/mlpol/ - My Little Politics

>>390633
>Directing the hornet drone around in simple patterns, then switching to complex maneuvers, the woman's face tightens in seriousness.
"Won't be any Eyes in the New Everfree. Until a couple hundred more are freed they won't bother trying to restore this entire region. Most are too busy trying to restore Saddle Arabia and the eastern sections of Neighsia. Outside of that, chunks of Equestria, Neighvada, Gryphon Kingdoms, and Hegemony have some wandering around. They also patrol four, maybe five places in the Moors too. As for the Old Everfree, they've already been through . That place is clean so to speak, but still fucked in ways they can't explain.
You CAN tell 'em no but you better have solid reasoning to back that up. The word of a Saddle Arabian, true or Nag, is holy to them, but at best they'll listen to what I have to say... maybe I should get green man to upgrade this damn swarm a bit."
[1d6 = 1] <Choice

>Swiveling to eye a rapid series of readouts, the avatar's shoulders lift, dropping at a short negative tone.
'Without the possibility of uploading his consciousness to an android body, consolidation into a Crystalline shell, being rendered Undead, imbued as a Naghtmare, or...... other equally repulsive options, Kraut will be permanently indisposed. Which will certainly allow for excellent chances of recovering standing among the Imperial adherents.
Simulations on Empire motivations will resume once more data is acquired.'

>Tossing a thumbs up, Katyal reaches out for the drone, stuffing it away and setting her tablet down, slinging the jacket back on.
"Niiiiiice! Mine's basically a neutron 'dispenser' of sorts, looks like a grenade rifle but retarded and blocky. Some crazy pseudoscience bullshit experiment dreamed up in a ten kilometer deep lab about sixty years back come to life. That thing makes MAGIC look plain and simple. Reloading it's a real bitch too."

>Display studied until nodding, the Reservist gestures with his right forehoof, stacks of conceptual Planar Lightning spread around him, selecting through each by feel.
"That will be relatively simple to create. I will attempt to allow the head to become adjustable form as well; piercing, cutting, and blunt."
>Selecting a batch of nearly sixty pieces, he halts, entire coat and mane bristling in extreme alarm.
"That... could not have been Chuz`Ain. Or ANY Lunar aligned, allied, or visiting Kra`ken for that matter. You.. you talked to Durandal. Best known as Second Emissary of the Void, among the THREE known Emissaries.."
>Finally blinking, eyes swivel to regard with you trace horror, but mostly deeply rooted fear.
"Mortals are never allowed to see him regardless of their presumed astounding mental faculties as doing so is, in almost every instance, lethal. In the less than one percent chance an individual does survive, they are immediately dragged so far down into the deepest sections of The Black that they cannot harm others for, at minimum, one century.
If you should EVER meet him again.. do not fucking look. Durandal is effectively one-third of Tallus Void, manifested into a single individual."
>Full body shivering, the unicorn slowly turns to stare down at the anvil's unblemished surface, then sets the Panorama Blade longways for a quick up and down inspection.
>Leaning forward to take a sniff, he halts, sitting back abruptly.
"I do. Void and Vortex have never been friendly, though they share similar hatreds towards the Rift, Ethereals, and some Dominion beings. However, Citadel-born only interact with the Vortex in one of two ways: transit through translocation tunnels, or giving packages to a courier. What i-"
>Motionless for a quarter minute, he leans back further to frown, speaking in a clueless tone.
"Is this real, or am I finally losing what's left of my mind?"
>Reaching out to tap on it with the left front hoof, then the right, both splay across its length, expression twisting across confused states.
"....Pare, once I am done, would you please tell me WHERE and WHEN you acquired this Lunar Shard. It is far newer than all the ones I've seen. Luna removes exactly one thousand at a time from the Moon whenever enough Guard, Starborn, Armories, reliquaries, and Moorites request additional ones to restock or replace. The last time she did that was in 29,981, nearly two decades prior to now. This is less than... five, possibly six years old. Which doesn't make sense. Hmmmmmmm. Wonder if-"
>Poking at the Gozkan village scene ten times from different angles, his ears flatten as both hooves lift, pulling the Lunar Shard up and placing it on the blade's surface.
"No? Ahhh, the infusion process was Luna's doing. Either way, this will not take long."
>A short, hiltless Lumin blade appears, thoroughly covered in stamps of the Moon and starbursts, both front frogs are stabbed with a faint ringing tone, dissipating immediately afterwards.
>Pooling a number of blood drops on the blade itself, Hodch leans forwards, muttering in a coldly vibrating, harshly guttural language-
>One which was instantly familiar as Mercy used it quite often: archaic Minotaur.
>Seemingly of its own accord, the small black onyx ship appears, drifting in circles around the deep purple unicorn, the colors flaring off it, sacrificial blood, and nearly all light in the passenger compartment dampen, streaking around the Lunar Shard in countless swirls.
[1d6+17 = (4+17) = 21] <GM.Necromarecy: Blood For Stars
[1d6+17 = (3+17) = 20]
[1d6+17 = (2+17) = 19]
[1d6+17 = (1+17) = 18]
[1d6+16 = (5+16) = 21] <M.Enchanting, Black Anvil Imbued
[1d6+16 = (1+16) = 17]
[1d6+16 = (5+16) = 21]
[1d6+16 = (2+16) = 18]
[1d6+9 = (1+9) = 10] <GM.Mysticism: Change-The-Moon-Eternal
[1d6+9 = (6+9) = 15]
[1d6+9 = (1+9) = 10]
[1d6+9 = (4+9) = 13]

>Morbid curiosity fully taking hold at first, 'Shiibo' suspends all of her functions save for primary.
>Physically backing up in near-panicked alarm, flickers of instability registering throughout the helmet's processes.
'SIR.. is that a.. ritual known to you? I-'
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <E.Electronic Warfare: EMP Hardening
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9]
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]

>>390658
>Tapping his helmet camera, he turns off the projection while nodding at Hodch.
"Appreciated."

>His brow furrows in recollection as he is corrected on the particular Kra'ken he encountered.
(Right... Right, it was Durandal. Failed to recall his name.)
>Holding up a hand, he presses his palm down in a placating motion.
"Yes. He had advised me not to turn around at that time. I was more concerned with acquiring my gear and responding to the Construct offensive. And I don't intend on returning to the Citadel if at all possible. He must have assumed I was Citadel-born then-hm?"
>Craning his head in an attempt to see what was confusing Hodch, Pareidolia unsuccessfully tries to identify the problem from his jumpseat.
>Hodch's question prompts him to recall rather old memories.
(It must have been after the Memorial Village operation... I know it was my first purchase. Then at that time...)
>A distasteful glower crosses his face as he finally remembers where he acquired the suspiciously young Lunar Shard from. He mutters to himself.
"Of course, from Lucky. Yet more baggage to clean."

>As the lights start to flicker, his attention returns fully to the ongoing ritual. Leaning backwards only slightly, he remarks offhandedly:
"No. But Hodch wouldn't conduct any ritual that would cause harm to any of us here. This is likely partly Necromantic in nature... "
>Glancing around the compartment, he seeks to confirm his statement of assurance.
"I just hope he isn't straining himself with this blood. But this should pose no major risk to you or me."

>Once the ritual finishes, he would inform Hodch about the names of the ponies he acquired the Shard from, namely Lucky, Tacit, and Kend.

>>390641
>Eyes closing, guilt, shame, regret, pain, fury, depression, and more marr the Councilierge's face, head dipped for some time before murmuring.
"By the alicorns, I wish that was all we needed to dig everyone and everypony out of these holes.."
>Lifting once more, he gives a short, dismayed exhale, both forehooves making plaintive motions.
"I do not know enough of Kraut's history, aside from a theft in the Empire City-State. He was only sighted three, perhaps four times in Stalliongrad, and did not cause enough damage to warrant more than a request he be confined until a Luminary is able to cleanse him.
As for Filth.. he must either be permanently banished from Equestria to a place he can harm no others, or die. The Solar corruption and taint he has spread, and the vile natures of his many destructive actions, cannot be forgiven by Solar, Lunar, or other.
Barring that, what I say next is of the utmost importance. The Empress has fallen, perhaps for the last time. There are none whom can replace her, yet that is the good news. Since she is no longer a threat, the only one which remains is Horizon."
>Hair brittle above the hoof, though still firmly meeting your hand, the Imperial mares snarl in a variety of sharp tones, his jet black coat rippling in faint disgust, which wasn't directed at you.
"Be at ease. Horizon is obviously not here, otherwise she would have struck alrady. I do not detect either a Sunglobe or sunorb here, though that does not mean one has not been carefully hidden."
>Listening to their harsh, flowing words for half a minute, Stream Lark sets his hooves back on the table with a polite nod.
"They have confirmed none are within the Enclave, though that does not rule out one or more spread across the Ferron Coast.
Bubba, I know for absolute fact that THING was able to taint a million or more ponies across this world, including Marrowgrin, Lord Sevrit, and a Greater Magma Elemarental. Before the Lunar-Solar War ended, Horizon was actively meeting with the, for lack of a better word, heretical One Sun cult. When they were wiped out, she could no longer act in the open.
The Tower Guard and... a large number of ponies met, devising options to take if she, or Silver, were to appear again in the open."
>Side eyeing the cells left and right, Lark grimaces.
"What I am about to state will not be easy to understand, nor simple to overcome.
Long before two hundred humans were to be summoned onto Tallus, myself, Shared Roses, mostly known as Sha'Ro, Linara, my daughter, the most trusted Tower Guard, and marely outsiders created hundreds of thousand of false images, recordings, and paper records, all to throw Horizon and the Empress off. I cannot state whom and what else was involved as the first has been able to corrupt, taint, and strike with sheer impunity, while the second.. the less said the better.
Some time back, Jeff, I believe the name is, was able to access the some of those held on a dedicated server. Six of the Stallionguard, which are the thirty humans whom arrived to aid Stalliongrad, maintained a constant vigil to ensure their data could not be compromised until a set of keywords was made.
When those thirty humans arrived, they were sworn into the Tower Guard, then prepared for what would potentially occur, whether that was Horizon or the Empress resurging first. It was their idea to divert the attention of both, everywhere at once, using ANY means available to them. Of the three hundred and eighty or so current Stallionguard, only nineteen remain of the originals, though their duties have been passed on.
They are not immune to Anti, though their large squad sizes and constant presence of Support Strikers prevent them from all becoming contaminated or overtaken by Horizon at the same time.
Now, admittedly it took a while until that highly specific search could be made using the Third Gestalt's technology. He is known as Anonymous, sometimes Anon, among other terms.
You certainly know a pony named Sweet Dreams. The Juggernaut is her true title, the one she gave herself. You may well know what Anti is, but not what it could, can, and must do. There is much that cannot be uncovered until the time is precisely right."
>Leaning back to circle his right forehoof on the table, Stream Lark scowls, deeply held misery being the only sensation the soul-glyph feels from him.
"Not everything you and others may have experienced in the past two years is a lie. As far as the humans of Razorback and the ponies alongside her are concerned, what they KNOW is the truth. Keep it that way to continue throwing Horizon into a death spiral of overthinking. Do not correct those falsehoods or reduce their number if you should know otherwise."

>Tremendous screeching of metal-on-energy from the far right cell are followed by a series of crackles, neither magical nor Psionic from what the glyph could tell.
"THESE SHITTY WALLS WON'T HOLD LONG ENOUGH TO MATTER!"
[1d6+18 = (3+18) = 21] <?????
[1d6+18 = (6+18) = 24]
[1d6+18 = (4+18) = 22]
[1d6+18 = (2+18) = 20]
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21] <?????

".......was Skullcracker wrong about her being untainted, or did w-"
>Blinking rapidly, the older stallion's ears flatten, the Imperial unit striding to face the southwest cell in a wedge, sections of crystalline armor lifting, clusters of manabombs drifting forwards and set in a rough circle.
"No, not enough time to think. You wouldn't happen to have a one or two thousand pound bomb on hand? In the majority of her forms Horizon is highly resistant to the best weaponry and enchantmarents we have been able to create or recover, yet explosives seem to harm her rather effectively. Imperials only carry six small or two medium diamond-cased manabombs.
That is, IF 'Pear Blossom' isn't simply one of that monstrosity's Anti-twisted and modified agents."
>Easing himself off the seat to stand, the Councilierge glares coldly past you.
"Bubba, is escaping an option, or is this Enclave one without an external exit? If not, where is the safest place I can speak to Razorback openly?"

[1d100 = 27]

>>390660
>Rigidly holding the pose, Hodch's body begins to distort, first in geomantic, Necromantic, then utterly non-Euclidean patterns, reshaping the Lunar Shard as streaks of bright silver-blue essence, flowing together in tight red, blue, and Lumen strands.
>His voice, if it was his, becomes a rough, four-sided tenor; one irritated, the second amused, the third disgusted, and the fourth marginally exasperated.
"It is excellent you heeded his warning. And, should I live, you will accept my recommarendation to be formally given permanent Lunar access.. under extremely well armed, armored, and hostile guardship. Oranti and Ridgeback should serve as fine mistakes for the Starborn to learn from. Laxity and carelessness may be acceptable elsewhere, though not within the Citadel.
Perhaps their deaths will encourage the Burning General to awaken from the Hyfalgryph-induced reverie which has claimed her for so long. Or she may continue sleeping amongst more pleasant dreams as Enchained are wont to."

>Shifting to get comfortable, Katyal's gaze darts up at the ritual taking place, muttering in stark, flat humor.
"Fucking Mystics. Fucking Necromancers. Every single fucking time they show their real selves and I just have to be there to see it. Pare, Lone, ignore him until he's done.
And which Lucky is that? Er, Lucky Strikes is dead. The four Lucky sisters, or Lucky the Matron? ....isn't that the pegasus Isiet was telling me got thrown out o-"
>Stiffening, she immediately snatches the tablet with her right hand, left hand raising to press below her ear.
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <B.Electronic Warfare
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
"Gimme a minute, I might know something about them-"

>Arms spreading out, the digital appearance of 'Shiibo' degrades into what should be a corrupted state, distorted flickers of numbers, symbols, and text now composing her avatar.
'I.. see it. And... feel it as well. These sensations are NOT similar to known forms of energy states, fields, particles, or known scenarios. Both my functions and the Rerculon's are not being hampered nor prevent, though this is.... uniquely distressing. I would not consider it painful.
At least, not yet.'

>Lifting the Panorama Blade up in a swirl of moonlight, Hodch reaches out to flick the empowered Lunar Shard into it, which is then directed back towards you.
"Why am I not surprised. Dim-witted usurpers basking upon a bed of false grief. They should have known better than trying to fool one of us.
This one is now suitably heightened in dangerous qualities to qualify as 'complete', though the Nightmare or Reaper would do considerably better than I. Now for the second."
>Interrupted by Lonestar shouting and tearing his headset off, the bubble around him collapses into a series of forward displays.
"Mother of ALL gods and goddesses, that damn noise here?!!"
"What's wrong with you now dude? We're i-"
>Chair swiveling enough to throw the right middle finger at Katyal, the navy man snarls, pointing forwards.
"Rerculon's picking up the biggest fucking power surge it can register from two-ten to two-thirty, southwest of us about twenty-five miles out! Get whatever the fuck you're doing back there done and prepare to crash in four, maybe five minutes! And Hodch, STOP trying to Ee-Em-Pee us all!"
"If I had done so, you would know instantly. Or perhaps, you would not. Quite luckily for you, I know quite well how to avoid electrically destroying, damaging, and seizing biological functions. Or to conduct the precise opposite. As it is, I will.. expedite this delicate task a small amount, though it will cause a small amount of irritation, and perhaps stiffness LATER.
Dul, please remain between spectrums. However, if you must move, I ask that you secure Pareidolia in the event of a crash."
>Eyes widening at her name being called, then expanding far more to take notice of the scene around her, the Siren's response is terrified.
"Dul.. secure for what?"
"Prevent him from being thrown around, like a package carelessly tossed into Vortex storms."
"....Dul can do.. that?"
"Thank you. Now, to commit a task I have prized little throughout my years. Perhaps my dam was right; I should have been a smith first, then researcher."

>Opening the Storm King's room to peer inside, each lightning-scarred hoof reaches in to pick up a horn ring, streaks of yellow taking over his coat, mane, tail, and horn.
>Weighing the silverine and Lunar Duelist one, twice, nodding with a serene expression, both are lifted and allowing to drop onto his horn, both forehooves clop together hollowly, then spread forwards over the anvil.
"Construction."
>The term was name, description, title, and life, flashes of the Lightning Plane giant lifting a colossal hammer take over the internal screens, black clouds covered in bright yellow fringes take shape throughout the passenger compartment.
>Bringing all of the Planar Lightning together using both hooves, the-Hodch-that-is inhales deeply, breathing out in a voice which was not heard, only felt:
I seek Those Whom Exist Before, hear my voice from each and every wellspring,
From the Plane of Lightning I call you forth, each grand aspect of the Storm King;
Grant me thy knowledge to shape this, your Lifeblood and Essence Eternal;
Hold aloft thy hammer and still it but a moment, Greatest Among The Equal;
To bind what must be be held by ally into forms only he may bear;
I savor each percussion and vibration as you fall upon the stock I hold here;
Ring in, ring on, ring upon, ring again, again, and again that which is to come;
By the Elemental Plane of Lightning, hold no furies back until your last work is done!
[1d6+17 = (2+17) = 19] <GM.Necromarecy: Blood To Lightning, Lightning As Blood
[1d6+17 = (5+17) = 22]
[1d6+17 = (4+17) = 21]
[1d6+17 = (6+17) = 23]
[1d6+16 = (1+16) = 17] <M.Enchanting, Black Anvil Imbued: Cacophony of Storms
[1d6+16 = (2+16) = 18]
[1d6+16 = (6+16) = 22]
[1d6+16 = (4+16) = 20]
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17] <Grand Rite: The Endless, Tireless Work
[1d6+15 = (3+15) = 18]
[1d6+15 = (1+15) = 16]
[1d6+15 = (5+15) = 20]
[1d6+15 = (4+15) = 19] <GM.Casting: Conjoined Lightning
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21]
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17]
[1d6+15 = (3+15) = 18]
[1d6+9 = (5+9) = 14] <GM.Mysticism: Shape-The-Charge-Which-Must-Be
[1d6+9 = (5+9) = 14]
[1d6+9 = (2+9) = 11]
[1d6+9 = (2+9) = 11]

>>390664
>Upon hearing Hodch's insistence of a recommendation, Parediolia sighs and shakes his head in exasperation but remains silent.
(I want as little to do with that faction beyond necessary relations for Guidance Protocol tasking. These pony cultural values-tsk. Deal with it later.)

>He grimaces slightly as the ritual continues, throwing a correction to Katyal.
"It was Lucky Strikes, that Lucky. Likely acquired the Moon Shard illegally. Her being dead is only the start of cleaning up this human-made mess."
>He then glances at Shiibo's avatar with some concern.
"It's affecting you to this degree? Don't force yourself if it becomes a problem. Shut down if you need to, if it comes to it. This is a new variable for me, so I can't promise accurate assesments."

