/mlpol/ - My Little Politics

>>391029
>Slashing through flat, boxy dragonflies before bites can land, chomping through a few more to leave smoking husks, and smashing chitin bodies into chunks or wings to shreds, the shield holds enough to prevent those few that land from tearing into her.
"I AM THE SCORCHED DOOM INCARNATE! BASK IN MY RADIANCE AND ACCEPT YOUR BURNING DEATHS!"
>Barely remaining afterwards, Lilamaredre snicker-cackles in lilting, blazing timbres, landing to sweep both her wings in upward diagonals, leaping upwards to snap at a particularly large individual.
>She was MUCH too happy about this.
"...has she been listening to me?"
"Perhaps a bit too much, elf, but I cannot fault her bravery!"
"Neither can I. Perhaps I will teach her to PROPERLY become a Burning One."
>Of course.
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10] <E.Assault
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11]
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7] <Flurry
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12] <RAMPAGE!
[1d6+2 = (1+2) = 3] <Flashburn
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10] <E.Reaction Speed
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7]
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12]
>vs:
[1d6+11 = (5+11) = 16] <Swarm, Angered

>Storming into the rearmost balled together dragonflies, you catch the outermost in a wide sweeping motion, easily slicing through six pests lined up in the first, wrist flicking around and arm extending to slash into four more clustered together, lodging in the thorax of another-
>And is promptly snapped apart by a set of unseen teeth, shaking the pest into tiny, crushed pieces, leaving the chewed blade spotless once more.
>Which prompts the swarm ahead to desperately focus their efforts on tearing into the only wounded living being, the nearly destroyed shield reinforced into a thin layer of third skin around her.
>Lilamaredre: 79/90HP, 13 Shield
[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7] <Swarm

>NOT even close to catching up, Avernus internally grumbles at her old age, trying to increase from a power trot to something appreciable.
"Sing of destruction borne upon your voice tenfold Amy, let each note herald a new fury delivered!"
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <M.Leadership: Crystal Runes
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <E.Perception
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8]
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[1d6+1 = (6+1) = 7] <E.Sprint
[1d6+1 = (4+1) = 5]
[1d6+1 = (6+1) = 7]

>>391044
>Pareidolia's mind races as Hodch's distressingly weak reflex responses are assessed.
"Brain stem activity still present. Reflexes are weak and slow. With how much time has passed-yes likely degradation of the soul-! Shit! Need to find those candies-"

>Looking up as Katyal and Lone being frantically moving about the cabin, he shifts to pull out his spare canteen and combat knife. He sets them down as he pulls Hodch's head up on top of his thighs, keeping the pony on his side.
(Need to prep for encouraging swallow reflex. Never trained for Medical. Fucking hell.)
>He removes his gloves to quickly and barely prick a palm before applying pressure to prevent bleeding. Sucking in air through gritted teeth, he closes his eyes as the brief sensation of pain triggers a condtioned response.
(Don't fuck this up.)

>Feeling the tubes of candies strike his back, he turns to grab them off the floor with his other hand. Unrolling the paper, he gathers up the candies to lay them on top of the paper and uses the hilt of his knife to grind them into a powder before pouring it into his spare canteen and shaking the bottle vigorously.
"Adminstering!"
>Filling less than a quarter of the canteen cap with the powdered soul candy solution, he would slightly tilt Hodch's head on his lap to pour the liquid into his mouth before then rubbing down the unicorn's throat in repeated slow and smooth motions.
[1d6 = 2] <U. Medical
[1d6 = 6] <FINA

>>391057
>The filly snickered at Lila misquoting a certain pair of puppets rare battlecry, interrupting her song unwilfully from the sheer ridiculousness of it.
>She truly was much too happy, yet why wouldn't she be? She hadn't been able to cut loose like this ever.
>Still, Lilamaredre was not even attempting to evade or kite the swarm around for a positional advantage. Silly filly!
>But that's what Amy was for.
>Yet pushing forward, blade, stick and boots carving, thwacking and stamping in equal measure, Amethyst pondered Lila's position for a moment, the bugs (ew) crawling all over her, and in particular their shape.
>She could simply keep Lila protected, yet all the bugs (ew) seemed to be focusing on her. So many of them at once would quickly wear down any barrier she could erect.
>Instead, she altered her tones and seized the hastily formed barrier again, propelling it outwards a short distance to force the bugs (>:|) away. Then came a secondary tone, instead of forcing them to the ground however, she held as many as she could static in the air. She did not bother to halt their movements completely, it was more than enough to keep them pinned where they were, as though between a forefinger and thumb.

[1d6+8 = (4+8) = 12] < B. Assault + A Chewed Sword + Kerbann Branch + Juggernaut Hoofboots
[1d6+8 = (3+8) = 11]

[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] < Savage Maw

[1d6+2 = (2+2) = 4] < B. Crystal Runes: Pull
[1d6+2 = (1+2) = 3]

[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8] < B. Crystal Runes: Pull
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7]

>No fury here, only the steadfast harmony of the battlesong.

>>391058
"SHIT! How long was he out?!"
>Flicking half a tube into another, smashing five of dark rainbow hued spheres into chunks, fragments, then powder, losing a small amount from the hurried actions, Hodch was distinctly limp, giving no resistance whatsoever.
>Swishing the mixture inside, it becomes an oddly bright rainbow colored slurry, then a thin soupy consistency.
>Jaw hanging open loosely, the stallion swallows as reflexes sporadically occur, forcing you to take short pauses until nothing remains in the canteen.
[1d6+42 = (6+42) = 48] <Spirit Candy x5

>Heaving her kit bag, pack, and alchemical satchel to the passenger compartments front, Katyal struggles to find something useful, breaking open an older trauma bag.
"Not waiting on the Card, can't trust those damn things-"

>Minimizing herself to the lower right corner, 'Shiibo' speaks in a quick, flat and loud manner.
'Confirm whole body physical trauma related to esoteric-derivative effects. Primary concern: high energy degraded elemental crystallizations taking the form of.. pseudo-blood, or similar, in the tissues of both lungs, small amounts in spleen and liver.
Secondary concern: lymph nodes and blood vessels may become effected within two to three hours. Concentrations: minimal. His body is attempting to remove intruding materials as if it were large scale bacterial infections. Brain, spinal column and all other organs unaffected for now, estimate two to three hours until spreading.
Searching for more precise data."
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <E.Electronic Warfare
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5]
[1d6+8 = (3+8) = 11] <R-AEHI Interface
[1d6+8 = (1+8) = 9]
[1d6+8 = (1+8) = 9]
[1d6+8 = (1+8) = 9]

>Blinking once, the Landbarge's interior slips sideways into a familiar, though massively damaged White Room, facing the long hallway of doors inside, blanket covered Hodch still in your grasp.
>Sections of doors, walls, kitchen cabinets to the left, fridge and freezer to the right, floor, and ceiling ripple and fade, showing nothing beyond excepting roiling clouds of gray.
"Anon, what the fuck happened to you?!"
"Pare, don't move him! Dude, what's going on?"
>The Third Gestalt's voice from behind was cracked and hollowed out, sheer agony felt through wavering pressures, unable to concentrate properly.
"Not me, and not really sure, must've.. been something Horizon got.. hold of. Bitch touched a lot of objects in New.. Canterlot, corrupted some with Anti, juiced others with.. something nasty, can't figure out.. what it might be."
>Shiibo swivels the recording view around, Anon lying face down, the right, shredded and partially missing raising to stop Katyal from approaching, his head turning left and right slowly, sections of his body simply nonexistent.
"Don't get near me, stay back in case I'm.. contagious or something. Am fine but unstable, hurts a.. lot, can function still. Feels like parts of me aren't here.. anymore. Trying to focus hard, like brain swimming in cold.. peanut butter."
>Taking a raspy, shaking inhale, right hand pointing up and above you.
"Shit, can't move like I could.. before. Not even sure I remember what normal pain.. is supposed to feel like. Can't think. Head's two boulders smacking together. Will send you all.. back in a minute, maybe two. Bag you wanted's in the.. thing, Kat, couldn't find it all, had to steal some some.. too. Grab any medical supplies in the.. the left cabinets, didn't touch them when I came.. back. Crawled to here and lied down, been here since.. last night, maybe. Don't know.. when. Long time I.. think."
"You better not fucking die or most every human is screwed. Lone, give me a hand and grab everything that looks useful!"
>Immediately lunging forwards to break into the closest cabinets the woman begins tossing packages, cans, and bags into a wavering realspace tear behind you, dull thunks landing on mat, assisted by Lonestar rushing to help her.
"Yeah, I know the.. other options are bad. Real bad, 'cept for you and a few.. others. Wish I never sent Rua to the Tower.. Guard now."
"Got all the old stuff we can use, anything else?"
"No, just don't get.. close to me. Okay. Kind of.. better, little bit at least. Sending you all back.. to point of origin. Take discs-"
"Done, now stop dying!"
"Wish I could.. go an-"

>Returning to the Landbarge, less than two feet from the pilot's chair, it had been somewhat resized, larger than before as the two Operators behind scramble to sort through objects, mostly older medical kits and trauma packs that hadn't been refit to newer standards, a trio of wish discs clattering on mat.
"Time check-"
"Spent three seconds in the White Rooom.. SHIT! Didn't get everything I wanted but the seats are redone, got a vital monitor on all of 'em at least!"
"Fuck it, any improvement is good right now. Pop open a big trauma pack and get it ready for me next to that chair."
"Take care of him damn it, I owe that unicorn a dozen lives!"
[1d6+2 = (2+2) = 4] <E.Leadership: Medical
[1d6+2 = (1+2) = 3]
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7]

>Dashing back into the pilot cabin around you to kneel at his rear end, Katyal places her left hand on the the unicorn's neck briefly, grimacing at the heat.
>Glancing up to you after ten seconds, the cold, stiffly professional medic takes over, seeing but not quite acknowledging you.
"I'll take his rear legs and torso so don't worry about the weight. Keep his head and neck in alignment, don't let either drop below his shoulders if he starts choking, understood? Be really gentle.
Need to get him onto the closest chair, it's left and directly behind you four and a half feet. Ready on three to lift? One, two, three-"
>V.F.R: Reaction Speed/Sprint & Scouting Sacrificed!
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <E.Medical + V.F.R.
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8] <M.Assault: Caregiver
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9]
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]

*"Fucking hope Anon got the repulsion system capped out best as he could. Rerculon, head towards Point VenRo One-Priority at maximum speed, avoid ALL obstacles and ruins in a five kilometer radius! If you can't, go straight through, we'll worry about pursuers later!"*
[1d6+29 = (5+29) = 34] <Overclocked Redline
[1d6+29 = (1+29) = 30]
[1d6+29 = (1+29) = 30]
[1d6+29 = (5+29) = 34]
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <Master Piloting
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]

>>391059
>Visibly a bit drained from the high impact physical exertions, Lilamaredre's teeth crunch through a large dragonfly as if it were paper mache, spitting the burnt pieces out.
"HAHAHA! If you cannot beat them, then eat them! After being well cooked, of course!"
"Who's side are you on?"
>Switching to a spiraling downward, left wing cocked upwards, right downwards, slashing in reverse to land and bounce upwards once more, she switches basic tactics to spearing at the closest sets of eyes.
>Depleting numbers shredding through the Cover, three manage to land on the other filly's saddle and rear, biting into Elemarental flesh, not without being scorched for their efforts.
>Lilamaredre: 73/90HP
[1d6+6 = (3+6) = 9] <E.Assault
[1d6+6 = (3+6) = 9]
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+2 = (4+2) = 6] <Flashburn
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12] <E.Reaction Speed
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7]
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11]
>vs:
[1d6+11 = (2+11) = 13] <Swarm, Angry

"And what do you have to say for her actions?"
"Wut'zat, knoife-ears?"
"Surely you understand the danger she is in?"
"A'courze I doez! She'z gettin' ready ta WA-"
"She cannot connect to most, or do you not remember that incredibly important detail?"
"BAH! Den yu'z betta teach 'er ta dance 'round fings, ain't dat what'cher pointy 'ats iz good at?!"
"Such a simpleton you are, why do I ever bother with you!"
"'Cuz yer not da biggest an' da best 'orse, a'course!"
>At least one of them had some sense.

>Ripping a crossing downstroke right carves through five more dragonflies and crunches halfway through sixth, flicking the blade up and left catches five more, slicing through the wings of another which is effortlessly crushed under hoofboot.
>Invisible teeth rend the stuck one into chunks, flatten the head of another in close proximity, and wrench off the left wings of a third.
>Desperate from starvation as the swarm was, they were not intelligent to realize the mistake.
>Reaching out in a harshly ringing counter-bass, thirteen of them become fully locked in place, unable to move yet forcibly trying to, now less than a third of the number still alive.

>Exasperated by the brawling filly's single-minded pursuit, you can feel Avernus roll her eyes while running past you on the far left tunnel side, the swarm not considering her as a target of opportunity.
"Stop striking at everything that moves and DODGE for horse's sakes! You are a PEGASUS, not an earth pony! The exit isn't far ahead!"
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <M.Leadership: Evasion
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]

>>391061
>Amethyst made a face at Lila's proclamation. Indignant and quite offended at the prospect.
>Bugs were not good eating, cooked or not. Of course her puppet friends would focus on entirely the wrong thing about all of this.
>Sighing with exasperation, the ipotane's battlesong shifted into a crescendo now that there were few enough bugs to properly shield the filly from getting chomped since her friend perenially refused to dodge, even as separate sonorous tones reformed the initial crushing torus around Lila to deal with those outside her reach.
>At Gorgutz' words, Amy could swear she could hear music at the edge of hearing. Could anypony else hear that? It couldn't just be her, not again.

[YouTube] Lugrig Strongarmz - WHAT A WONDERFUL WAAAGH! (Warhammer 40K Parody) [Embed]

>Though Amy herself still worked around the edges of Lilamaredre's immediate zone, every weapon she had rending the bugs in her way, bafflingly still all but ignoring her for the living, blazing blender her bestie was turning out to be.

[1d6+10 = (5+10) = 15] < B. Assault + A Chewed Sword + Kerbann Branch + Juggernaut Hoofboots + M. Leadership: Assault
[1d6+10 = (2+10) = 12]

[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] < Savage Maw

[1d6+5 = (3+5) = 8] < B. Crystal Runes: Power + M. Leadership: Crystal Runes
[1d6+5 = (6+5) = 11]

[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7] < B. Crystal Runes: Pull + M. Leadership: Crystal Runes
[1d6+5 = (1+5) = 6]

>>391060
>Pareidolia enables and shifts a text readout annotation of Shiibo's current analysis to the periphery of his helmet visor display, but before he can relay it, the world shifts around him.

>The titular White Room appears, disturbingly war torn and damaged. Anonymous' voice warbles with a strange timbre behind Pareidolia.
>Wincing at the pressure, he creases his face in disbelief and horror as Shiibo rotates the camera view.
'For this Class 2 to be this damaged, human status in Tallus is in dire condition. Not enough resources to address this on top of everything else...'
>Cradling Hodch's unresponsive head and neck further up his thighs, he remains still as Katyal and Lone make a pell mell dash through the available supplies.
>Face darkening at the mention of Rua Longstressess, he finds a bitter taste in his mind and mouth as the OT-4's interior flows back into his field of view.
(Then I'm responsible for this too. Great.)

>Looking around the improved interior, it seems the Wish Disc came through for Lonestar at least. As Katyal adopts a clear combat medic demeanor, he nods at her orders.
"-Lift!"
>Moving in tandem with Katyal, he shifts Hodch to the upgraded chair behind himself while maintaing the unicorn's posture.
"Initial joint scan indicated whole body trauma related to esoteric effects. High energy elemental crystallizations of 'psuedo-blood' found in tissues of both lungs, minor concentrations in spleen and liver. Current overall concentrations minimal. Body responding to assumed bacterial infection. Brain, spine, all other organs currently uninfected. Lymph nodes and blood infection estimated within 2 to three hours. Clouding of red, blue, green, and silver striations behind iris observed. Additional diagnosis ongoing."

[1d6+1 = (2+1) = 3] < U. Medical
[1d6+1 = (4+1) = 5] < FINA
[1d6+5 = (1+5) = 6] <M. Assault
[1d6+5 = (1+5) = 6]
[1d6+5 = (5+5) = 10]
[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7]

>>391067
>Spiking through eyes, bodies, wings, any twitch of motion within her range, the far too joyful pegasus is forced to shake her wings from baked dragonflies upon landing.
"FIIIINE!"
>Pirouetting rapidly and outstretched feathers swatting at the much fewer hostiles remaining
>Her eyes couldn't roll, instead seeking new targets... and she might have made a slightly offensive butt wiggle at the Baroness passing her.
"You should RESPECT the venerable mare, AND her advice, WHELP!"
>That only earned the spiky 'ead a quick, sideways flaming raspberry before snapping at a much too close victim.
>Lilamaredre: 62/90HP
[1d+6] <E.Assault
[1d+6]
[1d+6]
[1d+6] <E.Evasion
[1d+6]
[1d+6]
[1d+2] <Flashburn
>vs:
[1d6+11 = (5+11) = 16] <Swarm, Infuriated

"It was a joke you busybodies, I can't taste stuff that isn't fire!"
"Truly disgusting."
"An astoundingly terrible choice."
"Perhaps an illegal one?"
"It may be."
"Agreed, I can think of little worse."
"GO BAKE YOURSELVES!"

>Stomping down on twitching exoskeletons that might pose a threat, sending 6 more not facing you to open air graves, hanging on a seventh, reversing course to slash through another five, the tunnel was becoming clearer.
>Fitfully wiggling the chewed blade while it decides to have a third dinner, chunks fall as a fourth is delivered to the closest insect, its long body crushed flat, and a snack is served as well, seizing the thorax of a third, shaken rapidly before being tossed right.
>Maybe the Kerberi taught it their secrets... or they were ALL responsible for the various tooth and fang marks.
>Dense harmonics snatching and hurtling a further dozen free hostiles around Lilamaredre down to splatter, the stuck ones were unmoving in air, having minimal strength to free themselves.
>Not too far ahead, bright yellow, red, and orange flickers of strange hues were becoming visible against green pseudostone, and even some real stone too.

"...why do I hear jingles now?"
>Trying to focus on placing her stride correctly, Avernus snickers quietly before calling behind her.
"Get your hooves moving, the exit Gate is straight ahead and clear!"
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <M.Leadership: Sprint
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]

>>391106

[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7] <E.Assault
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12]
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7]
[1d6+6 = (3+6) = 9] <E.Evasion
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+2 = (2+2) = 4] <Flashburn

>>391106
>>391107
>Giggles turned to laughter as the puppets teased Lila's choice in non-elemental cuisine, struggling to keep her song uninterrupted in the face of such humour. Amethyst could not, she does not.
>Slowing her assault to attend to the irate filly, Amethyst changed her tune once again, resonances of healing and protection directed at Lila to try and reverse some of the damage and prevent more from being dealt.
>At least she was dodging the swarm's full fury now, hopefully they wouldn't decide to turn their attention to Amy now that Lila was proving more elusive. Though Avernus thought it was time for them to get a proper move on, so it might not matter.
>Juggernaut boots thudded and crunched their way across the ground, advancing ahead.

[1d6+5 = (5+5) = 10] < B. Crystal Runes: Power + M. Leadership: Crystal Runes
[1d6+5 = (3+5) = 8]

[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] < B. Sprint + M. Leadership: Sprint
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]

[1d6+5 = (1+5) = 6] < B. Crystal Runes: Power + M. Leadership: Crystal Runes
[1d6+5 = (1+5) = 6]

>>391077
>Playing back the White Room quickly, the avatar's right hand splays out, then balls, twitching angrily.
'Class Eight to Eighty-Nine damage caused, definitely under Class Ninety. Will inspect causes later.'

>Kneeling down to snake both arms under Hodch's rear, hands spread apart to hold his torso, Katyal's entire weight shifts to her legs, standing before you do, halting twice to ensure complete alignment from torso to head.
>Displaying zero emotion at the mistimed motions, her head twitches in specific directions to guide you backwards, leaning forwards to correct jerky movements.
"Decent; need a refresher course and proper training. Take notes if able."
>Spoken without a trace of harsh or demeaning intention, placing the unicorn on his left side, eyes flicking high, then left to right in deep recall, Katyal's left cheek twitches in confusion before placing both hands under Hodch's chin, rubbing in small motions.
"Pseudo-blood? ..body rejecting unknown false cells which can't be neutralized or removed by leukoctyes. Liver, spleen, pancreas unable to break down or remove due to large shape and composition, would cause medium to severe urinary tract blockages, distress, burning, bleeding, harsh pain responses. Hasn't stated, described, or shown symptoms any.
Too large to enter restricted intra-marrow passages, cycled back through bloodstream into heart, heart admits without problem, cycles into lung tissues, lodges during respirations, tears through from rattling coughs, continuous regeneration plus consistent median irritation responses as equine lungs have few pain nervous endings.. that's why he keeps coughing out crystallized Elementals. Damned idiot."
>Searching the updated crash seat's improved functions before checking the rear, a small steel box is removed and clicked open, retrieving a host of white rubber squares covered in circuitry.
"Equine anatomy; above each eye, behind each ear, three inches left and right from upper jawline, each side of throat off center from esophagus directly on large arteries, inside each front leg pit facing opposite the ribs, center of barrel, directly below sternum, above each testicle within four inches, directly above each knee on both rear legs, frog of each hoof-"
>Placing the monitoring strips with stiff, mostly fluid precision, she reaches out to flip a screen above the headrest, tapping the power button before watching it carefully boot up.
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <Vitals Monitor
"Lone, check the flower print satchel in front of my chair, read what you can for me."
>Velcro being opened, heavy gem bottles rattle several times, the navy man hissing in exasperation.
"Same language Rasera's stuff was covered in. Kat, know how to read Neighpon?"
"No, barely know forty basic words and phrases in Common Neighsian, highly dissimilar."
"Pare, you know Neighponese or whatever it's called?"
>'Shiibo' directs an internal view onto the mostly filled satchel of bottles, though was unable to translate more than partial words from labels, speaking aloud through the OT-5.
'He does, yes, and I can translate to a point. Switch with Lonestar, sir.'

"How else can I help?
"Don't know yet, need to ensure he attempts to cough freely and doesn't vomit."
>Testing for esophageal responses with her left hand, the right presses deeply into Hodch's sternum, then moves to behind the ribs, performing small palpations in quick motions.
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6] <E.Medical + V.F.R.
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
"If the first doesn't occur I need to encourage reflexive motions while suppressing, halting, or preventing the second. Short words time:
Get in my big pack, bring out six pairs of sealed long red rubber gloves, two medium, two large, one extra large, those are in case I need extra hands. Take the trauma bag and open it up, look for a long flexible tube twelve hooves long, has a thin steel bendy straw inside. One end looks like a spiked rubbery club, other end is a five inch flat steel bar."
"This it? The fuck is this thing for?"
"Yes, set them next to Hodch, don't open any yet. Custom tool I had Green Man make to incite lung compressions or induce vomiting."
"....do I want to kn-"
"Not know and probably never."
>Glancing up, then down quickly and listening to Hodch's breathing, Katyal snorts in a quick, flat manner, almost like a pony would.
"Green Card must have failed otherwise a pony, journal, or pile of notes would've landed on my head right now.
Lone, keep that disc in absolute final reserve, don't use it outside of an extreme emergency. This doesn't count as the idiot failed to eat one Spirit Candy every two hours as I told him to.
Pare, how many discs do you have remaining?"

>>391108
>Juking her flaming body, movemarents alternate between smooth and twitchy as the remaining swarm tries to land on her, the remainder, mostly large individuals now, push hard to break through as 11 of their smaller kin are sliced into thin ribbons.
[1d6+16 = (6+16) = 22] <Swarm, Enraged

"NOT YET!"
>Scattering strips of boxy, burning insect corpses around her, Lilamaredre cackles gleefilly as soothing ripples of Fire breaking free from deep within her, deeper wounds sealing partway while a millimeter skinshield covers her body.
>The imprint of a giant lightbulb pops above her head, leaping backwards to draw the reduced swarm's attention as you run past, then lunges forwards into a run, aiming directly at the squashed oval tunnel's sides-
>Lilamaredre: 76/90HP, 8 Shield
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10] <E.Assault
[1d6+6 = (2+6) = 8]
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12] <E.Sprint
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12]
[1d6+6 = (3+6) = 9]
[1d6+2 = (4+2) = 6] <Flashburn

"Is she doing what I think that is?"
"HAH! Show them the.. what IS that mareneuver?"
"A trick meant to deceive superior numbers, though I know not which."

>Stomping up the tunnel, now touching REAL stone, the bright flickers of real, and quite strange, bright colors meeting your eyes, as does a bizarre looming structure in the distance, flanked by the remains of a heavily worn, yet still fully intact Gate.
>Exiting a short distance from Avernus, the Gate's proto-sentient state recognizes a titled mare, a name resounding aloud, and including the locale's status.

>Ahead nearly 30M, the Baroness skids to a halt in sand, quickly untying the rope from her with a suitably tired huff.
"Never thought I would get THIS blasted old, going to start working out the second I get back-"
>Toss it off and trotting a 180 in place, sleds gliding onwards past to her, the elderly mare gazes upwards with a sharp grin, stamping her front left hoof, sing-whistling out in greet-beckoning.
<Middle Dynasty Voce-Engram> "Four Hooves of Equinity, I ask ye come forth from these holy sands of a lost place, we are travelers in peril! Strike forth in blessed fury but four momarents hence and I shall grant that which you desire most!"
[1d6+19 = (1+19) = 20] <GM.Sorcery: Calling of Revenants Lost
[1d6+19 = (5+19) = 24]
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22]
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22]

[1d100 = 99] <Archaic Saddle Arabian Choice

>>391109
>The rapidfire medical crash course sees Pareidolia focusing as best he can, though the stress begins to outpace his efforts to learn. He hones in on trying to retain the presented information.

[1d6+6 = (3+6) = 9] <Graduate Researcher + MECCT
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (2+6) = 8]
[1d6+6 = (2+6) = 8]
[1d6+5 = (6+5) = 11] <Graduate Biologist
[1d6+5 = (3+5) = 8]
[1d6+5 = (4+5) = 9]
[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7]
[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7] <FINA

>Glancing up from helping to secure Hodch as Lone mentions Neighponese, with some relief he stands up and makes room for Lone to take his place. Stepping around and behind him, he heads towards Katyal's satchel of clearly stolen Neighponese alchemical goods.
"Not trained for this, sorry."

>Sifting through the various bottles, he begins reading them and setting aside any that seemed relevant while providing a short reply to Katyal.

"Two here. One back at Razorback."

>>391113
>Amethyst glared pointedly at the light bulb offending conventional logic, not knowing if it were real or not, perhaps Lila had performed a trick of the light, or Amy's own ears were deceiving her.
>Furrowing her brow and humming yet more sonorous waves of healing and protection after Lila before she got out of range, Amy caught up to Avernus and stood nearby, weapons ready should any of the bugs come their way.

[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7] < B. Crystal Runes: Power + M. Leadership: Crystal Runes
[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7]

[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] < B. Sprint + M. Leadership: Sprint
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]

[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7] < B. Crystal Runes: Power + M. Leadership: Crystal Runes
[1d6+5 = (5+5) = 10]

"What in the world is she doing, teacher?"
>Looking back over her shoulder to witness Avernus stamping a hoof and beginning her casting, Amethyst asked in exasperation.
"Wait, what in the world are you doing?"

>>391115
>Memorizing the esoteric details and applying them to biological processes, there were.. connections; loose, yet well categorized ones.
>It was enough to comprehend a basic, working knowledge of high end magical and Elemental infections.

>Lonestar ducks out of the way to place a clearly older trauma bag next to Katyal, returning to her spread out kit.
"No apologizing allowed. All squads need a medic, exclamation mark. Hodch picked the one he's most familiar with that won't remember important details when or if certain questions are asked."
>Finding an unusually new woven cotton satchel, the flap and sides painted in metallic orchids, the interior divided into three sections using a thin, light wooden board with bright white cotton layers.
"Always keep them close, never know when you need one."
>Mostly filled with roughly eighty vials and bottles, each of a specific color, secured in thick pockets to prevent contact, you recognized all of the terms, phrases, and names as Elemental and spiritually related.
>Repeating the names while placing the stallion's head down, listening for airway obstruction, she frowns briefly.
"Not the most potent versions, will have to work. Bring one Path of Earth's Grace, two Slow Waters, one Burning Iron, two Cherry-Blossom Moon, one Dawn's Glory, and three Walk Between Skies."
>Pressing both thumbs onto the top of his snout, releasing to watch color return, she emits a harsh exhale.
"Can't provoke him into cough, muscle reflexes are weak and abdominal strength is virtually nonexistent. Primary threat is he's burning hot, need to reduce whole body temperature by at least four degrees in five minutes or less.
Crystallized Elements are being treated like an infection, can't remove them from his lungs with extremely delicate internal tools and inspection equipment. Have the second, not the first. Hornet drones are too big, that model doesn't have manipulators.
What we need is a....."
>Stilling for a split-second, she turns on both heels to gaze down at Dul, one hoof on the anvil, pushing down on it with some force.
[1d6 = 2] <Language Adaption
[1d6+1 = (4+1) = 5] <Tallus Acclimation
[1d6+1 = (1+1) = 2] <Vortex Adapt: Tallus
>Sensing the unusual mood directed onto her, Dul's head turns, then the rest of her body to face Katyal, blinking.
"What? Dul not doing bad things. Dul not stealing. Dul trying find big weapon."
"....you."
"What mean?"
"A Siren."
>Snout scrunching in rising confusion, the faux-mare's voice raises in slight alarm, mane bristling in a subdued fear reaction.
"What MEAN?"
"Not like that, Dul. We need you, your claws, and the capability of phasing those claws of yours through matter to safely remove objects."
"Dul.. have those. Give them, too? What need?"
"Kat, you fucking serious?"
"Yes. Landbarge can scan, Dul can feel, you and her can verify, we can remove."
"This is insane-"
>Swiveling the chair around for the headrest to face the front screen, she points at it, then to Dul, sidestepping to kneel down before tapping the middle of her shoulders.
"Probably is. Lone, I'll need to know down to the micron where the crystallizations are located with absolute precision.
Dul, get on my back, I'm going to carry you. Hooves over my shoulders, right here-"
>Glancing at you with both eyebrows raised, the Vortex mare's turn into a wavy-S, then slides into position behind Katyal, climbing on and stretching forelegs out.
"Good, extend your claws to full length and make this part above the hoof physical enough for me to hold."
>Obliging the ordered request, both of Katyal's hands reach up, fingers settling over the hooves to hold the claws briefly, then patting each.
"Thank you sincerely, these will work. Dul, I'm going to perform a number of extremely delicate actions using your claws. This will likely hurt, but outside of you we don't have the technology, magic, alchemicals, or sheer knowledge to keep this filly toucher alive. Besides, performing real surgery with the most adorable, sweet, cute Siren I've ever seen has got to be the best part of tonight.
Lone, hand me the Sphaler Core and get ready to make the most of this Landbarge's scanning systems."
"I don't wanna know why, do I?"
>Studying the monitor intently for three seconds, the woman lifts a sealed pair of red surgical gloves, setting them on the headrest before Lonestar passes by, placing the hexagonal gemoid into her hand and slipping into the pilot's seat.
"You'll know in ten to fifteen seconds. Pare, take these, large should fit you. When Hodch's core temperature drops below ninety-five place one drop of Burning Iron on his tongue for each degree needed to reach ninety-eight. No more, no less."
>Holding the Core in both hands, Katyal speaks in a sonorous, echoing timbre, not quite a language, thin lines of dull sapphire and bright turquoise filling the compartment.
[1d6 = 5] <B.Mystic: Harvest-Thy-Gentle-Flames
[1d6 = 5]
[1d6 = 2] <Containment

>Setting the Core aside and taking the deepest possible breath, she grasps Dul's claws.
"First, we need to locate the largest pieces of Elemental crystals. They will be sharp, covered in small points, blades, or spikes, and have numerous colors. Dul, the second you see one, reach inside Hodch without touching anything else, grab the piece, and I will help pull them out. Understand?"
"Yes?"
"Lone, screen ready?"
*"Yeah, coming up now."*
"Set it up. Dul, locate the first one-"
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6] <E.Medical + V.F.R
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]
[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8] <E.Perception
[1d6+2 = (4+2) = 6]
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <GM.Iron Will: Precision Control
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <M.Assault: Surgical Touch
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9]
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8]
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]
[1d6+5 = (5+5) = 10] <Siren’s Gaze
[1d6 = 6]
[1d6+8 = (4+8) = 12] <Liferend
[1d6+8 = (1+8) = 9]
[1d6+8 = (1+8) = 9]
[1d6+8 = (4+8) = 12]
[1d6+9 = (3+9) = 12] <ExoTech Optronic Particle Scanner
[1d6+9 = (2+9) = 11]
[1d6+9 = (2+9) = 11]
[1d6+9 = (5+9) = 14]

>Paused from creating a new file branch listed purely as HORROR FI, the second word not yet completed, avatar turns a starkly neutral gaze directly at you.
'Does this count as assisting in a probably illegal, definitely unsanctioned, not fully sterile, and quite likely insane ersatz medical operation, sir?'

