/mlpol/ - My Little Politics

>>392454
>Continuing to walk under the weight of the history of these grounds and rooms, Amethyst made her way back outside the building to the empty training grounds, seeking open air and the moon, not for escape, but because the acoustics would be better.
"Resist this."
>She pleaded, to the memory of what had been before the False Day and the descent of Mourning Flame.
>Towards the pain and anger swirling thick and heavy in the very air now, Amy spoke.
"Release them, release those that yet live from this stagnancy."
>Yet what could she do but offer pretty, meaningless words to this crime against Harmony, this weeping wound in the fabric of the world?
>Amy had to do something. In some deep marener, she knew that if she turned and walked away from this now, should would be leaving a part of herself behind.
>In its place would exist a piece of the darkness that had been wrought here, not by intent but by an unfortunate confluence of circumstance.
>Some part of the pain here was true, stemming from dashed hopes and witnessing much undeserved death. Yet the longer it lingered, the more it seemed to her mind that it would come to coalesce into a true evil, whole and separate in its own right, memories of hope held captive and eventually corroded to nothing. A cynicism and thirst for vengeance whose maw would only grow ever wider. In time, it was an evil that may yet see all the world swallowed. A century hence, a millennium hence, ten millennia, more, when generations upon generations of beings came into the world, were raised, lived and died under this shadow.
"This is a pathway to nowhere."

>Finally having made her way back outside, standing amidst the abandoned buildings, Amethyst gazed once again up at the moon to behold its light, then turn her back towards it and gazing back down towards the ground where its light cast her shadow.
>Understanding, she spoke towards the memory of hope and celebration that had taken place freely and liberally here, of those wishing a kinder future for themselves, both from the living and the dead.
"A shadow, once cast, is merely proof of light. Why not the same for hope and despair?"
>Planting her Stick forwards ahead of herself, one end dipped in her own shadow, the other exposed to the true light of the Moon, the filly considered the branch of Kerbann that had been one of her ever present companions for many years.
>A Kerbann tree was an immensely useful example of flora. The wood itself drew energies towards itself and channeled them into broad leaves like triangles in a show of lights as the energies were converted to the tree's growth.
>More than this though, the ipotane had always beheld them at their best as providing a place of peace.

>Her Stick was not a Tree, but peace could still be brought.
>Peace for the Minotaurs, whose strength could be set against the mire of this darkness and allow the living to regain their own free of its influence.
>Peace for the Harpies, who could see the airstreams of Canterlot mended to their former glory not with hearts heavy with loss, but with genuine hope to see them flow once again.
>Peace for the Dracosines, long bereft of answers that could only been found once the fog of this anger had cleared enough for minds to seek an untarnished and whole truth.
>Peace so that the sacrifices made here had not been made for the sake of a future that lead only to more suffering.
>Peace, even, to the Fateless, no matter how long it would take to mend those wounds. Her Will would accept no other outcome.
>Peace to she of Jade, not forced upon her, but offered until accepted.
>Peace to the Triarch, to at last witness an unfragmented Sun.
"Peace cannot be forced upon a wound such as this, it is a thing which settles slowly and after much time, but it is a state which must be fought for, as despair will ever seek to draw one in the other direction. Growth and decay, a balance of forces within the heart, the soul."
>This was Kaos, limitless directions with infinite depths and only one's own Will to select between them.

>This infection, this darkness was a nascent Will of its own.
>Nagging at the edge of her mind, it seemed to declare itself unassailable, that it was too late to remove it. What could she do to excise it from this place when even the still great power of the Waning Sun had failed?
>Her puppet friends disagreed. Battle must be waged joyfully against such a thing, ceding defeat at the fading of the light was to permit it to die. Rage, rage.
>Stiffening her stance, Amy clutched her Stick with renewed resolve.
"Your grief and anger has begun to feed upon you to grow itself! Cast it off, find a path to what you once were, the future you wished to begin here need not be lost."
>Amethyst allowed her harmonic illusion to fall and lowered her hood.
"It may yet be won, but it is not by any force or magic alone we possess. Resist this, cast it off, fight it back for as long and as many times as you can, and I shall do the same. Don't give up. Don't let this wound remain in you, to force itself upon others, to remain weeping in the fabric of Tallus."
>The ipotane sang once again, clear and true into the night sky, to the true light of the Moon, to the grounds, to those that may listen. Where one light would cast a shadow, as deep as the light was bright, only two lights may cancel it out, but memory and spirit of better times must be reached for and must be willing to bridge the gap between then and now.
>She did not sing in words, but with intent alone, even as she used her sorcery to exude the same. The intent to heal, or at least begin healing, to cast infection out so that peace might finally begin to settle and find those bereft of it for so long. Despair would drag, anger would struggle, they may even manifest in some form, but so long as it remained so would the wound that grew deeper with each passing day and night.

[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8] < B. Sorcery
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7]

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

[1d6+2 = (2+2) = 4] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7]

>Power: +1 to all Crystal Rune rolls

>>392525
>Eyes following you from outside, impressions of steadily increasing cognizance watch your course, stepping into Moonlight and turning right.
>Stride chiming heavily, the abysmal blankets of pain lift, held back by slim hooves reaching up wards as you reach a large open stretch of white marble, the remains of a wide, burnt field and small blackened forest past it.
>There had once been four large three level fountains here, though erratic bursts of Plasma had stripped most of them, leaving fused and charred sections of molten white stone.
>Eyes open.
>Appearing across the once humble training ground, thousands upon thousands of Lost gaze upon you from the left and forward perimeters bordering the training ground.
>Scattered around in no particular patterns, standing where and when they felt was appropriate.
>Batponies, earth, Crystal, Ferron and Equestrian pegasi, unicorns, hundreds of Harpies from the three variations, Minotaurs, last a hoof's worth of Neighsians.
>Internal hues representing their last emotions and thoughts, Lunars from pitch black to neon light purple, Solars from burnt out red to near white.
>The Independents, factionless, Harpy Dominionites, Imperial Neighsians, and Hegemonics varied too greatly to find cohesion.
>Retaining their vigils on the once-holy mountain, Dracosines gaze downwards, easily felt by their lack of emotion and distress.

>Easily making out the Nightmare on her Moon, quiet starts to permeate, collected upswells of final emotions asked to hold, if only for seconds.
>Small numbers still into silent appraisal, held back by dedication and duty.
>Ears swivel, heads cock, eyes open.
>Reluctant Lunars, reticent Solars, and the rest gaze upon themselves.
>They did not think at their ends, instead allowing their emotions to be unleashed.
>As a few of the calmest observe the Kerbann, they allow themselves to see it.
>Thoughts clear, slowly.
>Memories turn inwards, becoming aware of what it meant.
>The offering is shared between those cognizant, spreading outwards, first by individuals, then to friends, loved ones, family, and acquaintances, onwards to distant relations, reaching those each barely knew, far to the unknown.
>Links form, briefly separating factions and factionless, then, rippling chains ascend from the land and descend from sky, breaking apart to reform.
>Bent as one to the whole, heads lower in sharp emotions, the majority remembering their own voices, friends, family.
>A Crystal mare hums as silence lifts.
>Two.
>Three.
>Five.
>Ten.
>Fifty.
>As one, and all, her kin join.
>Crystal ponies sway in unmoving, ephemeral motions, forcing the oppressive, heavy burden of this place back the slightest touch.
>The masses hold, resisting harshly at first.
>Snickers, cackles, and keks sweep up and down.
>A stormhead shatters, followed by more, angers set adrift as insubstantial weapons and armor form once more, the majority turning as one to face the outlines of a decorated, glorious Palace above, yet the remainder could not.
>Ruined, shattered, broken, and missing, duty was what they could spare.

>One, a young, thoroughly blackened Honor Guard mare steps forwards in the blackened field, stopping at the marble.
>The remnants of a helmet crane around, gazing up at the Moon, then down, offering you a relieved, tired nod.
>Barely formed thoughts are whispered, the voice a thin line of agonized grief.
We did not see it at first.
We failed to understand what it was.
What it is.
It took the loose threads first.
It came back for the rest.
We could not feel slivers of our selves missing.
It returned for shards.
Fragments.
Pieces.
We began to lose our selves.
Scraps.
We did not feel what it had taken.
Chunks.
Then we knew.
Parts.
We felt it laugh.
Sections.
We were too late.
Halves were dragged from us.
We despaired.
Now we are Lost.
We are exhausted.
We cannot resist it again.
We accept.
Tartarus will take what is left of us, not insensate greed.
It is here.
Send us home before there is nothing left to reclaim.
>Taking one step back, the mare's head bows deeply, letting herself drift into past memories, followed by those around her.

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSCzt7UyFfY [Embed]

"YOU!"
>The shriek was that of an Unborn mare, twisted with furious hunger.
"I'VE BEEN FEASTING HERE FOR MONTHS AND YOU ARE RUINING THIS PLACE!"
>Beyond the barracks, sharply raging flames crackle in reply.
"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU ARE, ALL OF THIS IS MINE TO TAKE WHENEVER I WANT! MINE, NOT YOURS!"
[1d6+19 = (6+19) = 25] <???
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22]
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22]
[1d6+19 = (1+19) = 20]
[1d6+11 = (6+11) = 17] <???
[1d6+5 = (3+5) = 8] <???
>vs:
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <E.Evasion
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <Swirling Flame
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <E.Assault
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7] <B.Flurry
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <Krevotic Denial
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] <Molecular Array: Armor Pulse-Shred
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] <B.Magnetic Shift: Align
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <Magnetic Disruption

>Limited Krevotic Denial granted: Amy

>Dancing Eyes
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7] <GM.I DENY That Which Should Not Be!
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11]
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11]
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12] <Primal Mind’s Eye
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7] <Primal Mind’s Vortex
[1d6+23 = (3+23) = 26] <Primal Psionicism: Godrend
[1d6+23 = (3+23) = 26]
[1d6+23 = (6+23) = 29]
[1d6+23 = (3+23) = 26]
[1d6+19 = (5+19) = 24] <GM.Assault
[1d6+19 = (5+19) = 24]
[1d6+19 = (6+19) = 25]
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22]
[1d6+19 = (4+19) = 23] <Ambush: GM.Assault
[1d6+19 = (2+19) = 21]
[1d6+19 = (2+19) = 21]
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22]
[1d6+8 = (5+8) = 13] <GM.Sprint
[1d6+8 = (5+8) = 13]
[1d6+8 = (5+8) = 13]
[1d6+8 = (1+8) = 9]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <E.Demoralize
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]
[1d6+16 = (6+16) = 22] <M.Deflect Magic
[1d6+16 = (3+16) = 19]
[1d6+16 = (5+16) = 21]
[1d6+16 = (5+16) = 21]
[1d6+10 = (4+10) = 14] <Master Evolving Defenses
[1d6+10 = (3+10) = 13]
[1d6+10 = (6+10) = 16]
[1d6+10 = (3+10) = 13]

>versus:

>Grand Eidolon, Infected False Alicorn
[1d6+63 = (2+63) = 65] <Incineration
[1d6+49 = (1+49) = 50] <Shearing Claws
[1d6+49 = (5+49) = 54]
[1d6+49 = (4+49) = 53]
[1d6+49 = (2+49) = 51]
[1d6+49 = (3+49) = 52]
[1d6+49 = (1+49) = 50]
[1d6+58 = (4+58) = 62] <Extinction
[1d6+39 = (2+39) = 41] <Shatterspike #1
[1d6+39 = (1+39) = 40] <Shatterspike #2
[1d6+51 = (6+51) = 57] <Tailsmash
[1d6+25 = (6+25) = 31] <Resist Damage
[1d6+25 = (2+25) = 27]
[1d6+25 = (2+25) = 27]

>>392534
>Returning the gazes of the Lost gathered, Amethyst was suddenly overwhelmed with just how many there really were. All of them fallen and been robbed of what they ought to have had, and there was nobody upon which blame could be solely placed.
>What sequence of events could have been taken to avoid all of this? Who could have seen such an event coming and assiduously avoided it?
>It hurt to behold, and it was frightening to realise that such things could happen again from the unlikeliest of chances.
>This too was Kaos, a twisted skein of fates, hard to see and even harder to navigate.

>They gathered. They saw. They thought. Then, they knew.
>Amethyst wondered at the song the Lost Crystal Ponies sang, yet did not dare interrupt or join in, her own voice would be needed for something else soon.
>The filly swayed with it, eyes shut and ears relaxed. They were much better at this than she was.

>To hear of how much the Lost had lost, even after their deaths pained Amy further. This was a travesty.
>It would be rectified.
"No more, I will not allow it."
>But how to send them on?
>Back through the Gateway? Through the Saddle Arabian sands to one of the many physical entrances to Tartarus?
>That would not work.
>She would have to forge a link from here to Tartarus itself, but with what?
>Amethyst set her eyes on the Kerbann branch, surely that wasn't possible though. Yet it was worth an attempt.
>Focusing her sorcery once again, the ipotane sought to commune with the Stick, perhaps it in some way retained a link to its parent tree, and that this link could act as a bridge, if not physically for her then at least for the Lost to traverse to the peace they deserved.
>She sang to the world her intent and hoped it would answer. Sorcery to open the way, and song to keep it open.
"Come, I will try to create a bridge, if the fates are kind then they will answer and allow you to cross."

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

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

[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]

>With utter calm, Amy spoke back to the unborn creature that would dare pose itself as a mare.
"Me? No, it is you who are ruin, you do not belong here or anywhere. You stand alone, we do not."
>Free hand reaching over her shoulder, Amethyst once again grasped the hilt of her sword and drew it forth purposefully, holding it before her face single handedly, Stick still grasping forwards, tone immediately threatening.
"You will not have them. Not one more piece. I swear that by whatever means I can muster I will strip from you what you have wrongly taken and return it to them. Nothing of you shall remain."

[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7] < Krevotic Denial

>Power: +1 to all Crystal Rune rolls

>>392584

> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU9p7_nMwMI [Embed]

>Forming into organized choirs, deep Conclaves, hearty Kingdomists, shrieking Imperials, booming Crystal-Hegemonics and... you had no idea what those were, pit their loathing together at being trapped again.
>Aiming their voices to shatter the raging emotional walls of this vast city, Crystal forces PUSH in eight directions as a Wheel of Resonant Chaos.
[1d6 = 6]
>Lifting the comfortingly heavy burdens of duty once more onto themselves, earth ponies, Neighsians, and Saddle Arabians shimmer behind the Crystal forces in lance formations, swiftly making their final checks.
>Right leg raised and leaning forwards in charging stance, eyes narrow, weapons lower, then storm outwards in thundering lines to SHATTER through the second chains enslaving them.
[1d6 = 1]
>Barriers still holding them in, now unbound by physics the ephemeral Minotaurs take on impressions of ultra-hard metals and composites.
>Leaping towards the thinnest and closest breaches, massive weapons laugh in their grasps to DESTROY this prison.
[1d6 = 1]
>Swiftly joining together, Ferron and their taller pegasi kin streak upwards at the largest breaches, quickest and most agile first, followed by the Harpy Dominion, glaives and their own fantastic half-immaterial weaponry pulsing at full charge.
>Wingblades, dual-beamed lances, hoofclaws, and potent expulsions of their own fury seek to CONQUER new routes across the Lunar night.
[1d6 = 6]
>Selecting the weakest sections of claim on this region as targets of opportunity, unicorns hold until a collective defiance clears their thoughts, each solely asserting their dominance of only themselves.
>Swirling horns ripple, blasts of arcane might shower outwards, shearing beams in their wake, hails of lances, and countless bolts delivering logic itself to SUNDER the chains binding this city as a hostage.
[1d6 = 2]
>Scattering to slip in, under, over, and around the rest, Moorite batponies cheerfully scouting the locale, Eldritch-tinged Hunter-Killers joined by silent assassins from dozens of Cults, professional monster hunters from more, then half a battleline of slow, heavily armored Black Discordites trailing the rest.
>If it couldn't be found it couldn't be ambushed, as the saying went, and what batponies didn't know was always measured in seconds, which lead to immediate, overwhelmingly savage EXECUTIONS of the Unborn's threads binding Lost here.
[1d6 = 4]
>Fanged maws grinning high above, satisfaction spreads throughout the remnants of Dracosine minds, ever prepared to give their lives in defense of new homes and honorable kin of all species.
>Watching the acts play out, the largest signals with a tail flick, leaping off New Canterlot Mountain to roll in a full assault dive, wings spread as thousands sweep downwards after her, fangs and claws readied to SHRED the glutted Unborn's illegitimate connections to this land.
[1d6 = 3]

>Answering your call, Kerbann knows when it comes from and why.
>Ever eager to connect back to its home and share what it had felt, the Stick raises up, then down, striking corrupted marble in a loudly ringing, pure tone.
>Swelling in hand as hidden energies show themselves across New Canterlot, your intent is bolstered by pleasing the Elements.
>Kerbann directing the flow of each to seek their targets, shockwaves rolling outwards in joy as wild remnants of aligned Lost willingly join in:
>Lightning cracks towards the closest metals, then outwards in a chain reaction across the city as Water surges behind, carrying every last volt into the start of a new Geomantic connection.
>Fire and Plasma roil at their shared tormarent, heaving outwards in rapidly expanding jets at the confining walls while the Air fans both, frequent successive blasts spanning in unpredictable cones and waves.
>Earth flows freely, gargantuan octagonal pillars heaved upwards to block and safeguard you while Metal coats the external faces, willing to hold as long as necessary.
>Patiently waiting from a distance, Void outside the city strikes inwards:
>Slipping in the trails left behind from each Element, crackles of red, blue, purple stain and illuminate millions, then billions of stolen threads across the Moonlit sky.

