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.
/vx/ - Videogames and Paranormal
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2265 replies and 50 files omitted.
>>138678
The hat is a little smaller than the hats Amber has seen in print, and whereas the western hats fold upwards on both sides, these fold upwards on the left side alone. The accents are slightly higher and softer than the stereotypes Amber is presumably familiar with. Still, there is no denying the similarity, especially in the hats.
One of them continues eye contact with Amber even after he has passed, until both continue on their way.
[1d4 = 2]
The hat is a little smaller than the hats Amber has seen in print, and whereas the western hats fold upwards on both sides, these fold upwards on the left side alone. The accents are slightly higher and softer than the stereotypes Amber is presumably familiar with. Still, there is no denying the similarity, especially in the hats.
One of them continues eye contact with Amber even after he has passed, until both continue on their way.
[1d4 = 2]
>>138689
Amber is approached by a trio of colts. All three are similar in age, though with one unicorn colt clearly smaller, and an earth pony a little larger and maybe older. The earth pony speaks
"Uh, yes, miss. We'd like a table for three. A booth, if possible."
He gives a large, toothy grin. His teeth look well taken care of
Amber is approached by a trio of colts. All three are similar in age, though with one unicorn colt clearly smaller, and an earth pony a little larger and maybe older. The earth pony speaks
"Uh, yes, miss. We'd like a table for three. A booth, if possible."
He gives a large, toothy grin. His teeth look well taken care of
>>138690
"Alright, I think that'll be fine…" She gives them one of Mango's booths and makes a mental tally of how many tables are left for each waiter.
"Alright, I think that'll be fine…" She gives them one of Mango's booths and makes a mental tally of how many tables are left for each waiter.
>>138699
The cold, dry air is welcome after walking six miles, sucking away any potential for sweat. What is less tolerable are the occasional gusts of wind that no tree is around to stop. These bite at exposed portions of skin and are less than pleasant. Still, SIlver's uniform provides cover as does his early winter coat. It's the other recruits who have difficulty, as some of them seem to come from warmer climes. A cream colored pegasus in particular tries to move his place in line to use other recruits, or one of the two wagons as a wind break.
The road covering the old Mecc Trail may be paved, but the asphalt has buckled and cracked under traffic. It's far from the worst of road surfaces, but after six miles the uneven ground begins to pain even steel booted feet. To either side for miles, Silver is surrounded by sagebrush and short grass, going up and down rolling hills, with naked, rock-faced mountains in the distance to either side of the long, winding valley. The sky has been mostly clear most of the day, with the noon sun alone breaking up gulfs of thin, blue sky above. Well, so it would be alone, but for the dark clouds, suggestive of a storm, that tower over the far horizon in front of Silver. Recruits debate amongst themselves whether they have heard the rumbles of thunder, or something else, in the far distance. Perhaps more - or less - perceptive, Silver attributes these alleged perceptions to the power of anticipation, rather than any actual noise. What he certainly has heard has been the number of marching songs, or the constant chatter among the recruits about mares and favorite bars and fears of what is to come, and so forth. Whom Silver has not heard much from is the Second Lieutenant, a raspberry colored Unicorn colt who walks besides Silver at the front of the procession. He wears glasses and his hat, and something in his expression suggests more anxiety than confidence as his reason for silence.
The cold, dry air is welcome after walking six miles, sucking away any potential for sweat. What is less tolerable are the occasional gusts of wind that no tree is around to stop. These bite at exposed portions of skin and are less than pleasant. Still, SIlver's uniform provides cover as does his early winter coat. It's the other recruits who have difficulty, as some of them seem to come from warmer climes. A cream colored pegasus in particular tries to move his place in line to use other recruits, or one of the two wagons as a wind break.
The road covering the old Mecc Trail may be paved, but the asphalt has buckled and cracked under traffic. It's far from the worst of road surfaces, but after six miles the uneven ground begins to pain even steel booted feet. To either side for miles, Silver is surrounded by sagebrush and short grass, going up and down rolling hills, with naked, rock-faced mountains in the distance to either side of the long, winding valley. The sky has been mostly clear most of the day, with the noon sun alone breaking up gulfs of thin, blue sky above. Well, so it would be alone, but for the dark clouds, suggestive of a storm, that tower over the far horizon in front of Silver. Recruits debate amongst themselves whether they have heard the rumbles of thunder, or something else, in the far distance. Perhaps more - or less - perceptive, Silver attributes these alleged perceptions to the power of anticipation, rather than any actual noise. What he certainly has heard has been the number of marching songs, or the constant chatter among the recruits about mares and favorite bars and fears of what is to come, and so forth. Whom Silver has not heard much from is the Second Lieutenant, a raspberry colored Unicorn colt who walks besides Silver at the front of the procession. He wears glasses and his hat, and something in his expression suggests more anxiety than confidence as his reason for silence.
>>138700
Silver sends a glance over to the Second Lieutenant, and keeps his voice low as to not broadcast to the entire company.
"Sir, is everything alright?"
Silver sends a glance over to the Second Lieutenant, and keeps his voice low as to not broadcast to the entire company.
"Sir, is everything alright?"
>>138701
Only platoon sized.
"Yes, Sargent."
He seems almost taken by surprise on this question, but he recovers quickly enough, looking forward
"I think we are coming up on Vale now. We will stop there for at least lunch and rest. After that, we will ask command if we are to proceed to The Front or assist in matters there."
In front of Silver is the first town Silver has seen since his march began. The town is no small city, but it is bigger than hamlet or village size - or rather, is a large sized village - and it's first large clump of buildings to break up the monotony of sage brush and short grass, otherwise only challenged by the occasional pastoral fence or ranch house. A river cuts through the valley, with the town located at the intersection of the road and the river, in front of a large hill. It looks to be mostly square brick buildings, with a large number of wooden houses and buildings to the side. Most have flat roofs.
Only platoon sized.
"Yes, Sargent."
He seems almost taken by surprise on this question, but he recovers quickly enough, looking forward
"I think we are coming up on Vale now. We will stop there for at least lunch and rest. After that, we will ask command if we are to proceed to The Front or assist in matters there."
In front of Silver is the first town Silver has seen since his march began. The town is no small city, but it is bigger than hamlet or village size - or rather, is a large sized village - and it's first large clump of buildings to break up the monotony of sage brush and short grass, otherwise only challenged by the occasional pastoral fence or ranch house. A river cuts through the valley, with the town located at the intersection of the road and the river, in front of a large hill. It looks to be mostly square brick buildings, with a large number of wooden houses and buildings to the side. Most have flat roofs.
>>138702
The promise of some rest before continuing is welcome news, but Silver doesn't express this externally. He instead nods to his CO with a firm expression on his face.
"With due respect Sir, you seem bothered by something."
The promise of some rest before continuing is welcome news, but Silver doesn't express this externally. He instead nods to his CO with a firm expression on his face.
"With due respect Sir, you seem bothered by something."
>>138703
He blinks, opens his mouth to say something, and then closes it again, breathing in.
"It'll be the stallions' first time to see combat. Mine too, and they know that. There are those rumors of a new enemy offensive. It could be bad..."
He blinks, opens his mouth to say something, and then closes it again, breathing in.
"It'll be the stallions' first time to see combat. Mine too, and they know that. There are those rumors of a new enemy offensive. It could be bad..."
>>138704
Silver nods again with a 'hmm'.
"Indeed it would be, but you and your soldiers have trained well. We are as prepared as any unit could be for combat."
He offers the Lieutenant a small smile.
"These are your soldiers, and you their CO. They will rely upon you for guidance. Do not be afraid to rely upon them for support."
Silver nods again with a 'hmm'.
"Indeed it would be, but you and your soldiers have trained well. We are as prepared as any unit could be for combat."
He offers the Lieutenant a small smile.
"These are your soldiers, and you their CO. They will rely upon you for guidance. Do not be afraid to rely upon them for support."
>>138705
He smiles back and nods
"I think they will be splitting us up when we arrive at The Front... But we may not go there."
He smiles back and nods
"I think they will be splitting us up when we arrive at The Front... But we may not go there."
>>138706
He motions to his head to the rest of the platoon.
"Either way, Sir, if I may recommend, it is good idea to either relax or steel yourself. It is not good to see our CO so anxious, and I believe only reason I am only one who noticed is because others are busy conversing with each other."
He motions to his head to the rest of the platoon.
"Either way, Sir, if I may recommend, it is good idea to either relax or steel yourself. It is not good to see our CO so anxious, and I believe only reason I am only one who noticed is because others are busy conversing with each other."
>>138707
"Uh, Yes. When we get to Vale."
Silver and the Platoon inch into the small town with a ranch house, a feed store made of wooden planks, a brick general store, and a slowly expanded central street. Silver doesn't see anypony outside, at least yet,
"Uh, Yes. When we get to Vale."
Silver and the Platoon inch into the small town with a ranch house, a feed store made of wooden planks, a brick general store, and a slowly expanded central street. Silver doesn't see anypony outside, at least yet,
>>138708
Silver looks from side to side, unease slowly setting in.