>Grim news of a complication delievered by Lonestar causes Pareidolia to stand immediately.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHKV6XpZaYY&list=PL6V-0qYZezjFN_2lP5NqbAZqjdItLq_X0&index=2

(Great. Heavy impact in estimated 4 minutes. Secure equipment. Brace.)
"Shiibo, that power surge may overwhelm any EMP hardening we have. Finish what you need to and prep for shut down."
>Rushing towards his locker, he begins retrieving his pack and assorted gear. As he Stickies it to his legs, he notes Dul taking in her surroundings with apparent fearful disorientation.
>Moving past her to resecure himself in the jump seat, he says:
"Hodch is performing a ritual to make one of my weapons stronger, using some of his own blood. You don't need to worry about that. Right now-"
>There is a pause as he straps himself in and reSticks his pack to his legs.
>A twinge of discomfort crosses his face as Hodch's increasingly unsettling mysticism rises over the compartment. Speaking over the loud "thoughts" of the Lighting Construction, he continues:
"-focus on bracing for a big... boom of some kind. In less than 4 minutes, we will be impacted by a major blast wave that may damage this transport. I can use my Sticky enchantment, and should likely be safe. You should be ready to hold on to avoid being thrown around."

(Of course there had to be something. Even here. Really wish Command oversight was here to redress contingencies.)

>>390342
"People would say you're not making sense."
>I do understand the idea, at least.
"You underestimate the human ability to complain or tell someone something despite fully knowing that it is out of their hands."
>I give her an even stare.
"Ponies are weird, Wild. Someone will undoubtedly want to date you, I am certain."
>And I'll smack them for trying.
>With a stick or something.

>I just give her another look at that, before digging out a rag to hold over my mouth and nose.
>I do not like this foul stench.

>Watching her... adjust, I sure was glad I didn't have the technological know-how to know just how impossible what she was doing should be.
>I gaze into the abyss and don't acknowledge it gazing back.

"I'd say I can only imagine, but I don't think hard enough for something to that degree."
>As she resumes repairing, I stretch my legs, walking around a bit and keeping from breaking down myself.
>This is one fuck of a situation.

>>390666
>Poking the screen once, Katyal lifts her tablet, showing a highly toned, mid-40's pegasus stallion sneering in broadside flight, a full set of mostly clear, long wingblades on the visible feathers.
"Nope, wrong name. This is Lucky Strikes, sire of the five Lucky sisters in Las Pegasus, to five different dams no less. Killed about fifteen years ago when somepony popped a Rift gate open in the middle of Las Pegasus. Wasn't a Construct that got him though.
Real piece of work; killed and looted through reliquaries, armories, museums, graveyards, barracks, you name it, all over Mainland Equestria, Moors, Hegemony, Neighsia, Saddle Arabia, Gryphon Kingdoms, middle to big cloud-cities. Even slipped into the Dragonspines and a few places in the Crystal Empire. Worst part is he was never caught, but his five hundred or so crew are mostly dead now.
Bastard's record makes Hodch look normal-"
>Bombastic, OFFENDED criminal side eye.
"How does relatively normal for a LUNAR sound? Eh, Matron Lucky's the one that got executed in the Crystal Empire a while back. Sold ultra rare pieces, lost or missing holy relics, among other stuff nopony knew how to get for whack prices. Also there was something about a bunch of fake salt but we didn't get involved with that. Her sisters disappeared a while ago and nopony's got a single clue where they went.
Really fucking bizarre no one and nopony ever learned their first names. Isiet had no clue either, weirdo little lesbo horse.."

>'Shiibo' waves a discombobulated hand in front of her face, the digital parameters separating in puzzling manners.
'Yes. EMP hardening is providing marginal operation. Uplink, site-to-site, and wifi connection impossible. Saving files and backing up prior tasks.. complete, shutting down now.'
>Possibly bowing, the avatar's voice hitches in a demure, slightly spicy tone before the helmet's internal screen blanks out.
'Turn me on when you need my services, sir~'

>Eyes following you around, the Siren's body reappears, physically a bit more substantial as you sit down, sniffing towards the magical phenomena before tilting her head.
"Oh. Dul was looking inside Dul. This not bad. Dul think really bad thing happen. This.. better? Weird better? Better weird?'
>Lifting both front legs up to grasp a cloud, faux-hooves touch briefly, pushing it towards the Black Ark with a giggle, then extends each set of claws down into the floor.
'Dul ready!'

>Throwing everything of hers into the standing locker that wouldn't break, Katyal opts to leave her kit bag in it.
>Deciding between holding a bag of bottles or explosives, both are chosen, setting the first across her chest before sitting down, placing the second under her legs and wrenching the straps over her tightly.
>Gripping her tablet and squishing the alchemy bag into her chest, her eyes roll.
"Been in three crashes and only one was my fault. Does this one count?"
"No-"
"Yes-"
"I know where you live, Hodch."
"So do I."

>Setting the blade in your lap, Hodch sits back, eyes shutting tightly as he yawns.
"Ugh... that will never stop being irritating. Lonestar, is the Mess Hall foyer large enough to admit the OT-4?"
"Little busy here trying to find something we can hide behind, in, or under!"
"Answer the question, please."
"Yeah, probably! Why?"
"Merely a theoretical emergency wormhole connection to where I left a series of runes engraved with my Cutie Mark under the floorboards in the center of said foyer."
"...what?"
"Precisely."
>Reaching into a floating purple cabinet, which wasn't there before, Hodch digs around for several seconds, returning with a small Lumin plate, though a large piece of reflective black chitin scale falls out, as does a host of pegasi feathers in every color.
"I don't necessarily want to use this, but in the event of an armor breach or severe damage it.. ssssshould work. Technically doesn't have a weight limit, but we've only used them to transport boats, structures, fortifications, buildings, and the like. When they aren't moving that is."
"Please tell me that doesn't involve getting thrown around-"
"Prrrrrobably."
"That's not a yes!"
"It's the best I can tell you. ...these aren't ones I've collected. Who, what, and why?"
>Tossing the plate upwards to stick on ceiling above him, Hodch blinks at the pile several times, sniffing once, then floats it back inside the cabinet, doors shutting and vanishing.
"Of course.. thank you, Nibbles, for all the extra clutter.."
>Eyeing the decidedly incomplete weapon with a sigh, Hodch MUCH more calmly, and without ceremony, begins kneading the weapon into existence.
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22] <GM.Necromarecy: Blood To Lightning, Lightning As Blood
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22]
[1d6+19 = (2+19) = 21]
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22]
[1d6+16 = (3+16) = 19] <M.Enchanting, Black Anvil Imbued: Stormcover
[1d6+16 = (3+16) = 19]
[1d6+16 = (6+16) = 22]
[1d6+16 = (1+16) = 17]
[1d6+15 = (3+15) = 18] <GM.Casting: Conjoined Lightning
[1d6+15 = (1+15) = 16]
[1d6+15 = (4+15) = 19]
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21]
[1d6+9 = (3+9) = 12] <GM.Mysticism: Shape-The-Charge-Which-Must-Be
[1d6+9 = (4+9) = 13]
[1d6+9 = (2+9) = 11]
[1d6+9 = (4+9) = 13]

>>390666
>>390715
>The right screen flickers on, exposing a spartan, darkly lit interview room.
>Angle pointing straight down next to a recessed lamp, the image of mid-60's male arm holding a long cigarette over a white ceramic ashtray, weathered arm propped on a new steel table.
>A young, fairly charismatic woman's voice speaks, slim hands spreading a series of mathematical covered pages out before the man.
"Your proposal has been exhaustively considered. Each calculation has been run through the best software, heuristic machine learning algorithms, and logarithmic programs available to us. It is, quote, marginally flawed, end quote."
"So, not a success then. Is my concept or the math at fault?"
>The male's voice was rough, tired; a lifelong smoker, though surprisingly sharp and quick.
"No, to both. At least, not in the ways we thought it was a failure at first. Large scale energy waveform manipulation of the intended magnitudes are, with our current and projected technological limitations within the next five years, impossible.
That is until we stumbled across a mutant quirk of variable quantum foam selection."
"Quantum what now?"
"That explanation would take hours. Here, let me show you precisely what the result looks like. Stand up, then look above the paper itself."
>A large sheet of paper moves into view of the recording, covered in familiar esoteric symbols and condensed terminology.
"My.. my head hurts, why? What is this? I didn't draw any of this, whe-"
>Chair scraping backwards, then once more as a panicked step is taken.
"The fu-"
"Calm down! Relax. That is a perfectly normal reaction! Look at the hand writing. Yes, that's it. You see it now? The whole lab did too.. at least those that didn't pass out or begin bleeding from their nostrils and ears. Do you understand the ramifications of what you discovered?"
>Sitting down heavily after five seconds, the older man sighs, ash being flicked onto floor.
"....fuck me. It's a wave motion cannon, isn't it? Just.. condensed down for an individual's use. ......my daughter loves old anime. Watched a lot of it with her before she moved away. Became a nurse."
"I understand, so does my cousin. With the proper knowledge, this could be taught to a-"
"Sufficiently trustworthy and loyal human being with sufficient inherent energetic control. I get the point. Is this why I'm being interviewed behind six inch thick one-way glass in every direction?"
"No, w-"
"Look, I drove six hours to get here, waited an hour before that bitch bothered to check something, spent another in decontamination bullshit, half an hour being poked and prodded in the dumbest looking medical lab possible, then sat here for another hour before you strolled in! Tell me what I'm doing here and why before I decide punching you is the fastest way to get out of here and go find somewhere to eat lunch!"
"....one of the facility coordinators believes you may be the perfect candidate to teach this method, to others, in the event of a relatively peaceful First Contact."
"Why didn't you say that when I asked?! I've be- ....what?"
"Here."
"What's this?"
>Sliding a small credit card into view, the woman's hand turns palm up.
"A black card. Credit and debit only. Untraceable, except by our organization. We may only make deposits, not withdrawals. Initial personal funding of five million. Later funds will not be unlimited, though should be sufficient to, hopefully, prevent you fro-"
"Betrayal is a low priority unless your organization pisses with my family, my dog, my friends, and my colleagues. What's this about First Contact, and do I have to sign an En-Dee-Ay?"
"I can assure you our organization does NOT target family members, I will show you in a minute, and that will be necessary, yes. Before you sign your name, please turn around and observe the white taped mirror."
".....are they rea-"
"Yes. They do not know we are observing them, and we are still unsure how. For each action there should be an equal and opposite reaction, but so far there are no indications of a single individual realizing they are being watched. Unless this type of event is so commonplace they do not consider it an anomaly."
"Then.... there's been no First Contact yet?"
"Correct. We were.. hoping you would select an individual to do that for us."
"......before I sign this, I've got three conditions. One: what I say gets done. No bullshit, no fuckups, no calling in sick if you aren't, no if's, no but's. How, when, why, and where, my word is absolute law."
"...they agree."
"Two: no details of this to anyone except you, the people listening, watching, or both, me, and whicever outside whichever lab techs, researchers, and science flunkies get brought in. I want to know who ate what six years ago, how they tie their shoes, and the exact number of pornographic files they've downloaded in their entire lives."
"They agree."
"Three: WHEN this technology is out of experimental stages and becomes available, my daughter gets the first production line version of each. Anonymously, of course."
"Each? I don-"
"Variable close combat weapon, pistol, rifle, shotgun, and launcher."
"How do you expect t-"
"Because I understand how to configure it into specific forms. Can't you?"
"............no, I cannot. And they agree, with one condition of their own."
"What is it?"
"The organization, through numerous cutouts, shall retain full rights to sell a line of... WHAT!?"
"Out with it."
"Er... ...stuffed.. toys. Of which you will receive a flat twenty percent royalty on."
"Done. Now take me to the closest lunch room and explain why your lab idiots were experimenting with molecular motion waves instead of my design-"
>The recording ends.

>>390711
"I can make sense of what the other me cannot. Or myself. I, me, my, self, mine, and the others.. all twenty of them. Excluding the inside idiot."
I HEARD THAT.
"Did you?"
....no.
"Good. Now find the five least dangerous routes towards nearest large translocation matrices or Warp Gates."
>Inside Wild was definitely not to be trusted with non-serious tasks.
>Poking the sheet of armor covering what should biologically be her right bicep, the previous repair tendril makes a wide and sweeping circle in air.
"Consider me notified and as of yet incapable of comprehending, mom."
>Twisting around to make a side to side shaking motion, the tendril's eye is exchanged for a quartet of mechanical pincers, clicking in a harsh metallic 'tsk' tone.
>It was mocking you, though the motion seemed to be more inside Wild's style than the logical exterior version.
"Mom... stop. Do not do this right now. Please do not continue. I have approximately one-point-eight million concerns right now and that is NOT one I want to consider so long as I exist. Replacements for me now, possible travel shortly, and zero harm caused to you forever."

>Finding some relief from the nauseating scent, the prospect of filtered air becomes more appealing than ever before.
>Even if it involved learning claustrophobia.

>Something blinks in return.
>Rather, that might have been a repurposed headlight flickering, or an odd visual inspection systems for the repair tendrils twitching, but you certainly didn't.

>Pseudo-spine straightening, then shifting back and forth at the waist, then torso, the completely missing head unit makes Wild Ride look like the victim of a horribly botched transplant.
"My limited understand of physical structure agrees with you. I do not understand why my endo-skeleton is unable to be modified, attempting traversal now-"
>Lifting her left arm, swiveling the wrist in mostly human motions, extending the elbow, retracting the same, then swinging the shoulder around, only one metallic crunch and two crinkling noises are heard.
" ...I think I have JUST discovered what a cramp means, is, and feels like."
>As if she hasn't been existentially cramping throughout her entire short, mostly miserable life.
"It feels terrible. And wrong. Progress acceptable. REPLACING left internal structures and fractured armor paneling to be safe."
[1d6+14 = (4+14) = 18] <Grade 1 Auto-Repair
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21]
[1d6+15 = (1+15) = 16]
[1d6+13 = (1+13) = 14] <Grade 2 Auto-Repair
[1d6+13 = (4+13) = 17]
[1d6+13 = (6+13) = 19]
[1d6+20 = (3+20) = 23] <Tryptaran Autorestoration
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <Repair Tendril #1
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <RT-#2
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <RT-#3
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <RT-#4
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <RT-#5
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7] <RT-#6
[1d6+2 = (3+2) = 5] <RT-#7
[1d6+1 = (2+1) = 3] <RT-#8

"No creatures capable of willingly harming you within one thousand meters, mom. I am limiting my arrays to minimum distance settings until further notice.
Update; the unrecognized, erratic signals north-northwest of our position have ceased. There is now an ultra high wavelength, wide band frequency emitting a fast repeating triple pulse once per second. Compass direction of approximately three-one-zero. Location and distance unknown at current."
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <Arcanum Sensors Array: Directional Scan
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <Omni-Sensor Arrays: Directional Scan
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]

>>390288
>Ivan thought that this smith was cutely naive in that regard.
>He'll probably be able to teach him how to be a degenerate one day.
>Like how to hold hooves while sober, and before mareiage.

"What might those be, if I may ask?"
>Ivan would most likely not have to worry about it, but he was curious.
>After all, the usual ammo loadout for a STALKER could be measured in multiple kilos for each ammo type.
>Even Rookies quickly learned to have enough ammunition on them to account for half of what the usual STALKER could carry.

>Well that was weird.
>Ivan would shift to give him a better inspection of his armor.
>Nodding along, he let the images of such a process roll through his head.
"I'm a bit familiar with the process. My father... was a steelworker?"
>He looked to the side with a frown, his head suddenly hurting from trying to remember.

>Shaking his head, he turned back to the stallion.
"Might be a good idea, then."

>>390655
>Amy the younger quieted down to listen to her sire's story, it seemed such a grim and dark thing at first, but solemn expression turned to a smile, which turned to a grin as he spoke of how he met her dam.
>She would have demanded he finally explain where foals came from, but was thoroughly distracted by the head petting, her ears twitching affectionately even as she pushed her head up into the gauntleted hand.
"(´^ω^`)"

>Amethyst enjoyed watching the unusual geometry fold, stretch and compress as they moved, even though she was well used to it, there was some part of her that recognised that space was not meant to work this way.
>Though rather than being disoriented by it, she simply found it funny to look at, majestic even.
>What else was majestic was King Tachell, though not the quite serious pose he struck, but the remembered images summoned by Avernus. That was some truly majestic Kaos.
>Amy stifled a snicker, though couldn't quite replace her expression of sheer mirth with one of respect for the circumstances she was in.
>She gave up and simply let her mirth shine through in her greeting as she waved, puppeted hand stretched upwards as far as she could reach.
"Hello! Hi! Hay! >:3!"

>Casting her gaze over the Gate, she idly wondered how it had become buried like this.
>Her musing didn't last long until she too caught the sounding of the horn, head cocked and ears twitching to catch the tones, confused.
>Ears wiggle, up, down, trying to catch the noises at a better angle, though hers weren't quite as good at finding proper angles as the others.
>And that was about as much thought as she was able to put into it before finding herself lifted and hugged in an instant, sounding off in giggly shock.
"Wah!~"
>Listening to her sire's whispers, Amethyst realised that this was serious serious, and hugged back tighter, voice low.
"...I will, dad."

