Celestia's Finest: The Sun Always Rises

[userpay]

This didn't bode well... But then this was their chance to show everypony what they were made of. Attempting to keep his mind off the neocorn in the room Brazen instead focuses on the princesses and snaps a salute. "Brazen Hoof, close combat specialist and demolitionist. At your service!"

[Miltonian]

A few eyebrows, including Luna's, go up at Love's AR display. The princess seems more amused than anything. it pulled her from whatever thoughts were running through her head and gave her a reason to really pay attention to the four ponies in the room. Red Tape's lips quirk upwards just a little, but he clears his throat and places a cup of coffee in front of Commander Wildcat to cover it up.

"I wish we could have met under more pleasant circumstances," Celestia said. Her horn glows and four more chairs scoot up to the table next to her and the other princesses. "Come, sit. Do you drink tea? Silver Service, what tea do we have?"

General War Monger coughed loudly.

"Ah, forgive me," Celestia said, "But there is no time for pleasantries. Today is...today is a disaster."

"To put it lightly," Luna muttered. Celestia nodded. "Today was the last day of the villainous Queen Chrysalis' sentence," the princess of the night continued, "She hath been a thorn in Equestria's side ever since Cadence's first wedding. We had thought her safely contained. We hath been proven horribly wrong."

"Today, the Elements of Harmony gathered to reform her," Celestia said, "As they have done with so many others. But, things did not go...well, we have the security footage, correct?"

"It doth not disappear after being played but once, sister," Luna said.

"Then, show them," Celestia ordered. A screen unfolded in the corner of the room and played the events of the Element's arrival and Chrysalis' seeming death and resurrection.

"You shouldn't have done that," the changeling queen cackles. Celestia pauses the video.

"How...familiar are you with the history of the Changeling race?" she asks delicately.

[DigoDragon]

"How...familiar are you with the history of the Changeling race?" she asks delicately.

"Only what's taught in school, your highness," Rose answers.

[userpay]

"Same here..." Brazen rubs the back of his head.

[Miltonian]

"That is not entirely comforting," Celestia says, "Suffice it to say that Chrysalis was the queen of the changelings before they discovered their current forms. Back then, they were creatures who fed on the love one being had for another. Ponies were their primary targets during those years. However, due to the bravery and kind nature of one named Thorax and his friendship with Twilight's assistant, Spike, the truth behind their condition was revealed and they transformed into the pleasant creatures we know and love today."

She clears her throat. "Chrysalis never transformed. For years we held out hope that she would see the joy and happiness her people now had and turn away, but that was naive foolishness on our part. Only when she killed Starlight Glimmer, Twilight's first personal student, and tried to take her place did we realize the full extent of her depravity. To keep her contained, I personally ordered the creation of Tartarus Station, the most secure prison in this world and beyond it. It serves as a holding facility for all those creatures deemed too dangerous to roam free and it kept her contained for the duration of her sentence."

She sighs. "Then this happened. The Elements did not reform her. They made her stronger. And now we have a...situation. Captain, please play the rest of the tape."

Spoiler: The Rest of the Tape

Show

Playback initiated

“You shouldn’t have done that.”

Rainbow Dash and Applejack reacted instantly. Applejack tackled Rarity and Twilight to the ground behind the nearest cover, a sturdy, metal desk. Rainbow Dash snatched up Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy and took shelter up in the pipes and wires of the ceiling.

Then, the heroes of Equestria prepared for a fight. Twilight’s eyes glowed and her horn lit up with arcane might. The pouches strapped to Rarity’s side opened and fine-cut gems floated out. They fit neatly together in the shape of a long, elegant rapier. Pinkie Pie’s party cannon appeared from the same place that lost socks go when they disappear in the wash.

“Loyalty never gives in!” Rainbow Dash shouted. The steel band around her neck glowed red. A suit of armor, tailor-made to her specifications and colored sky-blue, appeared on her body. A rocket launcher folded out and aimed right at Chrysalis’ cell. “Locking on,” a deep, robotic voice said in Dash’s ear.

It’s a commonly accepted fact that pegasi cannot master magic, though a few exceptions do exist. However, that does not mean they cannot use magic items, so long as the trigger is something they can perform. For instance, saying a somewhat cheesy catchphrase.