"It is quiet. I am unaware, did they evacuate Vale?"
Silver looks from side to side, unease slowly setting in.
"It is quiet. I am unaware, did they evacuate Vale?"
>>138709
"I don't know. It's been reported that the 23rd Infantry just fell back to a position in the hills about six miles west of here... I think they are going to turn this town into a supply depot, or a hospital area, or even a headquarters. It's one of the few towns in this cold desert, and the only one on the road this close to the front. Did you know this road goes all the way from Cloudsdale deep into Cascadia? I'm more surprised they haven't already fortified it."
He looks out and around and the purple, light green and brown shaded expanses of sage brush on the far hill, and at the wooden ranch house appearing on his side.
"We are to meet up with the 332nd Support Company, here in Vale. Then we are to await further instructions." He takes a pause, then he says
"I wonder... do they wish to keep us here at this juncture. You know, keep the 'path of withdraw' or whatever secure? Keep us here as reserves in case that big offensive they talk about comes?" He takes another pause
"Not all of the stallions want to be sent in as replacements."
"I don't know. It's been reported that the 23rd Infantry just fell back to a position in the hills about six miles west of here... I think they are going to turn this town into a supply depot, or a hospital area, or even a headquarters. It's one of the few towns in this cold desert, and the only one on the road this close to the front. Did you know this road goes all the way from Cloudsdale deep into Cascadia? I'm more surprised they haven't already fortified it."
He looks out and around and the purple, light green and brown shaded expanses of sage brush on the far hill, and at the wooden ranch house appearing on his side.
"We are to meet up with the 332nd Support Company, here in Vale. Then we are to await further instructions." He takes a pause, then he says
"I wonder... do they wish to keep us here at this juncture. You know, keep the 'path of withdraw' or whatever secure? Keep us here as reserves in case that big offensive they talk about comes?" He takes another pause
"Not all of the stallions want to be sent in as replacements."
>>138710
"This close to front line, either is likely answer. If they take Vale, it will be straight shot to Cloudsdale over road and it will become harder to resupply our front line forces in this area."
Silver listens for any sign of civilian or military activity.
"This close to front line, either is likely answer. If they take Vale, it will be straight shot to Cloudsdale over road and it will become harder to resupply our front line forces in this area."
Silver listens for any sign of civilian or military activity.
>>138711
"Well, the 23rd Infantry is in front of them keeping them from getting to Vale, and it's another thousand miles at least down this winding trail to get to Cloudsdale... At least I hope it won't be easy for them to get to Cloudsdale. But yes, it will be very difficult to resupply, to reinforce, to relieve, or to retreat from the front if Vale were cut off, somehow. That's why I am sort of hopeful we could remain here... I don't mean I'm afraid of The Front. It just, I'm not sure these colts quite understand what they would be getting into when they go."
There are no sounds of diesel engines, nor of cows mooing, nor of birds. Not that Silver has heard that many birds since he began marching at morning light. This is not the pine tree country, nor the rainforests he was lead to believe it would be. At least not here.
Silver does, however, hear the creaking of wood and opening of doors, slowly.
"Well, the 23rd Infantry is in front of them keeping them from getting to Vale, and it's another thousand miles at least down this winding trail to get to Cloudsdale... At least I hope it won't be easy for them to get to Cloudsdale. But yes, it will be very difficult to resupply, to reinforce, to relieve, or to retreat from the front if Vale were cut off, somehow. That's why I am sort of hopeful we could remain here... I don't mean I'm afraid of The Front. It just, I'm not sure these colts quite understand what they would be getting into when they go."
There are no sounds of diesel engines, nor of cows mooing, nor of birds. Not that Silver has heard that many birds since he began marching at morning light. This is not the pine tree country, nor the rainforests he was lead to believe it would be. At least not here.
Silver does, however, hear the creaking of wood and opening of doors, slowly.
>>138712
Silver doesn't immediately answer, instead focused on the relative lack of noise.
"Hmm. So town is not completely abandoned. Still...is it quiet to you at all?"
Silver doesn't immediately answer, instead focused on the relative lack of noise.
"Hmm. So town is not completely abandoned. Still...is it quiet to you at all?"
>>138713
"Well, a little. Compared to Fillydelphia, certainly, but what else can you expect from small mountain towns? Let's get the rest of the recruits and the wagon in. After we get in contact with the commander here, I need you to either go send a message at the telegraph station, or see if they can get cooking started for lunch."
"Well, a little. Compared to Fillydelphia, certainly, but what else can you expect from small mountain towns? Let's get the rest of the recruits and the wagon in. After we get in contact with the commander here, I need you to either go send a message at the telegraph station, or see if they can get cooking started for lunch."
>>138714
"Sir, yes sir."
He salutes the Lieutenant, and returns to the conversation.
"We have prepared them as best as we can. It will be up to them to put it in action, but with guidance from promising officer such as yourself, I have my full confidence in this platoon's ability."
"Sir, yes sir."
He salutes the Lieutenant, and returns to the conversation.
"We have prepared them as best as we can. It will be up to them to put it in action, but with guidance from promising officer such as yourself, I have my full confidence in this platoon's ability."
>>138715
"Well, that's very good to hear, coming from you."
Silver and the platoon enter what seems to be a center of the town of sorts, although even from here Silver can see the town extends slightly on the other side of the river, and the river itself is only a couple blocks down. To the left is an old, white painted church that looks fairly tall for its width. It purports to be the Old Stone House Harmonist Universalist Church. To its right is a brick square building, labelled as the town hall of Vale. On the right side is a two story brick building with a fairly blocky design that a black-lettered sign purports to be the Misfortune County Courthouse.
What is more interesting is who Silver sees. In front of the town hall, Silver sees five soldiers in green Equestrian Army uniform. There is an off-white Unicorn at the center, and two ponies at attention to each side, each with rifles. They look over in the direction of the approaching the platoon, but none say anything to Silver or the Lieutenant.
"Well, that's very good to hear, coming from you."
Silver and the platoon enter what seems to be a center of the town of sorts, although even from here Silver can see the town extends slightly on the other side of the river, and the river itself is only a couple blocks down. To the left is an old, white painted church that looks fairly tall for its width. It purports to be the Old Stone House Harmonist Universalist Church. To its right is a brick square building, labelled as the town hall of Vale. On the right side is a two story brick building with a fairly blocky design that a black-lettered sign purports to be the Misfortune County Courthouse.
What is more interesting is who Silver sees. In front of the town hall, Silver sees five soldiers in green Equestrian Army uniform. There is an off-white Unicorn at the center, and two ponies at attention to each side, each with rifles. They look over in the direction of the approaching the platoon, but none say anything to Silver or the Lieutenant.
>>138716
Silver looks over at the Lieutenant, expecting him as the CO to speak on behalf of the platoon.
Silver looks over at the Lieutenant, expecting him as the CO to speak on behalf of the platoon.
>>138692
Amber, startled by them moving past her, blurts out, "W-wait! Are you eating here? I have to get you a table first…"
Amber, startled by them moving past her, blurts out, "W-wait! Are you eating here? I have to get you a table first…"
>>138718
"Oh." They stop
"Uh, we're with a larger table. The Appleworths family."
>>138717
The Lieutenant unhesitatingly walks forward towards the grey stallion, who seems to be in charge.
"Uh, Captain Forrester, I presume?"
The grey stallion gives a curt nod, and then resumes staring back at the lieutenant with a blank expression. The lieutenant salutes him
"Second Lieutenant Brisbuck, assigned to Company C, second rifle battalion of the 23rd Infantry Division. I am leading 'E' platoon from Wald, in Sunny Mountains to join with the 23rd on the frontline, here in Cascadia, where I presume our platoon will be cut up and sent along as replacements."
"Is it just your platoon?"
He asks
"Yes. Are you expecting a medical division?"
"No. Not that I have been informed of. You walked here?"
"Yes."
"Why not use the rail?"
"Well, I assume command believes the rail lines to be less secure this close to the front. That, or the rolling stock shortage is as bad as the rumors say. You know the Newspapers don't report it, but that doesn't mean it's not there..."
The Captain almost cuts him off
"Very well. You may continue on your way."
"I'm - well, may we make use of this town's kitchen facilities? And any phone or telegraph lines. We need to get in touch with command, back in Wald."
The captain replies
"To the former, we are not prepared now for an entire new platoon. As for the latter, there seems to be a temporary outage of the telegraph lines."
"Well... that would explain why command did not tell you we were coming..."
"Indeed."
he pauses a moment
"We will make accommodations for your troops, and we are working on locating the source of the problem with the telegraph lines."
"Oh." They stop
"Uh, we're with a larger table. The Appleworths family."
>>138717
The Lieutenant unhesitatingly walks forward towards the grey stallion, who seems to be in charge.
"Uh, Captain Forrester, I presume?"