>>391116
>It looked real but was only a thin projection of flames, dissipating after the other filly moves.
>She wasn't going to recover them either.
>Cutting a swath through the swarm during a sideways forward leap, the skinshield shatters under too marely mandibles, large streamers of Fire nearly exiting her body, though most suffuse back down to, grudgingly, keep her physicality together.
>Landing fully horizontal, Lilamaredre coils, leaping straight ahead towards the opposite side, then rebounds again, the swarm terribly confused, forming into a protective sphere.
>Lilamaredre: 74/90HP, 13 Shield

>Feeling raw, heated air from a gust behind, it was... already far too much.
>The Sun's overly warm rays were starting to make you understand a completely new meaning to the term regret.
"I think she is trying to collect the swarm into a static location for quick dispatching."
>Tapping her hoof once more, a second, then a third, the Baroness frowns on the fourth, ears cocking back in disappointmarent after the fifth.
"I am, rather, WAS, trying to summon a Revenant from this region. We are certainly in Saddle Arabia, though I have no idea what the month or day is here, and it is late Day. Perhaps there are none capable of functioning outside of Night. In that ca-"

>Shimmering into view less than half a meter forwards, quarter transparent, burnt red eyes with reflective yellow pupils squint, slightly above your height.
>Fully entering realspace, an exceptionally long, flowing light yellow mane and tail flow sideways, the dusty brown coat with scattered, dull white spots highly unusual, long, slightly tufted ears covered in thin black lines wiggling in amusemarent.
>Shaggy, ringed sand colored fetlocks drift briefly, and black hooves emit heavy *tamp* noise as the Revenant lands.
>Leaning forwards for a snout-to-snout, the barely visible Saddle Arabian whispers in a quick, flowing language, the voice holding notes that may have been a singer at some point.
"OI, YU'Z ALL HEAR DAT?!"
"Not quite, no."
"I do not."
"HAH! It'z toime!"
"For what, brute?"
"Lissen reel close!"
>Avernus takes on a poker face as the mare's eyebrows wiggle several times.
>Nickering hollowly, the Revenant swivels about, then rears back, releasing an echoing battle-whinny before leaping up and down into the tunnel, leaving streaks of-
>Pretty much every color, including some you didn't know existed.
"'ERE WE GO, 'ERE WE GO, 'ERE WE GO-"

>Moving considerably faster than Lilamaredre could, the archaic mare smashes head first into the dragonfly swarm, turning the swarm's defensive position into a severe mistake.
>Jagged spikes of Elemental stone stretch out from the tunnel's walls to spear multiple individuals in a row, large square hammers the size of an earth pony appearing, spinning around once to flatten a number, and sweeping blows from solid rods impact.
>Head snapping upwards to watch the forceful impacts.. the burning filly lands on her right side.
>Taking precisely 0.2 seconds to roll onto her chest, sit up, and spot what had caused her new position, she blinks, then decides to scramble up onto hooves and MOVE FLANKS.
[1d6+7 = (6+7) = 13] <E.Sprint
[1d6+7 = (2+7) = 9]
[1d6+7 = (2+7) = 9]

".......are you well, Baroness?"
"She'z foine!"
"I.... will not know the answer to your questino for marely, marely years. IF ever."
"That does not sound like a good trade."
"Loike Oi sed, she'z FOINE!"
"In WHAT manner of speech do you MEAN that WORD, ORK?!"
"HARHARHAR!"

>>391118
>The operative now turned impromptu medical technician quickly gathers up the listed bottles and in a moment of clarity, decides to quickly grab one of the scattered tubes of Soul Candies on the floor nearby to add to his arms.
(May need additional healing, timeframe unknown... )

>Arriving back at the open side of the folded out crash chair, he starts organizing the bottles by type in preparation for use. He glances over for a moment as Katyal's line of reasoning begins to coincide with his.
"... Right, a Siren may be our only surgical option. Insane as this is."

>Grimly standing by as Dul takes her place as a frame arm surgeon's scalpel, he checks the vital monitor's display while removing his own gloves and donning the surgical pair Katyal had set aside.
"It's to identify the crystal locations and act as a guide camera for removal."

>Picking up a bottle of the so named Burning Iron, he holds position by Hodch's elevated head.
"Understood."

>Flicking his eyes towards Shiibo's figure on his HUD, he presses his lips together in resignation.
'Not illegal. Just a high risk medical intervention, sterility be damned.'

>>391151
[1d6+1 = (2+1) = 3] <U. Medical + Leadership Bonus
[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7] <Graduate Biologist
[1d6+5 = (3+5) = 8]
[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7]
[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7]
[1d6 = 2] <Apprentice Unicorns
[1d6 = 1]
[1d6+6 = (3+6) = 9] <Graduate Researcher + MECCT
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7]
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7]
[1d6+6 = (2+6) = 8] <FINA

>>391151
>>391158
>Giving a small, tight smile as you use the space behind Hodch's saddle for organization, Katyal lifts the blanket off, folding it down and tossing onto the next chair.
"Never deny an option if it makes sense in an immediately vital context.
Later I will most likely freak out and panic over committing to this specific sequence of choices and actions. When that occurs pour half a bottle of Sleep Under Stars into one of the two empty bottles in my backpack. And should you need to work out frustration, slap me a few times while I'm out."
>Looking up at the monitor, past to the wide screen showing a unicorn's body on the left side, then back again, she gently pats Dul's hooves once more.
"Prior temperature one-zero-four-point-eight, current temperature.. ninety-four, shivering imminent. Shock will occur at ninety-two and below. Administer four drops of Burning Iron, hold a fifth unless it declines.
Staying within ninety-eight to ninety-nine will encourage a near-REM state unique to unicorns, they rarely move during it."
>Extreme close range scans displaying, Hodch's circulatory system was a constantly shifting mass of multi-colored specks, large concentrations spread throughout the lungs in two angles, one horizontal, one vertical, though slightly fuzzy and shifting in random degrees by a half-pixel each second.
"There's hundreds, almost a thousand.. two thousand.. three? Gods of Blood and Life, THAT happened in twelve hours?"
"Couldn't have known, this is unexpected. Never considered this to be the extent. Must have exhausted himself and forgotten my instructions.
Micro, tiny, small, medium, and large; cellular priority is removing extruding ones inside lungs. Screen is jittering a bit, can you stabilize?"
"Don't know how, checking-"

>Glancing up to eye the screen, left fore and middle finger holding Dul's leftmost claw, wiggling it at a particular object.
"Dul see big one there."
"Do you see it inside him?"
"Yes. Dul... NOT like it."
[1d6 = 1] <Language Adaption
"Good. Phase into his body slowly, try not to touch anything else until reaching only that piece."
>Directing two pairs of extended, triple-jointed claws into the stallion's chest cavity, slight wavering from the Siren pushes through soft tissues, leaving faint lines of fluid atop the lung.
"Pare, slight lacerations; two drops of Slow Waters, one drop of Dawn's Glory.
Amazing job, Dul, don't mind the little amount of harm done, we can heal him but we also need to do this slowly. I will be moving your claws for you, don't phase or dephase until I say."
>Steadily extracting rearwards until the four claws exit, a small, jagged chunk of dully glowing, multi-hued crystal is shown, dephasing for Katyal to stare at with a twinge of disgust.
"Lonestar, I need a secure locker or case to store these in, one that can be atmospherically drained. Safe to touch for now but these become highly explosive after five minutes in Tallus air. Potential risk of Elemental contamination after ten. Possibly all Elementals, he typically banishes them using anti-Elemental micro-spells.
Next one-"
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6] <E.Medical + V.F.R.
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <M.Assault: Surgical Touch
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5]
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]

>Stepping out of the seat to boot up the technician systems, the man thinks, head shaking before stopping.
"Shit, I don't have anything in my kit. Let me think, there's a... wait, wait! We can use one of the big NitrOx scuba tanks!"
"Is it reinforced?"
"To level five plate or so!"
"Will have to work."
>Unlocking the new passenger side sliding access door to get into Katyal's upright locker, a new, much better looking water camo diving is taken out, one of the large tanks is disconnected.
>Returning to the chair and kneeling down next to the woman, the top is screwed off as he reaches up to poke around in the ceiling, then grunts, placing the tank down and taking apart the third-time refurbished mask's connections.
"Rerculon, give me full control over emergency NitrOx mask number... six."
>Reaching up to grab the piece, he stares at it blackly for two seconds, then drops the chunk in, requesting it to be vacuumed.

>Pressing Backspace until the line is blank, the avatar's arms fold, fingers tapping in short fits.
'Understood. Excellent amount of high classification data to record, will allow significantly improved knowledge regarding further treatmarents. Biologically speaking, a confirmed Necromancer and Mystic individual may have differences from the more common Equestrian unicorns.
Assisting in the operation sir, unless otherwise required or desired.'
>Taking over an in-vehicle frequency, 'Shiibo' dismisses a host of warnings in her own displays.
'Lonestar, requesting permission to, temporarily, take command of the gunner-operator's particle scanning control systems."
"Granted, and you might as well keep on 'em, barely know what I'm doing as it is."
'Thank you. Now attempting to clarify image, then isolate and highlight Elemental false cells for Miss Katyal and Miss Dul.'
"I'm engaged. To a mare. That I love dearly."
"Dul is friend! Friends? Dul not sure right word."
'I.... see.'
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <E.Electronic Warfare
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9]
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[[1d6+9 = (5+9) = 14] <ExoTech Optronic Particle Scanner
[1d6+9 = (4+9) = 13]
[1d6+9 = (6+9) = 15]
[1d6+9 = (5+9) = 14]
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14] <OT-5 Electronic Warfare Systems
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14]
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14]
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14]

>>391119
>Lila's acrobatics were rather hard to track, so it was hard to know precisely where to sing to in order catch the pegasus with her battlesong. Maybe she was better off not dodging after all.
>The gust of wind and unabated sunshine from behind wasn't helping matters much. Amethyst whined to Avernus in query.
"Ugh, I'm meltiiing, can we go back to Tartarus and find a different gaaate?"
>It even took her a moment to process what Avernus had said about what Lila was trying to accomplish. Though it did seem to be working.
>It couldn't hurt to bolster Lila's recovery a little more, there were still the occasional bugs trying to eat her alive. Amy couldn't have that.

[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7] < B. Crystal Runes: Power + M. Leadership: Crystal Runes
[1d6+5 = (6+5) = 11]

[1d6+2 = (3+2) = 5] < B. Reaction Speed
[1d6+2 = (1+2) = 3]

[1d6+5 = (4+5) = 9] < B. Crystal Runes: Power + M. Leadership: Crystal Runes
[1d6+5 = (3+5) = 8]

>After completing her song, Amy paused and pointed a finger at the appearance of the... Saddle Arabian? She spoke to Avernus in her singsong, amused tone.
"You mean that Revenant, teacher?~"
>She stuck her sword point down and waited, ears and tail twitching to see what happened next.
>And to try to stir up some cold air so she wouldn't melt into a puddle.
>As for the Revenant...
>Oh. Oh!
"My, my."
>Sheathing her sword, Amethyst affixed Avernus with a side eye out of concern, before loping back to her side somewhat wearily in the heat.

>>391161
>Applying the four drops of Burning Iron solution on Hodch's tongue, he checks back to the monitor to keep track of his vitals once more.
>Seeing the sheer number of crystalline objects embedded inside, a thought occurs to him as his face twinges in disconcertment.
"Will we need anesthesia as this operation continues?"

>Already standing by as Dul's claw sank into Hodch's lung cavity, he grabs the two required solutions while capping and Sticking the Burning Iron to his vest for ease of access.

>Blinking an affirmative to Shiibo, he continues to swap his attention between the surgery and the monitors. Paying attention to all the details he could, he holds a state of readiness.
(Conditioning will fade soon, need to prevent it from impacting performance.)

[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <U. Medical + Leadership Bonus + N-SMP(U)
[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7] <Graduate Biologist
[1d6+5 = (5+5) = 10]
[1d6+5 = (1+5) = 6]
[1d6+5 = (3+5) = 8]
[1d6+1 = (1+1) = 2] <Pupil Unicorns
[1d6+1 = (6+1) = 7]
[1d6+6 = (2+6) = 8] <Graduate Researcher + MECCT
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11]
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7]
[1d6+6 = (2+6) = 8] <FINA

>>391162
>Far less effected, the unicorn's coat was beginning to twitch in random spots at welcome warmth that wasn't from a fire.
"This was the best candidate, Amy. The time required to properly connect a fully functional Gate to an intact tunnel can take weeks, possibly months. Locating a fully active and connected Gate without expending more than a touch of additional effort is an exceptional find, despite the possible dangers."

>Nothing more than a streak of Fire in the shape of a dumbfounded charging pegasus pretending to be a horse passes by with muffled stomps.
>Then circles back after five seconds, appearing untouched, except for fading bites, as she stops next to you without a hint of fatigue.
>Trying to meld the flames back into her body would take quite a while for them to agree, though they obeyed and seemed to be quiescent.
>For now.
[1d6 = 5] <Fire: Resistance

>A perfectly normal face, with a perfectly normal voice, in a perfectly normal tone, from a perfectly normal unicorn mare, responds.
"Yes. I believe so. I could not have attempted to summon a specific individual. After all, I have never been here."
>Taking the time to stomp all four hooves out eight times to be sure, shake her burning mane, check to make sure her flaming tail was still attached, swivel and flick both ears, scrunch the snout, three times for good measure, and wiggle the majority of her body, Lilamaredre sniffs appreciatively in the dry heat.
"Do you know her?"
>Completely still, except to blink and breathe at perfectly normal intervals, Avernus speaks in perfectly normal, rational thought processes, in a perfectly normal cadence.
"Not yet, no."
>Taken aback at the imminently threatening information, the pegasus slowly leans away, watching the tunnel become a wreck.
"Oooooooooookaaaaaaaaaaaay theeeeeen.... she's pretty. And really quick too."

>Faded echoes of laughter ringing upwards at the hundreds of dead, predatory dragonfiles, each of the three weapons swing one last time.
>A ringing, victorious mare snorts, the green Tartarus pseudostone merges with real Tallus stone, straightening into a marginally sloping downward tunnel.
>It was finally stable, but you knew Avernus would snicker uncontrollably if spoken aloud.

>Briskly, and fancily, clopping up the tunnel to halt at its entrance, the archaic mare's head bows, and after four seconds raises to speak a short, querying sentence.
"Of course. I swore freely and honestly. To uphold my words, no-"
>Shifting through realspace to appear once more, almost snout-to-snout, eyebrows raised high.
>Head turning sideways forty degrees, the Revenant leans in and down for a light, gentle kiss, Avernus surprised at first, but returns the gesture with a faint exhale.
>Head raising, the Baroness struggles for a split-second as the other mare takes a half-step backwards, releasing a deeply relieved sigh.
"........oh. Yes, I thoroughly understand now. The arrangemarent will be made, though I need some time to rest my legs. However, my... 'stallion' is most certainly not a unicorn."
>Right eyebrow raising, dropping, the left raises, drops, then both relax, the archaic Spectral's shoulders lift and lower in a clear 'I don't care or mind' motion.

"This is better than those Adepta Sororitas thin books I placed in the helmets of my battle brothers! The ones I tortured a Commissar with were not this good, however."
"The Empress wills it! ......I guess!"
"Hm. A modestly strange yet uniquely equine conflict resolution method. I marginally approve under duress!"
"I am neutral in this matter."
"As am I."
"Don't bother asking my opinion. Amy, don't wake me up for at least an hour."
"You shifty, two-timing, blasted Ork! Is THAT what you meant by 'fine'?!"
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!"
".....RARELY have I EVER been so CONFOUNDED, so CHEATED! SO.... ANNOYED at the implications of this.. Of THIS! OF ALL OF THIS! I do not KNOW how to FEEL and that is making me ANGRY!"
"Ahhhhh, my Lord, perhaps a sm-"
"SILENCE, YOU!"

>Left forehoof raising to wave dismissively at the puppets, then covering her snout, the unicorn quietly giggles.
"Oh, shush! Some of you are completely inexperienced, worse than me in such a regard. One demerit for six of you, one merit for three, and THAT one stays the same. As usual."
>Hoof set down, the Baroness takes eight steps forwards, around the Revenant mare, to halt at the tunnel.
>Turning around, her head tips upwards, sniffing numerous times in quick succession.
>Meanwhile, YOU were both starting to sweat, AND lather.
"Amy, there is a... I think medium sized Warp Gate. It is close, perhaps within twenty kilohooves, but I do not know where. Search for it as I have shown you, whether from Crystal Runes or Sorceries. Please find or make some Ice if you can locate water nearby, but if not dump all Fire into the Kerbann, then have Lilamaredre transmute it to the opposite Elemental."
>Facing the now less blazing pegasus for two momarents, the mare's lips etch backwards in small creases.
"Lilamaredre... you are no longer under my tutorship. I hereby decree your grades sufficient to pass all Middle Dynasty scholastic dues. Now, inhale."
>INSTANTLY doing so, her cheeks puff out, the surrounding temperature plummets to freezing.
"FANK. FU."
>If she could cry, there would be RIVERS.

>Taking the unicorn's left side, the Revenant spins about to regard both you and Lilamaredre curiously as Avernus nods in a short, polite motion.
"I must rest a while before returning. This is not a farewell, and it will never be one.
Should either of you locate a sound, intact Gate, merely touch it and we shall investigate immediately."
>Pausing to snort, the elderly mare nudges her opposite with a sharp nicker.
"That is if our King does not spend the next decade obsessively mounting weapons, armor, skulls, pelts, teeth, claws, and skeletons, with our aid.... if Dominion beings even have that."
>That was, at the least, a TRULY normal occupation.

>>391163
>Directing the Siren's claws inwards once again to grasp a slightly larger piece, as it is pulled out and deliver to Lonestar, Katyal blanks for a second, muttering coolly before searching for the next largest.
"No, unicorn comatose states present no to minimal movemarents at best until noted otherwise. Should have related before. Apologies."
>Pulling the unicorn's flat, broad, though bright pink pink tongue out enough to place four neon blood red drops on, the thin liquid is absorbed at a moderate rate.
>Observing a slow uptick of 0.1 degree temperature increases, Hodch's core body temperature eventually stabilizes at 98.8, and holds.
>Switching from screen to monitor and back, the first stabilizes entirely, Katyal giving a fractional nod.
Nice, thank you."
'You are welcome, soon-to-be Mrs. Katyal.'
>Small creases spread across Dul and Katyal's face alike, extracting another large Elemental crystal with one pair of claws, releasing for Lonestar to take, toss in, remove air, adn repeat.
>Second set reaching in for the same, then third and fourth, the highly juxtaposed pair ease into a rhythm of calm insertion and extraction, the technical operation proceeding in mostly smooth assisted motions.

>Eventually relaxing from post-combat stress into a more cognizant, focused state of semi-meditative principles, the requests for varying drops of Neighsian, and a few of Katyal's standard alchemicals, flow together in a single line of activity.
>Requiring only small, sharp pinches on skin to maintain the state, the alchemical, biological, and medical related terminology beings to sink in, finding the situation easier to manage with sufficient information.
>Katyal and Dul progress from post-cell sized initial pieces to large, medium, and small, actions flowing together with small, easily corrected mistakes.
>Redosing Hodch with heavy Sphaler Core exposures, then correcting with Burning Iron to prevent cold shivering or shock states, the operation is maintained, consistent checks on the vital monitor subside, minutes passing quickly, though efficiently.
>Finally shifted to removing those in the liver and spleen, then on to catching tiny specks of crystallized Elementals out of large arteries on the tips of each claw for extraction, as the remaining number become difficult to track and catch, Katyal pauses to close her eyes while you check the monitor.
>00:16AM, over two and a quarter hours from the start.

>Opening once more to study the screen and vitals briefly, she squeezes the Siren's hooves, patting both before kneeling, letting the taffy looking faux-mare sit down to rest.
"Got all we can, take a break. Will give him a piece of Waker in a bit if he doesn't move."
>Arms stretching overhead quickly, then leaning against the chair, Katyal motions for you to replace the caps of each bottle, pausing as the Landbarge twitches left less than a degree.

[1d6+16 = (5+16) = 21] <R-AEHI Interface: Combat Speed, Defensive Maneuvering
[1d6+16 = (3+16) = 19]
[1d6+16 = (4+16) = 20]
[1d6+16 = (2+16) = 18]
[1d6+15 = (5+15) = 20] <EHAD-PDE2 Particle-Laser Unit #1
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17]
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17]
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17]
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21] <EHAD-PDE2 Particle-Laser Unit #2
[1d6+15 = (3+15) = 18]
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21]
[1d6+15 = (3+15) = 18]
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21] <EHAD-PDE2 Particle-Laser Unit #3
[1d6+15 = (5+15) = 20]
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21]
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17]
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21] <EHAD-PDE2 Particle-Laser Unit #4
[1d6+15 = (3+15) = 18]
[1d6+15 = (1+15) = 16]
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17]
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <Master Piloting
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]

>Ensuring the scuba tank had zero atmosphere, Lonestar turns around, snapping harshly towards the pilot screen.
"Rerculon, what in the literal fuck are you doing?"
>A flat, thoroughly monotone, though unusually pitched machine voice speaks from the pilot cabin, the sound of waves interspersed between each word.
'Defensive fire initiated against aerial hostile, Commander-Lord of Sea. Unknown serpent engaging in offensive maneuvers; target within maximum optimal range. Offensive specifications: nine wings, claws, fangs, unknown particle generation system, unknown system, unknown system, speculative near-radiological offensive system, and unknown system. Predatory, unknown classifications.
Requesting offensive weaponry and lethal protocols against hostile enemy combatant, Commander-Lord of Sea.'
>Performing a second seal check before sighing, he flips the left middle finger upwards, slumping into a sitting position and cradling the tank with both rams.
"Kill it without hitting flora or ground, fire at will. And don't disrupt the rear compartment again."
'Orders logged and affirmed Commander-Lord of Sea. Confirm hostile contact, engaging. Glory to all Gods and Goddesses. Hail the King of Air and Queen of Metal for our acts this night.'
>Two muted, heavily magnetized pulses front and a loud, nearly chugging fusion reaction in the rear occur, all three aiming forwards and overhead.
[1d6+23 = (5+23) = 28] <XPR-Plasma Cannon #1
[1d6+23 = (2+23) = 25] <XPR-Plasma Cannon #2
[1d6+30 = (1+30) = 31] <XPDR2-Plasma Cannon

>>391179
[1d100 = 65] <Target Morale

>>391179
>Looking at the digital display, Pareidolia notes the 2 hour window elapsing and grabs the roll of Soul Candies as he begins putting away the alchemical solutions. A deep sigh and the rolling of his shoulders were finally permitted as some measure of stability was apparently achieved.
"Understood."

>Ensuring the bottles were all properly capped, he proffers the paper wrapped cylinder to Katyal just as the OT-5 makes a slight deviation in position. He looks towards the pilot compartment in slight alarm.
>Tapping his wrist in a "checking the time" motion and then lightly tossing the tube of candies to Katyal, he briskly steps towards the front cabin.
>The Recurlon's practically quintessential "robot" voice identifies an incoming winged "serpent".
"Shiibo, can you bring up the hostile on viewscreens?"

>Noting the muted sounds of plasma ejections, he slides himself inside the viewscreen canopy of the gunner operator's seat in the event manual fire control is needed. The unusual appelations and appeals to gods and rulers prompts a question to Lone.
*"Corporate religion? 'King of Air', 'Gods and Goddesses'?"*

>>390976

>Stoneflux Berry!
>That who Stellar Claw was talking about
('And you're the person Stellar Claw wanted me to talk to! Nice to hear of you, too.')
>Giving it a moment, he hears the village wide announcement then feels the building slightly shake
('Yep, Cult business. Yeah, I figure the large battle on the village would delay the shipments.')

>Hearing Razorback's channel chatter, he's confused on the 'decontamination' mention
>He calls back on the radio
*"Understood, but why the decon?"*
>It's not like there was anything nuclear or biological last night...

>He then switches channels to the Guillotine
*"I'll be cautious. Don't want to set off something plasma in there. And I''ll see how much of a ''Gunship'' it is."*
>Of course, bonded individuals would be ostracized and scorned
>Clemency wonders if this would affect him much given his status
>He certainly didn't feel much has changed with his bonded pair
>Looking at Blackhorn, he feels the hum from it
>Nothing malicious, it feels content and simple in its duty
>"This is my weapon, uniquely bonded. Newly bonded and wants to be used."
>He then hears it
>A faint female whisper, almost ghostly
>It only reaffirms their bond

>Clemency sharply turns his head towards a scraping sound and sees his delivery coming
"Hello. If you can, can you deliver it to the strange harpy craft south of the village fountain? There should be a Dark Horse Cultist there who needs it. If not, you can set it down right next to me."
>Gesturing to the space next to him, Clemency sits up, ready to get moving

>>391165
>Whining at the Baronesses refusal to turn back for a colder option, Amethyst shifted on her hooves. If only she'd lined her robes with coldstones, and filled her hoofboots with coldstones, and ground coldstones down to liquid and bathed in it.
>Another pointed side eye shot Lila's way as the pegasus stopped beside her and a fresh wave of sweat and lather broke out. Toasty.
>Too toasty!
>Amethyst sidestepped twice away from Lila with a sigh.

>The ipotane eyed the exchange between Lila and the Baroness with growing suspicion.
>Avernus'... Excessive normalness was beginning to seem unusual. The filly narrowed her eyes at the unicorn and leaned forward slightly. There was a veil here, she could sense the secret being held.
>Secret lore.
"Hmmmm."
>Attention caught by the Revenant's spectacle however, she turned her inquisitive gaze away from Avernus to enjoy the artistry on display.
"Her dance is quite amazing to behold, yes."
>Amethyst followed this statement with a brief pirouette and bow of her own as the Revenant made her way back towards them.

[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8] < B. Dancing
[1d6+2 = (3+2) = 5]

>The filly did not comment on the following display, responding only with a cock of her head and an amused ear wiggle at the pair.
>Though her puppets certainly did not remain silent, and she barely stifled her giggles at their antics.

>The distraction scarcely did much for her however, and Amy was quickly coming to consider stripping off the boots, and the robes. Her smile increasingly strained. SHe was definitely going to need a bath later.
>Hopefully under just-above-freezing water.
>Planting the Kerbann Brach ahead of herself, she closed her eyes and prepared to make her search for the gate as she'd been instructed.
"Okie dokie, teacher!~"

[1d6+2 = (1+2) = 3] < B. Perception
[1d6+2 = (2+2) = 4]

[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] < B. Sorcery
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]

>Spreading out her awareness again, Amethyst listened, or perhaps felt for the gate's energies. There was a lot of Fire in the air, little wonder she was melting on the spot. Perhaps that was the key though, Fire had to be coming from somewhere, maybe it was leaking from the gate itself.
>Following the currents of Fire, she sought their source.
>The temperature, meanwhile, plummeted around her and Amy found herself able to relax.
"Thank you, Lila. I'd hug you but I think I would evaporate on the spot if I tried.~"

>Cracking an eye open, for Amy's part there were tears.
"Teacher... Avernus."
>Not finding the words, she loped over and hugged the unicorn instead.
"ヾ(*ФωФ)βyё βyё☆"

>>391190
>Picking up unused gloves, the sausage-worthy long tool, then packing them into her original trauma pack, Katyal tosses a heavy handed two fingered salute to you after placing the half-used tube down.
"Excellent job, all of you, but especially you for remaining calm."
>Collecting nearly twenty more tubes from where they'd been tossed, then leaving empty bottles in the Neighpon satchel, the woman blinks before looking up, her lazy mindset returning.
"Two and a quarter hours. Damn. No wonder I feel drained.. hold on, we should've been there by now, right?"