“Honesty’s the best policy,” Applejack stated, for similar purposes. A huge, bulky suit of orange power armor appeared on her, in essence transforming her into a walking tank. A turret mounted on the back swiveled and locked onto the changeling queen. The whine of a motor signalled the electromagnets that powered it preparing to fire.

Then, Fluttershy and Happy Hooves threw themselves in front of their guns.

“Cancel lock! Cancel lock!” Dash shouted.

“Cancelling lock,” her suit responded.

“Fluttershy, Happy get out of the way!” Twilight shouted.

The Fluttershy turned toward her friends with a smile that was both entirely out of place and yet still Fluttershy. “No, I don’t think I will,” she said. Her eyes flashed green. “After all.” Chrysalis’s voice joined hers in an eerie echo. “You’re not being very ‘kind’, are you, my old friends?”

“What’d you do to Fluttershy?” Dash demanded. Chrysalis and Fluttershy laughed and their eyes fixed on Rainbow Dash.

“The same thing I’ll do to everypony,” they said, and Happy joined them, “Those that survive. Now, drop your weapons and surrender.”

“Not. A. Chance,” Applejack growled, “Ya’ll can’t block every angle with one pony. Your flank's too big and we’ve got very good aim.”

Happy drew a knife and held it to Fluttershy’s neck. The five mares gasped and moved as one to stop her. They pulled up short when Happy pressed it harder and a thin line of blood appeared on their friend’s neck. Fluttershy smirked.

“Lay down your weapons,” Chrysalis said through her, “Or your weak-willed friend here dies.”

For a moment, the Elements stood frozen. Then, Rarity let her sword fall to the ground. One by one, they disarmed and stood before Chrysalis, eyes burning with impotent fury.

The queen smiled. “Today is a good day.” Her eyes flared and the Elements cried out in pain. Chrysalis glanced towards the camera and smiled, fangs bared. “Wouldn’t you say, Celestia?”

end playback

"Your mission," Celestia says quietly, "Is to save the Elements of Harmony."

The room is silent for a long moment as every eye studies the reactions of the four members of the EDF.

[Elbeyon]

Love waits for the commander to speak up. She didn't want to break the chain of command; however, she can only wait so long. She speaks up, "If I have permission to speak freely." She looks at the commander for approval before continuing.

"Cutting the griffin patties, early promises guaranteeing success... The EDF is Commander Wildcat's baby. That we're even here means that the Commander has confidence in our success. And, I have confidence in that and us. The Elements of Harmony are something special. No one can deny that. The thing is that we're special too." She points her hoof to her cutie mark. "We're special forces. We trained by the best to do what we do. And, this is what Harrier Squad does."

[D.KnightSpider]

So the Elements had come undone by their own gentleness as it were. The entire situation was both disconcerting and excillerating. Disconcerting in that some of the greatest warriors in Equestria had been so effortlessly taken down. Excillerating in that this was a clear and present opportunity to establish himself.

One thing was clear, however, come hail or high water, he was not leaving this room without a copy of that tape. There was far too much potential intelligence for one viewing.

"It shall be done." Sniper Scope answered. What more needed to be said?

[DigoDragon]

"How long ago was that event?" Rose asks. "And how many ponies are stationed up there?"

[Elbeyon]

Love looks to Rose in the affirmative. "Yeah. We need briefed. Whatever documents, maps, personal reports you can share would be helpful. It's still our station up in the sky."

[Miltonian]

Love waits for the commander to speak up. She didn't want to break the chain of command; however, she can only wait so long. She speaks up, "If I have permission to speak freely." She looks at the commander for approval before continuing.

"Permission granted," Luna grunts. Commander Wildcat nods approvingly at her.

"How long ago was that event?" Rose asks. "And how many ponies are stationed up there?"

The others in the room shift uncomfortably.

"400 prisoners, 500 guards," Cadence says softly, speaking for the first time, "And 78 of those were changelings. Eight hours ago, around noon, when Chrysalis did...whatever she did to Twilight and the others, every changeling on the station stopped what they were doing, grabbed weapons, and began attacking their fellow guards. With their natural shapeshifting abilities, it was chaos." She clears her throat. "Here, I will send the files to you. And the prisoner manifest. Please just..." She bites her lip and the EDF's comms all ping. "Save my sister and her friends."