The grey stallion gives a curt nod, and then resumes staring back at the lieutenant with a blank expression. The lieutenant salutes him
"Second Lieutenant Brisbuck, assigned to Company C, second rifle battalion of the 23rd Infantry Division. I am leading 'E' platoon from Wald, in Sunny Mountains to join with the 23rd on the frontline, here in Cascadia, where I presume our platoon will be cut up and sent along as replacements."
"Is it just your platoon?"
He asks
"Yes. Are you expecting a medical division?"
"No. Not that I have been informed of. You walked here?"
"Yes."
"Why not use the rail?"
"Well, I assume command believes the rail lines to be less secure this close to the front. That, or the rolling stock shortage is as bad as the rumors say. You know the Newspapers don't report it, but that doesn't mean it's not there..."
The Captain almost cuts him off
"Very well. You may continue on your way."
"I'm - well, may we make use of this town's kitchen facilities? And any phone or telegraph lines. We need to get in touch with command, back in Wald."
The captain replies
"To the former, we are not prepared now for an entire new platoon. As for the latter, there seems to be a temporary outage of the telegraph lines."
"Well... that would explain why command did not tell you we were coming..."
"Indeed."
he pauses a moment
"We will make accommodations for your troops, and we are working on locating the source of the problem with the telegraph lines."
>>138720
She blinks in response to this. "Oh, I didn't know.
Right this way, I think these are the ponies you're looking for." She hopes the ponies at the front gathering are the "Appleworths" in question.
She blinks in response to this. "Oh, I didn't know.
Right this way, I think these are the ponies you're looking for." She hopes the ponies at the front gathering are the "Appleworths" in question.
>>138722
It seems to be so. The stallion and the colt move seats aside, revealing a small green pegasus colt, whom the older colt picks up, and sets in another chair
It seems to be so. The stallion and the colt move seats aside, revealing a small green pegasus colt, whom the older colt picks up, and sets in another chair
>>138723
She breathes a sigh of relief. Phew, seems like everypony's happy. Smiling to herself at the comfortable arrangement, she returns to her place at the front.
She breathes a sigh of relief. Phew, seems like everypony's happy. Smiling to herself at the comfortable arrangement, she returns to her place at the front.
>>138727
He speaks with an accent like that strange mare from earlier in the day at the clothing store.
"Yes Ma'am, I'd like table or a booth for one" He says
He speaks with an accent like that strange mare from earlier in the day at the clothing store.
"Yes Ma'am, I'd like table or a booth for one" He says
>>138726
Silver nods, and looks back to the Captain.
"Captain Forrester, our platoon has been on march for some time now. We need rest to be at our full fighting strength against Changeling forces, and Vale is last safe settlement before Front. We would request permission to stay in Vale until our platoon has recovered. Our forces in meantime are ready to assist in preparing accommodations and investigating telegraph line problem."
Silver nods, and looks back to the Captain.
"Captain Forrester, our platoon has been on march for some time now. We need rest to be at our full fighting strength against Changeling forces, and Vale is last safe settlement before Front. We would request permission to stay in Vale until our platoon has recovered. Our forces in meantime are ready to assist in preparing accommodations and investigating telegraph line problem."
>>138731
Amber smiles warmly at the stallion, perhaps with sympathy glinting in her eyes. "Alright sir, just holler if you need anything else."
Amber smiles warmly at the stallion, perhaps with sympathy glinting in her eyes. "Alright sir, just holler if you need anything else."
>>138731
He gives the Captain a military salute.
"Yes Sir, thank you Sir."
He looks to his Lieutenant, and waits for his lead.
He gives the Captain a military salute.
"Yes Sir, thank you Sir."
He looks to his Lieutenant, and waits for his lead.
>>138732
He nods
"Alright Ma'am"
Amber presumably returns to the front, where she stands in wait for a period of some minutes before two new guests arrive - two mares, young but certainly well past their teens, and wearing rather flamboyant dresses, with styled and seemingly bleached manes and large smiles.
>>138733
"Well, Sergeant, either help the stallions settle in, help with meal preparations, or help with the telegraph problem."
He nods
"Alright Ma'am"
Amber presumably returns to the front, where she stands in wait for a period of some minutes before two new guests arrive - two mares, young but certainly well past their teens, and wearing rather flamboyant dresses, with styled and seemingly bleached manes and large smiles.
>>138733
"Well, Sergeant, either help the stallions settle in, help with meal preparations, or help with the telegraph problem."
>>138734
Amber makes sure to politely greet these clearly wealthy mares, thinking back to how high-society ponies would talk. "Good evening! Would you care to dine at our establishment?"
Amber makes sure to politely greet these clearly wealthy mares, thinking back to how high-society ponies would talk. "Good evening! Would you care to dine at our establishment?"
>>138734
He salutes the Lieutenant.
"Right away Sir. I will start preparing accommodations with rest of platoon."
He salutes the Lieutenant.
"Right away Sir. I will start preparing accommodations with rest of platoon."
>>138735
Flamboyant, not expensive
>>138735
"Uh hehehehe, I don't know about 'dine'..." She moves a little up and forward as if curiously. "You do serve alcohol here?"
The other one, almost under her breath adds
"I could use a sandwich, though"
>>138736
Silver can see that in the town, there are a number of houses, and an inn. These are a two story house near the river, a number of one story ranch-style houses, and a two story wooden inn named "Old Mecc's Trail Inn" by the river
Flamboyant, not expensive
>>138735
"Uh hehehehe, I don't know about 'dine'..." She moves a little up and forward as if curiously. "You do serve alcohol here?"
The other one, almost under her breath adds
"I could use a sandwich, though"
>>138736
Silver can see that in the town, there are a number of houses, and an inn. These are a two story house near the river, a number of one story ranch-style houses, and a two story wooden inn named "Old Mecc's Trail Inn" by the river
>>138737
>implying Amber would know the difference visually
"Well, we do have a bar in the back if you don't want to sit at a table…" she responds, almost uncertainly.
>implying Amber would know the difference visually
"Well, we do have a bar in the back if you don't want to sit at a table…" she responds, almost uncertainly.
>>138737
Silver decides to try the inn first, and ask the innkeeper about room availability for a platoon of soldiers.
Silver decides to try the inn first, and ask the innkeeper about room availability for a platoon of soldiers.
>>138739
Amber is somewhat confused as to what these mares only a few years older than her want exactly, but she's also relieved that another table doesn't need to be assigned and the waiters won't be overworked.
Amber is somewhat confused as to what these mares only a few years older than her want exactly, but she's also relieved that another table doesn't need to be assigned and the waiters won't be overworked.
>>138740
Entering through the door, there is a desk on the right, a stairway going up behind him, and a hallway to the left with a number of doors. At the desk is a reddish color pegasus with a brown formal coat on, sitting upright in the desk
"A platoon of soldiers?" he asks incredulously
>>138741
They seem to want the bar, as the first mare is immediately trying to hail Salt Mixer even before she sits down. The other mare slowly moves into a seat, and carefully straightens her dress
Entering through the door, there is a desk on the right, a stairway going up behind him, and a hallway to the left with a number of doors. At the desk is a reddish color pegasus with a brown formal coat on, sitting upright in the desk
"A platoon of soldiers?" he asks incredulously
>>138741
They seem to want the bar, as the first mare is immediately trying to hail Salt Mixer even before she sits down. The other mare slowly moves into a seat, and carefully straightens her dress
>>138742
Amber makes sure they are seated comfortably before returning to the entrance. She's unsure of what these "high-society" ladies are so eager about, particularly as the bar has only two other occupants. Maybe they're meeting somepony?
Amber makes sure they are seated comfortably before returning to the entrance. She's unsure of what these "high-society" ladies are so eager about, particularly as the bar has only two other occupants. Maybe they're meeting somepony?
>>138742
He gives the pegasus a sheepish smile.
"Whatever you can provide would be of excellent help. Our troops can group up in rooms, and I can see what we can provide as compensation for you."
He gives the pegasus a sheepish smile.
"Whatever you can provide would be of excellent help. Our troops can group up in rooms, and I can see what we can provide as compensation for you."
>>138743
Maybe they are, as another mare (looking slightly younger and dressed in a still-stylish black dress with earrings and a more conservative hairstyle) enters, and asks
"Hi, yes, I just need to go to the bar."
>>138744
"Uh huh. There are rooms available on the first floor, and rooms 201 through 204 on the second floor but not 205 through 208, those are taken." He answers plainly
Maybe they are, as another mare (looking slightly younger and dressed in a still-stylish black dress with earrings and a more conservative hairstyle) enters, and asks
"Hi, yes, I just need to go to the bar."
>>138744
"Uh huh. There are rooms available on the first floor, and rooms 201 through 204 on the second floor but not 205 through 208, those are taken." He answers plainly
>>138745
"Certainly! Right over here…" As Amber leads the mare, who resembles herself more than the others, she thinks, It would be nice to join them sometime. I don't know what they do except look pretty, but it's certainly worthwhile to them. Maybe someday…
"Certainly! Right over here…" As Amber leads the mare, who resembles herself more than the others, she thinks, It would be nice to join them sometime. I don't know what they do except look pretty, but it's certainly worthwhile to them. Maybe someday…
>>138743
A mare can dream though. A mare can dream...
