the moment all four hooves made contact with the threadbare rug, Silver felt his hackles start to lie down. That was the thing about Cloud 9 - no matter what the bulbous conglomerate of waste lumber, scrap metal and cored-out personal transports might look like on the outside, inside was always a different story. The experience varied from pony to pony, but never was quite what they thought it would be from the outside looking in. It was a little like a movie set, really - not because of the lights or the music or the stage, but because there was something malleable in the atmosphere. If you look too close at any film's backdrop, it'll start to unravel, but while you're focused on the action, the magic creeps up on you and it can whisk you away to anywhere, to any time.

So Quicksilver didn't really mind the mosquitoes or the sounds of combat that made it inside. Right now, the tables were empty and bottles of nameless liquors glinted dimly against a blackened mirror, but in his head, he could see and hear what the place would become with a little love; couples swaying under dimmed lights, cool jazz and hot conversation swirling around on smoky air while coins trickled into the register with a metallic sigh. It was a little slice of heaven, a safe haven on the shores of night, a place to call his own.

Alright, so you're in, you're safe, and your people are looking to you for orders. What do you tell them?

Balmas

2015-08-23, 04:15 AM

So basically what's gonna happen is that they're gonna pin you, bag you, take your gun, and drag you away to somewhere. They're in too much of a rush, or maybe too afraid, to try and pull the glove off now (I don't want to touch it, do you want to touch it?) but they're moving around like they expect it to bite them.

If you struggle, buck, squirm and put up a big fight at any point - right now in front of Twofeather, or later once they're further away, or even when they're locking you up in the wherever-the-f*ck - there'll be enough limbs going everywhere for you to get a solid hit on somepony with the Glove. It's not something you can do subtle, though - this is going to be a big brawl where somepony gets zapped in the chaos. You might even kill somepony in the process - you're trained for sh*t like this if that's how you want to play it.

Well, I'd rather avoid killing anypony if I can. So I'm gonna wait until we get away from Twofeather before I start struggling. Way I see it, these ponies are much less likely to shoot me if Twofeather isn't there to give them the nod.

And hell. Really, all I wanted was to find out where they're taking Snowy. She's a jittery sort, one of those ponies who doesn't do well in tight spaces. I wanna say... twice removed? I'd have to actually check the books to be sure.

If I had the books. Dangit. That'll take some work, but I'm sure we can reassemble the records.

Anyway. I let myself be carried away, wincing a little as Nighty-Night gets stripped off me. Once we get out of ear-and-eyeshot, I wriggle around and see if I can't clip the shock buzzer against somepony near me. Somepony with a big gun would be nice.

Seize By Force: [roll0]
Let's go for Take Definite Hold and Impress, Dismay, and Frighten.

Thanqol

2015-08-23, 04:33 AM

Well, I'd rather avoid killing anypony if I can. So I'm gonna wait until we get away from Twofeather before I start struggling. Way I see it, these ponies are much less likely to shoot me if Twofeather isn't there to give them the nod.

And hell. Really, all I wanted was to find out where they're taking Snowy. She's a jittery sort, one of those ponies who doesn't do well in tight spaces. I wanna say... twice removed? I'd have to actually check the books to be sure.

If I had the books. Dangit. That'll take some work, but I'm sure we can reassemble the records.

Anyway. I let myself be carried away, wincing a little as Nighty-Night gets stripped off me. Once we get out of ear-and-eyeshot, I wriggle around and see if I can't clip the shock buzzer against somepony near me. Somepony with a big gun would be nice.

Seize By Force: [roll0]
Let's go for Take Definite Hold and Impress, Dismay, and Frighten.

You can't see anything through the bag on your head but you hear yelping and screaming as you cram your buzzer against somepony's skull. Then there's a loud whine and a ZAP as somepony shoots you in the back with a laser rifle. That's 3-harm - they don't have any less lethal options.

"Celestia's teat! Why the hell isn't she tied up!?"

"Do you want to tie her? I don't want to tie her!"

"Did she get Apple Cart with that thing? Is he all right?"

You did indeed get Apple Cart with that thing, roll In-Brain Puppet Strings and plant a command to see how he's doing. The plus side is that by spooking them so bad they're not going to question Apple Cart if he's acting strange all of a sudden. What's it like Brainering somepony?

The minus side is that laser rifles are agonising, incapacitatingly painful. Have you ever been shot before? Either way, with a 12 on the harm move you're out of action.

Elanorin

2015-08-23, 03:57 PM

"Easy folks, it's me." Quicksilver came through the door gently, not wanting any of the bar's watchdogs to take his head off by accident; with things getting so crazy outside, some nervous tension was bound to leak through those clapboard walls.

Even so, the moment all four hooves made contact with the threadbare rug, Silver felt his hackles start to lie down. That was the thing about Cloud 9 - no matter what the bulbous conglomerate of waste lumber, scrap metal and cored-out personal transports might look like on the outside, inside was always a different story. The experience varied from pony to pony, but never was quite what they thought it would be from the outside looking in. It was a little like a movie set, really - not because of the lights or the music or the stage, but because there was something malleable in the atmosphere. If you look too close at any film's backdrop, it'll start to unravel, but while you're focused on the action, the magic creeps up on you and it can whisk you away to anywhere, to any time.

So Quicksilver didn't really mind the mosquitoes or the sounds of combat that made it inside. Right now, the tables were empty and bottles of nameless liquors glinted dimly against a blackened mirror, but in his head, he could see and hear what the place would become with a little love; couples swaying under dimmed lights, cool jazz and hot conversation swirling around on smoky air while coins trickled into the register with a metallic sigh. It was a little slice of heaven, a safe haven on the shores of night, a place to call his own.

Starstruck returned to Cloud 9 along with Quicksilver. She glanced his way as he started talking to his crew but she stepped aside to one of the windows where she took position and watched the mayhem outside, rifle at the ready should any threat appear.

She shook her head a little at the chaos, she'd been sucked in to it too, but now, looking at it through a window, it was lunacy out there. Saying that, there was one pony she was very much on the lookout for; Lt Haze.

[+Sharp?]

Deadly

2015-08-23, 05:23 PM

Your folks don't have Insight because you blew the Fortunes roll. This is just them after Judgement.

The Augury sounds good! Tell me, though, what memory or thing are you inserting into the Maelstrom to leave the impression of peace and safety? What goes in there and who gives it up?

This old badge Rattle Tail had kept from one of her old loves, a guard named Shelly (well, not his real name, but that was the only name his friends used; and oh did it make him delightfully gloomy). Night Rain probably never liked that she kept it anyway, but Rattle Tail had a way of holding on to things she knew hadn't had their time yet; if this was the time to burn the past, what better symbol to bring to the flames than this? The badge represented protection, and letting it go brought peace.

She turned it in her hoof as she held it up. Perhaps it would even find its former owner somewhere. Who knew.

Augury: 1+3+3 = 7

It’ll persist (for a while) without my actively maintaining it.

BlasTech

2015-08-23, 10:45 PM

All around you there they move, ten thousand spirits, ten thousand lesser evils.

Gods and demons high and low, brushing up against tongues, plugging into sockets, speaking into brains. Predators. Hunters. Tricksters. Hungry, hungry.

The grounders build shrines to them. They build statues. They choose the gods they like the most and arm them to fight off the others. They leave great monuments in the canyon and sanctify them with blood and bone.

Without statues, without temples, without acts of devotion and sacrifice you will be at risk. You will be at risk from every evil spirit and devilish presence that chooses to haunt you.

You do not have the vocabulary of religion, but you do have the vocabulary of sacrifice. They will accept a little willingly given in exchange for much forcefully taken.

It was true. He didn't really speak religion. He did speak sacrifice.

He also spoke predator. And the first thing you should do if something is hunting you, is show it that you have teeth.

"Major, get two squads on me." he ordered, flicking off the gramophone. "We're doing a recon by force. Keep the command post warm for us when we get back."

Once they were ready, he gave the signal, and took to the sky with his troops trailing behind him.

Balmas

2015-08-23, 10:57 PM

You did indeed get Apple Cart with that thing, roll In-Brain Puppet Strings and plant a command to see how he's doing. The plus side is that by spooking them so bad they're not going to question Apple Cart if he's acting strange all of a sudden. What's it like Brainering somepony?

Slick writhed, the bag restricting her flow of air as she turned, flailed, and--- connected! The world dropped away, even as her side burned and an acrid stench filtered through the rough burlap.

She travels, sitting motionless in a neverending sea of stars. Lines of music string together the points of gold and silver; they form nexuses, disconnect and reconnect seemingly at random, forming patterns. Faces--loved ones?--hover in every corner, of which there are none. They spring up, snarl, smile, and then they are gone, they have never existed. Smaller lights form scenes, like a pointilistic tapestry in shades of stardust against a field of azure and octarine.

It is lonely here. She is strange, unnatural, a trespasser. No chords tie her to suns, link her to moons and planets. This mind is uneasy; while it does not reject her, it is uneasy, as a skittery goat about to flee an unknown predator.

She stands. There are strong ties, here, laced with gold harmony and backed by octaves the depth of the sky. Family, no doubt. The strongest chords are not visible, thrumming in the background in a basso profondo chorus.

She does not touch these. These are sacred, holy, core to all that is a pony. However, the smaller ones, the flute tones and marimbas. They are light, an accomaniment. She takes a handful of arias, and twists, knots them up, and releases them back into the song.

The grand song faded. In her heart, Slick resented it. Now, there was pain, burning, shouting. She grimaced, and allowed the pain to take her.

Thanqol

2015-08-23, 11:05 PM

Starstruck returned to Cloud 9 along with Quicksilver. She glanced his way as he started talking to his crew but she stepped aside to one of the windows where she took position and watched the mayhem outside, rifle at the ready should any threat appear.

She shook her head a little at the chaos, she'd been sucked in to it too, but now, looking at it through a window, it was lunacy out there. Saying that, there was one pony she was very much on the lookout for; Lt Haze.

[+Sharp?]

No need for a roll. There was Lt. Haze, professional and patient and waiting for Sirocco by his tent. While she was unobserved she kept glancing upwards at the stars, a curiously religious seeming gesture that Starstruck hadn't seen from her often.

This old badge Rattle Tail had kept from one of her old loves, a guard named Shelly (well, not his real name, but that was the only name his friends used; and oh did it make him delightfully gloomy). Night Rain probably never liked that she kept it anyway, but Rattle Tail had a way of holding on to things she knew hadn't had their time yet; if this was the time to burn the past, what better symbol to bring to the flames than this? The badge represented protection, and letting it go brought peace.

She turned it in her hoof as she held it up. Perhaps it would even find its former owner somewhere. Who knew.

Augury: 1+3+3 = 7

It’ll persist (for a while) without my actively maintaining it.

The badge shifted, changed, warped - and lodged itself in the soul of Juris Doctor. Strange signs and markings surrounded him, plucking at his bedraggled ancient feathers. His white curled wig dropped from his head, revealing his bare mane - and there a third eye opened on the crest of his brow. It looked out at the world with peace and compassion and forgiveness, and the old judge smiled a beatific smile even as Acid Rein shoved him to the ground and began grabbing his books.

He kept smiling from his place on the ground, half-soaked in mud, third eye staring.

It was true. He didn't really speak religion. He did speak sacrifice.

He also spoke predator. And the first thing you should do if something is hunting you, is show it that you have teeth.

"Major, get two squads on me." he ordered, flicking off the gramophone. "We're doing a recon by force. Keep the command post warm for us when we get back."

Once they were ready, he gave the signal, and took to the sky with his troops trailing behind him.

Immediately outside, teams Delta and Sigma were on him. Lt. Haze was there, crisp and ready and gathered - far too professional to speak without being addressed but clearly with something on her mind. Probably not urgent or military, though, she'd been a little fey ever since coming down here.

Either way, in short order Sirocco had twenty armed ponies behind him looking for guidance.

Thanqol

2015-08-24, 02:57 AM

The grand song faded. In her heart, Slick resented it. Now, there was pain, burning, shouting. She grimaced, and allowed the pain to take her.

"Atch nein do you not understand how valuable this brain is to me?" she heard a voice, heavily German accented, saying. "Simpletons! Away! Let me do my work."

She came to inside a party. Well, there were bars too, but why should a prison be gloomy? I mean, it wasn't a super great party because you would have had to do something pretty not-nice to wind up in prison but we're going to fix all that soon so really why not celebrate?

The broader building was like a police station run by the Joker's hyperactive daughter. There were brilliant smiling pictures everywhere, balloons and confetti plastered over decrepit ancient computers. There was an entire wall covered in disembodied hooves - no, wait, they were just gloves, but creepy ones - an array of unsettling, malevolent, cheerful prototype Violation Gloves. There was an enormous spidery machine hanging from the ceiling, clustered around a large comfy chair that a pony - Blue Angel - was strapped into. As Slick watched a suction cup was pressed up against his ear, there was a loud WHUMP sound, and somehow his brain - his entire brain, completely unharmed by passing through a vessel a sixteenth of its width - was sucked clean out of his head and dumped into a large sphere filled with bright blue fluid and constant bubbling. The pony in the chair went limp.

"Aha, she is awake!" said an enthusiastic voice coming from a pegasus pony in a labcoat crossed with biker leathers, highlighted with bright pink and finished with a bright smile. Her cutie mark was burned off with a brand of a lightning bolt and one of her wings was badly malformed. She came around to stand close to the bars of Slick's cage, forgetting the pony in the chair. "Ah, my friends, look at her brain. It is such a marvel, is it not? Can you not hear it pulse and hum with potential?" it wasn't clear who he was talking to. World Champion, Feathersoft and Apple Cart were all standing around on guard - she could feel the hold she had on Apple Cart, she just had to give the sign and he'd act - but they were looking weirded out as much as anything. "But forgive me, I must introduce myself! I am Positive Reinforcement, and I am a great admirer of your work."

BlasTech

2015-08-24, 07:52 PM

Immediately outside, teams Delta and Sigma were on him. Lt. Haze was there, crisp and ready and gathered - far too professional to speak without being addressed but clearly with something on her mind. Probably not urgent or military, though, she'd been a little fey ever since coming down here.

Either way, in short order Sirocco had twenty armed ponies behind him looking for guidance.

"Okay ponies. Keep formations tight. We're doing a circuit of the camp, starting with the food stores." he ordered. "Look sharp, and call out anything that looks beyond normal for a panicked mob in the dark."

Suiting actions to words, he took to wing, leading the wedge of troops away into the night sky.

"Something on your mind, Lieutenant?" he asked Haze, once they were all airborne.

the_druid_droid

2015-08-25, 12:55 AM

Alright, so you're in, you're safe, and your people are looking to you for orders. What do you tell them?

"Easy folks, it's just me." Quicksilver entered the bar slowly, hooves slightly raised, so his own guard ponies wouldn't take his head off.

"I'm not gonna lie, it's crazy out there, and you probably figured that much. But the only thing we need to worry about is that no crazy gets in here. Just like I promised all of you, this is our new home - no bars, no wardens, and no past to hold us back."

"Now if this new home got torn down the day after we finished building it, well, I'd be pretty pissed. How about you?" Silver grinned, and danger flickered in his eyes.

"So here's what we'll do. Our independent security contractor, Miss Starstruck," Silver indicated the armor-clad pegasus with a wing, "has some ideas on how best to survive until morning. I say we hear her out and let Sirocco deal with the mess in his new town. The only mess we worry about is whatever gets in here."

That was that. Whoever the shooter might be, they didn't seem to be targeting specific ponies, as nearly as Silver could tell. And anyway, he'd spent his share of nights drifting off to the faraway pops of gunfire; one more was just a statistic. As long as nopony got funny ideas about looting, things would be just fine in Cloud 9.

Thanqol

2015-08-25, 01:21 AM

"Okay ponies. Keep formations tight. We're doing a circuit of the camp, starting with the food stores." he ordered. "Look sharp, and call out anything that looks beyond normal for a panicked mob in the dark."

Suiting actions to words, he took to wing, leading the wedge of troops away into the night sky.

"Something on your mind, Lieutenant?" he asked Haze, once they were all airborne.

Nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing. The gunshots still came irregularly - sometimes clustered, sometimes distant, sometimes none at all - but there was no sign of hostile fire, no sign of movement, no sign of muzzle flashes. The only thing to look at were the multiple brush fires in burned out trees and burning shrubbery, torn apart by heavy laser fire.

The camp was still a mess and civilians where everywhere, getting in the way of his flight lines and scattered all about. The food stores were a good first stop; there was a crowd of civilians nearby being stared down by a professional squad of soldiers. The soldiers had shown eminent discipline in holding fire in the face of the mob but they were enormously glad to be relieved. The moment Sirocco showed up with twenty extra ponies the crowd immediately started to back off.

"Sir, I do not think we are actually under attack," said Lt. Haze. "I do not even think those sounds are gunshots."

"Easy folks, it's just me." Quicksilver entered the bar slowly, hooves slightly raised, so his own guard ponies wouldn't take his head off.

"I'm not gonna lie, it's crazy out there, and you probably figured that much. But the only thing we need to worry about is that no crazy gets in here. Just like I promised all of you, this is our new home - no bars, no wardens, and no past to hold us back."

"Now if this new home got torn down the day after we finished building it, well, I'd be pretty pissed. How about you?" Silver grinned, and danger flickered in his eyes.

"So here's what we'll do. Our independent security contractor, Miss Starstruck," Silver indicated the armor-clad pegasus with a wing, "has some ideas on how best to survive until morning. I say we hear her out and let Sirocco deal with the mess in his new town. The only mess we worry about is whatever gets in here."

That was that. Whoever the shooter might be, they didn't seem to be targeting specific ponies, as nearly as Silver could tell. And anyway, he'd spent his share of nights drifting off to the faraway pops of gunfire; one more was just a statistic. As long as nopony got funny ideas about looting, things would be just fine in Cloud 9.

Just as Quicksilver finished his speech the ground by the entrance, covered in frost, began to bulge. Ponies jumped back, aiming guns down at it, fearing an attack from below the earth -

BANG

The ground popped like a balloon. Mud splattered everywhere. Underneath was a thin layer of ice.

They were not under attack. They'd never been under attack. The ponies of the Enclave were, in fact, experiencing a frostquake (http://gizmodo.com/it-was-so-cold-in-canada-the-ground-exploded-1496252183). A sudden drop in temperature was freezing the water below the surface into ice so suddenly that it split the ground with a loud explosion.

Learn something every day.

BlasTech

2015-08-25, 08:15 PM

Nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing. The gunshots still came irregularly - sometimes clustered, sometimes distant, sometimes none at all - but there was no sign of hostile fire, no sign of movement, no sign of muzzle flashes. The only thing to look at were the multiple brush fires in burned out trees and burning shrubbery, torn apart by heavy laser fire.

The camp was still a mess and civilians where everywhere, getting in the way of his flight lines and scattered all about. The food stores were a good first stop; there was a crowd of civilians nearby being stared down by a professional squad of soldiers. The soldiers had shown eminent discipline in holding fire in the face of the mob but they were enormously glad to be relieved. The moment Sirocco showed up with twenty extra ponies the crowd immediately started to back off.

"Sir, I do not think we are actually under attack," said Lt. Haze. "I do not even think those sounds are gunshots."

"You might be right." replied Sirocco, as he stared down the crowd. "That said, I almost hope that we are actually under attack. Otherwise, it just means all this panic, wasted ammo and damage, has been for nothing."

"... have to wonder how many ponies died tonight, jumping at shadows." he finished, shaking his head.

"Come on, this palce looks like it's calming down. Let's continue the sweep. If we don't find anything, then at least we can get the troops to stand down and get a decent night's sleep."

Thanqol

2015-08-25, 08:43 PM

"You might be right." replied Sirocco, as he stared down the crowd. "That said, I almost hope that we are actually under attack. Otherwise, it just means all this panic, wasted ammo and damage, has been for nothing."

"... have to wonder how many ponies died tonight, jumping at shadows." he finished, shaking his head.

"Come on, this place looks like it's calming down. Let's continue the sweep. If we don't find anything, then at least we can get the troops to stand down and get a decent night's sleep."

"Five hundred microfusion cells wasted!" yelled Spot Check, slamming his hoof into the table. "Fifteen civilians and two military personnel lost in the wilderness! Five minor injuries and one critical condition! Six laser rifles damaged, four more lost or destroyed! The bill grows and somepony must be held responsible!"

It was dawn. Spot Check was furious. His pedantic, persnicketty nature had him making spreadsheets and keeping inventory ever since he landed and he was incensed at the loss of materiel.

"And the only thing attacking us was some frozen mud! Not that you'd know it from the actions of Sargent Sarge Protector who lead a unit on an assault of an unoccupied hill, breaking formation and position and even recruiting civilians to do so! His wilful disregard for orders, failure to remain in communication with Central and drunken behaviour must be punished! And new regulations and standards enacted!"

Spot Check was getting quite red in the face, but managed to restrain himself. He'd directed the entire rant at his rival, Snarky Clouds, being too observant of regulations to challenge Sirocco directly. Snarky Clouds, as much as she didn't like being yelled at, wasn't disagreeing.

Balmas

2015-08-25, 10:24 PM

"Aha, she is awake!" said an enthusiastic voice coming from a pegasus pony in a labcoat crossed with biker leathers, highlighted with bright pink and finished with a bright smile. Her cutie mark was burned off with a brand of a lightning bolt and one of her wings was badly malformed. She came around to stand close to the bars of Slick's cage, forgetting the pony in the chair. "Ah, my friends, look at her brain. It is such a marvel, is it not? Can you not hear it pulse and hum with potential?" it wasn't clear who he was talking to. World Champion, Feathersoft and Apple Cart were all standing around on guard - she could feel the hold she had on Apple Cart, she just had to give the sign and he'd act - but they were looking weirded out as much as anything. "But forgive me, I must introduce myself! I am Positive Reinforcement, and I am a great admirer of your work."

Slick grinned. "It's always good to be appreciated, but I can't remember ever sucking out somepony's brain like that before. How's that work? Is she still alive?"

the_druid_droid

2015-08-26, 12:30 AM

Just as Quicksilver finished his speech the ground by the entrance, covered in frost, began to bulge. Ponies jumped back, aiming guns down at it, fearing an attack from below the earth -

BANG

The ground popped like a balloon. Mud splattered everywhere. Underneath was a thin layer of ice.

They were not under attack. They'd never been under attack. The ponies of the Enclave were, in fact, experiencing a frostquake (http://gizmodo.com/it-was-so-cold-in-canada-the-ground-exploded-1496252183). A sudden drop in temperature was freezing the water below the surface into ice so suddenly that it split the ground with a loud explosion.

Learn something every day.

Quicksilver looked down at the mud. Out at the darkness full of rampaging ponies. Back to the mud.

Then he laughed. Long and loud and just a little unhinged. When he finally regained his composure, Silver gestured to the frozen hole with a wingtip.

"There you have it, folks. There's Charlie. Reports of his strength appear to have been greatly exaggerated. Now let's get some shuteye. Tomorrow's a long day."

With that, Silver flopped into the nearest hammock and slowly drifted off to sleep, still giggling softly now and then as the panic and tension finally drained out of his chest. What a night...

***

What a day!

The final preparations had been incredible, ponies flying in and out and around the bar at all hours, laden with all manner of things from dust cloths to a mostly-intact chandelier. Everything that could be begged, borrowed or stolen from town was there, along with all the food, clothes and tableware they would need to kick things off properly.

Outside, above the entrance, hung a hazard-orange 'Grand Opening' banner, while the first basso notes of "Summertime" leaked from the open doorway. Inside, the twins were stationed at the bar, wearing matching vests and glittering smiles, while Ace waited patiently at his post by the door and Silver wore a million-bit smile as his hoof tapped along to the melody weaving through the club.

They were here. This was real. Nothing could stop them now.

Elanorin

2015-08-26, 02:08 AM

Quicksilver looked down at the mud. Out at the darkness full of rampaging ponies. Back to the mud.

Then he laughed. Long and loud and just a little unhinged. When he finally regained his composure, Silver gestured to the frozen hole with a wingtip.

"There you have it, folks. There's Charlie. Reports of his strength appear to have been greatly exaggerated. Now let's get some shuteye. Tomorrow's a long day."

With that, Silver flopped into the nearest hammock and slowly drifted off to sleep, still giggling softly now and then as the panic and tension finally drained out of his chest. What a night...

***

What a day!

The final preparations had been incredible, ponies flying in and out and around the bar at all hours, laden with all manner of things from dust cloths to a mostly-intact chandelier. Everything that could be begged, borrowed or stolen from town was there, along with all the food, clothes and tableware they would need to kick things off properly.

Outside, above the entrance, hung a hazard-orange 'Grand Opening' banner, while the first basso notes of "Summertime" leaked from the open doorway. Inside, the twins were stationed at the bar, wearing matching vests and glittering smiles, while Ace waited patiently at his post by the door and Silver wore a million-bit smile as his hoof tapped along to the melody weaving through the club.

They were here. This was real. Nothing could stop them now.

Starstruck had remained at her post for another hour or so after the nature of the threat had revealed itself, keeping an eye on the frenzy as it gradually died down, but no trouble came to Cloud 9 and she eventually went back to sleep, head cuddled on her rifle.

*

She had allowed herself a little more of a late morning than usual due to the adventures during the night, so when Starstruck eventually emerged she felt rested, bright-eyed and most of all dry. She paused to watch the final preparations inside come together, ponies bustling back and forth, glass being polished and untidiness squared away. Say what you want about Quicksilver but he clearly had a vision for this place and she was starting to see what that was, she liked it. She genuinely liked this place, and it took some effort not to let the rhythm of the music dictate the pace of her steps as she headed outside musing on the fact that she could not remember the last cover she'd had which she had enjoyed.

"I doubt you'll have much trouble on opening day," she commented to Quicksilver and straightened her amour and weapons a little. "I'd like to go by Sirocco's and see if I can catch any of the debrief from last night." She looked up at the banner and flinched a little at the bright colour in the sunlight. She blinked a few times to get the spots to clear from her vision.

Thanqol

2015-08-26, 02:35 AM

Slick grinned. "It's always good to be appreciated, but I can't remember ever sucking out somepony's brain like that before. How's that work? Is she still alive?"

"Oh yes. Better than alive in fact!" said Positive Reinforcement. Absently, she pressed a button and a small machine in the side of Slick's cell rattled and dispensed a hoof-full of jelly beans.

"You see, the brain," she said, darting over to tap the tank with the brain, "removed from its fleshy prison will find itself to exist unhindered. Pure thought - no messy biology, emotions, or glands to distract it! It floats happily in a compound made out of nutrients, mentats, and nice, soothing bubbles! Meanwhile the body runs on these!"

She picked up a pile of complicated machinery. "THE TESLA COILS!" she announced proudly. "The COILS of NIKOLA TESLA!! I just need to insert them into the pony's skull and -" she pressed the Tesla Coils up against the reverse of the plunger, there was a WHIR-THUMP, and all the machinery was sucked in through the air into Blue Angel's head. He coughed, sputtered, and looked up, lightning crackling around his ears.

"The brain, from my central repository here, transmits instructions through to the Tesla Coils and operates its own body like a puppet. Why, the benefits from this arrangement are almost limitless! I have already performed the Procedure on ten different ponies and released them back into their communities where they are integrating seamlessly!"

"Braaaains," said Blue Angel.

Positive Reinforcement turned around, smiled at him expectantly.

"Uhhhh..." he stared back blankly, "that... must taaaake... braaaaaaains."

"Yes!" said Positive Reinforcement, happily pressing a hoof-full of jelly beans to his mouth, which he ate. "Thank you! It is so nice to be appreciated!" she beamed. "There is a liiiittle lag from brain to body but nothing to worry about! What do you think?" she turned and smiled widely at Slick Talk.

What a day!

The final preparations had been incredible, ponies flying in and out and around the bar at all hours, laden with all manner of things from dust cloths to a mostly-intact chandelier. Everything that could be begged, borrowed or stolen from town was there, along with all the food, clothes and tableware they would need to kick things off properly.

Outside, above the entrance, hung a hazard-orange 'Grand Opening' banner, while the first basso notes of "Summertime" leaked from the open doorway. Inside, the twins were stationed at the bar, wearing matching vests and glittering smiles, while Ace waited patiently at his post by the door and Silver wore a million-bit smile as his hoof tapped along to the melody weaving through the club.

They were here. This was real. Nothing could stop them now.

A pegasus that Quicksilver didn't recognise was the first in line. Silver and dark blue with a flowery light blue dress that covered her cutie mark, she had a very strange air about her, and she was getting a lot of weird and impressed looks from those about her. She had a strange sort of presence, like a predator, but she didn't have a military air to her. "I don't have any money," she said politely to Quicksilver.

"That's a good point," said Ace, "Uh, boss? What do we take as payment?"

"I doubt you'll have much trouble on opening day," she commented to Quicksilver and straightened her amour and weapons a little. "I'd like to go by Sirocco's and see if I can catch any of the debrief from last night." She looked up at the banner and flinched a little at the bright colour in the sunlight. She blinked a few times to get the spots to clear from her vision.

Getting through to the command tent meant passing through the chaotic sprawl that was rapidly becoming the town's market. Enclave ponies were trying to adapt to a sudden imposition of a barter economy - and a few plaintive sorts were trying to argue that they were actually really quite rich it was just that their bank had been disintegrated really. But traffic was held up, there was a commotion right in the middle.

Standing on a bunch of smashed crates was Juris Doctor - that severe old judge pony who sometimes came in to discuss the legality of Stars Above missions. Ultra-high security clearance, one of the most respected ponies in the Enclave. All the ponies around him were staring at him as though he'd grown a third eye - which he had. He was standing tall and speaking to the crowd, "My friends! Enlightenment is within our grasp! The Highway of the Mind calls to every pony equally, if we but cast off the shackles of the heavens!"

So what do you do?

Deadly

2015-08-26, 04:15 AM

The badge shifted, changed, warped - and lodged itself in the soul of Juris Doctor. Strange signs and markings surrounded him, plucking at his bedraggled ancient feathers. His white curled wig dropped from his head, revealing his bare mane - and there a third eye opened on the crest of his brow. It looked out at the world with peace and compassion and forgiveness, and the old judge smiled a beatific smile even as Acid Rein shoved him to the ground and began grabbing his books.

He kept smiling from his place on the ground, half-soaked in mud, third eye staring.

Rattle Tail followed Acid Rein, dancing a jig on light and jolly hooves around the sleeping Juris, like some kind of sleepytime fairy. Finally, having completed this little act of random merriment, she kissed the old stallion goodnight, picked up a few of his books herself, and followed Acid Rein back out. Tonight's harvest was in the bag.

*

Waking up in her little outlook, high up in a tree, Rattle Tail stretched her limbs, donned her hat and smoothed her look, then spread her wings and soared out over the lands. Every morning she liked doing a quick rounds of the land from above, 'cause every day brought something new to see.

Thanqol

2015-08-26, 04:36 AM

*

Waking up in her little outlook, high up in a tree, Rattle Tail stretched her limbs, donned her hat and smoothed her look, then spread her wings and soared out over the lands. Every morning she liked doing a quick rounds of the land from above, 'cause every day brought something new to see.

