In Changelingia (West Equestria), Brie gains the support of a Changeling queen for his endeavors. Spark is doing his best to help an ill Wolf spiritual leader.
In Free Equestria (East Equestria), Iron is trying to intimidate a group of criminal griffin interlopers. Fantasy Play is helping to shut down an Anarchist press. Silver is helping his new household. Amber Sunset is walking through the city, and Dark Star has just finished helping the orphans.
2365 replies and 50 files omitted.
She shrugs. "That ain't anything new to me, at one point I was lucky to have a mess of beans a day."[/color] She adopts a more curious expression. "What do you normally do around this time?"
>>136939"On good days when I have the time? Go to the Pache, or the Albion Cafe here in west side. With a little less time, I can go by the salad bar and eat there or take something back. But many days I have to check inventory or fill out requests to manufacturers or hem something or deal with any of these extortionists that lurk the city... On those times I bring something to work, or go with nothing at all."
>>136940"Oh, I see." She looks out the front window and continues,
"Mind if I have a look around?" >>136942"Outside. I won't be long." If that is deemed acceptable Amber will wander near the vicinity of the shop, more to stretch her legs and feel the brisk air more than anything else.
>>136943“Heh, I’m flattered that you think the city belongs to me, but I don’t own anything more than a lease on this shop, a small home on a quarter of an acre in north town, and a tiny loft in Canterlot I haven’t been able to rid myself of in the last decade. So I can’t really claim to give permission to enter the great outside one way or another. Yes, you’re on lunch break. Be back at 1 PM sharp.”
>>136944Amber nods and goes and wanders aimlessly for that time.
brb >>136945Looking outside, Amber can see the sharp contrasts of Baltimare, with colonial style houses, rundown brick tenements, neo-classical styled government buildings, glass and stainless steel modern office buildings, and old townhouses just a few blocks from each other. Oddly dressed strange creatures walk down some areas, while unicorns who look like they could be walking the streets of Canterlot, occupy different corners. Some streets have trash and boarded up windows, some are at least respectable. Of course Amber does not see the absolute extremes of each position - nothing in this part of town looks as bad as the average of the buildings by the shoreline, and she’s yet to see a true aristocracy anywhere in this city, but the contrast is noticeable. Mostly, it’s by the street, with some streets nicer than others. The particular street Amber has found employment on, as well as a few around it, are fairly respectable, and are home to government buildings and corporate offices. Not many blocks down are older residential buildings of a lesser character, and the shops that survive there are a bit less aligned with high society. There are several more advertisements for job openings, which are overwhelmingly for entry level positions like Amber’s.
>>136919Silver tilts his head at this display, but answers promptly.
"Most cultists survived, and were arrested. Those from abroad will be extradited to Griffonia, likely to be dealt with by their Inquisition. Locals were also arrested, but will likely go through our own criminal justice system for their crimes. Inner circle, including Sweet Boek, was killed in fighting twice, once when we first fought them, second after Boek resurrected them."
>>136947She pauses and blinks
“Did you... find anything? Recover anything? Books, idols, any kind of tangible artifacts?”
>>136946Sorry I took so longAmber takes a casual look at these employment ads, to see how they compare with her current line of work. Perhaps there's something with non-overlapping work hours?
>>136950Some retail and operator positions do seem to occupy later times in the day, including night shift
>>136953Operator…like with telephones? Before she asks about that in person, however, she looks to see how the nightshift of retail would differ from the day.
>>136955If Amber was hoping for a chemical plant or refinery operator job, a job as a crane operator, or even as a special forces operator (in Equestria!)... she'd be disappointed, as none of those jobs are advertised. Only telephone operators, according to the descriptions in the respective posters.
Mostly the commercial services night shift jobs are in grocers, drug stores, coffee shops, and occasional diners, restaurants, or bars.
>>136961A restaurant gig doesn't sound too bad…She ask about what this entails.
>>136962A mare at a stand directs her to another mare, who explains that waitress, hostess, cleaning, and in some but not most restaurants, cook jobs are available.
Bartending requires more experience.
>>136964Somehow, the black maned grey earth pony in front of her looks exceptionally round. It's not fat... it's not fat at all, it's just... something about her hindquarters looks a bit more... "thick."
"Well, the hostess greats ponies... err, creatures, or whatever they are calling them these days, at the door, and helps set them up at their table, usually directing them herself."
>>136965Amber's ears perk up and she gives a wide smile.