'Checking now-'
>On speaker and setting the rear compartments screens to display overhead, streaks of wild colors impact into a lower central body; bright white skin and fully streamlined, three sets of long, glowing blue fins skirting calmly in air.
>Zooming out to create a composite image, the creature was more eel-like than serpent, though had an unusually deep V-notched mouth filled with multiple rows of needle teeth.
>Nine fins total were spread equidistantly around its body, save for the top being a single long, calmly pulsing blue.
>As the forward bolts of plasma strike and splash near center of its body, it shifts almost uneasily to one side, then the other, colossal fantail rear fin flicking once to jolt forwards, the rear, larger plasma missing wide behind it.
>Watching the thoroughly unknown swim northwards, it slows to a crawl nearly five kilometers out, rolling over in air to, seemingly, bask in Moonlight.
"Don't recognize that in the slightest. Like a flying snake, eel, jellyfish, and a few more mixed?"
'Possibly. May be a native. I do not think it was hostile, merely... swimming around to inspect the large Otherworld box emitting large amounts of electromagnetic pulses, perhaps?'
*"Figures. Check fire, hold weapons, cycle down."*
'Weapons cooling to pre-fire status, Commander-Lord of Sea.'
*"And switch to analytic mode FIRST the next time an unknown shows up. Do not fire upon unknowns that aren't clearly aggressive or preparing to strike."*
'Your words ar-"
*"And use my nickname damn it!"*
'Orders affirmed and logged, Lonestar Commander-Lord of Sea.'
*"JUST... just Lonestar. No title, no rank, and no signifiers.'*
'Order accepted.'
'I see why you dislike the majority of mechanicals now.'
*"You don't count and I am DAMNED glad for that, Miss."*

>Considering where to place the probably defiled and highly dangerous tank, the older man sighs, standing up to deposit the crime against magic in its own locker.
*"Nah. We lived among upper and lowercase deities, sometimes dozens of a single element, concept, or mood. Each colony ship carried one of each from First Earth, whether they were cloned, newly born, part-life, mid-life, mature, elders, or ancients. They were the ones that made contact with other deities throughout the galaxy and let us settle peacefully. Most of the time at least.
Rerculons were a species that got stuck halfway between living and pure energy-state, they either couldn't or didn't want to advance further. Best of both worlds scenario, I think. Couldn't understand them until all our deities composited themselves into two beings, one male, one female, then spent three or so decades learning. Rerculons proved themselves highly stable, so the Great Pair took themselves apart into royals and nobles of specific elements to act as subordinates. Didn't have to obey every order, just help us along logically.
King of Air blesses all the fliers to live their best lives, including pilots, Queen of Metal teaches and corrects us in technological matters. Like correcting a proto-android that needs a thousand hours in training scenarios and simulations on conduct."*
>Returning to the pilot station, Lonestar slumps into it, leaning forwards on the arm rests and rubbing his eyes.
"Hate to ask this Miss Shiibo, but what do you have for us?"

>Taking over the gunner-operator seat, 'Shiibo' continues ignoring warnings in her background, bringing up a crude overlay of a 20 kilometer dome, marking numerous locations around it.
'Next to nothing. The Rerculon system maintained a minimum of two-hundred and fifty miles per hour when it was able. Eighty-three minutes prior to now it located this ruin and has been circling, remaining within twenty to thirty kilometers.
There are an incredible amount of Elemental particles here, similar to the varieties encountered previously, and..... upwards of two thousand Elementals spread around in a number of camps. I will require five to six minutes to offer a coherent presentation.'
"Go right on ahead. Slowing to.. well, slow."
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <E.Electronic Warfare
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+9 = (1+9) = 10] <ExoTech Optronic Particle Scanner
[1d6+9 = (4+9) = 13]
[1d6+9 = (6+9) = 15]
[1d6+9 = (1+9) = 10]
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16] <OT-5 Electronic Warfare
[1d6+10 = (2+10) = 12]
[1d6+10 = (1+10) = 11]
[1d6+10 = (2+10) = 12]

>In the passenger compartment:
"What did I just do?! WHAT TH-"
>Adjusting Katyal's volume down to a muted level, then once more for good measure, 'Shiibo' parses the emotionally self-critical breakdown state, left eyebrow raising in humor.
'Now I understand why her mentality is so uniquely human: partially adjusted tension shock. Post-action overthinking from stress dismissal combined with high intellect self-doubt. Relies on powering through, then decouples into a euphoric release.
In sum: too smart for her own good.
Ah, my heuristic analysis systems and warfare operations have improved, sir.'

>>391203
('Oooo, she's here too? Merely spotting that mare is like getting a shipmarent of fresh kanpri that hasn't been reforged thirty times or more. Is Coraline Quell there too, and is her hood down? Maybe I can win thsi month's pot tonight.')
>Leaving the connection open, the sounds of several batmares writing in close vicinity and, quietly, talking were in the background.
>Almost like an office, except it would be the single most lewd, dangerous, or both you could think of.
('Large battle? Uhhhh... one minute please-')
>Papers shuffling quickly, a stack is flipped through, set down, then another, and finally a request which is responded to by a line of 'no', the young mare sniffs.
('No reports on that, hum. Then again we're down..... six hundred hooves or more? Would take a bunch of truly serious hits for somepony to notice. Casualties and deaths? Is there anything we can deliver to help out?')

*"You don't remember all those lessons Tipper gave about detoxing from certain regions?"*
*"What, right now? All I remember is the past four hours and nothing else!"*
*"It's been a long fucking night so piss off."*
*"Chill, all of you! They're concerned about Plasma, Rime, and Void mostly. Absorb too much of one or more and mutations can start happening, if you don't outright lose your mind, get dragged into a breach, die, start attracting nasty shit, or worse. I'll try to get her attention, have you checked out first as a baseline. They're dead serious about not letting us leave.
Talk in a few-"*

>Emitting an amused. soft chirrup, a single pair of long, rattling hisses behind Guillotine are spoken over.
*"Knowest little of Fourth Fleet vessails, lain tae rest they were long afore mineself interred.. six thousand years prior, mayhaps more. Auld records be they, many and marely words harsh tae transcribe.
Perchance minself find.... 'instructions', be correct word?"*
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6] <???

>Emitting a short, quietly pitched hum for several moments, it occurs to you this was, basically, snuggling.
>Rather, as close as one could get to a probably sapient weapon without committing to potentially horrible ideas.
>Like [REDACTED].
>Or [REDACTED].
>Possibly even [REDACTED].
>And [REDACTED] was too far since she didn't even have hooves.
>[REDACTED] might be way out of line, too.
>Not even Hollow would consider the last one.

>Note being stuffed under the transport saddle, Lumin shoulders lift and settle while the oval helmet tips sideways.
"Of course, no problems. Saw her but didn't feel like interrupting, she was rather intent on tasting everything solid. Didn't seem to be disagreeing either.
The mirror will take a few minutes to locate at best, and in the tiny chance there isn't a spare one either Stoneflux or one of the other scribes will notify you. Take care sir."
>Stiffly dipping in what was probably a half-bow, the armored mare swivels around in lanky steps, plodding towards the door and out, directly towards the gunship.

>>391211
>Mentally recoiling in aversion at Lone's description of myriad forms of gods spread throughout his universe, Pareidolia makes a note to himself to never enter Lonestar's world.
(By description, Class twos, threes, potentially event fours in extreme numbers. Jesus Christ how horrifying.)

>As he looks over the display of thousands of elementals, he studies their positions looking for any sort of pattern or indications of alteration outside of a natural distribution.

[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <Proficient Elemarentals
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+1 = (3+1) = 4] <Pupil Elementals
[1d6+1 = (6+1) = 7]
[1d6 = 2] <Amateur Lightning Elemarentals
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <Adept Ecologist
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8]
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7] <Graduate Researcher + MECCT
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7]
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11]
[1d6+6 = (3+6) = 9]
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <Adept Tactician
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]

>As he does so, the gravity of Katyal's actions audibly impresses itself upon her. Wincing in annoyance, he's beaten to the punch by Shiibo in adjusting his receiving volume levels.
'Appreciated. Don't need to hear any more of that from her. Common reaction not worth noting.'

>Glancing towards her display briefly, he nods in approval before focusing back on the larger viewscreen.
'Excellent. Your learning and intuition suites are functioning according to spec then. Good to hear.'
>He then taps into his radio as a thought occurs to him that Katyal may not have understood his intent in handing her the Soul Candies.
*"Katyal, if you haven't please ensure Hodch receives his allotted dosage of candies given the timeframe that has passed."*

>>391209
>Clearly taking a degree, around twenty or so, of satisfaction in making you uncomfy, Lila's ears wiggle.

>Upon slightly closer inspection, the Baroness was PERFECTLY NORMAL.
>Except for the tiny snout twitches that spoke of being slightly abnormal.
>She was even radiating normalcy, albeit this was more different on the surface compared to her usual state of ignoring-those-two-beating-on-each-other-again.
>She hadn't even tried to correct the misconception, which wasn't normal, but in this temperature, what was?
"She has made a new... 'friend'? Yes, 'friend' is the proper word. Nothing more to see or think of here, no-"
"Who else here could have imagined the red haired elf to be so easily jealous?"
"Not I, nor did I suspect such a future was possible."
"NO. It is UMBRAGE, and I will BASK in her DISTRESS for as long as it lasts!"
"Of course.. and would you cease with that inane grin?"
"NAW! FOINE, loike Oi sed!"
"Barbarian!"
"Typical, beast!"
"He has a point, you two."

>Left arm high, right arm low, you spin about gracefilly, though the sand causes the bow to be slightly mistimed, taking a partial step backwards to recover.
>Quiet, professional observers applaud from the front row, the back row assisting, and a lone heckler in the rear holds up a sign reading HORSE/8.9.
>It was an excellent score.
>Definitely noticing the exchange, and doing her best to ignore the audience, Avernus tips her ears in solid agreemarent.
>Meanwhile, the Revenant's eyebrows raise in thought, then stamps stamps her front hooves while smiling appreciatively.
>All performarences deserved a reward, of course!

>Leaving the frosty zone around you, Lila stretches out both wings
"No problem. I'll stay far enough away to not bake you again."
>Immediately her own temperature drops to somewhere below molten copper, sections of living Fire ceasing to obey and trying to escape upwards in long stretches.
>Recognizing, but not really caring, Lila's eyes roll quarter-heartedly as she sits down... and immediately begins melting a decidedly amusing print under her, what remained of the shield trapping a small amount.
"Oh noooo, it appears I have been horrifically injured. Get baaaack here, all of you, otherwise I will no longer be on fiiiiire."
>Spoken in a completely tonedeaf voice.
[1d6 = 5] <Restore Flames
>Lilamaredre: 70/90HP

>Locating the source of Fire.. there were more than three, mostly coming from the late Sun, sand, and wind, the other two merely ambient and reflective.
>Kerbann staff draining another degree in its endless search for real Elemarentals, a steady, familiar hum originates in a direction that you turn to face:
>....you didn't have a compass, although it was definitely away from the Sun at a good angle.
>Marking the location in your mind, it was past the ruin, which held little of interest save for small lizards, snakes, far tinier insects, grass tufts, and a peculiar, mostly conceptual entity solely interested in excavating through crumbling stone.

>Returning the hug by swinging her head around to snoot your opposite shoulder, Avernus nickers softly while the Revenant mare lifts a forehoof, patting your hand briefly with a cheerful smile.
>Which was a soft, fuzzy, although relatively freezing shape.
"My dear Amy, you are among the sweetest, best fillies I have met in my long life. Do not worry, we will pay attention to every Gate."
>Releasing after not-quite-long-enough but before covering her in sweat and lather, the elder unicorn tosses her mane with a hearty stamp.
"Now go before you start shriveling like a forgotten Kerbann fruit, and find some water! Lila, don't touch or boil anything unless you are explicitly asked to do so!"
"Kay!"

>Taking notice of the archaic mare speaking, both eyes rotate to survey the entrance.
"Hmmm? Yes, though my legs hurt and I will be unlikely to aid in the battle taking place below, what do y-"
>Archaic mare jolting forwards into the tunnel and down on a run, Avernus stares down with multiple twinges of discomfort.
"I am never going to live this down, am I?"
>In response, a nice, long cloud drifts into the Sun's path.
".....sure, why not? A nice long nap on the surface, then to see how marely trophies my house can fit... or how marely I have to move solely to get inside."

>>391222
>Along precisely similar lines, the word NO is slapped over the avatar in such amounts and profusions her entire skybox turns red.
>Tearing the stickers off, wadding them into a ball, throwing them to bounce away, quickly recreating the HORROR FILMS directory and dumping that explicit file inside, she performs an excellent hiking kick to send the file path offscreen.
'DENIED!!!!!'
>Angrily rubbing digital hands together to figuratively wash away the previous expsoure, 'Shiibo' offers a slight bow before turning to dismiss all of the warnings.
'My pleasure sir. And, I am encountering a number of low grade entropic fields due to direct Tallus exposure. My current housing will resist such for approximately three months before degradation begins to occur.'

>Halted from her fit, blissful silence reigns for a good twenty seconds before responsibilities click into place.
*"....oh, shit. Right on it, thanks!"*
'More variable moods than a Goth swinger undergoing a mid-teen crisis.. this is second on record for the number of times I have been surprised in less than ten hours.'
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <Spirit Candy

>Severely degraded from interference, the OT-5's systems were able to marginally locate, classify, then display the highest concentrations of Elemental particles, then Elemarentals, the dome rendering taking shape as priority.
>Undergoing numerous clearings and cleanings from from 'Shiibo', the image was partially a mess as Katyal steps in three minutes later, taking the technician's seat to eye the forward screens warily.
>At six minutes, the avatar projects herself between the two, arms spread outwards, hands palm up.
'Apologies for the impromptu and minorly disgraceful presentation. Severe interference from six hundred thousand plus variables is limiting the Landbarge II's capabilities, though I have been able to isolate what I think to be the important details.'
>Displaying a render of the dome, it was 20.8 kilometers in radius, entirely free floating above a pair of north and south hemispheres, each containing 28 massive chambers separated by north-south divided sections.
>Separated by roughly 200M of space between each hemisphere, a further 13 smaller, rounded structures were dotted along what was either a road or ground.
'Composition unknown, suspected to be a Dynasty metamaterial with inherent, magical, assisted, or all, flotation properties. As you can all see, the dome is clearly a megastructure, one which the majority of Tallus has either been unable to replicate, is considered a waste of resources, time, ponypower, or a mixture of the previous.'
"It is. And... fuck, that thing's fully restored? How?"
'Pardon?'
"Looks exactly the same as two of the City-States on the Eyeraq border had been, floating dome and all, but smaller than either of those."
'By what margin?'
"A third, possibly more. Ponies like multiples of four and certain odd number, but they hate seven with a lethal vengeance. You said twenty kilometers point-eight kilometers in radius?"
'Yes.'
"Huh. Rest of the City-State is missing then, might've been used to rebuild the dome. Continue, please?"
>Nodding at the woman, over 900 individual locations within the 28 chambers are marked, denoted as either being Cores or remarkably similar.
'Three full scans of the Sphaler Core combined with cross-referencing native elements, Elementals, Elemarentals, particle states, information from Katyal's storage devices, data from a previously undisclosed source, and numerous examinations of Hodch has allowed me to clarify what we are seeing here-'
>Focusing on each, a list of moderate to extreme energy reactions are listed, the smallest starting in tens of kilojoules, the largest unquantifiable.
'An unknown yet presumably half complete collection of the twenty-eight known Dynasty Elemarental Cores, in various stages of containmarent, plus five more. That is not a pun.
Some of these Elements do not have modern names. I am HESITANT to attempt explaining their potential functions and properties. Katyal, would you please share what is not classified?'
>Shifting uneasily in the air, eyes close for ten seconds, opening to take on a subdued scholarly aspect.
"Sure. These-"
>Pointing out the most stable north and south, directly opposite one another.
"Earth and Stone, that one's Metal. Each are divided by specific element based on atomic weight, which is different from most human worlds, then the containmarent state. Dynasty tried making every type of Core, starting from hydrogen to Livamorium and beyond into the rare traces. Lumin and Paladine too.. I'll just say ALL of those horrifically failed and please never ask me about them for as long as you live.
Dynasty failed to make composites from all but three, selecting only those that had both a pure state and form. Calcium, lithium, oxygen, and the like weren't touched since they didn't produce noteworthy magical reactions. Copper, iron, and tungsten were the three most common which could be combined, basically alloyed, to others easily, though the results couldn't be reversed.
Some, like black iron of Stalliongrad, simply can't be refined because it technically is, and the only known reaction was basically nuclear. Zero information other than 'don't ever do THAT again' for that one.
The various Earth and Stone Cores were primarily developed by and for earth ponies, Minotaurs, Dragons, Basilisks, among others. Not a whole lot to share. Weren't talked about much other than being 'functional' and 'great for teaching'.
Show me the five weirdest."

>>391222
>>391227
>Pointing out three northern sections, one listed at a cool -20 degrees Marenheight, the center listed as -100, then the third at a crisp -60, Katyal blanks for a second before recovering.
"First is Crystalline, second is artificial Rime, next has to be Ice. Only the Crystal Empire has records of the first two. Ice Cores were all over Tallus. Half or more of the Spire museums are inaccessible by non-ponies, but don't go asking about them. Silver visited the Crystal Temples irregularly and politely declined to look every single time, so the records state. She fully believed they were on the right path though."
>Motioning towards a section on the northwest side, then one in the south central, the first was entirely stable, having no properties other than intense flora-like patterns.
"Nature, of course. Other is Void. First can be safely ignored unless containmarent's been breached or you have a strict physical allergy to Tallus entropic fields. Other is safe to humans excepting those above the Flawed and Faux-Natural classifications. Spend enough time in Shadow and Void, you build a tolerance to them, and the critters stop thinking of you as a snack."
>Sitting back to eye an incredibly random one between the giant north and south hemispherical structures under dome, Katyal shakes her head slowly.
"Thaaaat is not one I'm familiar with, it's.... likely part of the redacted group. Don't know enough to say whether we should all forget it, but I will ask all of you to keep an open mind. Especially you, digital girl."
'Understood. However, this is my first time experiencing cohesive, non-destructive elemental states, much less living Elemarental beings.
On to the Elemarentals themselves then-'

>Changing to sixteen highly rough views of geometric structures, each was arrayed by a particular elemental symbol, short notes appearing over each.
'I am unsure if these are nomadic or long term camps, they do not match known profiles for purely equine behavior.'
>Leaning forwards, Lonestar highlights a selection of specifically round structures, then another, finally pointing at a third.
"Definitely the second. Real similar to Lunar and Ferron Navarch clusters; they place buildings in some sort of Geomantic array. They can't explain how it works either, it's all done by touch and sensation. Doing so lets them feel Elements and perform certain rituals more easily."
'I see. Only Elemarentals inhabit them, and they are comprised entirely from the Elemental metal of the same. There are visitors between each, though I do not know enough to speculate why.
They are majority equine and few seem to outwardly notice the Landbarge II's presence. Individuals of Air, Void, and several Metal states have come within maximum visual distance numerous times, but have not attempted to make contact.'
>Legs raising to place her chin between both knees, Katyal frowns, speaking in a muted, dissatisfied tone.
"Seen a few camps like this in Saddle Arabia. Elemarentals don't like dealing with 'pure' biologicals, they tend to stay a few hundred miles away out, or hide in plain sight where they won't be seen."
'Do you know a particular reason, or reasons, for them to remain isolated?"
"Given what most of Tallus knows about the Dynasty's catastrophic failures and Silver's attachmarent to the artificial Cores, can you blame them?"
>Adjusting in slight motions, the avatar flips a digital coin, landing on a 'NO' side.
'No, I can not.'
"It's... fairly simple. The bigger a NORMAL Tallus Elemental gets, the more sapient they become, have greater memory, become progressively better at empath, and so on. Ever see a giant walking, strolling, running, flying, or swimming being that looks like an element? It most likely is, and they don't mind talking so long as you aren't hostile to them. Generally they don't care what you do, but the second you start causing ecological damage, they'll turn you into atoms.
Contrast that with being a pony, Minotaur, Harpy, or what have you, that's partly to wholly in an Elemarental state of existence. Take average pony speciesism and crank it up to one-hundred and eleven, they get treated in utterly different mareners. Maybe not outright hostility, but definitely a lot of 'don't go near that THING', or 'let's hope IT leaves quickly', and 'I don't like the way that one looks' sort of shit. Got it?"
'I understand the basis of what you mean, yes.'

>Separating out the Fire, Lava, Ice, Shadow, Void, Force, Gravity, Nature, Earth, Stone, Metallic, Crystalline, and other, considerably more rare Elementals in their chosen habitations, a clear pattern emerges:
>Gravity northmost, Crystalline and Ice below to both sides of the first, then Earth and Stone, in a progressively lighter, circular geomantic styled array of 13.
>The structures were similarly designed to achieve a symbiotic diagram, the heavy-to-light facing producing an unusual star shape that was equally reminiscent of the Sun.
>Tagging a number of clearly Elemarental individuals with the highest particle concentrations, each was precisely in the center of the largest structure, equinedistant from the other elements.
>Switching to military thought processes, the sheer numbers could have represented a cohesive, if nominally distant, invasion force, particularly given the inescapable nature of multiplicative raw elemental powers acting in unison.
>On a social and cultural margin, it was equally likely this former ruin was being regarded as a holy location to live, safely away from most of Tallus where they wouldn't be seen.
>In a pure reason scenario, most native, Undead, Spectral, and Planar beings wouldn't be able to survive the concentrated exposures for long, few Eldritch would dare make the mistake of encroaching, and Otherworlders would be highly unlikely to commit an exceptionally distant trek simply to study.
>Reviewing the prior composite map Shiibo had made, this region was directly in Caneighdia, and would be viciously defended by Princess Cadenza herself.

>>391227
>>391228
>Pareidolia folds his arms and listens to the overview of the apparently fully restored city state Dome. The news about Tallus itself eating away at his precious AI souring his face.
'If I can't find Spiral, how am I going to find a locally sourced replacement housing? More shit for the priority list.. '

>His expression progressively darkens by the end of the briefing as he hones in on his greatest concern.
"Is there any evidence at this distance of Spiral being present among those 'visitors' to the various Elemarental camps? Or any sign of Princess Cadenza's holdings given it being in her territory?"
>His fingers tighten their grip on his arms.
(If Spiral isn't here, then... )

>>391230
>Displaying a bar graph of damage within a six month time frame, the avatar shrugs, the corners of both lips quirking upwards.
'Nowhere close to being a threat. Numerous entropic effects were anticipated; a list of shielding possibilities and replacements has been compiled. Mister Krinza and Mrs. Naliyna would have little issue performing such.
You may now calm your you-know-whats, sir.'

>Annoyed at the constant screen fluctuations, jitters, and rendering artifacts, 'Shiibo' gives a sharp glance upwards.
'Unable to tell at current, sir. Wide scale elemental, magnetic, and magical interferences are above 60%. The Rerculon and I are experiencing locked, looping, and scattered logic cycles. Attempting to compensate, but I do not know to what degree processes will be restored.'
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <E.Electronic Warfare
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+9 = (1+9) = 10] <ExoTech Optronic Particle Scanner
[1d6+9 = (5+9) = 14]
[1d6+9 = (6+9) = 15]
[1d6+9 = (6+9) = 15]
[1d6+10 = (3+10) = 13] <Landbarge II Electronic Warfare Array
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16]
[1d6+10 = (1+10) = 11]
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16]

>Arms folded over his head, Lonestar turns the chair partway to gaze over Kat, briefly eyeing her boots before speaking quietly.
"I could walk up, slap Queen Kissybug twice, halfheartedly apologize, and the worst she's going to do is sit me down for a night long lecture on being how to be less of a prick. She has to order all Changelings to stand down, they aren't a hundredth as patient.
All Luna has to do is show a tiny little memory of single a mistake she made in the past and that'd be more than enough. I've seen.. two. That was all it took to make me glad she accepted us as a Protectorate rather than the other options.
The real Celestia would slap back immediately with double the force, then send me straight to jail for a night without any charges. She don't play games."
>Leaning back once more to watch the left screen, he sighs harshly.
".....Cadence is the one I'm most terrified of. There is nothing any one or anypony could do, say, promise, swear, or offer, to get me to turn against her in the slightest."
"Big crystalline sign posts, monoliths, markers, all with huge hololiths reading 'don't enter' in fifty languages. Got sent to... a certain place once, by pure mistake. Eighty Spireguard in Late Dynasty armor and weapons that made my skin try to run away, full companeigh of Knights in ExoFrames with no markings, carrying nothing but Rime tipped weapons, met me there. Nearly pissed myself.
She's got secrets of her own, and I do not want to find out what they are if I can help it."

'A moment, please. My source transferred a number of files from Razorback Fortress, including this one. Speculated to be after the first major renovation.'
>Removing herself, both screens show the old Workshop before its first expansion, the angle somewhere in the upper rafters, quality rather high.
>Void unicorn Spiral struggling to recapture the Magitek Core and drag it into the second custom furnace iteration, snarling while the Air Gryphon and Acid batpony look on from inside, the first incredibly bored, the second snickering.
"I have a week of work to complete and this is how you repay me!? Get IN there damn you!"
"Excuse me, you are Marquis du Spiral Disclosure, yes? Your appearance is quite different from what I have been told."
>Pink hooves stepping into view, Princess Cadence halts barely five feet from Spiral's table as the glowing sphere streaks by, her eyebrows raise slightly, furrow together, then return to resting.
"I am indeed! And this is the result of.. well, a botched experimarent in New Canterlot... ignore that one, it's become sapient and has no respect.
You are Mi Amore Cadeza as per Prench titling, Miyamori as per Neighsian titling, also known as Cadence, Princess of Rebirth. It is a distinct pleasure to finally meet you, Princess!"
>Gaze flicking across the Workshop in short, subtle motions, Rebirth's lips tighten, loosen quickly, relaxing to respond after two seconds.
"There is no need nor desire for titles, I am here on an informal visit."
>Conducting his normal phase-through-space routine to sit on the weathered brown chair, the Void unicorn's front legs spread wide.
"Ah, well! In that case, please, take a seat wherever you like. Excuse me for a momarent, I have to shut down several of the Fortress functions. The demi-sentient is unstable at the worst of times, and right now I am between renovations."
>Leaning forwards before speaking, Cadenza's tone becomes familiar, her expression open with a searching tone.
"I.. see. Thank you, Spiral. Part of why I have come here is to speak with you regarding the future of Razorback Compa-"

>Leaving the screen on the last frame, 'Shiibo' returns, gesturing to it.
'Severe data corruption presumably from later Anti exposure.
Katyal, you have the most knowledge with equine expressions, markers, and vocal cues. What can you tell from this limited interaction?'
"From her: high concern, extreme alarm, not hesitant, breaches formality with ease, but she's on high alert. Acts like they've met for the first time; for her that's not the case, for him it is. She knows part of him, or parts, and doesn't like what she's seeing. At all."
'Do you suspect sh-'
"Knows about the Cores he got split into, or from? Definitely. Before that pause right there: spite, alarm, disgust, discomfort. She leaned forward to test his reaction, applying individual pressure. Sure there isn't more?"
'No, that was all which could be recovered. What can you suggest?'
"If she shows up, say we got lost and need directions because a Dynasty superweapon sent us here, because that IS the truth.
If she gets pissed? We do what she says, but I seriously doubt she'd want to be anywhere near this place. She was the one that came closest to killing Silver a few times.
Gonna try waking Hodch. He'll probably be feeling like trash, and if so I'll show him the sauciest pictures on my phone."
>Standing up and walking into the rear compartment, Katyal mutters under her breath in quick, flowing Arabian swears while Lonestar mimics pulling a hat down.
[1d6 = 4] <Mindscape

>>391235
>Eyeing the bar graph with a disatisfied look, it seems to have done little to alleviate the expression behind his visor.
'Slowed progression, but their assistance still isn't guaranteed. Will note the options, but Tallus itself destroying my equipment remains a threat.'

>Unfolding his arms and sighing, he rotates the chair to face rearwards.
'Understood. Need time to deliberate anyway.'
>His elbows come forward to rest on his knees while his steepled hands provide a perch for this helmeted head.
>He holds this pose as Cadence's attitude is elaborated upon in comparison to the other Princesses.
(Given the technological advancements made by the Crystal Empire, they may still occupy the vaccuum left by the Dynasty then. Can only hope corruption vectors can be addressed by my rectifications before situation devolves further. Both Kraut and Lont will need to be assessed.)

>The new-to-him footage pulls his attention to the viewscreen in the rear of the pilot's cabin where an unexpected visit from Princess Cadence to Spiral was underway.
>Even without much extensive training in equine body language, he could tell there was some sort of discomfort and unsaid subtext in Cadence's behavior.
(She must know something about his condition.)
>Remaining silent as the footage cuts, he looks about the cabin in thought.

"I agree on that policy. The truth is the best approach here."

>He remains seated, waiting on further input from Hodch while considering his options.
"We likely would need explicit permission to approach that ruin then? Was not expecting a restored, functional site."
>Directed at Lonestar, he asks while leaning his head in the direction of the massive, gravity defying meta-materiel dome on the front display.

>>391223
>Amethyst blew a raspberry at Lila at the prospect of getting baked. Surely the pegasus wouldn't really bake her right?
>Cracking an eye open mid-reverie, she noted that some of the flames did manage to escape, more than could be spared. Amy would have to collect and channel more to Lila if she was going to get herself injured in her own peculiar way again.
>Her Stick had located the gate in the meantime, if that was the gate of course. SHe pointed them out to Lilamaredre.
"Through those ruins I think, it's going to be a bother getting the sleds with all me flashy bitz through it though."
>Wandering off towards the sleds, she took up the discarded rope, tied it around her waist and tested the weight.
"Ready when you are, Lila."
>Maybe she shouldn't have collected so many shinies after all, nearly four tonnes was a bit much.
>Nah. No way, no how. The ruins might even have more shinies to add to the ever growing pile. Amethyst would simply need to carry the burden.

>Watching after the Revenant bounding away and out of sight for a moment, Amy then turns back to the baroness.
"Farewell, Avernus. Enjoy your nap!~"
>And with a lingering gaze, she pulled away towards the ruins, listening to the Stick and humming a parting song.

>>391259
>Displaying a #10 can labeled 'PROBLEMS', the avatar drops it to kick offscreen, bowing fully at the waist with the left arm raised high, right hand broadside and flipping a small red STOP sign up.
'Psychological profiles of both at maximum tolerance levels for granting immediate assistance. A sincere request to either will be treated with full focus and severity. You have absolutely nothing* to worry about.
*Refusal chance minimal at <1% per night.'