Before she got far she saw wolves.

A dozen wolves. Huge and grey-furred and terrible, the size of a pony with fangs and claws. Her followers were standing by, frozen with terror. Not the 'loud noises! Let's run aimlessly!' impulse that had panicked them last night, this was deep, primordial terror that came with facing a predator. They were close, close enough to see the outlines of fangs and eyes filled with deep, deadly intelligence.

In the midst of the wolves stood five pegasus ponies - Cirrus, Sunflower, Bluebell, and two fillies she didn't know. They had been stripped of all their gear, had twigs and leaves in their manes, cuts and injuries, and all looked beyond terrified.

The black crow from the other day hopped forwards across the plain of dead birds.

"These five ponies for five of your birds, fair's fair!" it told her, hopping up onto the head of a dead hawk and bopping its head up and down. "Plus one more to me for negotiating the exchange, fair's fair!"

Elanorin

2015-08-26, 11:00 AM

Getting through to the command tent meant passing through the chaotic sprawl that was rapidly becoming the town's market. Enclave ponies were trying to adapt to a sudden imposition of a barter economy - and a few plaintive sorts were trying to argue that they were actually really quite rich it was just that their bank had been disintegrated really. But traffic was held up, there was a commotion right in the middle.

Standing on a bunch of smashed crates was Juris Doctor - that severe old judge pony who sometimes came in to discuss the legality of Stars Above missions. Ultra-high security clearance, one of the most respected ponies in the Enclave. All the ponies around him were staring at him as though he'd grown a third eye - which he had. He was standing tall and speaking to the crowd, "My friends! Enlightenment is within our grasp! The Highway of the Mind calls to every pony equally, if we but cast off the shackles of the heavens!"

So what do you do?

Starstruck's eyes widened for just a moment when she noticed Juris up on the crates preaching to the masses like some raving mad pony. She quickly looked over one shoulder, then the other, no good, far too many ponies looking, far too many eyes on him. This needed dealing with and it needed dealing with immediately.

She should probably have stopped to think about this, come up with some more diplomatic face-saving approach, but she didn't. Instinct took over and then she was in the air, cracking her whip, sending a loud crack of lightning in to the sky.

"Disperse!"

Starstruck then went straight for him, looking to smash straight in to Juris Doctor, knock him down, grab him in an iron grip and snatch him off, up, and out of public sight. She really didn't give a flying hell how much it may hurt either of them. He was coming off the streets now.

[Rolling to Seize Juris Doctor By Force: 2d6+3=10 Choosing to take definite hold, suffer little harm and impress/dismay/frighten enemy]

BlasTech

2015-08-26, 06:47 PM

"Five hundred microfusion cells wasted!" yelled Spot Check, slamming his hoof into the table. "Fifteen civilians and two military personnel lost in the wilderness! Five minor injuries and one critical condition! Six laser rifles damaged, four more lost or destroyed! The bill grows and somepony must be held responsible!"

It was dawn. Spot Check was furious. His pedantic, persnicketty nature had him making spreadsheets and keeping inventory ever since he landed and he was incensed at the loss of materiel.

"And the only thing attacking us was some frozen mud! Not that you'd know it from the actions of Sargent Sarge Protector who lead a unit on an assault of an unoccupied hill, breaking formation and position and even recruiting civilians to do so! His wilful disregard for orders, failure to remain in communication with Central and drunken behaviour must be punished! And new regulations and standards enacted!"

Spot Check was getting quite red in the face, but managed to restrain himself. He'd directed the entire rant at his rival, Snarky Clouds, being too observant of regulations to challenge Sirocco directly. Snarky Clouds, as much as she didn't like being yelled at, wasn't disagreeing.

"Thank you for the update, Major." said Sirocco, who calmly moved his mug of coffee away from the danger zone. "The expenditure and loss of equipment, while unfortunate, could not have been forseen. This is new territory to many of us, and we are all here stumbling in the dark."

"Miss Clouds, I'd like for you to do a canvas of base personnel and see if anypony has knowledge or experience that might be relevant to living on the ground. I'd suggest starting with Lt Haze, her team probably has the greatest concentration of frontline experience amongst the company."

"As for the Sargent" he continued, turning his gaze to the Major. "I will deal with him myself."

"My greatest concern right now is to do with the missing personnel and civilians. I want two squads ready in fifteen minutes for a search and rescue, weapons, supplies and rations for the day." he said, before allowing an edge to creep into his voice. "Sarge Protector's squad is to be one of them, and you can inform them that I will be taking personal command of it."

Taking over a squad like that was just short of a slap to the face for a squad leader like sarge. It was a clear message of 'you're on probation', and any soldier would know that it could be seen as the first step before demotion.

"Unless there are any further pressing issues, you two are dismissed."

Balmas

2015-08-26, 09:38 PM

"Yes!" said Positive Reinforcement, happily pressing a hoof-full of jelly beans to his mouth, which he ate. "Thank you! It is so nice to be appreciated!" she beamed. "There is a liiiittle lag from brain to body but nothing to worry about! What do you think?" she turned and smiled widely at Slick Talk.

Slick looked up from disassembling the dispenser. "It's a fascinating idea! All those lovely, pulsing bundles of nerves gathered in one place, like a row of little pink bears, quivering..." She licked her lips, and stared at the brain. "Shhh... It'll be okay, Slick is here to take care of you. Go to sleep."

Slick turned away to face the doctor. "I suppose the question to ask is, 'why?' What are the practical benefits to this? Besides having other peoples brains here, where they're safe, I suppose. The biggest problem is that of lag, and security. People in our brave military will be unable to fight as effectively if they must wait for the signals to arrive. And we would, of course, need to station guards to protect the Vault of the Mind..."

"Hmm." Slick tucked a hoof under her chin as she thought. "I recall reading about a pre-war invention called a Robobrain. We could use those, and have brains protecting themselves, as well as projecting commands to other ponies!

"Ten ponies? Anyone I know?" By now, she was thinking out loud, letting her hooves work by themselves.

"And of course, perhaps the biggest question: why such an elaborate plot to get me away? I can understand the cage, perhaps, since you do not know how I might act. I might surrender to my most primal of instincts, and fight blindly for my own survival! But surely a message would be more simple? Working with Twofeather, no doubt, but does he know? Slick is curious. And of course, we have you. A Da****e, but with a Stars Above background?"

the_druid_droid

2015-08-27, 12:45 AM

"I doubt you'll have much trouble on opening day," she commented to Quicksilver and straightened her amour and weapons a little. "I'd like to go by Sirocco's and see if I can catch any of the debrief from last night." She looked up at the banner and flinched a little at the bright colour in the sunlight. She blinked a few times to get the spots to clear from her vision.

"Stars above, but you're optimistic." Quicksilver flashed her a wry little grin, and waved goodbye with one wing.

"Good luck hacking through the bureaucracy!"

A pegasus that Quicksilver didn't recognise was the first in line. Silver and dark blue with a flowery light blue dress that covered her cutie mark, she had a very strange air about her, and she was getting a lot of weird and impressed looks from those about her. She had a strange sort of presence, like a predator, but she didn't have a military air to her. "I don't have any money," she said politely to Quicksilver.

"That's a good point," said Ace, "Uh, boss? What do we take as payment?"

Predatory. That was familiar enough, although it was the first time he'd seen a predator wearing a sun dress; he was more used to numbered jumpsuits. Then again, first times for everything, and all that.

"Well, if you mean bits, that's no problem. Seeing as the treasury which once insured those bits is now scattered around the countryside in several hundred pieces, I'm inclined to take a broader view of valuation." Silver's grin was infectious - he was possibly the happiest stallion in the apocalypse just at this moment.

"I'm sure we could strike a deal if you brought something to improve the atmosphere. A pretty bauble, a hard-to-find vintage, that sort of thing. Or you could bring talent - I'm not opposed to anypony singing for their supper, so long as they stay on key. We also take favors, and in some cases offer credit. Of course, our more generous packages are subject to collateral and interest."

"But let's not get distracted by details! You are Cloud 9's first official customer, and as a token of our appreciation, please have a drink on the house!" Silver led her over to the bar and nodded to the twins.

"Give me something strong. And for the lady?" He looked expectantly at the mystery mare.

Thanqol

2015-08-27, 03:33 AM

Starstruck's eyes widened for just a moment when she noticed Juris up on the crates preaching to the masses like some raving mad pony. She quickly looked over one shoulder, then the other, no good, far too many ponies looking, far too many eyes on him. This needed dealing with and it needed dealing with immediately.

She should probably have stopped to think about this, come up with some more diplomatic face-saving approach, but she didn't. Instinct took over and then she was in the air, cracking her whip, sending a loud crack of lightning in to the sky.

"Disperse!"

Starstruck then went straight for him, looking to smash straight in to Juris Doctor, knock him down, grab him in an iron grip and snatch him off, up, and out of public sight. She really didn't give a flying hell how much it may hurt either of them. He was coming off the streets now.

[Rolling to Seize Juris Doctor By Force: 2d6+3=10 Choosing to take definite hold, suffer little harm and impress/dismay/frighten enemy]

The crowd disperses in panicked confusion as you grab and extract the weakly struggling Juris Doctor from the situation. Simple but effective, nopony had time to react or process what was happening. You pull him away to the treeline, throw him against a tree, and he just slumps there and stares at you with an insanely calm smile on his face and peaceful look in his three eyes. He's not moving to resist you in any way, what do you do?

"Thank you for the update, Major." said Sirocco, who calmly moved his mug of coffee away from the danger zone. "The expenditure and loss of equipment, while unfortunate, could not have been forseen. This is new territory to many of us, and we are all here stumbling in the dark."

"Miss Clouds, I'd like for you to do a canvas of base personnel and see if anypony has knowledge or experience that might be relevant to living on the ground. I'd suggest starting with Lt Haze, her team probably has the greatest concentration of frontline experience amongst the company."

"As for the Sargent" he continued, turning his gaze to the Major. "I will deal with him myself."

"My greatest concern right now is to do with the missing personnel and civilians. I want two squads ready in fifteen minutes for a search and rescue, weapons, supplies and rations for the day." he said, before allowing an edge to creep into his voice. "Sarge Protector's squad is to be one of them, and you can inform them that I will be taking personal command of it."

Taking over a squad like that was just short of a slap to the face for a squad leader like sarge. It was a clear message of 'you're on probation', and any soldier would know that it could be seen as the first step before demotion.

"Unless there are any further pressing issues, you two are dismissed."

There was an impressed, subdued ripple through the tent. The Commander was taking to the field! Ponies hastened off to sharpen up their squads to parade ground standard and organise the preparation. There was real energy in everypony's behaviour, especially now that the blame didn't seem to be falling on them.

Sargent Sarge was standing outside the tent at attention, and he evidently had been for some time. He was keeping his jaw stiff, like he was trying to avoid crying, puffing out his chest and waiting for his punishment.

Sirocco's squad, Alpha, and team Sigma were lined up and at attention (missing Starstruck, though). Everypony was ready to fly on your command.

Slick looked up from disassembling the dispenser. "It's a fascinating idea! All those lovely, pulsing bundles of nerves gathered in one place, like a row of little pink bears, quivering..." She licked her lips, and stared at the brain. "Shhh... It'll be okay, Slick is here to take care of you. Go to sleep."

Slick turned away to face the doctor. "I suppose the question to ask is, 'why?' What are the practical benefits to this? Besides having other peoples brains here, where they're safe, I suppose. The biggest problem is that of lag, and security. People in our brave military will be unable to fight as effectively if they must wait for the signals to arrive. And we would, of course, need to station guards to protect the Vault of the Mind..."

"Hmm." Slick tucked a hoof under her chin as she thought. "I recall reading about a pre-war invention called a Robobrain. We could use those, and have brains protecting themselves, as well as projecting commands to other ponies!

"Ten ponies? Anyone I know?" By now, she was thinking out loud, letting her hooves work by themselves.

"And of course, perhaps the biggest question: why such an elaborate plot to get me away? I can understand the cage, perhaps, since you do not know how I might act. I might surrender to my most primal of instincts, and fight blindly for my own survival! But surely a message would be more simple? Working with Twofeather, no doubt, but does he know? Slick is curious. And of course, we have you. A Da****e, but with a Stars Above background?"

You're working on that machine while your mind is a-wandering. I reckon that's as dangerous as letting your pet bloodhound off the leash so it can sniff around the park. Celestia knows what it'll come back with. Roll to Open Your Brain, and tell me a little bit about your relationship with mechanical things.

Positive Reinforcement politely kept quiet while Slick was chattering away, working instead on unstrapping Blue Angel from the machinery and sending him on his way up the stairs. "Very good questions! I'd give you more jellybeans but you broke my machine," she said, looking a bit disappointed at that. "There's a simple mistake though, I guess it makes sense when you consider what your job is. I'm not getting all these brains together to protect them or because I have some sort of plan, oh Celestia no! They're going to come up with the plan. I'm just going to keep giving them brainpower until they've got enough!

"Frankly, I have no idea what they're going to do!" she said, voice overflowing with excitement. She popped a Mentat, and rolled her eyes in delight, possibilities exploding behind her eyes.

"I didn't ask for you special," she said. "Twofeather just grabbed you because he could. Oh, he's a brute! I could get so much more done if you were in charge of things up there. What do you think?"

"I'm sure we could strike a deal if you brought something to improve the atmosphere. A pretty bauble, a hard-to-find vintage, that sort of thing. Or you could bring talent - I'm not opposed to anypony singing for their supper, so long as they stay on key. We also take favors, and in some cases offer credit. Of course, our more generous packages are subject to collateral and interest."

She reached into a saddlebag and put a jar of eyeballs on the table. Well now. Always the quiet ones.

"But let's not get distracted by details! You are Cloud 9's first official customer, and as a token of our appreciation, please have a drink on the house!" Silver led her over to the bar and nodded to the twins.

"Give me something strong. And for the lady?" He looked expectantly at the mystery mare.

"Vodka. With orange juice. And a straw," she said politely.

Balmas

2015-08-27, 04:23 AM

You're working on that machine while your mind is a-wandering. I reckon that's as dangerous as letting your pet bloodhound off the leash so it can sniff around the park. Celestia knows what it'll come back with. Roll to Open Your Brain, and tell me a little bit about your relationship with mechanical things.

Not really sure what there is to tell. It's always been my inclination to take things apart, whether that thing is a specimen for dissection or a troublesome bit of technology. (Putting them back together is neither here nor there, fortunately.) There are some people that seem like they can just touch a thing and know what's wrong with it; me, I gotta pull it apart, get into its inner workings, dive into the code. There's something soothing about working with your hooves, just letting your mind wander. So this entire brain-sucking thingamajigger? Super interesting. Maybe when we're done, I can decipher how it works.

Reminds me, I need to go talk to Spanner, and see if I can't manage to talk him out of a toolset; I lost mine in the fall, and there's only so much you can do with twigs.

[roll0] Jackdammit.

"I didn't ask for you special," she said. "Twofeather just grabbed you because he could. Oh, he's a brute! I could get so much more done if you were in charge of things up there. What do you think?"

"I think you're right," Slick chuckled, fishing out a jellybean from the dispenser and tossing it towards the doctor. "If nothing else, it offers a touch of legitimacy to this operation. Way I see it, you don't just need a lot of brains--you need brains that can work together. Harmonize, if you'll allow me to borrow the imagery of a choir. Has Twofeather undergone the operation? He may be... resentful, to say the least, if I come in and replace him as your main liaison with the surface. I'd appreciate some time alone to talk to him.

"Yes, I think I wish to help you in your endeavors. However, I must warn you--" and her voice turned cold--"if any of my family are harmed by this, you can count on that support to stop immediately and violently. Not a threat, mind; just a statement of fact.

So how about we get started by getting me out of this cage?"

Elanorin

2015-08-27, 07:37 AM

The crowd disperses in panicked confusion as you grab and extract the weakly struggling Juris Doctor from the situation. Simple but effective, nopony had time to react or process what was happening. You pull him away to the treeline, throw him against a tree, and he just slumps there and stares at you with an insanely calm smile on his face and peaceful look in his three eyes. He's not moving to resist you in any way, what do you do?

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Starstruck snarled when she threw him down to the ground by the tree. "You're Shifting in broad daylight, in front of every damn pony!" Starstruck fumed, baring her teeth.

She glared at him as she realised he didn't quite seem to be all there, and that smile was positively creepy. "Doctor? Doctor! Answer me! Hello?! Snap the hell out of it and shape back, or so help me...!" Starstruck lashed out a hoof to punch some sense in to him.

[Rolling to Go Aggro on Juris Doctor: 2d6+3=9]

BlasTech

2015-08-27, 11:34 PM

There was an impressed, subdued ripple through the tent. The Commander was taking to the field! Ponies hastened off to sharpen up their squads to parade ground standard and organise the preparation. There was real energy in everypony's behaviour, especially now that the blame didn't seem to be falling on them.

Sargent Sarge was standing outside the tent at attention, and he evidently had been for some time. He was keeping his jaw stiff, like he was trying to avoid crying, puffing out his chest and waiting for his punishment.

Sirocco's squad, Alpha, and team Sigma were lined up and at attention (missing Starstruck, though). Everypony was ready to fly on your command.

"Fall in, sargeant." was all Sirocco said as he passed Sarge Protector and made to address the assembled squads.

"Listen up. We have fifteen missing civilians, and two missing military personnel after the events of last night. We're going to split the gorge in half, using the highway as the reference point. Sigma squad, your area is anything to the East of it, Alpha's West. Lt Haze, I'll leave the particulars to you, but inform me directly if you find anything out there that looks suspicious. Go."

He waited until they were up and away before turning to the remaining squad.

"Alphas, on me." he ordered, taking to wing before anything else could be said. His flight path would lead him over the campsite, a quick flyby to make sure things had calmed down properly, before heading towards Hill Alpha, just north of the woods. At this point, he divided his attention between scanning the ground for anything interesting and the squad, assessing them to see how they were reacting to his presence.

[Sharp or something? He's just trying to see what they're all like: Professional? Sloppy? Embarrased? Resentful?]

the_druid_droid

2015-08-28, 01:12 AM

She reached into a saddlebag and put a jar of eyeballs on the table. Well now. Always the quiet ones.

It was not the first time Quicksilver had seen discorporeated eyeballs. It was the first time he had seen quite so many all in one place. Quiet ones indeed.

Training and long experience kept him from reacting too strongly, and he managed to twist a grimace quickly into a grin. "I'm sorry, but you're going to have to enlighten me about which category you're submitting this under."

Even as he said it, the thought occurred to Silver that there might already exist a demand for jars of eyeballs in this world. The ground was a strange place.

Deadly

2015-08-28, 04:37 AM

Before she got far she saw wolves.

A dozen wolves. Huge and grey-furred and terrible, the size of a pony with fangs and claws. Her followers were standing by, frozen with terror. Not the 'loud noises! Let's run aimlessly!' impulse that had panicked them last night, this was deep, primordial terror that came with facing a predator. They were close, close enough to see the outlines of fangs and eyes filled with deep, deadly intelligence.

In the midst of the wolves stood five pegasus ponies - Cirrus, Sunflower, Bluebell, and two fillies she didn't know. They had been stripped of all their gear, had twigs and leaves in their manes, cuts and injuries, and all looked beyond terrified.

The black crow from the other day hopped forwards across the plain of dead birds.

"These five ponies for five of your birds, fair's fair!" it told her, hopping up onto the head of a dead hawk and bopping its head up and down. "Plus one more to me for negotiating the exchange, fair's fair!"

"If you are the negotiator, who are you negotiating for?" Rattle Tail asked curiously as she landed in a tree surrounding the dead birds. She couldn't help but glance at the wolves every now and then; some deep, primal part was naturally wary of them, and deep, primal instincts were good to consider down here. These were also the first wolves she had ever seen first-hoof; it was fascinating how her mind already knew to fear them. "I can see why you want the sixth, but why do they want the five?"

Even as he said it, the thought occurred to Silver that there might already exist a demand for jars of eyeballs in this world. The ground was a strange place.

*whisper whisper* Give them to Rattle Tail. You know you wanna *whisper*

Thanqol

2015-08-28, 08:36 AM

Not really sure what there is to tell. It's always been my inclination to take things apart, whether that thing is a specimen for dissection or a troublesome bit of technology. (Putting them back together is neither here nor there, fortunately.) There are some people that seem like they can just touch a thing and know what's wrong with it; me, I gotta pull it apart, get into its inner workings, dive into the code. There's something soothing about working with your hooves, just letting your mind wander. So this entire brain-sucking thingamajigger? Super interesting. Maybe when we're done, I can decipher how it works.

Reminds me, I need to go talk to Spanner, and see if I can't manage to talk him out of a toolset; I lost mine in the fall, and there's only so much you can do with twigs.

[roll0] [COLOR="#FFFFFF"]Jackdammit.[/COLOR

"I think you're right," Slick chuckled, fishing out a jellybean from the dispenser and tossing it towards the doctor. "If nothing else, it offers a touch of legitimacy to this operation. Way I see it, you don't just need a lot of brains--you need brains that can work together. Harmonize, if you'll allow me to borrow the imagery of a choir. Has Twofeather undergone the operation? He may be... resentful, to say the least, if I come in and replace him as your main liaison with the surface. I'd appreciate some time alone to talk to him.

"Yes, I think I wish to help you in your endeavors. However, I must warn you--" and her voice turned cold--"if any of my family are harmed by this, you can count on that support to stop immediately and violently. Not a threat, mind; just a statement of fact.

So how about we get started by getting me out of this cage?"

"Hey! Hey!" said World Champion, stepping up, waving his laser rifle around. "Hey! You might have forgotten but we work for Twofeather! You want to betray him you gotta go through me!"

ZAPOW! World Champion gaped in shock as Apple Cart shot him in the back. Brilliant white-red dust splashed out in all directions. Apple Cart swung the rifle around, eyes filled with those little swirly spirals that hypnotised ponies get sometimes. "Let her out," he said blankly.

Positive Reinforcement looked spooked, but she seemed familiar enough with weird brain stuff to not ask dumb questions. She hurried over to the control panel and pressed a button which released Slick Talk. Then she stood nervously, biting her lip, looking at World Champion. "Oh no, Twofeather's going to be really mad," she muttered to herself. "Oh gosh darn it, oh dear."

Slick looked down at what she'd found in the dispenser. It had three settings: Jelly beans, mentats, and cyanide pills. They all looked super similar.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Starstruck snarled when she threw him down to the ground by the tree. "You're Shifting in broad daylight, in front of every damn pony!" Starstruck fumed, baring her teeth.

She glared at him as she realised he didn't quite seem to be all there, and that smile was positively creepy. "Doctor? Doctor! Answer me! Hello?! Snap the hell out of it and shape back, or so help me...!" Starstruck lashed out a hoof to punch some sense in to him.

[Rolling to Go Aggro on Juris Doctor: 2d6+3=9]

Juris Doctor was snapped out of his babbling by Starstuck's sheer presence. He stopped, thought about his answer, and the thinking broke the crazy. He wiped away the third eye, leaving an ugly scar on his forehead.

"There was... something happened -" he said. "There's a badge. A badge on a highway of the mind," he said this like it was the most important thing in the universe. "I saw it."

"Fall in, sargeant." was all Sirocco said as he passed Sarge Protector and made to address the assembled squads.

"Listen up. We have fifteen missing civilians, and two missing military personnel after the events of last night. We're going to split the gorge in half, using the highway as the reference point. Sigma squad, your area is anything to the East of it, Alpha's West. Lt Haze, I'll leave the particulars to you, but inform me directly if you find anything out there that looks suspicious. Go."

He waited until they were up and away before turning to the remaining squad.

"Alphas, on me." he ordered, taking to wing before anything else could be said. His flight path would lead him over the campsite, a quick flyby to make sure things had calmed down properly, before heading towards Hill Alpha, just north of the woods. At this point, he divided his attention between scanning the ground for anything interesting and the squad, assessing them to see how they were reacting to his presence.

[Sharp or something? He's just trying to see what they're all like: Professional? Sloppy? Embarrased? Resentful?]

Oh for sure, roll to read a person. You can either roll it on Firespin who's in Alpha Squad, or on Lt. Haze, there's something there too.

In general, though, Alpha Squad is stupidly by the book. They've been drilled to be the perfect exemplars of an Enclave military manual; flying in formation, pristine shining gear. Discipline is high, morale is low, creative thought is a terrifying rumour. They're a parade ground outfit, basically. Sigma Squad is the absolute opposite - they miss salutes, their uniforms are dirty, but they've got more practical ground experience than everyone else in this camp put together.

It was not the first time Quicksilver had seen discorporeated eyeballs. It was the first time he had seen quite so many all in one place. Quiet ones indeed.

Training and long experience kept him from reacting too strongly, and he managed to twist a grimace quickly into a grin. "I'm sorry, but you're going to have to enlighten me about which category you're submitting this under."

Even as he said it, the thought occurred to Silver that there might already exist a demand for jars of eyeballs in this world. The ground was a strange place.

"No," she said, politely but firmly. "That would spoil the mystery. Give me drinks."

"If you are the negotiator, who are you negotiating for?" Rattle Tail asked curiously as she landed in a tree surrounding the dead birds. She couldn't help but glance at the wolves every now and then; some deep, primal part was naturally wary of them, and deep, primal instincts were good to consider down here. These were also the first wolves she had ever seen first-hoof; it was fascinating how her mind already knew to fear them. "I can see why you want the sixth, but why do they want the five?"

"You want answers you pay. With birds. One per answer. Fair's fair!" said the crow. That seemed to be its favourite phrase, it flapped its wings happily every time it said it, like it was proud of knowing those words.

BlasTech

2015-08-28, 07:49 PM

Oh for sure, roll to read a person. You can either roll it on Firespin who's in Alpha Squad, or on Lt. Haze, there's something there too.

In general, though, Alpha Squad is stupidly by the book. They've been drilled to be the perfect exemplars of an Enclave military manual; flying in formation, pristine shining gear. Discipline is high, morale is low, creative thought is a terrifying rumour. They're a parade ground outfit, basically. Sigma Squad is the absolute opposite - they miss salutes, their uniforms are dirty, but they've got more practical ground experience than everyone else in this camp put together.

Well, that was good. To be so disciplined a squad showed that Sarge at least took care of his duty on that front. Even if he himself was regularly absent without sobriety.

What is up with Lt Haze though? Filly has been acting strangely lately, and Sirocco didn't expect there to be something going on with her today of all ponies.

"Lieutenant?" he called, before Sigma flew off. "Are you okay?"

[roll0]

[What is she really feeling? What does she intend to do? Gonna hold one till I hear the answers.]

the_druid_droid

2015-08-29, 01:38 AM

"No," she said, politely but firmly. "That would spoil the mystery. Give me drinks."

"Nopony can resist a little mystery. Shady! Put these out somewhere. If anypony asks, they're collateral from customers with bad credit." He waved a wing to indicate their drinks should be served, and raised one in a toast.

"To Grand Openings!"

Balmas

2015-08-29, 02:38 AM

Slick gingerly stepped over the dust that used to be World Champion, helping herself to his discarded rifle. "Thank you for your help, Apple Cart. And don't worry about Twofeather; I'll deal with him."

She circled, moving to examine the brain. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to be alone with the brains. Whose are they?"

Deadly

2015-08-29, 04:22 AM

"You want answers you pay. With birds. One per answer. Fair's fair!" said the crow. That seemed to be its favourite phrase, it flapped its wings happily every time it said it, like it was proud of knowing those words.

Rattle Tail's eyes glinted. "I see. And how much for you?"

Thanqol

2015-08-29, 04:57 AM

Well, that was good. To be so disciplined a squad showed that Sarge at least took care of his duty on that front. Even if he himself was regularly absent without sobriety.

What is up with Lt Haze though? Filly has been acting strangely lately, and Sirocco didn't expect there to be something going on with her today of all ponies.

"Lieutenant?" he called, before Sigma flew off. "Are you okay?"

[roll0]

[What is she really feeling? What does she intend to do? Gonna hold one till I hear the answers.]

Lt. Haze is feeling confused. She was a pony who had a Plan, a very concrete, detailed, and precise plan of what to do with her life, and she was living out that plan with conviction. She is deeply unsure if the Plan has survived groundfall and if it hasn't what that means. Her life has been turned upside-down in a way that isn't really expected for a career soldier and foreign intelligence agent - if anypony should be adapting to this situation quickly it should be her.

What she intends to do is look for meaning. She's a pony who had a vision, and now the vision is challenged, unstable. She's going to either find a way to reinforce it or find a new vision. And we're talking a proper Vision, 'sustainable society' isn't enough for her. She's a desertion risk if she doesn't find something to believe in.

"Yes sir," was what she said, but her eyes were distant. "Uninjured and at full capacity."

"Nopony can resist a little mystery. Shady! Put these out somewhere. If anypony asks, they're collateral from customers with bad credit." He waved a wing to indicate their drinks should be served, and raised one in a toast.

"To Grand Openings!"

The stranger drank without toasting. "Two more," she said.

More ponies were starting to filter into the bar, hesitant and chatting with the staff more than anything. The ice was very much non-broken.

Slick gingerly stepped over the dust that used to be World Champion, helping herself to his discarded rifle. "Thank you for your help, Apple Cart. And don't worry about Twofeather; I'll deal with him."

She circled, moving to examine the brain. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to be alone with the brains. Whose are they?"

Apple Cart groaned, lurched, tried clumsily to pull Slick Talk away. Her order to him had been 'help her escape', and so therefore he was going to do that and only that because it was the fastest way to get her out of his head. Conversely, the moment he got her out of that door then the effect would release. This isn't a full pony, this is a meat puppet with just one instruction playing out.

'course you can kill it at any time regardless of it trying to fulfil your instructions. What do you do?

Rattle Tail's eyes glinted. "I see. And how much for you?"

"I want to eat a princess," said the bird, like it had thought of this beforehand. "Let me eat a pony princess and then you can eat me. Fair's fair!"

Balmas

2015-08-30, 12:03 AM

Elanorin

2015-08-30, 01:54 PM

Juris Doctor was snapped out of his babbling by Starstuck's sheer presence. He stopped, thought about his answer, and the thinking broke the crazy. He wiped away the third eye, leaving an ugly scar on his forehead.

"There was... something happened -" he said. "There's a badge. A badge on a highway of the mind," he said this like it was the most important thing in the universe. "I saw it."

Starstruck gave Juris Doctor the benefit of brief doubt purely on account of who he was. If any other pony had come out with that rubbish they'd got a firm hoof-smack to the head.

"A badge?" she asked, eyes narrowed in an obviously sceptical gaze as she studied the pony before her. "And this... badge, made you shape change in public?"

[Rolling to Read A Pony: 2d6+1=6]

Deadly

2015-08-30, 03:13 PM

"I want to eat a princess," said the bird, like it had thought of this beforehand. "Let me eat a pony princess and then you can eat me. Fair's fair!"

"I'll keep that in mind if ever I have a spare princess," said Rattle Tail. "But since I don't, I'll buy one question. Who do you negotiate for?"