She follows Amber, and ultimately sits in a spot next to the mare who wanted a sandwich, though there is no immediate attempt at conversation. Amber can see the two mares who entered hours ago are conversing merrily with the two pegaus stallions. The one stallion still refuses to take off his hat.
>>138747
He blinks
"One moment." He opens a drawer, then closes it and opens another, and then goes through a set of keys. He pulls out one
"102"
And tenders it to Silver Sword.
A mare can dream though. A mare can dream...
She follows Amber, and ultimately sits in a spot next to the mare who wanted a sandwich, though there is no immediate attempt at conversation. Amber can see the two mares who entered hours ago are conversing merrily with the two pegaus stallions. The one stallion still refuses to take off his hat.
>>138747
He blinks
"One moment." He opens a drawer, then closes it and opens another, and then goes through a set of keys. He pulls out one
"102"
And tenders it to Silver Sword.
>>138748
Seems like everything is working out. Maybe I can handle this after all.
How many more patrons will I get?
Seems like everything is working out. Maybe I can handle this after all.
How many more patrons will I get?
>>138748
"Thank you."
He takes the key to the appropriate room. He also looks to see how many rooms they have on the first floor.
"Thank you."
He takes the key to the appropriate room. He also looks to see how many rooms they have on the first floor.
>>138751
Well... They are standing in the entrance together
>>138752
Looking into the room, well... This ain't no Rose City four star, that's for sure. The floor is wooden (not hard wood), there is a double bed with white covers, two frilled pillows, a wooden chair, a dresser, and a mirror. There is a small closet, and the window on this room - it's the first on the left - faces the river, and beyond that, the hill that looms over the town. Maybe the hill is prettier in the spring time, when the grass grows green, but now it's half brown, with purple tints where the sage brush grows.
There are 8 rooms on the first floor
Well... They are standing in the entrance together
>>138752
Looking into the room, well... This ain't no Rose City four star, that's for sure. The floor is wooden (not hard wood), there is a double bed with white covers, two frilled pillows, a wooden chair, a dresser, and a mirror. There is a small closet, and the window on this room - it's the first on the left - faces the river, and beyond that, the hill that looms over the town. Maybe the hill is prettier in the spring time, when the grass grows green, but now it's half brown, with purple tints where the sage brush grows.
There are 8 rooms on the first floor
>>138753
Amber is surprised by this sudden appearance but tries not to let it show. It's not too many, look at all of the tables that have already been served! she reassures herself.
She calls out, "Hello there, are you all in one group or would you like different tables?"
Amber is surprised by this sudden appearance but tries not to let it show. It's not too many, look at all of the tables that have already been served! she reassures herself.
She calls out, "Hello there, are you all in one group or would you like different tables?"
>>138753
"This is good!"
He returns to the innkeeper.
"I think these rooms will fulfill our needs perfectly, though I am curious if you have extra cots."
"This is good!"
He returns to the innkeeper.
"I think these rooms will fulfill our needs perfectly, though I am curious if you have extra cots."
>>138756
He waits patiently for the keys, and converses with the innkeeper in the meantime.
"I suppose Vale's citizens have either taken cover or abandoned town in face of Changeling advance. It seems unusually quiet, especially with Army Company stationed here."
He waits patiently for the keys, and converses with the innkeeper in the meantime.
"I suppose Vale's citizens have either taken cover or abandoned town in face of Changeling advance. It seems unusually quiet, especially with Army Company stationed here."
>>138756
"Oh, of course. Let me get you a table." She takes them to a high table under Melon Mangrove. This time she moves a bit more hurriedly.
"Oh, of course. Let me get you a table." She takes them to a high table under Melon Mangrove. This time she moves a bit more hurriedly.
>>138759
"Erm, we should…one minute." Amber trots to Salt Mixer and asks, "Miss Mixer, are there any candles for tables?"
"Erm, we should…one minute." Amber trots to Salt Mixer and asks, "Miss Mixer, are there any candles for tables?"
>>138759
"I do not think we did. We came up from Old Mecc Trail, and we have not encountered any other settlement since we started our march."
"I do not think we did. We came up from Old Mecc Trail, and we have not encountered any other settlement since we started our march."
>>138761
Amber blinks in surprise, and utters disappointedly, "Oh…"
She goes back to the table looking remorseful. "I am very sorry but I don't think we have any…"
Amber blinks in surprise, and utters disappointedly, "Oh…"
She goes back to the table looking remorseful. "I am very sorry but I don't think we have any…"
>>138762
He nods
"You would have encountered some of the townsfolk there. Ponies have been trickling through the valley since before Rose City fell, and started leaving here when Chemeketa fell. The more the Army falls back the more the ponies lose confidence. There are still ponies here. A couple in the post office, the railway station, and the telegraph office, but most have left. The last big batch left last night, when rumors spread. Gone to Virtue, or down the rail line south from Virtue to Neasa. Or more likely, past the state-line on to Wald. There are still a number of ponies on the ranches and farms. But they aren't in town." He answers
>>138763
"Hmmm..." she seems displeased.
He nods
"You would have encountered some of the townsfolk there. Ponies have been trickling through the valley since before Rose City fell, and started leaving here when Chemeketa fell. The more the Army falls back the more the ponies lose confidence. There are still ponies here. A couple in the post office, the railway station, and the telegraph office, but most have left. The last big batch left last night, when rumors spread. Gone to Virtue, or down the rail line south from Virtue to Neasa. Or more likely, past the state-line on to Wald. There are still a number of ponies on the ranches and farms. But they aren't in town." He answers
>>138763
"Hmmm..." she seems displeased.
>>138765
"Do you have flowers?" She asks
The stallion says "It's alright" making a downward motion with his hoof
"Do you have flowers?" She asks
The stallion says "It's alright" making a downward motion with his hoof
>>138764
Silver nods sadly at the mention of the rumors.
"Yes, rumors of big Changeling attack being planned. We have heard them too. We are part of plan to reinforce Front, either as replacement forces or to help garrison Vale. I also heard High Command is planning something big to turn tide of this War in our favor, finally."
Silver nods sadly at the mention of the rumors.
"Yes, rumors of big Changeling attack being planned. We have heard them too. We are part of plan to reinforce Front, either as replacement forces or to help garrison Vale. I also heard High Command is planning something big to turn tide of this War in our favor, finally."
>>138766
Amber gives a reassuring smile. "Surely we must." Amber returns to Salt Mixer at the bar and asks about flowers.
Amber gives a reassuring smile. "Surely we must." Amber returns to Salt Mixer at the bar and asks about flowers.
>>138770
Anxiously and jittery comes the question, "Where can I get some? That couple needs flowers."
Anxiously and jittery comes the question, "Where can I get some? That couple needs flowers."
>>138768
Silver nods, but before he says anything, he pulls his flashlight from his equipment.
"Do you mind if I check you, first?"
Silver nods, but before he says anything, he pulls his flashlight from his equipment.
"Do you mind if I check you, first?"
>>138776
"A lamp! That's it! Is there one around here I can bring them?"
Gotta go now, thanks for the session
"A lamp! That's it! Is there one around here I can bring them?"
Gotta go now, thanks for the session
>>138774
"It is simply way to check if pony is disguised changeling. I just flash this in your eyes, that is all."
"It is simply way to check if pony is disguised changeling. I just flash this in your eyes, that is all."
>>138779
Silver nods, and puts the flashlight.
"Fair enough, though I suppose I should not say what it is. All I can say is that it is big."
Silver nods, and puts the flashlight.
"Fair enough, though I suppose I should not say what it is. All I can say is that it is big."
>>138780
"Well..." He keeps eye contact with Silver for a moment. "They say that a lot. You can only have so many empty promises..."
"Well..." He keeps eye contact with Silver for a moment. "They say that a lot. You can only have so many empty promises..."
>>138781
"That I know, but I do ask you to trust me."
He smiles slightly at the innkeeper, but just a second later he scratches his chin in thought.
"You might know...where is Captain Forrester and his platoon staying here in Vale?"
"That I know, but I do ask you to trust me."
He smiles slightly at the innkeeper, but just a second later he scratches his chin in thought.
"You might know...where is Captain Forrester and his platoon staying here in Vale?"
>>138782
He presses his lips together
"Best I know, is a few of the rooms here, the house by the river, and a few of the homes in town."
He presses his lips together
"Best I know, is a few of the rooms here, the house by the river, and a few of the homes in town."
>>138783
He nods at him.
"Thank you. I think that is all."
He turns to leave, but pauses and turns his head back towards the innkeeper.
"Oh, one more thing. If we can not come up with adequet compensation for you, are there any tasks you need help with my ponies can assist in?"
He nods at him.
"Thank you. I think that is all."
He turns to leave, but pauses and turns his head back towards the innkeeper.
"Oh, one more thing. If we can not come up with adequet compensation for you, are there any tasks you need help with my ponies can assist in?"