>Rising once more, Kerbann strikes downwards, sending resonance at its distant parent hidden deep inside the conjoined spectrums composing Tallus.
>The Grand Kerbann chimes in response, heaving a single outstretched branch through Tartarus at the closest location:
[1d6 = 4] <Angle
[1d6 = 2] <Arrival Time
[1d6 = 3] <Damage
[360] <Direction
[1d6 = 5] <Pathway
[1d6 = 1] <Resistance

>Fully visible through the barracks, a projection of stolen energies masquerading as a giant alicorn mare, bodily heaving from countless stolen fragmarents of memory threatening to be ripped out.
>A corroded, misshapen wing longer than the tallest Minotaur batters Lilamaredre backwards, the pegasus visibly dented for a split-second before nudging Fire back to her exterior physical limits.
>Aligning her emotions into calmer lines to act upon, Lila was having little success in disrupting the Daymare's existence, charging under the second wing sweeping overhead.
>Leaping and rolling halfway over in air before being stomped down by a hoof wider than an earth pony's barrel, the filly's wings curve underneath, head snapping left to bite into frog while feathers spear upwards in harsh crackles.
>Rings of orange rage around her, furiously burning into the Unborn from underneath, screaming down at the Fire elemental stubbornly clinging on, front right hoof raised once more and left wing swinging back for another blow.
"WHY AREN'T YOU DYING?!"
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22] <???
[1d6+19 = (1+19) = 20]
[1d6+19 = (5+19) = 24]
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22]
[1d6+11 = (5+11) = 16] <???
[1d6+5 = (2+5) = 7] <???
>vs:
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <E.Assault
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7] <Flameshock Barrier
[1d6+6 = (5+6) = 11] <E.Reaction Speed
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12]
[1d6+6 = (2+6) = 8]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <B.Flurry
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <B.Magnetic Shift: Align
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] <Magnetic Disruption: TARGET
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <Krevotic Denial
[1d6 = 2] <Taunt

>>391003
>Whoops.
"Ah, my apologies, miss Silfel."

>Of course, this small hiccup paled in comparison to the expected tensions from the astronomic mishap of Tallus-wide proportions.
>In this case, a loss of life and good meant for them.
>All from that tragic explosion.
>As a byproduct, he is most likely looked upon with contempt for his kind's failure.
>The real question was if he was important enough to push past it.

>Best not to assume.

>José curtly nodded, believing to have understood Silfel's warnings and information.
<Spaneigh> "I thank you deeply for your wisdom, miss Silfel. I hope it will lead me to reach the understanding necessary to right the wrongs enacted upon this world."
>A lofty aspiration, but it was the truth.

>Now facing Sallinas once more, Gallo's focus shifted to finding places around the area where he could visit without the Coalition hoofstamp.
>Hopefully he needn't pull the diplomat card so early when he felt so naked without a group to support him.
<Spaneigh> "Is Villa de Rosa a part of the Coalition? If so, do you know of any place around these parts in which would accept my arrival and harbor mareguards for hire?"
>One last inquiry before a choice had to be made.

>>392606
>She called, and the Kerbann answered. The ipotane grinning mirthfully, the fates had truly chosen to be kind where once they had been less so.
"Oh most joyous of nights.~"
>Blade and Stick lift once more to do battle, this time against more than starved and maddened bugs.
"The bridge forms and you will all be freed from this torment, hold fast, once more and for peace long due, we must hold the line! Choose a better fate! And not least stomp dem but good!"

>Oh but that was quite a large projection for her, such a small filly. Of course Lila had no trouble zipping around through the air, at least until...
"Hay!"
>She shouted at the Daymare in sheer fillyish offense for daring to dent Lila.
"You can't hit her like that!"
>Voice on the air, projected not bodily from her throat but from some deeper part, she sang again, this time towards the Daymare. The intent of her resonance decidedly less kind towards it than it had been in helping to form the bridge.
>Amethyst sang to reach deep, to sever the bindings of the Unborn creature to free what it had stolen away.

[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5]

[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]

[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]

[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7] < Krevotic Denial

>>392709
>Glee filled voices rejoicing in their slight victory, the Crystal forces bend forwards, a fifth song joins in as ear-ringing cackles of controlled madness, hurling the fractured entrapping walls against the weakest sections constraining their Earth kin.
[1d6+1 = (1+1) = 2]
>Snared back on their hooves by emotional chains hammered deeply within, Earth pits its honor against greed, heavy weapons cracking into each other's bindings, finding no means to free themselves.
[1d6-1 = (3-1) = 2]
>Clashing against immovable barriers holding them back, Minotaurs of sixty clans ignore the pain of their existence, hacking and crushing with pure intent to free each Lost closeby rather than themselves.
[1d6-1 = (5-1) = 4]
>Slipping through completely unhindered, upon sighting trouble below, all pegasi whirl around in Air, diving straight back into the breaches, hurling scathing insults first, then themselves to free the Hegemonics.
[1d6+1 = (2+1) = 3]
>Little used to seeing their efforts nullified, ESPECIALLY by an Unborn, the descendants of Evalesdraught pause, sharing their calculations, logic, and rationale, before attempting a slightly different route: shredding the debased Daymare's chains holding them here.
[1d6 = 4]
>Severing half of the Unborn's grasp tying Lost across all of New Canterlot, the Black Discordites lead a frenzied charge against its hold of more Lost, some now joining from their hazed soliloquys, sneers and laughter thrown its way in harrowing measures.
[1d6 = 3]
>Rending a full quarter of the Daymare's stranglehold on the Elements, though finding the remainder too difficult to break apart as of yet, Dracosines abide by their unspoken leader's second signal, spreading apart in small squads of violence to rip through the weakest traces of threads binding it to thsi city.
[1d6 = 2]

>Crushed underhoof once more with a cackling squeaky noise, Lilamaredre SEETHES as she wrenches stolen flames from the Unborn Daymare's essence, feeding them instantly into her Core and returning the immaterial blow by ripping feathers and teeth out on the way up.
>Hanging in air and rolling halfway over in a blur, she catches onto the wing's top side, teeth biting down and feathers shearing into fully exposed primary joint, hanging on contemptuously as a ring of flame burns across the vulnerable length.
>Responding by lifting its other wing high, the Daymare prepares to slam down while the pegasus recovers enough to snarl, near-perfectly aligning her innate combination of Fire, Air, and Gravity while slightly taking apart her opponent's exterior layering.
"TELL THIS TALL FAKE UGLY AND FILTHY SACK OF HORSE SHIT WHO I AM-"
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10] <E.Reaction Speed
[1d6+6 = (4+6) = 10]
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6] <E.Assault
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7] <Flameshock Barrier
[1d6+2 = (1+2) = 3] <Flashburn
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <B.Magnetic Shift: Solidify
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4]
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <Magnetic Disruption: TARGET
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <Krevotic Denial
>vs:
[1d6+19 = (1+19) = 20] <???
[1d6+19 = (2+19) = 21]
[1d6+19 = (6+19) = 25]
[1d6+19 = (3+19) = 22]
[1d6+11 = (3+11) = 14] <???
[1d6+5 = (4+5) = 9] <???

>Shunning the Unborn's magnetic fields as insignificant, harmonic tones leap forwards, scrambling outer layers in broad patterns, tearing Force, Gravity, and Air free, minute backblasts ejecting from it in streaks of black, white, and blue.
>Irritated at a mistake from before, the Void seeks its chance to repay Luna's favor, intense starbursts driven by Moonlight crackling overhead into billions of stolen threads.
[1d6 = 5]

*****
>Razorback Fortress:
[1d6 = 2] <Silver Wish Disc, Dagor Improvements & Repair
[1d6 = 4]

>Purchases:
-1941 BMW R75 + sidecar in German forest camo, 750CC engine, heavy wear, lightly damaged. 5,000 Bits worth of gems paid to Astra Galus.
[1d6 = 4] <Silver Wish Disc, Improvements & Repair
[1d6 = 3]

-Volgograd Factory BMP-1D in desert fox camo, 300HP engine, non-amphibious, heavily damaged. 50,000 Bits worth of gems paid to Astra Galus.
[1d6 = 5] <Silver Wish Disc, Improvements & Repair
[1d6 = 6]

[1d6 = 5] <Silver Wish Disc, Improvements & Repair
[1d6 = 2]

[1d6 = 5] <Silver Wish Disc, OH-58X Kiowa Improvements
[1d6 = 6]

*****
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <Stream Lark: Leadership
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5]
[1d6+3[
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]

>>392515
>An annoyed click of the tongue and an intake of breath can be heard from Pareidolia's helmet.
*"Tsk, right. Hadn't considered that."*

>Looking down, he ponders but fails to determine any reliable methodology to untangle the loaded question.
>Deigning to address it later, he looks up as Dul eagerly chimes in and nods in comprehension, his left fist tapping the grip of his rifle.
*"Of course... if she's able to see information that way, naturally she could observe the progression of a particular 'thread' or 'song' with associated markers. The only limit is her comprehension of what she is observing."*
>He keeps his eyes on the unicorn statue as it withdraws, and begins to tap his fingers around the foregrip of his rifle as a long 3 minutes passes.
*"The question was loaded, there was only so m-"*

>The sound of grating sections of the dome shifting echoes.
>Pareidolia bolts upright, pointing the barrel of his gun at the closest statue in front of him. He sweeps his gaze to eye Katyal's position before looking back to scan the area for any potential reactions.
[1d6 = 4] <E. Perception
[1d6 = 5]
[1d6 = 3]
"What are you- ?!"

>Looking over in disbelief as Katyal states her demand, he points his gun half down.
"Hostilities with this demi-sentient are not- "
>!
>A voice he had not heard in years rings out from behind him, prompting him to turn his head over his shoulder.
(Spiral?)
>Glancing at the countdown timer as he turns, he keeps his body facing frontwards and takes a step to his left away from his high back seat to get a better look.

>>392720
>Noting the struggles of Earth Pony and Minotaur formation, Amethyst renews the focus of her song into a Lance, intent piercing as deep into the Daymare as she could force it. None of what it had stolen belonged to it, what meagre bindings the creature had forced upon these souls was no match. All would be released.
>Bolstered, heartened. Amethyst sang reality onto a path that she wished, a wish she sincerely hoped that others shared. A path away from the Daymare.

[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8]

[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]

[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9]

[1d6+2 = (1+2) = 3] < Krevotic Denial

>Amethyst worried for Lila, that squeak did not sound good, not like the squeaking she unleashed when she was squeezed.
>Yet her cheer bubbled up from deep within her into an unbridled grin at the Pegasi's words.
>Yes. Yes! The ipotane made a sweeping bow at the opportunity to have fun once again.
"As you wish your Fillyship!"
>Standing stock still, Amy drew in a slow and steady breath, held it momentarily, and then stated with absolute clarity for all in the training grounds to hear.
"Fell Creature of Foul Disharmony, thine wretched personage hath been undeservedly blessed by the August presence of The Princess of Cute, Prima Lucis Lilamaredre! Great, great, great-"
>Amethyst inhaled again.
"-Great, great, great grandfilly of The Glorious Unconquered Sun, Princess Celestia, Inheritor of True Harmonious Flame, Graduate of the Venerable Baroness Avernus' Tutelage of The Middle Dynasty's Secrets and my Best Filly Friend Forever! As such, on her Fillyship's behalf, I demand that thee immediately cease thine stomping and graciously accept thine defeat at her hooves!"

>>392723
"A solution I've been thinking on since five hours ago but couldn't figure out until just now!"
>Rifle raising to hold rock steady at the Saddle Arabian once more, the woman's eyes flick right towards you before snapping aloud.
"Blame me if all this effort so far goes sideways but I'm fucking sick and tired of seeing loss after loss! Tallus needs at least one fucking victory!"

>Aside from Elemental particles making themselves openly known, the statues had not moved from their initial positions, and did appear as if they could without a direct override.
>Realizing each section of the City-Ground had been fully opened, massive clear diamondine panels on each wall fold outwards and onto each other in semi-liquid states.
>Directly north, the Crystal, Ice, and artificial Rime were among the brightest, releasing trapped currents of cold into the surrounding air, Earth, Stone, Metal cast in much darker hues, though a rigid green-gold panoply to the west was remarkably calm.
>South, the violently shifting sections of Void and lighter Elements blend together, spilling out hues which trigger the black sapphirine helmet's photo-sense into darkening.

>At a calm chortle from behind, Lonestar eases his SMG down slightly before warily lifting it again, Katyal merely raising an eyebrow in her ready, though not eager to kill stance.
>Frozen briefly, Dul had been in the process of turning left, triple jointed claws firmly outstretched and Riftdrowners spiraled upwards to protect the plant on her saddle.
>Blinking once, her head turns upwards to regard you with a wide, cheerful smile.
"Not-ponies is PONY! Ponies were NOT-pony! This one you know! Dul saw them but Dul not know threads right!"

>Right foreleg twisting upwards to rub his chest, a whole Void in the shape of a 5' tall, primal unicorn stallion smiles broadly, giving a firm nod as crackling eyebrows raise in humor, gaze sweeping across the west table.
"Pare, Lone, Hodch! I don't know you ma'am, but I do recognize a younger Vortex Siren when I see one. Greetings to both of you!"
>Wiggling the multi-hued hoof outwards before settling it down, each of the wide sections beyond began to settle in calm, fluorescent colors, the deeply familiar equine's face creases in utter joy.
"This is the best surprise since waking up being snuggled by three Arcane Blades from Tartarus Isle!"
>Helmet swiveling left enough to see for himself, Hodch's voice is light and hesitant.
"...Spiral?"
>
"In two mareners of speaking! My horn WAS rather idolized by plenty of New Canterlot mares and fillies. Now, while I certainly look different from what the damaged hivemind forms had become, the original Astral Legacy and the copied consciousness of High Enchanter Spiral Disclosure really were quite different after all. The second was mostly incapable of reconciling facts it had no original knowledge of.
That's a significant flaw with clones, especially ridiculously placed ones. You see, I had thought it was another Core, but no, that was merely a complete record of his life and achievemarents before he died. No wonder I had felt so damned old and cranky all the time!"
>Jerking out of the low chair onto armored hooves, the Reservist turns fully, eyes twitching before throwing his head back and shouting.
"THAT'S IT! I KNEW YOUR NAME WAS COMPLETELY FUCKING BIZARRE! I'VE BEEN TRYING TO REMEMBER IT CORRECTLY FOR DECADES NOW!"
>Chortling again good naturedly at the outburst, the Void unicorn's shoulders lift half-heartedly in defeat.
"Of course it was! And now that you know the herdname of my dam and sire, you should also know the Supreme Flawed Void iteration had lost it's eidetic memory, among most of its positive marental capacities. Hollow really should've picked a better place for the Kiowa to land, hah!"

>Carefully turning her head to still remain on target, Katyal glances over the stallion briefly.
*"This is the right one, yes?"*
>Not even bothering to subvocalize through radio, Lonestar gives a slight nod in her direction.
"Best as I can tell? Little different, but those tones... it's him all right, can't mistake the way he talked. Talks. Same thing."
>Returning the nod with a short kissy face, she regards the statues with a flatly unamused expression.
*"Hodch?"*
*"Your paymarent will be sent in one minute."*
*"Not what I was asking for."*
*"Unless a PERFECT simulation was somehow performed, that is certainly the individual we have been seeking."*

>Regarding you and Lonestar with an approving gaze, the Void stallion's snout twitches curiously.
"Before I start throwing highly unwanted information, demarends, and requests around, I'd like to know how you all found me. The Third Foundation, that being the Late Dynasty, and its Second Founding or however that prophecy is supposed to play out, cannot be known until they are revealed at the proper times and places. However-"
>Stepping forth onto the platform, the primal unicorn bows slightly, standing upright to regard the statues with a grim, echoing tone.
"Though you will not remember them later, I have a list of final requests. There are Cores, powers, objects, and information here which I need to share with those whom deserve answers. None of the Third will become known, that I swear.
Will you hear my words?"

[1d100 = 35] <Query?
[1d100 = 7]
[1d100 = 8]

>>392727
>Pareidolia turns around fully, facing this absence in the shape of a pony.
>Exhaling, he slowly lowers his gun and removes his left hand from the foregrip to reach into his front vest rigging pocket.
"So this is what you meant by 'not-pony'... "
>He returns Spiral's greeting a nod.
"... It's a relief to see you."
>Finding the reassuring cold of the Rime lattice orb, he withdraws it from his pocket to hold inside his gloved fist.

>A confused expression flits across his face as Spiral's legacy comes to light.
'A clone? Then this was all part of that Dynastic restoration plan?'