Thanqol

2015-08-30, 10:59 PM

Slick rolled, her eyes, and walked over towards the cage, Apple Cart in tow. "You haven't answered my question, dear. After you answer, I expect to be left alone."

(Roll Seize by Force to shove him into the cage?)

Slick allowed herself to be pushed towards the door, foreleg around Apple Cart's neck. Once they cleared, the door, she relaxed, but left the arm with the glove over his shoulder. "Thank you, Apple Cart. You should go home; I'm sure your wife is wondering where you've been."

Oh yeah, you don't need to tell him twice. He f*cking bolts away from that glove like a bat outta hell.

Starstruck gave Juris Doctor the benefit of brief doubt purely on account of who he was. If any other pony had come out with that rubbish they'd got a firm hoof-smack to the head.

"A badge?" she asked, eyes narrowed in an obviously sceptical gaze as she studied the pony before her. "And this... badge, made you shape change in public?"

[Rolling to Read A Pony: 2d6+1=6]

"The badge! It means protection!" growled Juris Doctor. "I can see it! They can see it too!"

He pointed. There was a small group of ponies, maybe eight, flying in this direction. They'd been in the crowd and they had a similar intent, haunted look in their eyes.

"We have to let go of things like protection," said Juris Doctor, starting to rave again, "letting go is the only way to bring peace. It is the only way to be satisfied with what we are. I have been shown this! I have been shown this by the Prophet!"

Strange magic was bleeding off Juris Doctor in all directions and Starstruck could feel it. There was real power driving the words from him, something wild and uncontrolled. To somepony desperate and afraid it was a solidity that was easy to latch onto.

"I'll keep that in mind if ever I have a spare princess," said Rattle Tail. "But since I don't, I'll buy one question. Who do you negotiate for?"

The crow happily pecked out the eyes of the eagle it was standing on. "Fair's fair! I negotiate for the Forest Queen!" it said. "She fell from the sky in fire and butterflies. She was raised by the wolves, befriended the bear, and killed the ancient tiger. She wears its skin as a cloak and all the valley is hers. She speaks every one of the jungle's languages and all the birds and beasts call her master. She taught me that fair was fair and, in exchange, I became her Herald!"

the_druid_droid

2015-08-30, 11:24 PM

The stranger drank without toasting. "Two more," she said.

More ponies were starting to filter into the bar, hesitant and chatting with the staff more than anything. The ice was very much non-broken.

Silver considered asking if the jar was really worth that much, but then he recalled he knew at least one pony sufficiently weird to be interested in them, thanks to his cousin. An exchange with her could be profitable, after all... Silver waved to the bartenders, indicating they keep serving his strange new customer and excused himself with an apology.

"Afraid I have to go liven things up. Maybe we can talk later?"

With that he gave a nod to Ace, trying to get the first round of free drinks sent out, grabbing another one for himself as the trays appeared, and hopped up on stage.

"Fillies and Gentlecolts! I'd like to personally welcome you all to the grand opening of Cloud 9, our own little promised land in this new wilderness! Despite the difficulties of the past few days, we've survived, and I think we're going to prosper, so let's kick things off right! Rolling Thunder, take it away."

Silver stepped back from the mic, making way for the large stallion as he began a rendition of "Come Fly with Me", then put on his best grin and set out to mingle with the little knots of timid guests.

[Going for Read a Sitch as Silver chats. 2d6+0 = 8. What is my best way past (this awkwardness)?]

Thanqol

2015-08-30, 11:34 PM

Silver stepped back from the mic, making way for the large stallion as he began a rendition of "Come Fly with Me", then put on his best grin and set out to mingle with the little knots of timid guests.

[Going for Read a Sitch as Silver chats. 2d6+0 = 8. What is my best way past (this awkwardness)?]

Well, number one is the fact that you and almost everypony here, including your lead singer, are convicted criminals. These ponies outside are for the most part white picket fence do-gooder citizens and they are considering going and demanding that Sirocco build a jail and throw you in it. They're also seeing this place as sinful, indulgent, wasteful, at odds with Enclave Rationing Procedures (which they consider themselves Good Ponies for not trying to circumvent publicly). You could actually be dealing with pickets, protests, and lynch mobs from these ponies.

The best way past is to embrace the reputation, wear it, and be really scary about it. Make it clear that you won't bother the good citizens of the town if they don't bother you but if they need anything they come to you and you ask - and only then are they in your world. If a good, innocent pony tries to come in for a friendly drink, throw them out. If you run your business like a mafia don, low and brutal and dark, and don't advertise your presence or try to change society then they'll find it in their hearts to pretend you don't exist.

That may be colder than you want to run things. But it's the best way.

Elanorin

2015-08-31, 04:16 AM

"The badge! It means protection!" growled Juris Doctor. "I can see it! They can see it too!"

He pointed. There was a small group of ponies, maybe eight, flying in this direction. They'd been in the crowd and they had a similar intent, haunted look in their eyes.

"We have to let go of things like protection," said Juris Doctor, starting to rave again, "letting go is the only way to bring peace. It is the only way to be satisfied with what we are. I have been shown this! I have been shown this by the Prophet!"

Strange magic was bleeding off Juris Doctor in all directions and Starstruck could feel it. There was real power driving the words from him, something wild and uncontrolled. To somepony desperate and afraid it was a solidity that was easy to latch onto.

Starstruck was beginning to formulate a theory on what was going on here but she was far from ruling out the possibility that Juris Doctor had just plain and simple snapped.

She glanced to the approaching ponies and a hoof instinctively came to rest on her whip.

"Hm. Would you show me to this Prophet, Doctor?"

Balmas

2015-08-31, 04:26 AM

Slick smiled distantly as she turned back into the room. "Now, my friend, I need to know some things. Whose brains are these? Whaddya mean, brainpower? Like some kinda battery, or more like a terminal? As all this stuff your own work?"

the_druid_droid

2015-08-31, 11:09 PM

That may be colder than you want to run things. But it's the best way.

Quicksilver tried. He really did. But talking to every knot and gaggle of nervous former-suburbanites just showed again and again that ponies never really change. He sighed, loud and frustrated, and leapt into takeoff, wingblades flickering out as he caught himself mid-air and hovered above the room.

"Fine, I get it! The whole damn world falls down around you and you don't even notice! You think you're better than us? With your nice neighbors and white fences and two-point-five foals? Newsflash - those things are gone. Even when you had them, you were never innocent. Do you know how much blood was spilled just so you could sleep quiet at night? I do. I know exactly, and you're going to find out for yourselves soon enough!"

"Before this year is out, every one of you will have done things just as bad or worse than any we ever did up in the clouds. You'll have to, if you want to survive! I'm telling you right now, when that day comes, you're going to need me, and boy will I remember today! You'll pay through the nose for our services, but until then, I don't care if you like me - just stay out of my way!"

Silver threw his cocktail glass to the floor and watched it shatter into a hundred glittering fragments.

"If you don't like me, if you don't want to be here, there's the door! Get out!"

Thanqol

2015-08-31, 11:23 PM

Starstruck was beginning to formulate a theory on what was going on here but she was far from ruling out the possibility that Juris Doctor had just plain and simple snapped.

She glanced to the approaching ponies and a hoof instinctively came to rest on her whip.

"Hm. Would you show me to this Prophet, Doctor?"

Would you like to roll Manipulate to get him to do just that? He seems to have plenty of crazy things he could demand from you to make that happen.

Slick smiled distantly as she turned back into the room. "Now, my friend, I need to know some things. Whose brains are these? Whaddya mean, brainpower? Like some kinda battery, or more like a terminal? As all this stuff your own work?"

Positive Reinforcement was sweeping up World Champion's ashes industriously, with the obsessive focus that came with hyperawareness. "Different problems right now. One, we need to be more efficient with our resources in the future," she frowned at the ashes, and then tossed them in the trash. "Two... feather's son just got shot and he is going to be psy~choooo~. Odds are good that Apple Cart is going to phrase these events in such a way that makes our conduct seem less than exemplary. This means that my rather delicate alliance with him is at an end. Three, my only assets are you and Feathersoft over there," she smiled at the quivering, fuzzy pile of feathers hiding under a table, "and he has developmental goals in courage that he is still working on attaining. So... we are in quite immediate trouble and while I'd love to talk Science I do not believe we have the time."

Quicksilver tried. He really did. But talking to every knot and gaggle of nervous former-suburbanites just showed again and again that ponies never really change. He sighed, loud and frustrated, and leapt into takeoff, wingblades flickering out as he caught himself mid-air and hovered above the room.

"Fine, I get it! The whole damn world falls down around you and you don't even notice! You think you're better than us? With your nice neighbors and white fences and two-point-five foals? Newsflash - those things are gone. Even when you had them, you were never innocent. Do you know how much blood was spilled just so you could sleep quiet at night? I do. I know exactly, and you're going to find out for yourselves soon enough!"

"Before this year is out, every one of you will have done things just as bad or worse than any we ever did up in the clouds. You'll have to, if you want to survive! I'm telling you right now, when that day comes, you're going to need me, and boy will I remember today! You'll pay through the nose for our services, but until then, I don't care if you like me - just stay out of my way!"

Silver threw his cocktail glass to the floor and watched it shatter into a hundred glittering fragments.

"If you don't like me, if you don't want to be here, there's the door! Get out!"

Roll yourself a Go Aggro, sir.

BlasTech

2015-09-01, 12:17 AM

Lt. Haze is feeling confused. She was a pony who had a Plan, a very concrete, detailed, and precise plan of what to do with her life, and she was living out that plan with conviction. She is deeply unsure if the Plan has survived groundfall and if it hasn't what that means. Her life has been turned upside-down in a way that isn't really expected for a career soldier and foreign intelligence agent - if anypony should be adapting to this situation quickly it should be her.

What she intends to do is look for meaning. She's a pony who had a vision, and now the vision is challenged, unstable. She's going to either find a way to reinforce it or find a new vision. And we're talking a proper Vision, 'sustainable society' isn't enough for her. She's a desertion risk if she doesn't find something to believe in.

"Yes sir," was what she said, but her eyes were distant. "Uninjured and at full capacity."

Sirocco nodded to himself. He'd seen this sort of thing before, this loss of identity. The odd thing was that it normally came from fresh recruits after their first encounters with things from the ground. Having their life's view challenged like that could often bring a disconnect. It was odd seeing it here though, from a pony who had presumably been down here often enough to be familiar with the place.

He knew how to give soldiers a talking to though, just had to find the right words to inspire them.

[What does she wish I would do?]

Thanqol

2015-09-01, 12:27 AM

Sirocco nodded to himself. He'd seen this sort of thing before, this loss of identity. The odd thing was that it normally came from fresh recruits after their first encounters with things from the ground. Having their life's view challenged like that could often bring a disconnect. It was odd seeing it here though, from a pony who had presumably been down here often enough to be familiar with the place.

He knew how to give soldiers a talking to though, just had to find the right words to inspire them.

[What does she wish I would do?]

Break with the past. Clean. Her mind's all fogged up in the Enclave, what she thinks about the Enclave, how she should deal with the Enclave, any/all plans related to the Enclave and her place in it. You stand up right now and announce that the Enclave's gone forever and that you are now Princess of Everything then, damn, she's behind you.

Declare something. Preferably something grandiose, megalomaniacal, or even impossible. Otherwise you might lose her to the first f*cker to make an absurd declaration about the future and she could take all of Sigma with her.

Elanorin

2015-09-01, 03:50 AM

Would you like to roll Manipulate to get him to do just that? He seems to have plenty of crazy things he could demand from you to make that happen.

Certainly.

[Rolling to Manipulate Juris Doctor: 2d6-1=10]

Deadly

2015-09-01, 06:47 AM

The crow happily pecked out the eyes of the eagle it was standing on. "Fair's fair! I negotiate for the Forest Queen!" it said. "She fell from the sky in fire and butterflies. She was raised by the wolves, befriended the bear, and killed the ancient tiger. She wears its skin as a cloak and all the valley is hers. She speaks every one of the jungle's languages and all the birds and beasts call her master. She taught me that fair was fair and, in exchange, I became her Herald!"

"Fantastic!" said Rattle Tail. "And if I wanted to meet her, or eat her?"

Thanqol

2015-09-01, 08:30 AM

Certainly.

[Rolling to Manipulate Juris Doctor: 2d6-1=10]

"Yes. Yes, you're right. You should come to the Prophet and hear what she has to say," said Juris Doctor, spreading his wings and flying. The tag-alongs followed along, swept behind him, with a mixture of curiosity and compulsion in their eyes.

"Fantastic!" said Rattle Tail. "And if I wanted to meet her, or eat her?"

"Give her a foal to be raised as a wolf," said the crow, pecking out the eye of a nearby sparrow and eating it too. "She needs a heir. Otherwise things will fall to chaos! Fair's fair!"

At this point, Rattle Tail saw Juris Doctor followed closely by the airborne arsenal Starstruck and a small mob of fanatics bearing down on her. The crow rapidly pulled away carrying the body of the eagle it had purchased heavily in its beak and the body of the sparrow in its talons, and the wolves closed in around the captured ponies and scared them back into the treeline. "Ponies for birds! Fair's fair!" it called.

the_druid_droid

2015-09-01, 02:07 PM

Roll yourself a Go Aggro, sir.

[Go Aggro: 2d6+2 = 5. That figures.]

Deadly

2015-09-01, 04:10 PM

"Give her a foal to be raised as a wolf," said the crow, pecking out the eye of a nearby sparrow and eating it too. "She needs a heir. Otherwise things will fall to chaos! Fair's fair!"

At this point, Rattle Tail saw Juris Doctor followed closely by the airborne arsenal Starstruck and a small mob of fanatics bearing down on her. The crow rapidly pulled away carrying the body of the eagle it had purchased heavily in its beak and the body of the sparrow in its talons, and the wolves closed in around the captured ponies and scared them back into the treeline. "Ponies for birds! Fair's fair!" it called.

Interruptions. Always bloody interruptions!

"Come back for the other five later, then," Rattle Tail yelled after the bird. Then she turned to the incoming Juris and Starstruck.

"Don't disturb my circles!" she hailed

Balmas

2015-09-01, 06:47 PM

Positive Reinforcement was sweeping up World Champion's ashes industriously, with the obsessive focus that came with hyperawareness. "Different problems right now. One, we need to be more efficient with our resources in the future," she frowned at the ashes, and then tossed them in the trash. "Two... feather's son just got shot and he is going to be psy~choooo~. Odds are good that Apple Cart is going to phrase these events in such a way that makes our conduct seem less than exemplary. This means that my rather delicate alliance with him is at an end. Three, my only assets are you and Feathersoft over there," she smiled at the quivering, fuzzy pile of feathers hiding under a table, "and he has developmental goals in courage that he is still working on attaining. So... we are in quite immediate trouble and while I'd love to talk Science I do not believe we have the time."

"Right. Here's what you're going to do. Do you know another cave? Use it. Start moving the Think Tank there. If somepony shows up, use your best judgement, but don't be afraid to disintegrate somepony. I'm going to head out to deal with Two Feather, but if he shows up, torch him." Slick pressed a hoof to her forehead, rubbing out a stress headache. "Feathersoft, come here, please."

Thanqol

2015-09-02, 01:27 AM

[Go Aggro: 2d6+2 = 5. That figures.]

A sweet old lady in glasses walked up to Quicksilver and spat in his face. "Murderer!" she shrieked like it was personal.

Other ponies started to gather around her, angry expressions on their faces, stomping their hooves and yelling. "Your parents would be ashamed!" "Take your criminal friends and go!" "Who do you think you are?" "Two days on the ground and you start peddling alcohol?" "They robbed Juris Doctor last night!"

This was getting really ugly really quickly; all the anger was centred around that angry old lady and everypony was assuming if she was angry they aught to get angry too. You could be dealing with a full on mob before too long.

Ace and Rolling Thunder had backed up behind the bar, and the Chain Gang is looking a mixture of spooked and ashamed. The strange pony is looking up from her vodka intently. Nopony has any idea what to do.

Interruptions. Always bloody interruptions!

"Come back for the other five later, then," Rattle Tail yelled after the bird. Then she turned to the incoming Juris and Starstruck.

"Don't disturb my circles!" she hailed

Juris and the followers dropped to the ground outside the bird zone, and knelt down before her, pressing their faces to the ground.

"Right. Here's what you're going to do. Do you know another cave? Use it. Start moving the Think Tank there. If somepony shows up, use your best judgement, but don't be afraid to disintegrate somepony. I'm going to head out to deal with Two Feather, but if he shows up, torch him." Slick pressed a hoof to her forehead, rubbing out a stress headache. "Feathersoft, come here, please."

Positive Reinforcement picked Slick's laser pistol out of a storage locker. She gave it to Slick, along with a bag full of mentats and a bag full of jelly beans. "This isn't just a cave though. This is an official Ministry of Morale regional Party Police Station! It's got power, and computers, and all my brains - I can't just pick up and leave." She looked quite distressed at the thought, biting her lip and taking another Mentat like it was a nervous habit.

Feathersoft mumble-squeaked and shuffled over to Slick. Feathersoft instantly stuck her as innately useless.

Balmas

2015-09-02, 02:07 AM

Elanorin

2015-09-02, 05:02 AM

Interruptions. Always bloody interruptions!

"Come back for the other five later, then," Rattle Tail yelled after the bird. Then she turned to the incoming Juris and Starstruck.

"Don't disturb my circles!" she hailed

Juris and the followers dropped to the ground outside the bird zone, and knelt down before her, pressing their faces to the ground.

Starstruck hovered in the air for a moment, taking in the bird scene and the way Juris Doctor was behaving before this pony. She didn't exactly know him well but this behaviour was very at odds with what she'd heard of him. Huh.

She thumped to the ground next to Juris Doctor, clear of the dead birds, and brushed the mane out of her eyes. She did not bow.

"Are you willing to tell me a story?" she asked, voice confident but slightly raised to make itself heard. "A story about a badge on the-" she glanced at Juris, "-highway of the mind."

BlasTech

2015-09-02, 05:44 AM

Break with the past. Clean. Her mind's all fogged up in the Enclave, what she thinks about the Enclave, how she should deal with the Enclave, any/all plans related to the Enclave and her place in it. You stand up right now and announce that the Enclave's gone forever and that you are now Princess of Everything then, damn, she's behind you.

Declare something. Preferably something grandiose, megalomaniacal, or even impossible. Otherwise you might lose her to the first f*cker to make an absurd declaration about the future and she could take all of Sigma with her.

"Look at me." said Sirocco, making sure that she met his gaze. "I've seen that look on dozens of soldiers before. I know what it means."

He frowned, standing in front of a bunch of other squaddies was not the best place for this conversation. Instead, he changed tacks.

"We've got a lot of work to do, more than just making this valley settlement sustainable. The sky is closed to us, so we've got to make this wasteland ours. I've some ideas in that regard, but I'm going to need you, and Sigma, leading the charge to make them work."

"So, I'll ask again. Are you good soldier?"

Sirocco isn't quite ready to declare himself "Princess of Everything" just yet, mostly since they've only been down here a couple of days. Given time, some recon, and silence from any of High Command, and it might happen though. For now, he's just trying to sell the hope and get her to hang in there for a bit while he figures it out.

[Roll hot?]

Thanqol

2015-09-02, 06:03 AM

"Yes, and it's also the first place that Twofeather is going to come when he gets the news." Slick stepped up to Feathersoft before he could hide again, and patted him on the shoulder.

"Feathersoft, this is gonna be hard. You're going to need to help Positive here. Don't think about what's going to happen. And above all..."

There was a brief crackle of lightning. She swims in the stars, no subtlety this time. Grabs this star, this chorus, and wrenches them together.

"Above all, guard this cave with your life."

[12][/B]]

Interestingly, this was pretty much the only way anypony could have ever made the useless sack of fuzz and feathers named Feathersoft worth a damn thing. Slick knew him by reputation, he was the pony everypony laughed at for being an awful flier (likened to a blimp more than anything), who was quiet, and fat, and nerdy and if he was a person he'd have a neckbeard and paint little model trains while wearing a conductors hat.

But when Slick Talk reached past all that and put a collar on his mind, all that ineffective weakness, that sheer inability to act, became untenable. Feathersoft had to find a whole different Feathersoft he'd never imagined before. He whimper-muttered something incoherent and then went off to his lab set to build a bomb.

"Look at me." said Sirocco, making sure that she met his gaze. "I've seen that look on dozens of soldiers before. I know what it means."

He frowned, standing in front of a bunch of other squaddies was not the best place for this conversation. Instead, he changed tacks.

"We've got a lot of work to do, more than just making this valley settlement sustainable. The sky is closed to us, so we've got to make this wasteland [I]ours. I've some ideas in that regard, but I'm going to need you, and Sigma, leading the charge to make them work."

"So, I'll ask again. Are you good soldier?"

Sirocco isn't quite ready to declare himself "Princess of Everything" just yet, mostly since they've only been down here a couple of days. Given time, some recon, and silence from any of High Command, and it might happen though. For now, he's just trying to sell the hope and get her to hang in there for a bit while he figures it out.

She'll nod and salute and be with you and do her job. "Sir, yes sir," she says. But you can see if there's one thing that doesn't inspire her at all it's the idea of building a sustainable settlement and living peacefully. Lt. Haze is a pony who has spent her life doing insane covert operations in deeply hostile territory and right now you can see that she didn't pick that lifestyle because she's a good soldier or even a good pony. She's a zealot between causes.

I'm not sure what a Manipulate roll would buy you. If it's time, you've already got it. If it's something more specific that she can do right now, like maybe 'don't talk to strangers ever', or even 'fall in love with me', let me know what it is - and let me know what you're promising.

As you're thinking that over, Radar Glitch picks out movement.

Alpha sweeps down and brushes down Blue Angel, one of the missing soldiers. He's staggering around in kind of a daze. Then Haze signals, "Contact!" - there's a pegasus, civilian, Apple Cart belting down towards you looking like Nightmare Moon is on his heels.

the_druid_droid

2015-09-02, 10:57 AM

This was getting really ugly really quickly; all the anger was centred around that angry old lady and everypony was assuming if she was angry they aught to get angry too. You could be dealing with a full on mob before too long.

[Just to clarify, is this the kind of focus that makes her a leader to be manipulated? Because that's what's on Silver's mind.]

Thanqol

2015-09-02, 07:13 PM

[Just to clarify, is this the kind of focus that makes her a leader to be manipulated? Because that's what's on Silver's mind.]

Yes, she's the leader of this mob, but if you Manipulate her she's probably going to ask for a promise like 'leave town' or 'go to jail'.

BlasTech

2015-09-02, 07:41 PM

She'll nod and salute and be with you and do her job. "Sir, yes sir," she says. But you can see if there's one thing that doesn't inspire her at all it's the idea of building a sustainable settlement and living peacefully. Lt. Haze is a pony who has spent her life doing insane covert operations in deeply hostile territory and right now you can see that she didn't pick that lifestyle because she's a good soldier or even a good pony. She's a zealot between causes.

I'm not sure what a Manipulate roll would buy you. If it's time, you've already got it. If it's something more specific that she can do right now, like maybe 'don't talk to strangers ever', or even 'fall in love with me', let me know what it is - and let me know what you're promising.

As you're thinking that over, Radar Glitch picks out movement.

Alpha sweeps down and brushes down Blue Angel, one of the missing soldiers. He's staggering around in kind of a daze. Then Haze signals, "Contact!" - there's a pegasus, civilian, Apple Cart belting down towards you looking like Nightmare Moon is on his heels.

There's too many moving parts for Sirocco to commit to a plan right now. I mean, they could step out of the valley, and find that the entire Enclave is sitting right there, looking for them to help continue the fight. That'd change things right quick.

Absent any information though, if you pushed him to say something about what he planned to do, he has an idea. It's crazy, a bit meglomaniacal, and probably impossible. But right now, it's what his 'plan' is and he'd be willing to share that with Haze to keep her loyal.

Anyway, Apple Cart.

"Woah there, pony." Sirroco called out, as he lew up above him. "We're here, you're safe. Slow down for a second and tell us what happened to you. Have you been out here since last night?"

the_druid_droid

2015-09-03, 12:16 AM

A sweet old lady in glasses walked up to Quicksilver and spat in his face. "Murderer!" she shrieked like it was personal.

Other ponies started to gather around her, angry expressions on their faces, stomping their hooves and yelling. "Your parents would be ashamed!" "Take your criminal friends and go!" "Who do you think you are?" "Two days on the ground and you start peddling alcohol?" "They robbed Juris Doctor last night!"

This was getting really ugly really quickly; all the anger was centred around that angry old lady and everypony was assuming if she was angry they aught to get angry too. You could be dealing with a full on mob before too long.

Ace and Rolling Thunder had backed up behind the bar, and the Chain Gang is looking a mixture of spooked and ashamed. The strange pony is looking up from her vodka intently. Nopony has any idea what to do.

Nopony was coming up with any bright ideas, which meant it was Silver's job as their boss to take charge. He landed and stared down the old lady, examining her. He needed leverage, and he needed it fast.

[Read a Pony, 2d6+0 = 9. Question: How can I get this pony to back down and leave (preferably without all that business about going to jail or leaving town)?]

Deadly

2015-09-03, 02:56 AM

Rattle Tail hovered where she was, watching with a sudden inspired attention the ponies pressing their faces to the ground. If she had heard Starstruck, she didn't show it yet. "Angels," she said, her voice clear in the morning air. "Can you see with your eyes in the ground? Can you smell with your nose in the dirt? Can you hear the earth speak with your ears to the sky?"

She circled around them. "Press your one ear to the ground. Now, can you see the world? Can your smell the grass and the wind at your hooves? Can you hear the earth below as you hear the trees above?

"Angels," she continued, "we must see clearly and equally all paths surrounding us. We must not close off one, for the one we leave out could be the one we must follow!"

She landed in front of one of the ponies and pressed her ear to the ground next to hers. After a moment of contemplative silence, intently staring at the treeline while listening to the ground, she rose back up in a spiral. "It is time," she announced cheerfully. "Time we look for snakes. Remember, we are not to kill! Capture and tame, not kill! A prize to the one who finds the snake we're looking for!"

She spun around and suddenly she was hanging around the shoulders of Starstruck, smiling at her like an old buddy. "Care to join our snakehunt? I shall tell you a tale afterwards, when we sit around the campfire, but before you can hear ... you must see!

"Are you with us?"

Thanqol

2015-09-03, 08:35 AM

Anyway, Apple Cart.

"Woah there, pony." Sirroco called out, as he lew up above him. "We're here, you're safe. Slow down for a second and tell us what happened to you. Have you been out here since last night?"

"Ah - aw sh*t," said Apple Cart, upset. He'd been scooped by the fuzz and he had no idea if he should be clamming up or spilling his guts. He spent a moment wishing that Twofeather was around to tell him what to do and then started lying. "Slick Talk went crazy, man, she kidnapped me and some other ponies and started messing with our heads. She killed World Champion, shot him in the back, just like that, for no reason. She's crazy and she's gotta be stopped."

Nopony was coming up with any bright ideas, which meant it was Silver's job as their boss to take charge. He landed and stared down the old lady, examining her. He needed leverage, and he needed it fast.

[Read a Pony, 2d6+0 = 9. Question: How can I get this pony to back down and leave (preferably without all that business about going to jail or leaving town)?]

Aw, damn son, I don't got an answer. I think I might know somepony who does though.

Oi! Slick Talk! Old lady Jetlag is all angry at Quicksilver because he killed her grandson for no good reason. I'm deferring the answer to this question to you: How could Quicksilver get her to back down and leave? If at all?

Rattle Tail hovered where she was, watching with a sudden inspired attention the ponies pressing their faces to the ground. If she had heard Starstruck, she didn't show it yet. "Angels," she said, her voice clear in the morning air. "Can you see with your eyes in the ground? Can you smell with your nose in the dirt? Can you hear the earth speak with your ears to the sky?"

She circled around them. "Press your one ear to the ground. Now, can you see the world? Can your smell the grass and the wind at your hooves? Can you hear the earth below as you hear the trees above?

"Angels," she continued, "we must see clearly and equally all paths surrounding us. We must not close off one, for the one we leave out could be the one we must follow!"

She landed in front of one of the ponies and pressed her ear to the ground next to hers. After a moment of contemplative silence, intently staring at the treeline while listening to the ground, she rose back up in a spiral. "It is time," she announced cheerfully. "Time we look for snakes. Remember, we are not to kill! Capture and tame, not kill! A prize to the one who finds the snake we're looking for!"

She spun around and suddenly she was hanging around the shoulders of Starstruck, smiling at her like an old buddy. "Care to join our snakehunt? I shall tell you a tale afterwards, when we sit around the campfire, but before you can hear ... you must see!

"Are you with us?"

Does it sound to you like you're Speaking The Truth To A Mob? Because it sounds to me like you're Speaking The Truth To A Mob.

Deadly

2015-09-03, 02:07 PM

Does it sound to you like you're Speaking The Truth To A Mob? Because it sounds to me like you're Speaking The Truth To A Mob.

Speaking the Truth, yo! 5+6+3 = 14

And I suppose what I'm asking counts as uniting as a gang? Bring snakes forward and deliver them. Rattle Tail must have a Herald!

Balmas

2015-09-03, 05:09 PM

But when Slick Talk reached past all that and put a collar on his mind, all that ineffective weakness, that sheer inability to act, became untenable. Feathersoft had to find a whole different Feathersoft he'd never imagined before. He whimper-muttered something incoherent and then went off to his lab set to build a bomb.

Well, a halfway incompetent taking action would be better than a total incompetent doing nothing, so it would have to do. Slick nodded at Positive Reinforcement before she took a running start out of the cave.

The question was, where to go? Sirocco had a gang, but was probably busy putting the camp together again. Starstruck practically was a gang, chalk that up as a possibility. Rattle Tail... She could do the job, but would she? Last time they had talked, her leader had seemed intent on getting her killed.

Slick sighed, and angled down towards a tree. The broad leaves--freakishly large, now that she thought about it, maybe a mutation to grab more sunlight in the canyons?--well, they weren't as good as the bowls the Enclave used to mass-produce out of molten rock, but they'd still work. She plucked one from a tree, ignoring the disgusting sap, and placed it in a fork in a branch. A prick on the frog of her hoof set the blood flowing into the makeshift crucible; she contemplated the flow of blood as she held a bit of moss against her hoof.

[Open your mind: [roll0]]

EDIT:

Oi! Slick Talk! Old lady Jetlag is all angry at Quicksilver because he killed her grandson for no good reason. I'm deferring the answer to this question to you: How could Quicksilver get her to back down and leave? If at all?

Well, Silver, this is why you don't go murdering people 'less you absolutely have to. I gotta ask, is Jetlag's son part of the reason you were in jail, or is it something else? How does Jetlag know you did it?

Right now, Ma'am Jetlag is pissed, and she's got the ear of the crowd to back her up. Way I see it, your best bet is to find some kind of leverage. The people are full of righteous anger. How dare you bring booze and all those other lovely party supplies to town? They, of course, would never partake of such iniquity, which is why most of them have gathered around a bar at its grand opening. Purely that, and nothing else.