>>138785
He nods again.
"That I can do."
Silver returns to the town proper to see how things are coming along.
He nods again.
"That I can do."
Silver returns to the town proper to see how things are coming along.
>>138786
The ponies of Silver's platoon have congregated near the town center, although some are at least stretched out to the river. A few members of the 332nd stand off to the side near buildings like the church, holding carbines. The one wagon Silver's platoon brought with them has been moved to the center, and a charcoal earth pony who was pulling it sits before it, smoking a cigarette.
Silver can see a pink colored Pegasus near him, the same cream colored Pegasus from earlier, a bright yellow pegasus, a black unicorn, and so forth. Mostly they carry rifles on their backs, and loiter or sit before the courthouse and town hall. A white pony is dipping himself in the river. Beyond this small cluster of buildings, a few houses and a couple shops spread outwards.
The ponies of Silver's platoon have congregated near the town center, although some are at least stretched out to the river. A few members of the 332nd stand off to the side near buildings like the church, holding carbines. The one wagon Silver's platoon brought with them has been moved to the center, and a charcoal earth pony who was pulling it sits before it, smoking a cigarette.
Silver can see a pink colored Pegasus near him, the same cream colored Pegasus from earlier, a bright yellow pegasus, a black unicorn, and so forth. Mostly they carry rifles on their backs, and loiter or sit before the courthouse and town hall. A white pony is dipping himself in the river. Beyond this small cluster of buildings, a few houses and a couple shops spread outwards.
>>138787
Silver calls out to the congregation of soldiers.
"Soldiers, on me! I need headcount on who is needing sleeping quarters!"
Silver calls out to the congregation of soldiers.
"Soldiers, on me! I need headcount on who is needing sleeping quarters!"
>>138788
Quickly, the ponies form up before Silver. Lieutenant Brisbuck, the lone member of the platoon to outrank Silver, stands next to him. Silver's platoon is full sized, or perhaps even oversized, perhaps characteristic of an entirely green unit, and expected of a unit that will simply be dispersed upon reaching its destination. Right now, however, it is properly formed.
Immediately in front of Silver is Platoon Guide Sergeant Amber Grain, a pegasus stallion who has probably the most experience in the platoon besides Silver. He is one of the few to have fought in the Cascadia Campaign before, and expects to be promoted to Platoon Sargent after meeting up with the 23rd. Saltlick, a pepper colored pegasus, is a messenger with the command section. Silver does not know him well. Firm Heart is a rather scrawny little white unicorn who wears glasses, and is the Platoon Medic. He's technically not a part of the platoon, but is rather "attached." Silver can boss him around all the same.
One pony in the command section is conspicuously absent: Platoon Radio Operator Hazelfront. Though green, Hazelfront seemed fairly sturdy in Silver's brief time to know him back in Wald, and his absence here is puzzling.
The platoon has three rifle squads of 12 ponies each. Of the sergeants who lead these, incredibly, two have combat experience, and one is a non-commissioned officer fresh out of training. A quick count of these units shows that one more pony - a riflestallion of B Squad - is absent from the formation.
What makes this unit oversized is an additional squad - a machine gun squad from the weapons platoon is attached. This is four more ponies, bringing the total to 46 ponies counting Silver, of whom 2 are absent from the formation.
The wagon is pulled by the charcoal Earth Pony - a light machine gunner for B squad who takes formation but continues smoking his cigarette. It contains the platoon's three light machine guns, the medium machine gun of the weapons squad, and various other weapons and items, many of which were never intended for this unit.
Quickly, the ponies form up before Silver. Lieutenant Brisbuck, the lone member of the platoon to outrank Silver, stands next to him. Silver's platoon is full sized, or perhaps even oversized, perhaps characteristic of an entirely green unit, and expected of a unit that will simply be dispersed upon reaching its destination. Right now, however, it is properly formed.
Immediately in front of Silver is Platoon Guide Sergeant Amber Grain, a pegasus stallion who has probably the most experience in the platoon besides Silver. He is one of the few to have fought in the Cascadia Campaign before, and expects to be promoted to Platoon Sargent after meeting up with the 23rd. Saltlick, a pepper colored pegasus, is a messenger with the command section. Silver does not know him well. Firm Heart is a rather scrawny little white unicorn who wears glasses, and is the Platoon Medic. He's technically not a part of the platoon, but is rather "attached." Silver can boss him around all the same.
One pony in the command section is conspicuously absent: Platoon Radio Operator Hazelfront. Though green, Hazelfront seemed fairly sturdy in Silver's brief time to know him back in Wald, and his absence here is puzzling.
The platoon has three rifle squads of 12 ponies each. Of the sergeants who lead these, incredibly, two have combat experience, and one is a non-commissioned officer fresh out of training. A quick count of these units shows that one more pony - a riflestallion of B Squad - is absent from the formation.
What makes this unit oversized is an additional squad - a machine gun squad from the weapons platoon is attached. This is four more ponies, bringing the total to 46 ponies counting Silver, of whom 2 are absent from the formation.
The wagon is pulled by the charcoal Earth Pony - a light machine gunner for B squad who takes formation but continues smoking his cigarette. It contains the platoon's three light machine guns, the medium machine gun of the weapons squad, and various other weapons and items, many of which were never intended for this unit.
>>138789
The unicorn looks up and down the formation.
"Can anypony tell me where our two missing soldiers have gone?"
The unicorn looks up and down the formation.
"Can anypony tell me where our two missing soldiers have gone?"
>>138790
Salt Lick responds:
“Sir, Technical Private Hazelfront went into the Town Hall building, I believe.”
The Cream Colored Pegasus is the one who volunteers the information on the missing rifle stallion.
“Uh, Sargent. Private Frosted Bark was somewhere by the river” he answers.
Salt Lick responds:
“Sir, Technical Private Hazelfront went into the Town Hall building, I believe.”
The Cream Colored Pegasus is the one who volunteers the information on the missing rifle stallion.
“Uh, Sargent. Private Frosted Bark was somewhere by the river” he answers.
>>138791
He nods, and points to the ponies who volunteered the information.
"Find them and bring them back here, as quickly as you can."
He nods, and points to the ponies who volunteered the information.
"Find them and bring them back here, as quickly as you can."
>>138792
The light brown earth pony, Technical Private Hazelfront, wordlessly appears from the Town Hall along with Saltlick, walking between the two guards of the 332nd. He speaks with a matter of fact tone when he addresses Silver:
"I was in the bathroom [pause] Sargent" He moves to stand next to Saltlick in line, near the front.
It's a little longer before an earth pony of mixed white and brown coat with green mane appears from the direction of the riverfront along with the cream colored pegasus. The earth pony is almost prancing with how high he moves up his legs as he walks, and the pegasus walks swiftly as well.
Frostbark speaks
"Sorry Sargent. I was just watching the ducks. It.... won't happen again."
The light brown earth pony, Technical Private Hazelfront, wordlessly appears from the Town Hall along with Saltlick, walking between the two guards of the 332nd. He speaks with a matter of fact tone when he addresses Silver:
"I was in the bathroom [pause] Sargent" He moves to stand next to Saltlick in line, near the front.
It's a little longer before an earth pony of mixed white and brown coat with green mane appears from the direction of the riverfront along with the cream colored pegasus. The earth pony is almost prancing with how high he moves up his legs as he walks, and the pegasus walks swiftly as well.
Frostbark speaks
"Sorry Sargent. I was just watching the ducks. It.... won't happen again."
>>138793
He nods at both of their answers, but he focuses on Private Frosted Bark for just a second longer.
"It is okay, Private, you are all due for some rest after our march. Just remember to keep focused once you are on Front, you can not afford to be distracted like that out there."
The unicorn waits for the ponies to join the formation, then marches in front of the soldiers.
"I have inquired with innkeeper in charge of Old Mecc Inn, and there are currently 12 rooms there available for our use, with room enough for two ponies to bunk in each one. In addition, I have learned that most of town's population has fled in advance of Changeling offensive, so there are empty houses we may make use of while we are resting here. So, here is what we are going to do: I want all of you to find bunkmate, then form orderly line in front of me to be assigned to your room. Once we run out of rooms, we will see about occupying empty houses here in town. Understood?"
He nods at both of their answers, but he focuses on Private Frosted Bark for just a second longer.
"It is okay, Private, you are all due for some rest after our march. Just remember to keep focused once you are on Front, you can not afford to be distracted like that out there."
The unicorn waits for the ponies to join the formation, then marches in front of the soldiers.
"I have inquired with innkeeper in charge of Old Mecc Inn, and there are currently 12 rooms there available for our use, with room enough for two ponies to bunk in each one. In addition, I have learned that most of town's population has fled in advance of Changeling offensive, so there are empty houses we may make use of while we are resting here. So, here is what we are going to do: I want all of you to find bunkmate, then form orderly line in front of me to be assigned to your room. Once we run out of rooms, we will see about occupying empty houses here in town. Understood?"
>>138794
"Sir, Yes Sir." A few of them start the chant, and the rest join in.