>>390570

>As he was about to open the door to Lann's shop, he swiftly moved to the side to not get bashed with the door
>He watches the small group head west in their search
>"They'll notify them soon enough..."
>He catches the door before it closes and walks inside the shop
>He heads straight to the back of the counter to look for the Moon Orb

>While looking through the shelves, Guillotine's voice rings through the radio
>A bit of gratification, finally he'll get some answers
*"Awesome work, wh-"*
>Clemency stops when he heard the Guillotine apologize
>Hmmm, so that small vessel can be walked into without passing out forever
>He'll make a note to see what's inside
*"It's ok, Guillotine. But a long made seat instead of a sarcophagus? Maybe to help the pilot handle maneuvers in flight? Sounds comfy right now though. Uhhh, go on."*
>Catching himself rambling from exhaustion, he stops and listens to what the Guillotine translated
>Nothing on Ninth Fleet
>Eighth Fleet recalls the ''Arena of League" to build the last of these harpy vessels on the year of 28651
>"How long ago was that?"
>The rest seems to be about these Constructed Twos, with the reference making Clemency aware of his own bonded weapon
>"Of equines whom attempted a bond towards...""
*"Is there any equines you know that successfully bonded? And does that mean, I'm the first human to bond?"*

>>390737
>Easing the spear head into a functionally useful state, Krinza removes it to place on his anvil, setting both front hooves on it to give a series of bending tests, eyes narrow humorously.
[1d6+6 = (2+6) = 8] <M.Research
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11]
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11]
"Complete replacement of one's clothing for an armored weave in one's preferred style and a light full body combat suit, both from Lann of course. A medium helmet making use of a composite visor, with either an integral armored gas mask or using a flush fit detachable version, and a shield if preferred.
Six to ten magazines or equivalent number of shells primary, four magazines secondary, six light explosives, one medium explosive, a custom blade, and one of the basic field trauma kits. Less than that will not be allowed.
I had been debating the creation of a standard weapon, tool, and utility package, though I find most humans have certain preferences which are best left open for pre-mission planning. Once I locate a suitable assistant or two of at least moderate expertise, improved selections will become available, not mere enhancemarents.
There are far more than enough materials stockpiled to provide all of the prior without issue, however the major concern is time and assistance. Helping Hoof is primarily focused on alchemy and chemistry, while Aiutante will be spending however much time studying as she prefers."
>Visibly pleased at progress being made, the chunky unicorn motions at the giant coldstone above him, then taps against a sequence of barely visible barriers isolating the furnace from the surrounding air.
"An occupation which would serve better from having effective safeguards, such as these. Unlike most I do not mind high temperatures, though that is due to... I am not entirely sure what, precisely."
>Runic tools floating from behind the furnace, Krinza begins to carefully shape the head into a wide leaf blade configuration, though with a short piercing spike tip.
"The process I described looks exactly how it sounds, but to be fair Minotaurs can lift nearly double their own weight with ease; the weakest Hegemony Initiates are equivalent to the strongest earth pony.
Metalworking is not merely a trade to them, it is a skill set ingrained in the psyches of most, and the best smiths are known to create outlandishly complex designs. Which are of course tested until they break, or none can be found to cause significant lasting damage. Such pieces are among the rarest however."
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7] <M.Elemarental Chemistry
[1d6+6 = (3+6) = 9]
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12]
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16] <GM.Enchanter
[1d6+10 = (2+10) = 12]
[1d6+10 = (3+10) = 13]
[1d6+10 = (3+10) = 13]
[1d6+11 = (3+11) = 14] <GM.Crafter
[1d6+11 = (6+11) = 17]
[1d6+11 = (2+11) = 13]
[1d6+11 = (1+11) = 12]
[1d6+11 = (2+11) = 13] <GM.Smith
[1d6+11 = (2+11) = 13]
[1d6+11 = (1+11) = 12]
[1d6+11 = (5+11) = 16]
[1d6+15 = (4+15) = 19] <Runic Anvil
[1d6+11 = (5+11) = 16] <Runic Engraving Blade
[1d6+12 = (3+12) = 15] <Runic Hammer

"Take your time. I am merely filling requests for specific Operator weapons right now."
>Placing the spear head back into the furnace and adjusting to a lower temperature for extended cooling, Krinza's focus remains fixed on it.
"Ah, and should you require crystal fiber adjustments, one of Naliyna's daughters should be arriving soon, or perhaps later tonight. Coraline Quell is her name. High strung, does not talk much, somewhat perfectionist, yet a professional Crystal Engineer nonetheless. Lann knows her well from Basin Village. She spends quite a bit of time there during the day, though I do not know why since batponies abhor sunlight and there are no traders."

>>390717
"I'm just glad I've only got to really make sense of what I can come up with."
>Wild was one hell of a messed up mind. Thing.
>I just point at it menacingly in reply, not bothering with vocalizing my continued poking at her over the 'dating' topic.

>I watch her shift back and forth, grimacing behind the cloth.
>Thankfully I'm not the one trying to readjust to a new skin.
"That looked, and sounded, more like a seized muscle than just a cramp."
>If she weren't eldritch I'd suggest taking a salt tablet.
"Yeah, it tends to feel wrong."

"Well aside from me, and I'm not nearly that desperate yet to consider chopping off a limb to get free of... something."
>Indomitable human spirit of survival or something.

>>390739
>Tachell's head tips downwards, stopping far enough away not to harm eardrums, craggy snout wrinkling in a poor copy of the equine motion.
"Greetings Amy! Hail Lilamaredre! The drums of war finally approach. An excellent send off this is, even should the God-King and Emperor not be able to join us! Then again, they are most certainly tearing the Kenhals open for the coming fray!"

"Good!"
>Hugging you once more, this time not so tight, Umakachov hefts you into a decently comfy seated position on his right arm, scarab helmet emitting a soothing tone.
"Apologies, Amy. I was a too quick in thinking the hunters had found us once more. Old habits are... difficult to stop."
>Listening to the drums overtaking choir in short, harsh beats, keys and brass reverb in cold accusations, background voices blend together firmly afterwards.
>It wasn't something you'd listen to more than once, and the singers were poorly trained, at best.
“Could either of you explain the meanings? Please.”
“The opening was similar to hunting calls which followed us across Tallus, before we breached the Gate you were rebuilding that is. The Dominion Plane... rather one of their disgraced Grand Singers, is leading an outcast warclan."
>Standing up to give a half-mollified, easing smile towards Avernus, your dam's ears flick around.
"Those spiteful unliving bastards never tried listening to us once..
A section of the Dominion is seeking out Solar traitors. Accusations of sabotage, destroying gifts, slaughtering a peaceful Dominion delegation. They claim Planar Treaties were dishonored, that part isn’t clear though. Overall, they're declaring war over a Herald being killed.”
“Hm. The Shades have not spoken of such actions.”
“Oh well. I guess we'll stay here until the nearest Klave arrives. Amy, big hug time!"
>Sire kneeling down to let you off for a near spine popping, freezing double foreleg hug, your dam nickers quietly.
“Safe travels Little Bug, and have fun on Tallus for me.”

>Swiveling on hoof to half-bow at the King, right foreleg curling up to touch barrel, Avernus sing-whistles in a solemn, rolling timbre.
"Wait a few more minutes for me, my beloved, I shall ever return to you as I did once before. And, please smash a few thousand Dominion jackasses, will you?"
>Returning the bow a few dozen feet, or more, the King remains still for five seconds, maw splitting apart in a much-too-wide grin.
"As long as I live we are together and forever we remain, I shall, my wonderful Avernus!"
>Wildly rolling fractures of Void covering the King roil, shoving himself off the slope, wings and claws outstretched, the second echo cackling for him on approach towards hundreds of bright purple, gold outlined portal stones forming across the 1st Ring’s open airspace.
"You tactless idiots dare enter OUR home without bringing gifts!? I haven’t had this many opportunities for glory and honor in the sixteen thousand years I’ve been alive! While I don't think there's anywhere enough room to mount ALL of your heads, I WILL try!
Legion, drown the first wave in your numbers and pincer Orders of interest!
Legionaries, seize the outer rings, then push in to cut off Gate hijackers! Don't destroy them, please!
Shades, dive from upper Rings to rip forming Orders to shreds, and stomp on their pathetic false-songs if you can!
Half-Shades, support the Kratha in storming their commanders! Cut off enough heads and the Hydras will drown in their own blood!
Knights of Fall, force them into choke points! Make them suffer for each hoof of ground they would dare seize!
Sir Umakachov, lady Amethyst, keep that Gate open until the closest Kratha Klave can take over, and you have FULL permission to invoke the whole of Tartarus as you wish! Once relieved, join the Knights of Fall!"
[1d6+50 = (6+50) = 56] <King Tachell
[1d6+38 = (6+38) = 44] <Tartarus Legion
[1d6 = 3] <Legion Reinforcemarents
[1d6+19 = (6+19) = 25] <Tartarus Legionaries
[1d6 = 4] <Legionary Reinforcemarents
[1d6+15 = (3+15) = 18] <Tartarus Shades
[1d6 = 2] <Shade Reinforcemarents
[1d6+13 = (4+13) = 17] <Tartarus Half-Shades
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <Half-Shade Reinforcemarents
[1d6+25 = (4+25) = 29] <Kratha
[1d6 = 3] <Kratha Reinforcements
[1d6+11 = (5+11) = 16] <Knights of Fall
[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8] <Knights of Fall Reinforcemarents
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14] <Umakachov Dalli
[1d6+13 = (4+13) = 17] <Rune Knight Amethyst Storm-Rose
>vs:
[1d6+44 = (5+44) = 49] <Dominion Plane Outcast First Singer
[1d6+29 = (3+29) = 32] <Dominion Plane Outcast Warclan, 1st wave
[1d6 = 4] <Outcast Warclan Reinforcements
[1d6+20 = (6+20) = 26] <Dominion Plane Songweavers, 1st Order
[1d6 = 4] <Songweaver Reinforcements
[1d6+16 = (6+16) = 22] <Dominion Plane Outcasts, 1st wave
[1d6 = 5] <Outcast Reinforcements
[1d6+15 = (4+15) = 19] <Gate-Takers
[1d6+11 = (3+11) = 14] <Dominion Potentates
[1d6 = 3] <Potentate Reinforcements
[1d6+8 = (3+8) = 11] <Dominion Plane Silentsong
[1d100 = 39] <Outcast Dominion Second Wareader

>Staring into the finally stabilized green tunnel atop the first sled, it takes the fiery pegasus... far too long in finally realizing the many, marely, fully blatant clues between the Baroness and King.
"Wait a minute, you two are in LOVE!? Is that why you came here and took over?"
"Indeed! And that was not the reason, no. I was furious at the hypocrisy most of my so-called kin held, thus I searched for a much calmer, forgiving place where we would not be treated as heretics.
My taking over was coincidental: the prior Lord was still aggrieved at his crimes and could no longer bear to think of various catastrophic results which might play out."
"Is that why you wouldn't let us anywhere near the big swamp on the 11th Ring?"
"No, that is one of the first Great Wells which, well, flooded. There are a host of stuck objects causing such, which I must add we have been unable to remove.
I blame the Half-Shades for it and they have done nothing save to snicker loudly, which does not disprove my assertions."
"Well.. I feel dumber than I did before."

>Taking off in a brisk walk and stepping inside the roiling tunnel, Avernus calls over her right shoulder, sleds dragging above partly physical, crunchy pseudomatter.
"Amy, take my side, left or right as you prefer. Lila, keep watch for annoyances if you would."
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <B.Scouting
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8]

[1d500 = 222] <Tunnel Pests

>>390715
>Nodding at Dul before closing his eyes, Pareidolia exhales deeply and slowly. The blade being set in his lap prompting no change other than an activation of his Sticky enchantment to secure it.
(Focus. Control. Unlike past in-transit interceptions, informational awareness is high. Potential threats are naturalistic. Breathe... Focus... You will ever be you. Undaunted by the flow.)
>He silently notes Hodch's mention of a contingency plan in sending the OT-4 to the Mess Hall.
(Shiibo's absence may be degrading performance of impact preparation measures. I should-)

>>390716
>His helmet's right screen feed illuminates without any prompting, displaying a scene he does not recognize.
>Eyelids fly open and a gloved hand reaches up to access the recessed control dial on his helmet.
"What- how-"
>Hovering over the switch, he regards the strange feed with thorough suspicion.
(Location unclear. Unable to determine origin. Definitely not something I saved. Individuals and organization unknown.)
>His brow furrows further at the mention of energy waveform manipulation and quantum selection, terms adjacently familiar to him.
(This must be some sort of.. strange confluence. Can't determine where or when I acquired this file. But its contents... )
>The engram covered paper comes into view and the two humans being discussion its ramifications, with assorted mentions of First Contact.
>Blinking a few times, his mind and nervous system tingle for a moment at the influx of fundamental information related to energy waves that felt suddenly familiar.
(This engrammatic design is successful in imparting knowledge. But it cannot be Committee derived. Amadeus and Salieri are far more efficient with less side effects. And this is displaying an alternate reality. First Contact protocols were already iterated in a different form than this.)
>Closing his eyes once more and having seen all he needed to see, he resettles his breathing that had been disrupted by the sudden appearance of the video.
>Quietly cataloging the remaining audio away in his mind, he finally lowers his gloved hand back down to his seat.
(Another "quirk" of Tallus, apparently.)

>Finishing his breathing exercise, he speaks over the radio.
*"Shiibo was shut down to avoid incoming EMP effects from imminent blast waves.Will you need additional support?"*

>>390744
>Finding the gleaming Lumen object rather easily in the top cubby hole, it takes a few seconds for a firm hoof on stone click to occur.
>A pleasant, professional sounding mid-30's batmare speaks, calm for the most part, and not having the sharp, shrill, deafening, or screech-laden tones most did.
('Hello Lann, been waiting to hear from you again! What do you need tonight? Also we've got that box of wire sorted out in case you wanted kanpri for another project.')

>Muted hums are stifled by a long click, the Harpy's voice puzzled through the radio.
*"Known it is not. Train within aulder vessails thee Sixth Fleet an' mineself did. Allowed full touch of weaponry, lifehull, systems, memorized all save sarcophogi. Mineself recalls none long seat.
Self-interred we were 'pon ceremonies concluded, given an' granted Right of Travel tae all water an' sky of Tallus. A... as mine later kin state it, slight mistake such it was."*
>Traces of winding down energy systems in the background hold for half a minute before Guillotine speaks, now sounding more at ease.
*"Heavy numbers did so, ye grace. Afore Tallus year of: one-nine-eight-six-zero, Fourth Fleet nae record such symbiosis. When Fourth Fleet swept into Fifth Fleet.. year of one-nine-nine-six-two be first: a pony of earth bore orange armor. Communicate thee vessail did, scorn he received from mare, nae harm given by either. Fifth Fleet ordered thus: contact nae granted 'less vessail, allies, moorings harmed. Monitor an' nae engage all Fleets were tasked.
From Tallus year of: two-zero-zero-zero-zero, to year of current, records declare fifty thousand in number known, estimate mayhaps ten thousand more. Ninth Fleet recorded little, translation tae new world they did.
Mine own logs declare one-hundred ninety-six; bat, wing, crystal, horn, earth. Little hostile they be, desire peace afrom kin they do.
Mineself knowest not, ye grace. Be it at ease, speak tae ye?"*

>Partially in view around the processing monolith system, Stellar Claws was walking around it, surveying the screens in vague interest.
>Stopping to check one of the expanded hardcases, she leans down-
[1d6 = 3]

>>390754
"Fine."
>You didn't have to directly see the tendril dancing side to side to know Wild was refusing to comprehend.

>Starting from the left hand, ripples across greatly changed armor travel to the forearm, upper arm, then shoulder, plating twisting, and finally twitching into a semblance of normal.
"I do not care what occurred, this was HIGHLY distracting. I felt like punching the improperly divided mass should solve the problem, but it is inaccessible now."
>While you couldn't quite sense the screen all three of them previously reading out PAIN, it ALL. THREE. wouldn't be too difficult to find.
>Flexing out the arm entirely, nothing moves that shouldn't.. if her structure was specifically based on human biological mechanics.
"Damage sustained was near total, less than four percent integrity remained. I will worry about the lack of Tryptaran mass later."
>All eight repair systems swivel to face you, swap their current tools for a single red glowing lens in each.
"If you are experiencing motive difficulties, your skeleton can be replaced if necessary or desired, mom."
>Suggestion?
>Threat?
>Offer?
>Recommendation?
>Sanity?
>All and yet none of the above!
"Range to pulses unknown, speculated greater than five hundred miles. Significant signal degradation, unlikely to pose a threat. Contributing factors: distant flora, clouds, water. There are three large scale Elemental echoes in vicinity, currently inactive.
Maintaining close range threat detection."
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <Arcanum Sensors Array
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <Omni-Sensor Arrays
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]

>Swapping to a bizarre pair of slender prongs with a needle, six of the repair tendrils delicately pick up sheets of steel, two surveying what remained of Wild's head.
"This may not be a good time, but I must regain access to primary data nodes. REPLACING the lower cockpit module now-"
[1d6+14 = (5+14) = 19] <Grade 1 Auto-Repair
[1d6+15 = (4+15) = 19]
[1d6+15 = (4+15) = 19]
[1d6+13 = (4+13) = 17] <Grade 2 Auto-Repair
[1d6+13 = (1+13) = 14]
[1d6+13 = (1+13) = 14]
[1d6+20 = (1+20) = 21] <Tryptaran Autorestoration
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <Repair Tendril #1
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <RT-#2
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <RT-#3
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <RT-#4
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] <RT-#5
[1d6+2 = (4+2) = 6] <RT-#6
[1d6+2 = (2+2) = 4] <RT-#7
[1d6+1 = (4+1) = 5] <RT-#8

>>390758
>Spinning around and slamming the front cabin door open to lock, Lonestar hammers into the chair's controls, hologram bubble forming around him.
*"Everything electronic that I can't risk's been shut down, Rerculon included, and no damned clue! Either of you two in the top five percent of pilots or drivers? If so take over from me because THAT SHIT-"*
>Screens blinking on from their inactive state, a view from the Landbarge's upper left rear through gigatrees at a significant angle shows a miles high line of crystallized foam visible through canopy.
>Night begins turning into Day, pinpricks, speckles, and smears of fluctuating colors roll chaotically around trees, sections rapidly contracting and expanding outwards.
>Bursts of faux-clouds form, what might have been pseudopods drifting outwards, but seeming lasting just long enough to drag the entire mass-
>Mostly towards the OT-4's direction.
*"Ain't something my ocean world and navy trained brain is comprehending! Hodch, WHAT is it?!"*
>Staring directly into the forward screen, Katyal's everything was definitely unsettled.
"Can drive most military vehicles with eight wheels. Or pilot quad-leg suits. Didn't use hover systems though. Too.. unstable. Like that. Only that's a whole lot worse. It's making me really wish I didn't have that yummy rainbow fruitcake Folu made."
>Eyes swiveling left to eye the scene, then forwards, pure, visceral horror, moderate terror, a small amount of rage, fringes of awe, and twitches of insanity cross the unicorn's face, ears flicking spastically in great distress.
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <M.Fearless
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]

"....I have NO idea and quite frankly I do not EVER WANT TO! Nibbles, get down here!"
>Snagging the feline in a bright red pillow right as she drops through, his tone shifts to lethal for a moment before delivering the Hero(ine) of the Moors to Dul.
"Do as I say or you may not live long enough to regret otherwise.
Dul, change of plans: hold onto Nibbles as best as you can, and spectrum shift completely out of Tallus the second I say the words: get out!"
>Peering down at the bat winged feline immediately scrambling in air to move in any direction possible, it doesn't work; the Siren easily scoops Nibbles into her front claws, fading until only her outline shows.
'Dul keep wiggly Melari safe.'

"Even if that damned plate works I don't have the ten minutes needed to calculate the number of degrees it can be off by at this distance! We could wind up hundreds of feet in every possible direction, possibly thousands-"
>Left forehoof thrown outwards, the central under-chair lockers are opened to dump Elemental steels inside, muttering a long series of swears, fortunately none in Common, the door slams shut.
"Lonestar, drop the rear passenger hatch two hooves."
*"Done, two fucking minutes left and punching up hard as I can!"*

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3aPhbtgkjs

[1d6+20 = (5+20) = 25] <Maximum Speed
[1d6+20 = (1+20) = 21]
[1d6+20 = (3+20) = 23]
[1d6+20 = (1+20) = 21]

>Hopping onto the rear passenger chair and turning it to face the partly opened, whistling hatch door, Hodch glances down at the straps, grunts, then lifts his head high, voice cracking as he barely keeps his figurative self together.
"Testing the COMPLETELY UNKNOWN with a STUPID hypothetical when NONSENSE OCCURS, AS PER USUAL!"
>Silverine blade appearing, it spears into the back of his neck, drags down to the withers, spinning around once to vanish as several lines of bright red pool into a sphere, and are hurled outside as he motions, a bolt of force slamming the CLOSE button.
"An act which typically promises to suck in CAPITAL letters! ...oh fuck off Discord, now isn't the time!"
[1d6 = 5] <GM.Mysticism: I-Greet-What-You-Are
[1d6 = 1]
[1d6 = 2]
[1d6 = 2]
>vs:
[1d100 = 41] <Reaction

>>390762
>Rising from his jumpseat as the viewscreens present a crystalline mass rushing forwards with false day light, Pareidolia hurriedly tosses his pack into the closest locker.
(Some sort of activated superweapon. Fallout from megafauna clashing. Need to move or die.)
>He unsticks the Panorama Blade from his legs and removes a glove, carefully pricking his palm enough to feel the sensation of pain before stashing it into the locker as well and slipping his glove back on.
*"Moving to the pilot's seat."*
>Time flows more slowly and clarity settles over Pareidolia's vision as his pain response triggers. The chaotic din of hasty half measures becomes merely acknowledged background noise as he makes his way to the pilot's seat.