So what you need to do is rob them of that momentum. Jetlag's the ringleader, so stuck up with her moral superiority. Take that away. Push on her. You're thinking too much like a nice guy, and not enough like a mob boss. Threaten her. Promise to tell everyone the lovely bit of dirt you have on Jetlag. Maybe she's here to get some sweet hooch herself. Maybe I'm her dealer. (I'd love to be, actually. If you can get her to me, I'd be very happy.) Maybe you didn't kill her son for no reason; she paid you to do it, and hell if I know why she wanted it.

Maybe some of these are even true.

Point is, you gotta make sure that she knows, if you go down, she's coming down with you. You got that lovely Hard burnin' a hole in your jumpsuit, and a band of gangsters who can back you up with whatever story you come up with. Might as well use them.

BlasTech

2015-09-04, 07:51 AM

"Ah - aw sh*t," said Apple Cart, upset. He'd been scooped by the fuzz and he had no idea if he should be clamming up or spilling his guts. He spent a moment wishing that Twofeather was around to tell him what to do and then started lying. "Slick Talk went crazy, man, she kidnapped me and some other ponies and started messing with our heads. She killed World Champion, shot him in the back, just like that, for no reason. She's crazy and she's gotta be stopped."

That ... was not the reaction he'd expected from a pony that had just been rescued. He expected some gratitude perhaps, or at least a warning about what had spooked the pony. Not cursing at the sight of troops. Sirocco narrowed his eyes and looked more closely at this Apple Cart.

[read a pony? [roll0] - Is he telling the truth?]

Elanorin

2015-09-04, 03:30 PM

the_druid_droid

2015-09-05, 12:21 AM

Silver searched the old mare's eyes, and finally struck on what he was looking for. There was anger there, but also doubt. Doubt he could use. He wiped away the saliva with a pocket handkerchief and grinned at the crowd.

"Yes, I suppose we are something of a bad influence here at Cloud 9. But what confuses me, is why so many of you civic-minded ponies have come here in the first place. You don't have torches or pitchforks, or even angry signs. Now why is that? Is it possible you all came here on your own, in search of liquor, or something darker, but now that your friends and former neighbors might see you, you have to act horrified so they won't think less of you?"

Silver returned to staring intently at old dam Jetlag. "Or have you come in search of favors? I'm more than happy to oblige, once, twice, or more... if the price is right. But we shouldn't start off on the wrong hoof like this, surely?"

Thanqol

2015-09-06, 06:08 PM

Speaking the Truth, yo! 5+6+3 = 14

And I suppose what I'm asking counts as uniting as a gang? Bring snakes forward and deliver them. Rattle Tail must have a Herald!

Starstruck watched The Prophet's movements with interest. It was rare to come across this kind of pony and right now her interest was piqued. She did not listen to the ground however which led to a moment of her being the only pony standing which felt odd enough for her tail to twitch.

She looked up when The Prophet hovered by her side. A vetting, Starstruck thought. She could see reason enough for that. She gave a very slight nod, a smile spreading on her face, as she drew her trusted rifle.

"Sure. I can hunt."

The ponies knew this was True, knew this was their Purpose, knew that their lives now had Meaning - and they charged off into the forest to hunt for snakes. They were unbelievably lucky that Starstruck was going with them. Forests are never safe and you have no idea what else might be hunting out there.

When you don’t know whether you’re the cat or the mouse, roll+sharp. On a hit, you decide which you are. On a 10+, you take +1forward as well. On a miss, you’re the mouse.

Meanwhile, Rattle Tail got some peace and quiet again, and the crow hopped out of the bushes to hear her talk.

Well, a halfway incompetent taking action would be better than a total incompetent doing nothing, so it would have to do. Slick nodded at Positive Reinforcement before she took a running start out of the cave.

The question was, where to go? Sirocco had a gang, but was probably busy putting the camp together again. Starstruck practically was a gang, chalk that up as a possibility. Rattle Tail... She could do the job, but would she? Last time they had talked, her leader had seemed intent on getting her killed.

Slick sighed, and angled down towards a tree. The broad leaves--freakishly large, now that she thought about it, maybe a mutation to grab more sunlight in the canyons?--well, they weren't as good as the bowls the Enclave used to mass-produce out of molten rock, but they'd still work. She plucked one from a tree, ignoring the disgusting sap, and placed it in a fork in a branch. A prick on the frog of her hoof set the blood flowing into the makeshift crucible; she contemplated the flow of blood as she held a bit of moss against her hoof.

[Open your mind: [roll0]]

Blood magic, really? Do they teach you how to do that in Stars Above or is that something you came up with on your own? What happened the last time you did this?

That ... was not the reaction he'd expected from a pony that had just been rescued. He expected some gratitude perhaps, or at least a warning about what had spooked the pony. Not cursing at the sight of troops. Sirocco narrowed his eyes and looked more closely at this Apple Cart.

[read a pony? [roll0] - Is he telling the truth?]

Oh, ha-ha-ha, no. He murdered World Champion and is trying to pin it on Slick Talk, and he kidnapped Slick Talk and was planning on messing with her brain. He's pretty much guilty of everything he's trying to pin on Slick Talk; you can see him shift, sweaty, untrustworthy, total nimbostratus scum.

Silver searched the old mare's eyes, and finally struck on what he was looking for. There was anger there, but also doubt. Doubt he could use. He wiped away the saliva with a pocket handkerchief and grinned at the crowd.

"Yes, I suppose we are something of a bad influence here at Cloud 9. But what confuses me, is why so many of you civic-minded ponies have come here in the first place. You don't have torches or pitchforks, or even angry signs. Now why is that? Is it possible you all came here on your own, in search of liquor, or something darker, but now that your friends and former neighbors might see you, you have to act horrified so they won't think less of you?"

Silver returned to staring intently at old dam Jetlag. "Or have you come in search of favors? I'm more than happy to oblige, once, twice, or more... if the price is right. But we shouldn't start off on the wrong hoof like this, surely?"

Okay, that's sharp enough to allow a Manipulate against everypony except Jetlag.

BlasTech

2015-09-06, 07:53 PM

Oh, ha-ha-ha, no. He murdered World Champion and is trying to pin it on Slick Talk, and he kidnapped Slick Talk and was planning on messing with her brain. He's pretty much guilty of everything he's trying to pin on Slick Talk; you can see him shift, sweaty, untrustworthy, total nimbostratus scum.

Ah-ha-ha-ha. So funny.

"Sigma, disarm and arrest" he ordered.

Thanqol

2015-09-06, 08:03 PM

Ah-ha-ha-ha. So funny.

"Sigma, disarm and arrest" he ordered.

"Wa -"

Haze kicked him in the throat and took his gun before he finished the word. Haze professionally took the clip out of the rifle, added it to her supply rigging, and fired off the round in the chamber before handing it to Radar Glitch.

"I do not approve of so many laser rifles in circulation in the camp, sir," said Lt. Haze like she'd just stamped a letter. "I have been seeing dozens of civilians walking about with military grade longarms. It poses a threat to security and contributes to debacles like last night's."

BlasTech

2015-09-06, 08:17 PM

"Wa -"

Haze kicked him in the throat and took his gun before he finished the word. Haze professionally took the clip out of the rifle, added it to her supply rigging, and fired off the round in the chamber before handing it to Radar Glitch.

"I do not approve of so many laser rifles in circulation in the camp, sir," said Lt. Haze like she'd just stamped a letter. "I have been seeing dozens of civilians walking about with military grade longarms. It poses a threat to security and contributes to debacles like last night's."

"I'd agree with that." he said, as he walked over, plucked the clip off of Haze's rigging and inspected it. "It's a pity that so many were dumped over the countryside. I'll consider a reclamation programme, but only once the security of this valley is more well established."

"On the more current subject, though. This rifle has been fired multiple times recently." he said, as he handed the clip back to Haze. "Now, Apple Cart. Why don't you tell me everything that's happened since yesterday, or we might need to implement a little field justice right here."

[Go aggro? Talk or get pain?]

Thanqol

2015-09-06, 08:34 PM

"I'd agree with that." he said, as he walked over, plucked the clip off of Haze's rigging and inspected it. "It's a pity that so many were dumped over the countryside. I'll consider a reclamation programme, but only once the security of this valley is more well established."

"On the more current subject, though. This rifle has been fired multiple times recently." he said, as he handed the clip back to Haze. "Now, Apple Cart. Why don't you tell me everything that's happened since yesterday, or we might need to implement a little field justice right here."

[Go aggro? Talk or get pain?]

Sure, let's see it. You caught him in a lie and have a whole gang behind you, so he's going to talk - what's in question is how much he says.

BlasTech

2015-09-06, 08:35 PM

Sure, let's see it.

Go hard or go home.

[roll0]

Thanqol

2015-09-06, 08:41 PM

Go hard or go home.

[11]

Well, you've upset the Apple Cart.

He breaks down totally - it's actually kind of embarrassing. He spills his guts and tells you everything he can think of. He tells you that he works for Twofeather, he tells you the names of everyone else who works for Twofeather (Faux Fire, Affluent, Eclipse, Winter Gale and Feathersoft are the ones he knows, he thinks there's more), he tells you that Twofeather has a deal with this crazy Dash-ite scientist who lives down here, he tells you the scientist - Positive Reinforcement - had him out kidnapping ponies to get science'd. He tells you that Slick Talk did something to him and made him kill World Champion and that it's not his fault, really. He tells you that he's scared and he doesn't like it down here and he wants to go home. He also says that he's sorry.

So probably more than you wanted, really. He doesn't know much more. He's muscle, not smart muscle.

the_druid_droid

2015-09-06, 09:37 PM

Okay, that's sharp enough to allow a Manipulate against everypony except Jetlag.

"Well, am I wrong?"

[Manipulate: 2d6+2 = 7. Just barely a hit.]

Balmas

2015-09-07, 12:25 AM

Blood magic, really? Do they teach you how to do that in Stars Above or is that something you came up with on your own? What happened the last time you did this?

Stars Above definitely does not teach blood magic. Even when used legitimately, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. In fact, they specifically deny teaching it to their operatives. Those spherical vials they issue, and the blood samples they occasionally take from ponies on the naughty list, have nothing to do with blood magic. And the ritual chamber back up in the clouds had nothing to do with it.

So, yeah. It's something that people don't like talking about, and nopony can prove anything. But if an operative takes your blood, it may inspire people to be more willing to talk.

Now, I don't know exactly how it works. So long as it does, I'm content to not poke my nose where it doesn't need to be. However, I've figured out a few things. First is that the blood has to be fresh. Down in the unofficial interrogation chamber, there may be vials, all blackened and rusted, but they're purely for intimidation. Second, and the reason that Stars Above will never officially embrace blood magic, is that it's hungry. Yeah, I know, stereotypes, vampires, and all that, but stereotypes exist for a reason. Blood magic has a chance--albeit small--of taking more than you allow it to take. Last time I got it wrong, it drained nearly a pint of blood before I could staunch the bleeding.

Still, so long as it works...

Thanqol

2015-09-07, 12:43 AM

Stars Above definitely does not teach blood magic. Even when used legitimately, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. In fact, they specifically deny teaching it to their operatives. Those spherical vials they issue, and the blood samples they occasionally take from ponies on the naughty list, have nothing to do with blood magic. And the ritual chamber back up in the clouds had nothing to do with it.

So, yeah. It's something that people don't like talking about, and nopony can prove anything. But if an operative takes your blood, it may inspire people to be more willing to talk.

Now, I don't know exactly how it works. So long as it does, I'm content to not poke my nose where it doesn't need to be. However, I've figured out a few things. First is that the blood has to be fresh. Down in the unofficial interrogation chamber, there may be vials, all blackened and rusted, but they're purely for intimidation. Second, and the reason that Stars Above will never officially embrace blood magic, is that it's hungry. Yeah, I know, stereotypes, vampires, and all that, but stereotypes exist for a reason. Blood magic has a chance--albeit small--of taking more than you allow it to take. Last time I got it wrong, it drained nearly a pint of blood before I could staunch the bleeding.

Still, so long as it works...

In the blood you can see the cutie marks of your potential allies. You can see a dark cloud with two glaring eyes - you recognise it as Lt. Haze's, but almost immediately it clots to the surface, dry and scabrous, almost like a shell. You can also see a paw print, bright and almost white, and you can see the pride and anger of the lion that left the mark - you don't know the pony who has that cutie mark and you know everypony, but it is touching on the snake and stars that you recognise as Rattle Tail.

You can also see the signs of the stars themselves all about. They represent chaos and they are on your side.

Thanqol

2015-09-07, 12:53 AM

"Well, am I wrong?"

[Manipulate: 2d6+2 = 7. Just barely a hit.]

Cloudy Days and Gully Washer, two of Slick Talk's aunts, exchange glances, and Gully Washer flicks a wing and knocks Jetlag over. Immediately Cloudy Days falls over the knocked down pony, exclaiming, "Oh dear, you're hurt! We need to get you to a doctor right away!" Bluebell rushes over, taken in, and they bustle Jetlag away as fast as possible before the mob can really gain momentum.

Gully Washer shuffles over while everypony is distracted. "Hey. Mentats. Please." She's got a look in her eye like she's not taking no for an answer.

Twofeather's your supplier, by the way.

BlasTech

2015-09-07, 06:46 AM

Well, you've upset the Apple Cart.

He breaks down totally - it's actually kind of embarrassing. He spills his guts and tells you everything he can think of. He tells you that he works for Twofeather, he tells you the names of everyone else who works for Twofeather (Faux Fire, Affluent, Eclipse, Winter Gale and Feathersoft are the ones he knows, he thinks there's more), he tells you that Twofeather has a deal with this crazy Dash-ite scientist who lives down here, he tells you the scientist - Positive Reinforcement - had him out kidnapping ponies to get science'd. He tells you that Slick Talk did something to him and made him kill World Champion and that it's not his fault, really. He tells you that he's scared and he doesn't like it down here and he wants to go home. He also says that he's sorry.

So probably more than you wanted, really. He doesn't know much more. He's muscle, not smart muscle.

He knew one more thing at least.

"The ponies you all kidnapped." Asked Sirocco, his voice neutral. "Did they include Blue Angel here?"

He paused, giving both ponies a chance to fill in the gap.

Deadly

2015-09-07, 01:56 PM

Starstruck watched The Prophet's movements with interest. It was rare to come across this kind of pony and right now her interest was piqued. She did not listen to the ground however which led to a moment of her being the only pony standing which felt odd enough for her tail to twitch.

She looked up when The Prophet hovered by her side. A vetting, Starstruck thought. She could see reason enough for that. She gave a very slight nod, a smile spreading on her face, as she drew her trusted rifle.

"Sure. I can hunt."

"Go get 'em," Rattle Tail said encouragingly. "But save the gun for what slithers not," she added.

The ponies knew this was True, knew this was their Purpose, knew that their lives now had Meaning - and they charged off into the forest to hunt for snakes. They were unbelievably lucky that Starstruck was going with them. Forests are never safe and you have no idea what else might be hunting out there.

When you don’t know whether you’re the cat or the mouse, roll+sharp. On a hit, you decide which you are. On a 10+, you take +1forward as well. On a miss, you’re the mouse.

Meanwhile, Rattle Tail got some peace and quiet again, and the crow hopped out of the bushes to hear her talk.

"Bring home my Herald!" she called after the departing ponies, raising her hoof high to send them on their way.

Then the circle of dead birds fell silent, and the crow returned. Rattle Tail sat down in the middle of the circle, watching the bird like a god surveying the world from her throne on high. "You return. Have you a name, Herald Crow?"

Balmas

2015-09-07, 07:15 PM

In the blood you can see the cutie marks of your potential allies. You can see a dark cloud with two glaring eyes - you recognise it as Lt. Haze's, but almost immediately it clots to the surface, dry and scabrous, almost like a shell. You can also see a paw print, bright and almost white, and you can see the pride and anger of the lion that left the mark - you don't know the pony who has that cutie mark and you know everypony, but it is touching on the snake and stars that you recognise as Rattle Tail.

You can also see the signs of the stars themselves all about. They represent chaos and they are on your side.

Slick carefully emptied the leaf into the ground. A new pony meant a new friend, so she'd have to find him or her. However, right now she needed to go see the good lieutenant. She took wing, angling towards Sirocco's camp. Even if Haze wasn't there, somepony oughtta be able to point her in the right direction.

the_druid_droid

2015-09-07, 11:39 PM

Cloudy Days and Gully Washer, two of Slick Talk's aunts, exchange glances, and Gully Washer flicks a wing and knocks Jetlag over. Immediately Cloudy Days falls over the knocked down pony, exclaiming, "Oh dear, you're hurt! We need to get you to a doctor right away!" Bluebell rushes over, taken in, and they bustle Jetlag away as fast as possible before the mob can really gain momentum.

Gully Washer shuffles over while everypony is distracted. "Hey. Mentats. Please." She's got a look in her eye like she's not taking no for an answer.

Twofeather's your supplier, by the way.

"Sure thing, we're due a shipment any minute now. You can have the first packet off the truck, if you've got the scratch. Until it gets in, have a drink on me to take the edge off." Silver led her to the bar and gave the twins the signal to bring something strong.

As soon as the booze was flowing, he trotted out to locate Ace on the double.

"Hey, I need you to find Twofeather and get a piece of everything he's got, Mentats especially. Tell him we've got big orders coming in and offer some of the company funds up front if he's slow with it. If you can't find him, look for cousin Slick and see what she's packing."

"I'll stay here and try to keep our collective heads above water. Anything goes wrong, give me a holler. Hurry back, so we don't get another mob after us. Junkies are serious business."

Thanqol

2015-09-08, 12:37 AM

He knew one more thing at least.

"The ponies you all kidnapped." Asked Sirocco, his voice neutral. "Did they include Blue Angel here?"

He paused, giving both ponies a chance to fill in the gap.

"Uh, maybe, I don't -"

"No!" said Blue Angel, walking unsteadily towards Sirocco - and getting a bunch of lasers aimed at him by some twitchy guards. "We are fine. Fine and dandy and this," he hugged Apple Cart, "fine pony has done us no wrong. Let us go home and partake of the ciders and the sports."

"Sir, contact," said Haze, pointing off to the right.

Slick carefully emptied the leaf into the ground. A new pony meant a new friend, so she'd have to find him or her. However, right now she needed to go see the good lieutenant. She took wing, angling towards Sirocco's camp. Even if Haze wasn't there, somepony oughtta be able to point her in the right direction.

Well, Sirocco's entire crew is hanging out right over there with Blue Angel and Apple Cart, and immediately two ponies from Alpha rush over to meet you. What do you do?"

"Go get 'em," Rattle Tail said encouragingly. "But save the gun for what slithers not," she added.

"Bring home my Herald!" she called after the departing ponies, raising her hoof high to send them on their way.

Then the circle of dead birds fell silent, and the crow returned. Rattle Tail sat down in the middle of the circle, watching the bird like a god surveying the world from her throne on high. "You return. Have you a name, Herald Crow?"

"Dawkins," said the crow, emphasising the 'awk!'. "What about your name? Fair's fair!"

"Sure thing, we're due a shipment any minute now. You can have the first packet off the truck, if you've got the scratch. Until it gets in, have a drink on me to take the edge off." Silver led her to the bar and gave the twins the signal to bring something strong.

As soon as the booze was flowing, he trotted out to locate Ace on the double.

"Hey, I need you to find Twofeather and get a piece of everything he's got, Mentats especially. Tell him we've got big orders coming in and offer some of the company funds up front if he's slow with it. If you can't find him, look for cousin Slick and see what she's packing."

"I'll stay here and try to keep our collective heads above water. Anything goes wrong, give me a holler. Hurry back, so we don't get another mob after us. Junkies are serious business."

Sounds like you're putting out the word that you want a thing - roll Hot for Fingers in every Pie.

Elanorin

2015-09-08, 12:54 AM

The ponies knew this was True, knew this was their Purpose, knew that their lives now had Meaning - and they charged off into the forest to hunt for snakes. They were unbelievably lucky that Starstruck was going with them. Forests are never safe and you have no idea what else might be hunting out there.

When you don’t know whether you’re the cat or the mouse, roll+sharp. On a hit, you decide which you are. On a 10+, you take +1forward as well. On a miss, you’re the mouse.

"Go get 'em," Rattle Tail said encouragingly. "But save the gun for what slithers not," she added.

"Bring home my Herald!" she called after the departing ponies, raising her hoof high to send them on their way.

It was something else to be in the middle of so many ponies who just snapped to and followed an order with such... devotion. This was no drilled military unit conditioned to adhere to orders without question, they were clearly a bunch of chaotic civilians yet they acted with such singular purpose it was hard not to get caught up by the moment. Starstruck took to the air with a little more fervour and flare than she herself expected. She had no idea why but she was actually looking forwards to hunting snakes. For now she decided to just go with it, the time for questions was not upon her yet.

She flew a little higher than the others, rifle armed and ready, as she scanned the ground below.

[Rolling Cat / Mouse: 2d6+1=9 Cat]

Thanqol

2015-09-08, 01:39 AM

It was something else to be in the middle of so many ponies who just snapped to and followed an order with such... devotion. This was no drilled military unit conditioned to adhere to orders without question, they were clearly a bunch of chaotic civilians yet they acted with such singular purpose it was hard not to get caught up by the moment. Starstruck took to the air with a little more fervour and flare than she herself expected. She had no idea why but she was actually looking forwards to hunting snakes. For now she decided to just go with it, the time for questions was not upon her yet.

She flew a little higher than the others, rifle armed and ready, as she scanned the ground below.

[Rolling Cat / Mouse: 2d6+1=9 Cat]

In ancient forests, the myths tell us, there is what is called a Serpent Sea.

A Serpent Sea occurs when seven wise old snakes come together for the sake of power. They discuss, confer and argue for weeks and mostly they split apart then in bitterness. But on the rare occasion where all seven decide to work together, they elect a Captain to lead them and wrap themselves around each other. They tangle themselves into an impossible knot, slithering about until they are bound together forever.

The Captain leads a concert of serpentine minds, all their cunning, wisdom and magic bound together, and using these focused minds he compels lesser snakes to serve. Soon enough around the council of seven hundreds of other snakes flow, lifting and carrying their Captain, passing over the forest like an ocean. When the Sea needs food, the Captain calls the birds from the trees to lie down in front of the serpentine tide. When threatened, the Captain can call upon magic comparable to a powerful unicorn to get his way.

This is the quarry Starstruck finds herself hunting. A small Sea- maybe ten feet across in any direction, certainly not the biggest recorded in history - making its way comfortably through the forest. It is old, and wise, and cunning, and deathly powerful. How do you hunt a creature like this? Do you stalk it? Do you lay bait? Something stranger?

Balmas

2015-09-08, 01:52 AM

"Sunny Days, Snapshot, it's good to see you! How's the foal, is she still ready for her birthday party? I hope you don't mind, but I reaaaally need to talk to the good Colonel!" Confident as could be, Slick ambled towards the guards and then on to Sirocco. "Colonel, I'd like to report an assault and kidnapping. Can I borrow Haze and his troops to take care of the one responsible?"

Deadly

2015-09-08, 02:38 AM

"Dawkins," said the crow, emphasising the 'awk!'. "What about your name? Fair's fair!"

"Fair's fair," Rattle Tail agreed. "I am Rattle Tail, Ponyarch and Divine Prophet to the Equine Realm. I lead my fallen kin and all who accept salvation."

BlasTech

2015-09-08, 03:16 AM

Balmas

2015-09-08, 04:02 AM

Slick grinned as she took in the miserable Apple Cart. "Well, yesterday, when there was all that commotion with the gunshots, I saw Affluential and Faux Fire working for Twofeather. They grabbed a pony, gagged and blindfolded her. Now, I'm not one to judge--like me a little leather, now and again--but she didn't seem like she was too into it, dig? So I went down to check it out. Twofeather ordered his goons to bash me over the head, and, well, I wasn't expecting it." She pulled back a patch of fur, showing off the lovely bruise.

"Anyway, there's a Da****e in down, and Twofeather was working for him. I'm going to be working on that myself, as, with respect, the military isn't the best at handling stuff like that. Anyway, I need some troops to help take out Twofeather. He's organized, armed, and has only his own interests at heart."

Elanorin

2015-09-08, 04:08 AM

In ancient forests, the myths tell us, there is what is called a Serpent Sea.

A Serpent Sea occurs when seven wise old snakes come together for the sake of power. They discuss, confer and argue for weeks and mostly they split apart then in bitterness. But on the rare occasion where all seven decide to work together, they elect a Captain to lead them and wrap themselves around each other. They tangle themselves into an impossible knot, slithering about until they are bound together forever.

The Captain leads a concert of serpentine minds, all their cunning, wisdom and magic bound together, and using these focused minds he compels lesser snakes to serve. Soon enough around the council of seven hundreds of other snakes flow, lifting and carrying their Captain, passing over the forest like an ocean. When the Sea needs food, the Captain calls the birds from the trees to lie down in front of the serpentine tide. When threatened, the Captain can call upon magic comparable to a powerful unicorn to get his way.

This is the quarry Starstruck finds herself hunting. A small Sea- maybe ten feet across in any direction, certainly not the biggest recorded in history - making its way comfortably through the forest. It is old, and wise, and cunning, and deathly powerful. How do you hunt a creature like this? Do you stalk it? Do you lay bait? Something stranger?

Snakes as one.

Starstruck's eyes narrowed as she studied this Sea moving through the undergrowth like it owned the forest. Perhaps it did. It mattered little. It was her quarry and it would comply or die. Simple as.

Starstruck turned and found a conveniently placed treetop. From her vantage point she closed her eyes but the Sea was still before her. A low keening sound came from somewhere within her chest as she went through her ritual of finding the mindset of her target. She felt how the hairs of her coat morphed in to smooth compact scales, how her tongue forked in her mouth, how her tail grew in length and strength, as her mind slipped in to its perspective, to see the world from the eyes of her quarry.

[Rolling to Open My Brain: 2d6+0=2 (how apt)]

BlasTech

2015-09-08, 04:33 AM

Thanqol

2015-09-08, 06:14 PM

It started to rain - a cold drizzle, all over the valley. Visibility dropped, and morale visibly dropped.

"Sunny Days, Snapshot, it's good to see you! How's the foal, is she still ready for her birthday party? I hope you don't mind, but I reaaaally need to talk to the good Colonel!" Confident as could be, Slick ambled towards the guards and then on to Sirocco. "Colonel, I'd like to report an assault and kidnapping. Can I borrow Haze and his troops to take care of the one responsible?"

"Looking forward to it!" said Sunny Days, hugging Snapshot affectionately.

"Fair's fair," Rattle Tail agreed. "I am Rattle Tail, Ponyarch and Divine Prophet to the Equine Realm. I lead my fallen kin and all who accept salvation."

"Wow!" cawed Dawkins, impressed. "So... do you want to trade, or what?"

Snakes as one.

Starstruck's eyes narrowed as she studied this Sea moving through the undergrowth like it owned the forest. Perhaps it did. It mattered little. It was her quarry and it would comply or die. Simple as.

Starstruck turned and found a conveniently placed treetop. From her vantage point she closed her eyes but the Sea was still before her. A low keening sound came from somewhere within her chest as she went through her ritual of finding the mindset of her target. She felt how the hairs of her coat morphed in to smooth compact scales, how her tongue forked in her mouth, how her tail grew in length and strength, as her mind slipped in to its perspective, to see the world from the eyes of her quarry.

[Rolling to Open My Brain: 2d6+0=2 (how apt)]

So you're dealing with a sorcerer here, a strange and ancient creature tapped into the magical powers of the world. As you are hunting it, it observes you through unknown channels, searching for secrets that drive you. Answer me the following:
- What manner of pony made you, or are you your own?
- For what do you hunger, or by what have you sated yourself?
- What would you make the world into, if only you could?

Balmas

2015-09-08, 09:24 PM

"Twofeather is in need of correction, yes. But I don't know if I see him as the primary threat here." replied the Colonel, evenly. "Apple Cart here has been telling us about this ... scientist that is the apparent brains behind the scheme. I'm of a mind to pay her a visit, first."

Slick considered, then, in a low voice: "Colonel, I'm not entirely sure she's a danger. Bizarre, and strange certainly, but possibly useful. I'd like to evaluate that before you come in. If I find out she needs taking care of, by all means, but if you go in right now the jig is up and we let the chips fall where they may. I'd much rather find out whether I can get a hoof on the scale first.

"As is, our potential asset is tied down to one location, and can't easily move at a moment's notice. She's disorganized; she doesn't even seem to have a plan, or, from what I saw, a weapon. Twofeather, on the other hand, is actively working against the town, can move out and do things with a moment's notice, and has a small militia of armed ponies working for him--five at least, that I saw, and maybe more. I would say that's the more immediate threat.

"Also, I may have suggested that she booby-trap her location in case Twofeather came after her. You going there might blow up in your face, and not in the fun metaphorical way."

Thanqol

2015-09-08, 09:59 PM

"Also, I may have suggested that she booby-trap her location in case Twofeather came after her. You going there might blow up in your face, and not in the fun metaphorical way."

Speaking of blowing up, the sky abruptly make a KRAKOWWWW sound and that drizzle suddenly escalates to a full on downpour. It's a full on rainstorm now, with manes slumping down over ponies eyes and lots and lots of shivering.

the_druid_droid

2015-09-09, 01:06 AM

Sounds like you're putting out the word that you want a thing - roll Hot for Fingers in every Pie.

[Fingers in Every Pie, 2d6+2 = 14. The dice want me to pick up a habit, I guess...]

Quicksilver stayed by his post, fielding orders, slinging drinks, and generally doing his best to make sure the place wasn't collapsed from inside by a flood of strung-out junkies and ne'er-do-wells. It was exhausting work with the numbers they'd pulled in the first night and he could have used some pep himself, but mostly he stayed wired on the thought that if they pulled the show off tonight, they'd be established, right and proper.

BlasTech

2015-09-09, 01:31 AM

Slick considered, then, in a low voice: "Colonel, I'm not entirely sure she's a danger. Bizarre, and strange certainly, but possibly useful. I'd like to evaluate that before you come in. If I find out she needs taking care of, by all means, but if you go in right now the jig is up and we let the chips fall where they may. I'd much rather find out whether I can get a hoof on the scale first.

"As is, our potential asset is tied down to one location, and can't easily move at a moment's notice. She's disorganized; she doesn't even seem to have a plan, or, from what I saw, a weapon. Twofeather, on the other hand, is actively working against the town, can move out and do things with a moment's notice, and has a small militia of armed ponies working for him--five at least, that I saw, and maybe more. I would say that's the more immediate threat.

"Also, I may have suggested that she booby-trap her location in case Twofeather came after her. You going there might blow up in your face, and not in the fun metaphorical way."

"Let me lay things out for you, Miss Talk." replied Sirocco.

"You seem to suggest that I should be afraid of Twofeather, and I want to be clear - I'm not." he said, gesturing to Alpha to haul Apple Cart back onto his hooves. "At this moment though, I have one soldier that has already been 'scienced' and another one that is missing, not to mention another fifteen civilians that may or may not be in this scientist's hooves."