"I can do that!"乇 乂 ㄒ 尺 卂 ㄒ 卄 丨 匚 匚 >>136966She smiles;
"Yeah, it's pretty straightforward most of the time."
I can't believe it's just so round, it's like out there... She blinks. “So I have to keep track of reservations and make sure everypony has a seat?"
How is it that shape? It must be difficult sitting in a lot of chairs…though exceptionally comfortable.
>>136968She nods, still smiling
"Oh yes! Just take note of who is there when, what sized tables are available, who has reservations, any suspicious persons coming in, answer any questions ponies have, keep track of wait time... give out menus... there's more but I can't think of it off the top of my head."
You kind of have to wonder if she accidentally knocks items off shelves in shops.
But I do have to go to sleep now...
>>136969"That sounds like fun! If I may ask, what are the hours? I'm already working at a store in the day…"I wonder how she got that way. A pony would have to pull a plow for miles to get that developed. Or maybe it's her diet? I wouldn't mind looking like that, I have the odd feeling some ponies would think I actually look better…oh Princesses I'm staring aren't I! Amber struggles to not visibly blush.
>>136981"Why yes! It can be. Well, sometimes boring and sometimes stressful, but sure. Fun. The restaurant is open for dinner between three and eleven, although hostesses' aren't necessarily used everyday before 5 PM, and unless they help to close they don't stay everyday past 10:30. Although on busier days they-"
She loses her smile, and stops talking. Then she moves her head down into Amber's line of sight, so that she has eye contact with her again.
"Are.. are you okay?"
>>136989Amber looks shyly away, blushing and giving a nervous chuckle.
"Oh, yes. I–I think I can make it work. I normally get off at five and on special days I think…I think I can get out early!" She looks back in the other pony's eyes, still smiling nervously.
"I'll do my best. When can I start?" >>136993She moves forward slightly, with certain parts of her gyrating nigh hypnotically as she does so.
"Oh, excellent! I would need to check with the owner - well, the technical owner, first, before I could do anything, but... soon!"
>>137009Well, fortunately they updated it today so you can play it >>137061Amber laughs nervously as she backs up a couple of steps, eyes darting between the face of this well-endowed mare and someplace behind this individual.
"I mean–it's such a terrific opportunity! I've–I've never worked in a restaurant before, but I know I can make ponies feel welcome. When can I start–er, if he accepts that is!" >>136948"We did find some Maarist texts they had printed, bound in leather made from ponyhide. We did not grab any, but they might still be there."
>>137066Like it has a gravitational pull
"Well yes, you get to meet all sorts of ponies! Uh... creatures. But it's a great first place to start. You should hear shortly."
>>137096"So they do use hide..." She says to herself, looking down as if in contemplation.
"Uh..." She looks at Silver, and then sits down in place, her tail wrapping around her.
"There aren't many chances to actually see live Maarists, or even their effects, most anywhere. Most of them have not survived to modern times. Rumors about the cults are more prevalent than facts and hard to distinguish from the former. Most of its followers who have survived - if indeed they have survived, and it's not just the Inquisition looking to justify its continued existence - do not want to be found. And those that are found... well, governments try to hush it up. This is a rare opportunity."
>>137097"You want me to see if I can get one of books for you?"
>>137098“Yes! Or... if you could get me there, especially to have an interview with those cultists captured alive.”
>>137099"Hmm...well, I can see what I can do. I will find out where they are keeping captured cultists, and maybe see if they will let you interview them."
>>137100She jumps back up onto her feet, all of them close together, smiling in a wide, toothy smile.
"Really?! That's great! I mean... that would be very good." She moves her head down, with a slight blush after that reaction, one ear flopping down momentarily.
>>137101He offers a smile and a chuckle at her display.
"It will more than likely be tomorrow, but I will see what I can do."
>>137102She looks back up, smile dropping
"We're... leaving soon. I'm not sure when, but the survey will not last long." She steps forward, much closer to Silver. "You're really good at retrieving things, and getting into places... even when someone else already possesses it. You think... you can help me get in quickly?"
>>137103Silver scratches his chin, and lets out a small sigh.
"Alright. Come on, let us get to 33 Hoebuck."
>>137104She jumps up, and runs, rubbing against him as she moves through the door. She hops almost like a child's play as she moves, smiling, but then turning around after she's moved past Silver.
"Oh, uh, sorry. Let's go."