>Spiral's mention of the infamous Kiowa arrival causes Pareidolia to wince.
(I should have intervened.)
>Finding the compulsion to move after Spiral asks his questions, he moves to stand in front of him.
>The Rime lattice orb Naliyna had painstakingly made rests on his palm, along with a long overdue apology.
"I should have prevented Hollow from making that wish where he did. I was there and failed to prevent it. For that, I am deeply sorry. Naliyna made this at your request, it belongs to you along with my mistakes which brought you to this place."
>He glances back for a moment at Hodch, Lonestar, and Katyal before facing Spiral again.
"The story is long, but we inferred this location based on messages left to you at Razorback, maps and Astra Galus' hololith tablet, Hodch's background knowledge, and assessment from my assistant Shiibo."
>He taps his helmet with his index finger twice.
"We came to retrieve you under unknown circumstances once it was determined there was a distinct possibility you could be here."

>Power: +2 to all Crystal Rune rolls

>>392725
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI8FfBjA1OU [Embed]

>Watching the walls crashing into each other and immediately realizing that was a terrible idea, the Crystal forces divert their efforts into shearing disharmonic binds off their distant kin.
>Crystal Forces: 100% Control
[1d6+1 = (6+1) = 7]
>Temporarily halting the chains dragging them towards the Unborn temporarily, half of the earth ponies, Saddle Arabians, and Neighsians are freed by combined efforts, loud snorts of approval given.
>Earth ponies: 75% Control
>Twisting about, Earth in unison leaps next to their closest Minotaur allies, then ducks under to strangle the links on themselves.
[1d6 = 5]
>Ringing polearms, greatswords, and axes cleaving bonds while mauls, maces, and extremely thick gauntlets shatter more off those earth ponies closest to themselves, each Minotaur briefly surveys themselves.
>Minotaurs: 0% Control
>Seeing no other choice except to aid Earth in their task, each furiously roars before striking at the decrepit bonds holding them in place.
[1d6 = 4]
>Light Pegasi weapons, including themselves, rebound from the Minotaur's chains while the Harpy Tri-Dominion encounter minimal success, blasting the weakest quarter apart.
>Air: 100% Control
>Realizing they were needed elsewhere, the combined Air powers streak themselves towards open skyward gaps, aiming to sever the Daymare's closest stolen Elemental connections.
[1d6+1 = (1+1) = 2]
>Tearing through the last emotional holds draining them, all of Evalesdraught's descendants regain their heritage, rapidly surveying the inner battlespace of New Canterlot
>Unicorns: 100% control
>Noting the emotional walls still threatening to collapse as a priority, a new plan is devised: crash those INTO Elemental barriers which, as the thousands of minds consider, would either at best a near-Sorcerous chain reaction and cripple the Daymare's capabilities, or at worst cut off some of its stolen Elemental capacity.
>Delivering rapid patterns of focused bolts to weaken the largest fractures further, shearing lines to act as falling instructions, lances to tilt and twist as directional guides, then blasts to collapse them, close attention is paid to the results.
[1d6+1 = (5+1) = 6]
>Freeing half of their own, dark streaks of ephemerally armored, frenzied equine hybrids join those outside the Elemental barriers, savaging the Unborn's slightly weakening hold as the most important target.
>Batponies: 50% Control
[1d6 = 1]
>Draconic shrieks of anger at the Unborn's deeply woven attachmarents to the emotions and Elements of New Canterlot sing out above.
>Dracosines: -50% Control
>Anger clouding their collective judgement, the leader motions to trade time in freeing others or themselves, each snapping and tearing at chains not Void illuminated trailing to those below.
[1d6 = 6]

>Freed by a lack of secure walls, threads deeply bound throughout New Canterlot crackle as the Elements race outwards, locating new paths to spread a Geomantic web, crossing degraded, damaged, or hidden ones, reconnecting the most stable to them.
[1d6+1 = (5+1) = 6] <Lightning
[1d6+1 = (4+1) = 5] <Water
[1d6+1 = (2+1) = 3] <Fire
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <Plasma
[1d6+1 = (4+1) = 5] <Air
[1d6+2 = (1+2) = 3] <Earth
[1d6+1 = (2+1) = 3] <Metal

>Minutely slowing the Unborn's erratic internal Elemental control from aligning properly, each pulse-hum of crystalline music disconnects far more, jets of stolen Fire and shards of Earth now erupting from its immaterial body, framing black, white, and blue in strange hues.
>73% Elemental Control remaining
>52% Emotional Control remaining
>Unable to focus on assaults from four completely different angles, the Daymare's cohesion was being torn apart, further hampered by its own tremarendous size leaving it open to more possible vectors.

"Wait wha-"
>Seizing the opportunity to inflict more than tiny scrapes, Lilamaredre trades teeth for hooves, kicking open the wingjoint and lashing scorching feathers into the anomalous cavity, pointy ends first.
>Ripples of her own Fire swirling heavily in the gap, magnetic chaos strikes a ringing tune as the other wing hammers down-
>SQUEAK.
>Nearly flattened and spun over, the pegasi's fury reaches its peak as she shrieks, both wings stretching out and lashing in every direction, seeking to hold onto the immense alicorn's degraded form.
"I'M GOING TO STAB YOUR EYES OUT FOR THAT ONE!"
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6] <E.Assault
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] <B.RAMPAGE
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12] <E.Reaction Speed
[1d6+6 = (1+6) = 7]
[1d6+6 = (6+6) = 12]
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8] <Magnetic Disruption: TARGET
[1d6+3 = (1+3) = 4] <B.Magnetic Shift: Solidify
[1d6+3 = (5+3) = 8]
[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8] <Flashburn
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6] <Krevotic Denial
>vs:
>Likely lacking the intrinsic knowledge of combat and subtlety, the Daymare resorts to biting at the Fire Elemarental, eyes flaring at the shock of being injured.
[1d6+18 = (2+18) = 20] <???
[1d6+18 = (1+18) = 19]
[1d6+18 = (2+18) = 20]
[1d6+18 = (5+18) = 23]
[1d6+10 = (5+10) = 15] <???
[1d6+5 = (4+5) = 9] <Field Align

>Stunned for a time, the Royal Guard whispers across the field to all involved.
She still lives!
Free her once more!
Destroy the threads next!
[1d6 = 4] <Lost Leadership

>>392759
>Rapidly nodding in excitemarent, Riftdrowners lower to hold the pot rather than guard it, pointing from the Void unicorn back to the mare statue.
"Those not same-same, little same!"
'I think she confused the statues for.. Astral Legacy at some point. If that is still his name.'

>Clearly smiling, the contained self-Void dips in a brusquely informal bow.
"The exact same to you! It's been one year and four months or so, I think. Measuring temporal matters was difficult when all I could make sense of was Luna's Moon for quite a while."

>Skimming through your reports and briefly opening Basic Equines app, the avatar frowns.
'Highly doubtful. The combined results are unintentional given the information presented: an individual's full history would have been a negligible matter for most. They do not prefer to know all details, only those regarding primary and secondary relevance.
Preserving a consciousness should, theoritcally, allow for engrammatic inspection and copying of spells, rituals, rites, and so on, in addition to examining the intricacies and specific individual methodologies of each. Think of it as combining me with a command mothership, one able to deploy specialized craft-'
>Both eyebrows raise with a mildly smug, satisfied expression.
'And should you speak one or more words about mecha I will probably not laugh at this time. Or scream.'

>Head cocking as you approach, the primal unicorn's eyes contract slightly.
"Your apology is accepted yet I must logically refuse some of teh blame. If you had done so the entire chain of events leading to here and now would not have occurred. In nearly all scenarios I would be dead, whether from a second attempt by Horizon or the hivemind's lack of cohesion, though probably both at the same time."
>Starbursts flattening in what was probably a squint, the stallion leans forwards, then back with a thankful tone.
"She DID finish it! Let me guess: ten days too late? Quite an excellent result too. I am no longer fully vulnerable to Anti however and Void as an Element is painfilly stubborn. This form still cannot safely make contact with the majority of Elements, metals, and materials. For now keep it, then return it to her when you can."
>Thin lines marking eyebrows raise, then lower with a minor echoing sigh.
"Hmm.. can't say I'm surprised. The last solid thoughts I had before being pieced together was the hivemind dragging parts of me in some vague direction.
There will have to be numerous deletions and redactions of specific information, this place cannot be found again. And, since we are quite deep inside one of Princess Cadenza's holiest territories, it would be wise to ensure no traces remain.
As for Astra's tablet.. I cannot simply return it without risking her physically striking me. Hold onto it as well if you would.
One minute please, a decision has been made."
>Outlines of ears flick in apology, the background shifts to normal, colorations brightening as the Void unicorn slides towards the table and halts.
"Yes? .....I see. Unfortunate, but I know the difficulties of trust too well not to understand. What I will take are the following:
First, one Blood Core, Perfected classification. Far too important not to share.
Second, one Pearl Mist. I would have destroyed them before learning the full effects, yet now I cannot think of better options, temporary as they may be.
Third, the Ethereal Core, Flawed and Corrupted classification. It will be highly useful should certain factions still be infuriated and may prevent hostilities from others.
Fourth, one Ice Core, Superior Stable classification. I know a number of Crystal ponies whom must acknowledge that what their ancestral Lorekeepers achieved did indeed improve the world. If Rebirth does not accept it as an honest gift, then I will ensure it is not misused.
Fifth, a Moonstone Tear, Damaged classification. The Reaper's quiet assistance during the First Foundation’s mistakes were not in vain, and by extension certain debts among Her followers must be repaid."
>Appearing on the table before him, the first object provokes a sharp tang of equine blood, the fourth emitting calm, subdued tones, while the fifth beckons in a wordless, sharp tone.
>Heavily bowing towards the statues until the ones in artificial Moonlight perform the same, the unicorn stands upright.
"I shall, and my greatest thanks to you. Except for myself, a unicorn from a rather excellent Lunar Village, and, perhaps, four others, none will know of the Fourth Foundation. It is only fitting that which was not to be should remain as it ought to."

"What are you now?"
>Turning to face Lonestar, the Void unicorn gazes at Hodch momentarily, the second snorting apologetically before turning around to walk south.
"I'll be back in a while, and don't follow me."
>Resuming his inspection of the navy man, the head shakes briefly.
"An experimental, poorly tested composite which I have deemed a soloform. I am now capable of fully exchanging one Element for another within a matter of seconds-"
>Fracturing inwards to a pinprick of black, a neon green, archaic batstallion takes its place, standing above ground a foot, flexing large wingclaws out, though the left middle one points towards Lone's rifle.
"Just like this! Can still spread my consciousness between a hivemind but it sucks, makes thinking and acting between them hard. Like Roust and her armor basically. Now lower that. The Anti bouncing off both of you needs to be purged and I gotta get inside Razorback Fortress to fix it. You're all gonna be screwed by the next Season if I don't!"
>Eyes narrowing into thin slits, the Acid form rolls inwards, replaced by a bristling, heavy set Crystal Conclave stallion, grimly speaking in a slow, irritated and sharp cadence.
"Allow me to make myself crystal clear. Either I return to Razorback, with all of you, or I will be forced to leave two Class 3 Anti contaminated humans here for the next decade as students of circumstance."
[1d6 = 1]

>>392788
>He makes a short ponderous hum in response to Shiibo.
'I see. And we can discuss Command and Control module possibilities for your future frame later. Drones were a common choice on combat oriented mindframes.'

>Nodding at Spiral, he steps to the side to let Spiral speak to the demi-sapient.
>After the requested items materialize, he bows his head slightly towards the unicorn shaped void.
"Your grace towards my failure to at least reduce the harm your incurred is a testament to your species. We can return it to her. I'm only handling it on your behalf. And the same for the tablet. Dancing Eyes injured somepony who came to retrieve it during your absence. But the situation at the Fortress is dire in a number of areas."

>As Lonestar asks his most burning question and Hodch leaves to address the unknown Eldritch contact, Pareidolia looks towards the strange cores and gems Spiral had requested now on the table next to the potted trees.
(Elemental Cores, for use and as diplomatic assuagements. Numerous questions that need answering. Need to brief once we're on the OT-5.)
>Hearing and then seeing Spiral shift forms, he casts a wary glance towards the collection of demi-sapient statues before heading towards the table and picking up his potted tree.

>>392764
>Amethyst could sense the rended threads of energy restoring themselves as they were freed from the Daymare, some struggled as the creature held tight to its captives, some were eager as soon as they were freed and others were lethargic after having been bound for so long.
>The evil could not withstand this.
>Snickering at Lila's interrupted and quite probable complaint at being referred to as a Princess again, Amethyst's laughter was likewise interrupted by a loud squeak.
>How dare the Daymare disregard her Fillyship's introduction.
>Focusing her song on those threads struggling to escape their bindings, Amethyst's song sought to reach a crescendo, bolstered by lingering harmonics, its resonance striking ever deeper, willing the energies and memory free.

[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]

[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]

[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]

[1d6+2 = (1+2) = 3] < Krevotic Denial

>It seemed the Lost Royal Guard had at least appreciated Lila's introduction. Perhaps they thought she perished those years ago in the conflagration.

>>392797
'That was merely an analogy, however..'
>Paging through Razorback taken images of medium to ultra-heavy Conclave and Kingdom ExoFrames, along with a limited selection of light to medium modified Imperial versions, 'Shiibo' turns to speak.
'I-'
>Immediately stopping to bring up a new line of distinctly Inquisitorial looking, predominantly silver clad vehicles, then a number of other similar, fairly ludicrous designs, most featuring a prominent, heavily stylized gold raptor, she starts again only to halt.
'The-'
>Bringing up a complete selection of exoskeletons, exosuits, power armors, heavy versions, super-heavy, last ultra-heavy, from past, present, and distant future, then last a small variety of sub-cruiser sized naval vessels related to the Landbarge's original configuration, she lifts both arms wide in an utterly clueless, dazed manner.
'My digital head aches... too many options.'

>Lorinat lowers his SMG without reservation, Katyal doing the same with her rifle, the first pensive for a moment as the woman shoulders hers.
“Fine. I’ll ask questions much later, and there's going to be a lot of them."
"Don’t make me regret this.”
"Of course, and I will not. You live as some of the most exceptional parts of humanity, whether or not you understand my meanings."

"Please use my real name. Unless I am the unicorn in which case merely Spiral would be an amusing fit."
>Swiveling about to settle a strict, professionally appraising glance on you, the Crystal soloform releases a small, frost-tinged breath, right foreleg lifting to present a formally apologetic bow.
"Your honest capacity to attempt comprehending events outside of known definitions, factors, and knowledge is in itself a grace. Would you have succeeded only to buy a few hours or possibly days for me? Or would I have rebuffed your efforts? I do not know which was likely, nor will I disregard your words.
What I stated remains true: had the hivemind not left when they did, I would have been dead within two weeks, three at the most. The perils of uncontrolled, mindless experimarents.."
>Smoothly shifting into a smile, striking patterns of multicolored snowflakes spread throughout Astral's body, right eyebrow raising curiously before taking on a slightly miffed cast.
"Accepted. We will return both, if you would accompaneigh me. And whom is Dancing Eyes? The name i... ...that one. I have not had cause to think of her. I cannot begin to imagine the troubles there, yet one more will occur soon."
>Regarding Katyal, Lone, Dul, then you, the Crystal warps inwards, slowly replaced by 10' tall, broad and utterly hulking Minotaur bull, Seemingly composed entirely of steel.
>The forming appearance was old, though not archaic as the pre-Hegemonics were.

>Remaining bowed as they were, the demi-sentient forms had been marked by a single, flat black line on the right side of each face.
'Possible indicating debts paid or shame lost.'

>New voice gruff, heavy, yet moderately faster than the Crystal soloform, and far more cheerful, he carefully reaches down to gently collect the five objects.
"Collect what belongs to you, store safely."
>Lonestar collecting his and another medium from Katyal, whom stares at the nearly twenty in front of her.
>Helpfuilly lifting four of the smallest ones, two Riftdrowners wrap tightly around the strange Vortex plant as Dul airslides towards the Landbarge.
>Grasping the largest pot, the unusually bright pink barrel cacti is lifted for a brief examination, Astral Legacy then turns to stomp towards the vehicle, voice raised to compensate.
"Reaper’s Winter come in one week, maybe less. Snow, hail, ice, fearsome cold will cover Everfree. Twenty to fifty feet. None of you have felt before. Fortress is south of here, might get more. Lunar-Solar War's end marked by same event.
Crystal Empire will celebrate long and hard, Gryphon Kingdoms less hard. Most of Tallus get less. Northern Neighsia and Hegemony enjoy tunneling, celebrate too. North Equestria suffers if warning not delivered in time. Rime spreads across borders, will inflame tensions between Canterlot and Crystal Empire. Can not allow."
>Setting the pot inside the Landbarge II's rear, the Minotaur reaches in to place the Cores and bottle carefully onto the closest seat, retracting to make a second trip for the next set of desert plants, Lonestar walking up the right ramp to begin checking space for the upright lockers.
*"Rerculon, open all lockers-"*
"Two choices. Can mass translocate hundred miles at a time, but will take fifteen hours, must go around Fold Regions. Or, can use Advanced Warp Gate. Kind demi-sentient made one for me."
>Nearly dropping two of her plants, Katyal's grip tightens around each, spinning around to shout.
"How?! The few of those prototypes that got transferred to Saddle Arabia caused the Burning Bridge!"
>Returning with six to place in again, Astral Legacy lets out a heavy, angered sigh.
"True. Eyes knew. I know. She knows. More not learn?"
"Saddle Arabians tried to explain it to everypony but only the Neighsians, Harpies, Germane, some Gryphanes, and Argenta listened! They got rid of all their copies before anything could happen!"
"Good. Failures caused on purpose, sixth worst sabotage in Tallus history. Ultra-specific chain reaction during critical juncture in late Second Foundation stage. Who, why?"
"…...Horizon. Because she's a cunt."
"Worse than."
>Tapping the center of his chest, the Minotaur brings out three small, white-clear, buzzing orbs before pushing them inside with a grim tone.
"Sweet Dreams has one of five Anti Cores, Supreme Perfected. Spread through Third Foundation, two held by group, became Black Tower Guardians. Others missing.
Nine intact Faux-Naturals here, two more being created. Taking three. Number of others not Damaged, Flawed, Corrupted, Tainted, or Infected stay here, keep Varkest safe.
Must cleanse Razorback and regions where humans have been since New Canterlot, but Lone, Pare, and Hodch first."