"All guards are vetted," Luna says, "And all art loyal. We suspect foul play. To worsen things, one of the newfangled destroyers moved to assist when the trouble began. When it was yet a mile away, all the changelings aboard also turned. The ship crashed into the station and inflicted massive casualties to both crews. One of the cell blocks hath been entirely destroyed. Power is offline. Comms are down. We cannot get a status update on either vessel. The situation grows ever worse the longer we wait."

"Yes." Celestia summoned another cup of coffee. "There is little time. You will have to be fully brought up to speed en-route. Who knows what Chrysalis has already accomplished up there? It will take more than skill. It will take bravery and courage. And strength beyond that of most ponies." She smiles. "But you are not most ponies. We will put our faith in you."

Despite the situation, Commander Wildcat has to hide a wide grin.

[userpay]

The silence from Brazen is stony as he contemplates the last of the tape, then the information following several queries and comments from the others. "Well, ah did say close quarters combat was my specialty and this seems right up my alley. Will there be chances for resupply or ah bulwark otherwise made in the insertion point? Need somewhere for friendlies to gather even if changelings throw ah kink in that." He scratches his jaw. "Ain't to surprising that she managed to come up with something in the time she was imprisoned... Just gotta find the best way to vet who we meet so we don't end up with ah bullet in our back." Why did they think having changelings on the same station as their queen would be a good idea...? It was not a question Brazen wanted to pose outloud. Perhaps later when they were alone with Wildcat.

[D.KnightSpider]

"A vetting method would be most helpful," Sniper Scope agreed. This time, he was smart enough to keep the rest of his thought unspoken: since our only other option would be to assume everyone is a hostile and respond accordingly.

"I am also requesting a copy of that security tape and a psychological profile of Queen Chrysalis."

[DigoDragon]

"Any medical records would be helpful to identify friendlies from foes," Rose says, "But we are ready to leave immediately and be briefed on the way, your highness."

[Miltonian]

Commander Wildcat leaps to his hooves. "Harrier Squad, we have our orders. Let's get a move on and get to the hangar." He can't contain his grin. "I promise you, your majesties, they won't let you down."

"They had better not," War Monger warns, "If this fails, you're sunk, Wildcat." The two stallions glare at each other from across the table.

Celestia clears her throat and draws their attention to her, defusing the situation. "One final thing, Harrier Squad," she said, "As far as our analysts can tell, the changelings are under Chrysalis's mind control. They are still citizens of Equestria and to be treated as such. You will be provided with..." She hesitates. "Electric laser guns..."

"Electrolasers," Luna corrects.

Celestia ignores her. "With which to combat them. Please take all necessary steps to insure no loss of life."

Wildcat does not look particularly pleased with this, but salutes. "My team can handle anything, princess," he assures her. Pivoting smartly on his hooves, he marches out the door. Red Tape follows behind him.

Once out of earshot of the room, he turns to them. His grin covers his entire face. "Well, can't say I wished for something like this to happen. That'd be downright unpatriotic. But I'm right glad it waited until after we finished your training." A cigar finds its way into his mouth. "Charge, we're sending a team by to collect you, the real you. You're going to have to be aboard the ship for this one. Star Chaser'll keep you both safe. Too much danger of comms being cut off if Chrysalis gets to the control room before the Guard does. The rest of you'll find your gear's already loaded when we arrive. Sending you all the full briefing now. Read over it on the way. Ask any questions you want. I'm in a good mood right now, so I'll answer 'em or Red Tape here'll find the answer for you."

[userpay]

Non-lethal kit... It wasn't surprising but it was still going to throw a wrench into things given the potential chaos they were about to descend into. "It shall be done." Brazen snaps off a salute before the group leaves the room.

"Yea ah got one... Who thought it was ah good idea to put changelings on the same station as their ex-queen?" Brazen did not seem happy at all about that apparent oversight. "Furthermore... Ah don't suppose we have ah way of disabling Rainbow Dash's and Applejack's armor? Gonna be mighty hard to disable them with the kit we're entering with. And ah take it the prisoners are to be dispatched non-lethally to?"

[Miltonian]

"Straight to the point then," Wildcat grunts, "Right. I'll refer to Red Tape for the changeling question."