>>137105Silver smiles a bit more.
"You do not need to apologise about that, it is fine."
He hails a taxi as one passes by, and tells the driver once they get in to take them to 33 Hoebuck.
>>137097Is it wrong that I want to know what it feels like?"Um, of course! I'll come by later…I'm sorry, but I don't think I've gotten your name….…" The more petite mare rubs the back of her head, grinning nervously.
Success! I got the mod to work! Now only to get my computer to run it well…Also does anyone use submods? Apparently there's one that makes Aryanne a possible leader for New Mareland. >>137106She gives a fleeting and awkward smile, and closes the door behind her. She starts on her way to the road, before running back inside her motel room to grab her keys and lock it. She also grabs a couple bands, and begins to tie her mane before giving up on it. She moves over to the road, as a couple wagons move by. She successfully hails a taxi herself, and gets in. She defers to Silver for the instructions on just where the Taxi goes.
>>137108"Oh, my name is Salty Mixer. You can just call be Mixer." She says, smiling.
I only have the music mod >>137110"Um, pleased to m-meet you, Mixer! My name's…err, Amber! Amber Sunset, but you can call me Amber."Amber tilts her head quizzically.
"What do you mix, if I may ask?" >>137112"Well, I usually work the bar." She answers
>>137113"Hold up, you mix drinks?" Amber looks puzzled by this, as if the concept is entirely new to her.
>>137114"Well yes. And the soup sometimes, but mostly drinks."
>>137110Silver looks over at her after she gets in.
"Need help with your mane?"
>>137116"Well, I am told it looks nicer when down and styled. But when I am doing any sort of field work I keep it up so it is out of the way. Maybe..."
>>137118"Heh, it's not like making the Pona Lisa or anything, but there
is an art to it, and a science to it."
>>137120"Hope you come back!" She says, and waves to Amber
>>137121With a wave goodbye Amber heads outside. Once out of sight she bonks her head with a hoof, making her eyes spin around in a comical manner.
"Being this hungry makes me really addled. She probably thought there was something wrong with me…" she mutters as her stomach growls.
>>137122Amber does have some time, though perhaps not as much time as she would prefer, given the short length of the Lunch break.
>>137123Amber returns to the clothing store, trying to focus on such practical matters as scheduling her now-limited time and how to be a good hostess, and NOT on trivial considerations like plump, practically jiggling hips.
>>137124Amber now has a new way of measuring chairs as she sees them. She returns to the store.
[1d2 = 2] >>137125Once Amber enters the store she makes a cursory check of the shelves, though the stock likely has not changed much. During this process she reaches back and inspects her hip with a hoof. Although it doesn't jut out visibly the hip bone can be felt, and though earth pony shapeliness is still evident her figure is considerably leaner than just one year ago. At no point did she, nor is she likely to, match the contours of Salty Mixer, but the exchange dredged up a vague wistfulness that Amber doesn't quite understand yet is left to ruminate on.
>>137126Amber will also be waiting for something to happen such as a customer coming.
>>137119He smiles, and motions with a hoof for her to turn in her seat away from him so he can see what he's doing.
>>137126>>137128All of pic related
For several reasons>>137129She pulls her lips up, but turns around, to face her hair to him
[1d4 = 1]
ANIG
[1d2 = 1]
NI
[1d2 = 2]
OY
[1d2 = 2]
GN
[1d2 = 1]
AN
>>137126>>137128Back near the end of the room, placing a few shirts on the shelves, stands a male griffin with white feathers and a brighter yellow coat wearing a white dress shirt with a black bow tie. He looks to be rather young, and has focused his attention on his work.
High Sewn watches Amber as she enters the shop. It's a few minutes until the formal start of the afternoon shift.
>>137132Amber approaches the griffon.
"Hello! Are you looking to buy something?" >>137130He takes her mane in his magical grasp, along with the bands, and quickly gets to putting it up in a ponytail.
"My daughter liked having her mane in ponytail, too. When she lived with me she asked me to help her many times while we talked about life and how things had been."
She can feel him left go once her mane has been put up.
"And there."
>>137133He turns his head around, momentarily expressing confusion but then narrowing his eyes.
High Sewn remarks:
""Amber, this is Guy. He works for the full afternoon shift. You did not happen to see him yesterday, but you will be working alongside him in the afternoon."