[1d6 = 5] <Time

>>392799
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-7IHOXkiV8 [Embed]

>Spitting a single expletive, Prima Lucis lets go of the moderately degraded wing, forcing her half-material body back to its limits.
>Streaking upwards in blue-hot rage, then left at the closest orb, rolling over to present feathers extended straight, the Daymare's eye is torn into before showering apart and outwards, magnetic fields containing it torn beyond its ability to control.
>Snapping far too late, your third round of harmonic fractures across the fake alicorn's body bleed yet more outwards, severing millions of stolen Elements from the Unborn's threads.
>Erupting in visceral jets, each and every color possible streams outwards, leaving wakes to be filled by more, doubling, tripling, quadrupling in less than a second-

>Voices surging into a shattering quality no living Crystal equine or Minotaur could hope to match, let alone withstand, Earth and by extension the Hegemonics are freed-
>Sundering the final chains binding their Minotaur allies, Earth and Hegemony turn to grasp and bite onto still connected links, heaving each back to drag the Unborn's stolen memories towards them, equine and bovine howls rising into a roaring crescendo-
>Grasping the trails of Elemental threads, pegasi and Harpy alike clutch hard, holding them from reinforcing the Daymare's decaying urgings below-
>Sending most of the barriers toppling, unicorns allow themselves a small, fierce grin at a slowly building Elemental chain reaction leading straight towards the Unborn's clueless self-
>Holding the barriers briefly, batponies let go upon realizing the Elements would drag them in as well, throwing middle claws at the catastrophic series of Elements devouring their way towards the Unborn-
>Releasing ALL of the Lost from their efforts, Dracosines perch atop tendrils of Void spreading over New Canterlot's Moon-filled sky.
>A quarter of reptilian eyes watch a mostly complete Geomantic array beginning to stabilize below, the second quarter cackling at respective Elements ripping away from the Unborn Daymare's control, the third quarter studying walls of emotion collapsing back into the city in tiny flakes, the last quarter viewing a Fire Elemarental pegasus stronghoofing the impossible and an unusual, yet highly familiar singing hybrid.
>Bearing sole witness to all of the destruction unleashed, the largest turns her attention down and right, peculiarly drawn to shallow rumbles below the training ground's marble.
>Screeching a terrified warning at a TITANIC glowing root breaching surface from a southwest direction, it arcs up as flying Shades, Half-Shades, Legion, and Legionnaires streak outwards from it, their sole purpose clear: to capture the third greatest Betrayer in Tallus history.
>Disconnected and tiring as it was, the Unborn struggles against cruelly shaped curved hoofclaws, serrated recurve wingblades, heavily armored claws, crysamare coated fangs, and viciously spiked weapons forged from Tartarus itself.
The faceted justice of Tartarus will not allow your escape this Night!
>Thundering from the Grand Kerbann deep below, branches become spears, twisting sharply and extending outwards in a millisecond, piercing the false creature through, thrashing as it screams in barely comprehended fear.
Her will is delivered thusly: an endless decay unto final death is what you shall receive.
>Corroded hooves smashing down into marble below, the Kerbann does not relent, archaic mango leaves sprouting in profuse numbers, heaving once and dragging the Daymare towards the colossal tunnel entrance.
>Assisted by the forces of Tartarus reaving the last emotional and Elemental chains and threads apart, those still carrying memory regarding Lost nearby with calm smiles.
>Resuming their grim duty against the mightily struggling Unborn, the Grand Kerbann's wordless voice booms across Tallus, the heads of Druids, Mystics, Necromarecers, and Sorcerors raising in shock.
You did not show pity, BETRAYER! You shall receive NONE in return! Tartarus does not forgive, nor do I!

>Witnessing the hallowed tree finally wrenching the Unborn down, its screams hollowly ring into the deep, expansive tunnel below, the Draconsine leader takes a single, long inhale.
>The Ancient exhales, releasing her pain, grief and agony laden scales shedding off, eyes closed at washes of acceptance wracking her immaterial body.

>Landing on Plasma-corrupted ground, thousands of Lost gaze around themselves and each other tiredly.
>Standing straight, each takes on their true, proper duties: Shades, Half-Shades, Legion, Legionnaires, among hundreds of Kratha.
>Individually visible for long seconds, final gazes and salutes upon the former glory of New Canterlot Palace are given.
>First to break away is an earth mare Royal Guard, once a prison attendant, now bearing the Legion's colors, storming down after the Grand Kerbann's root.
No prisoner will escape me THIS time!
>A Ranger of Gozka swiftly raises one giant hand to make a fist, heaving a massive great mace over one shoulder.
Come, Earthkin! Much to-do!
>Individuals, herds, groups, then as one, the once-Lost breaking from their past, turning to march into a new, albeit strange one.

>Caught by four unflinching Shades, the once underprincess gives each a faint, pained smile, grimacing as her body slowly pulls into its Core.
"Tell Amy.. need to rest for.. a while.. it all.. hurts so bad again.. got to close my eyes for a.. few minutes.. please tell her I was.. trying to keep her safe this.. time-"
[1d6 = 4] <Recovery Time

*****
>LEGENDARY OPERATION: CRITICAL SUCCESS.
>CRITICAL REQUIREMARENTS MET: 9/15.
>THE LOST SAVED: 8/8.

>SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
NO LOST DEVOURED BY THE UNBORN 1/3.
<50% ELEMENTAL CONTROL HELD BY THE UNBORN 2/3.
<50% EMOTIONAL CONTROL HELD BY THE UNBORN. 3/3
ALL FORCES KEPT ABOVE -50% CONTROL 4/3.
ALL FORCES ACCEPTED INTO TARTARUS 5/3.
ALL FORCES SURVIVED 6/3.

Amethyst Dalli-StormRose gains: +18XP.
Prima Lucis gains: +18XP.*

>>392803
>Pareidolia gives a concilliatory glance at Shiibo's avatar in the corner of his helmet display while skimming over the motley assortment of normal to absurd designs.
'As I said, later. We'll need to determine what resources and expertise we have access to for manufacturing first. And those Inquisitional designs with Flash's icons are too absurd to use without modification.'

>Letting out a discomforted sigh, he tucks the Rime lattice orb away and shakes his head.
"I understand. Ultimately this is the better outcome. So long as my contrition is understood regarding my and humanity's shortcomings towards you, that's all I needed to impart."

>Taking a step back and craning his head upwards, he watches with some surprise as Astral morphs into a large, steel Minotaur.
"... Dancing Eyes had fractured or broken a number of ribs on the Canterlot Underground delegation's leader that had come to retrieve that tablet. So I felt it necessary we return it when able."

>His gaze lingers on the lines now marking every statue's face as he moves towards the West table to pick up his potted pine.
'I assume that will help it remember.'

>Carrying his plant to the rear of the OT-5, he stores it in his locker.
>As he moves back and forth to assist in carrying the rest of Katyal's gifted shrubs, he asks Astral as he passes by:
"What delineates an 'Advanced' Warp Gate? And is there any sort of human portable countermeasures or nullifications against Anti that we can be equipped with reliably?"

>>392806
>Arms lifting with glee, Amethyst beheld energy and memory escaping the Daymare, long months trapped, it all seemed eager to see the world again.
"Ahh, see that's better!"
>With song and with will, the Lost freed themselves at last from their torment, no more would they be taken from, or be forced to linger in stasis with unanswered questions, with their anger or with their grief. They could go and be with others.
>The filly's musing was interrupted by the rumbling of the ground. Uh oh.
>Amethyst jumped on the spot as the root of the Great Kerbann breached through ground and marble, from where it stood in Tartarus all the way to this place across the bridge she had asked the world to form.
>Even before anything had been said, Amy knew the grand tree was not pleased with the Daymare. Not at all.
"Eep!"
>Amethyst jumped again at the extremely loud declaration of the Grand Kerbann, she knew that anybody like herself will have heard that, no matter where they were.
>Whoops, she might have really done it this time. This might even beat out the one time she accidentally flooded a wellspring.

>Away was the creature taken. Amy felt some small pity for the thing, it was a nascent intelligence after all, could it have been redeemed? She shrugged and watched as it was dragged away to its earned fate. If such a thing could have occurred, the creature would have learned from the memory it had been feeding upon and would not have become a Daymare.
>Putting the thought aside, she waved gleefully at the accompanying forces from Tartarus that had come, it was always nice to see them.
>And it was nice to see that they would be joined by the Once-Lost.
>They weren't completely free of what had occurred of course, such wounds linger on for a time, but now they had received a chance to recover truly, as they had always meant to and deserved. The Dracosines in particular she imagined might not let go until they learned the full truth of that day.
>That was something Amethyst could do, she could compile as complete an account of all that had occurred that day. Perhaps in such an account lay the answer they sought, and maybe it could help the others as well.
>With joyous waving as they left, Amethyst spoke up to get their attention one last time before they went.
"Buh-bye! See you again soon!~"

>The ipotane lingered for a moment before moving over to where the Shades caught Lila as she shrank back into her core.
>She couldn't touch her in this state, too hot, she'd definitely burst into flames if she tried, so Amy simply lingered nearby, smiling and waiting.
>Lila would need an apology for dragging her into this again, she could trade for access to a blast furnace for a while, that would definitely lift her spirits!
>Sheathing her sword, Amy clutched the Stick in both hands and glanced around.
>Awful things had happened here, and the lingering effects had been mostly dealt with.
"You know, I think this would be a good place for a new Kerbann tree, better than a ghastly collection of abandoned buildings and grounds."
>Focusing once more, Stick planted into the ground before the tunnel entrace, Amy sent her will forth on the air and into the world once more, a much simpler request than before. For a Kerbann sapling to take root in this place, to replace decay with growth.

[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6] < B. Sorcery
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]

[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] < B. Sorcery
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10]

[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5] < B. Crystal Runes
[1d6+4 = (1+4) = 5]

>>392828
>Pausing on an unusual jetbike, of sorts, with a full cockpit and suite of particle weaponry, the avatar's expression is wounded.
'I was window shopping for later, sir! This one is quite interesting.'

>Nodding heavily as he passes by once more, the deep voice is sincere.
"I feel weight of words now. Hold no regrets of past."
>Returning with a selection of broad leafed flowers to be set above the ramps, Astral exhales raggedly.
"Bad. Should not have let her remain, too many problems with Primals. Ignorant. Will be set free with warning. Serra's mistake."
>Condensing back into the feral batpony, the right wing is lifted up, extracting a thin, clear black diamondine disc, tapping the surface once.
>Multitudes of tiny silver runes flickering across it, he takes hold with both sets of wingclaws and easily widens it; the appearance was similar to a translocation matrice except less.
"This! Can stretch it out or compact to most sizes. Void and hybrid soloforms can do that without touching it. Made it into a spinning hula hoop once and it actually worked! Which also made me realize I can get dizzy now. Threw up twice too! It's directly bonded to me so any idiot trying to steal it's going for a nasty trip straight into the Vortex somewhere.
Think of this as a variable wormhole connecting to millions more. The specific paths it reaches get stabilized, and the reverse is how it was used as a weapon. This one can't be inverted but they are PAIN to put together."
>Setting the disc down and dragging it out to well over the Landbarge II's width, Astral looks up with a grimace as Lonestar, Dul, and Katyal return with the last floral pots.
"As for the second part: six, but they won't be easy to claim. Anti's the biggest, meanest, and quietest bitch there is. Wanna know how Lucky Strikes, Matron Lucky's sire, was able to break into almost anywhere his greedy eyes saw? Those wingblades and hoofboots of his were Anti-infused diamond, that's how he hid lockpicks and all the other tools. Even IF you knew what they were you wouldn't be able to remember the damn things after a few minutes. Took me six months to realize that.
And if I can't convince or bribe enough Imperials to get access, option three is going straight to the Tower Guard but I do not like those odds. They're going to be massively pissed still, I can feel it. If I screw those up you'd better be prepared to spend a lot of time around Sweet when I'm not available.
Option four: five Nights from now I can make requests from Varkest's demi-sentient for other nifty things, but she's focused mainly on decontamination. Don't wanna take stuff unless she's got spares and I absolutely need it."
>Hoof clicking across several sets of runes, the flat gate becomes a map, showing several hundred thousand Warp Gates across Equestria.
"The Faux-Naturals I've got are are linked on purpose, basically a three-in-one system of vacuum, distillery, and storage. Absorbed Anti is converted over time, but I have to be within ten yards or so to sense it, usually sound and scent. Takes a while without direct contact but is much safer.
Also, the Planar enchantment known as Bane is stupidly illegal for Solars and Lunars outside of special circumstances. Now I haven't been the first for a while, and legally speaking I'm an Elemarental! we don't abide by silly faction laws, or mutative biology, which also means I have no problems carrying one of those weapons. It's damned effective at destroying Anti, just need to find one first.
...wanna know what's real fucked? When Silver brought that bunch of Anti Cores from an unknown Otherworld she had no idea what they were. Later she must've thought copying them for use as a defense was a great idea. Turns out the same shit she brought here was probably what killed said Otherworld. What do you call a mutated, possibly living form of radiation? Trick answer: we don't know since she's probably dead now."
>Rapidly listing Warp Gates through the New Everfree as destroyed, inactive, active, or unknown, Astral glances up with raised eyebrows.
"Huh. Closest one to the Fortress was used two nights ago, hasn't been touched since.
On the technical side, I've got a few solutions to replace the three-stage power crystal and sixty others that got fried underneath the Fortress. Won't be cheap but should be back online in ten to twenty hours, weather shield included."

>Making space in the empty upright lockers for her collection, Katyal glances at Dul hugging the partially immaterial plant before setting it inside the Void-Flux containing one.
"Are those extinct?"
"They rare but not dead-dead. Lots plant here, show safe path in Vortex. When Moon and Sun War end.. few live. Sirens use other paths."
"....do you mean safe entrances straight into the Vortex Plane?"
"Yes! Big-big-big round stones safest but tunnels fun too."
>Back at the pilot's station, Lonestar sits down, pushing his chair back with a grunt before lifting the headset.
*"Hodch, need some more time?"*
*"One or two minutes-"*

>Shadow's Gift #849

>>392835
>Pareidolia sighs as he moves down the rear hatch ramp to stand in front of the map Astral drew, folding his arms.
"Then it's as I feared and acquisition, let alone production of effective countermeasures and armaments will be highly unlikely. Other than potential Bane weaponry, which would be politically difficult to handle. As for Silver, I'm not surprised."

>Looking at the glowing point on the map denoting the gate closest to Razorback, he nods.
"That was what we used to make the journey here. But, to report on the Fortress, the last time we stopped while passing through that Fold Region, nearly all of Razorback had been called to defend the Basin Village against Tainted. The Basin Arena repeater was still off when we made our stop. I'll provide a more extensive report once we're all accounted for, but between that and the Constructs we had to deal with, it has been extremely strained. Likely there are other events that Shiibo and I still are not aware of. If I hadn't successfully wished for a variant personality modeled after 'Spiral', we may never have... "
>The operative trails off as he cocks his head, looking and to the right with focused intent before turning over to look at Astral's bat pony form.
"If we never found you here, when were you going to return?"

>>392829
>Most of the winged Tartarus forces racing back after the Grand Kerbann, well over twenty companeighs of active duty form around the metaphysical breach into Tallus.
>Jailers leaving along with exactly two Kratha, a few pick up real stones to take back as a trophy.. most likely those were going to be placed as decorations somewhere.
>Waves from hooves, wings, and hands are directed at you as most start on the LONG trek back, a Shade and Legion leader share there was nothing they could do to remove the tree's vast touch on reality, directing two companeighs rest to patrol around for a while, and spook anypony coming too close.

>Once-Lost directing gazes to you, Crystal ponies and Moorites place faintly appreciative imprints before following their new duties.
>Except for the odd ones that seemed to be both at the same time.
>That certainly wasn't right.
>Or normal.
>Silently regarding you from the distance, the initial Royal Guard nods firmly, turning to begin her descent.