The red-maned earth pony clears his throat. "Until today, Chrysalis had no mental power over her own kind. She did have the ability to dominate ponies, but only after extensive conditioning and it is relatively easy to snap a pony out of until the very last stages. Therefore, having changelings as guards was deemed no more dangerous than anypony else. They were vetted to the same extent and many of them have families planet-side. Until proven otherwise, they fall under the DPC (Dominated Persons clause) and thus cannot be held responsible for their actions. Hence the non-lethal means you've been given to deal with them. Any information you can uncover on shielding or freeing them from Chrysalis' control will result in a pay bonus of double your monthly salary." A tight smile crosses his lips. "The prisoners, however, do not fall under the guidelines of the DPC. If they show active resistance to your mission, you are cleared to use whatever force you deem necessary to ensure the completion of your task. Do remember that we will be going over the footage from your helmet cams, so don't use this opportunity to unleash any latent desires for carnage."

Wildcat nods. "As for Captain Dash and Applejack..." He clears his throat. "The workings of their suits are classified. So classified that only one pony really knows how they work. Princess Twilight Sparkle. We got nothing for you there. We do know that Applejack can survive direct impacts from a missile in that thing. Your best bet is to disable her turret and Captain Dash's missile launcher. Both ponies are trained to resist psychological torture, so we can only hope they'll hold out long enough for you to rescue them." He glances around. "Who else?"

[Elbeyon]

Love shakes the silliness out of her head and starts to catch up to the commander leaving the room. An easy hoofwave goodbye signalling her departure. That and a friend request for MoonMistress! Her heart fluttering as she's not sure whether to expect acceptance or rejection. She's never gotten close enough to Luna's matrix field to send a request.

Parsing Wildcat's words take her a bit. "Ah!" She replies. "You mean the aged warrior. Aye, sir! I'll prepare my meat for transport. My current locations are my lab. The entrance is difficult to find. It's certainly difficult to guide people to. I'll be ready with myself at the door."

As much as it made her uncomfortable risky the old heart and lungs, she agrees, "I understand, Sir!"

---

When her turn to ask questions pops up.

"I'll ask for as much information as you can give us in file form. As you said communication may be a problem. I'd like to have the reference material in the sky. Maps at the very least." She wracks her brain to think of anything else. Electrolasers can give quite the jolt. Hardly anything is truly non-lethal "I'd like to request as much crowd control as possible. Tear gas. Stun. Knockout gas. And, I'll be submitting a LC2 waiver to allow Restricted items to leave my home for this mission."

[userpay]

Brazen nods slowly. Given how easily the changelings had fallen under Chrysalis's control it seemed like there had been something prior but evidently not. "Then that means ah get to take my heavy stuff, always carry ah bigger stick than what the convicts can get ahold of." He considers potential equipment after Love's request about such. "Gonna need me some breaching charges just in case. Can't have unconstrained explosions after all and there might be doors the suit can't pry open. Also don't suppose we've got any sort of EMP we can take along or that not going to fly with the station?"

[D.KnightSpider]

There was a question in Sniper Scope's mind: what sort of idiot tied the hands of a squad by refusing to let them shoot a hostile threat?. The battle field was a simple place composed of two groups: allies and enemies. Allies were to be protected. Enemies were to be terminated. Introducing a third group to be incapacitated-- which was fully capable of disguising itself as an ally-- made an already difficult mission impossible.

The self-conscious part of his mind piped up to say that he was just angry at the orders hindering his artform. He ignored it. The nagging voice that was always right would do little to soothe his ego.

Still, he knew from experiencd not to verbalize his concerns. That would only get him a quick dressing down. He stabilized his mood before saying anything.

"An espionage kit would also be useful." Scope said evenly. "Is there any method by which to determine whether a pony is a changeling or no?" so I know who to shoot and who to tickle?

[DigoDragon]

Rose found the primary objective seems straight forward; rescue hostages, subdue or kill escaped prisoners. "What of the Philomena? Should we also ensure the ship's core is not going critical?"

[Miltonian]

"All of that is being loaded on the ship as we speak," Red Tape assures Love. He pauses for a moment. "And I just set up the LC2 form for immediate approval once it's submitted." To Sniper Scope, he says, "I'll see what's available. Basic disguise kit shouldn't be too hard to find. A False Face is probably out of the question, given our limited time frame." He smiles. "Fascinating detail about changeling biology, even disguised their bodies are a few degrees cooler than a regular pony's. Thermal imaging is going to be your best bet, though they can raise their temperatures for a limited amount of time, so you'll have to be cautious." He clears his throat. "There is a spell which counters their disguises, but we don't have time for Rose to learn it."