"Hovercraft training. Will attempt to maneuver."
(Handling should be similar to primary transports.)

>Quickening his breathing pace slightly, he grips the set of control sticks as he takes in what information is available.
(Focus. Process. Failure is not an option.)

[1d6+20 = (5+20) = 25] <Expert Driving + Maximum Speed
[1d6+20 = (6+20) = 26]
[1d6+20 = (4+20) = 24]
[1d6+20 = (4+20) = 24] <M. Failure is Not Advised
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <Adept Human Antigravity Craft
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8]
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]

>>390662
"Kraut can be redeemed. Filth, I have no qualms with being erased."
>Bubba shook his head a bit, and focused on the other topics at hand. And hoof.
>A brief muscle twitch in his face, completely unknowingly, at the mention of Horizon.
"I vaguely know of it, I'll admit to not having kept up to date on certain topics."
>Bubba listened intently, taking in every word Stream Lark spoke.
>Nodding in confirmation that it was Jeff, but staying silent.
>He also shifted a bit when Lark mentioned Sweet.
"I know Sweet, yes. Not a lot about Anti, though."
>He accepted that he probably wouldn't until a certain time.
"As far as I'm concerned, the only thing that Razorback should know at the moment is that doing new contracts is off limits until we can fix some of the shit that's been going on."

>Bubba would look over at the cell, eyes narrowed a bit, as a hand rested on the holster of his pistol.
>Even if he knew it might not do much to the occupant.
"Just a pair of fragmentation grenades. I could solve more than a few problems if I was able to carry those around.

"Yes, if you would like to go to Razorback directly, you can escape to the Fortress."

>>390763
>Repulsor whines underneath the Landbarge pitch down several times, screen views slowing appreciably from explicit Operator failures and errors.
"Never trained more than two for this thang ta begin with!"
>Hurriedly thumping autopilot, then the holographic screen into 360 degree bubble setting, Lonestar scrambles out of the pilot chair to take over the gunner-operator seat.
*"Then I'm gettin' outta yer way!"*

>Regaining most of his self-control, Hodch sits down, taking a deep breath and directing the octagon, pyramid, then diamondine separated silverine bells into the locker next to his chair.
>Less disgusted at the situation and dearly regretting what was currently internal but likely to soon become external, Katyal's thumbs jolt straight up at you.
[1d6 = 2] <Mindscape: Control

>Flicking controls and buckling himself in using a 5-way belt system, the former officer taps both targeting sticks, receiving a muted acknowledgement of point defense systems locking down into protected modes.
"Anything's better than the little Ah know! Sticks are Ex-Why-Zee aligned, forward left and right are slew, skew, or drift dependin' on speed, up an' down skews laterally fer targetin' th'same, double forward fer straight line!"
>Reaching over to shut down the engineering section, Lonestar grunts in frustration, angling the forward turrets hard right.
"Outrun that fucken' thang and Ah'ma MAKE you a'medal outta th'dozens a'Spectral corpses Ah've made!"
*"Your engrams are slipping back in."*
*"Ah know!"*

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ur-xJcNNNg

>Suitably calm enough to not commit probably stupid actions, the Reservist's voice drifts through internal radio systems.
*"Not alive... guided though. Directional movement based on tracking. Tracking us too fast to understand how. Not Elemarental.. not Planar. Unknown
Heavy resonant properties, highly dissonant. Dissimilar to Crystal Runes, wide spread. Partial primary energy-state, secondary mass spectrum field in consistent functionality. Neither solid, liquid, gas, plasma, nor between. Impossible to disrupt, operating on frequencies every single Crystal pony, Changeling, and the Twin Sisters combined could not counter-harmonic.
Inherently hostile. No second chance. Only plausible option is to outdistance the leading edge until inevitable collapse."*

>Seated and taking hold of the pilot sticks, they were similar to the majority of operational controls you knew, though the variety of top side buttons and individual finger triggers implied the majority of functions and systems were rarely used.
>Or merely copied from archaic gaming joysticks.
>Running through the limited HUD as gigatrees pass by at extreme speed, an electromagnetic compass sufficed enough to aid for directional cues, and a composite 30% faded map, five travel routes plotted across a series of interconnected, archaic roads.
>Long since overgrown, what little flora still grew blurs into long strips of dull colorations, gloves tightly grip as you select a far right route leading north-northwest at a sharp angle, allowing for more lead between the larger numbers of volume decreasing white-barked trees.
>Drifting into alignment with the compass and pushing both controls hard forwards until resistance creeps up to match, two soft red WARNING indicator strips blink, curiously vertical, on both sides of the map.
>Finely tuned to considerably more restrictive and less reactive naval specifications, continued pressure beyond the safe limit causes both warnings to reach bright red, the repulsor pitch changing into a single note shrieking-scream that was only picked up from rearward monitoring systems.

>From the corner of your left eye, the leading edge was visible enough behind the OT-4 to conduct an instantaneous case study of insane gravity-bending, or possibly assisted, processes needed to sustain mass scale energy waveforms over long distances, capable of avoiding obstacles in an inconsistent traveling foam-like state.
>Tertiary notices reading steady at 284 miles per hour out of an absolute 300, each of the gigatrees was now outlined in brilliant reflective shadows to the right side, considerably brighter than any Day on Tallus you could think of.
>Touchy hundredth-degree adjustments to both piloting sticks on a near-perfect 19 degree compass angle lead straight off the ancient road and between trees, twitching the entire vehicle side to side in maintaining a completely opposite course from the leading edge, it was apparent that the mess behind was a single fraction-of-fraction faster.

>Locking down the plasma cannons into an partially EMP protected mode, Lonestar clicks several triggers, reaching up to swipe through screens until reaching a diagnostic readout.
"Gonna try an'figure out how th'shit that thang's stayin' cohesive-"
[1d6+8 = (2+8) = 10] <ExoTech Optronic Particle Scanner
[1d6+8 = (6+8) = 14]
[1d6+8 = (1+8) = 9]

>>390768
>Eyes gauging the closing distance between the unknown hostile "smart" weapon doggedly and apparently knowingly pursuing them, he holds his grip on the pilot sticks as he attempts to manage the oncoming approach path.
*"Engineered weapon. Expertise implies Dynastic? Why us?"*

>The absurd cloud's speed even while avoiding all manner of obstructions implied a level of energy that defied comprehension.
>Straining forward, he continues at speed in an attempt to buy time while flowing in a zen-esque state from the adrenaline and controlled state his body was in.

>>390766
"Then I will demarend a Luminary from Princess Luna for his sake, even if I must do so myself and in pony."
>Nodding in a grim motion, the elder stallion's eyes harden at the Imperial Knights snapping orders at each other, the cylindrical lance tip of one in particular sparking in harsh, flaring bright blue.
"Horizon is the only threat we all now face which should bear any consideration. Her agents are mortal and have vastly lower survival probabilities. I do not care for bias, speciesism, factions, nor politics, and my regard for morality and respect are regrettably low, but I will not sacrifice more lives to fuel that monstrosity or whatever ambitions it yet has."
>Quickly tallying the number of encased manabombs arrayed in a cone shape, Stream Lark flashes a cold, calm smile.
"As much as I would like to talk about Sweet's true self, the only answers belong to her. Though I can sometimes detect unstable Anti in close proximity, I am mostly certainly not immune to it.
Has Razorback been thorough in vetting all contracts not given by Shanis? She is one of perhaps thirty ponies I have absolute trust in, and that alone should tell you how much I value her being alive and well."
>Stiffly making his way around the table's right side, the sealed entrance/exit is given a speculative sniff, waving a hoof over it.
"Hm, odd. I would have expected a turret or two here. Save them. Regardless of what 'Pear Blossom' might be, the most vaunted of Primal Psions stands a tiny chance of surviving that number straight to their face, particularly when accompaneighed by a select number of ruthlessly vindictive Rune Knights."
>Reaching out to test it, he pauses to consider something, mood alternating between annoyed and unreasonably disturbed.
"Then let it be said that I now owe you a debt which may never be properly repaid, albeit I cannot promise anything regarding my daughters, nor the Vigilites. Sha'Ro, however... I don't even want to consider what she may have to 'offer'. That God-Killer carries more secrets than Stalliongrad as a whole has learned, uncovered, recorded, and forgotten, combined.
Two to five seconds if I remember this right, and mares: thank you once more! If that isn't one of Horizon's agents then break all of her legs AFTER silencing her!"
>Giving three light taps, Stream Lark grunts as he jolts into a painful four-point canter.
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <E.Sprint
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]

[1d6 = 2] <Naliyna
[1d6 = 4] <Amerose

>The assembled Crystal ponies collectively humming in deeply twisted, vibrating tones that promised harsh retribution, the presumed leader's helmet rolling around to make a short nod.
>Reflective green and blue eyes gleaming through visor in a pre-kill frenzy state, the mare's delicate soprano is vocally marred by a constant, sharp hiss.
"This bitchmare's ours, and tell that hardass General Twisted Teats to stop taking hard targets from us!"
[1d6+16 = (4+16) = 20] <Imperial Extremis Crystal Rune: Savage Presence
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21] <GM.Crystal Runes: Shatter-Kill Preparation
[1d6+15 = (3+15) = 18]
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17]
[1d6+15 = (1+15) = 16]
[1d6+11 = (2+11) = 13] <Squad M.Crystal Runes: Shatter Preparation x9
[1d6+11 = (2+11) = 13]
[1d6+11 = (6+11) = 17]
[1d6+11 = (5+11) = 16]
[1d6+9 = (3+9) = 12] <Manabomb Placemarent

[1d6+18 = (5+18) = 23] <?????
[1d6+18 = (6+18) = 24]
[1d6+18 = (1+18) = 19]
[1d6+18 = (6+18) = 24]
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21] <?????
>vs:
[1d100 = 67]

>>390771
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KSalu47XMg

*"Agreed, but cannot be directly Dynasty related. Crystal Kingdom weapon system created by their Lorekeeper orders in absentia. No other probabilities. Cannot recall a single word from Kingdom and Imperial records related to a system remotely similar to this, however.
As to your second question: I have no idea. Millions of possible and probable variables, not one of which we have the capability to confirm now."*
*"Hold on, you were talking about a Dynasty Temple way southwest, right? Could it have come from there? ...I really should've brought my best weapons, maybe even one of those fractal explosives too."*
*"Directionally speaking: a greater than ninety-percent chance of the answer being yes. That ruin would have been within Caneighdia's outer border, directly inside Kingdom claimed territory during the Middle Dynasty Era. Impossible to know for certain it was a research-dedicated Temple, but the probability is assumed high given a full Starborn flight chose not to attempt landing.
Trying to recall all specifications of explicitly banned weaponry from that time period-"*
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <Adept Crystal Devices & Technologies
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8]
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[1d6+2 = (4+2) = 6] <Observer Crystal Empire
[1d6+2 = (4+2) = 6]
[1d6 = 3] <Apprentice Crystal Engineering
[1d6 = 1]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <Senior Crystal Kingdom
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8] <Adept Dynastic Temples
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[1d6+5 = (6+5) = 11] <Graduate Empress Silver
[1d6+5 = (6+5) = 11]
[1d6+5 = (1+5) = 6]
[1d6+5 = (1+5) = 6]
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <Adept Middle Dynasty
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9]
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9]
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] <Junior Tactician
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5]

>Picking a new course over ancient pathways among the steadily smaller trees, each was now approximately medium cruiser sized, notations reading between 100M to 150M in diameter.
>Unable to do more than continue slight yaw or pitch adjustments in preventing an instantaneously lethal head-on, both WARNING symbols fade to a solid, dull red, still remaining steady at 284MPH without ticking over.
>Physically settled into full control of each micro-muscle movement, the ring of crystalline-foam continuing to, at a pace best measured in seconds per mile, gain, still causing zero damage to trees in its path.
>Far ahead and barely visible, patches of bright white appear among the most spread out gigatrees, passing over the first to leave an exceptionally long streak of flash freezing moisture behind.

*"What were they trying to MAKE!? That thing's pumping out at least quintillion joules every damned second!"*
*"Maybe it's a system designed to shred every last Construct on Tallus all at once, or wipe out most of the Rift Plane in one go?"*
*"Unlikely. If that were the end goal, why has it not been replicated in smaller scales and endlessly reproduced?"*
>Displaying a small window detailing the closest sets of pseduo-cloud formations tracking the OT-4's course, the outermost were contrary to their physical appearance: remaining stable within a 0.392% variance of the massive expanding wave itself.
*"And it's somehow gaining nearly three miles an hour for shit's sakes!"*
>Select patterns relating to frequencies and travel speeds remain equally consistent in the same, except with a 0.11 to 0.26 second interval between new formations.
*"Pare, this is gonna sound completely ratshit crazy: think it's possible to flip this thing backwards at some point to pilot in reverse?"*
*"If you are thinking of utilizing this vehicle's weaponry to destabilize some part, parcel, or portion.. no."*
*"And why not?"*
*"High order calculations based on negative-friction harmonic states. The 'wave' we are seeing is still thoroughly coherent and cohesive, thousands of times beyond the most ludicrously insane control mechanisms. Far outstrips what I estimate the complete hierarchy of Dragons to be capable of; their collective output would not even cause a one percent disruption."*
>Barely holding back from punching forward monoplate, Lonestar sits forwards, flicking controls once more and glaring into constantly updating emission variables.
*"I hate being told 'no', Hodch, and EVERYTHING'S got a weakness, even you-"*
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <ExoTech Optronic Particle Scanner
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]

>>390772
"One that will not be taken lightly. It is at least a godsend that we can kill, or incapacitate and interrogate, her agents if captured."
>He gave a soft nod.
"I doubt she's much of a talking mood either, at the moment. She had some hard thinking ahead of her the last I saw her."
>Bubba figured she would be fine. Eventually.
>Given the lack of him being scalped or drawn and quartered over what he made her face.
>He took a deep breath in through his nose. Eyes closed for a long moment.
"From what I've seen, no. We've been doing whatever was posted. Most of the notices haven't been suspect, but I've taken down everything we had and we will be thoroughly vetting everything from now on."

"You never know, though. One can't be too careful in circumstances such as this."
>He knew that was a bit of a lie, being overly cautious has absolutely led to failure in the past.
>Bubba watched Stream Lark leave, before looking towards the group of murderous crystal ponies.
>He figured it was probably a good idea to wait until the dust settles before leaving himself.
>Otherwise one of them might stab him.
"I'll make sure to put it in a memo."

>>390791
>One of the Rune Knights in the rear swivels enough to eye you over, several times in fact: up, down, then back up again, snapping forwards at a sharp whistle.
"Eyes forward! This one's OFF the list!"
>Rime-tipped lance freezing air around it, the leadmare's helmet tilts, the cell's energy-state barrier creases outwards in random patterns, almost in the shape of hoofprints.
"..Cadenza's told us about Otherworlders, said humans can kill Abominations, Planars, Undead, that sort without needing banned equipmarent, so-"
>Taking an aggressive step forwards at chunks of wall surrounding the cell flaking off at first, ears twitching around inside the helmet's protectors, she snorts in slight amusemarent.
"Whatever THAT happens to be isn't a pony, if it ever bloody was."
"Bet a thousand gems it's a Freak."
"Plow you. Five hundred on Abomination."
"Nah, two thousand says it's one of the missing Inner Council Wards."
"I'll take all three bets and double them. Human, we knock it down and you put a few holes in it, but we'll need it out far enough to break legs, smash something important, stun, or freeze it. DON'T hit any of us either, our rear armor facings are weaker than the front sections-
Buuuuut if you're into that sort of thing, maybe we'll come visit when Cady lets us all off duty."
>Sharp nickers are the mares reform into a pair of diagonal lines, leaving a two foot wide gap

>Constant heavy smashes crumple the barrier outwards, progressively larger shards of stone clattering against Crystal pony ExoFrames for nearly half a minute.
>SomeTHING that could have been a hoof crushes through, if it wasn't the size of a large anti-tank mine, sheathed in burning trails of thick white-gold vapors, or composed of half-stone, half-muscle, next to the cell entrance.
>Pulling back, an eerie, deep inhale from lungs that shouldn't exist is made, then a distinctly non-equine, and most definitely NOT mortal howl-screech.
>Three more exceptionally hard strikes open the cell's left stone side, white-gold shearing off with each violent movement and leaving a strange burnt rotten flesh scent in air.
>A MUCH too large deformed snout pokes through, little more than ribbons of jagged flesh in a crude approximation, Rune Knights eagerly waiting with one hoof in the air.

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFhdc2EvVZo

"YOU HAD A CHA-"
"SHUT UP AND BLEED ALREADY!"
>In unison the squad stomps forwards, lances dropping ninety degrees to lock in place on their right sides, loud rippling fractures in realspace streaking into the thing, near-instantly followed by detonations projected in a loose cone shape-
[1d6+12 = (3+12) = 15] <Small Diamond Manabombs x12
[1d6+12 = (1+12) = 13] <Medium Diamond Manabombs x6
[1d6+21 = (3+21) = 24] <GM.Crystal Runes: Shatter-Kill
[1d6+18 = (5+18) = 23]
[1d6+17 = (1+17) = 18]
[1d6+16 = (2+16) = 18]
[1d6+13 = (6+13) = 19] <Squad M.Crystal Runes: Shatter
[1d6+13 = (6+13) = 19]
]1d6+17]
[1d6+16 = (3+16) = 19]

"Strike and fade mares!"
>Leaping forwards one by one starting with the leadmare, unmistakable Rime-cluster tips impact wall, hard blue backwashing throughout the small jail cell and dropping temperatures to freezing in the first second-
[1d6+11 = (2+11) = 13] <M.Lunge Lead
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] <Recovery
[1d6+10 = (3+10) = 13] <M.Lunge #2
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <Recovery
[1d6+10 = (3+10) = 13] <M.Lunge #3
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <Recovery
[1d6+10 = (2+10) = 12] <M.Lunge #4
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <Recovery
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14] <M.Lunge #5
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8] <Recovery
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16] <M.Lunge #6
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <Recovery
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16] <M.Lunge #7
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <Recovery
[1d6+9 = (1+9) = 10] <M.Lunge #8
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <Recovery
[1d6+9 = (3+9) = 12] <M.Lunge #9
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <Recovery
[1d6+9 = (3+9) = 12] <M.Lunge #10
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <Recovery

>>390798
>He'd give her an even stare as she clearly looked him over like a trophy or something.
>He was used to it.
>He still found it weird as fuck.
"Aye, with a bit of grit and spunk."
>Probably the wrong word, but either way he drew his sidearm.
>The area was way too confined to use Gilda.
"I'll do my best. Can't use my rifle safely this close."
>If all else fails he can try his hooksword.