'I have skimmed through video and timeframes regarding the Caneighdian border zone. There were small crystalline monoliths spaced approximately one hundred meters apart. No hololiths were in use. None activated upon approach or passing. It is likely we did not trigger sensors.
Caneighdia is indeed listed as a fully restricted zero access region. It is also claimed as an independent protectorate under the Crystal Empire. There is no further information available.
Particle arrays moderately retuned. We are able to ignore the various echoes, have isolated a majority of elemental particle interferences, and may have some additional data. Three minutes for a full rendering.'
>Displaying the geometric array surrounding the dome once more, clusters of specific individuals are denoted in elemental colors, highlighting the densest and >50 in prior observational locations, <10 remaining.
'We have indeed been noticed and not contacted. I have a functional explanation regarding why:
If the majority of Elemarentals act as Katyal has stated, and I have no reason nor rationale to dispute the same, we hold only the most basic of interests. We have not acted aggressively despite circling numerous times, have not attempted to make contact or open hostilities, and present precisely zero threat to such a gathering.
Previous internal scans within the Landbarge II were not correlated, processed, or collated. Taking into account the number, style, potency, and scale of enchantments, objects, armors, weapons, artifacts, and explicitly Elemental sources... we are likely being regarded as either an Independent or Lunar-allied exploratory team. Thus, we are neutral to them, they are neutral to us.
Therefore we should neither attempt to make contact and completely ignore observational attempts on their part, including Elemental and magical surveys or scans.'

>Greatly improving the diagrams, the 28 sections become static surfaces, including notes regarding massivley increased classifications of Cores spread throughout.
>Pointing out specific concentrations of each known, the north hemisphere diagram is focused on for 30 seconds, then the southern for the same, returning to an overall view without the dome.
'If the Sphaler Core is considered Damaged, the majority are not. I estimate a minimum of 1,000, a median of 1,109, and a maximum of 1,300.
Concentrations of the standard Elements are likewise set in a geomantic styled... locus, of sorts. I do not have full clarification of how such an array functions, only that we should avoid direct contact. In sum: readings are off the charts, Captain.'
>Waiting for Lonestar to facepalm, he does after a few seconds.
"Not you too damn it. Never should've let them wish for all those damned electronics.."
>'Shiibo' snickers, then straightens, continuing with a display of the internal path or road separating each is shown, focusing on the 13 buildings spread across it, though the one in the center is circled in bright yellow.
'Eight of these contain a number of the redacted series Cores, five do not have energetic nor Elemental particles within. They may be storage, sleeping quarters, or merely unused.
In specific, this one Katyal noticed is troubling. It has a fluctuating energy signature which ranges from zero to unregistered in such an extreme state process that no solid data can be found. No electromagnetic field, no Elemental particles, yet is producing a unique wavelength. It is likely an ultra-specialized, successful experiment. It should be avoided at all costs.
I have significant data to offer. Please request specifics.'

>Stepping back in and taking the technician's seat again, Katyal sits down, notably calmer and more clear headed.
"He'll be awake in an hour, maybe more. Might have dosed him a little bit too much during surgery."
>Legs lifted onto the chair and scratching her head with both hands, she gazes over the displays before speaking calmly.
"Have thought about this a little.
One, we can run this blacker than jumping straight down into the deepest Void possible. Wipe out every trace of direct involvement, scrub data, you three know the drill. Reason for that is pony Elemarentals, in general, hate the Four Alicorns, excluding those with specific alignmarents, like Void to Luna. The Crystalline ones don't move much and don't care to investigate anything out of the ordinary.
Two-"
>Digging into the top left vest pocket to produce a black piece of Changeling plate, which you immediately recognize.
"We get Chrysalis here. She doesn't ask questions and never gives direct answers that can be learned. Secrets are her only currency, and she never pays others with it. She will never share what happens unless it's vital to her sons and daughters."
>Tilting the Queen's wing scale side to side, Katyal grumbles under her breath for a few moments.
"Three. We try to summon Cadence right now, explain that we are absolutely lost due to a Dynasty superweapon, which we show her, then state Spiral has been missing for.. how long?"
'Over one Tallus year now.'
"Damn, that's... nevermind. Before any choices are made, I've got a conditioning trick to pull, haven't used it much though.
Gonna put my hands on knees, you play the whole thing out for me again. If my left twitches, slow it down. If my right twitches, replay the last three seconds. Can sometimes sync emotions to whomever made a record, doesn't always work and usually I have to be touching.
All right, start play back-"
[1d6 = 2] <B.Mystic: Show-Me-Your-Thoughts
[1d6 = 6]
[1d6 = 2] <U.Meditate

>>391262
>The raspberry is responded to with a mischief ridden ear flick and twitchy side eye.
>Maybe she meant an uncool shower, switching a cold pillow for a hot one, or keeping a seat slightly too warm.
"You will regret declaring war in this marener, pegasus!"
"Quiet, don't let her know that we know."
"And here we have the typical mon'keigh reaction, words betraying inevitable actions."
"You're all silly. Except three of you. And you. I like you too."
>Standing up to shake her wings, the now glass imprint of her rear in sand was remarkable, mostly for the sheer quality.
>And threatening, too.
>Peering sideways at the few flames obeying her, and the escaping ones with an uncaring snout wiggle, Lilamaredre nods, then swivels around to survey the ruin.
"Sense something in there worth checking, or is it empty?"

>Giving the sleds a firm pull, they slid rather easily with your strength, particularly due to your dam's insistence upon improving the ersatz and highly temperamarental float cores.
>Which brought to mind precisely how much physically weaker the Baroness was in comparison to you.

>Sitting down carefully and spreading out her hooves on warm sand, you realize something odd as your vision finally adjusts to surface light:
>Avernus had entirely different colors, the dark royal teal mane and tail both longer than most ponies, muted blue coat reflecting silver spots, wide fetlocks carrying small streaks of red, while her hooves were a subdued dark blue.
>...she really was from an old noble lineage.
>Smiling brightly, one hoof lifts in the air to wave, then makes a slight brushing motion.
"I will, and this is no farewell since I plan on opening every possible Gate. At least once I return that is. Good Day to you both, may the Night be much cooler!"
>Pausing to sink her hoof into sand again, swirling metallic eyes closing and ears flicking happily.
"And do not forget to trade for coldstones as soon as you are able to!"

>Controlling a mostly cool sphere of air around you, the pegasus filly inhales once more, causing the sand underhoof to nearly freeze together.
>Picking the easiest route to the outpost's entrance, pausing at the weathered steps and using the Stick to align yourself towards the oddly thrumming Warp Gate, it was at a considerable angle far left of you, though not directly opposite of the Sun.
>The distance felt somewhere between a medium jog, and a bit too far.
>Probably.
>Sniffing at the worn, glyph covered structure, Lila stares up at the unusual stone, at the sides, then flicks both ears before deadpanning.
"I can't read this."
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <B.Scouting
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]

>>391263
>The operative nods as Shiibo makes her behavioral observation.
"Agreed. Contact does not seem necessary at this point."

>At Shiibo's offer to take questions, Pareidolia raises a gloved hand in a 'hold' motion.
"Continue to collate data. I understand this may be unreasonable, but try to isolate any possible indications any of the elemarentals in there may be part of Spiral. Movement patterns, attempts to observe or study us, on the off chance Spiral is somehow in that structure we need to be thorough. Until Hodch can provide input, the sheer scale of Elemental projects, Cores, and lost knowledge may be beyond our ability to parse in a timely manner."

>He sits up as Katyal returns, holding his balled right hand in the palm of his left. The options she presents all sounding equally high risk and questionable at current. But before he has an opening to voice his opinion of waiting for Hodch to awake, she undertakes another likely mystically derived ritual.
>Not wanting to disturb her channeling, he remains as he was until she finishes.

>>391264
>Thoroughly discomforted by the notion of a slightly too warm pillow, the ipotane shivered.
>She was going to have to start testing everything with the Stick first. Lila was sneaky, Amy was not.
>Shaking back into focus, Amethyst shook her head in the negative.
"Mm, mm. Or I hope so, I would like to collect more stuff. The gate's resonance is coming from somewhere beyond it, faintly."
>Amy cocked her head and pondered what she had sensed again.
"Though there is something funny in there, but it shouldn't bother us if we don't bother it. It just wants to dig a really big hole in the ground."
>She hesitated briefly and twitched an ear.
"No. It is not an Iron Warrior."

>Waving back at Avernus as she moved, Amy affirmed.
"I will!~"
>Keeping the Stick to hand, the ipotane searched again for the resonance of the gate, just to confirm her findings, she accompanied it with a sympathic tone intended to perform the same action in locating the gate. At least by comparing the results of the two methods, she could confirm if the sorcerous method was suffering interference from all the energies drifting around.

[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] < B. Sorcery
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]

[1d6+2 = (1+2) = 3] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+2 = (4+2) = 6]

>She pointed in its rough direction.
"It seems to be... That way."
>Catching Lila's curiosity over the glyph, Amethyst examined it as well.
"Got nothin'!~"

>>391265
>The avatar grimaces briefly, lifting both hands in a plaintive appeal while speaking calmly, using only the helmet's internal systems.
'Sir, your optimism is a good sign, one that I will not fault. However, I must ask you to consider this entire scenario as it has been presented:
Given the vast information on file, photos, videos, and accounts on record, the likelihood of Marquis du Spiral Disclosure currently functioning among the Elemarental individuals spread throughout geomantic structures is, precisely, 0.0%, repeating zeroes ad nauseum. He would have recognized three specific Otherworld beings, their resonances, Hodch, Nibbles, and all of the specifically Magitek modified or created objects he produced, by this time, without fail.
We are trespassing on sacred protectorate territory, one which MAY have survived the Late Dynasty Era with no to little disruption. Princess Cadenza is, by human standards, difficult to communicate with. Her entire worldview appears to be emotionally context based first, with rationale second, reason third, and logic last. And, as we have previously heard, unlikely to be swayed without precise factual statements. She is both the least understood of the Four Alicorns due to those factors, and at the same time the most technologically advanced.
In the sole interest of avoiding all possible, probable, and potential negative scenarios, I must demand you take a break, then consider the available options in a wholly reasonable manner, one tempered by logic and constructively based emotions, sir.'

>Returning to the forward displays, 'Shiibo' parses through incoming data, correcting Elemarental and Core locations when possible.
'The variations of specific Elemarentals present fully match with Katyal's statements. None have shown more than vague or passing interests; only two have undertaken defensive postures, and have since rejoined their element. I will continue searching for specific individual factors.
Updating systems now. The Rerculon analytic mode will begin compensating for magnetic fields and I am expanding on methods to reduce Elemental disruption. I will continue analyzing and processing, this may take some time.
I suggest taking a break until a more clear picture is established.'
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6] <E.Electronic Warfare
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+9 = (1+9) = 10] <ExoTech Optronic Particle Scanner
[1d6+9 = (4+9) = 13]
[1d6+9 = (4+9) = 13]
[1d6+9 = (1+9) = 10]
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14] <Landbarge II Electronic Warfare Array
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16]
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16]
[1d6+10 = (5+10) = 15]

>Spending the next two minutes continuously watching repeats, looping cycles back and forth, Katyal grunts, finally blinking through the trance.
"Done... end. Halt? Cease. ...ceeeeeease. Pause... STOP? There we go.
Hoooooooo filly. That... weird, crude, sarcastic, cute, infuriating, tight lipped, insanely lewd, little golden horse with the wide hat, tight flanks, and... wow.. nice hooves there, jailbait. Wish I could meet her."
>Arms folding, the woman leans back and yawns, eyes shut tightly and face scrunching.
"Mmmmf.. tech fetishist bar none. Merely looking at a weapon or device she doesn't know is enough to put you on top of her 'I want you to snuggle me and be taught everything about this' list. Hot. Really hot. Real friendly to ponies too.. only accepts humans with completely open minds. Dislikes military structure. Hates dogma, doctrine. Passionately hates religion. Anti-zealot. Prefers paramilitary, guerrillas, professionals that don't obey any and every order given. Some kind of.. high grade Psion, not sure what though. Can't read minds unless given access. Doesn't like it. Twitchy. Nightmares. Bad ones.
On the other hoof... which somehow used to be a hand? Whatever. Piss her off, insult Spiral, or his efforts.. she cut lots of people out of the Magitek access loop. They considered most of Razorback incapable. Lots of dismissals. Being friendly got a few into their projects. Was watching the video while testing some kind of.. shielded energy weapon. Nasty, disrupts matter at molecular and atomic levels. Was with... a little Ferron. Young mare. Fruit. Lots of fruit. Both of them love her. Void-infected. Badly at that."
>Hands raising to rub her face, she stops after ten seconds, right hand lifting to press under the same side ear.
"She's a bit nuts for sure, but not insane. Least not until she starts building that two-hundred ton tank with literal fuck you and get off our planet cannons..
Transferring what I can to you, Shiibo. It's raw, don't know how capable you are of cleaning that mess up."
'Is this.. a brain scan upload?'
"Yeah. ....is there a problem?"
'Your... neurology, chemistry, and behavioral patterns are precisely half-human, half-equine. You are, as stated prior, fully acclimated, including biologically. As such you.. no longer present some conditional human markers. Physiologically and psychologically, you would be classified as a... hybrid.'
"Whiiiiich meeeeeaaaaans?"
'I am thoroughly unable to inspect, comprehend, or clarify the information presented.'
"So... fuck. Scrub it all from your system then."
'Done.'
>Slapping a sticker over her horrified face, it reads: DON'T MAKE ME DO THAT AGAIN PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE.
"Riiiight. Moving on. Besides the fact they were deeply bonded, their relationship was utterly platonic. And fun. Flash loved his analytical mind, enjoyed the Void hornhead immarensely. Spiral enjoyed her willingness to test reasonable theories and insane spells. Shared nearly the same beliefs too; protecting 'their' humans, uncovering lost knowledge, restoring damaged equipmarent or equipment, creating new of the same, sanctity of life, good cigars, alcohol, close friends... lot more there but it's all ponial. Individual contexts are hard to translate without knowing them both more."

>Taking a few cycling breaths to steady herself against the stressful recall, Katyal's hands raise, describing small motions in air.
"Electronic, mechanical, metallurgical, technological, magical, Elemental, Psionic, blended information.. not much is familiar to me except plasma, a couple particle states, and some of the Elementalism. Little bit of magic and mechanical too..
Endless speculations, discussions, experimarents, tests, trials, exploding weapons. Er, and some kind of.. gel? Hot, cold, slippery...... better not be some kind of sexual lubricant or I WILL start screaming. Hypotheticals and theories regarding mixing magic, magnetic, electromagnetic, field states... and.."
>Paused again, the First Responder leans forwards, arms gripping rests and eyes unfocused in hard recall.
"What are those? Two. Five. Six.. ten? No, eight, one failed, one discarded. Geomantic, not quite fractal. Not yet at least. Something like... moving metals. Both learning to shape it. Underground weapons.. armor, pieces of electronics. New compositions based off old sketches, data, information, texts, journals, lab notes, scans, theories. Six Cores, one missing. Couldn't move them unless instructed.
Huge geomantic arrays.. the whole.... they're all over? Your Fortress is covered in them. Transportation system inside walls, two of them, a backup, underground paths.. she loved digging tunnels. He laughed. Gave her directions. Said he wouldn't talk about them. Backup plans. Cases. Books. Locks made by Sorcery and nanites.. can't open without both of them. Didn't trust Sharpened Words. Not a sneer, disgrace.
Sigils made from alloys, they used all eight... everywhere? ...LATE Dynasty alloys, the objects they could program... all the ones that disappeared! Folu bought a piece of steel composite from a Nag, it's the same fucking material!"
>Jerking upright to stand, her head thrashes side to side once, finally exhaling in a loud 'houf'.
"I'm going up top, there's... I need to confirm a few suspicions. At the risk of pulling the 'I've been around this shit longer and know way more than you can imagine' card, which I do NOT want to do, there might be another way in that doesn't involve creating another problem or five thousand!
Lone, lock the hatch after me and do NOT let me in unless Nibbles comes inside-"
>Rushing out the driver's side door to the same side hatch, the man waits until it closes, spares another five seconds, then ten, swiveling the chair right at fifteen, and finally presses a button, locks clicking and slamming shut
"Luna was right, humans are all insane for two reasons or more. Wish I had her kind of recall though.. or maybe I don't.
......Pare, I'm leaning towards number one with two as a backup. Can't be paranoid if you aren't proven wrong."
>Folding his arms above head, Lonestar is silent for a minute, watching the displays undergoing numerous shifts until sighing.
"Don't know how to say this, but you haven't met Chryssy yet. She's a real mare. Won't say or do anything that'd let a single human, pony, or 'other' know what's happened, going to happen, might, will, you name it. Problem: this is Dynasty related.
She's pragmatic. Teacher. Lover. Guardian. Protector. Best friend. Dam. Fierce. Gentle. She'll sit with one for hours and offer her best advice. Or show the best means to kill fast without causing an ounce of pain more than necessary. Loves Changelings and humans like no other, but she.. still hates Silver worse than Cady ever did.
I've seen the look when someone was dumb enough to tell her the silver-skinned cunt of a horse has been around. Barely controlled rage, right on that the first edge between declaring war and insanity.
At best she'll have a Changeling keep eyes on us, or simply say this never happened and implant suggestions to enforce that. At worst she'll ask us to undergo selective memory erasure until all this is forgotten and won't cause repercussions.
Don't know if I can trust Princess Solarhooves in her current state to help out either. She's got completely different priorities and secrets. Real bad ones, like Horizon and the special unit of 'untouchable freaks' that happened a decade or so back.
If the four of us, including Hodch when he wakes up, can't come to a decision, I'm going to leave it to you and him. If it comes down to a stalemate, he's going straight for logic and results, everything else be damned."

>Hearing a hollow rattling thud, then the sounds of hooves thumping on mat several times, the pilot chair swivels around, Lone gazing into the rear compartment before an eyebrow raises.
"You stuck? ....need a hand or two?"
"No! Dul got it!"
>The Siren's voice was heavily muffled; reality tears outward briefly, a tremendous resonant thrum reverberates inside both cabins, then a triumphant, pleasantly toned low neigh is given.
"Dul try find how pull weapon out. It... was? Is was? Was is? Was inside. It loud too!"
>Skipping to the gunner-operator side sliding door, a taffy looking right hoof extends outwards, upside down, with a small cylinder held between the claws; imprints of a long polearm with four separate heads, composed from four different forms of Lightning coagulated together.
"It yours! Dul not know how stuck. Dul try find it long time. Dul not find it. Then Dul find it, so Dul pull. Dull pull wrong way lots times. Then Dul find right way pull!"
>Studying the object from afar, Lonestar raises both hands, flexing each several times before setting them down.
"Damn.. I can feel the charges coming off. Nice and warm, like when I stuck my hand in Spiral's furnace. That was before Carl got made though, after that we weren't allowed to."

>>391267
"I envy your sire and dam's collection a little, but I did tell them to keep the Fire resistant objects for their own uses. At least they don't melt most materials by touch."
>Perusing the exterior with squinty gold eyes, Lilamaredre takes another sniff, then reaches forwards with a non-burning left hoof to lightly test sand swept stairs, .
"My sense of smell is poor if something isn't Fire, Lava, Plasma, Water, Ice, or Void. Not much of those around here that I can pick out. Sun excluded. It is cooler inside though."
>Head turning to raise both eyebrows at you, the pegasi's snout twitches side to side in recall.. and promptly settles on mixing the two that were basically the same.
"Are you sure? Have you seen fortifications?"
"Or turrets?"
"What of kill-slots?"
"Always beware of minefields!"
"Could be a thief."
"You complete fool. Stealing from such a clearly ancient, unoccupied location of little strategic value?"
"Typical mon'keigh, always so quick to jump to the worst conclusions!"
"What a terrible place to rummage through. Only servitors and penal legionnaires should perform that duty!"
"Oi, yu'z all don't loike diggin' holes!? I'z better dan yur squishy 'umies at dat!"
"Oh no-"
"Khaine's Blood-"
"By the Empress-"
"This can't get any worse, can it-"
"What have you done you fool-"
"I, am, NOT, becoming INVOLVED in THIS catastrophe! AMY, find a hole and BURY that CREATURE in it for at LEAST ten minutes!"
"Nor shall I. Such a provocation bears no fruit; sweet, delicious, salty, sour, bitter, spicy, nor otherwise."
"Did you purposefully disrespect the Imperial Guard, ORK?!"
"HAH! Oi did! Yu'z shud see da look on 'iz fa.... where's 'iz face at any'ow?!"
"Right. Here. You. VILE. DISHONORABLE. SHI-"
>Sighing in gravelly contempt, suitably cool forehoof is placed on burning snout.
"I do not want or need a headache, even IF I technically cannot experience one. Stop it, right now, or I'm going to put a sock in all of your... ON all of your faces. I won't even burn it, I'll just inhale a bunch of water and sneeze straight inside."
>.....that worked.
"I accept your demarends.. for now."
>Of course.

>Testing directions, isolating the Warp Gate's unique signature, double, triple, then quadruple checking, you end up with rather concise direction, Sorcerously speaking.
>Still without a compass, though.
>Comparing wide band harmonics against the same direction, you end up drifting twenty degrees right, consolidating to ten, and down to five.
>Using both hands and the Kerbann Stick to create a median, the less on fire filly takes several steps down, head swiveling around to you, adjusting her alignmarent, then reaches out, ready to touch sand.
"About one-hundred fifty degrees on a hard left from here? Let me make a mark here-"
>Which consisted of putting a burnt line in sand below the lowest step with her favorite forehoof, that being the left.
>Checking the angle twice, Lila adds another one for good measure.
>Then a third, glancing back and checking you, the marks, back again, and squiggling a small burnt line between them.
"One-forty-five to one-fifty-five or so. Should not be difficult to find."
>Retaking her spot next to you, along with another freezing inhale you share the same exploratory expression with Lila, and shrug at the same time.
>The other filly gazes upwards to study yet more black glyphs in cooler shade, right ear flicking back several times.
"Mm-mm, I have no idea. These could be Archaic, Ancient, Pre-Modern, or Modern. We are certainly in Saddle Arabia judging by the Sun's angle, though this Outpost might be in the far southern regions where the Eyeraq border does not exist. Then again I do not know much other than the basics, we did not deal with either except once per decade or so.
I don't see or hear more than a few small creatures. Snake that way, a lizard over there, and a beetle or three close to that tree. At least I think so, sounds like tiny wings. Should we go in?"
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <B.Scouting
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8]

>>391268
>Still dwelling on Shiibo's emphatic rebuttal, his eyes remain closed with a troubled mien as Katyal undergoes her trance state channeling.
(Zero point zero percent chance. He would have recognized, if he wasn't indisposed. Unlikely that if he were, this location's infrastructure would be unable to restore him to proper function. True that he would have identified us by this point in time. Conclusion undeniable, Spiral is not present. But what other leads are there then? Alternative ruin locations?)

>His thoughts remain at that impasse as Katyal comes to and begins to describe her experience.
>At the mention of transferring something to Shiibo however, he jolts out of his brooding. Seeing, but being unable to prevent the attempted transfer, he mouths an apology to Shiibo with a somewhat pained look before speaking to Katyal.
"Her OS can only accomodate human neuronal patterns in direct upload readings. I should have explained prior. Please keep that in mind."

>>391269
>Unsurprised by much of the proceeding information from Katyal, he merely nods. Speaking to himself in an attempt to organize his thoughts:
'Confirms Flash was responsible for the tunnel network, with Spiral's approval and assistance. Contingency planning as expected. Wait-nanites? Access to that-'
>Confusion and concern cross his face as Katyal also seems to have come to a disturbing realization on a parallel matter.
>Clearly motivated by circumstances he could not be privy to, Katyal's epiphany regarding alloys Spiral and Flash had used was prompting her to perform yet another hasty experiment.
>Baffled at her sudden insistence to depart the transport, he is left in the pilot's cabin with Lonestar.
>He glances towards him in response.
"I don't understand why she suddenly wants to enter that site. I agree, the first option is ideal. We should be leaving. Spiral is not here. We need to reconsult the maps and my available footage and notes to determine our next course, ideally while also leaving this space entirely. Involving more high level leadership position ponies or natives would only create further difficulties and cross-contamination."
>Standing up from the chair, he leaves the canopy bubble and stands against the back wall of the pilot's cabin. He leans against it as he considers Lonestar's evaluation of the Changeling Queen.
"Positive as your evaluation is, our primary objective is locating Spiral. I don't understand how involving her will aid in that objective. There is no indication she would be able to decipher what we have any more effectively than us. Celestia has suffered enough at our hands, nevermind humanity as a whole. I do not want to involve her either."

>The sounds of strange thuds and bumps reverberate from behind him causing him to turn his head towards the nearest door leading to the passenger compartment.
"Dul? What are you-"
>It belatedly occurs to him that Dul had previously mentioned attempting to retrieve a weapon before Hodch's surgery and was tapping on the Black Anvil.
>The pieces connect as an electric vibration fills the interior.
>Stepping towards the Siren's "hoof" hanging upside down from a rent in space, he grasps the cylinder while bowing slightly towards her.
"This must be the polearm Hodch was making. I didn't know he had finished it, nor that it was... inside that anvil. Thank you, Dul."

>>391271
'That was different. And weird. I have fully deleted the uploaded files, however, there are residual traces which do not match human neural pathways.'
>Scratching the back of her neck for several moments, 'Shiibo' is replaced with a bafflingly crude horse pinata in her colors, the caricature tipping to its left side.
'Strange. Similarities to Tipper's self-learning and recursive functionalities apparent. Not entirely unpleasant. Resuming analysis.'

>Tapping through displays on the OT-5's surface, fifty composite an image of Katyal sitting down, head bent forwards and arms crossed over her shoulders.
"I meant black as in we go in, find what we need, then get out if he's not here.
....doesn't seem like she wants to. I'd say she's looking for a factor we might not, or can't, recognize. Outside perspective and all that. Give her a bit, let's see what she finds first."
>After ten seconds, Nibbles leaps into her lap from seemingly nowhere, turning around three times, then lies down, curling into a ball.
"Again, you haven't met Chrysalis. Was going to start taking squads out to each of our allies a few weeks ago, starting with the Hive. She's real fun to be around, social mare at heart. As for contamination, that ship sailed out of dock and hasn't returned since. We're here, now we've got to tread carefully.
About the time I was considering visits, Em and I got notified of how a certain mess in Las Pegasus really played out. There's a bunch of 'performances' we aren't supposed to have a molecule of knowledge regarding, especially since Horizon's been able to walk through every single fucking defense there is. Excluding a few I'm not sure exist.
And I know. Am only sharing ideas because this whole mess is Razorback's fault. Rather, human faults that is.. a few far more so than others."
>Head rolling on the backrest, a hand is raised to clench straight ahead, his expression black, tone filled with loathing.
"Was one of the first to land at the New Canterlot's outer train station. Watched most every human arrive. 'Inquisitor Flash', that little.. I could've sworn she was a High Admiral with the way she acted. Delicate. Effete. Intelligent. Snobbish to the rest of us. Feminine like glass, but had that lethal diamond edge where you didn't know the chances of taking her on. Knew what she wanted and how to get it, too.
Second she turned to speak with a pony, was like she forgot she was human. Knew how to touch them, laughed, smiled, joked, made friends so easy unlike the rest of us intel heads. Then she'd turn right back into that insufferable bitch. Got to the point where a few would choke her out. Didn't like that so I put a stop to it. Sent squads into the worst contracts to sort them out, keep 'em busy. Worked most of the time.
She wasn't hiding away in the Fortress like we thought. Was meeting Spiral, then the rest of the Spirals. Fooled us all damned good.... so pissed right now. I want to slap, kiss, and hug her afterwards."

>Positively beaming in pride at her accomplishmarent, Dul's ears flop down, eyes shutting at the bow; her physicality was still slightly stretched, though recovering from being used as an ad-hoc suite of surgical implemarents.
"You welcome! It easy find but hard take out. Is Dul words right?"
[1d6 = 1] <Language Adaption
>Taking the cylinder, Siren claws roll backwards into fuax-hooves with several gleeful nods, it felt uniquely as a missing piece you weren't aware of, though now reconnected.
>And rather exciting.
>Exiting the newfound pinata mode after a small shakedown tour, 'Shiibo' returns to give you The Look, one based on harsh medical personnel.
'.....give her at least two heartfelt, thankful headpats. OR a hug. BOTH would be best. Candy colored deathtrap or not, she is invaluable to your efforts and deserves to be treated accordingly.
Social NEEDS this for future integration possibilities, sir.'

>Returning to the center of both screens, the advanced avatar clicks her heels together, gazing down after an electronic throat clearing.
'I have considerable updates, though three of the Rerculon's pseudo-mindsets do not agree with my findings. We cannot establish an individual basis of Elemarentals at current: over eight hundred thousand Elemental, Elemarental, particle, energetic, magnetic, electromagnetic, magical, and high energy waveforms, including fields, within a thirty kilometer radius, are rendering narrow scans ineffective. The dome's composition further hampers sensors due to a directed partial-chaos state of energized matter, or perhaps material energization. Polarity is impossible to determine without an exact comparison of similar materials.
There is a slight caveat, however, one which the social mode has directed me to show. Please watch the right screen carefully.'
>Highlighting 12 sections in order, half were in the north hemisphere, the other half south, 'Shiibo' gesturing at question marks near Core concentratios.
'Gravity, Ice, Crystalline, Stone, Metallic, Lava, Ice, Earth, Water, Acid, Void, and Air. It is a multiple of four, thus unusual given most equine standards. The only reference I have of twelve as a primary number are older references to multi-generational herds descending from the Dynasty.
The Rerculon's hive-mode has confirmed these to contain the only fully stable, unmoving Elemarentals within the megastructure. Possibly in stasis. No Elemarentals have journeyed closer than half a kilometer, and only then to inscribe geomantic symbols before returning to their elemental camp.
However, there IS an equal possibility these are high classification Cores, ranking from High to Supreme Perfected. These can, according to Katyal's data, approximate an Elemarental.
I cannot yet be certain each are an Elemental Core derivative, nor specifically an equine of prior biological nature. We will attempt to extrapolate further information, but I am uncertain how much more we can ascertain.'

<Saddle Arabian> "......."
[1d6 = 1] <B.Mysticism: Show-Me-Your-Bond
[1d6 = 3]

>>391273
>Pareidolia furrows his brow in dismay as unintended side effects from Katyal's hybrid brain upload make themselves known. He sighs internally.
(If this becomes a repeat occurrence... Haaaa, how many more problems from contamination am I going to have on a single operation.)