>Strolling around the barracks to where the Unborn had landed, the four Shades, one ponybat, earth, and Crystal, along with an intensely sour looking unicorn motion for you to halt.
>Feeling Plasma-marked Fire retreating in a large red sphere, a quick discussion of how to move Prima Lucis' Core takes place.
>Unable to come up with a better solution, the unicorn and Crystal pony briskly take off towards the transfer station, the first muttering something about a shovel.
>Taking full shape next to the pegasi's Core, the red and brown streaked earth and Void-tinged batpony, both younger mares, offer completely different bows; the first rigidly formal, the second slapping both wings across her chest before snickering loudly.
Hello again!
We heard your call through the Grand One. It is a great relief to find you well.
And we got here as fast as we could! Who knew a root could move like a greased Changeling? Felt like my wings were rattling apart the whole time!
I did not. Will Prima Lucis recover soon?
Of course! She's on Tallus now, just toss her in a bonfire for a while!
That seems HIGHLY disrespectful.
>Regarding her near-opposite with an ear twitch that promised indecent amounts of pain filled pranks later, the Shade slaps her face with half a wing, groaning in aggravation.
Ohhh now I remember why I hate Legion... YOU are half a bat too dense to deal with right meow! She is a FIRE ELEMARENTAL. Remember the briefings? I've watched Avernus set her ablaze a bunch of times, she won't care much... if at all.
>Politely stamping immaterial ground with a dutiful sniff, the earth mare offers a apologetic head tilt.
I will always err on the side of honor. Regardless, we must return soon, the Baroness will no doubt desire a new Gate to be set here. Safe Journeys to you both.
>Waiting until the stiff necked Earther leaves, the batpony Shade stares upwards without moving, then blinks down at you with a conspiratorial grin, wheeling around and calling over her left shoulder.
........I know where she sleeps. Take care you two!

>Returning to the damaged marble training ground, the local Elements patiently hear your request.. and proceed to promptly detonate showers of questions at each other.
>A quarter of the recently freed were mollified at the idea of an Elemental absorbing Kerbann growing here, half irritated at the presupposed annoyance of the former, while the remainder agree with little reservation, proclaiming another facet of the Endless Cycle SHOULD start here.
>Taking a breath-
>Flickers of the Moon catch eyes all around while your throat seizes from an old trace of burning feathers.
>Coughing out the odd sensation, the utterly flat notes drift for long seconds, though you could feel the message had been sent.
>Feeling a rattling snicker from the left, another Shade hurriedly dives into the tunnel.
>...
>Totally not suspicious.

>Waiting for a response, the Grand Kerbann resonates through its parted section:
We shall grant your favor when the Betrayer is confined. Take this offering of mine. May it serve you well.
>Rigid for a second, the Stick brightens in several degrees, lengthening and becoming solid in your grasp.

>Hearing the sound of metal clanking on crystal, the lead unicorn from before trots around the barracks carrying a large pair of... steel tongs.
>Carefilly setting the hot Core down, the Legionnaire stares hollowly for unknowable seconds.
>Three for you was probably half a century for her, really.
Consider this a *gift* if you would. Place her between Fire Elemental metal so as to not burn a hole through the crysamare.

>>392840
"There's not much that can resist for long. I lasted, what, two months? Only reason I stayed together was Sweet and Silver coming by now and then. Anti isn't merely corrosive, it can destroy bonds at the molecular and magical levels. You saw the progression of that with your own eyes."
>Exchanging symbols between numerous active Warp Gates, the Acid soloform stares down for a few seconds before muttering flatly.
"Politics can fuck right off the edges of my dick. The second I get back everyfuckingthing is going to change. Humans won't be leaving without explicit approval and I have a bunch of ponies in mind to help keep track. Hodch and certain others can stay or leave at their discretion. I owe too much to them.
If the Empress is dead then that's the worst news I could've heard. Despite how marely and many hate her, she did help me as far as she could. That weird version of Primal Anti she has? It's artificial. Doesn't contaminate everything around her. I'm guessing that's why the version they have nullify lower classifications."
>Drawing a line from the close Warp Gate to the first Fold Region, one which had been bypassed by ten miles due to the straight course, then past it, Astral glances up with a severe expression.
"Basin Village? That's.. how the fuck were TAINTED woken from their rest!? I-"
>Briefly stopping himself before snapping, he does with loud teeth clicks, ears flat and face creased in rigid anger.
"CONSTRUCTS?! What in the SHIT has Razorback been doing?! Dipshit idiots! You don't wave your dick freely without something taking notice and showing their own in return! That's it, I'm not apologizing for any feet I stomp on at this point! Only MORONS are stupid enough to piss with Planes that could wipe out Razorback if they so much as decide to breathe in a certain direction hard enough!"
>Rapidly marking a series of Outer Equestria runes as damaged and lost, he continues charting sets of anomalous sections in sheer irritation.
"I don't know. When I said temporal matters were almost impossible to track I meant it. Was able to calculate the number of rotations but I don't recognize time like humans and ponies do. This-"
>Motioning at his neon green feral self before snarling, changing the Warp Gate's name to 'Razorback WG #2'.
"Is HARD to describe. In Canterlot Underground there were dozens of biologists, students, teachers, researchers, assistants, and visitors in my lab day and night, was rare I didn't know what the hour was. That way I was able to keep track of experimarents, appointmarents, and the like. Now the only way I can feel time happens to be Luna's Moon and that new, annoying little one. I'm awake in certain mareners of speaking or I'm not. Probably doesn't make sense but it doesn't matter."

>Clicking back into the ring of artificial Moonlight, carrying a large, fluffy bolt of royal blue cloth-like material on his saddle, Hodch continues towards the Landbarge, stopping at the ramp and staring inside quizically.
“Why do I feel as if I’ve been harshly judged and possibly mischaracterized?”
“Because you deserve it?”
*“Because you deserve it!”*
"....I suppose both of you may not be entirely wrong at this point."
>Selecting the initial Warp Gate to open, Astral Legacy steps off the diamondine disc and leaps straight into the vehicle in a blur of green, landing in the center and glancing around the interior.
"This is new.. and odd."
*"We've got a LOT to share with you."*
>Katyal takes her chosen crash seat at the front passenger side, Dul lying curled against the Void-Flux containing locker while the Reservist motions for you to enter, following afterwards.
"Hatches?"
*"Closing."*
>Carelessly tossing the bolt across the seat before lifting himself up, both ramps retract and close, the deep purple stallion raising an eyebrow at Astral Legacy sitting down.
"In case of problems, issues, and the like, how do Advanced Warp Gates function?"
>Wingclaws spread apart in the common batpony signal for 'easy', the Acid soloform's head cocks.
“Advanced Warp Gates can't connect to a translocation matrice or portal stone unless the Void Remnant accepts it, a required security measure. That means I need to share which locations I want access to before traveling. Pass over it and it'll fold onto itself, then return to me.
Before we return, one small question first."
*"What's up?"*
>Head turning towards the front cabit, then you, Astral takes on a highly puzzled stare.
"Why does it feel like we're already moving?"

[1d6 = 2] <Recovery

>>392842
>Pareidolia hastily Sticks his rifle to the front of his chest, holding up both hands in a placating gesture.
"For what it's worth, I have wanted nothing more than to be able to have complete oversight over the decisions of Razorback's human personnel from the moment I learned there were humans here on this alien world. There's a reason I had asked your ice form all those years ago that very first question. Given my position within Razorback, damage control efforts and awareness were beyond my reach without access and assets."
>He then dips his head and nods towards Astral's now acidic visage.
"And with that clarification I understand the nature of your perception now. I didn't mean to accuse."

>Glancing behind him to see Hodch approach visibly unharmed, he nods and motions to Astral that he would be returning to the transport.
>He moves towards the rear of the upgraded Landbarge as Astral leaps directly through and into the passenger compartment.
>The straps of his pack are looped over the armrest of his seat before he secures himself.
>His hand reaches for the dial on the side of his helmet camera to assist in manually cycling through archived pictures and notes of prior events and activities.
"Hovercraft."

>Clearing his throat, he reaches into his pack to take out the loaned tablet to begin the process of deleting and clearing any logged data of what it had recorded during the retrieval operation.
*"Hold your questions 'til the end of the briefing. To brief everyone here on recent events as of less than 12 hours ago, the majority of Razorback had been formed into a Quick Reaction Force in response to a massive Tainted attack on the Basin Village. Reports at the time we last were on base indicate the repeater relay is still off. A Luminary had informed the skeleton crew on base that the QRF was still undergoing Plasma, Void, Ethereal, and Anti decontamination procedures. Bren's crew was deployed and returned, Luminary cleared them. Mercenaries Mercy and Sunny Feathers are still missing. Dancing Eyes was absent, searching for Belltower. The Crag Moors had reported Class Eighty Psionic fluctuations."*
>Using his eyes, he brings up a list on his helmet display of the current personnel actively at Razorback as of the last time 'Tipper' had provided the roster to Shiibo, and asks her to display it on the OT-5's internal viewscreens.
*"Refer to the screens for a more detailed list of on site personnel and poninnel. As for the Constructs I had mentioned, Astral, my theory is that given their historic trends of sequential evolution based on responding with degrees of force to match whatever they encountered previously, the Construct assault on the Citadel-"*
>He turns his helmet to center on Hodch with a meaningful glance.
*"-was likely provoked due to operator Clemency's wish for an orbital linear cannon and weapons platform, which engaged Construct ships in orbit. Hodch, you can provide a more accurate timeline specifically if you have one. I think it was roughly 4 days ago now."*
>Looking away, he checks the viewscreen panel in the passenger compartment before looking the floor.
*"I was unfortunately on the Citadel at the time of the assault due to a chain of circumstances I don't want to waste time elaborating on right now. But after that attack, I had returned with operators Jeff and Clemency to Razorback with a number of what I believed to be destroyed Construct hulls and a severed arm and weapon. In my attempt to microscopically study the orange fluid inside one of the hulls, this apparently triggered some sort of repair and reformation sequence in the fluid itself. The sample I was observing formed into a marble sized Construct, rendered inert by my suit's properties on contact. One of the hulls repaired itself to combat readiness and was identifed as a Middle Dy-... sorry, Second Foundation survivor Starblazer Type One."*
>He preemptively holds up his gloved hand in supplication for a moment before lowering it.
*"In my defense, none of the literature on Constructs in the entire Library identified the fluid itself as the actual Construct entity. But I understand if you still want stomp on my feet, Astral. The combat log is available, but what was unusual was that throughout the entire engagement the Construct Mothership in orbit was apparently jamming the Construct. The weapon and the arm carrying it somehow disappeared from my pack in the interim between the Construct's defeat and my being cleansed of Construct corruption. Given that none of the other hulls had any active orange fluid remaining, it's unclear to me how that arm could have moved itself out of my pack without anyone noticing."*
>Sagging his shoulders, he exhales and lifts his helmet to take a sip from his canteen.
*"If anyone has comments or questions, the floor is open."*

>>392221

>Like thousands of hiveminds merging?
>The over complexity then makes more sense
>Too many intelligentsia in one thing would cause things to get complexly disordered
"Well, if there were more than one hivemind and they had to work together to modify their units, then they would become overly complex. Hmmm, yeah, I can see how a hundred thousand theories can come from them."
>But them communicating to us via radio and negotiating had to be a breakthrough
>As far as everyone knew, that was the first time
"What do you make of them contacting us via radio and negotiating with us?"

>If the Guillotine's language was, at-times, hard to parse, then this is worse
>Still, Clem is able to understand what the gunship is saying
*"Shared-Air Reaver. Honored to meet you. We're you a pilot of this vessel since there's no sarcophagus?"*
>Taking a moment, he notifies the Guillotine
*"Guillotine, are you connected to this vessel? I'm talking to the harpy of this one."*
>He then switches channel to Reaver's
*"Do you remember how you got here? Also, can I sit in this seat?"*
>Clemency felt a little sheepish at the last request out of respect for the harpy
>It was like getting issued a new jet fighter knowing the pilot got killed within it somehow

>Looking over to Stellar Claw, he nods in confirmation about the Airstreams
"I know they shouldn't but there's more to these ones. The Airstreams run deep in and through this vessel. Maybe her Airstreams is bonded to the vessel itself? It would allow for more reactive and precise piloting if it works how I think it does."

>>392841
>Halting at the motion, Amethyst could feel the waves of heat even from where she stood. Lila had certainly taken in much of the Flame and Plasma the Daymare had held captive. Certainly she would give those energies a better home.
"Hullo! Yes, I didn't even know the Kerbann could be called, I'm very sorry for the bother."
>Amy sure didn't sound sorry about that, she in fact now wondered what it was like to ride the root of the Grand Kerbann. Lucky Shades.
>At the bickering over Lilamaredre's state, Amy interjected.
"Technically should would care, she'd have the time of her life absorbing all the Fire she can."
>A very fond gaze was shot towards the core, mixed with an exasperated one over the many cooking fires Lila had eaten before they could be used.
>Waving farewell to the batpony Shade, Amy replied
"We'll tryyy!~ Bye now!"
>The Earther was so in for it later.

>The ipotane cocked her head, ears twitching as she perceived the locals reception of her request.
>Some certainly didn't like the idea, others did.
>Clearing her sore throat, she hugged her Stick.
"Okie dokie. I can understand if it's a itty bit hasty to do that now. Perhaps another night when all this is settled."
>For now, the energies swirled and wheeled overhead and around, that was good enough.
>As the Stick lengthened into something closer to a staff, the filly's grin widened mischievously, a barely restrained giggle sounding on the air.
>Quite deliberately, Amethyst stated so that none would miss what she was about to say, including the Grand Kerbann.
"You sure sprouted didn't you? Thank you Big Tree, I mean it, thank you for coming here."
>She really did mean it, this might have been much worse without the Great Kerbann's intervention.

>Tongs... As a gift?
>A gift!
>The filly held back a squee, barely, and thought about the issue instead of getting overly excited about the new object to add to the collection.
"Lila made some earlier, there should be enough in one of the sleds, wherever I went and left them."
>Leaving to retrieve the sleds, she returned with them, rummaging around for the elemental metal Lila had made earlier.

>>392846
>Astral's right wingclaws spread apart in a 'complete stop' motion, eyes closing briefly before reflexively swallowing.
"Hold up. Twisted Wing WAS doing that duty damned well, giving me time to experimarent and figure out how to ease humans into accessing magic or the Elements, at least until-"
>Giving the Reservist a friendly grin this time, he takes on a wholly unsatisfied expression.
"Razorback unknowingly spent months empowering enough Class 3 Anti to kill everypony on base and leave a few dozen miles of New Everfree completely contaminated. Only Sweet and Silver were aware. Just barely at that. Get what I'm saying now? Horizon struck at the single best time possible."
'I was correct in an... eerily opposing sense.'
>Silent at the newfound ramifications, 'Shiibo' turns entirely neutral, beginning to slowly correct mistakes spread from prototype and her own reports.
'The weakest links are humans, including you and I. Recall the 2,500 reports I ascribed to temporal matters? Tallus entropy does not account for the wide spread..... we are INCREDIBLY compromised, sir.
Command, executive, external, and majority internal decisions must remain with Astral Legacy and high ranking Starborn until full neutralization occurs and protective safeguards are provided.'
"......oh. No wonder I feel so weird."

>Easily finding the 5CTA's logs, it takes a minute to send them into a scrub mode.
>Standing up, Acid crumples into a thin line, Void expanding outwards to replace the former, solidifying into a mostly complete body.
>Chaotic swirls of red, blue, purple, black, and small Lunar traces slow, the Void soloform drifting to Hodch, reaching inwards to retrieve the three clear-white Cores, setting them in front of the other unicorn and turning around.
>Nodding in return, the deep purple stallion glances down in slight curiosity at the unusually flat humming as starburst eyes glint in study.
"Correct enough for now. Three nights prior."
>Resuming full inspection, the primal unicorn's eyebrows finally raise.
"I will not do so yet, and continue to use specific Dynasty Eras instead of Foundations. Luminaries?"
>Spinning around to face Hodch, the two share a brief contact, second speaking first with a heavy frown.
"A hyper-specialist cleanup unit to primarily deal with contamination; magical, Elemental, Planar, Eldritch, whatever they can hoofle. They place themselves in stasis to prevent degradation so we don't call on them often. Twisted would've deployed all five of the full squads, might take two Nights to cleanse Razorback."
"I see. In short: there are six known generations of Constructs. Primal, that being the originals, Early, Pre-Interim, Interim, Pre-Modern, and Modern. Solely depending on said generation, it is either the fluid or the components operating as a collective which function as the primary individual.
There is a noted discrepancy regarding possible communication between both. Confirmation of such has not been made."