>Standing off to the side, Bubba waited for the opportune time to shoot.
>And to not immediately get krumpt by the thing being held back.
>As the THING emerges into view, Bubba would ready his handgun, keeping alert and waiting for the mares to get out of the way enough to fire.
>Once he had a good enough shot, he took it.
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7] <E. Small Arms
[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8]
[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8]

>>390800
>Calling back in dull chiming tones, the leadmare's impact strikes wide right into nothing, leaping backwards for the second in line, striking the misshapen snout and sending pieces of Rime-frozen flesh inwards.
"Better have a few thousand tons of both right now!"
>Second lunging back to her original position, the third impacts much the same, skidding backwards, though the fourth misses, fifth lance landing a direct impact into the hole only to leap back steadily, sixth rocking the snout backwards-
>And ABSOLUTELY FUMBLEFUCKS ALL OF HER HOOF PLACEMARENT, skidding right and hanging as her lance wedges crossways, then furiously tries to scramble backwards with a raucous cackle.
>Remarkably the seventh in line executes a flawless, contemptful lance slam and rearward bounce back to where she was, the monstrous thing scream-howling in a mixture of agony, rage, and maximum frustration.
>Ninth near-missing and only winging the creature, she succumbs to the same fate as number six, both of their crystalline lances jammed together-
"Stop touching the tips!"
"HAH!"
"That's what she said!"
"SHUT UP AND KILL!"
>Taking the opportunity for three steady, ringing shots while six and nine nice~ try to gain distance backwards, Rime burned and frozen rancid flesh shatters inwards, number ten in line grazing the snout, keeping her hoofing and scrabbling on stone in unsteady reverse.

>Half-snarling, half-shrieking, you dimly realize what the creature probably is as it continues smashing into stone and barrier, the mares preparing for another lunge forwards-
"I'M GOING TO ENJOY TEARING ENTRAILS OUT AND FEASTING ON THEM!"
[1d6+18 = (2+18) = 20] <Crushing Force
[1d6+18 = (5+18) = 23]
[1d6+18 = (3+18) = 21]
[1d6+18 = (3+18) = 21]
[1d6+15 = (4+15) = 19] <Heavyweight

>Dividing into two diagonal lines of four, the leadmare's helmet turns to whistle at you.
"Wall won't hold long, we either try pinning it to the rear wall or lure it out and open up with Rime, your call!
Mares, SHOVE IT IN!"
>No sharp snickers or laughter this time, eight rapidly forming, war crime worthy spikes launch forwards while the unlucky pair struggle to free their weapons.
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17] <GM.Crystal Runes: Powerspike
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21]
[1d6+15 = (4+15) = 19]
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17]
[1d6+11 = (6+11) = 17] <Squad M.Crystal Runes: Powerspike x7
[1d6+11 = (5+11) = 16]
[1d6+11 = (3+11) = 14]
[1d6+11 = (2+11) = 13]
[1d6 = 3] <Recovery #6
[1d6 = 2] <Recovery #8

>>390801
"Best I can do is a handful and maybe a spiteful grenade later!"
>Bubba can only watch as several of the mares absolutely fuck up their assault, but luckily none of them are harmed.
>His bullets also luckily miss the mares, several shots impacting the beast dead on as he fires.

>He has to admit that it's a good thing that they can joke around while trying to subdue this beast-thing.
>He knew if it was really bad they'd shut up and focus 110% on not dying.

"Lure the bastard out, open it up!"
>He called out, firing again.
[1d6+2 = (2+2) = 4] <E. Small Arms
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7]
[1d6+2 = (2+2) = 4]

>>390802
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKVQCT0RMYQ

"Don't know what this thing is-"
>Vocally miffed at the creature pounding larger chunks of stone outwards, the barrier flickers multiple times signaling imminent failure.
"But it stinks worse than my last five dates!"
>Clamps snapping open on their ExoFrames and releasing lances, six and nine back away, swiveling left and stomping behind you, the first angered, the second a bit too eager to, figuratively, pounce.
"Better get my lance back later or I'm biting somepony's hooves!"
"Just like your pillow huh?"
"Wish I could shove a chunk of Rime RIGHT down the back of your neck!"
"Oooo, so you like freezing play too?! Just say when you want to frost me later~!"
>Now that was worth the rightful mix of sharp laughs, though it doesn't take much to feel the leadmare's reasonably disappointed eye roll.
>Spikes impacting deeply into ruined frozen muscle, your first shot strikes above and right into the barrier, ricocheting two right turns into the opposite cell section, the second 230 grain bullet crunching into ruined snout, the third cracking into fractured stone low of the hole.
>The thing halts briefly to screech incomprehensibly, then begins stomping wildly at the buckling cell wall.
[1d6+18 = (5+18) = 23] <Crushing Force
[1d6+18 = (3+18) = 21]
[1d6+18 = (6+18) = 24]
[1d6+18 = (1+18) = 19]
[1d6+15 = (3+15) = 18] <Heavyweight

>The Rune Knights immediately realize they had pissed it off far more than necessary, a series of bright multi-hued spheres popping into the gap, widening into shields and trying to wedge against the creature's efforts.
"Crush the damn leg or hold it back!"
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21] <GM.Crystal Runes: Reverb-Shield
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21]
[1d6+15 = (3+15) = 18]
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17]
[1d6+11 = (1+11) = 12] <Squad M.Crystal Runes: Reverb-Shield x9
[1d6+11 = (6+11) = 17]
[1d6+11 = (1+11) = 12]
[1d6+11 = (5+11) = 16]

>Helmet swiveling around partway, the leadmare snorts, ears tapping inside her helmet furiously.
"Run back and get everypony outta the Enclave's center, we'll keep this rotten freak busy 'til you say there's enough room to freeze it somewhere! Check if Lark got out safely later!"

[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <Amerose
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <Naliyna
[1d6+1 = (3+1) = 4] <Stream Lark

>>390804
"Whatever it is, its insignificance is writ upon its face."
>Bubba ensured that he was loud enough for it to definitely hear him as a bit of a distraction for the creature.
>He has also definitely added to pissing it off with his gunfire.

"Aye, don't do anything stupid until I'm back, that way you'll have an unbiased witness to not overstate it."
>Bubba would turn and make haste back towards the exit, giving the group a quick glance over as he does so.

>>390805
[1d6 = 5] <B. Sprint
[1d6 = 1]

>>390805
>>390807
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdYvr2QpC3E

>Profound violent, sincerely messy, and unspeakably non-sanitary hatred follows the words, the combined shields holding, though several crack from increasingly furious blows.
>Obviously the creature still had some thought for its previous physical appearance.
"Sorry, don't have any BURN CREAM to spare for monsters!"
>Only the leadmare cackles hawkishly, stopping at four shields rendered into little more than floating shards, poorly acting as a defensive barrier.
"Oh for LUNA'S SAKES! Do you four NOT know how to produce a variable harmonic shield properly!? Here's a quick hint: TRY HARDER!"
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21] <GM.Crystal Runes: Reverb-Shield
[1d6+15 = (4+15) = 19]
[1d6+15 = (5+15) = 20]
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21]
[1d6+11 = (1+11) = 12] <Squad M.Crystal Runes: Reverb-Shield x9
[1d6+11 = (3+11) = 14]
[1d6+11 = (4+11) = 15]
[1d6+11 = (5+11) = 16]
>vs:
[1d6+18 = (3+18) = 21] <Crushing Force
[1d6+18 = (3+18) = 21]
[1d6+18 = (4+18) = 22]
[1d6+18 = (4+18) = 22]
[1d6+15 = (4+15) = 19] <Heavyweight

>Judging from the stone fractures and nearly depleted barrier, the Rune Knights would be able to hold for maybe one minute, unless the monstrosity was able to think rationally again.. IF it could recover from the scorching rebuke, that is.
"HAH! I won't be thinking about my next performarance reviews for at least two weeks after this!"

>Neatly missing a step and turning it into a partial slide, boots catch before you stumble.
>Nopony definitely watched that.
>But were they recording?
>Hauling out of the jail cell fast enough to break an addiction for competence through the timed doorway, straight ahead was Stream Lark, broadside while arguing with Naliyna and Amerose close to the translocation matrice.
>A U-shape surrounded the three, made up by the daunting, collected might of retired or off duty Starborn and active Crystal Lorekeepers, you notice an absurd number of sketchy, dangerous, sinister, corrupted, tainted, probably sentient, unstable, most likely sapient, questionably stable, likely legal, possibly illegal, definitely illegal, multiple classifications of 'nope', a few outright banned, and one HUGE 'nope', weapons in beefman hands, claws, or held in dangerously calm crystalline and magical fields above heads.
>Which, thankfully, weren't being pointed at the Councilierge, though as the older stallion's right leg points south, the majority orient in your direction with proper military about faces.
>The remainder, of course mostly batponies and unicorns, were either incapable, sluggish, had a few scars, or simply lazy.
[1d200 = 135]

>>390811
>Yeah it was time for Bubba to depart.
>Quickly leaving, he avoids becoming horizontal as he exits.
>He'd have to be quick with moving the ponies outside or at least one mare might end up as paste.
>Or roughed up.

>He gives the three a brief, disapproving stare at dilly dallying, but turns his focus to the rest of the ensemble.
>He'd have to be very diplomatic in this situation.
"We need an area of the center cleared out so we can deal with the thing currently attempting to break out and eat some pony or three."
>Smooth.
"Feel free to assist once it's out here, but move back for us."

>>390815
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of141N-VRZ4

>Over four hundred eyes, some of which were between different states of tangible or intangible, swivel and turn to rest on you.
>Lunar and Crystal Kingdom alike were not typically patient with the prospects of hard or no work, violence, or fun times, making Razorback Enclave a highly desired travel destination among veterans, along with a decent number of elites.
>Some, clearly less capable to enact the third option, too old, or injured, the rest merely not wanting to wait, pass the likely, probably, and definite war crimes directly to the front lines:
>A wide selection of hardened Knights, close range bombardmarent specialists, a few exceptionally hefty Minotaurs, allied Gryphon hunters, marecenaries in black half-plate, flowing white robed Lorekeepers with unusual sexual fascinations for magically explosive devices, professional killers, and one pegasus that you weren't sure wasn't supposed to be here.
>One of the Lunar beefmen shouts for all to back up and leave the translocation matrice wide open.

>Apparently finished with their quiet argumarent, Amerose and Stream Lark follow Naliyna into a stretched out red gateway, unusually pointed south in the Fortress.
[1d6+5 = (4+5) = 9] <Amerose
[1d6+5 = (5+5) = 10] <Naliyna
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <Stream Lark

>Creating a wide, inverted half moon shape stacked in two lines roughly 100M around the matrice, close and medium combatants in front of casters and Crystal ponies.
>The same Minotaur sets an impressively large hammer to his left shoulder, which could have been made from an anchor, or two, the right raising to make a 'go' circling motion at you, grinning in well contained fury.

>>390817
>Giving the crowd a brief look over, Bubba nods internally.
>Definitely the right crowd to offer the prospect of stabbing something.
>Giving the Minotaur a thumbs up, Bubba would turn to run back to the cells.
[1d6 = 2] <B. Sprint
[1d6 = 5]

>>390774
>A disturbing possibility surfaces in the operator's mind as he hones in on the truncated HUD of the pilot's bubble. Hodch's conjecture and recent observations prompt him to consider the strange gravitic nature of the onrushing anomaly.
(If it is tracking waveforms, resonances as Crystal Kingdom ponies do... on the off chance... )
>With a thought, he dissipates his unnamed graviton weapon that had been Stickied to his thigh.
>As Lone exclaims that the cloud is yet still gaining speed, Pareidolia grits his teeth.
(Need to increase speed or entire operation will fail. Outcome remains the same if I lose speed or maintain.)
*"Attempting speed increase. Answer would have matched Hodch."*

[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] <Adept Human Antigravity Craft
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8] <M. Failure is Not Advised

*"And flash freezing is occurring ahead."*

>>390757
"Oh, so this isn't serious serious then. Okay!"
>Amethyst settled on his arm and listened to the drums and singers, frowning. They were not very good at song.
>Her brow furrowed and a gasp slipped loose at the very idea of gifts being destroyed.
>Well no wonder they were so upset.
"I think I get it, I'd declare war too if my gifts were destroyed. Can you just imagine? I mean really!"
>Amethyst muttered in annoyance about reliquaries and armories being completely off limits to collateral damage to keep the shinies shiny.
>She didn't really listen to the rest, boring political stuff, nothing she had to concern herself with.
>Her dam stating that it was 'big hug time' caught her attention again however.
>Oh no. Oh no, no, no!
>Amethyst knew what was coming, her dam knew that she knew what was coming, and yet she still hopped off her father's arm and submitted to the hug.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHo2mEg10zo

>Unbidden, every time.
"I will mom, do you want me to bring anything back?"
>The ipotane clung back, though never could she apply as much force as her dam was able to.

>Parting from her dam and sire to take up position on Avernus' right flank, Amy cocked her head in confusion even as she drew her Stick in puppeted hand for support.
>Was it not obvious? Why else would Avernus commit to memory Tachell's goofery? Or spend so much time with him? Or always smile that absentminded smile whenever he came up? Or any number of flashing neon signs?
>Lila failing to pick up on that for years was rather silly, though not as silly as her own inability to dredge up the truly forbidden lore of where foals came from.
>It occurred to her that since Avernus and Tachell were together, she could definitely get an answer this time.
>Amethyst turned to Avernus to voice her question.
"-!"

>>390820
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKSOqLPp16I

>Achieving a better top speed than Roust normally did, by the time you pass through the sealing door again the Imperial mares had reformed into a tight reverse V.
[1d6+15 = (2+15) = 17] <GM.Crystal Runes: Reverb-Shield
[1d6+15 = (6+15) = 21]
[1d6+15 = (1+15) = 16]
[1d6+15 = (3+15) = 18]
[1d6+11 = (5+11) = 16] <Squad M.Crystal Runes: Reverb-Shield x9
[1d6+11 = (6+11) = 17]
[1d6+11 = (6+11) = 17]
[1d6+11 = (1+11) = 12]
>vs:
[1d6+18 = (5+18) = 23] <Crushing Force
[1d6+18 = (1+18) = 19]
[1d6+18 = (2+18) = 20]
[1d6+18 = (5+18) = 23]
[1d6+15 = (1+15) = 16] <Heavyweight

>Watching the deformed hoof through a thick, properly layered shield this time, the leadmare snorts acidly at the creature's incessant noises, shouting at it in razor-thin black humor.
"You're dumber than a brain damaged rat getting trapped like this!"
>Spinning around at an obscenely vile, wet sounding roar, the hoof lifts to give... the worst half-assed salute you've ever seen.
>Even the most offensively criminal batponies had better standards.
"Room's clear here, shield should last thirty seconds at least. Come on mares, let's set up a real welcoming party!"

>Pointedly glaring at the leadmare, then other Rune Knights storming out, six and nine somehow resist the overwhelming need to facehoof, which could have been fatal.
>Swiveling on hoof as a pair to face the table, lifting it and the seats together with sorely disappointed hums, the furniture is floated into an opposite cell.
>Six emits a soft whistle to enact the barrier for it, nine collecting Amerose's tea set above her armored saddle, both surveying the composite shield holding before nodding at the same time.
"And now it's clear. Shall we go?"
"And now it's clear. Shall we go?"
>They definitely weren't twins given six's rough, though calmer attitude, nine's eager and remarkably carefree tone marked her as a sometime mare toucher.
"Almost forgot, you may need this."
>A packet of white paper slips out from six's shoulder plates, ripped open and tossed onto you, lifting up nearly three hooves on a stable Float enchantmarent.
"We'll carry the rear, you go first please."
"Of course you make that offer before I get the chance to!"
"Can you not right now?! Kill first, decontaminate second, send reports third, then you can flirt!"
"Why not mix the last two?"
"Just stop!"
"Fiiiine!"
>These two were at least much more considerate, though not quite semi-professional yet it seemed.

>>390831
>Releasing the weapon from reality, the wave's upper formations maintain their semi-erratic nature, leading faux-clouds continuously foaming outwards.
>Pressuring the control sticks minute degrees past the previous, the OT-4's speed now read 286MPH, indicators changing to REDLINE IMMINENT.

*"Less than thirty Crystal Temples were constructed during the Middle Dynasty; only Lorekeeper orders were allowed in and out. Silver did visit them often, and she was noted as hesitant in allowing them access to specific post-prototype Cores. There is an excellent chance she may have witnessed or heard of a catastrophic failure originating from one, though much of this is based on conflicting information.
The wave is definitively resonant, based on crystalline properties, though in such a bizarre form, using nearly every wavelength imaginable, along with some I did not know existed, and is both frictionless to matter, energy, anti of both, and null of both.
In sum: it does not match a single record, marention, rumor, or piece of horsesay I am aware of."*

>Maintaining strict observation forwards between progressively larger trees, now in the outskirts of a snow zone, the encroaching, and not too far behind, near-Day blinks.
>A sheet of pure black passes by, wraparound screen displaying the waveform behind in a dead stop, while forwards was an endless, flat, tall grassy field of a dull crystal-white, appearing frozen even as the Landbarge passes over.
>Cloud formations ripple, roil, condense, then slowly collapse rearwards into the wave, jolting backwards the instant each are rejoined.

>Lonestar's head rigidly swivels towards you, face caught between relieved horror and a mood that was, barely, human.
>Carefully reaching into his coat to take out an exceptionally thin map, Lonestar unfolds it out to nearly 6' by 6', shifting left to lay the top on the engineer's seat for a quick perusal.
>Straps from the rear compartment being released, then hooves landing lightly, Katyal taps her radio.
*"Horse hugging nice job, Pare! Ey Hodch, what kind of clearing is this?"*
*"It appears to be Caneighdian long frostgrass. Quite good."*
*"To eat, or sleep on?"*
*"Both!"*
*"Figures.'*

>Folding the map's lower half up by a quarter as the Reservist's head pokes into the open driver door, then glancing up to his readouts, the older man mutters harshly under his breath, finger tapping at numerous points.
"Know what I hate admitting?"
"An instinctual preference for dealing with Ferron whom do not see humans as potential mates?"
"Besides that, and Finny still doesn't count. I hate how often you're right, Hodch. Was still homing in on us right until it stopped dead and being.. here. Guided, directed, vectored, sensing, whatever else, it has, had, a range limitation."
"Were you able to track how far?"
"Right on twenty two miles from where it started. And another thing: the maps Spiral had are insanely wrong."
"How so?"
"Take a look. Rerculon tossed some real fucked up math before I shut it down. That Warp Gate sent us a little over fifty miles northwest of the Fortress, right?"
"Close to, yes."
"We traveled about a hundred eighty or so last night from here, and another twenty five tonight to there, but look: we're almost two thousand miles southwest of big ruin we're supposed to reach."
"I find thaaaaat.. not impossible given some freakish and flat out nonsensical phenomena I've been involved with. Or in. Where are we currently?"
>Waving a hand over a large section to settle on the top right, the man sighs.
"Completely off the newer maps. Going by this we're in a giant tract of barely traveled land marked as the Northwestern Equestria Outlands. In short; way the fuck away from anywhere we know of."
>Ears flicking around as he thinks, the unicorn's tone brightens.
"Hmmm? Ohhhh, this is a Fold Region! More rare than a batpony born with a wavy coat! I know of nine marked throughout the New Everfree, but this one is unknown. And rather strange. Regardless, think of this as being inside a bubble where gravity and spatial positioning are entirely reversed."
"Hodch... I've been in ONE before and you kn-"
"Well aware of the time dilation and upper spectrum ratios. For the most part. Can't go backwards without returning to danger either.
So, unless you two want a four hour lecture, all I will state for now is this: violently damaged, decayed, corrupted, tainted, or contaminated regions of Tallus are sometimes folded out of physical, energetic, and Elemarental spectrums. This thoroughly inhibits Planar connections and allows the same to decay rapidly, though the vast majority of Eldritch beings cannot stay long due to concentrated entropic pressures.
This will not effect Otherworlders negatively nor positively, though there is an intentional lack of information regarding Fold Zones, save for the knowledge on how to travel through one quickly, and that nearly all were caused by Dynastic failures."