>Offering nothing but a sigh followed by grim silence as Lone corrects his misconception on this black operation, and states his awareness on humanity's culpability. Muttering to himself, he notes:
'Razorback's fault, yet we've not borne enough of the consequences.'
(Hodch and his benefactors clearly have been shielding us from the fallout as much as possible. Along with likely countless others.)
>Recalling his own initial encounter with the Inquisitor, Lonestar's description seemed consistent with fundamental personality traits and psychological behaviors observed. With a weary mental smirk, he notes the general lack of discernment exhibited by most of the initial human arrivals given Lonestar's testimony.
(Expected. Few would recognize the inherent power and experience behind her stance. Unexamined and unaware standard humans, unable to consider beyond their own selves. Apparently none of Razorback did for her, until far too late.)

>Brandishing the pleasantly weightless and effusively warm conceptual weapon's current form, he collapses it down into its compact cylinder form while frowning at Shiibo's piñata form. He acquiesces with some consternation.
'A hug would be too close for me, but I will administer head pats. And please prune those neural pathways left behind by Katyal. I don't want your psyche and software altered at the base layers by direct hybrid imprinting.'

>He looks down at Dul's form, reaching out with his free glove to firmly press down on her head.
"Close enough but keep practicing."
>A circular motion of thorough rubbing and jostling runs over her head repeatedly.
"And thank you Dul. You've helped us immensely and saved Hodch's life. We would never have made it this far without you."
>As Shiibo projects herself to the central viewscreens, he would continue to rub Dul's head with vigor and only stop once Shiibo displays the 12 stable unmoving Elemarentals.
>He looks over the highlighted sections while keeping his gloved hand on Dul's head.
"Extrapolate what you can. Whatever more we can provide to Hodch will be crucial in our decision making."

>>391270
>Amethyst made a face.
"No. No fortifications, unless you count the outpost. Nope, no turrets either, no kill-slots, no minefields... I think? It is a concept that wishes to excavate, that is all I can sense."
>She listened to the rest of the bickering and entirely failed to hold back a mirthful cackle at Gorgutz once again making every other puppet upset with the least possible effort.
>Calming her laughter back down to a giggle, which she then barely managed to stifle, Amy responsed to Lila.
"That sounds about right, I can always scry again at another location if we need to course correct. I don't think it's too far however, so I don't think it'll be necessary to do more than once or twice."
>Turning her regard back towards the outpost, Amy scratched tapped a booted hoof idly. On the one hand, high likelihood of gifts and a low likelihood of running into anything bitey.
>Then again, thoroughly searching the ruins would end up to be a time sink to locating the warp gate.
>Fiddling with the Kerbann branch, Amethyst shot Lilamaredre an inquisitive look.
"I'm willing to turn it over, provided we don't end up disturbing whatever's excavating in there, buuut... Would you like to explore a little or should we focus on locating the warp gate? We can always come back here at a later time, after we've found somewhere to take shelter."
>That would be the responsible thing to do.
>Her father did say to find Razorback first, playing explorator could be dangerous before they'd found a place to rest and call home.
>Although, it occurred to Amy the Lila already had a home here, maybe she'd prefer to look into that first and foremost. Under her assumed identity that is.

>>391291
>Opening 49 new directories on Dynasty Era experiments, the last three freeze before self-deleting.
>Eyebrows raising, a suspicious digital gaze snaps from you to herself, checking out her own avatar in subdued annoyance.
'Irrelevant lockout cycle. Attempting to ensure data integrity, five minutes please. In the meantime-'
>Displaying the pinata form as a 2D image in her left hand, the right holds up a newly recompiled folder.
'Removal completed. That particular avatar will be transferred to the prototype. Final assessments regarding the prototype's unusual logic cycles: commonly presented equine behaviors and social mannerisms directly equivalent, adjacent, or near-similar to human versions have been successfully integrated.
No, I shall not be using certain puns unless physically necessary.
Human/Pony Relations suffice to provide constructive interspecies communication in lieu of direct acclimation, extending beyond specific language barriers. Contextual, physical, and vocal cues, including a number of differing mood states between species, have been added to the nineteen basic dissertations regarding this topic. Previously corrupted, lost, and missing data has been restored.
When a difficult negotiation scenario or situation presents itself, I should be able to adequately guide you through such.'
>Politely smirking, 'Shiibo' flourishes a wide, long, shallow steel pan in both hands, the contents, a variety of cookies disguised as files, were covered in tastefully italicized REDACTED stickers.. which weren't hiding much with 20% transparency.
'I (now) offer databases which are pathways to (horse) powers that some (humans) would consider unnatural.'

>The faux-earth mare's face flattens in surprise, then both ears flop down, wiggling in tandem before twitching spastically.
"You best welcome! Dul... feel this. Dul like. It feel good."
>Avatar disappearing, a large, highly advanced recording system takes her place along with text on top of both screens.
YES. PERFECT.
>Swinging back and forth in the chair slowly, Lonestar places the left hand on his forehead, muttering at internal monitors disconnecting from his view.
"Mind if I know what you're doing?"
RECORDING EACH AND EVERY LAST PRECISE DETAIL DOWN TO THE NANOMETER.
"Of what? And why?"
SCIENTIFIC. PROGRESS.
"...I don't feel that's the case, but, fine? Just nothing weird, please."

>Definitely enjoying the continued adoration, the Siren inhales in a deep, rumbling marener that was closer to an earth pony, eyelids drifting down into half-closed state.
>The motions were, at the least, mildly calming to you, though the former naval officer was trying to find some sort of zen that didn't involve staring.
[1d6 = 6] <Language Adaption
[1d6+1 = (5+1) = 6] <Tallus Acclimation
[1d6+1 = (5+1) = 6] <Vortex Adapt: Tallus

>Returning to her previous tasks, except creating as many backup files and folders as possible, 'Shiibo' raises both hands, fingers interlocking together, both thumbs on chin.
'Understood, encountering significant difficulties clarifying further. This is an excellent time to unwind. And I am not jealous.'

>Spending the next ten minutes playing host to Dul, whom was returning to her prior semisolid state in a satisfied near-doze, small wings are heard in the passenger compartment, followed by the driver side hatch unlocking, opening, then closing after light boot impacts.
>Digging into bags for a minute, Katyal pacing into the pilot cabin and stopping at the center displays, a pair of medium sized, light red military plastic cases under her left arm.
>Taking a minute to survey while Nibbles bounces in, climbing up her back to perch on the right shoulder, the woman's right hand lifts, pointing at the southernmost three sections, then one on the southwest.
"There. Threads connected to both of you starting in those, and somewhere around there as well. Can't feel much from them and won't be able to attempt more until Midneight.
Got some toys to pass around, blew about a tenth of my chips for them. Nifty windproof lighters for both of you, extra cans are in my bag. Fuckload of explosives in my bags.. Take what you both want once I'm done figuring out which is getting placed or set where. Diamond cased ones are mine though."
>Stepping over to hand one case to Lonestar and a small object, then the second to you, a hurricane lighter is lifted out from a side pocket.
"Might not be what either of you are used to, but use them anyway. Should be a few empty trash bags inside each.
There's some.. distant family inside. Soon to be dead ones. Until Hodch is informed and ready, it's time to chill."
>Pulling the Melari into her arms, a stony expression is given before turning on heel, walking back into the passenger compartment.
>Flicking the lighter's lid open and clicking it on, Lone's eyebrows raise at the jets before placing that in a side pocket, then pops the case lid open, whistling quietly.
"Talk about living luxuriously."

>Little over half an hour later, rough, dry coughing occurs, the stallion's voice dazed, and for once, highly confused.
"Luna's hooves, what is this taste? ....am not drinking that much with Gemflower ever again..... probably shouldn't have eaten her out six ti-"
>External audio shut off, the avatar's arms raise in non-threatening 'cease' motions.
'Oh dear. My utmost and sincerest apologies, sir. A catastrophic and wholly unpreventable malfunction has occurred with my recording functions, beginning fifteen seconds prior to now. Ah, there it is: the reset button. Of a purely digital nature, typical. Now resuming.'

*"Y'know, there's times when ponies truly, completely, and thoroughly make me want to laugh myself to death. This is close to being one."*
*"What, you jealous he woke up from one of the best possible dreams?"*
*"Are you serious or do I have to figure out how to get a Lunar court to charge you with torture?"*
*"Sorry Captain, he gave her all he got and it still wasn't enough!"*
*"Please let me die in peace."*
*"Is that an option you deserve?"*

>>391385
>Giving Shiibo a mixed look of mild disgust and slight guilt, he replies:
'I can only fully unwind when the operation is successfully completed. And I haven't had time to secure you a body frame yet, I'm sorry. But please don't be weird about your observations of my interactions with alien species.'

>Seating himself on one of the two rearward crash seats, he attempts to clear his mind in anticipation of the next upcoming phase of the operation whether Katyal manages to find any links or not.
>Hearing Nibbles and then seeing the side hatch hiss open, he looks up at Katyal as she points to the Dynasty period dome on the display screen.
"Firm links, without a doubt?"
>The subtle hint of relief in his voice is soon replaced with a clear questioning tone as Katyal mentions explosives he may not be used to.
"Explosives? Are you anticipating hostilities with that entire City-State?
>Flipping open the newly acquired lighter briefly, he stows it in his vest pocket.
"If we can't retrieve Spiral diplomatically, I don't see how we can achieve it safely at all. There are no indications of his psychological state nor what was said for him to end up in there. Even if we can bypass their numerical and combat superiority, Spiral's stability may be contingent on factors only they have access to."
>Checking over the contents of the case handed over to him, he turns to Lonestar as Katyal heads off to the passenger bay.
"Do you know what she meant by 'distant family'?"

>Sighing audibly in disappointment as he hears Hodch awaken from a decidedly lewd dream, he closes his eyes in grateful repose as Shiibo cuts the audio feed.
'Thank you. Another thing I didn't need to hear.'
>Pressing his gloved palms against the tops of his thighs, he stands and heads into the rear compartment. Moving to refill his water canteens and grab a light snack from the stockpile, he observes the unicorn.
"Katyal and Dul saved your life via experimental surgery. You should pull yourself together and provide input on our options when you're ready, since we've arrived at the now restored City."
>After gathering up his food and water, he takes the opportunity to fully unsheathe Four Storms Flow Together, taking advantage of the additional space in the compartment.
"And thank you for forging this for me. Dul retrieved it while you were recovering. All I need now is to correct errors in the weapon I made, and my arsenal will be at full readiness."

>>391295
"We would have set first and third off by now if they were still active. May be a historian or similar, should leave them alone. And without seeking permission we may be trespassing."
>Thinking the matter over carefully, Lila surveys the roll of puppets briefly before pointing the right outermost primary at a select few.
"Only you five answer this questions: outposts are a type of fortification, correct?"
"Yes."
"Of course."
"Sometimes."
"YEZ."
"Nnnnno. Not all outposts qualify as a form or type of fortification. Simply placing random weapons at random locations does not count."
>Ears twitching at the second to last one, she stops to peer at the smooth voiced spiky head.
"You're technically correct, which is the best kind of correct. What is unusual about it?"
"It was clearly built by ground based horses living with winged horses."
"Why would there be high landings and perches in a desert region?"
"What are the cables for? This is neither depot nor transport hub."
"Dere'z dif'rent orkitect stylez. Dem iz round, dem iz square."
"Indeed. The ground level entrance appears normal. Upper levels are a variety of circular entrance-exits, which do not fit with standard pony structural styles."
>The temporarily chosen cease, including the pegasus whom squints upwards and absently rubs the back of her neck in thought.
>She didn't notice her mane bristling.
"...those are all odd. "
>Lilamaredre shrugs before taking another sharp, deep inhale, expanding the sphere of frozen air greatly while her mane, coat, and tail brighten into dull red.
"Ahhh, finally starting to feel comfortable. Will have to create Elemental metal shortly though.... the second, Amy. You will need water, ice, and coldstones soon.
I think it best to search for Razorback in either one of the large Saddle Arabian cities, then in the Crystal Empire given your dam and sire's knowledge. Somepony will surely trade for knowledge of one's whereabouts. Shall we leave?"

>Turning towards the sand markings, the other filly aligns herself with the central line, shuffling in small motions, then strides forwards at what she took to be the proper angle.
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <B.Scouting
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]

>>391406
>Arms spreading wide, the avatar's expression becomes abashed, losing the jealousy in favor of a rigorously analytic aptitude.
>Which was now correctly jealous in a logically reasonable manner.
'I am perfectly aware of resource limitations. Those have been previously addressed and present no future difficulties. And my apologies sir, I was <9.5% serious. Yet, how can I not be a little weird? The mere existence of a single non-hostile being from a confirmed Plane of existence has enhanced my capability to derive information. Prior speculative theoreticals are now solid, factual data.
No transmissible factors from an environment which cannot be contaminated by human social interferences, cultural influences, or diseases? Conceptual energy beings with a capacity to inherit information and translate to a fully functional physical state on a direct basis of perception? The technical information alone presents an immense benefit to social projections, even if usage, analysis, or acclimation are not possible.'
>Retrieving the sheet once again, she presents it in both hands without the stickers, a variety of equine assistance applications based on species, sex, and faction, eyebrows raised in slight challenge.
'To clarify: there are 19 humans within Razorback which are functional enough to begin the process of acclimation into an equine belief system, order, cult, or other. You will not need to do so with these, allowing far greater flexibility than most.'

"Yep. Bunch of them at both of you, one towards Hodch. That last one is angry."
>Spreading out canisters and boxes on the crash seat behind the gunner-operator station, Katyal whistles in a low tone once.
"For me, yes. I'm an outsider to Equestria, remember? Nice, pins are glued in."
>Removing explosives from their packaging for proper inspections, she pauses to give a sharp, irritated exhale, one that might as well have been from an earth mare.
"Look, those thoughtforms are coming from INSIDE that place, majority towards the navy man, rest at you. What I don't know is who those are from, why, and when."
>Picking through the case's contents, Lone lifts up a bottle of expensive soapless shampoo, then individual packages of skin wipes.
"Yeah, I do. Who and what we are as individuals becomes an alignment towards certain Elements. For me those are water, certain metals, and... well, radiation. Closest approximation of the last one is offensive anti-elementals. Most of Razorback is Lunar as well, so that puts us at odds with Solars and a few others. At some point you start acting and feeling like them, making similar choices, sharing thoughts too.
Sometimes we run across an individual that might as well be family. The bad kind. Never met them before, but all you know is hate. The only course of action is to kill 'em. It's happened to some of us a few times.
Unscented, huh. Why didn't I think of bringing something like this?"

>Bowing partially, the avatar creates a new folder dedicated to the Reservist.. a long password protected one.

>On his left side still, groggy, thoroughly glass eyed, having been recently washed and brushed as well, Hodch was trying to roll onto his chest.
>Giving up after two pathetic attempts, dull eyes rotate about in odd, quick sequences before blinking, color returning quickly.
"They did what. We are where."
'Those are not questions. As per unicorn behavioral indicators I suggest not inv-'
>Rolling over and nearly bouncing up to stand, the deep purple stallion's left eye spasms once.
>Facepalming, the 'HP/R Assistance: Lunar Equestria Unicorns' app is opened, pointed at, and read out while Hodch stares, the mixture of raw emotions causing your skin to crawl.
'Similar to Crystal ponies, unicorns must not be informed of shocking events or vital information, particularly injuries or deaths of others, without easing them into a properly self-protected mindset. Doing so will result i-'
"You can stop reading."
>Flatlining at the unexpected interruption, then checking to ensure she hadn't been using the Landbarge II's speakers, or the external, one hoof raises to twitch dismissively.
"You are sincerely welcome. Also, I have recently experienced mass scale exposure to Lightning of four particular natures which has diminished little in the however long I've been sleeping. What is electricity, Shiibo?"
'...in its most basic application, a form of highly metered, low scale Lightning.'
"Correct. Unless I happen to discharge this amount soon, I would suggest choosing your words carefully. I am not most unicorns."
>Kicking out legs starting from fore left, then performing a downward stretch, he gazes up at Katyal holding a middle finger out while inspecting claymores.
"And filly you too."
"Far too late for that dude. I might have to meet that mare sometime soon."
"I will gladly introduce you to her."
"Weirdo."
>Head shaking with a crude smile, he strolls off the chair onto a flat pane of near-moonlight, dropping down onto the floor swiftly.
>Turning about to survey the expanded halberd briefly, Hodch offers a short nod.
"Appears as I left it. Not the best possible though it will have to do. I am aware of a number whom may be able to further refine and solidify the design, though they are generally unavailable without sending a request in advance for their services.
Have you tested the functions yet? I should also mention swapping the head interface is performed similarly to enacting most enchantments."

"These are ready."
>Finished with the explosives, Katyal grabs her hygiege kit, opens it, then begins stripping down.
"What are y-"
"Don't have to watch and I don't care if you do. After all, I'm way too old for your tastes."
"Hmf. Mares.."
"Stallions!"

>Less shaken and more curious at the Lightning bandwidths emanating from Hodch, 'Shiibo' twitches.
'One last try, I suppose.'
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <E.Electronic Warfare
[1d6+4
[1d6+4
[1d6+9 = (2+9) = 11] <ExoTech Optronic Particle Scanner
[1d6+9 = (4+9) = 13]
[1d6+9 = (5+9) = 14]
[1d6+9 = (1+9) = 10]
[1d6+10 = (3+10) = 13] <Landbarge II Electronic Warfare Array
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14]
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16]
[1d6+10 = (1+10) = 11]

>>391426
>Shifting to a bemused expression, he raises his metaphorical hands in defeat.
'Alright. Fair. But just to be clear, I said they were less susceptible, not that they cannot be contaminated. Their culture and mode of existence are initially assessed to be more resistant, but I'll need further assessment and examples before a complete risk determination can be concluded.'
>He then skims the sheet of presented options.
'Would rather no further humans integrate without an established surveillance and enforcement Committee network, but I understand.'

>Tapping his fist against thigh, he chides himself as Katyal steps out.
(Right. Need to differentiate more thoroughly. All these acclimated types are not the same. And Saddle Arabian practices are not Equestrian. An angry line towards Hodch sounds likely to be Spiral... )
>Lonestar's description of an apparent alignment system adds another element of concern to the operative's already long list as he waits for Hodch to awaken.
'Note: Tallus based Elemental and Factional alignment system shown to have psychological and behavioral effects with extended exposure to specific norms and mores. Effects include potential fatal aggression towards polar alignment.'
>Checking over the case provided to him and finding it to be filled with premium skincare and personal hygiene products, he shrugs and closes the box.
"This level of quality is not strictly necessary. Can Elemarentals even smell chemical odors?"
>Taking it with him, he would stow it in his passenger locker.

>Caught equally as off guard as Shiibo to Hodch's apparent ability to hear her spoken words inside his helmet, Pareidolia minimizes the HP/R app's Lunar Unicorn's window to stare at Hodch.
>Sneaking a glance at Shiibo's avatar display then flicking towards Hodch, he slowly mouths the words:
[Well. Good to know.]
>Polearm still in hand, he slowly brings it to a neutral grip stance as Hodch pointedly demonstrates his pride to all parties present.
"No, I haven't. But I was referring to graviton emitter I had formed the last time we were in the Storm King's Room, to be clear. If there is time, I'd like to return there and redress the errors I'd made with it."

>He glances over towards Katyal with disinterest as she begins using her recently acquired personal sundries before turning back to look at his Four Storms. Taking Hodch's suggestion, he begins shifting between the various weapon head configurations while swapping between overheard high guard and thumbs forward low thrust stances to test its functionality.
>Once satisfied, he would move to follow Hodch.

>>391440
'Several Operators have attempted to visit certain Planes; they cannot adapt to living within or being upon one for long. Native beings find the experience disorienting or disjointing, often both. One cannot contaminate what is unable to be accepted, comprehended, or does not exist in a similar state.'
>Paging through a host of files from 'Tipper', the avatar's eyebrows furrow.
'The Era Lock's nature is bizarre and may make it impossible for further Committee involvement. Not only that, there are clear indicators of numerous high ranking and distinctly noble Lunar individuals among Razorback. Their only preference is to solely operate in a decentralized fashion directly under Princess Luna.. in a rather managed albeit strange fashion. Suggesting otherwise will invoke the curse of a silverine skinned equine, sir.
In sum: would you prefer to be Herakles, Sisyphus, Achilles, or Perseus?'

>Perusing another of the prototypes archives, the avatar shrugs after a bit of searching.
'Hm. You are primarily Lightning, Lunar, and what else? Lonestar would be your elemental opposite, yet shows neither bias or aggression towards you. The Lunar alignment may prevents blue-on-blue, though that would only be a marginal, possibly single digit factor.
And I do not think he is referring to humans turning against each other, though I will search records for possible indicators. Later, however.'

>Setting out three packets and two bottles, the older man snorts, bemused at the question before removing his jacket.
"Nope. The Spirals had an awful time scenting anything that wasn't within their own element or opposite ones.
Still should clean up some. I didn't even get a shower last night."

>Nude aside from black silk bra and panties, Katyal turns around, heavily muscled left arm raising and forefinger pointing at you, the motion heavily threatening.
"And spend MORE time waiting? Hodch, you wanna pull my memory of the past hour?"
"No, as a matter of fact I most certainly do not want to. While I would prefer to read, sometimes a formal report is more cohesive.
As for which I can trust to remai-"
"We've already spent over a full cycle getting here, not to mention we're now trespassing in Rebirth's territory! Exactly how important are those 'errors'? Because if they're something you absolutely can't live without correcting when THAT-"
>Pointing towards the front cabin and snarling, her expression now rigidly equine.
"Is RIGHT THERE, you should've paid more attention in the first place!"
>Taking a half-step backwards, Hodch gazes at the woman in solemnly, ears flat in dismayed fear.
"What has made you this worked up, and why?"
"What hasn't?! First the crazy rush to get here, blowing through a Fold Region, treating you being close to dead for over two hours, but only now someone wants to sit on his hands waiting for every single piece of information possible! We've got more than enough to act on, so every second we're talking instead of getting in there is a dangerous waste of time!
You can either go up front and have Lone run through what we've seen so far, or I'm going to finish cleaning myself and run into that fucking lab solo! Pick an option and do it quickly!"

>Shifting from side to side in clear, deeply rooted unease, the deep purple stallion exhales silently as Katyal insistently scrubs herself down, head low and turning to plod into the pilot cabin, muttering under his breath quietly.
"Should have brought somepony that wasn't dead to begin with-"

>Easily translating into functions, the halberd's neon yellow head exchanges near-instantly based on trigger words, key urgings, and thought based transmission.
>Varying the weapon's length and width using much the same process as enchantments did, its weightlessness aids in finding comfortable grips, which you noticed wasn't possible to remove without stressing the material of both gloves.

>Closing the previous app and several more, 'Shiibo' blinks, tuning you in stark concern.
'....several logical points, the rest are emotionally based on highly altered classical earth pony behaviors. Are the flaws so severe that you cannot utilize the weapon properly or effectively? If so, state such directly to her. It would be unreasonable and highly irrational to anger her considering the tim eframe.'
>Sifting through repeating data in her displays, the right hand lifts, palm up with a sour expression.
'Neither the Rerculon nor I have further noteworthy information to offer. The interferences alone are extreme and we are incapable of completely removing all compounding factors. These arrays were not designed to function on land; too many variables to account for compared to highly radioactive seawater or open air.'

>>391447
>Pareidolia sighs with disappointment and shakes his head.
'The first and foremost method by which the Committee governs is through people. Individual wills backed by particular networks of like minded people, positioned in structures economic, political, social, for the conveyance of an agreed upon ideal. Literal technological apparatus from Earth is only one possible form. Part of the goal of this entire Protocol is to create an equivalent apparatus to oversee and manage human contact with all alien species in this world. Greek myths should remain as history, while a world where gods will neither be involved with nor be corrupted by man.'
>Offering a pointed stare, he ends the conversation with a final note.
'If Silver finds a prospect of a managed humanity unacceptable, then human history itself is my witness.'

>Katyal's clearly building discontent with the situation and coupled anxiety boils over.
>Taking it as an opportunity to practice his emotional and physiological regulation, while looking over towards her when she points at him, he otherwise finishes his run through of Four Storms without any immediate response towards her.
(It is these moments in the final planning stages before an operation that are the most critical. Unsurprising that a human so thoroughly acclimated with Tallus and mystical to spiritualist pratices would end up so emotionally charged, much like a pony.)
>He replies to Shiibo as he collapses his polearm to its compact yellow cylindrical form.
'The flaws are to do with attracting wrath from psions who witness the weapon. Tentatively non-mission critical, but she clearly disagrees on available time frame for mission approach. And understood, you've gathered what you can.'
>As he Sticks the weapon to his hip, he opens the red military case tucked away in his locker to fish out a few packets of personal wipes.
"My mistake then. It was my understanding that adjustments to conceptual weapons could only be made in or by someone with access to the Storm King's room, which Hodch's subsequent collapse prevented me from pursuing. It draws hostility from any psions that are aware of it. But that can wait. We'll just have to hope no psions take note inside."
>Taking the packets, he moves into the pilot's cabin to seat himself on a rear mounted crash seat. Opening one of the packets, he removes his tactical vest, hanging it off the edge of the seat before zipping down his optical camouflage suit to his waist to begin cleaning his arms, chest, and neck.
>Keeping his helmet donned, he observes the status of Hodch's briefing.

>>391454
'That is what my words were indirectly implying. There are no humans willing to be governed by other humans due to majority Lunar preferences. This world is disorderly by its own nature, and most leaders encourage the same. There is also a high probability the Era Lock is proto-sapient and will do what it can to prevent what it sees as interference, including humans with similar views to yours.
Silver was greatly talented to convince the majority of native species, that much is apparent. However, her attempt at unification could not have succeeded when she committed the unthinkable: forcing order upon others. Her own sisters were fully willing to sacrifice themselves in order to prevent such a degrading status quo.
Do you understand the irony now, sir?'
>Showcasing a list of the more experienced Razorback personnel in percentages of acclimation, the avatar's arms fold.
'What we both see as necessary will be viciously struck against in the same manner her ideals were, particularly by those humans whom have experienced freedom from prior forms of oppression, slavery, or religion. The majority of harm has been done and there is no clear path to achieving success without effectively declaring war against humanity itself. That in itself is remarkable.'

'There are no indications of the unique electromagnetic, Stone, Earth, or Metallic resonances, wavelengths, and signatures of Psions and similar.'
>Retracing background steps to isolate datasets based on earth ponies, 'Shiibo' studies them before shaking her head.
'I do not know if there Gravity Elemarentals. Based on my current Elemental knowledge, I would assume they are capable of significant electromagnetic control and thus able to render themselves invisible in most spectrums. Do you know why hostility is caused?'

"-ow me only complete images and what was said regarding it."
>Sat down in the middle technician seat, Hodch glances left to eye you quickly, then sits back to review the completed renderings, conversations regarding the ruins, Elements, Elemarentals, particle states, Cores, and Katyal.
>Silent for a little over 8 minutes, the stallion snorts while Lonestar swivels towards him, running shampoo into his hair.
"Cadence was highly reluctant to allow the College and Underground access here in the first place, even under strict supervision. Six Spireguard, ten Unicorn Guard, and two unknowns in heavy ExoFrames. We were not allowed to speak to them, and I have the basics of a theory as to why."
"What's that, and what would she do now?"
"Not enough to consider. And other than drop few thousand tons of Rime on us? I do not know enough to speculate what her actions may be."
>Sensing a sharp mood shift in the air, the unicorn's voice drops into a low, grating timbre.
"You should have made the decision to enter the nanosecond Spiral's presence was confirmed, loose or not. If you do not yet think like a pony, then this phrase will serve you well: do not think, [i]act[/i. Even if your choice is wrong, you will at minimum have not wasted time.
I only allow students fuck up twice. Starborn get two chances. Do not screw up more than three."

>Turning away from Hodch, the older man reaches out to set the screens to a forward view, the restored structure relatively small in the distance.
*"Kat, you done?"*

"Getting dressed and tossing my shit together-"
[1d6 = 2] <Mindscape: Control

>>391419
>Taking in the discourse as to the nature of the outpost, Amethyst ventured a thought of her own.
"We could always ask the Saddle Arabians about it, maybe it was abandoned for good reason? They might know more and we could plan accordingly if we decide to come back here to loot the pl- I mean see if there are any gifts unattended!"
>She forced herself to not smile so eagerly at the prospect of theft. Amy did not succeed.
>Giving the outpost another searching glance from where she stood, the ipotane attempted to dredge up anything she had read in her parent's journals, heard from Avernus or from the various Shades and Half Shades about what this outpost could have been for.

[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] < Senior Saddle Arabia
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]

>Perhaps it had been a waystation for Pegasi? Ferron migration route maybe. That would explain why it had been built with Pegasian conveniences, and it would make sense considering how dangerous it could be to fly across desert distances without proper supplies.
>To say nothing of the kind of bitey things that lurked in the sands.
>That would have to mean it predated the contemporary means of travel such as warp gates and translocation matrices, but if she were remembering right, both of those were ancient enough that an abandoned outpost such as this ought to have crumbled to dust long ago.
>It was a mystery.
>Lila reminding her of her need for cold brought her back to her senses. The gifts would have to be fantastic indeed to justify remaining in these temperatures.
>The loot is all yours this time Excavator!
"Alrighty, then!~"
>Tugging at the rope affixed to her waist, she set off after Lilamaredre.

>>391458
"Perhaps later, and only if we can acquire honorable rights of salvage. I would prefer to avoid diplomatic incidents-"
"Like that one?"
"Which?"
"HIppity clippity cloppity,"
"That baked rear spot is now,"
"Lilamaredre's property!"
>Tempted to groan at the Imperials for their amusing A-B-A song, she decides to bite several feathers and snort instead.
"Mmf."

>Drawing on deep amounts of shared knowledge.. some of it was fuzzy from lazing around on Kerbann, in walls, piled under Shades, Legion, and several hundred more sources.
>Naptime was too important to miss, after all!
>Recalling some of the more clear lessons from Avernus, Saddle Arabia hosted a fair amount of thriving Harpy Colonies, native, Otherworld, Planar, and Extra-Planar were usually equal in number.
>The majority had scattered across larger cities and were rather fond of high locations to wait out uncommon sandstorms, particularly Eyries or larger version of pegasi towers, greatly enjoying rather peaceful lives among Saddle Arabians during the Middle Dynasty.
>Excluding natives, the rest believed or assumed touching ground not set aside for them was sacrilege and had to be invited to do so.
>Saddle Arabians were usually Mystics, and over half were capable of Earth or Stone Sorceries; one in each herd usually had excellent skill in stoneshaping or similar.
>Comparing the structure to somewhat faint memories involving structural styles, the upper sections were rounded stairwells, with some internal storage of course, lead to larger than normal landing and takeoff platforms.
>This definitely wasn't a depot, featuring more observational aspects than usual, and was likely somewhere near the Great Sands region.
>Ferron rarely journeyed into Saddle Arabia during the Middle Dynasty due to disliking deserts, greatly preferring Neighsia for the food, gem trade, and unusual materials, and would definitely not have utilized circular entrances.
>Why was a question that you didn't have answers to.
>Settling on the platforms likely being for the Otherworld and Extra-Planar species, the intact steel-like cables could have been produced by either, though you couldn't think of what they were at the momarent.
>The outpost's stone walls had withstood extremely harsh weather for quite some time, yet you couldn't tell how long, remaining intact solely due to inscribed mystic glyphs.
>Peering at the same closer, you recognized them to be a Pre-Modern variation, developed some time in the Middle Dynasty's early stages as a compositing of all non-native Harpy languages, mostly to prevent confusion, and partly due to the vast number of sub-dialects.
>Which you couldn't read.