A pink pegasus pony Silver can identify as the assistant leader of A company comes forward.
"Sergeant, may I make a suggestion? Organize the arrangements by unit. A squad and C squad can stay in the in, as 12 rooms will fit exactly that many ponies. Command section can stay in a house, and the same to the weapons section. B squad can sleep by the river. With the ducks."
He can't help but smile at that last part.
"Sir, Yes Sir." A few of them start the chant, and the rest join in.
A pink pegasus pony Silver can identify as the assistant leader of A company comes forward.
"Sergeant, may I make a suggestion? Organize the arrangements by unit. A squad and C squad can stay in the in, as 12 rooms will fit exactly that many ponies. Command section can stay in a house, and the same to the weapons section. B squad can sleep by the river. With the ducks."
He can't help but smile at that last part.
>>138795
The unicorn exaggeratedly scratches his chin in thought, but from the small smile on his face, he seems to have already made his decision.
"Hmm...that *is* good idea."
He addresses the platoon.
"You heard him, ponies. A, C - buddy up and line up in front of me. B - get yourselves set up for duck watching."
The unicorn exaggeratedly scratches his chin in thought, but from the small smile on his face, he seems to have already made his decision.
"Hmm...that *is* good idea."
He addresses the platoon.
"You heard him, ponies. A, C - buddy up and line up in front of me. B - get yourselves set up for duck watching."
>>138796
A and C squads take a moment to buddy up, but eventually pair off. B squad is disheartened by the choice, with one private saying "Why do we have to sleep outside when there are so many houses?" Amber Grain answers him:
"Settlers coming through this area a century ago would sleep outside on the banks of the Misfortune River before fording it in the morning. Consider it becoming acquainted with history."
A stallion moves aside a mortar tube in the wagon to pull out tents.
Whether Silver intended it or not, Silver can see his choice would have all three rifle squads grouped around the hotel, with B squad in a sort of de facto watch duty, and with the weapons and headquarters sections a little further away.
A and C squads take a moment to buddy up, but eventually pair off. B squad is disheartened by the choice, with one private saying "Why do we have to sleep outside when there are so many houses?" Amber Grain answers him:
"Settlers coming through this area a century ago would sleep outside on the banks of the Misfortune River before fording it in the morning. Consider it becoming acquainted with history."
A stallion moves aside a mortar tube in the wagon to pull out tents.
Whether Silver intended it or not, Silver can see his choice would have all three rifle squads grouped around the hotel, with B squad in a sort of de facto watch duty, and with the weapons and headquarters sections a little further away.
>>138797
Silver nods, but is a little concerned about morale in B squad from his decision. He looks over at Lieutenant Brisbuck to gauge his reaction.
Silver nods, but is a little concerned about morale in B squad from his decision. He looks over at Lieutenant Brisbuck to gauge his reaction.
>>138798
Brisbuck is anxious, and volunteers his reason:
"Command back in Wald is going to want us to report in, and give us further instructions."
Brisbuck is anxious, and volunteers his reason:
"Command back in Wald is going to want us to report in, and give us further instructions."
>>138799
He puts a hoof on his Lieutenant's shoulder.
"We will take care of it, but I think they can wait long enough for these ponies to put some grub in their stomachs. Fate of this War does not rest upon hour our platoon will spend eating."
He puts a hoof on his Lieutenant's shoulder.
"We will take care of it, but I think they can wait long enough for these ponies to put some grub in their stomachs. Fate of this War does not rest upon hour our platoon will spend eating."
>>138800
His ears pop back up from their half-down position.
“Very well. Let’s see if the 332nd can help us with lunch. I am sure the stallions would like that.”
His ears pop back up from their half-down position.
“Very well. Let’s see if the 332nd can help us with lunch. I am sure the stallions would like that.”
>>138802
He moves to speak to Captain Forrester. It seems there are at least two restaurants in town, and parts of the town hall can also be used for cooking or to serve food
He moves to speak to Captain Forrester. It seems there are at least two restaurants in town, and parts of the town hall can also be used for cooking or to serve food
>>138803
Silver looks to his Lieutenant.
"Want to see if restaurants are still active? Even if they have been abandoned, we can still make use of their facilities for our own needs."
Silver looks to his Lieutenant.
"Want to see if restaurants are still active? Even if they have been abandoned, we can still make use of their facilities for our own needs."
>>138804
Moving down the street, and further in the direction of Wald, Silver comes across the Sagebrush Saloon, a building of wooden planks, perhaps containing a second floor (hard to tell), and appearing like an old western saloon, although the varnish on the wood and smaller details suggest a more recent construction. Silver is told that one street over is a diner.
Moving down the street, and further in the direction of Wald, Silver comes across the Sagebrush Saloon, a building of wooden planks, perhaps containing a second floor (hard to tell), and appearing like an old western saloon, although the varnish on the wood and smaller details suggest a more recent construction. Silver is told that one street over is a diner.
>>138808
Perhaps Silver decides to go to another restaurant. Branching off from Old Mecc Trail Road is Main Street, hosting mostly comparatively modern brick buildings, a partly wooden post office located at the branch of the two roads being an exception. There’s a school house with a tall, vaulted roof, the backside of the Courthouse, a police station, and Matilda’s Diner, right next to a clothing store. Matilda’s Diner is glass fronted and made of brick, with a second floor above. A light is on inside, but the door is locked. A coffee shop is unlocked and has lights on, but is unoccupied. It appears that only the post office is occupied, but electricity is still on.
Silver can break down doors with options all the way up to TNT, or see if a less intrusive way to enter locked buildings is available.
Perhaps Silver decides to go to another restaurant. Branching off from Old Mecc Trail Road is Main Street, hosting mostly comparatively modern brick buildings, a partly wooden post office located at the branch of the two roads being an exception. There’s a school house with a tall, vaulted roof, the backside of the Courthouse, a police station, and Matilda’s Diner, right next to a clothing store. Matilda’s Diner is glass fronted and made of brick, with a second floor above. A light is on inside, but the door is locked. A coffee shop is unlocked and has lights on, but is unoccupied. It appears that only the post office is occupied, but electricity is still on.
Silver can break down doors with options all the way up to TNT, or see if a less intrusive way to enter locked buildings is available.
>>138809
Silver checks the coffee shop first to see if they have everything the platoon would need to prepare lunch.
Silver checks the coffee shop first to see if they have everything the platoon would need to prepare lunch.
>>138810
There is no proper kitchen. There are some pastries, which seem to be more or less in good condition. The refrigerator, works, is on, and contains milk which seems to be locally sourced, unpasteurized, and in good condition. Coffee itself is very limited, perhaps unsurprisingly given wartime shortages.
There is no proper kitchen. There are some pastries, which seem to be more or less in good condition. The refrigerator, works, is on, and contains milk which seems to be locally sourced, unpasteurized, and in good condition. Coffee itself is very limited, perhaps unsurprisingly given wartime shortages.
>>138811
"No doubt some treats would go over well with platoon. But still, no kitchen."
Silver tries Matilda's Diner. He first tries knocking at the door to see if someone is inside.
"No doubt some treats would go over well with platoon. But still, no kitchen."
Silver tries Matilda's Diner. He first tries knocking at the door to see if someone is inside.
>>138812
No pony is inside. The light is over the front counter, and seems to be one used primarily at night.
No pony is inside. The light is over the front counter, and seems to be one used primarily at night.
>>138816
Salt lick volunteers, flying up and unlatching wooden shutters on the windows, but not lifting them up. Saltlick says he can’t open it, though it’s not clear from Silver’s position whether the window is locked inside, or if Saltlick just can’t hover long enough to push it up. Salt lick goes to the roof, which is flat, but reports that there is no rooftop entry. All roofs, except the schoolhouse and the church, have been flat thus far, contrary to the fact that it’s below freezing in this location for a significant portion of the year.
Salt lick volunteers, flying up and unlatching wooden shutters on the windows, but not lifting them up. Saltlick says he can’t open it, though it’s not clear from Silver’s position whether the window is locked inside, or if Saltlick just can’t hover long enough to push it up. Salt lick goes to the roof, which is flat, but reports that there is no rooftop entry. All roofs, except the schoolhouse and the church, have been flat thus far, contrary to the fact that it’s below freezing in this location for a significant portion of the year.
>>138817
Silver's horn lights to let him reach out with his telekinesis. He tries to open the second floor windows with his magic.
Silver's horn lights to let him reach out with his telekinesis. He tries to open the second floor windows with his magic.
>>138818
Silver's magic does not extend that far, nor is it likely Silver could feel out the unseen latch if it did.
Silver's magic does not extend that far, nor is it likely Silver could feel out the unseen latch if it did.
>>138820
"We can ask" He answers.
It takes a few minutes, but it is reported an assistant machinegunner in the weapons squad from Manehattan, knows how to do a thing or two. The kind of scrawny looking green earth pony uses a screw driver and a couple other devices used in taking apart weapons, to pick at the lock. After two minutes, it opens.
"We can ask" He answers.