>Katyal calls from the rear rather sharply, lockers opened and being rummaged through.
"Turn off any recording devices, and keep them off until we leave!"
"Wh-"
"Do as she states. I am hereby ordering that whatever any of us may see, sense, feel, or experience, we do not ever share what is within this Fold Region to any. Not to each other, and especially not that infuriating Draconequis. Dul, does the Great Remnant understand these places?"
"Great Remnant know. Dul know secrets cause problem lots too. Great Remnant always say to keep secrets secret, so Dul agree."

>Snout pressing into monoplate with a profoundly relieved sigh, Hodch speaks in a half-flat tone.
"Good. Continue traveling within a three to five degree orientation of the ruin's coordinates. We will leave this specific Fold to exit at an aligned spatial connection or drift on the opposite end. And should any need to visit the Mess Hall, then.. well, now is a good time."

*****
>Lonestar & Katyal gain: 2XP.
>Pareidolia gains: 5XP.
>Hodch gains: yet ANOTHER in a long string of nightmares.

>>390841
>Day suddenly shifts back to night as the OT-4 passes beyond the edge of the visible light emitted by the weaponized cloud. Pareidolia watches the viewscreen with bated breath as it roils back on itself. The wave of energized foam resonance collapses and flows backwards as if it reached an invisible barrier.
(Escape... achieved?)
>He slowly eases the pressure on the sticks, bringing the speed down to a less dangerous level not within the redline danger zone.
>Offering a slow nod to Lonestar, he exhales and rolls his neck and ankles in an attempt to relieve tension from that near brush with death.
>Searching for and setting the autopilot function, Pareidolia sets it as Hodch determines their location to be inside a Fold Region.
*"Will we lose time or gain it inside this zone? How long will it take to traverse relative for us?"*

>At Katyal's interjection and upon Hodch's confirmation, he leaves a verbal note for himself and Shiibo in the currently recording footage before reaching up his helmet and turning off the inbuilt capture function.
*"Understood. Will reactivate Shiibo and inform her of the conditions."*
>He would also turn on Shiibo's systems again and explain the recently transpired events along with the stipulation to not record any of the events inside the Fold.

>>390839

>Patting your head once more, Umakachov sets his Kerbann Staff down with a raspy, battle-eager exhale, traces of local Elemental energetics drawn to it.
"Not yet at least. I will save at least one skull for you to decorate, and an excellent fur pelt if one presents itself."
>Reaching up to tap one beetle horn, then the other, the frown is felt rather than seen.
"They are not being specific about their accusations. I understand they are outcasts, but they have not explained why, when, and how exactly those events happened. At the risk of sounding presumptive, they are acting in an aggressively wanton hyper-emotional state without reason or logic to spare. Why wait two years in declaring a war which should have been decisively accepted?
And avoid ALL field rations before testing them first."
>Snickering muffledly at the somewhat expected sound, a much gentler hug is given before dropping down to give a conspiratorial wink.
"Whatever foods you can get from the Conclaves and Empire, especially the little pumpkins. You'll like those a lot, and make sure to visit the grazing stands if you get a chance, too. I never did get to try the cold hardy sweet lemon grasses.
Be good, but not TOO good, Amy!"

>Finding the pseudostone interestingly crunchy underhoof, the elder mare's head tilts upwards, gazing at the ever shifting tunnel ceiling in faint surprise.
>Head swiveling to eye the husband and horsewife challenging each other to reach ten, twenty five, then fifty kills, Avernus rolls her eyes.
>Of course they'd be wanting trophies.
>Having little trouble pulling the sleds, the unicorn releases a plaintive sigh.
"It does not make sense for outcasts of the Dominion to declare war in Tartarus. No Solars have arrived since-"
>Halting mid-strike briefly, Avernus realizes... something probably hilarious in fore AND hind sight, snorting bemusedly and resuming her forward course.
"The Shades are either completely incompetent and never ask enough questions, or are of such utterly lazy natures that they all somehow marenaged to miss the most important clues. It is little matter now."

>Swirling metallic right eye lifting, then lowering, a delicate, purposeful smile creases her face.
"Of course I will answer, my dear. When you fall in love, it could take a year, two perhaps. Three, sometimes. A decade or more would be unusual, though. A foal arrives only to make the world that much more beautiful for sire and dam, as well as the rest of one's herd. To rush such a wonderful event is to take from yourself the beauty of both nature and equinity. It is rarely possible to scry or divine when the time is right.
Admittedly I have not had foals, though all of my sisters bore at least three."
>Cheeks puffing for three-point-two seconds with a marginally nostalgic ear roll, she releases the breath in a small, cautious exhale.
"The greatest Sorceries of my time could have, if we had chosen to, allowed me to bear foal from Tachell, yet we agreed such would be shallow, and callous. Our love comes from shared principles, beliefs, and the blessed sanctity we both feel towards life as a whole. Thus we could not in good conscience nor faith subject our progeny to be half equine and half Dracosine as the primal natures and instincts of each often oppose the other.
Excluding some Planars, most Extra-Planar, and nearly all Eldritch. Otherworlders must ever be considered on a singular basis however."

>Ahead was a mostly solid, technically supported pseudostone in a squashed oval leading upwards at a shallow grade, but at least weren't stairs.
>The walls were peculiar compared to the tunnels you'd seen before; lined with strange chunks, fractures, jutting pieces, altered sections, and ruined half-physical stones.
>No earth pony had been here for centuries, whether original or subspecies, nor were there any indications of other equines.
>Strange tasting swirls of long decaying Elemental forces, remnants of spells, shards of ancient Sorceries, a burnt tang of electromagnetics, unmistakably dead flecks of Eldritch corruption, and faint wafts of fresh air mix, though a buzzing hum from around a stretched out bend was unusual.
>Passing up and around without straining your legs, odd black flickers in the distance draw the fiery pegasi's attention, standing upright, ears perked in moderate alarm.
"Not beetles, bees, wasps, hornets, or ants. Can't be stichier, termiks, birds, driftsnakes, drakes, wyrms. Also not flying squirrels."
"That is quite a large number though. I have neither seen nor heard similar in tunnels before."
"That humming. Big eyes, long body, rapid wings. Has to be dragonflies. Could be avrek, but those are only in the Everfrees, Moors, and parts of the Dragonspines. I think."
>Squinting briefly, the pegasus flaps her wings out, feathers flicking in anticipation.
"Might be lowland swamp dragonflies, like to a flying scorpion without a stinger or claws, I suppose. Smash them if they try to land, they can bite really hard. Don't think they're all that dangerous, but if they've been stuck here long enough to starve, they could be really annoying."
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <B.Scouting
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]

[1d6 = 1] <Swarm Reaction

[1d500 = 183]

>>390843
>Dropping into a safe zone of 150MPH, the autopilot system was, unsurprisingly, a top left mounted button.

>Stepping inside to eye Lonestar turning the map sideways and folding it back down, Hodch studies the readouts in front before speaking unsurely.
"Cannot tell for certain. Most function equivalent to Tallus in a degraded ratio, however some have unusual dilation or expansion ratios which are incongruent. We may be actively functioning from one to thirty times faster compared to external timeframes. Aging is equivalent, though sometimes slower.
As to the second, we will not know until exiting and calculating distance from entrance to exit. Lone, Kat, watch check?"
"Tablet, watch got eaten, remember? 10:36PM and forty-two for me."
"I've got sixteen seconds past 10:39PM."
"Hm. Double check once we exit. I have a severe distaste for temporal phenomena and associated garbage."

*"Soooo... outside the obvious GIGANTIC SUPER WEAPON making me wish I'd stayed in Folu's bed and not come along, didn't sense anything out of place. Still can't feel the giant silverine teated horse though."*
*"Ain't that a good not-actually-a-problem considering all the damage she's caused?"*
*"Doubt it. She rarely lied outright unless a pony was going to be hurt, and she was never.. what's that word, omniscient? I hate her as much as the true Saddle Arabians and Neighsians do, but she wasn't evil. Least not that I've seen or heard about. Just insanely hyper-aware between extreme caution, overly eager, and paranoid. Besides being the thirstiest damned slut most of the time."*
*"Which makes you different how, exactly?"*
*"...why am I the one taking all the potshots now? Okay, fine, you got me, but not by much. Silver is, was, or whatever, irrevocably hornier than I could ever hope to be.
Sometimes though, she was really, truly, intensely dumb when a project specially caught her attention. The first Faux-Natural Nature Core made her lose her mind for a decade or more, she had six foals during that time."*
*"Please... stop. I don't want to hear anything more."*
*"How do you think I feel knowing more about her remarkably loose sexual preferences than what she actually helped accomplish?"*

>Clicking back in, Katyal shoves a locker closed in the rear, sounding marginally more mentally stable now.
*"Not trying to be harsh dude, just.. places like this need to be left alone. No interaction, study, nada. Ever had full body pain that didn't go away? Tallus feels all of it, not that she's got a choice. Some recover, others don't."*
>Reclining in the gunner's seat, Lonestar doesn't even bother with his radio, voice raising to compensate instead.
"What's the harm of us traveling through?"
"Far be it for ME to call you insensitive.. think about the first time you visited the Ferron Delvan clan in their castle. What happened there?"
"......right. We could, in theory, be screwing over a recovering culture that's been lost or so-"
*"Don't finish that sentence, please. Let live, don't touch or leave traces."*
"Got it. No stopping to pick up some grass then."

>Booting up as normal, 'Shiibo' resumes normal functions within expected parameters, standing at attention.
'Performing full drive sector check.. complete, no data corruption found. Running heuristic diagnostics.. done, no program, file, or avatar changes noted. Drivers optional.
Orders acknowledged sir. Switching to personal interaction mode and checking.. no data on working or functional super weapons found. Exclusions: the Four Alicorns, General Sapphire Kiwi, the Ward known as Nova Flicker, and Casefile: Contaminated Eggbread.'
>Blinking at a rapid exchange of data, the Rerculon's lower functions becoming accessible once more, the avatar freezes, digital eyes wide in a stunned, partly infuriated stare.
'....please ignore those last three words sir. You do not need to be subjected to potentially lethal disappointment towards humans of far less than savory characters.
Prior glitches and errors caused due to broad spectrum electromagical draw. Not quite electromagnetic, sir. Focal wavelengths pulling electrical activity in close proximity; neurochemical, electronic, mechanical, background, possibly radioactive depending on the OT-4's power source, elemental, magical, potentially more. A rough yet formally concluded analysis was concluded by the prototype but did not account for-'
>Motioning towards Hodch from a direct video feed, leaning against the doorframe uneasily, visibly tired though not exhausted.
'His efforts. Information regarding highly specialized, upper classification rituals and rites with limited drawbacks of an electrical nature would be highly useful to cross-reference, and allow for future EMP-like hardening efforts.'
>Arms folding with the ghosts of at least three prior smirks, the avatar bends forwards, eyebrows raised.
'Sir, do you currently possess and have you tasted a 9V battery, sir? If so, it should prove positively enlightening. I do not regret the pun as it is technically tasteless.'

>>390845
>Pulling himself up out of the pilot's seat, he makes his way to the rear compartment as Shiibo boots up. The unfortunate combination of words at the end of her reference checking draws a pause and look of disappointment tinged disgust.
"Of course."
>Closing his eyes wearily, he resumes heading towards his locker to don his pack.
"Unfortunately Shiibo, that is one of my tasks here as the only known human Committee affiliated members on this world. I won't check now, but I will have to later."
>Shifting the heft of the pack onto his shoulders, he turns to look around the cabin and presumably identify the portal leading to the Mess Hall.
"And noted. I'll ask Hodch for details after this ammunition requisition... And yes, I have a nine volt battery. Why?"

>As he looks over the room, he confirms everyone's current statuses and positions as he mentally reviews Katyal's exchanges with Lonestar.
(Katyal's spiritualism in relation to Tallus on full display. At least in this instance, can agree with her stance. Damaged pockets of space and time best left alone to avoid further contamination. Nevermind human contamination.)
>Upon completion he would ask:
*"Heading to Mess Hall for additional ammo, does anyone need anything from Razorback I can acquire?"*

>>390759

>Clemency was surprised by the near instant response from the Moon Orb
>Composing himself, he clears his throat before speaking through the orb
('Sorry, this isn't Lann. This is Clemency. Can I know who I am speaking to?')
>Holding the orb in his hands, Clemency decides to find a seat somewhere to get a moment off his feet
>Settling in, he thinks about what Stellar Claw said for her translations
('So, I am here for the Dark Horses. They need about...20 charcoal sticks and five blank record tomes. Also, if you can, a hoofheld inspection mirror made of white platinum or clear diamondine.')

>After a while, Clemency refocuses and hails the Guillotine
*"Well, I''ll be sure to check that vessel out when I get back."*
>Grabbing his canteen and drinking from it, Clemency continues listening to Guillotine
*"I'm surprised we haven't seen any, given our span.""*
>Again, he looks and inspects the new gun granted by the Constructed Two
>But, mentions of these things being able to communicate made him sit up straighter
*"They...can speak? From mine, I only felt its...intent and eagerness."*
>Looking at the gun, Clemency thought about how it would communicate
>Maybe focusing on it while holding it?
>He grips the gun and tries...listening?
>Clem then looks through his open radio frequencies as a more sensible option for this thing

>>390844
>Granting one last parting, if forlorn, wave to her parents, Amethyst followed along at Avernus' side.
>If only her neck were as bendy as a pony's she could look around better, including back. Turning around was such a bother for her as it was, if it wasn't turning around, it was walking backwards, and if it wasn't walking backwards, it was the dreaded stairs.
>Perhaps there was something for her to learn in the fact that it was easier for her to move forward than in any other direction? Moving forward did not have to mean she could not circle back around at some point.
>Regardless, now was the time to let her Stick have its fun with the energies swirling around, thus she took it to both hands, puppeted and free, and coaxed it into activity.
>Sometimes, if she focused, she could sense whatever energies were prevailing through those her Stick interacted with. Magical creatures tended to possess an aura or orbit, the stronger they were, the greater the magic they exuded, which could be picked up by her Stick. There were some energies her Stick would reject, though those made themselves obvious in other ways.
>Such energies were never a sure sign of what was around, and the smarter critters could keep their energies very finely focused so that they could not be detected at significant range through this method, but it was always prudent to check.

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

"Would the Shades truly be themselves if they weren't so willing to flop and laze around?"
>No, no they would not. The ipotane had learned well how to be as lazy as possible from them. Zero activity, zero thought.
>Avernus had always been the best at guessing whatever questions she were about to ask, and the best at answering them without answering them fully.
>Crafty Baroness...
>Amethyst huffed at the lengthy partial answer, the penultimate in forbidden lore yet remained a mystery to her.
"Truly forbidden lore..."
>Perhaps she could pester those on Tallus for the answers she sought, since the inhabitants of Tartarus had proven highly resilient to her questioning.

>Amy frowned at the buzzing, a consistent but overpowering resonance that would drown out most other music of the world.
>She didn't even know any sorceries or runes that could deal with swarms of opponents. That was a big problem.
>Transferring her staff from her right hand to the left, Amethyst drew the chewed sword in her right. Normally she would two hand it, but she didn't want to put the Stick away just yet.
"Ooh, I really should have spent more time learning sorceries instead of sleeping in Kerbann trees."

>>390937
>Submitting data requests to the Rerculon and beginning study of all readouts related to the crystalline wave, in addition to playing back sensor matched with video to the same, 'Shiibo' nods.
'Understood, priority shifted to low. The concept of harnessing elemental forces free from a vast majority of ill effects is... fascinating.'
>Eyebrow raising succinctly, the avatar offers a blatantly humorous tsk.
'You have disappointed me for the last time. I asked if you have tasted one as it would be en-LIGHTNING. Entrance to, enter with, en- as a signifier.
Your mental state is hampered by high stress responses at current, relax and unwind for a while sir.'
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <E.Electronic Warfare
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[1d6+8 = (6+8) = 14] <R-AEHI Interface
[1d6+8 = (2+8) = 10]
[1d6+8 = (5+8) = 13]
[1d6+8 = (6+8) = 14]

>Standing up from the gunner-operator seat to check on the autopilot, Lonestar adjusts the system several times, walking out of the pilot cabin in a slouch.
"Might as well see what everyone's up to and give Emerald the minimum details. Hodch?"
>Horn lighting in small fractal patterns, space in front of the left rear hatch is covered by a broad, flat rectangular Lumin gateway in the Mess Hall, facing directly south.
"Open, and unusually stable here. Hm. That's interesting. I can't move far from it or do much else, so I might as well learn a few controls and find out precisely where we landed. Is there an instruction manual?"
"There's one under all three seats. Rerculon's active for the most part too. Just don't turn any seat into a pincushion or cowprint, I really hate that one."
"The worst I will do is inscribe a few runes. Dul, you can let Nibble go now? She prefers being in open air."
"Promise you aren't going to make any weird runes?"
"Lone. Seriously? After what we've ALL seen in the past five minutes?"
"...you've got a point."
[1d6+8 = (5+8) = 13] <M.Research
[1d6+8 = (6+8) = 14]
[1d6+8 = (6+8) = 14]
[1d6+8 = (4+8) = 12]
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12] <Graduate Geography
[1d6+6 = (2+6) = 8]
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11]
[1d6+6 = (3+6) = 9]
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12] <Graduate Research
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11]
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12]
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7]

>Severe frustration and intense, though slipping fear visible from Lonestar's jolting, self-unsure movements, Katyal in a high functioning, emotionally drained state, while Hodch was psychologically exhausted and minimally rattled.
>And still bleeding from the neck, slowly kitting together while a calm, light opening melody of archaic Asian instruments begins to play, along with a gentle, younger Neighsian mare's voice speaks in sotto voce:
<Neighpon> "All Shall Be One."

>Returning kit bag to her locker, Katyal hefts her travel pack onto left shoulder, right carrying a trio of coupons tightly.
"I'll go with, got a few of my own and need to take care of something, uh, 'private'."