"That is my primary concern. So if you would please lead us to her hideout, and then see to it that she disarms any defences she has set up, then we might minimise the number of ponies who I will kill before this day is done."

Deadly

2015-09-09, 02:46 AM

"Wow!" cawed Dawkins, impressed. "So... do you want to trade, or what?"

"Hmm," Rattle Tail considered the crow for a moment before saying anything. "You want the last five birds, for which you will release my five ponies. The two birds you took earlier were your fee for negotiating and answering one question. Is this how you see it?"

Read a Bird: 3+1+0 = 4

Balmas

2015-09-09, 03:49 AM

Thanqol

2015-09-09, 05:38 AM

[Fingers in Every Pie, 2d6+2 = 14. The dice want me to pick up a habit, I guess...]

Quicksilver stayed by his post, fielding orders, slinging drinks, and generally doing his best to make sure the place wasn't collapsed from inside by a flood of strung-out junkies and ne'er-do-wells. It was exhausting work with the numbers they'd pulled in the first night and he could have used some pep himself, but mostly he stayed wired on the thought that if they pulled the show off tonight, they'd be established, right and proper.

Twofeather himself arrived along with three ponies weighed down with boxes containing drugs, candy, and raw sugar cane. "Afternoon Quicksilver," he said in that soft, friendly voice of his. "I've got your order here for you, and something more. Hear me out and I'll waive my fee for this shipment.

"See, I'm thinking these ponies are scared, not knowing what the future's going to be like. They want things to calm down and get back to normal and nothing's scarier than political instability. So I'd actually planned to get everypony together and call for elections, with me running for President. I was wondering if you had political ambitions of your own, an interest in government work, or even just an eye for an investment opportunity?"

"Hmm," Rattle Tail considered the crow for a moment before saying anything. "You want the last five birds, for which you will release my five ponies. The two birds you took earlier were your fee for negotiating and answering one question. Is this how you see it?"

Read a Bird: 3+1+0 = 4

"You asked two questions!" cawed the bird. "You asked who the Queen was and how to meet her. Actually three but one was very close so it wouldn't be fair to ask for it," said Dawkins. "Apart from that the deal is six birds -"

"No. Seven birds," said one of the wolves abruptly.

"Seven?!" squawked Dawkins, shocked.

"Why should the Queen get all the birds?" said the wolf. "I'm hungry too!"

"Yeah! Me too!" said another wolf. "Eight birds!" The chorus - ten voices - joined in.

"Idiots!" said Dawkins. "This isn't fair! She'll be angry! I'll tell!"

"You know," said the lead wolf with an evil glint in his eye. "You're a nice, fat bird too. And you've got two friends already."

The poor ponies whos lives were in question shook and quaked. Dawkins flapped his wings and sputtered and fumed. The wolves were bold. What do you do?

BlasTech

2015-09-09, 06:36 PM

The thought flitted through Slick's mind to walk away, leave Sirocco to try to find the place by himself. Her eyes darted to Apple Cart, then back to Sirocco.

"Yeah, alright. I want it on record, though, that you are making a mistake. On the way, you can tell me who's missing, so I can tell you whether I saw them or not."

"Lead on please." he said, to Slick, before turning to the other assembled soldiers.

"Okay Alphas, Sigmas. Lets go get your comrades back." he said, trying to boost their flagging morale somewhat.

On the way, he radioed back to base, asking Major Spot for the list of ponies reported missing and relaying them to Slick as they walked.

the_druid_droid

2015-09-09, 11:08 PM

Twofeather himself arrived along with three ponies weighed down with boxes containing drugs, candy, and raw sugar cane. "Afternoon Quicksilver," he said in that soft, friendly voice of his. "I've got your order here for you, and something more. Hear me out and I'll waive my fee for this shipment.

"See, I'm thinking these ponies are scared, not knowing what the future's going to be like. They want things to calm down and get back to normal and nothing's scarier than political instability. So I'd actually planned to get everypony together and call for elections, with me running for President. I was wondering if you had political ambitions of your own, an interest in government work, or even just an eye for an investment opportunity?"

Quicksilver's grin fairly lit up the room when Twofeather walked in with his boxes. Today was going to be a good day after all! He motioned for a few of his more heavily armed employees to transfer the crates to the back and start the dole out to customers, then turned his attention to Twofeather.

"Speaking as an old war horse, I think the government's got plenty of work out of me by this point." Silver chuckled and winked at a few of his crew. "On the other hoof, it might be time to see if I can't get the system to work for me for a change. And I'm always keen when opportunity knocks. So please, go on, what did you have in mind?"

Elanorin

2015-09-10, 02:56 AM

- What manner of pony made you, or are you your own?
- For what do you hunger, or by what have you sated yourself?
- What would you make the world into, if only you could?

I was raised by Majors, Captains and Lieutenants, military ponies made me and I have never been my own.

I hunger to stand on my own hooves, make my own judgements and follow nopony's orders but my own.

A world without closed doors.

*

Starstruck regained her wings, took to the sky and then thumped to the ground right in front of the Sea. She stared straight at it with snake eyes, a scaly tail coiled around her; her shape still half serpentine. Her forked tongue darted out as she tasted the air, the vibrations of the forest, the scent of her quarry...

[Rolling to Read a Sea Of Snakes: 2d6+1= 5]

Thanqol

2015-09-10, 04:13 AM

"Lead on please." he said, to Slick, before turning to the other assembled soldiers.

"Okay Alphas, Sigmas. Lets go get your comrades back." he said, trying to boost their flagging morale somewhat.

On the way, he radioed back to base, asking Major Spot for the list of ponies reported missing and relaying them to Slick as they walked.

Slick, are you leading Sirocco to the right spot?

I mean, in this rain nopony could blame you if you weren't, right?

The radios are for sh*t given these huge canyon walls and electrical storm interference, but you get that a bunch of ponies - including the missing soldier - have made their way back to the camp (the missing soldier had taken the opportunity to get smashed on alcohol-based weapon lubricant and had passed out in a ditch). There were only five civilians still missing.

Slick Talk, you don't remember seeing any other prisoners apart from Blue Angel when you woke up in the police station.

Quicksilver's grin fairly lit up the room when Twofeather walked in with his boxes. Today was going to be a good day after all! He motioned for a few of his more heavily armed employees to transfer the crates to the back and start the dole out to customers, then turned his attention to Twofeather.

"Speaking as an old war horse, I think the government's got plenty of work out of me by this point." Silver chuckled and winked at a few of his crew. "On the other hoof, it might be time to see if I can't get the system to work for me for a change. And I'm always keen when opportunity knocks. So please, go on, what did you have in mind?"

"A cabinet position?" suggested Twofeather, "I'm a bit short of talent I can trust and I don't think you've got the popularity to work in the public eye. Minister for Development or Agriculture or something, what suits you?"

Starstruck regained her wings, took to the sky and then thumped to the ground right in front of the Sea. She stared straight at it with snake eyes, a scaly tail coiled around her; her shape still half serpentine. Her forked tongue darted out as she tasted the air, the vibrations of the forest, the scent of her quarry...

[Rolling to Read a Sea Of Snakes: 2d6+1= 5]

The Captain turned, reclining atop the sea of snakes, smug and content, and the snakes flowed to surround the warped Starstruck on all sides. "You have come to offer yourself to me," hissed the Captain in your mind, eyes glowing green. "Submit. I shall consume your mind and take your strength and in return you shall never be hungry. It is what you were made for. It is what you know."

Elanorin

2015-09-10, 04:30 AM

The Captain turned, reclining atop the sea of snakes, smug and content, and the snakes flowed to surround the warped Starstruck on all sides. "You have come to offer yourself to me," hissed the Captain in your mind, eyes glowing green. "Submit. I shall consume your mind and take your strength and in return you shall never be hungry. It is what you were made for. It is what you know."

"You took the wordss right out of my mouth," Starstruck hissed in response, eyes locked with the Captain. "Thiss iss the deal I am offering you. Submit, be my Ssteward or I kill every thing that sslithers in this wood. Sstarting with you."

[Rolling to Manipulate the Captain: 2d6-1=5 Aw come on!]

Thanqol

2015-09-10, 04:41 AM

"You took the wordss right out of my mouth," Starstruck hissed in response, eyes locked with the Captain. "Thiss iss the deal I am offering you. Submit, be my Ssteward or I kill every thing that sslithers in this wood. Sstarting with you."

[Rolling to Manipulate the Captain: 2d6-1=5 Aw come on!]

"So be it. Consume her," said the Captain, and the snakes swarmed towards Starstruck from every direction. Poisoned fangs sought weak points in her armour, snakes dropped from the trees on top of her, cobras sought to strangle and crush her with their huge embraces. You're knocked to the ground under the weight of them all. What do you do?

(For reference, this is a 'small gang' with 2 harm 0 armour, so 3/1 - against your 2 armour that's 1 harm. However, they rolled a 5 on the Harm move and are choosing to have you lose your footing in exchange for -1 harm, so take no harm.)

Elanorin

2015-09-10, 05:03 AM

"So be it. Consume her," said the Captain, and the snakes swarmed towards Starstruck from every direction. Poisoned fangs sought weak points in her armour, snakes dropped from the trees on top of her, cobras sought to strangle and crush her with their huge embraces. You're knocked to the ground under the weight of them all. What do you do?

(For reference, this is a 'small gang' with 2 harm 0 armour, so 3/1 - against your 2 armour that's 1 harm. However, they rolled a 5 on the Harm move and are choosing to have you lose your footing in exchange for -1 harm, so take no harm.)

Starstruck suddenly found herself on the ground, covered in snakes, it was like some kind of nightmare. She quickly opened her wings and the blade grafts unsheathed themselves, she beat her wings among the sea of snakes in a furious flurry of feathers and gleaming blades to tear them apart and lift herself up in to the air to hover just above.

[Rolling to seize the upper hand by force: 2d6+3=10
take definite hold
suffer little harm
impress, dismay or frighten the enemy]

Deadly

2015-09-10, 02:16 PM

"You asked two questions!" cawed the bird. "You asked who the Queen was and how to meet her. Actually three but one was very close so it wouldn't be fair to ask for it," said Dawkins. "Apart from that the deal is six birds -"

"No. Seven birds," said one of the wolves abruptly.

"Seven?!" squawked Dawkins, shocked.

"Why should the Queen get all the birds?" said the wolf. "I'm hungry too!"

"Yeah! Me too!" said another wolf. "Eight birds!" The chorus - ten voices - joined in.

"Idiots!" said Dawkins. "This isn't fair! She'll be angry! I'll tell!"

"You know," said the lead wolf with an evil glint in his eye. "You're a nice, fat bird too. And you've got two friends already."

The poor ponies whos lives were in question shook and quaked. Dawkins flapped his wings and sputtered and fumed. The wolves were bold. What do you do?

Rattle Tail smiled the smile of a businessmare. "Wolves, wolves," she said to gain their attention, "I have an offer to make you. I will give you ten birds now, one each, if you help protect me and my ponies, the five with you included. Should you perform well, there may even be more birds to come. Your queen would give you no birds, is that what I hear? You must admit my offer is more than fair then." She drew their eyes to ten plump birds before her, letting their eyes take in the feast she was offering for turning to her side.

"Unless Dawkins here can offer either of us a better deal, that is."

Balmas

2015-09-10, 03:52 PM

Slick, are you leading Sirocco to the right spot?

I mean, in this rain nopony could blame you if you weren't, right?

The radios are for sh*t given these huge canyon walls and electrical storm interference, but you get that a bunch of ponies - including the missing soldier - have made their way back to the camp (the missing soldier had taken the opportunity to get smashed on alcohol-based weapon lubricant and had passed out in a ditch). There were only five civilians still missing.

Slick Talk, you don't remember seeing any other prisoners apart from Blue Angel when you woke up in the police station.

Here's the thing. Sirocco already has a guy that could lead them there. Sure, it might delay them a bit to head back and haul the blubbering idiot with them, but they could find the place with relative ease, if not now then at least when the storm let up. Leading him on a wild goose chase only adds distrust and unease to the cocktail of misery we're finding ourself in.

"Sirocco, I don't expect you to listen to me, as you haven't yet. But if it matters at all, I only saw one captive in there, and Snow Angel was unharmed from what I saw. Now, I'm going to go in alone, make sure the traps are disarmed. When I give the signal, you can come in, but leave the beef behind; I'm not sure anything I can say will persuade her she's not in danger if you troop in here with sixty soldiers behind you."

BlasTech

2015-09-10, 07:17 PM

Here's the thing. Sirocco already has a guy that could lead them there. Sure, it might delay them a bit to head back and haul the blubbering idiot with them, but they could find the place with relative ease, if not now then at least when the storm let up. Leading him on a wild goose chase only adds distrust and unease to the cocktail of misery we're finding ourself in.

"Sirocco, I don't expect you to listen to me, as you haven't yet. But if it matters at all, I only saw one captive in there, and Snow Angel was unharmed from what I saw. Now, I'm going to go in alone, make sure the traps are disarmed. When I give the signal, you can come in, but leave the beef behind; I'm not sure anything I can say will persuade her she's not in danger if you troop in here with sixty soldiers behind you."

"I assure you, I am listening quite closely Miss Talk." he replied. Despite his continually grim demeanour, he seemed somewhat impressed that she'd actually led them to the right place.

"I'm willing to leave my troops outside, but surely this scientist will not object to myself and Blue Angel accompanying you in? We are here to have him fixed up after all."

[Trying to manipulate Slick here: I leave the troops behind in exchange for us coming in with you. [roll0]]

[Gonna go with, if Slick allows him in, mark XP]

the_druid_droid

2015-09-10, 10:22 PM

"A cabinet position?" suggested Twofeather, "I'm a bit short of talent I can trust and I don't think you've got the popularity to work in the public eye. Minister for Development or Agriculture or something, what suits you?"

"No joke. The fewer foals I have to kiss and hooves I have to shake, the happier I'll be. Something vague and deniable is probably best for us both. Minister of the Interior, maybe? I'm pretty sure nopony would have any idea what that office does. You can just send me any miscellaneous requests and action items that need my particular brand of finesse, and in exchange I keep a nice little foothold with the government and Treasury."

Quicksilver offered his guest a drink. "How's that sound?"

Thanqol

2015-09-10, 10:36 PM

Starstruck suddenly found herself on the ground, covered in snakes, it was like some kind of nightmare. She quickly opened her wings and the blade grafts unsheathed themselves, she beat her wings among the sea of snakes in a furious flurry of feathers and gleaming blades to tear them apart and lift herself up in to the air to hover just above.

[Rolling to seize the upper hand by force: 2d6+3=10
take definite hold
suffer little harm
impress, dismay or frighten the enemy]

They're trying and trying to get their fangs in, to get the poison in, but you're all blades and metal. Snake meat flies in all directions and snakes start scattering wildly, going for ground, getting away as fast as they can slither. There ain't a scratch on you; all the blood is theirs.

And then there's that old snake wizard, slithering as fast as his tangled tail can carry him. What do you do?

Rattle Tail smiled the smile of a businessmare. "Wolves, wolves," she said to gain their attention, "I have an offer to make you. I will give you ten birds now, one each, if you help protect me and my ponies, the five with you included. Should you perform well, there may even be more birds to come. Your queen would give you no birds, is that what I hear? You must admit my offer is more than fair then." She drew their eyes to ten plump birds before her, letting their eyes take in the feast she was offering for turning to her side.

"Unless Dawkins here can offer either of us a better deal, that is."

So who's important here? The wolves or the bird? The wolves, roll Frenzy. The bird, roll Manipulate.

Here's the thing. Sirocco already has a guy that could lead them there. Sure, it might delay them a bit to head back and haul the blubbering idiot with them, but they could find the place with relative ease, if not now then at least when the storm let up. Leading him on a wild goose chase only adds distrust and unease to the cocktail of misery we're finding ourself in.

"Sirocco, I don't expect you to listen to me, as you haven't yet. But if it matters at all, I only saw one captive in there, and Snow Angel was unharmed from what I saw. Now, I'm going to go in alone, make sure the traps are disarmed. When I give the signal, you can come in, but leave the beef behind; I'm not sure anything I can say will persuade her she's not in danger if you troop in here with sixty soldiers behind you."

"I assure you, I am listening quite closely Miss Talk." he replied. Despite his continually grim demeanour, he seemed somewhat impressed that she'd actually led them to the right place.

"I'm willing to leave my troops outside, but surely this scientist will not object to myself and Blue Angel accompanying you in? We are here to have him fixed up after all."

"I assure you sir, I am entirely fine," said Blue Angel, who was way more on point this closer to the place where his brain was hanging out. "I was just suffering a bit of lag before. I have no desire to be reunited with my, frankly rather ghastly, meat body."

"No joke. The fewer foals I have to kiss and hooves I have to shake, the happier I'll be. Something vague and deniable is probably best for us both. Minister of the Interior, maybe? I'm pretty sure nopony would have any idea what that office does. You can just send me any miscellaneous requests and action items that need my particular brand of finesse, and in exchange I keep a nice little foothold with the government and Treasury."

Quicksilver offered his guest a drink. "How's that sound?"

"Absolutely," said Twofeather. "I may have to rely on you quite heavily during this election, there is a lot of work to do and not much time to do it in."

He spat on his hoof and held it out to bump.

Deadly

2015-09-11, 01:12 AM

So who's important here? The wolves or the bird? The wolves, roll Frenzy. The bird, roll Manipulate.

Rattle Tail had her eyes set on the wolves. It may cost her a few more birds, but by taking the wolves over to her side, she not only freed the five terrified ponies and gained ten vicious defenders (a fair replacement for her birds), she also took away the Queen's current bargaining power. Which meant that the Queen would need to come up with something better to offer her, if she wanted her birds.

"Tell your queen," she said to Dawkins, "if she wishes to bargain fairly, I am always happy to discuss business with her, but she will need to offer me and my ponies something other than threats."

Frenzy: 4+5+3 = 12

Unite and fight as a gang

Thanqol

2015-09-11, 01:20 AM

Rattle Tail had her eyes set on the wolves. It may cost her a few more birds, but by taking the wolves over to her side, she not only freed the five terrified ponies and gained ten vicious defenders (a fair replacement for her birds), she also took away the Queen's current bargaining power. Which meant that the Queen would need to come up with something better to offer her, if she wanted her birds.

"Tell your queen," she said to Dawkins, "if she wishes to bargain fairly, I am always happy to discuss business with her, but she will need to offer me and my ponies something other than threats."

Frenzy: 4+5+3 = 12

Unite and fight as a gang

Man, Rattle Tail is just raking in the converts today, isn't she?

Dawkins looked at the wolves, made an ugly, croaking shriek, and flapped off into the sky, dragging his birds behind him. The wolves began to move about through the clearing, sniffing at the dead birds, hunting for ones they liked. The poor rescued ponies dropped to the ground, overcome with a combination of profound relief and heart-stopping terror.

One wolf, holding a large turkey, came up to Rattle Tail, wagging his tail contentedly. "I'm Talker," he said in between chomps. "That's Biter, that's Hunter, that's Sniffer, that's Howler, that's Runner, that's Fighter, that's Chaser, that's Watcher, that's Reader." Talker was a handsome grey beast with orange-brown stripes that might be paint on his shoulders and nose.

Balmas

2015-09-11, 02:43 AM

"I'm willing to leave my troops outside, but surely this scientist will not object to myself and Blue Angel accompanying you in? We are here to have him fixed up after all."

[Trying to manipulate Slick here: I leave the troops behind in exchange for us coming in with you. [roll0]]

[Gonna go with, if Slick allows him in, mark XP]

Slick paused, tapping a hoof. "Yes, that seems fair. This is, after all, merely a cordial visit to familiarize you with our new friend! Just think of all the benefits we can have with us working together... all of your meaty tendons and sinews working to help the community, while we put our brains into finding a solution! As head chief party researcher, you have Doctor Slick's word that things shall be right!"

"I assure you sir, I am entirely fine," said Blue Angel, who was way more on point this closer to the place where his brain was hanging out. "I was just suffering a bit of lag before. I have no desire to be reunited with my, frankly rather ghastly, meat body."

"That's the way," Slick chortled, slapping Blue Angel on the back hard enough to buckle a lesser pony's knees. "You don't need that skinvelope to do your job. And you! No ordering him to do something he doesn't want to, just because you think you know better!"

Then, she was at the cave entrance, hooves cupped around an imaginary bullhorn. "Feathersoft! I'm coming in, and I've got a friend. DOOO be a dear, and please don't blow us up!"

Elanorin

2015-09-11, 03:07 AM

They're trying and trying to get their fangs in, to get the poison in, but you're all blades and metal. Snake meat flies in all directions and snakes start scattering wildly, going for ground, getting away as fast as they can slither. There ain't a scratch on you; all the blood is theirs.

And then there's that old snake wizard, slithering as fast as his tangled tail can carry him. What do you do?

Starstruck's mind was in combat mode now, the moment her blades had unsheathed themselves she was nothing but impulses and instinct. Her whip was in her hoof in an instant and a crack of thunder echoed through the trees.

"Submit to me, or die." She commanded, her voice somehow managing to carry with ease over the still rumbling thunder.

[Rolling to Go Aggro: 2d6+3=8]

Thanqol

2015-09-11, 05:25 AM

"That's the way," Slick chortled, slapping Blue Angel on the back hard enough to buckle a lesser pony's knees. "You don't need that skinvelope to do your job. And you! No ordering him to do something he doesn't want to, just because you think you know better!"

Then, she was at the cave entrance, hooves cupped around an imaginary bullhorn. "Feathersoft! I'm coming in, and I've got a friend. DOOO be a dear, and please don't blow us up!"

"Oh, all right!" grumbled Feathersoft. Coming in, Slick Talk found that he had whipped up a large barrel of gelatin explosive with a wire in it - good work, and quick. "Who am I guarding this cave against?" he asked/whined.

By the way, this isn't a cave. This is a police station, with walls and a door and a giant underground lab, like any other police station. Desolate and a bit tree-strewn, and located on the very top of the canyon next to the old road.

Starstruck's mind was in combat mode now, the moment her blades had unsheathed themselves she was nothing but impulses and instinct. Her whip was in her hoof in an instant and a crack of thunder echoed through the trees.

"Submit to me, or die." She commanded, her voice somehow managing to carry with ease over the still rumbling thunder.

[Rolling to Go Aggro: 2d6+3=8]

"Eep!" whimpered the snake, trying to curl up where it was. It wasn't fast enough to run, wasn't armed enough to fight, so it lay down on its belly and squirmed. "Oh my, so, have I mentioned you look lovely today?" it said, "I love your hat," it said, indicating Starstruck's hair.

BlasTech

2015-09-11, 07:51 PM

"I assure you sir, I am entirely fine," said Blue Angel, who was way more on point this closer to the place where his brain was hanging out. "I was just suffering a bit of lag before. I have no desire to be reunited with my, frankly rather ghastly, meat body."

Sirocco just eyeballed the soldier, taking the rather odd sentiment without blinking.

Slick paused, tapping a hoof. "Yes, that seems fair. This is, after all, merely a cordial visit to familiarize you with our new friend! Just think of all the benefits we can have with us working together... all of your meaty tendons and sinews working to help the community, while we put our brains into finding a solution! As head chief party researcher, you have Doctor Slick's word that things shall be right!"

"That's the way," Slick chortled, slapping Blue Angel on the back hard enough to buckle a lesser pony's knees. "You don't need that skinvelope to do your job. And you! No ordering him to do something he doesn't want to, just because you think you know better!"

"Well, that will depend on exactly what's been done to him." replied Sirocco, before turning to the other soldiers.

"Alpha, Sigma, secure the perimeter, nopony gets in or out." he ordered. "Lt Haze, a word please."

"If I do not return in fifteen minutes ..." he began, whispering into her ear. "... or if I return and fail to give the passcode "Blueberry muffins", you are ordered to kill everypony inside, myself included, and then burn the place to the ground."

With that said, he turned and gestured for Blue Angel to come as he followed Slick into the police station.

"Oh, all right!" grumbled Feathersoft. Coming in, Slick Talk found that he had whipped up a large barrel of gelatin explosive with a wire in it - good work, and quick. "Who am I guarding this cave against?" he asked/whined.

By the way, this isn't a cave. This is a police station, with walls and a door and a giant underground lab, like any other police station. Desolate and a bit tree-strewn, and located on the very top of the canyon next to the old road.

A very interesting police station. Sirocco seemed surprised to find a fully equipped lab here, and spent his time taking in the sights, letting Slick do the introductions.

the_druid_droid

2015-09-12, 12:08 AM

"Absolutely," said Twofeather. "I may have to rely on you quite heavily during this election, there is a lot of work to do and not much time to do it in."

He spat on his hoof and held it out to bump.

Quicksilver spat on his own and bumped hooves with his partner in less-than-legal activities.

"To civic responsibility!"

Balmas

2015-09-12, 01:58 AM

By the way, this isn't a cave. This is a police station, with walls and a door and a giant underground lab, like any other police station. Desolate and a bit tree-strewn, and located on the very top of the canyon next to the old road.

Of course it is, how silly of me to have forgotten.

"I've brought a friend to see us," Slick began, ignoring Feathersoft. "Apple Cart went to see the good Colonel, and of course he wanted to see the miracle worker in his camp." She stood close by Sirocco's side, smiling broadly.

Deadly

2015-09-12, 01:22 PM

Man, Rattle Tail is just raking in the converts today, isn't she?

Dawkins looked at the wolves, made an ugly, croaking shriek, and flapped off into the sky, dragging his birds behind him. The wolves began to move about through the clearing, sniffing at the dead birds, hunting for ones they liked. The poor rescued ponies dropped to the ground, overcome with a combination of profound relief and heart-stopping terror.

One wolf, holding a large turkey, came up to Rattle Tail, wagging his tail contentedly. "I'm Talker," he said in between chomps. "That's Biter, that's Hunter, that's Sniffer, that's Howler, that's Runner, that's Fighter, that's Chaser, that's Watcher, that's Reader." Talker was a handsome grey beast with orange-brown stripes that might be paint on his shoulders and nose.

"I am Rattle Tail." Rattle Tail stood up. It was strange standing nose to nose with a wolf, feeling the tingle of primal fear. She considered the wolves around her and the rainy sky above. Rainy now, but tonight? Tonight ... The ground had not seen clear skies until mere days ago. Had they seen stars? The moon?

The full moon?

She looked at the wolves again, ripping and tearing at the raw flesh of birds. It was another strange thing for a pony to watch. Regardless, she found herself with a gang of wolves who may never have seen the moon before, and a camp full of pegasi who had never seen - or heard - a real live wolf. Some of them weren't entirely convinced of her obvious superiority yet, either.

It was always the right time to proselytize. Especially when you found yourself with a gang of wolves at hoof.

"How do you feel about showing off?" she asked, a playful smirk sneaking across her lips.

Elanorin

2015-09-12, 01:44 PM

"Eep!" whimpered the snake, trying to curl up where it was. It wasn't fast enough to run, wasn't armed enough to fight, so it lay down on its belly and squirmed. "Oh my, so, have I mentioned you look lovely today?" it said, "I love your hat," it said, indicating Starstruck's hair.

"Why, thank you." Starstruck smiled politely, not believing his words in the slightest. She lifted the snake up and draped him over her shoulders like a living stole. "Have you ever flown before?" she smiled and took off through the sky straight back towards where she'd left The Prophet, her armour still covered in snake blood and pieces of snake still stuck in her mane.

Thanqol

2015-09-13, 01:57 AM

"Well, that will depend on exactly what's been done to him." replied Sirocco, before turning to the other soldiers.

"Alpha, Sigma, secure the perimeter, nopony gets in or out." he ordered. "Lt Haze, a word please."

"If I do not return in fifteen minutes ..." he began, whispering into her ear. "... or if I return and fail to give the passcode "Blueberry muffins", you are ordered to kill everypony inside, myself included, and then burn the place to the ground."

With that said, he turned and gestured for Blue Angel to come as he followed Slick into the police station.

"Sir, yes sir," said Haze, perfectly on the job. If you could count on one pony to kill you and burn down a building on your orders, it was Haze.

Of course it is, how silly of me to have forgotten.

"I've brought a friend to see us," Slick began, ignoring Feathersoft. "Apple Cart went to see the good Colonel, and of course he wanted to see the miracle worker in his camp." She stood close by Sirocco's side, smiling broadly.

"Oh! Yes! Hello!" said Positive Reinforcement, freezing in place next to her brain extractor. She casually shifted so that the Dash-ite brand on her flank was less visible, but she seemed like she was freaking out. "Hello! Welcome to the lab! The Correct Hemisphere, as it's called, ah-ha-ha-ha-ha," she glanced around frantically, popped another mentat - she was going to overdose on those things at this rate - and settled her vision on the barrel of explosives. That seemed to calm her a bit. "That's my little joke, a play on Right Hemisphere, which is to do with -" she snapped out of her rambling for a moment, stomped her hoof in despair, and took on a hearbroken expression, "Why can't you just leave me alone!? You already exiled me once! I haven't made any trouble!"

"I am Rattle Tail." Rattle Tail stood up. It was strange standing nose to nose with a wolf, feeling the tingle of primal fear. She considered the wolves around her and the rainy sky above. Rainy now, but tonight? Tonight ... The ground had not seen clear skies until mere days ago. Had they seen stars? The moon?

The full moon?

She looked at the wolves again, ripping and tearing at the raw flesh of birds. It was another strange thing for a pony to watch. Regardless, she found herself with a gang of wolves who may never have seen the moon before, and a camp full of pegasi who had never seen - or heard - a real live wolf. Some of them weren't entirely convinced of her obvious superiority yet, either.

It was always the right time to proselytize. Especially when you found yourself with a gang of wolves at hoof.

"How do you feel about showing off?" she asked, a playful smirk sneaking across her lips.

"I like showing off!" said Talker. "I know Sit and Fetch and Stand and Speak, and the Queen even taught Fighter how to Limp and Play Dead!" All the wolves quickly affirmed that they did indeed know several Tricks and were quite proud of themselves about that.

Maybe these 'wolves' were actually mutant dogs - or maybe they were real wolves that had been trained like dogs. Either way they had a certain doggy derpiness and eagerness to please to them when they weren't hungry.

"Why, thank you." Starstruck smiled politely, not believing his words in the slightest. She lifted the snake up and draped him over her shoulders like a living stole. "Have you ever flown before?" she smiled and took off through the sky straight back towards where she'd left The Prophet, her armour still covered in snake blood and pieces of snake still stuck in her mane.

But Rattle Tail was interruped by Starstruck returning with an terrified magical wizard snake - and the other ponies she'd dispatched showing up with an assortment of lesser (or dead) snakes, hoping their best that they wouldn't be judged as obviously inferior to Starstruck's superior offering.

Quicksilver spat on his own and bumped hooves with his partner in less-than-legal activities.

"To civic responsibility!"

"To the democratic process!" said Twofeather. "Need anything else while I'm here? Food, information, clients, what?"

the_druid_droid

2015-09-13, 11:46 PM

"To the democratic process!" said Twofeather. "Need anything else while I'm here? Food, information, clients, what?"