>Keeping herself occupied by toying with a small yellow marble, Katyal looks up with a profoundly interested tone.
"Class EIGHTY Psionic fluctuations? That's a Primal at full tilt! Just getting to see one of them in action is like winning the lottery!"
>Lightly tapping each of the Faux-Natural Anti cores, Hodch makes an incredibly sour face.
"Must be Dancing Eyes."
"Hold o-"
"I cannot explain why she is there, only the following: she stated her intentions to search for a missing pony of Razorback. Both owe significant debts to the other."
"You ever meet her?"
"More often than I prefer to think about."
"Does she... y'know?"
"Have over two dozen teat and genital piercings? ..yes."
>Returning the face with one blending existential concern and no small amount of horror, the woman grimaces, hands raising to rub her eyes.
"That's.. NOT what I meant! I was gonna ask if she explodes heads or uses neural shearing to kill.. jackass."
"Not as far as I know, no. She remains honorable unlike the extreme minority of distant or disconnected Psions."

>Highly interested at the professional killers, the Void unicorn reaches out to pick up the trio of Cores, sliding on air towards you and depositing them, each emitting a faint, oddly flat buzzing sound.
"Do not be alarmed at these, you will find yourselves to be much more clear headed once the Anti has been removed."
>Taking three steps back and sinking down to stand at roughly eye level, an echoing, curious tone is given.
"A Starblazer Type One? The last of those were presumed destroyed during the Late Crystal Kingdom, that being one thousand and four hundred years prior. You are indeed correct, that is most unusual. I recall that specific model as having an equal number of plasma and neutron warheads in two external mounts, short range missile configuration. Were either launched, and what seemed to be its priority?
Please show the marble sized Construct if you retain it. A variety of simple tests can be made which will prove it is either bonded to you or another. Depending on physical size it may have exceptional value to integrate with equipment.
As well, do you recall whom touched the retrieved weapon and arm from the Citadel first? It must have acquired a bond."

>>392848
>Holding up her right set of claws out to wiggle them at the command and control unit, Stellar blinks as doing so scrolls the various screens sideways, each showing the prior model.
"...THAT'S how it works?"
>Experimarentally making short motions and finding a branching tree diagram centered on Rift Plane: Constructed Two Pairs, she imitates a tapping motion with a small smile upon realizing the similarities, starting with the topmost.
"Maybe these are what Crystal ponies tried to copy and wound up building hololiths. Almost the same usage too.. neat!"
>Pulling her hood down a bit, the batmare looks up to regard you with a questioning snout wiggle.
"You've probably seen the older Lunar Knight, Moonblade, Heavy Lancer, and Mage armor designs. Those used to take four armorsmiths a full week to complete and fit a single suit for one individual. Compare those to the Lunar Guard and common marecenary half-plate styles: two smiths, three Nights, a lot easier to produce and fit, using the same amount of material. Without all of that cumulative knowledge we'd be using Lunar Guardian and Dusk Strider designs.
I dunno. Still seems to me Constructs are still going backwards in the time we're improving. And closer to triple that number now."
>Lips pulling back in serious thought for ten seconds, her head shakes briefly before motioning at the screens displaying low quality images, pairs of cloudy orange spheres rolling across what appeared to be a short grass plain.
"I'm not sure yet. As a general guideline, Planar beings hate speech and text. They share information much faster with their own than they can with us. Maybe some piece of your technology has shown them a better method to communicate, like a diplomat would always have multiple fluent translators.
They didn't use Harpy dialects, maybe because they were always hostile towards each other. But some of the best known reports describe Constructs as able to understand Hegemony Minotaur language, either in parts or as a whole. That bothers me and I'm not even sure why."

>Hearing a short, somewhat faster sequence of aery words, Guillotine's channel carries a ringing background tone.
*"Aye, mineself be now. Answers an' words transcribe slow. Sixth Fleet leavest many an' marely records open, nae add vital details...
Ye grace? Beyest speaking tae 'Shattering Skies' by name, 'tis aen 'artifice-flight-an'-combat-assistant-simulant'. Thee 'class-of-combat-duties' be deemed 'Shared-Air Reaver'. ...thee havest confused it."*
[1d6+2 = (4+2) = 6] <Translation
>Brightening a fraction internally, silver metal bubbles on the surface starting at the least damaged sections.
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6] <???
[1d6+3
[1d6+3
*"....nae know ye as Fleet, not aen insult. Sharing mine an' kin's records tae it."*
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <Intact Communication Protocols
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]
[1d6+4 = (2+4) = 6]

"That's a bat odd. If they're really old though, maybe it isn't?"
>Tapping the wrapped charcoal stick against the open tome, the hooded mare nods to herself.
"Could be similar. There's a bunch of rituals that can take pieces of a willingly diverted Airstream and, I dunno how exactly, merge it within Floatplates or barrier shells. All of the old skyboats had one or the other, but most of those are floating museums now.
Only ones that still perform those are the Lunar Navarchs and Blacksail clan. Don't see either of them here much. First is based out of Cairn Wharf on one of the few combat ships still in service, they travel to Argenta a lot. Sea's Bounty might know where the Blacksails are now, they were the ones that built most of the Moors ships.
Neighsians use a few different methods. External plating is still used as armor armor but it either becomes bonded to, synced with, or hangs on Airstreams while in transit. Probably keeps their ships from drifting like that one big fleet did a couple thousand years back."

>Loud chiming from behind draws your attention to a bizarre sight:
>Based off the archaic Lunar Guardian Sorceror style, it was entirely comprised of semi-rigid Lumin, curved half and quarter Moon plates allowing for complete flexibility and range of motion, yet weren't thick enough to serve as medium armor.
>Covered in dozens of small, hanging crystal chimes, the helmet was more akin to partially rigid scale mail, and where a wraparound visor should be was instead an engraved sheet of swirling kanpri, red, blue, and purple hues drifting about aimlessly.
>Halting a meter from Stellar Claws, the batmare is given a single up and down, then you, an unusually flat mid-30's earth mare calling out.
"You are currently experiencing Class 9 Anti exposure.
Clemency, you, your weapons, and your armor are infected with Class 3 and 4 Anti. Please take a seat next to her so I may decontaminate both of you at the same time. This may take five to ten minutes.. possibly more. I am authorized to pursue, engage, stun, or worse should either of you resist."
>Scaled helmet tipping sideways several inches, a droll timbre is added.
"Your mate would be most irritated if I must perform that last one."
>Stellar Claws blanches, turning from the Luminary to you in subdued shock.
"Anti? How?"
"Don't know the full details yet. Decontamination first, then I can share what I know."

>>392936
>Pareidolia nods emphatically while waving his hand.
"Yes, I understand. I'm not blaming her or any other non-humans. I was referring to-"
>Catching himself, he shakes his head.
"-I'll explain at a later time. But out of everyone here, I'm confident you at least will understand."

>As he heads around the OT-5, his expression indicates a metaphorical shrug towards Shiibo.
'While the Anti element is news to me, I was already fundamentally aware of our flawed positions relative to any non-human entities here. Anti exposure is only one example. So long as we can effectively be included in the management of the human socio-cultural and technological element, that will be enough to start cementing Committee infrastructure and guidelines. I'm more than willing to undergo whatever is necessary to see that realized.'

>Pareidolia nods, rolling his shoulders as the faux-natural Cores Astral had previously mentioned to him are placed in front of him.
"Whatever it takes to ensure I am no longer compromised. With you returned, the path to proper protocol implementation is now possible to mitigate and redress the dangers of human contact with Tallus."
>Incredulity seeps out of his helmet as Spiral posits a bond being formed.
"A bond?"
>Fishing around his pockets and pack, he eventually finds the Construct marble.
"The Starblazer did fire one warhead towards the Clinic which was intercepted successfully. Presumed target was the asset denial of Construct pods that been retrieved from a lander by another operational team, but what kind of phenomenon do you mean by bonding? The fluid I observed defied description, but the size of this is unlikely to be of much use. I had used your suit's electrical energy absorption to immediately draw out any electricity I had supplied to it. The arm was touched by Clemency. What are the conditions of this bond?"

>>392913
>Tossing a piece of herself backwards before flitting down the Kerbann's root tunnel, the Shade's shade forms into a tiny batpony in front of you.
>...it was more of a paper cutout, and also meant she was quite high ranking.
>Or at least trusted by the Baroness enough to not misuse it too often.
Don't apologize, you could've been killed by that monstrosity if you hadn't. Besides, you get to share half the glory for locating an Unborn!
See you next time Amy, but give us a little bat of warning first!
>Dancing from side to side briefly, the piece tips in what might have been a bow before zooming around and following after.

>Examining the somewhat properly formed Geomarentic array and Elemental webs brightly shimmering above, they would discuss the matter after proper reconnections were made.
We honor those whom serve justice. Joy will not spread hastily this Night, yet paymarent must be given in exchange for the opportunity. We shall meet again.
>Deep thrums indicating it agreed with the Elements, the Grand Kerbann intones it was time to, cautiously, reclaim New Canterlot from the Blind's fickle grasp and the utterly unwholesome presence of a Primeval.
>A plan was necessary to counteract the first without alerting the second.
[1d100 = 42]

>Locating the ingot in the second sled, lodged between the folding door and pieces of raw pseudocrystallines, lifting the heavy piece to set it away from the pegasi's Core, it would readily mould with little difficulty.
"Perhaps a carry satchel would work."
"Or a large purse."
"You already have a backpack, why not a handbag?"
"WHO DARES SPEAK OF BOXES TO ME?!"
"Pay him no mind, dearest Amy. My former Lord is suffering from a, how shall I put it? Incredibly traumatic experience, yes."

Take care Primus, underprincess.
>Head dipping right and down formally, the Legionnaire phases about, high trotting towards the new entrance.
We will return with a completed Gate soon, one which you shall not need to invoke.
[1d6 = 3] <Cycle

>>392948

>Clemency looks over to the monolith after the mention of the Crystal pony's hololiths
>It never really occurred to him but yeah, they are similar
>Her allegory about the armor makes sense though
>But if they are getting worse, then they must have some sort of chink in the armor or at least a most effective tactic
>And the communications is another lead too
"Well, it is technology. Maybe it is analogous to how they communicate."
>Hegemony Minotaur?
>Not much hope in learning that
"Well if they hate each other like that, they seem to not like us more. Or we haven't found the nicer ones like these Constructed Twos."

>Clemency looks back into the cockpit with an embarrassed look
>Didn't really want to mess up it's name through all the weird translations
>But the "artifice flight and combat assistant simulant" is immediately understandable
>It's like a really sentient AI interface
>Shattering Skies...
>Clemency brings a hand to his chin and leans against the hull of vessel
>The name evokes the imagery of those airburst munitions fired by Stonehenge on his home
>"Those were shattered skies, like airspace being picked to pieces with little warning..."
>He looks up at the current, clear sky and regains his focus and turns to the open cockpit again
*"Shattering Skies, sorry for the mistake."*
>He notices the metals on the cockpit seemingly bubble
>It almost tempts him to just go ahead and sit in the seat
"Hopefully records within this vessel has some answers."

>The chiming makes him turn around
>The sight of the mare covered in chimes is intriguing
>He sees her eye up Stellar Claw then him
"Class 9 Anti exposure?"
>He instinctively looks down
>Obviously nothing wrong or on him
>But he's thinking about the symptoms of this sort of exposure
>Nothing mentally wrong, just tired
"Oh, sure."
>Weird how people don't want to be cleansed of this
>Must be scripted
"Amongst other things happening, better not add one more or I'll feel it."
>With that, Clemency goes ahead and takes a seat next to Stellar Claw, also looking concerned
"I don't know either. Some of Razorback only mentioned some sort of contamination. Didn't expect it to be Anti."

>>392950
>Drawing a line between each of the three Cores, the Void soloform squints at each.
"I do."
[1d6+8 = (6+8) = 14] <M.Research
[1d6+8 = (2+8) = 10]
[1d6+8 = (3+8) = 11]
[1d6+8 = (3+8) = 11]

'That may be quite difficult, sir. Wide spread contamination of a known war crime-adjacent factor will, pun not intended, have dissolved a significant amount of trust. Barring those factions which have had limited exposure to Razorback, Princess Luna and the Starborn will undoubtedly be furious at th-"
>Halted from a flat stare, Astral's tone is neutral as starburst eyes settle firmly downwards.
"General Twisted Wing rules Razorback Company as its Matron. Present suggestions to her as I have over four hundred critical implemarentations to perform after removal of Anti has been completed. The Fortress itself is my property, no more or less. What occurs within and does not interfere is solely her responsibility."

>The avatar recoils as if slapped, ceasing all functions for 6.2 seconds.
>Resuming with a pensive glance sideways, 'Shiibo' enters an experimental self-analytic mode, creating a new, small dossier to fill in.
'That is... a much harsher and shorter version of the report I was preparing. ...the prototype warned me of their top-down command structure but I did not expect it to be this strict.
Astral Legacy is required by Razorback Fortress to function, thus he legally owns it, systems and all. Certain buildings are excluded. If he denies access there are minimal chances to negotiate.
General Sapphire Kiwi may legally own Razorback Company as it is a Lunar Protectorate. She and the two Nightblades under her command likely have full authority to punish, jail, imprison, or execute a human without requiring a crime to be committed.
They are strict military minds with a gestalt-borne dedication to their sovereign which, to humans, borders on zealotry, yet has no religious connotations. As such they may not accept an outside view at this time, and suggestions will be reviewed with extreme suspicion due to long term Anti exposure.'

"Depending on the volume or series, if you had continued reading there would be numerous records of Construct symbiotes i-"
"Let me hoofle this. Kat?"
"Yup!"
>Motioning at Katyal, the topaz bracelet is tossed to Hodch, opening it and placing the bolt inside, settling it around his left forehoof.
>Looking up afterwards, the deep purple stallion squints, sitting back with a puzzled frown.
"Strange. Never seen one that tiny before, but it's certainly bonded to you. Ah well.
Neutron weapons are one of the few types we don't have marely records on except for highly specific circumstances: typically deployed against Planar Infected, sometimes Corrupted, smaller Riftseekers, mutated Planars or sub-Planar descendants, and so on. There have been several reports of use against Construct-modified ponies after succumbing to a berserk state. The remains of those are often destroyed with a few hundred bursts of plasma afterwards. Possibly to prevent Rift Infected, though that's speculation on my part."
>Eyes swiveling upwards without moving, the Nightblade's ears flick in thought.
"Conditions? None. They read an individual's genetic code then self-modify until ceasing to be a Construct in most definitions, and are treated as completely neutral by others. From that point on they function in a highly protective state towards the bonded individual, but are far more prominent accept those of a distinctly spiritual nature.
The rejection ratio for Crystal ponies is, so far as I understand it, less than one percent, batponies, five percent, while modern pegasi are closer to ninety percent. Contacting Rift symbiote-carriers is only allowed if their life is in danger, otherwise we leave them alone.
Should the arm and weapon have been from a female it will now be a weapon in Clemency's service, likely with some dedication to Airstreams. ...a few nights ago I may or may not have used an ancient Repair model to improve one human's rifle as a test."
"...Hodch, y-"
"Nopony can prove I did or did not. Regardless, if you would prefer I can dispose of that one."
>Picking up the now mostly white Cores briefly and holding them closer to you with an outstretched hoof, the Void unicorn's outline twitches briefly, head shaking with a small chortle.
"Electrical absorption? I did not add that as a.. of course, the Magitek Core. Its partial sapience must have integrated such as a basic function. Intriguing. And amusing. If it has not been destroyed I will consider better integration."

>Buzz turning to a rapid humming, the Faux-Natural Cores film over in a dull white sheen.
>Physically dragged forwards, the three turn over, becoming a reflective metallic gray, the avatar blinking out in a failure state.
[1d6 = 2] <Recovery
>Subtle background voices, impressions, then imprints dissipating, entire sections of your consciousness clear as a hard to place consistent background fatigue and visceral degradation is torn out of your entire body.
>Leaning back on the nearly invisible float, Astral Legacy's eyebrows narrow, the echoing voice tight in disdain.
"Completed. No traces left within you, armor, weapons, devices, supplies, clothing, or other.. if this is standard exposure then the rest of Razorback will have suffered from equally similar, if not worse. What differences can you tell?"

>>392966
"There's a chance your technology may allowed them a better method for long distance communication rather than using their own. Planars are notoriously hampered by opposing Tallus spectrums."
>Right wing settling on her side, the Cult mare lifts her front shoulders, muzzle creasing slightly, starting from the first images and continuing to write.
"Highly possible. ..it occurs to me since nearly all Otherworld Harpies have moved elsewhere, maybe they'll be more receptive. Have you tried talking to a Construct since then?"