Wildcat, however, levels a glare at Brazen. "We'd like to be able to salvage the station afterwards, Hoof. No, you may not bring an EMP." He waves a hoof dismissively. "The Royal Guard's mission is to secure the Philomena. They'll be in radio contact."

"Besides," Red Tape chimes in, "The reactor is designed to shut down rather than go critical. Same with the station's."

[D.KnightSpider]

Failsafe were only safe until they failed. At least thermal imaging would give them some advantage on the field.

He began thinking out loud. "A more direct means of monitoring would be more useful. Perhaps something akin to a 'bug' that could be discretely attached to those we meet. I doubt we have the time for such development....

"Which reminds me. We will need some form of unique classified information, some tidbit, that only the true Elements of Harmony would know so as to properly identify them. We should also establish a safeword by which to identify one another in the likely event we become separated. Something simple to remember but is constantly altered to prevent eavesdroppers from utilizing the word against us."

[Miltonian]

"Unique, classified information," Commander Wildcat repeats, "That's a bold request. I'll send it on up, see what we get back." He turns away. "And your code-words are your own."

The EDF quickly leaves the bunker and flies to the outskirts of Canterlot, where the Canterlot Launchbase lies. A towering, gleaming structure of steel, it boasts twenty different runways and launchpads for all conceivable kinds of craft. It even has a mooring station for dirigible airships, which still see some use in more primitive areas.

As the VTOL comes in for a landing, Red Tape looks up sharply. "Received feedback on your request," he said, "And here's what Celestia sent back. 'Where is the Great and Powerful Trixie buried? She isn't.'" He shrugs. "Make of that what you will."

Wildcat lights up another cigar. "Get suited up," he grunts, "The Thunderbird's waiting for you in hangar 12. Star Chaser should be done with pre-flight checks by now and that zebra should have your gear loaded. Check it to be sure."

/////

Meanwhile, Love hears a knock on her door. It seems the escort is here to transport her actual body to the base.

[Elbeyon]

"Do we need code words?" She asks. "We should have plenty of electrical equipment capable of identifying us as us. I'm more afraid for the things we'll find up there." She hopes all the guards are OK.

Hearing the order to get going, Love shouts, "Star Chaser!" and starts running for the hanger. A space pony needs greeted!

---

Her apartment skyscraper isn't anything special. It's on Canterlot's rough side, not someplace for tourists. The city seems to have lost its luster here and a dim urban funk seems to have taken its place. Her apartment is somewhere in the sky, but her lab is underneath it. Down some side alley, a flight of stairs dip below the street leading to her place.

Whoever is at her door doesn't have to wait long. An AR screen pops up on the door with Love on it. "One moment." She answers a few seconds later. Her lab's inner light illuminating the bottom of the pit as she opens it up. "I packed a lot of stuff." She lets them get a peek behind her. In the stark white waiting room (a few plants decorating it) her pet raccoon is trying to push what looks like three backpack frame's worth of stuff and a large metal box. "We can bring it with my car if the amount is an issue. If not I'll get back to my things and send a Chrome Bot with you."

Spoiler: Equipment

Show

Flesh Love:
Battlesuit (Suit & Helment)
Cigarette Lighter
Dagger (Knife)
Electrolaser Pistol
Grenade (Electro-stun) x2
Grenade (Riot) x2
Grenade (Sleep) x2
Grenade (Smoke) x2
Heavy Electrolaser
Heavy Electrolaser (40mm Attachment)
Power Cell (C) x2
Power Cell (D)
Thermos Bottle
Traveler's Rations

Love Android:
Battlesuit (Suit & Helment)
Cigarette Lighter
Dagger (Knife)
Electrolaser Pistol
Grenade (Electro-stun) x2
Grenade (Riot) x2
Grenade (Sleep) x2
Grenade (Smoke) x2
Heavy Electrolaser
Heavy Electrolaser (40mm Attachment)
Power Cell (C) x2
Power Cell (D)
Thermos Bottle
Traveler's Rations

(Love & Love's Android's Backpacks)
1Backpack (Frame)
Batteries x50
Bug Stomper
Cell Phone
Cigarette Lighter
Computer (Laptop)
Drug (Anti-radiation) x10
Drug/TL10 (Water Purification Tablets) x10
Fishhooks & Line x10
Grapnel
Homing Beacon x5
Kit (Electrician)
Kit (Electronics Repair)
Kit (First Aid)
Kit (Mechanic)
Lockpicks
Lockpicks (Electronic)
Matches x50
Nanobug
Robot (Scout) x2

Extra Gear Bag:
Grenade (Electro-stun) x10
Grenade (Fragmentation) x10
Grenade (Riot) x10
Grenade (Sleep) x10
Grenade (Smoke) x10
Cable (Steel) (10 Yards) x2
Radio (Backpack)
Power Cell (D) x2

[Miltonian]

"That's perfectly alright, ma'am," the very official looking guard says with a wry smile, "Your commander warned us about this possibility, so we came prepared. If you will step this way please."