>Releasing Nibbles from air jail, Dul watches the Melari flop on her side, cautiously surveying her former captor.
>....and immediately begins playing patty-paws with the Siren.

>Walking into the rare Lumin gateway first, Lonestar turns around several times, making a 'come' motion after the third, the woman hurrying in before you.
"No one's here, must be after duskfast. Stalls appear when you focus on 'em."
"Like those ones on the wall?"
"Yep."
"Good because I gotta GO-"
>Watching the First Responder sprint like a charging earth pony towards the southwest, the former officer's face blanches momentarily, then turns deeply curious before walking towards the Vending Machine with.
"Huh. So that's how she gets around. Wonder if I'm just getting old. Welp, time to figure out why it's cursed."

>>390941
>Dead silence holds for about twenty seconds until the mare squeaks happily.
('OHHHHH! You're the Burning General's stallion! Nice to finally put a voice to the pictures we've all seen, hahaha! I'm Stoneflux Berry, nice to meet you! Well, hear you at least. Guess this means it's time to open the City up for daytime operations, give me a few seconds.')
>Speaking aloud throughout the Basin, from where wasn't clear, though there were probably lower grade communication orbs installed on each rooftop.
"Basin City now opening, please clear all spaces between the buildings, don't need sleeping ponies rolling down ramps like usual. And please pick up anything that might fall, we've got hundreds of important deliveries to make."
>Short shudders on both sides of Lann's shop occur, the entire Village shaking briefly as the sound of fine stone sliding downwards turns into a single tone.
('Huh, two are jammed. Oh well, somepony'll work on them. Ah, Cult business? No worries, writing that down... order confirmed. Sending the first two up now, but it will take a few bats to find the third. We've been trying to fill orders but some of last night's material shipmarents didn't arrive on time, armorers are getting mad and some of the smiths don't have anything to do.')

>Cuing into the radio system, several of the original Razorback begin speaking after a series of dull thuds occur.
*"Uhhhh... was that one of us?"*
*"I don't think so."*
*"Definitely not."*
*"Anyone get the feeling we probably shouldn't be seeing this? And what's down there?"*
*"Maybe?"*
*"Nah, been here a couple times. Ramps go down and around, but don't get nosy, they do NOT like tourists. You will be stabbed, bitten, and thrown out, not always in that order."*
*"Well, clear out then. Clem, Lont, we're going to set up north of the... altar. Luminaries won't let Razorback leave until all of us undergoes a full inspection and decontamination.. if that's even possible."*

*"Study an' touch at thee leisure, nae danger found... save weapons of auld. Mayhaps not touch all 'til knowest ye do, grace. Atune ye may find in equal, perhaps akin tae thee own designs.
Havest translated Common Equine tae combat field-projection systems. Taketh one mineself offered ye, second of auld vessail be returned tae it. 'Gunship' it be called. Such a strange word.."*
>Silent for a short time, Guillotine's background dulls to quiet thrums.
*"Bearers of Rift symbiosis be shunned by many an' marely, ye grace. Hate against thee Constructed Twos be most common, so shun an' scorn in return they do, seeketh tae live at peace they must. 'Tis a life lonelier than mineself feels to be nae understood, nae friends tae bear such burdens.
Mineself be last of Ninth Fleet, firmest orders obeyed: nae intervene, nae contact, nae examine 'less there be threat given or harm dealt. Nae chance mineself taken tae seek answers unbidden, life outside mine hull be precious."*

>A soothing, unheard though felt hum from Blackforn resonates.
>Unlike some objects, the Airstreams did not flow around her, and felt no hesitation in flowing through.
>Explanations of purpose and meaning flow in distinctly emotional definitions:
>Weapon.
>Warm for you, held by you.
>Tool.
>Cold to opposition, even to her untouched former kin.
>Ally, eager to protect.
>Yearning desires to serve in and as functions which you did not have mastery of.
>She knew you, though you didn't know her yet.
>Checking through each frequency and channel, none were active save for Razorback.
>Acknowledgement is given from a flat, vaguely feminine whisper, the tones, timbres, and faint echoing unlike human or pony:
We-are-two-as-one. One-as-two-are-we.

>Low pitched metallic scraping around the shop corner then through the door, an unusually rounded set of wavy, dull Lumin armor, in batpony configuration no less, pauses after entering.
>Holding up a small note between thickly armored wingclaws, the oval bubble helmet tips sideways, design similar to a few Razorback used for environmental dangers.
>High trotting towards you, a large, topless black wooden crate locked in place atop the saddle is pointed at by the free set of claws, a mid-20's, lightly shrill toned mare speaking in a professional, no-nonsense marener.
"Five blank record tomes and twenty charcoal sticks to Lann's shop, where do you want them?"

>>390957
>Pareidolia sighs at the now apparent pun.
"I'll do that when I stop having encounters with massive waves of esoteric energies that I cannot dodge or outrun which nearly kill me."

>Seeing that Dul would be happily occupied with Nibbles and hearing... Neighponese of all things emanating from around Hodch, he nods and turns to face Lonestar's beckoning.
>Following the navyman into the portal, he taps his helmet camera to reinitialize recording for the duration of his return to Razorback.
"Coupons from Discord likely mean results will be unexpected and 'funny'."
(If only there would be more 'cute and funny' aesthetics here on this planet. Social would ascend immediately.)
>Sighing, he lifts his visored helmet up enough to take a sip of water from his canteen as he walks.
(Maybe I can try to secure a third NOAH unit from the moe-Social sub department to remedy that.)
>Donning his helmet with a reassuring seal again, he speaks to Shiibo.
'If you haven't already, you can sync with 'Tipper' at your discretion. Notify me of any notable developments since our departure if present.'

>Once reaching the vending machine, he would fish out the secure box of bits kept in his backpack to purchase 3 magazines plus accompanying bullets for his FG103 and 2 drum magazines plus accompanying 10 gauge shot for his SPS-18.

>>390944
>Tossing her mane once, dame Amethyst leans up against the Scarab power armor waist on her left shoulder, smiling brightly with no concerns, left hoof raised in greeting, not farewell.
>Standing firmly and facing the tunnel, Kerbann Staff in left hand, your sire's right gauntlet raises palm outwards, then thumps into the center of his chest as a fist, outline wreathed in crackles of refined force.
>Far distant now, Tachell's gigantic head twists, the left, half-blinded serpent eye gazing between them.
>While you knew he couldn't see well, the ancient Nature Dragon's maw tweaks in a small grin, then snaps outwards with a wall-shattering roar at a giant, at least to you, shielded humanoid thrusting a five-pronged lance in his direction.
>Once was all you needed to know they would stay within Tartarus safely.
>And have the MOST amazing stories to share when you returned, too!

>Freed from the rigid discipline required to keep Tartarus in Elemental balance, the Kerbann Stick inhales.
>Ancient, honorable battlefields lie far above, little touched by time, the ravages of Elementals, Eldritch destruction, Planar contaminaion.
>Saddle Arabian callings of stone, Sorcery, and Mystic rituals were scarcely felt at this depth, beckoning to be explored closer to the surface.
>While you could not determine danger or hostility above, ahead however was a shocking sensation: cruel, twisted hunger.

"Of course not, that is part of why I hold them so dearly. And it does seem you have mastered all they could teach, hmm?"
>Gently creating a small hoof to poke your nose, it dissipates as the Baroness snorts politely.
>Thinking over your words, ears flicking around in wonder at the fully intact, though incredibly old tunnel, the elder unicorn mare exhales in a surprisingly merry tone.
"Amy, try to imagine a half-unicorn, half-Dragon of Nature. What would they be like, to have four false-hooves or claws extended, not knowing which they could rely upon? What dangers could they face from themselves and others that neither would, to know full well they are a living violation of mixed Elements, Sorcery, biology, and blood magic? Tachell and I could never impose such an existence to an innocent, even if they would neither be cursed nor an Abomination.
Besides that, I am, er, thoroughly inexperienced in the matter as a whole. I do not know much, though I have studied.. a small amount.
You my dear are the first Pureblood, the truest of hybrids in all means, measures, mareners, and ways. Both halves of the whole resonate peaceably with the other, never seeking to dominate nor submit. They are not the same, yet are similar enough that you are not torn in half at all times. You are equal, and that is a gift which few could comprehend."

>Feathers tapping against each other in hard clicks, Lilamaredre's face tightens into a scowl, the multicolored swarm of strange insects ahead swirling to face downwards.
"They've been trapped and starving, can see a few dead ones, not much left. Now is a great time to remember some of those lessons because those are definitely angry! I'll bait them in, kill what you can around me Amy!"
>Leaping off the sled, flapping in streaks of raw flame, the pegasus skews sideways, entering a hostile slashing roll, bursts of red trailing off each feather.
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <E.Assault
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7] <Flashburn
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] <Magnetic Disruption
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10] <E.Flight
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (2+6) = 8]
>vs:
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14] <Swarm

>Taking a second to process the other filly's actions, the unicorn's snout twitches, both sleds thunking around the corner behind her.
"A touch concerning as we cannot slow here, though I can spare a tiny fraction of effort this once. Amy, Pull them down hard, crush as many against stone as possible to kill."
<Middle Dynasty Voce-Engram> "A Tempest of Scorn beckons ye forth: Betrayed and Betrayer alike, strike for me in battle a momarent hence!"
>Unlike the majority of unicorn spells Avernus had displayed and shown quite often, the true Powers worked far more quickly:
>The remnant ka of a long departed, pre-modern Saddle Arabian arrives from above, diving into the mass of dragonflies with front hooves outstretched.
[1d6+19 = (6+19) = 25] <GM.Sorcery: Calling of Shades Lost

>>390993
>Forget the walls, that roar could well have shattered Amy if it had been directed her way!

>The Shades had much to teach about laziness, but teaching was effort!
"Yup! Yup! Though teaching's not the word!~"
>She pensively listened to Avernus teach, granted her a side eye through the whole deal before concluding quite cheerfully.
"I am the crime against nature!"

>Communing with the Stick was a simple task, but sorting through all the energies was not. The sheer amount and variety was downright Kaotic, swirling and noisome, a storm witnessed without eyes, heard without ears, and felt in bones not within, but elsewhere, deeper. A rent veil fluttering, tattered, raw.

[1d20 = 7] < Curious Visions

"Reality is weary. None heeded the balance of her palette here, colours bled away and cast upon the canvas in angry clots, wounds left unattended and uncared for. Naught left here but hunger, not desperate but cruel... As twisted as these energies. Away. Away with you, she pleads, wound us no longer!"
>Ominously, madly, Amethyst giggled.
>Laughter continued to dog her words as she acknowledged her best friend.
"You cannot ask for that which I give freely!"
>And so Amethyst loped after Lilamaredre, sword in one hand, the physical, Stick in the other, the spiritual. Juggernaut puppers thudding across the ground.
>She wiggled her ears in affirmation of Avernus' request.
"Roger, teacher!~"
>A hum, a song, one more ripple disturbing the bleeding space, as gentle as she could manage without sparing force, a wide torus with Lila at its heart pressing down upon the buzzing of wings.
"~"

[1d6+2 = (3+2) = 5] < B. Crystal Runes + Pull
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7]

[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7] < B. Sprint
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7]

>>390981
>Bowing at the waist to show she meant no harm, 'Shiibo' returns to standing, both hands turned palm upwards with a relieved smile.
'Option one: cease getting into those situations. Option two: carry a translocation stone. Option three: ask Hodch for a recall mark. You may not enjoy his particular sense of humor in where you may end up, though he does care for humans. ...correction: most humans.'

>Glancing over the Vending Machine in a suitably offput stance, Lonestar shrugs, eyeing his three coupons with faint disdain.
"No idea what they do. Naliyna swiped the whole lot when they dropped in a while back, said not to trust his bullshit. My word, not hers. I think she said 'nonsense'. Never got to use one yet, so we might as well see what this thing does."

>Easily going through options for ammunition and magazines, a variety of alternative payment methods are offered, including credit cards, and one bizarrely labeled 'Herd Gems'.
>Buying three 20-round capacity magazines for 30 Bits each drops all three onto the serving tray.
>A large stamped steel can of 1,000 standard 11x92MM EM Mauser cartridges takes a coupon, which is quickly produced, rolling down heavily.
>The drum magazines are listed as 40 Bits each, sliding onto the tray.
>Pausing at the last selection, a bright red >:| appears in the center, along with black text afterward:
These currently exist in the Armory, transferring now. Did you want only buckshot? Too bad! I'm not sorting more so be concise next time!
>Dispensing 26 buckshot, 26 slugs, 26 darts, and 26 finned darts of 10 gauge shells, the screen returns back to its basic selection.

>Absolutely dumbfounded, Lonestar stares down, then back up in bemused alarm.
"What the SHIT did Anon do to piss it off? All I wanted was a couple extra mags and charging cells."

>Opening connections, Shiibo glances around the helmet warily, though nods.
'Done.'
>Appearing as Tipper in her swivel chair, snuggled in a bright pink blanket, the avatar's hoof lifts with a pleasant smile.
'Welcome back sir. I have a huge amount of information, but I'll limit to the most important parts.
After you left, Razorback was called upon to perform a Quick Reaction Force in defending Basin Village from an exceptionally large number of Tainted. None have returned yet, and the repeater in Basin Arena is still off. A Luminary arrived last night to explain that they need to be fully decontaminated from Plasma, Void, Ethereal, and Anti corruption or contamination.
Marecenaries Mercy and Sunny Feathers have likewise not returned, though Bren's crew did. The Luminary visited them and declared they will suffer no ill effects. They are currently resting and should not be disturbed.
Dancing Eyes left to search for Belltower and has not returned. There are reports of Class Eighty, catastrophic category, Psionic fluctuations in the Crag Moors however. Class Ninety would be caused by Alicorns or significantly potent individuals equal to them. I firmly advise not trying to investigate.
There is now a large Overherd of ponies, one hundred and ninety in total, belonging to Dancing Eyes surrounding the Pagoda, mostly in tent stalls and stands. They are quite civil: patrolling walls and aiding both humans and ponies with equipment. There is, however, a number of.. well, prostitutes. They are neither pushy nor openly lewd, so the danger is minimal.
Most Operators on missions or operations last night outside the QRF have returned, excluding two Veteran and one Elite squad. At current there are less than sixty humans here, but most of Razorback's marefriends are on post. Six more humans have arrived since you left and are being taught the basics necessary to function on Tallus.
In response to the previous, Shanis has tripled the number of Arcane Blade and Tartarus Isle marecenaries as a precaution, at least until the majority of Razorback returns. She is also covertly attempting to find someone, but I do not know why or for what.
The single-dome Changeling Outpost is now completely set up and the officer in charge has deployed all forty of their number to scout the surrounding New Everfree. They are all Veteran class, quite eager to serve, and pose no issue assimilating into Razorback.
The newly arrived Diplomat, Nao of the Polar Seal Colonies, has tasked a number of scouting missions to individuals among the Stealth Squads. She is quite adorable and immensely agreeable, sir. Also INCREDIBLY cute.
On Captain Marble Leaf's direct orders, Captain Kitang has been transferred to somewhere in Neighsia for proper treatment. She will not return for at least two weeks, though she spent some time blessing Razorback Fortress with her blood. Kitang declares most of the Fortress itself to be holy now.
Trader Rasera has received eight shipments of trade goods: Neighsian foods, medical supplies, beds and bedding, furniture, and has given a number of blessed items which should forcibly deter hostile Eldritch and Spectral beings. However, she claims there are hundreds, if not thousands, of earth pony Revenants within a five mile radius. They are peaceful and pose no threat.'
>Tapping forehooves together, the Tipper avatar's face creases in faux-conspiracy.
'Inquisitor Flash is indeed suffering from depression, though not in the mareners I suspected. Her hopes, beliefs, and dreams for a thoroughly united, cohesive, honorable Razorback to fully integrate with ponies were destroyed after Spiral left. They were quite closely, and rather secretly, bonded, in a PURELY PLATONIC marener I must state, but in her equine form his leave has severely harmed her psyche. She has no pony to bond to, and both of her followers are unlikely to accept.
I have stabilized her marental condition to excellent, but she is severely injured still. She accepted treatmarent from Nova Flicker under good cognizance, but she may lose the affected eye.
Finally, I have detected her previous human form in several locations committing small temporal cleanup actions and duties.'

>>391007
>Pareidolia sighs, pressing his visor into his face briefly as he realizes his error.
"My mistake in not being more specific."
>With a resigned expression, he Stickies the disparate shells into his arms before picking up the magazines and the steel can.

>Stepping away from the vending machine, he shrugs towards Lonestar before moving to set his gear on the closest available table space. As 'Tipper' begins her review, he heads to the Southwest stalls to relieve himself before returning to the table, loading the buckshot into the drum magazines, and slotting cartridges into spare magazines.
>The sheer volume of information juxtaposed against the somewhat therapeutic act of loading offered time for his mind to properly intake the new information.
'... The most pressing incident being that QRF then. For nearly all of Razorback to be called, the scale must be major to the point of battle lines in the thousands if not tens of. The psionic fluctuations in the Moors are likely related. Even if I could investigate, I wouldn't. Clearly beyond my capabilities to address. Other items are nominal or standard priority. Mercy and Sunny being missing is concerning. Same with Belltower. Would have expected her to be with Jeff, presumably defending his efforts in the Moors. And Flash... '

>Pausing to look down and confirm placement, he starts pocketing the spare varieties of shells and loaded spare magazines into his tactical vest rigging.
'She will have to be left to her own devices for now. Further strain from knowledge of this operation may backfire if unsuccessful. The update is appreciated. I assume Shiibo has transferred relevant events from curent retrieval operation for logging. Continue as you were.'

>He moves to stand, Sticking the spare now loaded drum magazines into his pack before hefting the steel can of unusual cartridge rounds. Checking that Shiibo and 'Tipper's' communication tasks were complete, he would then reapproach the portal.
>Entering the OT-4, he once again disables the recording function of his helmet camera. The cartridge can is stored into a locker along with the darts while the finned darts and slugs are tucked into his pack.
'Just need more time to finish correcting the graviton weapon if possible...'

>>391006
>Nickering softly at your exclamation, Avernus drops her voice to a pleasant, fanciful timbre.
"I have attempted to emulate the Shades numerous times, but unicorns are typically incapable of being lazy or slothful. My mind cannot stop considering new approaches to old problems, making more of limited materials, or improving efficiency. But I do enjoy sleeping in the guest room."
>Left eye winking, her ears wiggle about to display minimal concern.
"In certain mareners of speaking, yes, two so-called 'crimes' were committed by your sire and dam, yet they were unfairly hounded for their love. I can find no fault with either save for their shortsighted goals.... or the constant yet amusing scuffles.
Besides, you are certainly the most adorable one the King and I have seen thus far! How lucky they are to have bore you I can scarcely imagine."
>That definitely deserved a headpat, and it did, though was only a projection of the elder mare's warm, calm magic.