"Information sounds wonderful, honestly. We've been so busy bolting this place together, there hasn't been a chance to take the pulse of the town. What's your outlook on the situation down there, particularly with an eye toward profit? What's my short game look like?"

Silver slid into a vacant seat and motioned for Twofeather to join him at the table. No sense in running off a pony so eager to help.

BlasTech

2015-09-14, 09:15 PM

"Oh! Yes! Hello!" said Positive Reinforcement, freezing in place next to her brain extractor. She casually shifted so that the Dash-ite brand on her flank was less visible, but she seemed like she was freaking out. "Hello! Welcome to the lab! The Correct Hemisphere, as it's called, ah-ha-ha-ha-ha," she glanced around frantically, popped another mentat - she was going to overdose on those things at this rate - and settled her vision on the barrel of explosives. That seemed to calm her a bit. "That's my little joke, a play on Right Hemisphere, which is to do with -" she snapped out of her rambling for a moment, stomped her hoof in despair, and took on a hearbroken expression, "Why can't you just leave me alone!? You already exiled me once! I haven't made any trouble!"

"Well, that depends to be seen." observed Sirocco, as he looked around the room and tried to decipher the purpose of the lab. "I'm searching for understanding in that regard, particularly what has happened to this soldier of mine."

"It's a very impressive lab. Although I suspect the science involved is extremely complicated. Are you able to grasp any of this?" he continued, asking the question to Slick.

Balmas

2015-09-15, 09:11 AM

"Well, that depends to be seen." observed Sirocco, as he looked around the room and tried to decipher the purpose of the lab. "I'm searching for understanding in that regard, particularly what has happened to this soldier of mine."

"It's a very impressive lab. Although I suspect the science involved is extremely complicated. Are you able to grasp any of this?" he continued, asking the question to Slick.

"Broad strokes, yes, though I'd be hard-pressed to replicate it without some diagrams." Slick moved alongside Positive and draped a wing over her shoulder. "Don't worry."

Deadly

2015-09-15, 04:09 PM

"I like showing off!" said Talker. "I know Sit and Fetch and Stand and Speak, and the Queen even taught Fighter how to Limp and Play Dead!" All the wolves quickly affirmed that they did indeed know several Tricks and were quite proud of themselves about that.

Maybe these 'wolves' were actually mutant dogs - or maybe they were real wolves that had been trained like dogs. Either way they had a certain doggy derpiness and eagerness to please to them when they weren't hungry.

Rattle Tail clapped her hooves. "I see. I was thinking--ah, here come they all."

But Rattle Tail was interruped by Starstruck returning with an terrified magical wizard snake - and the other ponies she'd dispatched showing up with an assortment of lesser (or dead) snakes, hoping their best that they wouldn't be judged as obviously inferior to Starstruck's superior offering.

"My ponies," she said and waved them forward so they could present their offerings. She inspected each hunter and their snake in turn; the dead ones she instructed to be laid in a row upon an altar crudely fashioned of old metal scrap, while the lesser ones were put in a covered pit in the ground for now. "Everything shall serve a purpose before all is done," she declared for now before turning to Starstruck and the grand prize of the hunt. She looked at the snake, her eyes meeting its eyes. "I am Rattle Tail, Ponyarch and Divine Prophet to all who accept salvation. You will be my Herald." She held out a leg for the snake to climb up.

Thanqol

2015-09-15, 05:53 PM

"Information sounds wonderful, honestly. We've been so busy bolting this place together, there hasn't been a chance to take the pulse of the town. What's your outlook on the situation down there, particularly with an eye toward profit? What's my short game look like?"

Silver slid into a vacant seat and motioned for Twofeather to join him at the table. No sense in running off a pony so eager to help.

"Real money is in real estate, mark my words," said Twofeather. "Construction especially. There are maybe three ponies in the whole camp with cutie marks related to building stuff out of stone and wood. Nopony is happy living in tents so their services are going to be in ridiculously high demand." Twofeather took a drink and leaned back. "You want to make some real money? Those are your ponies."

"Well, that depends to be seen." observed Sirocco, as he looked around the room and tried to decipher the purpose of the lab. "I'm searching for understanding in that regard, particularly what has happened to this soldier of mine."

"It's a very impressive lab. Although I suspect the science involved is extremely complicated. Are you able to grasp any of this?" he continued, asking the question to Slick.

"Broad strokes, yes, though I'd be hard-pressed to replicate it without some diagrams." Slick moved alongside Positive and draped a wing over her shoulder. "Don't worry."

Positive Reinforcement took a deep breath in. Closed her eyes. Focused on the drugs. Breathed out.

"Below this level," she said, "there is a Brain Pool where all extracted brains are being kept and maintained. They alternate between high level discussions, unencumbered by the demands of their meat, and remotely controlling their physical bodies. Due to their increased focus on the realm of intellect and transmission issues their meat operates at a time delay or on autonomous programming built into the animating tesla coils. I've been trying to build an antennae to give my charges some more range but I don't have the time or resources."

"My ponies," she said and waved them forward so they could present their offerings. She inspected each hunter and their snake in turn; the dead ones she instructed to be laid in a row upon an altar crudely fashioned of old metal scrap, while the lesser ones were put in a covered pit in the ground for now. "Everything shall serve a purpose before all is done," she declared for now before turning to Starstruck and the grand prize of the hunt. She looked at the snake, her eyes meeting its eyes. "I am Rattle Tail, Ponyarch and Divine Prophet to all who accept salvation. You will be my Herald." She held out a leg for the snake to climb up.

"Blimey," said the Captain. "You ponies are crazy."

It slithered up onto Rattle Tail's shoulders, trying to orient itself in this strange new situation. "So you're the princess here, huh? Crimmeny. Wish I could say that this was the weirdest stuff I've seen ponies doing. Wish I could say that this was the weirdest stuff I've seen ponies doing in the past month. Love the tribal look, by the way, but I reckon some tattoos would really bring out your eyes."

the_druid_droid

2015-09-16, 12:20 AM

"Real money is in real estate, mark my words," said Twofeather. "Construction especially. There are maybe three ponies in the whole camp with cutie marks related to building stuff out of stone and wood. Nopony is happy living in tents so their services are going to be in ridiculously high demand." Twofeather took a drink and leaned back. "You want to make some real money? Those are your ponies."

"Hmm, wouldn't hurt to have them around for my own needs either." Silver eyed the admittedly slap-dash construction of the bar and let a few plans for future expansion turn over in the back of his mind.

"I think I might like getting in on the, ah, ground floor on this deal." Silver grinned. "Can you tell me anything else about these ponies? For example - are they honest, or will I find some leverage? Where do they usually hang? For that matter, do you happen to know their names? No sense in waiting for the rush before we make some new friends."

BlasTech

2015-09-16, 01:15 AM

Positive Reinforcement took a deep breath in. Closed her eyes. Focused on the drugs. Breathed out.

"Below this level," she said, "there is a Brain Pool where all extracted brains are being kept and maintained. They alternate between high level discussions, unencumbered by the demands of their meat, and remotely controlling their physical bodies. Due to their increased focus on the realm of intellect and transmission issues their meat operates at a time delay or on autonomous programming built into the animating tesla coils. I've been trying to build an antennae to give my charges some more range but I don't have the time or resources."

"So ... you remove their brains and put them in a sort of ... thinking container?" asked Sirroco as he looked about the room. "What do they all think about?"

"Also, is the process reversible?"

[Dno if there's an opportunity to get a read on Positive Reinforcement here?]

Thanqol

2015-09-16, 01:27 AM

"So ... you remove their brains and put them in a sort of ... thinking container?" asked Sirroco as he looked about the room. "What do they all think about?"

"Also, is the process reversible?"

[Dno if there's an opportunity to get a read on Positive Reinforcement here?]

"A reversal spigot?" scoffed Positive Reinforcement. "I don't have the budget to even build a transmission tower! It's just me down here. And Feathersoft, but he's new."

She seemed to becoming more at ease now that she was on The Topic.

"Yes, all the brains are in a communal thinking zone where they can communicate mind-to-mind at their leisure. I don't know what they all think about yet but they've helped me a lot with my designs -" she gestured at the wall of creepy gloves "- and have expressed a universal desire for more brains. I can pull out the interface if you'd like to talk to them yourselves."

[You can absolutely make a Read roll]

BlasTech

2015-09-16, 01:36 AM

Elanorin

2015-09-16, 04:17 AM

Rattle Tail clapped her hooves. "I see. I was thinking--ah, here come they all."

"My ponies," she said and waved them forward so they could present their offerings. She inspected each hunter and their snake in turn; the dead ones she instructed to be laid in a row upon an altar crudely fashioned of old metal scrap, while the lesser ones were put in a covered pit in the ground for now. "Everything shall serve a purpose before all is done," she declared for now before turning to Starstruck and the grand prize of the hunt. She looked at the snake, her eyes meeting its eyes. "I am Rattle Tail, Ponyarch and Divine Prophet to all who accept salvation. You will be my Herald." She held out a leg for the snake to climb up.

"Blimey," said the Captain. "You ponies are crazy."

It slithered up onto Rattle Tail's shoulders, trying to orient itself in this strange new situation. "So you're the princess here, huh? Crimmeny. Wish I could say that this was the weirdest stuff I've seen ponies doing. Wish I could say that this was the weirdest stuff I've seen ponies doing in the past month. Love the tribal look, by the way, but I reckon some tattoos would really bring out your eyes."

Starstruck's first instinct was to stop the snake and keep him until this Prophet had made good on her word but with a slight twitch of her head she checked herself and let the slithery thing make its way over to Rattle Tail. At least now she knew her name.

"He's a smooth talker but don't let that fool you, he likes his mind games and cold blooded killings. I recommend two murders a week to keep him a happy and loyal little camper." Starstruck said with feigned cheerfulness. In truth, she was glad to be rid of him, he unnerved her a little.

"I believe you owe me a tale, Miss Tail. A tale of what happened to Juris Doctor and The Badge." Starstruck said, with a transparent attempt at pretending to check if her whip was securely fastened at her side.

[Rolling to Manipulate Rattle Tail: 2d6-1=5]

Thanqol

2015-09-16, 05:27 AM

"Hmm, wouldn't hurt to have them around for my own needs either." Silver eyed the admittedly slap-dash construction of the bar and let a few plans for future expansion turn over in the back of his mind.

"I think I might like getting in on the, ah, ground floor on this deal." Silver grinned. "Can you tell me anything else about these ponies? For example - are they honest, or will I find some leverage? Where do they usually hang? For that matter, do you happen to know their names? No sense in waiting for the rush before we make some new friends."

"One's a foal, Impact, who just got her mark in carpentry. She's a real keeper, if young" said Twofeather. "Then there's Clean Nest the military engineer, he's a bit of a joke but better than nothing. Finally, Jelly Castle and Pillow Fort are the real two - Pillow Fort is the brains of the operation, and is ambitious besides, but Jelly Castle's a follower. Any catch your ear?"

"It might be interesting." replied Sirocco, watching the scientist as he spoke. "They sound like they lack direction though."

[roll0]

1) What is she really feeling?
2) How can I get her to agree to the brain-removal process herself?
3) How can I get her to let her guard down?

You don't pull these answers clean from her brain, I should mention, you get them after a bit of banter and back and forth.

Positive Reinforcement keeps feeling moments of despair, terror, and then sudden surges of mad arrogance that trail off into benign friendliness. She's tripping balls, basically, but her basic nature is to reward good behaviour and when you do things she likes she almost reflexively offers you some free jelly beans.

To agree to the brain removal process - she wants to but she's needed out here, she thinks, to maintain the machines, run the operation and so forth. She's resolved to be the last one in, after that, no problem.

How to get her to let her guard down you really, really can't. You're dealing with a very smart pony who's dosed to the eyeballs on mentats. There's a genuine death machine brain pulsing behind those eyes and you can see minor adjustments in stance, slight reactionary movements, always being just a little out of easy reach. If she gets spooked she's going to act first and it's going to be dramatic and incredibly dangerous.

To stop that you somehow gotta get her away from drugs for a few hours but the filly doesn't look like she's about to run out. Or I guess you could dose up yourself and operate on her level.

Starstruck's first instinct was to stop the snake and keep him until this Prophet had made good on her word but with a slight twitch of her head she checked herself and let the slithery thing make its way over to Rattle Tail. At least now she knew her name.

"He's a smooth talker but don't let that fool you, he likes his mind games and cold blooded killings. I recommend two murders a week to keep him a happy and loyal little camper." Starstruck said with feigned cheerfulness. In truth, she was glad to be rid of him, he unnerved her a little.

"I believe you owe me a tale, Miss Tail. A tale of what happened to Juris Doctor and The Badge." Starstruck said, with a transparent attempt at pretending to check if her whip was securely fastened at her side.

[Rolling to Manipulate Rattle Tail: 2d6-1=5]

Your whip wasn't securely fastened at your side. It was, in fact, missing!

Balmas

2015-09-16, 07:57 PM

"A reversal spigot?" scoffed Positive Reinforcement. "I don't have the budget to even build a transmission tower! It's just me down here. And Feathersoft, but he's new."

She seemed to becoming more at ease now that she was on The Topic.

"Yes, all the brains are in a communal thinking zone where they can communicate mind-to-mind at their leisure. I don't know what they all think about yet but they've helped me a lot with my designs -" she gestured at the wall of creepy gloves "- and have expressed a universal desire for more brains. I can pull out the interface if you'd like to talk to them yourselves."

[You can absolutely make a Read roll]

"It might be interesting." replied Sirocco, watching the scientist as he spoke. "They sound like they lack direction though."

"I would absolutely love to talk to your brains," Slick chimed in. "I have to wonder about that myself, after all. What does a brain think about when it's not busy being a brain? Just think of the possibilities, Colonel, if we could have a bank simply brimming with ideas--why, I imagine it might be a great asset in our survival down here. Your ship, with all due respect, has a manufactory, but we're going to need more than that. We need farms, produce, something that doesn't end with us hunting down every last animal in the forest. With your help, we get both responsive soldiers, a secure location, and some brainpower to help us when we need it."

the_druid_droid

2015-09-16, 10:31 PM

"One's a foal, Impact, who just got her mark in carpentry. She's a real keeper, if young" said Twofeather. "Then there's Clean Nest the military engineer, he's a bit of a joke but better than nothing. Finally, Jelly Castle and Pillow Fort are the real two - Pillow Fort is the brains of the operation, and is ambitious besides, but Jelly Castle's a follower. Any catch your ear?"

"I shudder to think what rumors might spread if I tried to recruit foals... still, she could be one to keep an eye on in the future." Silver sipped his drink thoughtfully. "On the other hoof, ambition is something I can work with in the here and now. What else have you got on Castle and Fort? I think I might end up paying them a visit very soon."

Deadly

2015-09-17, 05:37 AM

"Blimey," said the Captain. "You ponies are crazy."

It slithered up onto Rattle Tail's shoulders, trying to orient itself in this strange new situation. "So you're the princess here, huh? Crimmeny. Wish I could say that this was the weirdest stuff I've seen ponies doing. Wish I could say that this was the weirdest stuff I've seen ponies doing in the past month. Love the tribal look, by the way, but I reckon some tattoos would really bring out your eyes."

"Why, thank you," Rattle Tail said and doffed her hat at the snake. "And I love your scales. Do you have a name? Else I shall call you Silver Tongue."

Starstruck's first instinct was to stop the snake and keep him until this Prophet had made good on her word but with a slight twitch of her head she checked herself and let the slithery thing make its way over to Rattle Tail. At least now she knew her name.

"He's a smooth talker but don't let that fool you, he likes his mind games and cold blooded killings. I recommend two murders a week to keep him a happy and loyal little camper." Starstruck said with feigned cheerfulness. In truth, she was glad to be rid of him, he unnerved her a little.

"I believe you owe me a tale, Miss Tail. A tale of what happened to Juris Doctor and The Badge." Starstruck said, with a transparent attempt at pretending to check if her whip was securely fastened at her side.

[Rolling to Manipulate Rattle Tail: 2d6-1=5]

"I shall not tell you a tale," Rattle Tail said grimly. Then she brightened up and took to the air. "I shall sing you a tale!" Dancing around Starstruck, she shook her tail vigorously, rattling and tinkling with little bells. And so she began to sing to the whole crowd gathered among the circles of dead birds:

Once in a dream I saw the flowers
That bud and bloom in Paradise;
More fair they are than waking eyes
Have seen in all this world of ours.
And faint the perfume-bearing rose,
And faint the lily on its stem,
And faint the perfect violet
Compared with them.

I heard the songs of Paradise:
Each bird sat singing in his place;
A tender song so full of grace
It soared like incense to the skies.
Each bird sat singing to his mate
Soft cooing notes among the trees:
The nightingale herself were cold
To such as these.

I saw the fourfold River flow,
And deep it was, with golden sand;
It flowed between a mossy land
With murmured music grave and low.
It hath refreshment for all thirst,
For fainting spirits strength and rest;
Cloud holds not such a draught as this
From east to west.

The Tree of Life stood budding there,
Abundant with its twelvefold fruits;
Eternal sap sustains its roots,
Its shadowing branches fill the air.
Its leaves are healing for the world,
Its fruit the hungry world can feed,
Sweeter than honey to the taste
And balm indeed.

I saw the gate called Beautiful;
And looked, but scarce could look within;
I saw the golden streets begin,
And outskirts of the glassy pool.
Oh harps, oh crowns of plenteous stars,
Oh green palm branches many-leaved--
Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard,
Nor heart conceived.

I hope to see these things again,
But not as once in dreams by night;
To see them with my very sight,
And touch and handle and attain:
To have all Heaven beneath my hoov's
For narrow way that once they trod.

She took a deep bow and continued to circle gently around Starstruck as she raised her voice to the forest. "The Enclave has fallen! The Enclave is no more, can be no more. Alas, foolish one! Thou knowest the chase useless, and again turnest to follow it." She seemed to be talking to no one present here, but to the forest around them and everypony not in this circle.

She turned back to Starstruck and the crowd. "Having thus fallen into this green and growing place, perchance you think it Paradise! Alas alas, do not be the fools! It is wild, untamed and teeming, full of the poison-tongued slithery snakes - no offense - and shaggy, hungry wolves - no offense - and plagued by those who do not yet See, who cling like fools to falling stars and try to fling them back into Heaven!

"But we, we who accept Salvation into our hearts, have had the scales taken from our eyes that The Way may appear open before us! Our path is thus fraught and full of peril, as it winds and wanders its way through the outskirts of Paradise, but it shall not lead us astray!

"A badge, what once guarded what was, has served! Now it has been released - its duty of the past done and gone - to find a new purpose. And thus we follow its example, to find a new way."

Elanorin

2015-09-18, 05:24 AM

Your whip wasn't securely fastened at your side. It was, in fact, missing!

"Why, thank you," Rattle Tail said and doffed her hat at the snake. "And I love your scales. Do you have a name? Else I shall call you Silver Tongue."

"I shall not tell you a tale," Rattle Tail said grimly. Then she brightened up and took to the air. "I shall sing you a tale!" Dancing around Starstruck, she shook her tail vigorously, rattling and tinkling with little bells. And so she began to sing to the whole crowd gathered among the circles of dead birds:

Once in a dream I saw the flowers
That bud and bloom in Paradise;
More fair they are than waking eyes
Have seen in all this world of ours.
And faint the perfume-bearing rose,
And faint the lily on its stem,
And faint the perfect violet
Compared with them.

I heard the songs of Paradise:
Each bird sat singing in his place;
A tender song so full of grace
It soared like incense to the skies.
Each bird sat singing to his mate
Soft cooing notes among the trees:
The nightingale herself were cold
To such as these.

I saw the fourfold River flow,
And deep it was, with golden sand;
It flowed between a mossy land
With murmured music grave and low.
It hath refreshment for all thirst,
For fainting spirits strength and rest;
Cloud holds not such a draught as this
From east to west.

The Tree of Life stood budding there,
Abundant with its twelvefold fruits;
Eternal sap sustains its roots,
Its shadowing branches fill the air.
Its leaves are healing for the world,
Its fruit the hungry world can feed,
Sweeter than honey to the taste
And balm indeed.

I saw the gate called Beautiful;
And looked, but scarce could look within;
I saw the golden streets begin,
And outskirts of the glassy pool.
Oh harps, oh crowns of plenteous stars,
Oh green palm branches many-leaved--
Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard,
Nor heart conceived.

I hope to see these things again,
But not as once in dreams by night;
To see them with my very sight,
And touch and handle and attain:
To have all Heaven beneath my hoov's
For narrow way that once they trod.

She took a deep bow and continued to circle gently around Starstruck as she raised her voice to the forest. "The Enclave has fallen! The Enclave is no more, can be no more. Alas, foolish one! Thou knowest the chase useless, and again turnest to follow it." She seemed to be talking to no one present here, but to the forest around them and everypony not in this circle.

She turned back to Starstruck and the crowd. "Having thus fallen into this green and growing place, perchance you think it Paradise! Alas alas, do not be the fools! It is wild, untamed and teeming, full of the poison-tongued slithery snakes - no offense - and shaggy, hungry wolves - no offense - and plagued by those who do not yet See, who cling like fools to falling stars and try to fling them back into Heaven!

"But we, we who accept Salvation into our hearts, have had the scales taken from our eyes that The Way may appear open before us! Our path is thus fraught and full of peril, as it winds and wanders its way through the outskirts of Paradise, but it shall not lead us astray!

"A badge, what once guarded what was, has served! Now it has been released - its duty of the past done and gone - to find a new purpose. And thus we follow its example, to find a new way."

The whip! The rifle would have been bad enough but her whip?! It was her signature weapon! Starstruck patted herself down furiously just to check she hadn't been mistaken. So while she wasn't entirely paying attention to the performance above, it struck enough of a chord in her for her to aim brief glances up at Rattle Tail as she searched for her missing weapon.

It wasn't that Rattle Tail's sentiment went against anything that Starstruck held dear, not even that she was offended by anything she'd said (in fact she found most of it pretty agreeable) but Starstruck was not in an agreeable mood anymore, and when Rattle Tail finished talking Starstruck was just finishing adjusting the aim on her rifle aimed in her direction. To be exact, at 'Silver Tongue'.

"You'll want to be giving me back my whip about now, worm." Starstruck growled.

[Rolling to Go Aggro on Captain Slithery Worm: 2d6+3=10]

Thanqol

2015-09-18, 07:01 AM

"I shudder to think what rumors might spread if I tried to recruit foals... still, she could be one to keep an eye on in the future." Silver sipped his drink thoughtfully. "On the other hoof, ambition is something I can work with in the here and now. What else have you got on Castle and Fort? I think I might end up paying them a visit very soon."

Sounds like you want to know about someone important. Roll +hot.

"Why, thank you," Rattle Tail said and doffed her hat at the snake. "And I love your scales. Do you have a name? Else I shall call you Silver Tongue."

"I'll take the name," said the snake now known as Silver Tongue. "Better than my old one by a fair way."

The whip! The rifle would have been bad enough but her whip?! It was her signature weapon! Starstruck patted herself down furiously just to check she hadn't been mistaken. So while she wasn't entirely paying attention to the performance above, it struck enough of a chord in her for her to aim brief glances up at Rattle Tail as she searched for her missing weapon.

It wasn't that Rattle Tail's sentiment went against anything that Starstruck held dear, not even that she was offended by anything she'd said (in fact she found most of it pretty agreeable) but Starstruck was not in an agreeable mood anymore, and when Rattle Tail finished talking Starstruck was just finishing adjusting the aim on her rifle aimed in her direction. To be exact, at 'Silver Tongue'.

"You'll want to be giving me back my whip about now, worm." Starstruck growled.

[Rolling to Go Aggro on Captain Slithery Worm: 2d6+3=10]

She'd guessed right and the snake dropped the electro-whip and ducked for cover behind Rattle Tail as quickly as it could. "In my defence," he said, "you killed all my friends and kidnapped me."

BlasTech

2015-09-18, 07:06 AM

You don't pull these answers clean from her brain, I should mention, you get them after a bit of banter and back and forth.

Positive Reinforcement keeps feeling moments of despair, terror, and then sudden surges of mad arrogance that trail off into benign friendliness. She's tripping balls, basically, but her basic nature is to reward good behaviour and when you do things she likes she almost reflexively offers you some free jelly beans.

To agree to the brain removal process - she wants to but she's needed out here, she thinks, to maintain the machines, run the operation and so forth. She's resolved to be the last one in, after that, no problem.

How to get her to let her guard down you really, really can't. You're dealing with a very smart pony who's dosed to the eyeballs on mentats. There's a genuine death machine brain pulsing behind those eyes and you can see minor adjustments in stance, slight reactionary movements, always being just a little out of easy reach. If she gets spooked she's going to act first and it's going to be dramatic and incredibly dangerous.

To stop that you somehow gotta get her away from drugs for a few hours but the filly doesn't look like she's about to run out. Or I guess you could dose up yourself and operate on her level.

Sirocco nodded to himself as they talked, pieces falling into place.

The Mentats were an irritation, and he looked about for a source for himself if he needed a 'plan B'.

"I would absolutely love to talk to your brains," Slick chimed in. "I have to wonder about that myself, after all. What does a brain think about when it's not busy being a brain? Just think of the possibilities, Colonel, if we could have a bank simply brimming with ideas--why, I imagine it might be a great asset in our survival down here. Your ship, with all due respect, has a manufactory, but we're going to need more than that. We need farms, produce, something that doesn't end with us hunting down every last animal in the forest. With your help, we get both responsive soldiers, a secure location, and some brainpower to help us when we need it."

"We need much more than that, Miss Talk" he replied, before turning to Positive.

"A big shortcoming of this arrangement is that, as I said before, these brains seem to lack direction. Like an army, any group can benefit from a strong mind to rally around."

"You mentioned that your plan was to eventually join them, if only you had some pony to maintain the infrastructure."

"It seems, Miss Talk might be well suited to that role?" He asked.

Thanqol

2015-09-18, 07:24 AM

Sirocco nodded to himself as they talked, pieces falling into place.

The Mentats were an irritation, and he looked about for a source for himself if he needed a 'plan B'.

There was a big box of 'em on the table right there.

"We need much more than that, Miss Talk" he replied, before turning to Positive.

"A big shortcoming of this arrangement is that, as I said before, these brains seem to lack direction. Like an army, any group can benefit from a strong mind to rally around."

"You mentioned that your plan was to eventually join them, if only you had some pony to maintain the infrastructure."

"It seems, Miss Talk might be well suited to that role?" He asked.

"My mind isn't particularly strong," said Positive Reinforcement. "Bright, sure, but strong? You'd be a better fit for that, I think! And while I'd like to make a handover there's a lot of science to go through, it could be months before she's trained up. I'm happy to make a start though!"

Balmas

2015-09-18, 10:49 PM

the_druid_droid

2015-09-19, 01:17 AM

Sounds like you want to know about someone important. Roll +hot.

"I mean, those names are something else! Do they specialize in fortifications, or is that just a happy coincidence? And for that matter, are they business partners, or the other kind of partners? After all, these are things that need to be considered when planning an overture to a business deal. You never know what'll give you room to negotiate."

[Hot Roll: 2d6+2 = 10.

Asking:
how are they doing? what's up with them?
what or who do they love best?
how could I get to them, physically or emotionally?]

BlasTech

2015-09-19, 08:58 PM

There was a big box of 'em on the table right there.

"My mind isn't particularly strong," said Positive Reinforcement. "Bright, sure, but strong? You'd be a better fit for that, I think! And while I'd like to make a handover there's a lot of science to go through, it could be months before she's trained up. I'm happy to make a start though!"

Sirocco paused, frowning.

"There still seems little reason to waste time. Miss Talk is here now, and you can likely teach her just as well from outside as in."

"I'd be willing to put my support behind this endeavour, quietly of course, if you upload yourself immediately."

[roll Hot?]

"You could make a start by letting us chat with the brains in question," Slick said, watching Sirocco for his reaction. "As I said, I'd like to help iron out any kinks in this project. And I'm sure with a little help, we'll soon be able to make this work for everypony."

[Rolling Read a Pony on Sirocco
[roll0]

How can I get Sirocco to sponsor this experiment?]

Well, it's pretty obvious now that he's already intending to do that, and one way to help him do so is to convince Positive Reinforcement to upload herself to the tank.

More generally, Sirocco has use for the Tank, and is determined to bring it under his purview (unless the cost is too high). His main obstacle is that his troops know about the scienceing and the kidnapping. He needs a means to meet the expectation that he's dealt with the problem.

If Slick can figure out another way to provide that, he'd consider it.

Deadly

2015-09-20, 01:40 AM

Balmas

2015-09-20, 01:45 AM

Elanorin

2015-09-20, 04:28 AM

She'd guessed right and the snake dropped the electro-whip and ducked for cover behind Rattle Tail as quickly as it could. "In my defence," he said, "you killed all my friends and kidnapped me."

Rattle Tail briefly wondered where a snake would even hide an elecro-whip, but then there it was.

"No more killing snakes!" she broke in. "Now shake tails and make up. Be good friends."

Starstruck snatched it mid-air and secured it in its place at her side and put the rifle away across her back.

She flew up to hover next to Rattle Tail and gave Silver Tongue a suspicious gaze before granting him a nod.

"They seemed more subjects than friends, and you'll get plenty more of those here. And I didn't kidnap you, I delivered you. Don't steal the messenger's whip," she said, pointing a hoof at him.

Then her eyes went up to Rattle Tail. "Now. You have quite the singing voice there. I would love to hear more."

[Rolling to Read A Pony on Rattle Tail: 2d6+1=5]

Thanqol

2015-09-20, 05:56 PM

"You could make a start by letting us chat with the brains in question," Slick said, watching Sirocco for his reaction. "As I said, I'd like to help iron out any kinks in this project. And I'm sure with a little help, we'll soon be able to make this work for everypony."

Sirocco paused, frowning.

"There still seems little reason to waste time. Miss Talk is here now, and you can likely teach her just as well from outside as in."

"I'd be willing to put my support behind this endeavour, quietly of course, if you upload yourself immediately."

[roll Hot?]

"If you don't mind me asking, Corporal, why are you so insistent on Positive transferring right now? I understand that the troops are waiting for a response. They want to know that they're safe from being kidnapped and brained upon. If I grok what's in that lovely silver head of yours, you're looking for something to give them."

Slick shifted her weight from one hoof to the other. "What difference is there in telling them that their threat is gone, and actually having it be so? Especially since a pony with a brain and a pony without a brain are effectively identical, as anypony in politics can tell you. Just tell them that Positive has undergone the procedure, and nopony could tell the difference."

(Would this be rolling +hx to interfere, or Hot to convince?)

A bit of a grey area, but I'd suggest Sirocco roll Hot and Slick roll Interfere.

"I mean, those names are something else! Do they specialize in fortifications, or is that just a happy coincidence? And for that matter, are they business partners, or the other kind of partners? After all, these are things that need to be considered when planning an overture to a business deal. You never know what'll give you room to negotiate."

[Hot Roll: 2d6+2 = 10.

Asking:
how are they doing? what's up with them?
what or who do they love best?
how could I get to them, physically or emotionally?]