>Halted long enough to melt a full hoof into sand, Lila's ears were swiveled back, twitching in the slight breeze.
>Stepping out of the holes into a light half-trot, she was angled left at 145 degrees from the burned in markings, wings partially outstretched and feathers beginning to glisten.
"Let me know when you become too warm so I can absorb, and I will need to store Elemental metal soon rather than leave traces."
[1d100 = 4] <Travel Time

>>391457
'I understand why you would think the irony is applicable. But we're not here to rule by conquest. The nuance of the Committee's, of my conclusions are not at odds with Tallus. It doesn't need to be forced. I am certain there is a way to implement it consensually for the mutual benefit of Tallus and every being on it. A safe, fair integration. Not a shifting of status quo.'
>Closing his eyes briefly, he allows himself a moment of neutral reflection.
'You are correct it is remarkable. But humanity has always been at war with itself. So far, I've seen no victories here.'

>Only answering Shiibo's query after he had seated himself, he leans forward to being systematically wiping down his shoulders.
'It was an error in concept, I wanted to make the emitted graviton immune to interference by psionics. Mistranslated into viewing the weapon as inherently threatening.'
>Finishing up his upper body, he slots the crumpled used wipes into one of the now empty packs. Opening another, he somewhat laboriously removes his legs from his suit to clean them. Hodch's shift in tone triggers a twinge of annoyance to cross Pareidolia's face as he works.
(Practically absurd logic from equines with superior physiques and nothing to lose. Is it a sign of their higher worth than humans that they're so ready to die for their own against insane odds?)
>He speaks up with a tone somewhere between begrudging apology and annoyance.
"Then I apologize for being cowed by the gulf of power presented by the Late Dynasty's restored megastructure in the face of what we have. Actions have only ever taught that my confidence is misplaced when it comes to the unknown in this world."
>His legs now suitably cleaned, he pulls his suit back over his limbs before taking a final wipe in hand. Lifting his helmet upwards enough for his mouth to be visible, he reaches into the gap to wipe down his face.

>>391459
"M'kay."
>The filly snickered at the Imperials bullying Lila for her tendency to melt sand into glass imprints.

>Thinking back onto the puzzle of finding Razorback, Amethyst considered what she knew from her father's teachings. While he had known where it was, that was no guarantee of where it could be now.

[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] < Senior Razorback (pre-Jewely 29,996)
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]

>Assuming, of course, it even existed still. She had no idea what to do if that were the case, he'd left all of his writings with them, and without them it would be difficult to reconstruct his work.
>Amy sighed.
>She didn't understand much why, but it had been very important to him. No matter the case, it was more lore for her to collect.

"I'm okay for now, but there is a lot of Fire here, like, lots and lots and lots of it."
>That wasn't exactly surprising though, being a desert and all. Once it turned to night there'd be less Fire beating down at least, but that would take a while.
>Thrumming her fingers along her kerbann stick, Taldeer's little puppet arms joining, she extended her feelings to sense the energies coursing through it and around them, just to check again.

[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] < B. Sorcery
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]

"Yup, mostly Fire in this thing. If this takes very long it'll fill to capacity with it! As for Elemental metal... I think I have some in my collection..."
>She cast a glance over her shoulder at the sleds, though she was loathe to part with any of it, if it was for Lila then that was a good cause.
"Would any of that do?"

>>391217

>Clemency is astonished they didn't know about the large battle above them
>All the bombs, energy, and chaos would have been felt
>Just how deep underground are they?
("Well, there's plenty of damage done to the village itself, and there are casualties and deaths. Maybe construction and medicines can help.")

>Ah right
>That decontamination protocol
>The exposure to the energies of the battle could have done it then
>Better comply with the decon then, don't need anymore problems on top of everything

>Clemency chuckled at the idea of the Guillotine mentioning instructions
>As if the harpy craft also came with it's own instruction manual and flight checklist
*"I'm about to head back in a second. We'll see what we can find."*
>Plus, that cultist should still be trying to help too unless she left

>Clemency nods at the delivery mare
"Much appreciated, thank you."
>Taking a few extra moments to relax, Clemency gets up and starts to head to the gunship
>On the way though, it occurred to him about that small moment with Blackhorn
>Rather, why it felt soothing
>...
>Let's just keep the weapon 'maintenance' to essentially 'mental petting'
>On the way, he does see how the village is recovering, especially with the markets now open

>When reaching the gunship, Clemency calls out to Stellar Claw
"I'm back, hopefully you got your supplies in the meantime. The mirror would take a bit longer to deliver and I'll get contacted. So, any news?"
>Looking at the gunship, he tries to look inside before turning back to Stellar Claw
"Oh, the Guillotine said this thing is safe to enter. Just don't touch the weapons."
>With that, Clemency goes inside the vessel

>>391460
'There are only two individuals whom may be capable of accepting and sharing such a view: Doctor Tipper, listed as missing last night, and-"
>Switching to a locked compartmentalization state, the slightly fuzzier avatar remains still.
'Pre-Elemarental Marquis du Spiral Disclosure had formed well developed measures to carefully integrate humans into three factions. Lunar primary, Independent secondary. Former Dynastic territories of high integration potential were tertiary. Spiral mentioned dozens of outposts, villages, towns, cities, temples, and small city-states which are little known to modern Tallus.'
>Returning to standard functionality, an eyebrow raises as the other lowers.
'Achilles it is. Contingency plans in the works sir, and that should be addressed at a later time.'

"Don't apologize, my words were specifically meant towards one of the three most experienced and best traveled squad leaders of Razorback."
>Scanning through the entire schematic of both hemispheres while Lonestar slouches out of sight, Hodch emits a faintly impressed noise.
"No turrets, engrammatic scatterpack explosives, Elemental traps, cluster munitions at strategic locations, sentinels, artificial or otherwise, or alarms of note. There isn't a single defense or offensive measure here. Even an individual of sufficient high functioning paranoia should have realized this to be an open invitation, either that or house calls are simply few and far between.
That rather vast number of Elemarentals will remain peaceful until threatened, and as they had no issues dealing with a certain threat-"
>Coldly staring at the central plate housing.
"I see no problems. Other than potentially angering whomever took the time to restore this location, that is. That will be my duty if or when necessary, but since I did not have the time to locate an intact corpse to create a servant from, I will simply have to make do. Perhaps a giant silver pinata would be fitting..."

>Zipping a bag in the rear and reasonably less furious now, Katyal pokes her head into the pilot's side.
"Done yet you hoof touching fiend?"
"Close to, yes. Finished?"
"Yeah, got as much ammo and skullknockers as I can carry. I'll be going Blind on the roof soon as these two are done. Pare, Lone, grab whatever goes boom that you like the most. No manabombs though, I called dibs first!"
>Giving a firm glance to both sides, the stallion merely shakes his head, then points at the western hemisphere entrance.
"Once both of you are fully prepared, we will enter from there. The Elemarentals likely do not approach to begin with, though I would greatly prefer this vehicle remains difficult to identify. Lone?"
>Checking himself once and tossing the kit back together, the older man shrugs, turning to set up the pilot's seat controls.
"Got what I need already. Course plo-"
>Snapping a waspish glare at Katyal starting to grin, he offers the right middle finger before taking the piloting sticks in hand, the tiniest degree of movement taking place before the Landbarge drifts sideways, then straight.
"West side incoming."
[1d6+10 = (1+10) = 11] <Combat Speed
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14]
[1d6+10 = (2+10) = 12]
[1d6+10 = (2+10) = 12]

>>391563
>During his exploratory travels across Tallus, Umakachov mentioned staying in the Empire fairly often, though had to be careful due to a certain human with an ancient name whom caused a rather nasty incident involving a burnout, then stealing from three Imperial mares.
>Under half of Razorback was accepted there, and a few often spent considerable time there at an unusual bar that faced three corners.
>You had memorized a well made map of where Razorback Fortress was located in the New Everfree, though the confusing series of railways leading to it would take more than two weeks if leaving the Crystal Empire on a standard passenger train.
>High speed freight, smaller VIP or diplomatic trains, and a few custom ones made by Imperials would be far quicker, though your dam had little knowledge of the last versions.
>During its renovation, a newer style portal stone had been switched for a somewhat newer, refurbished translocation matrice, one which was explicitly set to only accept known individuals, while arrivals had to be cleared one at a time.
>He'd learned the older varieties could be fool into engrammatically accepting an individual if key harmonics or resonances fit their bodily sequence.
>According to transcripts from both, two other locations were frequented by Razorback:
>Lunar Village #293, south of the Everfree quite a distance, was home to a large number of marefriends, also having three teams of dedicated Operators effectively stationed there.
>Gryphon Vale and Anfang, in the northwestern Gryphon Kingdoms, known mostly as cultural centers and trade hubs, typically had a single human squad picking up contracts or performing local work.

"Too much for you, all the rest for me!"
>Taking a perfect inhale before grinning, the pegasi's ears whorl around in freezing air, though pauses to examine small traces of bright red forming across her feathers.
"I meant to store it in the sleds. There are a few ingots and a plate, I think, though none are from me. I do not know what shapes it will take as I was never able to produce more than a few tiny drops."

>Passing the Outpost at a comfortable pace, a few traces of older Earth Sorceries were spread throughout the open desert, too old to reasonably calculate a time frame for, and none of the smaller rock formations had been carved on.
>Noting a particular twinge of barely moving, possibly even dysfunctinoal Airstreams, the Warp Gate was off by six degrees, or more, to the right, which Lilamaredre hadn't noticed.
>Correcting her course, the Sun mostly on your back at a steep angle, after four minutes she snorts loudly.
>Incanting a short phrase in archaic pegasi, then ritually sweeping side to side, lastly fanning both wings above her head into an arch, condensed fire streams off the feathers, pooling onto her saddle and remaining there.
[1d100 = 23] <Fire Elemental Formation

>Keeping track of time by each instance, slightly over half an hour is spent remaining mostly frozen while the other filly becomes slightly annoyed at carrying the shifting mass, which was now making her look like an extinguished candle.
>Spotting the top of a rounded, dull sand colored structure in the distance over a small sand dune, an ear flicks towards you as several more become visible.
>Cresting the dune to look down, a fairly large town in wholly unfamiliar architectural styles greets you:
>Technically built in a circle around a giant, bright blue oasis, it was divided into four quarters, four large thoroughfares splitting each apart.
>Wide enough to allow four large carts side by side, pulled by pairs of tall, lanky, and highly tone varied horses.
>Except they weren't physically horses, although they remained close enough to be mistaken for the same.
>Saddles.. on their saddles, a wide range of bronze shoes, often with leg guards, nearly all are covered in desert colored cloaks, a few sporting more noblite versions.
>Unusually, the majority of softer, rounded snouts are partially hidden by sheer veils, possibly not decorative.

"Medium town with a huge oasis. There are hundreds like this that I can remember. Do not recognize any buildings in particular."
>Head swinging about, gold pupils regard you in slight seriousness, swivel back and forth twice, then gazes forwards before starting down the dune.
"Follow me and try not to... be TOO odd."
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8] <B.Scouting
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5]

>>391573
("Hay, check this week's records for materials and alchemicals please, Village got hit hard.")
>Listening to slightly hurried though calm searching for close to a minute, the mare sighs quietly.
("Sorry, we don't have much of either to offer. Alchemicals and medical supplies aren't hoofled here. I'll send requests out for both shortly. ....oh, they found.. one of each. Sending both mirrors up now. Is that all?")

*"Little nae yet, ye grace. Codices within be.... odd. Translation decent. Meanings of Mama's Tone be difficult."*
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <???

>Hearing constant metallic stomps and ringing as you exit Lann's shop, the immediate vicinity was confusingly different:
>What you'd taken to be stalls setting up was instead hundreds of Lumin covered batponies, less than ten percent pegasi, and several unicorns, in more styles than you'd seen in one place.
>Fully sealed mercenary, knight, and a number of the more bubble shaped armors were transporting heavy wood, steel, armored, and darker diamondine crates towards original translocation matrice, specifically avoiding the others.
>Some definitely contained explosives, while others were merely filled with ingots, the majority containing kanpri, notable intermixes, and a peculiar bright red that wasn't immediately familiar to you.
>Unusually there was no chatter, only long lines of deliveries into a brand new looking Lunar armory.
>Others carried standard Lunar Guard armor packages and basic weapons on adjustable mounts; six types of lances, four hoofblades, five hoofclaws, two heavy hoofboots, three wingclaws, and a variety of small tools, most of which were meant for batponies.

>Reaching the gunship, the batmare had retrieved her cloak, the hood mostly down, sitting on the right wing with one record tome in left claws and writing at a quick pace on the first page.
>Pausing to look up and around, Stellar flashes a wide smile, without fangs, left forehoof reaching out to tap the wooden crate.
"I did, thank you! Far more than I can reasonably take more than basic notes on. Take a look."
>Pointing the paper-wrapped charcoal stick towards the silver monolith, a series of projected holographic panels displaying ancient Construct models in exceptionally high resolution, thankfilly now in Common.
>Details regarding weaponry, armor, and capabilities were matched to sets of tactical compositions, from pairs to squadruns, all the way to 1,000 unit Maniples, then into fleet sizes.
>The particular one being shown was profoundly old and unknown to you, a 5' sphere featuring a partially rounded, cat's paw head with four sensor arrays projected rear, two pairs of crab-like, armor shredding claws above and below center center, a fluid-matter kinetic weapon system mounted between the left, some type of heavy canister launcher between the right, and a thick 180 degree exterior ablative shield on the rear facing.
"Have no idea how much of this is useful now, majority of those models haven't been deployed in two millennia. If not more."
>Raising an eyebrow as you walk up the forward swing wing and reach the pilot canopy, she turns partway, placing the stick's covered end on her snout.
"I've tasted most of this, the cases, and that pillar, whatever it is. Need to rename it to something other than monolith later. Anyhow, looks like silver but isn't. I think it's called 'lifeweave' but my knowledge of Harpy is nonexistent. Makes sense they'd give it an honorable name.
Used to be some truly ancient Harpy stuff in the Black Arenas. Weapons, armor, devices, small transport things to fly on. Most of them were still functional, buuuuut some got lost. Again. For probably the thousandth time...."

>Finding no visible opening mechanism around the smoky canopy, and not touching over-under barrels on either side, the small gray panel ahead and below emits a short, soothing hum, followed by a soft, aery voice.
*"Ae behest? Nae, aen offerance? ...knowest not yet."*
>Canopy sliding forwards, then up from what appeared to be aged liquid silver acting like a hinge, it was definite that the average Harpy pilot was well over six feet tall.
>Peering inside, there was indeed a long, shredded seat, with headrest, one that was able to fully sit up or lie down judging by the smooth, hide-like black material.
>Gauging the length to be nearly eight feet when in a fully down position, there were no visible controls.
>The interior had been heavily damaged by an internal explosion, shards of the silver-like material remaining embedded throughout.
>While there were no bloodstains, traces of old Airstreams were still here, deeply bonded throughout the armor, hull, and weapons.
>And refusing to leave.

"What's it look like in there?"
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <E.Research
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]

>>391576
"I vaguely know where Razorback is, it's in the New Everfree... Somewhere, but getting to it on hoof is going to be such a pain, and going by train will take ages. It has a translocation matrix, or at least it should by now, but it won't accept either of us without some sorcerous trickery that I'm certain is beyond my abilities."
>Amethyst sighed and thought the problem over.
"We'll have to make contact through a third party and get somebody's say-so to enter through the matrice, I just hope they remember who dad was."
>It wasn't as if they could flaunt who Lila really was, that would mean putting her at an unreasonable degree of risk.

>Thrumming her fingers along the Stick once more, Amethyst deemed that it was full enough with Fire to transfer to Lila.
>Catching up to the pegasus, she extended the tip of the kerbann forwards to rest lightly on Lilamaredre's withers.
"Boop!"
>She withdrew the Stick just in time to avoid it being engulfed in the fire Lila began, the Kerbann would have been all too eager to reabsorb the energies of Fire again if it had remained in contact.

>Amethyst spent the rest of the time making small course corrections, adjust the rope tether, and ensuring that the sleds were still hovering behind her, silent as they were.
>As they came upon the town, Amethyst couldn't help but set her sights on the varieties of saddles on display by the... Saddle Arabians.
>Is that why they were called that?
>Saddles...
>For riding?
>Mirthfully returning Lila's gaze at her request for the ipotane to not be odd, Amethyst made a series of motions with her hands, the familiar refrain sounding out with some amusement.
"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye! Must needs the abominable crime against nature put her hood up as well?~"
>As she fiddled with the hood, flipping it up and over her head to conceal herself as, one of the puppets might say, like those paranoid Dark Angels, Amy thought back on the warp gate.
>Perhaps the gate lay in the town itself, if so, she should be close enough to get a proper fix on its location from here.

[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] < B. Sorcery
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]

>>391575
>Aggressively running the wipe over his face, Pareidolia's frustration deflates somewhat thanks to Hodch's clarification and the cooling sensation of the cloth though some misgivings remain.
(How is any human supposed to charge in towards this?)
>Exhaling as he lowers his helmet back over his face, he seals his suit and puts his tactical vest rigging back on.
"That's reassuring. I can only hope retrieving Spiral will be as uneventful."

>Standing up as Katyal chimes in, he moves to the rear to examine the remainder of the explosives stockpile she had on offer.
>Sifting through bouncing betties, C4, to find high explosive grenades, he would take 3 of them before leaving his 4 white phosphorous grenades in his locker.
(Will need to remain mobile and Elemental abilities will likely render dispersed chemical clouds ineffective anyhow.)
>After quickly completing his final gear and ammo check, he would return to the front to observe their approach.

>>391580
"I know little of where the New Everfree is in Equestria. Old Everfree less so. I was not a good student... for the most part."
>Smiling after a few seconds of carefully keeping her hooves moving to not leave trails, with a nominally greater amount of maturity than she once had.
"A matrice could be annoying if it is new. There are three, possibly four tricks to fool one into accepting an individual for passage. I may be able to invoke Honored Passage if all else fails, and you should be similar enough to your sire that it could not differentiate easily.
As for Sorcery I am confident you will be able to improve quicker, and there should be some Earth-aligned ponies below. We were rather stifled below, though it may take some time for us to acclimate. It will be slower for me however."

>Vaguely displeased at the Stick being used as a transmission medium, the melting Fire Elemental formation... turns even more melted, now a sloughing, bright red metallic mass covering her saddle, barrel, shoulders, and most of her flanks.
>While the additional volume should have indicated additional weight, the only return you get is a brief, heavily scrunched snout, and amused ear twitches.
>And not-at-all-series, tenth-hearted grumbles, trying to impose some form of rigidity on the wax looking metalloid.
>Which wasn't working.
>.....yet.
[1d100 = 21] <Fire Elemental Formation

>Attempting to solidify the Fire Elemental metal covering more than half of her body, Lilamaredre snorts in loud agreemarent.
"An old yet excellent promise. And no, I think it would be best to show your..."
>Glancing back to check you over five times instead of the usual twice, she blinks, and three more times for good measure, neck swinging forwards, head raising, her wings lift in clear pegasus thinking patterns.
"....ears and tail. They are perhaps your most valuable assets. As such nopony will be able to declare you That Which Shouldn't Be unless they are truly insane."
>Sleds remaining at their maximum distance as you step off the dune, Lila snickers to herself.
"Or incredibly dumb."

>Tasting far greater levels of Mysticism on the city's edge than you were prepared for, the primary aspects were anti-Elemarental along with a decent selection of utilitarian; restoration, sleep, recovery, and peaceful companeigh blended together in harmonious, but not harmonic measures.
>The second defining aspect was a solid, vibrant Earth Sorcery encompassing the entire town; bone-deep thrums of resiliency, protection, and honorable destruction were felt across twelve directions, which you realize were the poorly explained thirty degree sections your dam relied upon to travel.
>Locating the Warp Gate far ahead, north of a bright, crisp, huge, albeit WARM amount of water.
>Between a small number of crystalline imprints and Ice scattered around the oasis, there were also a number of potent anti-Elemental forces, vaguely in the shape of an orb, though you couldn't see what was creating them, or the subdued, echoing finality set within each.

>Reaching the west thoroughfare, your hooves making appreciable tink sounds, few of the unhindered Saddle Arabians spend more than two seconds appraising you, before returning to their focus.
>Physically distant as the rather tall, amusingly dressed ponies were, marentally they displayed no offense, insult, disgust, or alarm, regarding you with calm, clean, yet thoroughly ingratiated mareners.

>Gazing at individual stalls or stands placed in front of two level houses, Lilamaredre slows enough for you to catch up, resuming a comfortable walking pace once on your left.
"Desert, tropical, jungle, small amount of river, delta, and ocean foods. Majority vegetarian, small amount of milk; no seafood. Lots of stone, tiny amounts of gems, raw ore, refined metals. Only recognize a hooffull of each. Some bronzite and braeltra too. Lot of clothing, cloth bolts. A few mystical wards, possibly, but I do not recognize much."
>Taking a marginal inhale this time, the temperature around 50 Marenheit in a small sphere around you, she offers a small frown.
"There is little to help us out, and I cannot keep you cooler than this while we are here, the... I believe they call themselves Nags, do not like cold temperatures in the slightest.
Have you been able to identify the Warp Gate?"
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <B.Scouting
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]

>>391583
>Amethyst returned Lila's stare silently with one of her own as she was examined.
>Show her what?
>Oh her ears. It wasn't as if she could hide the tail anyway.
"Oh."
>Removing her hood again, Amy shook her hair back out and twitched her ears back into their relaxed stance. Or at least she tried, the ipotane wasn't encouraged by the chance she could be deemed a thing that shouldn't exist.
>What could she even do if she was? She wasn't exactly a fast runner, couldn't hide to save her life.
>Suddenly the town before them seemed very threatening.

>Following along, Amy did attempt to keep her weirdness in check, removing the Taldeer puppet and returning her to the strip with the others.
>Though, however in the world her hooves were still making their typical melodious tinks through the hoofboots was a mystery to her, and she had no idea how to stop it.
>The Saddle Arabians at least seemed friendly, in an aloof kind of way, yet according to her parents that was the norm. A good sign.
"It's okay, this temperature is fine. For the Warp Gate, I scanned again before we entered town. It's north of us, near lots of water mingled with trace amounts Fire, you'll love it."
>Amy indicated the direction with her Stick a little with a grin.

>>391582
>Rolling forwards to hop off the central seat, Hodch kicks his hooves out before returning to the passenger compartment.
"Only a single option is possible: success. After all, there is one whom has been searching far longer. Lone, screens please."
>Waiting for the filaments to retract upwards, the deep purple unicorn reaches the left forehoof out straight, tapping twice, once, then three times, a static flicker elongating into an exceptionally long, thick glowing lance.
>Which promptly swivels, Vindicator's triangular tip pointing towards the front cabin's left side.
"Remain with Katyal until I noti.. what are you doing? No, that is Dul, and let her sleep."
>Dumbfounded at the sentient weapon displaying mismatched runes and glyphs, he groans, hoof on snout before pointing at Katyal tossing her bags together, Vindicator rolling several times to present dozens of question marks.
"No. By Luna's hooves I hate dealing with this.. THAT is Katyal. Unless I state otherwise, stay with her."
>Checking to make sure it doesn't move, besides rolling once, he turns broadside as the Duelist's armor drops down next to him, lifting up the neck, saddle, and flank armor, attaching leg plates, then stepping into hoofboots.
"If this goes on properly that'll be one less concern. Lann better not have used butter like Allys did for Roust-"
>Fitting himself into the older styled unicorn full plate in less than a minute, Hodch grunts halfheartedly at the helmet, sliding it over his face and locking the rear together while muttering.
<Unicorn> ".............."
>Immediately rotating a quarter and pointing her left forefinger straight up, Katyal half-laughs, half-barks.
"You better fucking not, that ain't in the contract!"
"Have a better idea?"
"Fuck no I don't. .....waaaiiit a second. You sly little horse! I hereby announce a proper claim to half, and YOU get the rest!"
"Accepted. You take first pick though."
"Wh-"
>Glancing from Vindicator to the dead serious unicorn, she places a hand on the first, right eye twitching at the second.
"I'm not sure which is worse. The fact you agreed, or... this? Yeeeaaah, technically Eldritch. Definitely. Kind of. You're not hostile, right? ...RIGHT?"
"Technically no, but also yes. Mostly yes. And mostly no as well. Elemental, psychoreactive, magical, Psionic, at once all of the prior, yet none at the same time. Vindicator is the single most confusing weapon I have encountered, which is stating quite a bit.
It only exists to slay hostile Elemarentals and 'help out'. Usually by inscribing glyphs of which I do not understand."
"Riiiiiight..."

>Inhaling calmly, the sapphirine-mythril plating shakes as Hodch steps from side to side, looking up and around, then directing Form & Function to him from Katyal's locker, both clanking together on his saddle in an X.
"I have a few small contributions to make. The first is effectively permarenent until removed, and none of you remember a single detail after it has cessated. Shiibo included. Pareidolia should not suffer from MY actions, therefore this is the better option."
>Grandmaster Arcane Devotion: ACTIVE.
>An intense, searing flicker of blue-hot Moonlight spreads throughout the Landbarge II, a sharp taste of anti-Elementals surging within you.
*"...Hodch. Why does it feel as if there is a NUCLEAR FUCKING ARMADA SWIMMING THROUGH MY VEINS."*
*"A precaution in case of Anti exposure."*
>Shaking her hands out quickly, Katyal turns around, slipping two claymores into large cargo pockets, then does so again before shivering.
"Goddess of Nine Moons, whoooooo... Hodch... I really, truly, absolutely hate you. Love you lots more though, but this better be the only time."
"It will be. Still want those wings?"
"....fuck it. Sure, why not? What's a little more weirdness in my life? Want 'em to be batpony though, no pegasus, Harpy, or other."
>Tossing out an unmarked bright red coin from the cabinet reappearing, Katyal catches it to glance over once before placing in a pocket on her left side.
>A minute twitch in reality is shared between the two, the brief mind contact carrying warm humor, though is tinged with brutal finality.
>The woman reaches up to extract Queen Chrysalis' winge scale, tossed back into the cabinet which dephases afterwards.
"You have three choices: formally visit Twisted Wing or the Lunar Council for their blessing, or Luna when she recovers. After that, visit Six Moons Bastion at Midneight. And try not to be like you-know-who with them."
"I'll try for number one an-"
"Please do not seduce her. Or her stallion."
"No promises."

"Dul feel great now!"
>Smoothly drifting out from the piloting cabin, the Siren stretches out in front of the first chair, the faux-earth mare's body ripples, becomes partially solid once more.
"Ooooh, this nice! Is time for Dul to work hard?"
"Should we be careful, no. Otherwise, I need you to protect Pareidolia. If he does not need to be guarded, focus on quick, efficient kills. Do not cut merely threads, take back every scrap of Itam possible."
>Leaping up to walk on probably nothing again, quartets of triple-jointed, gleaming purple blades flexing outwards with a calculating smile, closing and opening one eye, then the other.
"Dul LOVE huge orders!"
[1d6 = 4] <Language Adaption
[1d6+1 = (1+1) = 2] <Tallus Acclimation
[1d6+1 = (4+1) = 5] <Vortex Adapt: Tallus
[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7] <Siren's Gaze
[1d6 = 4]

>>391582
>>391813
>Tossing the bright yellow bracelet to Katyal, she rolls it around in both hands several times, then nods slightly, slipping it into an internal jacket pocket while leaning on her chair.
"Anvil goes to the sweet batmare student that kissed you first. Recover your figurine; whichever Disciple accepts it takes both books. Avenge her, kill everything that interferes. Find the Shaman's youngest. Admit four into the Room, deny all others.
Take Carry My Love goes to Naliyna and Thrill first; if they don't accept give it to the bitch, force her to join if i have to. Pain, Pride and the onyx figurine goes to your best friend. Hoofbands go to Clemency and Jeff. Smoke After Dusk stays with Razorback's Lunar aligned, order them to kill all living beings it reacts to.
Locate all Lunar Necromancers and Druids, restore their glory by force if I have to. Return all other belongings to previously stated individuals. Ignore Ethereals unless they piss me off, neutron them if they get pissy.
Escape if necessary but take everything valuable I can get to. If we fail, get to the Lunar Council or Twisted Wing but preferably both, invoke terms of a combined assault force. If either refuses go straight to Cadence, force them to agree."
"All correct. I have no further words.. or thanks to offer."
"Been here over two years now, don't need 'em now."
[1d6 = 6] <Mindscape: Harden
[1d6 = 5] <Morale: Improvemarent

>Reaching forward into a tiny moonlit pocket, a small kanpri cylinder is retrieved and popped open, gateway closing as the outlines of a large, rectangular, possibly aquatic Void creature shifts briefly, the container then tossed onto Katyal's chair.
"One last task for you, my friend. Seek out what disturbs the Black inside this structure. Rejoin your kin after this."
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <n'Tapi: Sense Danger

>Floating the black onyx Melari to you, Hodch's eyes close behind sapphirine, armored head shaking as he speaks flatly.
"I finally understand what these were made for and why. Take this, but only invoke it twice. Same method as most enchantments. Give it to Katyal afterwards, there is a pony whom desperately needs to know they did not betray another.
As you were not born under Luna's Moon, do not bear Her favor, nor does Her heart's blood flow inside you, a third exposure will kill no matter how much time passes."