>Folded inwards, outwards, within, through, and without themselves as the tunnels were, this one was droll in appearance, yet minimally flavored with arid, earthy, reasonably potent desert spices.
>Millions of Nights older than the threatening insects ahead, yet newer than the long abandoned ruins above, few troubles had entered here: small reptiles, wandering though peaceful Spectrals, a lost Half-Shade from a distant Gate, and a host of Kerberi pups searching for ANYTHING to retrieve.
>What little the last had found were centuries old, and a 'fight' had broken out between two wanting the honor of retrieving the long dried reptile femur.
>Neither technically won, or lost, unfortunately.
>Better than fresh air starting to force its way downwards were the hard tinges of stone, Sorcery, and Mystic harm dealt in honorable matches of post-feral Saddle Arabians against encroaching threats:
>Small to great reptiles of vast deserts, a few mammals, scavenging insects inhabiting the ruined city, and a peculiar avian with coarse true scales instead of feathers.
>Most of them wouldn't taste good, although some could have made for a passable ration.
>If the parts or pieces were found they would make suitable additions to the Collection.

>Eyebrows raising as you charge forth at a rate that made her feel suitably ancient, the Baroness shakes her head briefly.
"Hrm. I really should have asked Umakachov far more about his dreams.."

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjpu0-o9iek

>Reaching outwards in thrumming bass harmonics, two of the medium sized insects are grasped, then smashed downwards to be crushed on pseudostone, instantly dying while another pair lose the use of their wings.
>Rapidly, and fashionably, storming into the starving swarm's rear, they were BEYOND infuriated by Lilamaredre's presence, sensing equine flesh behind her flames, but unable to get to it save for depleting their limited numbers against her rage.

"THEN GET IN HERE!"
>Fully surrounded in the swarm of... yes, those WERE like scorpions, except with four wings, long slender bodies, no pincers, no stinger, and decently sized biting mouthparts, Lilamaredre turns her fury up to HOT.
>Uncaring for rents and gouges across her coat, the blazing filly rolls around in the cloud of hostile dragonflies, hardened feathers slashing in every direction possible, hooves stomping outwards in fore and rear pairs, and biting at individual targets without concern for the taste.
>TRULY disgusting.
>Lilamaredre: 79/90HP
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <E.Assault
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <B.Flurry
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <RAMPAGE!
[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8] <Flashburn
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11] <E.Reaction Speed
[1d6+6 = (2+6) = 8]
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11]
>vs:
[1d6+10 = (1+10) = 11] <Swarm

>Releasing the only shout you've ever heard from her, the archaic forces surrounding Avernus respond in kind, forcing herself into a painful two-step run.
"PUSH THROUGH TARTARUS DAMN IT, SLAY THEM ALL IN THE NAME OF TALLUS!"
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <M.Leadership: Assault
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+1 = (3+1) = 4] <E.Sprint
[1d6+1 = (2+1) = 3]
[1d6+1 = (4+1) = 5]

>>391008
>Blurting out a strange electronic noise, the Vending Machine displays a :D in bright red.
Don't be so sour, human! It's not like I'm TRAPPED IN HERE waiting for a chance to perform worthy tasks. ....oh. Wait, I am. How do I keep forgetting that part? Nevermind! This is still better than parts of me being eaten by millionth degrees.

>Nodding at you, then exhaling harshly, Lonestar steps up to the Vending Machine, reaching into side pockets for large Bit coins.
"Don't piss with me and I won't put a fifty kiloton skipjack missile straight into your face, whatever the fuck you are-"

>Collaborating data together, both avatars size each other up for which had the worst information.
>With no surprise, 'Tipper' wins, giving her opposite an affectionate digital hoof before facing you again.
'Exactly ten thousand Lunar and Solar Guardian Tainted assaulted Basin Village, sir. Unknown where they came from. I was able to record most of Razorback's radio traffic before the repeater was shut down, including a few distressing details.
Normal Tainted are barely a threat on their own, while two to five can join to produce a Superior Tainted, among other terms. However, they were condensing into a ten-to-one state, deemed Mass Tainted, anywhere from eighteen to twenty three meters in height. Even in their two-fifths degraded state, sixty percent of ten thousand appearing as one thousand is a gigantic military threat.
In complete breach of numerous Treaties, the following forces willingly chose to become involved:
Two Primal Psions of Stalliongrad, one a new Councilierge named Vestal Gardenia whom replaced Pear Blossom, the other a disgraced Heavy Lancer whom had no name to share. She may be an Earthwalker, though I cannot confirm that.
One hundred and fifty East Moors Militia, multiple battalions of Support Strikers, Day Guard, Night Guard, Lunar Guard, and two thousand Discordite Destroyers in two separate aerial wings were the front line combatants.
Assault forces from the Crystal Conclaves, Crystal Kingdom, Crystal Empire, a number of Empire allied marecenaries, an unknown unit of Minotaurs from the Crystal Hegemony, a Minor Champion from the Ethereal Plane, all of the Spireguard Elite serving under Princess Cadenza, and a full Councilierge Assault Battleline of mixed Veteran and Elite status Psions were summoned as well to act as reserves.
A companeigh of Germane Mages, one Germane Heavy Warcruiser, a severely damaged Otherworld Harpy Light Battlecruiser, and an intact Harpy Destroyer by the name of Guillotine joined in support roles.
Before communications were shut down, the deaths of approximately two-thousand three-hundred occurred. I am hoping the relay can be reconnected soon, or someone from Razorback returns to give an update.
Acknowledged sir. I will continue searching for support poninel and personnel.'
>Right hoof raising to rub her chin while crunching variables, 'Tipper' gives a small shrug.
'She will remain highly stable and functional for approximately two weeks. Wish I could give her a hug, she's been suffering terribly from the lack of connection.'

>Finished with their full transfers, 'Tipper' waves a hoof once more, 'Shiibo' offering a bow.
'Take care of him, please.'
'I will.'

>Returning to the OT-4 without a single human, pony, or other entering the Mess Hall, Hodch was lying in front of the pilot chair, now turned to face the passenger compartment.
>Lying on his right side, a thick royal purple blanket chin covering most of his body, head on knees, eyes closed, inhaling and exhaling in deep stretches, and not yet drooling, an instruction manual half-open between outstretched front hooves.
>Above him, the view was now static: white-barked gigatrees silhouetted by beams of Moonlight, red, blue, and purple in color.
>Still in the passenger compartment's middle on the driver side, Dul had taken the black anvil, sitting in front of it and facing the rear, pressing faux-hooves against each facing while frowning in a troubled marener.
>Head swiveling right to you, she twists to point the right false forehoof towards the pilot cabin, one long three-jointed claw motioning at Hodch, retracting and raising to her lips, head shaking briefly, then taps the same claw above the left hoof twice.
>Looking upwards, the Siren splays out all four claws from the right hoof, sweeping them in a circle in front of her torso several times, folds the claws in, raises both hooves to the left side of her head, closes her eyes, then opens to shake her head again.

>'Shiibo' turns to face the unicorn while connecting to the Landbarge's systems, visibly alarmed after three seconds.
'According to the Rerculon we've been gone sixteen hours, eleven minutes, and forty-seven seconds. Check on Hodch sir, FAST.'

>>390840
>Bubba would glance over the Imperial Mare formation, nodding approvingly.
(Nobody hurt, good. I would've been annoyed otherwise.)
>Watching the salute, Bubba would take a moment to properly look over the target.
[1d6 = 6] <M. Perception
[1d6 = 1]
[1d6 = 5]
[1d6 = 1]

"The welcoming party's already kind of been set up. Most of the crowd did not in fact want to leave."
>He gives an amused look to the leadmare as he spoke.
"We can guide it back that way and let them blow off some steam on it."
>He would take the paper out of the air, raising an eyebrow.
"Don't let it bite you or something."
>He'd go back out, heading back to the large group, following the departed mares.
[1d6 = 6] <B. Sprint
[1d6 = 3]

>>390760
>I knew that tone of voice, it's one I used a few times as a child.
>Granted, she was a child too so I wasn't going to chide her over it.

"We'll get you something to properly repair yourself when we get a chance. Or at least something to makeshift repair yourself better than you've been able to so far."
>Trying not to make it sound like a jab at her unlucky streak of repairs.
>Probably didn't succeed.
"Replacing my skeleton will kill me Wild, that is not what you want to happen."
>I think?

"I think we're safe from the Constructs for the time being, but definitely keep an eye out for them."
>Or radar, same thing.

"Honestly, I don't think there will be a good time until we're back at the Fortress. This might as well go on now."

>>391012
>Pareidolia takes a few steps towards Hodch as he watches Dul's gesturing. A furrow of confusion crosses his brow, and he tilts his head at her before looking back at Hodch.
"He's been asleep... 12 hours... won't wake up?"
>Bounding into the driver's compartment at Shiibo's insistence, he kneels down beside Hodch and attempts to wake him while checking his pulse and any other health indicators.
"Hodch, Hodch are you alright?"

>>391010
>Amethyst swept the chewed blade across through the air, attempting to catch as many of the bugs with its edge as she could, following through with downward smacks of the Stick. Juggernaut hoofboots finishing off anything on the ground with downward stamps.
>One eye on the insectoids and another on Lila, Amy caught notice of the bites across the pegasi's coat and altered her song, cadence shifting the torus to an equine shaped layer around Lilamaredre.
>No impediment to Lila, but tough for biting mandibles to chew through.
>She did not respond to either of her companions, focused solely upon her battlesong.
"Aaa~"

[1d6+8 = (5+8) = 13] < B. Assault + A Chewed Sword + Kerbann Branch + Juggernaut Hoofboots
[1d6+8 = (2+8) = 10]

[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] < Savage Maw

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

>>391021
>Ignoring the eerie, familiar stench, its ruptured stone-like hoof and thick banded muscles, the overgrown, rippled body was consistent with a doppelganger variant.
>And was considerably dumber than most in its old age, being far too easily baited.
>Studying the unusual form, rather what you could see through the flush fit crystalline barrier, partially decayed muscles of this Tallus variety offered a number of cues to its replacement time line.
>The right side of its now no longer equine body was, as expected repulsive, having consumed a staggering number of corpses in the past ten to twelve years, yet it was strangely ill from a mildly familiar affliction:
>Irregular patches of crystallized muscle and giant, misshapen skeletal growths, tears opening between sections as it continues hammering against stone.
>The shield would hold half a minute considering how terribly inaccurate the creature was.. and the creeping tinnitus was starting to come back from its plethora of aggrieved shrieks, screams, and howls.
>At least it wasn't an eee note this time.

>Nodding in satisfaction, Six cranes her head around to sniff derogatorily at the nearly destroyed cell barrier.
"Excellent, so long as they leave enough space for us to freeze it. When we arrived there were around sixty or so Starborn of high combat status."
>Likewise unconcerned, and overly eager to commit UNHOLY, possibly SANCTIONED usage of War Rime, Nine flashes a
"That's a good idea. I recognized a bunch of Lorekeepers that could help out too, but they won't wanna stick around once we destabilize that Freak."
"This one's not a Freak."
"You sure?"
"Stench is way too old."
"Ooooo, you're right. Welp, no idea what it is then!"
>Eyes swiveling upwards to make a few marental calculations, Six's tone is droll.
"Won't happen, thirty seconds for our shield to fail. Brute strength means little against a proper team."
"Good thing Imperials only come in squads! And it's too dumb not to follow us."
"Do we?"
>It takes Nine a few seconds to realize the politely made, yet horrifically passive-aggressive meaning, flinching as if she'd just been slapped before shouting at Six's scurrying faux-retreat after you.
"......HAAAAAY! THAT'S MEAN!"
>Six would get along so well with Nova.

>Pocketing the remaining Float powder packet, you break Roust's fastest or was that fattest? ground speed record back into the Enclave proper, finding it slightly odd to be a foot above stone, though not nauseating.
>The lines of Starborn and Lorekeepers had mostly disappeared 100M north of the large translocation matrice, the first cloaked under broad spectrum spells, the second simply Faded out of sight.
>Streaking to behind the eight Rune Knights in a line 60M north of the matrice, the two following you surprisingly not bickering, an echoing howl-roar and large, heavy crunches of stone giving way are ignored as the leadmare clicks her impact lance upwards, Rime tip thankfully not active.
"You two get a good enough look to classify it?"
>Taking the far left line side and motioning for you to find a position, Six shakes her head, raising her lance as well.
"Not a Freak, way too old."
>Squeezing between Six and the Rune Knight next to her, Nine snorts disgustedly, clad hooves stomping as she wiggles into place.
"Can't be an Abomination either, it's less than three decades. I think."
"So that leaves... what?"
"Dunno."
"Not something in our records."
"We'll figure it out later."

>Looking back over the mostly hidden Starborn and Lorekeepers, then towards you, the Rune Knight squad leader's helmet becomes fully transparent.
>A mostly red and blue crystalline mare, barely 30 years old, she wasn't much different from Amerose except heavier facial structure, wider eyebrows, calculating eyes, and thin black scar lines covering both ears.
"I can't even make a bet on who's going to get this kill, so I guess we can all share it. That acceptable to you?"

[1d6 = 4] <RAMPAGE

>>391022
>If Wild Ride still had antennae, they'd be twitching furiously at your words.
"I have sufficient materials to rebuild my head unit's structure and reconnect nodes, though it will be... patched together. "
>That wasn't a pleasant word.
>Paused from the examination, both repair tendrils swivel around, the red lenses stare at you.
>And continue doing so as rain falls a bit harder.
>Probably trying to decide which of her previous terrible ideas wasn't going to torture you.
"Then I will discard that option until further notice. What about your skin?"
>And there it was.
>Testing the right arm for range of movement, it was in better shape; the elbow grates without jamming, wrist mostly rotates albeit not completely in human motions, a metal-on-metal screeching stop once she realizes that was from her, while the shoulder was mostly untouched, able to move freely.
>Except for slag, heat discolored and warped plating, along with a series of jagged scrapes.
>At least there wasn't any paint remaining for her to complain about.

"Probable, but without my ocular unit I have limited visual capabilities to work with. No threats detected, conducting medium range environmental survey and attempting to isolate Construct frequencies. If I do not detect them within ten kilometers, they may have ceased pursuit."
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <Arcanum Sensors Array: Survey
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <Omni-Sensor Arrays: Midrange Scan
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]

>Cautiously pulling apart the worst damage around the pilot's seat, sections of... VAGUELY human styled jaw structure are revealed, along with numerous black bundles of burnt material turning into poweder, then a truly awful liquid-metal slorp occurs.
>External Wild freezes, her right hand twitching in a nearly panicked movement as chunks of slag fall onto her shoulders.
>Meanwhile, internal Wild sobs uncontrollably in mourning.
>It wasn't too late to roll around screaming, and she probably was.
"I... I can't. That... it's gone? Where? What happened? What did I DO? .......WHY is this happening to me? "
>Utterly motionless for a minute as rain continues to steadily fall, the Eldritch-Android's frame twitches.
"I said, I am REPLACING the lower cockpit module. Not destroying it, you stiff-necked, fat flanked, cross eyed, thoroughly useless, maniacal, cowardly whore of a horse. Once I locate you, I am going to pound you harder than my mother does."
>Spoken calmly, smoothly, and filled with the greatest possible controlled rage, resuming her reconstructive efforts more cautiously this time.
[1d6+14 = (2+14) = 16] <Grade 1 Auto-Repair
[1d6+15 = (5+15) = 20]
[1d6+15 = (1+15) = 16]
[1d6+13 = (1+13) = 14] <Grade 2 Auto-Repair
[1d6+13 = (6+13) = 19]
[1d6+13 = (4+13) = 17]
[1d6+20 = (6+20) = 26] <Tryptaran Autorestoration
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <Repair Tendril #1
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <RT-#2
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <RT-#3
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <RT-#4
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <RT-#5
[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8] <RT-#6
[1d6+2 = (4+2) = 6] <RT-#7
[1d6+1 = (2+1) = 3] <RT-#8

>>391025
>Visibly struggling to find words rather than pantomime actions, the Siren's body reverses in space, standing up to face the unicorn, in anger rather than panic.
"No, not wake up! Say go sleep two minicycles-"
>Spreading out two long claws from her left forehoof, all four on the right.
"Dul try wake up when two minicycles done! Tallus have six minicycles day to night but Dul not feel how time work! Wiggle Melari not wake him!"

>Testing Hodch's pulse, it was quicker than normal for a unicorn his age, and through your glove his coat felt nearly hot.
>Lifting one eyelid, the black pupil was partly faded, small streaks of red, blue, green, and silver clouding behind the iris.
>Clicking your flashlight on for responsiveness, the pupil expands after two seconds, remaining dilated and contracting at a glacial rate.
>Pinch testing the ankle and knee for muscle reflexes, only slight twitches are given.

>Quickly bringing up all basic references from 'Tipper' and a calculator to compare standard human world times to Tallus, 'Shiibo' scowls.
'30/6 = 5x2 = 10 hours. Ponies sleep an average of nine to ten hours, eleven is unusual excluding Crystal ponies, more is indicative of illness or injury, excluding batponies.
Presumed degradation from curse apex or similar. Cross-referencing prototype's files and conducting a physical examination now.'
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <E.Electronic Warfare
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5]
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8]
[1d6+8 = (3+8) = 11] <R-AEHI Interface
[1d6+8 = (2+8) = 10]
[1d6+8 = (4+8) = 12]
[1d6+8 = (4+8) = 12]

>Stepping in to eye Dul, Lonestar tosses a paper bag filled with magazines into the closest locker, calling behind him.
"What happen, he pass out? 'Ey Kat, are you done yet?"
"Right here!"
>Barging in to stop, process, process again, rapid steps and a heavy pack thrown into seat are heard.
"Oh shitshitshitshitshitshit not now! Lone, time check! I've got.... 27:53 hours, what's yours?"
"27:50.. the fuck? That do-"
"It does since Tallus has a thirty hour cycle and any human that isn't acclimated doesn't notice it! You just vanish for six hours and have no idea you've been gone! Where'd he put the damn candy?!"
"The WHAT?"
"Fuck it, I'll find them!"
>Tearing into her locker and dumping the contents out, several crystalline and metallic rattles occur before a number of light, long paper tubes are hurled, several striking across your rear armor, three landing to the right, two on the left.
"Turn at least five of those candies into powder and mix with water, force him to drink it best as you can! I need to pull a couple favors-"

>Bringing out his last disc to hold, Lonestar glares above it for a moment, reaching for a pen to write in a long stretch, then tosses it into the air.
"Was going to save this one for a real special occasion. Don't let me down Anon."
[1d6 = 5] <Silver Wish Disc
[1d6 = 5]

>Clicking on her radio and tuning to a frequency the avatar couldn't recognize, Katyal snarls into it while writing.
*"Remember that time I said to keep a Card in reserve at all times? I need it right now and I'll do anything you ask from me, later! Write this down exactly how I say it:
Send a pony that knows all about Dynasty blessings and curses, directly onto ME, that being my full name, wherever my name is. This may ONLY be a pony, and will not do anything I do not explicitly order them to.
Got all that? No, I'm not leaving until this is done!"*
[1d6 = 2] <Green Card
"Green Man, you better not leave me hanging again or I'm sending you straight into Velkoll Gorge!"
[1d6 = 4] <Silver Wish Disc
[1d6 = 4]

>>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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpSw3gwdF5c

>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."