It takes a few minutes, but it is reported an assistant machinegunner in the weapons squad from Manehattan, knows how to do a thing or two. The kind of scrawny looking green earth pony uses a screw driver and a couple other devices used in taking apart weapons, to pick at the lock. After two minutes, it opens.
Boops anyway
>>138779
Amber rushes to the area in question and looks for a lamp on an unoccupied booth table.
>>138779
Amber rushes to the area in question and looks for a lamp on an unoccupied booth table.
>>138826
HISS!!!
There is indeed a lamp on two of the tables
>>138827
Silver opens it to see a counter, a black chalk board detailing, among other things, that sandwiches are 3 bits for a combo, and a number of wooden tables with bench style seats connected to the tables.
Looking in the back, there are a number of larger pots, and food like potatoes (especially), carrots, lettuce (some of this is older), corn, cheese, and alfalfa.
HISS!!!
There is indeed a lamp on two of the tables
>>138827
Silver opens it to see a counter, a black chalk board detailing, among other things, that sandwiches are 3 bits for a combo, and a number of wooden tables with bench style seats connected to the tables.
Looking in the back, there are a number of larger pots, and food like potatoes (especially), carrots, lettuce (some of this is older), corn, cheese, and alfalfa.
>>138829
“Well, the captain was willing to offer services of cooks at the town hall, but I think this spreads out the work a bit. I think the stallions may appreciate the environment for a while, especially where we are headed.”
“Well, the captain was willing to offer services of cooks at the town hall, but I think this spreads out the work a bit. I think the stallions may appreciate the environment for a while, especially where we are headed.”
>>138831
The soldiers are informed, and a few of them volunteer for cook duty, while a few more are volunteered. The pots aren’t quite big enough to serve everyone, requiring food times and servings to be staggered
The soldiers are informed, and a few of them volunteer for cook duty, while a few more are volunteered. The pots aren’t quite big enough to serve everyone, requiring food times and servings to be staggered
>>138833
This is probably for the better, as some of the recruits are clueless when it comes to cooking.
Who eats first is determined largely by pay grade, with the Lieutenant sitting down first. This seems necessary, as his anxiety has not eased.
This is probably for the better, as some of the recruits are clueless when it comes to cooking.
Who eats first is determined largely by pay grade, with the Lieutenant sitting down first. This seems necessary, as his anxiety has not eased.
>>138835
Potatoes stick out as the most abundant of the available cooking ingredients, but there are also decent levels of wheat straw, alfalfa, carrots, a number of fresh apples, onions, celery, peas, green beans, tomato paste, tomatoes (not as many, though), wheat bread (some of this is going stale), corn, and oats.
Potatoes stick out as the most abundant of the available cooking ingredients, but there are also decent levels of wheat straw, alfalfa, carrots, a number of fresh apples, onions, celery, peas, green beans, tomato paste, tomatoes (not as many, though), wheat bread (some of this is going stale), corn, and oats.
>>138836
Silver directs the volunteer cooks to use the tomatos, tomato paste, and wheat bread to make tomato soup and toast. He also looks for some seasonings to make it more flavorful.
Silver directs the volunteer cooks to use the tomatos, tomato paste, and wheat bread to make tomato soup and toast. He also looks for some seasonings to make it more flavorful.
>>138837
These can be made (some basil, cheese, and oregano provide flavoring) though the supplies of tomatoes and tomato paste are quickly exhausted
These can be made (some basil, cheese, and oregano provide flavoring) though the supplies of tomatoes and tomato paste are quickly exhausted
>>138841
She's not quite sure why the lamp doesn't turn on, but she's well aware that she's short on time. "Pardon me, but hopefully this will make it up for you.
I'm sure the waiter can help get this to work."
She's not quite sure why the lamp doesn't turn on, but she's well aware that she's short on time. "Pardon me, but hopefully this will make it up for you.
I'm sure the waiter can help get this to work."
>>138844
Amber returns to the entrance, hoping to herself that the other customers haven't grown too impatient.
Amber returns to the entrance, hoping to herself that the other customers haven't grown too impatient.
>>138845
An older stallion in a military uniform takes off his hat, and says:
"Yes, I'm here with the meet up. I'm a little late, so they should already be seated"
An older stallion in a military uniform takes off his hat, and says:
"Yes, I'm here with the meet up. I'm a little late, so they should already be seated"
>>138844
Silver wipes his brow after baking the last of the potatos, those for himself and the cooks. He thanks and congratulates the other cooks on their hard day's work, and takes his own potato to a table to eat.
Silver wipes his brow after baking the last of the potatos, those for himself and the cooks. He thanks and congratulates the other cooks on their hard day's work, and takes his own potato to a table to eat.
>>138849
Silver licks his lips at the sight of his potato, but instead turns to Brisbuck while he waits for it to cool somewhat.
"I am surprised you are still here. What is up?"
Silver licks his lips at the sight of his potato, but instead turns to Brisbuck while he waits for it to cool somewhat.
"I am surprised you are still here. What is up?"
>>138853
"We're together" the mare answers. It's a stallion, a mare, and a colt who is at least old enough for a cutie mark. They aren't dressed fancy, but they are at least wearing clothing.
"We're together" the mare answers. It's a stallion, a mare, and a colt who is at least old enough for a cutie mark. They aren't dressed fancy, but they are at least wearing clothing.
>>138854
"Certainly, right this way!" She takes them to a booth/table combination operated by De Sew.
"Certainly, right this way!" She takes them to a booth/table combination operated by De Sew.
>>138852
Silver shrugs, and pokes some small holes with his fork in the potato to help it cool faster.
"What about you? You have not talked much about yourself personally."
Silver shrugs, and pokes some small holes with his fork in the potato to help it cool faster.
"What about you? You have not talked much about yourself personally."
>>138855
They take a moment to figure out which side of the table they want to sit on, but they take their menus and sit down.
>>138856
Normally, the commissioned officer in a platoon is older than the privates, and sometimes older than the non-commissioned officers. But with this new group, so many of the recruits of higher and diverse ages that Bisbuck isn't much above the median of the group. He begins to answer Silver's question
"Well... an ancestor of mine was a knight, who saved the life of a particular nobleman in battle. So Celestia rewarded him with a grant of land, and a minor noble title, and that is how the Brisbuck family became important in the region of Fillydelphia. Another ancestor sold the lands for royalties on coal mines. One younger brother took his minor share of the inheritance and left to the Dominion, where now the "Brisbuck" name is even more influential, because he used that money to buy up land for sheep farming. Anyways, my father is a councilman in Fillydelphia. He believes in Progressive Harmonism, and has gained fame for challenging the power of the Unions there. I thought I would go to school and become a teacher. You know, teach Equestrian Literature at a high school level. When the Changelings attacked, they started the draft. But I got a deferment because I was in college. But I decided to join the ROTC to become an officer. Then they changed the draft, so I was drafted, and went to Officer Cadet School. I just graduated that, and now I am sent here, to lead a platoon in the 23rd in the Cascadian Front."
They take a moment to figure out which side of the table they want to sit on, but they take their menus and sit down.
>>138856
Normally, the commissioned officer in a platoon is older than the privates, and sometimes older than the non-commissioned officers. But with this new group, so many of the recruits of higher and diverse ages that Bisbuck isn't much above the median of the group. He begins to answer Silver's question
"Well... an ancestor of mine was a knight, who saved the life of a particular nobleman in battle. So Celestia rewarded him with a grant of land, and a minor noble title, and that is how the Brisbuck family became important in the region of Fillydelphia. Another ancestor sold the lands for royalties on coal mines. One younger brother took his minor share of the inheritance and left to the Dominion, where now the "Brisbuck" name is even more influential, because he used that money to buy up land for sheep farming. Anyways, my father is a councilman in Fillydelphia. He believes in Progressive Harmonism, and has gained fame for challenging the power of the Unions there. I thought I would go to school and become a teacher. You know, teach Equestrian Literature at a high school level. When the Changelings attacked, they started the draft. But I got a deferment because I was in college. But I decided to join the ROTC to become an officer. Then they changed the draft, so I was drafted, and went to Officer Cadet School. I just graduated that, and now I am sent here, to lead a platoon in the 23rd in the Cascadian Front."
>>138857
Amber breathes in and out. It must be getting late; she certainly is starting to feel the wear of the day and hopes it will conclude soon.
Amber breathes in and out. It must be getting late; she certainly is starting to feel the wear of the day and hopes it will conclude soon.
>>138858
It isn't entirely over, as a couple more ponies come in for the bar, but the evening is unambiguously winding down. It's at least 9 PM now. The lone stallion in the booth leaves, as does a couple or two, and other patrons Amber can't always recognize.
It isn't entirely over, as a couple more ponies come in for the bar, but the evening is unambiguously winding down. It's at least 9 PM now. The lone stallion in the booth leaves, as does a couple or two, and other patrons Amber can't always recognize.
>>138857
Silver takes a bite of potato, now that it's cooled somewhat.