>Moving to stand in the Landbarge's center as it strafes around the City-Grounds, head swiveling left to Katyal, checking her gun belt, rifle, webbing, then jacket one last time.
"Are you ready?"
*"Yep, going topside on left."*
*"Go."*
>Driver side hatch opening, the woman leaps, hands grabbing and pulling herself up in a single fluid motion, followed by Vindicator patiently waiting for the left rear drop hatch to open, spinning outwards rapidly.
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <E.Stealth
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7] <E.Scouting
[1d6+2 = (3+2) = 5]
[1d6+2 = (2+2) = 4]
*"Pare, Shiibo's on guns and Rerculon's taking over as technician. If you're joining Kat or staying inside let me know."*

*"Before that. Pareidolia, Lonestar."*
>Tapping an armored hoof down, the unicorn harshly gazes you over as a large crystalline heart emerges from a dull blue rift, attaching to his left barrel plating.
*"The Tyrant will be thoroughly annihilated within the next two to five years. Unless Princess Celestia specifically requests aid, do not interfere or intervene. If another false alicorn is located, send her all the information available on it via addressed letter.
Empress Silver is finally gone, long live her better descendants. The Second Dynasty is under Dante's command, and a Solar Prince title has been honorably retrieved for him. If possible, assist him when requested regardless of how silly or disagreeable the task is. Do not speak of them to anyone, anypony, or any being. For all you know he is now indefinitely absent. And he is.
The majority of Constructs are busy dealing with their own 'problems'. Leave. Them. Alone. There is nothing to be gained except after a battle.
Ethereals suffered exceptionally high losses last night, and Princess Cadenza is in a better position to marginalize them.
The Dragons are satisfied, for now. They will present few difficulties to interact with. They will forever be sore at losing a diplomat, their entourage, gifts, and the thousands more whom pledged to serve Razorback should Old Canterlot been retaken properly. Do not mistake their gratitude for grace.
All sections of Tallus Void have overtaken most of the Moors once more, and the other Planes are unwilling or incapable of acting. The White and Blind have retreated to the outermost stretches, though we do not know how long that will hold.
With those in mind, there are only three significant threats left to deal with. This place is third.
The second is this: do not enter Stalliongrad for any reason, unless searching for Meadow Breeze. Razorback WILL stay out unless specifically invited by Tower Guard, and you have full permission to blow the kneecaps off any idiot that says otherwise or attempts to fuck over an agreemarent from Stream Lark, whom I must add is now the First Councilierge.
Dedicate all you have against Horizon and discard all else, nothing matters until she is dead. Spiral survived the most complete and well planned assassination attempt she was capable of committing to last year, which counts for a great deal.
Though I would have preferred the original, any significantly functioning Elemental version is the sole priority to retrieve. Willing or not."*

>>391582
>>391813
>>391814
>Pausing to take stock of the weapons on him, the pulsating sapphirine-mythril helmet tips down.
"Hm. Since a certain mare and her adorable filly haven't arrived..."
>Trailing off in disgruntlemarent, left forehoof makes a wide sweeping motion, glancing left to remove Prestaniszcio from Katyal's locker, which floats to his left side, then a black diamondine coin is wedged into a shoulder plate.
"Definitely need these two. Now."
>Turning forwards to mimic opening a book, slim, bitterly hollow pages appear in front of his snout mask, bending flat with a stern proclamation.
"Show what holy eyes long removed from life foretold of this Night."
[1d6 = 5] <GM.Necromarecy: The Warning Gift
[1d6 = 4]
[1d6 = 4]
[1d6 = 3]
[1d6 = 2]
[1d6 = 2]

>Lonestar tightly gripping pilot controls, reaching 140MPH and remaining at that speed, the forward screens now display an angled, sideways drift southwest around the gigantic laboratory's exterior, the clearing large enough to fit possibly a hundred fortresses the size of Razorback.
>What had once been a city-state had been turned into near perfectly flattened ground, the remains of buildings and streets entirely stripped from earth though could easily be seen from a lack of flora, disturbances, or activity.
>Slowing to 60MPH as a wide tunnel becomes apparent, the Landbarge II is pressed forwards, seamless road leading into a quarter kilometer entrance stretching forwards, approximately 200M in height.
>Centrally located close to the entrance, the first building was a half oval, registering as 160M in radius and 80M tall, divided into 12 levels, though the diagram was highly fuzzed.
"Biggest colony ships weren't half this big.."
>Expressionless at the scale, Lonestar slows to barely 40MPH, muttering several orders upon entering the dim megastructure.
*"Shiibo, don't fire unless hostiles are confirmed or need weapons otherwise. Rerculon, only repair when damage reaches ten percent thresholds. Hodch, rear front screen shows left, rear is right."*
'Acknowledged. Magnetic and electrical interference is considerably worse here. Performing EMP hardening, I will have limited functionality available otherwise.'
*"Do it."*
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6] <E.Electronic Warfare
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]
[1d6+10 = (1+10) = 11] <Landbarge II Electronic Warfare Array
[1d6+10 = (1+10) = 11]
[1d6+10 = (1+10) = 11]
[1d6+10 = (2+10) = 12]
'Priorities established. Diagnostic suite ready.'
*"Straight to the central building.. or whatever stops us first."*

[1d100 = 87] <Reaction

>>391599
>Sensing a burning eyebrow raising.. nope, it was both, the now bright rolling red pegasus
"What?
>Then another pair.
>A third.
>And a forth, fifth, the sixth through ninth..
>Meanwhile, the first two lower with an exasperated groan, Lilamaredre struggling to keep the wriggling Elemental mass from falling off her.
"Would you all quit? If they see her ears and tail, everypony will know she is not a threat, weird, OR otherwise an issue."
"I knew that."
"I did not know that."
"You most certainly did not."
"Can we agree the idea wa-"
"NO."
"Stop. Please."
"Fine."
[1d100 = 71] <Fire Elemental Formation

>The prophecy is fulfilled almost immediately: nearly all of the commoner mares heading towards you stare, eyes widen curiously, snouts twitch, and ears swivel forwards.
>One stallion passes by at a steep angle, head turned and tripping over a small brick riser, while another
>Meanwhile, the slightly upper class Saddle Arabians stop, the majority dumbfounded, confused, and reasonably interested.
>Sincere smiles, a variety of polite wiggles, flicks, nods, appreciative scrunches, and a single, slow blink are directed your way, though none make to approach or speak to you.
"Is Common Equestrian considered rare here?"
"From what I remember, it is. Most languages do not flow across borders easily, if at all. I believe the eastern Nags and pyramid delvers are taught the basics of a few Neighsian dialects."
"Ahhh, then they do not know what we are speaking?"
"Two to five favored words at most. Until we spot a highly ranked Bronze or titled Desert Guardian, or one spots us, that is. Then again either may only be able to offer the name of a larger town or city."

"It is fine, nopony knows!"
"You are a fool. They can all HEAR, in case you have not noticed."
"Can they?"
"Certainly, otherwise they may not be so agreeable.. from a distance."
"QUIET you knife-eared SLATTERN. These unusual horse-derivatives have no BUSINESS to conduct with EITHER of them!"
"I will have y-"
"Quiet, please. ....thank you."
"Y-"
"Stoooop."

>Finding the atmosphere less difficult and more open than originally felt, the thoroughfare ahead had fewer two level houses, now entering the start of a dedicated food trading market and crafting district, although the second was quite minor in comparison.
>Side eyeing the Stick in suspicion, and a fair bit of hunger, Lila's wings roll in a touchy, moderately annoyed motion.
"Still, let me know if this is not enough. Perhaps the next batch of prototypes will include a water container or two."
>Paying close attention to large, painted signs posted on much larger stands or stalls, the pegasus returns incoming nods with short ones of her own absentmindedly.
"I do not know how to translate the meaning, but we are in Vailru Forns. Likewise little here is recognizable, except for that one, I think it is a pineapple... and that may be a coconut. Or a gourd. I am not sure."
>Frowning slightly at her complete schooling failure, both ears cock rearwards, then perk at a brightly robed mare to the left, standing in front of several hundred transparent spheres, cylinders, cubes, and rectangles.
"That I do recognize. Bitter glass is sand from the Howling Sands region, refined by Mystics until it becomes diamond-like. The taste is hideous, too."

>Reaching a full scale market, an entire ring of large stone stalls around the oasis, at least ten rows deep, was quite unusual:
>Exotic fruits, roots, shoots, leaves, stems, tubers, nuts, gourds, and something that looked an awful lot like a ball of white fiber, along with a profuse variety of bottled and jarred powders, several of which you could tell were immarensely spicy, all contained in brown woven baskets.
>Each of which were being traded for... different ones.
"Hrm. Perhaps the variations indicate a strong country wide farming economy with efficient transport?"
>Halting to survey the remarkably calm, quiet scene, Lilamaredre's nostrils twitch as she gazes back and forth.
"Not quite. Most regions whom barter do not use coins, gems, or materials internally, excepting long distance trade routes. This may be an end point on a trade route, though that is doubtful. Lots of farmers, foragers, and harvesters, possibly local.
I do not see a Warp Gate, Amy."
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] <B.Scouting
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]

>>391813
>Following Hodch into the passenger bay, Pareidolia stands by as the living eldritch lance brought into being. Having seen its eccentricities before within Razorback, he keeps his distance.
(Would prefer to avoid sentient weapons, nevermind eldritch. Too many personality... )
>He sighs as Vindicator begins materializing question marks.
(-variables.)
>Moving to his locker, now expanded thanks to Lonestar's wish disc, he assesses his inventory for combat. Slumbering Wrath, the Poison Burst Pendant, the Spinel Dragon figure and Crin Feathers are removed from his pack and stored away.
>As he does so, Katyal begins mentioning terms presumably about the conditions of her employment on this operation. All very much outside of his sphere of involvement.
(May be better to not remember this.)
>He grabs and slots into his vest two drum magazines of 10 gauge buckshot, one drum magazine of finned darts, and all of the magazines available for his FG103 and GSL-H9. Additional free floating ammunition including an additional magazine's worth of buckshot and finned darts, one drum magazine of slugs, and 80 rounds of 11x92MM would be distributed to quick access pouches or webbing on his pack.
>Lacsidrae would be Stuck to his hip belt while relevant pendants, rings, chisel, and otherwise would be worn nominally.

>Turning around to see Hodch fully armored and kitted, he furrows his brow slightly as the Starborn Nightblade presents another classified contingency plan.
"If you're sure."
>A hiss of air presses through his gritted teeth as roiling heat courses through his veins accompanied by a vivid blue Moonlight flashing through the vehicle. The light's intensity seeming to match the boiling sensation in his blood.
>He Sticks his right arm against the locker door behind him, half leaning.
"Like the opposite of... a neural grafting pod. Hfffff... the Anti precaution is appreciated. Wish that there could be a more accessible... Haaa... option having it to round out my response protocol."
>Feeling the cooling sensation of Naliyna's Rime Lattice gift for Spiral from his vest pocket, he presses his hand over it.
(Feels strange with heat being deeper than the skin.)
>Glancing up at Hodch, he plainly notes further interactions as stockpiles and favors are tapped into along with storage options being conjured and dispelled out of thin air.
(Convenient. Wings from a coin. The levels of power being traded are absolutely above my clearance.)

>He pushes off the locker, having gained some control over the new baseline level of sensation within his blood in time to see and hear Dul who seemed to have acclimated further to Tallus during her time in the world.
>Nodding towards her, he moves to stand nearby. Her behavioral expression of glee at the prospect of a "huge order" prompts a smirk from him.
'High potential for gap moe from killing machines like her. Very endearing, right Shiibo?'

>He gestures at Dul before pointing towards himself.
"Dul if we enter combat, there will be times you won't be able to see me due to my suit. Do you know of any way that only you could see to keep track of me? I don't want to hamper your ability to attack targets in melee."

>>391814
>Passing a wary side eye to the unusual list of objectives Katyal was rattling off, he pauses before shaking his head.
(More history and plans I do not need or want to know about.)

>He takes the proffered figure of a Melari in mid swipe, expression blanching somewhat as Hodch mentions an inevitable death upon a third use.
"If that's the nature of this, I'll try not to use it at all."

[YouTube] Kenji Kawai · The Ballade Of Puppets: The Ghost Awaits In The World Beyond · OST · 2004 [Embed]

>A rush of wind briefly gusts through the compartment twice as Katyal and Vindicator exit for the hull of the OT-5.
>Confirming their departure, he then takes a few steps towards the pilot compartment before Hodch's tone stops him. A clear, heavy gravity was felt in his words.
>Turning to face the armored unicorn, his expression shifts from serious to shock and then disbelief tinged with outrage.
>He can't stop himself from muttering an incredulous and confused:
'What?'
>Blinking rapidly, an apparently extensive intelligence report continued to be relayed as he worked to process the news that somehow yet another Razorback operative had inserted himself into the leading position of the Second Dynasty, a potential nightmare from his worst projections.
>Hearing the various stipulations, he slowly nods as mentally he attempts to file these staggering revelations into place to be considered later.
*"I... I can't say I understand all of that. But I will save questions for post-op. I will comply. Functional versions of Spiral marked for priority retrieval. I'll disembark once we arrive on site."*

>>391815
>Seeing Hodch undergoing further preparatory rites, Pareidolia turns to the viewscreen in time to see an interior rivaling that of the arcologies of his Earth.
(This scale... almost familiar. But insane given the circumstances...)
>Quickly moving to the pilot's cabin, he stands by near the closest side hatch while focusing on the viewscreens with a tense stance, Sticking himself to the wall as an added precaution.
(Brace for it. It would be around now if this were a trap.)

>>391839
>Staggering forwards two steps before spreading legs out, the blue-white barrel plates stretch outwards, Hodch exhaling in an agonized, raspy tone.
*"Apologies, this is one of the.. five my Order has been unable to.. do more than copy.. was based on Naghtmares.. hurts more than
it should-"*
*"Feels... ...you know what, compared to what Horizon did to us, this is way nicer."*
>Cool pinpricks spread across skin, extracting the painful, deep seated Lunar burning, leaving a faint backwash of soothing, late fall night winds.
>Coughing three times, surprisingly normally, the unicorn gives a full body shake, huffing in a disgruntled tone.
*"Or maybe I did that wrong.. either of you want a pair of artificial wings as well? Parachutes are, in my utterly professional opinion, shit."*

>Turning to face you, the avatar was CLEARLY. BURNING. AGGRESSIVELY. JEALOUS.
>Although reasonably calm and rational, displaying an insanely high compatibility metric of 93.5%.
'An adorable courier with access to most Planes, unlimited VIP travel capability, an exceptional code of honor which is virtually impossible to corrupt, and full willingness to guard a package or individual with lethal force?
9.2/10. Another +0.1 if she is soft. A further +0.1 if she happens to enjoy plushies, cute attachments, and styling. An additional +0.1 if she is willing to cosplay. Lastly, +0.2 if she is capable of
In sum: ALL OF MY Y E S, SIR. You cannot begin to imagine the Medical, Social, Cultural, Technological, and sheer interest ratings.'
>Restoring the faux-hooves to their normal appearance, the Siren's eyes shut, grinning profoundly.
"It okay, Dul know you scent and feel wiggly weapons now! Dul not able hurt you so Dul guard safe. Or is safe guard?"
>Meanwhile, 'Shiibo' suffers a combined nosebleed, aneurysm, and heart attack in the background.

>Leaning sideways to rest against Form & Function, the unicorn's helmet shakes uncomfortably.
"Originally, Dusk Striders and Neighsian gem-smiths created those in honor of individuals chosen by Lunar Melari, whom are distantly related to the extinct Purrsians.. somehow. That may have been a long time ago, yet there are a number of the second still creating these. Please do not make me order you to invoke it twice. Believe me, the potential is far too valuable not to make use of.
And you may be granted the second or third, depending on how this goes."

>Testing Prestaniszcio's direct control limitations in an orbit, Hodch snorts in a flat, neutral marener.
*"This isn't about compliance. What we need are humans to work with us, not falling into self-sabotaging cycles, making idiotic choices, or succumbing to inane circumstances.
Excepting Grand Rites or Spells, highly restricted, banned, unobtainable, painfilly slow to produce, and lost weaponry, Tallus is vulnerable. Otherworlders however are able to fully destroy a considerable amount of inherently destructive beings, particularly Extra-Planar, Planar, some Eldritch, and Undead.
The Princesses chose an option that I did not believe in. Clemency, Lont, Jeff, Dante, Katyal, and... well, the reconstructed Hollow, among others, show they were and still are correct. Would you try to dissuade them when living proof exists?"*
*"All I've got is one question: the fuck is the Second Dynasty and how'd Dante get involved?"*
>It didn't take much to feel Hodch smiling, reaching to slide the conceptual tome back out of reality.
*"A strange prophecy from the Early Dynasty, also known as the First Foundation, rarely told throughout the past two thousand years.
Madmares called it the salvation of earth and Crystal ponies. The Doomed stated it would be known as True Unification. The Cursed proclaimed all of Silver's descendants would die in two terrifying battles, one against a Horizon where they would shatter it and create an end, the second against Stalliongrad itself.
The Lost decreed a Solar Prince would die for them in return, then bring those whom could live once more to a palatial City-State, one broken by the Empress and left to recover. The Vigil Light Cult, now the Vigilites, sought to force the prophecy into existence in a slightly different marener, one which would allow them to know peace with Tallus.
The Earth Core's curse would be repealed, and the Spirit Core would remember its true duties. Earth ponies would once again have a single stallion per five mares. No more need to condemn themselves into Earthwalking, seeking to repay Tallus for Silver's mistakes and swearing an oath they would never give nor bear foals without her acceptance. Earth Sorcerors, Psions, and Crystal ponies would be whole again, interacting freely without judgemarent, shame, ridicule, or conflict.
As for how, I tend to understand prophecies well enough to know what is most likely. Also, there are still a few on the Citadel distributing information."*

>Drifting past the first half-oval building, the second was a 160M tall, 100M wide dome, lit internally by a brightly gleaming tree, four-bladed leaves creating thousands of constantly shifting, slow moving imprints on the darkened crystalline material.
>Patterns of rodents, piscines, avians, ponies, Minotaurs, Gryphons, Harpies, among more and less familiar sentient and sapient species display across the dome's interrior, a twinge of familiarity occurring.
>Cutting the Landbarge's speed down to observe colossal fruit hanging from the wide branches, eerily similar to mangoes, the shockingly bright white-clear causes Lonestar to let go of the controls.
"Mother of gods, the size of those.."
*".....what are we looking at?"*
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <Investigation
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <E.Stealth
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8]
*"I might have just shit myself. Checking-"*
*"It's like an entire floating arcology, but on land.. Hodch, when you said invitation, did you mean THIS?"*
*"Luna's hooves, no. An open building without security measures, guards, gates, fences, or barriers inherently means 'come in'. Do ANY of you know what this might be?"*

[1d100 = 32] <Welcoming

>>390752
>Now he's getting somewhere with those suggestions.
>Ivan would nod, he was quite familiar with the idea that Krinza was pushing forth.
"Veteran STALKERs would use similar loadouts, or scientific research equivalents. The researchers, mostly from Ecologists, would use gear more suitable to protect from environmental threats over beast and bullet, however."
>Though he would have to admit he'd much rather have arrived with a fully functional Ecologist SEVA suit.
>Much nicer than a Sunrise.

"I can imagine their strength makes it much easier to build large works."
>He frowned at the statement of in the psyches, turning his head away for a moment.
(I do not like that implication, even if an innocent one.)
>He needed a drink.

"Sunlight might hurt their eyes. Traders... Wouldn't know. Could always investigate."

>>391043
"I'm referring to non-patchwork repairs, not what you're able to do at this moment."
>It sounded painful, though.
"The only thing that would not hurt in removal would be my hair, and only if properly cut off."
>My tone was flat, but I knew she didn't mean her inquiry as a jab at me.
>Probably.

"We're not being watched from what I can tell either. No alarm bells going off."
>I pause for a moment, before glancing up at her as she... peels apart parts of herself.
"Internal, mental alarm bells. Humans come with a 'sixth sense' on being watched."
>I'll definitely have to be careful to avoid accidentally making her too curious about something.
>Again.

>>391041
>Bubba would have to put off the smell for the moment.
>Much more important things to focus on than trying to figure out what it was, that could wait until it was dead.

"There's plenty of space, I'd hope. So long as you all allow them the fun of attacking it as well."
>He kind of promised them that.

>Not exactly a hard thing to do, breaking Roust's speed records.
>Floating would be quite a good way to sneak around, if properly utilized.
"Something to burn, or otherwise destroy."
>He was now desiring the idea of bring white phosphorous grenades with him.
>As he brings Gilda to bear in a ready position, he'd look over the SL's appearance.
>Kinda cute.
"Very acceptable. I wasn't intending on killing anything this early in my own mission."
>Or at all, really.

>>391886
"A respectable amount of flexibility is appreciated by ponies in difficult locales, particularly against unknown hostiles. That is why Lann insisted on producing a rather basic armor set, with additional layering and protection, though it will take some time for wide spread usage. The first twenty are, technically speaking, post-prototypes, yet she is confident in her ability to easily repair each and continue production at the same time.
After customization, of course."
>Quietly chortling at the wide scale implications, Krinza flexes out his front legs, eyes swiveling to inspect the helmet, then rest of the Exosuit.
"Luckily you happen to be within one of the best midweight armored combat systems outside of the Crystal Empire. Canterlot Underground cannot boast a third the utilities of yours with their environmarental sets.
It may take four to five years for them to catch up as their designs are rarely high specification generalist, and they do not have close ties with the Empire. Yet."

>Reaching in to tap the edges several times, he sits back with a disgruntled sigh, then directs the head out for a closer inspection.
"Damn it. Too cold, will fracture."
>Inhaling deeply, as much as he could, the smith breathes a stream of condensed flame across the surface, turning it over once, twice, then three times, setting it back inside.
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10] <M.Elemarental Chemistry
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12]
[1d6+10 = (3+10) = 13] <GM.Enchanter
[1d6+10 = (1+10) = 11]
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14]
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16]

"Indeed, yet the scale of what Minotaurs create is entirely different from ponies. The Hegemony is able to set up an entire smithing industry within a week in a new town and have direct supply lines with little more than a few extra grumbles. They prioritize efficiently made, sturdy weapons and armor of specific styles. No decorations, minimal customization, though given a number of mystic blessings which ensure longevity and effectiveness against particular threats.
Enchantmarents are quite rare, either being considered a luxury, gifted, or from one's family."
>Floating another weapon to his anvil, this time a heavily overbuilt lance with a long, grooved needle point, the shaft a moderately cracked darker wood, Krinza taps a front hoof over the length.
"In three to six hours, depending on complexity, what I am able to accomplish is a technically completed weapon. That is, with sufficient materials, knowledge of said materials, enchantmarents, and a decent amount of quiet. Such a classification is deemed 'Perfected'. I am unsure where the term originated from, nor when, how, why, and from whom.
Dissimilarly, a full set of armor takes from six to ten without aid. Add another one to four for Lann to finalize the design, and we have a true cottage industry as it were."
>Critically eyeing the lance over, he begins stress testing the steel composite.
"Less than thirty of Razorback prefer daytime. Either way, five squad leaders, nine Elites, and ten Veterans have requested heavier weaponry to deal with local flora. Not so much fauna, though I do not know why.
And I dearly hope Hodch's other student will begin aiding soon. Patient as I am, I cannot outfit the entirety of Razorback's needs in a single month."
[1d6+6 = (3+6) = 9] <M.Research
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (3+6) = 9]
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+11 = (4+11) = 15] <GM.Smith
[1d6+11 = (4+11) = 15]
[1d6+11 = (6+11) = 17]
[1d6+11 = (2+11) = 13]

"I will make time for whatever you come back with."

>>391887
>The closest repair tendril raises, turns towards Wild, then at you, twists around in a short 180, quickly carving the word PAIN into air.
"This feels patchwork. I may not be able to fully restore the head unit if material continues to be lost at this rate, and I will be unable to utilize special metals without significant investigative progress."
>Repair unit repeating the first two motions, it spells out HELP.
"Quiet, you. I can restore the majority o- nevermind, you are quiet."
>Making a snarky roll upwards, then technically nodding at you, the unit resumes taking apart destroyed whatever-that-is-you-really-didn't-feel-like-knowing-now-or-ever-thank-you-so-much-for-not-sharing.
"No physical modifications are safe? I may have alternatives, if my primary nodes are still intact. There are categories known as 'additions' and 'attachments', but I have not been able to access more than basic prototypes and possible uses at this time."
>Sneakily turning, the tendril rapidly shakes like a pony shedding water.
>This was getting weirder all the time...

>Shearing off large chunks of slag and ruined black fibers, sections of molten steel alloys are collected and placed into shoulder compartments, Wild Ride testing her fingers once more.
>Which, surprisingly, weren't terribly damaged.
"No Construct frequencies or unidentified signatures within ten kilometers. No interference at this time.. two-hundred and ninety-eight living biological organisms of at most five hundred pounds within radius, all on land. Ninety percent under forty pounds. One hundred and ten presumed dying. Approximately nine hundred more deceased. Minor Elemental signatures; danger level.... minimal.
Broadening arrays to long range reception and sweeps."
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <Arcanum Sensors Array: Survey
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6] <Omni-Sensor Arrays: Long Rang Scan
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]

>Less human and more organically related machine underneath, the underlying structures that were once part of a head were, for the most part, relatively normal.
>Except for the twisted bundles of interconnected, destroyed black fibers traveling in every direction, flaking into a soot-like trail upon being touched.
>Those were weird.
"Agreed. I suspect my presence limits aggression and hostile contacts.. excluding large, aquatic Planar creatures."
>The tone contained such pure hatred, disgust, and fury that you thought of taking a few hundred steps away.
>Which probably wouldn't be a bad idea, except for the rain starting to come down in larger drops.
>She definitely needed counseling, but you couldn't think of a single capable pony or human.
>Except the bats, they liked strange objects.
>Particularly the tastes, too.

>Rotating at the waist, Wild emits a quiet electronic noise that was probably good, roughly half of her metallic jaw had been.. fairly well put together, from what you could tell.
>Although the greasy looking hinges on either side weren't inspiring much confidence.
"Two of four primary nodes and one secondary node of eight located. Moving to central cabin and REPLACING the connections to each."
[1d6+14 = (3+14) = 17] <Grade 1 Auto-Repair
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21]
[1d6+15 = (1+15) = 16]
[1d6+13 = (6+13) = 19] <Grade 2 Auto-Repair
[1d6+13 = (5+13) = 18]
[1d6+13 = (5+13) = 18]
[1d6+20 = (4+20) = 24] <Tryptaran Autorestoration
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <Repair Tendril #1
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <RT-#2
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <RT-#3
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <RT-#4
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <RT-#5
[1d6+2 = (3+2) = 5] <RT-#6
[1d6+2 = (1+2) = 3] <RT-#7
[1d6+1 = (4+1) = 5] <RT-#8

>>391881
>A sigh of relief exhales from his helmet as the orb's cooling sensation stabilizes.
*"Unnecessary. My Mist-Foam Circlet will provide descent control, and I'm not trained in operating with wings."*

>Giving Dul a singular light pat on her head, he then offers Shiibo a bemused and contrite grin.
"Safeguard, and that's good to hear."
'And, sorry Shiibo. Be assured, we'll make you a frame fit to your caliber for equally effective performance.'

>Hefting the onyx Moor Cat figure in his hand, he shrugs.
"Fine... if you insist. Though I'd still rather not need it at all."

>Hodch's words prompt Pareidolia to sigh.
*"Exceptions to the rule are far from proof. Jeff, Lont, Dante, and the like are flukes. Circumstances do not produce them in sufficient consistency to be a reliable option when left to their own devices. I wouldn't try to dissuade. My only goal is to highlight the missing nuanced path for the optimal outcome."*
>He then lapses into silence as the Prophecy of the Second Dynasty is revealed.
*"This major shifting of powers is unprecedented then. Were Silver alive, contingencies would need to be deployed. I'll trust that your sources are accurate regarding her death. Maybe the only silver lining in this mess. I don't want to believe that another human has ended up in such a powerful position, regardless of how clean their character may be."*

>Pareidolia remains warily Stuck to the wall plating despite the lack of any apparent reaction or resistance to their entry into the eerily massive structure.
>The OT-5 enters a dome awash in white light and backlit by the motif of a sort of "Tree of Life", causing him to scrutinize the viewscreen intently.
>All manner of species seen across Tallus and many more unfamiliar to him rove across the interior surface of the dome.
*"This... arcology of some kind... and a 'Tree of Life'? May be symbolic, let me think... "*

[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <Adept Razorback Company
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5]
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[1d6 = 4] <E. Perception
[1d6 = 2]
[1d6 = 2]

>In a moment of recall, he then reaches for his pack to bring out the 5TCA tablet.
*"If you bring us closer, I can attempt to scan that and the local area with this tablet."*

>Once within range, he would attempt to use the loaned device.
'You left us this for a reason Spiral... is this it?'

[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <Flora Detection
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <Resonance Detection
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <Elemarental Detection

>>391825
>Holding her staff a little closer nervously, Amethyst noticed that the two of them were attracting quite a lot of attention.
>Not bad attention, but this was definitely more than the ipotane was used to. Maybe it was the boots, the boots always attracted stares whenever she wore them about.
>She sighed a little at the puppet's continued bickering.
"They may not understand what we are speaking about, but they can definitely hear multiple voices coming from you lot, and we are supposed to be appearing less odd for a little while. Don't make put you all in the pack with The Rock."
>She paused.
"Except you. You've been quiet so far, you can stay out."

>Shifting a little in the heat, Amethyst pondered it momentarily.
>While the filly was obviously at her happiest in the coldest temperatures she could attain, this wasn't too bad. She wasn't losing water to lather and sweat the way she was earlier at least.
"It's tolerable, wish I had a sunhat though, maybe we could buy one around here?"
>Amy absentmindedly prodded the kerbann gently against Lila again upon noticing her hungry expression, allowing her to drain what Fire the wood had been able to absorb since last time.
"What about you? Are you okay not turning yourself into a Promethean Sun while we're here?"

>With most of the Fire removed, Amethyst extended her senses to try to catch the Warp Gate's signature again. It had definitely been north, it couldn't be too far away, yet it was still out of sight.
"Uncertain, just north, and a sense of Water mingled with Fire nearby. It would makes sense for the Warp Gate to be in or around the Oasis however. I'll check again in case."
>The filly focused the strange sense for magic she possessed on getting an exact location fix rather than simply direction, comparing the strength of her prior sensings with the energies she now reached for.
>Hopefully the Saddle Arabians wouldn't mind her sorcerous locating, if they did, she'd have to fall back on resonance alone.