>A quiet, up-down whistle rings briefly before a short, clipped and incredibly fast pair of almost cheerful phrases, internal traces of damage slowly dissolving into perfectly aligned silver metal.
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9] <???
[1d6+3 = (3+3) = 6]
[1d6+3 = (6+3) = 9]
>Several hundred feet above, Guillotine's top deck now features multiple small pods along a ridged spine, faint white and blue lights present on each, the Harpy's background quiet save for low, distant thrumming.
*"...Shattering Skies states thusly: a greeting of ally met by hail an' welcomed un'er Moon. Simulant be either mare or stallion 'pon request... 'tis ae strange notion.
Mayhaps four Tallus hours afore thee Common Equestrian be shared freely. Sixth Fleet battle-tone beholds odd meanings."*
[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8] <Translation
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <Intact Communication Protocols
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9]
[1d6+4 = (3+4) = 7]
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8]
*"Place thee armored record-carry of Shattering Skies where 'twas, mayhaps faster mineself's efforts beyest."*

>Joining Stellar on the craft's wing, the Luminary's head tilts upwards, kanpri swirling in patterns of stars.
"That's what she's dealing with. Any of your scars aching? Experiencing odd thoughts, strange urges?"
"Not really.. well, I do feel more tired than normal."
"Is that abnormal at this time? No other symptoms?"
"I think so. There are some odd sounds though, keep thinking I'm hearing something talking, but it's not Harpy, Gryphon, or batpony."
"One of Anti's most common sides effect is 'hearing' voices which do not exist. Hallucinations of individuals can begin occurring at Class 8."
>Regarding you with what was probably supposed to be a severe examination, the mare's head sways left and right in small motions.
[1d6+4 = (5+4) = 9] <Resonance
"Class 10 is self-destructive and poses no threat. Class 9 requires one treatmarent, minimal chance of mutation. Class 8 requires three, low chance. Class 7 requires five to eight, becomes exponentially more severe and dangerous at lower grades.
Class 3 is lethal to the majority of equines within five to ten minutes, and has a high chance of causing an individual to become a Malformed or Abomination."
>Ears swiveling what little they could, the mare's voice drops into a cold timbre briefly before continuing.
"You should be dead right now.
There are no known survivors of Class 2. All of those infected individuals became Malformed, Abominations, or worse within seconds.... that is excluding a bizarre incident involving Captain Shady-Laced Ace of Tartarus Isle.
Class 1 is instantly lethal. Only Sweet Dreams and Empress Silver, whom at current is presumed deceased, know the particulars.
Please remain still for a minute-"
>Taking an incredibly deep breath.. which lasts for fifteen seconds, the Luminary exhales a cloud of highly charged Moonlight, pleasant chimes ringing out in low tones.
[1d6+4 = (6+4) = 10] <Cleansing Breath
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <Hallowed Tones
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <Moonlit Blessing

"Are you.. Undead?"
>Scales clinking together, the earth mare rocks backwards, snorting in clear humor.
"Hah, no! I'm a Moonborne Half-Naghtmare, nineteenth generation, Number Fifty-Three. We're fairly new, Luna finished developing the rituals for us little over four years ago. Far safer than the previous versions as we retain our full consciousness, soul, and capabilities without succumbing to Elemental frenzy. We're not immortal either, most of us may live five or possibly ten years longer than normal, but that's about it."
>Head lifting once more, the kanpri plate stills into an eminently familiar dark royal blue, black wingblades forming on both sides.
"Clemency. Do you want the bad news or the utterly fucked news first? There is no good except that you are currently alive and do not seem to be suffering from degradation."

>Tromping underneath draws Stellar's attention, a needle-toned batmare speaking under the wing.
"Two inspection mirrors?"
"For me, please."
>Reaching down to grasp a pair of.. yep, those looked like magnifying glasses, the highly polished white platinum and clear diamondine featuring an a brilliant clarity across each lens a result of deeply bound magical spells.
"Thank you! Ooo, these both look amazing."
"Damned well better be. Oh, if you haven't heard yet there's some sort of trade fleet arriving two Nights from now, whole bunch of Airstream sailing vessels. They're currently stopped in Cairn Wharf."
"Do you know where they're from?"
"No idea, just overheard it a few minutes ago. Anything else you or the Cult needs?"
"Nothing I can think of, these are perfect for what I wanted. Thank you again!"
"Great, take care you two."
>Holding the second one up over her left eye, pointing towards the Harpy control unit, Stellar passes you the white platinum one with a small grin.
"Might as well keep one for yourself. Try it out!"
[1d6+4 = (4+4) = 8] <Inspection

>>392951
>Gosh that tiny batpony projection was cute
>Amethyst wanted to boop her, but her fingers weren't small enough.
>She waved farewell a second time to the minibat.

>After having set the ingot down nearby, the filly's gaze exchanged between Lila's core and the ingot multiple times, scratching her head, accompanied by thoughtful tail flicks.
>How to go about this without entirely encasing her Core in elemental metal.
>She could just wait around for Lila to wake up, but there was no telling how long that could actually be, the pegasus had taken a rather savage beating by the Daymare.
>Lifting the tongs, Amethyst picked Lila up and set her Core down upon the ingot and waited to see what would happen, hopefully the heat generated by the Core would soften the metal enough to be worked into a cushion of sorts.
"Not a metal box, but a plate, or a bowl rather so she doesn't roll around while she's in the sled."
>The filly sighed.
"If only her Core was any other shape but a sphere, but nooo, it's always a sphere with these things. Why not a funny pyramid or a cube for once?"
>She didn't think Lila would appreciate her True Shape being anything but round, however.
"Bye bye! Thank you for the tongs! We'll try, but no promises though.~"
>With a grin, she held up her fingers crossed. She absolutely could not promise not to get into more trouble.

>>392976
>Setting the much too warm Core down before taking a step back, small sizzles take place, though radiating far more heat than was comfortable.

"A cube, rectangle, or pyramid would not be comfortable in many ways to sleep inside of. At least, I would think not."
"Spheres are useful in thousands of utilitarian means. "
"Indeed, they lack corners to snag or catch."
"Unless thrown."
"Dat'z a great game! Yu'z frow da biggest wreckin' ball at a buncha grotz an' stomp da wunz dat fall ovah!"
"Typical.. albeit the image you present is rather amusing."
"You could place her in hundreds of locations and she would be unable to travel more than a meter downwards!"
"WHAT will the FOOLS think of NEXT, CARDBOARD BOXES?! YOU cannot HOLD me with your VILE tech-magics!"
>One of the puppets sighs theatrically as that one degenerates into fits of gibberish tinged with loud swearing.
"Would you please ignore him, Amy? The ranting should end soon enough.. unless of course one of you desires to continue hearing such a terribly pitched, grating voice for the rest of this night?"
"I would rather have calm than.... that."
"That is what I thought."

>Melting over the course of a minute into a small cratered bowl, the ingot softens into a pliable shape around it, was no longer emitting dangerous amounts of visible heat radiation or Elemental Fire.
>Most of which was now drafting southward, interestingly.
"A fascinating result."
"Much like using the metal itself as a crucible. Shape it now if you would."

>>392978
>Witnessing Lila passively sizzling and melting fire elemental metal, Amethyst was grateful for the tongs, picking her up at all in this state was not an option.
>A snicker got loose, followed by a giggle at Carron's ranting.
"Nobody tell him."

"Ahh... How?"
>Amethyst pondered a moment over how to shape the metal, the tongs would be a poor means of manipulating the metal, although...
"Oh right, crystal runes, I'm gonna be so horse by the end of the night."
>With a sigh at the thought, Amy drew in another breath and hummed out what she thought may be the correct tones for moulding the metal into a bowl, though with care to avoid flinging Lila's Core away with an errant doot.

[1d6+2 = (2+2) = 4] < B. Crystal Runes: Power
[1d6+2 = (6+2) = 8]

>She imagined she had best figure out what to do next now that the grounds were clear of the Unborn's taint. It may be easier to pick up on the impressions left by the humans now, or it might not since the energies that had been bound to the Daymare were freed.
>The mystery woman her sire had come into contact with still lingered in the forefront of her mind, though perhaps there were no real answers to be found here after all. The Crystal Empire would be the next logical course of action, yet she was loathe to bring Lila there at all. Of all the places in the world she could take her friend, the Crystal Empire would be the worst.
>Fire would have to be created from scratch to keep her intact, and without a clear idea of what to do or who to talk to, Lila would spend an unacceptable amount of time being miserable with the weather.

>>392984
"Tell him.. what precisely?"
>The dramatic pause.
"Oh no-"
"That your sire still has three cardboard boxes in his possession, ones vast enough to carry all of us? Or that your dam brought an asparagus shipping box made from the finest grade of Crystal Imperial cardboard?"
>The noise intensifies into wordless shouting, teeth snapping, and muted background clanging.
"...why did you do that?"
"Ta make 'iz face go red, dat way 'e gitz dun fastah!"
"Ahhh, that makes sense! ...no it does not make sense!"
"The greenskin is right, it will be less time pushing him over the edge than it will to calm down."

>Searching the crystal archive for the proper sound, your choice of mimicking a blasting note first squishes the Fire Elemental metal's surface down into random wavy patterns around the Core.
>Second springing the material into a bowl upwards, the red sphere bounces slightly, resting in a high cupped state.
>It would work, at least.

>Finally going silent, the other puppets sigh in relief.
"I have faced countless foul beings before, yet few had begun from an insignificant, castoff trace. It is unlikely to have stolen what you seek."
"I agree. The mere fact it would have attempted to devour a city on its own without regard to such important matters as its own stability and coherence proves how truly idiotic such immaterial beings often are."
"Yu'z talkin' a lotta.. fings."

>>392969
>The operator is silent for a few moments as Astral's tone shifts.
"I understand. And I will do so if necessary. Naturally there are more immediately pressing concerns you need to address first. I won't keep you from them."

>His stride remains even and does not slow despite Shiibo being taken aback by the stark example of Razorback's leadership structure.
'After my experience on the Citadel with their highest levels of command, I cannot say this was a surprise. I'd prefer to co-opt with Razorback, but I understand the timeframe is not and may not ever permit it. For now, we can afford to wait and present a proposal after concerns about Anti corruption have been thoroughly disproven. I was considering seeking alternative benefactors and support structures regardless though. Astral and Tipper will need to be spoken to. Maybe the Dragonspines as well.'

>Pareidolia pulls his head back slightly at the news.
"If that is bonded to me, then did I kill it?"
(Is this an acceptable action in light of the Protocol? Bonding process is automatic upon contact with DNA...)
>He shakes his head.
"I don't understand why such a phenomenon would be possible, but the size was likely due to my method of studying it. My uncovered hand must have had skin cells come into contact with the sample. Only the fluid I had collected in that drop was 'activated' by electricity I had introduced to it. And the strange... shapes and cellular-esque organs within it that rapidly assembled itself."
>Pinching it between his fingers, he lifts it off of Hodch's hoof.
"If it is essentially a compliant tool, then I would attempt to utilize it."

>Raising his right shoulder and point his thumb towards his back, he gestures at Astral.
"It allowed me to duel Councilmaster Barlen effectively, as stupid as that entire event was. Your work speaks for itself."

>Pareidolia's eyebrows raise in slight alarm as Shiibo suddenly blinks out.
"Shit-wasn't expecting her to be shut down by this process."
>He immediately puts his hand over the side dial on his helmet camera, sifting through logs and checking on her drive's status.
>Running on slight adrenaline coupled with the sudden invigoration from a fatigue he didn't know he had being lifted, he inhales a short breath.
"My mind is clearer. Murmurings I didn't know I was hearing are gone. Other than concern for Shiibo's drive integrity, I feel more alert."

>>392997
>Squinting towards Katyal and Dul, Hodch raises his attention to the ceiling.
"Possibly. Constructs in a comatose state have several mechanisms for self-restarting unless completely frozen or drained. You would have to apply a minute amount of Lightning to see if it no longer responds."
>Shrugging briefly, the Reservist makes a 'what can you do' motion.
"Why not? Nearly all beings ultimately desire to find their mate or mates, Planars included. I've seen enough couples, herds, and families which may as well have been part of a horror or mystery novel to hold my reservations. I've officiated hundreds of Spectral mareriages too.
And if you mean the odd pre-particulate stages, those are well known but not understood. At all. The danger of comprehending an unknown factor is it's own danger. Often times the safest option is to simply not know. For each useful answer there are usually twenty horrifying ones."
>Starbursts flaring angrily, the Void unicorn's ears flatten in disgust.
"Tools do not have voice or soul, only meanings given. Would you dare force a sapient to comply with your orders simply for the sake of compliance? You ha-"
>Raising a hoof to interrupt Astral from continuing, Hodch sets cautious shallow purple eyes on you.
"Not now, not yet. Since you haven't seen a silver Construct before.. numerous pairs were exposed to lost, or 'acquired' silverine during the Early and Middle Dynasty Eras. At some point an entirely new section of the Rift Plane was formed. The millions of pairs guarding it are reported to be everything from the smallest Scout to hundreds of Citadel sized models. Not even unarmored, unarmed, injured young Crystal ponies have been allowed near it. No injuries, though bruising is kept to an absolute minimum.
Silverine Constructs have one task: find, stabilize, and 'restore' injured beings under the protection of entire assault Maniples. All stasis pods so far recovered have been from Early Dynasty experimarents. A berserk state inevitably results which necessitates their immediate and complete destruction. They've disappeared but that isn't a guarantee they do not still exist.
The Planes and beings from each shape themselves in response to conditions and factors which they have not experienced before. Their actions are varyingly mirrored or inverted facets of opposing Planes and Tallus, sometimes resulting from entire chains of incidents. To state more would be pointless speculation, but to attempt understanding the infinite how's and why's most often lead to insanity."

"What."
>Rolling his ears around while muttering a tone deaf guttural word, the Starborn's face stubbornly creases as a red cloud covers Astral's face.
"Citadel was celebrating the third night after the Moors Restoration Project was completed, several Councilmasters stayed raging drunk the entire time. Pare was taken into a Moonbridge by Princess Luna. On accident. Upon arriving she was interrupted by the news of a remaining Continental Carrier spotted some distance from the Citadel and left.
Instead of allowing Pare to step outside as per usual, Ridgeback decided to throw Barlen, the Heir of Ba`thens no less, at him and demanded they duel. Oranti and Chuz`Ain went along with it.
Had Ridgeback not cheated, Pare would have been granted the opportunity to 'surrender' with full honors and be given an escorted tour along with permission to return whenever he wanted during Night so long as certain Starborn exercises or formal events were not occurring."

>The unit had entirely shut down, screens offline and unresponsive, background systems slowly booting into a protected fault state.

"Then you have been giving Horizon information."
>Lifting the three spheres up and virtually ogling them, Astral Legacy's eyebrows arch.
"The sole precise method to determine where Anti is not, is to locate where it was or currently is. It is a uniquely self stabilizing echo, reminiscent of a near-living programmed radiation, similar to Elemental Plasma, and as such it is fully cognizant yet equally fully controlled. A perfectly obedient tool once given a task by its mistress, and a weapon which leaves no traces save for its own.
Since Anti contains the knowledge of each individual it has infected, it knows what information to use and how: cloud the brain, preventing true memories from setting, blind the eyes, then temporarily removed to see what is not real. Entire lifetimes made and formed, utterly correct, infallible by the unaware, unless willingly removed or destroyed by a higher grade."
>Reaching between the three, a warping line of gray is pulled out, stretching into a flat, thin metallic pane.
>Lifting the pane into place, a bright flash of light occurs, showing a scene through an individual's eyes: falling into a familiar barracks, dazed and struggling to breath through a gas mask.
>Upon standing, the voice spoken was yours:
"Command, the device was activated before successful retrieval. New mission parameters. Awaiting orders."

"I remember everything from the fifteen willing humans whose minds I reached into. Horizon did not acquire those memories as they were buried within Spiral Disclosure's engrams. However-"
>Starburst eyes narrowly regarding you in severe distrust, the Void soloform's voice is quiet, sending the Faux-Natural Cores towards the front cabin.
"Think quite hard on what is and is not correct. Can you recall the precise number of humans whom have been touched by Horizon or one of her agents for a debriefing? How many others have distributed Anti infection and visited where they think they must, yet should not have? Which have fulfilled the unknowable orders given to them without themselves knowing what is true or false?"

>>393006
>Interrupting Hodch, Pareidolia practically spits out the word.
"Mates?! Hold on, I was not aware that was the connotation!"
>Throwing a look and a raised palm at Astral, he replies.
"Of course not! I thought this was a preprogrammed subroutine of cellular organisms that was repairing itself to finish attacking the Citadel! Not a sapient lifeform choosing to attach itself to me."
>Uttering a short groan of frustration, he leans back in his seat and raps the side of his helmet once with his fist.
"If that's what this is, then I'm obligated to at least try to... 'resuscitate' it. But given what I saw and the apparent proto-deity the other Construct had exposed me to, I'm inclined to agree as much as I loathe to say it. I don't like encountering barriers to understanding of this nature, but I may have to make the most hated of all scientific categories-"
>A tone of weary annoyance seeps out from his helmet.
"-an exception."

>"Then you have been giving Horizon information."
>Pareidolia closes his eyes and sighs, a mixture of resignation and aggravation audible.
>Remaining in his seat, he deatchedly considers that he has lost count of just how many major setbacks to this degree have occurred since his arrival.
"I'm not sure whether to be grateful that this was identified before any concrete progress on my mission could be made or infuriated that all my prior progress has been compromised."
>He taps a gloved finger against the armrest. His other hand slides the now cleaned of incriminating data tablet back into his pack.
"Sifting for memory discrepancies and evidence of suggestion now."
>A gong swell of slight pain radiates from his teeth as he clacks them together.
(Wish I had an Amadeus system for this. Would make discrepancy comparison so much simpler. Fucking hate memory tampering.)

