/mlpol/ - My Little Politics

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

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

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

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

[1d6 = 4] <RAMPAGE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>391106

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[1d100 = 99] <Archaic Saddle Arabian Choice

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

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

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

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

"Two here. One back at Razorback."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

>>390976

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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