So you ask around a bit with your guys, there's some back and forth, but you get the answers pretty quick.

What they're doing now is building themselves a bit of a palace. Together they're working on one big complex that they intend to live in themselves - it's a large fancy place and it's looking to be the first real building in town. Ponies are getting ready to sell their firstborns if they can get one of the rooms and that's exactly what the brothers are counting on - building up a big pile of favours and desperate toadies by monopolising construction.

Jelly Castle loves two things - his brother and little model soldier figurines. Pillow Fort loves the act of building, power, respect, money, fame, babes, gambling, envy, wrath, gluttony - he's a walking sack of vices but at least he's pretty good natured about it.

You could get to Pillow Fort emotionally by caving to his demands and becoming a total doormat for his whims and desires - he's likely to latch onto you as someone he needs. You could get to Jelly Castle by threatening Pillow Fort.

Rattle Tail briefly wondered where a snake would even hide an elecro-whip, but then there it was.

"No more killing snakes!" she broke in. "Now shake tails and make up. Be good friends."

Starstruck snatched it mid-air and secured it in its place at her side and put the rifle away across her back.

She flew up to hover next to Rattle Tail and gave Silver Tongue a suspicious gaze before granting him a nod.

"They seemed more subjects than friends, and you'll get plenty more of those here. And I didn't kidnap you, I delivered you. Don't steal the messenger's whip," she said, pointing a hoof at him.

"Yeah yeah," muttered Silver Tongue, "sorry."

Then her eyes went up to Rattle Tail. "Now. You have quite the singing voice there. I would love to hear more."

[Rolling to Read A Pony on Rattle Tail: 2d6+1=5]

The downpour intensifies, rain turning into crashing waves of sleet and hail. It's cold, it's miserable, and you stand to fall sick if you stay out here. The rain also starts coming down so hard and loud you have to shout to be heard and the ground is rapidly becoming muddy and slippery. Lightning booms inside the storm. What do you do?

BlasTech

2015-09-20, 09:43 PM

"If you don't mind me asking, Corporal, why are you so insistent on Positive transferring right now? I understand that the troops are waiting for a response. They want to know that they're safe from being kidnapped and brained upon. If I grok what's in that lovely silver head of yours, you're looking for something to give them."

Slick shifted her weight from one hoof to the other. "What difference is there in telling them that their threat is gone, and actually having it be so? Especially since a pony with a brain and a pony without a brain are effectively identical, as anypony in politics can tell you. Just tell them that Positive has undergone the procedure, and nopony could tell the difference."

(Would this be rolling +hx to interfere, or Hot to convince?)

"You aren't comprehending the full picture Miss Talk" said Sirocco. "It isn't sufficient just to tell them something, especially after all that has happened tonight. This deal really is the best for all involved, yourself included."

"And it's Colonel." He said, emphasising his correct rank.

"So, would you agree to those terms?" He finished, looking at Positive.

[roll0]

Balmas

2015-09-20, 10:18 PM

Slick's smile took a break. "Then help me understand, Sirocco. I've trusted you so far. All I need is a bit of explanation, and I'll be good."

HX to interfere: [roll0]

Thanqol

2015-09-20, 10:56 PM

"You aren't comprehending the full picture Miss Talk" said Sirocco. "It isn't sufficient just to tell them something, especially after all that has happened tonight. This deal really is the best for all involved, yourself included."

"And it's Colonel." He said, emphasising his correct rank.

"So, would you agree to those terms?" He finished, looking at Positive.

[8]

Slick's smile took a break. "Then help me understand, Sirocco. I've trusted you so far. All I need is a bit of explanation, and I'll be good."

HX to interfere: [9]

Quick as thinking, Positive Reinforcement grabbed the end of her brain extraction machine, swung it around, and turned it on.

Both Sirocco and Slick Talk would have a surreal millisecond vision of seeing their brains yanked out of their skulls and soaring magnificently across the room -

WHUMP

Fwshh!

And they both found themselves on the inside of a nice, soothing liquid jelly, filled with lovely mentats and relaxing bubbles. It was super disorienting for a moment, but a shockingly pleasant sensation. Their brains were gliding along lines of thought quicker and smarter than they'd ever done before, immune from the distractions of a fat, greasy body. There were five other brains in the tank as well, and plenty of space for more.

The new senses took a few minutes to get used to - particularly picking up and moving around their physical bodies. Moving a body was no longer an instinctive thing, it was done more like a very dextrous puppeteer or a skilled computer gamer - easy to do but still weird and disconnected. One notable addition was an enforced sense of tranquillity with regards to this station and Positive Reinforcement. It was impossible to think violent thoughts towards her.

"Hey!" said Positive Reinforcement, pressing her face up against the glass of the brain tank. "I'm sorry that was necessary. But it was necessary," she let out a little sigh. "I'm not going to let my technology be used for evil again. I'm not. So I need you both to know that I'm in charge here and I have a range of rewards and punishments to ensure that you behave. You're going to behave, right?"

So here are the mechanical effects of brain-removal:
- Ponies who have been extracted so far: Snowy Hooves (Sirocco's sister), War Admiral (Military, related to Slick Talk), Blue Angel (Military, related to Starstruck), Hunter (the wolf), Faux Fire (one of Twofeather's goons)
- You are always in communication with anypony who's brain has been removed, and can freely manipulate/help or interfere/use Brainer moves on them.
- You have access to an unlimited supply of Mentats if you need them.
- You can't Go Aggro, Seize By Force or make other aggressive moves at Positive Reinforcement or anypony with an extracted brain, nor can you order a gang to do so on your behalf

When you seize control of another extracted brain's skinvelope, roll with Weird:
On a 10+ you get full control of the body for as long as you want it.
On a 7-9 choose one:
- They seize control of your body while you're controlling theirs
- They fight you for control of their body, complex actions are acting under fire.
- They get to rummage through your brain and memories while you're controlling their body
(You can swap bodies if you both agree, no roll required)

Deadly

2015-09-21, 01:22 AM

Starstruck snatched it mid-air and secured it in its place at her side and put the rifle away across her back.

She flew up to hover next to Rattle Tail and gave Silver Tongue a suspicious gaze before granting him a nod.

"They seemed more subjects than friends, and you'll get plenty more of those here. And I didn't kidnap you, I delivered you. Don't steal the messenger's whip," she said, pointing a hoof at him.

Then her eyes went up to Rattle Tail. "Now. You have quite the singing voice there. I would love to hear more."

[Rolling to Read A Pony on Rattle Tail: 2d6+1=5]

The downpour intensifies, rain turning into crashing waves of sleet and hail. It's cold, it's miserable, and you stand to fall sick if you stay out here. The rain also starts coming down so hard and loud you have to shout to be heard and the ground is rapidly becoming muddy and slippery. Lightning booms inside the storm. What do you do?

"You should hear my dad, then, if you like singing," Rattle Tail said as water in all its forms came crashing down around them. "You should come with us, celebrate the catch!"

She turned around and yelled through the downpour. "Who's up for Cloud 9?"

She was going to march in there, wolves and all. That should get ponies something to talk about, and being the talk of the town was just what Rattle Tail wanted.

Let's fall into an orgy of uninhibited celebration. Give Quicksilver some business.

Thanqol

2015-09-21, 01:35 AM

Elanorin

2015-09-21, 02:35 AM

"You should hear my dad, then, if you like singing," Rattle Tail said as water in all its forms came crashing down around them. "You should come with us, celebrate the catch!"

She turned around and yelled through the downpour. "Who's up for Cloud 9?"

She was going to march in there, wolves and all. That should get ponies something to talk about, and being the talk of the town was just what Rattle Tail wanted.

Let's fall into an orgy of uninhibited celebration. Give Quicksilver some business.

Quicksilver, in the middle of your discussion about the real estate market, ten wolves, a dozen ponies, Rattle Tail and Starstruck flood into your establishment with an intention to get rowdy. Your security guy may be having a heart attack. What do you do?

As the weather turned, Starstruck's first thought was to try to encourage Rattle Tail to come back to Cloud 9 with her, so the suggestion suited her just fine. The fact that she came with an entourage of ponies, wolves and a snake wasn't really a problem as far as Starstruck was concerned.

She flew alongside Rattle Tail as they headed back to Cloud 9. "So, tell me about your dad?"

It was an enormous relief to get inside and out of the cold and wet. The warmth inside Cloud 9 was not just physical, Starstruck genuinely liked it here and relaxed as she came through the door and offered a nod to Quicksilver. She steered Rattle Tail over towards a private table. "First round's on me," she smiled.

Balmas

2015-09-22, 12:02 AM

the_druid_droid

2015-09-22, 12:24 AM

So you ask around a bit with your guys, there's some back and forth, but you get the answers pretty quick.

What they're doing now is building themselves a bit of a palace. Together they're working on one big complex that they intend to live in themselves - it's a large fancy place and it's looking to be the first real building in town. Ponies are getting ready to sell their firstborns if they can get one of the rooms and that's exactly what the brothers are counting on - building up a big pile of favours and desperate toadies by monopolising construction.

Jelly Castle loves two things - his brother and little model soldier figurines. Pillow Fort loves the act of building, power, respect, money, fame, babes, gambling, envy, wrath, gluttony - he's a walking sack of vices but at least he's pretty good natured about it.

You could get to Pillow Fort emotionally by caving to his demands and becoming a total doormat for his whims and desires - he's likely to latch onto you as someone he needs. You could get to Jelly Castle by threatening Pillow Fort.

Silver sighed and ran a hoof through his mane as his miniature investigation concluded. "Whew, this Pillow Fort character is a real piece of work. We don't have time to play his maid, but maybe he'll listen to business sense... either way, there's always his brother. I know how that story goes at least."

Quicksilver stood up and stretched his wings, flying a little practice lap around the table. "I'll go talk with them first thing tomorrow. Right now, I've got another pony to see. Ace, hold down the fort while I'm gone."

Grabbing a small plastic cup, Silver transferred a hooffull of his newly-acquired eyeballs into it from the larger jar on the counter. Then he tucked the travel-size grotesquerie in a pocket and set off in search of that weirdo Rattle Tail his cousin was always talking about.

Thanqol

2015-09-22, 01:09 AM

Slick paused, getting the hang of working her body. Then again, she was used to working with strings. "I'm not sure why you think we're the threat, Positive. And your rash actions have only jeopardized our operation; I'm unsure how you expect me to achieve our goals. All the more reason to get that tower built."

Oh, this was strange. All the rush of mentats, with none of the addiction or nasty doctors asking pesky questions. She towed her skinvelope over towards the tank, and ran a hoof over the glass. "You know, not many ponies can claim to have seen their own brain. You should be proud." She watched the good doctor from the corner of her eye.

[Read a pony: 1,3, +1 = 6.]

"Oh, because you're the Enclave," said Positive brightly. "The gormless puppet soldiers of a corrupt government, slavishly obeying the discredited ideologies of democracy and rule of law. And where did these concepts come from, you might ask? You think everypony just decided one day to get rid of the diarchy? You think that the ponies just figured that laws and fair trials were the way to go? Or... was it..."

She stood back, gave a slightly unhinged grin, and spread her hooves in a smug gesture (https://unicornbooty.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ALIENS-guy.jpg). "Aliens?"

"I theorise," said Positive Reinforcement, yanking down a projector screen and displaying images of glittering stars with frowny faces. As she spoke the projector displayed relevant cutesy drawings, "that the Enclave has been systematically infiltrated by powerful aliens. The evidence is, frankly, overwhelming. The proliferation of experimental energy weapons, reactor and skyship technology? The secretive behaviour of our secret services? The fact that all the politicians sound exactly the same? The proliferation of performance-enhancing blood magic in the air force? The mind control experiments? Those so-called 'windmills'? All. Signs. Of. Aliens."

"In the course of my mind control experiments I discovered that aliens have infiltrated society on every level. Worse yet, they have constructed a terrifying device I have termed 'the Air Loom' with which they can premagnetize the brains of anypony they have not replaced or uplifted directly. Further, the aliens support and maintain the Enclave so that they have a safe place from whence they can fuel and feed off the agony and suffering of the poor ponies on the surface. However, any ponies properly preserved in my Brain Spa will be perfectly protected from the predations of these pneumatic practitioners."

She took a deep, contented breath, glad to get that off her chest. She took a moment and then snappily added,

"So you see, I sadly can't trust anypony. Anypony could be an alien infiltrator. Anypony could be a puppet. The last time I trusted somepony they, well, they -" she flicked her tail, indicating her awfully scarred flank. "So I need to protect you. By protecting me from you. For your own good. For everypony's good. The fate of the world hangs in the balance."

BlasTech

2015-09-22, 08:21 PM

"Hey!" said Positive Reinforcement, pressing her face up against the glass of the brain tank. "I'm sorry that was necessary. But it was necessary," she let out a little sigh. "I'm not going to let my technology be used for evil again. I'm not. So I need you both to know that I'm in charge here and I have a range of rewards and punishments to ensure that you behave. You're going to behave, right?"

"So you see, I sadly can't trust anypony. Anypony could be an alien infiltrator. Anypony could be a puppet. The last time I trusted somepony they, well, they -" she flicked her tail, indicating her awfully scarred flank. "So I need to protect you. By protecting me from you. For your own good. For everypony's good. The fate of the world hangs in the balance."

"Puppet. Evil. It seems odd how you use those words." said Sirocco, as he coldly viewed his own brain.

"I feel as if I should hate you right now. Objectively, at least, it would be the reaction I would have expected of myself."

"I don't, though, or maybe it's more correct to say that I can't. You've excised that part of me more efficiently and forcably than any training or conditioned response."

He walked his body across to the cells where Slick had once been imprisoned.

"I think I belong in these cages now." He finished, before walking inside and sitting down.

Thanqol

2015-09-22, 09:39 PM

"Puppet. Evil. It seems odd how you use those words." said Sirocco, as he coldly viewed his own brain.

"I feel as if I should hate you right now. Objectively, at least, it would be the reaction I would have expected of myself."

"I don't, though, or maybe it's more correct to say that I can't. You've excised that part of me more efficiently and forcably than any training or conditioned response."

He walked his body across to the cells where Slick had once been imprisoned.

"I think I belong in these cages now." He finished, before walking inside and sitting down.

"Oh, no," said Positive Reinforcement, rushing over to him. "You've got it all backwards! Now that you're safe from them and I'm safe from you, we can be friends! Or better! In fact, I was hoping you'd actually take over," confessed Positive. "I don't - I don't really have a plan. I'm just a scientist. I don't have the time to think about how we're going to actually do any of the things that need doing. So if you have ideas, if you have orders, please tell me."

BlasTech

2015-09-23, 07:06 PM

"Oh, no," said Positive Reinforcement, rushing over to him. "You've got it all backwards! Now that you're safe from them and I'm safe from you, we can be friends! Or better! In fact, I was hoping you'd actually take over," confessed Positive. "I don't - I don't really have a plan. I'm just a scientist. I don't have the time to think about how we're going to actually do any of the things that need doing. So if you have ideas, if you have orders, please tell me."

"... No." Replied Sirocco.

"You might trust us now. But after what you have done, how can I ever trust you?" he continued, as he sat down on the floor of the cell.

"I think I will simply wait."

Balmas

2015-09-23, 10:41 PM

Slick rolled over in her biogel. Sirocco was in his corner, which was understandable, given the circumstances. Whatever might have been said about the Da****e, her invention did work. Her mind was tracking along like nothing else, and figuring out how to talk like this was less than foal's play.

<I must say, I have to agree with your assessment.> Talking like this, if the word could be said to be accurate, was not quite so much like an open conversation, where anyone could hear. It was more like thinking with someone else's mind, one terminal sending an email right into the core of the other. Already, she was extending tendrils towards the others in the tank, trying to get a feel for their emotions. <However, I have to say that your methodology sucks. Until we get our brains back, we can't do much. It would behoove us to work with her, at least until we get a debraininator.>

Deadly

2015-09-24, 03:28 AM

As the weather turned, Starstruck's first thought was to try to encourage Rattle Tail to come back to Cloud 9 with her, so the suggestion suited her just fine. The fact that she came with an entourage of ponies, wolves and a snake wasn't really a problem as far as Starstruck was concerned.

She flew alongside Rattle Tail as they headed back to Cloud 9. "So, tell me about your dad?"

It was an enormous relief to get inside and out of the cold and wet. The warmth inside Cloud 9 was not just physical, Starstruck genuinely liked it here and relaxed as she came through the door and offered a nod to Quicksilver. She steered Rattle Tail over towards a private table. "First round's on me," she smiled.

She sat down at the table, still dripping. "How nice of you," she smiled. "Thank you."

"Rolling Thunder? He's the old singer here. I got my song from him, but he likes to sing for ponies, I sing to ponies."

Read Starstruck: 6+5+0 = 11

Let's start with, what does Starstruck intend to do?

Silver sighed and ran a hoof through his mane as his miniature investigation concluded. "Whew, this Pillow Fort character is a real piece of work. We don't have time to play his maid, but maybe he'll listen to business sense... either way, there's always his brother. I know how that story goes at least."

Quicksilver stood up and stretched his wings, flying a little practice lap around the table. "I'll go talk with them first thing tomorrow. Right now, I've got another pony to see. Ace, hold down the fort while I'm gone."

Grabbing a small plastic cup, Silver transferred a hooffull of his newly-acquired eyeballs into it from the larger jar on the counter. Then he tucked the travel-size grotesquerie in a pocket and set off in search of that weirdo Rattle Tail his cousin was always talking about.

Speak of the sun ... Rattle Tail along with a whole bunch of ponies, wolves, and one wizard snake had just entered your establishment intent on having a good time. Said cult leader had just settled down at a table with Starstruck.

BlasTech

2015-09-24, 04:25 AM

Balmas

2015-09-25, 09:06 AM

Sirocco's brain rolled over, as it turned to take in the new mode of communication.

<She won't let us do that.> he replied, tentatively at first as he adjusted to 'speaking' like this. <She has no incentive to ever allow us to obtain such a device. So long as she lives, she will act to block us>

<Fortunately, in five minutes, she will cease to be a problem>

<Well, aren't you the master of the enigmatic. Tell me, does this plan end with either of us getting our bodies back? Because unless you have a secret science team I've never seen tucked away on your ship, we need her help. We can't force her, that's true, but I think you're looking at this too narrowly. Even if we personally cannot stop her right now, there's really nothing stopping us from telling others where we are, or what happened, and allowing them to decide how to deal with such a pony?>

So here are the mechanical effects of brain-removal:
- Ponies who have been extracted so far: Snowy Hooves (Sirocco's sister), War Admiral (Military, related to Slick Talk), Blue Angel (Military, related to Starstruck), Hunter (the wolf), Faux Fire (one of Twofeather's goons)

Speaking of... That was less than she'd expected. And her biogel would be boiling, were she really capable of anger towards Positive right now. <Gather 'round, everypony,> she called, broadening her thoughtspeech to include the rest. <We have a problem right now. None of us asked for this--I think--and Positive Reinforcement seems to think that we need to be controlled. Who has a skinvelope outside the cave and available right now? I need to borrow it to get a message to one of my cousins.>

Elanorin

2015-09-25, 04:33 PM

She sat down at the table, still dripping. "How nice of you," she smiled. "Thank you."

"Rolling Thunder? He's the old singer here. I got my song from him, but he likes to sing for ponies, I sing to ponies."

Read Starstruck: 6+5+0 = 11

Let's start with, what does Starstruck intend to do?

She's going to try every trick in her book to keep you talking. She is trying to determine just what your intentions are with regards to Juris Doctor and how much you know about him. She is being all niceness and light right now because she is actually a little taken with your charisma and your words but she's long since sized you up and she fancies her chances against you and your entourage should she feel forced to resort to violence. Now, trying the softly-softly approach to interrogation is not something she is very experienced with nor is it something she's very good at, and it's unlikely to be skilled, co-ordinated or well executed.

First up will be to try to relax you enough to have an open and frank conversation about why Juris Doctor is suddenly such a fan of yours and, most importantly, why she found him with three eyes preaching at the market and if you had put him up to it. Failing that, she might try any number of ill-planned and unprepared approaches; flattery, joining your cult, threats to you and/or ponies she thinks you may care about, manipulation, seduction, sex, but should she get frustrated she will ultimately turn to violence (and that part is carefully planned, it will be blades and whip until all your support is dead or fleeing and then its an empty room somewhere away from the camp with you hanging in chains from the ceiling. You get the distinct feeling she's even picked the place already).

*

"Oh, he's your father. I hadn't made the connection." Starstruck said, making a mental note, and placed a drink in front of each of them.

She looked up at Rattle Tail a little genuinely confused by her words, "Singing to and singing for? There's a difference?" This was clearly not something Starstruck had much understanding of.

"So, do you know Juris Doctor well? Old friends?" Starstruck asked, making herself take a sip of a drink she didn't really want.

Thanqol

2015-09-26, 12:29 AM

Speaking of... That was less than she'd expected. And her biogel would be boiling, were she really capable of anger towards Positive right now. <Gather 'round, everypony,> she called, broadening her thoughtspeech to include the rest. <We have a problem right now. None of us asked for this--I think--and Positive Reinforcement seems to think that we need to be controlled. Who has a skinvelope outside the cave and available right now? I need to borrow it to get a message to one of my cousins.>

The brains gathered around and conferred.

<My body's back in camp> suggested Snowy Hooves. <It's a bit of a trick moving it around though.>

<Woof!> barked the wolf-brain enthusiastically.

<Let's please proceed with utmost caution,> thought Blue Angel. <We only have one brain surgeon and she is paranoid and currently overdosing on Mentats. There is no telling what she will do if she fears for her safety.>

BlasTech

2015-09-26, 06:47 AM

<Well, aren't you the master of the enigmatic. Tell me, does this plan end with either of us getting our bodies back? Because unless you have a secret science team I've never seen tucked away on your ship, we need her help. We can't force her, that's true, but I think you're looking at this too narrowly. Even if we personally cannot stop her right now, there's really nothing stopping us from telling others where we are, or what happened, and allowing them to decide how to deal with such a pony?>

<No, there isn't.> agreed Sirocco. <However, it would be unnnecessary>

<I admit that under my plan, we will need to find a new brain surgeon, but I feel we would have a higher chance of success at that than convincing Positive to build an extraction device herself. It would also be safer in the near term.>

Outside the tank, Siroccos body still waited for Positive's reply to his earlier question.

The brains gathered around and conferred.

<My body's back in camp> suggested Snowy Hooves. <It's a bit of a trick moving it around though.>

<Woof!> barked the wolf-brain enthusiastically.

<Let's please proceed with utmost caution,> thought Blue Angel. <We only have one brain surgeon and she is paranoid and currently overdosing on Mentats. There is no telling what she will do if she fears for her safety.>

<By that logic, a fast strike would be the best option for success. Would twenty troops be sufficient?>

Thanqol

2015-09-26, 07:16 AM

<No, there isn't.> agreed Sirocco. <However, it would be unnnecessary>

<I admit that under my plan, we will need to find a new brain surgeon, but I feel we would have a higher chance of success at that than convincing Positive to build an extraction device herself. It would also be safer in the near term.>

<I'd just like to suggest that in the event where we kill the one pegasus brain surgeon we know about the replacement brain surgeon is likely to be some kind of filthy grounder - if we could find one at all.> said Snowy Hooves sniffily.

Outside the tank, Siroccos body still waited for Positive's reply to his earlier question.

"You might trust us now. But after what you have done, how can I ever trust you?" he continued, as he sat down on the floor of the cell.

Positive Reinforcement looked sad. "Commander, you of all ponies should be able to recognise an idealist. If I wanted wealth, power, control or whatever I'd still be an Enclave scientist. Make up your own mind."

She stood up and shuffled away to start working on a console.

<By that logic, a fast strike would be the best option for success. Would twenty troops be sufficient?>

<Commander, if you are asking for my opinion, this is a hostage situation where we are the hostages and the hostage taker has a barrel of explosives between herself and the door and amplified perceptions. This isn't a job for twenty troops, it's a job for the Wonderbolts.> said Blue Angel. <Or maybe Starstruck.>

Deadly

2015-09-27, 02:53 AM

She's going to try every trick in her book to keep you talking. She is trying to determine just what your intentions are with regards to Juris Doctor and how much you know about him. She is being all niceness and light right now because she is actually a little taken with your charisma and your words but she's long since sized you up and she fancies her chances against you and your entourage should she feel forced to resort to violence. Now, trying the softly-softly approach to interrogation is not something she is very experienced with nor is it something she's very good at, and it's unlikely to be skilled, co-ordinated or well executed.

First up will be to try to relax you enough to have an open and frank conversation about why Juris Doctor is suddenly such a fan of yours and, most importantly, why she found him with three eyes preaching at the market and if you had put him up to it. Failing that, she might try any number of ill-planned and unprepared approaches; flattery, joining your cult, threats to you and/or ponies she thinks you may care about, manipulation, seduction, sex, but should she get frustrated she will ultimately turn to violence (and that part is carefully planned, it will be blades and whip until all your support is dead or fleeing and then its an empty room somewhere away from the camp with you hanging in chains from the ceiling. You get the distinct feeling she's even picked the place already).

Interesting.

"Oh, he's your father. I hadn't made the connection." Starstruck said, making a mental note, and placed a drink in front of each of them.

She looked up at Rattle Tail a little genuinely confused by her words, "Singing to and singing for? There's a difference?" This was clearly not something Starstruck had much understanding of.

"My father sings the songs ponies want to hear, because they are songs they are fond of, songs that make them happy, songs they crave. I sing the songs ponies need to hear, songs that give them direction and purpose," Rattle Tail explained over her drink.

"So, do you know Juris Doctor well? Old friends?" Starstruck asked, making herself take a sip of a drink she didn't really want.

"I knew him," she said and sipped her drink. The implication was that they had never been particularly warm. She tapped the table for a bit as she seemed to think. "Honestly I did not expect him to have this change of heart, and I don't know if it will last. I accept all who come to me for salvation, should they truly accept the light, but I do not employ coercion. I show them the way in song and deeds, but only they can decide if it is for them. I will wait and observe if his unusual experience has given him a genuine, lasting insight, because everything that happens, however unexpected or unintended, has a purpose in this world."

Balmas

2015-09-27, 02:08 PM

Positive Reinforcement looked sad. "Commander, you of all ponies should be able to recognise an idealist. If I wanted wealth, power, control or whatever I'd still be an Enclave scientist. Make up your own mind."

She stood up and shuffled away to start working on a console.

That was important enough to draw a bit of attention. Slick's skinvelope ambled over, before flopping to the ground beside the scientist. "I'm sorry that you've been treated badly," she started, her voice rich with sincerity, "and that you feel you can't trust us because of it. You're an idealist, right? And sometimes it's hard to live by those. If you don't mind me asking, what are your ideals? What do they push you to do?"

<Commander, if you are asking for my opinion, this is a hostage situation where we are the hostages and the hostage taker has a barrel of explosives between herself and the door and amplified perceptions. This isn't a job for twenty troops, it's a job for the Wonderbolts.> said Blue Angel. <Or maybe Starstruck.>

<My thoughts exactly,> Slick answered with a fair amount of grim satisfaction. <Which is why I need to get to Quicksilver. Where he is, Starstruck probably is too. Or at least, instructions how to get to her. Snowy Hooves, do you mind?>

the_druid_droid

2015-09-28, 02:24 AM

Quicksilver, in the middle of your discussion about the real estate market, ten wolves, a dozen ponies, Rattle Tail and Starstruck flood into your establishment with an intention to get rowdy. Your security guy may be having a heart attack. What do you do?

Speak of the sun ... Rattle Tail along with a whole bunch of ponies, wolves, and one wizard snake had just entered your establishment intent on having a good time. Said cult leader had just settled down at a table with Starstruck.

Quicksilver had nearly run into the mystic's entourage as they entered. He managed to backpedal, and thanked his lucky stars that he'd tucked the eyeball jar away - no sense tipping your hoof so soon in negotiations.

He was not entirely happy about the wolves though; they spooked the patrons, and he spent the first few minutes after Rattle Tail arrived putting out proverbial fires with the guests and staff. This mostly amounted to offering the wolves a special "reserved" table very far from the bulk of his customers, and the quiet reassurance to Ace that they still had enough questionably-legal chemicals in back to drug their new visitors to the gills, assuming it became necessary. And that they had gills. Silver was not completely clear on carnivore biology.

Finally, when the chaos had begun to settle, and the background music had been cranked higher to cover the sounds of wolfish table manners, Silver took a seat at the bar.

"Rattle Tail! Starstruck! Just the ponies I wanted to see! I've come across a bit of an unusual business transaction, and I think you might be interested in it."

BlasTech

2015-09-28, 10:44 PM

<I'd just like to suggest that in the event where we kill the one pegasus brain surgeon we know about the replacement brain surgeon is likely to be some kind of filthy grounder - if we could find one at all.> said Snowy Hooves sniffily.

<I would still prefer a grounder I can kill over a Pegasus that I cant> shot back Sirocco.

Positive Reinforcement looked sad. "Commander, you of all ponies should be able to recognise an idealist. If I wanted wealth, power, control or whatever I'd still be an Enclave scientist. Make up your own mind."

She stood up and shuffled away to start working on a console.

That was important enough to draw a bit of attention. Slick's skinvelope ambled over, before flopping to the ground beside the scientist. "I'm sorry that you've been treated badly," she started, her voice rich with sincerity, "and that you feel you can't trust us because of it. You're an idealist, right? And sometimes it's hard to live by those. If you don't mind me asking, what are your ideals? What do they push you to do?"

"Indeed." Said Sirocco, instead, as he stood back up and watched Positive closely. "Idealisism doesn't automatically mean trustworthy. Not unless our ideals are aligned."

"At least if you wanted wealth or power, it would make you predictable, which is sometimes an acceptable substitute."

<Commander, if you are asking for my opinion, this is a hostage situation where we are the hostages and the hostage taker has a barrel of explosives between herself and the door and amplified perceptions. This isn't a job for twenty troops, it's a job for the Wonderbolts.> said Blue Angel. <Or maybe Starstruck.>

<My thoughts exactly,> Slick answered with a fair amount of grim satisfaction. <Which is why I need to get to Quicksilver. Where he is, Starstruck probably is too. Or at least, instructions how to get to her. Snowy Hooves, do you mind?>

<Frustrating.> observed Sirroco.

His own instincts believed that it should be possible. He may not have the wonderbolts, but Sigma squad was a good substitute. Particularly as they had already been warned of the bomb and since he didn't so much care for the survival of the hostages.

Still, the risks of a failed assault were high, and he could sense which way the wind was blowing.

Sighing, he got to his hooves and started for the upper door.

Thanqol

2015-09-28, 10:58 PM

That was important enough to draw a bit of attention. Slick's skinvelope ambled over, before flopping to the ground beside the scientist. "I'm sorry that you've been treated badly," she started, her voice rich with sincerity, "and that you feel you can't trust us because of it. You're an idealist, right? And sometimes it's hard to live by those. If you don't mind me asking, what are your ideals? What do they push you to do?"