[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] < B. Sorcery
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]

[1d6+1 = (1+1) = 2] < B. Scouting
[1d6+1 = (1+1) = 2]

[1d6+2 = (4+2) = 6] < B. Crystal Runes
[1d6+2 = (2+2) = 4]

>>391890
>Performing a last equipmarent check, which consisted of sighing at the damaged locking clamps her lance had been torn from, Six retains her semi-professional demarenor, glancing around last time at the forces arrayed behind.
"Estimate one hundred twenty Starborn and Lorekeepers. Necessary amount of space required to conduct a standard battleline assault will be forty square yards. They are quite ready, and I think this may be a great stress relief considering how angry most of them are. "
>South side shaking in a tiny motion, Nine twists her neck armor.
"Nah, thirty square yards. Tight is best after all!"
>Side eyeing her opposite, a prickly grin spreads at a second, considerably heavier impact.
"You would say that, being the best living example."
"Wh- why are you like this to me?! What did I DO?!"
>Waiting for a third, five seconds pass until the entire Enclave shakes at a booming thud, Six slides left three paces, snapping ninety degrees right , left foreleg lifting and pointing at Nine's helmet.
"Calling a single part of you loose would make every prior, current, and future mare in existence larger than a Ferron shriek in raging jealousy! No, YOU are a negative twenty atmosphere pressure vacuum in the form of a mare, one that I'm angry at for being in the same squad! How can I even try to compare with you!?
As for what you did, I'm STUCK without MY WEAPON and I have to put up with YOU having the better flanks and softe-"
>As Six and Nine change their shouting match to Imperial, the squad leader's eyes shift towards you, gleaming brightly as she nickers above the pair.
"Which alicorn or deity did we please to make this night so incredibly amusing?"
>Ordering the pair to use their hololiths, they ignore it, subsequently butting heads to shout at each other, the squad leader's lance tips down to click into place at an intensely loud, shrieking howl-roar, the remaining seven doing the same.
"Agreed. Unfortunately we are only allowed up to Class Five Rime micro-cluster impactors, higher grades can only be used in the Empire. The majority of Lava and Magma weapons are only carried by Cadenza's Unicorn Guard or the Spireguard. Crystal ponies burn far too easily, though now I wish we had access to them."
>Shrugging heavily, spinal plating drags outwards in a lightly grating sound, displays imposing over both eyes, one recording, the other featuring a dancing Melari.
"Neither were we. Orders were to guard a VIP wherever he goes, barring having to knock out ten to fifty hostiles, an-"
>A tremendous crunch shuts the mouth of everypony, heads immediately swiveling forwards.
>Between the southernmost Enclave buildings, large chunks of compressed stone nearly explode outwards, the dome buckling several degrees, only for a mass of half-rotten muscle to slide out, supported on unusually steady, albeit heavily deformed false-hooves.
>No longer in the shape of a pony, it seemed to be more of a feral, carnivorous bovine, slightly less than 15M in height and probably three times longer, the boxy lower jaw covered in partially fluorescent, jagged teeth.
"To be honest I'm not sure thaaaaaaaat counts.."
"There's no way that thing fit inside a single unicorn's body."
"And yet, it did."
"Looks sssssort of familiar."
"Not to me."
"Hooves are deformed. Definitely not in Lorekeeper records."
>Struggling to heave its bulk out of the buildings, the head twists upwards, sloughed eyelids wrenched shut, the left side covered in erupting crystalline growths, flakes, chunks, and pieces scattering off.
>Tilting her ExoFrame helmet's visor up, blinking once, twice, then slapping it down, the leadmare barks out a single hysterical laugh.
"CADENCE'S SNOUT LUNA'S TEATS AND THE QUEEN'S WINGS! IS THAT THING A FREAK EATER?!"
"Yep."
"Appears that way."
"We, and by that I mean those with actual weapons, sho-"
>Freed from its confines, the hideous mass of partially crystallized, molten rubbery flesh halts after a long, rubbery step forwards.
>Striding forwards, a pair of sunken, six toned deformed eyes blink, the murky green, red, yellow, orange, brown, and blue eyes open, sharpening to pinpricks in visceral fear as it speaks in a warbling, wet and grating voice.
"Excuse me, good ponies, Minotaurs, Gryphons, and others! I seem to have made several truly regrettable mistakes this night and the previous! This is not where I intended to be, and I do not thi-"
"KILLITSOFASTITDIESTODEATH!"
>Fully facing the slightly over one-point-three companeighs of Lunar and Empire might INSTANTLY charging towards it, the doppelganger's six-toned eyes droop in shame.
"...well. My two last words it is then. Fu-"
>Kanpri explosives mixed with manabombs hurtle straight ahead, every Elemental color blends with crystalline shockwaves, shearing bursts, and tight beams of Rime ripple overhead.
>Immediately followed by a giant anchor, a decent number of arrows, obscenely large lances, perhaps two dozen pegasi, three dozen batponies, two Minotaur statues (refurbished), a bright orange pillar, sixteen unstable Rime Lattices..
>The soulglyph reports it was unable to count ALL of the projectiles, nor did it want to.

>Six stares on morosely, Nine pointing at the creature accepting its late stage fate.
"Should we help them?"
"With what?"
"Morale support?"
"Do you honestly believe THEY need any?"
"Nooooo.. bu-"
"That's it. I'm stealing the closest bottle of hard liquor and drinking the entire thing. My lance BETTER be intact otherwise I'm gluing you to it and sending you straight back to the Spire so you can explain all of tonight's fuck ups"
>Swiveling ninety degrees left, the mare stomps away, leaving Nine to grimace apologetically.
"Ssssorry. She's a lot nicer when we're not dealing with unknowns.. Suppose I'll... stand guard. Right here. If you don't mind?"

>......given the creature's immense volume and quickly circling hostiles, ANY shot above three meters would be sufficiently high to avoid friendly fire.

>>391975
>Bubba would ignore the 'subtle' sexual innuendos going between the two.
>He would have to wonder what he did to deserve this later.
"God only knows who. I was prompted to come out here on a... moment of insane clarity or something."
>He just shrugged to the SL.
"Sounds like a petition should be made to get some better weapons, if you're dealing with these on the regular."
>The rather rude interruption of the fully exposed doppelganger caused Bubba to turn as well.
>And look up.
>.. And up.
>Letting out a low whistle, he had to at least take a moment to appreciate the monstrous size of the creature.

"I would be astounded that it could even stand up if I haven't seen weirder."
>Bubba would consider using his Construct cannon before pushing the idea out of his mind for the moment.
>Even with its size there was more of a chance of friendly fire than he was comfortable with.
>Mostly.
>Aiming towards its upper body, Bubba would fire off Gilda at it.
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <E. Small Arms+Steady
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]

>>391909
*"Ten minutes is all it would take, but if you're sure."*

>Ears flattening in an earth pony expression of relief, Dul's outline twitches in black, eyes opening to squint humorously.
>Maybe a little bit of stimulation overload.
>A shaky, raised fist is poorly redacted after two seconds, only text following it.
it better be.

*"To win the war, win the battles, while at the same time winning more smaller fights than losing. I will take the the majority of Razorback's humans, with all of their problems, over spending WEEKS trying to acquire a certain relic, artifact, or hyper-specialized weapon which may not be available let alone exist. We of Tallus do not have the luxury of waiting. Do you understand now?
The Empress isn't dead, that we know of, yet she might as well be since she hasn't answered the summons or calls of several thousand by now. Or her protege. I always fucking hated him since the first time he stepped into the College, ungracious little bastard-"*
>Receiving a noise that was likely equivalent to 'whatever floats your boat', the Duelist plate turns about smoothly, walking towards the vehicle's rear with little sound other than subdued plate on plate sliding.
*"Dante is rough, mentally scarred, a bit ignorant towards ponies, and sometimes touchy. Yet he is a formidable mercenary, hard, driven, motivated, excelling at threat management and elimination. The descendants of Empress Silver are the opposite. Both require a stabilizing influence. Perhaps the prophecy does fit him, perhaps not. It will be decades before one can know for sure.
Lone, lower both hatches, don't extend them yet. And please continue, we need to be closer."*

>Pushing control sticks forwards, the navy man reaches up to set the forward screens into a 90 degree view for each, overlapping across the dome and whistling quietly.
*"Few of the real old Navarch lineages have stories about a tree like this, but it was bigger, more colorful. Never did understand what they were referring to. No paintings, pictures, or anything."*

>Sifting through information of Razorback's encounters with flora, none fit until remembering Astra Gallus in the Underground, her words flowing clearly from memory:
"Thirdly, the diamond enclosure to the south houses a unique spirit-draining tree from the Elemental Plane of Aether. The tree is off limits, but if you wish to hoofle one of its fruit you may do so. They are safe, albeit.. odd."
>Large sheets of semi-clear diamond, well away from any other visible plant life, contain a dull white tree, several visible pulsing fruits hanging from the center of it's branches, the species not matching with any previously seen ones.
>Then your own words:
“Aether? It bears fruit?”
>Hers once more:
"As for that tree, yes, though barely. It is hostile to most life and difficult to care for. Despite those of us, myself included, that wanted to destroy it, others wish to study it. However, that is a topic for another time."
>Matching the dim, stagnant dual leafed Aether tree from Canterlot Underground, it would have been quite young in comparison, reaching maturity according to fewer equine and presenting an ever familiar appearance.
>Studying the leaves, bark, and fruit, this one had been allowed to live outside of carefilly marenaged conditions, taking the form of all fruit-bearing trees combined as one, one which was closer to Moor ecology.
>Possibly functioning as a source of energy or life, or perhaps spirit, the Elemental tree was either an archaic native, or had become one with great ease.

*"...partially matches descriptions of a tree that mostly disappeared during the Early Dynasty. There's places you can see where something huge was taken out of the ground, nothing grows around those spots. Was part of some.. uh, odd rituals. Don't know which ones exactly, never got a straight answer.
Supposedly when a bunch of ponies intended to create a new town, they'd take the smallest seed after sharing enough mature fruits for all inhabitants, planting it where they intended to settle.
Neighsia still has a few but.. can't visit them, the Eight Queens turn hostile if asked. Jade Princess of Neighpon used to offer duels for the right to touch one, stopped doing that two years ago and disappeared... nopony has seen her since."*

*"You got it."*
>Resuming a 60MPH course, Lonestar drifts the Landbarge II left on a direct facing angle towards the Aether tree, setting a loose half-circle course on the south side.
>On and powered quickly, selecting the three functions creates a wide suite of external hololiths.
>Displaying the tree along with one, two, and three leafed versions, it was listed under thousands of names, and phrases, the majority translating into: 'Old Life Placed, New Life Borne', 'Home Is Here Now', We Live Under All Colors', 'Peaceful Home', 'Long Rest Here', specifically inviting terms scrolling underneath.
>Matching characteristics of pulses to frequency, a notation declares the tree's Element to be Aether, considered to be shifting quadrant Plane directly connected to the spectrums of life, rebirth, spirit, and death, required by the Four Seasons and Alicorns alike.
>Displaying two results, the dome's internal composition was an exceptionally new, albeit modified Early Dynasty black diamondine produced within the past 1 year, 6 months, allowing one-way Element passage.
>Presumably, the exterior was specialized to filter out coloration, hues, shadows, and shading, allowing viewers to see what the Aether Plane was 'thinking' of through the individual tree.

*"Miss Shiibo, need you to so-"*
'The Rerculon has experienced catastrophic feedbacks from vicinity fluctuations, half of secondary and majority of tertiary functions are still active under the analytic, hive, swarm, naval, and radiation modes. I must restore primary processes before cycling damage occurs. You require a proper technician, after all.'
*"Nope, you do that. And thanks."*
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <E.Electronic Warfare: Recovery
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]

>>391974
"See? I told you earlier, but noooo-"
>Tossing a long, sideways and flat raspberry at the roll of puppets, Lilamaredre wiggles both ears at her second favorite with a knowing grin.
"He's always good about that."

>Expression turning bleak for three momarents, her snout twitches in thought.
"Wait, how am I hearing them?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Oh, exposure. Right. Not like I don't have a few Sorceries to use either."
>Not quite to expectations, mares were mostly intrigued by your clothes, ears, and chiming hoof steps, briefly pausing to consider the first two, while a few exchange friendly yet politely jealous glances at your tail.
>The few passing stallions were highly impressed at the hoofboots, checking their own and those nearby before shrugging, then continuing on, Lila subtly motioning towards several.
"See what I mean? The hood does no favors, except to keep the Sun off."

>Delivering a slightly fresher sphere of cool air, the pegasus sweeps her gaze around in a wide angle, eyes narrowed.
"I do not see a single hat or armor other than long hoofboots. Cloaks, robes, veils, some type of strange pad.. saddles. Lots of those. Too marely. Small amounts of cloth, mostly rough. Lots of comfy looking carpets though.
I will keep looking."
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8] <B.Scouting
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]
>Finally able to form the mass on her saddle into a cohesive shape, it coalesces into a fairly bland, wavy bright red, orange, yellow, and white ingot.
>Which proceeds to melt a little bit on three ends, small surface bubble pop, and overall darkens several hues, garnering an apathetic stare.
"Why."
>Accepting the poke, her primary feathers glisten bright red once more, looking straight up briefly before shrugging with her shoulders.
"Not really. There is a wide difference between Fire as thermal radiation and being directly exposed to the Sun. Really do not understand why this is so difficult. The Baroness had me repeat this ritual hundreds of times. Perhaps I need to.. ..I have no idea. "

>Testing a sniff at multiple directions, Lilamaredre mutters shallowly.
"There is Fire which is not technically fire, but I cannot understand why. Grilled vegetables, tubers, roots, spices, those I can smell, though none are similar enough to it. And it is not anti-Elemental either, I know what that smells like."

>Beckoning the locale to share its energies with you, sifting through the specific aspects of raw, subrefined, and refined magic caused several internal marental compasses to twitch, then spin rapidly.
>And continue to spin, though you were able to point out the Warp Gate's direction; an older, fully stabilized and well updated medium version, considerably better than a large portal stone.
>Tasting fragmarents of archaic thoughtforms, over two-thirds of the Saddle Arabians were tended to by a single mystical being, most carrying one or more pieces of cold resistant wargear, though few had enchantmarents of note, excluding for a small group northwest, the bright brassy tones unusual.
>Siphoning a quiet, single hum west-northwest north of a flat, warm tone, tinges of laughter accompaneigh smooth traces of expansion and contraction, occurring at calm, though seperated intervals.

"...why are you walking in a circle?"

>>391997
>Making an exasperated noise, Pareidolia curses under his breath before chiming into the radio again.
'Incredible fucking ignorance-'
*"I understand that if Tallus takes this poison without an antidote prepared, that it will cause permanent self injury if not death. I've witnessed no understanding of this concept thus far. A tandem effort to fight and prepare it is absolutely not beyond Tallus' abilities."*
>Rolling his eyes, he mutters:
'Why do I even bother with the uninitiated.'

>Sifting through his memories for a trace, the words of Astra Gallus and a strikingly similar albeit younger tree surface in his mind.
>Wanting to cross reference for certainty, he checks the tablet's readouts while Katyal offers her recollections.

*"It's a spirit-draining tree, Aether Element aligned. Canterlot Underground had said the fruit was safe to touch, but not the tree itself. Theirs was far younger and apparently hostile to life. Name translations for this tree allude to home, rest, and the end and beginnings of life. Dome composition is new and modified early Dynasty black diamondine, constructed within the past year and 6 months for one-way Element passage. Something about filtering out color, hues, and shading to allow viewers to see the thoughts of the Aether Plane via the tree."*

>Looking up towards the viewscreens again, he waits for Shiibo to adjust her electronic protocols before continuing.

*"This is likely an equivalent agri-drome, purpose built solely to raise this tree in an uncontrolled environment. The tree has adopted the physiological form of all fruit bearing trees, closer to a phenotypical Moor ecological presentation. Either it's an archaic native or became one easily under these conditions. I'm not versed in spiritualist and mystical practices enough to determine its relation to this city at large."*

>>391992
>Searching underneath the ExoFrame's plating for objects of use, Nine extracts a trio of tiny blue marbles.
>Which were blinking slowly.
"If tonight isn't filled with insane clarity, what would really qualify?"
>Whistling in a sharp, then flat tone, the miniature explosives streak forwards in a sharp arc, followed by a small, chaotically rippling sphere.
[1d6+9} <M.Crystal Runes: Push
[1d6+9 = (2+9) = 11] <M.Crystal Runes: Power-Shred
[1d6+9 = (4+9) = 13]
[1d6+9 = (1+9) = 10]
[1d6+9 = (1+9) = 10]

"Requests for small scale Elemental explosives are almost always accepted and access to special weaponry is allowed to all squad leaders, though most threats across the Empire are crystalline bioforms; Equestria is far more varied in comparison. And we did not think to be dealing with... that.
Besides, it is irresponsible to expose non-Crystal ponies to Rime above Class Five."
>Sighting onto a midpoint between what was probably chest and neck, a small pony smacks your shoulder, making you sausage at middle case eeee~ tones ringing in both ears.
>Barely moving on the Float from recoil, whatever injury it had taken was probably felt deeper than the alarmingly expensive projectiles being hurtled into it.
>And that was another steel statue (barely repaired) being thrown at the right eye.
>Surveying the eclectic ponies, Minotaurs, and Gryphons having immense, and immarense, fun in battering the doppelganger, it had clearly expended most of its energy prior, sections of decaying muscle scorched, vaporized, flash frozen, annihilated, and pounded into uselessness.

>Pulling an object to her, Nine frowns at an empty, partly twisted bright brown-purple bottle before sending it back, watching the fracas with a modicum of civility.
"Is this real? ...yep. Too expensive.
Sincerely agreed. Abominations and Infected have upper size and weight limitations depending on original species, but rarely more than ten factors higher than the original. Unless I am completely mistaken, which is not uncommon, is it moving rather sluggishly now? And why is it not fighting back?"

>>392004
*"What precisely do you think I am currently here for!? There is no bloody TIME to deliberate the distant future!"*

>Standing up and dusting herself off, the avatar makes a chagrined face, ticking off several fingers while opening the Lunar Pegasi and Lunar Unicorns apps.
'Sir. Cease.
You are an outsider looking upon a directly interconnected, virtually silent equine version of Infernal Affairs. Pun necessary. Two high ranking and respected Starborn whom know each other well are working in tandem with unlimited access and equally sharing time within Razorback.
One is overt: intense orders, harsh training regimens, strict hybrid discipline, rigidly enforcing social norms between humans and ponies. Sapphire Kiwi demands success, and when such is not achieved, doles out physical harm and severe punishments. Have you experienced her rage once? The answer is no, therefore you have matched her leadership expectations first, and warrior possibly second. Her effectiveness is suspect, yet her results are not.
One is covert: making inquiries, learning human backgrounds, teaching a wide range of knowledge fields, sharing native habits, offering suggestions, mediating social disputes. The disparities are clear, yet you are unnecessarily pointing out the same factors which Hodch has been solving in careful steps, ones which few ponies are willing to perform. There will be no gain from provoking Hodch's ire given the tremendous knowledge, influence, and incredible objects he has doubtless earned or been allowed access to.
Neither of us have significant details except to offer useful suggestions and, if asked, support. Until a catastrophic failure occurs, observe and report. In short: this is not your problem.'
>Eyebrows raising after a few moments, 'Shiibo' snaps her right forefinger and thumb, pointing upwards after.
'Ask Katyal how many contracts she accepted to remove problematic, troublesome, and damaging humans upon Tallus. You may regret the answers.'

"Dul walk around Aether Vortex lots times. Like-"
>Shifting until only eyes and hooves are visible, the first two close, stepping forwards in a blur to stop less than a foot away, reappearing with a short head tilt.
"Now. Aether how Sirens walk between live and not-live. Aether like Dul Vortex but same round like Tallus. Not same-same."
>Head swiveling to face northwest, ears flick down to point at roughly a 50 degree angle, at you, then Lonestar, and back.
"Dul feel colors there. Void, Water, hot, others. There, you, you, there. You and you know colors there."
[1d6+5 = (6+5) = 11] <Siren's Gaze
[1d6 = 6]

*"So this one's mature? Timeline would've been made around the time Spiral left."*
*"It is. However, that much would have taken years to produce without a baffling amount of assistance. I know ecology and Mysticism well, this.. I have a.. not sure how to describe this. I feel as if I have been formally invited to rest here, then find a place where I would belong around. It knows I cannot accept, but has made the attempt nonetheless."*
*"Then we better keep this knowledge quiet in case it's sensitive, right?"*
*"No, Lone, this might be safe. Hodch, the Solar Prince prophecy was, or is, wrong. Spirit Core was supposed to return during the final stage, right?"*
*"Yes, right after the Second Dynasty claimed its place and before the Fourth Foundation channeled a new course from their blood.. or it already has?"*
*"It hasn't, otherwise somepony would've said as much. Damned thing was probably killed again.. prophecies can wait because I am MAJORLY creeped the fuck out. I'm not seeing a mango; that's the fimalir. Big tributary fruit, basically a peach but covered in a hard shell with nasty spines."*
>Placing his headset back on, Lonestar waits for the two to continue, tapping the mic lightly and angling the Landbarge II straight west.
*"Might know a little bit about this. Navarchs claimed there were something called the 'Great Mangoes' all over. Asked around a bit when I could, they never agreed on a color that wasn't orange, clear, or white. Maybe this one was taken but didn't get returned.. could be why Destroyers see visions of giant fruit and go berserk."*
*"....I would rather not think about that. Let us all ignore the tree for now, continue towards the center."*

>Passing the brightly lit dome, then increasing speed to nearly 85MPH, the third is similarly sized to the first in a solid jet black, the exterior covered in layers of bubbles.
>Orienting external lights onto it, bright white reflects across the surface in a chain, exposing thousands of small growth clusters, archaic and ancient Tallus flora growing in directional gravity.
*"...you were saying somethin' about an agridome?"*
>Muttered in disbelief, Lonestar taps a series of keys to begin recording, focusing on a large, bright red curled stalk with a dim bulb hanging down which physically resembled a Ripthorn ancestor, next to dull black serpent scaled ferns, then a spread out purple bush featuring moon colored leaves, last a long, pinstriped blue and brown root, half the length of its presumably above ground spine-covered leaves.
*"Goddess of Nature, those are extinct.... Ferron Coast, Moors, Navarch lands, Equestria, Cantering Plains, even Gryphon Kingdoms too.. what the fuck?"*

>Returning to the pilot display, the avatar's left eyebrow twitches, pointing at an off-ALL-effing-scales display of regional magnetic fields, then at the growing dome.
'THAT is causing our difficulties. The Rerculon has been restored to near-full functionality, it has resumed normal operations and will cycle modes to ensure integrity. I have transferred hardening measures, enacting now.'
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <E.Electronic Warfare
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]
[1d6+10 = (5+10) = 15] <Landbarge II Electronic Warfare Array
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16]
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16]
[1d6+10 = (2+10) = 12]

>Slewing around, then increasing speed towards the fourth dome, dull red windows reflect across twelve levels, reading out as 80M tall and 160M in diameter.
*"Slow a sec-"*
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <Investigation

[1d100 = 15] <Preparation

>>392018
>He pauses mid-breath as Shiibo emphatically addresses him, his mouth open and a retort on his lips. With deliberative effort, the rebuttal in his throat instead turns into a raspy exhale through his nose. Closing his eyes, he attempts to absorb the content of his assitant's message.
'... You're right. I lost sight of the context and my position. Even if I have complaints, these are not the individuals or time to be voicing them to. Need to catch myself before making undue criticisms.'

>Glancing between the tablet display and Dul's demonstration, he nods in understanding.
"I see. That explains it then. With the Aether Plane's connections to life, rebirth, death, and the spirit, it would make sense it is fundamentally related to all living beings including the Vortex. And that's what allows you to see 'threads' and the nature of things."
>He watches closely as she gestures between the exterior, himself, and Lonestar.
"Those are likely Spiral's Cores, or at least something related to him. Try to keep an eye on where those are, we'll need to find them and retrieve them."

>Gazing over the apparent speciment vault agri-dome containing an entire historical botanical line of countless species, Pareidolia speaks with a level of disbelief.
*"This level of preservation borders on an ecological history's timescale. I struggle to imagine to what end... and the dome is apparently covered in absurd magnetic fields interferring with equipment. Best make speed for the locations Dul has identified."*

>>392000
>Fresher, cooler air...
"Thank you again, Lila.~ ฅ( ᵕ ⋏ ᵕ )ฅ"
>Amy didn't supposed it was mission critical to buy a sunhat right now.
"We do not have any currency in any case, I suppose we could always barter for one if we do find one, the language of trade transcends... Erm... Language barriers, after all."
>She snickered at the stubborn, bubbly, lazy metallic ingot.
"Perhaps the Fire does not feel encouraged to maintain a shape, some of it was trying to escape you earlier, maybe the energies are just feeling particularly obstinate today?"

>Ear twitches, tail shakes, and a single, light, melodious stamp of a hoof, Amy shook her head in annoyance as she got turned around by the very energies she had just been mocking.
>Literally turned around.
>Huffingly disentangling herself from the rope her circular path had wrapped her up in, Amy leaned some of her weight on the Stick, lightheaded as she reoriented herself and waited for her tastebuds to cease their disobedience and stay in their lane.
"I just attempted a location fix, I suppose the energies didn't like that and decided to spin me right round. Right round..."
>Recovering her balance, and her bearings Amy, yet again nodded north and began wandering off in that direction.
"All I'm getting from the Warp Gate is North. North, north, north. Nothing on distance, only direction. It's beginning to become irritating how elusive it's being..."
>The filly muttered a khornate oath that she would give the energies a sound thwack with the kerbann if they but had physical vessels to hit with it.
>Though she had caught something else in the process, but she did not yet know what to make of it.

>>392034
>Closing the apps, 'Shiibo' sighs while presenting a miniature formal review.
'Not entirely, sir. Your position has improved from being considered an aloof, untrustworthy human, one suspected as having potential to commit sabotage. High amounts of trust have been assured by Denra, Naliyna, Roust, Shanis, and Mercy. The last respects your honorable conduct but has exceptional difficulties in unfamiliar social situations. This allows for moderate favor among Lunar aligned and Independent allies.
Equine militia, mercenary groups, and militaries focus on ensuring positive intersocial links through shared beneficial conduct, improving an individual's psychological resilience, enhancing combat effectiveness, and broadening awareness, in that order, all without removing individuality. Surely you understand the implications of their professional attitudes towards maintaining cohesion? Different is not soft nor unaware, sir.
There are well detailed, translated histories of species, cultures, and locales on backlog, which will present verifiable opportunities to properly address concerns once time allows for such.
For now, I have experiments to conduct.'
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <Electromagnetic Analysis
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <Executable Diagnostics
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <Threat-Vector Assimilation

>Stretching out her front legs, the left fades into a clear-white, right becoming a hazy deep purple, Dul nods, then the left returns to neon purple, the right turns gray with streaks of black, red, blue, and purple.
"Dul Vortex, Aether. Tallus, Void. Void not Black, Void softer. Lots same-same. Blind not same, Sirens hate huge threats. Dul see.. from inside? Look outside but Dul stay inside.. or is other? Dul not know. Need learn lots more."
>Lips pursing as she thinks, the faux-mare stares right, 'Shiibo' opening basic apps from the prototype.
'Blind refers to What-Is-Over-Darkness, also known as Overdark, a majority hostile spectrum which only Solar adherents or aligned and certain Independents are able to safely travel within, though such is difficult. Black refers to the deepest Void region, technically non-Euclidean yet features solid manifestations of materials, objects, beings, creatures, buildings, and flora which do not normally exist on Tallus.
Significant comprehension difficulties; a known barrier for Planar beings. Speech, text, other physical communication methods are rarely used let alone studied. Direct transmission capabilities of conceptual forms have been noted by ponies, but are poorly understood. Moods, images, sensations, sections of memory, even specific Planar objects or beings can be transferred with few range limitations.'
>Swiveling back and forth multiple times, the Siren blinks, left leg raising to point at six locations northern, another six south, straight ahead, at you, Lonestar, then back northwest.
"Dul see. Acid most threads. Fun thinks. Void lots threads.. not... thinks. Hurts. Feels LOTS hurts. Ice-song less threads. Is slow mad. Hard-song less-less threads. Not think, want make things. Hot-song little threads.. hates. More songs few threads. Water is... one thread? Is lots young, like new foal but old too. Dul know where threads are."
>Shifting her full attention west, her head raises, then tilts heavily, regarding the direction in reasonably accurate earth pony expressions of confusion and hesitancy.
"Dul.. ..see pony. Not-pony? But is pony. Look pony. Pony see, feel, huge threads. Not-pony see, feel. Pony same, not-pony same. Not same-same but same-same. Is all threads under round. Threads not out of round."
[1d6 = 5] <Language Adaption
[1d6+1 = (6+1) = 7] <Tallus Acclimatino
[1d6+1 = (5+1) = 6] <Vortex Adapt: Tallus
>Trying to parse the Siren's information, the avatar offers a morbid, conciliatory gesture.
'An.. artificial being, not a Construct, appearing to be a pony, connected to the dome, sections, and buildings alike? The arrays have not detected such. Presumed magic of an unusual variation.'

*"I... can't even start with thi-"*
>Hodch's natural teacher's inclination falters, flattening into a monotone.
*"Two millennia of lost flora, majority keystone species. Moor soft-leaf creeper vines, the fangtail berry.. a Moonblush peach. Those went extinct from Scars during the Lunar-Solar War. That is.. the Highland cresentbloom, former symbol of the Hegemony before all specimens were Infected.. Katyal?"*
*"You're not gonna fucking believe this.. that red building's a hot house. Rows and rows and ROWS stacked in layers, all desert, arid, highland, some riparians.. slumbering barrel cacti, big leaf waterroot, nightbloom scrub, arid bushes, small trees, succulents.. most of those went extinct across parts of southern Ewerup, Saddle Arabia, Neighsia, few other places on the coasts.
.....there's a fuckhuge Magma Core the size of a bomber skip in the center and.. unless I've gone COMPLETELY insane it's a Supreme Perfected class... can feel the pressure and heat from here-"*

>Glancing up at the readouts, Lonestar instantly scowls, delivering flat orders before pushing on the piloting sticks halfway to combat speed.
*"People and pony, I'd fuckin' love to see everything but Shiibo and Pare are right. Whatever's producing magnetic fields like that is startin' to cause some bizarre effects. Got a one-point-nine degree twist in forward left plasma cannon, rear is three-point-one. No damage yet but can't risk being closer-"*
>Selecting the right side arrays to record what she could, the avatar files images and definitions for later cross-referencing, motioning towards the fourth building, a 120M tall and 80M in diameter cylinder, though with an oval dome atop.
'A dormitory perhaps? It is unoccupied. Hodch, is this a Late Dynasty design?'
*"No, observatory. Possibly based on the four in Old Canterlot."*

>Regarding the fifth dome, it was a copy of the third save for being entirely aquatic, a solid, dim blue light illuminating the structure from beneath.
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12] <Investigation: Hodch
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <Investigation: Katyal

[1d100 = 81] <...Preparation Corrections