[1d6+1 = (2+1) = 3] <E. Iron Will + MECCT
[1d6+1 = (4+1) = 5]
[1d6+1 = (6+1) = 7]
[1d6+1 = (3+1) = 4] <M. FINA
[1d6 = 2] <E. Perception
[1d6 = 1]
[1d6 = 4]
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7] <B. Medical + N-SMP(U)
[1d6+2 = (3+2) = 5]
[1d6+3 = (2+3) = 5] <Adept Razorback Company
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]
[1d6+3 = (4+3) = 7]

>>392994
>Gorgutz was... Correct. If his face was red with anger, it would burn out faster, anger typically was red in any case, but the redder, the better.
>Simple, clear logic.
"I think it makes perfect sense!"
>That a direct path to an objective would work against an Alpha Legionaire was the more baffling prospect.

>It was a shaky effort, but the bowl took an approximate shape and Lila's Core hadn't been shot over the horizon like a cannon ball, as that was a thing that could have occurred.
"Phew!"
>With Lila's Core settled in her new bowl, Amethyst took up the tongs once again and lifted it, placing it in the clear space in one of the sleds. Once she'd reformed herself, Lila would find herself sitting on it most likely, but it was less undignified than being left upon the ground.
"Well, I'm sure she'll be fine while we take another look around."
>Amethyst pulled the sleds closer to the door of the barracks and headed back inside to where she had initially sensed the memory impression of her sire meeting with that certain individual.
"It was around here, let's see if we can properly follow the impression this time."
>Setting the bigger Stick ahead of herself, she prompted her perceptions to tap into the flows of lingering energies once more, attempting to narrow her focus on that particular moment in time and the moments that followed.
>An identity, words, even a description might say something.

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

[1d6+2 = (3+2) = 5] < B. Perception
[1d6+2 = (5+2) = 7]

>>393010
"Are you merely dense or a retarded biological clone!? Hollow's arriving self wasn't an intentional monster of his own doing!"
>Aggravation takes over Hodch's visage at the Void unicorn's furious exclamation, the deep purple stallions lips curl back in an insulted marener.
"Luna's Black Blood! I thought you were a conceited prick BEFORE now!"
>Eyes narrowed first in anger, second confusion, then in shock and surprise, Astral Legacy holds the right forehoof up in a halting motion.
"I.. no, not at all! Could you not feel her sharing motivations and intentions? I can feel the imprinted echoes of her seeking your approval despite being held by such a minute body! Th-"
"Astral Legacy!"
>Snapping about to regard the Starborn's deathly tone, he was surrounded by a plethora of immaterial Cores, highly varying in size and Elements, including some you didn't recognize, the soloform's ears flatten in visceral fear at dozens of outlines.
>Elementals taking up most of the front passenger compartment, an equal mix of batponies, earth and Crystal, Ferron, pegasi, then a few Minotaurs, Gryphons, Drakes, and Wyrms, each lean forwards in hostile positioning.
>Last is a single native Harpy, the grinning elf-like complemented by large Airstream-tinged claws and wings.
"I will deploy all Naghtmares in my extremely temporary possession. Apologize. Now."
"...forgive my outburst, if you would."
>Leveling a tortured face on you, the Reservist's head dips low, eyes shutting tightly as the Naghtmares recede, speaking in an excruciating pace.
"By the Moon... Pareidolia, I am under thousands of obligations regarding Razorback. I cannot state all of what may, does, and could possibly exist in the Planes, outside of directly shared knowledge and experiences. What I have are select profiles regarding certain Planes and their inhabitants, some of which are purposeful, others are not.
It has never been intention to initiate problems unless completely necessary, but this-"
>Pointing towards you with a ragged exhale, shallow eyes regard you in a sincerely forgiving marener, motioning stiffly at the Void unicorn.
"Is not one I considered. You have my full and undying apologies for a complete lack of knowledge regarding Construct symbiotes and the ramifications thereof. In my own apology, you already know I have been almost completely focused on finding THIS individual to the exclusion of virtually all other matters."
>Head raising to meet Astral's stare, the Nightblade's expression crumbles into drawn out pain, removing the topaz bracelet and spreading it apart, allowing small tinges of yellow-blue Planar Lightning to course up the fresh scars on his forelegs and neck.
"You may have never experienced a single sensation of knowing your soul mate could be like, but that does not excuse me from failing to recognize humans may never have suspected the possibility. I do not know how much this is distressing you, but it hurts me all the same. I would likely be in much the same position.
Allow me to initiate contact with her. I can speak Hegemonic Minotaur which most Constructs speak well. Ten minutes, that is all I ask."

>Losing his former attitude entirely, Astral Legacy sits down two feet above the Landbarge II's floor, holding the pane to the side as it pauses.
"Do not consider either just yet. Regard this as a fortunate blessing in disguise. I had not considered summoning Empress Silver to speak with me.. not yet at least. My existence is far distant from what it was. Time is distorted and often unremembered to me"
>Shooting a concerned glance at Katyal left of him, then the thoroughly dumbstruck Siren, Hodch allows himself to settle for a tired expression.
"The fact she might actually be dead is far worse than not knowing what Anti directly connected to Horizon may have exposed.
At the least, explain to me what forcing Pare into this accomplishes. ...I will not threaten you with these Naghtmares again unless I suspect you are lying."
>Drifting back several feet, Astral Legacy's head cranes around to regard Hodch, speaking in a frustrated tone.
"I will not lie unless a life is in danger. It is simple yet complex at the same time: knowledge of my enemy. Horizon expects full control, compliance, and submission to her commarends. Anti provides that. I do not know if she was brought here or merely crept in after the Anti Cores were brought onto Tallus. She is from an Otherworld where neither equines nor humans evolved into being. That little amount I have gleaned from being exposed, yet there is likely nothing more to learn without either meeting with Sweet Dreams or the former Empress.
Let Pareidolia tell us what he knows. Then I will be able to form a single answer, if not more."

>Rendering your conscious thoughts into strictly recalled lines, the task of correcting and clarifying incorrect facts solidifies.
>The majority form into a branching diagram, while several hundred more offshoots were set at strange angles, recognizing them as faulty due to misdirection, flawed from being incorrect, or entirely false.
>Searching through your past year and nearly a half on Tallus, numerous sets of partially twinned, dissonant, wholly incongruent, and drastically altered sequences surface.
>Selecting each for comparison against reports, a few of your own and hundreds from Razorback conflicted from Bulletin Board postings, each placed and removed to be archived in the Command Center, along with some in the Library, were heavily altered.
>Your own actually pleasant conversations, discussions, and interviews with numerous Lunar allies, marefriends, stallionfriends, hundreds of Independents, and couriers alike in the Fortress, including Minotaurs and Gryphons, had been drastically modified.
>Staggering numbers of unusual facts surface:

>>393010
>>393026
>Nearly all attention had been directed away from Las Pegasus until it separated from Mainland Equestria, then a near-literal wall had been thrown up to prevent accessing Canterlot and Stalliongrad.
>While there was no direct contact from Horizon or her agents at that time, pervasive imprints of Class 2 Anti resulting from The Siege, then Horizon and three of her enslaved, soul-bonded Anti Core earth mares had attempted to eliminate both Astral Legacy and Shady-Laced Ace, better known as Shanis, as they had uniquely threatened her influence.
>The first was regarded as several native Tallus Elemarentals seeking to destroy Horizon as competition, while the second had unlocked the true nature of Sweet Dreams, the Enchained Juggernaut.
>Though the first was explicitly considered a nuisance, Horizon's focus on the second was desperate; she had thrown ALL of her secondary resources into untangling the multi-leveled, willingly Enchained pegasi's efforts into killing Sha'Ro's enemy.
>During their encounter with Marrowgrin, whom had succumbed to Horizon's influence over nearly a decade of effort, Sweet, then falsely labeled as the Black Diamondine Juggernaut, had been working deeply under cover in a heavily protected, Class 2 Anti protected mindset of her own, only breaking out via triggers of her own design, or Empress Silver's later interference.
>Locating reports which had likely been burned, Sweet Dreams was the largest known pegasus in Equestrian history, but had been able to retain her mind when exposed to Anti in Manehattan during a finals hoofball game, the entity seeking new routes to infiltrate high ranked political echelons.
>During a meeting with Stream Lark and the then-unaltered Marrowgrin afterwards, Sweet willingly accepted to undergo 25 Enchains solely to protect all of equinity.
>The majority of her physical, marental, and physiological negative effects were nullified due to the use of the only other Supreme Artificial Anti Core, formerly carried by a Tower Guard Master-General, Jade Luxure, whom was currently missing.
>An extremely sharp, well detailed report from a Razorback squad encountering the white Late Dynasty Gryphene had been changed:
>Shared Roses had vocally warned the arriving humans and Huntermaster Cu'Nir they should not interfere, signaling her intent to continue deceiving Lord Sevrit into thinking his descent into fatalistic cannibalism was his own choice, using her Enchained Eldritch illusions to maintain his actions while sending fledgelings and kin to Stalliongrad.
>Sha'ro was incapable of succumbing to Horizon's influence due to her constant meetings with Stalliongrad's Tower Guard, explicitly staying around the other gifted Supreme Perfected Anti Cores, but was unable to halt Sevrit's self-destruction.
>Directing your thoughts into Razorback's Enclave, it was the sole location where Anti had not been able to penetrate, primarily due to extreme Void exposure into the deepest Black spectrums, while the variety of Crystal Empire devices which both Amerose and Naliyna provided had, in their own tonal measures, destroyed the faux-Element within minutes.
>Regarding the Crystal Empire, nearly all of Razorback had been subtly and forcefully prevented from entering it due to the same; only Lont, Clemency, Thrill, and to a far lesser extent Jeff, were able to break free from Anti conditioning, though had spread infection wide on their travels, with limited results.

>Distinctly remembering your first Operation given by Denra, he had NOT spoken it as the alternative memory tried to suggest.
>In fact, his assistance was required by Councilmistress Oranti as he was still highly regarded by the Starborn and Lunar faction.
>Recalling some of the original wording, Denra was to bring Hollow and Roust with him to find the fire's cause, which did not occur.
>What had been considered a shapeshifter of sorts in the given report was instead a non-Psionic creature, capable of killing without being seen; the massacre was reported directly to Princess Luna herself from a willingly surrendered survivor of The Siege, a highly peaceful Moderatris Shieldmare Psion of some note.

>Dozens of other instances surface
>Kraut talking to himself in the Workshop when you knew none of the Spiral hivemind were in range, regarding details of planned improvements.
>Filth's constant disappearances and increasingly aberrant behavior, incomprehensibly focused on acquiring 'the REAL sun', well over a year after Princess Luna had returned it to the exhausted, greatly weakened true Celestia.
>The False Celestia's limited ability to comprehend facts outside of her limited imagination when separated from the Tyrant had referred to Old Canterlot instead of New more often.

>Princess Celestia had been deeply involved with Harlon, Rhoda, and Suisan, knowing all of their secrets yet unable to share most; she was the one whom had shared their prototype power crystal to the Crystal Kingdom, leading to it becoming the Empire.
>After King Sombra had been kicked out of the Middle Dynasty for his immoral research on immortality, he was accepted into the Old Canterlot College of Magic, quietly hiding his contamination of Ethereal beings and using the remains to create a new generation of Crystal ponies subservient to his will.
>The Tyrant replaced the Sun later once both realized this, honorably seeking to destroy all traces of the unicorn's efforts, but had been slowly Anti-infected by a zealous Solar faction seeking to turn the Sun against what they deemed to be their enemies.
>During the seven months spent felling and harvest ironwood trees on Khalani Island, a variety of Operators were located, asleep in unnatural poses, sometimes speaking to what seemed like a close friend.
>Most Missions or Operations regarding infiltrating Stalliongrad Psions were rarely if ever successful, Razorback and their pony compatriots unable to locate problem causers, few of which had been accurately reported.

"So, what do you have?"

>>393013
"Ahhh.. at last, peace and quiet. How... unusual. And truly wonderful."
"Never thought I would hear those words from a heretic.... Brother."
"......did you just insult, sass, AND degrade me at the same time, Captain?"
"I did. What have you to say in defense of yourself?"
"Yyy.... no. At this time, nothing. Absolutely nothing at all. I am merely enjoying what is, compared to what was. Surely you can appreciate the circumstances, yes?"
>Several facepalms to cloth faces occur, except for two.
"Diz iz downright un-Orky."
"For once I will agree with you, Warboss. Even the darkest of my so-called kin would consider such words to be the equivalent of a Hemlock's D-Scythe weapons."
"I'z not 'eard 'bout dat wun. Are dey DAT bad?"
"Far worse than you can imagine, greenskin. Those are weapons which even we cannot allow the use of, unless against the Great Swarm or the Black Ones."

>Placing the uniquely shaped bowl into the second sled, then the large ingot of cooling Fire Elemental metal, the first resonates with the second in dull pitches.
>While completely unconscious, Prima Lucis had intrinsic bonds with what had been created from her efforts.. probably to make sure her efforts weren't being misused.
>Or the exact opposite.
"I do not which is more assured, Amy. Perhaps you should ask her once she wakes."

>Tapping the full Kerbann branch on white marble, a respectable, though highly unusual scene commences:
>Turning away from the Inquisitor, which Umakachov did not know she had been, your sire's thoughts had been filled with a preponderance of simple, yet highly concerning objectives.
>His primary self-imposed task was to understand, codify, understand, apply his knowledge to, then negotiate with the Four Seasons of this world, appealing to their equine instincts that humans should not suffer from such callous, painful physical conditions.
>The second set of thoughts were slightly clouded, caught between the known strictures and disciplines of Sun and Moon, separated equally between Day and Night Guard, Honor and Lunar Guard, with intermediaries to present new information across each.
>If he could not convince Celestia or Luna that their impositions of preventing (mostly) purestrain humans from achieving their apex developmental roles, he would appeal to Chrysalis, sharing his vast knowledge on the same conditions under secretive oaths on how to quietly alleviate the concerns both would inevitably bring up.

>Tapping into the highly asymetrical view of one Velasi Aguina, a potent yet limited former Psyker, one holding both the auspices of a Rogue Trader and Ordo Chronos Inquisitor, the view changes:
>Her completely unwelcoming stance in the northern Lunar barracks section had been calculated to shed unwanted attention.
>Fouled by the imprints of others, she had rehearsed hundreds of lines.
>Those scattered, self-hating and falsely loathing phrases pointed at the humans of Razorback, she needed a clear path to achieve unity between Sun and Moon.
>Much the same with her later, more open dialogue with ponies, the Inquisitor's thoughts expand: between attempting to quietly herald a renewed reconciliation between equines, she desired the same for humans, seeking to integrate each into respective alignmarents while overcoming the barriers of forced ideologies and religion alike.

>Taking the impressions as a whole, both desired slightly different sense of harmony in their utterly new circumstances.
>Glancing outside towards where the original train had stopped, their shared views had then began to separate on the infinite edges of Tallusian chaos.
>Angry at his fear to resist Sorcerous urgings that the meeting had not occurred as it should, then enraged at his failure to intervene during the meeting, Umakachov was furious at the insolence presented by others towards their holy savior.
>Swearing a ringing, vile oath to make up for such a mistake in the future, no matter the cost extracted, he ran with the rest of Razorback down through the Palace, head bowed, yet hoping he would not be spared.

>Stunned at the first plumes of Plasma spreading high above, the Inquisitor shields her eyes at the first eruption close to the train, dampened synapses shrieking at the multitudes of hostile futures which would cause no end of grief for humans uncontaminated by The Long Night's consequences.
>Silently begging the unique horrors and truly unknown possibilities assaulting her cognizance, the Pacifica Voidborn feels little more than fear as the Palace deflagrates.

"What did your sire seek, Amy?"

>>393026
>Seeing the sudden array of weaponized Elementals and Cores, Pareidolia withholds his response.
>The clear spike in aggression made speaking feel practically impossible.
>His helmet swivels a mere few degrees to look between the angry Nightblade and Astral's voidform.
>A slow nod is offered to Astral, his eyes more focused on the now dissipating Naghtmares.
"It's... fine."
>Focusing on Hodch, he waits for him to finish before replying to both him and Astral.
"First, to clarify Astral, in the same moment she formed the Starblazer also reformed. I had immediately assumed I inadvertently triggered a hostile response, that both were hostile, and then grabbed her within a few seconds. There would not have been any time for me to sense what you described, nor would the situation have been conducive to such. You need to understand I'm not in the business of casually breaking my own Protocol's guidelines regarding sapient life. It informs my entire existence here on Tallus and I do not treat it lightly."

"And Hodch, you can take as much time as you need. I don't expect you to be my personal tutor and fill in gaps in my knowledge when I'm personally responsible for such. I'm the one who should apologize for performing a reckless experiment without consultation with incomplete background knowledge that resulted in this."

>He remains leaned back in his seat, tilting his helmet visor to regard Hodch.
"I agree with Astral on this, Hodch. If we want actionable intelligence on Horizon, we need to determine what information she was editing. It's the only way we can counteract what amounts to espionage."
>He then mutters.
"And if I'm lucky, her pride may have left my plans beneath her notice."

>Sifting through a sea of memories, information, data points, and connections, he focuses inwards in an attempt to assess what he could verify.
>He would then explain what he could determine and what discrepancies were identified.