"Mmm...I can believe that. You were very intelligent in officer school, from what I heard of you. I also suppose that makes you noble, sort of."
Silver takes a bite of potato, now that it's cooled somewhat.
"Mmm...I can believe that. You were very intelligent in officer school, from what I heard of you. I also suppose that makes you noble, sort of."
>>138860
He smiles, one of few times his expression has changed.
"Only Gentlemen or Patrician rank. But owning a coal mine or sheep ranch in more modern times... You could say that is nobility of a sort. Anyways, that is my family."
The air in the room is colder than would be preferred indoors; raised by the the cooking and the presence of so many warm bodies in a room, but no proper heating. At least the wind is closed out. The ceiling above is wooden with exposed wooden rafters and lights attached to ceiling fans. On the wall of the kitchen is a poster to buy war bonds, on the far wall near the bathrooms is a large wooden symbol belonging to what must be some ranch or other local institution. It's of a Buffalo. Hanging from the ceiling by the windows are two fags - the light blue of sun and moon, with two alicorn sisters in the sky surrounded by starts, and a dark blue, white, and green striped flag with a scene of a river, forest, and mountains in a circle in the center.
He smiles, one of few times his expression has changed.
"Only Gentlemen or Patrician rank. But owning a coal mine or sheep ranch in more modern times... You could say that is nobility of a sort. Anyways, that is my family."
The air in the room is colder than would be preferred indoors; raised by the the cooking and the presence of so many warm bodies in a room, but no proper heating. At least the wind is closed out. The ceiling above is wooden with exposed wooden rafters and lights attached to ceiling fans. On the wall of the kitchen is a poster to buy war bonds, on the far wall near the bathrooms is a large wooden symbol belonging to what must be some ranch or other local institution. It's of a Buffalo. Hanging from the ceiling by the windows are two fags - the light blue of sun and moon, with two alicorn sisters in the sky surrounded by starts, and a dark blue, white, and green striped flag with a scene of a river, forest, and mountains in a circle in the center.
>>138859
Amber makes sure to tell them she hopes they have had a good experience and wishes them a safe trip home.
Amber makes sure to tell them she hopes they have had a good experience and wishes them a safe trip home.
>>138861
Silver looks at the wall and ceiling decorations while enjoying his potato.
"There is not much to say about my family. We primarily hail from Severyana. My father was Royal Guard quartermaster, and as far as I know most of my family dating back as far as Severyanan Empire has been in military."
Silver looks at the wall and ceiling decorations while enjoying his potato.
"There is not much to say about my family. We primarily hail from Severyana. My father was Royal Guard quartermaster, and as far as I know most of my family dating back as far as Severyanan Empire has been in military."
>>138864
He nods
“So you’re upholding family tradition?”
He looks down and then back up
“Are you caterer military?”
He nods
“So you’re upholding family tradition?”
He looks down and then back up
“Are you caterer military?”
>>138863
Now it's just a matter of waiting, though the cold, hunger and constant standing is wearing on her mood a bit.
Now it's just a matter of waiting, though the cold, hunger and constant standing is wearing on her mood a bit.
>>138865
"More like I felt calling to help Equestria in her greatest time of need. It is my first time in military, but I have seen combat before."
"More like I felt calling to help Equestria in her greatest time of need. It is my first time in military, but I have seen combat before."
>>138866
After a maddening 30 minutes, and two more young adult stallions who come in to try be seated at almost exactly the time Amber’s shift is over, Amber is done at 9:32. The restaurant is not closed yet, and the bar is still open.
>>138867
“The calling I can understand.” He nods, but then turns his head.
“But... where have you seen combat before?”
After a maddening 30 minutes, and two more young adult stallions who come in to try be seated at almost exactly the time Amber’s shift is over, Amber is done at 9:32. The restaurant is not closed yet, and the bar is still open.
>>138867
“The calling I can understand.” He nods, but then turns his head.
“But... where have you seen combat before?”
>>138868
He swallows a bite of potato, and looks at Brisbuck.
"I was bit of adventurer and sword-for-hire in my younger days."
He swallows a bite of potato, and looks at Brisbuck.
"I was bit of adventurer and sword-for-hire in my younger days."
>>138868
Amber almost wishes she could stay around and chat. Almost. She goes to the kitchen and, if they're not too busy, asks if she could have some leftover food.
Amber almost wishes she could stay around and chat. Almost. She goes to the kitchen and, if they're not too busy, asks if she could have some leftover food.
>>138869
He has a smile that is almost a wince, showing off his upper row of teeth.
“Why would you fight for hire?”
He has a smile that is almost a wince, showing off his upper row of teeth.
“Why would you fight for hire?”
>>138870
The zebra colt in the back bites on his lips, then offers a sandwich that was sent back because it was the wrong order.
The zebra colt in the back bites on his lips, then offers a sandwich that was sent back because it was the wrong order.
>>138872
"Thank you kindly, but I have hardly had anything to eat all day. May I please have some more?" She looks practically ashamed to be asking this.
"Thank you kindly, but I have hardly had anything to eat all day. May I please have some more?" She looks practically ashamed to be asking this.
File (): 2924A44E7462D4FA478C53B7668C57DA-3439308.gif (3.3 MB, 300x220, Amber Right Now.gif)
>>138873
"Heh" He seems to find the scene entertaining, smiling
"You want some soup? We got some soup left over?"
"Heh" He seems to find the scene entertaining, smiling
"You want some soup? We got some soup left over?"
>>138875
The zebra smiles, and with a spoon carefully empties out what remains of a large pot into a bowl. He takes out some bread and adds it to a plate under the bowl.
"Here ya are, miss."
The zebra smiles, and with a spoon carefully empties out what remains of a large pot into a bowl. He takes out some bread and adds it to a plate under the bowl.
"Here ya are, miss."
>>138876
"Thank you, you are too kind…", she says, gratefully smiling. She finds a place to sit down where she won't be in the way.
"Thank you, you are too kind…", she says, gratefully smiling. She finds a place to sit down where she won't be in the way.
>>138871
He turns his body to show his flank...before realizing that it's covered by his fatigues.
"My cutie mark is of sword. That combined with my desire for adventure as young stallion pretty well determined what I would do with my life."
He turns his body to show his flank...before realizing that it's covered by his fatigues.
"My cutie mark is of sword. That combined with my desire for adventure as young stallion pretty well determined what I would do with my life."
>>138880
>>138880
The cook-colt in the kitchen comes out and looks over at amber from the door frame, viewing a far from over the bar. Salt Mixer converses with a new set of patrons. The two giggling mares that Amber seated at the beginning of the night are still here, now moved into a booth where they cling on to the two pegasus stallions who came in earlier. The two fancily dressed mares have up and left. The large party of a couple families have long gone, and the reunion of veterans is leaving only now. The trio of business ponies is starting to leave. De Sew takes up payments, Melon Mangrove cleans up tables, and Mustard Trim sits down at a table, not evidently doing anything besides reserving time to himself.
A soft tune plays on a phonograph.
>>138880
The cook-colt in the kitchen comes out and looks over at amber from the door frame, viewing a far from over the bar. Salt Mixer converses with a new set of patrons. The two giggling mares that Amber seated at the beginning of the night are still here, now moved into a booth where they cling on to the two pegasus stallions who came in earlier. The two fancily dressed mares have up and left. The large party of a couple families have long gone, and the reunion of veterans is leaving only now. The trio of business ponies is starting to leave. De Sew takes up payments, Melon Mangrove cleans up tables, and Mustard Trim sits down at a table, not evidently doing anything besides reserving time to himself.
A soft tune plays on a phonograph.
>>138991
Silver looks to Brisbane.
"Unless you have already assigned group to it, last task should be telegraph lines."
Silver looks to Brisbane.
"Unless you have already assigned group to it, last task should be telegraph lines."
>>138995
Silver salutes his Lieutenant.
"Sir, yes sir."
The unicorn looks to the three other occupants of the table.
"What of it, soldiers, interested in joining me?"
Silver salutes his Lieutenant.
"Sir, yes sir."
The unicorn looks to the three other occupants of the table.
"What of it, soldiers, interested in joining me?"
>>138996
Amber Grain:
“I can join. But it may be wise that I see to it the stallions are orderly while they are in town.”
Saltlick:
“I can join, no problem.”
Firm Heart:
“Repairing lines is.. not quite my specialty.”
Amber Grain:
“I can join. But it may be wise that I see to it the stallions are orderly while they are in town.”
Saltlick:
“I can join, no problem.”
Firm Heart:
“Repairing lines is.. not quite my specialty.”
>>138997
Silver nods to Saltlick first, then addresses Amber Grain's concern.
"I am certain Lieutenant can keep troops reigned in during our absense."
He then turns to Firm Heart.
"I figured as much, but thought it would still be prudent to ask. I will find another."
Silver nods to Saltlick first, then addresses Amber Grain's concern.
"I am certain Lieutenant can keep troops reigned in during our absense."
He then turns to Firm Heart.
"I figured as much, but thought it would still be prudent to ask. I will find another."
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