"Well, um, Friendship, obviously," mumbled Positive, clearly believing that it sounded silly. "The Elements of Harmony and doing good and all that stuff. I just need to find some friends I can trust. Then everything will work out."

"Indeed." Said Sirocco, instead, as he stood back up and watched Positive closely. "Idealisism doesn't automatically mean trustworthy. Not unless our ideals are aligned."

"At least if you wanted wealth or power, it would make you predictable, which is sometimes an acceptable substitute."

"Urgh, yuck, ick," said Positive, sticking out her tongue.

<I would still prefer a grounder I can kill over a Pegasus that I cant> shot back Sirocco.

<A fair point,> Snowy replied. <I might not be thinking entirely clearly on this topic.>

Your guys are waiting outside. Lt. Haze salutes upon seeing Sirocco. "I've dispatched Radar Glitch and Swamp Gas to look for alternate entry points," she said. "Are we going in sir?"

Elanorin

2015-09-29, 04:54 AM

"My father sings the songs ponies want to hear, because they are songs they are fond of, songs that make them happy, songs they crave. I sing the songs ponies need to hear, songs that give them direction and purpose," Rattle Tail explained over her drink.

"I see," Starstruck said, feeling a little unsure if she really did.

"I knew him," she said and sipped her drink. The implication was that they had never been particularly warm. She tapped the table for a bit as she seemed to think. "Honestly I did not expect him to have this change of heart, and I don't know if it will last. I accept all who come to me for salvation, should they truly accept the light, but I do not employ coercion. I show them the way in song and deeds, but only they can decide if it is for them. I will wait and observe if his unusual experience has given him a genuine, lasting insight, because everything that happens, however unexpected or unintended, has a purpose in this world."

Now we were getting somewhere. There was a slight glint in Starstruck's eye and she slowly leaned in a little closer. She hadnt expected such an open answer to her question but was not about to lose the momentum for anything. She opened her mouth to continue on, there were several point there she wanted to know more about, when-

"Rattle Tail! Starstruck! Just the ponies I wanted to see! I've come across a bit of an unusual business transaction, and I think you might be interested in it."

Starstruck reluctantly looked over her shoulder and saw Silver.

"Sir," Starstruck straightened up a bit while holding back a sigh, she shuffled aside to give him room to join them.

the_druid_droid

2015-09-29, 11:22 AM

Starstruck reluctantly looked over her shoulder and saw Silver.

"Sir," Starstruck straightened up a bit while holding back a sigh, she shuffled aside to give him room to join them.

Quicksilver plopped down at the bar with them, hooking another drink his way from the wells behind the bar. He was still riding the high of Cloud 9's early success, and didn't seem to notice Starstruck's chilly welcome.

"What I've been wondering is whether or not any ponies you know might have a purpose for something like this?" Silver produced the cupful of eyeballs with a flourish and looked intently at Rattle Tail.

Deadly

2015-09-29, 03:05 PM

Now we were getting somewhere. There was a slight glint in Starstruck's eye and she slowly leaned in a little closer. She hadnt expected such an open answer to her question but was not about to lose the momentum for anything. She opened her mouth to continue on, there were several point there she wanted to know more about, when-

Starstruck reluctantly looked over her shoulder and saw Silver.

"Sir," Starstruck straightened up a bit while holding back a sigh, she shuffled aside to give him room to join them.

Rattle Tail smiled and gave Starstruck a look that said they could continue in a moment.

Quicksilver plopped down at the bar with them, hooking another drink his way from the wells behind the bar. He was still riding the high of Cloud 9's early success, and didn't seem to notice Starstruck's chilly welcome.

"What I've been wondering is whether or not any ponies you know might have a purpose for something like this?" Silver produced the cupful of eyeballs with a flourish and looked intently at Rattle Tail.

Ooooh, said Rattle Tail's eyes as her brain lit up with ideas, and she almost grabbed the cup right out of Quicksilver's hoof. "I might, yes, of course ... know somepony, that is," she said, composing herself ... a little. "May I examine the wares?" She held out a hoof to take the cup and looked at Quicksilver for permission.

Balmas

2015-09-29, 11:17 PM

Thanqol

2015-09-29, 11:20 PM

[I'd argue that's sufficient intimacy and time to do a Deep Brain Scan.]

Absolutely it does, make the roll.

Balmas

2015-09-29, 11:40 PM

[roll0] tenchars

In what ways are Positive's mind and soul vulnerable?

Holding 2.

Thanqol

2015-09-29, 11:57 PM

Slick kicked a leg out at the table, and caught the tin of Mentats as it fell into her wings. She popped it open, and proffered one to the scientist. "I understand how that feels," she said morosely, and contemplated the tin. "To feel as if the people around you aren't trustworthy. As if they're all liars, they're all cheats, they're using you because of what you can do, and that they'll just abandon you, betray you when you're not useful anymore. It hurts, it stings, makes you want to scream that I am more than just what I can do!"

Slick blinked, and began to pick spilled Mentats off of the ground, before lying down next to Positive Reinforcement. "Sorry about that. Thing is, I think I understand. But I also know that you're going about it the wrong way. Like this? With one party lobotomized, and the other holding their body hostage? That's not a way to make someone like you, want to be your friend. I've done it my whole life. Trust me when I say it doesn't work."

Slick stared down at the half-empty tin of mentats. Someone had been busy with this one. "Somepony hurt you. Somepony you trusted, maybe even loved. And it cost you your cutie mark, but worse, your ability to trust. Do you want to talk about it?"

[I'd argue that's sufficient intimacy and time to do a Deep Brain Scan.]

In what ways are Positive's mind and soul vulnerable?

Holding 2.

You're on entirely the right track: Positive is afraid of betrayal. You can see through to the fear, relentlessly scanning, searching, analysing. Her mind is relentlessly looking for patterns and threats, real or imagined, because of that deep vulnerability. The mental scars are as real as the physical ones and any play on that will demand a reaction. That fear flows on to some other vulnerabilities - the fixation on mentats is one. You seriously doubt she could function if she was cut off from her supply; she has absolutely no shortage of them in this facility but can't genuinely leave this place for that reason.

Positive's eyes seemed to water, but she perked herself up and put on a fake smile. "There is -" she croaked, paused, tried again, "there isn't any point talking about it," she said. "Can't dwell on the past." She reflexively offered Slick a packet of jelly beans, not even thinking when she did it. "What I'm more interested in is solutions. Ponies are naturally bad at friendship, and extraterrestrial influence componds the issue, so I theorise that by use of brain extraction I can provide training wheels to encourage more empathic behaviour in a controlled environment."

the_druid_droid

2015-09-30, 12:50 AM

Ooooh, said Rattle Tail's eyes as her brain lit up with ideas, and she almost grabbed the cup right out of Quicksilver's hoof. "I might, yes, of course ... know somepony, that is," she said, composing herself ... a little. "May I examine the wares?" She held out a hoof to take the cup and looked at Quicksilver for permission.

"Sure, take all the time you need!" Silver sipped his drink and smiled another of those winning smiles. "So, your friend makes two ponies now that have some sort of interest in eyeballs, and that means we have the potential for negotiation. Tell me, just off the cuff, what do you think they would propose as a fair trade for these?"

Elanorin

2015-09-30, 02:47 AM

Quicksilver plopped down at the bar with them, hooking another drink his way from the wells behind the bar. He was still riding the high of Cloud 9's early success, and didn't seem to notice Starstruck's chilly welcome.

"What I've been wondering is whether or not any ponies you know might have a purpose for something like this?" Silver produced the cupful of eyeballs with a flourish and looked intently at Rattle Tail.

Ooooh, said Rattle Tail's eyes as her brain lit up with ideas, and she almost grabbed the cup right out of Quicksilver's hoof. "I might, yes, of course ... know somepony, that is," she said, composing herself ... a little. "May I examine the wares?" She held out a hoof to take the cup and looked at Quicksilver for permission.

Starstruck leaned over enough to see what was inside the cup and promptly raised an eyebrow. It wasn't that it unsettled her, she was just intrigued that such a thing could be considered currency. She watched Rattle Tail's reaction with further curiosity and the conversation had gone sufficiently interesting for her slight annoyance at being interrupted to melt away and be forgotten. She gave Silver a slightly incredulous smile and shake of the head.

"Seriously, this is the new currency? Is it just any eyeballs or are they special somehow? Just curious, it might pay to know," she noted, half to herself.

Deadly

2015-09-30, 06:03 AM

"Sure, take all the time you need!" Silver sipped his drink and smiled another of those winning smiles. "So, your friend makes two ponies now that have some sort of interest in eyeballs, and that means we have the potential for negotiation. Tell me, just off the cuff, what do you think they would propose as a fair trade for these?"

"Two ponies? Who's the other?" Rattle Tail asked as she took the cup and scooped one soft, blubbery eyeball into her hoof and turned it this way and that to examine it. She gave it a little sniff, then let Silver Tongue have a lick at it. Once the snake had had its look, she held the eye back up and squinted through its pupil. "Hmm ... I see ..." she muttered, then did the same with each of the eyes in the cup in turn.

Open my Brain: 3+1+3= 7

What does Rattle Tail see in the eyes? Are these just any eyeballs, or what are they?

Balmas

2015-10-01, 12:41 AM

You're on entirely the right track: Positive is afraid of betrayal. You can see through to the fear, relentlessly scanning, searching, analysing. Her mind is relentlessly looking for patterns and threats, real or imagined, because of that deep vulnerability. The mental scars are as real as the physical ones and any play on that will demand a reaction. That fear flows on to some other vulnerabilities - the fixation on mentats is one. You seriously doubt she could function if she was cut off from her supply; she has absolutely no shortage of them in this facility but can't genuinely leave this place for that reason.

Positive's eyes seemed to water, but she perked herself up and put on a fake smile. "There is -" she croaked, paused, tried again, "there isn't any point talking about it," she said. "Can't dwell on the past." She reflexively offered Slick a packet of jelly beans, not even thinking when she did it. "What I'm more interested in is solutions. Ponies are naturally bad at friendship, and extraterrestrial influence componds the issue, so I theorise that by use of brain extraction I can provide training wheels to encourage more empathic behaviour in a controlled environment."

Slick swam through the feelings, awash and, if she was telling the truth, a little overwhelmed. This was always disorienting.

"And what happens once all the ponies are brain-extracted, Positive Reinforcement? Do the training wheels come off, so we can live by the ideals of friendship without being coerced into it? It's a noble goal you have, but how do you see it ending?"

Let's find out about what she feels guilty. For what does she crave forgiveness, and of whom?

Thanqol

2015-10-01, 12:56 AM

"Two ponies? Who's the other?" Rattle Tail asked as she took the cup and scooped one soft, blubbery eyeball into her hoof and turned it this way and that to examine it. She gave it a little sniff, then let Silver Tongue have a lick at it. Once the snake had had its look, she held the eye back up and squinted through its pupil. "Hmm ... I see ..." she muttered, then did the same with each of the eyes in the cup in turn.

Open my Brain: 3+1+3= 7

What does Rattle Tail see in the eyes? Are these just any eyeballs, or what are they?

Oh these aren't just empty eyeballs. See, when a living creature dies, the last image that its eyes saw is captured inside the eye forever.

There's something alive in every single one of those eyes. Something dark and threatening and shadowy, wearing the storm as a cape, eyes blazing in the reflections. Its teeth are bloody and its victory is complete and it wears a crown made out of bones and destiny. These eyes are full and full of purpose.

Tell me about your eyes. Do you trust them? Which one do you trust more? Or do you trust someone else's?

Slick swam through the feelings, awash and, if she was telling the truth, a little overwhelmed. This was always disorienting.

"And what happens once all the ponies are brain-extracted, Positive Reinforcement? Do the training wheels come off, so we can live by the ideals of friendship without being coerced into it? It's a noble goal you have, but how do you see it ending?"

Let's find out about what she feels guilty. For what does she crave forgiveness, and of whom?

"Like I said!" said Positive. "It's not up to me to decide that. Once everypony is friended up they'll be way smarter and more clued in than me, and I can just do whatever they say and know it's the right thing."

Oh yes, she craves forgiveness. From you, Sirocco, the Enclave, everyone. She knows that she's hated and is going to be hated for what she's doing, but the only thing she knows is to keep doubling down on the decisions she's already made on the hope that one day it all works out and she's proven right. She feels guilt but she has no idea how she could possibly go backwards from where she is.

You also see Starstruck there. She doesn't think she's done anything wrong to Starstruck, but she might have, and she obviously thinks very highly of Starstruck so the thought that she might have somehow upset her is a deep, low, painful point of paranoia.

the_druid_droid

2015-10-01, 02:30 AM

"Seriously, this is the new currency? Is it just any eyeballs or are they special somehow? Just curious, it might pay to know," she noted, half to herself.

Silver just smiled right back and shrugged. "Nothing is the new currency. Which means everything is. If ponies are willing to trade it, then that's all I need. The trick is to know enough ponies and enough about all of them to have some idea of what they want."

"Two ponies? Who's the other?" Rattle Tail asked as she took the cup and scooped one soft, blubbery eyeball into her hoof and turned it this way and that to examine it. She gave it a little sniff, then let Silver Tongue have a lick at it. Once the snake had had its look, she held the eye back up and squinted through its pupil. "Hmm ... I see ..." she muttered, then did the same with each of the eyes in the cup in turn.

"Why, the pony who traded them to me in the first place, of course! They saw enough value in these eyeballs to offer them in exchange for goods and services, and if a thing's common enough to happen once, it's bound to happen again. I just had to think a little about who might have similar, ah, values. I could probably find some more if it came down to it, but since my cousin is fond of you, I thought I might ask you first."

Deadly

2015-10-01, 03:09 PM

Oh these aren't just empty eyeballs. See, when a living creature dies, the last image that its eyes saw is captured inside the eye forever.

There's something alive in every single one of those eyes. Something dark and threatening and shadowy, wearing the storm as a cape, eyes blazing in the reflections. Its teeth are bloody and its victory is complete and it wears a crown made out of bones and destiny. These eyes are full and full of purpose.

Tell me about your eyes. Do you trust them? Which one do you trust more? Or do you trust someone else's?

Trust her eyes? No. No more than any other senses, or anyone elses eyes. But if she has to follow one of her eyes, she does think a little higher of the left one. They work together well, but left on their own the right one likes to get fuzzy on the truth. Trust her vision, though? Absolutely. Her vision is infallible, divine, and she'll look down at anypony who thinks otherwise.

Her eyes are a pretty light blue like forget-me-nots, often a little tired or aged but clear like the kinds of crystal blue, mirror blank lakes that might have existed before the war made such a mess of everything. The sort of lake you could lose yourself in, just marveling at your own reflection in the water. Her eyes are pretty, though her smile - when it happens, which it does frequently, of course - is probably the prettiest thing about her.

"Why, the pony who traded them to me in the first place, of course! They saw enough value in these eyeballs to offer them in exchange for goods and services, and if a thing's common enough to happen once, it's bound to happen again. I just had to think a little about who might have similar, ah, values. I could probably find some more if it came down to it, but since my cousin is fond of you, I thought I might ask you first."

"I see, yes," Rattle Tail said as she put the eyes back in the cup, but held on to the cup for now as she leaned back in her seat. "One or two of these eyes may not be worth much, but if you get enough of them, well, then I could ... make use of them, yes." She tapped a hoof on the table next to the cup as she thought. "These are eyes, good for seeing, good for finding your way. Your way to something, or someone, perhaps. I could offer you traditional payment, boring but practical. Or perhaps there is somepony ... well, some person perhaps ... you would love to see but can't find, or can't get to.

"I have my ways," she said with an enigmatic smile. "Tell me a name, and I could bring them to you. Might that hold your interest?"

BlasTech

2015-10-01, 07:51 PM

Your guys are waiting outside. Lt. Haze salutes upon seeing Sirocco. "I've dispatched Radar Glitch and Swamp Gas to look for alternate entry points," she said. "Are we going in sir?"

"Blueberry muffins, and no." Replied Sirocco "putting aside that we'd need more than two squads to assault this place, there have been some new developments. I would not have this facility damaged; It will be important to our long term goals."

"Rally the squads, and return to camp. I will want to speak to you and Sarge separately and privately once we are there."

He inwardly considerd which of his senior staff could be brought in on the events of today safely, some might react in unproductive ways to the news that their commanding officer was now a brain in a jar.

With the orders given he turned and headed back to the science lab.

Thanqol

2015-10-01, 07:54 PM

"Blueberry muffins,

Weather Balloon jumped down from behind him, quiet as a dagger in the night, lowering her laser rifle.

and no." Replied Sirocco "putting aside that we'd need more than two squads to assault this place, there have been some new developments. I would not have this facility damaged; It will be important to our long term goals."

"Rally the squads, and return to camp. I will want to speak to you and Sarge separately and privately once we are there."

He inwardly considerd which of his senior staff could be brought in on the events of today safely, some might react in unproductive ways to the news that their commanding officer was now a brain in a jar.

With the orders given he turned and headed back to the science lab.

"Yes sir," said Haze, whistled up the troops, and took the formation back to camp.

BlasTech

2015-10-01, 08:32 PM

"Yes sir," said Haze, whistled up the troops, and took the formation back to camp.

Sirocco smiled as Weather Balloon appeared.

"Oh, and Lieutenant?" He said, before Haze left. "Release Apple Cart, but have somepony from Sigma follow him. I want to know where Twoflower and his gang are holed up."

Thanqol

2015-10-01, 08:38 PM

Sirocco smiled as Weather Balloon appeared.

"Oh, and Lieutenant?" He said, before Haze left. "Release Apple Cart, but have somepony from Sigma follow him. I want to know where Twoflower and his gang are holed up."

"Yes sir," said Haze, and the troops walked off - they didn't fly, it was still pouring down buckets and it'd be dangerous, but none of Team Sigma had shifted from their posts despite the cold and miserable conditions.

BlasTech

2015-10-01, 09:08 PM

"Yes sir," said Haze, and the troops walked off - they didn't fly, it was still pouring down buckets and it'd be dangerous, but none of Team Sigma had shifted from their posts despite the cold and miserable conditions.

Sirocco frowned at the rain, had it grown stronger since he'd gone inside? Sigma were well acquainted with bad weather, so their ability to hold up under it was expected.

Alpha, on the other hoof, how had they fared?

Thanqol

2015-10-01, 09:30 PM

Sirocco frowned at the rain, had it grown stronger since he'd gone inside? Sigma were well acquainted with bad weather, so their ability to hold up under it was expected.

Alpha, on the other hoof, how had they fared?

Not great. They were doing their level best to keep up discipline given that you were already mad at them, so they hadn't slacked off here, but you could tell their morale was in the toilet and as soon as they were off duty they were going to bitch up a storm in the mess. Given the poor availability of tents in the area, camp wasn't going to be much better for them either.

Even apart from the obvious morale issues this lack of shelter was going to cause, you had hundreds of ponies in cold, damp conditions without any sort of tradition of waste management or ground-based hygiene. Your camp is wet, miserable, filthy and on the verge of breaking out with incapacitating new diseases. If you're lucky (and you are, you made the start of session Hard roll) you'll have a few days to get ahead of this but after that you're in for bad times.

the_druid_droid

2015-10-01, 10:35 PM

"I see, yes," Rattle Tail said as she put the eyes back in the cup, but held on to the cup for now as she leaned back in her seat. "One or two of these eyes may not be worth much, but if you get enough of them, well, then I could ... make use of them, yes." She tapped a hoof on the table next to the cup as she thought. "These are eyes, good for seeing, good for finding your way. Your way to something, or someone, perhaps. I could offer you traditional payment, boring but practical. Or perhaps there is somepony ... well, some person perhaps ... you would love to see but can't find, or can't get to.

"I have my ways," she said with an enigmatic smile. "Tell me a name, and I could bring them to you. Might that hold your interest?"

"I think we might be able to work out a trade on something like that. Of course, I don't have a name right off the top of my head, but if you'd be willing to owe me a favor like that I'd say we're square. Now then, how many eyes are there in a name?"

Elanorin

2015-10-02, 04:31 AM

"I see, yes," Rattle Tail said as she put the eyes back in the cup, but held on to the cup for now as she leaned back in her seat. "One or two of these eyes may not be worth much, but if you get enough of them, well, then I could ... make use of them, yes." She tapped a hoof on the table next to the cup as she thought. "These are eyes, good for seeing, good for finding your way. Your way to something, or someone, perhaps. I could offer you traditional payment, boring but practical. Or perhaps there is somepony ... well, some person perhaps ... you would love to see but can't find, or can't get to.

"I have my ways," she said with an enigmatic smile. "Tell me a name, and I could bring them to you. Might that hold your interest?"

Starstruck was further intrigued to hear this and she wondered to herself just what those ways were. She was half tempted to follow this Prophet and keep her under surveillance to get to her secrets but it would be a pretty major investment of her time with no guarantee of what they'd gain from it, it would only be to satisfy her curiosity and she knew Haze wouldn't authorise such a venture. For now she just made yet another mental note and tried her level best to sip her drink in what she hoped was a very casual and disinterested way.

Balmas

2015-10-03, 01:27 AM

"Like I said!" said Positive. "It's not up to me to decide that. Once everypony is friended up they'll be way smarter and more clued in than me, and I can just do whatever they say and know it's the right thing."

Oh yes, she craves forgiveness. From you, Sirocco, the Enclave, everyone. She knows that she's hated and is going to be hated for what she's doing, but the only thing she knows is to keep doubling down on the decisions she's already made on the hope that one day it all works out and she's proven right. She feels guilt but she has no idea how she could possibly go backwards from where she is.

You also see Starstruck there. She doesn't think she's done anything wrong to Starstruck, but she might have, and she obviously thinks very highly of Starstruck so the thought that she might have somehow upset her is a deep, low, painful point of paranoia.

Well, that was just one more reason to bring in Starstruck. But maybe not just yet. Starstruck was the ace in the hole, and it wouldn't do to show that too quickly.

"Well, speaking as a disembodied brain who's currently speaking with everypony else in the tank, I feel like you should know that most of the ponies you've... assisted, shall we say? Are none too happy with the change. I can manage for myself, but I have to be a representative of the rest of the brains. They want out. And it'd be a lot easier on my own conscience to have a way to undo what we do, so that when we've learned about friendship we can go on and try it for ourselves."

And the one last thing she'd gleamed from Positive's mind... It was hard to avoid this. She was almost scared to trespass in this last sanctuary, but she had to know. WHat was her loest moment?

Deadly

2015-10-03, 01:35 AM

"I think we might be able to work out a trade on something like that. Of course, I don't have a name right off the top of my head, but if you'd be willing to owe me a favor like that I'd say we're square. Now then, how many eyes are there in a name?"

"Well now, that might depend on the eyes and the name," Rattle Tail said, scratching her cheek thoughtfully. "Tell you what, how many eyes do you have, and can you point me to who sold them to you?"

Starstruck was further intrigued to hear this and she wondered to herself just what those ways were. She was half tempted to follow this Prophet and keep her under surveillance to get to her secrets but it would be a pretty major investment of her time with no guarantee of what they'd gain from it, it would only be to satisfy her curiosity and she knew Haze wouldn't authorise such a venture. For now she just made yet another mental note and tried her level best to sip her drink in what she hoped was a very casual and disinterested way.

Rattle Tail was still watching Starstruck out of the corner of an eye, paying subtle attention.

Spending another hold (1 remaining): how could Rattle Tail get Starstruck to follow her, and not just to watch, but as a believer? Not that Rattle Tail minded being watched, of course.

Thanqol

2015-10-03, 03:50 AM

Well, that was just one more reason to bring in Starstruck. But maybe not just yet. Starstruck was the ace in the hole, and it wouldn't do to show that too quickly.

"Well, speaking as a disembodied brain who's currently speaking with everypony else in the tank, I feel like you should know that most of the ponies you've... assisted, shall we say? Are none too happy with the change. I can manage for myself, but I have to be a representative of the rest of the brains. They want out. And it'd be a lot easier on my own conscience to have a way to undo what we do, so that when we've learned about friendship we can go on and try it for ourselves."

And the one last thing she'd gleamed from Positive's mind... It was hard to avoid this. She was almost scared to trespass in this last sanctuary, but she had to know. What was her lowest moment?

You know what it is.

They tried to make it humane, and that is almost the most perverse thing about it. The Judge - Juris Doctor - read out the sentence in full, stopping repeatedly to ask if she had any questions. Very official. The machine looked medical and unintimidating, two little white half circles. One of the guards tried to reassure her that they'd switched to a new laser amplified burner that would accomplish the task in seconds with only a 'little bit' of pain. They even suggested she try to stay as still as possible so the scar would burn neatly into place.

When she broke down in tears, dug her hooves in, refused to go they didn't even hit her. Didn't even drag her. Not at first. They tried to be nice. They were nice. There wasn't any pony to point a hoof at and call out as a monster. They really did try.

But they did have to drag her in the end.

And as much as she braced for it, as total as the terror was, knees so stiff that they felt like they were going to bend backwards - they were right. It barely hurt at all.

Humane.

And then they threw her out.

...

Positive couldn't answer your question. She was crying. She didn't know why. "I'm - sorry," she said. "I don't know what's happening."

BlasTech

2015-10-03, 11:25 AM

the_druid_droid

2015-10-04, 12:31 AM

"Well now, that might depend on the eyes and the name," Rattle Tail said, scratching her cheek thoughtfully. "Tell you what, how many eyes do you have, and can you point me to who sold them to you?"

"I have more, quite a few more if that's what it takes once I've decided on my name. However, I don't usually share information about my suppliers, barring exceptional circumstances. I work a bit outside standard channels, but there's something to be said for trust, professionally."

"Of course, it's a small world, particularly these days. If you looked hard enough, you could probably find them yourself with what you already know."

Balmas

2015-10-04, 03:29 PM

Positive couldn't answer your question. She was crying. She didn't know why. "I'm - sorry," she said. "I don't know what's happening."

Slick leaned to wipe the tears from under Positive's eyes. "Don't worry. We're going to work to make this right, okay? I know it's hard, but do you know what would really help? I think that if we got you out in the community, we could help you make some friends. You already have me, and I can introduce you to my family."

For once, a real smile blossomed on Slick's face. "It'll be fun! I'll back you up, and we might even be able to have a party at my cousin's bar! Doesn't that sound nice?" She carefully watched Positive for any signs of flight.

[Read a Pony: [roll0]

How can I get Slick to do what I've asked, and go mingle in the community?]

Deadly

2015-10-05, 01:38 AM

"I have more, quite a few more if that's what it takes once I've decided on my name. However, I don't usually share information about my suppliers, barring exceptional circumstances. I work a bit outside standard channels, but there's something to be said for trust, professionally."

"Of course, it's a small world, particularly these days. If you looked hard enough, you could probably find them yourself with what you already know."

"Hmm." Rattle Tail tapped the table as the gears in her head spun. One name was the same to her as another, although what Quicksilver did with them might not be. Besides, she couldn't look like it didn't matter to her what name was picked. Better to put on a cautious face. She gave a little nod and handed the cup of eyes back to Quicksilver. "The value of eyes is time limited, you see. I'll take all the eyes you have from the same stock as these," she indicated the cup. "You come up with a name before tonight, one you believe is worth the trade, and we'll make the final agreement and exchange then. Sound good?"

Thanqol

2015-10-05, 04:21 AM

Sirocco, fortunately or not, managed to walk back in at that precise moment. His mind was occupied with other thoughts, about the rain, the troops - so it took a moment for him to switch back to what was going on.

Looking at this from the outside, it looks like Slick has somehow emotionally crushed Positive Reinforcement. She looks raw, vulnerable, old wounds torn open anew. Have you ever seen a pony like that before?

Slick leaned to wipe the tears from under Positive's eyes. "Don't worry. We're going to work to make this right, okay? I know it's hard, but do you know what would really help? I think that if we got you out in the community, we could help you make some friends. You already have me, and I can introduce you to my family."

For once, a real smile blossomed on Slick's face. "It'll be fun! I'll back you up, and we might even be able to have a party at my cousin's bar! Doesn't that sound nice?" She carefully watched Positive for any signs of flight.

[Read a Pony: [roll0]

How can I get Slick to do what I've asked, and go mingle in the community?]

Positive froze up. Absolute terror had hit her. Of all the things you could have asked her to do that was one of the worst - you want her to go back to a society full of Enclave ponies and let her guard down. A big, chaotic situation with hundreds of ponies moving around in ways she cannot predict or control. It's a big ask just getting her to walk outside, let alone throw her into a high pressure social situation in a society she's been exiled from on pain of death.

That said, she'll do it anyway if you pressure her. You are the only pony who's extended her a hoof so you've got a vast amount of influence over her. She'll just spend every second freaking out and you'll have to manage the situation incredibly delicately to get a good result. You can tell she's an introvert by nature and a lot of fears orbit around social situations.

There are some things that'd make it easier on her - find a Grounder bar somewhere, bring a small number of ponies here, get her a big dark cloak, a formal pardon from Sirocco, some time to work herself up to it. This is a huge step.

"I don't think that would be a good idea," she squeaked.

Elanorin

2015-10-05, 10:08 AM

Rattle Tail was still watching Starstruck out of the corner of an eye, paying subtle attention.

Spending another hold (1 remaining): how could Rattle Tail get Starstruck to follow her, and not just to watch, but as a believer? Not that Rattle Tail minded being watched, of course.

The good news is that she is open to spiritual influence, she doesn't entirely understand what you stand for yet, but from first impressions she feels you both have at least some similar views on this Fall, and she likes you. Starstruck craves freedom and distance from violence. She wants to believe in a future where ponies do not seek to stab eachother in the back, where violence is all but unheard of, where ponies do not feel the need to lock their doors night or day and most of all for a future where there is no place for ponies like her. If that is your vision you're halfway there! But only halfway, mind you, because Starstruck's loyalty is to her unit, above all. Therefore nopony's word will have greater weight to her than that of Lt Haze, regardless her personal belief, and should your wishes not align, Haze will win, hooves down. So Lt Haze is your main obstacle to get Starstruck to follow you without challenge.

Killing off Haze (and perhaps all of Sigma) might work but it would require careful manoeuvring so Starstruck doesn't just end up devoting herself to vengeance rather than you (and if she finds out you were behind it you'll have a battle to the death on your hooves).

The less straightforward approach, would be to turn Starstruck against Haze and then push hard (whether that is by finding some genuine dirt on Haze and spilling it to Starstruck or just time honoured lies and slander is really neither here nor there if done well and convincingly, right?). Just set the scene for Starstruck to remove that obstacle herself and even be in a debt of gratitude to you for 'opening her eyes'. It would have to be some pretty major thing though to push Starstruck that far, or many smaller things that gradually wear away her loyalty for Haze. If you want to urge her on from more than one direction, getting Radar Glitch converted would go a long way, but isn't enough on its own.

Of course you could go and convert Haze and then have her bring the rest of the unit in to your fold but you'd still run the risk of your word and hers clashing.

Either way, once Haze is dealt with, you don't think much more would be needed than a long and direct conversation (Starstruck seems less receptive to poetry than direct and to the point words) about faith and the future. Perhaps some wine. A little magic trick to boggle her mind of some sort to seal the deal and she will think you an outright divinity.