>>137134She slowly turns back to him
"What is her name?" She asks, rather cautiously
>>137135Amber answers,
"Oh, I didn't know. I thought it was just me and High Sewn. That's okay though, I'm sure we'll work great together!" She beams a cheerful smile at the new acquaintance.
>>137133He looks back to her, but with no smile nor warmth. He must be only a little older than Amber. He looks rather sharp with with a well groomed tuft of feathers.
High Sewn:
"It'll be you two on the afternoon shift. It's busier anyways. I expect he will close he shop, at least for now."
>>137137If the griffon is unfriendly Amber is ignorant of it. Instead, she remarks,
"It's good to have help, especially on my first day!" >>137135"White Light. She is scientist and researcher on, uh...Practical Application of Magic and Magic Theory if I remember correctly, though I do not think you two would have met. Did you?"
>>137138"Indeed. Be careful, as there tend to be more customers and they are wealthier."
>>137139"I don't... think I've heard that name. That wouldn't have been my department. I've been in the universities all of my adult life."
>>137140"I will! I might be a simple farmpony, but I'm sure I can make a good impression!" she says as she grins confidently.
"I'd better get in my position, they might be coming any minute." >>137141"You'll have to be more than a farm pony to make a good impression." High Sewn remarks.
It's not long at all before a white unicorn stallion in a blue suit enters the store. Lunch break isn't even over yet.
>>137140The older unicorn shrugs.
"I figured as much, but you never know. You would be surprised how small this world can be at times."
>>137143"Where did she study?" She asks
>>137142Amber happily trots up to the soigné stallion.
"Hello sir, how can we help you today?" >>137141He looks down at her, eyeing her in a strange way
"Well hello. I need a dress. A mare's dress. Not for me... of course. But I need a nice one, one that just about any mare would count themselves blessed to receive."
>>137147"Heh, she better. Well show me what you've got."
He starts to follow Amber, trailing behind her.
>>137148Amber leads the stallion back to where the good dress racks are kept, practically jittery with excitement. When they get there she stands ready to unhook and display any particular clothing that he selects.
>>137149"So... What's the top item here?" he asks
>>137150Is he talking about the most expensive/luxurious article of clothing or is he pointing to a particular piece high above them?
>>137153"Heh heh, yeah" He sounds a little nervous, or anxious
>>137154Amber has to take a moment to check the price tags on each of the several dresses, and they still don't fail to astound her. However, she quickly recovers and proudly points to the very best of the lot.
Okay, I have to sleep now...
>>137144"Canterlot University," he replies. "I heard she was very excited when they accepted her application."
>>137158"That's a very good school. I would bet she was excited. So she does... magic research?"
>>137175Silver nods.
"In way, yes. Or at least she she did. Before Equestria was...annexed...she worked for Her Majesty's research division, before and during war. She researched new spells for our army's unicorns, helped to invent Luna Nova magic rifle, and was working on project about something called 'magic-nuclear reactor'. I am still not entirely sure what it is, exactly."
>>137199"Oh, Magic-nuclear reaction is... nevermind. That is rather neat. Where... is she now?" She turns her eyes away, and then back "If you know."
>>137218His eyes seem to lose their sparkle at the question, and his ears lower just slightly.
"I...I do not know. I hope with all my heart she is okay, as well as her two brothers, but I have not heard from them at all since War came to end."
>>137219She sits there in silence, with a breath in and out during the pause. Then, she takes her right hoof, and gently starts to pet Silver's fur.
>>137221He looks over at her, curious about the action. The unicorn relaxes a little, his ears perking back up and a small smile once again on his face. His fur is very soft and warm, thick and fluffy. It's like petting a fluffy dog almost.
>>137222"Did you come to Baltimare during the White Emigration out of Severyana?" She asks
>>137223He shakes his head.
"No, actually. I only came here last week. Before that I lived near Manehattan. It was ages before then that I lived in Severyana."
>>137224"Manehattan..." She looks down and off to the side. After a pause, she looks back to Silver "And... is fighting cults and the undead a new thing for you?"
>>137225He shakes his forehoof a little.
"Sort of yes, sort of no. I have dealt with skeletons and cultists before, but not like I have faced here."
>>137226She twists her mouth, and her left ear flops down and then back up.
"How so?"
>>137227"Well, when I faced undead before, it was usually scattered, small groups of skeletons and like - leftover experiments from necromancers. I had never faced such high concentration of such powerful undead before. And as for cultists...I have never seen or faced anything as grisly as that before or since."