A strong, burly unicorn helps levitate her stuff into a large, military transport truck. This particular vehicle is of the "armor everything" persuasion. It's a wonder that the wheels don't give out on it, considering the enormous weight it has to carry.

A ping sounds in Love's ear. MoonMistress has accepted your friend request!

* * *

Star Chaser's head pokes out from under the Thunderbird, covered in grease and grime. With a small "Hup!", she muscles her way out from underneath and stands up. "Hello, hello!" she says, "Took you long enough to get here. The new guy's been in my mane all morning complaining about how I have my ship calibrated. Somepony strong go whack him upside the head for me, eh?"

Like a lot of spacers, Star Chaser's muscles are good for maneuvering in low and zero-g environments, but they are less developed than those who stay planet-side most of the time.

[DigoDragon]

Rose checks her medical equipment to ensure she has everything; liquid bandages, pressure gauze, antibiotics, hypospray unit, vitals monitor. "Alright, the less of this I have to use, the happier I'll be."

[Elbeyon]

Lab

"Huh? Oh no," she says. "You've already loaded me." She points up the stairs. "I'm in the metal box."

The door opens farther to allow a chrome-finished android stallion into the frame. "My android will be escorting you to the base. That's who's tailing you. Security and such. Some of the transport is irreplaceable to me."

---

Hangar 12

"That sounds like a pain. Hello." Love moves to give her a hoof-bump. "So, you're ready to leave?" She attempts to join the comms since she can keep moving and talking.

She trots into the ship after Rose as to not keep anyone waiting.

[Miltonian]

The guard blinks and stares at Love. “S-seriously?” He looks between the very realistic drone and the metal box. “What...I don’t...huh?” So much for professionalism.

The second guard mutters under her breath. “What sort of mission is this if they’re sending all this tech?” Despite their trepidation, they carry her and her bodyguard to their destination without complaint.

///////

Star Chaser returns the hoof-bump. A loud beep comes from the shuttle. “Oh hay no!” she cries and gallops into the craft. “Akilah, you dumb stripehead! What do you think you’re doing to my ship?”

A male zebra pokes his head out. “Only fixing the power supply. Your way would get us fried.”

“My way has worked ever since the test flights,” she countered. She leapt into the pilot seat and laid a hoof lovingly on the control panel. “It’s alright, baby. Mommy’s here now.”

Akilah rolls his eyes and moves onto Brazen’s power armor. “Diagnostics are almost done. Don’t want it to fail during the fun,” he says simply.

“Good news!” Star Chaser calls back, “Stripey here didn’t mess things up too badly. We can still fly!”

Akilah grins. “Stripes may be on my flank, but your mind, featherbrain, is blank.” He turns and bows to the three active members of the EDF and Love’s robotic body. “Akilah of the Zebra tribe, mechanic for anything you can contrive. Though we have not met before, I hope you will not show me the door.”

“He’s the mechanic they assigned for this mission,” Star Chaser shouts back. She sighs. “Everyone get ready and get everything loaded. Once Love arrives and we install her in that slot over there, we’ll take off. Any last minute arrangements, do them now. You have about ten minutes.”

[userpay]

"Tempting as it is for a warm up Star, though ah usually don't go whacking around fellow team members. Usually." Brazen can't help but smile a bit at Star Chaser's reaction over the fresh meat. Though said fresh meat's appearance is a suitable distraction much less sorting through equipment to make sure the basics are there. "Well met Akilah, and ah sure hope it doesn't. Strong as ah am carrying around all my toys ain't nearly as fun without the armor to back me up. Never mind getting shot at without it."

[DigoDragon]

"Well, wish we would have met under more pleasant circumstances, Akilah. Still, good to know you," Rose says. She gets her armor on and checks her weapons.